Monday, March 30, 2009

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think the only thing the Kootenay ICE are disappointed about the playoffs is that they failed to win a game or two. Of course you always hope to win a series but I'm sure the organization was hoping the young team went through the experience of winning games in the post season.
2. I think it's no fun not seeing ICE hockey in April. It's going to be a long spring and summer.
3. I think it's no suprise Medicine Hat and Swift Current are going to a game 7. Both clubs are amung the oldest in the WHL so a 1st round loss will be a huge disappointment. Tigers have 15 18 & 19 year olds and the Broncos have 12 18 & 19 year olds.
4. I think it will also be a disappointing 1st round exit for Lethbridge or Saskatoon. Going into the season the Hurricanes were expected to challenge for the Championship and never got going in the regular season. The Blades have had their best season in 15 years and it may feel wasted if they don't advance. Whoever wins could end up in the East Final.
5. I think back in January I felt Seattle was the only team in the West who could pull off a 1st round upset. They and Everett were the only lower seeds to earn 1 win in the 4 1st round matchups.
6. I think now the West gets interesting. Vancouver vs Spokane and Tri City vs Kelowna. Who you got?
7. I think it's great to have video replay available in all WHL rinks but have to remember it's not perfect. There is 1 camera above each net. It's not like the NHL with 4-5 different camera angles. The 2 times it was used in the ICE/Wheat Kings series it didn't help. Game 2 it couldn't show if the puck was directed in with a hand. Game 3 the player who hit the puck with a high stick was not in camera view. It'll be great for disputes of it hitting the cross bar or the bar in the back of the net. Plus with the scoreclock on the screen there will be a few end of period calls made correctly.
8. I think it was suprising to hear the WHL admit there was a mistake in game 4 of the Lethbridge/Saskatoon, series. Blades led 1-0 in the 3rd period and Zach Boychuk's tying goal should have been ruled offside. I am not suprised the league informed the teams it was the wrong call, but am amazed the news was made public. Who told the media? Usually that is information shared by the league and teams only.
9. I think you will still being hearing information on the ICE in coming months. The Banam Draft is April 30th. ICE pick 13th. NHL Draft is in June Brayden McNabb, Nathan Lieuwen and Hayden Rintoul are the most likely to be selected. Maybe Kevin King in his 2nd year in the draft could be selected by an NHL team looking for a late bloomer.
10. I think these are my non-WHL thoughts.
(a) I think everyone wants spring. Right now doing yard work would be a pleasure. By July we'll be complaining about having to cut the lawn but right now we can't wait.
(b) I think it's tough to watch a TV show that's not in HD. I'd rather watch a bad show in HD than a good show that's not HD.
(c) I think if I wasn't in a baseball draft I wouldn't care that Jason Motte could be the Cardinals stopper and that the Mariners' Brandon Korrow not being a start is going to hurt my team.
(d) I think it's strange to congratulate Chris Zettel on winning the NCAA basketball pool even though there are still 3 games to be played.

Friday, March 27, 2009

ICE 09-10

We talked about next season on the Post-Game Show on Wednesday, but for those who missed it, here are some of the thoughts.
The Kootenay ICE have 20 players who played regularly last year who are eligible to return for next season.
As of now there are only 2 possible over-age players so the club can add one via a trade or someone who is released by another team.
Plus the ICE have 1 possible returning Import player so will be able to add 1 more at the Import Draft in June.
The ICE usually have a roster of 22 players for the season, 2 goalies, 7 defense and 13 forwards.
This is a very early look at next season and are my observations and not from the ICE management.

Overagers – 2 returnees
Dustin Sylvester – Expected to have 100% recovery from the broken ankle. Candidate to be Captain. 40-50 goals. 10 PPG and 8 SHG.
Tylan Stephens – Wants to be a pilot and is thinking of going to school next season. I believe it’s doable to play in the WHL and take the 1st year of the course at the same time but that decision will be made over the next while.
? – based on the current roster the club will probably entertain looking for a 20-year-old defenseman. As of now there is no one older than 18 on the blueline.

Import – 1 returnee
Dominik Pacovsky – 19, showed potential to be a 20-30 goal player in the WHL but the ICE have a history of wanting their Import players at this age to be a top 6 forward or top 4 defenseman. Based on his last 2 months performance he should be able to fill that role.
? – Import Draft will be held after the NHL Draft in June and the club will have the option at making 2 picks if they want. A 19-year-old defenseman who could play in the top 4 would be nice addition. But this ICE are also a team that looks to be building towards the 2011 playoffs and may want a 17 or 18 year old forward or defenseman who can be on the roster for 2-3 years. I believe the pick is 38th overall. Not great, but not bad. Of course there is always a chance to trade up.

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Goalies – 2 returnees
Nathan Lieuwen – 18, rated as a world class goalie in his age group at the start of the year but because of injuries no one is sure if he will be drafted in June. As a 17-year-old, he didn’t seem to grab the chance to be a #1 goalie. That should change this season, especially after the pressure of his draft year behind him. Look at the best goalies in the WHL and history shows they blossom at 18 & 19. There is only 1 Dan Blackburn every 20 years who can do what he did at 16 & 17.

Todd Mathews – 19, went from the SJHL to playing in 25 straight WHL games. Has earned a chance to stay in the WHL but can he be a #1?

Derrick Peitsch – 17, training camp will show if he is ready to be in the WHL.
Brett Tesky – 16, training camp will show if he is ready to be in the WHL.

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Defensemen – 5 returnees, 6 with WHL experience
Brayden McNabb – 18, 2 full years in the WHL. Will be a NHL pick. There #1 guy who will play in al situations.

Hayden Rintoul – 18, of all the rookie defensemen in the WHL he was the 2nd highest in scoring (Manning Chilliwack #1). Offence is there but not ready to be a shutdown guy, yet. Should be a NHL pick.

James Martin – 18, potential to be a stay at home defenseman. Has a very heavy hard shot so some potential to add some offense. Had great improvements the last 4 weeks of the season.

Cason Machacek – 18, another stay at home type. Willing to be physical and play tough makes his an asset. The ICE need to replace the Ian Barteaux all-around nasty type of player and there are indications he can fill that role to some extent.

Tyler Vanscourt – 17, smaller defenseman who isn’t afraid of the contact but not strong enough. Based on the returning players and possible 2 new additions, he may not move up the depth chart.

Joey Leach – 17, was the last cut at training camp. Played 12 regular season games and 3 in the playoffs. Has WHL size and really improved his skating playing in Saskatchewan AAA Midget.

Justin Schultz – 19, 2nd round pick of Anaheim. Plays in BCHL and is planning on going to the NCAA. If he changes his mind he would be a #1 and probably would quicken his route to the pros.

Kaare Odegarde – 19, plays in AJHL. Also on the NCAA route.

Michael King 16 and Dylan Schellenberg 16, are on the radar but have 6-8 players ahead on the depth chart. Training camp performances could change that.

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Forwards – 13 returnees, 16 with WHL experience

Dustin Sylvester - 20. See above. 40 goal potential.

Tylan Stephens – 20. See above. 30 goal potential.

Kevin King – 19, 30 goal potential. Power forward who has potential to dominate and destroy every shift.

Matt Fraser – 19, 20 goal and 150pm potential. Could be anywhere from top line to 3rd line and could play in all situations.

Steele Boomer – 19, potential be #1, #2 or #3 centre. Thrived on the 3rd line at the end of the year. Playmaker for the PP.

Dominik Pacovsky – 19, see above.

Ryan Fox – 19, smart player who could be a 3rd line guy in a defensive role.

Joe Antilla – 18, will play in the grinder role one of the top 3 lines. Top 6 penalty killer forward.

Jesse Ismond – 18, got into game shape in January and showed a lot of potential. 20 goals and should be in the top 9 of forwards.

Michael Cassivi – 18, has to show potential to be a 10-20 goal scorer and that would get him on the 4th line. Needs to show ability to kill penalties or something else as there isn’t a lot of room on the roster.

Drew Czerwonka – 17, 20 goals and 100pm potential. Willingness to play physical and has leadership skills and will look to impress in NHL Draft year.

Max Reinhart – 17, 20 goal potential. Smart player who will get some PP and PK as the year progresses.

Christian Magnus – 17, the club will expect more results. Speed and skill are his strengths and just needs to find his game and will be a big point producer in years to come. Also has the grit.

Brendan Hurley – 16, club’s 1st round pick in 2008. Already 6’0” 170lbs. Power forward with skill. Like Czerwonka, he is a blue collar player and will be a fan favorite.

Simon Skrudland – 18, hard working and a smart player. Potential to eventually to be their #1 face-off guy.

Jordan Bauer – 18, one of the last cuts in 2008.

Elgin Pearce – 17, 2nd round pick in 2007. Thinking of NCAA but visited the ICE late in the year to check out the scene. Has okay size, really good speed and skill and can play in the WHL. Had a very poor year in BCHL and that may have hurt development.

Brendan O’Donnell – 17, NCAA route. Sounds like he would be a solid WHL performer.

Brock Montgomery – 17, good year in Saskatchewan AAA Midget Moose Jaw.

Ryan Bloom – 16, 2nd round pick in 2008.

Adam Rossignol – 16, 7th round pick in 2008 Draft. Had a great camp last year and could force the club into another tough decision with another solid camp.

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Again, these are just my thoughts and also know that training camp always had 3-4 nice surprises and also a few disappointments.
This is why there is so much excitement for this franchise for the next few years.
Plus the 2010 Bantam Draft is expected to be one of the all-time best and the ICE have something like 7 picks in the 1st 4 rounds.

Kevin King Playoff MVP

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today that Forward Kevin King has been named the Top Playoff Performer for the 2009 WHL Playoffs.
Despite the series loss to Brandon Kevin’s play throughout the four games was exceptional. He was a physical force at both ends of the ice and chipped in offensively by scoring two goals and one assist.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Brandon 4 Kootenay 3

Cranbrook, BC – The Brandon Wheat Kings beat the Kootenay ICE 4-3 in WHL Playoff action on Wednesday night to win the series in 4 games.

Brandon opened the scoring on a breakaway as Matt Calvert mishandled the puck on a deke but the puck still went through the goalies’ legs.
Wheat Kings made it 2-0 on a 3-on-2 break and Andrew Clark had an open net and scored his 3rd of the series.
ICE scored early in the 2nd period as Kevin King finished off a 3-0n-2 break after receiving a pass from from Hayden Rintoul.
With 5 seconds left in the 2nd period Matt Calvert was stopped on a penalty shot.
Wheat Kings made it 3-1 early in the 3rd period as Brodie Melnychuk was alone in the high slot and scored with a high wrist shot.
ICE got back within a goal as Andrew Bailey scored on a power-play as he got a loose puck low in the circle and threw it through the goalies’ legs.
Bailey tied the game on another power-play on a deflection from point shot from Ian Barteaux.
Wheat Kings got the game winners as Brayden Schenn got a loose puck near the net as his shot went through the goalies’ legs and barely crossed the goalline.

Game Summary
Brandon wins the series 4-0

1st Period
1. Brandon, Calvert 4 (Schenn, Glennie) 6:42
2. Brandon, Clark 3 (Lowry, Fehr) 8:48
Penalties – King Ktn (tripping) :43, Stone Bran (roughing) Martin Ktn (double roughing) 6:42, Bench Bran (too many men) 9:36, Schenn Bran (tripping) 10:53,
2nd Period
3. Kootenay, King 2 (Rintoul, Stephens) :43
Missed penalty shot – Calvert Bran 19:55.
Penalties – Glennie Bran (goalie interference) 1:25, Stephens Ktn (interefnce) 1:27, Erb Bran (roughing) 3:14, Frere Ktn (tripping) 7:27, Ismond Ktn (charging) 16:55,
3rd Period
4. Brandon, Melnychuk 1 (Glennie, Fehr) 4:39
5. Kootenay, Bailey 1 (King, McNabb) 7:47 pp
6. Kootenay, Bailey 2 (2) (McNabb, Barteaux) 12:04
7. Brandon, Schenn 4 (Calvert, Glennie) 17:20
Penalties – Lowry Brn Brateuax Ktn (fighting) :11, Calvert Bran (goalie interference, roughing) Mathews Ktn (roughing) 7:09, Robak Bran (hooking) 11:55.
Shots on goal by
Brandon - 12 - 8 - 6 = 26
Kootenay – 10 – 11 – 10 = 31
Goal (shots-saves) – Brandon: Andrew Hayes (W 4-0) Kootenay: Todd Mathews (L 0-4)
Power plays (goals-chances) - Brandon: 0/5 Kootenay: 2/6
Referees – Devin Klein, Sean Raphael
Linesmen – Darren Holeha, Brad Yoshida
Attendance – 2,443

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Brandon 4 Kootenay 3 OT

Cranbrook, BC – Brandon forward Matt Calvert scored 2 goals including the game winner in a 4-3 overtime win over the Kootenay ICE in WHL Playoff action on Tuesday night.

Wheat Kings opened the scoring as Brayden Schenn chipped in the puck after the original point shot missed the net and found a free puck behind the ICE goaltender.
ICE tied the game 1-1 as Brayden McNabb’s point shot was deflected by Steele Boomer and beat the screened goalie.
ICE took a 2-1 lead on a power-play as Kevin King was on a partial break and scored on a wrist shot high on the glove side.
Wheat Kings tied it 2-2 as Matt Calvert was free on a partial breakaway as scored on a low wrist shot.
Wheat Kings made it 3-2 late in the 2nd period as Matt Lowry’s long shot beat the goalie off his blocker arm.
ICE tied the game 3-3 on a power-play as Tylan Stephens came on a 2-on-1 break and his wrist shot went in on the blocker side.
Calvert got the game winner on a 2-on-1 break and fired a perfect wrist shot high on the glove side.

Game 4 is Wednesday night in Cranbrook.

Game Summary
Brandon leads the series 3-0.

1st Period
1. Brandon, Schenn 3 (Aulie, Calvert) 5:23
Penalties – Hale Bran (interference) 2:58, King Ktn (boarding) 3:12, Bestland Brn Fraser Ktn (roughing) 12:13, Schenn Bran (unsportsmanlike conduct - diving) Barteaux (tripping) 18:52.
2nd Period
2. Kootenay, Boomer 1 (Barteaux, McNabb) 2:40
3. Kootenay, King 1 (Rintoul, Fraser) 7:49 pp
4. Brandon, Calvert 3 (Schenn, Stone) 14:36
5. Brandon, Lowry 2 (Clark, Fehr) 19:19
Penalties – Jeffries Bran Czerwonka Ktn (fighting) 2:42, Ismond Ktn (hooking) 3:35, Cowan Bran (check from behind) 6:18, Erb Bran Reinhart Ktn (roughing) 7:20, Frere Ktn (interference) 9:32.
3rd Period
6. Kootenay, Stephens 1 (McNabb, Barteaux) 9:52 pp
Penalties – Stone Bran (kneeing) 3:10, Schneider Bran (tripping) 5:50, Bestland Bran (roughing) 8:55.
Overtime
7. Brandon, Calvert (2) 4 (Stone, Jeffries) 2:55
Shots on goal by
Brandon - 11 – 16 - 7 - 2 = 36
Kootenay – 10 - 9 – 14 – 0 = 34
Goal (shots-saves) – Brandon: Andrew Hayes (W 3-0) Kootenay: Todd Mathews (L 0-3)
Power plays (goals-chances) - Brandon: 0/3 Kootenay: 2/6
Referees – Ryan Thompson, Derek Zalaski
Linesmen – Tyler Adair, Jim Maniago
Attendance – 2,344

Colin Patterson Coach of the Year

Phantoms Head Coach Colin Patterson has been voted the English Premier League`s Coach of the Year having enjoyed a fantastic first season with Peterborough Phantoms. The Award comes in the 'Ice Hockey Journalists UK' Annual awards.
Patterson, part of the coaching staff of Team Canada in 1984, has guided Phantoms to the English Premier League title and also to the final of the EPL Cup.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Brandon @ Kootenay

The Kootenay ICE will host Brandon Tuesday night in game 3 of their playoff series.
After losing by scores of 7-2 and 4-1 the ICE find themselves down 2-0 in the series.
But the ICE also know that 3 of the next 4 games are scheduled to be played at the Rec-Plex and can get back in the series with some wins on home ice.
To finish the regular season the ICE won 8 of their last 11 homes, with 1 of the 3 losses in an overtime shootout.
During the regular season the clubs split the 2 meetings at the Rec-Plex and both were low scoring 3-2 games.
The ICE have scored only 3 goals in the series so far, but have also hit more than enough goal posts and cross bars and have had enough scoring chances to give them a chance to win.
It’s the 3rd time in team history the ICE have lost the 1st games of a series on the road, the other 2 times they lost the series.
While the ICE are battling history they know they have yet to play their best hockey of the series and are coming off a game 2 loss that was a 1 goal game midway through the 3rd period.

ICE Weekly Report

ICE CHIPS: The KOOTENAY ICE enter this week’s action with a 0-2-0 record (0-0-0 at home, 0-2-0 on the road and 0-0 in overtime) after two games of the EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL against the BRANDON WHEAT KINGS…KOOTENAY finished the 2008-2009 regular season with a 35-29-2-6 record (21-11-1-3 at home, 14-18-1-3 on the road, 3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts) and in sixth place in the EASTERN CONFERENCE and tenth overall in the WHL…The ICE finished the regular season with an above .500 record for the tenth consecutive season, which is the longest active streak in the WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE…KOOTENAY has qualified for the playoffs for 11 consecutive years…This week the ICE will host the WHEAT KINGS in game three (March 24) and game four (March 25) and if necessary, will travel to BRANDON for game five (March 27).

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: The ICE have a career playoff record of 67-50 (36-21 at home, 31-29 on the road, 18-9 in overtime)…KOOTENAY has 182 games of playoff experience which is the tenth most of the teams who qualified for the post season…ANDREW BAILEY (25), DUSTIN SYLVESTER (23), IAN BARTEAUX (19), ERIC FRERE (19), KEVIN KING (19) and TYLAN STEPHENS (19) lead the ICE in games played in the playoffs…MAX REINHART recorded his first WHL playoff goal against BRANDON on March 20…DOMINIK PACOVSKY recorded his first WHL playoff goal against the WHEAT KING on March 21…STEELE BOOMER and HAYDEN RINTOUL recorded their first WHL playoff points with assists against BRANDON on March 20.

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL: Game four of the EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL vs. BRANDON presented by KAL-TIRE and HUSKY / MOHAWK, will be played at home on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 pm and if necessary, Game Six will be played at home on Sunday, March 29th at 6:00 pm…Individual game tickets are now available at the KOOTENAY ICE Office and KOOTENAY COLLECTIBLES.

AQUILINI DEVELOPMENTS HOCKEY CARDS: On March 24th the first 3,000 fans attending game three will receive 2008 -2009 KOOTENAY ICE HOCKEY CARDS courtesy of AQUILINI DEVELOPMENTS…After March 24th the cards will be available at the KOOTENAY ICE Office for $5.00.

EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS: The KOOTENAY ICE have announced that EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS for the 2009-2010 season will be the lowest prices ever…Adult tickets will be $399, Seniors (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299, Students $249 (25 and under with a valid Student ID) and Youth $199 (4 to 12 years old)…These prices will be in effect until Friday, May 29…For more information call the KOOTENAY ICE Office at 417-0322

DID YOU KNOW: KOOTENAY was 2-1-0-1 against the WHEAT KINGS in the regular season…TYLAN STEPHENS (2-4-6), ANDREW BAILEY (4-1-5) and DUSTIN SYLVESTER (2-2-4) led the ICE in scoring against BRANDON this season while ANDREW CLARK (7-3-10), MATT LOWRY (0-8-8) and JAY FEHR (1-6-7) led the WHEAT KINGS…KOOTENAY was 2-0-0-0 when they scored the first goal in the game and 0-1-0-1 when BRANDON scored first…The ICE were 2-0-0-0 when leading after the second period, 0-1-0-0 when losing and 0-0-0-1 when tied…ANDREW BAILEY, who finished the season second in franchise history with 21 game winning goals (NIGEL DAWES – 29), is fifth in franchise history for points scored with 223 (JARRET STOLL – 286, NIGEL DAWES 272, STEVE DASILVA – 235, DALE MAHOVSKY – 234)…BAILEY led the team in power play goals this season with 11.

ONE YEAR AGO: After two games of the 2007-2008 Eastern Conference Quarter Final the ICE were 2-0 against the MEDICINE HAT TIGERS, after game three were 3-0 and after game four were 3-1.

UPCOMING WEEK:
Tuesday March 24 ICE vs Brandon 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Wednesday March 25 ICE vs Brandon 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Thursday March 26 Travel Day
Friday March 27 ICE @ Brandon (if necessary) 6:30 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Saturday March 28 Travel Day
Sunday March 29 ICE vs Brandon (if necessary) 6:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)

WEEK IN REVIEW:
Friday, March 20 – Kootenay 2 @ Brandon 7 – Record 0-1 – Attendance: 3,273
Goals:
1 – Reinhart (1) from Fraser and Rintoul
2 – Barteaux (1) from Boomer and McNabb
Goalies: Todd Mathews (24 Saves, 6 GA), Scott Orth (6 Saves, 1 GA)

Saturday, March 21 – Kootenay 1 @ Brandon 4 – Record 0-2 – Attendance: 3,506
Goal:
1 – Dominik Pacovsky (1) from Frere
Goalie: Todd Mathews (27 Saves, 4 GA)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Brandon 4 Kootenay 1

The ICE are now down 2-0 after a 4-1 loss in Brandon.
Dominik Pacovsky scored their only goal on a shorthanded breakaway.
It's been a frustrating series for the ICE as everytime there is a crucial moment in the game it seems to go in the Wheat Kings favour.
There has been at least 7 goals posts and cross bars.
Brandon is playing with a lot of confidence and have found a solid work ethic that was not there earlier in the year. Their best players have all found ways to score points in the series and they probably couldn't ask for a better way to start the series.
Games 3 & 4 are in Cranrook on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Travel

One of the topics in the 1st round of the playoffs is the travel the ICE and Wheat Kings have to endure.
It's a 14-hour trip between Cranbrook and Brandon.
Some media types are trying to make a big deal of the situation and ask for a change.
I say no way.
1st of all the situation has been created by the decision to have conference standings. In the past the 1st round of the playoffs would be divisional match-ups. But you have situations where the 5th place team in one division would miss the post season even though they had more points that a playoff team in another division. That way a huge flaw and had to be fixed.
For a while they used the cross over effect where a 5th place team who had more points than a 4th place team in another division was allowed to make the playoffs. They would have to play the #1 seed in the other division.
If you are using that format then it's makes more sense to just use conference standings. A ruling voted by the league a few seasons ago.
Is it perfect? No. Especially when the teams don't have a balanced schedule. But at least the 8 teams with the most points makes the playoffs.
Sure it doesn't seem fair the ICE/Wheat Kings series a 14-hour trip and the Broncos/Tigers series is a 2-hour trip.
Sure if this series goes 7 games, the winner may be at a disadvanatge in the 2nd round. BUT what if the ICE/Wheat Kings was a match-up in the 2nd round? 3rd round?
The year the ICE won the 2002 Memorial Cup they played Prince George (8-9 hour trip), Seattle (9 hours), Kelowna (7 hours on a bus) and Red Deer (5 1/2 hours).
Some want a divisional format to help the attendance because of the rivalries. The facts don't support that theory as you can look at the atendance figures in the 1st round of playoffs and notice that divisional match-ups don't gaurantee huge crowds.
It's the same in the NHL. Detroit could play Vancouver while at the same time Calgary plays Edmonton. Is that fair?
Just for your knowledge, no one from the ICE or Wheat Kings have made one complaint about the situation. NONE. If they're not concerened then why should anyone else be worried?

Brandon 7 Kootenay 2

Wheat Kings scored 4 3rd period powerplay goals in a 7-2 win over the ICE to take game 1 of their playoff series.
The ICE had 11 players make their playoff debut and seemed hesitant and in awe on the situation. Of the 5 players scratched by the ICE, 4 have never appeared in a playoff game.
Max Reinhart and In Barteaux scored the goals.
The ICE hit 3 goal posts and cross bars.
Early in the 3rd period the Wheat Kings had a 9-1 PP avantage.
Game 2 tonight, games 3 & 4 in Cranbrook on Tuesday & Wednesday.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Kootenay @ Brandon





The Kootenay ICE playoff series against the Wheat Kings starts Friday in Brandon.
This is the 1st time the 2 franchises’ will have met in the post season.
During the regular season the clubs played 4 games. All were 1 goal decisions, each won a game in the other clubs building and the series finished tied 2-2. Two of the games went to overtime shootouts.
The series is a contrast between the Lunch Pail ICE and the flashy Wheat Kings.
As they have been all year the ICE will be the underdogs going into the series. A role they have played well during the season but the Wheat Kings have been one of the best teams during the 2nd half of the season.
It’s the 10th time in their history the ICE will not have home ice advantage. They won 4 and lost 5 in the past series. Last year the ICE won game 1 on the road in both playoff series they played.
The ICE are the youngest team in the WHL Playoffs and could have up 12 players playing in their 1st ever post season game on Friday. The ICE have 9 players who were a part of last years team that went to the 2nd round. (McNabb, Frere, Fraser, Sylvester (injured), Stephens, Boomer, King, Bailey & Barteaux) .
The Wheat Kings lost in the 1st round last year and were built for long playoff runs this and next year.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

WHL 1st Round Match-Ups

11th Kootenay - 142 GP
8th Brandon - 170 GP MC 3 GP
History – 1st meeting
Season – Kootenay 2-1-0-1, Brandon 2-1-0-1
Nov 21 Kootenay 7 in Brandon 6 SO
Dec 31 Brandon 3 in Kootenay 2
Jan 24 in Brandon 6 Kootenay 5 SO
Jan 30 in Kootenay 3 Brandon 2

GP – 23 Sylvester, 23 Bailey, 17 Frere, 17 Stephens, 17 King, 17 Barteaux,
G - 4 Sylvester, 4 Bailey,
A - 10 Sylvester, 9 Bailey,
Pts – 14 Sylvester, 13 Bailey,
PM – 30 Barteaux,
W -
Avg –
SO –
Coach – Mark Holick 10 5-5 .500%
Game 7 – Kootenay 4 1-3 .250%
MC – Kootenay 7 3-4

GP – 28 Lowry, 23 Clark, 21 Aulie, 17 Erb, 17 Fehr,
G - 5 Fehr, 5 Clark,
A - 5 Clark, 4 Fehr,
Pts – 10 Clark, 9 Fehr,
PM – 39 Erb, 30 Lowry, 29 Aulie,
W -
Avg –
SO –
Coach – Kelly McCrimmon 58 28-30 .483%
Game 7 – Brandon 7 6-1 .857%
MC – Brandon 13 5-8
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3rd Calgary - 339 GP
16th Edmonton - 4 GP
History – vs Prince Albert – 99 W 4-1 East Final
Vs Edmonton 1st meeting
Season – Calgary 5-1, Edmonton 1-5
Sept 20 in Edmonton 4 Calgary 3
Sept 24 in Calgary 4 Edmonton 1
Oct 19 Calgary 7 in Edmonton 2
Dec 31 Calgary 4 in Edmonton 1
Jan 20 in Calgary 7 Edmonton 1
Feb 3 in Calgary 6 Edmonton 2

GP – 52 Plante, 47 Sonne, 47 McMillan, 31 Stone, 26 Postma,
G - 9 Bortis, 9 Sonne, 6 Postma,
A - 14 Kozun, 10 Plante, 7 Bortis, 7 Schultz, 7 Stone, 5 Postma, 5 Seabrook,
Pts – 18 Kozun, 16 Bortis, 15 Plante, 13 Sonne, 11 Postma, 10 Stone, 9 Schultz,
PM – 47 Plante, 44 Sonne, 41 McMillan,
W - 2 Jones,
Avg – 2.88 Jones
SO –
Coach – Dave Lowry
Game 7 – Calgary 7 3-4 .429%
MC – Calgary 4 2-2

GP – 3 Dowd, 1 Jung,
G -
A -
Pts –
PM –
W -
Avg – 3.82 Jung
SO –
Coach – Steve Pleau
Game 7 –
MC -
----------------------------------------------
15th Saskatoon - 57 GP
5th Lethbridge - 295 GP
History – 4th meeting – 92 Saskatoon W 4-0 1st R, 90 Lethbridge won 4-3 2nd R, 89 Saskatoon W 4-0 2nd R
Season – Saskatoon 3-1, Lethbridge 1-2-0-1
Oct 26 Saskatoon 3 in Lethbridge 2
Jan 1 in Saskatoon 3 Lethbridge 0
Jan 17 Saskatoon 3 in Lethbridge 2 OT
Mar 7 Lethbridge 4 in Saskatoon 3

GP – 22 Joe, 18 Chorneyko,
G - 3 Chorneyko, 1 Joe,
A - 2 Funk, 2 Chorneyko,
Pts – 5 Chorneyko, 2 Funk, 1 Joe,
PM – 6 Joe,
W -
Avg –
SO –
Coach - Lorne Molleken 92 46-46 .500% MC 4 1-3 .250%
Game 7 – Saskatoon 6 1-5 .167%
MC – Saskatoon 4 2-2

GP – 35 Sceviour, 29 King, 25 Bancks, 25 Wright, 24 Boychuk, 23 Hoff, 20 Beach, 19 Ashton, 18 Metsola, 18 Versteeg, 18 Orfino, 16 Mestery,
G - 13 Boychuk, 8 King, 6 Bancks, 6 Beach,
A - 14 Wright, 13 Boychuk, 11 Sceviour, 9 Beach, 6 King, 5 Hoff,
Pts – 26 Boychuk, 18 Wright, 15 Beach, 14 Sceviour, 14 King, 10 Bancks,
PM – 50 Beach, 29 Wright,
W - 12 Metsola,
Avg – 2.37 Metsola,
SO – 3 Metsola,
Coach – Michael Dyck 25 14-11 .560%
Game 7 – Lethbridge 3 3-0 1.000%
MC – Lethbridge 5 3-2 (Hurricanes), 8 4-4 (Hurricanes/Broncos)
-------------------------------------
6th Swift Current - 272 GP
10th Medicine Hat - 152 GP MC 12 GP
History – 8th meeting – Medicine Hat W 4-0 1st R, 04 Medicine Hat W 4-1 1st R, 03 Medicine Hat W 4-0 1st R, 97 Swift Current W 4-0 1st R, 94 Swift Current W 3-0 1st R, 93 Swift Current W 4-2 2nd R, 92 Swift Current W 4-0 1st R
Season – Swift Current 2-2-0-0, Medicine Hat 2-2-0-0
Oct 12 in Swift Current 2 Medicine Hat 0
Dec 27 Swift Current 5 in Medicine Hat 4
Jan 2 Medicine Hat 5 in Swift Current 3
Jan 10 in Medicine Hat 5 Swift Current 1

GP – 55 Dansereau, 24 Doyle, 23 Negrin, 22 McAvoy, 22 Wudrick, 18 Molle, 17 Claffey, 15 Stickland,
G - 11 Dansereau, 6 Wudrick, 4 Dowling,
A - 17 Dansereau, 5 Tassone,
Pts – 28 Dansereau, 8 Tassone, 7 Dowling,
PM – 28 Danseraeu,
W - 6 Yonkman,
Avg – 3.30 Yonkman,
SO –
Coach – Dean Chynoweth 57 25-32 .439%
Game 7 – Swift Current 4 3-1 .750%
MC – Swift Current 9 5-4, 12 6-6 (Swift Current/Lethbridge)

GP – 41 Bosch, 34 Ennis, 23 Grant,
G - 12 Bosch, 8 Ennis,
A - 11 Bosch, 8 Ennis,
Pts – 23 Bosch, 16 Ennis,
PM – 27 Bosch,
W - 1 Holfeld,
Avg – 3.18 Holfeld,
SO –
Coach – Willy Desjardins 91 57-34 .626% MC 8 3-5 .375%
Game 7 – Medicine Hat 9 6-3 .667%
MC – Medicine Hat 20 12-8 .600%
------------------------------------------------
4th Vancouver - 314 GP MC 34 GP
14th Prince George - 72 GP
History – 3rd meeting - 07 Vancouver W 4-1 West Final, 06 Vancouver W 4-1 1st R
Season – Vancouver 8-0, Prince George 0-8
Sept 26 in Vancouver 7 Prince George 3
Nov 7 Vancouver 5 in Prince George 0
Nov 8 Vancouver 5 in Prince George 2
Dec 14 in Vancouver 6 Prince George 0
Dec 27 in Vancouver 4 Prince George 3
Jan 30 Vancouver 3 in Prince George 2
Jan 31 Vancouver 4 in Prince George 2
March 14 in Vancouver 6 Prince George 0

GP – 50 Blum, 32 Sexsmith, 32 Bouma, 32 Regner, 26 Schira, 25 Cunningham, 20 Wright, 20 Ross, 17 Berube,
G - 7 Blum, 4 Wright,
A - 17 Blum, 16 Regner, 8 Ross,
Pts – 24 Blum, 16 Regner, 9 Ross,
PM – 34 Blum, 26 Ross,
W - 20 Sexsmith,
Avg – 1.80 Sexsmith,
SO – 4 Sexsmith,
Coach – Don Hay 125 81-44 .648% MC 18 14-4 .778%
Game 7 – Vancouver 1 0-1 .000%
MC – Vancouver 10 6-4 .600%

GP – 20 Tyrell, 19 Cepek,
G - 1 Tyrell,
A - 6 Tyrell,
Pts – 7 Tyrell,
PM – 14 Cepek,
W - 2 Calgiuri,
Avg – 3.18 Caliuri,
SO –
Coach – Wade Klippenstein
Game 7 – Prince George 3 1-2 .333%
MC – Prince George, 4 1-3 Victoria
-------------------------------------------------
1st Tri City - 441 GP MC 2 GP
9th Everett - 160 GP
History – 2nd meeting – 06 Everett W 4-1 1st round
Season – Tri City 8-1-0-1, Everett 2-7-1
Oct 24 in Tri City 1 Everett 0
Oct 28 in Everett 7 Tri City 6 SO
Nov 22 Tri City 7 in Everett 2
Nov 26 in Tri City 2 Everett 1
Jan 7 in Everett 3 Tri City 1
Jan 23 in Tri City 4 Everett 1
Jan 25 in Tri City 4 Everett 3
Feb 14 Tri City 4 in Everett 1
Feb 20 in Try City 5 Everett 2
Feb 27 Tri City 5 in Everett 4

GP – 39 Reese, 37 Fadden, 29 Procyshen, 26 Toll, 22 Reddick, 20 Schmidt, 20 Plouffe, 17 Pickard,
G - 9 Reese, 9 Fadden, 6 Procyshen,
A - 20 Fadden, 12 Reese, 9 Procyshen, 5 Reddick,
Pts – 29 Fadden, 21 Reese, 15 Procyshen, 8 Reddick,
PM – 37 Fadden, 35 Schmidt, 31 McColm, 26 Reese,
W - 11 Pickard,
Avg – 1.81 Pickard,
SO – 3 Pickard,
Coach – Don Nachbaur 83 36-47 .434%
Game 7 – Tri City 2 1-1 .500%
MC – Tri City

GP – 34 Potuer, 33 Ellington, 31 Dailey, 19 Iwnaski, 17 Harper, 17 Bartek, 15 Hunt,
G - 4 Bartek,
A - 4 Harper,
Pts – 7 Bartek, 6 Harper, 6 Dailey,
PM – 48 Potuer,
W -
Avg –
SO –
Coach – John Becanic 4 0-4 .000%
Game 7 – Everett 2 2-0 1.000%
MC – Everett
--------------------------------------------------
12th Kelowna - 138 GP
13th Kamloops - 97 GP MC 8 GP
History – 3rd meeting – 02 Kelowna W 4-0 1st R, 99 Kamloops won 4-2 1st R
Season – Kelowna 9-0-0-0, Kamloops 0-8-0-1
Sept 26 Kelowna 6 in Kamloops 2
Sept 27 in Kelowna 5 Kamloops 4
Nov 15 Kelowna 5 in Kamloops 0
Dec 27 in Kelowna 4 Kamloops 3 SO
Jan 24 Kelowna 5 in Kamloops 2
Feb 3 Kelowna 6 in Kamloops 1
Jan 7 in Kelowna 5 Kamloops 1
Mar 13 Kelowna 6 in Kamloops 4
Mar 14 in Kelowna 7 Kamloops 1

GP – 42 Duval, 15 Dowzak,
G - 3 Benn, 3 Duval,
A - 10 Long, 8 Benn,
Pts – 12 Long, 11 Benn, 11 Duval,
PM – 29 Dowzak,
W -
Avg –
SO –
Coach – Ryan Huska 7 3-4 .429%
Game 7 – Kelowna 4 1-3 .250%
MC – Kelowna 11 5-6

GP – 27 Wasden, 21 Compton,
G - 3 Wasden, 2 Stretch,
A - 9 Wasden,
Pts – 12 Wasden, 9 Stretch,
PM – 38 Wasden,
W - 2 Leclerc
Avg – 3.58 Leclerc
SO –
Coach – Barry Smith
Game 7 – Kamloops 3 2-1 .667%
MC – Kamloops 25 15-10, 42 26-16 (Kamloops/New Westminster)
--------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Spokane - 414 GP MC 52 GP
7th Seattle - 263 GP
History – 5th meeting - 01 Spokane W 3-0 2nd R, 94 Seattle W 3-0 1st R, 92 Seattle W 3-1 2nd R, 91 Spokane W 5-1 1st R
Season – Spokane 5-3-0-1, Seattle 4-5-0-0
Oct 4 in Seattle 3 Spokane 2 SO
Oct 24 Seattle 3 in Spokane 2
Dec 12 in Spokane 1 Seattle 0
Dec 13 Seattle 3 in Spokane 1
Dec 28 Spokane 4 in Seattle 0
Jan 23 Spokane 3 in Seattle 1
Feb 18 in Spokane 7 Seattle 3
Feb 20 in Seattle 3 Spokane 0
Mar 3 Spokane 4 in Seattle 2

GP – 69 Glass, 34 McCrae, 28 Letts, 27 Tokarski, 27 Cowen, 27 Reddington, 27 Roman, 27 Bowman, 26 Koper, 26 Calla, 25 Wahl, 21 Johnson, 21 Spurgeon, 21 Ulmer,
G - 13 Bowman, 10 Roman, 6 Wahl, 5 Johnson,
A - 15 Roman, 14 Bowman, 12 Glass, 9 Wahl, 9 McCrae, 8 Ulmer, 5 Calla, 5 Spurgeon, 5 Kper,
Pts – 27 Bowman, 25 Roman, 15 Glass, 15 Wahl, 10 McCrae, 9 Koper, 8 Johnson, 8 Ulmer,
PM – 34 Glass, 26 McCrae, 25 Wahl,
W - 18 Tokarski,
Avg – 1.68 Tokarski,
SO – 3 Tokarski,
Coach – Hardy Sauter
Game 7 – Spokane 6 4-2 .667%
MC – Spokane 12 9-3 .750%

GP – 30 Nielsen, 30 Scott, 29 Richard, 27 Hickey, 24 Schappert, 23 Acolaste, 19 Rai, 18 Boyer,
G - 6 Scott, 5 Hickey, 5 Richard, 4 Nielsen,
A - 16 Hickey, 9 Scott, 8 Rai, 6 Richard, 6 O’Brien,
Pts – 21 Hickey, 15 Scott,
PM – 21 Dillon,
W - 1 DeSerres,
Avg – 3.51 DeSerres,
SO –
Coach – Rob Sumner 42 20-22 .476%
Game 7 – Seattle 5 3-2 .600%
MC – Seattle 4 1-3

WHL Playoff Stats

WHL Made Playoffs
Calgary Hitmen
Made Playoffs – 12 years in a row
Kootenay ICE
Made Playoffs – 11 years in a row

Brandon Wheat Kings
Made Playoffs – 9 years in a row
Medicine Hat Tigers
Made Playoffs – 7 years in a row
Vancouver Giants
Made Playoffs – 7 years in a row
Everett Silvertips
Made Playoffs – 6 years in a row
Tri City Americans
Made Playoffs – 6 years in a row
Seattle Thunderbirds
Made Playoffs – 5 years in a row
Swift Current Broncos
Made Playoffs – 4 years in a row
Kamloops Blazers
Made Playoffs – 3 years in a row
Spokane Chiefs
Made Playoffs – 3 years in a row
Lethbridge Hurricanes
Made Playoffs – 2 years in a row
Kelowna Rockets
Made Playoffs – 2 years in a row
Saskatoon Blades
Made Playoffs – 1 year in a row
Prince George Cougars
Made Playoffs – 1 year in a row
Edmonton Oil Kings
Made Playoffs – 1 year in a row
------------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the teams in the WHL playoffs here are the active players totals.

1st Tri City - 441 GP MC 2 GP
2nd Spokane - 414 GP MC 52 GP
3rd Calgary - 339 GP
4th Vancouver - 314 GP MC 34 GP
5th Lethbridge - 295 GP
6th Swift Current - 272 GP
7th Seattle - 263 GP
8th Brandon - 170 GP MC 3 GP
9th Everett - 160 GP
10th Medicine Hat - 152 GP MC 12 GP
11th Kootenay - 142 GP
12th Kelowna - 138 GP
13th Kamloops - 97 GP MC 8 GP
14th Prince George - 72 GP
15th Saskatoon - 57 GP
16th Edmonton - 4 GP
----------------------------
GP
- 69 Trevor Glass
- 55 Keegan Dansereau
- 52 Alex Plante
- 50 Jon Blum
- 47 Brett Sonne
- 47 Carson McMillan
----------------------------
G
- 13 Zach Boychuk
- 13 Drayson Bowman
- 12 Brennan Bosch
- 11 Keegan Dansereau
- 10 Ondrej Roman
----------------------------
A
- 20 Mitch Fadden
- 17 Keegan Dansereau
- 17 Jon Blum
- 16 Thomas Hickey
- 16 Brett Regner
----------------------------
PTS
- 29 Mitch Fadden
- 28 Keegan Dansereau
- 27 Drayson Bowman
- 26 Zach Boychuk
- 25 Ondrej Roman
----------------------------
PM
- 50 Kyle Beach
- 48 Graham Potuer
- 47 Alex Plante
- 44 Brett Sonne
- 41 Carson McMillan
---------------------------
W
- 20 Tyson Sexsmith
- 18 Dustin Tokarski
- 12 Juha Metsola
- 11 Chet Pickard
- 6 Travis Yonkman
- 2 Martin Jones
- 2 Justin Leclerc
- 2 Joe Calgiuri
- 1 Ryan Holfeld
- 1 Jacob DeSerres
---------------------------
Avg
- 1.68 Dustin Tokarski
- 1.80 Tyson Sexsmith
- 1.81 Chet Pickard
- 2.37 Juha Metsola
- 2.88 Martin Jones
---------------------------
SO
- 4 Tyson Sexsmith
– 3 Juha Metsola
– 3 Dustin Tokarski
– 3 Chet Pickard
---------------------------
Coach
- Don Hay 125 81-44 .648% MC 18 14-4 .778%
– Willy Desjardins 91 57-34 .626% MC 8 3-5 .375%
- Lorne Molleken 92 46-46 .500% MC 4 1-3 .250%
– Don Nachbaur 83 36-47 .434%
- Kelly McCrimmon 58 28-30 .483%
– Dean Chynoweth 57 25-32 .439%
– Rob Sumner 42 20-22 .476%
– Michael Dyck 25 14-11 .560%
– Mark Holick 10 5-5 .500%
- John Becanic 4 0-4 .000%
– Ryan Huska 7 3-4 .429%
- Dave Lowry
- Steve Pleau
- Barry Smith
- Wade Klippenstein
- Hardy Sauter
-----------------------------
Game 7
– Lethbridge 3 3-0 1.000%
– Everett 2 2-0 1.000%
– Brandon 7 6-1 .857%
– Swift Current 4 3-1 .750%
– Medicine Hat 9 6-3 .667%
– Spokane 6 4-2 .667%
– Kamloops 3 2-1 .667%
– Seattle 5 3-2 .600%
– Tri City 2 1-1 .500%
– Calgary 7 3-4 .429%
- Prince George 3 1-2 .333%
– Kelowna 4 1-3 .250%
– Kootenay 4 1-3 .250%
– Saskatoon 6 1-5 .167%
– Vancouver 1 0-1 .000%
-------------------------------

Monday, March 16, 2009

Cranbrook Native Jim Hiller Fired

The Chilliwack Bruins announced today that Head Coach Jim Hiller has been relieved of his duties effective immediately.

The move was made after the Bruins finished the regular season with a record of 19-46-2-5andfailed to qualify for the post season. The announcement was made by Bruins President and Governor Darryl Porter. "Our on ice product needs to find the excitement and energy that was evident in our first two seasons," stated Porter. "Our fans have been extremely loyal and patient. They deserve better results than what we have delivered over the past 18 months. It's time for a change of direction and a new approach." "We greatly appreciate the contributions that Jim has made during the past three years. We recognize and thank him for his hard work and dedication to creating a positive atmosphere both on and off the ice. We wish Jim nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

The search for a new Head Coach will begin immediately. "This is an extremely important decision for our franchise and it will not be made in haste," added Porter. "As the hockey season ends for teams at different levels we'll get a better idea of who is available."

Metsola

Since we had so many inquiries our newsroom has contacted Hurricanes' GM Roy Stasiuk on the status of goalie Juha Metsola.
He is doing fine and traveled home with the club after the game at the Rec-Plex.
He suffered a neck strain and a concussion.
Since it's playoff season teams are not required to submit an injury report so his status for the playoffs is not known.

ICE Weekly Report

ICE CHIPS: The KOOTENAY ICE finished the 2008-2009 regular season with a 35-29-2-6 record (21-11-1-3 at home, 14-18-1-3 on the road, 3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts) and in sixth place in the EASTERN CONFERENCE and tenth overall in the WHL…The ICE finished the regular season with an above .500 record for the tenth consecutive season, which is the longest active streak in the WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE…KOOTENAY will be entering the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year and will be facing the BRANDON WHEAT KINGS for the first time in franchise history.

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: The ICE have a career playoff record of 67-48 (36-21 at home, 31-27 on the road, 18-9 in overtime)…KOOTENAY has 149 games of playoff experience which is the tenth most of the teams who qualified for the post season…ANDREW BAILEY (23), DUSTIN SYLVESTER (23), IAN BARTEAUX (17), ERIC FRERE (17), KEVIN KING (17) and TYLAN STEPHENS (17) lead the ICE in games played in the playoffs.

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL: Game Three of the EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINAL vs. BRANDON presented by KAL-TIRE and HUSKY / MOHAWK, will be played at home on Tuesday, March 24th and Game Four on Wednesday, March 25th…The puck will drop for both games at 7:00 pm…Individual game tickets are now available at the KOOTENAY ICE Office and KOOTENAY collectibles.

AQUILINI DEVELOPMENTS HOCKEY CARDS: On March 24th the first 3,000 fans attending Game Three will receive 2008 -2009 KOOTENAY ICE HOCKEY CARDS courtesy of AQUILINI DEVELOPMENTS…After March 24th the cards will be available at the KOOTENAY ICE Office for $5.00.

EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS: The KOOTENAY ICE have announced that EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS for the 2009-2010 season will be the lowest prices ever…Adult tickets will be $399, Seniors (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299, Students $249 (25 and under with a valid Student ID) and Youth $199 (4 to 12 years old)…These prices will be in effect until Friday, May 29…For more information call the KOOTENAY ICE Office at 417-0322.

DID YOU KNOW: KOOTENAY was 2-1-0-1 against the WHEAT KINGS in the regular season…TYLAN STEPHENS (2-4-6), ANDREW BAILEY (4-1-5) and DUSTIN SYLVESTER (2-2-4) led the ICE in scoring against BRANDON this season while ANDREW CLARK (7-3-10), MATT LOWRY (0-8-8) and JAY FEHR (1-6-7) led the WHEAT KINGS…KOOTENAY was 2-0-0-0 when they scored the first goal in the game and 0-1-0-1 when BRANDON scored first…The ICE were 2-0-0-0 when leading after the second period, 0-1-0-0 when losing and 0-0-0-1 when tied…ANDREW BAILEY, who finished the season second in franchise history with 21 game winning goals (NIGEL DAWES – 29), is fifth in franchise history for points scored with 223 (JARRET STOLL – 286, NIGEL DAWES 272, STEVE DASILVA – 235, DALE MAHOVSKY – 234)…BAILEY led the team in power play goals this season with 11.

ONE YEAR AGO: After 72 games of the 2007-2008 season the ICE were 42-22-5-3.

UPCOMING WEEK:
Tuesday March 17 Practice 12:00 – 2:00 pm Cranbrook Rec Plex
Wednesday March 18 Practice 1:15 – 3:15 pm Cranbrook Rec Plex
Thursday March 19 Travel Day
Friday March 20 ICE @ Brandon 6:30 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Saturday March 21 ICE @ Brandon 6:30 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)

WEEK IN REVIEW:
Wednesday, March 11 – Kootenay 2 @ Edmonton 4 – Record 34-28-2-6 – Attendance: 7,474
Goals:
1 – Czerwonka (15) from McNabb and Frere
2 – Czerwonka (16)
Goalies: Todd Mathews (26 Saves, 4 GA), Scott Orth (4 Saves, 0 GA)

Friday, March 13 – Kootenay 1 @ Lethbridge 4 – Record 34-29-2-6 – Attendance: 5,126
Goal:
1 – Stephens (27) from Rintoul and Barteaux
Goalies: Todd Mathews (25 Saves, 4 GA), Nathan Lieuwen (1 Saves, 0 GA)

Saturday, March 14 – Kootenay 4 vs Lethbridge 1 – Record 35-29-2-6 – Attendance: 3,833
Goals:
1 – Bailey (28) from McNabb
2 – Rintoul (8) from Bailey and Reinhart
3 – Barteaux (9) from King and Bailey
4 – Barteaux (10) from McNabb and King
Goalies: Nathan Lieuwen (5 Saves, 0 GA), Todd Mathews (12 Saves, 1 GA)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

ICE Franchise Record Book

Career Regular Season Records
Games
344 Dale Mahovsky, 325 Colin Sinclair, 324 Adam Taylor, 4th 286 Andrew Bailey
Goals
159 Nigel Dawes, 124 Jarret Stoll, 103 Steve DaSilva, 98 Ryan Russell,
5th 96 Andrew Bailey
Goals Defensemen
43 Steve McCarthy, 36 Mike Busto, 27 Trevor Johnson, 25 Chad Greenan, 17 Gerard Dicaire, 15 Cole Fischer,
6th 14 Ian Barteaux,
T-7th 12 Brayden McNabb
Assists
162 Jarret Stoll, 148 Dale Mahovsky, 132 Steve DaSilva, 4th 126 Andrew Bailey
Assists Defenseman
105 Trevor Johnson, 98 Chad Greenan, 98 Mike Busto, 89 John Negrin, 85 Steve McCarthy, 65 Gerard Dicaire, 55 Scott Roles, T-8th 52 Ian Barteaux
Points
286 Jarret Stoll, 272 Nigel Dawes, 235 Steve DaSilva, 234 Dale Mahovsky,
5th 222 Andrew Bailey
Points Defenseman
134 Mike Busto, 132 Trevor Johnson, 128 Steve McCarthy, 123 Chad Greenan, 99 John Negrin, 82 Gerard Dicaire, T-7th 66 Ian Barteaux
Penalty Minutes
817 Graham Belak, 657 Dion Lassu, 529 Dean Arsene, 482 Jason Norrie, 434 Kyle Sheen, 425 Colin Sinclair, 7th 394 Ian Barteaux
PP Goals
60 Nigel Dawes, 54 Jarret Stoll, 3rd 39 Andrew Bailey
SH Goals
11 Duncan Milroy, T-2nd 10 Dustin Sylvester
GW Goals
29 Nigel Dawes, 2nd 21 Andrew Bailey
Overtime Goals
- Mike Busto, 2nd 3 Andrew Bailey

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Kootenay vs Brandon Schedule

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club have announced the dates and times for their best of seven Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Quarter Final series versus the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The ICE finished in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and are 2-1-0-1 against Brandon this season, 1-1-0-0 at home and 1-0-0-1 on the road.

Friday, March 20 @ Brandon – 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 21 @ Brandon – 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 24 @ Kootenay – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 25 @ Kootenay – 7:00 pm
Friday, March 27 @ Brandon – 6:30 pm *
Sunday, March 29 @ Kootenay – 6:00 pm*
Tuesday, March 31 @ Brandon (Winnipeg) – 6:00 pm *
*If necessary
All times listed are in Mountain Standard Time

Tickets for the first round of playoffs will go on sale on Monday, March 16 at 1:00 pm and will be available at the Kootenay ICE Office and Kootenay Collectibles.

ICE Year-End Awards

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE handed out their eleventh annual team awards prior to the start of the game against the Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight. Six different players were recognized for their achievements. The individual winners are listed below:

Rod Hunter Ltd. Players Award – Tylan Stephens

Apollo Ristorante Most Valuable Player – Andrew Bailey

Ron Collision / Dixon Service Centre Top Defenseman – Ian Barteaux

Alpine Toyota Rookie of the Year – Max Reinhart

Skyway Distributors Most Improved Player – Kevin King

BDO Dunwoody Most Underrated Player – Tylan Stephens

East Kootenay Community Credit Union Community Relations Award – Ian Barteaux

Al Flick Scholastic Player of the Year – Brayden McNabb

Jewels on Ninth Player of the Month – Andrew Bailey

East Kootenay Community Credit Union Community Player of the Month – Tylan Stephens

Fan Club’s Player of the Year – Kevin King

The Domino’s Pizza Top Play-off Performer will be announced at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 WHL Playoffs

Kootenay 4 Lethbridge 1

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE scored 4 3rd period goals in a 4-1 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in WHL action on Saturday night.

Hurricanes opened the as Zach Boychuk received a behind the net pass from Crater Bancks and scored on a one-timer.
ICE tied it 1-1 while shorthanded and Andrew Bailey was on a 2-on-1 with a wrist shot high on the stick side.
ICE moved ahead 2-1 as Hayden Rintoul scored after receiving a pass from Bailey as went in on a partial breakaway and put it high on glove side.
On a 5-on-3 power-play Ian Barteaux scored on a snapshot high on the stick side.
ICE ended the scoring while shorthanded as Barteaux scored into an empty net

Hurricanes starting goalie Juha Metsola left the game on stretcher after being involved in a collision in the crease. Michael Tajdeh replaced him in the net with 2:58 left in the 1st period.
The start by ICE goalie Nathan Lieuwen was his first since Jan 29th, but was replaced by Todd Mathews to start the 2nd period.

ICE Scratches – Scott Orth, Cason Machacek, Matt Fraser and Dustin Sylvester.

The ICE finish the regular season I 6th place in the standings and will meet #3 Brandon in the 1st round of the playoffs. It’s the 1st time they will have ever met in the post season.
Games 1 & 2 are in Brandon Friday and Saturday.
Games 3 & 4 are in Cranbrook Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th.
Lethbridge finish in 7th place and will meet #2 Saskatoon in the 1st round.

Game Summary
Lethbridge 35-31-3-2 Kootenay 35-29-2-6

1st Period
No Scoring.
Penalties – Boomer Ktn (trippng) 8:57, Bailey Ktn (roughing) 20:00.
2nd Period
No Scoring.
Penalties – Boychuk Leth (interference) 8:09, Yadlowski Leth (holding) 10:40, Bancks Leth (check from behind) 11:29, Ryckman Leth (interference) 16:11, Bancks Leth King Ktn (roughing) 16:54, Barteaux Ktn (interference) 18:08.
3rd Period
1. Lethbridge, Boychuk 28 (Bancks) :22
2. Kootenay, Bailey 28 (McNabb) 3:47 sh
3. Kootenay, Rintoul 8 (Bailey, Reinhart) 12:04
4. Kootenay, Barteaux 9 (King, Bailey) 16:07 pp
5. Kootenay, Barteaux (2) 10 (McNabb) 17:55 sh en
Penalties – Frere Ktn (holding) :33, Martin Ktn (roughing) 2:22, Versteeg Leth (holding) 14:39, King Leth (tripping) 15:30,
Shots on goal by
Lethbridge - 5 – 4 - 9 = 18
Kootenay - 14 – 9 – 13 = 36
Goal (shots-saves) – Lethbridge: Juha Metsola (11-11), Michael Tadjdeh (L 10-9-0-0) (17:02 1st period) Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen 5-5), Todd Mathews (W 17-18-0-3)
Power plays (goals-chances) - Lethbridge: 0/6 Kootenay: 1/6
Referees – Derek Herman, Graham Skilliter
Linesmen – Steve Cochrane, Jim Maniago
Attendance – 3,833

Lethbridge 4 Kootenay 1

Tylan Stephens scored the only goal for the ICE in a 4-1 loss in Lethbridge. Stephens is tied with Andrew Bailey for the team lead with 27 goals.
Tonight the ICE host the Hurricanes.
An ICE win in regulation and they clinch 6th and will play Brandon in the 1st round of the playoffs.
A Hurricanes win in regulation, overtime or shootout with put the ICE in 7th and would play Saskatoon.
An ICE win in overtime or a shootout and they will have to wait for tomorrow's result of the Lethbridge vs Calgary game to see where they finish in the standings. If the Hurricanes earn a point against the ICE and a win against Calgary they get 6th. Any type off loss would put the ICE in 6th. A regulation loss to the ICE and the game against Calgary means nothing.
Before tonight's opening faceoff the ICE will hand out their Year-End Awards.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Edmonton 4 Kootenay 2

Oil Kings scored 3 3rd period goals in a 4-2 win over the ICE in Edmonton.
ICE were outscored 12-3 in the 3 games at Rexall Place.
Drew Czerwonka had both the goals and now has 16.
ICE need 2 wins against Lethbridge and a Medicine Hat loss to finish 5th.
ICE needs 1 win in regulation to clinch 6th.
2 regulation losses to Lethbridge will put the ICE in 7th.
With OT and SOL there are other scenarios but this is the basic situation going into the final weekend of the regular season.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Letter From DaSilva



Hello Ice fans,
As some of you may or may not have known, I have just returned from Harbin, China where I got my first ever opportunity to wear the Team Canada jersey. It was an amazing experience getting to go over to China and have the opportunity to play for my country. We never did reach our goal of winning gold as we fell short in the Gold Medal Game losing to Russia 4-2. Personally I had a good tournament getting to play along Canada's best I finished with 5 goals, 5 assists for 10 points in 6 games. Also I was given the responsibility of wearing an "A" for the team which really surprised me cause I am only a first year playing along with majority of 3rd and 4th year guys. That just added to the experience I had.

As for China itself it is an amazing place, getting to see the culture and how people act is just such an interesting thing. I'm not a big fish eater so I had a hard time trying to find something to eat but I never went hungry. Thankly there was a Pizza Hut and a McDonald's close to the athlete's village. We never got to see the Great Wall of China but we did get to see the world famous Harbin Ice Festival. It is a small village where all the buildings are made of ice and at night time they light up and the view is amazing. The best part of my trip (other than the hockey of course) was getting into a cab and going to the markets. The way people drive there is very different than the way they drive in North America and it was just an experience on its own.

The season is winding down for me this year, as we start playoffs this weekend at home against the UBC Thunderbirds. Playing in the CIS and going to school was something I was not sure if I would like, but everyday the decision I made back in Augest keeps looking better an better. If I would have tried to play pro, I would not have gotten the opportunity to play for my country for the first time and get to go over to China and experience all of that. Also, I would not be getting the education that I am getting at the University of Saskatchewan. Thanks to Ed Chynoweth for making this possible because without what he did there would be a lot of guys who played in the WHL not at school and he made it possible. Again thank you Ice fans for all the support you gave me during my time there. Continue to support those boys this year, there a young team that could really benefit from a rowdy crowd come playoff time. I hope to see you all in the summer at the Alumni Golf Tournament if I get invited back that is. Thank you again GO ICE GO.

Steve Da Silva

Monday, March 9, 2009

ICE Weekly Report

ICE CHIPS: The KOOTENAY ICE enter the final week of the 2008-2009 regular season with a 34-27-2-6 record (20-11-1-3 at home, 14-16-1-3 on the road, 3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts) and in sixth place in the EASTERN CONFERENCE and tenth overall in the WHL…The ICE will finish the regular season with a .500 or better record for the tenth consecutive season, which is the longest active streak in the WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE…KOOTENAY clinched a playoff spot for the 11th consecutive year on March 6 in RED DEER…This week the ICE will travel to EDMONTON (March 11) and LETHBRIDGE (March 13) before finishing the regular season at home against HURRICANES (March 14).

ST. EUGENE GOLF RESORT & CASINO NIGHT: On March 14 when the ICE host the LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES it will be ST. EUGENE GOLF RESORT & CASINO NIGHT Night…Fans at the game that are 19 years or older will have the chance to win prizes.

TAILGATE PARTY: On Saturday, March 14 when the ICE host the LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES there will be a TAILGATE PARTY hosted by the KOOTENAY ICE and the KOOTENAY ICE FAN CLUB…From 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the CRANBROOK RECPLEX parking lot there will be food, drinks, prizes and music for the whole family…This TAILGATE will be sponsored by MAPLE LEAF, SCHNEIDERS, PEPSI, A&W, BRIDGE INTERIORS, CITY OF CRANBROOK, ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISC JOCKEY and OLD DUTCH.

EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS: The KOOTENAY ICE have announced that EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS for the 2009-2010 season will be the lowest prices ever…Adult tickets will be $399, Seniors (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299, Students $249 (25 and under with a valid Student ID) and Youth $199 (4 to 12 years old)…These prices will be in effect until Friday, May 29…For more information call the KOOTENAY ICE Office at 417-0322.

SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP: This year KOOTENAY are facing off against the rest of the CENTRAL DIVISION for a different kind of trophy…The SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP tallies points from head-to-head meetings in the CENTRAL DIVISION and the team with the most points in those head-to-heads at the end of the regular season will be awarded the SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP…Fans can get involved by answering weekly trivia questions to win prizes…To get to the CHALLENGE CUP webpage click on the link at www.kootenayice.net

DID YOU KNOW: The ICE lead the League in overtime games with 17 (3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts)…KOOTENAY is 17-11-0-3 against the CENTRAL DIVISION and 29-19-2-5 against the EASTERN CONFERENCE this season…The ICE are 20-1-1-0 when leading after the second period, 5-22-0-4 when losing and 9-4-1-2 when tied….KOOTENAY is 26-4-1-1 when they score the first goal of the game and 8-23-1-5 when their opponent scores first…ANDREW BAILEY, who is second in franchise history with 21 game winning goals (NIGEL DAWES – 29), is fifth in franchise history for points scored with 220 (JARRET STOLL – 286, NIGEL DAWES 272, STEVE DASILVA – 235, DALE MAHOVSKY – 234).

SCORING STREAKS: ANDREW BAILEY (5-5-10) has recorded at least a point in his last six games...TYLAN STEPHENS (2-2-4), KEVIN KING (2-3-5), JOE ANTILLA (1-2-3) have each recorded at least a point in their last three games.

INJURIES: DUSTIN SYLVESTER will be out of the ICE line up two to three weeks with an ankle injury…NATHAN LIEUWEN (concussion) and TYLER VANSCOURT (shoulder) will both be out of the KOOTENAY line up day to day.

ONE YEAR AGO: After 69 games of the 2007-2008 season the 41-20-5-3, after 70 games 42-20-5-3 and after 71 games 42-21-5-3.

UPCOMING WEEK:
Wednesday March 11 ICE @ Edmonton 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Thursday March 12 Practice 4:00 – 5:45 pm Cranbrook Rec Plex
Friday March 13 ICE @ Lethbridge 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Saturday March 14 ICE vs Lethbridge 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)

WEEK IN REVIEW:
Tuesday, March 3 – Kootenay 1 vs Red Deer 3 – Record 31-27-2-6 – Attendance: 3,455
Goal:
1 – Pacovsky (8) from Reinhart and Bailey
Goalie: Todd Mathews (20 Saves, 3 GA)

Friday, March 6 – Kootenay 3 @ Red Deer 2 – Record 32-27-2-6 – Attendance: 5,232
Goals:
1 – Stephens (26) from Antilla and King
2 – King (20) from Rintoul and Frere
3 – Bailey (25) from McNabb and Reinhart
Goalie: Todd Mathews (26 Saves, 2 GA)

Saturday, March 7 – Kootenay 4 @ Medicine Hat 1 – Record 33-27-2-6 – Attendance: 4,006
Goals:
1 – Antilla (6) from Machacek and King
2 – Stephens (27) from McNabb and Bailey
3 – Boomer (2)
4 – McNabb (9) from Bailey and Stephens
Goalie: Todd Mathews (20 Saves, 1 GA)

Sunday, March 8 – Kootenay 5 vs Medicine Hat 2 – Record 34-27-2-6 – Attendance: 3,528
Goals:
1 – King (21) from Antilla and Stephens
2 – Czerwonka (14) from Boomer and Reinhart
3 – Bailey (26) from Pacovsky and Barteaux
4 – Barteaux (8) from Boomer and Fox
5 – Bailey (27) from King
Goalie: Todd Mathews (21 Saves, 2 GA)

ICE Coaching Alumni

Cory Clouston with the NHL Ottawa Senators has coached 16 games and has a record of 8-5-3.
Brad Lauer with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals has the 2nd best record in the entire league. Head Coach Lane Lambert's wife has had some health issues and Lauer has been the Head Coach for a few games this season.
Ryan McGill and the AHL Quad City Flames are at .500 and are only 5 points out of a playoff spot.
Colin Patterson and the Peterborough Phantoms are in 1st place in the EPL with a 34-14 record. Their playoff season ends on April 12th.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Kootenay 5 Medicine Hat 2

Cranbrook, BC – Kootenay ICE Captain Andrew Bailey scored 2 3rd period breakaway goals in a 5-2 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers in WHL action on Sunday night.

ICE opened the scoring on a power-play as the club won a puck battle behind the net and Kevin King was alone in front for a chip in.
Tigers tied it on 4-on-3 power-play as Tomas Kundratek was left alone in the slot and scored on a wrist shot on the stick side.
ICE regained the lead on a 2-on-1 break as Drew Czerwonka finished a pass from Steele Boomer.
ICE made it 3-1 as Dominik Pacovsky stole the puck in the Tigers’ and fed Andrew Bailey on a partial breakaway and scored on a backhand deke.
On a delayed penalty Ian Barteaux scored with a slap shot through the goalies legs.
Tigers had only 1 shot on goal in the 3rd and it was a goal from Josh Koper who got originated the shot from behind the net and put it into the net off an ICE player.
Bailey ended the scoring on a breakaway with a wrist shot high on the glove side.

ICE will visit Edmonton on Wednesday.

ICE Scratches – Nathan Lieuwen (concussion, 18th missed game), Tyler Vanscourt (shoulder, 20th missed game), Dustin Sylvester (ankle, 31st missed game), Matt Fraser and Michael Cassivi.

Game Summary
Medicine Hat 35-28-4-3 Kootenay 35-29-2-3

1st Period
1. Kootenay, King 21 (Antilla, Stephens) 14:43 pp
2. Medicine Hat, Kundratek 4 (Vey) 17:02 pp
Penalties – Carr MH (boarding) 1:59, Pacovsky MH (tripping) 2:10, Bailey Ktn (hooking) 5:08, Dunstall MH (roughing) 13:54, Gal MH Czerwonka Ktn (roughing) 15:45, Pacovsky Ktn (kneeing) 17:11.
2nd Period
3. Kootenay, Czerwonka 14 (Boomer, Reinhart) 10:59
Penalties – Montgomery MH (tripping) 7:59.
3rd Period
4. Kootenay, Bailey 26 (Bailey, Barteaux) 8:46
5. Kootenay, Barteaux 8 (Boomer, Fox) 10:50
6. Medicine Hat, Koper 4 (Frazer, Carr) 15:47
7. Kootenay, Bailey 27 (2) (King) 17:37
Penalties – Dunstall MH (check from behind) Konan MH (fighting) Machacek Ktn (fighting) 2:17, Bosch MH (roughing) 4:25, McCue MH (roughing) 6:02, Hamilton MH Hurley Ktn (roughing) 13:53, Hamilton MH Machacek Ktn (fighting) 19:48, Montgomery MH (roughing) Carr MH (fighting) Czerwonka Ktn (roughing) Hurley Ktn (fighting) 20:00.
Shots on goal by
Medicine Hat – 13 - 9 – 1 = 23
Kootenay - 9 – 15 – 20 = 44
Goal (shots-saves) – Medicine Hat: Tyler Bunz (L 9-6-0-1) Kootenay: Todd Mathews (W 16-16-0-3)
Power plays (goals-chances) – Medicine Hat: 1/3 Kootenay: 1/6
Referees – Nathan Wieler, Derek Zalaski
Linesmen – Aidan Henderson, Scott Pryor
Attendance – 3,528

Kootenay 4 Medicine Hat 1

ICE defenseman Brayden McNabb had 2 goals in a 4-1 win in Medicine Hat.
Joe Antilla and Steele Boomer had the other goals.
The clubs wil meet for the 6th and final time Sunday night at the Rec-Plex.
ICE are in 6th, 3 points behind the 5th place Tigers and also have a game in hand. Lethbridge is 7th, 1 point back of the ICE.
Andrew Bailey had 2 assists and passed Ryan Russell for 5th in all-time career points with 218.
Sunday Bailey will tie Adam Cracknell for 4th in all-time regular season games played at 283.
Ian Barteaux left the game late in the 2nd period after receieving a Tigers' players thumb in his eye. The gouging left him with very poor vision and is questionable for Sunday's game.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think the most amazing part of the ICE making the playoffs for the 11th year in a row, isn't the fact they have the 2nd youngest line-up in the league, not the fact they had so many long term injuries to key players and not the fact they traded for the future at the trade deadline. It's was the tough schedule. 8 games against Calgary, 6 each vs Medicine Hat & Lethbridge and 4 each vs Saskatoon, Brandon & Swift Current. Plus 5 against Spokane.
2. I think travel will be the key topic of the ICE 1st round opponent. 10-hour drive to Saskatoon. 14-hour trip with a 1-hour time difference with Brandon. (plus if there is a game 7 it would be played in Winnipeg, 16 hour drive) Even if they move up to play Swift Current it's a 7-hour drive. No matter who they play the format will be 2-2-1-1-1 and not 2-3-2.
3. I think if I was Prince Albert, Edmonton, Regina or Red Deer I would like to see a crossover were teams could qualify for a playoff spot in the other conference. All 4 could be in a playoff spot in the West while only 1 will make it in the East.
4. I think it's been a while since we had a 50-goal man in the WHL Joel Broda has reached the plateau. Last reached by Justin Keller in 05-06. Eric Christensen and Nigel Dawes did it in 04-05.
5. I think the Vancouver Giants are finding it hard to have something to play for. They pretty well clinched a division and conference title weeks ago. They have suffered losses to Kelowna and Calgary in recent weeks and still can finish 1st overall.
6. I think the West is up for grabs after Tri City and Spokane have suffered some injuries in recent weeks. It's being kept secret as to how long Americans #1 goalie Chet Pickard is out. While the Chiefs have lost defensemen Jared Cowen and Trevor Glass.
7. I think it has opened the door for Kelowna who has as 16-3-0-1 record in their last 20 games. Their losses have been to Red Deer, Chilliwack, Portland and Seattle. 3 of those 4 will miss the playoffs.
8. I think the WHL record for most road wins in a season will be broken this year. 99-00 Calgary set the mark at 28. Saskatoon has 28 road wins with 2 more to play. Vancouver has 27 with 2 more to play.
9. I think it shouldn't be a secret that the WHL will use video replay for goals in all WHL playoff games. Once the technology will be in place for all WHL arenas they can use it for all regular season games starting next season.
10. I think these are some non WHL thoughts.
(a) I think I can't wait for Monday's to watch 24 & House.
(b) I think it's disturbing to hear some NHL coaches and GM's laughing at how much media attention is now being given to the NHL trade deadline. I agree it's overboard but would the league rather have the media do nothing all week and just wait for a press release. Embrace the hype if it's giving your league more attention. In the USA the NHL gets less coverage than high school football.
(c) I think for this years' baseball draft I will be selecting a lot of the up and coming stars. All of the current ones have an alleged tainted reputation for using performance enhancing drugs and may not play the full season.

Kootenay 3 Red Deer 2

ICE scored 2 power-play goals in a 3-2 win in Red Deer.
ICE and Rebels split thier 8-game series.
All were 1 goal games expect when there was an empty netter to make the difference 2 goals.
The ICE have clinched a playoff spot and can finish no lower than 7th in the conference.
Kevin King had 1 goal and 1 assist, Tylan Stephens got his team leading 26th.
Andrew Bailey had the game winner, and in now 2nd all-time with 20 career game winning goals. (29 Nigel Dawes).
Bailey is 6th all-time with 216 career points (217 Ryan Russell, 215 Mike Green).
ICE will play Medicine Hat in a home and home to wrap-up the weekend. Saturday in Medicine Hat, Sunday at the Rec-Plex.
It's time change weekend as we spring a ahead 1-hour.

Friday, March 6, 2009

ICE Clinch Playoff Spot



ICE are in the postseason for the 11th year in a row. Calgary is the only team with a longer active streak at 12 years.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Kootenay @ Red Deer

The Kootenay ICE are in Red Deer Friday.
With a win the ICE will clinch a playoff spot.
It's the 8th and final meeting of the year between the clubs and the Rebels lead the series 4-3.
The game is the 1st of 3 games in 3 nights as they'll visit Medicine Hat Saturday and will host the Tigers on Sunday.
Steele Boomer has receieved medical clearance and will return to the line-up in one of the 3 games on the weekend.
15-year-old Brendan Hurley, the club's 1st pick in the 2008 Bantam Draft, will be with the club this weekend as well.

'Season Ticket holders: If you have not bought your playoff packages your seats will be released on Monday morning'

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Coyote Dawes

Former ICE Captain Nigel Dawes has been traded to the Phoenix Coyotes.

NHL Trade Deadline

A couple of names have caught my attention as NHL trade are being announced. These are guys the ICE have played against even though they weren't from the WHL.
Pascal Leclaire - played for Halifax in the 2000 Memorial Cup. He and Dan Blackburn were rated as the top goalies for the 2001 NHL Draft. Leclaire went 8th overall to Columbus and Blakburn 10th overal to the Rangers.
I was lucky enough to be at that draft in Florida and the feeling was Columbus was going to take Blackburn.
Matthew Lombardi - played for Victoriaville in the 2002 Memorial Cup. He was 2nd in the QJHMJ scoring race.
Antoine Vermette - also played for Victoriaville in the 2002 Memorial Cup. Only played 4 games in the rgular season because of a concussion/neck injury. In the playoffs had 26 points in 20 games.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Red Deer 3 Kootenay 1

Cranbrook, BC – Red Deer goalie Darcy Kuemper made 3 saves in a 2-1 win over the Kotenay ICE in WHL action on Tuesday Night.

ICE opened the scoring on a power-play as Max Reinhart passed to Dominik Pacovsky near the net and he redirected the puck into the net.
Rebels tied the game 1-1 early in the 2nd period as Landon Ferraro scored on a partial breakaway with a wrist shot high on the glove side.
Rebels took a 2-1 lead on a defelection from Adam Kambeitz.
Ferraro added an empty netter.

ICE will visit Red Deer on Friday.

ICE Scratches – Nathan Lieuwen (concussion, 15th missed game), Tyler Vanscourt (shoulder, 17th missed game), Dustin Sylvester (ankle, 28th missed game) and Steele Boomer (concussion, 23rd missed game).

Game Summary
Red Deer 22-34-1-9 Kootenay 31-27-2-6

1st Period
1. Kootenay, Pacovsky 8 (Reinhart, Bailey) 19:42 pp
Penalties – Egener RD (high sticking) 6:53, Coetzee RD (high sticking) 18:13.
2nd Period
2. Red Deer, Ferraro 33 (Esposito, Kivisto) 3:31
Penalties – Wray RD (tripping) :18, Esposito RD Barteaux Ktn (roughing) 7:39, Wray RD (slashing) 11:17, Ismond Ktn (charging) 16:54.
3rd Period
3. Red Deer, Kambeitz 3 (Archer, Ferguson) 3:28
4. Red Deer, Ferraro (2) 34 19:31 en
Penalties – Frere Ktn (interference) 1:05.
Shots on goal by
Red Deer - 5 – 10 – 8 = 23
Kootenay – 16 – 10 – 8 = 34
Goal (shots-saves) – Red Deer: Darcy Kuemper (W 18-22-1-7) Kootenay: Todd Mathews (L 13-16-0-3)
Power plays (goals-chances) – Red Deer: 0/2 Kootenay: 1/4
Referees – Trevor Hanson, Pat Smith
Linesmen – Matthew Barker, Jim Maniago
Attendance – 3,455

Canada West All-Stars

FIRST TEAM POSITION CLASS HOMETOWN GP G A PT
Aaron Sorochan, Alberta Goaltender 4 YR Senior Edmonton 18 1.66 .937
Travis Friedley, Calgary Defence 4 YR Senior Delia, AB 26 4 14 18
Kyle Fecho, Alberta Defence Junior Hanna, AB 26 7 8 15
Steven DaSilva, Saskatchewan Forward Freshman Saskatoon 26 18 23 41
Chad Klassen, Alberta Forward Junior Saskatoon 26 12 25 37
Steven Gillen, Saskatchewan Forward Sophomore Kindersley, SK 25 11 19 30

SECOND TEAM POSITION CLASS HOMETOWN GP G A PT
Steve Christie, Manitoba Goaltender Junior Winnipeg 28 2.41 .919
Derek Endicott, Saskatchewan Defence 5 YR Sr Saskatoon 21 5 4 9
Jason Fransoo, Alberta Defence Sophomore N.Battleford, SK 26 4 9 13
Ben Kilgour, Alberta Forward 5 YR Senior Leduc, AB 26 13 13 26
Derek Ryan, Alberta Forward Sophomore Spokane, WA 25 16 19 35
Kyle Ross, Regina Forward Sophomore Regina 26 8 13 21

ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM POSITION CLASS HOMETOWN GP G A PT
Dustin Butler, Calgary Goaltender Freshman Calgary 14 3.16 .893
Dylan Chapman, Regina Defence Freshman Vancouver 28 5 12 17
Matt Pepe, British Columbia Defence Freshman London, ON 24 3 4 7
Steven DaSilva, Saskatchewan Forward Freshman Saskatoon 26 18 23 41
Chris Durand, Saskatchewan Forward Freshman Saskatoon 27 8 9 17
Brock Nixon, Calgary Forward Freshman Russell 28 13 12 25

Monday, March 2, 2009

ICE Weekly Report

ICE CHIPS: The KOOTENAY ICE enter this week’s action with a 31-26-2-6 record (19-10-1-3 at home, 12-16-1-3 on the road, 3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts) and in sixth place in the EASTERN CONFERENCE and tenth overall in the WHL…This week the ICE will host RED DEER (March 3) before traveling to RED DEER (March 6) and MEDICINE HAT (March 7).

TAILGATE PARTY: On Saturday, March 14 when the ICE host the LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES there will be a TAILGATE PARTY hosted by the KOOTENAY ICE and the KOOTENAY ICE FAN CLUB…From 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the CRANBROOK RECPLEX parking lot there will be food, drinks, prizes and music for the whole family…This TAILGATE will be sponsored by MAPLE LEAF, SCHNEIDERS, PEPSI, A&W, BRIDGE INTERIORS, CITY OF CRANBROOK, AL BEABLE and OLD DUTCH.

EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS: The KOOTENAY ICE have announced that EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKETS for the 2009-2010 season will be the lowest prices ever…Adult tickets will be $399, Seniors (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299, Students $249 (25 and under with a valid Student ID) and Youth $199 (4 to 12 years old)…These prices will be in effect until Friday, May 29…For more information call the KOOTENAY ICE Office at 417-0322.

FAMILY PACKS: The ICE have FAMILY PACKS on sale for Tuesday, March 3 and Sunday, March 8 home games…FAMILY PACKS are $45.00 and include two adult tickets, two youth or student tickets, a parking voucher, a game program voucher, and two McDonald Happy Meal vouchers…For more information, or to purchase a FAMILY PACK, call or visit the KOOTENAY ICE Office.

SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP: This year KOOTENAY are facing off against the rest of the CENTRAL DIVISION for a different kind of trophy…The SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP tallies points from head-to-head meetings in the CENTRAL DIVISION and the team with the most points in those head-to-heads at the end of the regular season will be awarded the SUBWAY CENTRAL DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP…Fans can get involved by answering weekly trivia questions to win prizes…To get to the CHALLENGE CUP webpage click on the link at www.kootenayice.net

DID YOU KNOW: The ICE lead the League in overtime games with 17 (3-2 in overtime and 6-6 in shootouts)…KOOTENAY is 14-10-0-3 against the CENTRAL DIVISION and 26-18-2-5 against the EASTERN CONFERENCE this season… KOOTENAY is 18-1-1-0 when leading after the second period, 5-22-0-4 when losing and 8-3-1-2 when tied….The ICE are 23-3-1-1 when they score the first goal of the game and 8-23-1-5 when their opponent scores first…TODD MATHEWS recorded his second career shutout against MEDICINE HAT (30 Saves)…TYLAN STEPHENS played in his 200 WHL career game February 25 against PRINCE ALBERT.

SCORING STREAKS: TYLAN STEPHENS (4-4-8) has recorded a point in each of his last seven games…BRAYDEN MCNABB (2-6-8) and KEVIN KING (3-3-6) have recorded at least a point in each of their last five games…IAN BARTEAUX (2-1-3) has recorded a point in each of his last three games.

INJURIES: NATHAN LIEUWEN will be out of the KOOTENAY line up indefinitely with a concussion…DUSTIN SYLVESTER will be out of the ICE line up three to five weeks with an ankle injury…TYLER VANSCOURT (shoulder) and STEELE BOOMER (concussion) will be out of the ICE line up week to week with their injuries.

ONE YEAR AGO: After 65 games of the 2007-2008 season the ICE 38-20-5-2, after 66 games 38-20-5-3 and after 67 games 39-20-5-3.

UPCOMING WEEK:
Tuesday March 3 ICE vs. Red Deer 7:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Wednesday March 4 Practice 4:00 – 5:45 pm Cranbrook Rec Plex
Thursday March 5 Practice 12:00 – 1:00 pm Cranbrook Rec Plex
Friday March 6 ICE @ Red Deer 7:30 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Saturday March 7 ICE @ Medicine Hat 7:30 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)
Sunday March 8 ICE vs. Medicine Hat 6:00 pm (102.9 FM – The Drive)

WEEK IN REVIEW:
Wednesday, February 25 – Kootenay 3 vs Prince Albert 5 – Record 29-26-2-6 – Attendance: 3,707
Goals:
1 – Barteaux (6) from Stephens and King
2 – Czerwonka (12) from Rintoul and Machacek
3 – Reinhart (11) from McNabb and Frere
Goalies: Todd Mathews (20 Saves, 5 GA), Scott Orth (4 Saves, 0 GA)

Friday, February 27 – Kootenay 5 vs Regina 3 – Record 30-26-2-6 – Attendance: 4,015
Goals:
1 – Czerwonka (13) from Fox and Barteaux
2 – Bailey (23) from Antilla and Frere
3 – King (19) from McNabb and Bailey
4 – Stephens (24) from Rintoul and King
5 – Bailey (24) from Pacovsky
Goalie: Todd Mathews (20 Saves, 3 GA)

Saturday, February 28 – Kootenay 2 vs Medicine Hat 0 – Record 31-26-2-6 – Attendance: 4,006
Goals:
1 – Stephens (25) from King and McNabb
2 – Barteaux (7) from Bailey
Goalie: Todd Mathews (30 Saves, 0 GA)

Jersey Night

The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club is pleased to announce that the Jersey off the Back raised $9,420 for the Kootenay ICE Education Fund.
On Friday, February 27th when the ICE hosted the Regina Pats, the game worn white jerseys were auctioned off in a silent auction. Forward Drew Czerwonka’s game worn jersey brought in the most money at $700 followed closely behind by Andrew Bailey’s jersey at $650.
The jersey winners will receive their jerseys at the conclusion of 2009 playoff season.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Canada Silver

Russia broke a 2-2 tie with two goals in 46 seconds late in the third period to defeat defending champion Canada 4-2 in the men's hockey final of the 24th Winter Universiade in China.

Kootenay 2 Medicine Hat 0

ICE netminder Todd Mathews made 30 saves for his 2nd SO of the season in a 2-0 win in Medicine Hat.
It's the clubs' 5th SO of the year and 1st on the road.
Tylan Stephens scored his team leading 25th and Ian Barteaux added the insurance.
Both goals came 1:11 apart midway through the 3 period.
ICE magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now 1 win.
The club will host Red Deer on Tuesday.