Friday, May 28, 2010

U-17 in Winnipeg

The Under-17 tournament will be held Dec 28-Jan 4 in Winnipeg.
Here are the ICE prospects who have been invited to their provinces evaluation camps.

Pacific
BC - MacKenzie Skapski, Mike Simpson,
Alberta - Matt Benning, Sam Johnson

West
Saskatchewan - Colby Cave, Jared Iron, Levi Cable
Manitoba - Kurt Johnas

U-16 Canada Winter Games

For the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax Nova Scotia there will be an Under-16 hockey tournament. (in the past it was the Under-17).
The event takes place Feb 11-27.

The ICE have prospects who have been invited to their provinces evaluation camps.
BC - Sam Reinhart
Alberta - to be announced (ICE selected 6 Alberta players in the Bantam Draft so a few should be invited)
Saskatchewan - Tanner Faith
Manitoba - Cole DePape and Jonathan Martin.

Knoblach on Team Pacific for U-17

BC Hockey announced the staff for Team Pacific that will compete at the 2011 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Winnipeg from December 28 - January 4.

The Head Coach is Robert Dirk, whose son Jagger plays for the ICE.

The Assistant Coach is Kris Knoblauch who has been involved with the BC Hockey high performance program for the past three years.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

Ryan Russell and Ben Maxwell were the last ICE Alumni to be playing hockey but their season came to an end last night as the Hamilton Bulldogs lost 4-2 to Texas in Game 7 of the AHL semi-finals.
Bulldogs led 2-0 with 6 minutes left in the 2nd period.

WHL Roster Breakdowns

Here is a team-by-team look at the players who are eligible to return for the 10-11 season.
They are based on who was on the teams' roster at the end of the season.
The rosters include players who have signed pro contracts and may not return to the WHL.
They also include some NCAA players who have indicated they will no longer play college hockey and may play in the WHL.
The lists include Import players who are still on the WHL roster for the time being.

Brandon
20 – Hayes, DeSerres, Robak, Schneider, Bestland, Hamonic, Hale, Wiebe, Raedeke, Toews,
19 – Melnychuk, Schenn, Glennie, Ciarelli,
18 – Miller, Stone, Sinatynski, Walker, Ferland,
17 – Fransoo,
16 -
Import - Urbom 20 Sweden, Rajala 19 Finland

Calgary
20 – Jones, Stone, Aschim, Stebner, Kozun, Schultz, Fiddler, Burgart, Foucault, Shattock,
19 – Snider, McKenzie, Wilson, Hilton, Bubnick,
18 – Sylvester, Royer, Kirsch, Beach,
17 – Kosterman, Rissling,
16 -
Import - Fisenko 20 Russia,

Chilliwack
20 – Gore, Einhorn, Manning, Neigum,
19 – Gamble, Howse,
18 – Habsheid, Stahl, Sundher, Wentworth, McKinlay, Collins, Crooks,
17 – Topping, Traber, Persley,
16 – Hodges,
Import - Horak 19 Czech Rep, Soudek 19 Czech Rep,

Edmonton
20 – Van de Mosselaer, Hlookoff, Piluso,
19 – Werbowski, Burns, Rachinski, Proulx, Abney,
18 – Lanigan, Pysyk, Laroque, Foster, Wruck, Maclise, Balness,
17 – Brossoit, Lowe, Dech, Ewanyk, St. Croix, Wilson, Legault,
16 – Moroz,
Import - Svendsen 19 Denmark,

Everett
20 – Heemskerk, de la Lande, Kulchar, Iwanski, Cumiskey,
19 – Sohor, Maxwell, Froese, Tochkin, MacDonald,
18 – Simpson, Theriau, Minville, McCrea, Elynuik, McGrath,
17 – Murray, Giebel,
16 -
Import - Rissanen 19 Finland, Gudas 20 Czech Rep

Kamloops
20 – Fienhage, Hall,
19 – Groenheyde, Saip, Caron, Maschmeyer, Trask, Schaber,
18 – Underwood, Madaisky, Haynes, Ranford, Willick, DePape,
17 – Hansen, Mowat, Smith, Lipon, Dieno,
16 -
Import - Bortnak 19 Slovakia,

Kelowna
20 – Bloodoff, McMillan, St. Denis, Matheson, Wudrick,
19 – Brown, Bowman, Barrie, Callahan, Ito, Chikie,
18 – Chapman, Jobke, Corbin, Main, Adolph, Bulmer, Aschim,
17 – Johnston, McColgan, Astles,
16 – Siebert,
Import -

Kootenay
20 – Mathews, Fraser, Boomer, King,
19 – Lieuwen, Rintoul, McNabb, Martin, Ismond, Antilla,
18 – Paulsen, Leach, Magnus, Czerwonka, Reinhart, Montgomery, Pearce,
17 – Dirk, Hurley,
16 -
Import - Pacovsky 20 Czech Rep,

Lethbridge
20 – Ross, Reddington, Maxwell,
19 – Yadlowski, Machacek, Braes, Fyten, Sutter,
18 – Anderson, Ryckman, Oslanski, Johnston, Reners, Moser, Tarnasky, Hood,
17 – Jackson, Tot,
16 -
Import - Kolppanen 18 Finland, Berglund 19 Sweden

Medicine Hat
20 – Coyle, Carr, Frazer, King, Gal, Hamilton, McKay,
19 – Dubyk, Konan, Sohn, Vey, Grbavac, Pitlick,
18 – Bunz, McKay, Kessy, Etem,
17 – Busenius, Bredo, Petryk, Valk,
16 -
Import - Okal 20 Czech Rep,

Moose Jaw
20 – Bosch, Suer, Frazee, Hood, Rowinski, Edwards,
19 – Atkinson, Smith, Reinbolt, Paradis,
18 – Glover, Cox, McIlrath, McFaull, Ehrhardt, McMaster, Howden, Gale,
17 – Kornelsen,
16 -
Import - Honejsek 19 Czech Rep,

Portland
20 – Curtis, Walker, Bennett, Jordan,
19 – Ponich, Aronson, Gabriel, Boychuk,
18 – Carruth, Rutkowski, Morrow, Ross, Johansen, Kopitar, Peters,
17 – Wotherspoon, Rattie, Swenson,
16 – Pouliot,
Import - Sbisa 20 Switzerland, Niederreiter 18 Switzerland

Prince Albert
20 – Deck, Rowley, Wall, Hickmott, Reddin,
19 – Tucker, Button, Kochan, Herrod, Maylan, Herle, Penner, Parker,
18 – Hrynyk, Yaworski, Harrison,
17 – Ruopp, McNeill,
16 -
Import - Revenko 20 Belarus, Warg 20 Sweden

Prince George
20 – Jahraus, Torbohm, Stanfield, Dobrowlowski, Orser,
19 – Wright, Stremmel, Bidlevskii, Asuchak,
18 – McDonald, Gibb, Connolly, Fraser, Buonassisi, Hirsche, Makin,
17 – Forsberg, Dumais,
16- Smith, Bourke, Rigby,
Import - Vlach 18 Czech Rep,

Red Deer
20 – Kuemper, Barnstable, Archer, Bell, Haber, Ferguson, Coetzee,
19 – Weller, Borejko, Ferraro, Cowen,
18 – Petrovic, Witt, Kambeitz, Elson, Scheidl,
17 – Nugent-Hopkins, Siwak, Mayor,
16 – Dumba,
Import - Persson 18 Sweden, Kudrna 19 Slovakia

Regina
20 – Teubert, Eberle, Orfino, Mappin,
19 – Ketlo, Davidson, Sparrow, Carlson, Mulder, Mitchell, Ashton,
18 – Guhle, Spooner, Weal, Favreau, Reider, Parker,
17 – Bell, Borstmayer,
16 -
Import - Hricina 20 Slovakia, Gustafsson 19 Sweden

Saskatoon
20 – Stanford, Zahn, Patterson, Toomey, Boyer, McNaught, Acolaste,
19 – Morrison, Elliott, Hamilton, Dziurzynski, Gogol,
18 – Kizuik, Nicholls, Inglis, Crooks,
17 – Siemens, Thrower, Dietz, Benson, Sutter,
16 – Bews,
Import - Niemi 20 Finland, Viedensky 20 Slovakia

Seattle
20 – Dillon,
19 – Ramsay, Bonsor, Silvester, Wells, Gallimore,
18 – Pickard, Salmon, Fleming, Aasman, Lockart, Lund, Tutt, Rouse,
17 – Muth, Alos, Jacobs, Elliot,
16 – Troock,
Import - Sentyurin 18 Russia,

Spokane
20 – Reid, Johnson, Wahl, Koper, Beach,
19 – Tadjdeh, Cowen, Baldwin, Leedahl, Kuhn, Miller, Marantz,
18 – Kichton, Gal, Cratsenberg, Bardaro,
17 – Mort, Brassart, Holmberg,
16 -
Import - Ulmer 20 Austria, Uher 18 Czech Rep

Swift Current
20 – Clark, Friesen, Bobbee, Dowling,
19 – Rogers, Verdino, Peddle, Vause, Hoban, Eakin, Wagner,
18 – Evans, Luhning, Hay, Blanke, Sullivan,
17 – Craig, Scarlett, Lowry, Derko,
16 -
Import - Novotny 20 Czech Rep,

Tri City
20 – McIntosh, Schmidt, Mestery, Reddick, Prokop, Kennedy, Brown,
19 – Owsley, Sutherland, Hughesman, Wilgosh, Shinnimin,
18 – Dow, Humphries, Macek, Messier, Feser, Holland,
17 – Yuen, Moser,
16 -
Import - Drozd 20 Belarus, Pechurski 20 Russia

Vancouver
20 – Connauton, Scholten, Bouma, Cunningham, Henke, Wright,
19 – Segal, Manning, Henry, Lyon,
18 – Tendler, Vannieuwenhuizen, Gallagher, Barnett, Scholten, Lamoureux, Redmond,
17 – Musil, Fenske, Hodder, Burns,
16 -
Import - Vincour 20 Czech Rep,

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

ICE Head Coach Search Begins

ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth says he is no hurry to fill the coaching void and may go until August 1st to make a decision.
Assistant Coach Kris Knoblauch has a year left on his contract and Chynoweth feels he is not ready to be a Head Coach in the WHL but does have potential.
History shows the ICE will be looking for someone who has Head Coaching experience and has a winning tradition.
They'll probably hire a person who is moving up in the ranks as opposed to a big name high priced coach.
As of this morning the club had received over 20 resumes.

ICE Golf Returns



Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club would like to announce the return of the Kootenay ICE Golf Tournament. This tournament, which has raised over $300,000 since its inception is the primary fundraiser for the Kootenay ICE Education Fund that ensures every player has the opportunity to gain post secondary education once their major junior career is over.

The tournament will be taking place at 1:30 pm on Friday, August 27 at the Cranbrook Golf Club with entries being limited to the first 32 paid teams. Each player entry is $160.00 and includes golf, dinner, calcutta and a first tee gift.

To register for the tournament please contact the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322. Registration deadline is Thursday, August 19.
.
The Early Bird Season Ticket deadline is this coming Monday, May 31st at 5:00 pm. Regular priced Season Tickets will go into affect on Tuesday.

8 Years Ago Today




First Period
1. Kootenay, Fischer (Hamula, Stoll) 11:35
2. Kootenay, Agarunov (Fischer) 17:59
Penalties -- Lombardi Vic (boarding) 8:35, Fischer Ktn (hooking) 14:04.
Second Period
3. Victoriaville, Mallette (Deev, Lombardi) 3:26
4. Kootenay, Sinclair (Dicaire, Svatos) 5:16
5. Kootenay, Sinclair (Plihal) 9:48
Penalties -- Pottie Vic, Norrie Ktn (fighting) 12:16.
Third Period
6. Kootenay, Milroy (Stoll, Hamula) 7:42
7. Kootenay, Norrie, (Makway, Agarunov) 9:22
8. Victoriaville, Lombardi (Snowball) 17:17
9. Victoriaville, Mallette (Groulx, Lombardi) 19:19 (pp)
Penalties -- Pottie Vic (roughing) 0:49, Sheen Ktn (slashing, misconduct) 14:53, Plihal Ktn (holding) 18:33.
Shots on goal by Victoriaville 6 15 2--23
Kootenay 11 13 16--40
Goal (shots-saves) -- Victoriaville: Boisclair (L,3-3) (start, 12:16 second, 18:33 third) (36-30), Manzato (9:48 second, 9:22 third) (4-4); Kootenay: Boxma (W,3-1).
Power plays (goals-chances) -- Victoriaville: 1-3; Kootenay: 0-2.
Referee -- Francois St. Laurent. Linesmen -- Brent Holdsworth, Kevin Hastings.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Cranbrook Native Now NHL GM



TAMPA, Fla. -- Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman is the Tampa Bay Lightning's new general manager, taking on the task of rebuilding a franchise that's fallen on hard times since winning its only Stanley Cup championship six years ago.

The former Detroit Red Wings captain and executive was introduced Tuesday as Brian Lawton's replacement during a news conference at St. Pete Times Forum. Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet were fired April 12.

"This is a long-term project for me. I believe building a Stanley Cup-calibre team takes time and there will be many decisions, some lengthy, that will be made over the course of time," Yzerman said.

"There is no easy fix. I don't sit up here with the notion that there is a magic wand I can wave and make changes and we're a Stanley Cup contender. I plan on making the Lightning better for the upcoming season, but the long-term goal is to make this team a perennial contender."

Since retiring in 2006, Yzerman has worked as a vice-president for the Red Wings, the only team he played for during a 22-year career in which he scored 692 goals, amassed 1,755 points and was part of three Stanley Cup winners.

The 45-year-old recently led Canada to men's Olympic hockey gold as Hockey Canada's executive director at the Vancouver Games.

Tampa Bay's new owner, Jeff Vinik, fired Lawton and Tocchet after the struggling franchise missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Lightning went 34-36-12 this season and were 53-69-26 in just under two seasons under Tocchet.

Yzerman was not going to get a chance to be Detroit's GM soon because two executives above him, Ken Holland and Jim Nill, are expected to sign long-term deals.

"After talking to many people throughout the league, I came to the conclusion that Steve was the person to bring a winning culture back to this team," Vinik said.

"Steve is in charge of all hockey-related decisions," the owner added. "He does answer to me, but I trust his judgment and his insight."

Many felt Yzerman would be reluctant to leave the only club he had worked for. However, he relished a chance to be a GM and had conceded he might have to leave Detroit to get that opportunity.

"I have mixed emotions, both good and sad," said Jim Devellano, the Red Wings' senior vice-president.

Devellano drafted Yzerman fourth overall in 1983 and watched him lead the franchise's turnaround on the ice.

"He's been such an integral part of the Red Wings for 27 years, first as a player and then as a front-office person," Devellano said. "I'm sad for us, but happy for him to get this wonderful opportunity."

Yzerman, a native of Cranbrook, B.C., became one of the best two-way players in NHL history. He was a Red Wings captain for two decades and won a fourth Stanley Cup title as part of Detroit's front office in 2008.

Yzerman experienced the high of helping Canada win gold in 2002 and the disappointment of a fourth-place finish at the 1998 Nagano Games in two of his eight international competitions as a player.

As GM, Yzerman led Canada to gold at the 2007 world championship and silver the next year before focusing on the Olympics.

Yzerman was chosen to lead Canada's quest for gold again after his predecessor, Wayne Gretzky, failed to help the team repeat four years ago. He made all the right moves at the Olympics, assembling a perfectly blended roster that beat the U.S. for gold.

In Tampa Bay, Yzerman inherits a team that's made three coaching changes in two years but is not devoid of talent.

The roster includes two stars from the 2004 Stanley Cup team, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, as well as Victor Hedman and Stephen Stamkos, the top pick in the 2008 NHL draft who scored 51 goals this season to tie Sidney Crosby for the league lead.

"Stevie will work for a singular owner -- similar to the setup we have in Detroit -- and he's got a handful of players to work with right away," Devellano said. "Stamkos and Hedman are promising young players while St. Louis and Lecavalier are good veterans."

There's been lots of speculation about Lecavalier's future. The team's highest-paid player has a no-trade clause in his contract but has said he'd like to help the club get back to the playoffs.

In addition to hiring a coach, preparing for next month's NHL draft will be a priority in the coming weeks.

Yzerman welcomes the challenge.

"It was very difficult to leave the Red Wings. I've been there my whole career and I was very safe there, surrounded by people I knew and looked out for me," Yzerman said. "That's my home and where my children were born. So this is a major decision, and one I've thought about for a long time."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=322598

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Holick & Fraser Don't Win CHL Awards

The Canadian Hockey League announced Saturday the ten national award winners for the 2009-10 season.

Top Prospect:
Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers
Seguin is the number one ranked player for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft as determined by NHL Central Scouting. He finished the OHL regular season tied for first overall in league scoring with 106 points including 48 goals and 58 assists in 63 games for the Whalers, with a plus-minus rating of plus-17 and 54 penalty minutes. An 18-year-old from Brampton, ON, he recorded 29 multi-point games and tallied five hat-tricks, and captained Team Orr at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Also considered for the award was Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars, and Brandon Gormley of the Moncton Wildcats.

Sportsman:
Jason Bast, Moose Jaw Warriors
Bast enjoyed a solid season in his final year in the WHL serving as Warriors team captain. The 20-year-old from Moose Jaw, SK, scored a team-leading 33 goals while adding 31 assists for 64 points in 60 games, while recording just 16 minutes in penalties all season. His +25 rating also led the Warriors. In his fifth WHL season, Bast has been a leader for the Warriors in all areas of the ice, and plays in all situations. Also considered for the award was Ryan Spooner of the Peterborough Petes, and Mike Hoffman of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Top Scorer:
Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen
Kozun finished the 2009-10 regular season with 32 goals and 75 assists for 107 points in 65 games for the Hitmen. A 19-year-old from Calgary, AB, and Los Angeles Kings prospect, he led all WHL players this season with 75 assists and 39 power play assists, and finished tied for second among WHL players with 10 game-winning goals. He recorded at least one point in 52 of his 65 games, and did not go more than three games without registering a point. Also considered for the award was the tandem of OHL scoring leaders Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires and Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers, with Sean Couturier of the Drummondville Voltigeurs leading the QMJHL in scoring.

Humanitarian:
Ryan Hayes, Plymouth Whalers
Hayes, a 20-year-old from Syracuse, New York, led the Whalers organization in his third OHL season with 54 official community appearances representing participation in nearly a quarter of the team’s total community events. This season Hayes took on a leadership role for the Whalers in the “Friends of Jaclyn” program which supports the non-profit charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors. He also showed extensive participation with Special Olympics Michigan at their annual hockey tournament cheering on the participants, passing out the medals, and staying afterwards to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Also considered for the award was Matt Fraser of the Kootenay Ice, and Nick MacNeil of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

Scholastic:
Dominic Jalbert, Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Jalbert captured the Marcel-Robert trophy as QMJHL Scholastic Player of the Year for the Sagueneens.
A 20-year-old from Hull, QC, he completed his four-year career with registering 14 goals and 49 assists for 63 points in 68 games in his final season. Also considered for the award was Erik Gudbranson of the Kingston Frontenacs, and Adam Lowry of the Swift Current Broncos.

Coach:
Gerard Gallant, Saint John Sea Dogs
Gallant, a native of Summerside, PEI, led Sea Dogs to their first ever Jean-Rougeau trophy as regular season champions with 53-12-1-2 record for 109 points. Also considered for the award was Mark Holick of the Kootenay Ice, and Dale Hunter of the London Knights.

Rookie:
Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes
Puempel, a 17-year-old from Essex, ON, was selected by the Petes with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection and led all OHL rookies in scoring with 64 points in 59 games with a rookie and team-high 33 goals with 31 assists. His 64 points placed him 39th overall in league scoring and was the only rookie listed in the OHL’s top-80 scorers. This season, Puempel also competed as a member of Team Ontario winning silver at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Also considered for the award was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Red Deer Rebels, and Petr Straka of the Rimouski Oceanic.

Goaltender:
Jake Allen, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Allen, a 19-year-old from Fredericton, NB, also captured the Jacques-Plante trophy with the best goals-against-average in the QMJHL with a mark of 2.20. He also posted a save percentage of .922 and produced a 29-14 record in 45 games with the Voltigeurs and Montreal Juniors this season. Allen also backstopped the Canadian National Junior Team to a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. Also considered for the award was Martin Jones of the Calgary Hitmen, and Chris Carrozzi of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors.

Defenceman:
David Savard, Moncton Wildcats
Savard also took home two awards in the QMJHL this season including the Emile-Bouchard and Kevin Lowe trophies for best defenceman and best defensive defenceman. He scored 13 goals and 64 assists for 77 points in 64 games this season for the Wildcats. A 19-year-old from St-Hyacinthe, QC, and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, Savard became the first defenceman to lead the league in assists. Also considered for the award was Tyson Barrie of the Kelowna Rockets, and Jacob Muzzin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Player:
Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats
Eberle enjoyed an outstanding 2009-10 WHL season scoring 50 goals and 56 assists for 106 points in just 57 games for his hometown Pats. His 1.86 points-per-game average marked the highest points-per-game average for any WHL player since the 1998-99 season. He finished tied for second among all WHL players with 19 power play goals, and also tied for second in shorthanded goals with six on the season. The leading goal-scorer in the history of Canada’s National Junior team and Edmonton Oilers prospect, Eberle recorded at least one point in 50 of 57 games he played for Regina this season. Also considered for the award was Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers, and Mike Hoffman of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Holick Interview

Broadcast Center News talks with Mark Holick on his new job with the AHL Syracuse Crunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuSDSAG9Tg0

Holick To Syracuse



Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced Mark Holick has been named Head Coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. The Crunch are the top minor league club of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.
“It’s a day of mixed emotions for our Hockey Club. Our job is to develop both players and coaches for the next level and for that we are extremely proud of the opportunity given to Mark. He has been with our organization since 2007 and has grown into one of the top coaches in the WHL. We wish Mark and his family all the best in his new job and thank him for his loyalty and friendship,” continued Chynoweth.
“This was a very tough decision to make, but just like the players I have aspirations to get to the next level. Professional Coaching jobs do not come along everyday and this is a great opportunity for both my family and myself. I would like to thank the Chynoweth family for giving me an opportunity three years ago and for allowing me to grow as a Head Coach. I have been very fortunate to work with some great people and coach some great players during my tenure as Head Coach and I will never forget the memories we shared,” commented Mark Holick.
Mark Holick has been with the ICE organization since August 2007. He posted a career regular season winning percentage of .604 (120-75-21 record) and made three consecutive playoff appearances. Mark was the Assistant Coach of Canada’s Under-18 team in 2009 and was named WHL Coach of the Year this past season. He becomes the fourth ICE coach since 2002 to advance to professional hockey (Ryan McGill – Assistant Coach, Calgary Flames, Cory Clouston – Head Coach, Ottawa Senators, Brad Lauer – Assistant Coach, Ottawa Senators).

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Cracknell Still Blue



ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced Wednesday the club has re-signed forward Adam Cracknell.

Cracknell, 24, was originally signed by St. Louis as a free agent on July 23, 2009 and spent the 2009-10 season with the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

During his first season in Peoria, the 6’2”, 210-pound forward made 76 appearances, tallying 38 points including 17 goals and 21 assists to go along with 40 penalty minutes. Prior to joining the Rivermen, Cracknell spent a little more than a season with the AHL’s Quad City Flames where he totaled 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) and 36 penalty minutes in 83 games.

The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by Calgary in the ninth round, 279th overall in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Season Tickets

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club has announced that they will be open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm including the lunch hour from May 25th to May 28th and May 31st to accommodate those individuals wishing to buy Early Bird Season Tickets for the 2010 – 2011 season.

Early Bird Prices are as follows:
Adults $399
Senior (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299
Student (25 and under with valid Student ID) $249*
Youth $199

The Early Bird prices will only be available until Monday, May 31, 2010 at 5:00 pm.

Regular office hours will resume June 1st.

*Students enrolled in College will be required to pay the Adult rate and a refund of $150 will be made when a Student ID is presented in the fall.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

ICE Head Coach

Something always seems to happen when I'm holidays.
There are many reports indicating Mark Holick will be leaving the ICE to be the Head Coach of Anaheim's new farm club in the AHL, the Syracuse Crunch.
Out of respect for the ICE I will await their press release to either confirm or deny this story.
Once the radio station has any information I will post the details.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

NHL
Montreal - Ben Maxwell

AHL
Hamilton - Ryan Russell

ECHL

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

ICE Alumni To CIS

Michael Stickland has committed to St. Mary’s University in Halifax.

http://whl.ca/former-bronco-michael-stickland-commits-to-st-mary-s-university-p142645

Sunday, May 9, 2010

ICE Alumni In World Hockey Championships

4 ICE alumni are playing in the World Hockey Championships in Germany.
Marek Svatos and Stanislav Gron are on Team Slovakia, while Trevor Johnson and Pat Iannone are suiting up for Italy.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

WHL Final

For the 2nd time in their history the Calgry Hitmen are the WHL champions. They won it in 1999 and then the ICE won it 2 of the next 3 years.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Hockey News Draft Preview

The Hockey News Draft Preview magazine is coming out.
There are 19 WHL players in their top 100.
4. Brett Connolly Prince George
8. Nino Niederreiter Portland
12. Ryan Johansen Portland
16. Mark Pysyk Edmonton
17. Emerson Etem Medicine Hat
23. Quinton Howden Moose Jaw
24. Alexander Petrovic Edmonton
26. Dylan McIlrath Moose Jaw
27. Calvin Pickard Seattle
41. Jordan Weal Regina
42. Brad Ross Portland
55. Matt McKenzie Calgary
62. Troy Rutkowski Portland
68. Kevin Sundher Chilliwack
82. Kent Simpson Everett
87. Austin Madaisky Kamloops
88. Mark Stone Brandon
90. Anton Honesjek Moose Jaw
96. Curtis Hamilton Saskatoon

ICE Roster Moves

With the ICE adding 11 players at the Bantam Draft the club made some changes on their protected roster.

Released were Simon Skrudland and Bryton Mills.

Former ICE defenseman Petr Senkerik was released by Prince George.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Klemm Says No

Our newsroom contacted Jon Klemm (Cranbrook native) to see if he was going to apply for the Head Coaching spot with the Spokane Chiefs.
Klemm says he wasn't going to apply as he doesn't feel ready to be a bench boss.
Unless he changes his mind it looks like the Chiefs will be going outside the organization to fill the spot.

ICE Alumni in World Championships

Trevor Johnson and Pat Iannone will play for Italy at the World Hockey Champions in Germany.
Matt Coxford at the Townsman had an article in Wednesday's paper.
They're in the same pool with Canada and will play against their home country on Saturday.

WHL Final Goes To Game 5

The Tri City Americans beat Calgary 4-2 to send the series to game 5 tomorrow night in Saddledome.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

WHL Update

Calgary is up 3-0 in the WHL final against Tri City outscoring them so far 15-2.
Calgary has won 1 league championship (1999).
The last time the league final was a sweep was in 2008 with Spokane beating Lethbridge.
A Tri City win will bring the series back to Calgary for game 5.

Defending Memorial Cup Champion Windsor has won the OHL title.
The last team to win back-to-back Memorial Cup was Kamloops in 94 & 95.

Since the CHL went to a host team being automatically included in the tournament the WHL has won the Memorial Cup being held in a WHL city 8 of 9 times.
83 - Portland won in Portland
86 - Guelph won in Portland
89 - Swift Current won in Saskatoon
92 - Kamloops won in Seattle
95 - Kamloops won in Kamloops
98 - Portland won in Spokane
01 - Red Deer won in Regina
04 - Kelowna won in Kelowna
07 - Vancouver won in Vancouver
10 - Brandon/Calgary/Tri City as per history have to be the favorites for the championship that starts May 14th

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

NHL
Montreal - Ben Maxwell
Vancouver - Aaron Rome

AHL
Abbotsford - Jason Jaffray, John Negrin, Brad Cole (plus Marysville's Carter Bancks)
Chicago - Craig Weller, Steve McCarthy (plus Fernie's Jason Krog)
Hamilton - Ryan Russell
Worcester - Thomas Heemskerk

ECHL

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sauter Out, is Klemm in?

Spokane announced that they have elected not to exercise the option year on Hardy Sauter’s contract as Head Coach of the team.
Cranbrook's Jon Klemm was the Assistant Coach last season and it's a safe guess that he will be a nominee.

http://www.spokanechiefs.com/news/index.html?article_id=594

Monday, May 3, 2010

ICE ARE PAYING THE HST

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club are paying the HST on all 2010-2011 Early Bird Season Tickets. Tickets are available to purchase at the Kootenay ICE Office at the Early Bird price until Monday, May 31st at 5:00 pm.

Early Bird Prices are as follows:
Adults $399
Senior (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299
Student (25 and under with valid Student ID) $249*
Youth $199