WHL Notes July 31

With Kris Knoblauch taking over as the ICE Head Coach he probably will not be the Assistant Coach for Team Pacific at the U-17 tournament that takes place December 28-January 4.

Former ICE Therapist Ewanchuk To Tri City
http://www.amshockey.com/

WHL Notes July 30

Kamloops has acquired 18-year-old forward J.T. Barnett from Vancouver for a 2011 2nd round Bantam pick.
http://blazerhockey.com/blazer-news/blazer-news-stories/07-30-10-JT-Barnett.php

McCrimmon Headed to World Hockey Summit
http://www.luberslounge.blogspot.com/

Former ICE Captain Mike Comrie's Wedding Plans
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Edmonton/2010/07/29/14871406.html

Terry Virtue, former Tri-City Americans associate coach, going to Owen Sound
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/Attack-address-leaky-D-with-Virtue-hiring?urn=juniorhockey,259336

-----------------

Hockey Canada announced roster additions for the National Junior Team development camp from August 4-7 in St. John’s, N.L.
Defencemen Nathan Beaulieu (Quispamsis, N.B./Saint John, QMJHL) and Brock Beukeboom (Uxbridge, Ont./Sault Ste. Marie, OHL), along with forward Joey Hishon (Stratford, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL), have been added to the camp roster. The three players will replace defencemen Jared Cowen (Allan, Sask./Spokane, WHL) and Ryan Ellis (Freelton, Ont./Windsor, OHL) and forward Taylor Hall (Kingston, Ont./Windsor, OHL), who will not be taking part in camp for various reasons.

Goaltenders
Jean-François Bérubé L 6’1” 166 07/13/91 Boisbriand, Que./QC Montreal (QMJHL) LA ’09 (4, 95)
Mark Visentin L 6’2” 187 08/07/92 Waterdown, Ont. Niagara (OHL) PHX ’10 (1, 27)
Defence
Nathan Beaulieu L 6'1" 175 12/05/92 Quispamsis, N.B./N.-B. Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft.Rep.
Brock Beukeboom R 6'1" 202 04/01/92 Uxbridge, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) TB '10 (3, 63)
Simon Després L 6’4” 205 07/27/91 Laval, Que./Qc Saint John (QMJHL) PIT ’09 (1, 30)
Stefan Elliott R 6’1” 191 01/30/91 North Vancouver, B.C./C.-B. Saskatoon (WHL) COL ’09 (2, 49)
Brandon Gormley L 6’2” 184 02/18/92 Murray River, P.E.I./I.-P.-E. Moncton (QMJHL) PHX ’10 (1, 13)
Brett Ponich L 6’7” 225 02/22/91 Beaumont, Alta./Alb. Portland (WHL) STL ’09 (2, 48)
Mark Pysyk R 6’0” 182 01/11/92 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Edmonton (WHL) BUF ’10 (1, 23)
Charles-Olivier Roussel R 6’1” 196 09/13/91 St-Eustache, Que./Qc Montreal (QMJHL) NSH ’09 (2, 42)
Forwards
Carter Ashton L 6’3” 200 04/01/91 Saskatoon, Sask. Regina (WHL) TB ’09 (1, 29)
Taylor Beck R 6’2” 205 05/13/91 St. Catharines, Ont. Guelph (OHL) NSH ’09 (3, 70)
Curtis Hamilton L 6’3” 202 12/04/91 Kelowna, B.C./C.-B. Saskatoon (WHL) EDM '10 (2, 48)
Joey Hishon L 5'10" 166 10/20/91 Stratford, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) COL '10 (1, 17)
Ryan Johansen R 6’2” 192 07/31/92 Port Moody, B.C./C.-B. Portland (WHL) CBJ ’10 (1, 4)
Zack Kassian R 6’3” 215 01/24/91 LaSalle, Ont. Windsor (OHL) BUF ’09 (1, 13)
Brad Ross L 5’11.5” 175 05/28/92 Lethbridge, Alta./Alb. Portland (WHL) TOR ’10 (2, 43)
Tyler Seguin R 6’1” 186 01/31/92 Brampton, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) BOS ’10 (1, 2)
Riley Sheahan L 6’2” 200 12/07/91 St. Catharines, Ont. Notre Dame (NCAA) DET ’10 (1, 21)
Jeffrey Skinner L 5’10” 182 05/16/92 Markham, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) CAR ’10 (1, 7)
Tyler Toffoli R 6’0” 181 04/24/92 Scarborough, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) LA ’10 (2, 47)
Linden Vey R 5’11” 188 07/17/91 Wakaw, Sask. Medicine Hat (WHL) LA ’09 (4, 96)

Goaltenders
Calvin Pickard L 6’0” 207 04/15/92 Winnipeg, Man. Seattle (WHL) COL ’10 (2, 49)
Olivier Roy L 5’11.5” 182 07/12/91 Causapscal, Que./QC Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) EDM ’09 (5, 133)
Defence
Tyson Barrie R 5’10” 190 07/26/91 Victoria, B.C./C.-B. Kelowna (WHL) COL ’09 (3, 64)
Nicolas Deslauriers L 6’0” 198 02/22/91 St-Anicet, Que./Qc Gatineau (QMJHL) LA ’09 (3, 84)
Taylor Doherty R 6’8” 230 03/02/91 Cambridge, Ont. Kingston (OHL) SJ ’09 (2, 57)
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc R 6’1” 171 07/30/92 Quebec City, Que./Qc Rimouski (QMJHL) BUF ’10 (3, 68)
Erik Gudbranson R 6’3” 195 01/07/92 Orleans, Ont. Kingston (OHL) FLA ’10 (1, 3)
Neil Manning L 5’11” 170 05/12/91 Nanaimo, B.C./C.-B. Vancouver (WHL) FA/JA
Brayden McNabb L 6'4" 210 01/21/91 Davidson, Sask. Kootenay (WHL) BUF '09 (3, 66)
Dylan Olsen L 6’2” 217 01/03/91 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) CHI ’09 (1, 28)
Forwards
Casey Cizikas L 5’10” 190 02/27/91 Toronto, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL) NYI ’09 (4, 92)
Kyle Clifford L 6’1” 200 01/13/91 Ayr, Ont. Barrie (OHL) LA ’09 (2, 35)
Sean Couturier L 6’3” 185 12/07/92 Bathurst, N.B./N.-B. Drummondville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Cody Eakin L 5’11.5” 182 05/25/91 Winnipeg, Man. Swift Current (WHL) WSH ’09 (3, 85)
Brendan Gallagher R 5’8” 163 06/05/92 Delta, B.C./C.-B. Vancouver (WHL) MTL ’10 (5, 147)
Scott Glennie R 6’1” 188 02/22/91 Winnipeg, Man. Brandon (WHL) DAL ’09 (1, 8)
Quinton Howden L 6’3” 183 01/21/92 Oak Bank, Man. Moose Jaw (WHL) FLA ’10 (1, 25)
Ryan Howse L 5’11” 195 07/06/91 Prince George, B.C./C.-B. Chilliwack (WHL) CGY ’09 (3, 74)
Louis Leblanc R 5’11.5” 181 01/26/91 Pointe-Claire, Que./Qc Harvard (NCAA) MTL ’09 (1, 18)
Brayden Schenn L 6’0” 194 08/22/91 Saskatoon, Sask. Brandon (WHL) LA ’09 (1, 5)
Jaden Schwartz L 5’10” 193 06/25/92 Wilcox, Sask. Tri-City (USHL) STL ’10 (1, 14)
Ethan Werek L 6’2” 200 06/07/91 Goodwood, Ont. Kingston (OHL) NYR ’09 (2, 47)

Will attend development camp but will not take part in games
Jared Cowen L 6’5” 226 01/25/91 Allan, Sask. Spokane (WHL) OTT ’09 (1, 9)
Calvin de Haan L 6'0" 182 05/09/91 Carp, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) NYI '09 (1, 12)

Invited to development camp but will not be able to participate
Ryan Ellis R 5’10” 184 01/03/91 Freelton, Ont. Windsor (OHL) NSH ’09 (1, 11)
Taylor Hall L 6’0” 181 11/14/91 Kingston, Ont. Windsor (OHL) EDM ’10 (1, 1)

-----------------

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp from July 31-August 3 at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary.

Goaltender
Jeffrey Noonan L 5'10.5" 163 01/18/93 Laval, Que./QC Laval-Montreal (LHMAAAQ) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Tyson Teichmann L 5'11.5" 150 05/19/93 Belleville, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Defence
Cody Ceci R 6’1” 188 12/21/93 Ottawa, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murray L 5’11.5” 185 09/27/93 White City, Sask. Everett (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Xavier Ouellet L 6’0” 174 07/29/93 Terrebonne, Que./Qc Montreal (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Stuart Percy L 6’0.5” 176 05/18/93 Oakville, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Racine L 6’1” 169 05/28/93 St-Agathe, Que./Qc Shawinigan (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Reece Scarlett R 6’0” 167 03/31/93 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Swift Current (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Forwards
Olivier Archambault L 5’10.5” 165 02/16/93 Le Gardeur, Que./Qc Val d’Or (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Austen Brassard R 6’1.5” 184 01/14/93 Windsor, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Daniel Catenacci L 5’9.5” 181 03/09/93 Newmarket, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Michael Curtis L 5’11.5” 174 01/26/93 Mississauga, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Phillip Danault L 5’11” 162 02/24/93 Victoriaville, Que./Qc Victoriaville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Boone Jenner L 6’0.5” 192 06/15/93 Dorcester, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jean-François Leblanc L 6’3.5” 186 03/03/93 St-Hyacinthe, Que./Qc Val d’Or (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Lucas Lessio L 6’0” 180 01/23/93 Maple, Ont. St. Michael’s (CCHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Adam Lowry L 6’2” 167 03/29/93 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Swift Current (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Garrett Meurs R 5’10.5” 164 01/12/93 Ripley, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins L 5’11.5” 155 04/12/93 Burnaby, B.C./C.-B. Red Deer (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Michael St. Croix R 5’10” 168 04/10/93 Winnipeg, Man. Edmonton (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.

Goaltender
Robin Gusse L 5’10. 163 04/23/93 Terrebonne, Que./Qc Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Liam Liston L 6'2" 190 04/06/93 St. Albert, Alta./Alb. St. Albert (AMHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Defence
Myles Bell R 5’11” 200 08/19/93 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Regina (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Dougie Hamilton R 6’3” 180 06/17/93 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Scott Harrington L 6’0.5” 195 03/10/93 Kingston, Ont. London (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murphy R 5’10.5” 160 03/31/93 Aurora, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jimmy Oligny L 5’10.5” 190 04/30/93 St-Michel, Que./Qc PEI (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Duncan Siemens L 6’2” 185 09/07/93 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Saskatoon (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Stephen Woodworth L 5’11” 175 01/21/93 Middleton, N.S./N.-É. Cape Breton (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Forwards
Brent Andrews L 6’2” 191 01/19/93 Hunter River, P.E.I./I.-P.-E. Halifax (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
David Broll L 6’1” 220 01/04/93 Mississauga, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Raphaël Bussières L 6’0” 170 11/05/93 Saint-Hubert, Que./Qc Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Huberdeau L 6’0” 154 06/04/93 Prévost, Que./Qc Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Mark McNeill R 6’0.5” 198 02/22/93 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Prince Albert (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Bryce Milson L 5’10” 170 01/25/93 Miramichi, N.B./N.-B. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Matt Puempel L 6’0.5” 188 01/24/93 Essex, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Alan Quine L 5’10” 168 02/25/93 Belleville, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ty Rattie R 6’0” 170 02/05/93 Airdrie, Alta./Alb. Portland (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Brett Ritchie R 6’2.5” 195 07/01/93 Orangeville, Ont. Sarnia (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Carter Sandlak L 6’1” 190 05/18/93 London, Ont. Guelph (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Colin Smith R 5’9.5” 157 06/20/93 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Kamloops (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.

Invited, but unable to attend / Invité, mais incapable d'assister
Dillon Donnelly L 6’1” 181 09/07/93 Montreal, Que./Qc Shawinigan (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.

WHL Notes July 29

Virtue Resigns as Associate Coach of Americans
http://www.amshockey.com/news/article.src?ID=4244

EA Sports NHL 11 featuring the WHL, OHL & QMJHL has some updated video clips
http://nhl.easports.com/media.action#videoId=ZndWRsMTrmMMwkAfxdSRlRTwOZRaPCxo

Knoblauch The Youngest?

New ICE Head Coach Kris Knoblauch will be turning 32 this year.
How does this compare in ICE history?
Ryan McGill was 29 when he took over as the bench boss in November/97. At the time he was the 2nd youngest coach in the WHL. (Mike Williamson w/Portland).
Cory Clouston turned 32 during his 1st year as Head Coach in 2002.
Mark Holick was 39 when he joined the club in 2007.

As far as the current coaches in the WHL here are the 4 youngest.

37 Mike Williamson Calgary
35 Ryan Huska Kelowna
32 Jesse Wallin Red Deer (March birthday)
32 Knoblauch (September birthday)

ICE Name New Head Coach

Kootenay ICE play-by-play announcer Jeff Hollick with new ICE Head Coach Kris Knoblauch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyzlY_jWW3w

Kootenay ICE play-by-play announcer Jeff Hollick with ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth on the hiring of Head Coach Kris Knoblauch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnv97EDqV-k

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has promoted Assistant Coach Kris Knoblauch (knob-lock) to be the fifth Head Coach in franchise history. Knoblauch, who has signed a two year contract with a club option for a third year replaces Mark Holick who was named Head Coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League in May.

“After going through the numerous applicants for the Head Coaching position the decision to promote Kris was ultimately an easy one as he has been with the Hockey Club for three years and has worked in the Western Hockey League for the past four years. The philosophy of our organization is to hire and promote from within wherever possible. Kris is very familiar with our returning group of players which will make the transition from Assistant to Head Coach that much easier,” continued Chynoweth.

“When I came here three years ago it was one of my goals to someday be a Head Coach in the WHL. To be named as bench boss for an organization that gave me an opportunity and has moved on as many coaches as they have to professional hockey is definitely a huge honor. I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead, but know the foundation is definitely in place to continue on with the winning tradition,” commented Kris Knoblauch.

Kris Knoblauch played three seasons in the WHL and was a member of both the Edmonton (1997-1998) and Kootenay ICE (1998-1999) organizations. He also played with the Red Deer Rebels (1996-1997) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1998-1999). Upon graduating from the WHL he went on to play five years at the University of Alberta and was a member of the 1999-2000 Golden Bears team that won the CIS Championship. Kris achieved a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. Prior to joining the ICE he was an Assistant Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders for one season (2006-2007).

Kris Knoblauch is a 31-year-old native of Imperial, Saskatchewan. He and his wife Autumn are the parents of one son – Marek (2).

WHL Notes July 27

Medicine Hat acquired 18-year-old forward Ryan Harrison from Prince Albert for prospects ... 18-year-old defenseman Austin Bourhis, 17-year-old forward Todd Fiddler and future considerations.

Everett has signed forward Josh Birkholz of Maple Grove, MN. Birkholz, 19, was selected in the third round (67th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers.
A 6'1, 185 pound forward, Birkholz appeared in 36 games for the University of Minnesota last season, tallying six points on five goals and one assist. He spent his 17-year old season with the USHL's Fargo Force, scoring 21 goals and adding 15 assists for 36 points in 55 games played.

WHL Trade

Red Deer acquired 19-year old forward Byron Froese and a 3rd round 2012 Bantam pick from Everett for 19-year old forward Landon Ferraro and a conditional 2012 5th round Bantam Draft Pick.

WHL Notes July 26

Neate Sager at Yahoo Sports found this link from Icethetics in which they google map the CHL with the teams' logos.

http://www.icethetics.info/blog/2010/7/24/chl-logo-maps.html

Yahoo Sports does a great job following the CHL.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey;_ylt=Ao1GmwL2GAVkE.TcZLAGr1oJfwM6

Puck Life e-zine has a new issue.
https://www.pucklife.com/

WHL Notes July 23

Cougars On The Drive
The Prince George Cougars signed a new three year broadcast with The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
Andy Neal, color commentator the past two seasons who handles Corporate Sales and Broadcasting, will take over the duties as play-by-play announcer.

In Penticton, BC on Friday night WHL Chairman of the Board and Governor/General Manger of the Kelowna Rockets Bruce Hamilton, along with former Medicine Hat Tiger and NHL great Trevor Linden, were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame. Hamilton was inducted in the builder category while Linden in the player category.

Bruce Hamitlon
Category: Builder

Bruce Hamilton is a dedicated hockey professional who has experienced all facets of participation in the WHL league.

Three-year player (1973-1976) with his hometown Saskatoon Blades, Bruce was drafted 81st overall in the 1977 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. He began his successful managerial career as Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach for the Blades in 1981 following a professional hockey career that culminated in an Allen Cup Championship with the Spokane Flyers of the Western International Hockey League.

He was later named Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting for the Blades before moving on to both the Hartford Whalers and Washington Capitals of the NHL as Chief Western Scout.

Bruce joined the Saskatoon Fire Department in 1985 and treasures the memories and his time in this endeavor.

In 1991-92 Bruce acquired ownership in the expansion Tacoma Rockets, the expansion Rockets blasted their way to one of the most memorable inaugural seasons in the 30 year history of the Western Hockey League chalking up the highest per game average for a first year expansion team under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella.

The 1995-96 season sees significant change to the entire Rockets organization, the decision to bring the Rockets to Kelowna, British Columbia, rich history in hockey and the prospect of a new arena made Kelowna the natural choice.

Kelowna Rockets went to three straight Memorial Cup tournaments in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 and again in 2008-09 season. They won the Memorial Cup for the first time in franchise history in 2004, coincidentally the same year they were selected to host the event.

In the 19 years since acquiring ownership in the expansion Tacoma (now Kelowna) Rockets franchise in 1991, Bruce has served in his current role of President, General Manager and Governor of Kelowna Rockets Hockey Enterprises LTD. (WHL), also spent six years as Chairman of the Western Hockey League’s Board of Governors.

Under his direction, the Kelowna Rockets Organization is committed to the development of its personnel both as players and successful people. The building of a rich tradition and alumni atmosphere are guiding principles under Hamilton’s leadership.

The NHL Alumni continues to grow rapidly as with star players: Duncan Keith, Chuck Kobasew, Luke Schenn, Jamie Benn, Kyle Cumiskey, Josh Gorges, Tyler Myers, Sheldon Souray, Pat Conacher, Alexander Edler, Todd Fedoruk, Vern Fiddler, Scott Hannan, Travis Moen, Scott Parker and Shea Weber.

The Rockets have only missed the playoffs once in their history and continue to have very successful years.

Trevor Linden
Category: Player

He played centre and right wing with four different teams: the Vancouver Canucks (in two stints), New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, and Washington Capitals. Before joining the NHL in 1988, Linden helped the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) win consecutive Memorial Cup championships. In addition to appearing in two NHL all-star games, Linden was a member of the 1998 Canadian Olympic team and participated in the 1996 World Cup of hockey.

Throughout his career, Linden has been recognized as a respected leader on and off the ice. He was named captain of the Canucks at the age of 21, making him one of the youngest captains in league history. While captaining the Canucks, Linden led the team to within a game of winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. It was during this time that he began to be called Captain Canuck. In 1998 he was elected President of the Nation Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), a position he held for eight years. As President, he played an instrumental role in the 2004-05 NHL lockout, including taking a direct role in negotiation with league owners. Off the ice, Linden has taken an active role in charities, and was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership on the ice and humanitarian contributions off the ice in 1997, as well as the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2008, after 19 seasons in the NHL, Linden retired on June 11, 2008, twenty years to the day after he was drafted into the NHL. Linden’s jersey number 16 was retired by the Canucks on December 17, 2008, the second number retired by the team.

Trevor Linden starred for his hometown Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL where he won consecutive Memorial Cups in 1987 and 1988. In 1987-88, he scored 110 points, he helped Canada win the gold medal at the world junior championships, and was chosen second overall by the Vancouver Canucks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, also named to the WHL East Second All-Star team in his final season.

The 6’4” winger scored 30 goals as a rookie in 1988-89 and was runner-up to Brian Leetch in the Calder Trophy voting. Linden was also named to the leagues All-rookie team and seemed destined to be one of the top power forwards in the game. He went on to hit the 30-goal mark five more times and represented Canada at the 1991 World Championships. In 1994, he scored 25 points in 24 games while helping Vancouver come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup.

By the late 1990’s, the Canucks began retooling their roster and traded Linden to the NY Islanders in February 1998 and after the 1998-99 season was traded to the Montreal Canadians and prior to the March deadline as acquired by the Washington Capitals to add experience to their playoff drive Linden spend parts of three seasons in Washington before returning to the Vancouver Canucks early in the 2001-02 season.

Since his return to Vancouver, Linden went on to surpass the 1,100 games played and during the 2003-04 season became the Canucks All-Time leading scorer. Over the next three seasons in Vancouver, Linden would continue to establish new Canucks all-time records, in 2005-06 suited up for his 1,000 game as a Canuck, the first to do so, 2006-07 became the first Canuck to score 300 goals and returning the club back into the playoffs.

WHL Notes July 22

Pats Have New Announcer
http://rodpedersen.blogspot.com/

University of Alberta has received commitments from 11 new players out of the WHL.
Goalies - Kurtis Mucha and Linden Rowat.
Defense - Jarrett Toll, Jesse Craige and Drew Nichol
Fowards - Johnny Lazo, Alex Rodgers, Zack Dailey, Mitch Czibere, Lindsay Nielsen, and Matt Meropoulis.

WHL Notes July 20

Former ICE Captain Ryan Russell has signed with the Montreal Canadiens to a one-year, two-way contract.
Russell played in 74 games with the Bulldogs in 2009-10. He finished sixth on the team with 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists), and led the team with three shorthanded goals.
Russell added 12 points (7-5-12) in 19 playoff games.

ICE Alumni Brett Sutter has signed a one year contract with the Calgary Flames.
Last season in the AHL with Abbotsford 66 GP 24 points. In the playoffs he led the Heat team in scoring with 11 points.
Sutter played 10 games with the Flames.

Portland Winterhawks Matt Bardsley has been promoted to the position of Director of Hockey Operations.
Bardsley joined the Winterhawks in 1999 as a scout before moving into the front office. He spent the last two seasons as advance scout, evaluating other teams’ rosters and list players and assisting Johnston with trade discussions and player evaluations.

WHL Notes July 19

ICE Alumni Matt Walker was traded by Tampa Bay with a 4th round pick to Philadelphia for Simon Gagne.

Oil Kings' defenseman Keegan Lowe was added to the USA roster for the U-18 Tournament Aug 9-14, in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4051195

WHL Notes July 16

Medicine Hat announced the promotion of Tigers’ director of scouting Brad McEwen to the position of general manager with the recent departure of former general manager/head coach Willie Desjardins to the Dallas Stars of the NHL.

Brad McEwen then announced the promotion of Tigers’ associate coach Shaun Clouston to the head coaching position.
Clouston has spent the past seven seasons in Medicine Hat as associate coach to Desjardins.

Blades Patterson Signs With Flames
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Calgary/2010/07/16/14736656.html
Last season Patterson had 26 goals and 33 assists.
He is eligible to play for the Blades this season as an over-ager, but the writer feels he might be part of the AHL Heat.

Lukowich A Star Again

The Dallas Stars have agreed to terms with defenceman Brad Lukowich on a one-year contract.
The Cranbrook, B.C. native returns to the team he began his NHL career with, after spending the last eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks.
Last season, the 33-year-old had one goal and one assists in 13 games with the Canucks.

WHL Notes July 15

Two WHL players will play for USA at next month's U-18.
http://whl.ca/two-whl-players-named-to-u-s-under-18-select-team-p143309
The Canadian Hockey League announced that five CHL players will compete for Team USA at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament August 9-14, 2010, in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia. Of the five players named two currently play in the Western Hockey League, Tanner Mort of the Spokane Chiefs and Lukas Sutter of the Saskatoon Blades.

Giant's Head Coach Don Hay has turned down the Oilers to be an assistant coach.
Cranbrook native Tom Renney is the Oilers Head Coach and he worked with Hay with the Blazers during the 80's.
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/dubhub/archive/2010/07/15/toigo-hay-returning-to-giants-after-turning-down-nhl-gig.aspx
Vancouver Giants’ fans didn’t need to fret. Don Hay’s flirting with a return to the NHL didn’t last long.
Giants owner Ron Toigo said Wednesday night that Hay had turned down an assistant coaching job with the Edmonton Oilers and opted to return for a seventh straight season at the helm of Vancouver’s WHL entry.
There was a time that Toigo wondered whether his club was going to lose both Hay and general manager Scott Bonner to the Oilers. Edmonton wanted Bonner to run their new AHL team in Oklahoma City, but the Edmonton native was more interested in a player personnel position. There was some negotiating, but talks eventually broke off.

Warriors Make Small Profit In 09-10
http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/Sports/Hockey/2010-07-14/article-1562424/Warriors-report-a-healthy-bottom-line-at-AGM/1
The Warriors posted a modest profit of $16,987 in net earnings. In 2009, they posted a modest loss of $3,120. More significantly, the franchise has $487,768 cash in reserve and $677,463 in retained earnings.

Minor trade between Portland and Vancouver that could end up being a major trade.
http://www.oregonlive.com/hawks/index.ssf/2010/07/winterhawks_acquire_rights_to.html
The Portland Winterhawks have acquired the rights to forward Rocco Grimaldi from the Vancouver Giants for a conditional Western Hockey League bantam draft pick.
Grimaldi, a California native, was on the Giants' protected list and spent last season with the United States National Team Development Program. On Tuesday, he committed to the University of North Dakota beginning in 2011, so there's no guarantee he will ever play for the Winterhawks.
"Our philosophy is to acquire the best players in our territory, and Rocco is not only an elite player, but we've heard nothing but good things about his character off the ice," said Portland Winterhawks general manager and coach Mike Johnston. "We may or may not successfully recruit Rocco to join the Winterhawks, and in the end if he decides to go to college we will respect his decision, but we hope he keeps an open mind about our program and the opportunity here."
Last season, the 5-foot-6, 165-pound Grimaldi was captain of the USNTDP Under-17 team and registered 11 goals and nine assists in 32 games in the United States Hockey League.
Grimaldi also suited up for the gold medal-winning Team USA in the 2010 World Under-18 Championship in Belarus. He tied for the team lead with 10 points in seven games, including a goal and an assist in the championship game victory over Sweden.

Silvertips Assistant Coach Jay varady on USA U-18 Staff.
http://everettsilvertips.com/news/story.cfm?ID=1819
Everett, WA - USA Hockey revealed Wednesday that Associate Head Coach Jay Varady has been named to the coaching staff for its U-18 Select Team that will compete at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament from August 9-14 in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia. Varady will serve as an Assistant Coach under Head Coach Tim Army.
Varady, 33, won a gold medal with USA Hockey at the 2010 World Junior Championships, where he served as a Video Coordinator. He also has experience coaching at USA Hockey's 2008 National Junior Evaluation Camp.

WHL Announcers

While there are WHL coaching and GM openings being talked about there are now 4 WHL play-by-play jobs available.
Regina - Rod Pedersen stepped asided to concentrate on Riders broadcasts and a Sports Talk Show.
Vancouver - Morley Scott left to be the voice of the CFL Eskimos.
Edmonton - A.J. Jakubec was let go by the radio station.
Kamloops - Kirk Fraser has left to do Shaw TV.
Kirk was the 1st ICE announcer in their 1st year in Cranbrook in 98-99.
Fraser and I have a history as over the years we were both in the running for jobs in Red Deer, Cranbrook and Kamloops. All 3 times he got the job.
No I didn't apply for the Shaw TV job.

WHL Notes July 14

Hitmen Broda Signs With Wild
http://whl.ca/hitmen-s-joel-broda-signs-entry-level-deal-with-minnesota-wild-p143277

Giants Coach Hay to Oilers?
http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/dubhub/default.aspx

Giants GM Not Going To Oilers
http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/

Ams Bangen Retires
http://whl.ca/tri-city-americans-terry-bangen-retires-p143274

WHL Notes July 13

Brandon's Glennie Signs
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=327446

Oil Kings Get Assistant Coach
http://whl.ca/oil-kings-add-steve-hamilton-to-coaching-staff--p143265

Willie Desjardins leaves the Tigers for NHL.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2010&month=Jul&lim1=0

Moose Jaw has lost their GM.
http://whl.ca/warriors-jeff-truitt-heads-to-ahl-p143262

Trade between Swift Current and Moose Jaw.
http://www.whl.ca/2009-10-transactions-p138037

Where WHL Coaches Come From

Here is a look at where the WHL teams have hired Head Coaches since 2007.

Brandon - no changes
Calgary - Dave Lowry - promoted within
- Mike Williamson - former WHL coach
Chilliwack - Marc Habscheid - from the pros
Edmonton - Derek Laxdal - from the pros
Everett - John Becanic - promoted within
- Craig Hartsburg - from the pros
Kamloops - Barry Smith - from the pros
- Guy Charron - from the pros
Kelowna - Ryan Huska - promoted within
Kootenay - Mark Holick - from BCHL
Lethbridge - Rich Preston - from the pros
Medicine Hat - no changes
Moose Jaw - Dave Hunchak - from another WHL team
Portland - Richard Kromm - former WHL Coach
- Mike Johnston - from the pros
Prince Albert - Bruno Campese - from BCHL
Prince George - Wade Klippenstein - promoted within
- Dean Clark - former WHL coach
Red Deer - Brian Sutter - from the Senior Hockey League
- Jesse Wallin - promoted within
Regina - Dale Derkatch - from Sask AAA Midget
- Curtis Hunt - from the pros
Saskatoon - no changes
Seattle - no changes
Spokane - Hardy Sauter - promoted within
- Don Nachbaur - from the pros
Swift Current - Mark Lamb - from the pros
Tri City - Jim Hiller - former WHL coach
Vancouver - no changes

Totals
Pros - 10
Promoted within - 6
Former WHL Coach - 4
BCHL - 2
Other WHL team - 1
Senior Hockey - 1
Sask AAA Midget - 1

There were guys who were both former WHL coaches and were also in the pros. For this study I had them in the category of their most recent job.

Where will the next Head Coach of the ICE come from?

Clouston Head Coach In The Hat?

Multiple sources (Coming Down The Pipe, link on the right, I believe was first) have Medicine Hat Head Coach/GM Willie Desjardins being a candidate to join the Dallas Stars.
Shaun Clouston (Cory's older brother) has been with the Tigers for 7 years and would have to be the favorite to take over the position.
As of now the ICE are the only team without a Head Coach.
A few weeks ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth said he probably wouldn't make a decision until August.

King To Stars Camp

ICE forward Kevin King is attending the Dallas Stars prospects develpoment camp.
The last 2 years King has attended Minnesota Wild's camp.

Sylvester To Germany

Kootenay ICE Captian Dustin Sylvester has decided to play in Germany next season.
Sylvester will also attend Tampa Bay's player development camp later this month.

Fraser To Canuck Camp

Matt Fraser is at the Vancouver Canucks prospects developement camp.
It's his 1st NHL camp.
At the end of last season he player 2 games for the AHL Peoria Rivermen.

Rob A Sabre

Cranbrook native Rob Niedermayer has signed a 1-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

Jaffray A Duck

Former ICE Captain Jason Jaffray was traded by Calgary to Anaheim. He played 3 games with the Flames and had 54 points with Abbotsford.
Anaheim's farm club is in Syracuse which is now coached by Mark Holick.

Cranbrook's Coyle A Star

The Dallas Stars signed defenseman defenseman Jace Coyle (Cranbrook native) to a three-year entry-level contract. Coyle is currently participating in the Stars’ Development Camp in Frisco.