Tuesday, August 31, 2010

ICE Camp Report Goalies

The goaltending situation features a couple of netminders who have been with the club for a combined 5 ½ seasons and it appears one will be gone before the start of the season.
Todd Mathews joined the club 1 ½ seasons ago and took over the #1 position and was a part of a lot of success with the club.
But he is one of 4 over-agers and his stay with the club could be out of his hands.
19-year-old Nathan Lieuwen was the club’s 1st pick in 2006 Bantam Draft and came very highly touted.
His 3 years with the ICE has seen moments of brilliance and teased the club as to how good he can be if he wasn’t battling never ending concussion problems.
He is back at 100%.
Technically the ICE could keep both goalies, but since both want to be the #1 guy it obvious that one will stay and one will move on.
There are 5 other goalies at camp including 15-year-old Wyatt Hofflin who is too young to play this year.
That leaves 4 goalies trying to stick with the club in a possible back-up role.
Looking to stay with the club are 17-year olds Kevin Jacyna and Brett Teskey, plus 16-year-olds Mackenzie Skapski and Steven Myland.

Goalies (6)... 2 returnees, plus 1 15-year-old

1 Todd Mathews
20
Covina, Calif
- 55 GP 33-14-3-2 2.75 .907% 1 SO (4 assists, 50pm) Playoffs 5 GP 2-3 3.34 .884% 1 SO
- Career 116 GP 59-37-3-2 2.99 .898% 3 SO Career Playoffs 9 GP 2-7 3.91 .873% 1 SO

31 Nathan Lieuwen
19
Abbotsford, BC
- 26 GP 10-10-0-0 3.04 .897% Playoffs 3 GP 0-1 1.91 .892%
- Career 66 GP 25-23-1-2 3.00 .894% 3 SO Career Playoffs 3 GP 0-1 1.91 .892%

Prospects listed alphabetically.

Wyatt Hoflin
15 year old goalie
Stony Plain, Alb
2nd round pick in 2010 Bantam Draft
Alberta AAA Bantam Spruce Grove 12-8-0 3.02 .895%

Kevin Jacyna
17 year old goalie
Calgary, Alb
Alberta Midget Calgary 16 GP 7-5-1 4.10

Steven Myland
16 year old goalie
Surrey, BC
10th round pick in 2009 Bantam Draft
BC AA Midget Cloverdale 9 GP 5-2-0 2.07 .905%

Mackenzie Skapski
16 year old goalie
Abbotsford, BC
3rd round pick in 2009 Bantam Draft
BC Midget Fraser Valley 9 GP 3.29

Brett Teskey
17 year old goalie
Regina, Sask
6th round pick in 2008 Bantam Draft
Sask AAA Midget Regina 26 GP 8-17-0 3.93 .876%

More Outdoor Tickets For ICE Season Ticket Holders

The Kootenay ICE are happy to announce that they have received 100 more tickets for the Outdoor game in Spokane. These tickets are available to Season Ticket Holders with a limit of four per account.
Call the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322 to get your tickets.

ICE to NHL Camps

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced eight players will be attending National Hockey League Training Camps.

Defenseman Brayden McNabb will be attending the Buffalo Sabres Camp and Drew Czerwonka will be participating in the Edmonton Oilers Camp while Max Reinhart and Joey Leach will be attending the Calgary Flames Camp. In addition, Matt Fraser (Vancouver), Kevin King (Dallas), Steele Boomer (Chicago) and Hayden Rintoul (Florida) have all been invited to attend NHL Training Camps in September.

“It is very rewarding for any player to attend an NHL Training Camp. All eight of these players have a strong work ethic both on and off the ice and it will be a great learning experience which will hopefully carry into the upcoming season”, added Chynoweth.

Kootenay ICE Training Camp starts on Thursday at 10:00 am with the returning veterans practicing at the Rec Plex.

Monday, August 30, 2010

ICE Camp Schedule

Kootenay ICE Training Camp Schedule

Thursday, September 2
Veterans Practice 10:00 am – 11:15 am
Prospect Session 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Goalies Session 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Friday, September 3
Team White vs. Team Black 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Team Blue vs. Team Black 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm

Saturday, September 4
Team Blue vs. Team White 10:45 am – 12:45 pm
Team Black vs. Team Blue 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunday, September 5
Team White vs. Team Black 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Team Blue vs. Team White 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Monday, September 6
United Way Intrasquad Game 11:00 am – 1:30 pm

ICE Camp Report Preview

Training camp is always an exciting time but there is an increased anticipation this year for the ICE.
The club has 19 players returning from last years’ squad that finished in 4th place in the Conference and set a Franchise Record with a 14-game winning streak.
Returnees include
2 goalies - Todd Mathews (20) and Nathan Lieuwen (19).
6 defensemen - Hayden Rintoul (19), Brayden McNabb (19), James Martin (19), Joey Leach (18), Luke Paulsen (18) and Jagger Dirk (17).
11 forwards – Matt Fraser (20), Steele Boomer (20), Kevin King (20), Jesse Ismond (19), Joe Antilla (19) Max Reinhart (18), Drew Czerwonka (18), Elgin Pearce (18), Brock Montgomery (18), Christian Magnus (18) and Brendan Hurley (17).
The biggest decisions will be the goalie situation and the overage situation.
If Mathews stays as the #1 guy then Fraser, Boomer or King have to be moved.
If Lieuwen becomes the starter then the club can keep the 3 over-age forwards.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

ICE Golf Results

The ICE golf tournament was a big success with 150 golfers attending.
The totals will be announced Monday with the monies going to the Education Fund.
The Live Auction alone raised $6000, highlighted with the Autographed John Tavares jersey going for $1550.
The group led by Matt Fraser won the tournament with a score of 48.0, which is -24. That total included -10 in their combined handicaps.
In the previous 10 years of the golf tournament, over $300,000 had been raised.

Friday, August 27, 2010

ICE Golf

The Kootenay ICE Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund, takes place today.

Some of the Alumni include Steve DaSilva, Andrew Bailey, Chad Greenan, Ryan Russell, Jason Norrie, Shaun Norrie, Colin Sinclair and Ryan McGill.

All 19 returning ICE players are in Cranbrook to take part and get ready for training camp.

Veterans will be on the ICE starting Monday.

Camp gets going Wednesday with on-ice sessions at the Rec-Plex.

The club runs the rookie and main camp together through the week and into the long weekend.

I'll have daily radio and blog reports next week.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

ICE Name New Athletic Trainer

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced the Club has hired Marty Palechuk (paul-e-chuck) as the fourth Athletic Trainer in franchise history. Palechuk, a 30-year-old native of Smoky Lake, Alberta replaces Brad Shaw who accepted a similar position with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League last week.

“It is never easy finding a qualified and experienced Athletic Therapist at the best of times let alone one week before Training Camp starts. Marty comes to our organization highly recommended and will be a key fixture between the Coaching Staff and the players with all the changes we have gone through over the summer. I would also like to thank Brad Shaw for his three years with the Hockey Club and wish him all the best in Grand Rapids, “ continued Chynoweth.

“I am very excited to be able to have this opportunity to work for the Kootenay ICE and in the Western Hockey League. I have been involved at different levels of hockey for a number of years and am looking forward to dealing with the elite athletes who play in this league on a daily basis,“ commented Marty Palechuk.

Marty Palechuk comes to the ICE after spending last year as the Head Athletic Trainer / Equipment Manager for the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He worked with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL in 2008-2009 as a dressing room attendant. Marty has also worked with Team Pacific as both the Head Medical Trainer (2008-2009) and Equipment Manager (2007-2008). He is a graduate of both the University of Alberta (Bachelor Arts Degree Physical Education / History) and the University of Manitoba (Bachelor of Kinesiology / Athletic Therapy).

Marty Palechuk will begin his duties with the Hockey Club on August 30.

Outdoor Tickets Update

ICE Season ticket holders had a chance to purchase advance tickets for the Outdoor Game in Spokane on January 15th.
The 200 that were made available are SOLD OUT.
The remaining tickets will be available to the public starting September 1st.

ICE Golf

Today the Kootenay ICE will host their Golf Tournament.

Along with the returning players, the Alumni attending include, Steve DaSilva, Chad Greenan, Andrew Bailey, Jason Norrie, Shaun Norrie and Ryan McGill.

On Monday the Training Camp Schedule will be released and I will start with camp reports.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Outdoor Tickets Update

ICE Season ticket holders have a chance to purchase tickets for the Outdoor Game in Spokane on January 15th.
As of now there are 4 tickets remaining from the 200 that were made available.
Only $33 tickets (Right Field) are left.
Contact the ICE office to get yours.

WHL Training Camps

As always the ICE Training Camp takes place the week going into the Labour Day long weekend.
I'll post the schedule next week.
The ICE do a great job having rosters available at the Rec-Plex.
The radio stations will have daily updates starting next week.
Plus we have period reports on all Exhibition games.

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

The 2010-11 Western Hockey League season is quickly approaching as many WHL Clubs officially open training camps this week.

Beginning Wednesday, August 25th, many Clubs welcome players for registration, while on-ice sessions for 13 Clubs begin on Thursday, August 26th. By the weekend, almost all WHL Clubs will be putting players through paces on the ice in preparation for the 2010-11 WHL regular season, which begins on Friday, September 24th.

Brandon
31-Aug-10 Westman Place

Calgary
1-Sep-10 Don Hartman Sportsplex

Chilliwack
25-Aug-10 Prospera Centre

Edmonton
26-Aug-10 Jubilee Rec Centre

Everett
25-Aug-10 Lynwood Ice Center

Kamloops
27-Aug-10 McArthur Island Park

Kelowna
25-Aug-10 Prospera Place/Capital News Centre

Kootenay
2-Sep-10 Cranbrook Rec Plex

Lethbridge
2-Sep-10 Adams Ice Centre

Medicine Hat
26-Aug-10 Medicine Hat Arena

Moose Jaw
26-Aug-10 Civic Centre

Portland
25-Aug-10 Memorial Coliseum

Prince Albert
26-Aug-10 Art Hauser Centre

Prince George
28-Aug-10 CN Centre

Red Deer
28-Aug-10 ENMAX Centrium

Regina
28-Aug-10 Lumsden, SK

Saskatoon
25-Aug-10 Martensville, SK

Seattle
26-Aug-10 ShoWare Centre

Spokane
25-Aug-10 Spokane Arena

Swift Current
25-Aug-10 Credit Union i-plex

Tri-City
25-Aug-10 Toyota Centre

Vancouver
27-Aug-10 Ladner Leisure Centre

Outdoor Tickets Update

ICE Season ticket holders have a chance to purchase tickets for the Outdoor Game in Spokane on January 15th.
As of now there are 22 tickets remaining from the 200 that were made available.
Only $33 tickets (Right Field) are left.
Contact the ICE office to get yours.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Outdoor Tickets Update

ICE Season ticket holders have a chance to purchase tickets for the Outdoor Game in Spokane on January 15th.
As of now there are 33 tickets remaining from the 200 that were made available.
Only $33 tickets (Right Field) are left.
Contact the ICE office to get yours.

ICE Updates

ICE Season ticket holders have a chance to purchase tickets for the Outdoor Game in Spokane on January 15th.
As of now there are about 79 tickets remaining from the 200 that were made available.
Only $33 tickets (Right Field) are left.
Contact the ICE office to get yours.

This Friday the ICE will have their Golf Tournament. It's a fundraiser for the Education Fund. For the first time ever the club did not have a tournament last year.
While most Charity golf tournaments are struggling to have successful events, the ICE are close to being sold out.
The deadline was last week but I'm sure they will find a way to get you in if you called.

The ICE will release their Training Camp schedule next week. As always the camp concludes with the Blue-White game which will be played at the Cranbrook Rec Plex on Monday, September 6 at 11:00 am. The game will feature players who are competing to earn a spot on the 2010-2011 roster along with top draft choices.
“We are continuing with the tradition of partnering with charitable organizations within our community. Over the past 11 years almost $23,000.00 has been raised for the Cranbrook United Way through this event,” said Chynoweth.
The cost to attend the Blue-White game will be a minimum donation to the Cranbrook and Kimberley United Way of $5.00 per person.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Brad Shaw

The Kootenay ICE have another opening in their staff as Athletic Trainer Brad Shaw is leaving the club to join the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Shaw was with the club for 3 years. Grand Rapids is the farm club for the NHL Detroit Red Wings.

U-17

The U-17 tournament will be held in Winnipeg, Man from Dec 28/10-Jan 4/11.
As I posted earlier this summer these are 8 ICE players who have taken part in their provincial camps.

BC
Mackenzie Skapski G Fraser Valley MML
Mike Simpson D Valley West MML

Alberta
Matthew Benning D St.Albert
Sam Johnson F Okotoks

Saskatchewan
Colby Cave F Battleford
Jared Iron F Canoe Narrows
Levi Cable F Hudson Bay

Manitoba
Kurt Johnas F Winnipeg

Canada Games

The 2011 Canada Winter Games wil be in Halifax, Nova Scotia from Feb 11-27.
The BC and Alberta roster have been reduced since I last did an update.
Here are the 4 Western Provinces' rosters, along with which WHL team has them on their list.
The ICE have 7 players still being considered for the U-16 tournament.

BC

Tristan Jarry G North Delta Edmonton
Luke Stripp G Surrey
Jackson Whistle G Pursuit of Excellence Vancouver

Dylan Bowen D Pursuit of Excellence Portland
Kyle Burroughs D Langley Regina
Josh Connolly D Prince George Kamloops
Nolan De Jong D Saanich Regina
Macoy Erkamps D South Delta Lethbridge
Raymond Grewal D Prince George Prince George
Riley Ostoforoff D Kelowna
Ayrton Nikkel D Kelowna Saskatoon
Adam Plant D Penticton
Trevor Stack D Notre Dame
Shea Theodore D Aldergrove Seattle

Evan Anderson F North Shore Winter Club
Michael Bell F Ridge Meadows Everett
Luke Bertolucci F Rossland/Trail Edmonton
Brennan Clark F Kelowna Chilliwack
Steen Cooper F Cowichan Valley Portland
Taylor Foote F Vancouver Tbirds
Brett Harris F Notre Dame Regina
Luke Harrison F Westside Chilliwack
Jackson Houck F North Shore Winter Club Vancouver
Curtis Lazar F Pursuit of Excellence Edmonton
Matthew Needham F Penticton Kamloops
James Neil F Semiahmoo Seattle
Devin Oakes F Prince Rupert Kamloops
Nicolas Petan F North Shore Winter Club Portland
Carter Popoff F Richmond
Brandon Potomak F Pursuit of Excellence Moose Jaw
Sam Reinhart F Hollyburn Kootenay
Cole Sanford F Pursuit of Excellence Medicine Hat
Evan Tironses F Notre Dame


Alberta

Eric Comrie G Edmonton Tri City
Tyler Fuhr G St. Albert Brandon
Wyatt Hoflin G Stony Plain Kootenay
Coleman Vollrath G Calgary Chilliwack
Brett Zarowny G Edmonton Prince George

Marshall Donald D Edmonton Calgary
Braiden Doucette D Leduc Moose Jaw
Mason Geertsen D Rocky Rapids Edmonton
Jared Hauf D Calgary Seattle
Dillon Heatherington D Calgary
Brennan Hunker D Millet Medicine Hat
Spenser Jensen D Airdrie Medicine Hat
Keegan Kanzig D Athabasca Chilliwack
Jesse Lees D Calgary Kelowna
Josh Morrissey D Calgary Prince Albert
Joel Topping D Red Deer Lethbridge
Colton Waltz D Vermilion Brandon

Tyson Baillie F Fort Sask Kelowna
Cole Benson F Edmonton Edmonton
Greg Chase F Sherwood Park Calgary
Ryan Chynoweth F Lethbridge Everett
Mitch Collett F Calgary Brandon
Sean Davies F Drumheller Chilliwack
Jaedon Descheneau F Edmonton Kootenay
Scott Feser F Red Deer Red Deer
Nelson Gadoury F Calahoo Edmonton
Reid Halabi F Edmonton Chlliwack
Morgan Klimchuk F Calgary Regina
Chad Labelle F Calgary Medicine Hat
Johnathon Merkley F Calgary Lethbridge
Cade Owad F Calgary Spokane
Luke Philp F Canmore Kootenay
Clay Spencer F Lethbridge Chilliwack
Cole Ully F Calgary Kamloops
Torrin White F Balzac Moose Jaw


Saskatchewan

Brett Lewchuk G Saskatoon Spokane
Luke Grassl G Lashburn
Tanner Burgardt G Kerrobert Regina
Terrick Wilderman G Coronach

Branden Scheidl D Saskatoon Portland
Carter Hansen D Craven Moose Jaw
Colby Harmsworth D Saskatoon Calgary
Colby Williams D Regina Regina
Eric Pfiefer D North Battleford Prince Albert
Josh Wik D Swift Current Tri City
Kayle Doetzel D Rosetown Regina
Maxim Powiada D Saskatoon Brandon
Robin Yew D Ile a LaCrosse
Tanner Faith D Wilcox Kootenay
Tyler King Cunningham D Pilot Butte Spokane
Zach Douglas D McTaggart Seattle

Alex Forsberg F Waldheim Prince George
Adam McCannell F Yorkton
Austin Calladine F Saskatoon Calgary
Cameron Preymack F Prince Albert
Chris Thorimbert F Saskatoon Lethbridge
Connor Kortko F Saskatoon Saskatoon
Cory Millette F Storthoaks Red Deer
Craig Leverton F Warman Lethbridge
Dylan Frey F Weyburn Kamloops
Dylan Ostertag F Regina
Elliott Peterson F Saskatoon Calgary
Jackson Michalenko F Saskatoon
Jarrett Fontaine F Humbolt Prince George
Jordan Tkatch F Prud'Homme Prince George
Justin Spagrud F Gull Lake
Kailum Gervais F Kamsack
Matt McLeod F Saskatoon Kamloops
Nathan Bandet F Regina Swift Current
Regan Yew F Ile a Lacrosse Prince Albert
Tim McGauley F Wilcox Saskatoon
Ty McLean F Redvers Regina
Tyson Predinchuk F Regina Spokane
Zac MacKay F Swift Current Swift Current
Zackary Klebaum F Saskatoon

Manitoba

Nolan Bray G Winnipeg
Austin Lotz G St. Adolphe Everett
Alexander Moodie G Winnipeg Saskatoon
Justin Paulic G Thompson Moose Jaw

Dylan Betteridge D Pinawa
Madison Bowey D Winnipeg Kelowna
Garrett Bruce D Stonewall Brandon
Cole DePape D Winnipeg Kootenay
Tyler Edwards D Winnipeg
Bruce Highway D Thompson
Garrett Johnston D Winnipeg
Brian McDonald D Winnipeg
Nolan Parrington D Winnipeg Regina
Kevin Pochuk D Winnipeg Red Deer
Bradley Reichardt D Winnipeg
Nolan Speiss D Neepawa Brandon
Paul Stoykewych D Winnipeg Portland

Drake Bodie F Thompson Ssakatoon
Denis Bosc F Dufresne Swift Current
Daylon Creasy F Carberry Calgary
Hayden Goderis F Winnipeg
Matthew Hadley F Sainte-Agathe Brandon
Corey Haverstick F Winnipeg
Kurt Keats F Winnieg Moose Jaw
Remi Laurencelle F Winnipeg Lethbridge
Taeron Lewis F Winnipeg Tri City
Quintin Lisoway F Neepawa Brandon
Mitchell Lockhart F Winnipeg
Michael Lorange F Winnipeg Prince Albert
Braydon MacDonald F Stonewall Moose Jaw
Geordie Maguire F Winnipeg
Jonathan Martin F Winnipeg Kootenay
Derek Mulvena F Ashern
Devon Schade F Beausejour
Devan Schram F Winnipeg
Paul Soubry F Winnieg
Christian Stockl F Winnipeg Saskatoon
Johl Swedlo F Portage la Prairie
Daniel Taillefer F LaBroquerie Brandon
Nathan Wisniewski F Winnipeg
Nicholas Zajac F Headingley Saskatoon

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Advance Outdoor Tickets For ICE Fans

The Kootenay ICE are excited and pleased to announce they will be playing in the
Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic in Spokane. This outdoor hockey game will be played at Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA on Saturday, January 15th 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Avista Stadium has a seating capacity of 6,800 and as a valued Kootenay ICE fan you will have an opportunity to purchase tickets well before the general public. You will have the opportunity to purchase tickets starting Monday, August 21st at 9:00 am by calling the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322 or by filling out the enclosed order form and emailing it to info@kootenayice.net or faxing it to 250-417-0323. Tickets will be available until Tuesday, September 7th with a limit of four tickets per household. You MUST be a Kootenay ICE Season Ticket holder to take advantage of this offer. Tickets are limited to 200 and are first come, first served. A valid credit card is required when ordering.

This is sure to be a great, exciting event and a once in lifetime opportunity. We look forward to seeing you in Spokane! For more information on the game log onto www.kootenayice.net or www.spokanechiefs.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

ICE To Play In 1st WHL Outdoor Game

ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth on playing in 1st ever Outdoor WHL Game in Spokane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGcIIV9rBQQ

Here is the press release from the Spokane Chiefs ...

The Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club has announced they will host the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at Avista Stadium against the Kootenay Ice in the WHL’s first ever outdoor game. Gametime is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
Bobby Brett, the President of the Spokane Chiefs, said “Since the NHL outdoor game in Buffalo 2008 I have wanted the Spokane Chiefs to play in one. I think it will be an unbelievable event for our players and fans.”
“The WHL appreciates the commitment the Spokane Chiefs have made to stage the first ever WHL Outdoor Game in one of our longest standing and most successful U.S. markets”, commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.
“Our WHL fans in Spokane and throughout the US Pacific Northwest and Western Canada will not want to miss this historic outdoor event,” Robison said.
Tickets will be sold only on an individual game basis as all Chiefs Package Holders will receive the first opportunity to purchase seats for the game. Ticket Package Holders can call the Chiefs ticket office on Thursday, August 19th at 9:00 am to order tickets or they can fill out the order form they will receive in the mail later this week. Tickets will go on sale to the general public for the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic on Wednesday, September 1st.
Prices will range from $25-$100. Full season package holders will receive a ticket to the Spokane Chiefs first playoff game in 2011 to give them a full complement of 36 games in their package.
Fans can choose from all inclusive seats that feature all you can eat hot dogs, Pepsi products and peanuts to reserved bench seats. Avista Stadium’s popular group areas (The Bud Bullpen, The Grotto presented by Hallmark Hyundai and The Depot presented by The Black Book) will also be available for purchase
The ice surface will be installed and maintained by a team that includes Willy Bietak Productions out of Santa Monica, California, Top Shelf Arena Service’s Mike Craig and Dan Craig and Dave Gebhardt of the Spokane Public Facilities District.
Bietak Productions specializes in state-of-the-art portable rinks and installed ice for the Michigan-Michigan State outdoor hockey game in 2001 and for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Top Shelf Arena Services help oversee all ice surfaces in the NHL and has been a part of all of the NHL’s outdoor hockey events, including last year’s Bridgestone Classic at Fenway Park in Boston.
Dave Gebhardt is the Operations Manager at the Spokane Arena and has supervised the installation and maintenance of its ice since opening in 1995. The Arena has hosted the two U.S. Figure Skating Championships, a WHL All-Star game and Memorial Cup under Gebhardt’s direction.
The event will be the first of two outdoor games played in the league this year. The Calgary Hitmen will host the Regina Pats on February 21st, 2011 at McMahon Stadium.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

WHL Notes August 17

Red Deer has announced that contract extensions have been signed by Jesse Wallin - VP of Hockey Operations/Head Coach, Bryce Thoma - Assistant Coach, Dave Horning - Trainer, and Terence Robertson - Athletic Therapist. The team also announced that they have hired Chris Neiszner as an Assistant Coach.
As well, the Rebels have acquired the services of Brent Belecki as Goaltending Consultant. Belecki will replace Andy Nowicki, who has chosen to step down from his position with the team to pursue other interests.

Spokane Chiefs have acquired defenseman Bruin McDonald from the Prince George Cougars in exchange for a conditional sixth round draft selection in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.
The 18-year-old McDonald has played 107 games in parts of three seasons with the Cougars, including a career high 53 last year when he registered three goals and 10 points. The Coquitlam, BC native was originally a seventh round selection in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Comrie

Wed on the weekend: Singer/actress Hilary Duff & former ICE Captain and NHL player Mike Comrie (Edmonton Oilers) in a sunset ceremony in front of family & friends in Santa Barbara, California. Comrie proposed during a romantic break in Hawaii in February after 2 years of dating. Duff recently splashed out $3.85 million on a new Hollywood marital mansion for the pair.
– “OK! Magazine”

Saturday, August 14, 2010

U-18 GOLD Medal Game Canada 1 USA 0

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has won the gold medal at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, defeating the United States 1-0 in Saturday’s gold medal game in Piestany. It is the third year in a row and sixth time in seven years Canada has won the tournament, formerly known as the Junior World Cup.
On Saturday, a goal from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, B.C./Red Deer, WHL) just 1:42 into the first period was all the offence Canada needed as it blanked the Americans for the third consecutive meeting at the tournament. Netminder Tyson Teichmann (Belleville, Ont./Belleville, OHL) stopped 22 shots he faced for Canada’s first gold medal game shutout since Trevor Cann against the U.S. in 2006.

First Period
01:42 CAN Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Penalties
06:07 USA Tanner Sorenson (Cross-checking/Double-échec)
09:59 USA Bench/Banq (Too Many Players/Trop du joueurs)
11:53 CAN Phillip Danault (High-sticking/Bâton élevé)
Second Period
Penalties
06:04 USA Brian Cooper (Cross-checking/Double-échec)
10:36 USA Brian Cooper (Slashing/Coup de bâton)
10:36 CAN Scott Harrington (Roughing/Rudesse)
13:08 CAN Lucas Lessio (Holding/Retenir)
17:15 CAN Daniel Catenacci (Charging/Assaut)
17:15 USA Brian Cooper (Boarding/Donner de la bande)
19:45 USA Bench/Banq (Too Many Players/Trop du joueurs)
Third Period
Penalties
03:19 CAN Duncan Siemens (Slashing/Coup de bâton)
Goaltenders
CAN Tyson Teichmann
USA Steven Michalek
Shots on Goal
CAN 8 10 6 24
USA 8 8 6 22

Friday, August 13, 2010

U-18 Canada 6 Czech Rep 2

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will play for gold at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament after defeating the Czech Republic 6-2 in Breclav in Friday’s semifinal. Canada will face the United States, which defeated Sweden 5-4 in overtime in the other semi, in the gold medal game on Saturday in Piestany, Slovakia.
Canada jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead on goals from Lucas Lessio (Maple, Ont./St. Michael’s, CCHL), Alan Quine (Belleville, Ont./Kingston, OHL) and Matt Puempel (Essex, Ont./Peterborough, OHL) en route to its 12th victory in a row at the tournament, earning a chance to win its third-consecutive gold. Lessio finished with two goals, while Brett Ritchie (Orangeville, Ont./Sarnia, OHL) and Garrett Meurs (Ripley, Ont./Plymouth, OHL) also scored for Canada, which improved to 12-2-2 all-time against the Czechs.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

ICE Assistant Coaches Interviews

Broadcast Center News did interviews with the 2 new Kootenay ICE Assistant Coaches Todd Johnson and Jerry Bancks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M77xdwedjEU

U-18 Canada 6 Slovakia 1

PIESTANY, Slovakia – Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has advanced to the semifinals at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka after winning Group B with a perfect 3-0 record. Canada will face the Czech Republic in semifinal action on Friday.
Canada completed an unbeaten round robin with a 6-1 win over Slovakia. Boone Jenner (Dorchester, Ont./Oshawa, OHL) scored twice to lead the offence, while Duncan Siemens (Sherwood Park, Alta./Saskatoon, WHL) and Matt Puempel (Essex, Ont./Peterborough, OHL) added a goal and an assist each as Canada scored three goals in 53 seconds midway through the third period to break open a 3-1 game. Scott Harrington (Kingston, Ont./London, OHL) and Myles Bell (Calgary, Alta./Regina, WHL) had the other Canadian goals.
In Friday’s other semifinal, the United States will face Sweden.

First Period
02:00 CAN Duncan Siemens (David Broll)
15:21 CAN Scott Harrington (Matt Puempel, Phillip Danault) PP/AN
Second Period
13:40 SVK Martin Gernat (Denis Hudec, Branislav Rapac) PP/AN
17:47 CAN Myles Bell (Lucas Lessio, Alan Quine)
Third Period
09:47 CAN Matt Puempel (Duncan Siemens, David Broll)
10:20 CAN Boone Jenner (Garrett Meurs, Dougie Hamilton)
10:40 CAN Boone Jenner (Jonathan Huberdeau, Garrett Meurs)
Goaltenders
SVK Adam Nagy
CAN Tyson Teichmann

WHL Notes August 11

Defenseman Curtis Kulchar has decided to begin his schooling rather than return to Everett as an overager.
http://www.heraldnet.com/section/BLOG12

WHL teams' travel totals has been calculated again this year by Alan Caldwell.
http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/

ICE Name New Assistant Coaches

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced the Club has hired Todd Johnson and Jerry Bancks as their new Assistant Coaches. Both coaches have signed two-year contracts along with a club option for a third year.

“It is very exciting for our organization to have these two gentlemen join our coaching staff. Both men are teachers by trade so they will be able to relate to the young players of today. They also have played in the League and have coached at different levels which will definitely be an asset to our Club”, continued Chynoweth.

“Both Todd and Jerry are passionate to begin coaching in the Western Hockey League. Our players will benefit a great deal from their experience teaching individual skills,” commented Head Coach Kris Knoblauch.

Todd Johnson played three seasons in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors (1990-1991), Kamloops Blazers (1991-1992) and Red Deer Rebels (1992-1993). He won a Memorial Cup with the Blazers in 1992 and was also the first ever captain of the Rebels. Todd played five years at the University of Calgary (1993-1998) and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. Upon his graduation from University he played professionally in Germany (1998-2004). For the past six years he has been involved with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna, BC, including the last four years as Head Coach of the Midget AAA team.

Jerry Bancks has been involved with hockey in Kimberley for a number of years, including two different stints as Assistant Coach with the Kimberley Dynamiters. Recently retired after teaching for 30 years, he will continue to teach at the School District 6 Sports School in Kimberley. Jerry played two years in the Western Canada Hockey League with the Lethbridge Broncos and Calgary Centennials (1974-1976). Upon graduating from the WCHL he went on to play five years with the University of Calgary (1976-1980). Jerry also achieved a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of Calgary.

Todd Johnson is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan. He and his wife Miriam are the parents of one son – Eli (2). Todd will be joining the ICE on August 23.

Jerry Bancks is a native of Calgary, Alberta. He and his wife Marilyn are the parents of two children – Cassidy (23) and Carter (21). Jerry will be joining the ICE at Training Camp on September 2.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

WHL Notes August 10

Prince Albert traded 20 year-old defenceman Brendon Wall to Kelowna for a conditional 7th round selection in the 2011 Western Hockey League bantam draft.
Wall was acquired by the Raiders on October 5, 2009 along with defenceman Tyler
Yaworski from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for goaltender Steven Stanford. Wall
appeared in 62 games for the Raiders with 2 goals and 10 assists along with 36 minutes in penalties.
The move leaves the Raiders with four 20 year-olds: forwards Colin Reddin and Igor Revenko and defencemen Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley.

Moose Jaw traded 19 year old defensemen Kevin Smith to Kelowna for defensemen Collin Bowman. Bowman is from Littleton, Colorado and had 20 points in the regular season and 5 points in the 2010 playoffs.
Kevin Smith was drafted by the Warriors in 2006 in the 2nd round, 38th overall The North Vancouver native had 43 points in his Warriors career.

Spokane finalized their hockey staff as they announced the re-signing of Assistant Coach Jon Klemm and Director of Player Personnel Chris Moulton.
The Chiefs have also announced that Goaltending Coach Denis Sproxton, Athletic Therapist/Strength Coach Todd Daniels and Equipment Manager Kacee Coberly will return for the 2010-11 season.
Klemm returns to the staff for his second season as Assistant Coach, joining the newly appointed Nachbaur on the Chiefs bench. Klemm was named to the Top 25 Chiefs in 25 years in February due his efforts as a player. The former defenseman was the Chiefs captain during their first Memorial Cup championship in 1991 and went on to a 17-year pro career that included a pair of Stanley Cup Championships with the Colorado Avalanche (1996, 2001).
Klemm signed a two-year deal.
Moulton has signed a three-year deal. The Fernie, BC native originally joined the organization in June, 2005.

WHL & ICE Sked

The WHL 10-11 schedule has been released and can be viewed at their website whl.ca.

Here is the finalized ICE schedule.
Bold = Home Games

September (1 Road – 1 Home)
Sat 25 Calgary
Wed 29 @ Red Deer

October (7 Road – 6 Home)
Fri 1 Spokane
Wed 6 Prince George
Sat 9 @ Lethbridge
Mon 11 @ Swift Current
Tue 12 @ Regina
Wed 13 @ Moose Jaw
Sat 16 Regina
Tue 19 Edmonton
Fri 22 Red Deer
Sun 24 @ Edmonton
Tue 26 @ Medicine Hat
Wed 27 @ Calgary
Fri 29 Brandon

November (6 Road – 6 Home)
Tue 2 Chilliwack
Fri 5 Lethbridge
Sat 6 Calgary

Thu 11 @ Calgary
Sat 13 Edmonton
Sun 14 @ Calgary
Fri 19 Saskatoon
Sat 20 Prince Albert

Tue 23 @ Red Deer
Fri 26 @ Tri City
Sat 27 @ Seattle
Tue 30 @ Everett

December (7 Road – 5 Home)
Wed 1 @ Portland
Sat 4 Medicine Hat
Wed 8 @ Prince Albert
Fri 10 @ Moose Jaw
Sat 11 @ Brandon
Sun 12 @ Saskatoon
Wed 15 Calgary
Fri 17 Red Deer

Sat 18 @ Red Deer
Tue 28 Medicine Hat
Wed 29 @ Medicine Hat
Fri 31 Swift Current

January (5 Road – 7 Home)
Sun 2 @ Edmonton
Fri 7 Moose Jaw
Sat 8 Red Deer

Wed 12 @ Edmonton
Fri 14 Spokane
Sat 15 @ Spokane
Tue 18 Edmonton
Fri 21 @ Spokane
Sun 23 Red Deer
Wed 26 Brandon

Fri 28 @ Lethbridge
Sat 29 Lethbridge

February (4 Road – 8 Home)
Tue 1 Calgary
Wed 2 @ Calgary
Sat 5 Vancouver
Tue 8 Regina

Fri 11 @ Regina
Sat 12 @ Swift Current
Fri 18 Medicine Hat
Sat 19 Saskatoon
Tue 22 Kelowna

Wed 23 @ Red Deer
Fri 25 Prince Albert
Sat 26 Kamloops


March (6 Road – 3 Home)
Wed 2 @ Brandon
Fri 4 @ Saskatoon
Sat 5 @ Prince Albert
Tue 8 Moose Jaw
Fri 11 Swift Current

Sat 12 @ Spokane
Tue 15 @ Medicine Hat
Fri 18 @ Lethbridge
Sat 19 Lethbridge

U-18 Canada 7 Switzerland 3

PIESTANY, Slovakia – Canada posted its second straight lopsided win at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka under-18 hockey tournament Tuesday.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a hat trick and Brett Ritchie added a pair of goals in a 7-3 victory over Switzerland.
Dougie Hamilton and Xavier Ouellet also scored for the Canadians. Daniel Catenacci and Jonathan Huberdeau added two assists apiece as Canada improved to 2-0 following a tournament-opening 6-3 win over Sweden.
Tyson Teichmann made 21 saves for Canada, who outshot the Swiss 40-24.
Canadian coach George Burnett has liked what he's seen of his team so far, especially since the squad had a short, four-day training camp and just one exhibition game to prepare for the tournament.
"Our game was better today so I think I can comfortably say that we've gotten better every day since camp,” Burnett said in a phone interview. “That's the big challenge – that you try to be better every day.”
Burnett acknowledged that Canada did get a little sloppy late in the third period when the score was 7-2.
“But we did some good things,” he added. “We're putting the puck in the right places and we're not turning it over a lot.
“It's great to be up 2-0.”
Alessio Bertaggia, Marwin Leu and Jordan Gahler scored for the Swiss, who slipped to 1-1.
Canada plays Slovakia on Wednesday in its final round-robin game.
The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals on Friday, with the gold medal game scheduled for Saturday. Canada has won the event five of the past six years.
With some players battling the flu, Burnett used his entire bench against the Swiss.
“It was nice not to have to wear them out any more than we needed to today late in the game,” he said.
So far, nobody has had to sit out due to illness.
“I don't think it's anything serious but when you play at this time of the year, it's pretty common that most teams go through this kind of stuff,” Burnett said.
Canada took in the Swiss-Slovakia game Monday night to do some scouting. While the hosts lost 7-2, Burnett isn't taking them lightly.
“We're going to go about it like getting job done tomorrow is critically important,” he said.
“I think it's important for our psyche to continue to win,” he added.

First Period
01:28 CAN Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
02:34 CAN Dougie Hamilton (Matt Puempel, Lucas Lessio)
10:30 SUI Alessio Bertaggia (Reto Amstutz, Silvan Hebeisen)PP
Second Period
09:33 CAN Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Daniel Catenacci, Austen Brassard)
13:23 CAN Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Daniel Catenacci, Xavier Ouellet)PP
17:24 CAN Brett Ritchie (Boone Jenner, Jonathan Huberdeau)
18:37 SUI Marwin Leu
19:34 CAN Brett Ritchie
Third Period
07:51 CAN Xavier Ouellet (Jonathan Huberdeau)
16:36 SUI Jordan Gahler (Martin Ness, Christian Marti)
Goaltenders
CAN Tyson Teichmann
SUI Kevin Huber

Monday, August 9, 2010

U-18 Canada 6 Sweden 3

Red Deer Rebels' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored once and added an assist as Canada rallied to open the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka under-18 hockey tournament with a 6-3 win over Sweden on Monday.
After opening the scoring the Canadians fell behind 3-1 in the second period before storming back and scoring five straight goals to secure the victory. Canada doesn't have much time to enjoy the comeback as it resumes tournament action Tuesday against Switzerland.
“We had a good start, we scored the first goal early but I think we ran into some lessons-to-be-learned,” said Canadian team coach George Burnett. “We took seven stick penalties so we've got to tidy that up.
“Most of them were from being on the wrong side of the puck or trying to use your stick to check which doesn't work well in events like this, so they got some power-play goals. But we made some adjustments in the second period … and we got some good transition turnovers from some back pressure which was essential against a team that plays with the puck possession that these guys do and we turned some of those into goals.”
Daniel Catenacci scored twice and Lucas Lessio, Brett Ritchie and Matt Puempel had the other goals for Canada. Tyson Teichmann stopped 37 shots in goal.
Sweden outshot Canada 15-8 in the first period en route to 2-1 lead. The Swedish goals came on the power play and while shorthanded.
The Canadians took control in the second, outshooting Sweden 22-14 and scoring three times for a 4-3 advantage heading into the third. There, Canada cemented the victory by outscoring the Swedes 2-0 and finishing the game outshooting them 43-40.
“We turned it over on their second goal, which I think got us on our heels a little bit and set us back a touch,” Burnett said. “Play settled down later in the first period and through the second we put the pressure on and he (Teichmann) didn't have a whole lot of work but had some big saves on a 5-on-3.
“There were also a number of power-play situations for them in the second that we were able to get through and he was a big part of that and settled down and gave us some big, quality saves as the game went on.”
Burnett said having another game to play so quickly is in fact a good thing for the Canadians.
“I think the kids would rather be playing than practicing right now,” he said. “The neat thing about this tournament is it happens so quickly and no team gets extra rest.
“Every team is playing three days straight. We're hoping to conserve the energy that we can so that probably means having to learn a little bit more watching some videotape.”

First Period
02:12 CAN Ryan Nugent-Hopkins PP
03:38 SWE Pontus Aberg (Victor Rask)PP
17:08 SWE Joachim Nermark SH/DN
Second Period
01:57 SWE Oscar Klefbom (Rasmus Bengtsson, Joachim Nermark)PP
06:52 CAN Lucas Lessio (Ryan Murray, Matt Puempel)PP
10:51 CAN Daniel Catenacci (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins)PP
14:18 CAN Brett Ritchie (Scott Harrington)
Third Period
00:49 CAN Matt Puempel (Phillip Danault)
11:46 CAN Daniel Catenacci
Goaltenders
SWE Stefan Steen
CAN Tyson Teichmann

WHL Notes August 9

Prince George acquired 20-year old goaltender Morgan Clark from the Swift Current Broncos. In exchange, the Broncos get a 2011 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft conditional pick.
Clark has played a total of 142 regular season games in the WHL for the Red Deer Rebels and Swift Current Broncos. During the 2009-10 season with the Broncos, Clark played 46 games, earning a 24-14-1-2 record with a 2.92 goals against average and a save percentage of .907. Clark also picked up one shut-out. The 6’1”, 162 pound product of Flower Mound, Texas, is a seventh round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Cougars also announce 19-year old goaltender Hudson Stremmel has decided to remain in Reno, Nevada to focus on his education.

With the move, the Broncos now have four 20 year olds on the roster including: Justin Dowling, Stepan Novotny, Travis Bobbee and Mark Friesen.

Tampa Bay signed defenseman Radko Gudas to a three-year, entry level contract.
Gudas, 6-foot, 202 pounds, played in 65 games with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League last season, recording seven goals and 37 points with a plus-45 rating. He led the team in plus/minus and penalty minutes with 151. Gudas also led all Everett defensemen in points and assists. He also skated in three playoff games with the Silvertips, recording two assists.
Tampa Bay selected Gudas in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Canada Camp

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. – A move from centre to left wing on the hottest line in camp paid off for Cody Eakin.

The Swift Current Bronco had a pair of goals and an assist as Team White downed Team Red 5-2 in the second intra-squad game at the Canadian junior hockey team development camp on Saturday night.

Eakin, who played centre as the Whites beat the Reds 6-3 in the first intra-squad game on Friday night, moved onto the wing with centre Sean Couturier and Louis Leblanc and combined twice with Leblanc on goals and got another goal unassisted.

Both Eakin and Leblanc were late cuts from last year's team for the world junior championship, but they have taken a leg up in trying to make the Canadan side for the 2011 tournament in Buffalo, N.Y.

A team selection camp will be held in December from which a 22-man squad will be named.

“Me and Louis were talking about it on the bench,” said Eakin. “We both said it was a pretty bad feeling and we're not going to let it happen again this year.

“The game was really fast. We turned it on in the second period and didn't look back from there.”

Leblanc was impressed.

“He had a great game,” said Leblanc. “Once again, we clicked.”

Jaden Schwartz and Kyle Clifford each had a goal and an assist for White, which scored three times in a 45-second span in the second period on goaltender Mark Visentin, the Phoenix Coyotes first-round pick who was celebrating his 18th birthday.

Tyler Seguin and Tyler Toffoli scored for Red.

Coach Dave Cameron and his staff tweaked the lines somewhat from the first game, including moving Eakin and splitting up Brandon teammates Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie as well as old world under-18 linemates Seguin and Toffoli.

“Right now in our evaluation of the team our strength is through the middle, to the point that there are some really good centremen who will probably get a shot at playing the wing,” said Cameron.

“We wanted to see Cody. We're going to need versatility. Guys will have to move around. He's one of the guys we think is capable of doing that. He demonstrated that. He was a very good player in both games at both positions.”

White outshot Red 46-37 and the score could have been worse if not for the work of goaltender Jean-François Berubé, who stopped all 19 shots he faced in the first period before being beaten twice in the second.

“This was by far my best game,” said Berubé. “When you have a lot of shots it's easy to stay in the game and the defence helped me a lot to see the puck and that made it easier.”

His favourite save came from in close early on as he stoned Leblanc, who will be his teammate this season with the Montreal Juniors.

“He came by me and told me I robbed him and I was pretty happy about that,” said the Los Angeles Kings prospect. “But on the play, I didn't know it was him. It was pretty funny.”

At the other end, Olivier Roy was saving 14 of 15 for Team White. The only goal to beat Roy was a shot from fellow Edmonton Oilers prospect Curtis Hamilton, whose wrister from the right circle looked to be going wide but went in off Seguin, the gifted second overall pick by the Boston Bruins who otherwise had a quiet camp.

Schwartz finally beat Berubé early in the second on a feed from Brayden Schenn and Eakin banged in a pass across the crease from Leblanc at 9:04.

That was when both teams changed goalies, with Calvin Pickard going in for Roy and Visentin for Berubé.

Schwartz set up Clifford on a 2-on-1 at 13:10, Eakin scored unassisted at 13:31 and Manning got one at 13:55 before Toffoli beat Pickard on a breakaway for Team Red.

Neither team scored in a scrambly third period that produced few good chances for either side. Team White lost Glennie to a hand injury for the third and was forced to juggle its centres.

Schwartz had a great week. First he learned that after a long, nervy wait a match had been found for a stem cell transplant for his sister Mandi, a top women's prospect who is suffering from leukemia. The transplant is set for Aug. 26. Then Jaden had a strong camp.

“Playing with Schenn and Clifford was pretty fun out there,” said Schwartz, a stocky forward. “We read each other well and had some good shifts.

“With Mandi, that's the best news my family has had in a while. My parents are happy, Mandi's happy and I'm happy with my performance at this camp. It's been a good summer and I hope it continues.”

The top scorers from the two games were Leblanc and Clifford, each with two goals and two assists, while Eakin, Schenn and Couturier each had three points. Three Red team players had two points each – Zack Kassian, Ryan Johansen and Carter Ashton.

Red team defenceman Mark Pysyk of the Edmonton Oil Kings was held out for precautionary reasons due to a minor injury. Red was already missing Portland Winter Hawks forward Brad Ross who has not skated at the camp due to a groin pull.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Canada U-18 Exhibition

BRECLAV, CZE – Daniel Catenacci (Newmarket, Ont./Sault Ste. Marie, OHL) scored 26 seconds into overtime as Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team twice rebounded from one-goal deficits to score a 3-2 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday.

The game was Canada’s lone pre-tournament contest before it opens defense of its Memorial of Ivan Hlinka championship on Monday against Sweden in Piestany, Slovakia.

Catenacci beat Czech goaltender David Honzik to earn the win for a Canadian team that had just three days of practice together as a team and trailed 2-1 in the dying minutes of the third period.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, B.C./Red Deer, WHL) was in on Canada’s first two goals, getting Canada on the board late in the second period before setting up the tying goal off the stick of Xavier Ouellet (Terrebonne, Que./Montreal, QMJHL) with less than five minutes remaining in regulation time.

Canada’s special teams were a big reason for its win – Ouellet’s game-tying goal came with the Canadians enjoying a man advantage, while the penalty killing unit kept the Czechs scoreless on seven power play opportunities, including three in the first 10 minutes of the third period, when the European side pressed for an insurance goal.

Canada will make the 70-kilometre trip from Breclav to Piestany on Sunday to prepare for Monday’s tournament opener. In addition to the Swedes, the Canadians will face Switzerland (Tuesday) and Slovakia (Wednesday) in round-robin play as they tries to win the tournament for the sixth time in seven years.

Canada Camp

Canada Camp Intra Squad Game

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. – Louis Leblanc was crushed when he was cut from Canada's team for the IIHF World Junior Championship last year and it's clear he doesn't want that to happen again.
The Montreal Canadiens' 2009 first-round draft pick scored two goals and was dangerous on nearly every shift while leading Team White to a 6-3 victory over Team Red in an intra-squad game at the Canadian junior team development camp on Friday night.
“I still have a bad taste in my mouth from being cut from camp last year,” said Leblanc. “I came here ready and when the puck dropped I think our line was ready with (Sean) Couturier and (Quinton) Howden.
“Things were clicking and I think we got the job done.”
Brayden Schenn also had two goals while Casey Cizikas and Leblanc's linemate Sean Couturier got one each for the Whites, who outshot Red 38-36.
Defenceman Stefan Elliott and forward Carter Ashton scored in the first period and winger Zack Kassian got one in the third for Red.
Leblanc left Harvard University to join the Montreal Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this summer in order to play more games and play in his home town. One of the 19-year-old's top priorities is to make the world junior team.
“I think I'm ready to make the commitment and play a lot of games and focus on hockey for a year and see where I am the year after,” he said.
Tyler Seguin, the second overall draft pick of the Boston Bruins, was held off the scoresheet. The skill and explosive skating of the Plymouth Whalers' star was evident, but Seguin was not sharp around the net.
“It's the first time I played in a game since the (Boston) development camp after the draft, so I'm kind of using this to get back into hockey shape,” said Seguin. “It's going to be a little tough going out there after not playing as much hockey as some other guys.
“I feel strong out there. I've been working out a lot for the last month and half and from now on, I'll work out and skate for another month and half.”
After his low shot was stopped by Jean-Francois Berube after breaking in alone down the right side, a fan yelled out “Taylor Hall would have scored from there” – a reference to Edmonton's No. 1 overall pick.
An announced crowd of 2,346 turned out at Mile One Centre, several wearing Bruins jerseys.
The teams will play a second Red-White game Saturday night.
There was only one power play in the game as Ashton was sent off for roughing and it produced a goal for Couturier, tabbed as a potential first overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft. He also had an assist.
A skirmish broke out late in the game when White defenceman Erik Gusbranson was speared in the groin and went after Kassian.
Coach Dave Cameron was not amused.
“I thought it was a spear that started it – I've got no time for that,” said Cameron. “The competitiveness I love.
“You're not going to win this tournament if you're undisciplined. It's just too close with too many teams. So hopefully it's a learning experience for our team.”
White jumped to an early 2-0 lead as Cizikas got around defenceman Brock Beukeboom, went in alone and, after his first shot was stopped, scored from a scramble in front of Mark Visentin only 45 seconds into the game.
Visentin left a big rebound and was slow to cover his right side as Leblanc shot in his own rebound at 5:05.
Elliot fired a wrist shot to the top corner past Calvin Pickard through traffic at 11:11 to put Red on the board and Ashton tied it at 14:38, scoring from the side of the net after a long moment of intense pressure in the White zone.
Leblanc put White ahead at 18:02 as he was sent in on a two-on-one by Couturier and put a wrist shot in off Visentin's glove.
Scott Glennie created traffic in front and his Brandon Wheat Kings teammate Schenn sneaked in to lift in a White goal 6:04 into the middle frame.
Neil Manning partially fanned on a point shot and the puck fooled Berube as it went in off Schenn's leg. Couturier's power-play goal gave White a commanding lead.
Kassian backhanded a shot into an open side through a pile-up in front of Olivier Roy's crease in the third period to make it a little closer.
But while White dominated, Cameron said the teams won't be changed for the second intra-squad game.
“Team White was the better team, but now it's a challenge for Team Red to come back,” he said. “You don't want to take that challenge away from them.
“The easiest thing now would be to even it up, but no, this is a team sport. Let's see how they respond.”
Both teams changed goalies midway through the second frame, with Berube replacing Visentin and Roy in for Pickard.
The Red team was stacked at centre with Seguin, fourth overall pick Ryan Johansen (Columbus), who had two assists, and seventh overall pick Jeffrey Skinner (Carolina).
But White had Schenn, the only healthy returnee from last year's world juniors, and Couturier down the middle. White also had No. 3 pick Gudbranson (Florida) on defence.

Friday, August 6, 2010

WHL Notes August 6

Moose Jaw new GM is ...
http://www.mjwarriors.ca/news/2154/

Moose Jaw, SK.--- The Moose Jaw Warriors are pleased to announce the hiring of the Warriors new Director of Hockey Operations, Alan Millar. The Warriors introduced Alan at a press conference Friday in the Warriors dressing room. Alan is ready to get started building the future of Warriors hockey in that very building yet looking ahead to the multiplex. “I would like to thank the Warriors Board of Directors for this great opportunity,” said Warriors Director of Hockey Operations Alan Millar. “I am very happy to be part of the Warriors tradition and part of the Western Hockey League,” added Millar. “I look forward to working with both the hockey and business staff to continue building the franchise on the ice as well as in the community,” he said.

The Warriors Boards of Directors feel Alan is the right individual to take the Warriors to the next level this season and in the years to come. “Alan brings a wide range of experience and is well respect by many of the WHL owners and General Managers within our league,” commented Warriors President Chad Taylor. “He is someone that we feel very confident in being the face of the organization and an individual who will complement our current Hockey Operation staff,” added Taylor.

Alan brings a wealth of CHL knowledge to the tribe. Alan Millar served as the General Manager/Alternate Governor of the Sarnia Sting (OHL) from 2004-2009. Nine players from the 2007-08 team signed pro-contacts during his time in Sarnia.

Alan spent a year with the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in 2003 as the Director of Player Personnel. Prior to his time in Toronto, Alan was the General Manager/Alternate Governor of the Guelph Storm of the OHL from 1997-2003. During his time in Guelph, Alan led the team to 6 consecutive playoff appearances. In 1998, the Storm were named the OHL Champions and narrowly lost in the Memorial Cup final in overtime.

Alan also had a stint in the American Hockey League from 1993-1997 with the Saint John Flames as the Director of Operations/Alternate Governor. Among his many accomplishments, Alan’s Guelph Storm team played host to the 2002 Memorial Cup. He served as Director of Hockey Operations with Team Ontario from 2002-2004. Alan was part Hockey Canada’s CHL General Manager’s committee from 2005-2009, helping to evaluate players for Canada’s U-18 teams, World Junior teams and the CHL Canada/Russia series.

Alan comes to the Warriors from Milton, Ontario with Newport Sports Management, where he managed NHL players and alumni marketing opportunities. The Warriors are thrilled to welcome Alan and his wife Kelly to the friendly city. Alan will begin his duties with the club starting immediately.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

WHL Notes August 4

The Western Hockey League and Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club announced they will host a WHL outdoor game against the Regina Pats on February 21 at McMahon Stadium.
The game coincides with Family Day Monday and will be played the day after the National Hockey League’s Heritage Classic set for February 20th between the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens.

Hockey Canada announced Silvertips defenseman Ryan Murray has been named the Team Captain of the Under-18 team that will compete at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament, held in Slovakia and the Czech Republic from August 9-14.
Murray, entering his 17-year old year, produced a standout rookie campaign for the Silvertips in which he tallied 27 points on five goals and 22 assists in 52 games played along with a +33 rating. The 6’0, 185 pound defenseman out of White City, Saskatchewan, was Everett’s first round selection (eighth overall) in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft and is not draft eligible until 2012. He was named the Silvertips’ Rookie of the Year by the club’s coaching staff and will be the youngest member of the U-18 team heading to Europe.

Tri-City Americans' Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced that 20-year-old defenseman Eric Mestery has chosen to retire from the sport of hockey.
http://www.amshockey.com/

The Brandon Wheat Kings have learned that Assistant Coach Dwayne Gylywoychuk will be lost to the club for an extended period of time.
Gylywoychuk sustained a broken back in a fall at the Keystone Centre on Tuesday afternoon.
Gylywoychuk, 36, is currently being treated at Brandon Regional Health Centre and is expected to make a full recovery.
http://luberslounge.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Knoblauch New Addition

Congrats to ICE Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and wife Autumn on their new baby girl, Emry. It's their 2nd child as son Marek turns 3 later this year.

Beattie Leaves ICE

Tri City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has named Scott Beattie as the team’s new associate coach for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

Beattie, a former teammate of current Americans’ head coach Jim Hiller, played three seasons with Northern Michigan University, winning an NCAA title in 1990-91, before playing overseas for 13 seasons. After graduating from NMU in 1992, Beattie spent two seasons with the Bolzano Foxes of the Italian Series A League. He then spent one year with the Milan Saima before rejoining the Foxes in 1995-96, winning the Italian Series A League playoffs championship. From there, Beattie played one season in Germany (Rosenheim Starbulls, DEL) before spending four seasons with three different teams in Switzerland’s Elite League (Zurich, Davos/Thurgau and Geneva). In 2001, Beattie moved back to Italy and joined the Milano Vipers where he was a part of three straight Italian Series A League championships. He wrapped up his playing career back where he started, spending the 2004-05 season with Bolzano, before retiring and entering the coaching ranks. In all, Beattie played in over 300 international games, scoring 206 goals and 482 points.

To coincide with his stellar playing career, Beattie was twice named a Hobey Baker Award finalist, bestowed upon the NCAA’s best collegiate player, while at Northern Michigan. After collecting 106 goals and 22 points in 122 games, he was inducted in the NMU Hall of Fame in 2003. While playing in Europe, Beattie also played for Team Italy in two Group A World Junior Championships, once in 1996 and again in 2001.

“I’ve known Scott for many years now, dating back to my days with the Kootenay Ice, and I’m excited that he will be joining our staff,” explained Tory. “Not only is he extremely qualified for this position but he brings a passion and enthusiasm for the game that is unparalleled.”

“I’ve known Scott for a long time...he will be a great fit for our team,” Hiller said. “His understanding of the game will not only benefit our players, but me as well.”

Beattie’s first coaching opportunity came with his hometown Kimberley Dynamiters of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, serving three seasons as the Head Coach and General Manager while leading the Dynamiters to a record of 75-62-5-12. Beattie has spent the past two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Kootenay Ice as an assistant coach.

“I’m happy and honored that the ownership group is willing to give me this opportunity,” expressed Beattie. “I’ve been friends with Jim (Hiller) a long time. We’ve had tremendous success as players and, hopefully, we will again as coaches.”

Beattie continued…“I had a chance to watch the team in Calgary during the WHL Finals and I’m thrilled to be joining a team with a veteran line-up that has enjoyed success.”

Beattie will officially begin his position on August 15.

Canada U-18 Team

Hockey Canada announced the 22 players who will represent Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, August 9-14 in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia.

Goaltender
Robin Gusse L 5’10" 170 04/23/93 Terrebonne, Que./Qc Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Tyson Teichmann L 6'0" 139 05/19/93 Belleville, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Defence
Myles Bell R 6'0" 209 08/19/93 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Regina (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Dougie Hamilton R 6’4.5” 187 06/17/93 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Scott Harrington L 6’1” 209 03/10/93 Kingston, Ont. London (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murray L 6'0.5" 190 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 6’1” 187 05/18/93 Oakville, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Duncan Siemens L 6’3” 196 09/07/93 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Saskatoon (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Forwards
Austen Brassard R 6’2” 192 01/14/93 Windsor, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
David Broll L 6’1.5” 221 01/04/93 Mississauga, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Daniel Catenacci L 5'10 180 03/09/93 Newmarket, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Michael Curtis L 6'0" 184 01/26/93 Mississauga, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Phillip Danault L 6'0" 173 02/24/93 Victoriaville, Que./Qc Victoriaville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Huberdeau L 6’1” 166 06/04/93 Prévost, Que./Qc Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Boone Jenner L 6’1.5” 197 06/15/93 Dorcester, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Lucas Lessio L 6'1” 195 01/23/93 Maple, Ont. St. Michael’s (CCHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Garrett Meurs R 5’10.5” 171 01/12/93 Ripley, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins L 6'0" 166 04/12/93 Burnaby, B.C./C.-B. Red Deer (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Matt Puempel L 6’0.5” 201 01/24/93 Essex, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Alan Quine L 5’11” 179 02/25/93 Belleville, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Brett Ritchie R 6’3” 204 07/01/93 Orangeville, Ont. Sarnia (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.

Head Coach George Burnett Port Perry, Ont. Belleville (OHL)
Assistant Coach Ron Choules Montreal, Que. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Assistant Coach Jim Hiller Nelson, B.C. Tri-City (WHL)