Thursday, June 30, 2011

ICE Golf

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club would like to announce the return of the Kootenay ICE Golf Tournament. This tournament, which has raised over $320,000 since its inception is the primary fundraiser for the Kootenay ICE Education Fund that ensures every player has the opportunity to gain post secondary education once their major junior career is over.

The tournament will be taking place at 1:30 pm on Friday, August 26 at the Cranbrook Golf Club with entries being limited to the first 32 paid teams. Each player entry is $160.00 and includes golf, dinner, calcutta and a first tee gift.

To register for the tournament please contact the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322. Registration deadline is Thursday, August 18.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ICE Trade Import Pick

ICE have traded their 1st round pick, 51st overall, in today's Import Draft to Everett for a 2012 8th round Bantam pick.
The ICE will pass on their 2nd round pick and for the 2nd year in a row the club will not make a selection in the Import Draft.
The ICE can still add an import player that has been waived by another team.

From the ICE Office
Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today that the ICE have traded their 2011 CHL Import Draft pick to the Everett Silvertips for a 8th round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

“We were looking to add a forward in the 1992 or 1993 age group that could come in and compete for a top six position with our Club and unfortunately we could not make that happen. Although we have passed on selecting a player in the CHL Import Draft for a second year in a row, it does not mean we will not have an Import player in our line-up at some point in the near future.” commented Chynoweth.

ICE Regular Season Schedule

September (1 Road – 3 Home)
Fri 23 @ Red Deer
Sat 24 Calgary
Tue 27 Lethbridge
Fri 30 Regina

October (6 Road – 6 Home)
Sun 2 @ Calgary
Wed 5 @ Edmonton
Sat 8 @ Red Deer
Wed 12 Edmonton
Fri 14 Lethbridge
Sat 15 Prince Albert
Mon 17 @ Lethbridge
Tue 18 @ Medicine Hat
Sat 22 Moose Jaw
Sun 23 @ Calgary
Wed 26 Red Deer
Sat 29 Portland

November (6 Road – 5 Home)
Fri 4 Everett
Sat 5 Red Deer
Wed 9 Tri City
Sat 12 Seattle
Sun 13 Saskatoon
Sat 19 @ Victoria
Sun 20 @ Vancouver
Tue 22 @ Prince George
Wed 23 @ Kamloops
Fri 25 @ Kelowna
Wed 30 @ Saskatoon

December (5 Road – 5 Home)
Fri 2 @ Prince Albert
Sat 3 @ Moose Jaw
Sun 4 @ Swift Current
Fri 9 Medicine Hat
Sat 10 @ Medicine Hat
Tue 13 Red Deer
Fri 16 Swift Current
Tue 27 Lethbridge
Thu 29 @ Red Deer
Fri 30 Spokane

January (8 Road – 5 Home)
Mon 2 @ Lethbridge
Wed 4 Swift Current
Sat 7 Moose Jaw
Sun 8 Medicine Hat
Wed 11 @ Red Deer
Sat 14 @ Edmonton
Wed 18 @ Regina
Fri 20 @ Moose Jaw
Sat 21 @ Brandon
Tue 24 Brandon
Wed 25 @ Lethbridge
Fri 27 Prince Albert
Sat 28 @ Spokane

February (6 Road – 8 Home)
Fri 3 Calgary
Sat 4 Spokane
Tue 7 @ Edmonton
Fri 10 Red Deer
Sat 11 Saskatoon
Sun 12 @ Calgary
Tue 14 Brandon
Fri 17 Spokane
Sat 18 Regina
Tue 21 @ Brandon
Wed 22 @ Regina
Fri 24 @ Saskatoon
Sat 25 @ Prince Albert
Wed 29 Edmonton

March (4 Road – 4 Home)
Sat 3 Calgary
Tue 6 @ Swift Current
Wed 7 @ Medicine Hat
Fri 9 Medicine Hat
Sat 10 @ Spokane
Wed 14 Edmonton
Fri 16 Calgary
Sat 17 @ Calgary

ICE on Import Draft Day

The 2011 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft goes today.

Kootenay ICE General Manager Jeff Chynoweth explains the strategy heading into the draft.
"Going in, if we decide to pick a player and that's a big if right now, we're looking at a '92 or '93 forward. We don't know if we're going to find that through the draft or maybe a returning player that an existing team has dropped for next season."
Chynoweth says he doesn't know whether today will be the day, but adding forwards is a priority.
"We want a certain player and that's the biggest thing. We're getting inundated with lots of requests for 1994 born players, both goaltenders and defensemen. But we think that's the strength of our hockey club. We're trying to focus on getting some forwards to replenish our cupboard after the Cody Eakin trade from last January."

The ICE draft pick is 51st overall and is slated for at 3:20.

Monday, June 27, 2011

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think it was no surprise that Nathan Lieuwen was drafted on Saturday. He is the 4th ICE goalie drafted joining Taylor Dakers, Jeff Glass and Dan Blackburn. Thomas Heemskerk signed a free agent contract while with Everett.

2. I think ICE prospect Michael King (2008 3rd round Bantam pick), who is committed to Colorado College, must be disappointed in not being selected after being in the rankings most of the season.

3. I think Cranbrook native Sam Mellor, who played BCHL w/Trail, is feeling the same as King.

4. I think after not having a player selected Everett will have a player selected 1st overall in 2012 as defenseman Ryan Murray will be the most talked about prospect in the WHL.

5. I think it'll be interesting to see what happens in Medicine Hat after the new rink proposal was voted down 6-3 in city council. The building does net meet WHL standards.

6. I think when the WHL regular season schedule is released this week I'll be watching who the home opener will be against (banner night) and if the club will continue with a New Years Eve game.

7. I think the ICE will either trade for an Import player or trade up in the Import Draft. Their 1st selection is 51st overall which is not great.

8. I think there will be a few undrafted ICE players receiving invites to NHL camps.

9. I think the WHL teams looking to fill their coaching staffs are waiting to see who doesn't get jobs in the NHL and AHL. It's a domino affect that can last all summer. Cory Clouston, Brad Lauer and Ryan McGill will find jobs somewhere.

10. I think these are my non-hockey thoughts.
a) Last week I said the best new TV Show was The Sports Show with Norm MacDonald and then found out it was cancelled. Too bad, it was laugh out loud funny.

b) Another new show to check out is Feherty on the Golf channel. It's quirky but worth a look.

c) Best TV commercial is the Snickers ad with Joe Pesci and Don Rickles.

Friday, June 24, 2011

NHL Draft - WHL Notes - Lieuwen 6th round to Buffalo

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - 1st round 1st overall Edmonton
2008 WHL Bantam Draft - 1st round 1st overall
19th year in a row a player from Red Deer has been drafted, every year in Franchise history.

Duncan Siemens - 1st round 11th overall Colorado
2008 WHL Bantam Draft - 1st round 3rd overall, pick acquired w/Stefan Elliott from Prince George for Devon Setoguchi
7 of the last 10 years a Saskatoon player has been drafted and 36 of 39 years a player drafted.

Sven Bartschi - 1st round 13th overall Calgary
2010 Import Draft - 1st round 7th overall, pick acquired w/Luca Sbisa & 2011 5th round Bantam pick (Michael Fortin) from Lethbridge for Jacob Berglund, Daniel Johnston & 2010 1st round Import pick
9 of last 10 years a Portland player has been drafted, 33 of 35 years in Franchise history.

Mark McNeill - 1st round 18th overall Chicago
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 5th overall
2 of last 6 years a Prince Albert player has been drafted, player drafted 25 of last 29 years.

Joe Morrow - 1st round 23rd overall Pittsburgh
2007 Bantam Draft - 2nd round, pick acquired w/2007 1st round Bantam pick (Brad Ross), 2007 5th round Bantam pick (Daniel Johnston) & Michael Burns from Moose Jaw for 2007 1st overall pick (Quinton Howden) & 2007 3rd round Bantam pick (Dylan McIlrath)
Brother Josh WHL Career w/Kamloops & Kootenay

David Musil - 2nd round Edmonton
Vancouver acquired from Kootenay for 2010 5th round Bantam pick (Jesse Wood-Shatz) & 2011 1st round Bantam pick
10th year in a row a Vancouver player has been drafted, every year in Franchise history.

Ty Rattie - 2nd round St. Louis
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 2nd overall

Joel Edmundson - 2nd round St. Louis
2008 Bantam Draft - 6th round
22 of last 23 years a Moose Jaw player has been drafted, 25 of 27 years in Franchise history.

Tyler Wotherspoon - 2nd round Calgary
2008 Bantam Draft - 2nd round

Adam Lowry - 3rd round Winnipeg
2008 Bantam Draft - 4th round
24 of 25 years a Swift Current player has been drafted.

Keegan Lowe - 3rd round Carolina
2008 Bantam Draft - 6th round
3 of last 4 years an Edmonton player has been selected.

Travis Ewanyk - 3rd round Edmonton
2008 Bantam Draft - 3rd round

Harrison Ruopp - 3rd round Phoenix
2008 Bantam Draft - 2nd round, pick acquired from Everett w/2009 3rd round Bantam pick for 2008 2nd round Bantam pick (Tysen Giebel)

Michael St. Croix - 4th round NY Rangers
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 4th overall

Colin Jacobs - 4th round Buffalo
2008 Bantam Draft - 4th round, pick acquired from Portland for Rob Klinkhammer
26 of last 27 years a Seattle player has been drafted, 30 of 33 years in Franchise history.

Kale Kessy - 4th round Phoenix
10 of last 11 years a Medicine Hat player has been drafted, 36 in 39 years in Franchise history.

Marek Tvrdon - 4th round Detroit
2010 Import Draft - 1st round 13th overall, pick acquired w/Derek Tendler & 2011 5th round Bantam pick from Regina for Mitch Spooner, Cass Mappin & Mikael Jung

Marcel Noebels - 4th round Philadelphia
2010 Import Draft - 1st round 10th overall

Zachary Yuen - 4th round Winnipeg
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 22nd overall
3 of last 6 years a Tri City player has been drafted, player drafted 20 of the last 23 years.

John Persson - 5th round NY Islanders
2009 Import Draft - 1st round 41st overall, pick acquired w/Nathan Green from Brandon for 2009 1st round Import pick (Toni Rajala)

Brenden Kitchton - 5th round NY Islanders
2007 Bantam Draft - 3rd round, pick acquired w/2007 5th round Bantam pick from Red Deer for Jason Lynch
2010 invite to Detroit camp
23 of 26 years a Spokane player has been drafted.

Shane McColgan - 5th round NY Rangers
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 13th overall, pick acquired w/2008 4th round Bantam pick (Jordan Cooke) from Brandon for 2008 1st round Bantam pick (Klarc Wilson)
19 of 20 years a Kelowna player has been drafted.

Darren Dietz - 5th round Montreal

Darian Dziurzynski - 5th round Phoenix
2010 invite to Phoenix camp

Dominik Uher - 5th round Pittsburgh
2009 Import Draft - 1st round 47th overall

Darren Kramer - 6th round Ottawa

Reece Scarlett - 6th round New Jersey
2008 Bantam Draft - 1st round 12th overall

Laurent Brossoit - 6th round Calgary
2008 Bantam Draft - 2nd round

Matej Stransky - 6th round Dallas
2010 Import Draft - 2nd round, pick acquired from Prince George

Nathan Lieuwen - 6th round Buffalo
2006 Bantam Draft - 1st round 16th overall
12 of last 13 years a Kootenay player has been drafted, 13 of 15 years in Franchise history.

Richard Nedomlel - 6th round Detroit
2010 Import Draft - 1st round 31st overall

Jordan Fransoo - 7th round Ottawa
2008 Bantam Draft - 5th round, pick acquired from Moose Jaw for Kurt Jory
19 of last 22 years a Brandon player has been drafted.

Brody Sutter - 7th round Carolina
Lethbridge acquired from Saskatoon for 2009 5th round Bantam pick
2010 invite to Florida camp
21 of 24 years a Lethbridge player has been drafted.

---------------------
WHL teams with no player drafted ...
Calgary - ends streak of player drafted 13 years in a row, player drafted 14 of 16 years in Franchise history.
Everett - ends streak of player drafted 5 years in a row, 5 of 8 years a player drafted in Franchise history.
Kamloops - 28 of 30 years a player drafted.
Prince George - 34 of 39 years a player drafted in Franchise history.
Regina - 15 of last 17 years a player drafted, 33 of 38 years in Franchise history.
Victoria/Chilliwack - 3 of 5 years a player drafted in Franchise history.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

WHL Exhibition Schedule

The Kootenay ICE will play 5 preseason games, all on the road.
Regular season schedule will be released next week.

Tue Aug 30
Moose Jaw @ Swift Current 7:00 Rookies

Wed Aug 31
Saskatoon @ Prince Albert 7:00

Fri Sept 2
Tri City @ Everett 7:00 Everett Tournament
Spokane vs Seattle 3:00 Everett Tournament
Victoria @ Kamloops 7:00
Vancouver @ Kelowna 7:05
Moose Jaw @ Regina 7:00

Sat Sept 3
Portland vs Tri City 3:00 Everett Tournament
Spokane @ Everett 7:00 Everett Tournament
Victoria @ Kelowna 7:05
Regina @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Prince Albert @ Saskatoon 7:05
Kamloops @ Vancouver 7:00 Ladner

Sun Sept 4
Spokane vs Portland 1:00 Everett Tournament
Seattle @ Everett 5:00 Everett Tournament
Prince George vs Red Deer 11:00 Edmonton Tournament
Calgary vs Medicine Hat 3:00 Edmonton Tournament
Edmonton vs Swift Current 7:00 Edmonton Tournament

Monday Sept 5
Prince George vs Calgary 11:00 Edmonton Tournament
Red Deer vs Swift Current 3:00 Edmonton Tournament
Edmonton vs Medicine Hat 7:00 Edmonton Tournament

Thu Sept 8
Kootenay @ Tri City 7:05 Tri City Tournament
Calgary @ Lethbridge 7:00 Taber

Fri Sept 9
Kootenay vs Everett 11:00 Tri City Tournament
Moose Jaw @ Brandon 7:30
Seattle vs Spokane 3:00 Tri City Tournament
Portland @ Tri City 7:00 Tri City Tournament
Kelowna @ Kamloops 7:00
Edmonton @ Prince George 7:00
Lethbridge @ Red Deer 7:30 Innisfail
Medicine Hat @ Regina 7:00 Shaunavon
Saskatoon @ Swift Current 7:00
Victoria @ Vancouver 7:30 Ladner

Sat Sept 10
Kootenay vs Portland 3:00 Tri City Tournament
Red Deer @ Calgary 7:00 Flames Arena
Seattle vs Everett 11:00 Tri City Tournament
Spokane @ Tri City 7:00 Tri City Tournament
Kamloops @ Kelowna 7:05
Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat 7:30
Brandon @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Edmonton @ Prince George 7:00 Jasper
Swift Current @ Regina 7:00
Vancouver @ Victoria 7:05 Maple Ridge
Wed Sept 14
Prince George @ Kamloops 7:00
Medicine Hat @ Lethbridge 7:00 Nicholas Sheran
Tri City @ Spokane 7:00

Fri Sept 16
Kootenay @ Lethbridge 7:00 Crowsnest Pass
Regina @ Brandon 7:30
Vancouver @ Everett 7:05
Saskatoon @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Seattle @ Portland 5:30 Winterhawks Skating Center
Swift Current @ Prince Albert 7:00
Kamloops @ Prince George 7:00
Edmonton @ Red Deer 7:30 Lacombe
Kelowna @ Victoria 7:05

Sat Sept 17
Lethbridge vs Calgary 7:00 Crowsnest Pass
Medicine Hat @ Red Deer 7:30 Stettler
Brandon @ Regina 7:00
Moose Jaw @ Saskatoon 7:05
Everett @ Seattle 7:05
Prince Albert @ Swift Current 7:00 Shaunavon
Spokane @ Tri City 7:05
Kelowna @ Vancouver 7:00 Ladner

Sun Sept 18
Calgary vs Kootenay 2:00 Crowsnest Pass

NHL

Ottawa Senators have named 2 assistant coaches and both were in this years Memorial Cup tournament as Mississauga's Dave Cameron and Owen Sound's Mark Reeds have taken the step from the OHL to the NHL.
The coach of the other team that played the ICE, Gerard Gallant of the Saint John Sea Dogs, has been rumoured to getting a job in the NHL this season as well.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

From The Green Bay Committee

Last year the total number of season tickets was about 1830, which included the Reach Out season tickets. I am pleased to report that the current total is 2010 season tickets, excluding the Reach Out tickets and season tickets from now until the beginning of the season. I have talked to Jeff and his marketing team and we will be working together on the promotion of the Reach Out tickets in August 2011; our goal is to sell 120 (which would bring our total to 2130). We will also be working with the ICE to increase the sales of regular season tickets right up to the deadline in September.

Thank you for those committee members who attended my 4:00 meetings and especially Bre. Jason Caven and the radio station played a huge role in promoting the Early Bird Program. Special thanks to those individuals who were interviewed on the radio about the benefits of the ICE and WHL to our community, including Karin Penner, Melanie Fiorentino, Rob Niedermayer, Nathan Lieuwen, Bre, Noah Caven, Loree Duczek, Mike Adams, Reverend Reg Friesen, Liz Schatschneider, and Kris Knoblauch. I am also looking forward to working with Jeff and his team in the revitalization of the school programs and the promotion of next year’s Faith Night and other theme nights.

Many good things are happening with our positive and cooperative approach. Again, my ultimate goal is to create a permanent committee of relevant stakeholders, which would focus on maximizing the economic, social and entertainment benefits of the ICE to our region. Such a committee could include representatives from the ICE, the City, the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Community Living, the School District, Cranbrook Minor Hockey, service clubs and other organizations (both inside and outside the City of Cranbrook). Feel free to email me with any of your constructive comments and suggestions.

In the final analysis, many people in our community believe that the WHL to our region is as important as the NHL to Winnipeg (another small market).

Thanks and the 4:00 meetings are hereby terminated for now.

Allan

Monday, June 20, 2011

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think the Kootenay ICE should be on the cover of the next Phone Book with their team championship picture in Portland. The 2002 Memorial Cup picture was the cover in 2002. By the way, with the access to information on the Internet do they even make phone books anymore?

2. I think Red Deer is the favorite to host the 2013 Memorial Cup. They are in the final three with Kelowna (who hosted in 2004) and Saskatoon (who hosted the 2010 WJHC and the 1989 Memorial Cup). Since the tournament format was created its has been hosted in Alberta only once, 1974 in Calgary.

3. I think every time I saw Boston Coach Claude Julien during the playoffs I thought of the 2001 NHL Draft in Florida where I shared a cab with him going from our hotel to another hotel where all the NHL people were located. For a reason I can't remember, I paid for the ride. Wait, What?

4. I think you have to be happy for former ICE trainer Brad Shaw who will not only work in the NHL after spending 1 year in the AHL but he will be in his home province of Manitoba. He grew up following the Jets.

5. I think Max Reinhart will get an invite to Canada's WJHC main camp in December even though he is not attending the summer camp. Some of the possible returning players will be in the NHL and that will create a few openings, plus Reinhart's play should catch their attention.

6. I think with the WHL schedule meetings today, the ICE will probably hope to have their BC trip in December when the Rec-Plex is unavailable because of the curling event.

7. I think it'll be interesting to see who will be the new Assistant Coach in Vancouver. That person will be Head Coach when Don Hay goes to the WJHC.

8. I think there were a few people who were not surprised Curtis Hunt was fired as Head Coach of the Regina Pats. Everyone is surprised it came 3 months after their season ended.

9. I think in the 1st round of this weeks NHL Draft there will be 9 players selected who played against the ICE this year. 6 from the WHL and 3 from the Saint John Sea Dogs.

10. I think these are my non-hockey thoughts.
a) Is it wrong the only movie I want to see this summer is Cars 2? It's out this weekend.

b) My headline for Rory McIlroy's US Open victory is "Rory Roars Like A Tiger"

c) 1st Day of Summer is tomorrow and we need some warmer weather soon as it's be a long depressing Winter/Spring. Just so you know that big bright thing in the sky is called a Sun. Long time no see.

d) Best new show on TV is the Sports Show with Norm McDonald. It's must see TV.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Canada Camp

Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Development Camp, scheduled for August 3-7 in Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alta. Forty-six players have been invited to attend the camp.

Goaltenders
Tyler Bunz L/G 6'1" 200 02/11/92 St. Albert, Alta./Alb. Medicine Hat (WHL) EDM '10 (5, 121)
Louis Domingue R/D 6'3" 191 03/06/92 Mont St-Hilaire, Que./QC Quebec (QMJHL) PHX '10 (5, 138)
*Mark Visentin L/G 6'1.5" 198 08/07/92 Waterdown, Ont. Niagara (OHL) PHX '10 (1, 27)
Scott Wedgewood L/G 6'0.5" 185 08/14/92 Brampton, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) NJ '10 (3, 84)

Defence
Nathan Beaulieu L/G 6'1.5" 175 12/05/92 Strathroy, Ont. Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Cody Ceci R/D 6'1.5" 203 12/21/93 Ottawa, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Jérôme Gauthier-Leduc R/D 6'1.5" 180 07/30/92 Quebec City, Que./QC Rimouski (QMJHL) BUF '10 (3, 68)
Brandon Gormley L/G 6'2" 192 02/18/92 Murray River, P.E.I./I.-P.-E. Moncton (QMJHL) PHX '10 (1, 13)
*Erik Gudbranson R/D 6'4" 211 01/07/92 Orleans, Ont. Kingston (OHL) FLA '10 (1, 3)
Dougie Hamilton R/D 6'4" 187 06/17/93 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Scott Harrington L/G 6'0.5" 200 03/10/93 Kingston, Ont. London (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Martin Lefebvre L/G 5'11" 180 06/23/92 Terrebonne, Que./QC Quebec (QMJHL) Undrafted/Non-rep.
Joe Morrow L/G 6’0” 197 12/09/92 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Portland (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murphy R/D 5'11" 176 03/31/93 Aurora, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murray L/G 6'0.5" 190 09/27/93 White City, Sask. Everett (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Stuart Percy L/G 6'0.5" 186 05/18/93 Oakville, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael's (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Matthew Petgrave L/G 6'1" 185 01/28/92 Brampton, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Mark Pysyk R/D 6'1" 187 01/11/92 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Edmonton (WHL) BUF '10 (1, 23)
Duncan Siemens L/G 6'2.5" 192 09/07/93 Sherwood Park, Alta./Alb. Saskatoon (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Dillon Simpson L/G 6'0.5" 192 02/10/93 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. North Dakota (WCHA) 2011 Dft/Rep.

Forwards
Michaël Bournival L/G 5'11" 179 05/31/92 Shawinigan-Sud, Que./QC Shawinigan (QMJHL) MTL/COL '10 (3, 71)
*Brett Connolly R/D 6'2" 181 05/02/92 Prince George, B.C./C.-B. Prince George (WHL) TB '10 (1, 6)
*Sean Couturier L/G 6'3" 192 12/07/92 Bathurst, N.B./N.-B. Drummondville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Phillip Danault L/G 6'2" 170 02/24/93 Victoriaville, Que./QC Victoriaville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Brendan Gallagher R/D 5'8.5" 175 06/05/92 Tsawwassen, B.C./C.-B. Vancouver (WHL) MTL '10 (5, 147)
Freddie Hamilton R/D 6'0.5" 190 01/01/92 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) SJ '10 (5, 129)
Patrick Holland R/D 5'11.5" 167 01/07/92 Lethbridge, Alta./Alb. Tri-City (WHL) CGY '10 (7, 193)
*Quinton Howden L/G 6'2.5" 192 01/21/92 Oak Bank, Man. Moose Jaw (WHL) FLA '10 (1, 25)
Jonathan Huberdeau L/G 6'1" 170 06/04/93 Prévost, Que./QC Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Boone Jenner L/G 6'1" 204 06/15/93 Dorchester, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
*Ryan Johansen R/D 6'2" 193 07/31/92 Port Moody, B.C./C.-B. Portland (WHL) CBJ '10 (1, 4)

Lucas Lessio L/G 6'1" 197 01/23/93 Maple, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Greg McKegg L/G 5'11.5" 194 06/17/92 St. Thomas, Ont. Erie (OHL) TOR '10 (3, 62)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins L/G 6'0" 166 04/12/93 Burnaby, B.C./C.-B. Red Deer (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Matthew Puempel L/G 6'0" 198 01/24/93 Essex, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ty Rattie R/D 5'11" 163 02/05/93 Airdrie, Alta./Alb. Portland (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Brett Ritchie R/D 6'3" 210 07/01/93 Orangeville, Ont. Sarnia (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Mark Scheifele R/D 6'1.5" 182 03/15/93 Kitchener, Ont. Barrie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
*Jaden Schwartz L/G 5'10" 184 06/25/92 Emerald Park, Sask. Colorado College (WCHA) STL '10 (1, 14)
Michael Sgarbossa L/G 5'10" 171 07/25/92 Campbellville, Ont. Sudbury (OHL) SJ '10 (FA/JA)
Devante Smith-Pelly R/D 6'0" 207 06/14/92 Scarborough, Ont. Misssissauga St. Michael's (OHL) ANA '10 (2, 42)
Ryan Spooner L/G 5'10" 181 01/30/92 Kanata, Ont. Kingston (OHL) BOS '10 (2, 45)
Mark Stone R/D 6'2.5" 195 05/13/92 Winnipeg, Man. Brandon (WHL) OTT '10 (6, 178)
Ryan Strome R/D 6'0" 175 07/11/93 Mississauga, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Christian Thomas R/D 5'8.5" 170 05/26/92 Toronto, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) NYR '10 (2, 40)
Tyler Toffoli R/D 6'0" 181 04/24/92 Scarborough, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) LA '10 (2, 47)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Season Tickets Update

As of 4pm at the Early Bird Deadline ...
2002 season tickets.
315 new.

Season tickets will continue to be on sale until the start of the season.

This year marks the return of the Reach Out Program and details will be announced in a few weeks.

There are also plans to have the School Program return to what it was a few years ago.

Many other ideas are in the development stages and once details are completed we will have them on the radio and here on the blog.

With the Reach Out Program and other season tickets packages purchased over the next few months the final total could be 2200-2300.

The last few weeks have been very positive and the hope is to build a solid foundation and to build on it in years to come. This isn't a one year blitz. Relying on a walk-up crowd isn't a good thing for small market teams and the key is a solid season ticket base. 2500 has been a number that the team and community would like to have. That should be attainable by next year.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Season Tickets Update

1974 season ticket holders. (as of 4pm today)
291 new.

The early bird deadline is Thursday June 16th when the ICE office closes at 4:30pm.

Season ticket holders that requested a refund on any unused playoff tickets can pick up the cheque in the Kootenay ICE Office. They were not mailed due to the postal strike.

From The WHL

Calgary, AB -- The Western Hockey League Board of Governors wrapped up their Annual General Meeting today in Calgary by announcing they have adopted a Seven Point Plan to reduce blows to the head and concussions. The WHL Seven Point Plan is a comprehensive approach to addressing this important matter and includes the adoption of new playing rules; more severe suspensions for repeat offenders; production of an educational video on risks of concussion; educating the players to be more responsible for themselves on the ice; a seminar for all WHL Head Coaches and General Managers; new soft cap elbow and shoulder pads; expanded research data and a review of all WHL arena facilities safety standards.

The WHL Playing Rule changes includes the adoption of a Checking to the Head penalty for lateral and blind side hits to an unsuspecting opponent in open ice where the head is targeted or is the principle point of contact. The WHL also tightened the standard on late hits as well as charging and interference penalties to address players building up significant speed and hitting the opponent along the boards with excessive force. The WHL also adopted a new embellishment rule and introduced automatic suspensions for players who receive multiple penalties for checking to the head, checking from behind, embellishment and kneeing.

“The WHL is fully committed to addressing head blows and concussions in a comprehensive manner,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “We believe the Seven Point Plan we have adopted will not only create a safer environment for our players but will also enable us to better educate our players, coaches and officials as to what constitutes a legal hit.”

The WHL Board of Governors also adopted revisions to their Regulations and Constitution and received an update on their new WHL franchise in Victoria.

The WHL also announced that the Kelowna Rockets, Red Deer Rebels and Saskatoon Blades have been short listed as the final three candidates to host the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The final bid presentations will be made at the October 12, 2011 meeting of the WHL Board of Governors in Calgary.

The WHL will be releasing the 2011-12 WHL Pre-Season schedule on Thursday, June 23 and the 2011-12 WHL Regular Season schedule on Wednesday, June 29.

Canada U-18 Camp Invites

42 players have been invited to attend Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp, which runs from July 30 to August 2 at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary.

Goaltender
Daniel Altshuller L 6’2” 174 07/24/94 Nepean, Ont. Nepean (CCHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Domenic Graham L 6’0” 143 09/21/94 Gatineau, Que./Qc Drummondville (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Matt Murray L 6’3” 159 05/25/94 Thunder Bay, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
François Tremblay L 6’2” 194 08/29/94 Baie-Comeau, Que./Qc Val d’Or (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.

Defence
Gianluca Curcuruto L 6’1” 187 02/25/94 Richmond Hill, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Mathew Dumba R 6’0” 172 07/25/94 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Red Deer (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Matt Finn L 6’0” 197 02/24/94 Toronto, Ont. Guelph (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Jesse Graham R 5’11” 160 05/13/94 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Slater Koekkoek L 6’2” 185 02/18/94 Inkerman, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Michael Matheson L 6’1” 169 02/27/94 Pointe-Claire Que./Qc Lac St-Louis (LHMAAAQ) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Marcus McIvor R 6’1” 204 05/20/94 Whitby, Ont. Brampton (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Adam Pelech L 6’2” 200 08/18/94 Toronto, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Dominic Poulin R 6’1” 185 01/31/94 Ancienne-Lorette Que./Qc Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Derrick Pouliot L 6’0” 192 01/16/94 Weyburn, Sask. Portland (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Pulock R 6’0” 190 10/06/94 Grandview, Man. Brandon (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Griffin Reinhart L 6’4” 202 01/24/94 West Vancouver, B.C./C.-B Edmonton (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Morgan Rielly L 6’0” 190 03/09/94 West Vancouver, B.C./C.-B. Moose Jaw (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Nicholas Walters L/G 6’1” 185 04/11/94 St. Albert, Alta./Alb. Everett (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.

Forwards
Andreas Athanasiou L 6’0” 165 08/06/94 Woodbridge, Ont. London (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Troy Bourke L 5’10” 170 03/30/94 Onoway, Alta./Alb. Prince George (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Mathew Campagna L 5’11” 170 03/09/94 Mississauga, Ont. Sudbury (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Luca Ciampini L 5’11” 189 03/08/94 Montréal, Que./Qc Halifax (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Brendan Gaunce L 6’2” 205 03/25/94 Markham, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Félix Girard R 5’10” 170 05/09/94 Cap-Rouge, Que./Qc Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Charles Hudon L 5’8” 165 06/23/94 Boisbriand, Que./Qc Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Justin Kea L 6’3” 203 02/07/94 Woodville, Ont. Saginaw (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Scott Laughton L 6’0” 170 05/30/94 Oakville, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Brendan Leipsic L 5’8” 155 05/19/94 Winnipeg, Man. Portland (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Brandon Magee L 5’7” 162 01/23/94 Edmonton, Alta./Alb. Victoria (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.

Jarrod Maidens R 6’2” 170 03/04/94 Grimsby, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Matia Marcantuoni R 6’0” 189 02/22/94 Toronto, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Chris Marchese L 6’0” 200 02/23/94 Woodbridge, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Sean Monahan L 6’2” 180 10/12/94 Brampton, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Olsen R 6’2” 180 03/25/94 Tsawwassen, B.C./C.-B. Saskatoon (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Connor Rankin L 6’0” 185 11/30/94 North Vancouver, B.C./C.-B. Tri-City (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.

Kerby Rychel L 6’1” 200 10/07/94 Tecumseh, Ont. Windsor (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Tyrel Seaman L 6’3” 193 01/06/94 Choiceland, Sask. Brandon (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Hunter Shinkaruk L 5’10” 160 10/13/94 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Medicine Hat (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Gemel Smith R/D 5’9” 150 04/16/94 Toronto, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Chandler Stephenson L 5’9” 170 04/22/94 Saskatoon, Sask. Regina (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Robert Trzonkowski R 6’2” 195 01/31/94 Calgary, Alta./Alb. Calgary (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.

Thomas Wilson R 6’4” 195 03/29/94 Toronto, Ont. Plymouth (OHL)

Monday, June 13, 2011

Season Tickets Update

As of 5pm Monday ...
1954 sold, 279 new.

Season ticket holders that requested a refund on any unused playoff tickets can pick up the cheque in the Kootenay ICE Office. They were not mailed due to the postal strike.

10 Things I Think I Think

By request it's a return of "10 Things" which is rip off of a feature done by SI's NFL writer Peter King who covers that league better than anyone.

1. I think the best thing about returning to Cranbrook after a week out of town for holidays was hearing all those great commercials on the radio stations promoting the Kootenay ICE. It's great to hear from the 99.99% of the population who have a great attitude about the team and the WHL instead of the 0.01% who are negative and usually complain anonymously.

2. I think that the Memorial Cup format is as good as you can make a 10-day 4-team tournament but I still don't like it. The ICE were a team that didn't seem beatable in a best of 7 format. This year was such an even tournament you can play it 4 times and have 4 different winners. The 3 2-minute TV timeouts per period also prevented the ICE from using their bench strength. For the the fans and players I hope not winning the Memorial Cup doesn't spoil what a great run the ICE had this season. It was a very very special year.

3. I think Nathan Lieuwen, twice passed over, will be selected in next weeks NHL Draft. So will Jagger Dirk. In the history of the ICE only in 1998 and 2008 did they not have a player selected.

4. I think the ICE will take part in this month's Import Draft. More on that next week.

5. I think it's always great to watch the National Media work behind the scenes at a Memorial Cup or NHL Draft. I really notice which reporters work hard and love their job and which ones don't. I wish I could have spent more time with Yahoo! Sports Neate Sager (Buzzing The Net link to the right) who seemed to always be at the rink. I started following his daily CHL reports midway through the season and appreciate his positive and unique coverage of the 3 leagues.

6. I think once the ICE season ticket totals reach 2,000-2,200 for this season there will be little or no coverage from the out of town media who went in-depth when there was a hint of negativity to talk about. I feel there is nothing wrong about reporting on the challenges the ICE faced this season, but report on the whole story.

7. I think it feels strange that training camp is only 9 weeks away. It's too early to guess who will make the team as training camp always has some pleasant surprises. Non-drafted players Luke Paulsen, Brock Montgomery, Eric Benoit and John Neibrandt are the most recent to receive camp invites and earn a spot on the roster.

8. I think it's great to see coaching stability in the WHL. Only 2 coaches were let go (Moose Jaw and Seattle) and one left (Everett) to go to the NHL.

9. I think it's amazing how far we have come in following prospects in hockey. 10 years ago there were only reports on recent NHL players drafted and some of the top players available in the next draft. Now there are reports on the entire list of players for the current NHL Draft, next years draft and even 2 years down the road. Plus there are websites following 14-year-old players who are eligible for the upcoming WHL Bantam Draft.

10. I think these are my non-hockey thoughts.
a) The book I'm looking to reading this summer is "Those Guys Have All The Fun. Inside The World Of ESPN". It'll be the 1st book I read on an iPad which a good thing as it has almost 800 pages.

b) There will be no NFL games missed because of a lockout but I miss having free agents/trade/training camp to talk about all summer.

c) The NBA will miss at least 50% of next season because of no labor agreement.

d) I will try harder to follow the CFL this season.

e) How good is Disneyland? I'm not a big fan of Disney movies and don't like midway rides and had an amazing 3 1/2 days there last week.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Season Tickets Update

1929 Total
273 New (as of 5:15 pm Friday)

Early Bird Deadline extended, again, to June 16th.

Extended Early Bird Deadline Ends Today

Total season tickets - 1871
New - 251

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

3 Days Left In Early Bird Deadline

Season Tickets

Total: 1860
New: 247

Monday, June 6, 2011

4 Days left in Early Bird Deadline

1857 seson ticket holders, 247 are new customers.

Friday, June 3, 2011

From The ICE Office

One week left in the extended Early Bird deadline for season tickets.

1,845 season tickets sold.
247 new season ticket customers.

From The ICE Office

Season tickets Total - 1,788.
242 are new season ticket holders.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

From The ICE Office

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today that due to the Club just returning from the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup, the deadline for purchasing season tickets at the Early Bird price has been extended until Friday, June 10, 2011.

Tickets may be purchased by phone, fax, mail or in person. The ICE Office can be contacted by phone at 250-417-0322 or by fax at 250-417-0323. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

KOOTENAY ICE SEASON TICKETS 2011-2012

Imagine…Saving up to 47% off regular walk-up ticket prices…36 nights of great entertainment without standing in line…Your own comfortable seats!

Adult: $399.00
Senior (65+): $299.00*
Student (13-25): $249.00**
Youth (4-12): $199.00

*Must be 65 prior to September 23, 2011
**with valid full time student ID