Thursday, May 31, 2012

Skapski To Hockey Canada Camp

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced Thursday the 16 goaltenders that will attend the seventh-annual Program of Excellence goaltending camp at the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex in Calgary from June 7-10.

Sixteen goaltenders – 11 in the under-20 age category (candidates for Canada’s National Junior Team) and five in the under-18 category (candidates for Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team) – will get the opportunity to work with a number of instructors during the four-day camp.
All 16 goaltenders were selected by Hockey Canada based on evaluations done by head scout Kevin Prendergast and goaltending consultant Ron Tugnutt during the 2011-12 season and in consultation with coaches, general managers and team officials throughout the CHL.
UNDER-20 GOALTENDERS
Jordan Binnington/Richmond Hill, Ont./Owen Sound (OHL)
Corbin Boes/Saskatoon, Sask./Brandon (WHL)
Laurent Brossoit/Surrey, B.C./Edmonton (WHL)
Maxime Lagacé/St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que./P.E.I. (QMJHL)
Étienne Marcoux/Terrebonne, Que./Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Matt Murray/Thunder Bay, Ont./Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Jake Paterson/Mississauga, Ont./Saginaw (OHL)
Mackenzie Skapski/Abbotsford, B.C./Kootenay (WHL)
Malcolm Subban/Toronto, Ont./Belleville (OHL)
Matt Tomkins/Sherwood Park, Alta./Sherwood Park (AJHL)
Brandon Whitney/Centerville, N.S./Victoriaville (QMJHL)

UNDER-18 GOALTENDERS
Eric Comrie/Edmonton, Alta./Tri-City (WHL)
Zachary Fucale/Rosemère, Que./Halifax (QMJHL)
Tristan Jarry/Delta, B.C./Edmonton (WHL)
Spencer Martin/Oakville, Ont./Mississauga (OHL)
Storm Phaneuf/Gatineau, Que./Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

NHL Draft

There have been reports that Joey Leach (2010 3rd round Calgary Flames) and Drew Czerwonka (2010 6th round Edmonton Oilers) will not be signed to NHL contracts and will be eligible for the 2012 Draft. This increases the chance of both returning for their over-age season.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Vacation

I'm on holidays for a few weeks and as in years past there is developing news with the ICE while I am out of town.
Some thoughts ...

May 26th - Today is the 10th anniversary of the ICE winning the Memorial Cup in Guelph with a 6-3 win over Victoriaville. Colin Siclair with 2 goals including the game winner.

Summer - The club is celebrating success with the Hot Stove Dinner/Golf event in July. Tickets for both events are available now and most of the players, coaches and staff from 2000 & 2002 will be back in Cranbrook.

Season Tickets - The Early Bird Deadline in June 1st and the ICE office will be open during the lunch hour each day. Every year it seems fans wait until the final week so it should be a hectic place all week.

Kris Knoblach - Since moving to Cranbrook the ICE have a history of not firing so it was very surprising news yesterday. Other than the press release there were no comments from the ICE.  There are lots of rumours circulating as to what happened and probably 1 of the 100 are right. More official details should be revealed over the coming days.

New Coaches - 5 years ago the ICE lost Cory Clouston and Brad Lauer during the summer and eventually hired Mark Holik and Kris Knoblauch. 2 years ago Mark Holick and Scott Beattie left and the club promoted Knoblauch and added Todd Johnson and Jerry Bancks. It will be another makeover with a Head Coach and Assistant Coach openings this season. Again there are going to be lots of rumours and speculation.

I love a good rumour as much as anyone as long as it is being reported in such a way, but keep in mind it's amazing how many stories are written with wrong information. Over the years there were reports on people who were in the running for the ICE jobs, when in fact they never even applied. There were stories on candidates flying to Cranbrook for an interview when in fact they weren't even short listed.

We are entering Silly Season for hockey as coaching vacancies in the NHL have a trickle down effect to the AHL, WHL and so on.

Friday, May 25, 2012

From The ICE Office

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced the Club has terminated Kris Knoblauch’s contract effective immediately. No other comments will be given at this time.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Saskatchewan U-16

ICE draft picks Troy Murray (1st round) and Zac Paziuk (10th round) have been invited to Team Saskatchewan's Summer Camp to be held July 29-August 2nd in Wilcox.
Team Saskatchewan will compete in the Western Branch Challenge in Calgary November 1-4.

Goalie
Nikolas Amundrud Everett
Logan Flodell Seattle
Brock Hamm
Matt Kustra Prince George
Jory Litt Jukes
Kyle Zinger

Defense
Ethan Bear Seattle
Shane Collins Prince George
Michael Eskra Vancouver
Evan Fiala Spokane
Bryce Fiske Tri City
Connor Hobbs Prince Albert
Lochlan Morrison Calgary
Troy Murray Kootenay
Keenan Lugt
Brennan Riddle Calgary
Tate Olson Prince George
Evan Werle Brandon

Forward
Brandan Arnold Swift Current
Spencer Bast
Joshua Beaudry
Dakota Boutin Brandon
Matthew Campese Victoria
Rykr Cole Regina
Terrell Draude Calgary
Tristen Elder Brandon
Jayden Halbgewachs Kamloops
Cameron Hebig Saskatoon
Colton Iron Vancouver
Michael Korol
Tyler Kreklewich Seattle
Drew Litwin Regina
Regan Nagy Victoria
Connor Odelein Saskatoon
Zac Paziuk Kootenay
Lane Pederson Seattle
Caleb Seaman Prince Albert
Wyatt Sloboshan Swift Current
Josh Stang Kamloops
Brayden Uhrich Medicine Hat
Kody White Lethbridge
Ethan Wingerak

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Beattie To Switzerland

From  http://www.amshockey.com/

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that Scott Beattie has stepped down from his role as the team’s associate coach. Beattie has since been named head coach of EHC Olten of Switzerland’s National League B.
After spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the Kootenay Ice, Beattie joined the Americans prior to the start of the 2010-11 season. 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 from 2005-2008, leading the Dynamiters to an overall record of 75-62-5-12.
As a player, Beattie was twice named a Hobey Baker Award finalist, bestowed upon the NCAA’s best player, during his time at Northern Michigan University. At NMU, Beattie played alongside current Tri-City head coach, Jim Hiller and won an NCAA title in 1990-91. After collecting 106 goals and 222 points in 122 games, he was later inducted in the NMU Hall of Fame in 2003.
Beattie then spent the next 13 seasons playing overseas in Europe, making stops in Italy, Germany and Switzerland and winning four Italian Series A League championships (Bolzano Foxes: 1996, Milan Vipers: 2002, 2003, 2004). In all, Beattie appeared in over 300 international games, scoring 206 goals and 482 points. While playing in Europe, Beattie also played for Team Italy in two Group A World Junior Championships (1996, 2001).
“We want to thank Scott for his contributions to the Americans organization over the past two seasons and wish him all the best as he turns his attention towards this great opportunity with pro hockey in Europe,” said Tory.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Antilla to UBC

UBC THUNDERBIRDS MEN'S HOCKEY: UBC hockey welcomes new recruit Joe Antilla

VANCOUVER – An instrumental player in the Kootenay Ice's run to the Memorial Cup in 2011 is the latest recruit to the UBC men's hockey program.
Winger Joe Antilla (Madeira Park, BC) has committed to playing for the Thunderbirds in 2012-13.
“It's going to be a lot of fun playing for a new team, a new coach and in new systems,” said Antilla. “I feel I can bring new energy, a hard work ethic and championship-calibre play to UBC. It'll be cool to see how our team does and where we go with it all.”
The 6'2, 220 lb. forward just completed his fifth season with the Western Hockey League's Ice.
In 340 regular season games with the Cranbrook-based team, Antilla recorded 56 goals and 84 assists for a total of 140 points.
During the 2011 playoffs, he scored nine goals, eight assists and 17 points in 19 games, helping Kootenay to the WHL championship and an appearance at the Memorial Cup tournament.
Antilla notched three points in five games for the Ice at the Memorial Cup.
In September 2011, he also attended the training camp of the National Hockey League's San Jose Sharks.
“Joe brings instant leadership and a pure power forward to our group,” said UBC head coach Milan Dragicievc, the 2011-12 Canada West Coach of the Year. “He knows how to win, has good size, an excellent work ethic and played for the same organization for the past five years. He will be relied upon to do the same things for the Thunderbirds and bring his winning experience to our program. We are very excited to have Joe Antilla be a huge part of our program.”
Not only will attending UBC allow Antilla to gain a world-class education, it will also bring him closer to his family on the Sunshine Coast.
“It will be good to have my parents and family members come to the games and check it all out,” said Antilla.
He has been accepted in to the UBC School of Kinesiology.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Skapski & Betker

Mitch Skapski (younger brother of ICE goalie Mackenzie) and Cranbrook native Ben Betker are a part of the Seth Jones trade.

from everettsilvertips.com ...

EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips today announced the acquisition of four prospects from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for the Western Hockey League rights to defenseman Seth Jones, who signed with the ‘Hawks today. The Silvertips receive 1994-born defensemen Reece Willcox and Ben Betker and 1996-born forwards Tyler Sandhu and Mitch Skapski as part of the trade.

Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson had a hand in bringing all four players into Portland’s system when he was the Winterhawks’ Director of Player Personnel. Three were selected in the WHL Bantam Draft and Betker was listed by the team on Davidson’s watch.

“We’re very excited about the four players we’ve gained in this deal,” said Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson. “Obviously we’re disappointed that a good player who could be a top prospect for next year’s draft won’t be coming to Everett, but in return we’ve acquired a group of solid players who can all contribute to our hockey team. I’m familiar with all four of these young men and feel confident that they’ll be part of our success in the coming years.”
Reece Willcox, 18, is an NHL Draft Prospect ranked 90th among all 2012 draft-eligible North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He competed in the Junior-A British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) last season as a member of the Merritt Centennials. The Surrey, BC product scored five goals and assisted on 18 others during his second campaign in Merritt, giving him 23 points in 52 games. Measuring in a 6-2 and 185-pounds, Willcox was selected by Portland in the third round (#59 overall) of the 2009 WHL Draft.

Ben Betker, 17, appeared in one game with the Winterhawks last season, finishing with a +1 rating in a 4-2 win over Kamloops on November 2. The 6-4, 185-pound Cranbrook, British Columbia native spent most of last year with the BCHL’s Westside Warriors. In 59 games as a Warriors rookie, Betker totaled 18 points (5g/13a) and 52 penalty minutes.
Tyler Sandhu, 16, was a second-round pick (42nd overall) of the Winterhawks in last year’s Bantam Draft. Hailing from Richmond, BC, he led the Greater Vancouver Canadians and ranked 16th in the BC Major Midget League (BCMML) in scoring last season. In 38 games the 5-11, 150-pound Sandhu recorded 45 points on 18 goals and 27 assists while helping the Canadians to a fifth-place finish.
Mitch Skapski, 16, was Portland’s fourth-round choice (#86 overall) in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. He spent last year with the BCMML’s Fraser Valley Bruins, where he finished with 26 goals, 49 points and 86 penalty minutes in 40 games. The 5-8, 140-pound Abbotsford, BC native finished second on the Bruins and 14th in the league in scoring. Skapski is the younger brother of Kootenay Ice goaltender and 2012 NHL Draft prospect Mackenzie Skapski.
Both Sandhu and Skapski won Bronze Medals with Team British Columbia at the 2011 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Jones, 17, was one of two first-round picks for Everett (11th overall) in the 2009 WHL Draft. He has spent the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 team. In 48 games with the U.S. NTDP this year, the Plano, Texas native recorded 26 points (6g/20a) and 18 penalty minutes.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

ICE Picks at Bantam Draft

1st Round, 10th overall - Defenseman Troy Murray
Prairie Storm (SBAAHL AA bantam) 23 6 12 18 26
Prairie Storm (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 5 1 1 2 4
Younger brother of Ryan Murray of the Everett Silvertips.
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He's the younger brother of Everett's Ryan Murray and much like the Reinhart's he's a different player. He will find his own way in the WHL. We're very excited about him. A couple of things we were intrigued about him ... he has the ability to make plays under pressure, he makes players better around him and his hockey sense we felt was really really good. We're excited to add a defenseman like Troy Murray. He's a good skater and he's going to help our forwards in the future to have a puck moving defenseman like that."

2nd Round - Defenseman Dylan Overdyk
St. Albert Sabres (AMBHL AAA bantam) 32 5 7 12 26
St. Albert Sabres (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 5 0 1 1 2
Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup) 5 0 2 2 4
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He's a defenseman we identified early in the season and he progressed really nicely through the year. He really took some strides in the St. Albert Bantam Tournament and if I remember correctly he named Top Defenseman at the Alberta Cup. Skates well and very big size and we're very excited how we started on the back-end with those first two picks."

3rd Round - pick acquired from Medicine Hat for Brendan Hurley - Forward Hudson Elynuik
Calgary Bronks (AMBHL AAA bantam) 30 18 24 42 119
Calgary Bronks (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 4 1 2 3 6
Calgary North Stars (Alberta Cup) 5 2 0 2 12
Younger brother of Jakson Elynuik who was a 7th round pick by the ICE in 2010, and Campbell Elynuik who played for Prince George last year.
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He is the last of the Elynuik family. He's a really tall rangy forward, I believe he's around 6'2". He's got a lot of skill, he's got some ability and he's going to be very hard to play against. He competes hard and he is going to make it tough on the opposition once he fully matures as a player."

4th Round - Forward Austin Wellsby
Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (OMAHA AAA bantam) 63 38 50 88 14
Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 6 1 1 2 0
Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (NAPHL 14U) 5 2 8 10 4
Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (OMAHA AAA midget) 2 1 0 1 0
Kelowna Pursuit of Excellence (KIBIHT AAA bantam) 6 1 3 4 2
Canucks (B.C. U-16 Cup) 4 0 0 0 n/a
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He's about 6'0" and a highly, highly gifted skater, something that attracted to us as an organization. He scored a lot of goals this season and we look forward to him doing that in the future as well. Once he grows into his body his upside we believe is tremendous."

The ICE traded their 5th Round pick to Everett for Forward Jordyn Boyd.
He is a 17-year-old from Winnipeg, last year in his rookie season he played 53 games with 7 goals and 4 assists for 11 points and 26pm.
He was selected by Everett in the 6th round of the 2010 Bantam draft.
He joins Levi Cable as the only 17 turning 18 year-old forwards on the roster.
GM Jeff Chynoweth on the trade - "I obviously watched him a lot last season (while watching son Ryan). I thought there was a lot of potential with his play. Especially in an age group where we don't have a lot players. We have only one returning 1994 born forward in Levi Cable and as young as we're going to be next year we just felt it was imperative that we get try to get some 18 and possibly 19 years olds at a later date to give us some more depth."
Chynoweth on Boyd -  "It takes a while to adjust to the WHL and he scored 7 goals last year with limited ice time with Everett. He's a good 2-way player, he can play in all 3 zones and I think he can chip in offensively and that's what we're counting on. I think it's an excellent opportunity for him to come to a new organization and play some valuable minutes for us."

6th Round - Forward River Beattie
Sherwood Park Flyers (AMBHL AAA bantam) 30 10 16 26 46
Sherwood Park Flyers (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 5 3 0 3 12
Sherwood Park Squires (AMMHL minor midget AAA) 2 0 0 0 2
Sherwood Park Squires (AMMHL minor midget AAA - PLF) 2 1 4 5 4
Northeast Flyers (Alberta Cup) 5 2 2 4 2
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He had a excellent Alberta Cup and throughout the year he provided some good scoring and secondary scoring for his team. He's got good hockey sense and we look forward to seeing what he can bring in the future. Very happy with that selection."

6th Round - pick acquired from Spokane - Defenseman Zachary Smith
Edmonton MLAC (AMBHL AAA bantam) 33 2 9 11 46
Edmonton MLAC (AMMHL minor midget AAA) 1 0 0 0 0
Edmonton South Bruins (Alberta Cup) 5 0 4 4 4
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "Tall, rangy defenseman, had a very solid campaign at the Alberta Cup. He played on a team that dind't have a lot of success during the year but as soon as he was surrounded by better players you could really see the upside in him. He will compliment the other two defenseman we drafted today."

7th Round - Forward Shane Allan
Calgary Royals (AMBHL AAA bantam) 32 15 19 34 46
Calgary Royals (St. Albert bantam AAA tournament) 5 2 0 2 4
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "Led his team in scoring this year on a very success Bantam AAA team. Once his skating comes together he'll be a very nice player to watch in the future."

8th Round - Goalie Jeffrey Veitch
Mission (KIBIHT AAA bantam) 4 4.41 0 4 0 n/a
Mission (PCAHA ) n/a 2.33 n/a n/a n/a 0.936
Avalanche (B.C. U-16 Cup) - - - - - -
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He was the only goaltender on their Bantam team and played in all 70 games. He knows and trains with Nathan Lieuwen and Mackenzie Skapski. He indicated to me he wants to play in a small town and we look forward to him in the future."

9th Round - Forward Logan Schatz
Sask Valley Vipers (SBAAHL AA bantam) 21 16 31 47 34
Sask Valley Vipers (KIBIHT AAA bantam) 6 5 6 11 6
Zone 5 (SaskFirst) No Stats
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He had some really good numbers for his team. A smaller player right now but we're projecting him out to grow. This is the depth of the draft and hopefully these are the guys that are going to change with some upside. If he turns out to be a 5'11" or 6' guy there could be potentially a diamond in the rough with this player."

10th Round - Forward Zac Paziuk
North East Wolfpack (SBAAHL AA bantam) 24 24 16 40 24
North East Wolfpack (Western Canadian bantam champ.) 5 2 0 2 2
Zone 8 (SaskFirst) No Stats
Garnet Kazuik scouting report - "He played for the team that won the provincial championship out of Saskatchewan. A smaller forward that put up some decent numbers this year. We look forward to seeing what he can do in the future, wait for him on his development and he should be an exciting player in the future because he skates very well."

Stats from http://smallatlarge.blogspot.ca/

Kimberley native Tristan Pagura was selected by Kelowna in the 9th round. Last year he played from the Cranbrook AA Bantam ICE.

From the ICE Office
Calgary, AB – Garnet Kazuik, Director of Scouting for the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club today announced the club has selected ten players in the 23rd annual WHL Bantam Draft. The 2012 WHL Bantam Draft was for players born in 1997 and playing in the four Western Provinces and selected regions of the United States. All of the players selected today are at least one year away from playing regularly in the WHL.
“We were able to make good picks in this year's draft. We were happy to get the size of kids we feel will make us a big team in the next couple of years. We know that our picks still have two to three years to develop and become great players within our organization,” commented Kazuik.

Round One – 10th Overall – TROY MURRAY
Birthdate: September 12, 1997
Hometown: White City, SK
Position: Defence
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 162 lbs.
11-12 Team: Prairie Storm - SBAAHL

Round Two – 32nd Overall – DYLAN OVERDYK
Birthdate: August 3, 1997
Hometown: St Albert, AB
Position: Defence
Height: 6’2"
Weight: 172 lbs.
11-12 Team: St. Albert Sabres - AMBHL

Round Three – 60th Overall – HUDSON ELYNUIK
Birthdate: October 12, 1997
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Position: Centre
Height: 6’2"
Weight: 153 lbs.
11-12 Team: Calgary Bronks – AMBHL

Round Four – 76th Overall - AUSTIN WELLSBY
Birthdate: June 30, 1997
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 150 lbs.
11-12 Team: POE Bantam Team 1 – OMAHA

Round Six – 120th Overall – RIVER BEATTIE
Birthdate: October 31, 1997
Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB
Position: Right Wing
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 151 lbs.
11-12 Team: Sherwood Park Flyers – AMBHL

Round Six – 124th Overall – ZACHARY SMITH
Birthdate: February 12, 1997
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Position: Defence
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 155 lbs.
11-12 Team: Edmonton MLAC – AMBHL

Round Seven – 142nd Overall – SHANE ALLAN
Birthdate: December 19, 1997
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Position: Right Wing
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 145 lbs.
11-12 Team: Calgary Royals - AMBHL

Round Eight – 164th Overall – JEFFREY VEITCH
Birthdate: October 4, 1997
Hometown: Mission, BC
Position: Goaltender
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 188 lbs.
11-12 Team: Mission Bantam A1-T2 – KIBIHT

Round Nine – 186th Overall – LOGAN SCHATZ
Birthdate: September 16, 1997
Hometown: Allan, SK
Position: Centre
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 142 lbs.
11-12 Team: Saskatchewan Valley Vipers – SBAAHL

Round Ten– 208th Overall – ZAC PAZIUK
Birthdate: January 22, 1997
Hometown: Prince Albert, SK
Position: Centre
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 143 lbs.
11-12 Team: North East Wolfpack – SBAAHL

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Sam Reinhart Rookie of the Year

At the WHL Year-End Awards Sam Reinhart was named the Rookie of the Year.
It's the second time an ICE player has won the award, Dan Blackburn 99-00.
Reinhart will represent the WHL at the CHL Awards later this month.
Jim Hiller, who spent a few years growing up in Cranbrook, was the Coach of the Year.

From whl.ca

Reinhart is far left in the front row.
WHL Player of the Year, Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Brendan Shinnimin (Winnipeg, MB), Tri-City Americans
Shinnimin, a Winnipeg, MB, native, enjoyed an excellent season for the Americans, recording 58 goals and 76 assists for 134 points along with a +45 rating in 69 games and capturing the Bob Clarke trophy as the WHL’s top regular-season scorer as the Ams won the U.S. Division and Western Conference regular-season titles. Shinnimin’s 134 points marks the highest point total for a WHL player since the 1998-99 season. The 5’10”, 175-lb pivot finished second among all WHL players with 58 goals and third among WHL players with 76 assists. Additionally, Shinnimin finished second in the WHL with 21 power play markers and second with seven shorthanded tallies. His nine game-winning goals tied him for third among all WHL players, while his +45 rating tied him for the WHL lead in that category. Shinnimin maintained consistent production throughout the season, recording at least one point in 60 of 69 games he played, and enjoyed point streaks of at least 13 games on two different occasions, including ending the regular season on a 23-game point streak. Shinnimin was named the Husky WHL Player of the Month for February after piling up an astounding 23 goals and 43 points in just 14 games.
RUNNER-UP
Emerson Etem (Long Beach, CA), Medicine Hat Tigers

WHL Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Sam Reinhart (Vancouver, BC), Kootenay Ice
The youngest of the three Reinhart boys, Sam enjoyed a terrific first season in the WHL with the Kootenay Ice. Playing alongside his oldest brother, Max, the Vancouver, B.C., product scored 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in 67 games for the Ice this season, putting him behind only his brother in team scoring. His 28 goals tied for the Ice lead, and were the most by any 16-year-old rookie in the WHL, while his 62 points put him fourth among all WHL rookies in that category. In addition, Reinhart scored five game-winning goals and enjoyed 15 multiple-point outings during the season. Kootenay’s first-round pick, 15th overall, in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft, Sam played four regular-season games for the Ice last season and got into seven post-season games as the Ice captured the 2011 WHL Championship. Reinhart is eligible for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
RUNNER-UP
Tim Bozon (Cureglia, SUI), Kamloops Blazers

WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
WINNER
Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers
Bunz enjoyed his best season in the WHL over his four-year career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, helping the team make the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. The 20-year-old from St. Albert, AB, appeared in a career-high 61 games for the Tigers, posting a 39-17-5 record with three shutouts to go with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage as the Tigers finished in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Bunz finished third among all WHL goaltenders in wins, second in save percentage, fifth in GAA, and tied for sixth in shutouts. He was also selected among the 3 Stars in a game 27 times, including 10 1st Star selections. His best month came in February when he posted a perfect 7-0 record with a 1.86 GAA and a .941 save percentage and was named the Vaughn WHL Goaltender of the Month. Bunz was the Tigers’ first-round pick, 21st overall, in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, and is an Edmonton Oilers prospect.
RUNNER-UP
Ty Rimmer (Edmonton, AB), Tri-City Americans

WHL Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Alex Petrovic (Edmonton, AB), Red Deer Rebels
Petrovic turned in an outstanding season on the blue line for the Red Deer Rebels, despite the Rebels not making the WHL playoffs. The 21-year-old from Edmonton, AB, finished third on the team and 15th among all WHL defensemen in scoring with 48 points, including a career-high 12 goals, in 68 games this season, and helped hold together a Rebels’ blue line that was decimated by injuries over the course of the season. Named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star team, Petrovic ate up a large amount of minutes for the Rebels, playing in all situations, and often matched up against the opposition’s best line. Petrovic was the Rebels’ second-round pick, 33rd overall, in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, and has played 270 regular-season games over five seasons for the team. He is a Florida Panthers prospect.
RUNNER-UP
Brenden Kichton (Spruce Grove, AB), Spokane Chiefs

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player, Brad Hornung Trophy
WINNER
Mark Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
The WHL’s second-leading scorer this season, Mark Stone is also the WHL Eastern Conference nominee for the Most Sportsmanlike Player award. The 19-year-old from Winnipeg, MB, netted a career-high 41 goals and 82 assists for 123 points this season while drawing just 22 minutes in penalties in 66 games. Stone, a WHL Eastern Conference First Team All-Star, drew minor penalties in just 10 of the 66 games he played and picked up more than one minor infraction in a single game just once all season, despite playing heavy minutes for the Wheat Kings. A gifted and competitive offensive player, Stone is respected for his scoring abilities as well as his on-ice demeanor. A fifth-round pick of the Wheat Kings in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Stone is a prospect of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
RUNNER-UP
Ryan Murray (White City, SK), Everett Silvertips

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Reid Gow (Killarney, MB), Spokane Chiefs
Reid Gow made an impact on the ice for the Spokane Chiefs, and was a star in the classroom during the 2011-12 school year. The 17-year-old from Killarney, MB, completed the first semester of his Grade 12 year with a 95.3% cumulative average at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, WA, including finishing with a perfect 100% in Sports Marketing. Singled out as a top student under any circumstances by his instructors, Gow’s scholastic achievements have been considered extraordinary considering the time constraints he faces as a WHL player. Gow is also currently enrolled in an online course through Athabasca University, and is also still enrolled at Ferris High School. On the Ice, Gow put up two goals and 20 points in 54 games on the blue line for the Chiefs, helping them make the playoffs for as sixth straight year.
RUNNER-UP
Jimmy Bubnick (Saskatoon, SK), Calgary Hitmen

WHL Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Jim Hiller, Tri-City Americans
In his third season as head coach of the Tri-City Americans, Jim Hiller guided the Ams to yet another outstanding regular-season campaign. Under Hiller, the Ams posted a 50-18-2-2 record for 104 points to capture their fourth U.S. Division title in five seasons and finish with the best record in the WHL Western Conference. Hiller’s Americans boasted the WHL’s fourth-ranked offense and the top-ranked defense, and scored 91 more goals than they allowed this season. In addition, Hiller’s Americans owned the WHL’s seventh-ranked power play and the top-ranked penalty killing unit. In three seasons as head coach of the Americans, Hiller has piled up a coaching record of 147-64-5-6 for a .678 winning percentage in that time.
RUNNER-UP
Pat Conacher, Regina Pats

WHL Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Bob Green, Edmonton Oil Kings
Bob Green has been the architect of the Edmonton Oil Kings since they joined the WHL for the 2007-08 WHL season. During the 2011-12 season, Green’s fifth campaign as general manager, the Oil Kings skated to the best record in the WHL with a 50-15-3-4 mark for 107 points, capturing the Scotty Munro Memorial trophy. The Oil Kings’ roster features 16 players who were selected by Green and his staff through the WHL Bantam Draft and another two who were chosen through the CHL Import draft. Eight of the team’s top 10 scorers were drafted by Green. In addition, Green bolstered his roster with key acquisitions such as Tyler Maxwell and Jordan Peddle. Having put together a talented and exciting team, the Oil Kings saw a 24.6% increase in their attendance during the regular season.
RUNNER-UP
Craig Bonner, Kamloops Blazers

WHL Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
WINNER
Taylor Vause (Calgary, AB), Swift Current Broncos
The captain of the Swift Current Broncos, Taylor Vause was a star on the ice for the Broncos, and devoted countless hours to the town of Swift Current and surrounding communities. The Calgary, AB, product has involved himself in several charity initiatives, spent plenty of time visiting schools, reading to students and promoting the importance of education, and has been recognized as a Youth Leader in the community by the Swift Current and region Drug Task Force. As a young man living with Type 1 diabetes, Taylor has been a vocal spokesperson to help create awareness and raise funds for a cure for the disease. He is a prime example of someone who never let an obstacle get in the way of chasing his dream. Taylor even took the time to design special jerseys to commemorate the Four Broncos, which were worn by the team and auctioned off with proceeds going to the Broncos Education Fund.
RUNNER-UP
Brendan Gallagher (Delta, BC), Vancouver Giants

WHL Marketing / Business Award
WINNER
Moose Jaw Warriors
The Moose Jaw Warriors, under the management of Director of Business Operations Corey Nyhagen, made great strides in increasing their financial and overall presentation of Warriors Hockey. During the 2011-12 WHL season, the Warriors increased overall club revenues by over $1 Million dollars. Having moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility, Mosaic Place, the Warriors increased their sponsorship revenue by 70%, and increased season ticket revenue by nearly 40%. Thanks to their new building and their increased presence in and support from the Moose Jaw community, the Warriors saw their average attendance increase by the second-largest margin of any WHL team from the previous season. The Warriors also managed successful events such as the Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup and the Subway Super Series throughout the 2011-12 season.
RUNNER-UP
Spokane Chiefs

WHL Top Official, Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy
Pat Smith (Vancouver, BC)

WHL Regular Season Champions, Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy
Edmonton Oil Kings: GP – 72 W – 50 L – 15 OTL – 3 SL – 4 Pts – 107

WHL Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy
Brendan Shinnimin – (Winnipeg, MB) Tri-City Americans
GP – 69 G – 58 A – 76 Pts – 134 PIM - 82
Shinnimin finished the 2011-12 WHL regular season with a League-leading 134 points on 58 goals and 76 assists. The 21-year-old from Winnipeg, MB, accumulated the most points in a regular season since the 1998-99 campaign, finished 11 points ahead of his nearest competition in the scoring race, and was one of three Americans’ players to top the 100-point plateau. Shinnimin recorded points in 60 of the 69 games he played this season, and finished the season on a 23-game point streak. He was named the Husky WHL Player of the Month for February after piling up a whopping 23 goals and 43 points in just 14 games. Now in his final season in the WHL, Shinnimin finishes his regular-season career with 131 goals and 337 points in 267 career regular-season contests. He recently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes.

Bantam Draft

The WHL Bantam Draft takes place tomorrow with the Kootenay ICE making their first selection at #10.
As of right now the ICE have a pick in every round and have 2 picks in the 6th round.
They traded their 3rd pick to Swift Current in the Cody Eakin trade but have the Tigers 3rd pick in the Brendan Hurley Trade.
They have Spokane's 6th round pick in a trade for other bantam picks last year.
The 10th overall pick is the highest the ICE have selected since taking John Negrin with the 7th pick in 2004.
I will have hourly reports on the Bantam Draft throughout the day with comments from Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik.