Friday, August 31, 2012

Camp Observations

Here are some thoughts from training camp.
Keep in mind these are just my impressions and that I don’t have the eye for scouting like the excellent ICE management and staff.

Camp – For the second year in a row the club is going to have some very, very tough decisions on their final roster as there will be some prospects good enough to play in the WHL who will not make the club as there are not enough spots available.

Last Cuts 2011 – Luke Philp and Jesse Wood-Shatz were the last 2 cuts last year and are not assuming they have spots this year as they have been very impressive at camp.

Imports – Until you see them in person you are never sure what you get in the Import Draft but the ICE have to be happy with their 2 new forwards from the Czech Republic. Petr Vesely is a smaller type forward with great speed and is creative. Jakub Prochazka has good size and shot. Neither seems to be shying away from the physical game.

Overagers – I’m sure I’m not alone in guessing it’ll be Joey Leach and 2 forwards taking the 3 20-year-old spots. Drew Czerwonka is not skating at camp (injury) and the team has not announced his timeline yet. Czerwonka and Brock Montgomery both have the grit and offensive potential, Elgin Peace and Dylen McKinlay have the speed and skill. The ICE are in a good spot as they have luxury of keeping the players to fill the roles they need the most.

Goalies – Mackenzie Skapski has looked really sharp. Wyatt Hoflin is expected to make the club but both have to continue to earn their spots and not take anything for granted. It’ll be interesting to see if the ICE go with 2, 3 or 4 goalies in the preseason.

Defensemen – With 6 returning blueliners at camp there is a real battle for the final spot(s). 17-year-olds Tanner Faith, Kyle Krabben, Matthew Thomas and 16-year-olds Jake Dube, Jordan Steenbergen, Joseph Leonidas, Matthew Murray are some of the prospects that have been noticeable at times but there it feels like there are spots ready for the taking if someone wants it it.

Forwards – With 2 20-year old forwards and returnees Eric Benoit, Levi Cable, Sam Reinhart, Jon Martin and Jaedon Descheneau, means there will be 6 news faces this season. Summer acquisition Jordyn Boyd looks to be a good fit and when you add the 2 imports and the 2 last cuts from last year that equals only 1 open spot. Collin Shirley and Douglas Morris have been all over the scoresheets. Carter Sawicki and Ryley Risling could also get longer looks. 19-year-old Stefan Nicholishen dominated during the Prospects sessions against the much younger players and it’ll be interesting to see him against the veterans.

Unlisteds – Over the years there have been players make the team that were never selected in the Bantam Draft. Montogomery, Cable and Benoit are current examples while John Neibrandt and Luke Paulsen also earned spots at camp in recent years. Nicholishen, Morris, Sawicki, Mathew Alfaro are some of the players trying to duplicate that storyline.

97's - Led by 1st round pick Troy Murray the 15-year-olds are at their first WHL camp. As Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik said at the Bantam Draft and at the beginning of Training Camp, there is a lot of size in this group.

Friday

Team Black 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Team Blue vs. Team White 10:45 am – 12:45 pm
Goaltenders Specialty Session 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Team Black vs. Team Blue 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thursday

Team Blue Practice 9:15 am - 10:30 am
Team White vs. Team Black 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Team White Practice 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Team Blue vs. Team Black 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

ICE Camp With Garnet Kazuik

ICE Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik on training camp.
http://youtu.be/V5_Oxj2akUw

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

ICE Camp Roster

The Kootenay ICE have 64 players on their training camp roster.

Here is a position-by-position breakdown.
The ICE do not make cuts during camp so these players are here all week.
After Sunday's Intrasquad Game the club will announce their preseason roster which I guess should be between 27-30 players.

Over-agers (5)
Drew Czerwonka, Brock Montgomery, Elgin Pearce, Dylen McKinlay, Joey Leach

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Goalies (6)
Departed – Nathan Lieuwen (graduated)
Returning – MacKenzie Skapski
The ICE are planning on having their youngest goalie tandem since 02-03 when they had 17-year-olds Bryan Bridges and Jeff Glass. The following year they had Glass (18) and Taylor Dakers (17).

Returnee (1)
Mackenzie Skapski (18), who played 19 games last year and 23 in his career, comes into camp as the #1 netminder. Career 23 GP 12-7-0-2 3.12 .889%.
Prospects (5)
Wyatt Hoflin (17) was a 2nd round pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft and is expected to make the club. Alberta AAA Midget St. Albert 20 GP 12-6-2 2.38 .903% 2 SO.
Bronson Ammeter (16) was a 9th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Manitoba AAA Midget Central Plains 19 GP 7-12-0 4.18 .884% 1 SO.
Jayden Sittler (16) was invited to last years’ camp and then put on the ICE protected list. Alberta Minor Midget Red Deer 13 GP 10-0-2 1.97 .930% 1 SO.
Jeffrey Veitch (15) was selected in the 8th round of the 2012 Bantam Draft. BC AAA Bantam Mission 2.33 .936%.
Cole Sears (15) is a non-listed player. Alberta AAA Bantam Red Deer 5.67 .843%.

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Defense (18)
Departed – John Neibrandt (traded), Luke Paulsen (retired)
Returning – Joey Leach, Jagger Dirk, Tanner Muth, Mike Simpson, Jeff Hubic, Spencer Wand
The ICE usually have 7 defenseman on their final roster and potentially have 6 returning defenseman. But that doesn’t mean there is only one job opening on the blueline. At the end of last season Jeff Hubic played forward and that may be considered again this year. The club is also encouraged with their defenseman prospects and will be given a chance to make the team.

Returnees (6)
Joey Leach (20) could return for his 4th full season in the WHL but last year the club was also expecting James Martin to play in the WHL and he never returned from the pros. Leach was an unsigned 3rd round pick of the Calgary Flames and attended Winnipeg's summer camp. Career 210 GP 21-80-101 247pm Career Playoffs 32 GP 2-6-8 36pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 0-2-2 2pm.
Jagger Dirk (19) will be in his 4th season with the ICE. He’ll be counted on to be a top-4 defenseman. Career 169 GP 13-41-54 170pm Career Playoffs 23 GP 0-0-0 7pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 0-1-1 0pm.
Tanner Muth (19) was acquired at the trade deadline last season and will be in his 4th year in the WHL. Career 161 GP 3-17-20 136pm Career Playoffs 4 GP 0-0-0 8pm.
Mike Simpson (18) will be in his 2nd year with the ICE. Career 56 GP 1-3-4 56pm Career Playoffs 4 GP 0-0-0 0pm.
Jeff Hubic (18) will be in his 2nd year with the ICE. Career 58 GP 0-5-5 75pm Career Playoffs 2 GP 0-0-0 0pm
Spencer Wand (17) is the youngest of the returning defenseman. Career 52 GP 1-3-4 98pm Career Playoffs 3 GP 0-1-1-2pm.
Prospects (12)
Kyle Krabben (17) was a 6th round pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Midget Calgary 33 GP 4-8-12 47pm.
Tanner Faith (17) was a 2nd round pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft. Was expected to challenge for a roster spot last year and had a shoulder operation that ended his year midway through the season. Sask AAA Midget Notre Dame 21 GP 3-5-8 32pm.
Matthew Thomas (17) is a non-listed player. Alberta AAA Midget 34 GP 0-8-8 34pm.
Jake Dube (16) was a 5th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget AC Avalanche 27 GP 8-7-15 95pm.
Carter Forsyth (16) was a 6th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Sask AAA Midget Swift Current 43 GP 3-3-6 61pm.
Joseph Leonidas (16) was an 11th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget Calgary 29 GP 12-16-30 34pm.
Matthew Murray (16) was a 4th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. BC AAA Midget Thompson 36 GP 0-6-6 112pm.
Jack Thomas (16) was a 12th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget Calgary 30 GP 1-10-11 24pm.
Jordan Steenbergen (16) was a 3rd round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget Red Deer 29 GP 3-22-25 94pm.
Troy Murray (15) was a 1st round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Sask AA Bantam Balgonie 23 GP 6-12-18 26pm.
Dylan Overdyk (15) was a 2nd round pick in the 2012 Banta Draft. Alberta AAA Bantam St. Albert 32 GP 5-7-12 26pm
Zachary Smith (15) was a 6th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Bantam Edmonton 33 GP 2-9-11 46pm

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Forwards (40)
Departed – Jesse Ismond (graduated), Joe Antilla (graduated), Max Reinhart (pros)
Returning – Elgin Pearce, Dylen McKinlay, Drew Czerwonka, Brock Montgomery, Eric Benoit, Levi Cable, Jaedon Descheneau, Sam Reinhart, Jon Martin.
This is where the final over-age decisions will be made as the club will probably keep defenseman Joey Leach and two forwards. Drew Czerwonka, Brock Montgomery, Elgin Pearce and Dylen McKinlay will all play in the WHL this season but which 2 will stay in Kootenay is yet to be decided. Luke Philp ended the season with the ICE but is still considered a rookie. Jesse Wood-Shatz also made a few appearances with the ICE last season. Jordyn Boyd was acquired in a trade from Everet and has a year of WHL experience. The ICE selected two 18-year-old forwards from the Czech Republic. That adds up to 12 of a possible 13 forward roster spots penciled in as filled.

Returnees (11)
Max Reinhart (20) is at camp and will play in AHL Abbotsford or NHL Calgary. Career 266 GP 94-141-235 140pm Career Playoffs 32 GP 17-15-32 26pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 1-5-6 2pm.
Drew Czerwonka (20) is entering his 5th season with the ICE and was the Captain last season. Was drafted by Edmonton but was unsigned. Career 219 GP 48-60-108 313pm Career Playoffs 27 GP 5-5-10 26pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 1-2-3 6pm.
Elgin Pearce (20) will be in his 4th year with the ICE. Career 183 GP 36-37-73 86pm Career Playoffs 26 GP 2-6-8 13pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 0-0-0 0pm.
Dylen McKinlay (20) is entering his 5th season in the WHL and his 2nd with the ICE. Career 248 GP 44-67-111 201pm Career Playoffs 15 GP 5-5-10 6pm.
Brock Montgomery (20) will be in his 4th year with the ICE. Career 186 GP 34-37-71 252pm Career Playoffs 18 GP 2-1-3 10pm Memorial Cup 4 GP 0-0-0 2pm.
Eric Benoit (19) will be in his 3rd year with the ICE and will be counted on to be a top-6 forward. Career 118 GP 18-23-41 51pm Career Playoffs 23 GP 1-2-3 2pm Memorial Cup 5 GP 1-0-1 2pm.
Levi Cable (18) will be in his 2nd year with the ICE. Career 60 GP 3-7-10 15pm Career Playoffs 4 GP 0-0-0 0pm.
Jordyn Boyd (18) played last season in Everett. Career 55 GP 7-4-11 26pm Career Playoffs 3 GP 0-1-1 2pm
Sam Reinhart (17) is entering his 2nd season with the ICE. May replace his brother Max as the #1 centre on the club and in wearing jersey #23. Since his last game with the ICE he won a Bronze and Gold Medal on Canada’s U-18 teams. Career 71 GP 30-34-64 2pm Career Playoffs 11 GP 1-1-2 0pm Memorial Cup 1 GP 0-0-0 0pm
Jon Martin (17) will be in his 2nd year with the ICE. Career 59 GP 6-4-10 52pm Career Playoffs 2 GP 0-0-0 2pm.
Jaedon Descheneau (17) will be in his 2nd year with the ICE. Career 54 GP 3-11-14 24pm Career Playoffs 4 GP 0-0-0 0pm.
Prospects (29)
Stefan Nicholishen (19) was listed by the ICE a few years ago and will attend his first training camp. Was committed to attend NCAA Nebraska-Omaha. BCHL Salmon Arm 46 GP 4-3-7 39pm.
Petr Vesely (18) was selected with the 29th overall pick in the Import Draft. Czech Rep Jr. Kladno 43 GP 25-35-60 32pm.
Jakub Prochazka (18) was selected with the 59th pick in the Import Draft. Czech Rep Jr. Litvinov 37 GP 8-12-20 69pm.
Garick Gray (18) is an unlisted player who attended ICE camp last year and played forward and defense. MJHL OCN 56 GP 6-5-11 52pm.
Kurt Johnas (18) was a 5th round pick in the 2009 Bantam Draft and played in the preseason last year. Manitoba High School Winnipeg 22 GP 21-21-42 26pm, MJHL Steinbach 9 GP 4-0-4 0pm.
Luke Philp (17) was one of the last cuts last year and ended the season on the ICE. AJHL Canmore 48 GP 16-30-46 28pm, Career 17 GP 1-1-2 2pm Career Playoffs 3 GP 0-0-0 0pm.
Jesse Wood-Schatz (17) was also one of the final cuts last year. Alberta AAA Midget Sherwood Park 24 GP 9-13-22 78pm, AJHL Sherwood Park 4 GP 0-1-1 4pm, Career 4 GP 0-1-1 0pm.
Doug Morris (17) was listed by the ICE a few years ago. Alberta AAA Midget Leduc 5 GP 0-3-3 2pm.
Jakson Elynuik (17) was a 7th round pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Midget Calgary 12 GP 4-7-11 8pm.
Carter Sawicki (16) was listed by the ICE last season. Alberta Minor Midget Red Deer 30 GP 12-15-27 64pm.
Ryley Risling (16) was a 7th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta AA Midget Medicine Hat 35 GP 19-17-36 126pm.
Braden Jakubowski (16) was a 10th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget Leduc 34 GP 36-27-63 58pm.
Mathew Alfaro (16) was listed by the ICE last season. Alberta AAA Bantam Calgary 23 GP 2-4-6 26pm.
Jared Virtanen (16) was an 8th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. BC AAA Midget Abbotsford.
Kyle O’Connor (16) was a 4th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Alberta Minor Midget Calgary 30 GP 22-24-46 32pm.
Collin Shirley (16) was a 1st round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Sask AAA Midget Saskatoon 37 GP 9-9-18 18pm.
Zachary Zborosky (16) was a 5th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. Sask AAA Midget Regina 38 GP 11-7-18 28pm.
Jackson Waniek (16) was a 6th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft. BC AAA Midget Cloverdale 36 GP 28-18-46 72pm.
Shane Allan (15) was a 7th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Bantam Calgary 32 GP 15-19-34 46pm.
River Beattie (15) was a 6th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Bantam Sherwood Park 30 GP 10-16-26 46pm.
Hudson Elynuik (15) was a 3rd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Alberta AAA Bantam Calgary 30 GP 18-24-42 119pm.
Zac Paziuk (15) was a 10th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Sask AA Bantam North East 24 GP 24-16-40 24pm.
Logan Schatz (15) was a 9th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. Sask AA Bantam Sask Valley 21 GP 16-31-47 34pm.
Austin Wellsby (15) was a 4th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. BC AAA Bantam Kelowna 63 GP 38-50-88 14pm.
Michael Grant (15) is an unlisted player. Alberta AAA Bantam Lethbridge 27 GP 3-4-7 12pm.
Chase Olsen (15) is an unlisted player. Alberta AAA Bantam Red Deer 32 GP 21-14-35 18pm.
Mark Klassen (15) is an unlisted player.
Wyatt Kalynuk (15) is an unlisted player.
Layne Bensmiller (15) is an unlisted player. Alberta AAA Bantam Red Deer 33 GP 19-23-42 24pm.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Veterans Skate

The returning players had their first skate together today and it also included Jordyn Boyd (acquired during the summer from Everett), Petr Vesely (29th overall pick in the Import Draft), and Jakub Prochazka (59th pick in the Import Draft).
Other familar faces included Nathan Lieuwen, Brayden McNabb and Adam Cracknell.
Cody Eakin, James Martin and Matt Fraser could be also be in Cranbrook for some ice time over the next few weeks/days.
The Prospects are arriving in Cranbrook and all the players will have off-ice fitness testing on Tuesday and there are some on-ice sessions on Wednesday.
The bulk of the camp starts on Thursday when the players are divided into 3 teams for practices and scrimmages.
The ICE have 64 players on the training camp roster and tomorrow I will have a position-by-position breakdown.

Training Camp Schedule

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club will open their 2012 Western Hockey League Training Camp Wednesday, August 29 at 9:15 am. This year’s Training Camp will once again combine rookie-aged players (players born in 1997), with veteran players (players born in 1992 to 1996). All ice sessions will take place at Western Financial Place.

“Training Camp is an exciting start to the season. The camp provides the opportunity for our coaches and scouting staff to see and evaluate our recently drafted players, while monitoring the progress of our veteran and list players. With a smaller number of athletes attending camp, we expect the competition level to be very high,” commented Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik.

A total of 64 are expected to participate in Training Camp, including 17 returning players. All Training Camp sessions will be open to the public.

2012 Kootenay ICE Training Camp Schedule

Wednesday, August 29
Prospect Session 9:15 am – 10:30 am
Veterans Practice 10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Goalies Session 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Prospect Session 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Thursday, August 30
Team Blue Practice 9:15 am - 10:30 am
Team White vs. Team Black 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Team White Practice 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Team Blue vs. Team Black 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm

Friday, August 31
Team Black 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Team Blue vs. Team White 10:45 am – 12:45 pm
Goaltenders Specialty Session 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Team Black vs. Team Blue 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, September 1
Team White vs. Team Black 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Team Blue vs. Team White 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Sunday, September 2
United Way Intrasquad Game 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Blue-White Game

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced all proceeds from the 14th annual Blue-White Intrasquad Game will once again be donated to the Cranbrook and Kimberley United Way.
The Blue-White game will be played at Western Financial Place on Sunday, September 2 at 12:00 pm. The game will feature players who are competing to earn a spot on the 2012-2013 roster along with top draft choices.
“We are continuing with the tradition of partnering with charitable organizations within our community. Over the past 13 years almost $28,000.00 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.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Countdown To Camp

We always say in the Kootenays there are 2 seasons, Hockey Season and Waiting For Hockey Season and we are one weekend away from Kootenay ICE Training Camp.
The club is preparing for its 15th season in Cranbrook and they will follow a similar schedule as they will start on-ice sessions on Wednesday and will continue through the Labour Day long weekend.
The ICE will send out a press release on Monday with the camp schedule which will conclude with the Blue-White Charity Intrasquad Game.
Again this year we will have extensive coverage of the camp.
On The Drive/B-104 we will have daily reports from Western Financial Place (formerly the Rec-Plex).
There will be interview clips on the sportscasts.
On the blog look for more in-depth coverage with a list of players at the camp, position-by-position breakdowns, etc.
There will also be period reports on all 5 preseason games.
You can also follow on twitter JHollick_ICE.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

David Branch On CHLPA

http://whl.ca/article/statement-from-david-branch-chl-president

Toronto – There has been much media speculation in the previous two days surrounding the attempted organization of our 1,300 players by an organization called the Canadian Hockey League Players’ Association.

To date, the league has not received any formal notification on the formation of this association or any intent to organize our players.
The CHL is comprised of the Western Hockey League, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey League. The league is recognized as the number one player development league in the world for the NHL, Canada’s national teams and Canadian Interuniversity Sport hockey.
We are of the opinion that no junior hockey league in the world has made more changes to support the best interest of its players both on and off the ice as the CHL. This is evidenced by our drug education and anti-doping program, our concussion management program, numerous charitable programs and our Respect in Sport program as developed by Sheldon Kennedy in the area of player abuse.
In addition, the CHL provides North America’s best player scholarship program, funded through the league’s ownership.
Our league is comprised of 60 teams, all of which operate as individual corporate entities. Given this structure, any organization drive would be required to be at an individual team level.

About the Canadian Hockey League:
The Canadian Hockey League is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League. CHL players graduate from high school at a rate higher than the Canadian national average. Last season, more than nine million fans attended CHL games in the regular season, playoffs and at the MasterCard Memorial Cup. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League than any other league. Last season 722 graduates attended North American post-secondary institution on scholarships from CHL teams.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Knoblauch Back In Hockey

From The Drive/B-104 newsroom ...

The last coach to lead a Kootenay Ice team to a league title is heading up highway 95A to help the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Kris Knoblauch is joining the Nitros coaching staff for the 2012-13 season and will help during all home games.
He says he's going to help in any way he can.
"I'm just a helper, I'll do what I'm told," Knoblauch says. "If they want me to work with the forwards, the defence or special teams, I'll do that. As of now, I'm not sure what my role is, I just want to help out Roman as much as possible."
As head coach, Knoblauch led the Kootenay Ice to the 2010-11 Ed Chynoweth Cup title and an appearance in the Memorial Cup.
Dynamiters President, Dave Smith says having both Roman Vopat and Kris Knoblauch on the coaching staff is a major advantage when it comes to recruiting players.
"To be able to put those two guys up onto our website and into our pamphlets that we hand out to recruit players is huge," Smith says. "Players are always looking to improve and they're not stupid. They know a coach with great experience and great success in the hockey world will do nothing but good for them."
Knoblauch is excited to work with former NHLer Roman Vopat who led the Nitros to a 34 point turnaround.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Stoll's Day With Cup

From NHL.com ... 
Few players have had as active a day with the Stanley Cup as Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll did Thursday.
Stoll visited two separate rinks, held numerous public events, and ended with a banquet with about 1,100 guests. And all this was between two southeastern Saskatchewan towns -- Neudorf and Yorkton -- separated by about 50 miles. So it's pretty telling that Stoll's first stop of the day was to his grandparents' house.
In fact, Stoll's day with the Cup began with a big hug from his grandmother, Doreen, who hosted a brief party at her home in the morning, along with Stoll's grandfather, Wilbert. The pair has been a huge part of Jarret's upbringing, hosting the entire Stoll clan during holidays and attending many of their grandson's youth games. Before those games, the pair would promise to pay Jarret a dollar for every goal he scored, a proposal that got expensive as Jarret developed into a young hockey star. Jarret even picked his number, 28, because his grandfather was born in 1928.
In a day when hundreds of people shared in Jarret's celebration with the Cup, the Kings forward, who came one win short of a Cup win with the Edmonton Oilers in 2006, made sure to reserve plenty of time with family. There was a photo session featuring the Cup and Stoll's family at an area studio and a constant Stoll family presence throughout the day.
But it all started Thursday morning with a special visit to the home of Wilbert and Doreen Stoll.

U-18 Canada wins GOLD

Canada beat Finland 4-0 in the Gold Medal game to win the U-18 tournament.
Captain Sam Reinhart finished with 3 goals and 5 assists in 5 games played.
ICE Athletic Therapist Cory Cameron was also a part of Team Canada.
There were 9 WHL players on the roster.

Goaltender
Eric Comrie Tri City

Defence
Madison Bowey Kelowna
Shea Theodore Seattle
Josh Morrissey Prince Albert
Kayle Doetzel Red Deer

Forwards
Nic Petan Portland
Morgan Klimchuk Regina
Sam Reinhart Kootenay
Curtis Lazar Edmonton

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

BC U-16 Short List

BC Hockey announced the 28 U-16 players shortlisted for the 2012 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup November 1-4, 2012 in Calgary.
http://www.bchockey.net/NewsItem.aspx?id=1335

Here is the roster and the team that has their WHL rights.

Goalies
Taz Burman Red Deer
Markus Daly Victoria
Jordan Reynolds

Defense
Tanner Browne Brandon
Kevin Davis Everett
Joe Gatenby Kelowna
Noah Juulsen Everett
Tristan Pagura Kelowna
Chaz Reddekopp Victoria
Ty Schultz Medicine Hat
Mitchell Stapley Vancouver
Parker Wotherspoon Tri City

Forwards
Matthew Barzal Seattle
Matthew Bradley Medicine Hat
Nick Chyzowski Kamloops
Jake Fletcher Medicine Hat
Glenn Gawdin Swift Current
Jansen Harkins Prince George
Haydn Hopkins Saskatoon
Jordan Kawaguchi Spokane
Brad Morrison Prince George
Adam Musil Red Deer
Cole Plotnikoff Lethbridge
Ty Ronning Vancouver
Tyler Soy Victoria
Jakob Stukel Vancouver
Justin Szeto Medicine Hat
Marcus Vela Spokane

Monday, August 6, 2012

Sam Reinhart Makes Canada U-18

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/196779/la_id/1/

Goaltenders
Eric Comrie L 6’0” 175 07/06/95 Edmonton, Alb. Tri City (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Zachary Fucale L 6’0” 166 05/28/95 Rosemère, Que. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.

Defence
Darnell Nurse L 6’4” 180 02/04/95 Hamilton, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Madison Bowey R 6’1” 194 04/22/95 Winnipeg, Man. Kelowna (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Chris Bigras L 6’0” 176 02/22/95 Woodland Beach, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Shea Theodore L 6’0” 170 08/03/95 Aldergrove, B.C. Seattle (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Josh Morrissey L 6’0” 184 03/28/95 Calgary, Alb. Prince Albert (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Kayle Doetzel R 6’2” 186 06/19/95 Rosetown, Sask. Red Deer (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Jordan Subban R 5’9” 170 03/03/95 Toronto, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.

Forwards
Max Domi L 5’10” 184 03/02/95 Toronto, Ont. London (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Anthony Duclair R 5’11” 159 08/26/95 Pointe-Claire, Que. Quebec (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Yan-Pavel Laplante L 6’0” 172 04/23/95 Châteauguay, Que. P.E.I. (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Nic Petan L 5’9” 153 03/22/95 Delta, B.C. Portland (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Kujawinski L 6’2” 195 03/30/95 Iroquois Falls, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Morgan Klimchuk L 5’11” 180 03/02/95 Calgary, Alb. Regina (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Bo Horvat L 6’0” 198 04/05/95 Rodney, Ont. London (OHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Nick Ritchie L 6’2” 207 12/05/95 Orangeville, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2014 Dft/Rep.
Jérémy Grégoire R 6’0” 191 09/05/95 Sherbrooke, Que. Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Nathan MacKinnon R 5’11” 179 09/01/95 Cole Harbour, N.S. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Sam Reinhart R 6’1” 177 11/06/95 West Vancouver, B.C. Kootenay (WHL) 2014 Dft/Rep.
Curtis Lazar R 6’0” 189 02/02/95 Vernon, B.C. Edmonton (WHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Drouin L 5’11” 176 03/27/95 Ste-Agathe, Que. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft/Rep.

Head Coach Todd Gill Kingston (OHL)
Assistant Coach Yanick Jean Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Assistant Coach Scott Walker Guelph (OHL)
Goaltending Consultant Darcy Wakaluk Calgary (WHL)
Therapist Cory Cameron Kootenay (WHL)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Alberta U-16 Short List

Hockey Alberta's 34 U-16 players that have been short listed for further evaluation in preparation to represent Team Alberta at the 2012 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup November 1-4 in Calgary.
http://www.hockeyalberta.ca/index.php/ci_id/90629/la_id/1/

Here is the roster and the team that has their WHL rights.

Goalies
Travis Child Swift Current
Patrick Dea Edmonton
Brandon Keglar Saskatoon
Riley Morris Medicine Hat
Zachary Sawchenko Moose Jaw

Defense
Carson Beers
Jordan Boulton Prince Albert
Bradley Forrest Medicine Hat
Brendan Guhle Prince Albert
Kade Jensen Lethbridge
Maxime Lajoie Swift Current
Mark Matsuba Brandon
Dylan Overdyk Kootenay
Brady Reagan Regina
Cameron Reagan Kamloops
Austin Strand Red Deer

Forwards
River Beattie Kootenay
Brayden Burke Red Deer
Ty Comrie Tri City
Hudson Elynuik Kootenay
Georgio Estephan Lethbridge
Matt Fonteyne Everett
Matteo Gennaro Prince Albert
Andrew Koep Edmonton
Connor Lukan Brandon
Mason McCarty Red Deer
Nick Merkley Kelowna
Curtis Miske Spokane
Grayson Pawlenchuk Red Deer
Braylon Shmyr Brandon
Dylan Stewart Prince Albert
Austin Wagner Regina
Jordan Xavier Medicine Hat
Jesse Zaharichuk

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Rec-Plex Renamed

Cranbrook RecPlex Becomes

Western Financial Place

Cranbrook (BC), High River (AB), August 1, 2012 – The largest sports and entertainment venue in the Kootenays has a new name. Today, the Cranbrook RecPlex became Western Financial Place, in recognition of the facility’s new sponsor, Western Financial Group (Western).
Western—an insurance and financial services company based in Alberta—won naming rights for the next 10 years and plans to work with the City of Cranbrook, the facility operators, and the company’s regional partner, Falkins Insurance Group (Falkins), to build on the longstanding tradition of providing the residents of Cranbrook and surrounding areas a first-class destination for entertainment, recreation, and community involvement.
The 10-year partnership agreement, including naming rights and other sponsorship and usage commitments, totals $750,000, including an advance of $500,000.
“We’re delighted to make a commitment of this magnitude to the people of Cranbrook and the Kootenays,” said Western Financial Group CEO Scott Tannas. “Our company is rooted in the values that westerners cherish, and we intend to be a part of this terrific city and region for a long time to come.”
“We’re thrilled to have the support of Western and Falkins in this venture and in our community,” said Cranbrook Mayor, Wayne Stetski. “They’re only going to enhance what we can do with the building and bring to the people throughout our city and region.”
Director of Leisure Services, Chris New added, “Securing a naming rights holder is an important step in ensuring long term success for our operations. Not only does the agreement provide financial support, but the relationship with Western Financial Group will open up more opportunities to promote the facility, develop community activities, and secure additional special events for our region.”
The complex, which opened October 13, 2000, has a lap and wave pool, racquet ball/squash courts, an ice rink that’s home to the Kootenay Ice Western Hockey League team, and hosts world class events, such as the upcoming Bob Dylan concert.
Western Financial Place signage will be unveiled on the building and ice later this summer, and the Falkins Group will participate in sponsorship and branding opportunities throughout the building. As part of its succession plan, Falkins has begun the process of joining Western Financial Group.
“For nine years, we’ve been planning for the next phase of our 115 year old business, and we’re excited to be partnering with Western because they share our values and culture and know what’s important to people here in the west,” said Bob McGill, CEO, Falkins.
Stetski said, “Planning first started for a community recreation center back in 1993. Seven years and 5,000 signatures later, that dream became a reality. Today, we take another bold step forward by solidifying Western Financial Place as a premier destination for the people of Cranbrook and everyone throughout the Kootenays.”
The City of Cranbrook, British Columbia is a thriving community with an exciting future and proud history. Cranbrook was founded in 1898 with the arrival of the Crowsnest Railway and has evolved into the supply centre of the East Kootenay region. 18,500 people live in the city, and nearly 80,000 live in the surrounding area. Cranbrook’s magnificent location and first-class facilities also attract thousands of visitors each year who participate in cultural and outdoor activities, such as live theatre, hockey, hiking, boating, fishing, cycling and snowmobiling.
Western Financial Group is a western Canada based, diversified, financial services company serving more than 600,000 customers. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides insurance, banking and investment products and services through more than 120 office locations, the Internet (www.westernfinancialgroup.ca) and other distribution channels. With a skilled team of approximately 1,500 employees, and backed by the strong resources of its owners, Western is committed to building the strongest financial services company in western Canada.
Financial Group is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the leading cooperative financial group in Canada.
Falkins Insurance Group has been providing peace of mind to its customers for 115 years. The brokerage began selling insurance in the Gold Rush town of Fort Steele, British Columbia in 1897 and relocated to Cranbrook in the early 1900s, where it continued to expand and meet the needs of the region for the following 100 years. Falkins Insurance is the largest general insurance brokerage in the Kootenays, with 11 offices and more than 100 professionals. The company sells personal, travel, auto, and commercial insurance and operates its own claims service.