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

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

ICE Camp With Garnet Kazuik

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

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.

Manitoba U-16

The U-16 tournament takes place in November and here is the Manitoba Summer camp roster and who owns their WHL rights.

Goalies
Mario Petit Everett
Tyson Verhelst

Defense
Mackenzie Dwyer Saskatoon
Mitchell Dyck Medicine Hat
Ryan Gardiner Moose Jaw
Jesse Lawrence
Thomas Lenchyshyn Lethbridge
Lawson McDonald
Cole Oliver
James Shearer Calgary

Forwards
Ashton Anderson
Garrett Armour
Aaron Boyd Prince George
Colt Conrad Lethbridge
Gianluca Esteves
Jackson Keane Swift Current
Travis Kilbrei
Keegan Kolesar Seattle
Kirklan Lycar Brandon
Meyer Nell Red Deer
Braden Purtill Tri City
Shane Roulette
Jordy Stallard Calgary
Ethan Williams Moose Jaw
Michael Wirth Everett
Rylee Zimmer Regina

Alberta & BC U-16

The U-16 tournament takes place in November and here are the BC and Alberta Summer camp rosters and who owns their WHL rights. I posted Saskatchewan a few weeks ago and awaiting info from Manitoba.

BC
Goalie
Taz Burman Red Deer
Kyle Cheema
Markus Daly Victoria
Bailey DePalma
Bo Didur
Jordan Reynolds

Defense
Callahan Brebner
Tanner Browne Brandon
Tyler Fraser Tri City
Kyle Hofmann
Noah Juulsen Everett
Brandon Kennedy Lethbridge
Tristan Pagura Kelowna
Chaz Reddekopp Victoria
Mitchell Stapley Vancouver
Jordan Wharrie Everett
Cole Williams Saskatoon
Alex Winters Red Deer

Forwards
Cal Babych Calgary
Patrick Bajkov Everett
Addison Bazian
Matthew Bradley Medicine Hat
Nick Chyzowski Kamloops
Jake Fletcher Medicine Hat
Haydn Hopkins Saskatoon
Jordan Kawaguchi Spokane
Cole Plotnikoff Lethbridge
Jesse Roach Vancouver
Chris Seto Kelowna
Deven Sideroff
Tristan Simm
Owen Stout Portland
Jakob Stukel Vancouver
Justin Szeto Medicine Hat
Marcus Vela
Ryan Wilkinson Portland

Alberta
Goalie
Zachary Klassen
Patrick Dea Edmonton
Carson Franks Calgary
Nicholas Schneider
Brandon Kegler
Jake Morrissey Kelowna
Xavier Burghardt
Riley Morris Medicine Hat

Defense
Jordan Boulton Prince Albert
Bradley Forrest Medicine Hat
Jesse Freeborn
Kade Jensen Lethbridge
Dylan Overdyk Kootenay
Salvatore Scalise
Gordon Ballhorn
Carson Beers
Mitchell Brennan Kamloops
Justin Greer Portland
Oilver Lester Victoria
Austin Strand Red Deer
Kole Bryks Vancouver
Brendan Kallis Regina
Cole Kapak
Aaron Kellogg Brandon
Maxime Lajoie Swift Current
Cameron Reagan
Devon Brooks Victoria
Tyson Helgesen Spokane
Mark Matsuba Brandon
Zachary Smith Kootenay
Quinn Sobus Saskatoon
Tristan Thompson

Forwards
Shane Allan Kootenay
Cameron Anklewich
Reid Bosse
Ty Comrie Tri City
Nicolas Correale
Matteo Gennaro Prince Albert
Connor Lukan Brandon
Mason Mccarty Red Deer
Andrew Perry
Tristan Starzynski Edmonton
Troy Van Tetering
Jesse Zaharichuk
River Beattie Kootenay
Kolton Doram
Matt Dykstra Victoria
Quinn Greenly
Josh Hayward Lethbridge
Jared Mcammond Regina
Grayson Pawlenchuk Red Deer
Curtis Peck
Tyler Rohl Lethbridge
Braylon Shmyr Brandon
Parker Ward
Justin Young Medicine Hat
Brayden Burke Red Deer
Brayden Brown
Matt Fonteyne Everett
Rob Fulton Regina
Mitch Hallas
Nolan Krewusik
Ethan Lazaro Moose Jaw
Curtis Miske Spokane
Scott Pungor
Ryan Stronski
Eric Theander
Austin Wagner Regina
Zac Whitby Moose Jaw
Danton Davis
Kelton Driedger
Hudson Elynuik Kootenay
Cole Gammer Tri City
Charlie Gawlicki Kamloops
Chandler Klein
Andrew Koep Edmonton
Andrew Marshall
Joshua Perrott
Mark Rassell
Dylan Stewart Prince Albert
Jordan Xavier Medicine Hat

Big Weekend

After many months of planning it's almost time for a one-of-a-kind event with the Kootenay ICE reunion of the 2000 and 2002 WHL Championship teams.
23 players and all the staff and owners from the 2 teams will be a part of the Hot Stove Dinner tomorrow night and the Golf Tournament on Friday.
For the fans going to the Dinner you will have a chance to ask questions and hear some great stories from the ICE. It's going to be a special night as you'll hear some behind the scenes stories that you will never forget.
The Golf Tournament, usually in August with the current roster, is unique as it will include only the celebrities from those 2 teams.
Most are bringing their wives or girlfriends.
It's going to be a great weekend and look forward to being a part of it all.

Interviews with Kletzel & Chynoweth

From our newsroom, Kyle Christensen talks with Chad Kletzel and Jeff Johnson gets comments from Jeff Chynoweth.
http://youtu.be/ilQMgmaiFxc

Chad Kletzel New Assistant Coach

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has hired Chad Kletzel as their new Assistant Coach. Kletzel, who has signed a two year contract with a club option for a third year, replaces Todd Johnson who was named Head Coach for the University of Regina Men’s Hockey Team in April.

“It is very exciting for our organization to have Chad join our coaching staff. He is a teacher by trade so he will be able to relate to the needs and wants of today’s generation of hockey players. Chad also played in our League as has coached at different levels of minor hockey which will definitely be an asset to our Club,” continued Chynoweth.

“Chad is very passionate to begin coaching in the Western Hockey League. Our players will benefit a great deal from his playing experiences and his knowledge of the game,” commented Head Coach Ryan McGill.

Chad Kletzel played three seasons in the WHL with the Edmonton ICE (1996-1997 with current Head Coach Ryan McGill) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1997-1999). He also won a RBC Cup national championship with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in 1999-2000. Chad also played three years with the University of Lethbridge (2001-2004) and achieved two degrees during his tenure at the U of L; a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Education. For the past four years he has been coaching with the Lethbridge Athletic Association, including last year as Head Coach of the Midget AAA team.

Chad Kletzel is a 32-year-old native of Indus, Alberta. Chad will be joining the ICE on July 30.

The Club also announced that Assistant Coach Jerry Bancks will return for his third season with the Club.

ICE Name New Head Coach

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has hired Ryan McGill as the sixth bench boss in franchise history. McGill, who has signed a three-year contract, was Head Coach of the Edmonton / Kootenay ICE from 1997 – 2002 and led the club to the 2000 WHL Championship and 2002 Memorial Cup.

“Today is a special day for our organization as the Head Coach who first developed the winning culture and tradition that has been synonymous with our program for the past 14 years has come full circle. A Head Coach of Ryan McGill's caliber and experience will be invaluable to our Hockey Club as we move forward. During his time in the American Hockey League Ryan developed many current National Hockey League players and that experience will come in handy as we ice one of the youngest teams in the WHL this season,” continued Chynoweth.

“Being away from the game of hockey for the past year has made me appreciate it even more. Dealing with players today is much different than it was in 2002, but just like being a parent you learn to adapt and to adjust to each individual situation. The WHL is a great League with a lot of great coaches, but my familiarity with the Chynoweth family made the decision to return to Major Junior Hockey an easy one for myself and my family,” commented Ryan McGill.

Ryan McGill led the ICE to a 174-133-43 career regular season record during his first tenure with the Club, including back-to-back 100 point seasons (1999-2000 and 2000-2001), four playoff appearances, two conference titles, two WHL Championships (2000 and 2002) and one Memorial Cup Championship (2002). He was also named the Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2001-2002 and posted a 42-19 career playoff record (.689 winning percentage). McGill left Kootenay following the 2002 Memorial Cup and spent seven years in the AHL as Head Coach with the Hartford Wolf Pack (2002-2005) and Omaha Ak-Sar Ben Knights / Quad City Flames (2005-2009). He was promoted to Assistant Coach with the Calgary Flames in June 2009 and spent two years with the NHL club.

Ryan McGill is a 43-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alberta. He and his wife Karen are the parents of two girls – Kate (12) and Kyla (9).

NHL Camps

Joey Leach (Winnipeg) and Mackenzie Skapski (Minnesota) have been invited to NHL development camps.

ICE Regular Season Schedule

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today released the Club’s 2012-2013 WHL regular season schedule. The ICE will open their 15th season in the East Kootenay's region on the road on Thursday, September 20th in Edmonton. Kootenay will host the Regina Pats for their home opener on Friday, September 28th. The ICE will play a 72 game schedule (36 at home and 36 on the road) concluding Saturday, March 16 in Calgary.

Kootenay will play the Central Division teams a total of 34 times, Calgary and Red Deer eight times (four at home, four on the road), Edmonton, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge six times (three at home, three on the road). In the East Division, the ICE will play Brandon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, and Swift Current four times each (two at home, two on the road). In the BC Division, Kootenay will play Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria once at home. In the US Division the ICE will play Spokane five times (two at home, three on the road) and Everett, Portland, Seattle, and Tri-City once on the road.

Of their 36 home games, the ICE will play 25 of them on weekends including 12 on Friday, nine on Saturday and four on Sunday. The remaining games will be played on Wednesday (six) and Tuesday (four) and Monday (one).

Start times at the Cranbrook Recreation Complex will remain the same with all Tuesday to Saturday games starting at 7:00 pm, while all Sunday home games will start at 6:00 pm. The game on Monday, December 31st against Calgary will start at 5:00 pm.

2012-2013 Season Tickets remain on sale at the ICE office.

September (2 Road – 2 Home)
Thu 20 @ Edmonton
Sat 22 @ Calgary
Fri 28 Regina
Sat 29 Lethbridge

October (1 Road – 8 Home)
Sun 7 Prince Albert
Wed 10 Prince George
Fri 12 Saskatoon
Sun 14 Edmonton
Fri 19 @ Red Deer
Sat 20 Kamloops
Sun 21 Red Deer
Wed 24 Regina
Fri 26 Swift Current

November (6 Road – 6 Home)
Fri 2 Saskatoon
Sat 3 Vancouver
Sun 4 @ Medicine Hat
Sat 10 Moose Jaw
Sun 11 @ Calgary
Fri 16 Brandon
Sat 17 Brandon
Wed 21 @ Seattle
Fri 23 @ Portland
Sat 24 @ Everett
Wed 28 Edmonton
Fri 30 @ Edmonton

December (7 Road – 5 Home)
Sun 2 @ Calgary
Tue 4 Calgary
Fri 7 Prince Albert
Sat 8 @ Lethbridge
Tue 11 Kelowna
Fri 14 @ Prince Albert
Sat 15 @ Saskatoon
Sun 16 @ Swift Current
Tue 18 @ Red Deer
Fri 28 Spokane
Sat 29 @ Spokane
Mon 31 Calgary

January (9 Road – 6 Home)
Wed 2 Red Deer
Fri 4 Swift Current
Sun 6 Red Deer
Tue 8 Edmonton
Fri 11 Medicine Hat
Sat 12 @ Spokane
Tue 15 @ Saskatoon
Wed 16 @ Prince Albert
Fri 18 @ Regina
Sat 19 @ Moose Jaw
Wed 23 Medicine Hat
Fri 25 @ Moose Jaw
Sat 26 @ Regina
Wed 30 @ Edmonton
Thu 31 @ Red Deer
February (6 Road – 5 Home)
Sat 2 Lethbridge
Fri 8 Spokane
Sat 9 Moose Jaw
Sun 10 @ Medicine Hat
Wed 13 Victoria
Fri 15 @ Brandon
Sat 16 @ Brandon
Mon 18 @ Swift Current
Sat 23 Calgary
Sun 24 @ Lethbridge
Wed 27 @ Medicine Hat

March (5 Road – 4 Home)
Fri 1 Red Deer
Sat 2 Medicine Hat
Tue 5 @ Red Deer
Fri 8 @ Tri City
Sat 9 @ Spokane
Tue 12 Lethbridge
Wed 13 @ Lethbridge
Fri 15 Calgary
Sat 16 @ Calgary

Chynoweth Comments on Import Draft

GM Jeff Chynoweth
on 1st pick Petr Vesely
"We know Petr had a very good year last year in junior in the Czech Republic. He was 5th in the league in scoring and the second leading 1994-born player with 60 points in 43 games. You need to score goals to win games and we think once he gets adjusted to the North American game, as it takes all players time coming over here to adjust, we hope he can add some offense to our team."

on where he will fit into the line-up
"Our 1994 age group up front is very thin. Levi Cable is our only returning player and we picked up Jordyn Boyd (trade with Everett) and we are hoping these 2 new players will eventually will be key contributers to our club as we are going to be a very young club this year."

on 2nd pick Jakub Prochazka
"He's got a late birthday and is not available until next years' NHL Draft. I've heard good things about him. In talking with some people that we know the reports were pretty good. They say both players have potential to be top 6 forwards at some point in their career, I just think it will be right off the bat. He's got some skill and an edge to his game with 69 penalty minutes in 37 games last year."

on making 2 picks this year
"The main thing for us is that we are paying for the Cody Eakin deal this year big time. By that I mean Colby Cave was part of that deal and he would definitely have been a part of our group this year. We're going to be such a young team this year, probably 8-10 1995-born players and thats too young as you still win in the WHL with 18, 19 and quality 20-year-olds. This is the best way to replenish the talent pool and these guys play a high level of hockey, maybe not the same level as the CHL but if you put up numbers at any level and people will take notice."

ICE Select Petr Vesely & Jakub Prochazka

The Kootenay ICE selected 2 18-year-old forwards from the Czech Republic in todays' CHL Import Draft. With the 29th pick they took Petr Vesely who had 25 goals and 60 points last season.
The ICE traded their 8th round pick in next years Bantam Draft to Tri City for their 1st pick and selected Jakub Prochazka who had 8 goals and 20 points last season.

From the ICE office ...
Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today the Club has selected 18-year-old Forward Petr Vesely (1st round, 29th overall) and 17-year-old Forward Jakub Prochazka in today's 21st annual CHL import Draft. Kootenay's second selection (59th overall) was acquired from the Tri-City Americans for a 8th round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. "It is very difficult to draft any Import player as for the most part teams have not had the opportunity to watch these players over the course of the season, but we have received good reporters on both players. We are very thin at the forward position in the 1994 age group and are hoping these players, once they get acclimatized to the North American game will be key contributors to our team, "continued Chynoweth. Both Petr Vesely and Jakub Prochazka will arrive in Cranbrook in late August.
PETR VESELY
Birthdate: March 10, 1994
Country: Czech Republic
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs.
NHL Draft: Eligible 2013
2011-2012 Team: HC Kladno PZ - Czech Junior League GP: 43 G: 25 A: 35 TP: 60 PIM: 32

JAKUB PROCHAZKA
Birthdate: November 18, 1994
Country: Czech Republic
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 170 lbs.
NHL Draft: Eligible 2013
2011-2012 Team: HC Litvinov - Czech Junior League GP: 37 G: 8 A: 12 TP: 20 PIM: 69

ICE Trade Neibrandt

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has traded 19-year-old Defenseman John Neibrandt to the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. The ICE still have seven 20-year-old players eligible to return in 2012-2013, but don’t expect Max Reinhart (Calgary Flames) or Luke Paulsen (injury) to return for their overage season (Elgin Pearce, Dylen McKinlay, Drew Czerwonka, Brock Montgomery and Joey Leach are the other 1992 born players).

“With us having seven 20-year-old players eligible to return next year we knew we had to start reducing this number as soon as we could. There are numerous 1992 born players eligible to return for their overage season and we wanted to ensure that John had the opportunity to play his final season in the WHL. We would like to thank John for his two years with our Hockey Club and wish him all the best in Vancouver,” added Chynoweth

JOHN NEIBRANDT
October 9, 1992 * Hometown: Yorkton, SK
Defence * Shoots: Left * 6’5”, 196 lbs
2010-11 Kootenay ICE 65 1 4 5 42
2011-12 Kootenay ICE 69 2 12 14 41

ICE To Add Import

The CHL Import Draft will take place on Wednesday and the Kootenay ICE have the 29th overall selection.
The last 2 seasons the ICE did not make a selection and traded their picks away but this season the club will use their pick.
The last import player to suit-up for the ICE was Peter Senkerik.

The club could also add another import player through the draft or a trade.

U-17 Team Pacific

Team Pacific announced players selected to compete at the Region Summer Camp July 25-29 in Kamloops.
http://www.whl.ca/article/team-pacific-u17-summer-camp-roster-announced
Below are the players invited and the team who owns their WHL rights.

Goalies
Nathan Alalouf
Alec Dillon Swift Current
Patrick Gora Regina
Jonathan Hogue Lethbridge
Payton Lee Vancouver (from Cranbrook)
Liam McLeod Kamloops
Jordan Papirny Brandon
Keelan Williams Medicine Hat

Defense
Connor Clouston Kamloops
Carter Cochrane Everett
Viktor Dombrovskiy Swift Current
Erik Donald Regina
Shaun Dosanjh Vancouver
Ryan Gagnon Victoria
Zack Gonek Swift Current
Joseph Hicketts Victoria
Brandon Hickey Tri City
Aaron Irving Edmonton
Jake Kohlhauser Vancouver
Brycen Martin Swift Current
Dysin Mayo Edmonton
Mitch Meek Edmonton
Roman Melzer Lethbridge
Griffin Mumby Regina
Matt Murray Kootenay
Zach Paterson
Riley Stadel Kelowna
Garrett Stankoven
Ben Thomas Calgary
Josh Thrower Calgary
Dalton Yorke Kelowna
Micheal Zipp Everett

Forwards
Markson Bechtold Spokane
Michael Bell Seattle
Conner Bleackley Red Deer
Carson Bolduc Prince George
Tyler Busch Prince George
Chad Butcher Medicine Hat
Brandon Del Grosso Moose Jaw
Reid Duke Lethbridge
Thomas Foster Vancouver
Zack Funk
Ryan Graham Saskatoon
Ryan Gropp Seattle
Michal Holub Seattle
Justin Kirkland Kelowna
Chase Lang Calgary
Tanner MacMaster Spokane
Tyrell Mappin Everett
Brett Mennear
Spencer Meyer Prince Albert
Graham Millar Saskatoon
Alex Mowbray Medicine Hat
Tyler Mrkonjic Tri City
Kord Pankewicz Brandon
Blake Penner Medicine Hat
Brayden Point Moose Jaw
Brett Pollock Edmonton
Tyler Povelofskie Kelowna
John Quenneville Brandon
Nicholas Rasovic
Matt Revel Saskatoon
Tyler Sandhu Everett
Mitch Skapski Everett
Jacob Virtanen Calgary
Mitchell Walter Edmonton
Tyler Wong Lethbridge
Ryley Wozniak Medicine Hat

2012 NHL Draft

No ICE selected in 2012 NHL Draft. 3rd time in franchise history to be shutout, 2nd time since moving to Cranbrook.
Matt Benning, ICE 2nd pick in 09, rights traded to TC, 6th round pick by Boston.

ICE Exhibition Schedule

Thu Sept 6
Kootenay @ Tri City 8:00

Fri Sept 7
Portland vs Kootenay 4:00 @ Tri City

Sat Sept 8
Kootenay vs Everett 12:00 @ Tri City

Fri Sept 14
Kootenay vs Lethbridge 7:00 @ Crowsnest Pass

Sun Sept 16
Kootenay vs Calgary 2:00 @ Crowsnest Pass

WHL Exhibition Schedule

WHL Exhibition Schedule
*Times changed to Cranbrook time*

Tue Aug 28
Swift Current @ Moose Jaw

Thu Aug 30
Victoria @ Kamloops

Fri Aug 31
Kelowna @ Vancouver
Kamloops vs Victoria @ Maple Ridge
Portland vs Seattle @ Everett
Tri City @ Everett

Sat Sept 1
Red Deer vs Prince George @ Edmonton
Medicine Hat vs Calgary @ Edmonton
Swift Current @ Edmonton
Vancouver @ Kelowna
Portland vs Tri City @ Everett
Spokane @ Everett

Sun Sept 2
Prince George vs Medicine Hat @ Edmonton
Swift Current vs Calgary @ Edmonton
Red Deer @ Edmonton
Spokane vs Seattle @ Everett
Portland @ Everett

Wed Sept 5
Calgary vs Lethbridge @ Taber
Vancouver @ Kamloops

Thu Sept 6
Kootenay @ Tri City 8:00
Brandon @ Regina

Fri Sept 7
Portland vs Kootenay 4:00 @ Tri City
Red Deer @ Calgary
Edmonton @ Prince George
Regina @ Brandon
Saskatoon @ Prince Albert
Moose Jaw vs Swift Current @ Maple Creek
Kamloops @ Vancouver
Kelowna vs Victoria @ Maple Ridge
Spokane vs Everett @ Tri City
Seattle @ Tri City

Sat Sept 8
Kootenay vs Everett 12:00 @ Tri City
Lethbridge vs Red Deer @ Innisfail
Edmonton @ Prince George
Prince Albert vs Saskatoon @ Warman
Victoria @ Kelowna
Seattle vs Portland @ Tri City
Spokane @ Tri City

Sun Sept 9
Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat
Swift Current @ Moose Jaw

Wed Sept 12
Medicine Hat @ Lethbridge

Thu Sept 13
Swift Current @ Prince Albert

Fri Sept 14
Kootenay vs Lethbridge 7:00 @ Crowsnest Pass
Edmonton vs Red Deer @ Lacombe
Moose Jaw @ Brandon
Saskatoon @ Regina
Prince George @ Kamloops
Everett @ Seattle
Spokane @ Tri City
Victoria @ Vancouver

Sat Sept 15
Medicine Hat vs Red Deer @ Stettler
Lethbridge vs Calgary @ Crowsnest Pass
Brandon @ Moose Jaw
Regina @ Saskatoon
Prince Albert vs Swift Current @ Gull Lake
Kamloops @ Prince George
Vancouver @ Victoria
Seattle @ Everett
Tri City @ Kelowna

Sun Sept 16
Kootenay vs Calgary 2:00 @ Crowsnest Pass

Dan Blackburn Interview

ICE Alum Dan Blackburn talks about Hot Stove Dinner & Golf Event.
http://youtu.be/eofRnd55L10

Jarret Stoll Interview

ICE Alum Jarret Stoll on Championship season with the Kings and Hot Stove Dinner & Golf Event.
http://youtu.be/Tmt9QubBTPM

Colin Sinclair Interview

ICE Alum Colin Sinclair talks about Hot Stove Dinner & Golf Event.
http://youtu.be/VxfA1Kc9nfY

Wade Burt Interview

ICE Alum Wade Burt talks about Hot Stove Dinner & Golf Event.
http://youtu.be/X88Nuo162fQ

Richard Hamula Interview

ICE Alum Richard Hamula talks about Hot Stove Dinner & Golf Event.
http://youtu.be/NeLOxH7h084

Stoll With Stanley In Vegas

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/la-kings-continue-las-vegas-club-tour-stanley-133043502--nhl.html

Reinhart Gets U-18 Invite

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced Thursday the 40 players who have been invited to attend Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp, August 3-6 at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto, Ont.

ICE Cory Cameron has been named Athletic Therapist.

Goaltenders
Eric Comrie L 6’0” 175 07/06/95 Edmonton, Alta. Tri-City (WHL) 2013 Dft
Zachary Fucale L 6’0” 166 05/28/95 Rosemère, Que. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Tristan Jarry L 6’1” 175 04/29/95 Delta, B.C. Edmonton (WHL) 2013 Dft
Spencer Martin L 6’2” 186 06/08/95 Oakville, Ont. Mississauga (OHL) 2013 Dft

Defence
Chris Bigras L 6’0” 176 02/22/95 Woodland Beach, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2013 Dft
Madison Bowey R 6’1” 194 04/22/95 Winnipeg, Man. Kelowna (WHL) 2013 Dft
Nikolas Brouillard L 5’10” 147 02/07/95 St-Hilaire, Que. Drummondville (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Kayle Doetzel R 6’2” 186 06/19/95 Rosetown, Sask. Red Deer (WHL) 2013 Dft
Aaron Ekblad R 6’3” 207 02/07/96 Belle River, Ont. Barrie (OHL) 2014 Dft
Dillon Heatherington L 6’2” 185 05/09/95 Calgary, Alta. Swift Current (WHL) 2013 Dft
Samuel Morin L 6’5” 184 07/12/95 St-Henri, Que. Rimouski (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Josh Morrissey LG 6’0” 184 03/28/95 Calgary, Alta. Prince Albert (WHL) 2013 Dft
Matt Murphy L 6’1” 185 05/01/95 Fredericton, N.B. Val-d’Or (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Darnell Nurse L 6’4” 180 02/04/95 Hamilton, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2013 Dft
Jordan Subban R 5’9” 170 03/03/95 Toronto, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2013 Dft
Shea Theodore L 6’0” 170 08/03/95 Aldergrove, B.C. Seattle (WHL) 2013 Dft

Forwards
Nick Baptiste R 6’2” 200 08/04/95 Ottawa, Ont. Sudbury (OHL) 2013 Dft
Jason Dickinson L 6’1” 165 07/04/95 Georgetown, Ont. Guelph (OHL) 2013 Dft
Max Domi L 5’10” 184 03/02/95 Toronto, Ont. London (OHL) 2013 Dft
Jonathan Drouin L 5’11” 176 03/27/95 Ste-Agathe, Que. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Anthony Duclair R 5’11” 159 08/26/95 Pointe-Claire, Que. Quebec (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Hunter Garlent R 5’9” 159 02/04/95 Thorold, Ont. Guelph (OHL) 2013 Dft
Jérémy Grégoire R 6’0” 191 09/05/95 Sherbrooke, Que. Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Carter Hansen R 6’2” 178 07/04/95 Craven, Sask. Moose Jaw (WHL) 2013 Dft
Stephen Harper L 6’1” 195 03/25/95 Burlington, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2013 Dft
Bo Horvat L 6’0” 198 04/05/95 Rodney, Ont. London (OHL) 2013 Dft
Morgan Klimchuk L 5’11” 180 03/02/95 Calgary, Alta. Regina (WHL) 2013 Dft
Ryan Kujawinski L 6’2” 195 03/30/95 Iroquois Falls, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2013 Dft
Yan-Pavel Laplante L 6’0” 172 04/23/95 Châteauguay, Que. P.E.I. (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Curtis Lazar R 6’0” 189 02/02/95 Vernon, B.C. Edmonton (WHL) 2013 Dft
Nathan MacKinnon R 5’11” 179 09/01/95 Cole Harbour, N.S. Halifax (QMJHL) 2013 Dft
Zach Nastasiuk R 6’1” 174 03/30/95 Barrie, Ont. Owen Sound (OHL) 2013 Dft
Matthew Needham R 5’10” 187 04/17/95 Penticton, B.C. Kamloops (WHL) 2013 Dft
Stephen Nosad R 5’11” 173 01/25/95 Tottenham, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2013 Dft
Brent Pedersen L 6’1” 197 07/05/95 Arthur, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2013 Dft
Nic Petan L 5’9” 153 03/22/95 Delta, B.C. Portland (WHL) 2013 Dft
Sam Reinhart R 6’1” 177 11/06/95 West Vancouver, B.C. Kootenay (WHL) 2014 Dft
Nick Ritchie L 6’2” 207 12/05/95 Orangeville, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2014 Dft
Brandon Robinson L 6’2” 195 10/13/95 Pickering, Ont. Brampton (OHL) 2014 Dft
Tommy Veilleux L 5’11” 183 05/07/95 St-Odilon, Que. Victoriaville (QMJHL) 2013 Dft

U-17 Team West

Saskatchewan and Manitoba have named the 68 players (34 per province) for the Team West Regional Summer Camp.
On November 11 a roster of 22 (2 Goalies, 7 Defense, 13 Forwards) will be named to play in the U-17 Tournament in Victoriaville/Drummondville, Quebec, December 28– January 5.
http://www.sha.sk.ca/news/533-u17-team-west-invites
 
Below are the players invited and the team who owns their WHL rights.
 
Saskatchewan

Goalies
Grant Naherniak Red Deer
Rylan Parenteau Prince Albert
Nigel Rempel
Evan Weninger

Defense
Haydn Fleury Red Deer
Carter Forsyth Kootenay
Kendall Fransoo Moose Jaw
Jordan Harris Prince George
Ross Hnidy Saskatoon
Vukie Mpofu Red Deer
Nelson Nogier Saskatoon
Brayden Park Victoria
Ryan Pilon Lethbridge
Samuel Ruopp Prince George
Bryton Sayers Lethbridge
Benjamin Verrall

Forwards
Carter Amson Lethbridge
Jacob Cardiff Spokane
Rourke Chartier Kelowna
Ryan Duret Calgary
Rylan Freed Kamloops
Reid Gardiner Prince Albert
Rhett Gardner Spokane
Austin Glover Kelowna
Dawson Leedahl Everett
Dakota Odgers Swift Current
Braden Oleksyn Calgary
Kolten Olynek Lethbridge
Collin Shirley Kootenay
Josh Uhrich Moose Jaw
Timothy Vanstone Prince Albert
Miles Warkentine Moose Jaw
Jordan Wittman Swift Current
Lance Yaremchuk Prince Albert

Manitoba
Goalies
Bronson Ammeter Kootenay
Ty Edmonds Prince George
Evan Johnson
Zak Robidoux Medicine Hat

Defense
Justin Baudry Everett
David Dunn Kelowna
Kristjon Finnson Prince Albert
Taylor Fisher
Connor Hamonic Kamloops
Chase Harrison Regina
Cole Jones Victoria
Taran Lacquette Prince Albert
Travis Sanheim Calgary
Lucas Skrumeda Everett
Jordan Thomson Kamloops
Riley Welsh Swift Current
Reid Zalitach Vancouver

Forwards
Jordan Bochinski
Adam Brooks Regina
Duncan Campbell Prince George
Tyler Coulter Brandon
Michael Fortin
Jayce Hawryluk Brandon
Brett Kitt Brandon
Tanner Lewis Moose Jaw
Ryley Lindgren Brandon
Nick Mathews
Landon Plett
Ryan Pruden Saskatoon
Maverick Rafter
Taylor Sanheim Everett
Dane Schioler Regina
Dallas Starodub Brandon
Clayton Tait Victoria

Knoblauch Talks To Edmonton Newspaper

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Knoblauch+knew+interviewing+Bears+coaching+position+risk/6742015/story.html

By Evan Daum, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON - Kris Knoblauch knows that life as a hockey coach can be a gamble.
The former head coach of the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League lost his job a few weeks ago after his general manager, Jeff Chynoweth, learned that Knoblauch was set to interview for the University of Alberta Golden Bears head coach position.
“I thought for my family and my career, it just made so much sense to try and get that position at the U of A and that’s why I took a chance. I trusted some people I should’ve been more cautious about, but it was certainly a risk that I was willing to take,” Knoblauch said.
Knoblauch’s firing by Kootenay was the culmination of a Golden Bears hiring process that started in mid-April for the former Bears standout, who spent five successful seasons between 1999-2004.
“I was in the office one day and there were rumours about me going to the University of Alberta and I hadn’t contacted the university, nor had they contacted me. That day, there was a message from my secretary to call Stan Marple,” Knoblauch said of the beginning of his involvement in the Bears job search.
“I returned that call and that’s when we discussed the possibility of returning to the university as a coach.”
Knoblauch then became part of the process to find the Bears next head coach, a position that came open in late March when Marple, who spent a year as interim head coach, was reassigned to the newly minted general manager position.
“That day, when I got contacted by the university, I talked to my employer — the Kootenay Ice — about my interest in the job and they gave me a one-week window to pursue it, but this was the middle of April and the job closing date didn’t come until May 15th, so there was really no possibility for me to really pursue it in that week time frame,” Knoblauch said.
It was at that point Knoblauch began a gamble that would eventually cost him his job, despite giving the Ice the impression that he was no longer interested in returning to the U of A.
“Absolutely, I took a huge leap of faith,” Knoblauch said about pursuing the Bears job. “The coaching position with the University of Alberta meant a lot to me. It was a risk I was willing to take, because I thought it was the best thing for me.”
Knoblauch isn’t bitter about Ian Herbers being named head coach of the Bears, but the former WHL championship-winning coach is frustrated by the process, which resulted in his firing only moments before interviewing for the Alberta job.
"Certainly, there wasn’t a guarantee that the job was mine, but I was under the impression I was a very good candidate. Everything short of the job being guaranteed to me,” he said. “After this process was over, I’ve heard many names of people being kind of given the same sales pitch of applying.”
Marple, for his part, has expressed disappointment that Knoblauch lost his job, but felt there was no wrongdoing on the part of the selection committee.
"At the end of the day, I feel very bad for Kris that he lost his job over this with the Kootenay Ice, but again I don’t know what his contract entailed, or if he had the legal right to apply,” Marple said. “I do feel the process was successful in the sense that we hired the best coach that we could’ve for the position.”
Despite losing his coaching job, Knoblauch is not ready to leave the coaching ranks.
“Coaching is my passion and I truly love it, so I’ll continue that,” Knoblauch said.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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