Import Draft Thoughts

The Kootenay ICE made quit a stir at the 2010 CHL Import Draft by not selecting a player and traded their 1st pick for a 6th round Bantam pick.
ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth had been debating this decision for a few months and decided that unless you are gauranteed a top 6 forward or top 4 defenseman then does it really help your organization.
I have been formulating thoughts on the Import Draft for a few years and wonder how it can be made better for the CHL and all it's teams.
Keep in mind I am not an ICE apologist nor am I looking to be overly critical of the team or league.
- The ICE have 19 players who are eligible to return to the WHL this season. At most 18 can play for the ICE as that includes 4 over-agers. The ICE should have another good team and an addition of 2 quality Imports could make them a contender for a Division title.
- What if they get a 18 or 19-year old forward who plays a 3rd or 4th line role. Is it better to give that ice time to a 16 or 17-year old who can develop into a player who will be a top 6 guy in a few years?
- What if you get a 18 or 19-year defenseman who is 5th or 6th on your depth chart. Is it better to give that ice time to a younger player who can end up being with the team for 3-4 more years?
- Even if the Import players are 3rd line guys, doesn't that make your team stronger for the short term?
- Should teams spend more time scouting Import players at International Tournaments?
- The toughest part of the Draft is finding Imports who are top quality players and will commit to coming to the CHL. This is where it gets tricky.
- So it now becomes a game of who you know as far as NHL GM's and player agents.
- This is where the Oil Kings and Hitmen who are owned by the Oilers and Flames should have a big advantage but have never seemed to exploit it.
- There is a $2000 transfer fee for each player.
- How many CHL teams have ever seen the players in person?
- I think that the Import Draft must change. All players should have to opt-in to the draft. The deadline could be something like June 1st. That would give all teams some time to prepare their rankings.
- Players who haven't declared themselves eligible for the Draft cannot play in the CHL that season.
- Does that penalize teams who do extra work trying to find players or make it a level playing field?
- If a player does not report to the team that selects him, the team gets to make another selection for the list at a later date. For example, if the team finds out a few days after the draft the player will not play for that team, then they have a week to make another selection to fill that position. This should prevent players from asking to go to a specific team or league.
- What if 200 players opt-in to the Import Draft and you have the 50th pick and don't project that player to be top line player, do you still make the selection?
- Should the CHL limit teams to 1 Import per team?
- Should there be no more Import players in the CHL?
- I get the impression fans still love to have the Import players in the league.
- I don't get the impression the ICE want to get rid of the Import Draft. From their point of view it's been a long time since they had a high selection. (The recent highest was 16th overall and they took Tomas Plihal but that was Tri City's pick as part of the compensation for Bob Tory leaving as GM). Always finishing in the top 10 has seen them always selecting 14-22nd in the Bantam Draft and 40-60th in the Import Draft. Do that for a long stretch and you never have the cream of the crop to select from.
- Should the ICE try to trade up to get higher Import picks? That would probably mean sacrificing some Bantam picks. Is that agood idea long term?
- When do you stop thinking long-term and worry about short-term?
- If the ICE are having a strong year do they look at adding an Import or two with trades during the season? They have 2 openings that can be filled at any time.
- Remember Calgary won the WHL Title with one Import player who they aquired in a trade.
- No one has mentioned it yet but didn't Kelowna finish last season with no Import players on their active roster?

ICE Trade 1st Round Import Pick

The Kootenay ICE have traded their 1st pick in the Import Draft, 40th overall, to Brandon for a 6th round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft.
The ICE will also pass on their 2nd round pick.

The ICE now have 5 extra picks in the 2011 Bantam Draft with 2 picks in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th rounds.

ICE Pass On Import Draft

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today the ICE are passing on their 2010 CHL Import Draft first and second round picks.

“Although we have been fortunate in the past with the CHL Import Draft we feel that in this day and age it is becoming very hard to attract the top European players. Our team is eligible to return 19 players and there is no guarantee if we selected a player today that he would be able to play in our top six forwards or top four defensemen.” commented Chynoweth.

WHL Exhibition Schedule

Wed Sept 1
Swift Current @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Saskatoon @ Prince Albert 7:00

Fri Sept 3
Seattle @ Portland 11:30 Everett Tournament
Spokane @ Tri City 3:00 Everett Tournament
Sault Ste. Marie @ Everett 7:00 Everett Tournament
Chilliwack @ Kamloops 7:00 Chase
Prince Albert @ Saskatoon 7:00 Martensville
Moose Jaw @ Regina 7:00 Co-Operators Centre
Kelowna @ Vancouver 7:30 Ladner

Sat Sept 4
Prince George @ Medicine Hat 3:00 Edm Tournament
Edmonton @ Swift Current 7:00 Edm Tournament
Spokane @ Seattle 11:30 Everett Tournament
Portland @ Sault Ste. Marie 3:00 Everett Tournament
Tri City @ Everett 7:00 Everett Tournament
Kamloops @ Chilliwack 7:00 Mission
Vancouver @ Kelowna 7:00
Regina @ Moose Jaw 7:00

Sun Sept 5
Prince George @ Swift Current 3:00 Edm Tournament
Edmonton @ Medicine Hat 7:00 Edm Tournament
Portland @ Spokane 11:30 Everett Tournament
Sault Ste. Marie @ Tri City 3:00 Everett Tournament
Seattle @ Everett 7:00 Everett Tournament

Wed Sept 8
Red Deer @ Calgary 7:00 Airdrie

Thu Sept 9
Everett @ Seattle 3:00 Tri City Tournament
Lethbridge @ Spokane 7:00 Tri City Tournament

Fri Sept 10
Seattle @ Kootenay 3:00 Tri City Tournament
Portland @ Everett 11:00 Tri City Tournament
Lethbridge @ Tri City 7:00 Tri City Tournament
Kelowna @ Kamloops 7:00 MacArthur Island Center
Saskatoon @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Edmonton @ Prince George 7:00
Brandon @ Regina 7:00
Medicine Hat @ Swift Current 7:00
Chilliwack @ Vancouver 7:30 Ladner

Sat Sep 11
Kootenay @ Portland 11:00 Tri City Tournament
Lethbridge @ Seattle 3:00 Tri City Tournament
Spokane @ Tri City 7:00 Tri City Tournament
Regina @ Brandon 7:30
Vancouver @ Chilliwack 7:00
Kamloops @ Kelowna 7:00
Swift Current @ Medicine Hat 7:30
Edmonton @ Prince George 7:00
Calgary @ Red Deer 7:30 Innisfail
Moose Jaw @ Saskatoon 7:05

Sun Sept 12
Kootenay @ Tri City 1:00 Tri City Tournament

Tue Sept 14
Medicine Hat @ Calgary 7:00 Strathmore
Red Deer @ Lethbridge 7:00 Nicholas Sheran Arena

Wed Sept 15
Saskatoon @ Regina 7:00 Co-Operators Centre

Thu Sept 16
Tri City @ Kootenay 7:00
Swift Current @ Prince Albert 7:00

Fri Sept 17
Moose Jaw @ Brandon 7:30
Kelowna @ Chilliwack 7:00
Seattle @ Everett 7:35
Prince George @ Kamloops 7:00
Calgary @ Lethbridge 7:00 Crowsnest Pass
Edmonton @ Red Deer 7:30 Lacombe
Spokane @ Tri City 7:00

Sat Sept 18
Kootenay @ Spokane 7:00
Lethbridge @ Calgary 7:00 Edge School
Chilliwack @ Kelowna 7:00
Brandon @ Moose Jaw 7:00
Kamloops @ Prince George 7:00
Medicine Hat @ Red Deer 7:30 Stettler
Regina @ Saskatoon 7:05
Portland @ Seattle 7:05
Prince Albert @ Swift Current 7:00
Everett @ Vancouver 7:30 Ladner

Czerwonka 6th round Edmonton

Kootenay ICE forward Drew Czerwonka was selected in the 6th round of the NHL Draft by Edmonton.

O'Donnell 6th round Tampa Bay

Kootenay ICE list player Brendan O’Donnell was selected in the 6th round of the NHL Draft by Tampa Bay.
He was selected in the 9th round of the 2007 Bantam Draft and has commited to NCAA U of North Dakota.

Leach 3rd round Calgary

Kootenay ICE defenseman Joey Leach has been selected in the 3rd round of the NHL Draft by Calgary.

Reinhart 3rd Round Calgary

Kootenay ICE forward Max Reinhart has been selected in the 3rd round of the NHL Draft by Calgary.
His Father Paul spent some of his NHL career with the Flames.
For the ICE it's the 11th time in the last 12 years that a player has been drafted and 12th time in the 14 years of the Franchise history.

Funny NHL Skit

In case you missed the NHL Awards show, here was a great skit featuring an appearance by Scott Niedermayer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxgE1fxvP7w

ICE 10-11 TENTATIVE Schedule

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today released the Club’s 2010-2011 tentative WHL regular season schedule. Kootenay will open the 45th season of the Western Hockey League and their 13th year in Cranbrook at home on Saturday, September 25 at 7:00 pm against the Calgary Hitmen. The ICE will play a 72 game schedule (36 at home and 36 on the road) concluding Saturday, March 19 against Lethbridge.

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 Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Prince George, and Vancouver 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 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Kootenay will play 24 games on Friday (12) and Saturday (12), and one game on Sunday. The remaining games will be played on Tuesday (eight) and Wednesday (three).

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. Kootenay will play their annual New Year’s Eve game Friday, December 31 at 5:00 pm against Swift Current.

2010-2011 Season Tickets remain on sale at the ICE office.

Exhibition
Friday, September 10 @ Seattle (Tri City)
Saturday, September 11 @ Portland (Tri City)
Sunday, September 12 @ Tri City (Tri City)
Thursday, September 16 vs Tri City
Saturday, September 18 @ Spokane

Regular Season
HOME

September
Saturday, September 25 vs. Calgary

October
Friday, October 1 vs. Spokane
Wednesday, October 6 vs. Prince George
Saturday, October 16 vs. Regina
Tuesday, October 19 vs. Edmonton
Friday, October 22 vs. Red Deer
Friday, October 29 vs. Brandon

November
Tuesday, November 2 vs. Chilliwack
Friday, November 5 vs. Lethbridge
Saturday, November 6 vs. Calgary
Saturday, November 13 vs. Edmonton
Friday, November 19 vs. Saskatoon
Saturday, November 20 vs. Prince Albert

December
Saturday, December 4 vs. Medicine Hat
Wednesday, December 15 vs. Calgary
Friday, December 17 vs. Red Deer
Tuesday, December 28 vs. Medicine Hat
Friday, December 31 vs. Swift Current (5:00 pm)

January
Friday, January 7 vs. Moose Jaw
Saturday, January 8 vs. Red Deer
Friday, January 14 vs. Spokane
Tuesday, January 18 vs. Edmonton
Sunday, January 23 vs. Red Deer
Wednesday, January 26 vs. Brandon
Saturday, January 29 vs. Lethbridge

February
Tuesday, February 1 vs. Calgary
Saturday, February 5 vs. Vancouver
Tuesday, February 8 vs. Regina
Friday, February 18 vs. Medicine Hat
Saturday, February 19 vs. Saskatoon
Tuesday, February 22 vs. Kelowna
Friday, February 25 vs. Prince Albert
Saturday, February 26 vs. Kamloops

March
Tuesday, March 8 vs. Moose Jaw
Friday, March 11 vs. Swift Current
Saturday, March 19 vs. Lethbridge

Road
September
Wednesday, September 29 @ Red Deer

October
Saturday, October 9 @ Lethbridge
Monday, October 11 @ Swift Current
Tuesday, October 12 @ Regina
Wednesday, October 13 @ Moose Jaw
Sunday, October 24 @ Edmonton
Tuesday, October 26 @ Medicine Hat
Wednesday, October 27 @ Calgary

November
Thursday, November 11 @ Calgary
Sunday, November 14 @ Calgary
Tuesday, November 23 @ Red Deer
Friday, November 26 @ Tri City
Saturday, November 27 @ Seattle
Tuesday, November 30 @ Everett

December
Wednesday, December 1 @ Portland
Wednesday, December 8 @ Prince Albert
Friday, December 10 @ Moose Jaw
Saturday, December 11 @ Brandon
Sunday, December 12 @ Saskatoon
Saturday, December 18 @ Red Deer
Wednesday, December 29 @ Medicine Hat

January
Sunday, January 2 @ Edmonton
Wednesday, January 12 @ Edmonton
Saturday, January 15 @ Spokane
Saturday, January 22 @ Spokane
Friday, January 28 @ Lethbridge

February
Wednesday, February 2 @ Calgary
Friday, February 11 @ Regina
Saturday, February 12 @ Swift Current
Wednesday, February 23 @ Red Deer

March
Wednesday, March 2 @ Brandon
Friday, March 4 @ Saskatoon
Saturday, March 5 @ Prince Albert
Saturday, March 12 @ Spokane
Tuesday, March 15 @ Medicine Hat
Friday, March 18 @ Lethbridge

Cranbrook NHL News

Cranbrook natives Scott Niedermayer and Tom Renney are in the news today.
Niedermayer will retire after 18 seasons in the NHL.
Renney will be the new Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers with Pat Quinn stepping down to be an adviser.

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think overall it'll be a big day for WHL players at the NHL Draft this weekend. The 1st WHL player may not be selected in the top 5, but by the end of the 1st round there will be 8 guys selected.
2. I think it'll be interesting to see how many European players will be selected this weekend in the NHL and then again in the CHL Import Draft later this month.
3. I think that you will begin to see some TENTATIVE schedules released by some WHL teams in the near future. The East Conference held their scheduling meetings this week.
4. I think I hope no WHL arenas will allow vuvuzelas this season.
5. I think it would be great if Cranbrook had a baseball park with lights. How great would it be to spend some summer nights watching a few innings of baseball. Hopefully by 2011 it'll be done.
6. I think I don't know who flops more ... NBA players or Soccer players. Yes it's embarrassing to the sport, but aren't the players doing everything they can to help their team win? Also remember that kids are growing up watching this happen and will probably do it when they get older and get involved in sports.
7. I think I'm starting too see some NFL magazines in stores and some NCAA football mags as well. Nothing on the CFL and the season starts July 1st, so I hear through the grapevine.
8. I think it's 3 months until a new WHL season starts. In some ways it's a long ways away and in other ways it's really close.
9. I think if you are a poker player you should know the WSOP Main event starts on July 5th. Buy-in is $10,000. 1st prize should be around 7 million.
10. I think it's okay to watch the U.S. Open once a year and see the players struggle to make par. ONCE a year.

Canada Camp Goalies

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced on Monday the four goaltenders who will attend Canada’s National Junior Team development camp in St. John’s, N.L., as well as the four goaltenders invited to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp, July 30-August 3 in Calgary.


NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM
Jean-François Bérubé Boisbriand, Que. Montreal (QMJHL)
Calvin Pickard Winnipeg, Man. Seattle (WHL)
Olivier Roy Causapscal, Que. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
Mark Visentin Waterdown, Ont. Niagara (OHL)


NATIONAL MEN’S SUMMER UNDER-18 TEAM
Robin Gusse Terrebonne, Que. Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Liam Liston St. Albert, Alta. St. Albert (AMHL) (Brandon Draft pick)
Jeffrey Noonan Laval, Que. Laval-Montreal (LHMAAAQ)
Tyson Teichmann Belleville, Ont. Belleville (OHL)

2010 Import Draft

The 2010 CHL Import draft takes place in 2 weeks on June 29th.
As of now, here is the selection order.

Pick Time Team Traded To
1 7:00am Prince George
2 7:15am Sarnia
3 7:30am Halifax
4 7:45am Edmonton
5 8:00am Belleville Kitchener
6 8:15am Baie-Comeau Victoriaville
7 8:30am Lethbridge Portland
8 8:40am Oshawa
9 8:50am Lewiston Quebec
10 9:00am Seattle
11 9:10am Owen Sound
12 9:20am Moncton Montreal
13 9:30am Regina Vancouver
14 9:40am Sudbury Mississauga
15 9:50am Acadie-Bathurst Rouyn-Noranda
16 10:00am Prince Albert
17 10:10am Niagara Saginaw
18 10:20am Chicoutimi
19 10:30am Chilliwack Edmonton
20 10:40am Peterborough
21 10:50am Gatineau
22 11:00am Kamloops
23 11:10am Brampton
24 11:20am Montreal Quebec
25 11:30am Kelowna
26 11:40am Kingston
27 11:50am Shawinigan
28 12:00pm Moose Jaw
29 12:10pm Erie
30 12:20pm Rimouski Rouyn-Noranda
31 12:30pm Swift Current
32 12:40pm Guelph
33 12:50pm PEI
34 1:00pm Red Deer
35 1:10pm Saginaw
36 1:20pm Cape Breton
37 1:30pm Vancouver
38 1:40pm Sault Ste. Marie
39 1:50pm Rouyn-Noranda Acadie-Bathurst
40 2:00pm Medicine Hat
41 2:10pm Plymouth
42 2:20pm Quebec Lewiston
43 2:30pm Kootenay
44 2:40pm Ottawa
45 2:50pm Victoriaville Baie-Comeau
46 3:00pm Portland Lethbridge
47 3:10pm Mississauga Sudbury
48 3:20pm Moncton
49 3:30pm Spokane
50 3:40pm Kitchener Plymouth
51 3:50pm Drummondville
52 4:00pm Everett
53 4:10pm London
54 4:20pm Saint John
55 4:30pm Tri City
56 4:40pm Windsor
57 4:50pm Saskatoon
58 5:00pm Barrie
59 5:10pm Brandon
60 5:20pm Calgary
61 Prince George
62 Sarnia
63 Halifax
64 Edmonton
65 Belleville
66 Baie-Comeau
67 Lethbridge
68 Oshawa
69 Lewiston
70 Seattle
71 Sudbury
72 Val-d'Or
73 Regina
74 Niagara
75 Acadie-Bathurst
76 Prince Albert
77 Owen Sound
78 Chicoutimi
79 Chilliwack
80 Peterborough
81 Gatineau
82 Kamloops
83 Brampton
84 Montreal
85 Kelowna
86 Kingston
87 Shawinigan
88 Moose Jaw
89 Erie
90 Rimouski
91 Swift Current
92 Guelph
93 PEI
94 Red Deer
95 Saginaw
96 Cape Breton
97 Vancouver Kamloops
98 Sault Ste. Marie
99 Rouyn-Noranda
100 Medicine Hat
101 Plymouth Kitchener
102 Quebec Montreal
103 Kootenay
104 Ottawa
105 Victoriaville
106 Portland
107 Mississauga
108 Moncton
109 Spokane
110 Kitchener
111 Drummondville
112 Everett
113 London
114 Saint John
115 Tri City
116 Windsor
117 Saskatoon
118 Barrie
119 Brandon
120 Calgary

Canada U-18 Invites

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced Friday the 38 players who have been invited to attend Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp, which runs from July 31-August 3 at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary, home of Canada’s national teams.
The roster includes 14 defencemen and 24 forwards. Four goaltenders will be added to the camp roster following the June 17-20 Program of Excellence goaltending camp in Calgary. Five U18-eligible goaltenders will be in attendance at that camp.

Defence
Myles Bell R 5’11” 200 08/19/93 Calgary, Alta. Regina (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Cody Ceci R 6’1” 188 12/21/93 Ottawa, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Dillon Donnelly L 6’1” 181 09/07/93 Montreal, Que. Shawinigan (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Dougie Hamilton R 6’3” 180 06/17/93 Toronto, Ont. Niagara (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Scott Harrington L 6’0.5” 195 03/10/93 Kingston, Ont. London (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murphy R 5’10.5” 160 03/31/93 Aurora, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Murray L 5’11.5” 185 09/27/93 White City, Sask. Everett (WHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Jimmy Oligny L 5’10.5” 190 04/30/93 St-Michel, Que. PEI (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Xavier Ouellet L 6’0” 174 07/29/93 Terrebonne, Que. Montreal (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Stuart Percy L 6’0.5” 176 05/18/93 Oakville, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Racine L 6’1” 169 05/28/93 St-Agathe, Que. Shawinigan (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Reece Scarlett R 6’0” 167 03/31/93 Sherwood Park, Alta. Swift Current (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Duncan Siemens L 6’2” 185 09/07/93 Sherwood Park, Alta. Saskatoon (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Stephen Woodworth L 5’11” 175 01/21/93 Middleton, N.S. Lewiston (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Forwards/Avants
Brent Andrews L 6’2” 191 01/19/93 Hunter River, P.E.I. Halifax (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Olivier Archambault L 5’10.5” 165 02/16/93 Le Gardeur, Que. Val d’Or (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Austen Brassard R 6’1.5” 184 01/14/93 Windsor, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
David Broll L 6’1” 220 01/04/93 Mississauga, Ont. Erie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Raphaël Bussières L 6’0” 170 11/05/93 Saint-Hubert, Que. Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) 2012 Dft/Rep.
Daniel Catenacci L 5’9.5” 181 03/09/93 Newmarket, Ont. Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Michael Curtis L 5’11.5” 174 01/26/93 Mississauga, Ont. Belleville (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Phillip Danault L 5’11” 162 02/24/93 Victoriaville, Que. Victoriaville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jonathan Huberdeau L 6’0” 154 06/04/93 Prévost, Que. Saint John (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Boone Jenner L 6’0.5” 192 06/15/93 Dorcester, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Jean-François Leblanc L 6’3.5” 186 03/03/93 St-Hyacinthe, Que. Val d’Or (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Lucas Lessio L 6’0” 180 01/23/93 Maple, Ont. St. Michael’s (CCHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Adam Lowry L 6’2” 167 03/29/93 Calgary, Alta. Swift Current (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Mark McNeill R 6’0.5” 198 02/22/93 Edmonton, Alta. Prince Albert (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Garrett Meurs R 5’10.5” 164 01/12/93 Ripley, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Bryce Milson L 5’10” 170 01/25/93 Miramichi, N.B. Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins L 5’11.5” 155 04/12/93 Burnaby, B.C. Red Deer (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Matt Puempel L 6’0.5” 188 01/24/93 Essex, Ont. Peterborough (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Alan Quine L 5’10” 168 02/25/93 Belleville, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Ty Rattie R 6’0” 170 02/05/93 Airdrie, Alta. Portland (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Brett Ritchie R 6’2.5” 195 07/01/93 Orangeville, Ont. Sarnia (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Carter Sandlak L 6’1” 190 05/18/93 London, Ont. Guelph (OHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Colin Smith R 5’9.5” 157 06/20/93 Edmonton, Alta. Kamloops (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Michael St. Croix R 5’10” 168 04/10/93 Winnipeg, Man. Edmonton (WHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.

McNabb Invited To Canada Development Camp

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced roster details on Thursday for Canada’s National Junior Team development camp, scheduled for early August in St. John’s, N.L. Forty-one skaters (defencemen and forwards) have been identified to attend the camp. Four goaltenders will be named in late June, following the June 17-20 Program of Excellence goaltending camp.

Defence
Tyson Barrie R 5’10” 190 07/26/91 Victoria, B.C. Kelowna (WHL) COL ’09 (3, 64)
Jared Cowen L 6’5” 226 01/25/91 Allan, Sask. Spokane (WHL) OTT ’09 (1, 9)
Nicolas Deslauriers L 6’0” 198 02/22/91 St-Anicet, Que. Gatineau (QMJHL) LA ’09 (3, 84)
Simon Despres L 6’4” 205 07/27/91 Laval, Que. Saint John (QMJHL) PIT ’09 (1, 30)
Taylor Doherty R 6’8” 230 03/02/91 Cambridge, Ont. Kingston (OHL) SJ ’09 (2, 57)
Stefan Elliott R 6’1” 191 01/30/91 North Vancouver, B.C. Saskatoon (WHL) COL ’09 (2, 49)
Ryan Ellis R 5’10” 184 01/03/91 Freelton, Ont. Windsor (OHL) NSH ’09 (1, 11)
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc R 6’1” 171 07/30/92 Quebec City, Que. Rimouski (QMJHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Brandon Gormley L 6’2” 184 02/18/92 Murray River, P.E.I. Moncton (QMJHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Erik Gudbranson R 6’3” 195 01/07/92 Orleans, Ont. Kingston (OHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Brayden McNabb L 6’4” 210 01/21/91 Davidson, Sask. Kootenay (WHL) BUF ’09 (3, 66)
Neil Manning L 5’11” 170 05/12/91 Nanaimo, B.C. Vancouver (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Dylan Olsen L 6’2” 217 01/03/91 Calgary, Alta. Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) CHI ’09 (1, 28)
Brett Ponich L 6’7” 225 02/22/91 Edmonton, Alta. Portland (WHL) STL ’09 (2, 48)
Mark Pysyk R 6’0” 170 01/11/92 Sherwood Park, Alta. Edmonton (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Charles-Olivier Roussel R 6’1” 196 09/13/91 St-Eustache, Que. Shawinigan (QMJHL) NSH ’09 (2, 42)
Forwards
Carter Ashton L 6’3” 200 04/01/91 Saskatoon, Sask. Regina (WHL) TB ’09 (1, 29)
Taylor Beck R 6’2” 205 05/13/91 St. Catharine’s, Ont. Guelph (OHL) NSH ’09 (3, 70)
Casey Cizikas L 5’10” 190 02/27/91 Toronto, Ont. Mississauga St. Michael’s (OHL) NYI ’09 (4, 92)
Kyle Clifford L 6’1” 200 01/13/91 Ayr, Ont. Barrie (OHL) LA ’09 (2, 35)
Sean Couturier L 6’3” 185 12/07/92 Bathurst, N.B. Drummondville (QMJHL) 2011 Dft/Rep.
Cody Eakin L 5’11.5” 182 05/25/91 Winnipeg, Man. Swift Current (WHL) WSH ’09 (3, 85)
Brendan Gallagher R 5’8” 163 06/05/92 Delta, B.C. Vancouver (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Scott Glennie R 6’1” 188 02/22/91 Winnipeg, Man. Brandon (WHL) DAL ’09 (1, 8)
Taylor Hall L 6’0” 181 11/14/91 Kingston, Ont. Windsor (OHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Curtis Hamilton L 6’3” 202 12/04/91 Kelowna, B.C. Saskatoon (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Quinton Howden L 6’3” 183 01/21/92 Oak Bank, Man. Moose Jaw (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Ryan Howse L 5’11” 195 07/06/91 Prince George, B.C. Chilliwack (WHL) CGY ’09 (3, 74)
Ryan Johansen R 6’2” 180 07/31/92 Port Moody, B.C. Portland (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Zack Kassian R 6’3” 215 01/24/91 LaSalle, Ont. Windsor (OHL) BUF ’09 (1, 13)
Louis Leblanc R 5’11.5” 181 01/26/91 Pointe-Claire, Que. Harvard (NCAA) MTL ’09 (1, 18)
Brad Ross L 6’1” 167 05/28/92 Lethbridge, Alta. Portland (WHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Brayden Schenn L 6’0” 194 08/22/91 Saskatoon, Sask. Brandon (WHL) LA ’09 (1, 5)
Jaden Schwartz L 5’10” 193 06/25/92 Wilcox, Sask. Tri-City (USHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Tyler Seguin R 6’1” 186 01/31/92 Brampton, Ont. Plymouth (OHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Riley Sheahan L 6’2” 200 12/07/91 St. Catharine’s, Ont. Notre Dame (NCAA) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Jeffrey Skinner L 5’10” 182 05/16/92 Markham, Ont. Kitchener (OHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Tyler Toffoli R 6’0” 181 04/24/92 Scarborough, Ont. Ottawa (OHL) 2010 Dft/Rep.
Linden Vey R 5’11” 176 07/17/91 Wakaw, Sask. Medicine Hat (WHL) LA ’09 (4, 96)
Ethan Werek L 6’2” 200 06/07/91 Markham, Ont. Kingston (OHL) NYR ’09 (2, 47)
Will attend development camp but will not take part in on-ice sessions
Calvin de Haan L 6’0" 182 05/09/91 Carp, Ont. Oshawa (OHL) NYI ’09 (1, 12)

Cranbrook Native on U-18 Canada Coaching Staff

Cranbrook native and Tri City Americans Head Coach Jim Hiller will be an assistant Coach for Canada's U-18 Team.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced on Tuesday that George Burnett, head coach and general manager of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls, will be the head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for the 2010 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, scheduled for August 10-14 in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Burnett will be joined behind Canada’s bench by assistant coaches Ron Choules (head coach of the QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan) and Jim Hiller (head coach of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans) for the tournament, which Canada has won in each of the last two years, and five of the last seven.

George Burnett, 48, will make his second appearance as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team, having led Canada to a gold medal at the 2001 Six Nations Cup in the Czech Republic. He was most recently an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Belarus, where Canada finished seventh. The Port, Perry, Ont., native has spent 13 seasons as a head coach in the Ontario Hockey League, six with the Bulls. He has also been the head coach for Niagara Falls, Guelph and Oshawa, winning the OHL Coach of the Year award twice – 1990-91 and 1991-92. Burnett coached the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers for 35 games during the 1994-95 season and led Edmonton’s AHL farm team, the Cape Breton Oilers, to a Calder Cup championship in 1993.
“It is always a tremendous privilege and honour to represent Canada on the international stage,” said Burnett. “Being with Team Canada past has always been a tremendous experience and I am anxious to get started with the coaching staff to get our plan in place.”

Jim Hiller, 41, just completed his first season as head coach of the Americans, leading the team to its first-ever appearance in the WHL final. Prior to arriving in Tri-City, the Nelson, B.C., native was the first head coach of the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins from 2007-09, leading the team to a playoff berth in its expansion season, and spent the 2006-07 season as head coach of his hometown Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League, leading the team to a 43-12-2 record. Hiller, a 10th-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 1989, played 63 NHL games with L.A., Detroit and the New York Rangers, and finished his career in Germany and Italy before retiring in 2002 and joining Tri-City as an assistant coach.

Ron Choules, 46, will be behind the Team Canada bench for the first time this summer, having just completed his second full season as head coach of the Titan. A scout with Acadie-Bathurst for three years before becoming head coach, Choules served simultaneously as head coach and general manager of the Kahnawake Condors of the Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec, where he was a finalist for the league’s Coach of the Year award in 2006-07. A 12th-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1983, Choules played four seasons in the QMJHL with Hull, Trois-Rivières and Quebec from 1981-84 and was named to the league’s second all-star team in 1982-83.
“The under-18 program plays a vital role in the development of Canada’s top young players, both on and off the ice, and we are extremely confident the three coaches we are naming today will continue to assist in that development,” said Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada’s senior director of national men’s teams. “We look forward to working with the coaches this summer as we aim for a third-consecutive gold medal in Europe.”

Hockey Canada will announce details for the National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team’s selection camp in the near future, including the players that will be invited to camp.

Cranbrook Native on Canada Coaching Staff

Kelowna Rocket Coach Ryan Huska, who was born in Cranbrook, is one of the Assistant Coaches for Canada for this years' WJHC.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced on Monday that Dave Cameron, head coach of the OHL’s Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors will be head coach of Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship, scheduled for December 26, 2010 to January 5, 2011 in Buffalo and Niagara, N.Y.

Cameron will be joined behind Canada’s bench by assistant coaches Bob Boughner (head coach of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires), Ryan Huska (head coach of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets) and André Tourigny (head coach and general manager of the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies).

Dave Cameron, 51, will be a part of the National Junior Team coaching staff for the third-consecutive year, having won gold as an assistant coach in 2009 in Ottawa, Ont., before taking silver as an associate coach in 2010 in Regina/Saskatoon, Sask. Cameron also served as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2004 Junior World Cup, winning a gold medal. The Kincora, P.E.I. native has been head coach and director of hockey operations of Mississauga St. Michael’s since the 2007-08 season.


“I am truly honoured and humbled to be named head coach of Canada’s National Junior Team,” said Cameron. “I look forward to working with the great staff that we have assembled, and our first objective will be to reclaim gold for Canada at the World Juniors.”


Bob Boughner, 39, was the head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka, leading it to its second-consecutive gold medal. Boughner, an 11-year NHL veteran, has led Windsor to Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010, and was named OHL and CHL coach of the year in both 2007-08 and 2008-09.


Ryan Huska, 34, will make his international debut behind the bench at the 2011 IIHF World Championship. The head coach of the Rockets since 2007, Huska is a veteran of seven Memorial Cups as both a player and a coach – he won championships as a player with the Kamloops Blazers in 1992, 1994 and 1995 and as an assistant coach with Kelowna in 2004, and also appeared in the tournament as Kelowna’s assistant coach in 2003 and 2005 and as the team’s head coach in 2009.


André Tourigny, 36, will be an assistant coach with Canada’s National Junior Team for the second year in a row, having served under Willie Desjardins at the 2010 tournament. The Nicolet, Que., native was an assistant coach of Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team for the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka, winning a gold medal. He has been head coach of the Huskies since 2001 and was named QMJHL coach of the year in 2005-06.


“We are very excited about the coaching staff we are naming today for Canada’s National Junior Team,” said Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada’s senior director of men’s national teams. “All four of these coaches bring a wealth of experience, and we look forward to working with them this winter in Buffalo.”


In addition, Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will be working with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2011 IIHF World Championship. For a full list of staff members, CLICK HERE.


Hockey Canada will announce details for the National Junior Team’s summer development camp shortly, including the players that will be invited to camp.

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think that if you are a fan of the WHL the things that will catch your attention this month are … WHL Scheduling Meetings (Eastern Conference on June 21) … NHL Draft on June 25-26 and the CHL Import Draft on June 29.
2. I think that of the 3 WHL teams that are looking for a new Head Coach, Kootenay, Spokane and Edmonton, the Oil Kings will find their man first. The ICE and Chiefs may wait the whole summer.
3. I think there is quite a war of words between the CHL and NCAA as they try to deliver messages to potential hockey players. As you may or may not know, once a player plays in a CHL game they lose their potential NCAA eligibility. For many, many years the NCAA has approached Canadian kids to entice them to skip the CHL route. In recent years the CHL has increased the number of American born players on their rosters and now it seems the NCAA is calling foul. It’s up to the parents to make sure the gather all the information from both sides and make an informed decision. The WHL is a Hockey route and an Education route as the players get 1 year of scholarship for every year played in the WHL.
4. I think I have been watching NBC’s coverage of the NHL Finals instead of CBC. Better video quality, audio quality and commentary.
5. I think I was disappointed when I did switch over to CBC for the intermission segment of Ron MacLean interviewing Commissioner Gary Bettman. There wasn’t one question in which a hockey fan cared about. It was a business and money and MacLean seemed more concerned about showing he had some inside information on some Franchises money situations. Painful to watch.
6. I think I’m looking forward to filling out a World Cup bracket. I’m not a big soccer fan but the World Cup has a great appeal.
7. I think it’s amazing that there have been 2 perfect games in MLB this season and of course there should have been 3 if not for the wrong call at the end of Detroit game. There have been 20 in the history of MLB and 2 this year alone. Why? Less steroid use by the batters? Better team defense?
8. I think as the hockey and basketball seasons come to an end I can’t wait for football season. I like baseball but for some reason football can’t get here quick enough.
9. I think it has not been a great NBA Finals to watch between the Lakers and Celtics. Too many fouls and too many whistles.
10. I think these are my non-hockey thoughts.
a) I think I am still debating whether to get an iPad.
b) I think the whole time I watched Avatar at home on TV I wondered how it really looked in 3D.
c) I think I am looking forward to watching the MLB Draft tonight on the MLB Network, oh wait that channel is not available in Canada.

New Hockey Magazine

I have recently been contacted by Kevin Gavin who is a part of a new hockey magazine called PuckLife.
They do not print hard copies as they are only viewable online or as they say digital copies.
The 1st 3 months are free and then they will charge for subscriptions.
They are in the very early stages of the magazine and are looking for input and ideas.
He says they will have stories on the CHL and the latest issue has a mock draft for this month's NHL Draft.

The link to the magazine is now posted in my list on the right side and here ...

https://www.pucklife.com/

They also have started a blog ...

http://pucklife.wordpress.com/

Kevin has given this description of the magazine and it's approach.

"PuckLife is a digital magazine designed for die-hard hockey fans that just can’t get enough puck. We take our readers behind the scenes and inside the worlds of their favorite hockey stars by profiling the most important personalities in the game today. From frozen ponds to the NHL and everything in between, we present the game with style, sophistication and a whole lot of attitude.
You can check out the first three issues of PuckLife for free at PuckLife.com"

U-16 Canada Winter Games

For the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax Nova Scotia there will be an Under-16 hockey tournament. (in the past it was the Under-17).
The event takes place Feb 11-27.

The ICE have prospects who have been invited to their provinces evaluation camps.
10 of their 11 2010 Bantam Draft picks have been invited.
BC - Sam Reinhart
Alberta - Wyatt Hoflin, Kyle Krabben, Jaedon Descheneau, Jakson Elynuik, Luke Philp, Jesse Wood-Shatz
Saskatchewan - Tanner Faith
Manitoba - Cole DePape, Jonathan Martin.

Ryan Chynoweth (Jeff Chynoweths's son, Everett draft pick) has been invited to Team Alberta.

U-17 in Winnipeg

The Under-17 tournament will be held Dec 28-Jan 4 in Winnipeg.
Here are the ICE prospects who have been invited to their provinces evaluation camps.

Pacific
BC - MacKenzie Skapski, Mike Simpson,
Alberta - Matt Benning, Sam Johnson

West
Saskatchewan - Colby Cave, Jared Iron, Levi Cable
Manitoba - Kurt Johnas

U-16 Canada Winter Games

For the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax Nova Scotia there will be an Under-16 hockey tournament. (in the past it was the Under-17).
The event takes place Feb 11-27.

The ICE have prospects who have been invited to their provinces evaluation camps.
BC - Sam Reinhart
Alberta - to be announced (ICE selected 6 Alberta players in the Bantam Draft so a few should be invited)
Saskatchewan - Tanner Faith
Manitoba - Cole DePape and Jonathan Martin.

Knoblach on Team Pacific for U-17

BC Hockey announced the staff for Team Pacific that will compete at the 2011 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Winnipeg from December 28 - January 4.

The Head Coach is Robert Dirk, whose son Jagger plays for the ICE.

The Assistant Coach is Kris Knoblauch who has been involved with the BC Hockey high performance program for the past three years.

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

Ryan Russell and Ben Maxwell were the last ICE Alumni to be playing hockey but their season came to an end last night as the Hamilton Bulldogs lost 4-2 to Texas in Game 7 of the AHL semi-finals.
Bulldogs led 2-0 with 6 minutes left in the 2nd period.

WHL Roster Breakdowns

Here is a team-by-team look at the players who are eligible to return for the 10-11 season.
They are based on who was on the teams' roster at the end of the season.
The rosters include players who have signed pro contracts and may not return to the WHL.
They also include some NCAA players who have indicated they will no longer play college hockey and may play in the WHL.
The lists include Import players who are still on the WHL roster for the time being.

Brandon
20 – Hayes, DeSerres, Robak, Schneider, Bestland, Hamonic, Hale, Wiebe, Raedeke, Toews,
19 – Melnychuk, Schenn, Glennie, Ciarelli,
18 – Miller, Stone, Sinatynski, Walker, Ferland,
17 – Fransoo,
16 -
Import - Urbom 20 Sweden, Rajala 19 Finland

Calgary
20 – Jones, Stone, Aschim, Stebner, Kozun, Schultz, Fiddler, Burgart, Foucault, Shattock,
19 – Snider, McKenzie, Wilson, Hilton, Bubnick,
18 – Sylvester, Royer, Kirsch, Beach,
17 – Kosterman, Rissling,
16 -
Import - Fisenko 20 Russia,

Chilliwack
20 – Gore, Einhorn, Manning, Neigum,
19 – Gamble, Howse,
18 – Habsheid, Stahl, Sundher, Wentworth, McKinlay, Collins, Crooks,
17 – Topping, Traber, Persley,
16 – Hodges,
Import - Horak 19 Czech Rep, Soudek 19 Czech Rep,

Edmonton
20 – Van de Mosselaer, Hlookoff, Piluso,
19 – Werbowski, Burns, Rachinski, Proulx, Abney,
18 – Lanigan, Pysyk, Laroque, Foster, Wruck, Maclise, Balness,
17 – Brossoit, Lowe, Dech, Ewanyk, St. Croix, Wilson, Legault,
16 – Moroz,
Import - Svendsen 19 Denmark,

Everett
20 – Heemskerk, de la Lande, Kulchar, Iwanski, Cumiskey,
19 – Sohor, Maxwell, Froese, Tochkin, MacDonald,
18 – Simpson, Theriau, Minville, McCrea, Elynuik, McGrath,
17 – Murray, Giebel,
16 -
Import - Rissanen 19 Finland, Gudas 20 Czech Rep

Kamloops
20 – Fienhage, Hall,
19 – Groenheyde, Saip, Caron, Maschmeyer, Trask, Schaber,
18 – Underwood, Madaisky, Haynes, Ranford, Willick, DePape,
17 – Hansen, Mowat, Smith, Lipon, Dieno,
16 -
Import - Bortnak 19 Slovakia,

Kelowna
20 – Bloodoff, McMillan, St. Denis, Matheson, Wudrick,
19 – Brown, Bowman, Barrie, Callahan, Ito, Chikie,
18 – Chapman, Jobke, Corbin, Main, Adolph, Bulmer, Aschim,
17 – Johnston, McColgan, Astles,
16 – Siebert,
Import -

Kootenay
20 – Mathews, Fraser, Boomer, King,
19 – Lieuwen, Rintoul, McNabb, Martin, Ismond, Antilla,
18 – Paulsen, Leach, Magnus, Czerwonka, Reinhart, Montgomery, Pearce,
17 – Dirk, Hurley,
16 -
Import - Pacovsky 20 Czech Rep,

Lethbridge
20 – Ross, Reddington, Maxwell,
19 – Yadlowski, Machacek, Braes, Fyten, Sutter,
18 – Anderson, Ryckman, Oslanski, Johnston, Reners, Moser, Tarnasky, Hood,
17 – Jackson, Tot,
16 -
Import - Kolppanen 18 Finland, Berglund 19 Sweden

Medicine Hat
20 – Coyle, Carr, Frazer, King, Gal, Hamilton, McKay,
19 – Dubyk, Konan, Sohn, Vey, Grbavac, Pitlick,
18 – Bunz, McKay, Kessy, Etem,
17 – Busenius, Bredo, Petryk, Valk,
16 -
Import - Okal 20 Czech Rep,

Moose Jaw
20 – Bosch, Suer, Frazee, Hood, Rowinski, Edwards,
19 – Atkinson, Smith, Reinbolt, Paradis,
18 – Glover, Cox, McIlrath, McFaull, Ehrhardt, McMaster, Howden, Gale,
17 – Kornelsen,
16 -
Import - Honejsek 19 Czech Rep,

Portland
20 – Curtis, Walker, Bennett, Jordan,
19 – Ponich, Aronson, Gabriel, Boychuk,
18 – Carruth, Rutkowski, Morrow, Ross, Johansen, Kopitar, Peters,
17 – Wotherspoon, Rattie, Swenson,
16 – Pouliot,
Import - Sbisa 20 Switzerland, Niederreiter 18 Switzerland

Prince Albert
20 – Deck, Rowley, Wall, Hickmott, Reddin,
19 – Tucker, Button, Kochan, Herrod, Maylan, Herle, Penner, Parker,
18 – Hrynyk, Yaworski, Harrison,
17 – Ruopp, McNeill,
16 -
Import - Revenko 20 Belarus, Warg 20 Sweden

Prince George
20 – Jahraus, Torbohm, Stanfield, Dobrowlowski, Orser,
19 – Wright, Stremmel, Bidlevskii, Asuchak,
18 – McDonald, Gibb, Connolly, Fraser, Buonassisi, Hirsche, Makin,
17 – Forsberg, Dumais,
16- Smith, Bourke, Rigby,
Import - Vlach 18 Czech Rep,

Red Deer
20 – Kuemper, Barnstable, Archer, Bell, Haber, Ferguson, Coetzee,
19 – Weller, Borejko, Ferraro, Cowen,
18 – Petrovic, Witt, Kambeitz, Elson, Scheidl,
17 – Nugent-Hopkins, Siwak, Mayor,
16 – Dumba,
Import - Persson 18 Sweden, Kudrna 19 Slovakia

Regina
20 – Teubert, Eberle, Orfino, Mappin,
19 – Ketlo, Davidson, Sparrow, Carlson, Mulder, Mitchell, Ashton,
18 – Guhle, Spooner, Weal, Favreau, Reider, Parker,
17 – Bell, Borstmayer,
16 -
Import - Hricina 20 Slovakia, Gustafsson 19 Sweden

Saskatoon
20 – Stanford, Zahn, Patterson, Toomey, Boyer, McNaught, Acolaste,
19 – Morrison, Elliott, Hamilton, Dziurzynski, Gogol,
18 – Kizuik, Nicholls, Inglis, Crooks,
17 – Siemens, Thrower, Dietz, Benson, Sutter,
16 – Bews,
Import - Niemi 20 Finland, Viedensky 20 Slovakia

Seattle
20 – Dillon,
19 – Ramsay, Bonsor, Silvester, Wells, Gallimore,
18 – Pickard, Salmon, Fleming, Aasman, Lockart, Lund, Tutt, Rouse,
17 – Muth, Alos, Jacobs, Elliot,
16 – Troock,
Import - Sentyurin 18 Russia,

Spokane
20 – Reid, Johnson, Wahl, Koper, Beach,
19 – Tadjdeh, Cowen, Baldwin, Leedahl, Kuhn, Miller, Marantz,
18 – Kichton, Gal, Cratsenberg, Bardaro,
17 – Mort, Brassart, Holmberg,
16 -
Import - Ulmer 20 Austria, Uher 18 Czech Rep

Swift Current
20 – Clark, Friesen, Bobbee, Dowling,
19 – Rogers, Verdino, Peddle, Vause, Hoban, Eakin, Wagner,
18 – Evans, Luhning, Hay, Blanke, Sullivan,
17 – Craig, Scarlett, Lowry, Derko,
16 -
Import - Novotny 20 Czech Rep,

Tri City
20 – McIntosh, Schmidt, Mestery, Reddick, Prokop, Kennedy, Brown,
19 – Owsley, Sutherland, Hughesman, Wilgosh, Shinnimin,
18 – Dow, Humphries, Macek, Messier, Feser, Holland,
17 – Yuen, Moser,
16 -
Import - Drozd 20 Belarus, Pechurski 20 Russia

Vancouver
20 – Connauton, Scholten, Bouma, Cunningham, Henke, Wright,
19 – Segal, Manning, Henry, Lyon,
18 – Tendler, Vannieuwenhuizen, Gallagher, Barnett, Scholten, Lamoureux, Redmond,
17 – Musil, Fenske, Hodder, Burns,
16 -
Import - Vincour 20 Czech Rep,

ICE Head Coach Search Begins

ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth says he is no hurry to fill the coaching void and may go until August 1st to make a decision.
Assistant Coach Kris Knoblauch has a year left on his contract and Chynoweth feels he is not ready to be a Head Coach in the WHL but does have potential.
History shows the ICE will be looking for someone who has Head Coaching experience and has a winning tradition.
They'll probably hire a person who is moving up in the ranks as opposed to a big name high priced coach.
As of this morning the club had received over 20 resumes.

ICE Golf Returns

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club would like to announce the return of the Kootenay ICE Golf Tournament. This tournament, which has raised over $300,000 since its inception is the primary fundraiser for the Kootenay ICE Education Fund that ensures every player has the opportunity to gain post secondary education once their major junior career is over.

The tournament will be taking place at 1:30 pm on Friday, August 27 at the Cranbrook Golf Club with entries being limited to the first 32 paid teams. Each player entry is $160.00 and includes golf, dinner, calcutta and a first tee gift.

To register for the tournament please contact the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322. Registration deadline is Thursday, August 19.
.
The Early Bird Season Ticket deadline is this coming Monday, May 31st at 5:00 pm. Regular priced Season Tickets will go into affect on Tuesday.

8 Years Ago Today

First Period
1. Kootenay, Fischer (Hamula, Stoll) 11:35
2. Kootenay, Agarunov (Fischer) 17:59
Penalties -- Lombardi Vic (boarding) 8:35, Fischer Ktn (hooking) 14:04.
Second Period
3. Victoriaville, Mallette (Deev, Lombardi) 3:26
4. Kootenay, Sinclair (Dicaire, Svatos) 5:16
5. Kootenay, Sinclair (Plihal) 9:48
Penalties -- Pottie Vic, Norrie Ktn (fighting) 12:16.
Third Period
6. Kootenay, Milroy (Stoll, Hamula) 7:42
7. Kootenay, Norrie, (Makway, Agarunov) 9:22
8. Victoriaville, Lombardi (Snowball) 17:17
9. Victoriaville, Mallette (Groulx, Lombardi) 19:19 (pp)
Penalties -- Pottie Vic (roughing) 0:49, Sheen Ktn (slashing, misconduct) 14:53, Plihal Ktn (holding) 18:33.
Shots on goal by Victoriaville 6 15 2--23
Kootenay 11 13 16--40
Goal (shots-saves) -- Victoriaville: Boisclair (L,3-3) (start, 12:16 second, 18:33 third) (36-30), Manzato (9:48 second, 9:22 third) (4-4); Kootenay: Boxma (W,3-1).
Power plays (goals-chances) -- Victoriaville: 1-3; Kootenay: 0-2.
Referee -- Francois St. Laurent. Linesmen -- Brent Holdsworth, Kevin Hastings.

Cranbrook Native Now NHL GM

TAMPA, Fla. -- Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman is the Tampa Bay Lightning's new general manager, taking on the task of rebuilding a franchise that's fallen on hard times since winning its only Stanley Cup championship six years ago.

The former Detroit Red Wings captain and executive was introduced Tuesday as Brian Lawton's replacement during a news conference at St. Pete Times Forum. Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet were fired April 12.

"This is a long-term project for me. I believe building a Stanley Cup-calibre team takes time and there will be many decisions, some lengthy, that will be made over the course of time," Yzerman said.

"There is no easy fix. I don't sit up here with the notion that there is a magic wand I can wave and make changes and we're a Stanley Cup contender. I plan on making the Lightning better for the upcoming season, but the long-term goal is to make this team a perennial contender."

Since retiring in 2006, Yzerman has worked as a vice-president for the Red Wings, the only team he played for during a 22-year career in which he scored 692 goals, amassed 1,755 points and was part of three Stanley Cup winners.

The 45-year-old recently led Canada to men's Olympic hockey gold as Hockey Canada's executive director at the Vancouver Games.

Tampa Bay's new owner, Jeff Vinik, fired Lawton and Tocchet after the struggling franchise missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Lightning went 34-36-12 this season and were 53-69-26 in just under two seasons under Tocchet.

Yzerman was not going to get a chance to be Detroit's GM soon because two executives above him, Ken Holland and Jim Nill, are expected to sign long-term deals.

"After talking to many people throughout the league, I came to the conclusion that Steve was the person to bring a winning culture back to this team," Vinik said.

"Steve is in charge of all hockey-related decisions," the owner added. "He does answer to me, but I trust his judgment and his insight."

Many felt Yzerman would be reluctant to leave the only club he had worked for. However, he relished a chance to be a GM and had conceded he might have to leave Detroit to get that opportunity.

"I have mixed emotions, both good and sad," said Jim Devellano, the Red Wings' senior vice-president.

Devellano drafted Yzerman fourth overall in 1983 and watched him lead the franchise's turnaround on the ice.

"He's been such an integral part of the Red Wings for 27 years, first as a player and then as a front-office person," Devellano said. "I'm sad for us, but happy for him to get this wonderful opportunity."

Yzerman, a native of Cranbrook, B.C., became one of the best two-way players in NHL history. He was a Red Wings captain for two decades and won a fourth Stanley Cup title as part of Detroit's front office in 2008.

Yzerman experienced the high of helping Canada win gold in 2002 and the disappointment of a fourth-place finish at the 1998 Nagano Games in two of his eight international competitions as a player.

As GM, Yzerman led Canada to gold at the 2007 world championship and silver the next year before focusing on the Olympics.

Yzerman was chosen to lead Canada's quest for gold again after his predecessor, Wayne Gretzky, failed to help the team repeat four years ago. He made all the right moves at the Olympics, assembling a perfectly blended roster that beat the U.S. for gold.

In Tampa Bay, Yzerman inherits a team that's made three coaching changes in two years but is not devoid of talent.

The roster includes two stars from the 2004 Stanley Cup team, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, as well as Victor Hedman and Stephen Stamkos, the top pick in the 2008 NHL draft who scored 51 goals this season to tie Sidney Crosby for the league lead.

"Stevie will work for a singular owner -- similar to the setup we have in Detroit -- and he's got a handful of players to work with right away," Devellano said. "Stamkos and Hedman are promising young players while St. Louis and Lecavalier are good veterans."

There's been lots of speculation about Lecavalier's future. The team's highest-paid player has a no-trade clause in his contract but has said he'd like to help the club get back to the playoffs.

In addition to hiring a coach, preparing for next month's NHL draft will be a priority in the coming weeks.

Yzerman welcomes the challenge.

"It was very difficult to leave the Red Wings. I've been there my whole career and I was very safe there, surrounded by people I knew and looked out for me," Yzerman said. "That's my home and where my children were born. So this is a major decision, and one I've thought about for a long time."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=322598

Holick & Fraser Don't Win CHL Awards

The Canadian Hockey League announced Saturday the ten national award winners for the 2009-10 season.

Top Prospect:
Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers
Seguin is the number one ranked player for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft as determined by NHL Central Scouting. He finished the OHL regular season tied for first overall in league scoring with 106 points including 48 goals and 58 assists in 63 games for the Whalers, with a plus-minus rating of plus-17 and 54 penalty minutes. An 18-year-old from Brampton, ON, he recorded 29 multi-point games and tallied five hat-tricks, and captained Team Orr at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. Also considered for the award was Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars, and Brandon Gormley of the Moncton Wildcats.

Sportsman:
Jason Bast, Moose Jaw Warriors
Bast enjoyed a solid season in his final year in the WHL serving as Warriors team captain. The 20-year-old from Moose Jaw, SK, scored a team-leading 33 goals while adding 31 assists for 64 points in 60 games, while recording just 16 minutes in penalties all season. His +25 rating also led the Warriors. In his fifth WHL season, Bast has been a leader for the Warriors in all areas of the ice, and plays in all situations. Also considered for the award was Ryan Spooner of the Peterborough Petes, and Mike Hoffman of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Top Scorer:
Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen
Kozun finished the 2009-10 regular season with 32 goals and 75 assists for 107 points in 65 games for the Hitmen. A 19-year-old from Calgary, AB, and Los Angeles Kings prospect, he led all WHL players this season with 75 assists and 39 power play assists, and finished tied for second among WHL players with 10 game-winning goals. He recorded at least one point in 52 of his 65 games, and did not go more than three games without registering a point. Also considered for the award was the tandem of OHL scoring leaders Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires and Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers, with Sean Couturier of the Drummondville Voltigeurs leading the QMJHL in scoring.

Humanitarian:
Ryan Hayes, Plymouth Whalers
Hayes, a 20-year-old from Syracuse, New York, led the Whalers organization in his third OHL season with 54 official community appearances representing participation in nearly a quarter of the team’s total community events. This season Hayes took on a leadership role for the Whalers in the “Friends of Jaclyn” program which supports the non-profit charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors. He also showed extensive participation with Special Olympics Michigan at their annual hockey tournament cheering on the participants, passing out the medals, and staying afterwards to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Also considered for the award was Matt Fraser of the Kootenay Ice, and Nick MacNeil of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

Scholastic:
Dominic Jalbert, Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Jalbert captured the Marcel-Robert trophy as QMJHL Scholastic Player of the Year for the Sagueneens.
A 20-year-old from Hull, QC, he completed his four-year career with registering 14 goals and 49 assists for 63 points in 68 games in his final season. Also considered for the award was Erik Gudbranson of the Kingston Frontenacs, and Adam Lowry of the Swift Current Broncos.

Coach:
Gerard Gallant, Saint John Sea Dogs
Gallant, a native of Summerside, PEI, led Sea Dogs to their first ever Jean-Rougeau trophy as regular season champions with 53-12-1-2 record for 109 points. Also considered for the award was Mark Holick of the Kootenay Ice, and Dale Hunter of the London Knights.

Rookie:
Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes
Puempel, a 17-year-old from Essex, ON, was selected by the Petes with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection and led all OHL rookies in scoring with 64 points in 59 games with a rookie and team-high 33 goals with 31 assists. His 64 points placed him 39th overall in league scoring and was the only rookie listed in the OHL’s top-80 scorers. This season, Puempel also competed as a member of Team Ontario winning silver at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Also considered for the award was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Red Deer Rebels, and Petr Straka of the Rimouski Oceanic.

Goaltender:
Jake Allen, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Allen, a 19-year-old from Fredericton, NB, also captured the Jacques-Plante trophy with the best goals-against-average in the QMJHL with a mark of 2.20. He also posted a save percentage of .922 and produced a 29-14 record in 45 games with the Voltigeurs and Montreal Juniors this season. Allen also backstopped the Canadian National Junior Team to a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. Also considered for the award was Martin Jones of the Calgary Hitmen, and Chris Carrozzi of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors.

Defenceman:
David Savard, Moncton Wildcats
Savard also took home two awards in the QMJHL this season including the Emile-Bouchard and Kevin Lowe trophies for best defenceman and best defensive defenceman. He scored 13 goals and 64 assists for 77 points in 64 games this season for the Wildcats. A 19-year-old from St-Hyacinthe, QC, and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, Savard became the first defenceman to lead the league in assists. Also considered for the award was Tyson Barrie of the Kelowna Rockets, and Jacob Muzzin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Player:
Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats
Eberle enjoyed an outstanding 2009-10 WHL season scoring 50 goals and 56 assists for 106 points in just 57 games for his hometown Pats. His 1.86 points-per-game average marked the highest points-per-game average for any WHL player since the 1998-99 season. He finished tied for second among all WHL players with 19 power play goals, and also tied for second in shorthanded goals with six on the season. The leading goal-scorer in the history of Canada’s National Junior team and Edmonton Oilers prospect, Eberle recorded at least one point in 50 of 57 games he played for Regina this season. Also considered for the award was Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers, and Mike Hoffman of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Holick Interview

Broadcast Center News talks with Mark Holick on his new job with the AHL Syracuse Crunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuSDSAG9Tg0

Holick To Syracuse

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced Mark Holick has been named Head Coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. The Crunch are the top minor league club of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.
“It’s a day of mixed emotions for our Hockey Club. Our job is to develop both players and coaches for the next level and for that we are extremely proud of the opportunity given to Mark. He has been with our organization since 2007 and has grown into one of the top coaches in the WHL. We wish Mark and his family all the best in his new job and thank him for his loyalty and friendship,” continued Chynoweth.
“This was a very tough decision to make, but just like the players I have aspirations to get to the next level. Professional Coaching jobs do not come along everyday and this is a great opportunity for both my family and myself. I would like to thank the Chynoweth family for giving me an opportunity three years ago and for allowing me to grow as a Head Coach. I have been very fortunate to work with some great people and coach some great players during my tenure as Head Coach and I will never forget the memories we shared,” commented Mark Holick.
Mark Holick has been with the ICE organization since August 2007. He posted a career regular season winning percentage of .604 (120-75-21 record) and made three consecutive playoff appearances. Mark was the Assistant Coach of Canada’s Under-18 team in 2009 and was named WHL Coach of the Year this past season. He becomes the fourth ICE coach since 2002 to advance to professional hockey (Ryan McGill – Assistant Coach, Calgary Flames, Cory Clouston – Head Coach, Ottawa Senators, Brad Lauer – Assistant Coach, Ottawa Senators).

Cracknell Still Blue

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced Wednesday the club has re-signed forward Adam Cracknell.

Cracknell, 24, was originally signed by St. Louis as a free agent on July 23, 2009 and spent the 2009-10 season with the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

During his first season in Peoria, the 6’2”, 210-pound forward made 76 appearances, tallying 38 points including 17 goals and 21 assists to go along with 40 penalty minutes. Prior to joining the Rivermen, Cracknell spent a little more than a season with the AHL’s Quad City Flames where he totaled 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) and 36 penalty minutes in 83 games.

The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by Calgary in the ninth round, 279th overall in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Season Tickets

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club has announced that they will be open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm including the lunch hour from May 25th to May 28th and May 31st to accommodate those individuals wishing to buy Early Bird Season Tickets for the 2010 – 2011 season.

Early Bird Prices are as follows:
Adults $399
Senior (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299
Student (25 and under with valid Student ID) $249*
Youth $199

The Early Bird prices will only be available until Monday, May 31, 2010 at 5:00 pm.

Regular office hours will resume June 1st.

*Students enrolled in College will be required to pay the Adult rate and a refund of $150 will be made when a Student ID is presented in the fall.

ICE Head Coach

Something always seems to happen when I'm holidays.
There are many reports indicating Mark Holick will be leaving the ICE to be the Head Coach of Anaheim's new farm club in the AHL, the Syracuse Crunch.
Out of respect for the ICE I will await their press release to either confirm or deny this story.
Once the radio station has any information I will post the details.

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

NHL
Montreal - Ben Maxwell

AHL
Hamilton - Ryan Russell

ECHL

ICE Alumni To CIS

Michael Stickland has committed to St. Mary’s University in Halifax.

http://whl.ca/former-bronco-michael-stickland-commits-to-st-mary-s-university-p142645

ICE Alumni In World Hockey Championships

4 ICE alumni are playing in the World Hockey Championships in Germany.
Marek Svatos and Stanislav Gron are on Team Slovakia, while Trevor Johnson and Pat Iannone are suiting up for Italy.

WHL Final

For the 2nd time in their history the Calgry Hitmen are the WHL champions. They won it in 1999 and then the ICE won it 2 of the next 3 years.

Hockey News Draft Preview

The Hockey News Draft Preview magazine is coming out.
There are 19 WHL players in their top 100.
4. Brett Connolly Prince George
8. Nino Niederreiter Portland
12. Ryan Johansen Portland
16. Mark Pysyk Edmonton
17. Emerson Etem Medicine Hat
23. Quinton Howden Moose Jaw
24. Alexander Petrovic Edmonton
26. Dylan McIlrath Moose Jaw
27. Calvin Pickard Seattle
41. Jordan Weal Regina
42. Brad Ross Portland
55. Matt McKenzie Calgary
62. Troy Rutkowski Portland
68. Kevin Sundher Chilliwack
82. Kent Simpson Everett
87. Austin Madaisky Kamloops
88. Mark Stone Brandon
90. Anton Honesjek Moose Jaw
96. Curtis Hamilton Saskatoon

ICE Roster Moves

With the ICE adding 11 players at the Bantam Draft the club made some changes on their protected roster.

Released were Simon Skrudland and Bryton Mills.

Former ICE defenseman Petr Senkerik was released by Prince George.

Klemm Says No

Our newsroom contacted Jon Klemm (Cranbrook native) to see if he was going to apply for the Head Coaching spot with the Spokane Chiefs.
Klemm says he wasn't going to apply as he doesn't feel ready to be a bench boss.
Unless he changes his mind it looks like the Chiefs will be going outside the organization to fill the spot.

ICE Alumni in World Championships

Trevor Johnson and Pat Iannone will play for Italy at the World Hockey Champions in Germany.
Matt Coxford at the Townsman had an article in Wednesday's paper.
They're in the same pool with Canada and will play against their home country on Saturday.

WHL Final Goes To Game 5

The Tri City Americans beat Calgary 4-2 to send the series to game 5 tomorrow night in Saddledome.

WHL Update

Calgary is up 3-0 in the WHL final against Tri City outscoring them so far 15-2.
Calgary has won 1 league championship (1999).
The last time the league final was a sweep was in 2008 with Spokane beating Lethbridge.
A Tri City win will bring the series back to Calgary for game 5.

Defending Memorial Cup Champion Windsor has won the OHL title.
The last team to win back-to-back Memorial Cup was Kamloops in 94 & 95.

Since the CHL went to a host team being automatically included in the tournament the WHL has won the Memorial Cup being held in a WHL city 8 of 9 times.
83 - Portland won in Portland
86 - Guelph won in Portland
89 - Swift Current won in Saskatoon
92 - Kamloops won in Seattle
95 - Kamloops won in Kamloops
98 - Portland won in Spokane
01 - Red Deer won in Regina
04 - Kelowna won in Kelowna
07 - Vancouver won in Vancouver
10 - Brandon/Calgary/Tri City as per history have to be the favorites for the championship that starts May 14th

ICE Alumni in Pro Playoffs

NHL
Montreal - Ben Maxwell
Vancouver - Aaron Rome

AHL
Abbotsford - Jason Jaffray, John Negrin, Brad Cole (plus Marysville's Carter Bancks)
Chicago - Craig Weller, Steve McCarthy (plus Fernie's Jason Krog)
Hamilton - Ryan Russell
Worcester - Thomas Heemskerk

ECHL

Sauter Out, is Klemm in?

Spokane announced that they have elected not to exercise the option year on Hardy Sauter’s contract as Head Coach of the team.
Cranbrook's Jon Klemm was the Assistant Coach last season and it's a safe guess that he will be a nominee.

http://www.spokanechiefs.com/news/index.html?article_id=594

ICE ARE PAYING THE HST

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club are paying the HST on all 2010-2011 Early Bird Season Tickets. Tickets are available to purchase at the Kootenay ICE Office at the Early Bird price until Monday, May 31st at 5:00 pm.

Early Bird Prices are as follows:
Adults $399
Senior (65+ before September 18 with valid ID) $299
Student (25 and under with valid Student ID) $249*
Youth $199

Oh Brother

The ICE selected Sam Reinhart (Max's younger brother) in the 1st round of the 2010 Bantam draft and when he plays for the ICE it'll be the 2nd time an ICE player has had a brother play for the ICE.
Goalie B.J. Boxma's younger brother Mike also suited up for the ICE.
4th round pick Cole Depape's brother Ryan played in the WHL with Prince Albert and Regina.
7th round pick Jakson Elynuik's brother Campbell is with Everett.

ICE Bantam Draft Audio

ICE Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik has reports on the ICE selections in the 2010 Bantam Draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6MZ2i12lw

ICE 7th round picks, ICE Finish with 11 picks

135th overall - Jonathan Martin, Forward, Winnipeg, Man, 5'10" 156 lbs, pick acquired w/Todd Mathews from Lethbridge for 2010 5th round Bantam pick (Jamal Watson),

08-09: Winnipeg Monarchs (WMHA AA bantam) 28 12 9 21 72
09-10: Winnipeg Monarchs (WMHA AAA bantam) 30 21 10 31 30
09-10: Winnipeg Monarchs (Western bantam champ.) 5 0 0 0 14

147th overall - Jakson Elynuik, Right Wing, Calgary, Alb, 5'9" 130 lbs, Brother Campbell is with Everett, Father Pat played in the NHL,

08-09: Calgary Royals White (CMHA AA bantam) 4 1 0 1 2
09-10: Calgary Bronks (AMBHL AAA bantam) 32 19 20 39 12
09-10: Calgary Bronks (St. Albert tournament) 4 1 2 3 6
09-10: Calgary Bruins (AMMHL midget 15 y.o.) 0 0 0 0 0
09-10: Calgary North Stars (Alberta Cup) 5 2 1 3 2

Stats from Alan Caldwells Blog

ICE 6th Round Pick

125th overall - Kyle Krabben, Defense, Calgary, Alb, 5'11" 140 lbs,

08-09: Calgary Blackhawks (CMHA AA bantam) 30 11 3 8 22
08-09: Calgary Blackhawks (CMHA AA bantam - PLF) 2 1 0 1 0
09-10: Calgary Bisons (AMBHL AAA bantam) 28 1 9 10 18
09-10: Calgary Bisons (St. Albert tournament) 4 0 0 0 4
09-10: Calgary Bisons (Western bantam champ.) 5 0 1 1 2
09-10: Calgary Rangers (AMMHL midget 15 y.o.) 1 2 0 2 0
09-10: Calgary South Flames (Alberta Cup) 2 0 1 1 0

Stas from Alan Caldwell's Blog

ICE 5th round Pick

96th overall - Jesse Wood-Shatz, Left Wing, Sherwood Park, Alb, 6'0" 160 lbs, pick acquired w/2011 1st round Bantam pick from Vancouver for David Musil,

07-08: Edmonton MLAC (EMHA AA bantam) 4 0 1 1 2
08-09: Strathcona Warriors (Edmonton tournament) 4 1 2 3 2
08-09: Strathcona Warriors (AMBHL AA bantam) 23 5 10 15 12
09-10: Sherwood Park Flyers (AMBHL AAA bantam) 31 9 14 23 24
09-10: Sherwood Park Flyers (St. Albert tournament) 4 1 1 2 6
09-10: Sherwood Park Squires (AMMHL midget 15 y.o.) 2 1 0 1 0
09-10: Northeast Flyers (Alberta Cup) 5 0 1 1 4

Stats from Alan Caldwell's Blog

ICE 4th round Picks

75th overall - Spencer Wand, Defense, Shaunavon, Sask, 5'11" 140 lbs, pick acquired from Kelowna for Kris Lazaruk,

09-10: Swift Current Raiders (SSMHL AA bantam) 22 5 7 12 69
09-10: Swift Current Raiders (Saskatoon tournament) 4 5 1 6 14

77th overall - Cole DePape, Defense, Winnipeg, Man, 6'" 165 lbs, pick acquired w/2010 2nd round Bantam pick (Tanner Faith), James Martin & Christian Magnus from Swift Current for John Negrin & Michael Stickland,

08-09: Winnipeg Warriors (WMHA AAA bantam) 1 0 0 0 0
09-10: Winnipeg Warriors (WMHA AAA bantam) 24 3 9 12 77
09-10: Winnipeg Blue (Manitoba Games) 5 0 0 0 n/a

Stats from Alan Caldwells' Blog

ICE 3rd round Picks

59th overall - Luke Philp, C, Canmore, Alb, 5'9" 145 lbs,

08-09: Bow Valley Timberwolves (SCAHL AA bantam) 32 29 36 65 38
08-09: Bow Valley Timberwolves (SCAHL AA bantam - PLF) 5 9 2 11 14
09-10: Airdrie Xtreme (AMBHL AAA bantam) 27 30 29 59 36
09-10: Airdrie Xtreme (St. Albert tournament) 5 2 4 6 8
09-10: South Senators (Alberta Cup) 5 5 1 6 3

62nd overall - Jaedon Descheneau, RW, Edmonton, Alb, 5'7" 145 lbs, pick acquired from Everett for Thomas Heemskerk,

08-09: Beaumont Braves (Edmonton tournament) 4 2 0 2 0
08-09: Beaumont Braves (AMBHL AA bantam) 27 28 39 67 20
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (AMBHL AAA bantam) 33 31 46 77 38
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (Edmonton tournament) 4 4 7 11 4
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (St. Albert tournament) 4 3 5 8 6
09-10: Leduc Oil Kings (AMMHL midget 15 y.o.) 1 0 0 0 0
09-10: Northeast Flyers (Alberta Cup) 5 1 3 4 2

stats from Alan Caldwell's blog.

ICE 2nd Round Picks

33rd overall - Tanner Faith, Defense, 6'0" 170 lbs, Wilcox, Sask, pick acquired w/2010 4th round Bantam pick, James Martin & Christian Magnus from Swift Current for John Negrin & Michael Stickland

09-10: Notre Dame Hounds (SSMHL AAA bantam) 20 4 13 17 8
09-10: Notre Dame Hounds (Nike/Bauer tournament) 4 0 1 1 0
09-10: Notre Dame Hounds (St. Albert tournament) 4 0 1 1 2
09-10: Sask First 4 0 2 2 n/a

37th overall - Wyatt Hoflin, Goalie, 6'0" 165 lbs, Stony Plain, Alb,

08-09: Spruce Grove Timberwolves (AMBHL AAA bantam) 3.08gaa 12W 2L 0.89sv%
08-09: Spruce Grove Timberwolves (AMBHL AAA bantam - PLF) 5.23gaa 1W 2L 0.844sv%
08-09: Spruce Grove Timberwolves (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament) 4gaa 1W 1L 0.864sv%
09-10: Northwest Sharks (Alberta Cup) 3gp 2.33gaa 1W 1L 0.92sv%
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (AMBHL AAA bantam) 3.02gaa 12W 8L 0.895sv%
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (Edmonton AAA bantam tournament) 2.03gaa 2W 0L 0.923sv%
09-10: Spruce Grove Saints (St. Albert AAA bantam tournament) 3gaa 1W 1L 0.931sv%

Stats from Alan Caldwell's Blog.

Chynoweth Picked

ICE President Jeff Chynoweth's son Ryan has been selected in the 2nd round by Everett.
Ryan played in Cranbrook his entire career until last year when he played AAA Bantam in Lethbridge.

ICE 1st Pick

15th overall Forward Sam Reinhart
He is the younger brother of ICE forward Max and Edmonton's Griffin.
Birthdate: November 6, 1995 * Hometown: Hollyburn, BC
Position: C * Height: 6’4” * Weight:: 140 lbs.
2008-2009 Team: Hollyburn A1-T1

08-09: Hollyburn Huskies (South Delta tournament) 3 3 0 3 2
08-09: Hollyburn Huskies (Victoria tournament) 5 5 1 6 0
09-10: Hollyburn Huskies (BCAHA AAA bantam) no stats
09-10: Vancouver NW Giants (BCAHA AAA midget) 5 2 0 2 0
09-10: Vancouver NW Giants (BCAHA AAA midget - PLF) 5 0 1 1 2
09-10: Vancouver NW Giants (Macs Midget Tournament) 5 0 0 0 0
09-10: Stars (U-16 B.C. Cup) 4 1 2 3 0

Stats from Alan Caldwell's blog

Holick & Fraser Win

WHL Humanitarian of the Year - Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
Matt Fraser (Red Deer, AB) Kootenay ICE

WHL Coach of the Year - Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy
Mark Holick, Kootenay ICE

WHL Player of the Year - Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
Jordan Eberle (Regina, SK), Regina Pats

WHL Rookie of the Year - Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, BC), Red Deer Rebels

WHL Goaltender of the Year - Del Wilson Trophy
Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen

WHL Defenceman of the Year - Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
Tyson Barrie (Victoria, BC), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Scholastic Player Award - Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy
Adam Lowry (Calgary, AB) Swift Current Broncos

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Award - Brad Hornung Trophy
Jason Bast (Moose Jaw, SK) Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL Executive of the Year - Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL Marketing/Public Relations Award
Everett Silvertips, Zoran Rajcic

WHL Top Scorer - Bob Clarke Trophy
Brandon Kozun – (Calgary, AB) Calgary Hitmen
GP – 65 G – 32 A – 75 Pts – 107 PIM - 50

WHL Top Official - Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy
Chris Savage (Medicine Hat, AB)

WHL Regular Season Champions - Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy
Calgary Hitmen

WHL Scholastic Team Award
Tri-City Americans

WHL Alumni Association Achievement Award
Professional Hockey recipient – Joe Sakic (Swift Current Broncos)
Academic recipient – Gavin McLeod (Kelowna Rockets)

WHL Bantam Draft Preview

ICE Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik talks about the upcoming 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ4qJDFbyvc

WHL Awards

The WHL will hand out their Year-End awards tomorrow.
2 members of the ICE have a chance to take home some hardware.

WHL Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Matt Fraser (Red Deer, AB), Kootenay ICE
Western Conference – Zach Dailey (Healy, AK), Everett Silvertips

WHL Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Mark Holick, Kootenay ICE
Western Conference – Craig Hartsburg, Everett Silvertips

WHL Player of the Year, Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference - Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats
Western Conference - Craig Cunningham, Vancouver Giants

WHL Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, BC), Red Deer Rebels
Western Conference – Shane McColgan (Manhattan, CA), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy
Eastern Conference – Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Western Conference – Calvin Pickard (Winnioeg, MB), Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen
Western Conference – Tyson Barrie, (Victoria, BC), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy
Eastern Conference – Jason Bast (Moose Jaw, SK), Moose Jaw Warriors
Western Conference – Jared Spurgeon (Edmonton, AB), Spokane Chiefs

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy
Eastern Conference – Adam Lowry (Calgary, AB), Swift Current Broncos
Western Conference – Spencer Main (North Vancouver, BC), Kelowna Rockets

WHL Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings
Western Conference – Bob Tory, Tri City Americans

WHL Marketing / Public Relations Award
Eastern Conference – Brandon Wheat Kings, Rick Dillabough
Western Conference – Everett Silvertips, Zoran Rajcic

WHL Bantam Draft

The WHL Bantam Draft is this Thursday.
The Kootenay ICE have picks in every round plus an extra pick in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th rounds.
Their 1st pick is 15th overall.
Again this year on the radio stations and this blog we will have reports on every ICE selection and will also be tracking any local players selected.
Kootenay ICE Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik will have scouting reports on all ICE selections.

Allan Cup

Cranbrook Native and former ICE defenseman Donny Lloyd and ICE alumni Gerard Dicaire and Clayton Pool have won the championship with the Fort St John Flyers.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – For the first time ever, the Fort St. John Flyers have won the Allan Cup, Canada’s National Senior Championship. The Flyers earned the 102nd national title with a 3-1 win over the Bentley Generals on Saturday afternoon at North Peace Arena.

Todd Alexander, Chris Stevens, Ryan Carter and Rod Stevens scored for the Flyers, who led 1-0 after one period and 2-0 after two. Scott Hood scored the lone goal for Bentley, cutting Fort St. John’s lead to 2-1 midway through the third period before Carter added an insurance marker at 17:04 of the final frame and Stevens rounded out the scoring into an empty net in the dying seconds.

Fort St. John went through the tournament undefeated, beating Bentley 7-1 and the Clarenville Caribous 6-3 during round-robin play, and knocking off the South East Prairie Thunder, last year’s runners-up, 7-3 in Friday’s semifinal.

The Generals, who reached their third-consecutive national championship game and were looking to become the first team since the 1993-95 Warroad Lakers to win back-to-back Allan Cups, finished second behind Fort St. John in round-robin action (7-1 loss to Fort St. John, 7-2 win over Clarenville) before beating the Powell River Regals 5-1 in the quarter-finals and the Dundas Real McCoys 4-2 in their semifinal.

The Flyers became the ninth host team to win the Allan Cup since the tournament went to a round-robin format in 1992, the first since the Brantford Blast in 2008. The national title is the 12th all-time for British Columbia, second only to Ontario’s 48. The last B.C. team to win the Allan Cup was the Powell River Regals in 2006.

The Allan Cup is one of the oldest club-team hockey competitions in North America, having been first competed for in 1908. Only once in the past 103 years, in 1945, has an Allan Cup champion not been crowned.

Kenora, Ont. will host the 2011 Allan Cup in April 2011.

WHL Update

For the 3rd time in their history and 2nd year in a row Calgary is in the WHL Finals.
During the regular season
vs Tri City
January 31 in Calgary 3 Tri City 0
vs Vancouver
October 30 Calgary 2 in Vancouver 0
December 4 Calgary 5 in Vancouver 4
January 9 in Calgary 5 Vancouver 2

WHL Finals History
Calgary 1999 won vs Kamloops, 2009 lost vs Kelowna
Vancouver 2006 won vs Moose Jaw, 2007 lost vs Medicine Hat
Tri City has never been in the WHL Final
Brandon is trying to be the 3rd consecutive WHL to lose in the WHL playoffs and win the Memorial Cup as the host team. (2004 Kelowna, 2007 Vancouver)

U-18 Playoffs Day 4

Bronze Medal Game
Finland 5 Russia 1

Gold Medal Game
Sweden 1 USA 3

U-18 Playoffs Day 3

Relegation Round
Canada 4 Slovakia 2
Canada finishes in 7th and Slovakia in 8th.
Both countries remain in A Pool.

Latvia 5 Belarus 4 overtime shootout
Latvia finished in 9th and Belarus in 10th.
Both countries drop to the B Pool.

Czech Rep 5 Switzerland 6
Switzerland finished in 5th and Czech Rep in 6th.

WHL Players on Team Canada
Max Reinhart Kootenay 6 GP 0-1-1 39pm
Jordan Weal Regina 6 GP 3-6-9 30pm
Quinton Howden Moose Jaw 6 GP 4-2-6 4pm
Brett Connolly Prince George 4 GP 1-0-1 10pm
Ryan Murray Everett 6 GP 0-0-0 2pm
Calvin Pickard Seattle 6 GP 3-3 2.87 .878%
Kent Simpson Everett 2 GP 0-0 4.11 .857%

U-18 Playoffs Day 2

Semi-Final Sweden 3 Russia 1
Sweden advances to the Gold Medal Game
Russia will play in the Bronze Medal Game

Semi-Final Finland 0 USA 5
USA advances to the Gold Medal Game
Finland will play in the Bronze Medal Game

Relegation Round Canada 5 Latvia 1
Canada will play Slovakia tomorrow with the winner finishing in 7th Place.
Reinhart wass on a line with McFarland and Spooner.
Brett Connolly was not in the line-up.

WHL Players on Team Canada
Max Reinhart Kootenay 5 GP 0-1-1 39pm
Jordan Weal Regina 5 GP 3-5-8 16pm
Quinton Howden Moose Jaw 5 GP 3-2-5 2pm
Brett Connolly Prince George 4 GP 1-0-1 10pm
Ryan Murray Everett 5 GP 0-0-0 2pm
Calvin Pickard Seattle 5 GP 2-3 3.07 .893%
Kent Simpson Everett 2 GP 0-0 4.11 .857%

Oil Kings Make Change

http://www.oilkings.ca/oil-kings-announce-coaching-change-p142213

Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Oil Kings General Manager Bob Green today announced a change in leadership of Edmonton’s WHL franchise. Head Coach Steve Pleau and Assistant Coach Rocky Thompson will not return to their positions behind the Oil Kings bench for next season and will be leaving the organization.

“These are always the most difficult decisions, particularly when they involve people you respect and work very closely with,” said Bob Green. “Steve and Rocky worked very hard over the past three years and they first and foremost should be thanked for their hard work and the time they dedicated to the Kings. However I feel we need to make a change prior to heading into next season.”

Pleau has been with the team since its reinsertion to the WHL in 2007-2008. Pleau guided the team to an overall record of 67-116-12-21 including a berth in the playoffs in just their second season in the league.

Thompson has also been with the team since 2007-2008. The former WHL player was in his first coaching assignment following his transition from playing professional hockey in the National Hockey League and American Hockey League.

Green, who is attending the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Belarus, will begin the process of hiring a new coaching staff upon his return to Edmonton.

Edmonton will play host to the 2010 WHL Awards on April 28, and WHL Bantam Draft on April 29. Both events will be held at the Fantasyland Hotel at West Edmonton Mall.

U-18 Playoffs Day 1

Quarter-Final USA 6 Czech Rep 0
USA will play against Finland in the Semi Finals

Quarter-Final Russia 4 Switzerland 3
Russia will play against Sweden in the Semi Finals

Relegation Round Slovakia 5 Belarus 1

U-18 Day 6

Canada will now play Latvia and Slovakia on Wednesday and Thursday in the relegation round. They need to win at least one more game to not finish in 9th or 10th.

Canada 4 Sweden 5
Russia 3 Slovakia 1
Finland 4 Czech Rep 3 OT
USA 7 Belarus 1

Standings
A
Sweden 4-0
USA 3-1
Switzerland 2-2
Canada 1-3
Belarus 0-4

B
Finland 4-0
Russia 3-1
Czech Rep 2-1
Slovakia 1-3
Latvia 0-4

U-18 Day 5

Slovakia 4 Latvia 3
Belarus 2 Switzerland 3

Canada will not qualify for the medal rouund as they will finish in 4th place in their pool. They have 1 round robin game left against Sweden and then will play Slovakia and Latvia in the relegation round.

Standings
A
Sweden 3-0
USA 2-1
Switzerland 2-2
Canada 1-2
Belarus 0-3

B
Finland 3-0
Russia 2-1
Czech Rep 2-1
Slovakia 1-2
Latvia 0-3

U-18 Day 4

Czech Rep 5 Latvia 4
Sweden 10 Switzerland 2
Russia 4 Finland 5
Canada 0 USA 5

Standings
A
Sweden 3-0
USA 2-1
Switzerland 1-2
Canada 1-2
Belarus 0-2

B
Finland 3-0
Russia 2-1
Czech Rep 2-1
Slovakia 0-2
Latvia 0-3

U-18 Day 3

Canada 11 Belarus 3
ICE forward Max Reinhart had an assist and a 5 minute major and game misconduct for kneeing.
Finland 5 Slovakia 2

Standings
A
Sweden 2-0
USA 1-1
Switzerland 1-1
Canada 1-1
Belarus 0-2

B
Russia 2-0
Finland 2-0
Czech Rep 1-1
Slovakia 0-2
Latvia 0-2

Fraser and Sylvester in AHL

ICE forward Matt Fraser suited up for 2 games with the AHL Peoria Riverman at the end of their regular season. He didn't register a point and was a +1.
Dustin Sylvester played in 3 games with the AHL Lake Erie Monsters and also took part in one of the overtime shootouts.
Both teams missed the playoffs so both players have returned home.

U-18 Day 2

Russia 9 Latvia 0
USA 5 Switzerland 1
Czech Rep 4 Slovakia 3
Sweden 7 Belarus 0

Standings
A
Sweden 2-0
USA 1-1
Switzerland 1-1
Canada 0-1
Belarus 0-1

B
Russia 2-0
Finland 1-0
Czech Rep 1-1
Slovakia 0-1
Latvia 0-2

U-18 Day 1

Finland 7 Latvia 2
Switzerland 3 Canada 1
Russia 4 Czech Rep 1
Sweden 4 USA 2

10 Things I Think I Think

1. I think the ICE have room for only 4 new players next year. They usually have 22 players on the roster and with the departures of Dustin Sylvester, Ryan Molle, Dominik Pacovsky and one of the potential overagers Todd Mathews/Matt Fraser/Steele Boomer/Kevin King, that leaves 4 openings. If the club drafts 2 Import players who make the roster that leaves 2 openings.
2. I think Brandon is the favorite in the East Final against Calgary. The Wheat Kings won the season series 3-1 with 2 of the wins in Calgary after the trade deadline. Calgary won 4-3 in Brandon in an overtime shootout October 7th. November 20th Brandon won at home 4-2. January 29th in Calgary it was Brandon winning 6-3 and then February 13th Brandon won 4-2 in the Saddledome.
3. I think Tri City will be the favorite in the West Final. The Americans were 4-0 vs Vancouver and 8-2 vs Portland.
4. I think there could be a few WHL trades in the next few weeks leading up to the Bantam Draft. Teams still in the playoffs won't be trading there active players obviously, but in the last few years teams have made moves involving Bantam picks.
5. I think if the Calgary Flames make any management changes Hitmen GM Kelly Kisio should receive consideration. The Hitmen are owned by the NHL team. The Hitmen are in the East Final for the 4th consecutive year. The Hitmen have made great picks in the Bantam draft but here is a list of players acquired in trades the last 5 years ... Michael Fisenko, Zak Stebner, Jimmy Bubnick, Giffen Nyren, Kris Foucault, Del Cowan, Joel Broda, Tyler Shattock, Paul Postma, Kyle Bortis, Tomas Karpov, Dan Mercer, Brock Nixon, Ian Duval, Ryan Gillen, Dylan Yeo, Eric Frere, Derek LeBlanc, Ryan Gillen, Justin Pogge, Brett Carson, Kris Deines, Michael Reich and Craig Linekar.
6. I think in the NHL East the first round winners will be Washington, New Jersey, Buffalo and Pittsburgh (although will be cheering for Ottawa).
7. I think in the NHL West the teams advancing will be San Jose, Chicago, Los Angeles and Detroit.
8. I think eventually I have a Washington/Chicago Final.
9. I think the new baseball park for the Twins looks great. They may regret not having a retractable roof in Minnesota but there is nothing like a wide open baseball park.
10. I think I'm tired of trying to get my satellite supplier to get the MLB Network channel. We have NHL Center ICE and the NFL Network, but not the baseball channel.

Switzerland 3 Canada 1 U-18 Game #1

For the first time in the U-18 tournament history Canada has lost to Switzerland.
In the first round robin game for both teams the Swiss won 3-1.
Moose Jaw's Quinton Howden scored the goal with Tegina's Jordan Weal getting the assist.
Seattle's Calvin Pickard made 30 saves.
Thursday Canada meets Belarus.
ICE forward Max Reinhart is on Team Canada.

Finland 5 Canada 4 U-18 Exhibition

ICE forward Max Reinhart is on Team Canada

MINSK, Belarus – John McFarland (Sudbury, OHL) scored a hat trick to pace the Canadian offence, but it wasn’t enough as Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team fell 5-4 to Finland in exhibition action on Friday night at the Minsk Ice Palace.

The game was Canada’s lone pre-tournament contest before opening the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship next Tuesday against Switzerland in Bobruisk, located 138 km from Minsk. Canada is looking to improve on its fourth-place finish from the 2009 U18 Worlds in the U.S.

The Finns jumped out to a quick start, striking just 46 seconds after the opening face-off for an early 1-0 lead. But McFarland, one of three returning Canadians from the 2008 world championship, got Canada back on even terms less than five minutes later, scoring shorthanded.

The second period was a parade to the penalty box, as the two teams combined for 24 minutes in penalties in the middle frame. The Finns used an early power play to regain a one-goal lead thanks to Petteri Halinen, and pushed it to 3-1 when Teemu Pulkkinen beat Calvin Pickard (Seattle, WHL) at the five-minute mark.

McFarland notched his second of the game with two minutes left in the second period, but the Finns restored their two-goal lead before the buzzer sounded on Halinen’s second goal of the period.

Outshot 24-22 through two periods, the Canadians fell into a three-goal hole early in the third period when Mikael Salmivirta beat Kent Simpson (Everett, WHL) – who had replaced Pickard midway through the second period – to make it 5-2.

But the Canadians fought back, getting goals from Ryan Spooner (Peterborough, OHL), at 10:47, and McFarland, who wrapped up his hat trick at 14:42 to make it a one-goal game at 5-4. Despite outshooting the Finns 15-10 in the final 20 minutes Canada could not get the tying goal past Finnish goaltender Jonathan Iilhati, falling short in its comeback attempt.

Ryan Murray (Everett, WHL) added two assists for Canada, which outshot Finland 37-34 overall.