Team Canada will face Belarus in the 2011 IIHF World Hockey Championship today in Slovakia. Team Canada is in group B which also includes France and Switzerland.
Team Canada has two goalies from the Leafs (and former WHL players) in James Reimer (Red Deer) and Deven Dubnyk (Kamloops). The team boasts the likes of Dion Phaneuf, Luke Scheen (the only Saskatchewan born player), Rick Nash, Evander Kane, John Tavares and Jordan Eberle.
Canada will play France on Sunday and the Swiss on Tuesday. Qualification and relegation rounds start Thursday with the gold medal game set for Sunday May 15th.
Check out the full roster and schedule at http://www.hockeycanada.ca/
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Former Warrior Signs with Panthers
Panthers Sign D Keaton Ellerby
Cats Ink 2007 Top Draft Pick to One-Year Deal
Wednesday, 04.27.2011 / 2:27 PM / Transactions
Florida Panthers
SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has signed D Keaton Ellerby to a one-year, one-way contract.
“Keaton is a young, mobile and strong defenseman who we are pleased to have back next season,” said Tallon. “He is one of our organization’s former first round picks and we look forward to his continued growth and development as an NHL defenseman.”
Ellerby, 22, played in 54 games with the Panthers this season scoring two goals with 10 assists, while averaging 16:05 in ice time. The Strathmore, Alberta native recorded his first career NHL goal on Jan. 25 at the New York Rangers and first career points (two assists) on Oct. 23 vs. the New York Islanders. For his career in the NHL, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenseman has played in 76 games, all with Florida, registering 12 points (2-10-12) and 24 PIM.
Ellerby was drafted by Florida with its first choice (No. 10 overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He becomes the fourth player signed by Florida in April joining F John McFarland (Apr. 21), Quinton Howden (Apr. 6) and D Alex Petrovic (Apr. 18).
“Keaton is a young, mobile and strong defenseman who we are pleased to have back next season,” said Tallon. “He is one of our organization’s former first round picks and we look forward to his continued growth and development as an NHL defenseman.”
Ellerby, 22, played in 54 games with the Panthers this season scoring two goals with 10 assists, while averaging 16:05 in ice time. The Strathmore, Alberta native recorded his first career NHL goal on Jan. 25 at the New York Rangers and first career points (two assists) on Oct. 23 vs. the New York Islanders. For his career in the NHL, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenseman has played in 76 games, all with Florida, registering 12 points (2-10-12) and 24 PIM.
Ellerby was drafted by Florida with its first choice (No. 10 overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He becomes the fourth player signed by Florida in April joining F John McFarland (Apr. 21), Quinton Howden (Apr. 6) and D Alex Petrovic (Apr. 18).
NHL Round Two
The next round will feature:
Nashville vs Vancouver
Detroit vs San Jose
Tampa Bay vs Washington
Boston vs Philidephia
Vancouver and Nashville get underway tonight. Two more games Friday and two on Saturday.
Nominees for the Hart Trophy (MVP) were announced this morning... Corey Perry of the Ducks, Daniel Sedin of the Canucks and Martin St. Louis of the Lightning. Who will it be? Winner will be announced at the NHL Awards in Vegas.
WHL News
The Kootenay Ice finished off the Tigers in 4 games by a score of 7-2 on home ice. Another sweep for the Ice and the Eastern Conference Championship banner Portland won in OT over Spokane 3-2 last night, giving them a 2-1 series lead. They will play Friday night for game 4.
The Regina Pats released their Assistant Coach and Goaltendering Coach yesterday. Shaun Sutter played his WHL hockey in Lethbridge, Calgary and Medicine Hat before heading to several different ECHL teams. Shaun joined the Pats in 2009. Ryan Cyr has worked with the Pats for four seasons. Both their contracts were up.
The WHL draft goes next week along with the WHL Awards. We will have a look at the Warriors draft selection spots here soon. Spencer Edwards is up for Humanitarian of the Year at the Awards luncheon on Wednesday.
The Regina Pats released their Assistant Coach and Goaltendering Coach yesterday. Shaun Sutter played his WHL hockey in Lethbridge, Calgary and Medicine Hat before heading to several different ECHL teams. Shaun joined the Pats in 2009. Ryan Cyr has worked with the Pats for four seasons. Both their contracts were up.
The WHL draft goes next week along with the WHL Awards. We will have a look at the Warriors draft selection spots here soon. Spencer Edwards is up for Humanitarian of the Year at the Awards luncheon on Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Calder Cup Round Two
The Hamilton Bulldogs will play the Manitoba Moose. Hamilton has a familiar face for Warriors fan, Dustin Boyd. Dustin was traded to Montreal early in the season and was sent to Hamilton from there. The Moose have defensmen Keith Seabrook-- yes, he is Brent's brother.
The Houston Aeros (Minnesota Wild) will battle the Milwaukee Admirals who have Gabriel Bourque (Travis Hamonic's World Junior teammate in 2009) while the Aero's have two faces you may remember from last year's Hitmen squad. Joel Broda and Kris Foucault are both on the roster.
Games get underway tonight. Visit http://www.theahl.com/ for the latest scores and information.
Victoria.... Dragons? Capitals? Royals?
Visit www.vicwhl.com to place your vote on what you think should be the name of the brand new WHL team in Victoria
The six options to vote on are Capitals, Dragons, Force, Royals, Tide and Thunder. Fans can also submit a write-in vote by e-mailing their choice to info@vicwhl.com.
The six options to vote on are Capitals, Dragons, Force, Royals, Tide and Thunder. Fans can also submit a write-in vote by e-mailing their choice to info@vicwhl.com.
WHL ANNOUNCES ALUMNI ACHIEVMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
CALGARY, AB. – The Western Hockey League and the WHL Alumni Association announced today the recipients of this year’s WHL Alumni Achievement Awards. In the professional hockey category, the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award is former Flin Flon Bomber Bob Clarke while in the Academic Scholarship category, the recipient is former WHL defenceman Jeff Zorn.
The WHL Alumni Achievement Award annually recognizes WHL graduates who pursued professional hockey and achieved a distinguished career in the NHL as well as an Alumnus who has obtained a post secondary education through the WHL Scholarship Program and has moved on to a highly successful business career. The recipients are selected annually by the WHL Alumni Association Executive Committee, which is headed by former WHL and NHL graduate Kelly Hrudey.
Professional Hockey Recipient – Bob Clarke
Bob Clarke, a native of Flin Flon, Manitoba, appeared in four games with the Flin Flon Bombers during the 1965-66 season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and 45 games through the 1966-67 season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, prior to the organization joining the Western Hockey League in 1967. In the two seasons to follow Clarke exploded offensively in the WHL helping lead the Bombers to two straight WHL Championship appearances. During the 1967-68 season Clarke captured the WHL scoring title with 51 goals, 117 assists for 168 points in 59 games and led the Bombers to the WHL Finals were they were defeated in four straight games by the Estevan Bruins. The next year, 1968-69, he led all WHL scorers once again scoring 51 goals, 86 assists for 137 points in 58 games helping the Bombers capture their first WHL Championship defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings 4-2 in the series.
Clarke was a second round selection (17th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft. He went on to an NHL career that spanned 15 seasons and 1,144 games from 1969-1984. He played his entire NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers organization.
Clarke was named the Flyers' captain at age 23, the youngest to ever assume that role in NHL history at the time, and led the ‘Broad Street Bullies’ to two Stanley Cup titles in 1974 and 1975. Personal NHL accolades came early in his career capturing the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication) in 1972, the Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL’s MVP in 1973, 1975 and 1976, the Lester B. Pearson Award (player’s choice MVP) in 1974, and the Frank J. Selke Trophy (defensive forward) in 1983, among many others. In addition to his NHL honors, Clarke was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.) and the trophy he won in 1968 and 1969 with the Flin Flon Bombers, given annually to the Western Hockey League's top scorer, was re-named the Bob Clarke Trophy.
Clarke retired on May 15, 1984, to become the General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers. On November 15, 1984, Bobby Clarke Night was held at the Spectrum. The Flyers retired Clarke's #16 jersey and unveiled the Bobby Clarke Trophy which is awarded annually to the Flyers' Most Valuable Player. Three years later Clarke was a first ballot inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He finished his career 4th all-time in assists (852) and 11th all-time in points (1210), and now currently sits 24th all-time in assists and 42nd all-time in points (as of completion of the 2010–11 NHL season).
Clarke resigned as General Manager of the Flyers on October 22, 2006. During his 19 seasons at the helm of the Flyers, the team compiled a 714-443-199 record, including 16 playoff appearances, three Eastern Conference Championships, three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals and eight division titles. Now a Flyers Senior Vice President, Clarke is involved in aspects of the Flyers’ player development program.
Academic Recipient – Jeff Zorn
Jeff Zorn, originally from Tisdale, Saskatchewan, played five seasons in the Western Hockey League from 1995-2000. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 1994 WHL Bantam Draft by the Moose Jaw Warriors, Zorn spent the majority of his career with the Prince George Cougars, before joining the Saskatoon Blades as a 20 year old. During his five years in the WHL, the defenceman appeared in 252 games, recording 34 goals, 105 points and 316 penalty minutes.
Following his junior hockey career, Zorn chose immediately to utilize his five year WHL Scholarship and enrolled in Medicine at the University of Alberta in 2000. Subsequently, Zorn also went on to a five year hockey career with the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 2000-05, winning a Canadian University National title in 2005. He played in 190 Canadian University games compiling 27 goals and 130 points. He captured the Canada West Freshman of the Year Award in 2001, was named Canada West Defenceman of the Year in 2002 and in 2004 was honoured with the Dr. Randy Gregg Award as the Canadian University Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.
The four time Canadian University Academic All-Canadian (2002-05), Zorn graduated from University of Alberta Medical School with his Bachelor’s in 2008 and received his Doctoral in 2009. Dr. Jeffrey Zorn is currently in his second year of a five year residency, specializing in urology at the University of Alberta Hospital.
The WHL Alumni Association was formed in November 2007 to take an active role in assisting with the operation and promotion of the WHL at both the Club and League level. The WHL Alumni Association hopes to provide a medium through which past players, coaches, officials and management personnel can reconnect with former teammates and continue to make a contribution to the growth and development of the WHL.
The WHL Alumni Achievement Award recipients will be in attendance and honoured at the 2011 WHL Awards Luncheon being held in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, May 4th, 2011.
Past Winners
2010
Professional Hockey – Joe Sakic
WHL Scholarship – Gavin McLeod
2009
Professional Hockey – Trevor Linden
WHL Scholarship – Dan Hulak
2008
Professional Hockey – Lanny McDonald
WHL Scholarship – Blair St. Martin
Professional Hockey – Trevor Linden
WHL Scholarship – Dan Hulak
2008
Professional Hockey – Lanny McDonald
WHL Scholarship – Blair St. Martin
Recap of Last Night
Well my picks sure weren't very accurate last night.... 0/3. I wasn't the only one... Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers tweeted he went 0/3 on his picks last night as well.
The Blackhawks gave it their all and ended their season in overtime. You can't be too disappointed after coming back from a 3-0 series deficit.
Montreal and Boston will play out game 7 as will the Penguins and Lightning tonight. Kootenay won 3-1 over the visiting Tigers last night. Did anyone watch the game on SHAW? Why so many empty seats! It is game 3 of the third round of playoffs.... this should be an exciting time for Cranbrook fans! The Ice can win the series tonight. Portland and Spokane will play out game 3 tonight.
The Blackhawks gave it their all and ended their season in overtime. You can't be too disappointed after coming back from a 3-0 series deficit.
Montreal and Boston will play out game 7 as will the Penguins and Lightning tonight. Kootenay won 3-1 over the visiting Tigers last night. Did anyone watch the game on SHAW? Why so many empty seats! It is game 3 of the third round of playoffs.... this should be an exciting time for Cranbrook fans! The Ice can win the series tonight. Portland and Spokane will play out game 3 tonight.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Motivation or Bad Omen?
From the Globe and Mail:
When the Vancouver Canucks stepped onto the Rogers Arena ice Tuesday morning for their pre-game skate, the scoreboard read 5-0 for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Not exactly positive reinforcement, nor a good omen given that the Blackhawks have ended Vancouver’s playoff runs in each of the last two years, with lopsided results in the deciding games.
If it happens again this year, after Vancouver held a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference quarter-final, than it would represent one of the greatest collapses in NHL history, and perhaps the biggest disappointment in the 40-year history of the Canucks.
They’ve played in two Stanley Cup finals before, but the 2010-11 edition won the Presidents’ Trophy, for finishing first in the overall league standings, and was a Cup favourite for the first time ever.
The last time these two teams played in this arena, in Game 5 on Thursday, the Blackhawks got themselves back into the series with a decisive 5-0 win.
They evened it Sunday with a 4-3 overtime victory, setting up Tuesday’s Game 7, a contest loaded with intrigue.
Key Vancouver players such as goaltender Roberto Luongo, the Sedin twins, Ryan Kesler and others are facing a pivotal moment in their careers. Should the Canucks become just the fourth team in league history to blow a 3-0 lead, then questions about their core group and the future of head coach Alain Vigneault will come fast and furious.
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS FILLED WITH WARRIORS ALUMNI
The Warriors alumni have been making themselves known during the NHL playoffs and have already been making noise on the long path to hoisting the coveted prize.
A couple game 7's are on tap tonight, the big one... 1st vs 8th seed, Canucks vs Blackhawks, Favorites vs Under Dogs.... Warriors former Captain Troy Brouwer will take on the Vancouver squad filled with twin fire power and one of Canada's best goaltenders in Roberto Luongo.
The Warriors have one former player wearing the blue and green in Aaron Rome who was in Moose Jaw for the 03/04 season and played in 8 playoff games, banking 6 points for the tribe. Rome came from Swifty in a trade.
Pittsburgh and Tampa will meet up tomorrow night. The Pen's Deryk Engelland played his whole WHL career in the Jaw. Tampa's Pavel Kubina made only a one year stop in the WHL and that stop was in Moose Jaw for the 96/97 season. Game 7 goes Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
Washington Capitals Brooks Laich and former Warrior wrapped up his series and is awaiting their second round opponent.
Boston and Montreal will play tomorrow night. Johnny Boychuk of the Bruins played for the Warriors for two seasons, starting in 2002 after being traded from the Hitmen. Johnny is 27 years old this year.
Playoff predictions?
Here are mine:
Tonight....
Chicago in Game 7
Buffalo in Game 7
Boston in Game 6
Wednesday
Pittsburgh over Tampa in Game 7
Enjoy the playoff hockey tonight!
Also on SHAW this evening, Game 3 between Kootenay and Medicine Hat. Will the Tigers bounce back on the road or will it be another clean sweep for the Ice?
A couple game 7's are on tap tonight, the big one... 1st vs 8th seed, Canucks vs Blackhawks, Favorites vs Under Dogs.... Warriors former Captain Troy Brouwer will take on the Vancouver squad filled with twin fire power and one of Canada's best goaltenders in Roberto Luongo.
The Warriors have one former player wearing the blue and green in Aaron Rome who was in Moose Jaw for the 03/04 season and played in 8 playoff games, banking 6 points for the tribe. Rome came from Swifty in a trade.
Pittsburgh and Tampa will meet up tomorrow night. The Pen's Deryk Engelland played his whole WHL career in the Jaw. Tampa's Pavel Kubina made only a one year stop in the WHL and that stop was in Moose Jaw for the 96/97 season. Game 7 goes Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
Washington Capitals Brooks Laich and former Warrior wrapped up his series and is awaiting their second round opponent.
Boston and Montreal will play tomorrow night. Johnny Boychuk of the Bruins played for the Warriors for two seasons, starting in 2002 after being traded from the Hitmen. Johnny is 27 years old this year.
Playoff predictions?
Here are mine:
Tonight....
Chicago in Game 7
Buffalo in Game 7
Boston in Game 6
Wednesday
Pittsburgh over Tampa in Game 7
Enjoy the playoff hockey tonight!
Also on SHAW this evening, Game 3 between Kootenay and Medicine Hat. Will the Tigers bounce back on the road or will it be another clean sweep for the Ice?
Back From Germany; Checking in with Morgan Rielly
Morgan Rielly is back in BC after a long flight from Germany. Morgan was part of Team Canada's best Under 18 year old players. Playing in his rookie year in the WHL and just 17, Morgan's invite was only one of three to seventeen year old players.
Team Canada found some success over seas, but ultimately finished in fourth place with a loss first to the USA for a spot in the gold medal game and a 4-2 decision to the Russians for bronze.
Morgan Rielly said the overall experience was second to none. "I had an unbelievable experience, the hockey was great and I had a blast meeting all the guys and being able to tour around the city of Dresden was really cool," remarked Rielly.
Morgan got to play along side some of the best young players and some closely watched potential NHL draftees in the coming years. "Being able to play with all those elite players was awesome; their all so talented and they make the game easy to play. I had the opportunity to get to know Ryan Murray really well and I learned a lot from him, "added Morgan.
Maybe not the finish they were hoping for, but individually being named player of the game is quite an accomplishment for Morgan in a tight game against the tournament hosts. What was he thinking going into the game? "I just tried to stay focused and I knew that when I got a chance to make a difference in the game I had to do so. I have to give credit to other players because we all battled back and it was a great effort by the whole squad," said Rielly.
Morgan mentioned the best event the team took in while in Germany besides the tournament was watching a European pro- hockey game. What was the best German cuisine? "We had these dumplings all the time-- they were my favorite," he added.
Now its back to high school for Morgan as he prepares over the summer for Warriors camp and his second season in the WHL.
Team Canada found some success over seas, but ultimately finished in fourth place with a loss first to the USA for a spot in the gold medal game and a 4-2 decision to the Russians for bronze.
Morgan Rielly said the overall experience was second to none. "I had an unbelievable experience, the hockey was great and I had a blast meeting all the guys and being able to tour around the city of Dresden was really cool," remarked Rielly.
Morgan got to play along side some of the best young players and some closely watched potential NHL draftees in the coming years. "Being able to play with all those elite players was awesome; their all so talented and they make the game easy to play. I had the opportunity to get to know Ryan Murray really well and I learned a lot from him, "added Morgan.
Maybe not the finish they were hoping for, but individually being named player of the game is quite an accomplishment for Morgan in a tight game against the tournament hosts. What was he thinking going into the game? "I just tried to stay focused and I knew that when I got a chance to make a difference in the game I had to do so. I have to give credit to other players because we all battled back and it was a great effort by the whole squad," said Rielly.
Morgan mentioned the best event the team took in while in Germany besides the tournament was watching a European pro- hockey game. What was the best German cuisine? "We had these dumplings all the time-- they were my favorite," he added.
Now its back to high school for Morgan as he prepares over the summer for Warriors camp and his second season in the WHL.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday Morning Review
Good morning! The Warriors staff is back at it this morning after a long Easter Weekend. The office will not be open, but the work will not stop. Planning meetings will be taking place to put together the exciting plans for next season.
Congrats to Morgan Rielly and Team Canada on their 4th place finish-- tough last couple games with a OT loss to the Americans to go to the gold medal game and a loss to Russia for the bronze. Morgan had a great tournament. A ton of buzz around Ryan Murphy and Ryan Murray.... the two Ryan's played great.
The Kootenay Ice took both games in Medicine Hat this weekend; sending them back to Cranbrook with a 2 game series lead. The Ice have not stumbled since meeting up with the Warriors in round 1. Portland and Spokane are all tied up at one a piece.
How about them Hawks? Coming from a 3-0 series deficit, they have clawed their way back into the playoffs-- defeating the Canucks in Game 6 last night. Game 7 will be crazy, it goes Tuesday.
The Telus Cup wrapped up this weekend and the winner is.... the Winnipeg Thrashers! You may remember them from their stop in the Friendly City for Regionals back in March. Congrats to them.
The Notre Dame Hounds -- including Moose Jaw Native and tournament star, Olivia Howe-- won the Esso Cup national midget girls' hockey championship Saturday night in St. Albert, Alta. The West champions from Wilcox, Sask., defeated the Edmonton Thunder 5-2 in the gold-medal game. Way to go girls!
Congrats to Morgan Rielly and Team Canada on their 4th place finish-- tough last couple games with a OT loss to the Americans to go to the gold medal game and a loss to Russia for the bronze. Morgan had a great tournament. A ton of buzz around Ryan Murphy and Ryan Murray.... the two Ryan's played great.
The Kootenay Ice took both games in Medicine Hat this weekend; sending them back to Cranbrook with a 2 game series lead. The Ice have not stumbled since meeting up with the Warriors in round 1. Portland and Spokane are all tied up at one a piece.
How about them Hawks? Coming from a 3-0 series deficit, they have clawed their way back into the playoffs-- defeating the Canucks in Game 6 last night. Game 7 will be crazy, it goes Tuesday.
The Telus Cup wrapped up this weekend and the winner is.... the Winnipeg Thrashers! You may remember them from their stop in the Friendly City for Regionals back in March. Congrats to them.
The Notre Dame Hounds -- including Moose Jaw Native and tournament star, Olivia Howe-- won the Esso Cup national midget girls' hockey championship Saturday night in St. Albert, Alta. The West champions from Wilcox, Sask., defeated the Edmonton Thunder 5-2 in the gold-medal game. Way to go girls!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Semi's Go Saturday
Morgan Rielly and Team Canada will be looking to land a spot in the gold medal game Satuday as they play a semi-final game. Sunday is the medal round. Best of luck to Team Canada! Follow their success on http://www.hockeycanada.ca/
RIELLY NAMED PLAYER OF GAME IN GERMANY
CRIMMITSCHAU, Germany - Nick Cousins' power-play goal late in the third period lifted Canada to a 4-3 quarter-final win over Germany on Thursday at the world under-18 hockey tournament.
Cousins converted a nice pass from Morgan Reilly at 15:18 to complete the comeback for Canada, which improved to 6-0 all-time against Germany. The Germans held leads of 2-1 after the first and 3-2 early in the third.
With the win, Canada advanced to a semifinal showdown Saturday against the United States.
Rielly, also on the power play, Ryan Murray and Brett Ritchie had the other goals for Canada.
Leonhard Pfoderl, Tobias Rieder and Alexander Ackermann replied for Germany.
Cousins converted a nice pass from Morgan Reilly at 15:18 to complete the comeback for Canada, which improved to 6-0 all-time against Germany. The Germans held leads of 2-1 after the first and 3-2 early in the third.
With the win, Canada advanced to a semifinal showdown Saturday against the United States.
Rielly, also on the power play, Ryan Murray and Brett Ritchie had the other goals for Canada.
Leonhard Pfoderl, Tobias Rieder and Alexander Ackermann replied for Germany.
What a good looking group....
Here is a photo of the Booster Club... past and present of all those great folks who have done so much for the club over the years. Here is their farewell picture in the Civic Center.
Thursday Thoughts
What an exciting night! The Warriors were nominated in two categories last night at the MJBEX Awards for Marketing and Community. The Warriors took home the Marketing award early in the night and were surprised with the Business of the Year Award to end off the night.
The Phoenix Coyotes just couldn't find a win in the desert... and were elimintated from playoffs and perhaps played their last game in Phoenix.
Friday the WHL playoffs resume.... Kootenay vs Medicine Hat and Portland vs Spokane. Got any favorites?
I can't imagine how much work the great folks in Victoria will have coming their way... from first coming up with a team name... jersey design.... season tickets.... marketing plans and nearly everything else. There is a poll on the site for team names... some suggestions the Victoria dragons or Tide or Thunder or Royals.... Thoughts?
The Civic Center take down is underway. The Glass is being taken out... ice is melting.... and the multiplex is all systems go. From our end, selling has started taking shape and a busy four months ahead.
Easter weekend is nearly upon us! The Warriors office will be closed Monday and we wish you all a happy and relaxing Easter.
The Phoenix Coyotes just couldn't find a win in the desert... and were elimintated from playoffs and perhaps played their last game in Phoenix.
Friday the WHL playoffs resume.... Kootenay vs Medicine Hat and Portland vs Spokane. Got any favorites?
I can't imagine how much work the great folks in Victoria will have coming their way... from first coming up with a team name... jersey design.... season tickets.... marketing plans and nearly everything else. There is a poll on the site for team names... some suggestions the Victoria dragons or Tide or Thunder or Royals.... Thoughts?
The Civic Center take down is underway. The Glass is being taken out... ice is melting.... and the multiplex is all systems go. From our end, selling has started taking shape and a busy four months ahead.
Easter weekend is nearly upon us! The Warriors office will be closed Monday and we wish you all a happy and relaxing Easter.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Business of the Year
The Warriors were the proud recipient of the Business of the Year Award tonight! Thank you fans, selection committee and Moose Jaw. Congrats to all the winners and nominees tonight!
Victoria to Join the WHL
It's official... the Chilliwack Bruins have moved to Victoria....
Victoria already has a website up and running; check it out http://www.vicwhl.com/
Victoria already has a website up and running; check it out http://www.vicwhl.com/
Hockey Talk
The WHL is hosting a media conference in Victoria at 12:30 pm.... could it be the announcing of a new team?
The WHL Conference Finals are set with Portland vs Spokane and Med Hat vs Kootenay. Should be good!
The NHL playoffs continue tonight with Wash vs NY, Pitts vs Tampa, Philly vs Buffalo, Anaheim vs Nashville and Detroit vs Phoenix. The Coyotes are facing elimination tonight in Phoenix, down 3-0 to Detroit. Word is it could be the very last game played in Jobing.com Arena.
The Blackhawks surprised the Canucks last night holding off elimination after being down 3-0. All other series are tied 2-1.
Morgan Rielly and the U-18 team lost to Sweden 4-2 ... they will now have to qualify for the medal rounds which go Sunday. Morgan has 1 goal in the tournament and 1 assist in the exhibition rounds.
The WHL Conference Finals are set with Portland vs Spokane and Med Hat vs Kootenay. Should be good!
The NHL playoffs continue tonight with Wash vs NY, Pitts vs Tampa, Philly vs Buffalo, Anaheim vs Nashville and Detroit vs Phoenix. The Coyotes are facing elimination tonight in Phoenix, down 3-0 to Detroit. Word is it could be the very last game played in Jobing.com Arena.
The Blackhawks surprised the Canucks last night holding off elimination after being down 3-0. All other series are tied 2-1.
Morgan Rielly and the U-18 team lost to Sweden 4-2 ... they will now have to qualify for the medal rounds which go Sunday. Morgan has 1 goal in the tournament and 1 assist in the exhibition rounds.
Los Angeles Photos
1. Lakers Game
2. Angels Stadium
3. Ducks Game
4. Staples Center
5. Huddle at Lakers Game
6. Lakers Game!
7. Jaws Set at Universal Studios
8. War of the Worlds Set at Universal Studios
Back from Los Angeles
Good morning! It's back to work today for me after a week of holidays in Los Angeles and let me tell you, what a great time it was.
We started off with a Angels game, my first MBL game and it was a ton of fun. Between the promotions, music and atmosphere it was definetly a fun time. The next night we visted Honda Center for the Ducks game #1. Wasn't a great showing by the Ducks but an exciting atmosphere for sure. Watching one of the best mines in the NHL play (Perry, Ryan and Getzlaf) along with veteran Teemu Selanne was a treat. Mike Fisher's speed sure was evident seeing him play live and Ryan Getzlaf is one big rig. Shea Webber has one hell of a shot (an obvious observation... but you don't know just how hard until you hear it). Great time and wish the Ducks all the best in the playoffs.
Next up, the Lakers game. I have been a Lakers fan since Elementary School and a Kobe Bryant fans since about the same time. The Staples Center was incredible to see. The pre-game and intermission shows were excellent. Kobe had 34 points in the loss... but seeing his skill live... whether you like him or hate him is something else. Chris Paul of the Hornets is so small and yet so talented; the Laker's could not find an answer for him. Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum's is not done justice on TV... they are giants.
After the game, we stayed around the Staples Center and were lucky enough to see Chris Paul and his son walk down the street as well as Kobe pull away in his Benz (what a car). That was all for sporting events...
Of course if you go to the LA area, Disneyland is a must. We stayed in Anaheim and within walking distance of the magical land. My favorites: Pirates of the Caribbean.... Indiana Jones... Haunted Mansion... Tiki Room.... the entire New Orleans area and of course the closing fireworks.
We loved hitting up the ESPN Zone right outside of Disney for hundreds of TV's with everything sports on along with the upstairs games.
We did the Hollywood tour... seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame... and of course the Hollywood sign. After the tour, we were dropped off at Universal Studios. This is a must see! Touring the lots and stages where some of the greatest movies have been filmed is incredible. The studio tour was awesome with a 3D King Kong fight, behind the scenes look at how the Car scenes are shot in Fast and the Furious, vehicles from some of the best movies, Jaws set, Desperate Housewives set.... a must see for movie lovers.
Last must do event, visit the beautiful beaches of LA. We went to Newport Beach.... and it was warm and sandy. Great time walking the board walk and hanging out on the pier watching surfers.
I shall post some photos ASAP.
We started off with a Angels game, my first MBL game and it was a ton of fun. Between the promotions, music and atmosphere it was definetly a fun time. The next night we visted Honda Center for the Ducks game #1. Wasn't a great showing by the Ducks but an exciting atmosphere for sure. Watching one of the best mines in the NHL play (Perry, Ryan and Getzlaf) along with veteran Teemu Selanne was a treat. Mike Fisher's speed sure was evident seeing him play live and Ryan Getzlaf is one big rig. Shea Webber has one hell of a shot (an obvious observation... but you don't know just how hard until you hear it). Great time and wish the Ducks all the best in the playoffs.
Next up, the Lakers game. I have been a Lakers fan since Elementary School and a Kobe Bryant fans since about the same time. The Staples Center was incredible to see. The pre-game and intermission shows were excellent. Kobe had 34 points in the loss... but seeing his skill live... whether you like him or hate him is something else. Chris Paul of the Hornets is so small and yet so talented; the Laker's could not find an answer for him. Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum's is not done justice on TV... they are giants.
After the game, we stayed around the Staples Center and were lucky enough to see Chris Paul and his son walk down the street as well as Kobe pull away in his Benz (what a car). That was all for sporting events...
Of course if you go to the LA area, Disneyland is a must. We stayed in Anaheim and within walking distance of the magical land. My favorites: Pirates of the Caribbean.... Indiana Jones... Haunted Mansion... Tiki Room.... the entire New Orleans area and of course the closing fireworks.
We loved hitting up the ESPN Zone right outside of Disney for hundreds of TV's with everything sports on along with the upstairs games.
We did the Hollywood tour... seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame... and of course the Hollywood sign. After the tour, we were dropped off at Universal Studios. This is a must see! Touring the lots and stages where some of the greatest movies have been filmed is incredible. The studio tour was awesome with a 3D King Kong fight, behind the scenes look at how the Car scenes are shot in Fast and the Furious, vehicles from some of the best movies, Jaws set, Desperate Housewives set.... a must see for movie lovers.
Last must do event, visit the beautiful beaches of LA. We went to Newport Beach.... and it was warm and sandy. Great time walking the board walk and hanging out on the pier watching surfers.
I shall post some photos ASAP.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Edmundson Moves Up
Joel Edmundson has made waves up the NHL Central Scouting Ranks... from 69 all the way to 33.
Ryan Nugent Hopkins is now ranked number one...
Here is the full list:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=68892
Ryan Nugent Hopkins is now ranked number one...
Here is the full list:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=68892
Local Feel to Esso Cup
The Esso Cup goes in St. Albert starting on Sunday. Team West is represented by the Notre Dame Hounds. From right here in Moose Jaw, Olivia Howe will be wearing the red and white next week.
Check out the full schedule and teams here....
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/151923/la_id/1.htm
Best of luck ladies!
Check out the full schedule and teams here....
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/151923/la_id/1.htm
Best of luck ladies!
SIX-TEAM FIELD SET FOR 2011 TELUS CUP
Courtesy of Hockey Canada:
The Road to the 2011 TELUS Cup is complete. More than two months after the first playoff puck dropped, all six spots have been filled for this year’s National Midget Championship, which kicks off in less than two weeks at Mile One Centre in St. John’s, N.L.
Here’s a look at who will be on The Rock:
ATLANTIC REGION – HALIFAX TITANS
Atlantic Canada’s largest city is back in the national championship for the first time since 1994, when the Halifax McDonald’s finished fifth in Brandon, Man. Not only had it been 17 years since Halifax played for a national title, it had been 17 years since a team from Halifax won the Nova Scotia championship, which the Titans did in six hard-fought games against the Dartmouth Ice Dawgs.
At the Atlantic Regional in Charlottetown, P.E.I., the Titans posted wins over Cornwall, Fredericton and the host Islanders, wrapping up a berth in the championship game by the end of Day 2. After the St. John’s Privateers clinched their own spot in the final the Titans knew they were TELUS Cup bound regardless of the outcome of their games against the Privateers in the round robin – which they lost, 5-3 – and Sunday’s championship game – which they won, 4-3.
The Titans will look for Halifax’s first medal round berth since 1980, when the McDonald’s lost to the North Shore Winter Club in the bronze medal game, and try to end the Atlantic Region’s nine-year run without an appearance in the gold medal game.
CENTRAL REGION – LONDON JR. KNIGHTS
The sixth time was the charm for the Jr. Knights, who had appeared in five of the last seven Central Regionals without earning a spot in the national championship. As the Central host, London knew it didn’t have to win the Alliance title, but a pair of three-game sweeps and a six-game win over Waterloo allowed the Jr. Knights to enter to the regional tournament through the front door.
An 11-0 rout of Nickel City was followed by a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Jr. 67’s to leave the Jr. Knights at 1-1, but that would be the last game London would lose. The Jr. Knights rolled through their final four preliminary round games, outscoring the opposition 16-3, and hammered Nickel City again, this time 6-2, in the semifinal to book a spot in the regional final for the first time since 2008. In the championship game, London would avenge its lone loss with a 4-1 win over the Jr. 67’s, sending the Jr. Knights to the first TELUS Cup in their program’s history.
London will be fighting history in St. John’s – only three Alliance teams have ever played at the National Midget Championship and none were able to escape the round robin basement, winning just one of a combined 15 games.
PACIFIC REGION – VANCOUVER NORTH WEST GIANTS
One year after coming within a goal of qualifying for the TELUS Cup the Giants will make the trip east as Pacific Region champions, the first team from B.C. to win the regional title since Prince George in 2001. Vancouver NW claimed yet another B.C. Major Midget League title with a two-game sweep over the Cariboo Cougars, giving it another crack at the Red Deer Optimist Rebels, who repeated as Alberta champions.
With home-ice advantage this year the Giants rolled to a convincing 7-2 win in the regional series opener, putting them in the driver’s seat for the trip to St. John’s. A pair of second-period goals put Vancouver NW up 2-0 in Game 2, and it held off a furious Red Deer rally in the third period to secure a 3-1 victory and book its spot at the National Midget Championship.
The Giants will make their second TELUS Cup appearance in five years, having finished fourth as Pacific Region representative in 2007, when host Red Deer won the Alberta championship and the regional title. This year marks 15 years since a B.C. team won a medal at the national championship – North Kamloops took bronze in 1996.
QUEBEC REGION – LIONS DU LAC ST-LOUIS
After coming up a few wins short in 2010 – the Lions lost in five games to College Antoine-Girouard in the LHMAAAQ final – Lac St-Louis is returning to the National Midget Championship for the first time since winning the last of its three national crowns in 1992. The Lions are one of the most successful teams in tournament history, winning medals in all five of their appearances (three gold, two silver), and are one of only four teams to win at least three national titles (1981, 1985, 1992).
Third-place finishers in the LHMAAAQ during the regular season, the Lions powered through the first three rounds of the playoffs, losing just one of 10 games in wins over Gatineau, Châteauguay and Saint-Eustache, advancing to a championship series showdown Collège Notre-Dame, which finished just a single point ahead of the Lions during the regular season. A highly-anticipated match-up between two of the league’s top teams quickly turned into a one-sided affair, as the Lions outscored the Albatros 17-7 in winning the first three games before prevailing in five.
Not only will Lac St-Louis have to contend with the pressures of possibly becoming just the third team to win four national championships – joining Regina and Notre Dame – it will be carry the weight of trying to extend one of the most impressive streaks in Canadian hockey – Quebec’s 22-year run of semifinal appearances.
WEST REGION – WINNIPEG THRASHERS
The Thrashers are back at the TELUS Cup for the third time in four years, having lost in the gold medal game in 2008 before finishing fourth as the host team one year later. Winnipeg was the class of Manitoba this season, winning the league’s regular season and playoff titles, losing just two of 11 games in series wins over Pembina Valley, Brandon and Southwest.
In Moose Jaw, Sask., for the West Regional, the Thrashers did something they couldn’t do in their previous trip in 2008 – beat the Saskatchewan champions in the round robin. A 3-1 victory over Prince Albert kicked off an unbeaten preliminary round for Winnipeg, which beat Thunder Bay 6-5 to clinch a spot in the final before settling for a 2-2 tie with the host Generals. Matched up with the Mintos in the championship game, the Thrashers allowed the game’s first goal before scoring four unanswered and booking their TELUS Cup ticket.
Winnipeg is following in big footsteps in St. John’s – the West Region champion has won six of the last seven national titles. The only West team not to take home the top prize in that span? The Thrashers, in 2008.
HOST TEAM – ST. JOHN'S PRIVATEERS
The Privateers came within a goal of equaling the feat of the 2007 Red Deer Optimist Rebels – winning league and regional championships as TELUS Cup hosts. St. John’s ran roughshod over Newfoundland & Labrador competition, going 34-5 during the regular season and playoffs combined to take the NLMMHL championship and head to Charlottetown, P.E.I., for the Atlantic Regional, where St. John’s was defending champion.
Wins over Fredericton, Charlottetown, Cornwall and Halifax left the Privateers in first place after the round robin, all the more impressive because St. John’s had to play twice on the final day of preliminary action, knocking off fellow unbeaten Halifax just hours after beating Cornwall. Matched up with the Titans in the championship game – a contest solely for Atlantic bragging rights, since both were already assured of trips to the TELUS Cup – the Privateers came out on the short end of a 4-3 score, denying them the chance to win back-to-back Atlantic titles for the first time since 2006 and 2007.
St. John’s faces a number of questions at the National Midget Championship. Can it become the first Atlantic team to medal in consecutive years? Can it become only the second Atlantic team to appear in the semifinals in consecutive years? Can it become the first host team since Calgary in 1991 – and the first Atlantic team ever – to win the national title?
The Road to the 2011 TELUS Cup is complete. More than two months after the first playoff puck dropped, all six spots have been filled for this year’s National Midget Championship, which kicks off in less than two weeks at Mile One Centre in St. John’s, N.L.
Here’s a look at who will be on The Rock:
ATLANTIC REGION – HALIFAX TITANS
Atlantic Canada’s largest city is back in the national championship for the first time since 1994, when the Halifax McDonald’s finished fifth in Brandon, Man. Not only had it been 17 years since Halifax played for a national title, it had been 17 years since a team from Halifax won the Nova Scotia championship, which the Titans did in six hard-fought games against the Dartmouth Ice Dawgs.At the Atlantic Regional in Charlottetown, P.E.I., the Titans posted wins over Cornwall, Fredericton and the host Islanders, wrapping up a berth in the championship game by the end of Day 2. After the St. John’s Privateers clinched their own spot in the final the Titans knew they were TELUS Cup bound regardless of the outcome of their games against the Privateers in the round robin – which they lost, 5-3 – and Sunday’s championship game – which they won, 4-3.
The Titans will look for Halifax’s first medal round berth since 1980, when the McDonald’s lost to the North Shore Winter Club in the bronze medal game, and try to end the Atlantic Region’s nine-year run without an appearance in the gold medal game.
CENTRAL REGION – LONDON JR. KNIGHTS
The sixth time was the charm for the Jr. Knights, who had appeared in five of the last seven Central Regionals without earning a spot in the national championship. As the Central host, London knew it didn’t have to win the Alliance title, but a pair of three-game sweeps and a six-game win over Waterloo allowed the Jr. Knights to enter to the regional tournament through the front door.An 11-0 rout of Nickel City was followed by a 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Jr. 67’s to leave the Jr. Knights at 1-1, but that would be the last game London would lose. The Jr. Knights rolled through their final four preliminary round games, outscoring the opposition 16-3, and hammered Nickel City again, this time 6-2, in the semifinal to book a spot in the regional final for the first time since 2008. In the championship game, London would avenge its lone loss with a 4-1 win over the Jr. 67’s, sending the Jr. Knights to the first TELUS Cup in their program’s history.
London will be fighting history in St. John’s – only three Alliance teams have ever played at the National Midget Championship and none were able to escape the round robin basement, winning just one of a combined 15 games.
PACIFIC REGION – VANCOUVER NORTH WEST GIANTS
One year after coming within a goal of qualifying for the TELUS Cup the Giants will make the trip east as Pacific Region champions, the first team from B.C. to win the regional title since Prince George in 2001. Vancouver NW claimed yet another B.C. Major Midget League title with a two-game sweep over the Cariboo Cougars, giving it another crack at the Red Deer Optimist Rebels, who repeated as Alberta champions.With home-ice advantage this year the Giants rolled to a convincing 7-2 win in the regional series opener, putting them in the driver’s seat for the trip to St. John’s. A pair of second-period goals put Vancouver NW up 2-0 in Game 2, and it held off a furious Red Deer rally in the third period to secure a 3-1 victory and book its spot at the National Midget Championship.
The Giants will make their second TELUS Cup appearance in five years, having finished fourth as Pacific Region representative in 2007, when host Red Deer won the Alberta championship and the regional title. This year marks 15 years since a B.C. team won a medal at the national championship – North Kamloops took bronze in 1996.
QUEBEC REGION – LIONS DU LAC ST-LOUIS
After coming up a few wins short in 2010 – the Lions lost in five games to College Antoine-Girouard in the LHMAAAQ final – Lac St-Louis is returning to the National Midget Championship for the first time since winning the last of its three national crowns in 1992. The Lions are one of the most successful teams in tournament history, winning medals in all five of their appearances (three gold, two silver), and are one of only four teams to win at least three national titles (1981, 1985, 1992).
Third-place finishers in the LHMAAAQ during the regular season, the Lions powered through the first three rounds of the playoffs, losing just one of 10 games in wins over Gatineau, Châteauguay and Saint-Eustache, advancing to a championship series showdown Collège Notre-Dame, which finished just a single point ahead of the Lions during the regular season. A highly-anticipated match-up between two of the league’s top teams quickly turned into a one-sided affair, as the Lions outscored the Albatros 17-7 in winning the first three games before prevailing in five.
Not only will Lac St-Louis have to contend with the pressures of possibly becoming just the third team to win four national championships – joining Regina and Notre Dame – it will be carry the weight of trying to extend one of the most impressive streaks in Canadian hockey – Quebec’s 22-year run of semifinal appearances.
WEST REGION – WINNIPEG THRASHERS
The Thrashers are back at the TELUS Cup for the third time in four years, having lost in the gold medal game in 2008 before finishing fourth as the host team one year later. Winnipeg was the class of Manitoba this season, winning the league’s regular season and playoff titles, losing just two of 11 games in series wins over Pembina Valley, Brandon and Southwest.In Moose Jaw, Sask., for the West Regional, the Thrashers did something they couldn’t do in their previous trip in 2008 – beat the Saskatchewan champions in the round robin. A 3-1 victory over Prince Albert kicked off an unbeaten preliminary round for Winnipeg, which beat Thunder Bay 6-5 to clinch a spot in the final before settling for a 2-2 tie with the host Generals. Matched up with the Mintos in the championship game, the Thrashers allowed the game’s first goal before scoring four unanswered and booking their TELUS Cup ticket.
Winnipeg is following in big footsteps in St. John’s – the West Region champion has won six of the last seven national titles. The only West team not to take home the top prize in that span? The Thrashers, in 2008.
HOST TEAM – ST. JOHN'S PRIVATEERS
The Privateers came within a goal of equaling the feat of the 2007 Red Deer Optimist Rebels – winning league and regional championships as TELUS Cup hosts. St. John’s ran roughshod over Newfoundland & Labrador competition, going 34-5 during the regular season and playoffs combined to take the NLMMHL championship and head to Charlottetown, P.E.I., for the Atlantic Regional, where St. John’s was defending champion.Wins over Fredericton, Charlottetown, Cornwall and Halifax left the Privateers in first place after the round robin, all the more impressive because St. John’s had to play twice on the final day of preliminary action, knocking off fellow unbeaten Halifax just hours after beating Cornwall. Matched up with the Titans in the championship game – a contest solely for Atlantic bragging rights, since both were already assured of trips to the TELUS Cup – the Privateers came out on the short end of a 4-3 score, denying them the chance to win back-to-back Atlantic titles for the first time since 2006 and 2007.
| RELATED LINKS |
St. John’s faces a number of questions at the National Midget Championship. Can it become the first Atlantic team to medal in consecutive years? Can it become only the second Atlantic team to appear in the semifinals in consecutive years? Can it become the first host team since Calgary in 1991 – and the first Atlantic team ever – to win the national title?
NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING RANKS RELEASED TODAY
Stay tuned for an updated NHL Central Scouting Rankings today... Joel Edmundson was #69 at Mid Term... where will he be today!
Monday Morning Thoughts
Happy Monday to you-- the weathers great and the playoff season is coming in (or in some cases underway). The NHL season wrapped up this weekend and the WHL playoffs have taken a surprising turn.
Would anyone have thought Kootenay and Medicine Hat would go into Saskatoon and Red Deer and steal not one, but two games on the road? The Ice and Tigers will return home tomorrow with 2 wins under their belts. In the west, both series are tied up. All four match ups go Tuesday night.
In the NHL, only two Canadian teams will be making play off appearances in Montreal and Vancouver. It came down to the wire for playoff positioning. Chicago got some help from Minnesota as they beat Dallas and eliminated them from a playoff berth. At the beginning of last week, the Western Conference standings looked a fair bit different. In the East, the Rangers were battling hard for the 8th place spot.
For me, interesting match ups include:
Vancouver vs. Chicago-- Chicago has eliminated the Canucks from playoffs two years in a row; can they get past them?
Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay-- Will Crosby return? 4th and 5th seeded games are usually a treat.
Both the Senators and Panthers fired coaching staff this weekend. Where will they end up and who will be coming in...
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In the World Under 18 Championship in Germany, where Morgan Rielly is currently located-- Team Canada beat Team USA 2-1 in Exhibition play and will face Sweden today in more exhibition play followed by Germany on Tuesday. Tournament starts on Thursday. Morgan had an assist in the USA game.
______________________________________________________________________
The blog is going to be pretty quite this week, I am off to Los Angeles for a week. We are going to be taking in the Lakers first game of playoffs and the Ducks vs. Pred's. Very excited to see Getzlaf and Perry on home ice and the visiting Pred's Fisher and Weber as the fifth seed.
No worries, photos and stories will be here next week!
Wow, do I love this time of year!
Would anyone have thought Kootenay and Medicine Hat would go into Saskatoon and Red Deer and steal not one, but two games on the road? The Ice and Tigers will return home tomorrow with 2 wins under their belts. In the west, both series are tied up. All four match ups go Tuesday night.
In the NHL, only two Canadian teams will be making play off appearances in Montreal and Vancouver. It came down to the wire for playoff positioning. Chicago got some help from Minnesota as they beat Dallas and eliminated them from a playoff berth. At the beginning of last week, the Western Conference standings looked a fair bit different. In the East, the Rangers were battling hard for the 8th place spot.
For me, interesting match ups include:
Vancouver vs. Chicago-- Chicago has eliminated the Canucks from playoffs two years in a row; can they get past them?
Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay-- Will Crosby return? 4th and 5th seeded games are usually a treat.
Both the Senators and Panthers fired coaching staff this weekend. Where will they end up and who will be coming in...
______________________________________________________________________
In the World Under 18 Championship in Germany, where Morgan Rielly is currently located-- Team Canada beat Team USA 2-1 in Exhibition play and will face Sweden today in more exhibition play followed by Germany on Tuesday. Tournament starts on Thursday. Morgan had an assist in the USA game.
______________________________________________________________________
The blog is going to be pretty quite this week, I am off to Los Angeles for a week. We are going to be taking in the Lakers first game of playoffs and the Ducks vs. Pred's. Very excited to see Getzlaf and Perry on home ice and the visiting Pred's Fisher and Weber as the fifth seed.
No worries, photos and stories will be here next week!
Wow, do I love this time of year!
McIlrath Makes Connecticut Debut
Bridgeport Sound Tigers 4, Connecticut
By Bruce Berlet
The group included defenseman Dylan McIlrath, the New York Rangers’ first-round pick (10th overall) in 2010 who played in his first pro game, along with backup goalie Jason Missiaen and forwards Shayne Wiebe and Andrew Yogan, who worked out with the Whale for several weeks while recovering from an injury. Wings Tommy Grant and Kale Kerbashian played in their sixth and fourth pro games.
The Whale had a different look on all four lines and two of their three defensive pairings as goalie Dov Grumet-Morris, defensemen Wade Redden and Pavel Valentenko and forwards Brodie Dupont, John Mitchell and All-Star Jeremy Williams sat out. Valentenko’s scratch meant the Whale wouldn’t have any player to play all 80 games.
The Sound Tigers had 10 players who had signed ATOs and two more who had professional tryout contracts. It all made for a scrambly game in front of goalies Nathan Lawson and the Whale’s Cam Talbot, who faced several odd-man rushes, including a three-on-none off a turnover that produced Bridgeport
Yogan scored his first two goals in his first pro game, but the Sound Tigers made fewer mistakes and won a penalty-filled game 4-3 on goals by Hisey, Tyler McNeely, Jeremy Colliton and West Haven
Whale coach Ken Gernander didn’t like his team’s lack of discipline – each team had eight power plays – but some of the youngsters earned kudos.
“Yogan was pretty good, eh,” Gernander said. “Aside from the two goals, I thought he made some pretty good passes. We’d seen a bit of Kerbashian, and Wiebe had some pretty good energy. Their size isn’t overwhelming, so they’re going to have to get in there and get body position. They’re going to have to use their quickness and agility to get to loose pucks. And I like McIlrath’s game. He has a good package.”
The Sound Tigers (29-39-4-7) took the lead for good 10:58 into the game when McNeely’s pass deflected off the skate of Whale defenseman Stu Bickel and between Talbot’s legs. Just 2:02 later, two Whale players collided along the boards, and Pereira
Lawson (30 saves) made an excellent stop on Kelsey Tessier’s one-timer off a Ryan Garlock pass with 3:37 left in the period. But the Whale got to 2-1 as Tessier made a nifty pass from behind the net to Yogan, who beat Lawson to the glove side for his first pro goal at 1:54 of the second period. Justin Soryal retrieved the puck as a keepsake for Yogan.
McIlrath and the Sound Tigers’ Alex O’Neil had a spirited fight at 10:32, and then Colliton made it 3-1 off McNeely’s rebound at 12:28.
After the Whale failed on a 5-on-3 power play early in the third period, Pereira , who attended South Kent Prep for two years and then Boston University
Yogan, who had three goals and one assist in only 10 games with Erie
“It felt good to get a couple of goals,” said Yogan, who received several congratulatory calls from his father after the game. “Obviously I would have felt better if we had won the game, but it was nice to get that behind me. You want to get that monkey off your back and get some confidence in the league. It was a physical game, and I’m big (6-foot-3, 203 pounds) and like to use my body. We really wanted to win this one, and if I can’t get excited for this one, you shouldn’t be here.”
On a later power play, the Whale made it 4-3 as Newbury one-timed Blake Parlett’s brilliant cross-slot pass into the right circle past Lawson with 5:52 left.
The Whale continued their frantic late push over the final five minutes and pulled Talbot for a sixth attacker with 1:03 left but couldn’t get the equalizer.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Mem Cup Heading to Shawinigan in 2012
The 2012 Memorial Cup is going to Shawinigan, Que.
The QMJHL awarded the CHL championship tournament to the Cataractes at a news conference in Montreal on Thursday, ending an extensive bid process that involved three other teams. The other candidates were the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Halifax Mooseheads and Saint John Sea Dogs.
The QMJHL awarded the CHL championship tournament to the Cataractes at a news conference in Montreal on Thursday, ending an extensive bid process that involved three other teams. The other candidates were the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Halifax Mooseheads and Saint John Sea Dogs.
HUNCHAK RELEASED
"We thank Dave for his time with the Warriors and his commitment to the Moose Jaw
Hunchak joined the Warriors in 2007 as Head Coach and has been with the Warriors for 4 seasons.
WHL Regular season coaching record:
2007/08- 37-21-0-14
2008/09- 19-50-1-2
2009/10- 33-27-5-7
2010/11- 40-26-2-4
WHL Playoff record:
2007/08- 2-4-0
2008/09- No playoff appearance
2009/10- 3-4-0
2010/11- 2-4-0
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Howden Signs with Panthers
Panthers Agree To Entry Level Contract With Quinton Howden
Cats ink First Round Selection in 2010 NHL Entry Draft
Wednesday, 04.06.2011 / 5:07 PM / Transactions
Florida Panthers
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| Quinton Howden (Cory Kerr Photography) |
“We are pleased to agree to an entry level contract with Quinton Howden,” said Tallon. “Quinton possesses speed, skill and tremendous character and we consider him a big part of our franchise’s future. He made incredible progress this year, leading his junior team with 40 goals, and he’s committed to continuing to work hard in the development process.”
Howden, 19, was selected by Florida in the first round (No. 25 overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound left wing paced Moose Jaw (WHL) with 40 goals and ranked second on the team with 79 points (40-39-79). In the WHL playoffs he led his team with five goals and seven points (5-2-7) in six games played.
The Oak Bank, Manitoba native served as Moose Jaw’s assistant captain and was named to a WHL Eastern Conference Second Team All-Star. For his career in Moose Jaw, he played in 192 games scoring 81 goals with 93 assists and 109 PIM.
Rielly Heading to Germany
Because the playoffs are still underway for many of the players in this age group, the team is comprised of players not involved in the playoffs in the Canadian Hockey League. Once they have moved through the Under-18 program, the National Junior Team is the next challenge that faces the players internationally. Over two thirds of the players who have starred at the World Juniors have donned the maple leaf for the National Men's Under-18 Team.
Here is the projected roster for the tournament which starts April 9th with Exhibition games and tournament play begins on the 14th and runs until the 24th:
Andrew D’Agostini | Peterborough (OHL) |
Malcolm Subban | |
Slater Koekkoek | |
Morgan Rielly | |
Ryan Murray | Everett (WHL) |
Scott Harrington | |
Cody Ceci | Ottawa (OHL) |
Reece Scarlett | Swift Current (WHL) |
Ryan Murphy | Kitchener (OHL) |
Daniel Catenacci | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
Brent Andrews | Halifax (QMJHL) |
Austen Brassard | |
Eric Locke | Barrie (OHL) |
Charles Simard-Hudon | |
Nick Cousins | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) |
Alan Quine | |
Mark Scheifele | Barrie (OHL) |
Brett Ritchie | |
Seth Griffith | |
Travis Ewanyk | |
Mark McNeill |
McIlrath Headed to Connecticut
WHALE SIGN DEFENSEMAN DYLAN McILRATH TO ATO
* * * *
Rangers’ top Pick, Tenth Overall, in 2010 Draft
HARTFORD
McIlrath, 18, was the parent New York Rangers’ first-round pick (10th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-5, 215-pound Winnipeg , Manitoba Moose Jaw
In 180 career WHL games with Moose Jaw
DYLAN McILRATH’S AMATEUR RECORD
Regular Season Playoffs
Year Team Lge. GP G A Pts. PIM GP G A Pts. PIM
2008-09 Moose Jaw
2009-10 Moose Jaw
2010-11 Moose Jaw
The Whale are next in action this Friday night, April 8 at Bridgeport Sale
Tickets for all 2010-11 Whale home games are available now at the XL Center box office, through Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on-line at http://www.ctwhale.com/. Tickets start at $7 each at the XL Center ticket office on game day.
For information on Whale ticket packages, group sales and VIP packages, call (860) 728-3366.
The AHL’s CT Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin. The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York
Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated more than $19.3 billion in sales and has transferred nearly $6.7 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded more than $11.1 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, call (860) 713-2000, or visit the CT Lottery web site at ctlottery.org.
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