Warriors Prospect Camp; May 23-26

Press Release 

The Moose Jaw Warriors will be holding their annual Prospect Camp May 23 to 26, with events being held in Moose Jaw and Caronport.

Roughly 30 players and their parents will be introduced to Warriors management, coaches, and personnel Thursday evening during a reception, this will include the introduction of the 2013 Bantam Draft class.

Players will undergo fitness testing Friday morning, in the afternoon they will head to Caronport for the first on-ice session.  The weekend will also include orientation on player training, strengthening, and conditioning, player academics at Vanier Collegiate, and the Warriors billeting program. 

On-ice sessions continue Saturday in Caronport, all on-ice sessions are free for the public.  Players will meet with management and coaches Sunday before departing for the summer.

Click here to download 2013 Warriors Prospect Camp Roster

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

2013 BRANDON PROSPECTS CAMP SCHEDULE

Press Release

Brandon, MB. -- The Brandon Wheat Kings have unveiled plans for this weekend's 2013 Spring Prospects Camp, to be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Westman Communications Group Place.

Over thirty players are expected to attend the camp, including Bantam draft picks and non-roster prospects.

Among those that will be attending their first ever Wheat Kings' Camp will be center Nolan Patrick (Winnipeg), defenceman Kyle Clague (Lloydminster) and center Tanner Kaspick (Brandon), who were the Wheat Kings top three selections in this year's Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Patrick, Clague and Kaspick were chosen 4th, 6th and 25th overall. Of the twelve players chosen by the Wheat Kings in this year's draft, eight are Manitobans.

All weekend sessions will be open to the public and the Camp, which will be under the direction of Wheat Kings' Head Coach Dwayne Gylywoychuk, will conclude on Sunday morning with a special Prospects Intrasquad Game.

Following is the tentaive schedule for the weekend:

2013 PROSPECTS CAMP SCHEDULE

**Tentative**

Friday, May 24th  

2:00 p.m.    Registration
                   
3:30 p.m.    Goalie Session 

4:00 p.m.    Practice

5:15 p.m.    Practice 

           
Saturday, May 25th

8:00 a.m.    Practice

9:00 a.m.    Practice

11:00 a.m.    Goalie Session
          
Sunday, May 26th

10:00 – 12:00 p.m.    Black vs. White Intra-squad Game

Western Manitoba hockey fans can stay up to date on this weekend's camp online at www.wheatkings.com or through Facebook and Twitter.


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Canadiens sign forward Sebastian Collberg to a three-year contract

Press Release

MONTREAL– Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Tuesday the signing of forward Sebastian Collberg to a three-year contract (2013-14 to 2015-16). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In 35 games with the Frölunda Indians in the Elitserien (Sweden) this season, Collberg totaled nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) and six penalty minutes. The 5’11’’ and 181 lbs right winger also appeared in 15 games with Örebro HK in the HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden), notching eight points (6 goals, 2 helpers) and two penalty minutes. Collberg completed his season in Hamilton taking part in two games with the Bulldogs.

Collberg, 19, suited up for Team Sweden at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship presented in Ufa, Russia, guiding the Swedish squad to the silver medal. He completed the tournament with six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in six games, ranking tied for first on the team in goals and points.

A native of Mariestad, Sweden, Collberg was selected in the second round, 33rd overall by the Canadiens at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He took part in the second half of the Canadiens’ Development Camp in June 2012.


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

USHL Names 2012-13 All-Rookie Team

Press Release

 The United States Hockey League today announced the players named to the 2012-13 USHL All-Rookie Team as determined by a vote of USHL coaches and general managers.

The USHL All-Rookie Team recognizes players 18 or younger who are competing in their first full USHL season.  Those honored include forwards Jake Guentzel (Sioux City Musketeers), Tony Calderone (Sioux Falls Stampede), Vinni Lettieri (Lincoln Stars), Nick Schmaltz (Green Bay Gamblers), defensemen Gavin Bayreuther (Fargo Force), Michael Brodzinski (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Gustav Olofsson (Green Bay Gamblers), and goaltender Cal Petersen (Waterloo Black Hawks).

Seven of the eight players named to the USHL All-Rookie Team are eligible for the upcoming 2013 NHL Draft.

Jake Guentzel (F), Sioux City Musketeers

The Woodbury, Minnesota native was recently named the 2012-13 USHL Rookie of the Year after finishing sixth in USHL scoring with 73 points (29g, 44a) in 60 regular season games.  He put together a 21-game point streak (16g, 17a) to end the season, tying a USHL Tier 1 era (2002-present) record.  His 29 goals tied for 12th in the League and his 11 power play tallies equaled the fourth most scored this season.  Guentzel is a prospect for the upcoming 2013 NHL Draft and is committed to play college hockey at the University of Nebraska-Omaha following his USHL career.

Tony Calderone (F), Sioux Falls Stampede

The first overall pick in the 2012 USHL Entry Draft had a huge impact for the Stampede as he suited up for all 64 regular season games and was second on the team with 29 goals.  He helped lead Sioux Falls to a Western Conference regular season title and a team record 48 victories.  The team was 19-3-1 in games that Calderone scored a goal, and he netted five game-winners.  He recorded multi-goal games on five occasions, including his first USHL hat trick during a 7-1 victory over Des Moines on January 11th.  The Trenton, Michigan native will play college hockey at Princeton University.

Vinni Lettieri (F), Lincoln Stars

The Excelsior, Minnesota native paced the Stars offense in his first full USHL season with a team-leading 28 goals.  He added 28 assists to finish second on the team in scoring with 56 points.  All but two of his goals were scored at even strength, tying for third in the USHL with 26 even strength tallies.  He twice put together seven-game point streaks, and he recorded five multi-goal games, two of which were hat tricks – February 2nd vs. Des Moines and April 12th vs. Tri-City.  He also finished second on the Stars with a plus-29 rating.  He will play college hockey at the University of Minnesota.

Nick Schmaltz (F), Green Bay Gamblers

The 17-year-old is the youngest member of the All-Rookie Team.  He played all 64 regular season games for the Gamblers and put up 52 points (18g, 34a).  At one point during the season, he netted the game-winning goal in three consecutive games for Green Bay and led the team with five game-winners for the season.  The Verona, Wisconsin native recorded his first USHL career hat trick on December 31st, completing the three-goal game by scoring in overtime of the 6-5 victory against Muskegon.  Schmaltz is committed to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota.

Gavin Bayreuther (D), Fargo Force

The native of Canaan, New Hampshire totaled 33 points (9g, 24a) and a plus-eight rating in 60 regular season games.  He tied for sixth overall among USHL defensemen in scoring.  He began the season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders before being acquired by the Fargo Force in December.  The St. Lawrence University commit scored two goals, including the game-winner, in his first USHL career game on September 29th.  In just his second game with Fargo, he tallied three points (1g, 2a).  Bayreuther posted a career high plus-five rating in the 5-2 win over Sioux Falls on February 22nd.

Michael Brodzinski (D), Muskegon Lumberjacks

The native of Ham Lake, Minnesota led all USHL defensemen with 16 goals while ranking tied for sixth with 33 points (16g, 17a) over 61 regular season games.  He scored a goal in his USHL debut on September 29th, a 6-3 win against Team USA.  The defenseman put together a six-game point streak, tallying 10 points (4g, 6a) from November 16th-December 1st.  Brodzinski, who turns 18 this month, was selected to compete in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January.  He is committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota following his USHL career.

Gustav Olofsson (D), Green Bay Gamblers

A native of Sweden, the defenseman played all but one of the 64 regular season games for Green Bay and collected 23 points (2g, 21a) while posting a plus-11 rating.  He dished out two assists in the first game of the season on September 28th.  His first USHL career goal was the game-winner in the 5-2 victory against Muskegon on November 23rd.  Twice this season he finished a game with a plus-four rating.  Olofsson is a top prospect for the upcoming 2013 NHL Draft and was selected by scouts to compete in the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.  He is committed to Colorado College.

Cal Petersen (G), Waterloo Black Hawks

Playing in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa this season, the goaltender posted a 21-11-1 record.  He ranked ninth in wins among USHL goaltenders and his .906 SV% ranked 10th in the League.  He opened the season stopping all 25 shots he faced in the 2-0 win against Omaha on October 13th, one of three shutouts he earned this year.  The 18-year-old finished the regular season winning each of his last six starts.  Petersen was listed as fourth among all North American goaltenders in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings for the 2013 NHL Draft.  He will play college hockey at the University of Notre Dame following his USHL career.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

RECCHI AND FOX GET CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Press Release

Kamloops, BC – The Kamloops Blazers have announced multi-year contract extensions for Director of Player Personnel, Matt Recchi and Head Scout Ken Fox. Recchi and Fox were both hired by the hockey club in their current positions in July 2008.

Recchi has led the Blazers through five WHL Bantam Drafts from 2009-2013. Under Recchi, the Blazers have drafted players such as Matt Needham, Cole Ully, Chase Souto, and Jordan Thomson. Recchi has led a scouting staff that has been successful listing players such as goaltender Cole Cheveldave, Aspen Sterzer and former team captain Dylan Willick.

Fox is a long-time well respected WHL scout who will continue in his current role as the team’s Head Scout. Fox, who lives in Holdfast, Saskatchewan, has been a key contributor in all aspects of the Blazers 50-man protected player list. He has been instrumental in listing players such as JC Lipon, Mitchell Lipon, and Taran Kozun.   

Kamloops Blazers General Manager, Craig Bonner, "Matt and Ken are both key parts of our hockey operations. With the exception of a couple of players, our entire roster is made up of players that Matt and Ken, along with the rest of the scouting staff, have drafted or listed. They have worked well together for the past five years and have done a terrific job for the organization.”


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Brooks Departs IceDogs

Press Release

The Niagara IceDogs are sorry to announce the departure of assistant coach Jason Brooks from the IceDogs organization.  Brooks spent the previous two seasons with the IceDogs after starting his OHL coaching career in Guelph.

The decision to leave was made by Brooks who had surgery on his back in March.

"Ultimately the decision was based around the uncertainty of my back" said Brooks. "The surgery in March was unexpected and had nothing to do with my previous back surgery, which made it all that much more concerning."

Brooks will not only be leaving the IceDogs, but coaching altogether, as he returns home to Listowel where he will join the family business.

"The family business at home has been growing," mentioned Brooks. "When I had to have the surgery, my dad asked me what I thought about coming back to work for the business and it just seemed to make sense."

IceDogs head coach Marty Williamson wishes Brooks was not leaving, but understands his decision given the circumstances.

"First and foremost, I can't thank Jason enough for his time here and he will be missed" said Williamson when asked about Brooks departure.  "I certainly understand his decision and we all wish him all the best with the family business."

The decision to leave coaching was not an easy one for Brooks. "I loved coaching.  I had two of the best and most fun years of my life in Niagara working with Marty, Billy, Joey, Ricky, Peter and Ben.  Bill and Denise have created a first class organization with great people and it is like a family.  That is the hardest part of leaving is the personal relationships and friendships I've developed.  Working for Marty was great because not only is he a great coach, but also a great friend."

While Brooks is leaving his position as an assistant coach, he will never forget his time in Niagara.  "I always will consider myself to be an IceDog and I look forward to watching the IceDogs bring home their first OHL Championship and Memorial Cup in the near future."

When asked about a possible replacement for Brooks Williamson stated that he has some candidates in mind and will take some time to make a final decision.

The entire IceDogs organization would like to thank Jason for a great two years with the organization and we will always be happy to consider him as an IceDog.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Blues Sign Goalie Prospect Lundstrom

Press Release

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced Tuesday that the club has signed goaltender Niklas Lundstrom.

Lundstrom, 20, played in 14 games with the Swedish Elite League's AIK, posting a 3-9-0 record with a 3.10 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage.

Earlier this year, he helped Sweden earn a silver medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships. In three tournament appearances, Lundstrom was 2-1 with a 1.60 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage.

The Varmdo, Sweden native was originally drafted by the Blues in the fifth round (132nd overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Jackalopes announce coaching staff for 2013-14 season

Press Release

The Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) finalized their coaching staff for the 2013-14 season on Monday, introducing Craig Sarner and Donnie Margettie as Assistant Coaches to first-year Head Coach Matt Cressman and former Niagara Purple Eagles netminder Cody Campbell as the team’s first full-time Goaltending Coach.

Sarner will assume full-time assistant coaching duties in 2013-14 while maintaining his position as the Jackalopes’ Director of Scouting for the third consecutive season.

“For me, it’s the best of both worlds,” said Cressman Monday, “With [Sarner], you get a lifetime of experience and knowledge and his connections at this level are outstanding.” In regards to his former Jackalopes teammate, Margettie, Cressman was similarly enthusiastic. “[Margettie] brings an energetic, positive point of view to the table that makes him a valuable asset,” said Cressman, “He’ll give our boys that positive push they need, so all in all, I’m really pleased.”

A St. Paul, Minnesota native, Sarner spent the last several years scouting at the junior level following a lengthy coaching career in Europe. A former Boston Bruin, Sarner enjoyed a fruitful collegiate playing career at the University of Minnesota in the early 1970’s before excelling in the German and Swiss leagues as a professional and represented the United States on the 1972 Winter Olympic Team.

“I’m really excited. I’ve been wanting to get back into coaching for some time now and I feel I can really add something here,” said Sarner by phone Monday, “It just seemed natural.” By serving simultaneously on the Jacks’ coaching staff and continuing on as head Odessa scout, Sarner says he is afforded a unique opportunity. “By being in Odessa to teach the game during the week and still being able to fulfill my scouting duties, I can really do all I can for each of these players…I want these kids to succeed. That’s our goal.”

Cressman agrees that Sarner’s dual role with the Jacks will foster continuity throughout Odessa’s hockey operations department. “[Sarner]’s the guy out there recruiting the bulk of our players and signing our tenders,” explained Cressman, “He knows these new players and our returners firsthand and his presence will certainly have a positive impact on us retaining more of our tenders next year and beyond.”

Margettie, a Niagara Falls, Ontario native and current member of the Jackalopes’ ownership group, echoes Sarner’s sentiments. “I just want to help these kids,” said Margettie, “We’re trying to build a program here and advancing players is how you do it. It’s an honor to be part of this staff and I’m ready to get going.” Following a successful junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, Margettie enjoyed three stints with the Jackalopes during a 12-year professional career in the WPHL, CHL, UHL and IHL. A local firefighter in the Odessa Fire Department, Margettie has also long-served as the Director of the Jackalopes’ “Jr. Jacks” youth hockey program.

A former standout USHL goaltender for the Fargo Force and Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Cody Campbell joins the Jackalopes as the team’s first-ever full-time goaltending coach following a three-year playing career at Niagara University in New York State. A co-owner of the renowned Canadian Professional Goalie Schools, Campbell is thrilled to embark on his first foray into coaching. “I’m truly excited that Coach Cressman has given me this opportunity,” said Campbell Monday, “As a guy who’s spent the last six years playing junior and college hockey, I think I can really relate to these [goaltenders] because I’ve gone through what they’re going through so recently…that gives us an instant respect factor.”

In 2011-12, the Jackalopes’ goaltending program produced one of the nation’s top goaltending prospects in NHL draftee Connor Hellebuyck (5th round, 130th overall - Winnipeg), but in 2012-13 turned in league-lows in combined goals-against average (5.15) and save percentage (.871). Campbell says he’s got a plan to fix the Jacks’ woes between the pipes. “Goalies need structure every day,” explained Campbell, “Our guys will have that. They’ll have specific things to work on every single day and that way, when Friday and Saturday roll around, they’ll know that there’s nothing more they could’ve done to prepare for that game…that knowledge brings confidence and confidence is the key to success for goalies.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Winterhawks take game four of the Memorial Cup

Press Release

The Portland Winterhawks’ offence came to life, registering six goals to help them take game four of the MasterCard Memorial Cup by defeating the London Knights 6-3 at the Credit Union Centre.

The Winterhawks opened the scoring at 16:53 of the first period. Taylor Leier let a shot go from the point that got past a screened Anthony Stolarz.

Although Mac Carruth didn’t face as many shots, he made a few big saves, totalling nine in the first twenty minutes of play.

Portland recorded their second goal of the contest at 2:17 of the second period. Oliver Bjorkstrand came out from behind the net and wristed a shot in the top part of the net.

Ty Rattie split two London defenders before making a beautiful toe-drag move and backhanding the puck into the net just past the halfway point of the second period. The three-goal lead would last less than fifteen seconds as defenseman Scott Harrington scored his first goal of the tournament.

The Knights then benefited from a power-play opportunity to cut Portland’s lead to one. Bo Horvat redirected a magnificent Max Domi offering past Carruth at 12:30.

London erased the three-goal deficit on an Alex Broadhurst marker at 1:48 of the third period. The forward pounced on a juicy rebound and flipped the puck into the opposing net.

The Winterhawks took the lead back at 6:20 on a goal by Derrick Pouliot. Twenty-three seconds later, Chase De Leo put Portland up 5-3 with his first goal of the tournament. The goal prompted Knights head coach Dale Hunter to call upon his backup netminder, Jake Patternson, to try to change the game’s momentum.

Unfortunately for the Knights, they were unable to register a second comeback. The Winterhawks added an empty-net goal to complete the scoring.

Game five of the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup will see the London Knights take on the Halifax Mooseheads. The game can be seen live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports starting at 8 pm ET / 9 pm AT.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Ducks Sign Karlsson to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract

Press Release

 The Ducks have signed center William Karlsson to a three-year entry-level contract. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

Karlsson, 20 (1/8/93), was named the 2012-13 Swedish Elite League Rookie of the Year after scoring 4-24=28 points with a +17 rating and 12 penalty minutes (PIM) in 50 games with HV71. Karlsson led all league rookies in assists, ranked second in scoring, tied for second in appearances and tied for third in game-winning goals (2). He also collected 0-2=2 points in five playoff games with HV71. In addition, Karlsson was a member of Sweden’s silver medal-winning squad at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia, earning 0-2=2 points with a +1 rating in six games.

Selected in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Karlsson completed his second season with Vasteras of Sweden’s Allsvenskan league (second division) in 2011-12, scoring 12-33=45 points with six PIM and a +25 rating. He ranked tied for fourth among all Allsvenskan skaters in assists and was tied for 11th in scoring. A native of Marsta, Sweden, Karlsson won gold with Sweden at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta. He scored 1-1=2 points in six tournament contests.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

JIM DONLEVY RECIPIENT OF WHL GOVERNORS AWARD

Press Release

SASKATOON, SK -- The Western Hockey League announced that Jim Donlevy, who has managed the WHL's League-wide Education program for over 20 years, has been named this year's recipient of the WHL Governors Award.  The Award was presented to Mr. Donlevy at a reception in Saskatoon on Sunday, May 19th, by WHL Chairman of the Board Bruce Hamilton on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors.

The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual, who through their outstanding achievements and service to the League, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.  The WHL Governors Award is the highest honor the WHL bestows on an individual who has been associated with the League.

As head of the WHL Education program since 1992, Mr. Donlevy has been instrumental in the WHL’s remarkable growth in the academic area both at the high school and post-secondary levels.  Mr. Donlevy played a key role in the adoption of league-wide education policies and procedures which have enabled WHL student athletes to accomplish their academic goals while playing hockey at the highest level of the Canadian system.  Mr. Donlevy also played an integral role in the establishment of the WHL Scholarship program which is recognized as one of the most comprehensive of its kind in North America. Since 1992, the WHL has awarded over 4,600 WHL Scholarships to graduate players representing an investment of over $13.5 million by WHL Clubs.  Mr. Donlevy has also provided academic counseling services to WHL players and parents throughout his career at the WHL.

Prior to joining the WHL, Mr. Donlevy spent over 25 years at the University of Alberta serving as a Professor in the Physical Education faculty and Head Coach of the Golden Bears football team.  In ten years as Head Coach of the Alberta Golden Bears, Mr. Donlevy's team advanced to the Vanier Cup on six occasions, winning two national championships.

Mr. Donlevy will be stepping down from his full-time position as the Director of Education Services at the WHL Office in Calgary at the end of June, but will remain on in an advisory capacity until December 31, 2013.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Kevin Holmstrom Joins Miners 16UAAA Coaching Staff

Press Release

The Pikes Peak Miners are proud to announce the addition of Kevin Holmstrom to the 16U coaching staff.  Kevin brings 20 years of knowledge and high-level coaching experience to the Miners organization.  While coaching with the PPAHA Jr. Tigers, Colorado Thunderbirds and Colorado Rampage he has lead several teams to State and District championships.  His teams have advanced  to the Tier 1 USA Hockey National Tournament on five separate occasions over four age groups.

Coach Holmstrom has been a long-standing and important figure in the Colorado hockey community.   Along with his 20 years of coaching, Kevin served as the Pikes Peak Amateur Hockey Association president and was on the board of directors with Colorado Springs following the PPAHA merger.  His influence on the growth and development of Tier 1 hockey in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain District cannot be downplayed or overlooked. 

Numerous former players have been very successful in advancing to the Junior, College and the Pro ranks.  "Kevin has probably influenced more Colorado players who have advanced to D-1 and Professional hockey than any coach in the Rocky Mountain District.  I coached against his Bantam and 16U Thunderbirds teams from about 2002-2006, and I'm not sure I've seen harder working or more disciplined teams in the years since then," states Miners 16U head coach, Lucas Trombetta. 

Coach Trombetta continues, "Kevin has had a tremendous amount of success with championships and trips to the Tier 1 National tournament at the 14U, 16U, and 18U levels.  I am looking forward to working with him on behalf of our players.   Not only will our players benefit from Kevin's influence, but our coaching staff will as well.  Kevin is a positive guy with high competitive expectations, and his influence will be felt program-wide." 

Kevin is enthusiastic about his return to the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association with the Miners 16U team.  He states, “I am excited to bring not only a high energy level to the team, but just as importantly, another source of knowledge and direction for each individual's future.”  Coach Holmstrom lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Michelle, who has volunteered countless hours in youth hockey over the years.  His sons, Josh and Ben, both grew up in Colorado Springs playing for the Pikes Peak Amateur Hockey Association.   Josh will be a senior playing hockey at UMASS-Lowell (NCAA Div-1), and Ben is playing professionally with the Philadelphia Flyers. 
 

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

Makarov, Blades neutralize Mooseheads

Press Release

Andrey Makarov was spectacular in net, stopping 27 shots to lead the Saskatoon Blades to a 5-2 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads in game three of the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Halifax Mooseheads got an early power-play opportunity, but they were unable to set up in the offensive zone and get any real good scoring chances.

The Blades opened the scoring at 12:11.

Matej Stransky was insistent in the crease and finally managed to push the puck past a sprawling Zachary Fucale.

Saskatoon retreated to their dressing room with a one-goal lead after the first 20 minutes of play. Andrey Makarov was solid in net, making 11 stops. The Blades goaltender was as stellar in the second frame, frustrating the Mooseheads offence which was unable to get anything going.

Stransky recorded his second goal of the game at 18:45 to enable Saskatoon to retreat to their dressing room with a two-goal lead.

It took the Blades all of 103 seconds to get a three goal advantage. Lukas Sutter kept at it in the crease, dislodging the puck off of Fucale’s skate and into the back of the net.

The Blades put the game out of reach a few minutes later on Darren Dietz marker less than one minute later.

Halifax was finally able to get on the board at 6:48. Stephen MacAulay one-timed a Konrad Abeltshauser pass behind Makarov. Nathan MacKinnon quieted the crowd a few minutes later with his second goal of the tournament, but it was too little too late.

The Blades scored an empty-net goal with just under two seconds to go, winning the game 5-2.

Game four of the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup will see the London Knights take on the Portland Winterhawks. The game can be seen live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports starting at 7 pm ET / 8 pm AT.


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

BANDITS BEAT WESTERN CAPITALS, WIN FIRST-EVER RBC CUP

Press Release

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – Cam Maclise scored once and added an assist to pace the offence as the Brooks Bandits were crowned national champions for the first time, beating the Summerside Western Capitals 3-1 in the final of the 2013 RBC Cup on Sunday night.

The Bandits are the eighth team from the Alberta Junior Hockey League to win Canada’s National Junior A Championship, and the first to do it since the Camrose Kodiaks won their lone national title in 2001.

For the second consecutive night, the attendance set a single-game tournament record; 4,211 watched Sunday’s final, topping the 3,386 that saw Summerside beat Surrey in overtime in Saturday’s semifinal.

Anthony Petruzzelli and Dakota Mason also scored for Brooks, which became the second team in as many years to win the RBC Cup after finishing the season in the No. 1 spot on the CJHL Top 20 rankings; Penticton did it last season.

Chris Caissy had the lone goal for Summerside, which lost the national final on home ice for the second time in three tries; it fell to Thunder Bay in the 1989 championship game before beating South Surrey in 1997 for its only national crown.

Brooks jumped on the Western Capitals right out of the gate, taking a 2-0 lead before the first period reached its midway point.

First it was Petruzzelli, tapping a centering feed from Maclise into an open net, starting the scoring at 7:17 before Mason found the five-hole on Summerside goaltender Kevin Bailie just 80 seconds later to double the lead.

The Western Capitals got one back at 10:20 when Caissy squeezed one through Brooks netminder Michael Fredrick, but that would be it for offence from the host team.

The Bandits allowed Summerside just 18 shots on goal, 10 in the final 40 minutes and none in the first 12 minutes of the third period, when Brooks held on to a tenuous one-goal lead.

Maclise capped the scoring and clinched the win with just 29.6 seconds left, scoring into an empty net.

It was fitting it was Maclise who scored the final goal; the Bandits’ captain led the way from start to finish for Brooks, becoming the first player to win national player of the year honours and the national championship in the same season since Greg Johnson in 1989.

Summerside is the second straight Maritime Hockey League to lose in the championship game, after Penticton beat Woodstock last year. The Western Capitals were the 17th host team to reach the final since the start of the tournament format in 1985; the home side is now 7-10 in championship games.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

U16 and U19 Northern Cyclones Updated Team Information

Press Release

 The U19 and the U16 Cyclones are proud to announce that they will be competing in the EJEPL this coming winter. The U19 team will compete as a U18 team in the league while also playing in the MET League. The league will consist of a twenty game schedule with games against teams from all over the east coast. The Cyclones will be hosting a league showcase in December. With the season months away, both teams are coming together very well. The U19 team seems to be very strong in the net with three very strong ’96 goaltenders: Jimmy Poreda (Buffalo, NY), Joe Beauchesne (Londonderry, NH), and Nick Amato (Coconut, FL). The U16 team is proud to announce that local boy Alec Marshall (Nashua, NH) will be one of the goaltenders for the team this coming fall. There are still available spots for both teams. Please contact Head Coach Frank O’Connor at foconnor@northerncyclones.com for more information. Look for more updates each week!

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)