Friday, October 31, 2008

WHL's Roster

Some news to report on this Friday afternoon.

Press Release

CALGARY, AB – The Canadian Hockey League and the Western Hockey League today announced the players and coaching staff competing in the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge for Team WHL.

The sixth annual ADT Canada Russia Challenge will take place November 17th to 27th, 2008 in Canada as Canadian Hockey League All-Star Teams, from each of its three member Leagues (WHL, OHL and QMJHL), take on the Russian National Junior Team in a six game series.

Team WHL was selected by a special committee of WHL General Managers along with Al Murray, Hockey Canada’s Head Scout for the Canadian National Junior Team, as part of the selection process for the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships.

The complete Team WHL roster consists of 25 players – two goalies, eight defenceman and 15 forwards. Top NHL prospects for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft including Brayden Schenn (Brandon Wheat Kings), Jared Cowen (Spokane Chiefs) and Evander Kane (Vancouver Giants) will compete in the series along with seven first round draft picks from the 2008 NHL Entry including Kyle Beach (Everett Silvertips), Tyler Myers (Kelowna Rockets) and Colten Teubert (Regina Pats).

The two WHL games will be hosted in the province of Saskatchewan by the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday, November 26th and the Prince Albert Raiders on Thursday, November 27th. Game tickets are available at the Prince Albert Raiders office (306) 764-4263 and at the Swift Current Broncos office (306) 773-1509 Ext. 1.

Since the introduction of the ADT Canada Russia Challenge in 2003, Team WHL has posted a 9-1 record against the Russian National Junior Team, outscoring their opponent 52-17. Overall the Canadian Hockey League has a 25-5 record during the ADT Canada Russia Challenge.

The WHL also announced today that Canadian National Junior Team Assistant Coach Willie Desjardins of the Medicine Hat Tigers will serve as Head Coach while the 2007-08 WHL Coach of the Year Don Nachbaur, of the Tri-City Americans, will act as Assistant Coach. Also, Broncos General Manager/Head Coach Dean Chynoweth will be an Assistant Coach during the Swift Current game and Raiders General Manager/Head Coach Bruno Campese will serve as Assistant Coach for the Prince Albert game.

“We are looking forward to bringing this major international series to two of our long standing small markets in Saskatchewan,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “It is the only time our top Canadian Players in the WHL have the opportunity to compete against their historic rivals from Russia.”

Last year the CHL posted a 4-2 record during the series and have won the past five ADT Canada Russia Challenges which has coincided with the Canadian National Junior Team going on to win four straight gold medals at the World Junior Championship.

2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge Schedule of Games
Game 1 – Monday, November 17 in Sydney, NS
Game 2 – Wednesday, November 19 in Saint John, NB
Game 3 – Thursday, November 20 in Guelph, ON
Game 4 – Monday, November 24 in St. Catherines, ON
Game 5 – Wednesday, November 26 in Swift Current, SK
Game 6 – Thursday, November 27 in Prince Albert, SK

All six games will be broadcast nationally on Rogers Sportsnet with RDS televising both games from the QMJHL.

The following is the list of WHL players participating in the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge:

Forwards (15): Club: Hometown:
Bast, Jason Moose Jaw Moose Jaw, SK
Beach, Kyle* Everett Kelowna, BC
Benn, Jamie Kelowna Victoria, BC
Boychuk, Zach* Lethbridge Airdrie, AB
Broda, Joel Moose Jaw Prince Albert, SK
Calvert, Matt Brandon Brandon, MB
Eberle, Jordan* Regina Regina, SK
Ennis, Tyler* Medicine Hat Edmonton, AB
Kane, Evander** Vancouver Vancouver, BC
Kozun, Brandon Calgary Calgary, AB
Sceviour, Colton Lethbridge Red Deer, AB
Schenn, Braydon** Brandon Saskatoon, SK
Sonne, Brett Calgary Maple Ridge, BC
Sylvester, Dustin Kootenay Kelowna, BC
Tyrell, Dana Prince George Airdire, AB

Defence (8): Club: Hometown:
Aulie, Keith Brandon Rouleau, SK
Cowen, Jared** Spokane Allan, SK
Hamonic, Travis Moose Jaw St. Malo, MB
Hickey, Thomas* Seattle Calgary, AB
Myers, Tyler* Kelowna DeWinton, AB
Negrin, John Kootenay Vancouver, BC
Spurgeon, Jared Spokane Edmonton, AB
Teubert, Colten Regina White Rock, BC

Goaltenders (2): Club: Hometown:
Pickard, Chet* Tri-City Americans Winnipeg, MB
Tokarski, Dustin Spokane Watson, SK

* First round pick 2008 NHL Entry Draft
** 1991 birth-dates eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft


My friend Guy Flamming over at Coming Down the Pipe! had an interesting take on the ADT Canada Russia Challenge. He says make the team draft eligible and players that were privously passed over in the draft to showcase their stuff in front of the scouts. Russia hasn't taking the initative to field the best team possible for this event. The games will be more competative I think. It's not like Hockey Canada doesn't see the players during the season.

Flamming's partner Dean Millard disagress with him. He makes an interesting point about Kyle Beach and how this event could help Beach.

Beach of the Everett Silvertips, has had off ice issues, and was a problem child at the U-18's a couple of years ago, when he taped "TEAM OHL" over the Team Canada logo on his jersey, implying that head coach Dave Barr was giving preferential treatment to those from the Ontario Hockey League.

Has Hockey Canada punished him enough? I say yes, as he is exactly the type of player that can help them drive for 5 in Ottawa. Invite him to camp, if he's acting up, send him home, if he's not keep him and let him start repairing his damaged reputation. That's what HC did with Steve Downie in 2006.
Beach was using his freedom of speech. Do I agree on what he did but I think Hockey Canada should move past that. He could be a player that Canada could use "for the drive for 5 in Ottawa."

Both make great points and glad each side was presented. The CHL wants to make money and if it isn't an all-star roster, fans won't go through the turnstiles, for the CHL and the three leagues that represent the CHL, that's a problem if the building empty. That's why Guy's proposal won't work.

How about a new country for this event? Instead of Russia, how about the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland or Sweden? The Czech Republic and Slovakia would be the easiest because they have plethora of players playing in the CHL. That would mean more players from the CHL participating. Slovakia already has an Under 20 team that plays in the Slovakia Extraliga. It would give them confidence heading into the World Juniors. The Czech Republic would have plenty of talented players to make it competitive. Same with Finland and could see their true World Junior team. Sweden is unlikely because most of their top players are playing in the Swedish Elite League and I can't see a Victor Hedman or Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson type coming over. It would just be facing Russia over again.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Part Deux

10. Phaneuf levels Olesz

One of my favorite players Dion Phaneuf lays Rostislav Olesz at the 2003 World Junior Championships.



9. USA Hockey U18 - 06/07 Season Highlights

Matt Rust is the best dancer in hockey.



8. 2006 World Junior Hockey Moments Team Canada and More



7. Top 10 Canada Junior Plays In 20-Game Win Streak





6. London Knights Mem Cup Video

A collection of videos from one of the greatest teams ever fielded in the CHL.



5. Crosby/Kessel/Ovechkin Montage



4. US Wins World Junior Championships

It's amazing how much talent that played in this game.



3. Canada vs U.S.S.R 1987 World Junior Hockey bench clearing Brawl

One the most memorable moments in the World Junior Championships.



2. Memorial Cup Breaks in Half

Probably the single greatest moment at the Memorial Cup.



1. 2007 IIHF U20 Canada vs USA Shootout

One of the greatest moments for both teams at the World Junior Championships. Every player that was involved in the shootout except for Jeff Frazee has played in the NHL. It's hard to break into the NHL with Martin Brodeur in net but as earlier seen in the countdown he has some weaknesses on the ice. Mr. January, Jonathan Toews sent Canada to the Gold Medal Game. I was like a little kid listening to this game on XM radio.



That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

My Top 21

Well today I officially lose my junior eligibility as I turn 21(I know 87's are too old to begin the 2008-2009 season). I thought I would share my top 21 junior/college hockey videos/moments. I hope you enjoy part I.

21. MJAHL Brawl



20. Kevin Roy



19. Sidney Crosby Lacrosse Goal



18. Ben Bishop Goalie Fight



Won't be the last goalie fight in the countdown.

17. Kyle Okposo Goal vs. Minnesota State



16. Mike Leggs Goal



15. Brandon Sutter Hits Alexei Cherepanov



14. David Perron's Goal



13. Jeff Frazee's Mistake



12. Jack Johnson Takes off Cory Schneider's Helmet



11. Jonathan Roy



Part Two at Noon

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mid Day Notes

CHL Press Release

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 Rankings for this week. The weekly rankings of the Canadian Hockey League’s Top 10 are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top-10 Rankings – Week 7

Rank Team (Record) Last Week Number of Weeks in Rankings
1. Windsor Spitfires (15-1-0-0) 1 7
2. Moncton Wildcats (14-0-2-0) 3 6
3. Calgary Hitmen (13-3-0-0) 6 2
4. Vancouver Giants (10-0-0-3) 7 5
5. Quebec Remparts (12-2-0-1) 2 4
6. London Knights (10-3-0-1) 8 4
7. Shawinigan Cataractes (13-4-0-0) 9 4
8. Spokane Chiefs (9-2-0-3) 4 7
9. Guelph Storm (10-5-0-1) 10 5
10. Drummondville Voltigeurs (12-3-0-2) - 5
John Carlson got his X-Rays back the other day and they came up negative. His status for tonight's marquee game against the Windsor Spitfires is questionable.

The Spokane Chiefs has taking Ondrej Roman off their roster. The 19-year-old has returned to his native Czech Republic where he has five points in 16 games with Viktovice HC. Sounds like he wants to return to the Chiefs

He is playing in his native Czech Republic while apparently awaiting his release so that he can return to the Chiefs for whom he played the previous two seasons. "We have an import spot available for Ondrej if he returns to Spokane," Chiefs GM Tim Speltz said in a release. "There is no immediate timeline for his return so we're going to remove him from the roster."
Western College Hockey has the latest commitments to Western schools.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

WHL News

All right is some WHL news for once. I am not going to lie I am East coast biased but it doesn't mean I don't follow the league.

The biggest story this week in the Dub has been the sale of the Portland Winterhawks to Bill Gallacher. He met with fans, sponsors and corporate partners, staff and players at Wednesday's reception at Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Portland. He had this to say:

“The Portland Winter Hawks organization has demonstrated its ability to fill Memorial Coliseum, inspire fans and the City of Portland with a spirit of civic pride, and to win the Memorial Cup,” said Gallacher. “Our plan for the future is to do just that once again.”
He has four objectives: 1) developing a championship-caliber team capable of winning the Memorial Cup, 2) restoring the organization to profitability through strategic sponsorships and offering customers a top-notch entertainment product, 3) building community partnerships, and 4) renewing a spirit of excitement and hometown pride in the Portland Winter Hawks.

He also named a new General Manager and Coach. Mike Johnston will be filling both positions. His assistant will be Travis Green who spent 15 years in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, Boston Bruins, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also played for the Spokane Chiefs and the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.

The Portland Tribune has a story on the transfer of ownership. It's good to see this franchise getting a fresh start. I know they had some issues last year.

The Kelowna Rockets found out Tuesday that Luke Schenn will not be going back to juniors. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be keeping him the NHL. So far this season he has no points in nine games but has 15 penalty minutes. He also has a -4.

A couple of trades have gone down this week. The Tri-City Americans have traded for 19-year-old defenseman Scott Maetche from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. The Chilliwack Bruins have made a trade for 18-year old defenceman Alexander Grill-Donovan from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for a conditional 6th round pick in the 2010 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants was featured on TSN recently. The Giants also gave Milan Lucic a new 2007 Memorial Cup Championship ring on Tuesday after his orginal was stolen this summer at his parents' house. I have a love-hate relationship with Lucic. I despise him for that Memorial Cup but I have a man crush on him as a Bruin. Here's the Hit of the Year so far:



That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Riopel and Benn Honored

CHL Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Nicola Riopel of the Moncton Wildcats is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 26.

Riopel, a 19-year-old from St-Pie-de-Bagot, QC backstopped the Moncton Wildcats to a 3-0-0-0 record this week. In the three wins, Riopel stopped 99 shots for a .971 save percentage and allowed only three goals for a goals-against-average of 1.00.

The highlight of his week came in a 6-0 shutout win Friday night against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Riopel made 41 saves and was named the first star of the game. Riopel was also victorious on Wednesday night making 23 saves to beat the Chicoutimi Sagueneens 4-2 and his 35 saves on Sunday helped the Wildcats beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 5-1.

With that win, Moncton has won eight straight games on the road to start the season which ties a QMJHL record. Riopel leads all QMJHL goaltenders with 13 wins and three shutouts. He also has a league best goals-against-average of 1.41, and save percentage of .950 in 14 games.

Nominees for this award included Adam Brown of the Kelowna Rockets who was perfect this week going 2-0-0-0 and stopping all 29 shots he faced to earn two shutouts in the WHL. Jason Guy of the London Knights was also considered after going 2-0-0-0 with a shutout victory. Guy posted a 1.50 goals-against-average and a .952 save percentage on the week.

Celebrating its 134th anniversary, ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire & Security, is the largest provider of electronic security services to more than six million commercial, federal and residential customers throughout North America. ADT's total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit television, access control, critical condition monitoring, electronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification (RFID) and integrated systems. ADT's web site addresses are www.adt.com or www.adt.ca.


2008-09 ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week

Oct. 28 – Nicola Riopel, Moncton Wildcats

Oct. 21 – Brandon Foote, Brampton Battalion

Oct. 14 – Calvin Pickard, Seattle Thunderbirds

Oct. 7 – Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

Sept. 30 – Andrew Engelage, Windsor Spitfires

Sept. 23 – Jamie Tucker, Vancouver Giants

CHL Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Jamie Benn of the Kelowna Rockets is the Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 26 after scoring five goals and four assists for nine points in three games finishing with a plus-1 plus-minus rating.

On Wednesday night in Chilliwack, Benn was named the first star of the game for scoring two goals and two assists in the 5-0 win over the Bruins. The Rockets and the Bruins would meet again Friday night where Benn continued his scoring ways netting two goals and one assist good for third star of the game honours in the 6-0 win. The Rockets hosted the Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday night with Benn contributing a goal and an assist in the 3-2 loss.

Benn, a 19-year-old from Victoria, BC is in his second WHL season with the Rockets and is currently tied for the league lead in goals scored with 12 and sits fourth in points with 23. Benn was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Taylor Hall of the top ranked Windsor Spitfires was the OHL nominee for the award scoring four goals and five assists for nine points leading the Spitfires to three wins. The QMJHL nominee was forward Chris Doyle of the P.E.I. Rocket with two goals and six assists in four games this week for eight points.

2008-09 Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week
Oct. 28 – Jamie Benn, Kelowna Rockets
Oct. 21 – Matthew Pistilli, Shawinigan Cataractes
Oct. 14 – Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia Sting
Oct. 7 – Stefan Della Rovere, Barrie Colts
Sept. 30 – Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Sept. 23 – Michael Stinziani, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles


That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

OHL Roster

OHL Press Release

The Guelph Storm and Niagara IceDogs hockey clubs in collaboration with the Ontario Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League held simultaneous news conferences today announcing the coaching staffs and rosters for their respective games of the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge.

Hockey Canada’s Chief Scout Al Murray along with Sarnia Sting General Manager Alan Miller and Peterborough Petes General Manager Jeff Twohey selected two rosters that will compete for Team OHL in the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge. The 6th annual ADT Canada Russia Challenge will play a key role in the selection process of Canada’s World Junior Hockey Championship team that will look to capture a fifth straight gold medal on home ice this January in Ottawa.

Top prospects for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft including John Tavares (Oshawa Generals), Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion), and Nazem Kadri (London Knights) have all been named to the squad. P.K. Subban (Belleville Bulls) joins Tavares as the only members of the 2008 Team Canada squad that won gold at the World Junior Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic. 30 players in total have been named to the rosters and of this number 21 are NHL drafted including five first round picks. Eight players on the rosters are eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires) is the only player named to the roster that is ineligible for the draft until 2010.

Dave Cameron, Head Coach/General Manager of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors will handle the head coaching duties for both games. Cameron will be an assistant coach this year at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships hosted in Ottawa. Joining Cameron behind the bench as an assistant coach on Thursday November 20 in Guelph will be Jason Brooks, Head Coach of the Guelph Storm. Last January Brooks won a gold medal as Head Coach of Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge hosted in London. Head Coach of the IceDogs Mario Cicchillo will serve as an assistant coach to Cameron for the game hosted in Niagara on Monday November 24. Cicchillo was earlier named the head coach of Team Ontario for the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge this winter.

The 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge schedule of games is as follows: Game 1 – Monday November 17 in Sydney, NS
Game 2 – Wednesday November 19 in Saint John, NB
Game 3 – Thursday November 20 in Guelph, ON
Game 4 – Monday November 24 in St. Catharines, ON
Game 5 – Wednesday November 26 in Swift Current, SK
Game 6 – Thursday November 27 in Prince Albert , SK

All six ADT Canada Russia Challenge games will be televised nationwide on Rogers Sportsnet. The games being played in the QMJHL markets will air on RDS.

Here are the OHL rosters for the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge:

Game 1 – Guelph, ON – November 20
Forwards (OHL Club):
Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion)
Casey Cizikas (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors)
Peter Holland (Guelph Storm)
Anthony Nigro (Guelph Storm)
Cody Hodgson (Brampton Battalion)
Chris Terry (Plymouth Whalers)
Nazem Kadri (London Knights)
Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires)
Greg Nemisz (Windsor Spitfires)
Dale Mitchell (Windsor Spitfires)
Logan Couture (Ottawa 67’s)
John Tavares (Oshawa Generals)

Defence (OHL Club):
Michael Del Zotto (Oshawa Generals)
Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires)
Cameron Gaunce (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors)
Mark Cundari (Windsor Spitfires)
Tyler Cuma (Ottawa 67’s)
T.J. Brodie (Saginaw Spirit)

Goaltenders (OHL Club):
Chris Carrozzi (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors)
Tyler Beskorowany (Owen Sound Attack)


Game 2 – St. Catharines, ON – November 24
Forwards:
Matt Duchene (Brampton Battalion)
Jamie Arniel (Sarnia Sting)
Zack Kassian (Peterborough Petes)
Andrew Agozzino (Niagara IceDogs)
Cody Hodgson (Brampton Battalion)
Nazem Kadri (London Knights)
Bryan Cameron (Belleville Bulls)
Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires)
Greg Nemisz (Windsor Spitfires)
Logan Couture (Ottawa 67’s)
John Tavares (Oshawa Generals)
Eric O’Dell (Sudbury Wolves)

Defence (OHL Club):
Michael Del Zotto (Oshawa Generals)
P.K. Subban (Belleville Bulls)
Ryan Ellis (Windsor Spitfires)
Shawn Lalonde (Belleville Bulls)
Cameron Gaunce (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors)
Mark Katic (Sarnia Sting)

Goaltenders (OHL Club):
Mike Murphy (Belleville Bulls)
Trevor Cann (Peterborough Petes)
All I can say is the OHL is stacked. Just looking at the names it seems like the perfect roster (s). For people who follow the OHL very closely, did anyone get snubbed? I like to know from someone who follows the league closely.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Top Draft Eligible Players of the Week

From Coming Down the Pipe

Each week, International Scouting Services (ISS), Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Hockey Now, and The Pipeline Show recognize the Top Draft Eligible player from each of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft based on their play over the course of the week. Players are nominated and the selected by graduates of the SMWW Hockey GM & Scouting with each of the winners receiving a gift acknowledging their selection.

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE – OHL

Zack Kassian, Peterborough Petes


Zack Kassian (pictured playing for Team Canada at the U-17 tournament, courtesy Getty Images) of the Peterborough Petes had an excellent pair of games this week recording a 2 goals and 3 assists in wins over Sarnia and Kitchener. Kassian, a native of LaSalle, ON has 9 points in 10 games this season and is a key part of the Petes offensive attack. After Friday evening’s game Kitchener GM/Coach Steve Spott commented to the Peterborough Examiner that Kassian was “...a big strong man and he’s going to be a great pro...” The 6’ 3” Right Wing plays well at both ends of ice and is utilized in all situations while not being afraid to mix things up physically. Kassian is currently ranked 17th overall by ISS for the upcoming draft.

Zack Kassian
Right Wing
Born Jan 24 1991 -- LaSalle, ONT
Height 6.03 -- Weight 205 -- Shoots R

Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

2007-08 Peterborough Petes OHL 58 9 12 21 74 5 1 0 1 2
2008-09 Peterborough Petes OHL 10 3 6 9 18

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE – WHL

Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets


Tyson Barrie made a solid impression on the scouts this week, registering a goal and 5 assists while being plus-2, during 2 wins against Chilliwack and a loss to Brandon. On the season, Barrie leads all WHL defensemen with 5 goals and 15 assists in 16 games. The Victoria B.C. native is known for his offensive ability and gets the most out of his 5’ 9” 165lb frame. Barrie is currently ranked 13th among WHL draft eligible players by ISS for this June.

Tyson Barrie
Defense
Born Jul 26 1991 -- Victoria, BC
Height 5.09 -- Weight 165 -- Shoots R

Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

2006-07 Kelowna Rockets WHL 7 0 3 3 2 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Kelowna Rockets WHL 64 9 34 43 32 7 1 3 4 0
2008-09 Kelowna Rockets WHL 16 5 15 20 13


QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE – QMJHL

Charles Olivier-Roussel, Shawinigan Cataractes


Charles Olivier-Roussel had an outstanding week for Shawinigan recording 4 assists in 3 games while also posting a plus- 6 rating. The 6’ 0”, 200lb native of St- Eustache, QC is amongst the league leaders in defenseman scoring with 2 goals and 14 assists in 17 games this season. Roussel is known as a reliable defender who is rarely caught out of position. Right now Roussell is the 3rd ranked defenceman in the QMJHL for the upcoming draft.

Charles-Olivier Roussel
Defense
Born Sep 13 1991 -- St-Eustache, PQ
Height 6.01 -- Weight 200 -- Shoots R

Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

2007-08 Shawinigan Cataractes QMJHL 50 3 13 16 28 5 1 2 3 2
2008-09 Shawinigan Cataractes QMJHL 17 2 14 16 18


UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE – USHL

Paul Phillips, Cedar Rapids Roughriders


Paul Phillips had a strong showing this week in the USHL, recording a goal and an assist in 3 games while also posting a plus- 3 rating and 19 PIM. On the season, the 5'11" defenseman has 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points and is a plus-8. The Darien, IL native is known as a smooth skater and puck handler.

Paul Phillips
Defense
Born Jul 16 1991 -- Darien, IL
Height 5.11 -- Weight 190
Regular Season Playoffs

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

2007-08 Cedar Rapids USHL 43 1 2 3 25 3 0 0 0 4
Roughriders
2008-09 Cedar Rapids USHL 8 1 4 5 25
Roughriders

About International Scouting Services (ISS)

International Scouting Service’s (ISS) goal is to offer the highest quality scouting information to hockey clubs through the dynamic integration of hockey experts, scouting procedures and state-of-the-art technology. We know that this mission is not only achievable - it is well within our grasp.

ISS is an international enterprise, in the business of scouting, evaluating, analyzing and ranking young bantam, midget and junior aged hockey players wherever hockey is played. ISS uses an exciting combination of traditional scouting methods along with the most advanced technology to arrive at quality and efficient results on these players.

Among the number of ISS products are: Annual NHL Draft Guide, Annual OHL, WHL and QJMHL Draft Previews, Annual CHL Import Draft Preview, Monthly NHL Draft Report, Monthly Future Stars Report

For more information on International Scouting Services and other products and services that it provides please visit their website at www.isshockey.com.

About Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW)

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) offers numerous sports job training programs, specially designed to get you started in a sports job or advance your sports career. In the highly competitive sports industry, sports business skills, sports team experience, and networking are all critical components. SMWW is here to provide quality sports career education, along with the skills that professional sports specifically crave.
Our eight-week sports-business training programs can be taken via the Web from anywhere in the world, at your convenience, and include live audio chats with prestigious, enthusiastic instructors in your chosen field of study.

Sports Management Worldwide’s intensive training is strictly for those individuals wanting to enhance their chances of gaining job placement in professional sports management. SMWW can assist you with sports jobs & sports careers in a variety of sports including hockey, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, motorsports, soccer, cricket, rugby, lacrosse and more.

The Hockey GM & Scouting course is an 8-week online course that offers cutting-edge theories on how to develop a career in professional or collegiate hockey. The Hockey General Manager and Scouting course will cover issues including hockey operations, team management, scouting talent, player personnel, cutting-edge methods of scouting, NHL traditional scouting techniques, statistical analysis and other essential tools of modern general managers of professional, major junior, and collegiate hockey organizations.

A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate weekly in interactive audio chats with fellow students, SMWW instructors and other special guests from within the hockey industry. This allows students the tremendous opportunity to network within the professional, junior and collegiate hockey ranks and get to know your instructors and fellow students personally.

For more information on Sports Management Worldwide check out their website at www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com.

About The Pipeline Show – Live on the TEAM 1260 Tuesdays 7 pm – 9 pm, and online at www.thepipelineshow.com

Ever wonder about the next wave of budding superstars ready to burst onto the NHL scene? You might know their names but nothing about who they are, where they come from and where their careers are going.

The Pipeline Show debuted in 2005-2006 on Edmonton’s dedicated sports radio station the TEAM 1260, and weekly radio show with a unique focus quickly found its niche in the North American sports market.

Each week Dean Millard and Guy Flaming speak with world class hockey prospects, renowned coaches and scouts as well as various respected members of the media throughout the continent, taking an in-depth look at the top hockey prospects coming down the pipe on... The Pipeline Show!

For more information on The Pipeline Show check out their website at www.thepipelineshow.com.

About Hockey Now

The goal of Hockey Now is to recognize exceptional contributions to the game by all those involved. The ultimate objective is to provide ever-widening coverage of the game, from minor hockey levels through to Major Junior and the NHL, and to capture the spirit of the game and reflect its central position in Canadian life.

Since launching in 1999, Hockey Now has continually expanded their coverage, issues, circulation and readership. With official ties to many of the largest and most influential hockey organizations in Canada, including B.C. Hockey, Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada, the NHL, and the NHLPA, the publications are now well established in hundreds of communities across the country.
With four regional editions plus special supplements serving B.C., Alberta, The Prairies and Ontario, Hockey Now covers about 80% of the vast hockey community in English-speaking Canada, with a total of 63 issues per year.

For more information on Hockey Now check out their website at www.hockeynow.ca
(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He cane reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

More Tidbits

It was a tough weekend for the National Team Development Program. The Under-18 squad lost Friday night 4-3 to Michigan Tech. Ryan Bourque (UNH) had two goals and had the other goal. Jerry D'Amigo (RPI) had the other goal. Cam Fowler (Notre Dame), Nick Mattson (North Dakota), Drew Shore (Denver), and John Rampage picked up assists.

On Sunday, they lost 7-3 to Lake Superior State University. Jeremy Morin had a goal and an assist. Chris Brown (Michigan) and Nick Mattson also tallied a goal. Bourque, D'Amigo, Shore, and William Wrenn (Denver) added assists.

For the Under 17 squad, they were able to split the two game series with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. On Friday, the National Team came on top 4-2. Goals were scored by Emerson Etem who scored twice, Jarred Tinordi, and Austin Czarnik (Michigan State). The helpers went to Chasen Bailey, Shane Sooth, Nick Shore, Byran Rust (Notre Dame), and Michael Mersch (Wisconsin)

Saturday night they lost 3-2 but both goals were with the extra attacker. Sooth and Czarnik were the goal scorers. Bailey and Matthew Nieto got the helpers.

I am surprised this hasn't been more widely reported on the blogoshere. Max Gardiner, the brother of Wisconsin's Jake Gardiner, has committed to the University of Minnesota. It looks like for the 2010 season. The Gopher Hockey Blog has more and talks about brothers going to the same schools or taking the sibling rivalry to a whole new level. One of the highly touted players that decided not to join the National Team Development Program.

Now on Sunday, I reported that John Carlson had seperated his shoulder. This was coming from an unconfirmed report I received from what a radio announcer had said on the air. I thought it was public knowledge but the Knights just hadn't confirmed the injury. Well I stirred up some discussion at the NOOF yesterday morning. Take it what it's worth but apparently he was reevaluated yesterday.

The Portland Winterhawks have called a press conference for Wednesday. It looks like the team has been sold. Taking Note has another tidbit on this story.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Monday, October 27, 2008

Hall is the OHL Player of the Week

Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 26. Hall led the top ranked Spitfires to three wins this week scoring four goals and adding five assists for nine points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-4.

Hall had his best game of the week on Thursday night recording a point in each of the five Spitfires’ goals as they defeated the Guelph Storm 5-3. Hall opened the scoring in the contest in the first minute of play and would add an insurance marker late in the third period to secure the win. Those two goals combined with his three assists earned him second star of the game honours. On Saturday night Hall scored the lone goal of the game on the power play in the second period and was the game’s third star as the Spitfires beat the Plymouth Whalers 1-0. In the rematch Sunday, Hall scored one goal and two assists in a 9-4 home win over the Whalers.

Hall, a 16-year-old from Kingston, ON currently leads the OHL in scoring with 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 16 games. Hall is in his second season with the Spitfires and was the recipient of the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year last season.

Also considered for the award this week was Adam Henrique of the Windsor Spitfires who scored four goals and four assists for eight points in three games including a five-point night against the Plymouth Whalers where he scored his first OHL career hat-trick. Bryan Cameron of the Belleville Bulls had four goals and two assists for six points in three games. Goaltender Jason Guy of the London Knights went 2-0 this week with a shutout and a 1.50 goals-against-average and a .952 save percentage.

2008-09 Boston Pizza OHL Players of the Week Oct. 27 – Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires
Oct. 20 – Brandon Foote, Brampton Battalion
Oct. 13 – Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia Sting
Oct. 6 – Stefan Della Rovere, Barrie Colts
Sept. 29 – Luke Pither, Guelph Storm
Sept. 22 – Matt Lyall, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week

CALGARY, AB. - The BOSTON PIZZA WHL Player of the Week is forward Jamie Benn of the Kelowna Rockets.

Benn picked up nine points, scoring five goals and four assists to go with a +1 rating, in three games over the past week, helping the Rockets post a 2-1 record in that span.

On Wednesday, October 22nd, the Rockets travelled to Chilliwack to face the Bruins at Prospera Centre. Benn netted two goals and two assists as the Rockets downed the Bruins 5-0. He was also named the games 1st star. Two days later, Friday, October 24th, the two teams met again in the latter half of the home-and-home series at Prospera Place in Kelowna. Benn had another two goal performance and added an assist as the Rockets defeated the Bruins 6-0. He was also named the games 3rd Star.

The next evening, Saturday, October 25th, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, the Rockets hosted the Brandon Wheat Kings. Benn scored one goal and one assist in the tightly contested match-up between the Clubs with the Wheat Kings eventually edging out the Rockets 3-2.

With the two victories this past week the Kelowna Rockets find themselves in second place of the WHL B.C. Division, behind the Vancouver Giants, with a 9-7-0-0 record.

Benn, a 19 year old product of Victoria, British, Columbia, is in second season with the Kelowna Rockets. At the 2007 NHL Entry Draft Benn was selected in the 5th round by the Dallas Stars.

The WHL has also nominated Adam Brown of the Kelowna Rockets for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Brown posted a 2-0-0-0 record this past week with two shut-outs, stopping all 29 shots for a 0.000 goals-against average and a 1.000 save percentage.

Brown, a 17-year-old from Yorba Linda, California, is in his rookie season with the Kelowna Rockets. He spent last season playing midget ‘AAA’ hockey for the Dallas Stars posting a 2.53 goals-against average and six shut-outs in 43 games played.

Boston Pizza WHL Player of the Week
Sept. 18 – Sept. 21: Jordan Weal, Regina Pats
Sept. 22 – Sept. 28: Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Sept. 29 – Oct. 5: Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver Giants
Oct. 6 – Oct. 12: Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants
Oct. 13 – Oct. 19: Jay Fehr, Brandon Wheat Kings
Oct. 20 – Oct. 26: Jamie Benn, Kelowna Rockets
TELUS Players of the Week

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, October 27, 2008 – P.E.I. Rocket forward Chris Doyle and Moncton Wildcats netminder Nicola Riopel today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from October 20 to 26.

Doyle helped the Rocket win two out of four games on the road by scoring two goals, including a game-winner, and adding six assists. Furthermore, he maintained a +1 rating. The New York Rangers’ fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft was a beast in the face-off circle, winning 67.9% of his draws. Doyle is currently eleventh in the QMJHL scoring standings with 22 points.

Yannick Riendeau (Voltigeurs), Sasha Famin (Wildcats) and Matthew Pistilli (Cataractes) were also considered.

The defensive player of the week is Nicola Riopel. It is already the second time this season that the Moncton goaltender is honoured. In three wins, the backstop allowed only three goals despite 102 shots directed his way. He registered a 1.00 goals-against-average and .971 save percentage while also posting a shutout. The Wildcats have yet to lose a game in regulation so far this season and are currently on a seven-game winning streak.

Brandon Gormley (Wildcats), Charles-Olivier Roussel (Cataractes) and Vincent Bourgeois (Juniors) were also strong candidates.
(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

USA Hockey Press Conference

I found this tidbit on the Buffalo Sabres website:

USA Hockey will make a major announcement at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 at HSBC Arena.

The announcement will be streamed live on Sabres.com

Among the speakers at the press conference are: Dave Ogrean, executive director, USA Hockey, B. Thomas Golisano, owner, Buffalo Sabres, Gary Bettman, commissioner, National Hockey League, Larry Quinn, managing partner, Buffalo Sabres, Jim Johannson, assistant executive director, USA Hockey.
I will have more later on.

3:20pm ET

Press Release

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today it has selected the Buffalo Sabres and HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., as the host for the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-20 Championship (commonly referred to as the IIHF World Junior Championship). Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University will serve as the secondary facility for the event. The 10-nation tournament features the world's best players under 20 years of age and is a 31-game event that takes place over the course of 10 days.


"Buffalo is a wonderful city and we could not be more pleased to be bringing the World Juniors to western New York," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "The Sabres are a first-class organization and the participants and fans from around the world will have the chance to experience that first hand."

"We are honored that USA Hockey has chosen the Buffalo Sabres and HSBC Arena as the host for the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Tournament," said Tom Golisano, owner of the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. "All of Western New York will benefit greatly from this world-class event being staged right here in Buffalo."


“The interest level of the World Junior Championship continues to grow,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “The tournament is a crown jewel within international hockey circles and an event at which fans will see the future stars of the National Hockey League and Olympic Games."

The United States has earned five medals in the event's history, claiming gold in 2004, silver in 1997 and bronze in 1986, 1992 and 2007. Team USA has played for a medal in each of the last six World Junior Championships.

2011 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TICKET PACKAGE INFORMATION
Buffalo Sabres season ticket and mini-pack holders will have the first opportunity to purchase ticket packages to the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship and will be notified with details by mail. Other fans should visit www.buffaloworldjuniors.com to purchase ticket packages. A $200 non-refundable deposit per seat is required. Should seats not be available, all money will be refunded. An on-sale date will be announced in the future. Additionally, individual game ticket information, including an on-sale date, will be announced at a later date if tickets are available.

NOTES: Tentative dates for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship are Dec. 26, 2010 - Jan. 5, 2011 ... The IIHF World Under-20 Championship was founded in 1977 ... USA Hockey conducted site visits with the three finalist cities in September -- Buffalo, N.Y., Grand Forks, N.D. and Minneapolis/St. Paul ... The International Ice Hockey Federation granted USA Hockey the rights to host three IIHF World Championships in May of 2007, including the 2009 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship (which will take place April 9-19, 2009, in Fargo, N.D. and Moorhead, Minn.), the 2011 World Under-20 Championship and the 2012 World Women's Championship (at a site to be determined) ... Tony Rossi, vice president of USA Hockey and a member of the IIHF Council, oversees all aspects of international competition for USA Hockey.
I will have more later, the video kept buffering on me so I will have my own personal thoughts later.

4:35pm

Alright I just finished listening to the Q&A session. One thing that stood out for me is the fact Dwyer Arena the home of Niagara University only holds 2,100 fans. That leads me to believe USA and Canada will be in the same grouping. They have been in the same grouping in 2007, and 2009. Now 17 games will be played at HSBC arena, I am assuming that Sweden and Russia will be in the opposite group, but will they play at HSBC or Dwyer? I could see TSN having an influence of making sure that game is at HSBC.

This was truely a team effort on the Buffalo Sabres part. The NHL had no say in the matter which makes sense because I am sure the Minnesota Wild were involved in trying to get the bid to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Region.

TSN has an Canadian Press article up. The fans are certainly happy up North. Niagara University has their own press release up on their athletic website. This is great news for the University as it can be a recruiting tool. I read the arena was remodeled back in 2000, I assume the arena is all set with all bells and whistles. I am sure the coaching staff will use it to their advantage in recruiting.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Linkorama

The biggest news so far this weekend is USA Hockey has called a press conference tomorrow at 11am at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. Buffalo has been awarded the 2011 World Junior Championships. The Buffalo News has more on this story.

My take is this a great choice for the tournament to be held. The Western New York is rich in hockey tradition, its near the Canadian border, and fans all throughout the Northeast could make the trek. In the perfect world for me it would be held in Boston but Buffalo is in driving distance. One thing I find interesting is no one from Niagera University will be present at the press conference. I forget if this is a Hockey Canada or an IIHF rule but one of the reasons that Montreal wasn't awarded the World Junior Championships for this year because there was no junior team in Montreal at the time. If Niagara University wasn't half an hour away, would Buffalo have this tournament?

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau released their preliminary "Players to Watch" list. I take a look at Maine recruits at the Maine Hockey Journal. The Hockey Journal lists all the players with New England ties in the report. What I question is why don't they rank major junior players in this report?

I have received an unconfirmed report but London's radio announcer has said defenseman John Carlson has a seperated shoulder. Hopefully the radio announcer has good sources because radio announcers aren't having a good month in reporting the news. Halifax's radio announcer John Moore said the Maineiacs were for sale. Here was Mark Just's response.

Don't be surprised if Windsor makes a trade in the next week or so. The rumor after the Peterborough-Kitchener game is Petes goaltender Trevor Cann could be on his way to Windsor.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Friday, October 24, 2008

College Commitments

Minnesota received a commitment from St. Thomas Academy forward Christian Isackson. Last season he had 22 goals and 33 assists. He will joining the Golden Gophers for the 2010 or 2011 season.

He had an offer to join the National Team Development Program this year but turned it down. He did represent Team USA at the Five Nations tournament in Slovakia in the summer where he tallied one assist. At the Select 16's, Isackson had three goals and a total of six points.

For the 2010 season, Minnesota has defenseman Mark Alt and Nate Schmidt. Ryan Walters of the Des Moines Buccaneers is also committed for the 2010 season. For the 2011 season, they have forwards Nick Bjugstad and Seth Ambroz coming in. Ambroz is a 93 born and is already playing in the USHL. So far he has a goal and two assists in seven contests.

Cornell got a commitment from one of the top players from Atlantic Canada. Jordan Escott will be in Ithaca, New York for the 2010 season. With the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League, he has six goals and 15 assists in 14 games. That's second in the league. He will be on Team Canada East roster for the World Junior A Challenge. His QMJHL rights belong to the Prince Edward Island Rocket.

Forward Jack Berger of the St. Louis Jr. Blues has committed to Princeton for the 2010 season.

Miami (OH) received a commitment from Indiana Ice defenseman Joe Hartman for next season. With the Ice, he has a goal and three assists in five contests. He joins his teammate Max Cook as the second ICE player to join the Redhawks. He has three goals and three assists in five games. Miami University has four recruits from the USHL.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

QMJHL Roster

QMJHL Press Release
BOUCHERVILLE, Wednesday, October 22, 2008 – The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Saint John Sea Dogs organizations, in collaboration with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League, today held simultaneous press conferences to announce the coaching staff and roster of Team QMJHL which will compete against a delegation of Russian All-Stars in the 2008 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.

Guy Boucher, the bench boss of the Drummondville Voltigeurs who won a gold medal as an assistant coach with the Under-18 team in Russia last spring, takes over the head coaching duties. His assistants are Mario Durocher of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Jacques Beaulieu of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

"It’s a great opportunity for the players to get some national exposure," said Boucher. "Having had the privilege to work with Hockey Canada in a few events, there are two things that players need to focus on to stand out: speed and feistiness. When comparing two equally talented players, the one who battles and ultimately comes out with the puck will draw the most attention. Finally, the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge is an opportunity for me to learn, but also to give back while shedding some positive light on the League."

Cape Breton is set to host the first game of the series on Monday, November 17, at Centre 200 while the second game will be played the following Wednesday at Harbour Station in Saint John. Then, the Russian delegation heads west where it will play two games against both the OHL and WHL all-stars.

All six contests will be televised nationwide on Rogers Sportsnet. RDS will broadcast the games played in QMJHL markets.

The ADT Canada-Russia Challenge plays a key role in the selection process of Canada’s World Junior Hockey Championship and Under-18 Championship teams. Each of the three CHL member leagues assembled a selection committee, which worked closely with Hockey Canada’s Chief Scout, Al Murray, to select the players for this year’s ADT Challenge. The QMJHL selection committee included Pascal Vincent, the General Manager and Head Coach of the Montreal Juniors, Jacques Beaulieu, the General Manager and Head Coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and Pierre Leduc, the QMJHL Director of Hockey Operations.

A total of twenty-six players will be called upon to participate in the event. Guy Boucher will announce the starters for each game at a later date.

Here is the QMJHL roster for the 2008 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge:

Goaltenders

Jake Allen (MTL)
Maxime Clermont (GAT)
Olivier Roy (CAP)

Defensemen

Mathieu Brodeur (CAP)
Marc-André Bourdon (ROU)
Simon Després (SNB)
Brandon Gormley (MON)
Alex Grant (SNB)
Hubert Labrie (GAT)
Kevin Marshall (QUE)
Charles-Antoine Roussel (SHA)
Marco Scandella (VDO)
Yann Sauvé (SNB)

Forwards

Luke Adam (MTL)
Paul Byron (GAT)
Jordan Caron (RIM)
Patrice Cormier (RIM)
Philippe Cornet (RIM)
Nicolas Deschamps (CHI)
Christopher DiDomenico (SNB)
Angelo Esposito (MTL)
Olivier Fortier (RIM)
Dave Labrecque (SHA)
Logan MacMillan (HAL)
Maxime Sauvé (VDO)
Kelsey Tessier (QUE)
The biggest surprise of this list is the snub of Nicola Riopel who leads in every goaltending category. He has a 11-1 record with a 1.57 goals against average and a .941 save percentage. This snub indicates this isn't an all star team but these are the players Hockey Canada wants to see for future international events. I don't see Maxime Clermont being invited to the Under 20 camp this December. To a certain extent I don't see Olivier Roy in Calgary this December either because he's an underager. Hockey Canada wants a good look at them for April's Under 18's if they are available.

Another reason this isn't a true All-Star team. Brandon Gormley, the first overall selection in the QMJHL Midget Draft, has two goals and three assists. His teammate Mark Barberio, has four goals and eight assists. He's not named to the team. It just shows Gormley has more potential for international events then Barberio does.

It doesn't help that Russia doesn't bring their A squad to Canada for this event. So Hockey Canada uses the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge as a good event to look at players for upcoming events and events a year or two down the road. For QMJHL fans, this is their All-Star event they should see the best in the league be on this team.

This is my list of the players that will get invited to Canada's training camp in December. Not nessacarily that will be named to the World Junior Team.

Jake Allen
Kevin Marshall
Yann Sauve
Marco Scandella
Paul Byron
Luke Adam
Nicolas Deschamps
Angelo Esposito
Christopher DiDomenico
Maxime Sauve

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

USA's Roster for the WJAC

USA's Roster

Days after announcing the coaching staff that will guide Team USA at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge, USA Hockey has released the roster for the event, which will take place in Camrose, Alberta, Canada November 2-9.

The roster consists of 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders. All 22 players come from the USHL.

"This appears to be an event that is going to continue to get bigger and better and we're glad that we're able to provide USA Hockey with enough quality talent to go into the event and compete for a gold medal," said USHL Executive Vice President Gino Gasparini. "It's always special for a player to get to represent their country and we're excited for all these young men who will get to play in the event."

In addition to Team USA, other participants will be Belarus, Germany, Russia and two teams from Canada, one from the eastern part of the country and one from the western part of the country. Team USA's game against Germany on November 4 will be their first of the event. All games in the event will be played at Camrose's Edgeworth Center.

Below is the Team USA roster breakdown.

Goaltenders
Joe Howe - Waterloo
Mike Lee - Fargo

Defense
Matt Donovan - Cedar Rapids
Seth Helgeson - Sioux City
Dave Makowski - Green Bay
Lee Moffie - Waterloo
John Moore - Chicago
Max Nicastro - Chicago
Darren Rowe - Cedar Rapids

Forwards
Josh Balch - Des Moines
Josh Birkholz - Fargo
Greg Burke - Cedar Rapids
Rocco Carzo - Des Moines
Mike Cichy - Tri-City
David Gerth - Lincoln
Danny Kristo - Omaha
Nick Larson - Waterloo
Pat Mullane - Omaha
Nick Oddo - Cedar Rapids
Craig Smith - Waterloo
Matt White - Des Moines
Robbie Vrolyk - Sioux Falls

Cedar Rapids Head Coach Mark Carlson will be the head coach of Team USA. He'll be assisted by Sioux City's Todd Knott and Omaha's Bliss Littler. Indiana's Darrin Flinchem will travel with the team as the equipment manager and Waterloo's Todd Klein will be the team's athletic trainer. The remainder of the staff will be provided by USA Hockey.

The USHL is celebrating its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With over 100 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 16 NHL Draft picks playing in the league, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.ushl.com.

This team looks to be very talented and they have some very intriguing prospects. Starting in net with Mike Lee. He's one of the top eligible goaltenders for the 2009 NHL Draft. With the Fargo Force this season he's 1-4 with a 2.98 goals against average and a .904 save percentage.

Defense it looks like the team will be led by Matt Donovan, Max Nicastro, and Lee Moffie. Donovan is a Denver recruit and had 12 goals and 20 assists last year. This season he has three assists in five contests. Nicastro is a Boston University recruit and a Detroit Red Wings prospect, he has a goal and four assists in five contests. Last year he had six goals and 14 assists. Lee Moffie is a rookie in the USHL after playing last year in the prep ranks. He has a goal in two assists in four contests. Another player to look out for is John Moore who's 2009 Eligible.

At the forward position, Danny Kristo is the biggest name. The North Dokata recruit and the Canadiens draft pick spent the last two years with the National Team Development Program. With the Lancers, he has a goal and five assists in seven games. His teammate Pat Mullane has five goals for a total of ten points. He's a Boston College recruit. Nick Oddo is having a solid year with three goals and four assists in seven matches.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Award Winners

CHL Press Release

TORONTO, Wednesday, October 22, 2008 – The Canadian Hockey League today announced its most recent CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 rankings for the 2008-09 season. Four Quebec Major Junior Hockey League teams managed to crack the upper echelon of the CHL: The Quebec Remparts, the Moncton Wildcats, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and the Shawinigan Cataractes.

The weekly rankings of the Canadian Hockey League's top 10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 Rankings

1. Windsor Spitfires (12-1-0-0)
2. Quebec Remparts (11-1-0-0)
3. Moncton Wildcats (11-0-2-0)
4. Spokane Chiefs (8-1-0-3)
5. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (11-4-0-0)
6. Calgary Hitmen (10-3-0-0)
7. Vancouver Giants (7-0-0-3)
8. London Knights (8-3-0-1)
9. Shawinigan Cataractes (11-4-0-0)
10. Guelph Storm (8-4-0-1)
Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week

By: Canadian Hockey League

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Matthew Pistilli of the Shawinigan Cataractes is the Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 19 after scoring six goals and four assists for ten points in three games finishing with a plus-4 plus-minus rating.

Pistilli led the Cataractes to three wins this week including a 7-0 victory Tuesday night over the Drummondville Voltigeurs where he recorded two goals and one assist and was named the first star of the game. Pistilli would repeat as the first star of the game Friday night when he scored his fourth career QMJHL hat-trick and added two assists in an 8-3 win over the Rimouski Oceanic. Pistilli would finish his week Saturday with a goal and an assist in a 7-5 win over the Val d’Or Foreurs.

Pistilli, a 20-year-old from Montreal, QC is in his fifth QMJHL season and is currently tied for the league lead in goals scored with 12 while the entire Cataractes team leads all QMJHL teams in goals for with 78. Pistilli played in 63 games last season for the Gatineau Olympiques and scored 37 goals and 56 assists for 93 points.

The WHL nominee was Jay Fehr of the Brandon Wheat Kings who had two four-point nights this week accumulating five goals and four assists for nine points in three games leading the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hosts to a 2-0-1-0 record. In the OHL, rookie goaltender Brandon Foote of the Brampton Battalion was the nominee for the award after going 4-0-0-0 and posting two shutouts.

2008-09 Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week

Oct. 21 – Matthew Pistilli, Shawinigan Cataractes
Oct. 14 – Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia Sting
Oct. 7 – Stefan Della Rovere, Barrie Colts
Sept. 30 – Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Sept. 23 – Michael Stinziani, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week

By: Canadian Hockey League

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Brandon Foote of the Brampton Battalion is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 19.

Foote, a 17-year-old rookie from Whitby, ON, led the Brampton Battalion to a 4-0-0-0 record this week picking up all four victories including his first two OHL career shutouts. His week began with a 16 save shutout win over the Sudbury Wolves 4-0 in Brampton Monday afternoon where he was named third star of the game. His second shutout came in a close 1-0 win Friday night on the road over the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. His 23 saves made him first star of the game and earned Battalion head coach Stan Butler his 400th CHL win. Foote also made 37 saves in a 5-4 win over the Barrie Colts Thursday night, and 16 saves on Sunday when the Battalion defeated the Majors 5-3. In the four games, Foote maintained a 1.75 goals-against-average and a .929 save percentage.

Martin Jones of the Calgary Hitmen was the WHL nominee for the award this week going 3-0-0-0 with a shutout win after making 23 saves Thursday night when the Hitmen defeated the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-0. Timo Pielmeier backstopped the Shawinigan Cataractes to a 3-0-0-0 record this week posting 39 saves for his first shutout of the season in a 7-0 win over the Drummondville Voltigeurs to represent the QMJHL nominee for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week award.

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2008-09 ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week
Oct. 21 – Brandon Foote, Brampton Battalion
Oct. 14 – Calvin Pickard, Seattle Thunderbirds
Oct. 7 – Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Sept. 30 – Andrew Engelage, Windsor Spitfires
Sept. 23 – Jamie Tucker, Vancouver Giants


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

More Rosters

Belarus Roster

Goaltender
1 Vitali Bialinski 5'7 165 11/27/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
20 Aliaksandr Zhuk 6'1 192 03/18/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
25 Dzmitry Volkau 5'11 174 07/07/1990 Khimvolokno Mogilev
Defence
3 Nikolai Goncharov 6'2 206 08/05/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
4 Ilya Kaznadzei 6'3 204 06/22/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
5 Aliaksandr Yeronau 5'11 182 05/05/1989 Novopolotsk
6 Illa Shinkevitch 6'1 177 09/01/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
8 Anatol Panou 5'10 166 07/06/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
9 Aleh Haroshka 5'10 168 11/19/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
23 Vitali Marchanka 5'11 173 08/27/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
24 Dzmitry Korabau 6'2 217 03/12/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
Forward
2 Pavel Dashkou 5'11 161 12/04/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
7 Aliaksei Kuveka 6'1 174 12/26/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
10 Pavel Razvadouski 5'10 173 08/07/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
11 Kiryl Brykun 5'9 173 09/17/1990 Shinnik Bobruisk
12 Mikalai Susla 6'0 172 03/04/1991 HC Gomel
13 Andrei Kolasau 6'5 206 06/08/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
14 Yahor Stsiapanau 6'0 179 04/13/1990 HC Vitebsk
14 Dzmitry Verameichyk 5'6 140 01/02/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk
15 Siarhei Drozd 5'11 170 04/14/1990 Shinnik Bobruisk
17 Valeri Bojarskih 6'0 183 03/13/1990 Shinnik Bobruisk
18 Yauheni Salamonau 5'7 163 05/09/1990 HC Gomel
19 Uladzimir Mikhailau 6'0 177 01/04/1989 Shinnik Bobruisk


Germany Roster

Goaltender

Maximilian Englbrecht 6'2 192 07/17/1990 ERC Ingolstadt

Markus Keller 6'1 198 08/19/1989 EV Landsberg 2000
Defence

Sinan Akdag 6'2 198 06/16/1989 Krefeld Penguins

Dominik Bielke 6'2 176 10/23/1990 Eisbaren Junior Berlin

Benedikt Bruckner 6'0 180 01/01/1990 Heilbronner Falken

Andreas Gawlik 5'9 192 11/30/1989 EC Bad Tolz

Florian Muller 5'10 178 09/11/1989 EV Landshut

Marco Nowak 6'2 202 07/23/1990 DEG Eishockey

Gregor Stein 6'2 204 01/29/1989 Berlin Eisbaren Jr.

Soren Sturm 6'0 176 12/15/1989 KEC Die Haie
Forward

Jerome Flaake 6'1 184 03/02/1990 KEC Die Haie

Patrick Geiger 5'10 188 11/16/1989 Berlin Eisbaren Jr.

Martin Hinterstocker 5'11 180 09/03/1989 DEG Eishockey

André Huebscher 5'10 187 02/12/1987 Krefeld Penguins

Alexander Oblinger 6'3 207 01/17/1989 Eisbaren Junior Berlin

Daniel Oppolzer 5'10 184 01/26/1989 ESV Kaufbeuren

Patrick Pohl 5'11 178 01/08/1990 Eisbaren Junior Berlin

Steven Rupprich 6'0 187 04/15/1989 Iserlohn Roosters

Dominic Walsh 5'11 180 07/18/1989 Eisbaren Juniors Berlin

Daniel Weiss 6'2 198 02/22/1990 Eisbaren Juniors Berlin

Marc Wittforth 5'11 176 04/10/1989 EHC Freiburg

David Wolf 6'2 194 09/15/1989 ETC Crimmitschau


That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Big Weekend For the NTDP

The Under-18 Team and the Under-17 Team had big weekend. The Under-18 team squeaked one by Division III opponent Oswego State 4-3 in overtime. Ryan Bourque (UNH) had the game winner. Jeremy Morin (Uncommitted), John Henrion (UNH), and A.J. Treais (Michigan) were the other goalscorers for the United States. Sunday they faced off against Cornell. They battled to a 3-3 tie. Morin had two goals and David Valek (Michigan) added another tally.

The Under-17 Team swept the Marquette Rangers 4-0 and 3-2. Friday night, they shutout the Rangers. Austin Czarnik (Michigan State), Jacob Fallon (Michigan), Kevin Clare (Uncommitted), and Matthew Nieto (Uncommitted) were the goalscorers. Saturday night it was closer but they pulled the victory out in a shootout. Matthew Nieto (Uncommitted), Stuart Higgins (Maine), Michael Mersch (Wisconsin), and Jason Zucker (Denver) lit the lamp.

Boston University received a commitment from Thayer Academy forward Carlie Coyle for the 2011 season. He's first recruit for the 2011 season but BU has one recruit for next season.

Michigan State got their second commitment for the 2011 season. Reid Boucher of the Lansing Capitals gave a verbal commitment to the Spartans. Appartenly Austin Czarnik will spend a year in the USHL. The Green Bay Gamblers selected him last Tuesday in the Future's Draft. The Western College Hockey Blog and Michigan College Hockey is reporting that Brent Darnell also has made a commitment to East Lansing. Michigan has the best 2010 class so far but Michigan State looks like they will have the best 2011 class.

Miami (OH) received a commitment from St. Michaels Buzzers forward Reilly Smith for the 2010 season.. So far this season, he has 8 goals and 17 assists in 16 games. His brother is Brandon Smith who's a defenseman for the Wisconsin. Brandon is also a Detroit Red Wings prospect.

Dan Delisle committed to Minnesota-Duluth for next season. He's the Bulldogs eighth recruit for next season.

Other Commitments

Kyle DeLaurell-Air Force
Evan Zych-Holy Cross

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)