Saturday, February 28, 2009

MJHL Awards

Press Release

Doug Hedley, one of the winningest coaches in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, has been named winner of the Coach of the Year Award.

The GM/head coach of the OCN Blizzard was honoured tonight in The Pas, presented with the “Muzz” McPherson Memorial Trophy by MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.

Hedley, who has more than 450 career wins in the MJHL, is credited with turning around the fortunes of the Blizzard, who sit third in the Sher-Wood Division with a 32-21-5-3 record, coming into tonight’s game against Wayway Wolverines.

This is Hedley’s third season with the Blizzard, joining the club in November ‘06 after the firing of then-Blizzard head coach Neil Wilkinson.

Hedley, who has a degree in Education, began his MJHL coaching career more than decade ago with Dauphin Kings.

The coach of the year award trophy is named in honour of Murray “Muzz” McPherson, one of the most colourful coaches ever in the MJHL. McPherson, who died in 1997, helped guide the Portage Terriers to the 1972-73 Centennial Cup - now known as the RBC Cup. McPherson also coached the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who had a future NHL hall of famer in its lineup – Wayne Gretzky.

The coach of the year award is voted on by the 11 MJHL head coaches.

The MJHL has one more major award to hand out:

Top Goaltender Trophy

Alan Armour - Selkirk Steelers

David Aime – OCN Blizzard

Adrian Rubeniuk- Dauphin Kings

The league’s award winners are as follows:

Eric Delong, Portage Terriers: MVP and Hockey Ability and Sportsmanship

Jordan DePape, Winnipeg Saints, Top Rookie

Scott Macaulay, Winnipeg Saints, Top Defenceman

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

Marcel-Robert Trophy finalists

Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Tuesday, February 24, 2009 – The five Marcel-Robert Trophy finalists were chosen this week by a League-mandated committee comprised of Valérie Monette, the Coordinator of the Bursaries Program, Robert Baker, the QMJHL Academic Consultant, Pierre Leduc, the Director of Hockey Operations, and Guy Darveau, the President of the Marcel-Robert Committee. The Marcel-Robert Trophy is awarded each year to the TELUS Scholastic Player of the Year at the Golden Puck Awards Gala in April.

In the last few weeks, each team had submitted their prized candidate who was rewarded with a $400 bursary. Today’s finalists will receive an additional $400 grant.

To determine the winner, each remaining candidate will take part in an interview process, which will measure their analytical skills and their understanding of current events. Their overall performance during the interview will also play a key role.

The interviews will be held in Montreal, on Monday, March 2 and will be conducted by the members of the Marcel-Robert Committee. The members of the Committee are: Guy Darveau, Natasha Llorens, the Anti-Doping Program Coordinator, Éric L’Italien, a former player and Marcel-Robert Trophy winner, Sébastien Fyfe of Alliance Sport-Études, and Willy Palov of the Chronicle Herald.

The TELUS Scholastic Player of the Year will be awarded the Trophy as well as an additional $500 bursary.

The five finalists are:

Baie-Comeau Drakkar – Guillaume Goulet
Chicoutimi Saguenéens – Dominic Jalbert
Drummondville Voltigeurs – Dany Massé
Saint John Sea Dogs – Payton Liske
Shawinigan Cataractes – Pierre-Alexandre Vandall

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

NAHL News Release

Press Release

The North American Hockey League, in conjunction with USA Hockey, announced today that the USA Hockey National Team Development Program will no longer play a full season schedule in the NAHL starting in 2009-10.

“The NTDP has been a valued partner over the last decade,” said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “Our relationship from the very beginning has been mutually beneficial in terms of competition, exposure and development.”

The NAHL and the NTDP are committed to continuing their relationship as it relates to player development and exposure, which includes the U.S. program’s participation in select league events.

The NTDP has played a full schedule in the NAHL since the 1997-98 season.

“The NAHL has been a wonderful home and we feel fortunate to have been part of that league for more than a decade,” said USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean.

During that time, the NAHL has served as the premiere league to meet the program’s training and developmental objectives, as 40 NTDP graduates who played in the NAHL have played at least one game in the NHL this season, with countless others skating in the collegiate and minor professional ranks.

The North American Hockey League, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior A league boasting 19 teams from across the country, including the esteemed USA Hockey National Team Development Program, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.

(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, February 27, 2009

BCHL Award Winners

Press Release

The British Columbia Hockey League announced today its award winners for the 2008/09 regular season, which concluded Sunday.

A total of five awards -- MVP, Top Defenceman, Rookie of the Year, Most Sportsmanlike Player and Coach of the Year -- are presented to one individual in each of the Coastal and Interior Conferences and were chosen by coach and media voting.

The recipients of four other trophies were determined based on final statistics and standings from the 2008/09 regular season.

The award winners for each conference are below:

Most Valuable Player -- Vern Dye Memorial Trophy:

Coastal Conference: Chris Rawlings, Cowichan Valley Capitals
Interior Conference: Mark Zengerle, Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Top Defenceman:

Coastal Conference: Zack Currie, Cowichan Valley Capitals
Interior Conference: Justin Schultz, Westside Warriors

Rookie of the Year -- Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy:

Coastal Conference: Mat Bodie, Powell River Kings
Interior Conference: Garrett Milan, Penticton Vees

Most Sportsmanlike Player -- Bob Fenton Trophy:

Coastal Conference: Darcy Oakes, Powell River Kings
Interior Conference: Conor Morrison, Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Coach of the Year -- Joe Tenant Memorial Trophy:

Coastal Conference: Kent Lewis, Powell River Kings
Interior Conference: Mark Ferner, Vernon Vipers

Additional trophy winners are below:

Top Scorer -- Brett Hull Trophy:

Winner: Darcy Oakes, Powell River Kings

* Trophy awarded to the player who accumulated the highest number of regular season points

Top Goaltender:

Winner: Andrew Hammond, Vernon Vipers

* Trophy awarded to the goaltender with the lowest goals-against average with a minimum of 1000 minutes played

Top Goaltender:

Winner: Andrew Hammond and Graeme Gordon, Vernon Vipers

* Trophy awarded to the goaltending tandem whose team allows the fewest number of goals during the regular season

Chevrolet Cup:

Winner: Victoria Grizzlies

* Trophy awarded to the team that accumulates the highest number of points during the regular season

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

Archibald gets a promotion

Press Release

The Chilliwack Bruins are pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Archibald to the position of Hockey Operations Advisor and Community Liaison. Archibald, who has served as Bruins Assistant Coach this season will take on these additional roles effective immediately.

“We are thrilled to add Dave to our management staff,” said Bruins President and General Manager Darryl Porter. “He will play an integral role in planning how we improve our hockey operations moving forward while also improving our link to our community. Dave is a highly respected businessman in Chilliwack and in my opinion is the best hockey player to originate from Chilliwack.”

Archibald played parts of four seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winter Hawks before being drafted sixth overall by the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Archibald went on to play 323 NHL games with the North Stars, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers and New York Islanders. He also served as a member of Team Canada at the international level capturing silver medals at the 1991 World Championships and the 1992 Winter Olympics.

“I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity,” stated Archibald who took on the role of Assistant Coach with the Bruins prior to this season. “It’s been great to be back involved in the Western Hockey League and for this opportunity to come in Chilliwack where I was born and raised makes it extra special.”

(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 Thoughts

I was surprised when I heard the announcement today that the National Team Development Programs will re enter the United States Hockey League. I think this will be a good thing. I here on HFboards that the National Team plays in a weak league.

Well no longer the case. They will be playing in the highest junior level sanctioned by USA Hockey. This will strengthen the league with them in the league.

How about the Fall Classic that brings every college coach and every NHL Team to the event. They will be seeing the best junior players under one roof.

Now I wander how much of a recruiting tool this move is on USA Hockey's part? With players defecting to the Great White North, will this contain the defections?

I believe this is what USA Hockey is looking to do. We have seen players wanting to play at the highest level that they can play.

Now for the USHL drafts, the NTDP won't be apart because they pick their own players. USHL teams usually take NTDP players just in case they leave the program. Will teams still allow to draft those players just in case?

In my previous post, a commenter posted another team might also join the USHL. Well the Black and Blue: The Unofficial Lincoln Stars Blog posted that the Mahoning Valley Phantoms will also defect from the NAHL to the USHL.

The Phantoms are one of the better teams in the NAHL and I believe they should transition into the league quite well. They might be middle of the pack but shouldn't be too bad of the a team. If they can keep Brandon Saad from signing with the Saginaw Spirit. He's one of their better players at 16 years old.

Could this be a small step forward to expand the league east? The Phantoms are only an hour away from Pittsburgh. It's hard to imagine the USHL expanding to far east in these economic times.

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, February 26, 2009

Walters signs with Brampton

Press Release

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Left winger Ian Watters of Pickering, Ont., has signed with the Brampton Battalion, the Ontario Hockey League club announced Wednesday.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” Watters said via telephone. “It’s a great organization. I’m looking forward to being there next season. I’m a hard-working guy and I hope I can put some points up. I bring some grit, too. I know the OHL is a tough league, but I hope I can come in and produce.”

Watters, who turned 17 on Dec. 27, was an eighth-round choice, 155th overall, from the Ajax-Pickering midgets in the OHL Priority Selection last May.

He led the Ajax Attack of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in scoring this season with 31 goals and 48 assists for 79 points in 46 games with 110 penalty minutes, being named the Ruddock Division’s rookie of the year. Watters has two goals in six playoff games with the Attack, which trails the Kingston Voyageurs 2-0 in a best-of-seven second-round series.

Stan Butler, Battalion director of hockey operations and head coach, said he was happy to add Watters after trading two other 1991-born forwards, right winger Michael Hasson and left winger Josh Shalla, in January.

“Ian had a great season for Ajax. We’re confident he can come in and help us. I think he’s an offensive player who will score some goals. He’ll put up some good numbers once he adjusts to the OHL.”

Watters was first-time eligible for the OHL Priority Selection in 2007 but went unchosen.

“Getting passed over made me think about the college route. But getting picked by the Battalion made me look at playing in the OHL.”

Watters, who had made a verbal commitment to attend Erie’s Mercyhurst College, opted to enlist with the Battalion after a meeting with Butler.

Said Butler: “We believe in our program here. We’ve had good success developing players for professional hockey and to the Canadian universities. I told Ian and his family that I felt coming to the OHL gave him the best chance to develop as a player and look after his schooling.”

Watters, set to graduate from high school in June, plans on starting post-secondary studies this year.

“I haven’t decided where I’m going to go, but I’m definitely looking to go to college or university when I’m playing with the Battalion.”

Butler said he hopes Watters can follow the lead of right winger Jason Dale, defenceman Matt Clark and left winger Stephon Thorne, three current members of the Battalion who joined the team as 18-year-olds.

“Not making your team when he’s 16 or 17 doesn’t mean a player can’t come in at 18 or 19. Clark and Thorne are guys who have come in as 18-year-olds and had significant roles this season. Dale made our team as an 18-year-old free agent two seasons ago. Some guys need more time to develop, and we’ll continue to operate that way and look at guys right up until their eligibility is over.”

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

BREAKING NEWS: NTDP TO PLAY IN THE USHL NEXT SEASON

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program will join the United States Hockey League, the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league, beginning with the 2009-10 season. The announcement came today from the USHL and USA Hockey.

The NTDP is comprised of two teams – the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 squads. Both will play in the USHL and count jointly as one team in the league standings.

The NTDP is in its final season as a member of the North American Hockey League, the nation’s only Tier II junior hockey league. The NTDP has competed in the NAHL since 1997-98.

“We’re extremely pleased to have the NTDP join the USHL,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It’s a positive step and something that will be mutually beneficial. The NAHL has been a wonderful home and we feel fortunate to have been part of that league for more than a decade.”

“The re-association of America’s only Tier I program with the national program in place in Ann Arbor will yield a powerhouse league second to none in the United States – and the strongest opportunity ever developed for the world’s elite 17, 18, 19 and 20-year-old hockey players to develop their skills on their way to college and professional distinction,” USHL Commissioner Skip Prince said.

The NTDP will play a full, 60-game schedule in the USHL as well as maintain its current commitment to international and college competition.

USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program has played against USHL competition over the course its existence, including a two-year stint (1998-2000) in which its U.S. National Under-18 Team played a full USHL schedule (see supporting graphic).

ABOUT USA HOCKEY'S NTDP: Launched in 1996, USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is based in Ann Arbor, Mich. The goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. It’s efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well- rounded individuals off the ice.

In the 10 years that players have been eligible for the NHL Entry Draft, 152 have been selected, including three with the first overall pick (Rick DiPietro, 2000; Erik Johnson, 2006; Patrick Kane, 2007). Nearly 300 NTDP alumni have received NCAA Division I scholarships to date. For more information visit www.usahockey.com/usantdp.

ABOUT THE USHL:The USHL is celebrating its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With over 150 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 www.ushl.com.

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

Tinordi to Notre Dame

After Notre Dame lost Cam Fowler, they have picked up Jared Tinordi of the National Team Development Program Under-17 team for the 2010 season.

The 6'2 180lbs defenseman has five goals and 15 assists in 44 games with his first year in Ann Arbor.

Last season he spent the year with the Washington Jr. Nationals of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League where he had four goals and eight assists in 39 games. His father is Mark Tinordi who spent 12 seasons in the NHL. He 52 career goals and 148 assists in 663 games.

Jared was a fourth round pick of the London Knights in the 2008 OHL Draft.

It should be interesting to see if he ends up in London. I am sure the Hunters will make an effort to pick him up along with teammate Adam Clendenning. The Knights will be losing three overage defenseman.

Many London Knights fans believe John Carlson will be either in the AHL or the NHL next season. Because Carlson was drafted out of the USHL, he's eligible to play in the AHL as a 19-year-old.

Are the Fighting Irish playing with fire? Will they get burned 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)

OHL Cup

Press Release

The Ontario Hockey League today announced their weekly minor midget rankings for the 2009 Ontario Hockey League Showcase for the OHL Cup, hosted by the GTHL. The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 17

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS IN RANKINGS
1 Toronto Marlies GTHL 1 17
2 York-Simcoe Express OMHA 2 17
3 Compuware U16 MWEHL- USA 4 17
4 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MHAO 5 17
5 St. Catharines Falcons OMHA 6 17
6 London Junior Knights MHAO 7 9
7 Mississauga Senators GTHL 3 17
8 Burlington Eagles OMHA 8 14
9 Quinte Devils OMHA 9 9
10 Mississauga Reps GTHL - 10

Honourable Mention
Toronto Young Nats GTHL
Vaughan Kings GTHL
Brantford 99'ers MHAO


The 2009 OHL Showcase for the OHL Cup will be played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, from March 18, 2009 through March 22, 2009. The tournament will include 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States. The champions and finalists from minor hockey associations in Ontario, including the GTHL, OMHA, ODMHA, ALLIANCE, and an NOHA representative will participate in the tournament with additional teams identified by the Tournament Selection Committee.

Last March, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens defeated the Toronto Marlies 5-2 in the championship game. First overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection John McFarland (Sudbury Wolves) was named Tournament MVP playing for the Jr. Canadiens. Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa 67’s) of the Jr. Canadiens was named MVP of the championship final. JP Anderson (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors) played goal for the Marlies squad. Other first round draft picks in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection that competed in the OHL Showcase included Steven Shipley (Owen Sound Attack) who competed with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, and Stephen Silas (Belleville Bulls) who played for the Halton Hurricanes.

Several current OHL players are graduates of the OHL Cup, including John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals, Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires, Matt Duchene of the Brampton Battalion, Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires, and Jared Staal of the Sudbury Wolves.

(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, February 25, 2009

Players of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Matt Caria of the Plymouth Whalers is the Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 22. Caria had 10 points in three games including two goals and eight assists recording a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

Caria began his week Friday night with a strong four-point night that included scoring two goals and two assists. Three of those points were scored in the first period as part of a five-goal outburst by the Whalers. Caria was named third star of the game as the Whalers defeated the Sarnia Sting 8-3. The Whalers could not continue their winning ways on Saturday falling to the Erie Otters 7-4, but Caria still helped the offence with two assists despite the loss. He finished his week strong on Sunday with another four-point performance setting up every goal with four assists for the Whalers in their 4-1 victory over the Saginaw Spirit. Caria was named second star of the game.

Caria, a 20-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, ON is in his fourth season in the OHL and first with the Whalers having been acquired midway through this season through a trade with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The overage forward has scored 22 goals and 50 assists for 72 points in 58 games where he sits tenth in league scoring. He has helped the Whalers climb to fourth place in the OHL’s Western Conference standings with 67 points and an 8-2 record in their last 10 games.

Considered for this award from the WHL is Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers who scored five goals and three assists for eight points in three games. His week was highlighted by a five-point night with four goals and one assist as first star in an 8-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Saturday. Mikhail Stefanovich of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts was nominated for scoring six goals and three assists for nine points in four games. His best game was a first star performance Sunday with four goals in an 8-4 win over the Halifax Mooseheads.

2008-09 Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week

Feb. 24 – Matt Caria, Plymouth Whalers
Feb. 17 – Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers
Feb. 10 – Yannick Riendeau, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Feb. 3 – Drayson Bowman, Spokane Chiefs
Jan. 27 – Paul Byron, Gatineau Olympiques
Jan. 20 – Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings
Jan. 13 – Steven Anthony, Saint John Sea Dogs
Jan. 6 – Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Dec. 16 – Robert Slaney, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Dec. 9 – John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
Dec. 2 – Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigres
Nov. 25 – Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheat Kings
Nov. 18 – Mathew Sisca, Niagara IceDogs
Nov. 11 – Yannick Riendeau, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Nov. 4 – Dana Tyrell, Prince George Cougars
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

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Adam Brown of the Kelowna Rockets is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 22. Brown posted a 2-0-0-0 record with a goals-against-average of 0.46 and a save percentage of .982.

Brown saw action beginning Monday night in Portland against the Winter Hawks when he entered the game midway through the third period. He did not allow a goal but the Rockets could not complete the comeback and dropped the decision 4-3. Brown was called upon off the bench again on Saturday with the Rockets trailing the Everett Silvertips 2-0 late in the first period. Standing strong in net, Brown stopped all 24 shots he faced and helped the Rockets rally and win 3-2. He was named third star of the game. Brown got the nod to start between the pipes Sunday night in Chilliwack and did not disappoint making 29 saves as first star of the 4-1 win over the Bruins.

Brown, a 17-year-old rookie from Yorba Linda, California, is in his first WHL season. In 27 appearances he has posted a 17-4-0-1 record with two shutouts. He has a goals-against-average of 2.01 which is second in the league and his save percentage of .912 is also among the league’s best. The Rockets now sit fourth in the WHL’s Western Conference with 80 points.

Considered again for this award out of the QMJHL is two-time winner Nicola Riopel of the Moncton Wildcats. He won all three of his starts posting a goals-against-average of 1.31 with a save percentage of .954. Michael Hutchinson of the OHL’s Barrie Colts, another previous winner of this award, recorded a 6-0 shutout win over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with 25 saves as third star of the game.

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2008-09 ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week

Feb. 24 – Adam Brown, Kelowna Rockets
Feb. 17 – Maxim Gougeon, Rimouski Oceanic
Feb. 10 – Nicola Riopel, Moncton Wildcats
Feb. 3 – Raffaele D’Orso, Val d’Or Foreurs
Jan. 27 – Thomas McCollum, Brampton Battalion
Jan. 20 – Matt Hackett, Plymouth Whalers
Jan. 13 – Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Jan. 6 – Martin Jones, Calgary Hitmen
Dec. 16 – Michael Hutchinson, Barrie Colts
Dec. 9 – Chet Pickard, Tri-City Americans
Dec. 2 – Torrie Jung, Edmonton Oil Kings
Nov. 25 – Antoine Lafleur, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Nov. 18 – Martin Jones, Calgary Hitmen
Nov. 11 – Tyson Sexsmith, Vancouver Giants
Nov. 4 – Mike Murphy, Belleville Bulls
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

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

Mastercard Top Ten

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 23

Rank Team (Record) Last Week Number of Weeks in Rankings
1. Windsor Spitfires (52-6-0-1) 1 23
2. Calgary Hitmen (54-7-3-1) 2 18
3. Vancouver Giants (49-7-1-3) 3 21
4. Drummondville Voltigeurs (47-10-0-4) 5 19
5. Shawinigan Cataractes (47-12-2-0) 4 20
6. Belleville Bulls (41-15-2-2) 7 15
7. Saskatoon Blades (44-15-3-1) 6 7
8. Brandon Wheat Kings (42-16-3-1) 10 5
9. Moncton Wildcats (44-10-2-4) - 19
10. Brampton Battalion (39-18-1-1) 9 11

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

Draft Performers of the Week

Coming Down the Pipe!

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. You can hear some of them Tuesday's on TPS.

Ontario Hockey League – Calvin de Hann, Oshawa Generals
Calvin de Haan wins this week’s OHL award after posting 2 goals and 4 assists in 4 games for the Generals. de Haan, who assumed an a greater role on the Oshawa blueline after the departure of Michael Del Zotto, currently sits 7th amongst defensemen and 5th amongst rookies in scoring this season with 7 goals and 52 points. The native of Carp, ON logs a lot of minutes in all situations and is very confident with the puck on his stick.

Calvin de Haan
Defense
Born May 9 1991 -- Carp, ONT
Height 6.00 -- Weight 170 -- Shoots L

Western Hockey League – Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings

Brayden Schenn picks up another award this week after notching 2 goals and adding 4 assists alongside a plus- 6 rating in 3 games. Schenn, a native of Saskatoon, SK has 28 goals and 60 points for Brandon, who currently sit third in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. Schenn has great hands and hockey sense as well as the ability to be physical when necessary.

Brayden Schenn
Center
Born Aug 22 1991 -- Saskatoon, SASK
Height 6.00 -- Weight 196 -- Shoots L

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanic

Jordan Caron (left at the Top Prospects Game) takes home another draft performer of the week award after recording 3 goals and 4 assists in 3 games for the Oceanic. Caron has 32 goals and 25 assists for 57 points in 49 games this season, his third with Rimouski. Caron is a player with good size who plays a well rounded two-way game. The Oceanic are hosting the 2009 Memorial Cup.

Jordan Caron
Center
Born Nov 2 1990 -- Sayabec, PQ
Height 6.02 -- Weight 196 -- Shoots L

United States Hockey League – Philip Samuelsson, Chicago Steel

Philip Samuelsson wins his first award after putting up 5 assists and a plus- 3 rating in 3 games this week. Samuelsson is currently in his rookie season in the USHL and has posted a solid 17 assists from the Chicago blueline. Samuelsson is known for his checking ability and a strong shot from the point. His the son of former NHLer and current Coyotes assistant coach Ulf, and is property of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.

Philip Samuelsson
Defense
Born Jul 26 1991 -- Scottsdale, AZ
Height 6.02 -- Weight 195

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

USHL Players of the Week

Press Release

Offensive Player of the Week

Terry Broadhurst Sioux Falls Stampede
Orland Park, Illinois
College: Nebraska-Omaha
NHL: Undrafted

Broadhurst had another solid week and helped the surging Stampede stretch their unbeaten streak to five games. On Wednesday, he had a pair of assists in a 5-4 shootout win over Sioux City. Two nights later he had an assist in a 2-1 win at Cedar Rapids. He followed that up with a goal and two assists in a 6-5 shootout win at Green Bay. He finished the week +3 with five shots on goal.

Honorable Mention - Mitch Bruijsten (SC), Michael Forney (GB), Dean Chelios (CHI)

Defensive Player of the Week

Michael Keenan Sioux City Musketeers
Weymouth, Massachusetts
College: Uncommitted
NHL: Undrafted

Keenan enjoyed a monster offensive week from the blue line as the Musketeers tried to stay in the playoff race in the West Division. Keenan went scoreless in a 5-2 loss at Omaha on Tuesday. The next night, he had two assists in a 5-4 shootout loss at Sioux Falls. Then on Saturday he scored a power play goal and added three assists in an 8- 2 win at Des Moines.

Honorable Mention - Jake Newton (LIN), Philip Samuelsson (CHI), Matt Donovan (CR)

Goalie of the Week

Nick Pisellini Chicago Steel
Itasca, Illinois
College: Uncommitted
NHL: Undrafted

Pisellini had a big week in goal for the Steel, who are making a hard charge toward the final playoff spot in the East Division. On Wednesday, he made 23 saves in a 2-1 win over Indiana. Then on Saturday, Pisellini sparkeled, making 37 saves as the Steel knocked off first-place Cedar Rapids 3-1. He was 2-0-0 for the week with a 1.00 goals against average and a .968 save percentage.

Honorable Mention - Jeff Teglia (OMA), Brett Bennett (IND), Cody Campbell (FAR)

(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, February 24, 2009

CJHL Top 15

CJHL Power Rankings for February 23

1 Spruce Grove Saints AJHL
2 Humboldt Broncos SJHL
3 Winnipeg Saints MJHL
4 Vernon Vipers BCHL
5 Couchiching Terriers OJHL
6 Georgetown Raiders OJHL
7 Portage Terriers MJHL
8 Grand Prairie Storm AJHL
9 Pembroke Lumber Kings CJHL
10 Brooks Bandits AJHL
11 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL
12 Summerside Western Capitals MJAHL
13 Fort William North Stars SIJHL
14 North Bay Skyhawks NOJHL
15 Les Cougars du College Champlain - Sherbrooke LHJAAAQ

(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 on FSN

Press Release

EVANDER KANE AND THE VANCOUVER GIANTS HOST DRAYSON BOWMAN AND THE SPOKANE CHIEFS LIVE ON SHAW AND FSN – The Vancouver Giants (49-7-1-3) host the Spokane Chiefs (39-18-0-3) for a battle between Western Conference heavyweights in Western Hockey League action on Tuesday, February 24th.

Tuesday night’s contest between the Chiefs and Giants can be seen live throughout western Canada on SHAW and throughout the Pacific Northwest on FSN (7:00pm PST).

The Giants are coming off a 3-2 defeat in Kent, WA, to the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday for their third setback in their last five games, but remain firmly in first place in the Western Conference. The Giants are an impressive 25-2-0-2 on home ice this season. Evander Kane leads the Giants with 40 goals this season.

The Chiefs dropped a 2-1 decision to the Tri-City Americans in Kennewick, WA, on Saturday for their second straight setback, and currently trail the Ams by eight points for the U.S. Division lead. The Chiefs have dropped two straight on the road after winning their previous eight away from home. Bowman leads the Chiefs in scoring with 35 goals and 66 points this season.

It’s the second of four meetings between the Chiefs and Giants this season. The Giants blanked the Chiefs 4-0 in Spokane on February 6th in the first meeting.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Chris Francis and the Portland Winter Hawks (15-41-2-2) host Kevin Sundher and the Chilliwack Bruins (15-42-2-4).

The Winter Hawks are coming off a 4-1 loss to the visiting Tri-City Americans on Sunday for their third straight setback, and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. The Winter Hawks are 9-19-2-1 at home this season.

The Bruins are coming off a 4-1 loss to the visiting Kelowna Rockets on Sunday for their second straight defeat and 12th in their last 13 games, and currently hold a two-point lead over Portland for ninth place in the Western Conference. Rookie Kevin Sundher (14g-16a) ranks third on the Bruins in scoring with 30 points this season.

In other WHL action on Tuesday, Geordie Wudrick and the Swift Current Broncos (34-27-1-1) host Jordan Eberle and the Regina Pats (25-31-1-5) for an important East Division battle.

The Broncos dropped an 8-3 decision in Brandon to the Wheat Kings on Saturday for their third defeat in their last four outings, and currently tail Medicine Hat by three points for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Broncos are 17-13-0-1 at home this season.

The Pats are coming off a pair of wins over the Moose Jaw Warriors on the weekend, and currently sit three points behind Prince Albert and Edmonton for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Eberle (31g-31a) leads the Pats in scoring with 62 points this season.

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

Green Bay sets record

Press Release

The Green Bay Gamblers held their 10th-annual "Teddy Bear Toss" on Saturday, February 21, and once again the team has shattered their own record. A total of 6,021 bears were collected, breaking their previous best of 5,612 bears, set last season. The event, one of the most anticipated nights annually on the Gamblers' schedule, was sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

Michael Forney did the honors, scoring the first goal of the game for Green Bay, on a power play at 4:51 of the first period.

The Gamblers also set a franchise attendance record, as 6,785 people made their way through the Resch Center turnstyles. The previous mark of 6,578 was set on February 23, 2007, also a "Teddy Bear Toss" night.

All of the new bears will be given to pediatric patients at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. The used bears will be donated to various charity groups throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

The USHL is celebrating its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With over 150 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.

(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, February 23, 2009

The Program

Memorial Cup hosts back on track

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)

Weekly Awards

Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, February 23, 2009 – Quebec Remparts forward Mikhail Stefanovich and Moncton Wildcats goaltender Nicola Riopel today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from February 16 to 22.

Stefanovich recorded six goals on twenty-six shots and added three assists to help the Remparts win three out of four games. Moreover, he posted a +5 rating. The Russian forward enjoyed his best game of the week on Sunday, scoring four goals in an 8-4 victory over the Mooseheads in Halifax. The Remparts are first in the TELUS Eastern division standings with 93 points.

Jordan Caron (Océanic), Dmitri Kugryshev (Remparts) and Yannick Riendeau (Voltigeurs) were also considered.

On defence, goaltender Nicola Riopel wins the award for a seventh time this season. In three starts, the Wildcats backstop earned three wins while posting a 1.31 goals-against-average and .954 save percentage. He faced an average of 28 shots per game. Finally, Riopel enabled Moncton to defeat teams with impressive regular season records, including Shawinigan and Cape Breton.

Sébastien Piché (Océanic), Mickael Audette (Huskies) and Maxime Ouimet (Océanic) were also strong candidates.

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Matt Caria of the Plymouth Whalers is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 22. Caria scored two goals with eight assists for 10 points in three games with a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

On Friday night Caria scored one goal and two assists as part of a five-goal first period for the Whalers as they defeated the Sarnia Sting on the road 8-3. Caria would add a second period goal to complete his four-point night and was named third star of the game. On Saturday the Whalers had their six-game winning streak snapped against the Erie Otters losing 7-4. Caria contributed two assists in the loss. On Sunday he would put together another four-point game, assisting on every goal as the Whalers beat the Saginaw Spirit 4-1. Caria was named second star of the game.

Caria, a 20-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie, ON, is in his fourth OHL season and first with Plymouth joining the Whalers midway through the 2008-09 campaign. He is currently tenth in league scoring with 22 goals and 50 assists for 72 points in 58 games. The Whalers, 8-2 in their last 10 games, have jumped to fourth place in the Western Conference standings.

Also considered this week was Brett Parnham of the Oshawa Generals who scored six goals and four assists for 10 points in four games. Parnham had a four-point night and was first star in a 7-5 win over the Saginaw Spirit last Monday. Brandon Biggers of the Erie Otters scored five goals and two assists for seven points in three games including a hat-trick and an assist for first star honours in the 7-4 win over the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday. In goal, Michael Hutchinson was perfect making 25 saves to shutout the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 6-0 Friday as third star of the game.

2008-09 Boston Pizza OHL Players of the Week
Feb. 23 – Matt Caria, Plymouth Whalers
Feb. 16 – Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers
Feb. 9 – Tyler Seguin, Plymouth Whalers
Feb. 2 – Cody Hodgson, Brampton Battalion
Jan. 26 – Thomas McCollum, Brampton Battalion
Jan. 19 – Brett Parnham, Oshawa Generals
Jan. 12 – Marcus Carroll, Owen Sound Attack
Jan. 5 – Eric O’Dell, Sudbury Wolves
Dec. 15 – Cameron Gaunce, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
Dec. 8 – John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
Dec. 1 – John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
Nov. 24 – Eric Tangradi, Belleville Bulls
Nov. 17 – Mathew Sisca, Niagara IceDogs
Nov. 10 – Cody Hodgson, Brampton Battalion
Nov. 3 – Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires
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

Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The BOSTON PIZZA WHL Player of the Week is forward Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Ennis picked up eight points, scoring five goals and three assists in three games over the past week, helping the Tigers post a 2-1-0-0 road record in that span.

On Wednesday, February 18th, the Tigers hosted the surging Brandon Wheat Kings at the Medicine Hat Arena. Ennis picked up one assist in the contest as the Tigers fell 4-1 to the Wheaties.

On Friday, February 20th, the Tigers travelled down ‘Highway 3’ to face WHL Central Division rivals the Hurricanes at the Enmax Centre in Lethbridge. Ennis netted a power play goal and added an assist as the Tigers downed the Hurricanes 6-3. The next evening, Saturday, February 21st, the second half of the home-and-home series was played out between the Tigers and ‘Canes at the Arena in Medicine Hat. Ennis scored four goals and added an assist as the Tigers swept the weekend series with an 8-3 win. He was also named the games 1st Star.

Ennis’ 8 points over the last three games has him sitting 14th among all WHL scorers with 71 points (35 goals, 36 assists) in 52 games and extends his point scoring streak to 6 games. The Tigers have won four of their last five games and sit fourth in the WHL Eastern Conference with a record of 33-23-4-3 for 73 points.

Ennis, a 19-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta is currently playing his fourth full season in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He was selected in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and recently helped lead Canada to its fifth straight Gold medal at the 2009 World junior Championships.

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, stopping 56 of 57 shots faced for a 0.460 goals-against average and .982 save percentage.

Brown, a 17-year-old rookie from Yorba Linda, California, is in his first season of play in the Western Hockey League. He has appeared in 27 games for the Rockets this season posting a 17-4-0-1 record with two shut-outs, 2.01 GAA and a 0.912 save percentage.

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
Oct. 27 – Nov. 2: Dana Tyrell, Prince George Cougars
Nov. 3 – Nov. 9: C.J. Stretch, Kamloops Blazers
Nov. 10 – Nov. 16: Andy Smith, Chilliwack Bruins
Nov. 17 – Nov. 23: Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheat Kings
Nov. 24 – Nov. 30: Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City Americans
Dec. 1 – Dec. 7: Brett Sonne, Calgary Hitmen
Dec. 8 – Dec. 14: Ian Duval, Moose Jaw Warriors
Dec. 15 – Dec. 28: Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen
Dec. 29 – Jan. 4: Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Jan. 5 – Jan. 11: Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants
Jan. 12 – Jan. 18: Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings
Jan. 19 – Jan. 25: Keith Seabrook, Calgary Hitmen
Jan. 26 – Feb. 1: Drayson Bowman, Spokane Chiefs
Feb. 2 – Feb. 8: Matt Calvert, Brandon Wheat Kings
Feb. 9 – Feb. 15: Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen
Feb. 16 – Feb. 22: Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers

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

It's Official

Press Release

The Windsor Spitfires are pleased to announce that the team has signed defenceman Cam Fowler.

Fowler was the Spitfires' first-round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and is currently playing for the United States Development Under-18 Program (USDP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fowler will join the Spitfires for the 2009-2010 season and will continue to fulfill his commitment to the USDP for the remainder of this current season.

Fowler is currently billed as the top defenceman available for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He was also named as a first team tournament all-star as part of Team USA's silver medal squad at the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ontario. Additionally, he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal performance while leading all defensemen in scoring at the 2008 Men's Under-18 Four Nations Cup in Lake Placid, NY, USA.

The 6`3", 200-pound defenceman from Northville, Michigan is a graduate of the Honeybaked AAA Hockey System.

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

Moncton Fan Choice Awards

Press Release

Moncton, NB - The stage is set for the 13th annual Moncton Wildcats Fans Choice Award Gala at the Capital Theatre on Monday, March 16th.

The evening will be presented by the Times&Transcript. It promises to be an evening of fun and excitement, with the team, coaching staff and entire Wildcats organization on hand. The evening kicks off with a reception at 6:30 followed by the awards ceremony beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Fans of the Wildcats will select their choice for the various award winners with ballots appearing in the Times&Transcript starting this week. Voting can also be done by visiting the Wildcats website at www.moncton-wildcats.com. Fans will have until the end of the Rivalry Cup game between the Wildcats and Saint John Sea Dogs on Tuesday, March 10th to cast their ballots.

“The Fans Choice Awards Gala will be a celebration of a very successful regular season, and a kick off to the playoffs” said General Manager Bill Schurman. “The Wildcats have enjoyed an outstanding regular season, setting records in a number of categories. It’s a night where fans and players can mingle with each other in a very motivational atmosphere.

Tickets for the evening for season ticket holders will be $15.00, general adult admission is set at $20.00 and the price for children under 12 will be $10.00

Tickets can be purchased at Fan Services during Wildcats home games, the Wildcats office, Capitol Theatre, Frank's Music, Théatre l'Escaouette, Botsford Street and the Student Centre at the University of Moncton.

(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, February 22, 2009

Whalers defeat Spirit

Press Release

PLYMOUTH – After winning in Sarnia on Friday and losing to Erie last night, the Plymouth Whalers – challenging the Guelph Storm for home ice advantage in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs – played the Saginaw Spirit today with a chance to move into a tie for fourth place with the Storm.

Mission accomplished, at least for a few hours as Plymouth defeated Saginaw, 4-1, before 2,421 Sunday afternoon at Compuware Arena. The victory moves Plymouth (now 31-23-5-0, 67 points) into a temporary tie with Guelph (30-21-4-0, 67 points). Guelph plays in Sault Ste. Marie tonight.

Veteran Matt Caria assisted on all four Plymouth goals and goaltender Matt Hackett rebounded from being lifted last night in the first period in a 7-4 loss to Erie with 30 saves as the game’s first star. Tyler Seguin (16), Ryan Hayes (23), Chris Terry (team-leading 34th) and Kaine Geldart (10th) scored for Plymouth. Jack Combs (28th) scored the lone Saginaw goal.

The Whalers scored the only goal of the first period and it came in transition when Caria hit Chris Terry with a pass on the left wing in the Saginaw zone and he found Seguin skating hard to the front of the goal. Terry threaded the puck from the left circle out in front to Seguin, who made no mistake in directing the shot past Saginaw goaltender Edward Pasquale at 3:20.

Plymouth took a 2-0 lead at 6:57 of the second period with the teams skating four-on-four. Whalers defenseman Beau Schmitz lifted a shot from the right point that was directed by Ryan Hayes from the right circle past Pasquale. The turning point of the game came in the final seconds of the second period when Caria picked the puck in his own zone, skating through neutral ice and found Terry breaking into the Saginaw zone on the left wing. Terry buried a low shot from the left circle past Pasquale.

Combs scored a shorthanded goal at 3:39 of the third period when he broke in all alone from center ice and – after several fakes – stuffed the puck from outside the blue crease past Hackett. Trailing 3-1 in the final minute of play, Saginaw head coach Todd Watson pulled Pasquale for the extra attacker, but Geldart scored on the empty net from the right boards in neutral territory with 0:37 left to ice the victory for the Whalers.

Plymouth outshot Saginaw, 45-31.

The Whalers are on the road for their next four games – Wednesday in Saginaw, Friday in Kitchener, Saturday in Erie and Mon. Mar.2 in Owen Sound before returning home Fri. Mar. 6 against Windsor. Tickets for all Plymouth Whalers games are available by calling (734) 453-8400.

(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 on Sportsnet

Press Release

RYAN HOWSE AND THE CHILLIWACK BRUINS HOST TYLER MYERS AND THE KELOWNA ROCKETS LIVE ON ROGERS SPORTSNET – The Chilliwack Bruins (15-41-2-4) welcome B.C. Division rivals the Kelowna Rockets (37-20-1-3) for one of five Western Hockey League contests on Sunday, February 22nd.

Sunday’s contest between the Rockets and Bruins can be seen live on Rogers Sportsnet in the Pacific, West and Ontario regions (4:00pm PST).

The Bruins are coming off Friday’s 4-3 loss to the visiting Kamloops Blazers for their 11th setback in their last 12 games, and currently sit 14 points behind Prince George for eighth place in the Western Conference. The Bruins are 9-19-2-1 at home this season. Howse leads the Bruins with 27 goals this season.

The Rockets are coming off a 3-2 win in Everett over the Silvertips on Saturday for their second straight victory, and currently sit three points behind Spokane for third place in the Western Conference. The Rockets are 13-13-1-2 on the road this season. Tyler Myers scored twice in Saturday’s victory in Everett, including the game-winning goal.

It’s the seventh meeting of the season between the division rivals. The Rockets won the first four meetings versus the Bruins, but Chilliwack took the last two meetings with a pair of shootout wins over Kelowna.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Jason Bast and the Moose Jaw Warriors (17-41-1-2) host Jordan Weal and the Regina Pats (24-31-1-5) for the second meeting between the East Division rivals this weekend.

The Warriors edged the Raiders 3-2 in Prince Albert on Saturday night, snapping a three-game losing skid, and currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors have won only seven games at home this season.

The Pats snapped an eight-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Warriors on Friday night, and currently sit five points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Jordan Weal leads the Pats with 42 assists this season.

Chris Francis and the Portland Winter Hawks (15-40-2-2) host Adam Hughesman and the Tri-City Americans (42-16-0-3) for a U.S. Division match-up on Sunday.

The Winter Hawks dropped a 4-3 decision to the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday for their second straight setback, and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. The Hawks are 9-18-2-1 at home this season.

The Americans edged the visiting Spokane Chiefs 2-1 on Saturday for their fourth straight victory, and padded their U.S. Division lead to six points over the Chiefs. Hughesman (13-28a) ranks fifth on the Ams with 41 points this season.

Dustin Cameron and the Prince Albert Raiders (27-32-3-1) host Kevin King and the Kootenay Ice (28-25-2-6) on Sunday.

The Raiders dropped a 3-2 decision to the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday for their third defeat in four games, and currently sit one point behind Edmonton for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Raiders have dropped three straight at home.

The Ice fell 5-3 in Saskatoon on Saturday for their second straight defeat and third in four games, but remain in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Ice are 10-16-1-3 on the road this season.

In other WHL action on Sunday, Greg Scott and the Seattle Thunderbirds (29-29-1-3) host Evander Kane and the Vancouver Giants (49-6-1-3).

The Thunderbirds edged the Winter Hawks 4-3 in Portland on Saturday for their second win in a row, and clinched a playoff spot in the process. Greg Scott leads the T-Birds with 29 goals this season.

The Giants topped the Blazers 5-4 in overtime in Kamloops on Saturday, tying a franchise record with their 49th win of the season, and currently sit 15 points clear for top spot in the Western Conference. Kane notched a hat trick, including the overtime winner, in Saturday’s victory in Kamloops.

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

USHL Players of the Week

Press Release

Offensive Player of the Week

Stephane Da Costa Sioux City Musketeers
Paris, France
College: Merrimack
NHL: Undrafted

The leading scorer for the Musketeers paced the offense as his team split last week. Da Costa scored twice (8 seconds apart) and added an assist in a 7-3 win over Tri-City on Tuesday. He then figured in all the scoring, picking up a goal and an assist in a 3-2 loss to Green Bay on Friday. For the week he had 14 shots on goal (10 on Tuesday) and was a +3.

Honorable Mention - Dean Chelios (CHI), Robbie Vrolyk (SF), Nick Larson (WAT)


Defensive Player of the Week

Lee Moffie Waterloo Black Hawks
Wallingford, Connecticut
College: Michigan
NHL: Undrafted
(#210 in mid-term rankings)

Moffie had a good week for the Black Hawks and took home league honors for the second time this season. On Friday he had a pair of assists in Waterloo's 10-3 rout of Des Moines. The next night he set up two more goals in a 4-3 loss to rival Cedar Rapids. Both of his assists on Saturday came on the power play. Moffie had six shots on goal and finished the week +2.

Honorable Mention - Max Grover (SF), Bryce Aneloski (CR), Michael Keenan (SC)

Goalie of the Week

Brett Bennett Indiana Ice
Williamsville, New York
College: Wisconsin
NHL: Phoenix (Round 5, 2006)

Bennett had another sparkling week in net for Indiana, helping them win a pair of games. On Wednesday, he made 23 saves in a 4-0 shutout win over Des Moines, his second shutout of the year. Then on Friday he stopped 33 shots in a 3-1 win over East Divsion leading Cedar Rapids. He was 2-0-0 with a 0.50 goals against average and a .982 save percentage for the week.

Honorable Mention - Michael Houser (DM), Mike Lee (FAR), Jeff Teglia (OM

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

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Joyce's Fix

Gare Joyce of Sportsnet had a column Thursday on fixing the Major Junior Drafts. He focus on the OHL in particular.

One of his ideas is very interesting.

3. Every player who is named on any of the lists is to receive a $1,000 advance against his honorarium to play for his team. (The costs here are picked up by the respective GMs. A kid on all 20 lists will cost a general manager $50. If he alone nominates another prospect he's on the hook for the whole grand but at least he knows that he can alone draft him.)

4. The $1,000 payment should be enough to void NCAA eligibility. Therefore, once a player cashes a cheque, he's out of the NCAA mix. The major junior teams can pass along proof of the payments to the NCAA head office and, if they want to really jump-start it, to rival coaches who were reportedly recruiting the prospect. If he doesn't cash the cheque he's ineligible for the draft. He is placed on a suspended list and must wait a year to re-apply.

One you are forcing these kids to commit to the next four years of their life. Do we need to that much pressure on a kid when they are under so much scrutiny before they hit puberty?

I still think there will be loopholes for the upper tiered clubs to get who they want. Remember Austin Watson writing letters to every OHL team not to draft him because he was going to Maine? Under Joyce's provision, prospect A could tell 17 GMs he's definitely going the NCAA. He could tell the Hunters, Kitchener, and Windsor he's would like to play in the OHL. Those three teams would be recruiting the same players.

My next question is why risk losing a big name talent to your biggest competitor? Does the NCAA care that Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Denver, Boston College, and Boston University dominate every year and American International College, Alabama-Huntsville, Canisius, and Sacred Heart don't make the Frozen Four? The NCAA doesn't because the elite teams are good for the game.

Why can't the OHL accept that a couple of teams will be at the top every year? The less "attractive" teams could take a risk and draft an elite talent to block another team drafting him. Val d'Or of the QMJHL did that two years ago when they took Louis LeBlanc before Patrick Roy got his hands on him. Val d'Or tied to get him to commit but it didn't workout and traded his rights to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

The worse can happen you trade the rights and get something for him. What a concept. Maybe the OHL can make an elite prospect list where teams send names who they consider elite but not playing in the OHL. Whoever is on that list could be traded for a first round pick. Team A has Player A (elite player) and Team B (Kitchener, London, Windsor) trades for him. Team A could ask for Team B's 1st Round pick as compensation. This wouldn't work for players aleady in the OHL.

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)

Former BCHL President passes away

Press Release

Former British Columbia Hockey League President Ron Boileau has passed away at age 62 after a battle with diabetes. He will be remembered as a builder of the BCHL and Junior A hockey in Canada and as an ardent researcher and statistician.

Boileau's relationship with the BC Hockey League began in 1988 when he served as Vice President and statistician. Ron then served as League President from 1990 to 2003. That span of 13 years makes him the longest running president in league history. In Canadian Junior A Hockey only Saskatchewan Junior A President Wayne Kartush lasted longer at 26 years.

Ron spent much time researching the BCHL back to its roots in 1961 and much of that data was contained in the 500 page League Media Guide which was used from 1997-2003 and was heavily supported by the media. He also compiled all BCHL stats from 1987 to 2003, and his last season in the BCHL was the 2004-2005 campaign in which he worked as Administrator for the Penticton Vees.

Ron Boileau was voted unanimously as an Honoured Member of the BCHL. He was also credited with starting the Canadian Junior A Hockey League. He was named the CJAHL's first President and stats man from 1993 to 1998 when he had to step down due to cancer. Ron developed a league logo and forged a list of By-Laws to present to the League Presidents. He was unanimously voted an Honoured Member.

The Pacific Coast Hockey Association (1911-1926) was one of Ron’s passions. He became interested in the league because a number of today’s rules came from that Association. Everything from the forward pass to the playoff format, the awarding of assists, the penalty shot, and numbering on all player jerseys came from the PCHA. Ron tabulated all the stats for the PCHA which the Hockey Hall of Fame have taken as the true stats.

During his hockey career Ron also worked with the New Westminster Bruins of the WHL and the Delta Flyers of the Pacific Coast Junior B Hockey League. His collection of media guides and memorabilia is one of the most extensive in Canada and dates back to the 1920’s.

Ron Boileau lived in Penticton with his wife Carolyne and spent many of his final days at the Andy Moog Hospice House.

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

Panik to Windsor?

Roger Kennedy of the Hockey News is reporting that Richard Panik will also join Cam Fowler in a Spitfire sweater next season.

Panik, a Slovakian playing in the Czech Republic, is draft eligible this summer and his joining a North American team should help his stock rise. A gifted puck-handler, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound center is likely a late first-rounder in the NHL draft.

The Spitfires, who are dominating the OHL this season thanks to players such as Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis and Greg Nemisz, will be adding two more of their first-round draft picks in Fowler (domestic draft) and Panik (import draft) next year.

This season Panik has jumped all over the place. With Team Slovakia at the World Junior Championships he had two goals and three assists in seven games. Many say his overall performance was disappointing.

He has a goal and an assist with HC Trinec of the Czech Extraliga in fifteen games. He also has played for HC Havirov of the Czech Second League where he notched two goals and an assist in three games. Finall he has played with the U-20 HC Trinec club where he has nine goals and eight assists in 15 games.

(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, February 20, 2009

Fowler to Windsor?

I have said on message boards, until Cam Fowler lays his eyes on "Touchdown Jesus" anything can happen. It appears to be the case. The Redline Report is reporting that Fowler has de-committed to the University of Notre Dame.

2010 NHL draft stud Cam Fowler of the U.S. under-18 squad has de-committed from Notre Dame. This is the first step toward an official announcement of his signing with the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires.

The Spits took a chance on the fleet-skating, offensively gifted blue-liner in the first round of the 2008 OHL Draft after he had been selected the year before in the first round by Kitchener. However, the Rangers weren't able to land the Michigan native so they instead released him back into the draft pool and took a second round compensation pick instead.

The Spitfires will be thrilled to have him in their lineup next fall. Windsor GM Warren Rychel had been burning up the phone lines for months trying to entice Fowler, who is a likely top five overall selection next June. Fowler is currently on the shelf with a shoulder injury. Look for an official announcement to come following the World U-18 Championships in April.


Chris Heisenberg still lists him as a Notre Dame recruit. He did take off Adam Clenndening (NTDP U-17) as a Boston College recruit a couple of months ago. Heisenberg must not of heard the Fowler news yet.

This will be the second player confirmed to head to the OHL along with Brandon Maxwell. Jeremy Morin is all but confirmed and is probably waiting like Fowler to make an official announcement.

How many more players can the Spitfires try to convince to come to the OHL? They also have Kenny Ryan on the U-18 team. He's committed to Boston College. They have the rights to defenseman Stephen Johns (Notre Dame) and goaltender Jack Campbell (Michigan). I could see them going after Campbell because they are looking for a goaltender for the future.

Notre Dame still has a very good recruitng class for next year but won't be the elite recruiting class if Fowler does leave.

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 Cup

Press Release

The Ontario Hockey League today announced their weekly minor midget rankings for the 2009 Ontario Hockey League Showcase for the OHL Cup, hosted by the GTHL. The weekly rankings are determined by a panel of OHL Central Scouting staff and represent the top teams that are competing to play in the annual year-end championship tournament.

Minor Midget Rankings for the OHL Cup Showcase Tournament – Week 16

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS IN RANKINGS
1 Toronto Marlies GTHL 1 16
2 York-Simcoe Express OMHA 3 16
3 Mississauga Senators GTHL 2 16
4 Compuware U16 MWEHL- USA 4 16
5 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MHAO 5 16
6 St. Catharines Falcons OMHA 7 16
7 London Junior Knights MHAO 6 8
8 Burlington Eagles OMHA 8 13
9 Quinte Devils OMHA 9 8
10 Brantford 99'ers MHAO - 3

Honourable Mention
Mississauga Reps GTHL
Toronto Young Nats GTHL

The 2009 OHL Showcase for the OHL Cup will be played at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, from March 18, 2009 through March 22, 2009. The tournament will include 20 participating teams from across Ontario and the United States. The champions and finalists from minor hockey associations in Ontario, including the GTHL, OMHA, ODMHA, ALLIANCE, and an NOHA representative will participate in the tournament with additional teams identified by the Tournament Selection Committee.

Last March, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens defeated the Toronto Marlies 5-2 in the championship game. First overall pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection John McFarland (Sudbury Wolves) was named Tournament MVP playing for the Jr. Canadiens. Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa 67’s) of the Jr. Canadiens was named MVP of the championship final. JP Anderson (Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors) played goal for the Marlies squad. Other first round draft picks in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection that competed in the OHL Showcase included Steven Shipley (Owen Sound Attack) who competed with the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, and Stephen Silas (Belleville Bulls) who played for the Halton Hurricanes.

Several current OHL players are graduates of the OHL Cup, including John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals, Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires, Matt Duchene of the Brampton Battalion, Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires, and Jared Staal of the Sudbury Wolves.

(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, February 19, 2009

Major Junior Draft Rankings

Here's the top players for up coming Major Junior Drafts from Hockey Prospects and ISS.

OHL-Hockey Prospects

1 Justin Sefton Notre Dame DEF
2 Daniel Catenacci York Simcoe FWD
3 Alan Quine * Jr.Canadiens FWD
4 Matt Puempel Sun County FWD
5 Scott Harrington Kingston DEF

OHL-ISS

1. Scott Harrington - Kingston
2. Matthew Puempel - Sun County
3. Daniel Catenacci - York Simcoe
4. Justin Sefton - N.D. Hounds
5. Colin Suellentrop - Det Comp
6. Lucas Lessio - Marlboro
7. Ryan Murphy - York Simcoe
8. Alan Quine - Jr. Canadians
9. Cody Ceci - Peterborough
10. Boone Jenner - Elgin-Middlesex

WHL-Hockey Prospects

1 Morgan Reilly Notre Dame DEF
2 Derrick Pouliot Weyburn DEF
3 Taylor Balog Weyburn FWD
4 Quinton Shore Colorado FWD
5 Josh Smith Red Deer DEF

WHL-ISS

1. Morgan Rielly - Notre Dame
2. Tayler Balog - Weyburn
3. Michael Winther - Airdrie
4. Matt Dumba - Calgary
5. Connor Rankin - NSWC
6. Trent Geiger Calgary - Royal
7. Chandler Stephenson - Sask
8. Seth Jones - Dallas
9. Tanner Eberle - Regina
10. Logan McVeigh - Warman

QMJHL-Hockey Prospects

1 Brent Andrews Cornwall FWD
2 Olivier Archambault Esther-Blondin FWD
3 J.F Leblanc Ant.-Girouard FWD
4 J.F Plante Magog FWD
5 Dillon Donnely Lac St-Louis DEF

QMJHL-ISS

1. Brent Andrews - Cornwall
2. Olivier Archambault - Esther
3. Jean-Franc Leblanc - Antoine
4. Jean-Francoi Plante - Magog
5. Raphael Bussieres - Charles-Lemoyne
6. Dillon Donnelly - Lac St-Louis
7. Darcy Ashley - Cornwall
8. Philipp Hudon - Choate
9. Jonathan Racine - Vikings
10. Xavier Ouellette - Esther

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

Pack the House

Press Release

he Indiana Ice will carry their winning ways on the hockey rink to the charitable oval when the team hosts Key Bank "Pack the House for Charity Night" presented by Conseco on Saturday, February 28th as the Ice take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 7:30 p.m. from Conseco Fieldhouse.

"Pack the House Night" is in its 15th year of existence and has provided the Ice the opportunity to give back to the communities throughout Central Indiana. The Ice joins forces with local organizations to help them raise money for their cause and each organization receives a portion of all ticket sales for the night generated by their efforts.

The Ice is partnering this year to raise money and awareness with The Villages, Make-A-Wish and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation- Indiana Chapter.

Another customary tradition continues this season as the Ice players will once again be wearing special commemorative jerseys designed by children from Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on the game-worn jerseys throughout the evening with all proceeds benefiting the hospital.

Since the Ice began play in the USHL in 2004-05, the "Pack the House Night" contest is the most-attended game for Tier 1 Junior Hockey in all of North America each year. The previous four years have drawn over 12,500 people and are the top four hockey crowds all-time for the USHL.

Fans can purchase tickets for Key Bank "Pack the House for Charity Night" presented by Conseco and all home games at all Ticketmaster locations including Karma Records and the Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling (317) 239.5151 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Group tickets for the special night can be purchased by calling the Ice office at (317) 925.4423. For all the latest Ice information, please visit www.indianaice.com.

The USHL is celebrating its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With over 150 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.

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

ICE give coaches extension

Press Release

Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced Head Coach Mark Holick has signed a two-year contract extension with the Club through the 2010-2011 season.

“Mark and his entire coaching staff have done an excellent job with the Hockey Club not only this year, but last season as well. Despite having the second youngest team in the WHL and having injuries to key players we have remained in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference and in position to qualify for the post season. With the majority of our Club eligible to return next season and with the improvement shown by our younger players, it is very important that the continuity between the players and Head Coach continue”, continued Chynoweth.

Mark Holick was named the fourth Head Coach in franchise history in August 2007. Prior to joining the ICE, Holick worked in the both the British Columbia Hockey League (1994-2003, 2006-2007) and Alberta Junior Hockey League (2003-2006) as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach. He was also the Head Coach of Team Pacific at the 2004 World Under 17 Tournament and led them to a second place finish. Holick played in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades and New Westminster Bruins (1984-1987) and was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs (11th round – 216th overall) in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.

The Ice also announced Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik, Assistant Coach Kris Knoblauch and Athletic Therapist Brad Shaw have each signed two year contract extensions with the Club through the 2010-2011 season.

“We are very happy that each of these individuals will be returning to our Hockey Club. The success we have maintained over the past 11 years both on and off the ice can partially be attributed to having good people in key positions. Stability and continuity are the key to any successful organization and these three gentlemen are a big part of what we are all trying to achieve”, continued Chynoweth.

Garnet Kazuik is finishing up his second season as Director of Scouting for the ICE. He also spent two years (2005 – 2007) as an Alberta Scout for the Club. Garnet played in the Western Hockey League with the Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats (1984-1987).

Kris Knoblauch has been with the Club since August 2007. Kris played three seasons in the Western Hockey League and was a member of both the Edmonton (1997-1998) and Kootenay ICE (1988-1999). He also played with the Red Deer Rebels (1996-1997) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1998-1999). Kris was an Assistant Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders for one season prior to joining the ICE (2006-2007).

Brad Shaw has been with the organization since May 2007. He came to the ICE after spending three years as the Head Athletic Therapist with the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club (2005-2007). He also has worked for the Canadian Men’s Volleyball team (2007).

(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, February 18, 2009

Skinner wins honor

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Jeff Skinner of the Kitchener Rangers is the Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 15. Skinner scored five goals and three assists for eight points in four games with a plus-minus rating of plus-7.

Skinner began his week with a two goal effort at home Tuesday night against the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. The Rangers forced a late comeback but fell to the Majors 5-4 in overtime. Despite the loss Skinner was named first star of the game. Skinner repeated as first star of the game Friday night with his best offensive performance of the week scoring two goals and one assist to upset the Saginaw Spirit 6-2. He also contributed an assist in a 7-4 loss Saturday to the Sarnia Sting before finishing the week strong on Sunday against the London Knights where he scored two points including a late third period goal to tie the game and force overtime. The Rangers would lose 3-2 to the Knights.

Skinner, a 16-year-old rookie from Markham, ON, is the youngest recipient of the award so far this season. In his first year with the Rangers he has compiled 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 51 games which has him ranked 10th in OHL rookie scoring. He has scored a point in eight consecutive games and leads the OHL in goals in the month of February with 11 in seven games.

Last week’s winner Yannick Riendeau was considered for the award again this week. The Drummondville Voltigeurs’ forward scored five goals including two game-winners plus two assists for seven points in three victories. Brandon Kozun of the Calgary Hitmen was also considered from the WHL after scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points in four games. Kozun scored two goals and one assist twice on the week and was named first star of the game both times including Tuesday night in the 8-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers and Saturday in a 5-2 win over the Regina Pats.

2008-09 Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week

Feb. 17 – Jeff Skinner, Kitchener Rangers
Feb. 10 – Yannick Riendeau, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Feb. 3 – Drayson Bowman, Spokane Chiefs
Jan. 27 – Paul Byron, Gatineau Olympiques
Jan. 20 – Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings
Jan. 13 – Steven Anthony, Saint John Sea Dogs
Jan. 6 – Joel Broda, Moose Jaw Warriors
Dec. 16 – Robert Slaney, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Dec. 9 – John Tavares, Oshawa Generals
Dec. 2 – Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigres
Nov. 25 – Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheat Kings
Nov. 18 – Mathew Sisca, Niagara IceDogs
Nov. 11 – Yannick Riendeau, Drummondville Voltigeurs
Nov. 4 – Dana Tyrell, Prince George Cougars
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

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Maxim Gougeon of the Rimouski Océanic is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending February 15. Gougeon went 2-0-0-0 with one shutout for a goals-against-average of 0.48 and a .978 save percentage.

Gougeon and the Océanic began play on Wednesday night at home against a tough opponent the Quebec Remparts. Gougeon was perfect between the pipes stopping all 20 shots to lead the team to a 5-0 upset win where he was named first star of the game. The shutout was his fourth of the season. On Friday night Gougeon faced another challenge in the high-powered Moncton Wildcats. He stopped 25 shots including 14 in the third period and two in the extra frame before earning the win 2-1 in a shootout. The win marked the 10th straight victory for the Océanic.

Gougeon, a 20-year-old from Valleyfield, QC, is in his third QMJHL season and first with the Océanic. He is tied for fourth in the league with 28 wins this season and has posted a goals-against-average of 2.79 and a save percentage of .895. With their current winning streak the Océanic, hosts of the 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup, have climbed their way to sixth place in the QMJHL standings with 71 points.

Jeremy Smith of the Niagara IceDogs was the top goaltender in the OHL this week posting a 2-0-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 1.30 and a save percentage of .967 stopping 119 shots in three games. Also considered for this award is Juha Metsola of the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. The Finnish native was perfect this week making 18 saves in a shutout win over the Kamloops Blazers 2-0 on Friday.

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2008-09 ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week

Feb. 17 – Maxim Gougeon, Rimouski Océanic
Feb. 10 – Nicola Riopel, Moncton Wildcats
Feb. 3 – Raffaele D’Orso, Val d’Or Foreurs
Jan. 27 – Thomas McCollum, Brampton Battalion
Jan. 20 – Matt Hackett, Plymouth Whalers
Jan. 13 – Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Jan. 6 – Martin Jones, Calgary Hitmen
Dec. 16 – Michael Hutchinson, Barrie Colts
Dec. 9 – Chet Pickard, Tri-City Americans
Dec. 2 – Torrie Jung, Edmonton Oil Kings
Nov. 25 – Antoine Lafleur, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Nov. 18 – Martin Jones, Calgary Hitmen
Nov. 11 – Tyson Sexsmith, Vancouver Giants
Nov. 4 – Mike Murphy, Belleville Bulls
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


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