Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tuesday Rumblings

The USA Under-18 Team suffered a 4-0 loss to Alaska Fairbanks on Saturday. This was after they defeated Alaska Anchorage 4-3 last Thursday. Their schedule doesn't get any easier as they face Michigan on Saturday.

A couple of college commitments from over the weekend.

Princeton received two commitments from the USHL. Eric Meland of the Lincoln Stars and Alec Rush of the Tri-City Storm committed over the weekend. Meland, a right winger had one goal in ten games last season. He didn't participate in the Fall Classic. There's no rush to bring Rush in as he will a Tiger in 2010. Last year, he played with Eden Prairie High School where he had siz goals and 14 assists. At the Fall Classic, he had no points in two games.

Boston College continues to add talent as got a verbal commitment from Cody Ferriero for the 2010 season who plays for Governor's Academy.

Taking Note has some WHL News. Will Luke Schenn be back with the Kelowna Rockets? He has had a very good pre-season so far for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had a shootout goal last night against the St. Louis last night.

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, September 29, 2008

CHL Players of the Week

QMJHL Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, September 29, 2008 – Shawinigan Cataractes forward Nicholas Petersen and Montreal Juniors goaltender Jake Allen today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from September 22 to 28.

In three Cataractes wins, Petersen registered three goals, including a game-winner, on fourteen shots and chipped in four assists while maintaining a +1 (plus/minus) differential. The right-winger enjoyed his best game of the week on Tuesday, collecting five points in a 7-1 rout of the Victoriaville Tigres. Shawinigan trails Drummondville by only one point in the TELUS Central division standings.

Garbriel Lévesque (Huskies), Cédric Lalonde-McNicoll (Cataractes) and Matt Fillier (Junior) were also considered.

The defensive player of the week award goes to Juniors goaltender Jake Allen. In two games, he earned two wins while posting a 1.50 goals-against-average and .955 save percentage. Friday, the St. Louis Blues draft pick stopped 32 shots in a 6-3 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs. Then, on Sunday, Allen kicked away 31 pucks to guide Montreal to a 5-0 victory over the Gatineau Olympiques. It was the backstop’s third career shutout.

Nicola Riopel (Wildcats), Marc-André Bourdon (Huskies) and Alex Wall (Junior) were also strong candidates.


OHL Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Luke Pither of the Guelph Storm is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending September 28 after scoring three goals and three assists for six points in three games.

Pither led the Midwest Division leading Guelph Storm to three wins on the week, scoring in each game. He scored a goal to help defeat the Erie Otters 5-1 on Friday and had a goal and two assists and was the second star of the game in a 5-3 road win against the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday. Pither capped off the weekend with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win at home over the London Knights on Sunday. He was the third star of the game finishing the week with a plus-1 plus-minus rating.

Pither, a 19-year-old from Burketon, ON is in his fourth OHL season and third with the Storm. He scored 13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points in 51 games last season.

John Tavares also had an impressive week with three goals and three assists for the Oshawa Generals in three games while Ottawa 67’s rookie Tyler Toffoli had a goal and four assists in three games.


WHL Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The BOSTON PIZZA WHL Player of the Week is forward Joel Broda of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Broda picked up six points, scoring five goals and one assist to go with a +4 rating, in three games over the past week, helping the Warriors post a 3-0 record in that span.

Broda returned to the Warriors from Washington Capitals training camp just in time to join his Club on the road Wednesday, September 24th in Prince Albert to take on the Raiders. In his first game back, Broda netted a shorthanded goal as the Warriors downed the Raiders 4-3. He was also named the games 1st Star.

On Friday, September 26th the Warriors travelled to Westman Place in Brandon to face the Wheat Kings. Broda scored two goals and an assist as the Warriors defeated the Wheat Kings 6-3. He was also named the games 1st Star.

On Saturday, September 27th the Warriors hosted the Wheat Kings at the Civic Centre for the second half of the home and home series. Broda added two more goals to his weekly total and helped his Warriors down the Wheat Kings for the second time in as many nights, 5-2. He was also named the games 3rd Star.

Broda, an 18-year-old from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is in his fourth season of play in the Western Hockey League, a career that began with the Tri-City Americans prior to joining the Warriors at the start of last season. He was selected in the 5th round at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals.

The WHL has also nominated Kent Simpson of the Everett Silvertips for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award.

On Friday, September 26th, Simpson made his first ever WHL Regular Season start as his Silvertips hosted U.S. Division rivals the Portland Winter Hawks. Simpson stopped all 28 shots faced as the Silvertips defeated the Winter Hawks 2-0. He was also named the games 1st Star.

The Brandon Wheat Kings have acquire James Priestner from the Kamloops Blazers for a 3rd round selection in the 2009 Bantam Draft.

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)

Saturday, September 27, 2008

USHL Hires Ellis Prince

USHL Press Release

The United States Hockey League has announced that Ellis T. (Skip) Prince will become the USHL's new commissioner. Mr. Prince will assume his duties as head of America's top junior hockey league immediately.

"I'm privileged to have the opportunity to work with one of the most important developmental organizations - as well as a source of some of the most exciting hockey - in the United States," said Prince. "In its short history, the USHL has already provided a training ground for thousands of the world's top players. The league has provided an extraordinary opportunity for the present and future stars of U.S. hockey to play at the NCAA level and professionally in the NHL, something that 118 of our alumni, including 69 last season, have already accomplished. It's a great league, and at the same time the cutting edge of the U.S. movement to create a training environment that protects our players' amateur status as they grow into the best they can be – on and off the ice."

Outgoing President Gino Gasparini will remain with the USHL in the role of executive vice president and senior advisor, and among his duties will oversee hockey operations for Commissioner Prince. "The USHL and Tier I hockey in the United States only exist because of Gino Gasparini's tireless work over the past 14 years with the NCAA, USA Hockey, and literally thousands of players, coaches and general managers," said Prince. "He's a critical part of our plans moving forward, and I'm looking forward to working with him as well as with the league's ownership."

Mr. Prince, a native of Virginia, comes to the USHL from The Prince Companies, a consulting firm he started in 2004. Prior to starting his practice,Mr. Prince was a senior advisor to the Canadian Football League, and from 2001-2003 served as president and chief executive officer of the Montreal Alouettes, where he oversaw the repositioning of the franchise (and, in 2002, the club's first Grey Cup in 25 years). While in Montreal, Mr. Prince was named to a list of the "Top Ten Most Influential People in Canadian Sport."

On the hockey side, his resume is similarly impressive; Prince spent nine years as vice president of the National Hockey League (1991-2000), where he was responsible for the league and team television and business operations, as well as many of its business development initiatives including NHL International. He has also been the vice president of Anschutz Properties, precursor to AEG and the parent company of the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings as well as teams and venues worldwide.

"The USHL Board of Governors is pleased that we were able to find and hire a person with the experience and leadership qualities that Skip possesses," said USHL Chairman of the Board Jim Kronschnabel. "We are also thrilled that Gino Gasparini, who has taken this league so far during his tenure, will remain with the league, oversee the hockey operation and assist with this leadership transition."

Mr. Prince graduated from Yale University in 1974 with a double major in political science and anthropology. He was a member of the Bulldogs' varsity football and tennis teams, and earned honors as a National Merit Scholar, Yale Scholar, and a Rhodes Scholar Finalist. He is a 1977 graduate with honors of the University of Virginia School of Law. He has been a law professor at Whittier School of Law in Los Angeles, Calif., and from 1986 until his NHL appointment was a partner in the law firm of Gottlieb and Schwartz in Chicago where he helped found the Arena Football League and served as its first General Counsel. He is an active speaker and lecturer, and an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University.

"My sense is that the hockey fan base in the U.S. may not quite understand how special the USHL is – and how critical its success and growth is to the development of the sport of hockey in the United States," said Prince. "We're out to change that. This is going to be a great ride."

Mr. Prince and his wife, Ms. Sharon Berardi-Prince, an actress and drama educator, reside in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The USHL is America's only Tier I league and will begin its 30th season on October 3. The 2008 USHL Fall Classic is scheduled for September 25-27, 2008 in Sioux City. For more information go to www.ushlfallclassic.com or www.ushl.com.

Saturday Results at the Fall Classic

Friday Results at the Fall Classic

New Poll is up.

I have also added my LinkedIn profile if anyone wants to add me.

(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, September 26, 2008

Early Weekend Notes

The Under-18 Team opened up their college hockey schedule with a victory over University of Alaska Anchorage 4-3. Ryan Bourque, Jeremy Morin, and Kenny Ryan (2) were the goal scorers for the Americans. They play Univ. of Alaska-Fairbanks tomorrow. The Under-17 Team doesn't hit the ice again until October 10th.

With the USHL Fall Classic taking place this weekend, don't be surprised to see players committing this weekend. All 60 NCAA schools will be there plus the NHL scouts. Miami received a commitment from Cody Murphy, a left winger that plays for
Cedar Rapids. Last year with Team Illinois of the MWEHL, he had 14 goals and 8 assists in 24 games. So far at the Fall Classic he has no points.

Appartenly Michigan has gotten a commitment from Jacob Fallon. He's currently with the USA Under-17 Team.

Boston College got a commitment and lost out on one. Wednesday, they received a commitment from offensive defenseman Brian Dumoulin. I am surprised that he will be with the Eagles next year, I thought he would play an extra year of juniors. This kid has the talent, so I shouldn't really be that surprised.

Brendan Rempel has choosen Harvard over Boston College. He played for Avon Old Farms last season but has joined the NTDP for this season.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed goaltender Andrew Perugini who had been with the Sarnia Sting. Last season he had a 28-20-2 record, with a 3.09 goals against average and a .918 save percentage with the Sting and the Barrie Colts.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Swiss goaltender Robert Mayer. With the Saint John Sea Dogs last season he had 16-10-1 record with a .887 save percentage and a 3.77 goals against average.

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)

USHL Fall Classic

The USHL Fall Classic got underway today.

Green Bay 3 vs. Lincoln 2

1st Period

Green Bay - Jacob Johnstone (David Makowski, Chase Drake) 3:41
Green Bay - Chris Saracino (CJ Lee, Jacob Johnstone) 18:37

2nd Period

Lincoln - Brett Chartier (Dan Weiss, Jon Puskar) 16:06

3rd Period

Green Bay - Anthony Hayes (William Rapuzzi) 13:09
Lincoln - Kory Kaunisto (extra attacker) (Corey Chakeen, Brett Chartier) 18:22

Omaha 2 vs. Indiana 6

1st Period

Indiana - Loren Barron (Zach Golembiewski) 4:16
Indiana - Stanislav Galiev (Brandon Richardson, Chris Stafne) 4:57
Indiana - Brandon Richardson (Mikael Owilli, Joe Hartman) 16:16
Indiana - Shane Berschbach (Jason Bourgea, Dan Cecka) 16:59

2nd Period

Indiana - Dan Cecka (Shane Berschbach, Jason Bourgea) 5:34
Omaha - Drew Olson (unassisted) 10:20
Indiana - Dan Cecka (powerplay) (Loren Barron) 13:18

3rd Period

Omaha - Tom Craig (unassisted) 17:13

Chicago 4 vs. Sioux Falls 5

1st Period

Chicago - Andrew Miller (Greg Wolfe, John Moore) 4:41
Chicago - Andrew Fitzstephens (Eric Alexander) 5:47
Sioux Falls - George Michalke (powerplay) (Dane Walters, Max Grover) 6:56
Sioux Falls - Dane Walters (powerplay) (Matt Farris, George Michalke) 11:27
Sioux Falls - Terry Broadhurst (powerplay) (Josh Holmstrom, Marc Rodriguez) 17:55

2nd Period

Chicago - Greg Wolfe (Matt Lindblad, Rob Linsmayer) 3:06
Chicago - Eric Alexander (Andrew Fitzstephens, Max Nicastro) 5:00
Sioux Falls - Robbie Vrolyk (Dane Walters, Luke Grenier) 16:00

3rd Period

Sioux Falls - Robbie Vrolyk (Marc Rodriguez, Dan Furlong) 13:27

Tri-City 4 vs. Des Moines 6

1st Period

Tri-City - Anthony Schooley (Radoslav Illo, Ryan Forgaard) 14:35
Tri-City - Radoslav Illo (Matt Bailey, Anthony Schooley) 17:59

2nd Period

Des Moines - Ryan Walters (Chris Knowlton, Alex Chiasson) 6:29
Tri-City - Danny Heath (powerplay) (Anthony DeCenzo, Eli Zuck) 11:34
Des Moines - Josh Myers (Austin Handley, Josh Balch) 11:48
Des Moines - Nic Dowd (Jacob Youso, H.T. Lenz) 14:33
Des Moines - Josh Balch (Chris Knowlton, Josh Myers) 15:19
Des Moines - H.T. Lenz (powerplay) (Nic Dowd) 18:01

3rd Period

Des Moines - Ami Peled (Ryan McKiernan, Alex Chiasson) 8:45
Tri-City - Alex Gerke (powerplay) (David Chaney) 15:34

Cedar Rapids 4 vs. Fargo 0

1st Period

Cedar Rapids - Nick Oddo (Dean Chelios) 8:20
Cedar Rapids - Nick Oddo (Derik Johnson) 12:25

2nd Period

no scoring

3rd Period

Cedar Rapids - Greg Burke (powerplay) (unassisted) 12:03
Cedar Rapids - Tobias Nilsson-Roos (Mike Seidel) 17:23

Waterloo 5 vs. Sioux City 3

1st Period

Waterloo - Ben Miller (powerplay) (Brett Beebe) 5:46
Waterloo - Lee Moffie (unassisted) 11:15

2nd Period

Sioux City - Adam Schmidt (powerplay) (Jake Johnson, Jarrod Mermis) 2:30
Waterloo - Scott Pavelski (powerplay) (Patrick Wey, Eriah Hayes) 6:34
Sioux City - Donnie Hallmark (Craig Kitto) 10:24

3rd Period

Waterloo - Tyler Barnes (Patrick Wey) 5:29
Waterloo - Matt Johnson (powerplay) (Kevin Ryan) 6:29
Sioux City - Mitch Bruijsten (powerplay) (Michael Keenan) 14:31

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, September 24, 2008

Pryor Not Madison Bound

(I was on The Pipeline Show last night to preview the QMJHL season. Here's the interview.)

This summer, the University of Wisconsin has been in the recruiting news a lot. They have been gaining recruits and they have been losing a couple. Put another one in the loss column for the Badgers. Nick Pryor, a defenseman, who will be playing for the Des Moines Buccaneers this season has de-committed for the 2009 season. He spent the last two seasons with the National Team Development Program.

No one really knows the reasoning because he has told different people different things. The Sixty Minutes. No Alibis. No Regrets Blog reported it was because of low ACT scores.

He was not able to get the proper clearance from the University to gain admissions for the fall of 2009. Pryor cited a low ACT score as the reason that he will not be admitted.
However, he told the Badger Beat that it wasn't about academics.

He denied rumors that his decommitment had something to do with academics. "I could have gotten in if I wanted to," he said.
It will be interesting to see how he plays in the USHL Fall Classic this weekend. He has gotten calls from other schools.

On whether he's heard interest from other schools: "I've gotten calls. I'm keeping my options open right now. I don't have my mind set on anywhere right now. I'm just going to play - I've got a tournament coming up this weekend, the USHL Fall Classic, and see how everything goes after that. Nothing too serious at all right now."
My thoughts is things changed. Pryor committed when he was 15 and was still playing high school hockey in Minnesota. I have never seen him play but maybe his progression as a player has slowed down. He probably sees who they have on defense on the roster now and won't see as much playing time as he would like as a freshman. Maybe some kids will have second thoughts before commiting before they can go to drivers ed.

There's good news for Badger fans as they received a verbal commitment from a right winger Matt Paape for either the 2010 or 2011 season. In 24 contests with Appleton United last season, he had 31 goals and 20 assists as a junior. That's also another in-state recruit for the Badgers.

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, September 22, 2008

Weekly Award Winners

(Tomorrow night I will be on "The Pipeline Show" at 9:25pm eastern time to preview the QMJHL season.)

The three leagues that make up the CHL have announced their players of the week.

QMJHL Players of the Week

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, September 22, 2008 – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles forward Michael Stinziani and Acadie-Bathurst Titan goaltender Nicolas Champion today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from September 15 to 21.

In three games, Stinziani collected two goals and added four assists, registering two points in each of the Screaming Eagles’ wins against the Foreurs, the Mooseheads and the Sea Dogs. The 2007-08 President Cup-winner is currently tied for second in the scoring standings with seven other players after recording eight points in five games. Cape Breton has been outstanding in the early going, collecting five straight wins.

Jérémy Gouchie (Screaming Eagles), Linden Bahm (Mooseheads) and Jean-Philip Chabot (Olympiques) were also considered.

The defensive player of the week award goes to Titan goaltender Nicolas Champion. In two wins versus the Océanic and the Rocket, the backstop posted a 1.50 goals-against-average and .955 save percentage while facing thirty-three shots per game. Champion, a twelfth round pick in the 2007 QMJHL Entry Draft, has started all four contests for Acadie-Bathurst this season, registering three wins against only one loss.

Dmitry Kulikov (Voltigeurs), Jan Piscacek (Screaming Eagles) and Olivier Roy (Screaming Eagles) were also strong candidates.

OHL Player of the Week

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ captain Matt Lyall is the Boston Pizza OHL player of the Week for the opening week of the 2008-09 season after scoring three goals and three assists for six points in two games.

Lyall scored two goals, including a short-handed effort, and picked up an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Guelph Storm on Friday and then scored the winning goal in overtime to go along with two assists in a 6-5 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday. He was plus-3 on the week.

Lyall, a 20-year-old from Richmond Hill, ON, returned from the Atlanta Thrashers training camp last week. He is in his fifth OHL season after starting his career with the Storm during the 2004-05 season. He scored 21 goals and 57 points in 67 games with the Greyhounds last season.

Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires scored a goal and five assists in six games this week while Daniel Lombardi had three goals and two assists in two games with the Sarnia Sting.
WHL Player of the Week

CALGARY, AB. - The BOSTON PIZZA WHL Player of the Week is forward Jordan Weal of the Regina Pats.

Weal picked up five points, scoring one goal and four assists to go with a +3 rating, in two games over the WHL Opening Weekend.

On Friday, September 19th, the Pats travelled to Brandon to face the Wheat Kings at Westman Place. Weal picked up two assists in his first ever WHL regular season game which saw his Pats lose to the Wheat Kings 5-3. He was also named the games 3rd Star.

On Sunday, September 21st, in the second half of the home and home series with Brandon to kick off the WHL’s 43rd Season, the Pats hosted the Wheat Kings at the Brandt Centre in Regina. Weal scored his first WHL goal and added two assists in a game that saw the Wheat Kings fight back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Pats 4-3 in the shoot-out. Weal was also named the games 1st Star.

Weal, a 16 year old from Vancouver, British Columbia, is in his first season of play in the Western Hockey League. He was selected by the Regina Pats in the 4th round – 79th overall during the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft and spent last season in the BC Major Midget League with the NW Vancouver Giants scoring 39 goals and 100 points.

The WHL has also nominated Jamie Tucker of the Vancouver Giants for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award.

On Saturday, September 20th, Tucker made his first ever WHL Regular Season start as his Giants travelled to Everett to face the Silvertips. Tucker stopped all 30 shots faced as the Giants downed the Silvertips 4-0. He was also named the games 3rd Star.
Once again if you want to join a NHL fantasy hockey league, fire me an email and I will invite you. Draft is 10pm eastern on Wednesday night.

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)

College Commitments

Here are the latest college commitments from the last week.

Cornell received a commitment from right winger John Knisley. He will be on the campus for the fall of 2011. Last season with Pittsford High School, he had 20 goals and 24 assists. On Chris Heisenburg site he lists him as playing for the Syracuse Stars of the Empire Junior Hockey League this season. He's Cornell's first commitment for the 2011-2012 season.

Yale received a commitment from goaltender Jeff Malcolm who plays for the Quesnel Millionaires of the British Columbia Hockey League. So far this season, he's 3-3, with a 2.85 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. Yale also has Nick Marici comming in next year. He will be the netminder with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League.

Another ECAC school, Colgate, got a commitment from defenseman Thomas Larkin who plays for Phillips Exter. His stats are unavailable from last season.

Out in the Mid West, Miami University, got a commitment from Curtis McKenzie who's a left winger with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. Early on this season, he has three goals and four assists in four contests.

Wade Epp, a 6'5 defenseman, committed to Northern Michigan. So far with the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, he has a goal and two assists on seven matches this season.

Cody Strang has committed to Wisconsin for either the 2010 or 2011 season. Last season with Madison Edgewood, Strang had 10 goals and 24 assists in 14 games.

(If anyone wants to join a fantasy hockey league, send me an email. The draft is on Wednesday at 10pm eastern time. I need ten people so act fast.)

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)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Tough Day for the NTDP

USA U-18 2 vs. Alexandria 5

1st Period

Alexandria - Jerry Freismuth (powerplay) (Joe Knoepke, Taylor Vichorek) 10:20
Alexandria - Garrett Grimstad (Taylor Vichorek) 19:15

2nd Period

USNTDP - Kenny Ryan (shorthanded) (Cam Fowler) 11:42
Alexandria - Brandon Bahnemann (powerplay) (Nick Carey, Derek Kaiser) 19:20

3rd Period

Alexandria - Brandon Bahnemann (Jerry Freismuth) 7:54
Alexandria - Brandon Bahnemann (Noah Nemgar, Jerry Freismuth) 11:07
USNTDP - Drew Shore (powerplay) (Tyler Amburgey) 18:41

Alpena 4 vs. Kenai River 2

1st Period

Alpena - Ryan Timar (powerplay) (Jim McCusker, Alexander Kuqali) 17:25

2nd Period

Alpena - JC Gulch (Jay Camper, Nick Grasso) 3:47
Kenai River - Kyle Clay (George Isham, Jed McGlasson) 9:52
Alpena - John Fritsche (Mike DeGrazia, Josh Nicol) 14:39

3rd Period

Alpena - Tyler Pilmore (emptynet) (Andy Yarber) 17:57
Kenai River - Jed McGlasson (powerplay) (George Isham, Kyle Clay) 18:44

Mahoning Valley 3 vs. Springfield 4

1st Period

Springfield - Jon Gaffney (Rob Dongara) 14:50

2nd Period

Springfield - Trent Frey (Justin Hochsprung, Nick Curry) 4:54
Mahoning Valley - Jordy Trottier (powerplay) (Brandon Saad) 6:56
Mahoning Valley - Johnny Meo (unassisted) 9:52

3rd Period

Springfield - Brian Prost (Jon Gaffney, Jack Callahan) 3:53
Mahoning Valley - Stefan Salituro (Doug Clifford, Kyle Verbeek) 13:46

Overtime

No scoring

Shootout

Springfield - Trent Frey and Mike Schaber

Traverse City 3 vs Bismarck 2

1st Period

No Scoring

2nd Period

Traverse City - David Johnstone (powerplay) (Kyle Jean) 3:04
Bismarck - Jordan Singer (Greg Thocker, Cody Keefer) 3:25
Traverse City - Eric OHearn (powerplay) (Travis White) 11:41

3rd Period

Bismarck - Nicholas Jensen (powerplay) (Bryan Kozlowski, Kevin Harris) 16:57

Overtime

No Scoring

Traverse City - Tyler Stephens and David Johnstone

Albert Lea 1 vs. Wichita Falls 6

1st Period

Wichita Falls - Kyle Delaurell (Jeff McNeil, Broderick Browne) 0:28
Wichita Falls - Kyle Delaurell (powerplay) (Thomas Erlacher) 10:19

2nd Period

Wichita Falls - Victor Karlsson (powerplay) (Adam Sponseller, Curtis Heinz) 7:05
Wichita Falls - Curtis Heinz (Patrick Cahill, Victor Karlsson) 13:33

3rd Priod

Wichita Falls - Victor Karlsson (powerplay) (Patrick Cahill) 1:01
Wichita Falls - Curtis Heinz (powerplay) (Patrick Cahill, Victor Karlsson) 3:35
Albert Lea - Derek Docken (powerplay) (Niko Kapetanovic, Collin Moberly) 14:16

Owatonna 2 vs. Marquette 6

1st Period

Marquette - Austin Accettura (powerplay) (Josh Bussell) 6:25
Marquette - Josh Bussell (Garrett Ladd) 7:44
Marquette - James Gallagher (unassisted) 9:44
Owatonna - Joe Beaudette (powerplay) (Tony McDonald, Troy Puente) 14:46

2nd Period

Marquette - Collin Saint-Onge (Garrett Ladd) 1:46
Marquette - Collin Saint-Onge (Josh Bussell, Garrett Ladd) 15:59

3rd Period

Owatonna - Alex Niestrom (powerplay) (Nick Carson, Chris Bournazos) 10:25
Marquette - Collin Saint-Onge (Garrett Ladd) 14:48

North Iowa 0 vs. Topeka 4

1st Period

Topeka - Colin Smith (Jeff Burke, Travis Stevens) 3:36

2nd Period

Topeka - Randy Swank (powerplay) (Bob Marx, Bryon Paulazzo) 4:37
Topeka - Matt Hartmann (Andrew Blazek) 7:52

3rd Period

Topeka - Alec Hagaman (Jacob Poe, Jordan George) 7:20

Fairbanks 2 vs. Motor City 3

1st Period

Fairbanks - Cody Holzworth (Jon Waggoner, Eric Kraft) 1:26

2nd Period

Motor City - Andy Inderieden (powerplay) (Trevor John) 6:14
Fairbanks - Austin Block (powerplay) (Micheal Benedict, Jon Waggoner) 10:40

3rd Period

Motor City - Kevin Bechard (powerplay) (Ben Danford, Andy Inderieden) 3:34
Motor City - Kevin Bechard (Anthony Olson, Nick Grams) 8:23

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, September 19, 2008

Friday Afternoon News

Last night both the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League got their regular season underway.

The Peterborough Petes defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 4-1. The Petes had four different goal scorers including Zach Kassian who's eligible for the 2009 NHL Draft. Jason Missiaen made 31 saves in the victory. With his performance last night, Loosepucks thinks there might be a goalie controversey in Peterborough. I vdon't know too much about Missiaen but the 6'7 frame should help. Will London call to see if Trevor Cann is available?

Kingston has acquired Yanick Weber's rights from the Kitchener Rangers.

The Barrie Colts defeated the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 3-1. The Colts got goals from three different goal scorers.

There's a full slate of games tonight.

The Detroit Free Press has a story on Beau Schmitz and his rookie season in the OHL.

In the Western Hockey League, the Kootenay Ice defeated the defending Memorial Cup Champions the Spokane Chiefs 4-2. Michael Stickland got off on the right foot as he had all four goals for the Ice. Three players had two assists. Jared Cowen had a goal in the loss for the Chiefs. Mitch Wahl also had a goal in the loss.

Late Thursday Results at the NAHL Showcase.

Fairbanks 4 vs. USA U-18 7

1st Period

USNTDP - Chris Brown (powerplay) (Nick Mattson, William Wrenn) 3:15
USNTDP - David Valek (unassisted) 4:36
Fairbanks - Micheal Benedict (Austin Block, Steve Zierke) 13:54
USNTDP - Drew Shore (powerplay) (Cam Fowler) 16:50

2nd Period

Fairbanks - Austin Block (Mark Pustin, Jared Larson) 1:45
USNTDP - Jeremy Morin (Kenny Ryan) 4:24

3rd Period

USNTDP - Nick Mattson (William Wrenn, Drew Shore) 0:46
USNTDP - Kevin Lynch (unassisted) 1:35
Fairbanks - Isaiah Bennis (unassisted) 2:38
Fairbanks - Austin Block (powerplay) (Andrew McCabe) 6:30
USNTDP - Drew Shore (Jeremy Morin, John ramage) 17:27

Wichita Falls 3 vs. Alexandria 2

1st Period

No Scoring

2nd Period

Alexandria - Anton Norman (Jerry Freismuth, Noah Nemgar) 9:46
Wichita Falls - Brett Hartung (powerplay) (Kyle Delaurell, Shawn Jameson) 13:55
Alexandria - Jerry Freismuth (powerplay) (Nick Carey, Joe Knoepke) 18:18

3rd Period

Wichita Falls - Kyle Delaurell (powerplay) (unassisted) 0:45

Overtime

Wichita Falls - Thomas Erlacher (powerplay) (Shawn Jameson, Kyle Delaurell) 1:42

Wenatchee 2 vs. Albert Lea 1

1st Period

Wenatchee - Jack Nicoll (powerplay) (Junior Cadiz) 6:47

2nd Period

Wenatchee - DJ Vandercook (Cam Severson, David Kurbatsky) 18:26
Albert Lea - Mikita Feaktsistau (Niko Kapetanovic) 19:38

3rd Period

No Scoring

Early Friday Results

USA U-17 2 vs. Alaska 5

1st Period

USNTDP - Austin Czarnik (powerplay) (Kevin Clare, Justin Faulk) 8:33
USNTDP - Stephan Johns (powerplay) (Adam Clendening) 14:25

2nd Period

Alaska - Rudy Pino (Zach Smith) 14:30
Alaska - Alex Young (shorthanded) (Kyle Pichler) 15:09
Alaska - Tyler Currier (Alex Young, Shawn McNeely) 18:21

3rd Period

Alaska - Tyler Currier (powerplay) (Alex Young, Shawn McNeely) 6:41
Alaska - Ryan Kowal (Adam Friese) 8:24

St. Louis 2 vs. Wenatchee 1

1st Period

Wenatchee - Evan Mosey (powerplay) (Junior Cadiz, Zach Ledford) 14:12
St. Louis - Grant Gorczyca (Clinton Bourbonais, Chad Hudson) 15:44

2nd Period

No Scoring

3rd Period

St. Louis - Brendan Sheehan (powerplay) (Clinton Bourbonais) 13:34

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, September 18, 2008

Day 2 at the NAHL Showcase

Late Wednesday Results

Wichita Falls 3 vs. USA U-18 2

1st Period

USNTDP - Ryan Bourque (Kenny Ryan) 3:24

2nd Period

No scoring

3rd Period

Wichita Falls - Brett Hartung (powerplay) (Kyle Delaurell, Shawn Jameson) 0:49
USNTDP - Chris Mccarthy (Kevin Lynch) 5:37
Wichita Falls - Thomas Erlacher (powerplay) (Kyle Delaurell, Brett Hartung) 16:46

Overtime

Wichita Falls - Thomas Erlacher (powerplay) (Kyle Delaurell, Shawn Jameson) 4:10

Marquette 4 vs. North Iowa 5

1st Period

Marquette - James Gallagher (Aaron Pietila, Chad Pietila) 5:17
Marquette - Josh Bussell (Garrett Ladd) 5:39
North Iowa - Travis Peckskamp (Jack Paul) 16:05

2nd Period

North Iowa - Brandon Brodhag (Scott Barrera) 12:52
North Iowa - Travis Peckskamp (unassisted) 16:57

3rd Period

Marquette - Josh Bussell (Collin Saint-Onge) 5:20
North Iowa - Alex Charette (unassisted) 17:03
North Iowa - Alex Carlson (Jack Paul) 17:14
Marquette - Aaron Pietila (James Gallagher) 19:50

Thursday Results

USA U-17 7 vs. Owatonna 1

Owatonna - Cory Thorson (Troy Puente) 8:16
USNTDP - Chase Balisy (Emerson Etem, Matthew Nieto) 8:55
USNTDP - Jason Zucker (Nick Shore, Justin Faulk) 10:52

2nd Period

USNTDP - Luke Moffatt (Nick Shore, Jarred Tinordi) 16:52

3rd Period

USNTDP - Jason Zucker (unassisted) 7:42
USNTDP - Shane Sooth (Jacob Fallon, Matthew Nieto) 9:14
USNTDP - Austin Czarnik (Jacob Fallon) 15:13
USNTDP - Matthew Nieto (Justin Faulk, Stephan Johns) 18:20

Bismarck 4 vs. Motor City 1

1st Period

Bismarck - Cody Keefer (powerplay) (Casey Kleisinger) 12:23

2nd Period

Bismarck - Cody Keefer (Jordan Singer) 18:08
Bismarck - Cody Keefer (Jordan Singer) 18:40
Motor City - Kevin Bechard (Dakroub) 19:23

3rd Period

Bismarck - Joel Lundstrom (emptynet) (Will Aide) 19:24

Alaska 4 vs. Traverse City 3

1st Period

Traverse City - Kyle Bonis (powerplay) (Mike Schenfeld) 9:09
Traverse City - Travis White (Phil Wendecker) 19:26

2nd Period

Alaska - Branden Kinnebrew (Tyler Currier) 8:54
Alaska - Jay Baldwin (Shawn McNeely) 9:20
Alaska - Branden Kinnebrew (Rudy Pino, Tyler Currier) 12:29
Alaska - Robb Haider (powerplay) (Kyle Pichler, Beau Braun) 14:19

3rd Period

Traverse City - David Johnstone (Ryan Amin) 3:16

Topeka 8 vs. Marquette 2

1st Period

Topeka - Matt Hartmann (powerplay) (Tom Kleidon, Andrew Blazek) 13:13

2nd Period

Topeka - Andrew Blazek (powerplay) (Alec Hagaman, Matt Hartmann) 10:20
Marquette - James Gallagher (powerplay) (Chad Pietila, Aaron Pietila) 15:06
Topeka - Andrew Blazek (Edgars Lipsburg, Matt Hartmann) 15:29

3rd Period

Topeka - Alec Hagaman (powerplay) (Bob Marx, Jordan George) 2:23
Marquette - Michael Thompson (powerplay) (Kevin Gravel, Kent Daavettila) 4:15
Topeka - Steve Shafer (Bryon Paulazzo, Jordan George) 13:58
Topeka - Andrew Blazek (Matt Hartmann) 14:39
Topeka - Matt Hartmann (Jordan George) 17:34
Topeka - Steve Shafer (Jordan George, Ryan McGrath) 18:11

Springfield 6 vs. Alpena 4

1st Period

Springfield - Mike Schaber (powerplay) (Jack Callahan, Jon Bobb) 7:05
Springfield - Rob Dongara (Jon Bobb, Mike Schaber) 11:13
Springfield - Trent Frey (Nick Curry, Brandon Lowndes) 12:19
Springfield - Andy Kitt (Brandon Lowndes) 17:01

2nd Period

Springfield - Trent Frey (powerplay) (Zack Kamrass) 14:47
Alpena - Alexander Kuqali (Erik Peterson, Tyler Pilmore) 15:33

3rd Period

Springfield - Trent Frey (Nick Curry) 2:24
Alpena - Ryan Timar (Andy Yarber) 5:51
Alpena - Josh Nicol (Tristan Harper, Nick Grasso) 11:23
Alpena - Josh Nicol (Jim McCusker, Sam Cheraso) 19:24

Kenai River 4 vs. St. Louis 3

St. Louis - Nate Allen (Brendan Sheehan) 11:41
Kenai River - Ryan Lemke (Nick Simson, Jake Musselman) 14:26

2nd Period

Kenai River - Ryan Goodmanson (powerplay) (Nick Simson) 2:10
St. Louis - Nate Allen (Brendan Sheehan, Justin Kirchhevel) 11:54

3rd Period

Kenai River - Chris Annunziato (shorthanded) (unassisted) 3:19
St. Louis - Kris Reinthaler (powerplay) (Kyle Quick, Chad Hudson) 13:30

Overtime

Kenai River - Nick Simson (Nick Gawron) 0:50

North Iowa 1 vs. Mahoning Valley 4

1st Period

Mahoning Valley - Brian McGinty (Stefan Salituro) 2:10
North Iowa - Jon Crouse (powerplay) (Travis Peckskamp, Alex Carlson) 4:03
Mahoning Valley - Jordy Trottier (powerplay) (Doug Clifford, Stefan Salituro) 7:23
Mahoning Valley - Brandon Saad (powerplay) (Cullen Lundholm, Johnny Meo) 14:45

2nd Period

No Scoring

3rd Period

Mahoning Valley - Alex Lippincott (shorthanded) (Erik Higby) 8:41

There are still three games still going on tonight including the Under-18 Team.

Here are the results of The Sherwood/NAHL Future Prospects Tournament.

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, September 17, 2008

NAHL Showcase Results

U-17 NTDP 5 vs. Bismarck 1

1st Period

USNTDP - Austin Czarnik (powerplay) (unassisted) 6:28
USNTDP - Michael Mersch (Bryan Rust, Frankie Simonelli) 7:05
USNTDP - Austin Czarnik (powerplay) (unassisted) 14:46
Bismarck - Bryan Kozlowski (powerplay) (John Clark, Nicholas Jensen) 15:53
USNTDP - Emerson Etem (Chase Balisy) 16:47

2nd Period
No Scoring

3rd Period

USNTDP - Jason Zucker (powerplay) (Luke Moffatt) 1:06

Fairbanks 4 vs. Springfield 3

1st Period

Springfield - Nick Curry (powerplay) (Austin Coldwell) 16:34

2nd Period

Fairbanks - Eric Kraft (unassisted) 0:09
Fairbanks - Andrew McCabe (Steve Zierke, James Saintey) 2:37
Fairbanks - Jon Waggoner (powerplay) (James Saintey, Eric Kraft) 7:58
Fairbanks - Isaiah Bennis (powerplay) (Drew Darwitz, Austin Block) 14:09

3rd Period

Springfield - Jack Callahan (powerplay) (Jeremiah Dargis) 3:16

Springfield - Nick Curry (powerplay) (Jon Gaffney, Edvin Berg) 18:04

Topeka 5 Alpena 1

1st Period

Topeka - Jordan George (Steve Shafer) 12:44
Topeka - Alec Hagaman (Gustav Bengtson, Jake Hutt) 15:25
Topeka - Eric Artman (Alec Hagaman, Gustav Bengtson) 15:40

2nd Period

Topeka - Bryon Paulazzo (powerplay) (Jordan George, Bob Marx) 16:03

3rd Period

Traverse City 3 vs. St. Louis 2

1st Period

Traverse City - Garrett Thompson (Eric OHearn, Marc Thompson) 14:00

2nd Period

Traverse City - Chris Salomone (Mike Schenfeld, Eric McLintock) 9:04
St. Louis - Brendan Sheehan (shorthanded) (Grant Gorczyca) 12:24

3rd Period

St. Louis - Justin Kirchhevel (Clinton Bourbonais, Ryan Rashid) 14:01
Traverse City - Kyle Bonis (Nathan Urbaniak) 18:42

Mahoning Valley 5 vs. Owatonna 4

1st Period

Mahoning Valley - Erik Higby (Cullen Lundholm, Cole Schneider) 2:47
Mahoning Valley - Christian Long (unassisted) 9:03
Owatonna - Tony McDonald (Josh Daley, Stephen Carew) 9:51
Owatonna - Cory Thorson (Chris Bournazos) 10:52

2nd Period

Owatonna - Michael Palmiscno (John Kruse) 6:44
Owatonna - Stephen Carew (powerplay) (Tim Smith, Tony McDonald) 8:15 Mahoning Valley - Carl Nielsen (powerplay) (Johnny Meo) 15:17
Mahoning Valley - Erik Higby (Cole Schneider, Dustin Hopfner) 19:13

3rd Period

Mahoning Valley - Robert Harrison (unassisted) 1:12

Motor City 2 vs. Wenatchee 1

1st Period

Wenatchee - Evan Mosey (powerplay) (Kyle Brodie) 8:48

2nd Period

Motor City - Andy Inderieden (powerplay) (Ben Danford) 0:21

3rd Period

No Scoring

Overtime

Motor City - Trevor John (Bennett Schneider, Andy Inderieden) 2:54

Alexandria 3 vs. Alaska 2

1st Period

Alexandria - Joel Scatterelli (Nick Carey) 4:12
Alexandria - Jon Swavely (Brandon Nutt, Jon MacRae) 12:06
Alaska - Ryan Kowal (unassisted) 12:19

2nd Period

Alaska - Dylan Jones (powerplay) (unassisted) 2:03
Alexandria - Joe Knoepke (powerplay) (Joel Scatterelli, Nick Carey) 2:46

3rd Period

No Scoring

Games that still need to be played today:

U-18 NTDP vs. Wichita Falls, North Iowa vs. Marquette, Albert Lea vs. Kenai River

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, September 16, 2008

NHL Camps Effecting the CHL?

Dave Borody of The Sarnia Observer wrote a column on the NHL starting a week later then usual and the effect it has on the Ontario Hockey League.

It doesn't bother me that players might miss sometime because they are at NHL camp. That's their goal is to play in the NHL. Let them go chase after their dream. He makes it sound like all the players that go to camp are there for a month. In reality, most of those players will spend one day at camp and get sent back, down to juniors.

Guys like Stamkos, Doughty, Pietrangelo and Bogosian will get a long look at camp. That was expect? Their junior teams knew that they might not have them this season. They should have a back up plan if those players don't comeback.

Coaches are worried that it could cost them a playoff spot because they didn't have these players at the beginning of the season. Isn't this the CHL Mission Statement:

The Canadian Hockey League continues to be the number one source of talent in the world for the National Hockey League, American Hockey League and other minor professional leagues across North America.
The CHL is a developmental league. It's the primary goal to have players plaing in the NHL. Coaches should be glad that a player makes the NHL. You did your job even though deep down you were expecting that player back. Some players just have a great camp like Jordan Staal, Milan Lucic, David Perron, Patrice Bergeron and Sam Gagner. It's the coaches job to go find that player's replacement.

The arguement is also made it's not fair those kids that stay longer and they miss school where they will be for the rest of the season. School is important don't get me wrong but do you think these kids would rather spend an extra week or two with a major junior team? If they thought the extra week or two would interfere with school, they would of left camp.

For the fans, it's tough not to see the stars but if they follow the sport, they should know this is the process at the begining of the year. Don't go to those games. Wait until they comeback. My belief is that most season ticket holders don't mind if a couple of games are being played without the superstars. Season ticket holdders are mostly die hart hockey fans and just like seeing their team and the game of hocket being played.

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, September 15, 2008

NTDP Win a Thriller

The National Team Development Program defeated the Indiana ICE 5-4 Saturday in overtime. Here's USA Hockey's recap:

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Chris McCarthy (Collegeville, Pa.) deflected a Sam Calabrese (Park Ridge, Ill.) shot from mid-air in overtime to give the U.S. National Under-18 Team a 5-4 victory over the Indiana Ice. Team USA notched three unanswered goals in the third period to force the extra frame.

"This was a good character victory for our guys, coming back from a 4-1 deficit," said Ron Rolston, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "There were a lot of positives and some things we could work on to get better as a team. We're heading into the [North American Hockey League] Showcase with game experience under our belt and we know we need to make improvements in order to have success there."

Indiana tallied early after Brandon Richardson tipped a shot past netminder Brandon Maxwell (Winter Park, Fla.) at 4:09 in the first period. Team USA answered back just 40 seconds later when Jeremy Morin (Auburn, N.Y.) tapped home a rebound. Stanislav Galiev put the Ice ahead, 2-1, with the man advantage when he one-timed a pass into the top of the net. With just 34 seconds to play in the opening stanza, Will MacDonald gave Indiana a 3-1 lead with just 34 seconds.

In the second frame, Ryan Pajimola followed a rebound and beat Maxwell with a backhand shot into the top-right corner. Adam Murray (Anchorage, Alaska) took over for Maxwell between the pipes for Team USA at 9:10 in the middle period and stopped all six shots he saw.

John Henrion(Holden, Mass.) brought Team USA within two goals at 4:37 of the third period. Henrion skated out from the near-side boards and fired a wrist shot over the outstretched glove of Ice goaltender Brett Bennett. Kevin Lynch (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) made the score 4-3 when he slipped the puck under Bennett after picking up a rebound. Indiana's Alex Handy was awarded a penalty shot at the 9:07 mark. Murray turned away the penalty shot attempt to keep Team USA within one. With 5:39 left in regulation, Henrion notched his second goal to tie the game, 4-4. Team USA allowed just three shots on goal in the period.

McCarthy notched the game-winner at 3:36 of overtime to account for the 5-4 final.

Maxwell made 10 saves, while Murray turned away all 11 shots he saw to help Team USA earn the win.

Both the U.S. National Under-18 and Under-17 Teams will be in action at the sixth annual North American Hockey League Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn., September 17-20.

NOTES: Team USA out shot Indiana by a 50-25 margin ... Five U.S. players had two points tonight including John Henrion (2-0--2), Chris McCarthy (1-1--2), Chris Brown (Flower Mound, Texas/0-2--2), Sam Calabrese (0-2--2) and Drew Shore (Denver, Colo./0-2--2).

Now if you've been reading the blog regularly, you know USA Hockey can get on my nerves easily. When I went to read the box score this afternoon, I found out they redid the NTDP website somewhat. At first I thought just added a new url buut at second glance their schedules and statistics are now on pointstreak.com. I know their NAHL stats are posted on the NAHL site but hopefully this site keep tracks of stats against college and international competition. This is good news because information will be updated more quickly. Even though it took two days for them to post the result of the game but they weren't the only ones that didn't have a recap of the game this weekend.

The Chicago Steel defeated the Chicago Blackhawks' alumni 11-4 on Saturday.

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, September 14, 2008

Weekend Linkorama

Here is the latest trades from the WHL.

Sept. 8: Edmonton trades D Cameron Cepek, 20, and 2009 sixth-round bantam pick to Prince George for 2009 third-round bantam pick.
Sept. 9: Prince George trades D Garrett Thiessen, 19, to Prince Albert for a 2009 sixth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 10: Brandon trades LW Daniel Bartek, 20, to Everett for a 2009 fourth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 11: Red Deer trades F Colby Kulhanek, 19, to Prince George for a 2009 sixth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 11: Vancouver trades C Mitch Czibere, 19, and a 2009 fourth-round bantam pick to Regina for D Curtis Kulchar, 18, and RW Todd Kennedy, 18.
Sept. 11: Medicine Hat trades D Shayne Brown, 19, to Everett for D Tyer Kieffer, 19.
Sept. 11: Medicine Hat trades RW Thomas Frazee, 18, to Moose Jaw for conditional 2009 fifth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 13: Vancouver trades D Stefan Schneider, 19, to Portland for future considerations.
Sept. 13: Vancouver trades C Jonathan Parker, 17, to Seattle for a 2009 10th-round bantam pick.
USA Hockey profiles defenseman Sam Calabrese. They also preview the upcoming season for the Under-18 squad. Still no word on the results of last night's game against the Indiana Ice.

There a couple of tournaments coming up. The NAHL is hosting the Showcase Tournament next weekend in Blaine, Minnesota. USA Hockey and the NAHL will be hosting a symposium titled “American Development Model.” The USHL held something similar at the Select 15's a month ago. They will be hosting the Sherwood/NAHL Future Prospects Tournament. That tournament will have Midget teams throughout the country.

In two weeks, the USHL Fall Classic will take place.

Hockey's Future has a recap of the first day of the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. This has become an important event before training camp. 150 media passes were giving out!? Any coverage is good coverage for the NHL.

The Hockey Journal
has notes from different players and junior leagues throughout the New England region.

Don't forget to vote in the new poll.

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, September 12, 2008

TSN Releases Their Top Ten

Bob McKenize of TSN has released the Top Ten Draft eligible prospects for the 2009 NHL Draft. You can read the story or if you like to see the players, there's also a video.

The Top Ten looks like this:

1. Victor Hedman, Defence
2. John Tavares, Forward
3. Jared Cowen, Defence
4. Matt Duchene, Forward
5. Brayden Schenn, Forward
6. Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi, Forward
7. Nazem Kadri, Forward
8. Jordan Schroeder, Forward
9. Evander Kane, Forward
10. Louis Leblanc, Forward

You can interchange Victor Hedman and John Tavares all day. Depending on what team is drafting 1st overall, will determine who will go 1st overall. Unless John Tavares really lights it up, it will be a horse race like McKenize said in his piece. This should be an interesting year and should make draft day very exciting.

If it wasn't for Hedman, Cowan, would be getting more hype. As a 16-year-old, he looked like a veteran last year. He also had a very good Ivan Hlinka Tournament that raised his stock. He was a top ten talent before the tournament but his play at the tournament put him in the top five.

Matt Duchene comes in at number four. He's a sniper with 30 goals as a rookie last season. He only had 50 points but that total will go up in his sophomore campaign. By year's end he could be the guy going number three.

Brayden Schenn was amazing last year as he led the Brandon Wheat Kings with 71 points. Like I said in my post yesterday, the Wheat Kings have a great 1-2 punch with Schenn and Scott Glennie.

Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi could be rated higher if this was a different year. Hedman and Paajarvi are the only players in the top ten that will be playing against men this year. His performance at the World Junior Championships could raise his stock to the point where he's challenging Hedman and Tavares.

Nazem Kadri is a very good player but seven is a tad to high. He looked very good at the Memorial Cup. This season he will be with the London Knights who acquired him as apart of the Steve Mason deal. He should be one of the go to guys this season. With the Kitchener Rangers last season, he was a secondary option.

The only player that will be playing college hockey this season is Jordan Schroeder. He will be a Golden Gopher. The NHL scouts saw what he can do at last year's World Junior Championships where he had a goal and seven assists.

The third WHL player in the top ten is Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants. There's no relation to Patrick Kane. With the Giants, he had 24 goals and 17 assists. In my personal rankings, he's at number 17. Just like some of the players in this poll, he was a secondary option on offense last season.

The most surprising player in this list is Louis LeBlanc. The Quebec native played in Midget AAA last season but he showed his talent at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. He will be playing in the USHL this season with the Omaha Lancers. He's Harvard bound in the Fall of 2009.

I am surprised that Olivier Roy wasn't ranked in the top ten. Maybe TSN used different scouts then the CHL that ranked the top teams in the Canadian Hockey Leaague. He's very talented and expect him to be ranked in the top ten early on in the season. Other players that I have in my top ten that weren't ranked are Toni Rajala and Richard Panik.

You can view my Top 30 here.

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)

CHL Rule Changes

CHL Press Release:

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that it has adopted the following two NHL rules for the 2008-09 playing season:

Face-Offs

When players are penalized at a stoppage of play so as to result in penalties being placed on the penalty time clock to one team, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at one of the two face-off spots in the offending team’s end zone. There are only four exceptions to this application:

(i) when a penalty is assessed after the scoring of a goal (face-off at center ice)

(ii) when a penalty is assessed at the end (or start) of a period – face-off at center ice

(iii) when the defending team is about to be penalized and the attacking players enter the attacking zone beyond the outer edge of the end zone face-off circle – face-off in the neutral zone (see paragraph 11 of this section)

(iv) when the team not being penalized ices the puck – face-off in the neutral zone outside the blue line of the team icing the puck

Puck out of bounds
When the puck hits the goal frame, goal post or crossbar and goes out of play, regardless as to which team shot the puck, the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the end zone face-off spots in the zone where the puck went out of play.

The QMJHL added new fighting sanctions. From the Montreal Gazette:

The new rules will penalize players who instigate fights, fight twice in a game, fight during the warm up, or fight a goaltender with stiffer automatic suspensions.

Plus, goaltenders that are aggressors in fights will now face automatic 10-game suspensions.

Also, the league will hand out fines ranging from $500 to $5000 for coaches who are involved in, or engage in altercations.

I don't agree with the new fighting sanctions.

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, September 11, 2008

CHL Top Ten

The CHL announces the first CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 Rankings.

1. Windsor Spitfires
2. Spokane Chiefs
3. London Knights
4. Rimouski Oceanic
5. Belleville Bulls
6. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
7. Kelowna Rockets
8. Brandon Wheat Kings
9. Chicoutimi Sagueneens
10. Shawinigan Cataractes


I think the Windsor Spitfires are a good choice for the top spot. The offense is stacked. I think they can survive players leaving for NHL camps.

The defending Memorial Cup Champions are coming in at second. They are returning most of the players from their Championship team.

The London Knights like the Spitfires, have a lot of offense. That offense could get stronger if the rumors of John Tavares coming to London are true. The question mark of this team is the goaltending. Steve Mason is no longer there.

The 2009 Memorial Cup hosts are holding the fourth slot. The Oceanic have been looking for this season since the 2006 Midget Draft where they had four of the top ten picks. They don't have that proven elite goaltender.

Another 2008 Memorial Cup participant comes in at number five. The Belleville Bulls have a strong core coming back. Eric Tangradi and P.K. Subban will be leading the way. They have also signed Bjorn Krupp who played with the National Team Development Program.

This is where the NHL scouts have put a team that could of been left out. The Cape Breton Screaming Eagless are a good team but I don't think they are Top Ten worthy. The scouts are just drooling over Olivier Roy but this list isn't about who has the best NHL prospects.

The Kelowna Rockets are underrated. They have talent everywhere you look. They have the offense and the defense could have three first rounders on the team. Tyler Myers will be back but Luke Schenn could stick it out in Toronto. You also have 2009 draft eligible players in Tyson Barrie and Colin Bowman that could go in the first round.

Another WHL team comes in at number eight. The Brandon Wheat Kings have a dynamic 1-2 punch in Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie. They are only 17-years-old, so this team could be dominate the next few years.

Another team that could of been sawapped out, is the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. They do have an 1-2 punch in Nicolas Deschamps and Jacob Lagace who will be great the next two seasons. I question the goaltending with a veteran back-up coming in as a starter. If they still had Bobby Nadeau, then they would have a spot in my top ten.

Shawinigan should be rated a little higher. They have the goaltending with Timo Pielmeier in net. They added a lot of offense and their defense looks solid. Don't be surprised if they are the second QMJHL representative at the Memorial Cup.

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, September 10, 2008

Wednesday Evening Notes

Sioux City Musketeers defenseman Mike Keenan will be doing a blog every week for the Hockey Journal. It should be interesting to see what will be put in this blog.

Greg Burke was also featured in the Hockey Journal. It looks like the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders have a pretty good player. The Washington Capitals could have picked up a steal with him. The University of New Hampshire Wildcats 2009 recruiting class also looks good. Along with Burke, they have Ryan Bourque and John Henrion from the National Team Development Program coming in.

Daniel Bartek was traded from the Brandon Wheat Kings to the Everett Silvertps in exchange for a fourth round selection in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. With the Brandon Wheat Kings last season, he had 22 goals and 14 assists last year.

Here's the exhibition schedule for the World Junior Championships:

Canada’s pre-competition games:
Friday, Dec. 19: vs. Sweden, Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Finland, Mississauga, Ont. (Hershey Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Slovakia, Hamilton (Copps Coliseum)

Czech Republic’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Slovakia, Kitchener, Ont. (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Sweden, Brampton, Ont. (PowerAde Centre)

Finland’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Canada, Mississauga, Ont. (Hershey Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Kazakhstan, Barrie, Ont. (Barrie Molson Centre)

Germany’s pre-competition games:
Monday, Dec. 22: vs. Latvia, Brockville, Ont. (Brockville Memorial Centre)

Kazakhstan’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Russia, Oshawa, Ont. (General Motors Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Finland, Barrie, Ont. (Barrie Molson Centre)

Latvia’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. USA, Kingston, Ont. (K-Rock Centre)
Monday, Dec. 22: vs. Germany, Brockville, Ont. (Brockville Memorial Centre)

Russia’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Kazakhstan, Oshawa, Ont. (General Motors Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. USA, Kingston, Ont. (K-Rock Centre)

Slovakia’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Czech Republic, Kitchener, Ont. (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Canada, Hamilton (Copps Coliseum)

Sweden’s pre-competition games:
Friday, Dec. 19: vs. Canada, Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Czech Republic, Brampton, Ont. (PowerAde Centre)

United States’s pre-competition games:
Sunday, Dec. 21: vs. Latvia, Kingston, Ont. (K-Rock Centre)
Tuesday, Dec. 23: vs. Russia, Kingston, Ont. (K-Rock Centre)

That's My Take

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

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Tuesday Notes

Here are the latest commitments from Chris Heisenburg.

Tanner Fritz has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2009 season. He played with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League where he had four goals and a total of eight points in 28 games.

He is one of three recruits for the 2009 season for the Buckeyes. Brad Smith is another right winger who played for Detroit Belle Tire. He had 10 goals and 20 points in 30 contests. Devon Krogh is another player from Western Canada, he played with the Penticton Vees of the Beitish Columbia Hockey League. He had goal and 16 assists. He's the only defenseman in the 2009 class.

New Hampshire got a committment from 1990 born center Jeff Silengo. He played at South Kent Prep last year. He's either a 2010 or 2011 recruit.

Finally, USA Hockey has granted Jared Knight's release. He's now free to play for the London Knights. It still buggles my mind that it took so long for USA Hockey this long when he signed on with the Knights in the middle of summer.

Hopefully USA Hockey doesn't make this mistake again.

The Akim Aliu saga gets juicer, he didn't play in Saturday's game because he missed curfew on Friday night. The latest rumor is that he could be apart of a package that would land John Tavares from the Oshawa Generals. This isn't the first time that Tavares has been linked to the Knights. It's been a swirling rumor all summer. I don't see why the Generals will do this deal.

Here are some more Hockey Future's Top 20 Prospects

Columbus Blue Jackets

Los Angeles Kings

Toronto Maple Leafs

Ottawa Senators


Montreal Canadiens


Minnesota Wild

Tampa Bay Lighting

Atlanta Thrashers

Pheonix Coyotes

Vancouver Canucks

Anaheim Ducks

Dallas Stars

I like to announce Maineiacs Post to Post, my new home on the Maineiacs. I also have another partner.

That's My Take

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

Monday, September 8, 2008

Werek to Kingston

Ethan Werek, a highly touted forward, has signed with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. Last month, he planned on playing for the Indiana ICE of the United States Hockey League this season. He was committed to Boston University for the Fall of 2009. The Frontenacs selected him in the ninth overall selection in the 2007 Draft.

Last season, he spent the year with the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Provinical Junior "A" Hockey League, he had 29 goals and 41 assists in 37 games played.

This is a big blow to the Indiana Ice and Boston University. He was suppose to play a big part for the Indiana Ice this season. It's a loss for the entire USHL. They had a story on him signing with ICE. Talking to Ryan who runs the Unofficial USHL Hockey Blog, he was excited to see Werek and Louis LeBlanc both playing in the USHL this season. LeBlanc is considered the top ranked Junior A player for the 2009 Draft.

Terrier fans were waiting his arrival because his close friend, Cory Trivino, will be a freshman this season. They played together in Stouffville. Werek was 1 of 2 players in the 2009 recruiting class. They are left scrambling to find talent for next year's freshman class. Will they take a chance on Jeremy Morin. Reading the reactions of Terrier fans, they aren't to happy because BU is a top notch program but the 2009 recruiting class has only one player.

What could be the reason Werek left for the OHL? I look at the season Trivino had last season with the Spirit. He had 19 goals and 50 assists in 39 games. He was a late second round, early third selection in the 2008 Draft at the end of season. He was the only Junior A player to play for Team Canada at the Under 18's where he had four goals and three assists. The Islanders selected him with the 36 overall pick.

I am sure Werek watch Trivino go through the Draft process and maybe thought he would get more exposure playing the OHL. There's some truth to that but at the same time NHL scouts flock to USHL games all year long. Taking a look at Werek's season more closely last year. He was named to Team Ontario at the World Under 17 Challenge but only put up two assists.

What I also find interesting is the fact he waited until the end of the preseason to join the team. It looks like he didn't want to take part in training camp. I am unsure when the ICE started their training camp but I think the players haven't been their long. He has no game action yet so expect him to be alittle rusty.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Mickey Renaud's No. 18 To Be Retired

Windsor Press Release

(Windsor) The Windsor Spitfires today announced that the team will retire Mickey Renaud's #18 in a special pre-game ceremony prior to the commencement of the Spitfires regular season home opening game at Windsor Arena on Thursday, September 25th, 2008 versus the Sarnia Sting. Game time is set for 7:05 pm. The Windsor Spitfires encourage all fans attending the game to be in their seats for 6:50 p.m.

Only three other Spitfire jerseys have ever been retired, #9 worn by Adam Graves, #15 worn by Ernie Godden, and #23 worn by Scott Miller. Three other Spitfire jerseys have also been honoured including #4 Marcel Pronovost, #6 Joel Quenneville and #11 Gord Haidy.

The Windsor Spitfires will also be handing out specially made posters to Spitfire fans honouring Mickey Renaud�s career with the team following the conclusion of the game.

"Mickey meant a great deal to us as a person and as a hockey player. Mickey's heart, selfless nature, character, leadership and determination are traits that will forever mark this team and we will strive to have all of our players model themselves after him. His impact on the local area was also tremendous and Mickey touched the lives of many people. The retirement of Mickey's #18 will recognize all that he meant to the Windsor Spitfires and the community. We were very fortunate to have him with us and his memory will live in our hearts forever" said Windsor Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner.

More details regarding the retirement ceremony will be provided to the public in the weeks to come.
This a great move by the Spitfires. Renaud was a great kid and was the leader of that team. That number 18 deserves to be retired. It's not too early because his teammates should be there. If they did it ten years down the road, all of his teammates wouldn't be able to attend.

It should be another emotional night at the Windsor Arena.

On the other end of spectrum, the Oshawa Generals, will be retiring Bobby Orr's number 2 this season.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

A Very Interesting Read

Ryan Pyette of the London Free Press had a column on the Akim Aliu situation. The first line is great because the incident happened right after he signed a three year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Just like Herb Brooks said in the movie Miracle, "you can't win on talent alone." In this case, Aliu can't make the NHL on talent alone, nothing will ever be handed to him. Even it was one practice during training camp, you need to working as hard as you would in a game. Because the coaches are always watching, even though he's most likely penciled into the line-up, the coaches are watching to see who wants to be the leader. Hopefully Aliu learns his mistakes now then later. In the pros, they won't put up with it.

The Jared Knight situation has gone way to long. Sure he committed to something and didn't follow through on his contract. All the kid wants to do is to play hockey. I thought that's what USA Hockey primary goals was to let the kids play. What does that only go to the kids who just play in house leagues? Kids change their minds all the time, I know 20 and 21 year olds that don't know what they want to do with their lives. USA Hockey expects 16 year olds to know what they want? Please, take the 50,000 dollars and let the kid play. He has missed exhibition games because of politics. He needs that time on the ice.

Some other transfer news, the KHL says the NHL is poaching players. What I love about this is the fact the KHL is worried about 18 year olds. They are worried about the signing of 2008 Draft picks Vjateslav Voinov and Andrei Loktionov who were both drafted by the Los Angeles Kings. Please how much would they contribute in the KHL anyways this year? Nikita Filatov, has been cleared to play in North America this season. This war has no ending in sight.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Friday, September 5, 2008

Pietrangelo Singing the Blues

The St. Louis Blues have signed their 1st Round pick Alex Pietrangelo to a three year entry level deal. He should get the nine game look at the beginning of the season. One scout told me last season that Pietrangelo could be the best of the bunch. That bunch includes Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, and Pietrangelo.

The scout said Pietrangelo is still raw and isn't as polished as Doughty and Bogosian are right now. Taking that into account, he should spend one more year in juniors. It shouldn't hurt and he will be apart of Canada's World Junior Team this coming season.

The Zach Bogosian deal is complete. The Atlanta Thrashers have come to terms with the third overall pick in the 2008 Draft. From the Canadian Press:

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Thrashers signed first-round pick Zach Bogosian to an entry-level contract Thursday.

The 18-year-old defenseman was selected third overall after scoring 11 goals and 61 points with Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League.

Bogosian will take part in a prospect evaluation camp in Traverse City, Mich., before reporting for Atlanta's training camp on Sept. 20.


Justin Filzen of the Green Bay Gamblers has committed to University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Here's the quick press release:

Green Bay Gamblers forward Justin Filzen has committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.

Filzen appeared in 56 games last season for Green Bay tallying 15 points on five goals and 10 assists.

The Duluth, Minnesota native is the first player in Gamblers team history to commit to Alaska Fairbanks.
The Plymouth Whalers have signed Myles McCauley their 14th round selection in the 2007 Draft. He played with the Flint Junior Generals of the Central States Hockey League last year. The forward had seven goals in 21 contests.

In the NAHL, the Marquette Rangers and the Kenai River Brown Bears have made a deal. The Rangers acquire Scott Deur services. He had six goals and ten assists in 48 games with the Kenai River Brown Bears. Click the link I provided in the McCauley story to read the story.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Clendening Commits

The Boston College Eagles picked up a big commitment for the 2010 season from defenseman Adam Clendening. Clendening is a highly profiled offensive defenseman who played with Toronto Marlies last season. He had 4 goals and 33 assists in 50 contests. This year he will be playing with United States National Team Development Program Under 17 Team. At the Select 16's, he had three assists in five games.

The Eagles have been picking up five star prospects all summer. Chris McCarthy who played with Berkshire Academy last season will be joining the Under 18 Team this season. Kenny Ryan will also join the Eagles for the 2010 season. He's also on the Under-18 Team this season. They also got a commitment from another prep star in Chris Kreider. They also got a commitment from Billy Arnold for the 2011 season. He had a very good summer with the Under 17 team that played in Europe a few weeks ago.

Will Chasen Bailey follow his good friend to Boston College. He played with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens where he had 38 goals and 109 assists and will be with the Under-17 Team. The question becomes will Clendening be at the Chestnut Hill two years from now? They're both draft pick of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. Some think they're London bound already. Next summer should be interesting if they go they route because the NTDP will play hardball if they do.

UMass-Lowell got a commitment from Newmarket Hurricane (OPJHL) defenseman Julian Melchiori for the fall of 2010.

Hockey Canada officially introduces Pat Quinn as Head Coach of the World Junior Team.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Kilrea's Final Season

Brian Kilrea the current Ottawa 67's Head Coach and General Manager will his coaching career after this season. This was announced in a press conference this morning. Chris Byrne who's the current assistant coach will be the head coach starting in the 2009-2010 season.

That's amazing that Kilrea has lasted this long. Talk about an institution in Ottawa. I am not to familar with Kilrea but to survive 32 years in one place is amazing. Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden are the two coaches that come to mind with long careers with one team.

Why can't the Ottawa Senators be patient like the 67's. It seems like they are changing coaches every year. I know the NHL is a different beast then major juniors.

Brian's record speaks for itself, 1,153 wins in 2,008 appearances. Not too mention the two Memorial Cups and three OHL Championships. The CHL has already honored him when they renamed the coaches award to the Brian Kilrea Award in 2003. In the same year, he was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

It would be nice to see him honored this winter at World Junior Championship. Maybe Hockey Canada has something in store but I don't know.


That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

College Commitments

Here are the latest commitments from Chris Heisenberg site.

Kevin Ross has committed to Princeton University for the Fall of 2010. The 18 year old defenseman had a goal and ten assists in 52 contests with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League.

His teammate at Alberni Valley, James Kerr, has also committed to Princeton last season. Kerr will be in New Jersey in the Fall of 2009. The winger had 14 goals and 29 assists in 60 contests.

The only other player committed to Princeton for the 2010 season is Andrew Ammon. He played for Deerfield Academy last season.

Jessie Hudkins who played for the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, has committed to Yale. The defenseman had 15 goals for a total of 30 points in 52 contests. He also had 118 penalty minutes. He will be at Yale next fall.

Colin Dueck who played with the Camrose Kodiaks, also of the AJHL, is committed to Yale for next season. The blueliner had six goals and twelve assists in 55 contests.

Kyle Jean
has committed to Lake Superior State University. I linked a story about him last week. I didn't realized he just committed. He had seven goals and four assists in 42 games. He's the only second committed player for the 2009 season.

The only other player that's committed for the 2009 season is Kellan Lain. He played with the
Oakville Blades.

The Hockey Journal recaps the Under 18 and Under 17 events that were completed this summer. It also has other junior hockey notes.

They also did a feature story on the process to play Prep Hockey. It sounds like a mini-college circuit.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Quinn to Coach the World Junior Team?

According to the Hamilton Spectator, Hockey Canada will name Pat Quinn as the new head coach of the Canadian World Junior squad. He will be replacing Benoit Groulx who left the position to coach the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.

Quinn isn't coaching anywhere else this season. Ever since I've been following junior hockey, the Canadian coach, coached somewhere in the CHL. Pat will be able to put time into the team before the December training camp.

It's a good thing that Quinn will not be coaching anywhere else. He will be able to go see potential players during the season. I know Hockey Canada has scouts to go see the players play but usually the coach can't because he's coaching his junior team.

There's a report that Zach Bogosian has signed a contract with the Atlanta Thrashers. He was the third overall selection of the 2008 Draft. With the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League last season, he had 11 goals and 50 assists in 61 games.

He will have his chance with the Thrashers this year. The Thrashers need help defensively and he could bring it in small doses this season.

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

Lewiston Maineiacs 1st Official Cuts

After some players left this weekend to keep their NCAA Eligibility. Coach Ed Harding has announced the 1st round of cuts. Here are the players that were cut:

Raphael Joly, Justin Parsons, Patrick Lanteigne, Josh Fattore, Logan Phillips, Jared Wilson, Jonathan Tower, Michael Hynes, Robby Theriault, Pier-Luc Pelletier, Tommy Dery and Marc-Andre L'Heurault all packed their bags.

No real surprises here. Pier-Luc Pelletier is probably the most surprising out of the cuts. I thought he would make it to the final round of cuts.

The most surprising cut was goalie Kirk Rafuse. I thought he would be the final cut at the goalie position when Peter Delmas comes back from Colorado Avalanche Training Camp. That leaves the Maineiacs with no QMJHL experience the first few regular season games. Marc-Antoine Coulombe also a netminder, was also cut.

Here's my lineup as of now

Goalies

Peter Delmas
Jonathan Connelly
Phillip Wright (The back up goalie while Delmas is gone.)

Defenseman

Patrick Cusack-Michael Ward
Eric Gelinas-Denis Reul
Garrett Clarke-Sean Stagles
Jordan Stapleton

Danick Paquette-Filip Janosik-Maxime Gratchev
Pier Olivier Morin-Michael Chaput-Alex Beaton
Todd Chinova-Billy Lacasse-Brett Gallant
Matt Bourdeau-Marc Bourgeois-Lucas LaBelle
Étienne Brodeur

To avoid confusion...These players are still in camp.

Tom Michalik
Dany Coulombe
Steeven Jacques
Justin Cloutier
Simon Bissonnette
Dominic Savoie

That's My Take

(Nathan can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)