Sunday, November 30, 2008

Michael Maniago Killed in Accident

Press Release

Calgary, AB -- The Western Hockey League is mourning the loss of former goaltender Michael Maniago. Maniago was tragically killed in a vehicle accident early Saturday morning in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta.

The former Kamloops Blazer and Lethbridge Hurricane spent four years in the WHL appearing in 124 games and was a part of the Hurricanes 2008 WHL Playoff run to the Championship Series against the Spokane Chiefs.

“The WHL and all our Member Clubs extend our deepest condolences to the Maniago family on this tragic loss,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

(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, November 29, 2008

Latest Commitments

John Esposito of the Notre Dame Hounds (Cornell)
Braden Pimm of the Vernon Vipers (Northeastern 2010)
Kyle Bodie of Powell River (BCHL) (Union)
Alex Szczechura of Brantford (MWJHL) (Ohio St. 2010)
John Clark of Bismarck (NAHL) (Army)
Kevin Hayes of Nobles Prep (Boston College 2011)

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

New Midget AAA Rankings

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 5

RANK TEAM LEAGUE LAST WEEK WEEKS IN RANKINGS
1 Toronto Marlies GTHL 2 5
2 York-Simcoe Express OMHA 1 5
3 Mississauga Senators GTHL 3 5
4 Compuware U16 MWEHL- USA 4 5
5 St. Catharines Falcons OMHA 5 5
6 Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs MHAO 6 5
7 Burlington Eagles OMHA 8 2
8 Mississauga Reps GTHL 9 5
9 Sun County Panthers MHAO 7 5
10 London Jr. Knights MHAO 10 3
Honourable Mention
Toronto Jr Canadiens GTHL
Ajax-Pickering Raiders OMHA
Lambton Jr Sting 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 3-2 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)

Friday, November 28, 2008

Beach Lifts the WHL

Press Release

Kyle Beach of the Everett Silvertips scored the game-winner as Team WHL edged a spirited Russian Selects team 2-1 in the finale of the 2008 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge before 2749 fans at the Art Hauser Center in Prince Albert, SK, on Thursday night.

Zach Boychuk also scored and was selected Player of the Game for Team WHL, who faced a much feistier Russian side in Thursday’s series finale than they did in Wednesday night’s 5-0 victory in Swift Current, SK.

“They played well,” said Team WHL head coach Willie Desjardins of the Russians’ far superior effort in Thursday’s contest. “They made some adjustments in their game, and I though they worked pretty hard.

“We had some chances that we missed, but they had some real good opportunities, too, and we could have easily lost that game,” added Desjardins, whose side outshot the Russians 46-23 in the contest.

After a scoreless first period, Team WHL got on the board first with Boychuk burying a rebound off Colten Teubert’s point shot on the power play just over five minutes into the second period.

Beach gave Team WHL some breathing room with a nice individual effort 12:16 into the third period. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect drove hard to the net from the goal line and made a nifty move to slip one past Perchusky on his far side.

Russia finally broke their goalless drought 16:28 into the third period when Vadim Ermolaev beat Tokarski, snapping the WHL’s shutout streak at over 116 minutes.

“We’ll take the win,” said Beach, whose line with Calgary’s Brett Sonne and Regina’s Jordan Eberle created the most opportunities for Team WHL on the night. “Anytime you get whipped like they did, you’re always going to come out much harder the next night, which is what they did tonight.

“We knew what we needed to bring, and I though all the guys did well – even some of the guys who didn’t know they were playing until today,” he said.

Indeed, the score could have been a bit more lopsided for Team WHL if it weren’t for the play of Russian netminder Alexander Pechurskiy, who turned in a 44-save performance and earned the Player of the Game honors for his side.

However, Team WHL netminder Dustin Tokaski of the Spokane chiefs also had to be sharp, kicking out 22 shots to earn the victory. Tokarski, who once led the Prince Albert Mintos to the Telus Cup National Midget Championship, faced a stiffer test than Tri-City goaltender Chet Pickard did the previous night in Swift current.

“You had to expect them to come out harder,” said Tokarski. “We dominated them last night, but they came out with a good effort tonight and threw a lot of pucks on net.”

Tokarski, though, also was quick to credit a strong WHL defense in helping him claim the win in his first ADT Canada-Russia appearance.

“It was a complete team effort, and my defensemen were always quick to clear out rebounds and clear out the front of the net whenever I had to make saves…Their goalie played great, too,” he said.

With the victory, the CHL wins the 2008 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge with a 5-1 record through the six-game series. The win also improves the WHL to 13-1 all-time versus the Russian Selects through the event’s six-year history.


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

Shane McColgan Signs

Press Release

The Kelowna Rockets are pleased to announce that Shane McColgan will make his WHL debut Tuesday December 16 in Red Deer.

McColgan was the Rockets first round draft pick, 13th overall in the 2008 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

This season McColgan is playing with the Los Angeles Junior Kings. In 24 games he has recorded nine goals, 22 assists for 31 points and 34 penalty minutes.

McColgan was born January 1, 1993. He is a forward from Manhattan Beach, California and was the only US born player to be selected in the first round of this season’s Bantam Draft.

Kings head coach Jack Bowkus says; “Shane is a pleasure to coach, he works hard every practice, every shift and every game. He plays his heart out and has the passion to become a pro. In the last year, he’s really grown up and matured and has really become a heck of a hockey player.”

Rockets President/General Manager Bruce Hamilton states, “There was a lot of debate prior to the Draft, if we were willing to take the risk of him not coming to Kelowna. After Lorne Frey and Ryan Huska met with him at spring camp in California it became very evident that he would be a player that would commit to the Western Hockey League. So, yes it was a risk, but at the end of the day we have to pick the best player available. Once he is selected it’s up to our staff to convince the player and his family that Kelowna and the WHL is the best place to pursue his hockey and education career. We are thrilled and are looking forward to making his debut with the Kelowna Rockets organization.”

McColgan and the Junior Kings will play in a tournament in Pittsburgh the weekend of December 11. Following the conclusion of that tournament, McColgan will fly to Edmonton and make his debut on December 16 in Red Deer. He will then travel with the Rockets back to Edmonton on December 17 for a game against the Oil Kings. Once the Junior Kings season closes, McColgan will join the Rockets for the remainder of the WHL season.


No big surprise here. He joins Colin Jacobs as the second 93 born American to sign with a WHL team. It will be interesting to see this summer how many players go North of the border.

(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, November 27, 2008

WHL Wins 5-0

Press Release

Jordan Eberle of the Regina Pats scored a pair of powerplay goals and Chet Pickard of the Tri-City Americans turned aside all 16 shots he faced to help the WHL to a 5-0 win over the Russian Selects in Game 5 of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge in Swift Current on Wednesday.

Eberle opened the scoring on a two-man powerplay early in the first period when he converted a rebound on a shot by Thomas Hickey of the Seattle Thunderbirds from the top of the circle and then added a powerplay marker in the second period that gave the WHL a three-goal lead. Hickey also set up Zach Boychuk of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a powerplay marker in the first period and Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers for a powerplay goal late in the second period.

Matt Calvert of the Brandon Wheat Kings counted in the third. Eberle added an assist and Jamie Benn of the Kelowna Rockets picked up a pair of helpers in the win.

The WHL was four-for-eight on the powerplay while the Russians failed to connect on three powerplay opportunities.

Sergey Gayduchenko allowed five goals on 40 shots for the Russians, who dropped to 1-4 in the series.

The ADT Canada-Russia Challenge wraps up with Game 6 on Thursday in Prince Albert, SK (11:30 p.m. Eastern on Rogers Sportsnet).

Happy Thanksgiving

(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, November 26, 2008

New Rankings

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 11

Rank Team (Record)
1. Windsor Spitfires (22-2-0-0)
2. Shawinigan Cataractes (22-4-0-0)
3. Calgary Hitmen (22-4-1-0)
4. Vancouver Giants (20-1-0-3)
5. Moncton Wildcats (19-2-2-1)
6. London Knights (19-5-0-1)
7. Brampton Battalion (18-6-0-0)
8. Drummondville Voltigeurs (19-4-0-2)
9. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (19-6-1-0)
10. Medicine Hat Tigers (16-7-2-3)

Press Release


Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that forward Scott Glennie of the Brandon Wheat Kings is the Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 23. Glennie scored six goals and two assists for eight points with a plus-minus rating of plus-2 in three games helping the Wheat Kings to a 2-0-0-1 record.

Glennie began his week on Tuesday when the Wheat Kings hosted the Spokane Chiefs. He scored two goals and was named the first star of the game in the 4-1 victory. On Friday night he scored one goal and two assists in a high scoring game that resulted in a 7-6 shootout victory in favour of the Kootenay Ice. Glennie finished the week strong as the first star of the game Saturday night after netting his second career WHL hat-trick including the overtime winner in a 5-4 win on the road against the Saskatoon Blades.

Glennie, a 17-year-old from Winnipeg, MB is in his second WHL season with the Wheat Kings. In 25 games this season, Glennie leads the Brandon Wheat Kings in scoring with 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. He is eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and was recently ranked fourth among WHL skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Eric Tangradi of the Belleville Bulls represents the OHL nominee for the award for scoring four goals and five assists for nine points in three games. Tangradi was first star on Wednesday when he had a five-point night in an 8-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs. Michael Kirkpatrick of the Saint John Sea Dogs is the QMJHL nominee for scoring four goals, including two shorthanded, and one assist for five points in two games. Kirkpatrick had a four-point night in a 6-5 shootout win over the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday.

2008-09 Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week

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



Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Antoine Lafleur of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending November 23.

Lafleur helped the Telus Western Division leading Huskies earn two wins on the road this week. In the two games Lafleur posted a goals-against-average of 1.49 and a save percentage of .942. His week began on Friday night where he made 23 saves in a 3-2 win over the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. On Saturday night in Baie-Comeau, Lafleur made 26 saves in the 2-1 overtime win over the Drakkar. Lafleur was named the first star of that game.

Lafleur, a 19-year-old from Gatineau, QC is in his fourth QMJHL season and second with the Huskies. He began his career with the Prince Edward Island Rocket where he played two seasons. He was the first goalie to be credited with a goal scored in a 4-3 win over the Halifax Mooseheads September 25, 2005. Lafleur was selected by the New York Rangers in the second round, 48 overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Honourable mention for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week award goes to Ryan Holfeld of the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. The 19-year-old from LeRoy, SK went 2-0-0-0 for the Tigers allowing just two goals on 66 shots. Edward Pasquale of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit was also nominated after posting three road wins with a 1.94 goals-against-average and a .941 save percentage including a first star 37 save performance in a 3-2 overtime win over the Owen Sound Attack on Wednesday night.

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

2008-09 ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week

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)

Team Atlantic Roster

Hockeyscene.com

NFLD Joey Yetman G
NB Zack Daigle G

PEI Morgan Ellis D Cape Breton (QMJHL)
PEI Brandon Gormley D Moncton (QMJHL)
NB Garrett Clark D Lewiston (QMJHL)
NB Kevin Gagne D St John (QMJHL)
NB Patrick Downe D
NB Nathan Beaulieu D St. John (QMJHL)
NFLD Stephen Gillard D
PEI Spencer MacDonald D

NB Sean Couturier F Drummondville (QMJHL)
NFLD Brandon Hynes F Victoriaville (QMJHL)
NB Alex Noel F Val-d'Or (QMJHL)
NS Ben Duffy F PEI (QMJHL)
NS Brad MacDonald F Gatineau (QMJHL)
NS Logan Shaw F Cape Breton (QMJHL)
NS Stephen MacAulay F St John (QMJHL)
NS Kody Orr F Amherst (MJAHL)
NS Travis Moore F Truro (MJAHL)
NFLD Zachary O'Brien F
PEI Brent Andrews (1993) F
PEI Josh Currie F Summerside Capitols (MJAHL)

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

Two Big Commitments

Boston University got a commitment from 16-year-old winger Yasin Cisse of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. He will be heading to Boston University in the Fall of 2010. He was one of the highly touted players in last year's QMJHL Midget Draft. He fell to the fifth round to the Moncton Wildcats because he expressed interest in going the NCAA route.

So far this season, he has three assists in six games. The only question Terriers fans is will they see another Ethan Werek soap opera. Werek was committed to Boston University for next season befored he signed with Kingston of the OHL. Moncton pushed him over the summer to join the Wildcats. I same sure they will still go after him because they are going to be a force next year.

Michigan got another commitment from the United States National Team Development Program Under-17 Team. Defenseman Kevin Clare gave a verball commitment yesterday. He's the fifth player on the Under-17 team to stay in Ann Arbor. This season he has two assists in 16 contests.

He joins Jon Merrill, Luke Moffatt, Jacob Fallon, and Jack Campbell of the U-17 team that will be a Wolverine. The only player in the 2010 recruiting class not from the National Program is Mac Bennett who's currently with Hotchkiss Prep in Connecticut.

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, November 25, 2008

Prospects of the Week

From Coming Down the Pipe

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

Ontario Hockey League – Edward Pasquale, Saginaw Spirit

Goaltender Edward Pasquale had a stand out week for Saginaw, picking up 3 wins in 3 starts with a 2.00 GAA on the road in Owen Sound, Barrie and Sudbury. On the season the Toronto, ON native has 15 wins and a .918 save percentage. Pasquale communicates well with his defensemen and moves the puck up ice nicely.

Western Hockey League – Carter Ashton, Lethbridge Hurricanes

exceptional this week in his play for the Hurricanes, recording 2 goals and 3 assists in 2 games. This performance coming on the heels of a hat trick he notched to close out the previous week. Ashton has 12 goals and 19 points in 25 games this season and is known for having good hands for a player his size. He was ranked 36th overall by ISS in November.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – Jessyko Bernard, Halifax Mooseheads

Bernard is the draft performer of the week after he scored 2 goals and added 2 assists in games against Cape Breton and Saint John. Bernard, a 6’ 2” Right Winger has 9 goals and 9 assists to go along with 20 PIM this season. The Dalhousie NB native is known for playing hard at both ends of the ice and his ability to deliver heavy hits.

United States Hockey League – Shane Berschbach, Indiana Ice

Shane Berschbach had a great week for the Ice, scoring 3 goals and adding 1 assist in two wins against Des Moines and Sioux City. Berschbach, has 6 goals and 15 points while posting a plus- 7 rating in 16 games. The 5’ 8” native of Clawson, MI plays with intensity and has good speed and passing ability. Berschbach has committed to the Miami Redhawks of the CCHA.

(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 Sweeps the 2nd Leg

OHL Press Release

Andrew Agozzino of the hometown Niagara IceDogs scored the winning goal to help the OHL edge the Russian Selects 3-2 in Game 4 of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on Monday in St. Catharines.

After a scoreless first period, John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals opened the scoring 1:21 into the second period with his third goal of the series. P.K. Subban of the Belleville Bulls added a third period powerplay goal and Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires chipped in with a pair of assists in the win.

The win gave the OHL a sweep of their leg of the series after a 6-3 win in Guelph on Thursday. Tavares said that despite a full slate of games for the OHL players over the weekend, they used the energy from the crowd to pull out the win.

“We really fed off the crowd tonight; they were great,” Tavares said about playing in front of a rambunctious capacity crowd in St. Catharines. “It was a great atmosphere.”

Trevor Cann of the London Knights got the win after stopping 11 of 12 shots in relief of Mike Murphy of the Bulls, who allowed one goal on 17 shots in the first half of the game.

Nikita Klyukin and Pavel Chernov replied for the Russians, who dropped to 1-3 in the tournament despite being competitive in every game.

“They keep getting better and better,” Tavares said. “They are starting to understand the Canadian game a lot more and the game on the smaller surface. Obviously we knew that with the weekend they had off, they had a lot of jump and they definitely gave us a run today.”

Sergey Gayduchenko made 36 saves for Russia.

The win gave the OHL a sweep of this series and maintains its undefeated record in the six-year history of the event.

“I don’t think we stressed that too much before the game,” Subban said. “It’s more than enough to think about when you are playing for your country, especially Canada. Canada never loses and we never like to lose whether it’s an ADT game or an exhibition game or whatever. Just putting on that jersey and knowing that you are playing for a spot to play for your country at Christmas time is more than enough motivation.”

The ADT Canada-Russia Challenge concludes with a pair of games in the Western Hockey League. The Swift Current Broncos host Game 5 on Wednesday (7:00 p.m. on Rogers Sportsnet) before the series finale on Thursday in Prince Albert.


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

Roy's Other Son

Frederick Roy, Patrick's other son had his own incident on Friday night.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League suspended another of Patrick Roy's sons Monday, handing Quebec Remparts forward Frédérick Roy fifteen games for a high-sticking incident during Friday night’s game against the Juniors in Montreal.

Frederick, 17, who is coached by his father Patrick, hit Montreal defenceman Vincent Bourgeois in the face following a melee. Frederick received a five-minute major and a match penalty in the 8-2 Remparts loss and was also to be assessed an automatic one-game suspension.

A YouTube video shows Frederick cross-checking Bourgeois and skating away as Bourgeois lies on the ice. The QMJHL’s disciplinary committee made the decision to impose a 15-game ban, including the one-game suspension, after reviewing the videotape of the incident and consulting all concerned parties.

Frederick's brother Jonathan is the goaltender on the team and he is facing criminal charges for an on-ice fight during the playoffs this past spring. He pleaded not guilty in court this September with a trial pending.

The night following the game, Patrick was honoured at the Bell Centre in Montreal when his No. 33 Canadiens jersey was retired by the franchise.

This getting old real fast. I thought Frederick would of learned from his brother's mistake. I guess not. 15 games is reasonable but considering his name he should of gotten more because of his family name. I know that's a little tough but it seems like Patrick hasn't learned his lesson. I am surprised he didn't get a suspension or a fine of some sort.



My question why didn't Bourgeois teammates stand up for him? That's right it was because of Jonathan's actions last year that have players thinking of the consequences for standing up for a teammate. The Roy's are taking advantage of these new rules that stemmed from last year's incident to their advantage because no one has shown that they will lay the law down on the Roy Family.

Fans on the Lewiston Maineiacs message board are already going to boo him when the Remparts play two games in Portland, Maine in early December.

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, November 24, 2008

Sweden WJC Roster

From Elitprospects.com

Goalies:

Jakob Markstrom Florida Panthers (born 1990)
Mark Owuya (born 1989)

Defensemen:

Victor Hedman (born 1990)
Tim Erixon (born 1991)
Sebastian Erixon (1989)
Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators
Nichlas Torp Montreal (born 1989)
David Rundblad (born 1990)
Viktor Ekbom (born 1989)

Forwards:

Mattias Tedenby NJ Devils (born 1990)
Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi (born 1991)
Mikeal Backlund Calgary Flames (born 1989)
Marcus Johansson (born 1990)
Andre Pettersson Ottawa Senators (born 1990)
Anton Persson (born 1989)
Jakob Josefson (born 1991)
Joakim Andersson Detroit Red Wings (born 1989)
Nicklas Lasu Atlanta Thrashers (born 1989)
David Ullstrom NY islanders (born 1989)
Carl Gustavsson (born 1989)
Simon Hjalmarsson ST Blues (born 1989)


(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

WHL Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The BOSTON PIZZA WHL Player of the Week is forward Scott Glennie of the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Glennie picked up eight points, scoring six goals and two assists to go with a +2 rating, in three games over the past week, helping the Wheaties post a 2-0-0-1 record in that span.

On Tuesday, November 18th, the Wheat Kings hosted the 2008 Memorial Cup Champion Spokane Chiefs at Westman Place in Brandon. Glennie scored two goals, one on the power play, as the Wheat Kings downed the Chiefs 4-1. He was also named the games 1st Star.

On Friday, November 21st, the Kootenay Ice stopped into Brandon to face the Wheat Kings. Glennie netted one goal and added two assists in an offensive battle that saw the Ice defeat the Wheat Kings 7-6 in a shoot-out. The next evening, Saturday, November 22nd, the Wheaties were at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon facing the WHL East Division leading Blades. Glennie picked up his second career WHL hat-trick, which included the over-time winner, as his Wheat Kings defeated the Blades 5-4. He also was named the games 1st Star.

With the Wheat Kings claiming five of a possible six points this past week they keep pace in a tight WHL East Division and sit just six points behind the first place Saskatoon Blades with their 14-9-1-1 record.

Glennie, a 17-year-old native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is currently playing his second full season in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre in Montreal this summer, NHL Central Scouting ranked Glennie fourth among all WHL Skaters in their preliminary rankings last week.

The WHL has also nominated Ryan Holfeld of the Medicine Hat Tigers for the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Holfeld posted a 2-0-0-0 record this past week, allowing just two goals on 66 shots for a 1.000 goals-against average and an impressive .970 save percentage.

Holfeld, a 19 year-old from LeRoy, Saskatchewan, is in his third season with the Medicine Hat Tigers organization. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2004 Bantam Draft and to date has starred in 87 games for the Tigers collecting 49 wins.

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

Hockey's Future did a piece on Glennie not too long ago.

OHL Press Release

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that forward Eric Tangradi of the Belleville Bulls is the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week for the week ending November 23. Tangradi led the OHL in scoring this week with four goals and five assists for nine points earning a league best plus-minus rating of plus-6 in three games.

Tangradi began his week on Wednesday night with his best game of the season. He scored two goals and three assists for five points and was named the first star of the game in an 8-1 win for the Bulls over the visiting Niagara IceDogs. On Friday night Tangradi scored two goals including the game-tying marker with two seconds to play in regulation time. Tangradi was named the second star of the game as the Bulls would fall to the Kingston Frontenacs 5-4. Tangradi would finish his week by setting up the game-tying and game-winning goals as the Bulls beat the Sarnia Sting 3-2 at home. His two assists gave him second star of the game honours.

Tangradi, a 19-year-old from Philadelphia, PA is in his third season with the Belleville Bulls. He was selected in the second round, 42nd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. In 26 games so far this season, Tangradi has 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points which places him fourth overall in league scoring.

Other top performers considered for the Boston Pizza OHL Player of the Week award included Josh Brittain of the Kingston Frontenacs who scored five goals and two assists for seven points in three games, also representing Team OHL in the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge in Guelph on Thursday night. Alex Pietrangelo of the Niagara IceDogs scored three goals and three assists in three games in his first full week back with the club. Pietrangelo will represent the host Niagara IceDogs tonight in the ADT Canada Russia Challenge in St. Catharines. Edward Pasquale of the Saginaw Spirit won three games between the pipes with a 1.94 goals-against-average and a .941 save percentage.

2008-09 Boston Pizza OHL Players of the Week

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

QMJHL Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, November 24, 2008 – Saint John Sea Dogs forward Michael Kirkpatrick and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies goaltender Antoine Lafleur today were named the TELUS offensive and defensive players of the week for the period extending from November 17 to 23.

In only two games, Kirkpatrick recorded four goals, including a game-winner, and added an assist. Moreover, two of his goals were scored shorthanded. The Sea Dogs forward enjoyed his best game of the week versus the Moncton Wildcats, registering four points in a 6-5 shootout victory. Kirkpatrick was later named the game’s first star.

Spencer Jezegou (Titan), Gabriel Dumont (Voltigeurs) and Nick Layton (Juniors) were also considered.

Antoine Lafleur claims this week’s defensive prize. During two road wins, Lafleur blocked 49 shots to post a 1.49 goals-against-average and .942 save percentage. He was also named the first star following the Huskies’ 2-1 victory over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Rouyn-Noranda leads the TELUS Western division standings with 34 points.

Marc-André Bourdon (Huskies), Dmitri Kulikov (Voltigeurs) and Bobby Nadeau (Rocket) were also strong candidates.

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

Grimaldi is Well Rounded

MWEHL Player Profile

Rocco is a tenacious and fearless center forward who works hard at every practice and in every game. He prides himself in being a spark for his team and uses his consistency, speed, and determination to make a difference every time he steps onto the ice. He is respected for his vision on the ice, his passion for the sport, his relentless work ethic, and his tremendous leadership and maturity.

Rocco was privileged to have played 3 years in a row at the Quebec Pee Wee World Championships in 2004, 2005 & 2006, to have been selected Brick Tournament MVP, and for being featured in Sports Illustrated for Kids. Rocco has won 6 national roller hockey championships, playing both offense & defense and has earned numerous team titles, MVP honors, & "Fastest Skater" competitions. He was named both MVP and High Scorer at the 2007 Michigan State Ban Major Finals, at the 2007 NAHL Midget Minor Showcase in Minnesota, and recently at the 2008 Michigan State MidMinor Championships. Rocco recently earned the 2008 U16 National Championship Title w/ his Little Caesars Team. Rocco began travel hockey in California at 5 years old and has earned the majority of these achievements while playing up in older age divisions.

Rocco is a 10th grade, high honor roll student at Oakland Christian High School, with a 3.94 GPA. He has served as Class President, played on his school soccer team,& has volunteered at the Salvation Army Camp & Grace Centers of Hope in Michigan. He was awarded the U.S. President's Certificate for Educational Excellence in academics, leadership, and character, and for the past 2 years, he was recognized for achieving in the top 10th percentile in the nation on the ACT Explore Test. Rocco aspires to be drafted to the NHL and afterwards, he plans to attend Bible school and to become a Pastor of a church.


Some people look at these players that are going through the Major Junior draft process and just focus on the hockey player and not the person. Rocco seems like an all around teenagers. I am even more impressed just reading his biography then his stats. Whatever route he chooses whether it's the NTDP, OHL, or the USHL, he should succeed.

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, November 23, 2008

Draft Notes

There was a couple of stories on the upcoming NHL Draft in the USA Today this week. Kevin Allen did a story on Victor Hedman being the 1st overall selection.

"Hedman is viewed as a Chris Pronger-type defenseman and you are going to be pretty happy if you get him," said Detroit Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill.

USA Hockey's Jim Johannson, who has watched Hedman play internationally for a couple years, calls him "the full package."


That's what most people have been saying about Hedman. He's the next Chris Pronger. With this coming from someone in the Detroit organization, he's know what he's talking about.

Morin is a goal scorer — "possibly the best pure goal scorer in this age category in the world," Johannson said — and Schroeder is known for his playmaking.

"His hockey IQ is extremely high," Ron Rolston, who will be the U.S. national junior team coach this season, said of Schroeder. "He's probably more of a playmaker, but he can score goals. He can do it all for you.

Schroeder is leading the nation for freshmen with six goals and 11 assists. I think people have forgotten about him early on because college hockey gets a late start.

Here's Kyle Woodlief Top 10 Players for the NHL Draft

RANK PLAYER POS HT/WT S DOB TEAM
1 Victor Hedman D 6-6/218 R 18-Dec-90 MoDo
2 John Tavares C 6-0/198 L 20-Sep-90 Oshawa
3 Jared Cowen D 6-5/218 R 25-Jan-91 Spokane
4 Matt Duchene C 5-11/196 L 16-Jan-91 Brampton
5 Brayden Schenn C 6-0/197 L 22-Aug-91 Brandon
6 Magnus Pjrvi-Svensson RW 6-1/198 L 12-Apr-91 Timr
7 Evander Kane C 6-1/180 L 1-Aug-91 Vancouver
8 Oliver Ekman-Larsson D 6-1/168 L 17-Jul-91 Tingsryd
9 Jeremy Morin LW 6-0/193 R 16-Apr-91 U.S. NTDP
10 Nazem Kadri C 5-11/175 L 6-Oct-90 London


(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, November 22, 2008

Team Quebec

Hockey Quebec Press Release

#

Name

HT

WT

Hometown

2008-09 Team 2008-09 Team

#

Nom Name

T

P

Ville d’origine Hometown

Équipe 2008-09 2008-09 Team

1

GIROUX, SIMON GIROUX, SIMON

5’11 5'11

193

LAVAL

ROUSSEAU-SPORT MIDGETAAA ROUSSEAU-SPORT MIDGETAAA

30

BOILEAU-DOMINGUE, LOUIS BOILEAU DOMINGO, LOUIS

6’1 6'1

176

MONT ST-HILAIRE MONT ST-HILAIRE

WILDCATS-MONCTON LHJMQ MONCTON WILDCATS-QMJHL







2

BLAIN, JÉRÉMIE BLAIN, JÉRÉMIE

6’1 6'1

188

LONGUEUIL

TIGRES-VICTORIAVILLE LHJMQ TIGRES-VICTORIAVILLE QMJHL

3

BRISSON, MATHIEU BRISSON, MATHIEU

6’1 6'1

186

LONGUEUIL

RIVERAINS-CCL MIDGETAAA RIVERAINS-CCL MIDGETAAA

4

CAPSTICK, DYLAN CAPSTICK, DYLAN

6’1 6'1

203

VERDUN

PATRIOTES-CHATEAUGUAY AAA PATRIOTS CHATEAUGUAY-AAA

5

LEFEBVRE, MARTIN LEFEBVRE, MARTIN

5’10 5'10

165

TERREBONNE

DRAVEURS-CEB MIDGETAAA Draveurs-CEB MIDGETAAA

6

CARRIER, SAMUEL CARRIER, SAMUEL

6’0 6'0

181

VARENNES U.S.A

REMPARTS-QUÉBEC LHJMQ WALLS-QUEBEC QMJHL

7

GAUTHIER-LEDUC, JÉRÔME GAUTHIER-LEDUC, JÉRÔME

6’0 6'0

168

CAP-ROUGE

HUSKIES-ROUYN-NORANDA LHJMQ HUSKIES-ROUYN-NORANDA QMJHL

9

BEAUPRÉ, GABRIEL BEAUPRÉ, GABRIEL

6’0 6'0

166

ST-JEAN CHRYSOSTOME St-Jean Chrysostome

FOREURS-VAL D’OR LHJMQ FOREURS-VAL D'OR QMJHL







8

HENLEY, CEDRIC HENLEY, CEDRIC

6’3 6'3

179

VAL D’OR VAL D'OR

FOREURS-VAL D’OR LHJMQ FOREURS-VAL D'OR QMJHL

10

PINETTE, YOAN PINETTE, Yoan

5’9 5'9

177

LÉVIS

OLYMPIQUES-GATINEAU LHJMQ OLYMPIC-GATINEAU QMJHL

11

MARION, PIERRE-KARL MARION, PIERRE KARL

6’3 6'3

210

BLAINVILLE

DRAVEURS-CEB MIDGET AAA Draveurs MIDGET AAA-CEB

12

GIROUX, CHRISTOPHER GIROUX, CHRISTOPHER

5’11 5'11

171

CHAMBLY

DRAKKAR-BAIE COMEAU LHJMQ BAIE-COMEAU, DRAKKAR QMJHL

14

CISSÉ, YASIN CISSE, YASIN

6’2 6'2

195

WESTMOUNT

DES MOINES USHL DES MOINES USHL

15

LE SIEUR, MAXIMILIEN Le Sieur, MAXIMILIEN

6’0 6'0

173

WESTMOUNT

PATRIOTES-CHÂTEAUGUAY MAAA PATRIOTS-CHÂTEAUGUAY MAAA

17

ASSELIN, GUILLAUME ASSELIN, GUILLAUME

5’10 5'10

183

QUÉBEC QUEBEC

JUNIOR DE MONTRÉAL LHJMQ Montreal Junior QMJHL

18

BOURNIVAL, MICHAEL Bournival, MICHAEL

5’10 5'10

169

SHAWINIGAN-SUD

CATARACTES-SHAWINIGAN LHJMQ CATARACTS-SHAWINIGAN QMJHL

19

CROTEAU, OLIVIER CROTEAU, OLIVIER

6’2 6'2

185

THETFORD MINES THETFORD MINES

OLYMPIQUES-GATINEAU LHJMQ OLYMPIC-GATINEAU QMJHL

20

CHAPUT, MICHAEL CHAPUT, MICHAEL

6’1 6'1

173

ILE BIZARD Ile Bizard

MAINEIACS-LEWISTON LHJMQ LEWISTON-MAINEIACS QMJHL

21

DESJARDINS, GABRIEL DESJARDINS, GABRIEL

5’11 5'11

191

MONTRÉAL MONTREAL

MOOSEHEADS-HALIFAX LHJMQ MOOSEHEADS-HALIFAX QMJHL

22

FOURNIER, STEFAN FOURNIER, STEFAN

6’1 6'1

179

DORVAL

TITANS-ACADIE-BATHURST LHJMQ TITANS-ACADIE-BATHURST QMJHL

23

BISSONNETTE, MATTHEW BISSONNETTE, MATTHEW

6’3 6'3

174

BEACONSFIELD

WILDCATS-MONCTON LHJMQ MONCTON WILDCATS-QMJHL




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

Fenwick Gets 15 Games

OHL Press Release

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the result of its review of an incident which occurred in the game played in Oshawa, Ontario on the 16th of November, 2008 between the Generals and the visiting Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club which saw player Zack Fenwick of the Kingston Frontenacs being assessed a match penalty for attempt to injure.

The incident in question resulted in a head injury to player Conor Stokes of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club.

In making the announcement as the result of the review, Commissioner David Branch stated that “the League is persuaded that player Fenwick did not intend to injure the Oshawa player, and although player Fenwick has shown deep remorse, and such actions are uncharacteristic, they were most inappropriate and concerning and we must all work to eliminate these type of bullying tactics from our game. We are most fortunate that player Stokes of the Oshawa Generals was not more seriously injured."

“It is the position of the Ontario Hockey League that player Zack Fenwick of the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club be suspended for fifteen (15) games effective immediately."



He totally deserves fifteen games. What he did was uncalled for. Conor Stokes was down and Fenwick thought he was a rag doll. If you haven't seen the video, here it is.



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, November 21, 2008

Palmieri to Belleville

Erie Press Release

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced today that they have traded Nick Palmieri to the Belleville Bulls in exchange for two picks in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection.

The Otters will receive a third- and seventh-round pick for the veteran forward.

Palmieri, taken 30th overall by the Otters in the 2005 OHL Priority Selection, had seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 18 games this season.

The 19 year-old, who was selected 79th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, played 192 games for the Otters registering 72 goals (tied for the sixth most in franchise history) and 54 assists for 126 points.

The Otters (11-10-1-0) return to action tonight (Friday) when they travel to Kitchener to face the Rangers in a 7:30 p.m. start. The game can be heard live on FOX Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN and on-line at www.ottershockey.com (presented by the James H. Cross Company) beginning with the pre-game show at 7:15 p.m.

The next Otters home game takes place tomorrow (Saturday) when the London Knights visit the Tullio Arena in a 7 p.m. start. The first 2,000 into the game receive a free cheesy roll coupon courtesy of Taco Bell. Tickets for the game are available at all Erie-area Ticketmaster locations, the Civic Center Box Office, on line at www.ottershockey.com or by calling 814-452-4857.

For further information contact the Erie Otters at 814-455-7779 or e-mail the Otters at mark@ottershockey.com.


Sean Little commits to Wisconsin. The Western College Hockey Blog chimes on the commitment and lists others commitments that happened in the last day or two.


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

Tavares Speaks

Terry Doyle from Loosepucks.com interviewed John Tavares after last night's ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. It was his first public comments about the possibility of being traded.

"Yeah, I think I understand it was going to come at some point. The way things have gone this season people have talked about it all summer and the beginning of the year and during training camp and now it's started again. My thing has just been focusing day-by-day on being with the Generals. That's the way I'm going to keep approaching it, day-by-day, not waiting for anything or expecting anything. I'm a General until I'm told otherwise I'm not going to approach anything differently."

He handled the situation very well. When you watch this kid answer questions, he's calm, cool, and collective. At least he's fielding questions about the topic. I don't if the National Media covers this event (I know Sportsnet covers the game.) Looking at the London Free Press story, he just made comments about his line mates.

Chris DePiero the General Manager of the Oshawa Generals made an interesting comment.

"We haven't come to any decision to stay the course with John and keep him here or make a move and entertain offers," DePiero said Thursday. "Through the course of regular conversations that occur with other general managers that I get into every week, they'll ask: 'What's going on with the big guy?'

"At first, you could see it's guys asking questions and kicking tires and then some other guys became a lot more serious in their questions."


You aren't entertaining offers but listening to other General Managers ask about him (Tavares)? If you weren't entertaing offers, would you change the subject when you here John Tavares come out of the GM's mouth? Someone in organization knows just reading the Sportsnet report on Wednesday.

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)

Hodgson Leads the OHL

Press Release

It was billed as a match-up between the OHL and Russia, but in the end, it was more like a feud between teammates.

Cody Hodgson of the Brampton Battalion scored three goals - including the game-winner early in the third period - to help Team OHL double his Battalion teammate Evgeny Grachev and the Russian Selects 6-3 in Game 3 of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on Thursday in Guelph.

Hodgson, who also chipped in with an assist, was the OHL’s player of the game while Grachev scored a short-handed goal for Russia and was their player of the game.

“It was a lot of fun,” Hodgson said. “Any time you get an opportunity to play in one of these games it’s an honour and a privilege. I got lucky a little bit there as well - it seemed that luck was on my side tonight.”

Hodgson said that it was a little strange lining up against Grachev after playing most of the season together.

“He’s a great guy - he’s a lot of fun,” Hodgson said. “He’s not what they say in a typical Russian. He jokes with the guys and he’s a great hockey player as well. I didn’t notice before how big he is because I never saw him as competition before. But he’s huge. He’s a great hockey player.”

John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals opened the scoring just 1:40 into the first period and then added a powerplay marker in the second. Hodgson staked the OHL to a two-goal lead with a short-handed effort midway through the first period. Dale Mitchell of the Windsor Spitfires also scored.

Nikita Klyukin put the Russians on the board with a powerplay marker two minutes later and the Evgeny Grachev of the Battalion tied it for the Russians. Evgeny Dadonov gave the Russians their first lead of the game 27 seconds into the second period but Tavares tied the game on a powerplay later in the second.

“It was great,” Tavares said. “Our first two periods weren’t the best but you could see what Canadians are all about. We came out on top because of our heart and desire and to bear down and want to win. It was a great feeling for a lot of the guys and it was a lot of fun tonight.”

Chris Carrozzi of the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors started the game for the OHL and surrendered three goals on eight shots. Tyler Beskorowany of the Owen Sound Attack finished the game, turning aside all eight shots he faced.

Alexander Pechurskiy made his first start of the series for the Russians and allowed six goals on 39 shots.

The ADT Canada-Russia Challenge continues on Monday in Niagara (7:00 p.m. on Rogers Sportsnet) before moving to the Western Hockey League for games in Swift Current and Prince Albert, SK next week.


It looks like Canada has found a line at the World Junior Championships. Cody Hodgson-John Tavares-Taylor Hall. That would be a fun line to watch in Ottawa. The Russians were up 3-2 at one point. Maybe I am wrong about this Russian club. In the end, OHL pulled away.


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