Monday, October 31, 2011

NAHL announces Combat Hockey 3 Stars of the Week

Press Release

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week presented by Combat Hockey for the week ending October 30, 2011. The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Greg Lewis, goaltender, Wenatchee Wild
Perhaps no player in the NAHL had experienced a more peculiar start to the season than Greg Lewis. Lewis, 20, amazingly had yet to win a game heading into this past weekend despite being ranked 2nd in NAHL goaltending. That unenviable statistic was swiftly brought to an end with an exclamation point this past week, as Lewis not only won both his starts on the road at Alaska and Fairbanks, but also posted back-to-back shutouts in the process. “I thought it was amazing he hadn’t won yet and could only compare it to a starting pitcher who was firing on all cylinders, but hadn’t won because of run support,” said Wild head coach John Becanic. On Wednesday, Lewis stopped all 29 shots as the Wild cruised to a 7-0 road win at Alaska. The stiffer test came on Saturday night for the Mars, Pennsylvania native as the Wild looked for a weekend sweep at Fairbanks. Lewis would not disappoint, stopping all 22 Ice Dogs shots for his second shutout of the week in as many starts. “I think our guys were feeling a little guilty that he had played so well and no wins to show for it,” continued Becanic. “Greg has played as good as we could have asked this season and it was nice to see him finally get those wins. He has always been a confident goalie, but this was important for all of us that we had a week like we did.”

2nd Star: Ben Carey, forward, Wenatchee Wild
Wenatchee’s four wins (all on the road) this past week, also came with an offensive upside. Wenatchee scored 21 goals in their four wins during the week and were paced offensively by Ben Carey. Carey, 18, who is an Air Force Academy recruit, had six goals during the week along with two assists for eight points in Wenatchee’s sweep of both Alaska and Fairbanks. The majority of Carey’s offensive output came in the weekday wins over Alaska, in which he was named the game’s #1 star both nights. On Tuesday, Carey had two goals and an assist in an 8-4 win. On Wednesday, the Centennial, Colorado native had a hat-trick (including the game-winning goal) and an assist in a 7-0 win. In Fairbanks, Carey was held pointless on Friday night, but on Saturday struck for Wenatchee’s first goal (also the game-winner) in a 3-0 win. “What’s important about Ben’s play right now is that his goals are coming at key times in the games. Not just the game-winners, but goals scored early on in the games to give us momentum,” said Wild head coach John Becanic. “He is getting better at not only shooting more, but more importantly, hitting the net. He is earning his goals.”

3rd Star: Robbie Payne, forward, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
Kalamazoo went 2-1-0 in three road games this week in Jamestown and in the process, vaulted the Jr. K-Wings into 1st place in the NAHL’s North Division. Leading the way for Kalamazoo is forward Robbie Payne, 18. After recording an assist in a 5-2 loss on Friday, Payne recorded an assist on the game-winning goal on Saturday’s 2-1 win. However on Sunday, Payne had a game for the ages. The forward from Gaylord, Michigan exploded for three goals (including the game-winner) and four assists for an NAHL-season high seven points in Kalamazoo’s wild 8-7 win over Jamestown. “I think Robbie is just a naturally gifted scorer,” said Kalamazoo head coach Marc Fakler, who has his expansion Jr. K-Wings in 1st place. “He struck lightning in a bottle on Sunday, but he has put in a lot of hard work to make games like that happen.” Payne’s career night included a goal in each period, including the game-winner with less than seven minutes remaining in the 3rd period. Payne currently is tied for the NAHL lead in goals with 13.

Other players nominated were (alphabetical): Jordan Bancroft, forward, Janesville Jets – Brooks Behling, forward, Amarillo Bulls – Jeff Bergh, defenseman, Alaska Avalanche – Paul Byrne, defenseman, Springfield Jr. Blues – Gage Christianson, forward, Alaska Avalanche – Frank DeAugsutine, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Dan Dupell, forward, Topeka RoadRunners – Christian Folin, defenseman, Austin Bruins – Taylor Herndon, forward, Texas Tornado – Ben Jaremko, forward, Coulee Region Chill – Jordan Lovick, forward, Texas Tornado – Brett Lubanski, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Ken MacLean, goaltender, Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings – Peter Megariotis, goaltender, Port Huron Fighting Falcons – Jacob Meyers, goaltender, Alexandria Blizzard – Sean Muller, forward, Kenai River Brown Bears – Tyler Parks, goaltender, Springfield Jr. Blues – John Rey, defenseman, Amarillo Bulls – Tyler Richter, forward, Bismarck Bobcats – Kyle Schempp, forward, Traverse City North Stars – John Simonson, forward, Austin Bruins.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Yan Kalashnikov performs fine despite missing brother, linemate Artsiom

Press Release

Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Yan Kalashnikov has been named the British Columbia Hockey League's Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 30, the league announced Monday.

Despite being without his brother Artsiom, who usually plays on the same line, Yan had his most productive weekend yet. The Minsk, Belarus native scored a natural hat trick and added an assist in a 1st-Star performance against the Langley Rivermen and followed up with a goal and three helpers in another victory over Prince George where he took 2nd Star.

Kalashnikov more than doubled his season scoring totals with the four-goal, four-assist weekend and now sits third in Alberni Valley scoring with seven goals and eight assists on the campaign.

Honourable mentions this week go to Nanaimo Clippers goalie Billy Faust (three games, three wins, one 1st Star, 2.00 GAA, .933 sv. %), Surrey Eagles forward Tyler Morley (two games, five goals, one 1st Star, one 2nd Star), Merritt Centennials forward Jakob Reichert (two games, four goals, one GWG in OT) and Nanaimo Clippers defenceman David Iacono (three games, three assists, two 3rd Stars).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Sting Acquire Thompson From Otters

Press Release

Sarnia, On – General Manager Jacques Beaulieu announced this afternoon the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club has acquired overage forward Brett Thompson from the Erie Otters today in the first of two trades the club would make.

The Sting have sent their 3rd round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection and a 2nd round pick in 2013 to the Otters in return for the overage forward who scored 44-goals last season split between the Otters and the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds.

Following the Thompson deal the Sting then moved overage defenceman Daniel Broussard to the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for Ottawa’s 3rd round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

Thompson produced big numbers last season splitting time between the Greyhounds and Otters. In 67 games he would score 44 goals and 40 assists for 84 points.

Beaulieu explains his thoughts on the transactions.

“Its definitely a bitter-sweet day for our organization. Anytime you can add a player like Brett to your lineup you have to give it serious consideration. He scored 44 goals last year and he is a complete player who brings a lot of intangibles to the table as well. He has scored at least 40 goals two straight seasons and has scored over 100 goals in our league. Those players definitely don’t just grown on trees. With the news we received last week regarding Alex Galchenyuk we felt it was necessary to replace some of that offense in our lineup.”

Admittedly it was very difficult for Beaulieu to move the veteran Broussard.

“Daniel Broussard is a character kid who was definitely one of the leaders in our room. He was a true professional in every sense of the word for this organization. On and off the ice Daniel is a first class person and I wish him nothing but the best in Ottawa.”

Thompson will join his new teammates Tuesday in preparation for the club’s upcoming home games vs. Windsor and Guelph this weekend.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

USHL Honors - Week Five

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced the weekly award winners for the fifth week of the 2011-12 USHL regular season.

Award winners include forward Dylan Margonari of the Youngstown Phantoms, named CCM Offensive Player of the Week; defenseman Jordan Young of the Youngstown Phantoms, selected as CCM Defensive Player of the Week; and both Gabe Antoni of the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Ryan McKay of the Green Bay Gamblers who share honors as the Reebok USHL Goaltender of the Week.

Margonari scored four goals to lead the Phantoms to a pair of weekend road victories. His first goal of the season was the game-winner on Friday as Youngstown earned their first-ever victory against Tri-City. The 19-year-old then recorded a hat trick, including two goals in the second period, of Saturday’s 5-2 win vs. Omaha. Margonari also posted a game high plus-four rating as the Phantoms also earned their first-ever win against Omaha. The Greensburg, Pennsylvania native is playing in his third USHL season and has scored 17 goals over 85 career games.

Young recorded two points (1g, 1a) and a plus-three rating during the Phantoms road trip. He scored his first career USHL goal to cap the 5-1 win vs. Tri-City on Friday. The second-year defenseman then dished out an assist on Margonari’s third goal of the game in Saturday’s 5-2 victory against Omaha. Young is currently tied for eighth in the USHL, fourth among defensemen, with a plus-seven rating this season. The 19-year-old from Cave Creek, Arizona collected 11 assists in 40 games for the Phantoms last season.

Antoni was in net for both Dubuque victories posting a combined 1.00 goals-against-average and .957 save percentage to help the team extend their winning streak to six games. He made 18 saves in the 3-1 win vs. Sioux City on Friday before making a season high 26 saves in the 4-1 victory at Fargo. The rookie netminder is unbeaten in four appearances (4-0-0) during his first USHL season. All four wins for the 19-year-old from Lansdale, Pennsylvania have been on the road and he currently leads USHL goaltenders with a 1.05 GAA.

McKay earned both wins on the road during the weekend and helped the Gamblers remain the only unbeaten USHL team away from home this season (5-0-0). He stopped 26 shots in the 4-1 win at Fargo on Friday and made 18 saves in the 4-1 victory at Sioux City on Saturday. The 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois is currently third among League goaltenders in both goals-against-average (1.60) and save percentage (.939). It is the third season with the Gamblers for McKay who has won 43 regular season games during his USHL career.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

67’s’ Shane Prince Named OHL Player of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Shane Prince of the Ottawa 67’s is the OHL Player of the Week after recording seven assists in two games with a plus-minus rating of plus-2 for the week ending October 30.

Prince set-up seven of the nine goals scored by the 67’s in a pair of victories over the Peterborough Petes and the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. On Thursday night he recorded a career-high four assists as part of a 6-5 overtime win over the Petes, and on Friday he contributed three assists in a 4-3 shootout win over the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. The 67’s have now won four straight games and are ranked second in the OHL’s Eastern Conference with 21 points.

Prince, an 18-year-old from Spencerport, New York, is playing in his fourth OHL season. The second round pick of the Ottawa Senators in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft has 14 points in eight games so far this season after scoring 88 points in 59 games with the 67’s last season.

Also considered for the award this week was Mark Scheifele of the Barrie Colts and Gemel Smith of the Owen Sound Attack. Scheifele scored two goals and six assists for eight points in three games, while Smith scored three goals and four assists for seven points in three games. In goal, Brandon Maxwell of the Sarnia Sting posted a 2-0-0-1 record with a goals-against-average of 1.62 and save percentage of .949.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Raiders Re-Assign Constant

Press Release

Prince Albert SK – The Prince Albert Raiders have announced that they have reassigned 18-year-old forward TJ Constant to the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

Constant appeared in 15 games with the Raiders this season, registering 1 goal and 5 penalty minutes. He played 5 games in the 2010-2011 Western Hockey League regular season and scored 1 goal and added 1 assist in 5 playoff appearances with the Raiders.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Wild Re-Assign Bulmer to the Rockets

Press Release

The Minnesota Wild have sent 19-year-old forward Brett Bulmer back to the Kelowna Rockets.

Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher announced on Monday that Bulmer was reassigned to the Rockets after playing in nine NHL games with Minnesota and recording three assists.

"Obviously this couldn't come at a better time for us, with the injury situation we have here," said Rockets president/general manager Bruce Hamilton. "He will be a great big boost to the dressing room and on the ice we're going to have to get him matched up with who the coaches think he's going to work best with."

Bulmer notched three assists, had six penatly minutes and had a plus-1 rating in his nine game stint with the Wild. The 6-foot-3 native of Prince George made his NHL debut Oct. 8 against Columbus and registered his first NHL point on Oct. 10 against the New York Islanders.

During his time with the Wild, Bulmer impressed with his gritty play with many observers feeling he was going to stick in the NHL. The Wild however scratched Bulmer on Saturday in a game that would have been his 10th and would have kicked in the first year of his NHL contract. The NHL team opted to send him back to junior for another year of development.

"It's going to be an adjustment for Brett, but we're thrilled to get him back," said Hamilton. "He may be discouraged and we need to let him go through that. He'll need a few days."

In 57 games with the Rockets last season he had 49 points (18-31-49) and 109 penalty minutes. He was drafted by Minnesota in the second round of the 2010 NHL entry Draft, 39th overall. The Rockets selected the Prince George native in the 11th round of the 2007 WHL bantam draft.

Hamilton said while Bulmer could be discouraged by getting so close to the NHL, he will be on the radar for Team Canada's World Junior team and turning his attention to the world juniors will be something positive he can focus on.

"He's got to get going right away because we want him to make the world junior team," said Hamilton, adding that a more mature Bulmer will be a fine addition to a young Rockets club. "He's grown up a ton from this time last year and he will be very influential in our dressing room."

Bulmer is expected in the lineup this weekend when the Rockets host the Portland Winterhawks for two games at Prospera Place on Friday and Saturday.


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week

Press Release

Goaltender Jay Deo of the South Division's Calgary Mustangs is the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week for the final week of October 2011. Deo posted a 3-0 record over the week and recorded his first shutout of the 2011-2012 season.

Deo stopped 121 of 124 shots faced last week and was named the Pro Hockey Life Star of the Game twice. Deo has faced the most shots of all AJHL goaltenders with 589.

Jay Deo and the Calgary Mustangs have won the last four consecutive games. Deo is from Charlie Lake, BC and is in his second AJHL season with the Mustangs.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League is proud to partner with Canalta Hotels to recognize the AJHL Player of the Week for the 2011-2012 AJHL Season.

Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week Recipients:

- September 9th - 18th: Peter Quenneville, Sherwood Park Crusaders

- September 19th - 25th: Mark Reners, Brooks Bandits

- September 26th - October 2nd: Nolan Huysmans, Okotoks Oilers

- October 3rd - October 9th: Tyler Briggs, Lloydminster Bobcats

- October 10th - October 16th: Justin Rose, Fort McMurray Oil Barons

- October 17th - October 23rd: Peter Quenneville, Sherwood Park Crusaders

- October 24th - October 30th: Jay Deo, Calgary Mustangs

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Vees up to third, Vipers sit 18th in national Jr. A rankings

Press Release

The Canadian Junior Hockey League today announced its Weekly Top 20 rankings. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis. The weekly rankings are selected in consultation with NHL Central Scouting and are proudly presented by PlayingUpHockey.com:



Woodstock Slammers(MHL) (1)
St. Michael’s Buzzers(OJHL) (3)
Penticton Vees(BCHL) (6)
Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (8)
Newmarket Hurricanes(OJHL) (5)
Cornwall Colts(CCHL) (4)
Soo Thunderbirds(NOJHL) (9)
Trenton Golden Hawks(OJHL) (7)
Winkler Flyers(MJHL) (2)
Fort McMurray Oil Barons(AJHL) (11)
Wisconsin Wilderness(SIJHL) (12)
Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (15)
Winnipeg Blues(MJHL) (19)
Brooks Bandits(AJHL) (13)
Amherst Ramblers(MHL) (10)
Carleton Place Canadians(CCHL) (17)
Nepean Raiders (CCHL) (HM)
Vernon Vipers(BCHL) (14)
Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) (HM)
College Francais de Longueuil(LHJAAAQ)(NR)


Honourable Mention: Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), Nipawin Hawks (SJHL), Portage Terriers (MJHL), Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL), Oakville Blades (OJHL).

Weekly rankings are based upon a variety of factors, including the league in which the teams play, winning percentage, win-loss record, total points accumulated, goals-for versus goals-against ratio, etc.

The CJHL is comprised of the ten Junior A hockey leagues across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website. www.cjhlhockey.com

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

WARRIORS' BEACH NAMED WHL PLAYER OF WEEK

Press Release

CALGARY, AB. - The Western Hockey League announced today that Moose Jaw Warriors’ forward Cody Beach is the WHL Player of the Week.

Beach picked up eight points, scoring four goals and four assists to go with a +1 rating, in three games over the past week helping the Warriors to a 3-0-0-0 record.

On Wednesday, October 26, the Warriors played host to the Prince Albert Raiders at Mosaic Place. Beach tallied twice, added an assist and was named the games 2nd Star in the Warriors 5-2 win over the Raiders. On Friday, October 28, the Warriors travelled to Brandon to face the Wheat Kings. Beach scored two goals, two assists and was named the games 1st Star as the Warriors doubled the Wheaties 8-4. Back in Moose Jaw on Saturday, October 29, the Warriors welcomed Trans-Canada rivals the Regina Pats. Beach picked up an assist and was named the games 3rd Star in the Warriors 3-2 victory over the Pats.

Beach currently sits fifth in team scoring with nine points (4 goals, 5 assists) in eight games played and is a first time recipient of WHL Player of the Week honours. After winning three straight games the Warriors currently sit in a three-way tie for 2nd in the hotly contested WHL East Division with 19 points, just one back of the leading Regina Pats, with a 9-5-1-0 record.

The WHL has also nominated Tyler Bunz of the Medicine Hat Tigers for the CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Bunz posted a 2-0-0-0 record this past week with one shut-out, stopping all 57 of 59 shots faced for a 0.966 save-percentage and 1.00 goals-against average. Bunz, a native of St. Albert, AB, led the Tigers to home wins over the Portland Winterhawks (4-2) and Swift Current Broncos (5-0).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Huberdeau, Pageau and Critchlow named TELUS three stars of the week

Press Release

Jonathan Huberdeau, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Cameron Critchlow were named today the TELUS three stars of the week for the period spanning October 24th to 30th, 2011.

Saint John Sea Dogs left-winger Jonathan Huberdeau is the first star after having collected 6 points in two games. During the game against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles last Friday, Huberdeau gave a 2-0 lead to his team by scoring his 5th and 6th goals of the season in a 6-3 win. He was named the second star of the game. The following day against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens he collected 4 points on top of a +5 rating. He finished the week with 3 goals, 3 assists and a +6 rating.

Gatineau Olympiques’ right-winger Jean-Gabriel Pageau is the second star. Friday, in a 3-0 win against the Drummondville Voltigeurs, he was named the first star of the game after having scored 2 goals, including one during a penalty shot which turned out to be the winning goal. The next day, his team celebrated a 6-1 victory versus the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. During the game, he scored two goals and collected an assist and was named the second star of the game. It’s worth noting that Pageau scored at least one goal in the past 4 games. He finished the week with 5 points and a +4 rating.

The third star is awarded to Cameron Critchlow, the Halifax Mooseheads captain, who has registered 15 points in 17 games this season. The Mooseheads played 3 games on the road this week and won all three. Wednesday, against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, Critchlow was named the first star of the game after scoring a goal and adding 3 helpers in a 7-5 win. Friday and Saturday, the team played against the Val-d’Or Foreurs. They won both games 3-2 and 5-2 respectively. During these two matchups, Critchlow totalled two points. He finished the week with 2 goals and 4 assists for a total of 6 points and a +1 rating.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

JR. CANADIENS TO HOST SPECIAL CHARITY GAME

Press Release

The Toronto Junior Canadiens, in cooperation with Thunderbird Sports & Entertainment, will dedicate their home game versus the Mississauga Chargers on Sunday November 27 to support Prostate Cancer.

November, dubbed “Movember,” is prostate cancer month and the TJC will take up the cause by donating a portion of their ticket sales plus a variety of in-game fundraising schemes to help raise awareness and find a cure for the disease.

Prostate Cancer is growing risk amongst men over the age of 40. One in six men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetime.

“We are pleased to be helping the team with staging this fundraising game,” states Dave Robinson, owner of Thunderbird Sports. “We encourage all players, coaches, male fans and fathers, not only on the TJC, but around the league to grow a mustache and also to make a real sincere effort to get to this game on Sunday November 27. We are looking forward to having an interesting and very successful evening" adds Robinson. "What makes a great event is a good crowd so we really need everyone’s support.”

Fundraising activities in addition to ticket sales will include: 50/50, chuck a puck, raffle tickets and a silent auction. "We also really want the young TJC minor players to support the game by participating in on-ice intermission entertainment and a 3-on-3 minor hockey intermission game is planned," adds Robinson.

We are setting a goal of $2,000 for a fundraising donation to Prostate Cancer.

Tickets for the game will be specially priced at $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.

Tickets will be available in advance at all TJC home games and can also be purchased at the Canadian Ice Academy, located at 3111 Universal Drive in Mississauga.

For more information on the evening or to sponsor the evening, please contact Dave Robinson of Thunderbird Sports at 416-347-3845.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

ALBERTA CAPTURES U16 GOLD IN MOOSE JAW

Press Release

Moose Jaw, SK -- Reid Duke scored the game winning goal and added an assist to lead Team Alberta to a 10-4 win over Team Manitoba to claim the Gold Medal at the 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup from Moose Jaw, SK. This is the second time that Team Alberta has won this tournament who also defeated Team Manitoba in the inaugural event in 2009 in Blackfalds, AB. Jacob Virtanen scored the game winning goal to lead Team British Columbia to a 5-4 win over Team Saskatchewan in the Bronze Medal Game earlier in the day. The 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup marked the second playing of this tournament after taking a one year hiatus in 2010 for the Canada Winter Games.

Gold Medal Game: Team AB 10 - 4 Team MB

Reid Duke scored the game winning goal and added an assist to lead Team Alberta to a 10-4 win over Team Manitoba in the Gold medal game at the 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup from Moose Jaw, SK. This is the second time that Team Alberta has won this tournament, which is in its second year of existence. Team Alberta also defeated Team Manitoba in the inaugural event in 2009 in Blackfalds, AB.

ALBERTA 10, MANITOBA 4

First Period
1 - AB - Macmaster (Duke, Point), 3:55
2 - AB - Nemeth (Foster), 5:18
3 - AB - Mappin (Macmaster), 17:50
4 - AB - Mumby (Bleackley, Point), 18:44

Second Period
5 - MB - Lindgren (Hawrylyk), 0:27
6 - MB - Rafter (Fisher), 1:03
7 - AB - Duke (Point, Foster), 6:54
8 - MB - Schioler (unassisted), 7:29
9 - AB - Penner (Quenneville), 7:39
10 - AB - Penner (Mappin), 11:52

Third Period
11 - AB - Irving (Point, Quenneville), 0:36
12 - MB - Schioler (Lindgren), 2:33
13 - AB - Zipp (Macmaster, Bleackley), 7:24 PP
14 - AB - Bleackley (Quenneville, Penner), 13:56

SOG:
AB: 7, 11, 15 = 33
MB: 4, 20, 8 = 32

Goalies:
Hogue (AB) – 28/32
Edmonds (MB) – 23/33

Players of the Game:
AB - Duke
MB - Lindgren

Bronze Medal Game: Team BC 5 - Team Saskatchewan 4

Jacob Virtanen scored the game winning goal to lead Team British Columbia to a 5-4 win over Team Saskatchewan in the Bronze Medal Game at the 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup from Moose Jaw, SK.

BC 5, SASKATCHEWAN 4

First Period
No Scoring

Second Period
1 - SK - Gardner (Wittman), 17:35

Third Period
2 - BC - Meek (Povelofskie, Revel), 1:42
3 - BC - Walter (Marreck), 2:46
4 - BC - Bolduc (Hicketts, Butcher), 15:28
5 - BC - Skapski (unassisted), 7:11
6 - BC - Virtanen (unassisted), 12:48
7 - SK - Pilon (Shirley, Olynek), 13:15
8 - SK - Oleksyn (Vanstone, Chartier), 16:48
9 - SK - Gardiner (Chartier, Oleksyn), 18:05

SOG:
BC: 7, 12, 13 = 32
SK: 6, 12, 18 = 36

Goalies:
McLeod (BC) – 32/36
Parenteau (SK) – 27/32

Players of the Game:
BC - McLeod
SK - Gardiner

2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup - Tournament All-Stars

G - AB - Jordan Papirny (BDN 1st round)
D - AB - Brycen Marten (SC 1st round)
D - SK - Ryan Pilon (LET 1st round)
F - MB - Adam Brooks (REG 2nd round)
F - MB - Jayce Hawrylyk (BDN 2nd round)
F - AB - Brayden Point (MJ 1st round)

-------------------------------------

FINAL STANDINGS
Team GP W L OTL SL PTS GF GA
Alberta 4 4 0 0 0 12 23 9
Manitoba 4 2 2 0 0 6 20 23
British Columbia 4 2 2 0 0 5 13 14
Saskatchewan 4 0 3 1 0 1 10 20

TOP SCORERS
Name Team GP G A PTS
Brayden Point AB 4 5 4 9
Jayce Hawryluk MB 4 3 4 7
Tanner MacMaster AB 4 2 5 7
Ryley Lindgren MB 4 4 2 6
Jake Virtanen BC 4 5 0 5
Adam Brooks MB 4 4 1 5
Dane Schioler MB 4 2 3 5
Jordan Thomson MB 4 1 4 5
John Quenneville AB 4 0 5 5
Conner Bleackley AB 4 2 2 4

TOP GOALTENDERS
Name Team GP MIN W L T SO GA GAA SV%
Jordan Papirny AB 2 120.00 2 0 0 0 2 1.00 0.950
Payton Lee BC 2 119.53 1 1 0 0 4 2.00 0.920
Jonny Hogue AB 2 120.00 2 0 0 0 7 3.50 0.883
Rylan Parenteau MB 4 219.12 0 4 0 0 16 4.38 0.874

For more information on the 2011 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup, CLICK HERE

GAME SCHEDULE/RESULTS:

Thursday, October 27
Game #1 – Alberta 6 - Manitoba 3
Game #2 – British Columbia 3 - Saskatchewan 2 - OT

Friday, October 28
Game #3 – Alberta 2 - British Columbia 1
Game #4 – Manitoba 7 - Saskatchewan 3

Saturday, October 29
Game #5 – Saskatchewan 1 - Alberta 5
Game #6 – Manitoba 4 - British Columbia 6

Sunday, October 30
Game #7 – BRONZE MEDAL GAME, BC 5 - Saskatchewan 4
Game #8 – GOLD MEDAL GAME, Alberta 10 - Manitoba 4

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

RAIDERS' PROMOTE YOUNG TO HEAD COACH

Press Release

Prince Albert SK – The Board of Directors of the Prince Albert Raiders announces they have made a change in the hockey operations of the organization. Effectively immediately Bruno Campese will be solely the General Manager with Steve Young taking over as the Head Coach and Craig Bedard remaining as the Assistant Coach. Previous Campese was the Head Coach and General Manager, and Young the Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager.

The Raiders are currently 4-11-1-1 and 10th in the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference having lost their past 4 straight games.

“Bruno Campese approached us today about making this change”, said Team President Dale McFee. “It was a move that is not easy to make, but with our play of late it was obvious a change was required. We expect more from the players than their current record.”

“In the best interest of the team I have decided to step aside as Head Coach and focus solely on the GM’s role”, commented Campese who has been the Head Coach of the team since June 21, 2007, taking over as GM on January 14, 2008. “The team is not playing to expectations as I feel we have underachieved to this point. I will take full responsibility and hold myself accountable.”

Young, who becomes the 12th Head Coach in Raiders history, was hired as Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager on July 5, 2008. Previously Young was the Head Coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL from 2005-07 leading them to the Eastern Conference Championship in 2006 before losing to the Vancouver Giants in the WHL Championship Series.

Young will be behind the Raiders bench when they host the Saskatoon Blades tomorrow night at 7 PM as the Raiders go for the 1,000th win in franchise history. The Box Office at the Art Hauser Centre opens at noon tomorrow.


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

The Brockville Braves would like to congratulate Sebastien Gingras

Press Release

The Brockville Braves would like to congratulate Sebastien Gingras who has recently committed to Union College in downtown Schenectady, N.Y. Union is a highly selective, private, liberal arts college that is consistently ranked among the nation's top colleges.

In Sebastien’s words, “My experience in Brockville was incredible. As a French player from Quebec, in most places, you are seen as an outsider, but in Brockville you are accepted and become part of a big family. There is such an atmosphere of respect and cooperation in Brockville that it makes you thrive to succeed for the people around you whether it'd be on the ice, in the classroom or in the community. And when someone has success and is lucky enough to move on, it is a team accomplishment, as it should be, because everyone contributed to your success.

I chose Union College, because it is a great academic and athletic establishment. It is a small school in a pretty small town and there is a really humble feeling about the place. Looking back at the last three years of my life living in Brockville, I can say that they have been the best in my life. And the biggest reason for that is the quality of the people I’ve met. Union is the school that best represented the feeling I had living in Brockville, where you get to know people in more depth and where you can be yourself without feeling judged. That was undoubtedly the major factor in my decision.

Sebastien has been a great ambassador for the organization. GM and Head Coach Jason Hawkins says that Sebastien has been an integral part of the Braves success over the past three years. He has earned a great hockey scholarship to Union and that is a huge milestone. It has been a pleasure watching Sebastien develop as a player but most importantly as a person.

All the best to Sebastien. We are truly proud of you.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Clydesdales to honour the memory of Rachel Sandell

Press Release

DULUTH, Minn. – On Sunday, Nov. 13 during the Duluth Clydesdales home game against the Dryden Ice Dogs, the club will be honouring the memory of Duluth native Rachel Sandell, who lost her valiant battle with cancer on Oct. 16 at the age of 18.

The Clydesdales will be holding a special memorial night where $3.00 from each ticket sold, along with team chuck-a-puck proceeds, will be donated in Rachel's name to Coaches vs. Cancer.

Several other contribution options will also be available during the game.

With several current and former Duluth East High School classmates on the squad, each Clydesdales player will affix an R.S. decal to their helmet in her memory for the remainder of the season.

Please join us in remembering Rachel and supporting this worthy cause, Sunday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Curtale becomes winningest coach in U.S. junior history

Press Release

Now in his 16th year of coaching in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), Texas Tornado head coach Tony Curtale has done it all: Gold Cup National Championships, Robertson Cup Championships, regular season titles, division titles, the Texas Cup, Compuware Classic Championships, Newmarket Showcase Championships, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year and already the all-time winningest coach in NAHL history.

However, perhaps Curtale’s biggest achievement came last night on Friday, October 27, 2011, as the former hockey player from suburban Detroit, Michigan watched his team skate to a 4-0 win over the New Mexico Mustangs, and in the process made him the all-time winningest coach in United States junior A hockey history with his 530th regular season win, breaking the record of 529 held by former Omaha Lancers (USHL) coach Mike Hastings.

“We feel like Tony’s knowledge and passion of coaching and hockey is an asset to the league, and that his future in coaching looks very bright after already accomplishing so much,” said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld following the news of Curtale’s record. “Tony certainly understands how to teach the game of hockey as well as any in the business and we believe his accomplishments make him a fixture in the history books of the NAHL.”

Curtale has been recognized as one of the premier developers of young talent in North America for quite some time, placing hundreds of players in NCAA programs and NHL teams. Curtale was the first American selected in the National Hockey League (NHL Entry Draft in 1980, by the Calgary Flames). His eight-year professional career culminated with the 1985 International Hockey League Turner Cup Championship with the Peoria Rivermen, where he was the team captain.

Since retiring, in his 17+ years of coaching junior hockey in the United States and Canada, almost all of it has come in the NAHL with just two teams, the Springfield Jr. Blues and the Texas Tornado, coincidentally the NAHL’s two most tenured teams (Curtale spent a season and a half as head coach of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League in between the Springfield and Texas stints). When taking into account all the playoff, tournament and non-league wins in those 17 years, Curtale’s win total increases to over 650, which is a testament to the excellence his teams have played under during his tenure.

“I don’t really consider it a personal achievement as much as I do a team achievement,” said Curtale. “I was very fortunate to be in two situations with both teams where it is was new to the community and exciting for everyone involved. Being backed by a strong community and a passionate group of fans was essential and our teams got that in both Springfield and Frisco. I think the ownership in all situations allowed me the freedom to work and develop the on-ice product. I think that accentuated our ability to recruit and have some really good teams that won a lot of games.”

Despite all the successes however, Curtale remains humble about the record. “I think this record is more a reflection of the players that I have had a chance to coach,” said Curtale. “There have been some really good ones. You remember those who make to the NHL, the NCAA, but you also remember the ones that go onto become doctors, Wall Street bankers, or the guy who moved on to help run the family business after they were done playing hockey. It makes it all worthwhile for me when I hear about how well they are doing and how their time in junior hockey helped mold them into who they are today and that I had a little something to do with that.”

Only twice in his 15 NAHL seasons, has his teams finished under .500. In 12 of his previous 15 seasons, Curtale’s teams have won at least 30 games. During a seven year span from 1999-2006, Curtale’s Tornado teams had at least 40 wins in each of those seasons, an ongoing NAHL record.

Curtale said there is no secret to the success, just a few key philosophies he has tried to pass along to his players. “I think character and mental toughness are two of the things I believe in the most and have tried to pass along to my players,” said Curtale. “You have to be tough to play against, whether it’s at this level or the next. I like to watch other sports to try and pick up things and different philosophies. Coaching can make you second guess a lot and I have always prided myself on sticking to my guns and my beliefs.”

So with the record now solely in his hands, Curtale continues and prepares the same way he did after win #1, thinking about the next game. “This is a big season for this team and this franchise knowing we will host the Robertson Cup for the second time, but we prepare the same way for each game… just trying to get better and worry about what we can control and do as a team,” said Curtale. “I think we are playing some good hockey and we have some really good talent, but it’s all about becoming better and seeing improvement as the season progresses so that by the time the playoffs roll around, we are peaking as a team.”

Curtale said although the focus remains on this season, he does have thoughts about coaching at the next level. “Juniors is purest form of coaching because of the impact you make on the players. It’s immediate, instant and you can see the results right away. They are in the learning process and I really enjoy the teaching aspect,” said Curtale. “I do have a desire to get to the next level. I think it’s only human to feel that way. I felt like coaching in Texas the past 11 to 12 years came at a time that was right for me and my family, but as we all have grown older I think my personal goals have changed. I have always had a desire to coach at the higher levels, so that is something I strive for in the future.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Rutledge Commits to University of Michigan

Press Release

Team USA goaltender Jared Rutledge has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan following his USHL career.

Rutledge is currently in his second USHL season. He appeared in 19 USHL games for Team USA’s Under-17 squad in 2010-11 and won eight games, while posting a 2.55 goals-against-average and .920 save percentage. The 17-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois also recorded two shutouts – a 25-save effort vs. Chicago on February 19th and a 31-save performance in the 1-0 win against Youngstown on April 1st.

Four other members of the Ann Arbor-based Team USA are committed to play their college careers across town at the University of Michigan – Evan Allen, Connor Carrick, J.T. Compher, and Jacob Trouba. Four other USHL players are committed to play hockey at the school – Michael Downing (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Alex Kile (Green Bay Gamblers), Max Shuart (Muskegon Lumberjacks), and Justin Selman (Sioux Falls Stampede).

The University of Michigan is a member of the CCHA and currently has 13 USHL alumni on the roster; Greg Pateryn (Ohio Junior Blue Jackets), Mike Chiasson (Omaha Lancers), Kevin Clare (Team USA), Luke Moffatt (Team USA), Lee Moffie (Waterloo Black Hawks), Andrew Sinelli (Youngstown Phantoms), Derek DeBlois (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Travis Lynch (Green Bay Gamblers), Jeff Rohrkemper (Sioux Falls Stampede), Jon Merrill (Team USA), Alex Guptill (Waterloo Black Hawks), Adam Janecyk (Sioux City Musketeers), and Mac Bennett (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

TRADING SPACES

Press Release

Kalamazoo, MI- The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings, proud members of the NAHL’s North Division, announce the trade of forward Chad McDonald to the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers for forward Austin Hervey.

A forward from Brighton, Michigan, Hervey started his junior career with the USA NTDP in 2009-10. During that season, he played in eleven games. A natural winner, Hervey won back-to-back state championships in high school with Novi Catholic Central High School.

From there, he moved to the Lincoln Stars where he played in 44 games, registering four goals and three assists.

Hervey started this season with the Des Moines Buccaneers. He played five games for the Bucs, scoring once.

Hervey will join the Jr. K-Wings for their three game set against the Jamestown Ironmen this weekend. He is set to wear number 28 for Kalamazoo.

Head coach, Marc Fakler, likes what Hervey can bring to the table: “Hervey brings additional junior experience to our team after playing with the USA NTDP (2009-10) and in the USHL last season for Lincoln.”

Fakler also commented on the skill-set that Hervey possesses: “He will be a physical power forward and be a presence in our lineup. He has a strong work ethic, a heavy shot and his size and strength will be an asset to our team.”

Hervey is committed to play at Western Michigan University next season.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Logan Johnston Commits to UMASS LOWELL

Press Release

PENTICTON, BC – The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is pleased to announce Captain Logan Johnston has committed to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks for the fall of 2012.

Johnston, 20, is in his fourth season with the Penticton Vees, a team he grew up watching in Penticton.

Johnston has played in 173 career regular season games for the Vees, registering 27 goals and 69 points. In 2010-2011, the Penticton native recorded 11 goals and 32 points in 56 games.

The power-forward is coming off an impressive playoff performance last spring, scoring six goals and nine points in as many games for the Vees; earning him Co-Playoff MVP honours.

“I am very proud of what Logan has accomplished in his time as a Penticton Vee. “ Commented Head Coach & General Manager, Fred Harbinson. “He has shown dedication and perseverance developing over the last four and a half years; first as an AP in 07-08 and to the present as our current Captain and leader.”

Johnston is the 12th player on the Penticton Vees roster to secure a NCAA scholarship.

Logan is currently serving a 25 game suspension and is eligible to return on November 26th, versus the Chilliwack Chiefs.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Mustangs forward Adam Chapie announces NCAA DI commitment

Press Release

The New Mexico Mustangs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce their latest college commitment. Second-year Mustang forward Adam Chapie has officially signed to attend the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, a member of the NCAA Division I Hockey East Conference.

Chapie, 20, is originally from Oxford, Michigan and played last season for the Mustangs in their inaugural season. He scored a respectable 34 points and was the only Mustangs player to appear in all 58 regular season games.

This season, Chapie has become the offensive leader for New Mexico, leading the team in scoring with 15 points (8g, 7a) in his first 14 games. Heading into New Mexico's games this weekend in Texas against the Tornado, Chapie is riding a five-game goal streak.

New Mexico Governor Ken Dennis had the following to say about Chapie's commitment. "The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is one of the elite academic and athletic institutions in the country. Adam's dedication work ethic and skill make him one of the finest young men any team could ever have.
The Mustangs are thrilled to be a part of Adam's development and look forward to his continued success as he joins the River Hawks after the completion of his junior career as a Mustang."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Friday, October 28, 2011

MJHL reopens hazing investigation

Press Release

The Manitoba Junior Hockey is re-opening its investigation into the Neepawa Natives’ hazing complaint. It was also announced today that Neepawa Assistant Coach Brad Biggers, who recently resigned from his position, will be suspended indefinitely.

“As a result of several Neepawa Natives players recanting their earlier testimony, the Neepawa Natives hockey club presented new information to the MJHL on Thursday,” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said.

“With the new information, the MJHL will immediately re-open the investigation into the hazing complaint. The league will also be appointing a special, independent investigator to further investigate the matter.”

The indefinite suspension of Biggers will prevent him from joining another organization until the second investigation is fully completed, explained Davis.

Davis said the independent investigator will be appointed as quickly as possible. Further sanctions and suspensions against the Neepawa Natives hockey club are pending following the findings of the special investigator, explained Davis.

Earlier this week the MJHL announced a $5,000 fine and multiple player suspensions to the Natives. This was the result of an investigation launched by the MJHL after a complaint of hazing was filed against the Natives.

“A hazing incident occurred during the week of September 26,” said Davis. “The message from the MJHL is clear. This type of activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“There is no excuse for this type of inappropriate behavior. Ultimately, the hockey club is responsible for the conduct of its staff and players. As a result, a significant financial sanction has been imposed to reflect the importance of the team’s responsibility in this matter.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Jason McKee Named Head Coach of CJHL Prospects

Press Release

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) are proud to announce the Head Coaches for the 2011 CJHL Prospects Events in Langley, BC on November 12th & 13th. Jason McKee of the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Spruce Grove Saints has been appointed as Head Coach of Team West. Team East will be led by Sheldon Keefe of the Central Canada Hockey League's Pembroke Lumber Kings.

For the first time, the CJHL Prospects Event will be held in conjunction with the World Junior A Challenge. The newly-combined event will be a unique opportunity for CJHL stars to showcase their talent on an international stage and will provide CJHL prospects an unprecedented audience of scouts from across North America.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top 40 NHL draft eligible players in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Player selection is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting.

Sheldon Keefe has led the Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) to five consecutive CCHL Championships and an RBC Cup title in 2011. "It is obviously a great honour to be selected as Head Coach for the CJHL Prospects Games, and it was really unexpected," said Keefe. "Through my time at the RBC Cup Tournament and by working with Team East for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge, I have learned that Hockey Canada and the CJHL run top-notch events. This will be a premier event at a great facility and a great opportunity for all involved."

Keefe is an ex-NHL player and recognizes the importance of this event for players eligible in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, "This event is a unique opportunity for scouts to view draft eligible players competing against one another, and potentially expand the pool of players they are watching for the upcoming draft. This is a huge chance for the CJHL players to showcase their talent against the talent of players in their age group and get on the radar of NHL scouts."

Jason McKee is the General Manager and Head Coach of the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL). McKee and the Saints dominated the CJHL Weekly Rankings throughout the 2010-2011 season and captured a second consecutive AJHL league title in 2011. McKee is looking forward to his first experience coaching in the CJHL Prospects Event, "I am very excited for the opportunity to work with elite players at our level. It's exciting for myself, the players and the hockey community."

By combining the CJHL Prospects Event with the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, the scouting community will have the unique opportunity to witness over 80 CJHL stars compete in two high-level events. "This is a great avenue for our elite players to showcase their ability on a big stage, especially this year being linked to the World Junior A Challenge," said McKee. "There will be lots of eyes on our athletes and it is a tremendous opportunity for exposure."

The CJHL Prospects Games feature players from the CJHL's five western leagues competing against the top prospects from the CJHL'S five eastern leagues. The event includes a two-game total goal series between Team East and Team West.

Team East and Team West playoff for the President's Cup, which is awarded to the winning team at each CJHL Prospects Game. The 2010 CJHL Prospects Event was held in Dauphin, Manitoba in December 2010. Team East defeated Team West in two consecutive games to capture the President's Cup.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

U16 CHALLENGE CUP - DAY ONE RESULTS

Press Release

Game 1: Team Alberta 6 - Team Manitoba 3

Brayden Point scored three goals to lead Team Alberta to a 6-3 win over Team Manitoba in Game 1 of the 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup from Moose Jaw, SK. Team Alberta will next face Team BC Friday at 3:00pm while Team Manitoba will square off with against Team Saskatchewan at 7:00pm at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, SK.

ALBERTA 6, MANITOBA 3

First Period
1 - AB - Point (MacMaster), PP, 5:12
2 - AB - Tambasco (Wong), 5:27

Second Period
3 - MB - Mathews (Baudry), 3:24
4 - MB - Hawryluk (Lindgren, Tait), PP, 5:41

Third Period
5 - AB - Bleackley (Quenneville, Wong), 1:18
6 - AB - Duke (Penner), 2:23
7 - MB - Hawryluk (Starodub, Fisher), PP, 10:28
8 - AB - Point (unassisted), 17:18
9 - AB - Point (MacMaster), PP, 19:14

SOG:
AB: 13, 6, 8 = 27
MB: 9,12, 7 = 28

Goalies:
Davies (AB) - 25/28
Hogue (MB) - 21/28

Players of the Game:
AB - Point
MB - Hawryluk

Game 2: Team BC 3 - Team Saskatchewan 2 - OT

The 1st overall selection in the 2011 WHL Draft Jake Virtanen scored the overtime winner as Team BC came from behind to defeat Team Saskatchewan 3-2 in Game 2 of the 2011 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup from Moose Jaw, SK. Team Alberta will next face Team BC Friday at 3:00pm while Team Manitoba will square off with against Team Saskatchewan at 7:00pm at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, SK.

BC 3, SASKATCHEWAN 2 - OT

First Period
1 - SK - Vanstone (unassisted), PP, 9:48

Second Period
2 - BC - Revel (Meek, Mayo) ,SH,18:27

Third Period
3 - SK - Oleksyn (Olynek, Harris), 4:24
4 - BC - Gropp (Bolduc), 15:24

Over-Time
3 - BC - Virtanen (Marreck), 0:27

SOG:
SK: 6, 11, 5, 0 = 22
BC: 6, 8, 16, 1 = 31

Goalies:
Parenteau (SK) - 38/31
Lee (BC) - 20/22

Players of the Game:
SK - Parenteau
BC - Lee

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Oil Kings Sign Corbett

Press Release

Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Oil Kings GM Bob Green was proud to announce today that the hockey club has signed U.S. born prospect Cody Corbett to a WHL agreement. Corbett is 93-born 6'1 210 pound defenseman who played last season with the Stillwater Ponies of the Minnesota High School League where he posted nine goals and 13 assists in 26 games. He has a late birthday and as such will be eligible as a 93-born player for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

"We are very excited to add a player of Cody's calibre to our program." said Green "He's a solid defenseman with good offensive skills, he handles the puck well and he'll help add extra depth to our blue line"

A native of Lakeland, MN Corbett has been signed to a standard WHL player agreement and will travel with the team this weekend as they take on the Regina Pats and Brandon Wheat Kings.

Oil Kings hockey is Edmonton’s best family entertainment value. The 2011-12 season features new reduced pricing with great seats starting at just $15 and premium seating locations starting at just $20. The Oil Kings are also proud hosts of this year’s World Junior Hockey Championship.

The Oil Kings will return to Rexall Place on Saturday, November 5th as they take on Colorado Avalanche draft pick Calvin Pickard and the Seattle Thunderbirds.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

NTERNATIONAL ROSTERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2011 WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

Press Release

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, announced Friday the rosters of the four international teams – the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden and the United States – competing in the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, Nov. 7-13 at the Langley Events Centre in Langley, B.C.

Russia, has submitted a 30-player long list; its roster will be finalized before the tournament opens Nov. 7.

The Czech Republic will be taking part in the World Junior A Challenge for the first time.

International Rosters


The international rosters include:

two players who took part in the 2010 World Junior A Challenge:
United States (2) – Cooper, Schmaltz
six players drafted in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft (team, round, overall):
United States (6) – Lucia (MIN, 2, 60); Welinksi (ANA, 3, 83), Reilly (CBJ, 4, 98), Cameranesi (TOR, 5, 130), Kuraly (SJ, 5, 133), Broadhurst (CHI, 7, 199)
37 players who took part in the 2011 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka summer under-18 tournament:
Czech Republic (14) – Franek, Hawlik, Hudecek, Knot, Kostalek, Langhamer, Matejcek, Plasil, Polivka, Sedlacek, Simon, Slovacek, Soumelidis, Zadrazil
Russia (13) – Ustinski, Vasilevski, Ermakov, Garyeyev, Vasiliev, Malenkikh, Galin, Khatsei, Yakimov, Filippov, Kudreman, Osnovin, Timirev
Sweden (9) – Andersson, Arnesson, Bystrom, Dansk, Kalin, Karlsson, Lindholm, Pettersson, Sandberg
United States (1) - Hinostroza
three players who took part in the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship:
Czech Republic (3) – Jenik, Rousek, Svihalek
10 players who took part in the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge:
Czech Republic (10) – Buchta, Hudecek, Langhamer, Matejcek, Plasil, Sedlacek, Slovacek, Soumelidis, Tomecek, Zadrazil
two players projected as first-round picks in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by TSN scout Craig Button:
Sweden (2) – Bystrom (17th), Dansk (28th)
one player projected as a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by International Scouting Services:
United States (1) – Schmaltz (21st)

Sweden and the United States will play in Group A with Canada West, while the Czech Republic and Russia will join Canada East in Group B. Preliminary round play will run until Wednesday, Nov. 9, with both semifinals taking place Friday, Nov. 11. The gold medal game, which will be shown nationally on TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, is set for Sunday, Nov. 13 (check your local listings). All preliminary round games, quarter-finals, semifinals and the bronze medal game can be seen live via webcast through FASTHockey at hockeycanada.fasthockey.com.

Full-tournament 15-game ticket packages are on sale, including tickets to all 13 games at the 2011 World Junior A Challenge, both CJHL Prospects Games and a free souvenir tournament program, for only $150, as well as single-game tickets and a flex package. To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

For more information on the 2011 IIHF World Junior A Challenge, please visit www.facebook.com/wjrac or www.twitter.com/hc_wjac.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

QMJHL, teams to march alongside Veterans

Press Release

The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Gilles Courteau, today announced that the League and its teams are extremely proud to once again march alongside Veterans during Veterans’ Week (November 5 to 11). The celebrations kick off tomorrow night in Victoriaville.

"The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is very proud to support Veterans during Veterans’ Week for a seventh consecutive year," said the Commissioner. "Our Veterans’ heritage is rich in pride and history and it is of the utmost importance that we recognize their devotion and the sacrifices they have made for our great Country. The Memorial Cup, which is awarded since 1919, pays tribute to our Veterans and it is our duty to share their stories with future generations."

Puck-drop ceremonies or special activities to honour our Veterans will be held during these QMJHL games.

October 28
Victoriaville – Colisée Desjardins

November 4
Cape Breton – Centre 200
Gatineau – Centre Robert-Guertin

November 5
Baie-Comeau – Centre Henry-Léonard

November 6
Acadie-Bathurst – K.C. Irving Regional Center
Halifax – Centre Metro
Québec – Colisée Pepsi
Shawinigan – Centre Bionest

November 11
Drummondville – Centre Marcel-Dionne
P.E.I. – Charlottetown Civic Center
Val-d’Or – Centre air Creebec

November 12
Moncton – Moncton Coliseum

November 13
Chicoutimi – Centre Georges-Vézina
Saint John – Harbour Station

November 20
Blainville-Boisbriand – Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau
Rimouski – Colisée de Rimouski
Rouyn-Noranda – Aérna Iamgold

Every year, Canadians celebrate Veterans’ Week to pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed themselves in order to make our world a safer place to live. With the help of young Canadians, we can ensure that the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who have served our country will not fade from memory. This year, Canadians are invited to continue the traditions of Remembrance under the theme "How Will You Remember?" For more information, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

MJHL releases attendance figures

Press Release

With an average of 1,016 fans attending their home games, Dauphin Kings hold the distinction of being No. 1 in attendance thus far this MJHL season.

Recently released attendance figures by the MJHL, report that Winkler fans are equally passionate about their Flyers, reflected in an average of 755 after five home games.

“We have fantastic fan support,” Kings’ GM/Head Coach Marlin Murray says. “The fans in Dauphin and area are very passionate. They support the Kings, but they also expect a strong and exciting product on the ice.”

Murray attributes the 1,000 average to a number of factors. Competitive team. Excellent facility. Parity in the league. And success in attendance can be attributed to the Kings’ progressive marketing department, headed up by Director of Marketing/Assistant Coach, Marc Berry.

“Marc has taken our marketing to another level,” says Murray. “The Kings’ are very, very involved in the community. At the games, we try to offer more than just a hockey game. We promote that it’s a family event.”

Fans who attend Kings games are treated to free giveaways (they have a T-shirt launcher), comfortable facility and a highly popular 50/50 giveaway promotion. Fans are continually updated about the 50/50 grand prize via TVs situated throughout the rink.

“We haven’t had a 50/50 less than $2,000,” says Murray. “That’s the winner taking home $1,000….sales are fantastic.”

The Kings’ season ticket base sits at 850, says Murray. That number exceeded 1,000 last year after the Kings reduced their season-ticket price.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ players are busy working with an number of ventures off the ice: players attend minor hockey practices; Kings’ goaltenders work with young goaltenders in the community; players are involved in school programs.

“Dauphin has a very strong base, but we’re also aware of our fans outside the town,” says Murray. “We’ve got a great fan base.”

Murray admits the rabid King fans places pressure on him to ice a competitive team – on a consistent basis.

“I’m proud to say that our home record over the last five or six years has been very, very good,” he says. “Fans like to come to the rink and see the home team win. We work very hard to recruit strong players….our goal is to put a highly competitive team on the ice each year.”
  
 
ATTENDANCE
HOME GAMES
AVERAGE
ADDISON DIVISION
Winkler Flyers
3775
5
755
Steinbach Pistons
3636
7
519
Portage Terriers
3594
6
599
Selkirk Steelers
3355
7
479
Winnipeg Saints
1981
10
198
Winnipeg Blues
1308
6
218
CONFERENCE TOTALS
17649
41
430
SHER-WOOD DIVISION
Dauphin Kings
5082
5
1016
OCN Blizzard
4574
10
457
Swan Valley Stampeders
2903
7
415
Waywayseecappo Wolverines
2467
7
352
Neepawa Natives
1717
5
343
CONFERENCE TOTALS
16743
34
492



(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Pittsburgh Penguins to Host 2012 NHL Draft June 22-23

Press Release

The Pittsburgh Penguins® have used Draft Day expertise to build two generations of championship teams, one of the NHL’s most passionate fan bases and one of North America’s most robust youth hockey communities. In June, all those elements will be on display when the Penguins and the City of Pittsburgh host the 2012 NHL Draft™ at the CONSOL Energy Center.

The 2012 NHL Draft will be held over two days. Round One, on Friday, June 22, will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET, and Rounds 2-7 will be conducted on Saturday, June 23, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET.

"The NHL is extremely pleased to be able to host this outstanding event in an outstanding city and venue -- CONSOL Energy Center,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “The Penguins and the City of Pittsburgh have hosted many terrific NHL events, including last year's Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, and I have no doubt this will be another exciting endeavor. Young players seem better-prepared than ever to take prominent roles on their new teams, and the Draft offers the opportunity for our fans everywhere to watch our prospects take the next dramatic step toward their NHL careers."

The 2012 NHL Draft will be the first held in Pittsburgh since 1997 and the first League event at CONSOL Energy Center -- the state-of-the-art building that opened in 2010 and is one of the most luxurious arenas in the NHL. The 1997 NHL Draft saw forward Joe Thornton selected first overall, followed by his current San Jose teammate Patrick Marleau second overall. Olli Jokinen, Roberto Luongo and Eric Brewer rounded out the top five selections in 1997.

“On behalf of the City of Pittsburgh and the hockey fans of Western Pennsylvania, we’re excited to be hosting the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center,” said David Morehouse, CEO of the Penguins. “Pittsburgh again will become the center of the hockey universe for one of the most important weekends on the NHL calendar, as our teams select the next generation of NHL stars. Much as we did with the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic®, we look forward to turning the week leading up to the draft into a celebration of hockey – especially youth hockey here in Pittsburgh.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins, Stanley Cup® Champions in 2009 and perennial Eastern Conference contenders, have a strong nucleus of players selected high in previous NHL Drafts. They have six first-round draft picks on their current roster – including captain Sidney Crosby (first overall, 2005), Marc-Andre Fleury (first overall, 2003), Evgeni Malkin (second overall, 2004), Matt Niskanen (28th overall, 2005), Brooks Orpik (18th overall, 2000) and Jordan Staal (second overall, 2006).

The impact of the Penguins’ success -- both in winning consecutive Stanley Cup Championships in 1991 and 1992 and the club’s on-ice resurgence, which started in 2006 -- has spurred enormous growth of the game at the grass roots level in Pittsburgh. Since Mario Lemieux was drafted by the Penguins in 1984, the number of indoor ice arenas has quadrupled, while minor hockey participation among 5- to 8-year-olds has increased by 61 percent since 2006.

At the 2011 Draft, four players from the Pittsburgh area were selected in the first 64 selections. Forward J.T. Miller became the highest-drafted Pittsburgh amateur hockey player in NHL Draft history when the New York Rangers made him the 15th overall selection of the 2011 Draft. He was followed by goaltender John Gibson (Pittsburgh, PA, 39th by Anaheim), forward Brandon Saad (Gibsonia, PA, 43rd by Chicago) and forward Vincent Trocheck (Pittsburgh, PA, 64th by Florida). Prior to moving on to junior hockey, Miller, Gibson and Saad all competed for the Pittsburgh Hornets organization.

The NHL Draft offers the opportunity for hockey fans to get a glimpse of the next wave of NHL stars. Recent overall No. 1 picks currently starring in the League include Alex Ovechkin (Washington, 2004), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh, 2005), Erik Johnson (St. Louis, 2006), Patrick Kane (Chicago, 2007), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay, 2008), John Tavares (NY Islanders, 2009), Taylor Hall (Edmonton, 2010) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton, 2011).

For more historical information and past draft selections, visit www.nhl.com/draft. Ticket distribution plans and other details pertaining to the 2012 NHL Draft will be announced at a later date.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Eight QMJHL officials to work Subway Super Series

Press Release

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League today unveiled the eight officials which will take part in the Subway Super Series which will be held on November 7th in Victoriaville and November 9th in Quebec City.

Referees Tim Hamel and Pascal St-Jacques as well as linesmen Wayne Doyle and Luc Voyer will take part in the game at the Colisée Desjardins on November 7th while Dominic Bédard and François Fortin as well as linesmen Serge Carpentier and Olivier Cimon will work the game at the Colisée Pepsi on November 9th.

“High level hockey regrouping the players which will take part in the next World Junior Championship; the Subway Super Series is an event that all QMJHL officials wish to take part in,” said QMJHL Director of Officiating, Richard Trottier.

Tickets are still available for both games. Dial 819-752-6353 (Victoriaville) or 1-800-900-7469 (Quebec City) to purchase tickets.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Darcy Chooses Northeastern University

Press Release

Team USA forward Cameron Darcy has committed to play collegiate hockey at Northeastern University following his USHL career.

The 17-year-old is playing in his second USHL season and has collected two points (1g, 1a) in two games for Team USA’s Under-18 squad. He collected 13 points (9g, 4a) in 37 USHL games last season for the Under-17 team. It is a big year for the 6-0, 187-pound forward as he is one of the top prospects leading into the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

It will be a bit of a homecoming for Darcy when he begins his career at Northeastern as he is a native of South Boston, Massachusetts. Two other USHL players have committed to Northeastern over the past two weeks – Youngstown Phantoms forward Ryan Belonger and defenseman Mike Gunn. Three other current USHL players are also committed to the school; goaltender Jon Gillies of the Indiana Ice and Lincoln Stars teammates Zach Aston-Reese and Mike McKee.

Northeastern University is a member of Hockey East and has 13 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Anthony Bitetto (Indiana Ice), Adam Reid (Team USA), Garrett Vermeersch (Lincoln Stars), Steve Quailer (Sioux City Musketeers), Justin Daniels (Sioux City Musketeers), Ben Oskroba (Lincoln Stars), Luke Eibler (Youngstown Phantoms), Drew Daniels (Sioux City Musketeers), Alex Tuckerman (Sioux City Musketeers), Clay Witt (Sioux Falls Stampede), Ludwig Karlsson (Green Bay Gamblers), Vinny Saponari (Dubuque Fighting Saints), and Robbie Vrolyk (Sioux Falls Stampede).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Bucs Defenseman Commits to Colorado College

Press Release

Des Moines Buccaneers rookie defenseman Duggie Lagrone has committed to attend Colorado College following his USHL career.

Lagrone was selected by the Buccaneers in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft and has recorded one assist through five games this season. The 17-year-old is a native of Plano, Texas.

Lagrone’s Buccaneers teammate Matt Hansen is also committed to play hockey at Colorado College. Two other current USHL players – Christian Heil and Jaccob Slavin of the Chicago Steel – have committed to the school.

Colorado College is a member of the WCHA and currently has 17 USHL alumni on the roster; Joe Marciano (Omaha Lancers), Aaron Harstad (Green Bay Gamblers), Peter Stoykewych (Des Moines Buccaneers), Eamonn McDermott (Fargo Force), Jaden Schwartz (Tri-City Storm), Dakota Eveland (Omaha Lancers), Gabe Guentzel (Sioux Falls Stampede), Jordan DiGiando (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Alex Krushelnyski (Sioux City Musketeers), Charlie Taft (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Scott Wamsganz (Dubuque Fighting Saints), Ian Young (Fargo Force), Nick Dineen (Sioux Falls Stampede), Tim Hall (Ohio Junior Blue Jackets), Scott Winkler (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), William Rapuzzi (Green Bay Gamblers), and Joe Howe (Waterloo Black Hawks).

In addition, Colorado College head coach Scott Owens spent nine seasons in the USHL as a head coach (1986-91, 1995-99), and assistant coach Eric Rud was the head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers last season and also played for the Des Moines Buccaneers for two seasons (1991-93).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Riders Defenseman Headed to UMass-Lowell

Press Release

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Greg Amlong will play collegiate hockey next season at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

The second-year USHL defenseman was recently named the USHL Defensive Player of the Week after collecting three points (2g, 1a) during a three-game road trip for the RoughRiders. His two goals were both scored shorthanded. Amlong has collected six points (2g, 4a) and a plus-five rating through seven games this season. Last season, he recorded 13 points (1g, 12a) in 45 regular season games for the RoughRiders and then posted a plus-three rating with one assist in eight playoff contests. The 19-year-old is a native of O’Fallon, Missouri.

Amlong’s teammate Ryan McGrath is also committed to attend to UMass-Lowell, which is the alma mater of their head coach, Mark Carlson.

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a member of Hockey East and has 11 USHL alumni on the roster this season; Derek Arnold (Waterloo Black Hawks), Tyler Brickler (Sioux City Musketeers), Joe Caveney (Sioux City Musketeers), Mike Conderman (Muskegon Lumberjacks), William Eiserman (Tri-City Storm), Dan Furlong (Sioux Falls Stampede), Josh Holmstrom (Sioux Falls Stampede), Zack Kamrass (Sioux Falls Stampede), Micki Mihailovich (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Chad Ruhwedel (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Jake Suter (Sioux City Musketeers).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Paskaruk Commits to Clarkson University

Press Release

The Brooks Bandits are proud to announce 17 year old Forward Anthony Paskaruk has committed to Clarkson University. Located in Potsdam, New York the Golden Knights play in the ECAC and are off to a 4-1-1 start to the season. The "Green and Gold" are a well established hockey program with their inception in 1921.

Anthony is from Airdrie, AB where he grew up playing minor hockey. Prior to joining the Bandits he played for the AC Avalanche (Midget AAA Minor) and led his team in scoring with 55 points. Anthony had an incredible rookie season with the Bandits last year scoring 29 points as a 16 year old player. This year he is off to a great start with 15 points in 18 games.

Head Coach/GM Ryan Papaioannou, "I am very proud of what Anthony has accomplished to this point in his young career. He is a great person who is very serious about his hockey career. Anthony's speed, work ethic and physicality make him such an integral part of our team. This is an opportunity that fits his career goals and I couldn't be happier for him."

The Bandits Organization would like to congratulate Anthony and his family on his commitment to Clarkson University.

Anthony is the second Bandit to commit to the NCAA this season. Forward Matt Wilkins previously committed to Union College.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

Vernon Vipers forward Aaron Hadley headed to Western Michigan U

Press Release

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club is pleased to announce Aaron Hadley has committed to attend Western Michigan University to play for the Broncos.

The Castlegar native is in his second season with the Vipers and is an alternate captain. He's off to a great start to the campaign and has been invited to the Team Canada West selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound left winger chose WMU after being sought after by several schools.

The Vernon Vipers would like to congratulate Hadley on this recent accomplishment and wish him the best of luck in the future.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

TEAM WHL NAMED FOR SUBWAY SUPER SERIES

Press Release

CALGARY, AB – The Canadian Hockey League in association with the Western Hockey League and the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats Hockey Clubs today announced the rosters for Team WHL that will compete against Team Russia in the 2011 SUBWAY® Super Series.

The 2011 SUBWAY® Super Series will take place November 7 – 17 and marks the ninth straight year that teams of CHL All-Stars have competed against Team Russia in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships.  The SUBWAY® Super Series is an integral part of the evaluation process prior to Team Canada’s final selection camp in December.  This season, Canada will be competing for their 14th straight medal at the 2012 tournament in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.

Team WHL will face Team Russia in games five and six of the series played Wednesday, November 16 in Regina, SK, and on Thursday, November 17 in Moose Jaw, SK.  The first two games of the series are hosted by the QMJHL with the OHL hosting games three and four.
Team WHL was selected by a special committee of WHL General Managers along with Kevin Prendergast, Hockey Canada’s Head Scout for the Canadian National Junior Team, as part of the selection process for the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships. 

"I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to coach Team WHL at the 2011 SUBWAY Super Series," said Don Hay. "This is an impressive group of talent that has been put together and I'm eager to see how they will stack up against the best Russia has to offer. This is also a great opportunity to get a better look at some of the guys who could be playing for Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championships."

The Team WHL roster consists of 29 players – two goalies, 11 defenceman and 16 forwards, with the remainder of the roster be named at a later date.  Top NHL prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft Matt Dumba (RD), Morgan Reilly (MJ) and Colton Sissons (KEL) will compete in the series.  Team WHL also features three first round draft picks from the 2011 NHL Draft, Duncan Siemens (SAS), Mark McNeill (PA) and Joe Morrow (POR).  Moose Jaw Warriors forward Quinton Howden is the sole returning player from Team Canada’s 2011 silver medal team at the World Junior Championships and was selected in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Game tickets for Wednesday, November 16 in Regina are available at the Brandt Centre Box Office, located in the East entrance, or Ticketmaster by calling 543.7800 Toll-free: 1.800.970.7328 or Log onto www.ticketmaster.ca.  Game tickets for Thursday, November 17 in Moose Jaw are available at the Mosaic Place Box Office - (306) 624-2050 or http://tickets.mjwarriors.ca/ 

The 2011 SUBWAY® Super Series is supported by CHL associate sponsors, Bank of Montreal and CCM.   
All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet with the two QMJHL games shown on TVA. 
For more information about the event and tickets please visit www.subwaysuperseries.com 

Team WHL Roster – Regina, SK – November 16, 2011
No.
Player
Position
Year
Club
Hometown
15
Sissons, Colton
Forward
1993
Kelowna Rockets
North Vancouver, BC
23
Reinhart, Max*
Forward
1992
Kootenay Ice
Vancouver, BC
8
Rattie, Ty
Forward
1993
Portland Winterhawks
Airdrie, AB
18
Ross, Brad
Forward
1992
Portland Winterhawks
Lethbridge, AB
22
Kambeitz, Adam
Forward
1992
Red Deer Rebels
Coaldale, AB
19
Weal, Jordan*
Forward
1992
Regina Pats
North Vancouver, BC
20
Nicholls, Josh*
Forward
1992
Saskatoon Blades
Tsawwassen, BC
11
Gallagher, Brendan
Forward
1992
Vancouver Giants
Delta, BC
9
Sundher, Kevin
Forward
1992
Victoria Royals
Surrey, BC






27
Murray, Ryan
Defenceman
1993
Everett Silvertips
White City, SK
7
Morrow, Joe
Defenceman
1992
Portland Winterhawks
Sherwood Park, AB
24
Dumba, Matt
Defenceman
1994
Red Deer Rebels
Calgary, AB
6
Petrovic, Alex
Defenceman
1992
Red Deer Rebels
Edmonton, AB
5
Siemens, Duncan*
Defenceman
1993
Saskatoon Blades
Sherwood Park, AB
4
Kichton, Brenden
Defenceman
1992
Spokane Chiefs
Spruce Grove, AB






30
Bunz, Tyler*
Goaltender
1992
Medicine Hat Tigers
St. Albert, AB
1
Pickard, Calvin*
Goaltender
1992
Seattle Thunderbirds
Winnipeg, MB

Team WHL Roster – Moose Jaw, SK – November 17, 2011
No.
Player
Position
Year
Club
Hometown
16
Stone, Mark
Forward
1992
Brandon Wheat Kings
Winnipeg, MB
27
Ferland, Michael
Forward
1992
Brandon Wheat Kings
Brandon, MB
23
Reinhart, Max*
Forward
1992
Kootenay Ice
Vancouver, BC
21
Howden, Quinton
Forward
1992
Moose Jaw Warriors
Oakbank, MB
9
McNeill, Mark
Forward
1993
Prince Albert Raiders
Edmonton, AB
19
Weal, Jordan*
Forward
1992
Regina Pats
North Vancouver, BC
20
Nicholls, Josh*
Forward
1992
Saskatoon Blades
Tsawwassen, BC
17
Lowry, Adam
Forward
1993
Swift Current Broncos
Calgary, AB
41
Holland, Patrick
Forward
1992
Tri-City Americans
Lethbridge, AB
22
Feser, Justin
Forward
1992
Tri-City Americans
Red Deer, AB






6
Fransoo, Jordan
Defenceman
1993
Brandon Wheat Kings
North Battleford, SK
3
Pysyk, Mark
Defenceman
1992
Edmonton Oil Kings
Sherwood Park, AB
8
McIlrath, Dylan
Defenceman
1992
Moose Jaw Warriors
Winnipeg, MB
4
Rielly, Morgan
Defenceman
1994
Moose Jaw Warriors
W. Vancouver, BC
5
Siemens, Duncan*
Defenceman
1993
Saskatoon Blades
Sherwood Park, AB
10
Yuen, Zachary
Defenceman
1993
Tri-City Americans
Vancouver, BC






30
Bunz, Tyler*
Goaltender
1992
Medicine Hat Tigers
St. Albert, AB
1
Pickard, Calvin*
Goaltender
1992
Seattle Thunderbirds
Winnipeg, MB
*Players competing in both games

Team WHL Staff:
Don Hay, Head Coach (Vancouver Giants)
Ryan Huska, Assistant Coach (Kelowna Rockets)
Lorne Molleken, Assistant Coach (Saskatoon Blades)

Team WHL Training Staff:
Greg Mayer (Regina Pats)
Curtis Amiot (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Jamie LeBlanc (Swift Current Broncos)


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)