McNabb returns in time for clash with Spokane
by Jeff Bromley
Brayden McNabb rolled into Cranbrook Thursday to begin what could be his lastseason of junior hockey Thursday night. No disrespect, but if he had it his wayhe would've rather been on the blueline of the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre squaring off against the Montreal Canadiens, helping the Sabres beat the Habs 5-3. Instead he'll settle for the Rec Plex tonight against the Spokane Chiefs.
At least his opponent's uniforms will be the same.
"I thought I played well," offered McNabb of his play at the Sabres training camp. "Obviously I'd like to have stayed but I know I'm young. I think I made a good impression and was happy with my camp."
As a 19-year-old McNabb, who played in one preseason game with Buffalo – a 3-1 win September 25, could've only played with the Sabres had he stayed but he has yet to come to contract terms, something he's not overly worried about. "I had a pretty good exit meeting and there was a little talk about it but nothing too serious as of right now," he said. "They haven't said much about it but they did say they wanted work something out soon, but I don't know. All I know is that it was pretty cool playing in front of 17,000 fans (at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo). It was pretty sweet."
Selected by the Sabres in the 3rd round (66th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft the Davidson, Saskatchewan product's timing couldn't be better. Coming off a 4-2 loss Wednesday to the Red Deer Rebels Kootenay has failed to score a goal on the power play in the club's first two games, going 0-11. McNabb's return aims to change that. "He's our MVP on the backend," said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch."This year that blueline is one of our strengths with him back there but the biggest impact he'll have is on the power play. We could definitely use him back there."
Finishing last season with 17 goals, 40 assists and 57 points in 64 games, many of those with the man-advantage, McNabb will be a welcome site on the ice tonight against the Chiefs. "I'm excited to come back. It's probably going to be my last year and I've got big expectations for myself and my team."
Boomer injured – Ice coach Kris Knoblauch won't have to fret over any roster decisions for the weekend as the infirmary's swelling numbers made it for him. 20-year-old forward Steele Boomer is out for a week due to a wrist injury suffered in Wednesday's loss to the Rebels. "He'll be out for about a week,"said Knoblauch. "So, we've only got three 20-year-olds right now that can play anyway." G Nathan Lieuwen remains sidelined with a bruised knee and won't play. 20-year-old Todd Mathews will get his second start of the season and rookie Brett Teskey will be the back-up… Lieuwen was the WHL nominee for the CHL goaltender of the week award after opening the season with a 4-0 shutout of theCalgary Hitmen. Quebec Remparts goaltender Louis Domingue was the winner… The Spokane Chiefs (0-1) invade the Rec Plex in Kootenay's only action this weekend. Gametime is 7PM.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Rebels dump Ice...
UPDATE
For the record Ice rookie Erik Benoit didn't notch his first WHL point last night... because he didn't play. Benoit was credited with the second assist on Matt Fraser's goal last night on the WHL's online scoresheet but it was later changed to Max Reinhart, who in fact did play. That was obviously post-deadline so my apologies. And that'll teach me to rely on whl.ca....
Also, Brayden McNabb just rejoined the team this evening due to an unavailable flight last night. That story is forthcoming.
JB
For the Cranbrook Daily Townsman...
Rebels double up on Ice
by Jeff Bromley
Rebel Captain Colin Archer hit the crossbar in the game’s first minute Wednesday night in Red Deer and he did it again three minutes into the second. The third time Rebel forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did it in the second period it was a charm and proved to be icing on the cake as the Rebels doubled the Kootenay Ice 4-2. “Saturday I was praising the guys about how many played so well and how many came to play,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “Tonight it was a different story and not everybody was ready to play.
“When you don’t come ready to play you’re not going to win the game.”
With Drew Czerwonka in the box for interference in the last minute of the first period the Rebels opened the scoring with just three seconds left in the period as Andrej Kudrna finished off a pretty pass by new Rebel Byron Froese to make it 1-0. “In the second we started to play better but there were some costly goals at some costly times that really set us back,” said Knoblauch
“We didn’t have a very good start to the first period but we were getting stronger and stronger and we were starting to take over the game. But that late goal in the first period and then that stretch of three in the second made it really tough on us.”
The Rebels went 4-10 on the man-advantage over two games against the Edmonton Oil Kings, outscoring the Oil 12-2, so taking penalties wasn’t a solid gameplan. A 0-9 effort on the penalty kill by the Ice against the Hitmen, Kootenay surrendered two power play goals Wednesday in Red Deer. They stayed out of the box this time but couldn’t keep the puck out of the net when they needed to. “The difference tonight was special teams. They scored two power play goals and then one shorthanded goal, they were definitely strong with the man-advantage.”
The Ice tied it when James Martin ripped a shot from the point just as a four-on-three man advantage ended that beat a screened Darcy Kuemper 3:34 into the second. Through two games Kootenay’s power play sits at 0-11.
At 9:11 the Rebels restored their one-goal lead, again this time with the Ice on the power play but this time it backfired as some hard work by Rebel forward Adam Kambeitz gave the home side the lead with a shorthanded marker. The Rebels would try to run away with it after that as 18-year-old Turner Elson notched his first of the season less than two minutes later to make it 3-1 before budding superstar Ryan Nugent-Hopkins proved three’s a charm as the Rebels’ third post of the night went bar-down and into the net to make it 4-1 in a span of just over three minutes. The spectre of last season’s second game, a 7-1 drubbing in Red Deer some 374 days ago, loomed but the feeling of déjà vu all over again wouldn’t last as Kootenay wouldn’t give up this time as Matt Fraser nicely deked Kuemper at 17:03 of the second to put them back within striking distance.
It wouldn’t be enough as the Rebels held off the Ice in the third period to quell the comeback attempt.
Quick Hits – With the win the Rebels improve to 3-0 and top spot in the Central Division while the Ice fall to 1-1... G Todd Mathews turned aside 31 of 35 shots while Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves to get the win... G Nathan Lieuwen (bruised knee – day-to-day), LW Kevin King (overage numbers), D Brayden McNabb (Buffalo Sabres training camp) and F Ryan Bloom (healthy) didn’t play Wednesday… McNabb was released by the Buffalo Sabres yesterday and will play Friday against the Chiefs. Knoblauch said the 19-year-old would’ve played tonight had there been a better flight connection out of Buffalo… Lieuwen took a puck off the side of his knee in practice Tuesday and is day-to-day. He was scheduled to play against the Rebels but the injury forced 20-year-old Todd Mathews into action. Kootenay can only dress three 20-year-olds and thus Kevin King was the odd-man out. The club is carrying four overage players (Mathews, Fraser, Steele Boomer and King) and must get down to three by the league deadline of October 14…. The Spokane Chiefs visit the Rec Plex Friday. Gametime is 7PM.
For the record Ice rookie Erik Benoit didn't notch his first WHL point last night... because he didn't play. Benoit was credited with the second assist on Matt Fraser's goal last night on the WHL's online scoresheet but it was later changed to Max Reinhart, who in fact did play. That was obviously post-deadline so my apologies. And that'll teach me to rely on whl.ca....
Also, Brayden McNabb just rejoined the team this evening due to an unavailable flight last night. That story is forthcoming.
JB
For the Cranbrook Daily Townsman...
Rebels double up on Ice
by Jeff Bromley
Rebel Captain Colin Archer hit the crossbar in the game’s first minute Wednesday night in Red Deer and he did it again three minutes into the second. The third time Rebel forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did it in the second period it was a charm and proved to be icing on the cake as the Rebels doubled the Kootenay Ice 4-2. “Saturday I was praising the guys about how many played so well and how many came to play,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “Tonight it was a different story and not everybody was ready to play.
“When you don’t come ready to play you’re not going to win the game.”
With Drew Czerwonka in the box for interference in the last minute of the first period the Rebels opened the scoring with just three seconds left in the period as Andrej Kudrna finished off a pretty pass by new Rebel Byron Froese to make it 1-0. “In the second we started to play better but there were some costly goals at some costly times that really set us back,” said Knoblauch
“We didn’t have a very good start to the first period but we were getting stronger and stronger and we were starting to take over the game. But that late goal in the first period and then that stretch of three in the second made it really tough on us.”
The Rebels went 4-10 on the man-advantage over two games against the Edmonton Oil Kings, outscoring the Oil 12-2, so taking penalties wasn’t a solid gameplan. A 0-9 effort on the penalty kill by the Ice against the Hitmen, Kootenay surrendered two power play goals Wednesday in Red Deer. They stayed out of the box this time but couldn’t keep the puck out of the net when they needed to. “The difference tonight was special teams. They scored two power play goals and then one shorthanded goal, they were definitely strong with the man-advantage.”
The Ice tied it when James Martin ripped a shot from the point just as a four-on-three man advantage ended that beat a screened Darcy Kuemper 3:34 into the second. Through two games Kootenay’s power play sits at 0-11.
At 9:11 the Rebels restored their one-goal lead, again this time with the Ice on the power play but this time it backfired as some hard work by Rebel forward Adam Kambeitz gave the home side the lead with a shorthanded marker. The Rebels would try to run away with it after that as 18-year-old Turner Elson notched his first of the season less than two minutes later to make it 3-1 before budding superstar Ryan Nugent-Hopkins proved three’s a charm as the Rebels’ third post of the night went bar-down and into the net to make it 4-1 in a span of just over three minutes. The spectre of last season’s second game, a 7-1 drubbing in Red Deer some 374 days ago, loomed but the feeling of déjà vu all over again wouldn’t last as Kootenay wouldn’t give up this time as Matt Fraser nicely deked Kuemper at 17:03 of the second to put them back within striking distance.
It wouldn’t be enough as the Rebels held off the Ice in the third period to quell the comeback attempt.
Quick Hits – With the win the Rebels improve to 3-0 and top spot in the Central Division while the Ice fall to 1-1... G Todd Mathews turned aside 31 of 35 shots while Darcy Kuemper made 21 saves to get the win... G Nathan Lieuwen (bruised knee – day-to-day), LW Kevin King (overage numbers), D Brayden McNabb (Buffalo Sabres training camp) and F Ryan Bloom (healthy) didn’t play Wednesday… McNabb was released by the Buffalo Sabres yesterday and will play Friday against the Chiefs. Knoblauch said the 19-year-old would’ve played tonight had there been a better flight connection out of Buffalo… Lieuwen took a puck off the side of his knee in practice Tuesday and is day-to-day. He was scheduled to play against the Rebels but the injury forced 20-year-old Todd Mathews into action. Kootenay can only dress three 20-year-olds and thus Kevin King was the odd-man out. The club is carrying four overage players (Mathews, Fraser, Steele Boomer and King) and must get down to three by the league deadline of October 14…. The Spokane Chiefs visit the Rec Plex Friday. Gametime is 7PM.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ice introduce new 3rd jersey....
The Kootenay Ice today introduced the club's new third jersey. Let the opinions fly!!!
Not too bad. The 'K' is a little different but it kind a grows on you after the initial shock.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Skapski released...
Kootenay reduced their roster further today by releasing G Mackenzie Skapski and sending him to the Ridge Meadows Flames of the PIJHL Jr B. A battle seemingly that could've went either way it showed just how far Brett Teskey, 17, has come to beat out a considered favourite for the back-up position. The roster sits at 25 with McNabb still in Buffalo. Just two cuts - both forwards - along with a 20-year-old to go.
Now.... the scrap for the starter's job. Lieuwen-Mathews; who survives?????
Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has reassigned 16-year-old Goaltender Mackenize Skapski to the Ridge Meadows Flames of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League.
As a result of today’s transactions, the ICE are carrying three goaltenders, seven defencemen and 15 forwards. Of those, one player remains at NHL Training Camp (Brayden McNabb – Buffalo).
The first regular season home action for the ICE will be Saturday, September 25 against the Calgary Hitmen at 7:00 pm. Tickets for the Home Opener are available at the Kootenay ICE Office. Season Tickets are also available for pick up at the ICE Office.
Now.... the scrap for the starter's job. Lieuwen-Mathews; who survives?????
Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has reassigned 16-year-old Goaltender Mackenize Skapski to the Ridge Meadows Flames of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League.
As a result of today’s transactions, the ICE are carrying three goaltenders, seven defencemen and 15 forwards. Of those, one player remains at NHL Training Camp (Brayden McNabb – Buffalo).
The first regular season home action for the ICE will be Saturday, September 25 against the Calgary Hitmen at 7:00 pm. Tickets for the Home Opener are available at the Kootenay ICE Office. Season Tickets are also available for pick up at the ICE Office.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ice reduce roster...
Was late on the roster announcement yesterday (ahh, minor hockey....) but the Ice let five go yesterday:
F Colby Cave 16 (Battleford Stars - AAA Sask Midget)
F Levi Cable 16 (Yorkton Harvest - AAA Sask Midget)
F Jared Iron 16 (Beardy's Blackhawks - AAA Sask Midget)
D Mike Simpson 16 (Delta Ice Hawks Jr B - PIJHL)
D Jeff Hubic 16 (Tisdale Trojans - AAA Sask Midget)
Easy to see the trend there. Simpson and Cave were a bit of a surprise due to the arguments I've stated before (development). Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch commented to Matt Coxford of the Daily Townsman here.
Still left in the new face department are:
G Mackenzie Skapski
G Brett Teskey
D John Niebrandt (who is now the one d-man left standing and looks to have made the club)
F Ryan Bloom (cleared from the back issues)
F Jarett Zentner
F Adam Rossignol
F Eric Benoit
Still four goalies here but the back-up will be nailed down likely later this week with the 20-year-old situation likely going to the deadline or close to it now that F Matt Fraser is back with the club. F Drew Czerwonka was sent back by the Oilers yesterday leaving only F Steele Boomer, who is apparently on his way back from Chicago and D Brayden McNabb who is still with the Sabres.
F Colby Cave 16 (Battleford Stars - AAA Sask Midget)
F Levi Cable 16 (Yorkton Harvest - AAA Sask Midget)
F Jared Iron 16 (Beardy's Blackhawks - AAA Sask Midget)
D Mike Simpson 16 (Delta Ice Hawks Jr B - PIJHL)
D Jeff Hubic 16 (Tisdale Trojans - AAA Sask Midget)
Easy to see the trend there. Simpson and Cave were a bit of a surprise due to the arguments I've stated before (development). Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch commented to Matt Coxford of the Daily Townsman here.
Still left in the new face department are:
G Mackenzie Skapski
G Brett Teskey
D John Niebrandt (who is now the one d-man left standing and looks to have made the club)
F Ryan Bloom (cleared from the back issues)
F Jarett Zentner
F Adam Rossignol
F Eric Benoit
Still four goalies here but the back-up will be nailed down likely later this week with the 20-year-old situation likely going to the deadline or close to it now that F Matt Fraser is back with the club. F Drew Czerwonka was sent back by the Oilers yesterday leaving only F Steele Boomer, who is apparently on his way back from Chicago and D Brayden McNabb who is still with the Sabres.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Knoblauch Suspended....
Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch didn't take long to endear himself to the powers that be in the WHL as he was suspended for one game - tonight's game in Spokane - for the line-brawl that occurred near the end of the game Thursday night. The club was also fined $250. The Americans were not fined nor was Jim Hiller suspended.
For his part Ams forward Zach McPhee was suspended one game for hitting from behind when he nailed Mike Simpson that touched off the brawl in the first place.
Ice F Jared Iron was suspended one game for his fourth fight of the preseason.
Tough to believe only one team got the gate in this one. Both parties were willing combatants.
For his part Ams forward Zach McPhee was suspended one game for hitting from behind when he nailed Mike Simpson that touched off the brawl in the first place.
Ice F Jared Iron was suspended one game for his fourth fight of the preseason.
Tough to believe only one team got the gate in this one. Both parties were willing combatants.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ex-Ice goaltender Heemskerk dealt to MJ
Some quick thoughts this soggy September morning in search of an Indian Summer....
UPDATE - Both C Max Reinhart and D Joe Leach have been sent back to the Ice by the Calgary Flames. That release is here.
Former Ice goaltender Thomas Heemskerk was dealt from the Everett Silvertips today to the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for 20-year-old forward Chad Suer. The release is here. Those following the NHL rookie tournament in Penticton that saw Ice forward Matt Fraser score one of his two goals in the tourney on his former teammates, who was playing for the San Jose rookies of which he is signed to a contract. San Jose sent Heemskerk back to the Tips forcing a logjam in the crease with Kent Simpson, thus the trade. For those keeping score, Heemskerk left the Ice in late 2008 in a conflict with the coach and ice-time and was later traded to the Tips for a 3rd round pick in 2010. That pick turned out to be forward Jaedon Descheneau, arguably the club's second-best 15-year-old in this year's camp behind Sam Reinhart.
Moose Jaw then dealt G Jeff Bosch, 20, to the Kamloops Blazers for a 6th round pick in the 2011 Draft. The Blazers now have Bosch, Jon Groenheyde, 19 (Former Columbia Valley Rockies netminder) and 16-year-old Troy Trombley on the roster.
Kootenay's former coach Mark Holick bested his former player Matt Fraser at the YoungStars tournament in Penticton this week. That story is here. What a treat for those in the Okanagan to see the stars of future in Penticton with the five NHL clubs there (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, San Jose and Anaheim). Now, I ask, why couldn't that happen here? Anyone can remember when the Canucks practice - yes, practice - at the Rec Plex some five years ago drew nearly a full house at the Plex. Just asking.... And yes, that talk about Matt Fraser signing with the Canucks won't go away. If the Red Deer product and de facto captain of the Ice this season is signed he could then play pro in Manitoba (AHL) or Victoria (ECHL) but also be returned for his final season of junior.
Okay, my apologies to whoever I stole this from... Sydney Crosby walks in to a bar and asks for an 'Ovie'. An Ovie? What's an Ovie, the bartender asks. "White Russian, No Cup," - brutal, I know, but still funny for a Friday morning.
Yes, yes, the season ticket thing. The comments section's been piling up (hey, 14 is piling up for these parts) for sometime now and still nothing of any substance from myself. It's coming, be patient. Working on a column for the upcoming week as the season dawns. Still, keep it up, keep it clean but better yet, come with a solution or two. Discuss.
If your Jeff Chynoweth and Kris Knoblauch, I'd say you have a hell of a decision(s) to make when it comes to goaltending this season. Mathews or Lieuwen? If Fraser signs, bringing down your 20's to three still doesn't solve your problem. One of the above wants the starter's position and likely won't play second fiddle. Mathews hasn't had a lot of time that I've seen this pre-season but Lieuwen played well in a barrage of shots last night. Two words though; rebound control. For the back-up, both Skapski and Teskey are in a dogfight for the backup. Gotta like the fight in Teskey, who played well in the second half and committed larceny on Ams forward Kruise Reddick in the second, only to miss one in the third. That's the trouble with both, though. Spectacular one minute, softi the next. Decisions, decisions.
On the blueline is it development or depth? Two seem to be up front Niebrandt, 18, and Simpson, 16. I think they'll go with the latter only because of development but to be honest, not a lot of the blueline looked good last night.
Up front rookie Colby Cave continued to get better and has a slight lead in the rookie department, IMO, over Eric Benoit and Jared Iron. Watching Iron last night I coulda swore Brett Sutter was back... Maybe it was just the number but there's a similar vein there. Zentner's a big body who needs to use it more... Ryan Bloom had an MRI on his back and didn't play while Adam Rossignol, the front-runner of the newbie group, saw limited action. Take it for what it's worth but Rossignol, Cave, Benoit, Iron, Zentner, Cable and Bloom (though by injury, so the ranking might be a little premature) seem to be the order. With none of the above doing enough to knock off a veteran, so look for the first two to be on the opening day roster, if you're keeping score at home.
Some pressure? Yes, there is a lot of it on this group to make a push this season. But with as many vets returning, scoring might be at a premium. A top-six forward might be on the wish list of GM Jeff Chynoweth by Christmas if the club is in the upper echelon of the playoff-bound teams. By the same token, one of the goaltenders will have to get them there.
Oh, and finally, just a note on one of the commenter's that asked why assistant Scott Beattie didn't stay here when the full-time assistant job opened up. I'm told he was offered the job but obviously declined when the TCA opportunity came up. First check out Matt Coxford's story on the relationship between Beats and Ams head coach here. You'll get a good idea of just how close the two are. I was told that the Kimberley product was offered the same amount of money to coach here but if you're in the game at this level you want to move up. Beattie wants to be a head coach in this league one day and this summer a lot of talk centered around Jim Hiller's advancement and possibilities he will be in line for an AHL job or NHL assistant's job in the next season or two - Atlanta was a hot rumour for a spell this summer for the Cranbrook product - and what better avenue for Beattie to become head coach all the while coaching with a life-long friend? So if you're looking into the reasoning of why he didn't stay, you could start there.
UPDATE - Both C Max Reinhart and D Joe Leach have been sent back to the Ice by the Calgary Flames. That release is here.
Former Ice goaltender Thomas Heemskerk was dealt from the Everett Silvertips today to the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for 20-year-old forward Chad Suer. The release is here. Those following the NHL rookie tournament in Penticton that saw Ice forward Matt Fraser score one of his two goals in the tourney on his former teammates, who was playing for the San Jose rookies of which he is signed to a contract. San Jose sent Heemskerk back to the Tips forcing a logjam in the crease with Kent Simpson, thus the trade. For those keeping score, Heemskerk left the Ice in late 2008 in a conflict with the coach and ice-time and was later traded to the Tips for a 3rd round pick in 2010. That pick turned out to be forward Jaedon Descheneau, arguably the club's second-best 15-year-old in this year's camp behind Sam Reinhart.
Moose Jaw then dealt G Jeff Bosch, 20, to the Kamloops Blazers for a 6th round pick in the 2011 Draft. The Blazers now have Bosch, Jon Groenheyde, 19 (Former Columbia Valley Rockies netminder) and 16-year-old Troy Trombley on the roster.
Kootenay's former coach Mark Holick bested his former player Matt Fraser at the YoungStars tournament in Penticton this week. That story is here. What a treat for those in the Okanagan to see the stars of future in Penticton with the five NHL clubs there (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, San Jose and Anaheim). Now, I ask, why couldn't that happen here? Anyone can remember when the Canucks practice - yes, practice - at the Rec Plex some five years ago drew nearly a full house at the Plex. Just asking.... And yes, that talk about Matt Fraser signing with the Canucks won't go away. If the Red Deer product and de facto captain of the Ice this season is signed he could then play pro in Manitoba (AHL) or Victoria (ECHL) but also be returned for his final season of junior.
Okay, my apologies to whoever I stole this from... Sydney Crosby walks in to a bar and asks for an 'Ovie'. An Ovie? What's an Ovie, the bartender asks. "White Russian, No Cup," - brutal, I know, but still funny for a Friday morning.
Yes, yes, the season ticket thing. The comments section's been piling up (hey, 14 is piling up for these parts) for sometime now and still nothing of any substance from myself. It's coming, be patient. Working on a column for the upcoming week as the season dawns. Still, keep it up, keep it clean but better yet, come with a solution or two. Discuss.
If your Jeff Chynoweth and Kris Knoblauch, I'd say you have a hell of a decision(s) to make when it comes to goaltending this season. Mathews or Lieuwen? If Fraser signs, bringing down your 20's to three still doesn't solve your problem. One of the above wants the starter's position and likely won't play second fiddle. Mathews hasn't had a lot of time that I've seen this pre-season but Lieuwen played well in a barrage of shots last night. Two words though; rebound control. For the back-up, both Skapski and Teskey are in a dogfight for the backup. Gotta like the fight in Teskey, who played well in the second half and committed larceny on Ams forward Kruise Reddick in the second, only to miss one in the third. That's the trouble with both, though. Spectacular one minute, softi the next. Decisions, decisions.
On the blueline is it development or depth? Two seem to be up front Niebrandt, 18, and Simpson, 16. I think they'll go with the latter only because of development but to be honest, not a lot of the blueline looked good last night.
Up front rookie Colby Cave continued to get better and has a slight lead in the rookie department, IMO, over Eric Benoit and Jared Iron. Watching Iron last night I coulda swore Brett Sutter was back... Maybe it was just the number but there's a similar vein there. Zentner's a big body who needs to use it more... Ryan Bloom had an MRI on his back and didn't play while Adam Rossignol, the front-runner of the newbie group, saw limited action. Take it for what it's worth but Rossignol, Cave, Benoit, Iron, Zentner, Cable and Bloom (though by injury, so the ranking might be a little premature) seem to be the order. With none of the above doing enough to knock off a veteran, so look for the first two to be on the opening day roster, if you're keeping score at home.
Some pressure? Yes, there is a lot of it on this group to make a push this season. But with as many vets returning, scoring might be at a premium. A top-six forward might be on the wish list of GM Jeff Chynoweth by Christmas if the club is in the upper echelon of the playoff-bound teams. By the same token, one of the goaltenders will have to get them there.
Oh, and finally, just a note on one of the commenter's that asked why assistant Scott Beattie didn't stay here when the full-time assistant job opened up. I'm told he was offered the job but obviously declined when the TCA opportunity came up. First check out Matt Coxford's story on the relationship between Beats and Ams head coach here. You'll get a good idea of just how close the two are. I was told that the Kimberley product was offered the same amount of money to coach here but if you're in the game at this level you want to move up. Beattie wants to be a head coach in this league one day and this summer a lot of talk centered around Jim Hiller's advancement and possibilities he will be in line for an AHL job or NHL assistant's job in the next season or two - Atlanta was a hot rumour for a spell this summer for the Cranbrook product - and what better avenue for Beattie to become head coach all the while coaching with a life-long friend? So if you're looking into the reasoning of why he didn't stay, you could start there.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ice lose fourth Ex....
For the Daily Townsman...
Ice drop fourth straight exhibition game
By Jeff Bromley
The good thing about the exhibition season is that if you win, it doesn’t mean much because it’s exhibition.
Thankfully the same applies if you’re losing.
The Kootenay Ice stretched their losing streak to four straight pre-season games Thursday night at the Rec Plex in a 4-1 loss to the Tri-City Americans in front of 531 fans. 20-year-old forward Mike Brown scored two goals for the Americans while Tanner Olstad and Kruise Reddick added singles for the visitors. Ice rookie Colby Cave notched only marker for the Ice.
Icing another young line-up as Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch continued to audition the club’s young talent as the rookie head coach gets a sense of not only which new face might grace the veteran club come opening day but also what the future holds for the team, the new head coach didn’t dwell on the loss. “We’ve got an awful young team back there,” said Knoblauch, who will get another crack at an exhibition win Saturday in Spokane, the club’s final tune-up before they starting playing for real. “We’re only dressing three lines with the players we have in the line-up and of those we have just a few veterans in the line-up.”
They were young alright, and it showed. Mistakes, missed assignments and penalties – Kootenay was shorthanded five times in the first period alone – enabled this one to be chalked up to experience. One of the few veterans in the line-up goaltender Nathan Lieuwen started the night and didn’t take long to get into the thick of things as the Americans fired 12 shots at the 19-year-old in the first frame while only allowing four. One of those shots found the back of the net as Mike Brown blasted the puck past Lieuwen on a wicked one-timer he had little chance on, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead after one.
In the second it was Tri-City’s turn to tour the sin bin as the visitors were fingered four times, enabling Ice rookie Colby Cave to neatly deflect Mike Simpson’s point shot past Ams goaltender Chris Driedger to tie it at one not long after the last infraction expired halfway through the period. The goal was Cave’s third in four pre-season outings, giving him the team lead and an effort seemingly getting better with each game. “I know I didn’t have the strongest training camp,” offered the first round pick from 2009, who won’t turn 16 until December 26. “But I’ve just had to push through that. I try to harp on bouncing back and not focussing on my mistakes out there and just try and do my best. I’m getting more and more comfortable as it goes on.”
“If I keep going to the net, things are going to go in for me.”
It would the club’s only goal of the game as at the halfway point goaltender Brett Teskey, 17, replaced Lieuwen and was just as busy. Near the end of the second period Teskey robbed Kruise Reddick early in the only man-advantage of the period for the Ams only to get beat by a perfect shot from Tanner Olstad, who walked out from the corner and went bar-down to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. In the third Reddick would get another crack at the goaltender and this time beat him from the slot with a wrist shot that gave the visitors a 3-1 lead. An empty-netter by Brown in the final minute gave way to a line-brawl in the final seconds as Ams’ Forward Zach McPhee hit Ice d-man Mike Simpson dangerously from behind the game’s final moments that dazed the rookie and brought Brendan Hurley into fray, who pounded on McPhee while each of their teammates partnered up.
Quick Hits – The Ice were without 11 veterans who were either healthy scratches or still away at NHL camps. Kevin King, 20, returned from Dallas’ camp and should be available for duty Saturday in Spokane while D Hayden Rintoul is expected to return Friday… Forwards Matt Fraser (Vancouver) and Drew Czwerwonka (Edmonton) have both made it through their respective rookie camps and will join the NHL club’s main camps… Rumours abound that Fraser is about to sign with the Canucks, putting into question whether or not the Red Deer product will return for his overage season but that couldn’t be confirmed as of press time… Brayden McNabb (Buffalo), Steele Boomer (Chicago) along with Max Reinhart and Joe Leach (Calgary) are still with their NHL clubs.
Ice drop fourth straight exhibition game
By Jeff Bromley
The good thing about the exhibition season is that if you win, it doesn’t mean much because it’s exhibition.
Thankfully the same applies if you’re losing.
The Kootenay Ice stretched their losing streak to four straight pre-season games Thursday night at the Rec Plex in a 4-1 loss to the Tri-City Americans in front of 531 fans. 20-year-old forward Mike Brown scored two goals for the Americans while Tanner Olstad and Kruise Reddick added singles for the visitors. Ice rookie Colby Cave notched only marker for the Ice.
Icing another young line-up as Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch continued to audition the club’s young talent as the rookie head coach gets a sense of not only which new face might grace the veteran club come opening day but also what the future holds for the team, the new head coach didn’t dwell on the loss. “We’ve got an awful young team back there,” said Knoblauch, who will get another crack at an exhibition win Saturday in Spokane, the club’s final tune-up before they starting playing for real. “We’re only dressing three lines with the players we have in the line-up and of those we have just a few veterans in the line-up.”
They were young alright, and it showed. Mistakes, missed assignments and penalties – Kootenay was shorthanded five times in the first period alone – enabled this one to be chalked up to experience. One of the few veterans in the line-up goaltender Nathan Lieuwen started the night and didn’t take long to get into the thick of things as the Americans fired 12 shots at the 19-year-old in the first frame while only allowing four. One of those shots found the back of the net as Mike Brown blasted the puck past Lieuwen on a wicked one-timer he had little chance on, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead after one.
In the second it was Tri-City’s turn to tour the sin bin as the visitors were fingered four times, enabling Ice rookie Colby Cave to neatly deflect Mike Simpson’s point shot past Ams goaltender Chris Driedger to tie it at one not long after the last infraction expired halfway through the period. The goal was Cave’s third in four pre-season outings, giving him the team lead and an effort seemingly getting better with each game. “I know I didn’t have the strongest training camp,” offered the first round pick from 2009, who won’t turn 16 until December 26. “But I’ve just had to push through that. I try to harp on bouncing back and not focussing on my mistakes out there and just try and do my best. I’m getting more and more comfortable as it goes on.”
“If I keep going to the net, things are going to go in for me.”
It would the club’s only goal of the game as at the halfway point goaltender Brett Teskey, 17, replaced Lieuwen and was just as busy. Near the end of the second period Teskey robbed Kruise Reddick early in the only man-advantage of the period for the Ams only to get beat by a perfect shot from Tanner Olstad, who walked out from the corner and went bar-down to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. In the third Reddick would get another crack at the goaltender and this time beat him from the slot with a wrist shot that gave the visitors a 3-1 lead. An empty-netter by Brown in the final minute gave way to a line-brawl in the final seconds as Ams’ Forward Zach McPhee hit Ice d-man Mike Simpson dangerously from behind the game’s final moments that dazed the rookie and brought Brendan Hurley into fray, who pounded on McPhee while each of their teammates partnered up.
Quick Hits – The Ice were without 11 veterans who were either healthy scratches or still away at NHL camps. Kevin King, 20, returned from Dallas’ camp and should be available for duty Saturday in Spokane while D Hayden Rintoul is expected to return Friday… Forwards Matt Fraser (Vancouver) and Drew Czwerwonka (Edmonton) have both made it through their respective rookie camps and will join the NHL club’s main camps… Rumours abound that Fraser is about to sign with the Canucks, putting into question whether or not the Red Deer product will return for his overage season but that couldn’t be confirmed as of press time… Brayden McNabb (Buffalo), Steele Boomer (Chicago) along with Max Reinhart and Joe Leach (Calgary) are still with their NHL clubs.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ice have tough weekend, both on and off the ice...
After limping home from a winless pre-season tournament in Tri-Cities in which the club was missing 8 regulars to NHL camps, the club put out a release that the season ticket totals are at their lowest amount since the club moved into the Rec Plex in October of 2000.
I'll have more later but let loose the rhyme and reasons as to why this is the case:
The release is here.
I'll have more later but let loose the rhyme and reasons as to why this is the case:
The release is here.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Rossignol looking for a spot...
For the Daily Townsman...
Rossignol looks to make impression
by Jeff Bromley
As Kootenay Ice training camp came to a close Labour Day Monday Adam Rossignol wasn’t exactly sure where he was on the depth chart but you can bet he knows exactly where he wants to be come September 25; on the blueline when the annual role call of the 2010-11 edition of the Kootenay Ice takes place.
If his play during training camp along with his experience last season with the Junior B Aldergrove Kodiaks of the PIJHL is any indication, Rossignol could have the inside track. “My plan was that I came up here and I want to play here this year,” said the 6-foot 175-pound forward who won’t turn 17 until October 16. “If I keep working hard I think I might be able to do that.”
Drafted in the 7th round (147th overall) in 2008 Rossignol impressed at last year’s camp as a 16-year-old but couldn’t stick. The smooth-skating forward did stick with the Junior B Kodiaks and flourished, finishing second in club scoring with 17 goals and 32 assists, good for 49 points and 15th overall league-wide. He also chipped in another 3 goals and 11 helpers as the Kodiaks captured the PIJHL title and represented the league at the Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial championship, eventually won by the KIJHL’s Revelstoke Grizzlies. With the Ice returning 19 veterans and likely 11 forwards, only two spots are up for grabs for Rossignol and six other forwards who made the 31-man roster that will head into the club’s exhibition season, Rossignol agrees that his junior experience will only help the cause. “I played major midget my first year (as a 15-year-old) and then I went to Junior B last year and noticed there’s a big difference playing against 20-year-olds,” he said. “The jump from that to the WHL, the speed; the guys will be bigger and it’ll be a lot faster but I think I can adjust to it.”
With likely two forwards, just one defenseman and a goaltender rounding out the compliment of positions available for the 2010-11 season, fellow 16-year-old Mike Simpson of Surrey as well as Jeff Hubic out of Regina impressed enough to stick with the club for the exhibition season that begins Friday in Kennewick, Washington. Ice Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik agreed the aforementioned 16-year-olds along with Rossignol made an impression but with the 12 new faces vying for about four spots, the competition is far from over. “It’s a fair assessment but we’re going to treat them all equally,” Kazuik said of the remaining players. “Rossignol had a successful season with the Kodiaks, winning the league and going to Cyclone Cup and he got to play with older, stronger guys. Does he have an advantage? Sure, but he’s going to be treated the same as the others in the competition to earn that spot.”
“We’ve spoken all of the top prospects and basically there’s four 93’s and two 94’s (forwards that will move on with us and same with the defense, we’ve got three guys fighting for one spot,” said Kazuik. “The competition has begun and they’re well aware of the process to move on. It’s going to be an exciting process.”
Rookies Impress – If there was a knock against the thick roster coming back for the 2010 Kootenay Ice it might be scoring or at least, with the likes of Dustin Sylvester graduating, where would it come from? That question is still looking for an answer as the club broke training camp on Labour Day but if you were looking for some scoring, the club’s 1995 Draft class was eager to please. At the club’s annual training camp wind up Blue-White Game for charity, won by the White squad 5-3 four of the goals came from 15-year-olds. Canmore’s Luke Philp, selected in the 3rd round in April’s Bantam Draft (59th overall), notched two goals for Team White while Sam Reinhart, the club’s 1st round pick (15th overall), also got two goals for Team Blue. “There’s no doubt at the start of the game today, the 95’s really played well and hopefully that’s a glimpse of what fans will see in the future.”
“The 1995-born players were absolutely outstanding,” offered Kazuik of this year’s draft class. “As a scouting staff we are excited about the future, as we are every year, but having said that, it’s a free camp for them. It’s really easy for them to come in here. There’s zero pressure and they can come and just play and do what they do best. Each one we’ve talked with them and they’ve got to come next year with the mindset to make the hockey club.”
Rossignol looks to make impression
by Jeff Bromley
As Kootenay Ice training camp came to a close Labour Day Monday Adam Rossignol wasn’t exactly sure where he was on the depth chart but you can bet he knows exactly where he wants to be come September 25; on the blueline when the annual role call of the 2010-11 edition of the Kootenay Ice takes place.
If his play during training camp along with his experience last season with the Junior B Aldergrove Kodiaks of the PIJHL is any indication, Rossignol could have the inside track. “My plan was that I came up here and I want to play here this year,” said the 6-foot 175-pound forward who won’t turn 17 until October 16. “If I keep working hard I think I might be able to do that.”
Drafted in the 7th round (147th overall) in 2008 Rossignol impressed at last year’s camp as a 16-year-old but couldn’t stick. The smooth-skating forward did stick with the Junior B Kodiaks and flourished, finishing second in club scoring with 17 goals and 32 assists, good for 49 points and 15th overall league-wide. He also chipped in another 3 goals and 11 helpers as the Kodiaks captured the PIJHL title and represented the league at the Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial championship, eventually won by the KIJHL’s Revelstoke Grizzlies. With the Ice returning 19 veterans and likely 11 forwards, only two spots are up for grabs for Rossignol and six other forwards who made the 31-man roster that will head into the club’s exhibition season, Rossignol agrees that his junior experience will only help the cause. “I played major midget my first year (as a 15-year-old) and then I went to Junior B last year and noticed there’s a big difference playing against 20-year-olds,” he said. “The jump from that to the WHL, the speed; the guys will be bigger and it’ll be a lot faster but I think I can adjust to it.”
With likely two forwards, just one defenseman and a goaltender rounding out the compliment of positions available for the 2010-11 season, fellow 16-year-old Mike Simpson of Surrey as well as Jeff Hubic out of Regina impressed enough to stick with the club for the exhibition season that begins Friday in Kennewick, Washington. Ice Director of Scouting Garnet Kazuik agreed the aforementioned 16-year-olds along with Rossignol made an impression but with the 12 new faces vying for about four spots, the competition is far from over. “It’s a fair assessment but we’re going to treat them all equally,” Kazuik said of the remaining players. “Rossignol had a successful season with the Kodiaks, winning the league and going to Cyclone Cup and he got to play with older, stronger guys. Does he have an advantage? Sure, but he’s going to be treated the same as the others in the competition to earn that spot.”
“We’ve spoken all of the top prospects and basically there’s four 93’s and two 94’s (forwards that will move on with us and same with the defense, we’ve got three guys fighting for one spot,” said Kazuik. “The competition has begun and they’re well aware of the process to move on. It’s going to be an exciting process.”
Rookies Impress – If there was a knock against the thick roster coming back for the 2010 Kootenay Ice it might be scoring or at least, with the likes of Dustin Sylvester graduating, where would it come from? That question is still looking for an answer as the club broke training camp on Labour Day but if you were looking for some scoring, the club’s 1995 Draft class was eager to please. At the club’s annual training camp wind up Blue-White Game for charity, won by the White squad 5-3 four of the goals came from 15-year-olds. Canmore’s Luke Philp, selected in the 3rd round in April’s Bantam Draft (59th overall), notched two goals for Team White while Sam Reinhart, the club’s 1st round pick (15th overall), also got two goals for Team Blue. “There’s no doubt at the start of the game today, the 95’s really played well and hopefully that’s a glimpse of what fans will see in the future.”
“The 1995-born players were absolutely outstanding,” offered Kazuik of this year’s draft class. “As a scouting staff we are excited about the future, as we are every year, but having said that, it’s a free camp for them. It’s really easy for them to come in here. There’s zero pressure and they can come and just play and do what they do best. Each one we’ve talked with them and they’ve got to come next year with the mindset to make the hockey club.”
Kootenay's camp breaks....
Kootenay broke camp Monday with 31 bodies left standing. 8 veterans will be headed to NHL camps later this week as D Joe Leach and C Max Reinhart are headed to the Flames camp and will play in the prospect tournament in Penticton. Drew Czerwonka (Edmonton) and Matt Fraser (Vancouver) will also play in the rookie tournament. Brayden McNabb (Buffalo), Hayden Rintoul (Florida), Kevin King (Dallas) and Steele Boomer (Chicago) are also headed out to NHL camps.
Roster:
G Todd Mathews 20 Covina, CA
G Nathan Lieuwen 19 Abbotsford, BC
G Mackenzie Skapski 16 Abbotsford, BC
G Brett Teskey 17 Regina, SK
D Brayden McNabb 19 Davidson, SK
D Hayden Rintoul 19 Calgary, AB
D Joe Leach 18 Wadena, SK
D James Martin 19 Winnipeg, MB
D Luke Paulsen 18 Winnipeg, MB
D Jagger Dirk 17 Penticton, BC
D John Neibrandt 18 Yorkton, SK
D Jeff Hubic 16 Regina, SK
D Michael Simpson 16 Surrey, BC
LW Matt Fraser 20 Red Deer, AB
LW Kevin King 20 Calgary, AB
C Steele Boomer 20 Edmonton, AB
LW Jesse Ismond 19 Kindersley SK
LW Joe Antilla 19 Madeira Park, BC
C Max Reinhart 18 West Vancouver, BC
LW Drew Czerwonka 18 Glenavon, SK
LW Elgin Pearce 18 Port Coquitlam, BC
LW Brock Montgomery 18 Moose Jaw, SK
RW Christian Magnus 18 Saskatoon, SK
LW Brendan Hurley 17 Ft Saskatchewan, AB
C Ryan Bloom 17 Calgary, AB
RW Levi Cable 16 Hudson Bay, SK
C Jarett Zentner 17 Red Deer, AB
LW Erik Benoit 17 Regina, SK
C Colby Cave 16 Battleford, SK
C Jared Iron 16 Canoe Narrows, SK
C Adam Rossignol 17 Surrey, BC
New Faces in Red
All of the above played in the Blue-White game with the exception of Lieuwen, Mathews, Boomer, Reinhart and Montgomery. Letting the younger players have a shot at the Blue-White along with a Hip Flexor to Reinhart and a muscle strain/cramping issue to Montgomery’s torso kept those two out of the line-up.
Rookie 15-year-olds – not eligible to play full-time until next season
G Wyatt Hoflin - Stoney Plain, AB
D Spencer Wand – Shaunavon, SK
D Kyle Krabben – Calgary, AB
D Tanner Faith – Wilcox, SK
RW Jonathon Martin – Winnipeg, MB
LW Jesse Wood-Schatz – Sherwood Park, AB
LW Ian Williams – Wilcox, SK
C Luke Philp – Canmore, AB
C Sam Reinhart – West Vancouver, BC
RW Jaedon Descheneau – Edmonton, AB
RW Jakson Elyniuk – Calgary, AB
RW Stephen Wilson – Moose Jaw, SK
RD Cole DePape – Winnipeg, MB (Did not attend camp due to a shoulder injury)
Martin and Wand did not play in the Blue/White game to return home for Midget tryouts.
Releases:
G Steven Myland 16 Surrey, BC
G Kevin Jacyna 17 Calgary, AB
D JR Krolik 18 Calgary, AB
D Blake Ireland 16 Edmonton, AB
D Scott Gallaher 16 Winnipeg, MB
D Austin Dick 16 Hayden, ID
C/RW Mitchell Fyffe 16 New Westminster, BC
C Doan Smith 15 Brooks, AB
RW Jaymes Veitch 16 Creston, BC
RW Cameron Rowat 16 Souris, MB
C Sam Johnson 16 Okotoks, AB
RW Kurt Johnas 16 Winnipeg, MB
RW Joey Santucci 16 Coquitlam, BC
Those in red did not play in the Blue-White game.
Not at Training Camp:
D Michael King 17 - Westside Warriors BCHL
D Matt Benning 16 - AJHL?
D Cole DePape 15 (Shoulder injury)
D Dylan Schellenberg 17 (Injury)
D Kaare Odegarde 20 NCAA Alaska-Fairbanks
D Justin Schultz 20 NCAA Wisconsin
F Cody Bisbing 17 NCAA?
F Brendan O'Donnell 18 Penticton Vees BCHL (NCAA North Dakota)
F Colten St. Clair 18 Fargo USHL (NCAA North Dakota)
F Riley Simpson 17 Brooks AJHL
F Connor Tiechko 18 Surrey BCHL
F Clayton Jardine 19 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL (NCAA Merrimack)
F Stefan Nicholishen 17 Penticton Vees BCHL (NCAA Nebraska-Omaha)
Luke Philp scored two goals as the Blue-White game was high-lighted by 15-year-old scoring, leading Team White to a 5-3 win over Team Blue. Jesse Wood-Schatz, Brendan Hurley and Jared Iron also scored for White while Sam Reinhart notched two for Blue. Elgin Pearce got the other Blue marker. Over $2100 was raised for the Cranbrook/Kimberley United Way. Forward Brendan Hurley got into a couple of scraps, first with Drew Czerwonka (draw) and then Matt Fraser in the last few minutes of the game (Fraser) in which the latter was none too happy with. Hurley banged his head off the ice and was attended to by the trainer.
Random Thoughts:
The crop of 1995-born players are deep. Heard many comments stating that the younger Reinhart looked more like a 16-year-old in the mix for a spot than last year’s first round pick, forward Colby Cave. Though, to be fair, Cave is five days away from being a 1995-born. Reinhart took the edge over Jaedon Descheneau and Luke Philp as the top 15-year-old and looks to be farther along than his brother Max was at the same juncture. The first round pick was panned somewhat as being a little off the charts when it was made in April. Anybody who saw Reinhart play this weekend should now put those comments to rest. D Tanner Faith also impressed and, I’m told, was signed by the club to an education contract. G Wyatt Hoflin is solid and competed well in camp full of good goaltending. It’s conceivable that all five of the aforementioned names could be in an Ice uniform next season, though three is somewhat more probable.
In the rookie department, depending on what 20-year-old combination the club keeps, there are 2 forward positions; 1 blueliner and a goaltending position. Of the twelve new faces still with the club headed into the exhibition season I have two solid picks and then some guesses as to who’ll still be around come opening day.
In goal the club has the strange example of two races, for two positions. Lieuwen and Mathews are battling out for number one knowing that the back-up likely won’t be here after the 20-year-old deadline. Brett Teskey, 17, and Mackenzie Skapski, 16, are fighting almost exclusively for the right to back-up who ever survives as starter. Headed into camp Skapski had the inside track but that race is as close as ever given Teskey’s performance.
On the blueline D Mike Simpson, 16, has been the best new d-man in camp and has the inside track, IMO, to be the last defender on the club. Jeff Hubic, 16, has laid some devastating hits and is right in the mix. John Neibrandt, 18, stuck last season for a spell and was okay at camp. The 6’5” rearguard could still push the young draft picks off for the last spot but it’s a tough spot to get into a 7th man as an older junior.
Up front has been an easier pick. 17-year-old Adam Rossignol is leading the pack of seven players looking for one of those two spots. Rossignol finished second in scoring on the Junior B Aldergrove Kodiaks last season, a team that went to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. The Junior experience shows in his patience and playmaking abilities. 16-year-olds Jared Iron, Colby Cave and Levi Cable are vying with Ryan Bloom, Erik Benoit and Jarett Zentner of the pack that’s chasing Rossignol.
Kootenay opens the Tri-City exhibition tourney September 10 against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Roster:
G Todd Mathews 20 Covina, CA
G Nathan Lieuwen 19 Abbotsford, BC
G Mackenzie Skapski 16 Abbotsford, BC
G Brett Teskey 17 Regina, SK
D Brayden McNabb 19 Davidson, SK
D Hayden Rintoul 19 Calgary, AB
D Joe Leach 18 Wadena, SK
D James Martin 19 Winnipeg, MB
D Luke Paulsen 18 Winnipeg, MB
D Jagger Dirk 17 Penticton, BC
D John Neibrandt 18 Yorkton, SK
D Jeff Hubic 16 Regina, SK
D Michael Simpson 16 Surrey, BC
LW Matt Fraser 20 Red Deer, AB
LW Kevin King 20 Calgary, AB
C Steele Boomer 20 Edmonton, AB
LW Jesse Ismond 19 Kindersley SK
LW Joe Antilla 19 Madeira Park, BC
C Max Reinhart 18 West Vancouver, BC
LW Drew Czerwonka 18 Glenavon, SK
LW Elgin Pearce 18 Port Coquitlam, BC
LW Brock Montgomery 18 Moose Jaw, SK
RW Christian Magnus 18 Saskatoon, SK
LW Brendan Hurley 17 Ft Saskatchewan, AB
C Ryan Bloom 17 Calgary, AB
RW Levi Cable 16 Hudson Bay, SK
C Jarett Zentner 17 Red Deer, AB
LW Erik Benoit 17 Regina, SK
C Colby Cave 16 Battleford, SK
C Jared Iron 16 Canoe Narrows, SK
C Adam Rossignol 17 Surrey, BC
New Faces in Red
All of the above played in the Blue-White game with the exception of Lieuwen, Mathews, Boomer, Reinhart and Montgomery. Letting the younger players have a shot at the Blue-White along with a Hip Flexor to Reinhart and a muscle strain/cramping issue to Montgomery’s torso kept those two out of the line-up.
Rookie 15-year-olds – not eligible to play full-time until next season
G Wyatt Hoflin - Stoney Plain, AB
D Spencer Wand – Shaunavon, SK
D Kyle Krabben – Calgary, AB
D Tanner Faith – Wilcox, SK
RW Jonathon Martin – Winnipeg, MB
LW Jesse Wood-Schatz – Sherwood Park, AB
LW Ian Williams – Wilcox, SK
C Luke Philp – Canmore, AB
C Sam Reinhart – West Vancouver, BC
RW Jaedon Descheneau – Edmonton, AB
RW Jakson Elyniuk – Calgary, AB
RW Stephen Wilson – Moose Jaw, SK
RD Cole DePape – Winnipeg, MB (Did not attend camp due to a shoulder injury)
Martin and Wand did not play in the Blue/White game to return home for Midget tryouts.
Releases:
G Steven Myland 16 Surrey, BC
G Kevin Jacyna 17 Calgary, AB
D JR Krolik 18 Calgary, AB
D Blake Ireland 16 Edmonton, AB
D Scott Gallaher 16 Winnipeg, MB
D Austin Dick 16 Hayden, ID
C/RW Mitchell Fyffe 16 New Westminster, BC
C Doan Smith 15 Brooks, AB
RW Jaymes Veitch 16 Creston, BC
RW Cameron Rowat 16 Souris, MB
C Sam Johnson 16 Okotoks, AB
RW Kurt Johnas 16 Winnipeg, MB
RW Joey Santucci 16 Coquitlam, BC
Those in red did not play in the Blue-White game.
Not at Training Camp:
D Michael King 17 - Westside Warriors BCHL
D Matt Benning 16 - AJHL?
D Cole DePape 15 (Shoulder injury)
D Dylan Schellenberg 17 (Injury)
D Kaare Odegarde 20 NCAA Alaska-Fairbanks
D Justin Schultz 20 NCAA Wisconsin
F Cody Bisbing 17 NCAA?
F Brendan O'Donnell 18 Penticton Vees BCHL (NCAA North Dakota)
F Colten St. Clair 18 Fargo USHL (NCAA North Dakota)
F Riley Simpson 17 Brooks AJHL
F Connor Tiechko 18 Surrey BCHL
F Clayton Jardine 19 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL (NCAA Merrimack)
F Stefan Nicholishen 17 Penticton Vees BCHL (NCAA Nebraska-Omaha)
Luke Philp scored two goals as the Blue-White game was high-lighted by 15-year-old scoring, leading Team White to a 5-3 win over Team Blue. Jesse Wood-Schatz, Brendan Hurley and Jared Iron also scored for White while Sam Reinhart notched two for Blue. Elgin Pearce got the other Blue marker. Over $2100 was raised for the Cranbrook/Kimberley United Way. Forward Brendan Hurley got into a couple of scraps, first with Drew Czerwonka (draw) and then Matt Fraser in the last few minutes of the game (Fraser) in which the latter was none too happy with. Hurley banged his head off the ice and was attended to by the trainer.
Random Thoughts:
The crop of 1995-born players are deep. Heard many comments stating that the younger Reinhart looked more like a 16-year-old in the mix for a spot than last year’s first round pick, forward Colby Cave. Though, to be fair, Cave is five days away from being a 1995-born. Reinhart took the edge over Jaedon Descheneau and Luke Philp as the top 15-year-old and looks to be farther along than his brother Max was at the same juncture. The first round pick was panned somewhat as being a little off the charts when it was made in April. Anybody who saw Reinhart play this weekend should now put those comments to rest. D Tanner Faith also impressed and, I’m told, was signed by the club to an education contract. G Wyatt Hoflin is solid and competed well in camp full of good goaltending. It’s conceivable that all five of the aforementioned names could be in an Ice uniform next season, though three is somewhat more probable.
In the rookie department, depending on what 20-year-old combination the club keeps, there are 2 forward positions; 1 blueliner and a goaltending position. Of the twelve new faces still with the club headed into the exhibition season I have two solid picks and then some guesses as to who’ll still be around come opening day.
In goal the club has the strange example of two races, for two positions. Lieuwen and Mathews are battling out for number one knowing that the back-up likely won’t be here after the 20-year-old deadline. Brett Teskey, 17, and Mackenzie Skapski, 16, are fighting almost exclusively for the right to back-up who ever survives as starter. Headed into camp Skapski had the inside track but that race is as close as ever given Teskey’s performance.
On the blueline D Mike Simpson, 16, has been the best new d-man in camp and has the inside track, IMO, to be the last defender on the club. Jeff Hubic, 16, has laid some devastating hits and is right in the mix. John Neibrandt, 18, stuck last season for a spell and was okay at camp. The 6’5” rearguard could still push the young draft picks off for the last spot but it’s a tough spot to get into a 7th man as an older junior.
Up front has been an easier pick. 17-year-old Adam Rossignol is leading the pack of seven players looking for one of those two spots. Rossignol finished second in scoring on the Junior B Aldergrove Kodiaks last season, a team that went to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. The Junior experience shows in his patience and playmaking abilities. 16-year-olds Jared Iron, Colby Cave and Levi Cable are vying with Ryan Bloom, Erik Benoit and Jarett Zentner of the pack that’s chasing Rossignol.
Kootenay opens the Tri-City exhibition tourney September 10 against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)