UPDATE: Montgomery was suspended for the hit on Mayor. I'm still looking for some video on the hit but Montgomery will sit for two games as Kootenay heads into the break a little early after jumping out to a 4-1 lead and then pulling the chute the rest of the way and losing 6-4 in Red Deer tonight. There's no update on Mayor so let's hope his injury - likely a concussion - isn't a serious as it looked.
On that note I didn't hear whether or not the Ice submitted Brett Ferguson's check-from-behind on Leach last night that drew a double-minor for supplementary discipline but Ferguson played tonight and had a goal and two helpers.
In what could best be described as a 'statement game' the Ice made just that last night at the Rec Plex as they dumped the Red Deer Rebels 4-1.
Matt Fraser and Max Reinhart each had a goal and an assist and Drew Czerwonka chipped in with two helpers as that line cashed in against the Rebels to put the Ice three points clear for the Central Division lead.
Kootenay improves to 23-9-1-2 and 49 points, just two shy of Saskatoon for the Eastern Conference lead. The 49 points is tied for the second best, first-half output of an Ice team with the 1999-2000 edition of the Ice, the first year the club won a WHL championship. In 2000-01 - the Mike Comrie half a season - the club put up 50 points by the Christmas break/first half marker. This club can push past that total with a win tonight in Red Deer before the team hits the holidays.
Rec Plex Three Stars:
1. KTN - 4 James Martin
2. R.D - 21 Byron Froese
3. KTN - 17 Elgin Pearce
Froese was great on this night but I thought that the goaltending of Nathan Lieuwen was better. The 19-year-old was stellar on this night and was the difference, imo.... Martin looked like the pre-cage version last night... I'm told it comes off from protecting the surgically repaired nose after the break... Pearce, with his 6th of the season last night, has four goals and two assists in his last five games... The hat-trick in Moose Jaw last week was a two goal, one assist affair after it one of the goals was changed and give to McNabb. That third line - Pearce, Magnus and Antilla has provided some real offensive depth of late... Antilla left in the third period favouring his knee/leg. Didn't see if he returned or not.
Brock Mongomery was thrown out just minutes into this one with a hit on Rebel forward Colten Mayor. The hit was late, for sure, but what turned it into a major was the resulting difficulty Mayor had getting off the ice. The hit was late and Mayor's head hit the glass... was it a major?
Christian Magus also had a penalty shot that he, uh, missed last night. The highlites will be up shortly until then, this is an adequate description.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Schenn, Eakin on WJC
Two of the biggest targets for the Jan 10 WHL trade deadline made Team Canada's junior team today as Cody Eakin (Swift Current) and Brayden Schenn (Brandon) were included on the club. Schenn was a given and I thought Eakin would make it on the club that features nine WHL'ers, seven OHL'ers and four from the QMJHL. Two NCAA's in D Dylan Olsen and forward Jaden Schwartz from Saskatchewan also made the team.
Nugent-Hopkins (RD), Vey (MH), Pickard (SEA), Murray (SEA), Pysyk (EDM), Gallagher (VAN), Howse (CWK), Ross (Port) and McNabb (KTN) all got tickets home from Hockey Canada back to their WHL clubs. All of the above are eligible to come back next year except McNabb, Vey and Howse.
Canada's full roster for Buffalo is here.
There was also a trade in the WHL today between Regina and Kamloops. Headed to the Blazers is 20-year-old forward Thomas Frazee (13g 24a - 37 pts and minus 12) in exchange for Shayne Neigum, 20, Linden Martel, 17, a native of Prince George who made the Blazers at the beginning of the season but was then sent back to the PG Spruce Kings of the BCHL, and a 3rd round pick in 2012.
So the Blazers beef up their offence with a much travelled 20-year-old. (Frazee, you might remember, was the subject of a CBC documentary on the WHL Bantam Draft - and junior hockey in general - six years ago when Frazee was a second-year Bantam in North Vancouver. His parents actually split up and moved into seperate homes because residency rules in minor hockey and to live in North Shore Winter Club's 'catchment' area for players.)
If Frazee, who has much of the tools to play pro but is now with his 5th team in the WHL (Portland, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, Regina and now Kamloops), is commanding that kind of price you can imagine what the price is for an impact player such as Eakin or Schenn. If I'm the Ice I'm hedging my bet by seriously inquiring about a guy such as Jimmy Bubnick who is in town with the Hitmen tonight (7PM Rec Plex). He's a 19-year-old that can put the puck in the net on the pp and give you depth and he might not cost you the farm, right arm and first born, as the prices seem to be this season. Some others that might be of interest:
Jonathan Parker out of PA (20 goals) or Burke Gallimore out of Seattle might be targets but the price for a Schenn or Eakin - if they're even available - might almost be out of the realm of reality. The question has to be asked if a player like Sam Reinhart is the asking price (along with one of the first round picks from this year), is that too high? From what I've seen of Reinhart, I'm not parting with him. With Skapski, Hoflin and Myland in the goaltending wings, along with D Matt Benning, 16, D Mike King, 17 - both of which seem to be exploring their NCAA options - Forwards Jared Iron, who is headed to the U-17 tournament this Christmas or Colby Cave both 16, 15-year-old's Luke Philip or Jaedon Descheneau - my point is what kind of package along with one of the first round picks, prospect(s) and/or roster player is it going to take.
Scanning down the deals that have already taken place, it's going to be expensive.
Oh and just a reminder - yes, most have an opinion on the Ice's uncanny ability not to make the big deal over the past few seasons, I get it. And this forum is there to express that opinion but again, no need to name-call, curse or hold your breath until you turn blue type of comments. I write this stuff to encourage debate, express opinion (somewhat respectfully) and get the talk going. Come up with an idea or two. If you just want to threaten to pull your support, fine, but the idea of the trade talk is to analyze it three ways from Sunday, not just complain. That gets old fast.
Nugent-Hopkins (RD), Vey (MH), Pickard (SEA), Murray (SEA), Pysyk (EDM), Gallagher (VAN), Howse (CWK), Ross (Port) and McNabb (KTN) all got tickets home from Hockey Canada back to their WHL clubs. All of the above are eligible to come back next year except McNabb, Vey and Howse.
Canada's full roster for Buffalo is here.
There was also a trade in the WHL today between Regina and Kamloops. Headed to the Blazers is 20-year-old forward Thomas Frazee (13g 24a - 37 pts and minus 12) in exchange for Shayne Neigum, 20, Linden Martel, 17, a native of Prince George who made the Blazers at the beginning of the season but was then sent back to the PG Spruce Kings of the BCHL, and a 3rd round pick in 2012.
So the Blazers beef up their offence with a much travelled 20-year-old. (Frazee, you might remember, was the subject of a CBC documentary on the WHL Bantam Draft - and junior hockey in general - six years ago when Frazee was a second-year Bantam in North Vancouver. His parents actually split up and moved into seperate homes because residency rules in minor hockey and to live in North Shore Winter Club's 'catchment' area for players.)
If Frazee, who has much of the tools to play pro but is now with his 5th team in the WHL (Portland, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, Regina and now Kamloops), is commanding that kind of price you can imagine what the price is for an impact player such as Eakin or Schenn. If I'm the Ice I'm hedging my bet by seriously inquiring about a guy such as Jimmy Bubnick who is in town with the Hitmen tonight (7PM Rec Plex). He's a 19-year-old that can put the puck in the net on the pp and give you depth and he might not cost you the farm, right arm and first born, as the prices seem to be this season. Some others that might be of interest:
Jonathan Parker out of PA (20 goals) or Burke Gallimore out of Seattle might be targets but the price for a Schenn or Eakin - if they're even available - might almost be out of the realm of reality. The question has to be asked if a player like Sam Reinhart is the asking price (along with one of the first round picks from this year), is that too high? From what I've seen of Reinhart, I'm not parting with him. With Skapski, Hoflin and Myland in the goaltending wings, along with D Matt Benning, 16, D Mike King, 17 - both of which seem to be exploring their NCAA options - Forwards Jared Iron, who is headed to the U-17 tournament this Christmas or Colby Cave both 16, 15-year-old's Luke Philip or Jaedon Descheneau - my point is what kind of package along with one of the first round picks, prospect(s) and/or roster player is it going to take.
Scanning down the deals that have already taken place, it's going to be expensive.
Oh and just a reminder - yes, most have an opinion on the Ice's uncanny ability not to make the big deal over the past few seasons, I get it. And this forum is there to express that opinion but again, no need to name-call, curse or hold your breath until you turn blue type of comments. I write this stuff to encourage debate, express opinion (somewhat respectfully) and get the talk going. Come up with an idea or two. If you just want to threaten to pull your support, fine, but the idea of the trade talk is to analyze it three ways from Sunday, not just complain. That gets old fast.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
McNabb cut...
D Brayden McNabb was released from Team Canada's selection camp today, as were 8 others. McNabb is expected to rejoin the Ice in time for Wednesday's game against Calgary.
Here's the release:
TORONTO, Ont.–Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced on Tuesday that nine players were released from Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp and they will return to their respective club teams on December 14.
The nine players released were: defencemen Jesse Blacker (Toronto, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL) and Brayden McNabb (Davidson, Sask./Kootenay, WHL) and forwards Brendan Gallagher (Delta, B.C./ Vancouver, WHL), Joey Hishon (Stratford, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL), Ryan Howse (Prince George, B.C./ Chilliwack, WHL), Brad Ross (Lethbridge, Alta./Portland, WHL), Reilly Smith (Mimico, Ont./Miami University, CCHA), Linden Vey (Wakaw, Sask./Medicine Hat, WHL) and Garrett Wilson (Elmvale, Ont.).
With Tuesday’s player releases, the National Junior Team selection camp roster now stands at 31 players, including four goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 17 forwards.
Canada’s National Junior Team runs through December 15 in Toronto, Ont., with the players vying for one of 22 roster spots for Canada for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship. A roster of players at selection camp will face a CIS all-star team on Tuesday, December 14. Fans will be able to follow game statistics at HockeyCanada.ca or live updates via Twitter.com/HC_TeamCanada
Canada will play its first game of the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, December 26 versus Russia, a game that will be broadcast LIVE by TSN/RDS and on The FAN Radio Network (check local listings).
Canada has medaled at twelve straight IIHF World Junior Championships including gold medal performances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, silver medals in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010 and bronze medals in 2000 and 2001.
For more information on Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp, including the schedule, player and staff profiles, go to www.HockeyCanada.caÉcouter.
Here's the release:
TORONTO, Ont.–Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced on Tuesday that nine players were released from Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp and they will return to their respective club teams on December 14.
The nine players released were: defencemen Jesse Blacker (Toronto, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL) and Brayden McNabb (Davidson, Sask./Kootenay, WHL) and forwards Brendan Gallagher (Delta, B.C./ Vancouver, WHL), Joey Hishon (Stratford, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL), Ryan Howse (Prince George, B.C./ Chilliwack, WHL), Brad Ross (Lethbridge, Alta./Portland, WHL), Reilly Smith (Mimico, Ont./Miami University, CCHA), Linden Vey (Wakaw, Sask./Medicine Hat, WHL) and Garrett Wilson (Elmvale, Ont.).
With Tuesday’s player releases, the National Junior Team selection camp roster now stands at 31 players, including four goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 17 forwards.
Canada’s National Junior Team runs through December 15 in Toronto, Ont., with the players vying for one of 22 roster spots for Canada for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship. A roster of players at selection camp will face a CIS all-star team on Tuesday, December 14. Fans will be able to follow game statistics at HockeyCanada.ca or live updates via Twitter.com/HC_TeamCanada
Canada will play its first game of the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, December 26 versus Russia, a game that will be broadcast LIVE by TSN/RDS and on The FAN Radio Network (check local listings).
Canada has medaled at twelve straight IIHF World Junior Championships including gold medal performances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, silver medals in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010 and bronze medals in 2000 and 2001.
For more information on Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp, including the schedule, player and staff profiles, go to www.HockeyCanada.caÉcouter.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Ice lose to Blades
Kootenay ends long road trip with a loss to Blades
by Jeff Bromley
Wrapping up the longest stretch of games away from the Cranbrook Rec Plex this season Kootenay ran out of gas before they got home, at least on the ice.
Playing their fourth game in five nights in Saskatoon Sunday night the Ice dropped a 4-2 decision to their Eastern Conference rivals and in the process fell four points behind the Blades for the Eastern Conference lead. Kootenay got goals from rookie forward Eric Benoit, 17, who returned to the club following a knee injury to get his second marker of the season, and Max Reinhart with his 17th on the year in a losing cause. “It wasn’t bad,” was Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch's assessment of the effort. “But with the team we have this year our expectations are more than that.”
Doing his best to pick up the slack after Ice leading-scorer Kevin King missed all
three weekend games with an elbow infection, Reinhart started the trip off with a bang with a club-tying four-goal outburst Wednesday in a 5-0 blowout of the Prince Albert Raiders. The West Vancouver product added to that total with a goal Saturday in a 3-2 shootout win in Brandon to give him 17 on the season that has erased a slow start for the Calgary Flame draft pick. “We’re we missing some key guys and a couple of our older guys were banged up and our younger guys stepped up. I was really happy with the efforts of the players. Max is one of our top scorers and he's starting to find the back of the net on a regular basis.”
The disappointing loss to the Blades notwithstanding Knoblauch was hard-pressed to find a flaw in his club’s game over the road trip. His charges started in Red Deer November and then trekked through the U.S. Division for another four contests before heading out on the four-game Prairie trip last week. Finishing the ten game span at 5-4-1 wasn’t something to write home about but the first-year head coach is happy to get through in relatively one piece. And despite having to pull goaltender Nathan Lieuwen Friday in Moose Jaw in a 6-4 loss Knoblauch came right back with the 19-year-old in Brandon and Saskatoon and wasn’t hanging any of the losses on his goaltender. “Against Moose Jaw it wasn’t his best period but he didn’t have a lot of help and he responded the next night,” said Knoblauch. “And he’s done that all season long. He was great against Brandon and in Saskatoon he kept it close and we had some opportunities to tie it up in the third period and that all starts with him.”
Quick Hits – D Brayden McNabb left the club after Friday’s loss in Moose Jaw to try-out for Canada’s World Junior team in Toronto… Max Reinhart tied a club record for four goals in a game against the Raiders that is held by seven other players - Michael Stickland, Steve DaSilva, Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Mike Comrie, Scott Burt and Jay Henderson… The four goal performance was followed by Elgin Pearce’s first-ever WHL hat-trick against Moose Jaw. The three goals gives the Port Coquitlam product six on the season… LW Kevin King is day-to-day with an elbow infection but is expected to play Wednesday while D Hayden Rintoul is out until after Christmas with a tear in his MCL... The Calgary Hitmen are at the Rec Plex Wednesday.
by Jeff Bromley
Wrapping up the longest stretch of games away from the Cranbrook Rec Plex this season Kootenay ran out of gas before they got home, at least on the ice.
Playing their fourth game in five nights in Saskatoon Sunday night the Ice dropped a 4-2 decision to their Eastern Conference rivals and in the process fell four points behind the Blades for the Eastern Conference lead. Kootenay got goals from rookie forward Eric Benoit, 17, who returned to the club following a knee injury to get his second marker of the season, and Max Reinhart with his 17th on the year in a losing cause. “It wasn’t bad,” was Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch's assessment of the effort. “But with the team we have this year our expectations are more than that.”
Doing his best to pick up the slack after Ice leading-scorer Kevin King missed all
three weekend games with an elbow infection, Reinhart started the trip off with a bang with a club-tying four-goal outburst Wednesday in a 5-0 blowout of the Prince Albert Raiders. The West Vancouver product added to that total with a goal Saturday in a 3-2 shootout win in Brandon to give him 17 on the season that has erased a slow start for the Calgary Flame draft pick. “We’re we missing some key guys and a couple of our older guys were banged up and our younger guys stepped up. I was really happy with the efforts of the players. Max is one of our top scorers and he's starting to find the back of the net on a regular basis.”
The disappointing loss to the Blades notwithstanding Knoblauch was hard-pressed to find a flaw in his club’s game over the road trip. His charges started in Red Deer November and then trekked through the U.S. Division for another four contests before heading out on the four-game Prairie trip last week. Finishing the ten game span at 5-4-1 wasn’t something to write home about but the first-year head coach is happy to get through in relatively one piece. And despite having to pull goaltender Nathan Lieuwen Friday in Moose Jaw in a 6-4 loss Knoblauch came right back with the 19-year-old in Brandon and Saskatoon and wasn’t hanging any of the losses on his goaltender. “Against Moose Jaw it wasn’t his best period but he didn’t have a lot of help and he responded the next night,” said Knoblauch. “And he’s done that all season long. He was great against Brandon and in Saskatoon he kept it close and we had some opportunities to tie it up in the third period and that all starts with him.”
Quick Hits – D Brayden McNabb left the club after Friday’s loss in Moose Jaw to try-out for Canada’s World Junior team in Toronto… Max Reinhart tied a club record for four goals in a game against the Raiders that is held by seven other players - Michael Stickland, Steve DaSilva, Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Mike Comrie, Scott Burt and Jay Henderson… The four goal performance was followed by Elgin Pearce’s first-ever WHL hat-trick against Moose Jaw. The three goals gives the Port Coquitlam product six on the season… LW Kevin King is day-to-day with an elbow infection but is expected to play Wednesday while D Hayden Rintoul is out until after Christmas with a tear in his MCL... The Calgary Hitmen are at the Rec Plex Wednesday.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Blockbuster Season starts
The big trade winds started blowing today and they're packin quite a whallop.
Trader Bob Tory furthered his reputation even more with the acquisition of 19-year-old Carter Ashton (Tampa Bay - 1st round, 29th overall 2009) along with a 3rd round pick in 2012 from the Regina Pats. Going the other way are forwards Nils Moser, 17, and Tanner Olstad, 18, along with the Ams 1st round Bantam pick this year and a 2nd and 5th round pick in 2012.
Moser, a 2nd round pick from Canmore in 2008, and Olstad, an 8th round pick from 07 have a combined two goals between them and played mostly 3rd and 4th line minutes for the Ams this season. The 1st round pick replaces the one the Pats traded to the Hurricanes last season to acquire Ashton during last season's trading deadline flurry.
Essentially the price has been set for a front-line forward, though Ashton could be the cheapest of the bunch. A bit of a scary thought but Ashton is now on his third team, a rarity for a 1st round NHL pick. The two possibles left - Schenn out of Brandon and Eakin out of Swift - are going to command an unbelievable price. Even with that I wonder if Eakin will even be made available as the Broncos have won two straight and seem to be on the uptick. The rest of the colossal 14-game road trip will likely make the decision if they're buyers or sellers.
Are the Pats done? Probably as Weal isn't likely on the block as he's only 18. The Hitmen will certainly get in the act and I suspect that Schenn and Ashton's old Bantam linemate Jimmy Bubnick could be had somewhat cheaper.
The demand is plenty and the market's drying up for impact goal-scorers. The clock is ticking.....
On that note Kootenay drops a 6-4 decision to the underated Moose Jaw Warriors in Saskatchewan tonight. Pearce notches a hat-trick and Magnus gets three helpers. Lieuwen was chase from the nets after a first period 4-1 deficit. Ice leading scorer Kevin King is out with bone chips in the elbow that will likely keep him out at least the weekend. D Luke Paulsen dressed tonight but play only a few shifts and then left the bench and was reportedly taken to hospital. His status is unknown.
Trader Bob Tory furthered his reputation even more with the acquisition of 19-year-old Carter Ashton (Tampa Bay - 1st round, 29th overall 2009) along with a 3rd round pick in 2012 from the Regina Pats. Going the other way are forwards Nils Moser, 17, and Tanner Olstad, 18, along with the Ams 1st round Bantam pick this year and a 2nd and 5th round pick in 2012.
Moser, a 2nd round pick from Canmore in 2008, and Olstad, an 8th round pick from 07 have a combined two goals between them and played mostly 3rd and 4th line minutes for the Ams this season. The 1st round pick replaces the one the Pats traded to the Hurricanes last season to acquire Ashton during last season's trading deadline flurry.
Essentially the price has been set for a front-line forward, though Ashton could be the cheapest of the bunch. A bit of a scary thought but Ashton is now on his third team, a rarity for a 1st round NHL pick. The two possibles left - Schenn out of Brandon and Eakin out of Swift - are going to command an unbelievable price. Even with that I wonder if Eakin will even be made available as the Broncos have won two straight and seem to be on the uptick. The rest of the colossal 14-game road trip will likely make the decision if they're buyers or sellers.
Are the Pats done? Probably as Weal isn't likely on the block as he's only 18. The Hitmen will certainly get in the act and I suspect that Schenn and Ashton's old Bantam linemate Jimmy Bubnick could be had somewhat cheaper.
The demand is plenty and the market's drying up for impact goal-scorers. The clock is ticking.....
On that note Kootenay drops a 6-4 decision to the underated Moose Jaw Warriors in Saskatchewan tonight. Pearce notches a hat-trick and Magnus gets three helpers. Lieuwen was chase from the nets after a first period 4-1 deficit. Ice leading scorer Kevin King is out with bone chips in the elbow that will likely keep him out at least the weekend. D Luke Paulsen dressed tonight but play only a few shifts and then left the bench and was reportedly taken to hospital. His status is unknown.
Ice open trip with a bang
Kootenay started their four game road swing into the Prairies Wednesday with a 5-0 whallopin' of the Prince Albert Raiders Wednesday night in Prince Albert.
Max Reinhart had a career night with four goals, tying a franchise record shared with seven other former Ice players - (Michael Stickland, Steve DaSilva, Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Mike Comrie, Scott Burt, Jay Henderson - as per Jeff Hollick's record book).
Matt Coxford of the Townsman has a piece here while the highlites aren't available on the WHL website.
Kootenay has also called up D Tanner Faith of the Saskatchewan Midget League's Notre Dame Hounds for two games this weekend following D Brayden McNabb's departure to try and make the WJC team in Toronto.
On that note I was scanning the invites of the WJC camp and at first thought McNabb might be in tough but after some further thought I think he's got a legitimate shot at the number 6-7 spot on the blueline. The team always goes with seven d-man and has three returning (Jared Cowen, Ryan Ellis and Calvin De Haan) with Brandon Gormley out and replaced by Jesse Blacker (offensive type), McNabb has a real shot if he can fill the shut-down, stay at home type of D-man that's needed to counter guys like Ellis, Barrie (two identical type of players). Is he a long-shot? I don't think so but he'll be on the bubble unless he's lights-out at the camp.
The Outdoor game between the Pats and Hitmen will go Monday February 21st at McMahon Stadium in Calgary one day after the NHL's Winter Classic. The two teams will go with some great retro uniforms as the Hitmen will honour the Calgary Canadians of the 1920's who won Calgary's first Memorial Cup while the Pats will honour the 1950's version of their uniforms with the traditional Toronto Maple Leaf-style unis with a Montreal Canadien logo on the arm. The Habs were the parent club of the Pats in those days when the pro clubs owned the rights to all the players coming out of the team lock, stock and barrel.
On January 15 the Ice will be in the Rockstar Outdoor Classic at Avista (Baseball) Stadium in Spokane, home of the Single A Indians, against the Chiefs. Now, I know you know most of the info I just regurgitated but I'm wondering aloud, in the same vein as the Hitmen and the Pats, how cool it would be revive the old 1960-70's WIHL rivalry between the Spokane Jets/Flyers and Cranbrook Royals and perhaps wearing those throwback jerseys.
The league was the WIHL and it was some of the best semi-pro hockey around in those days as many junior players that didn't quite make the NHL grade chose well-paying mill and mine jobs in BC's Southeastern corner as a alternative to the AHL or IHL grind. Here's a snapshot from 1979-80
Here's a couple of shots: Royals, Spokane Flyers, Spokane Jets
or even an old Nitros Jersey
Just throwing that out there....
On another note a few weeks ago I happened to coach (Peewee Tier 2 in Kelowna) against one of the terrors of the old WIHL when I was a kid, Leroy Huestis was a terrific hockey player for the Trail Smoke Eaters who also played for Spokane and Nelson (Maple Leafs) but was a throwback in the vein of the Hanson Bros. He'd score three goals and then go into the stands or start, and finish, a brawl. He's still as big and intimidating as ever. Beat 'em 4-1 though.
Max Reinhart had a career night with four goals, tying a franchise record shared with seven other former Ice players - (Michael Stickland, Steve DaSilva, Ryan Russell, Dale Mahovsky, Mike Comrie, Scott Burt, Jay Henderson - as per Jeff Hollick's record book).
Matt Coxford of the Townsman has a piece here while the highlites aren't available on the WHL website.
Kootenay has also called up D Tanner Faith of the Saskatchewan Midget League's Notre Dame Hounds for two games this weekend following D Brayden McNabb's departure to try and make the WJC team in Toronto.
On that note I was scanning the invites of the WJC camp and at first thought McNabb might be in tough but after some further thought I think he's got a legitimate shot at the number 6-7 spot on the blueline. The team always goes with seven d-man and has three returning (Jared Cowen, Ryan Ellis and Calvin De Haan) with Brandon Gormley out and replaced by Jesse Blacker (offensive type), McNabb has a real shot if he can fill the shut-down, stay at home type of D-man that's needed to counter guys like Ellis, Barrie (two identical type of players). Is he a long-shot? I don't think so but he'll be on the bubble unless he's lights-out at the camp.
The Outdoor game between the Pats and Hitmen will go Monday February 21st at McMahon Stadium in Calgary one day after the NHL's Winter Classic. The two teams will go with some great retro uniforms as the Hitmen will honour the Calgary Canadians of the 1920's who won Calgary's first Memorial Cup while the Pats will honour the 1950's version of their uniforms with the traditional Toronto Maple Leaf-style unis with a Montreal Canadien logo on the arm. The Habs were the parent club of the Pats in those days when the pro clubs owned the rights to all the players coming out of the team lock, stock and barrel.
On January 15 the Ice will be in the Rockstar Outdoor Classic at Avista (Baseball) Stadium in Spokane, home of the Single A Indians, against the Chiefs. Now, I know you know most of the info I just regurgitated but I'm wondering aloud, in the same vein as the Hitmen and the Pats, how cool it would be revive the old 1960-70's WIHL rivalry between the Spokane Jets/Flyers and Cranbrook Royals and perhaps wearing those throwback jerseys.
The league was the WIHL and it was some of the best semi-pro hockey around in those days as many junior players that didn't quite make the NHL grade chose well-paying mill and mine jobs in BC's Southeastern corner as a alternative to the AHL or IHL grind. Here's a snapshot from 1979-80
Here's a couple of shots: Royals, Spokane Flyers, Spokane Jets
or even an old Nitros Jersey
Just throwing that out there....
On another note a few weeks ago I happened to coach (Peewee Tier 2 in Kelowna) against one of the terrors of the old WIHL when I was a kid, Leroy Huestis was a terrific hockey player for the Trail Smoke Eaters who also played for Spokane and Nelson (Maple Leafs) but was a throwback in the vein of the Hanson Bros. He'd score three goals and then go into the stands or start, and finish, a brawl. He's still as big and intimidating as ever. Beat 'em 4-1 though.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tigers over Ice gamer
For Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Tigers scratch Ice in OT
by Jeff Bromley
Tigers are striped for a reason; the camouflage helps them not to be seen by their prey before it’s too late. The Medicine Hat Tiger Wacey Hamilton used the same tactic Saturday and before Kootenay knew it, they were done like dinner.
Hamilton potted his ninth of the season past a prone Nathan Lieuwen in overtime Saturday night at the Rec Plex to give Kootenay’s Central Division rivals a 3-2 win. The extra point pushed the Tigers (18-8-2-0) to within three points of the Ice (19-7-1-2), who sit third with 41 points, two back of both Red Deer and Saskatoon who sit tied atop the Eastern Conference with 43 points. “We looked like the team at the end of a road trip,” said Ice forward Kevin King of his club when in fact it was the visitors who were putting the finishing touches on a six game trip away from the Gas City. “We didn’t put together a sixty minute effort tonight and if you don’t do that against teams like the Tigers you won’t win.”
“We can’t take any team lightly and it almost seems like we did that tonight.”
Sandwiched between four and five-game stints away from the Rec Plex that picks up again Wednesday in Prince Albert the Ice seemed stuck in the snow from the drop of the puck and looked much different from the club that beat the WHL-leading Portland Winterhawks just three nights prior. After a stretch of dominant play in the Ice zone by the Tigers it was the match-up of fourth lines that opened the scoring for the visitors. Cole Grbavac found a puck down low and fed Reid Petryk cutting into the low slot. Lieuwen stopped the first one but Petryk slid the rebound along the ice and past his out-stretched glove for a 1-0 lead.
On A&W Toque and Mitten night many of the 2417 in attendance waited patiently for the home side to light the lamp in order to heave their wares onto the ice. Two breakaways – both by Ice forward Brock Montgomery – and a post along with some solid chances gave the indication the crowd might be keeping them until the final buzzer. D Brayden McNabb put an end to those thoughts 17:04 into the second with a blast from the point with the Ice on a power play that tied the game and showered the ice with winter paraphernalia. The goal was a welcome change for the league’s 20th-ranked power play and shifted the outlook of the game. Early in the third however Kootenay’s power play would fizzle on a glorious 5-on-3 opportunity and six minutes later Medicine Hat would give the Ice a taste of the 5-on-3 elixir with both Kevin King and Brayden McNabb in the box. Possessing the WHL’s leading point-getter in Linden Vey it wasn’t long before he had his 19th goal and league-best 49th point with a blast from the deep slot to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.
2:29 later McNabb would atone for the gaffe that put the Ice down two-men as he stepped out of the box and joined in on a 3-on-2. Matt Fraser’s slapshot would produce a rebound for McNabb, his fourth goal of the season and second on the night to tie it at two. The play would be video reviewed but ruled a good goal. The goal set-up the overtime and the fortuitous bounce off the glass that landed on Hamilton’s stick and had Lieuwen broke his over the post in frustration after the puck was behind him. “We didn’t compete very well all night,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “At the end of the day it might have been a good bounce for the Tigers (in overtime) but we were still out of position.”
“He (Lieuwen) played well enough for us to win and it would’ve been nice to get it to a shootout, where Nathan does so well but tonight it wasn’t to meant to be.”
Quick Hits – McNabb’s first goal of the night brought down enough toques, mittens and even some Teddy Bears to fill two truckloads that will be distributed through the Salavation Army and Angel Tree to those in need this winter… D Hayden Rintoul and forward Erik Benoit are both still 2-3 weeks away with knee injuries. In Rintoul’s case the Calgary product has a slight tear to his MCL and won’t see any action until after Christmas… Kootenay heads back out on the road for a four-game set through the Prairies starting Wednesday in Prince Albert… D Brayden McNabb will play in Prince Albert and then Friday in Moose Jaw before leaving the club in his attempt to make Team Canada starting Saturday in Toronto... The Rec Plex Three-Stars were 1. D Brayden McNabb 2. D Thomas Carr and 3. G Nathan Lieuwen.
Tigers scratch Ice in OT
by Jeff Bromley
Tigers are striped for a reason; the camouflage helps them not to be seen by their prey before it’s too late. The Medicine Hat Tiger Wacey Hamilton used the same tactic Saturday and before Kootenay knew it, they were done like dinner.
Hamilton potted his ninth of the season past a prone Nathan Lieuwen in overtime Saturday night at the Rec Plex to give Kootenay’s Central Division rivals a 3-2 win. The extra point pushed the Tigers (18-8-2-0) to within three points of the Ice (19-7-1-2), who sit third with 41 points, two back of both Red Deer and Saskatoon who sit tied atop the Eastern Conference with 43 points. “We looked like the team at the end of a road trip,” said Ice forward Kevin King of his club when in fact it was the visitors who were putting the finishing touches on a six game trip away from the Gas City. “We didn’t put together a sixty minute effort tonight and if you don’t do that against teams like the Tigers you won’t win.”
“We can’t take any team lightly and it almost seems like we did that tonight.”
Sandwiched between four and five-game stints away from the Rec Plex that picks up again Wednesday in Prince Albert the Ice seemed stuck in the snow from the drop of the puck and looked much different from the club that beat the WHL-leading Portland Winterhawks just three nights prior. After a stretch of dominant play in the Ice zone by the Tigers it was the match-up of fourth lines that opened the scoring for the visitors. Cole Grbavac found a puck down low and fed Reid Petryk cutting into the low slot. Lieuwen stopped the first one but Petryk slid the rebound along the ice and past his out-stretched glove for a 1-0 lead.
On A&W Toque and Mitten night many of the 2417 in attendance waited patiently for the home side to light the lamp in order to heave their wares onto the ice. Two breakaways – both by Ice forward Brock Montgomery – and a post along with some solid chances gave the indication the crowd might be keeping them until the final buzzer. D Brayden McNabb put an end to those thoughts 17:04 into the second with a blast from the point with the Ice on a power play that tied the game and showered the ice with winter paraphernalia. The goal was a welcome change for the league’s 20th-ranked power play and shifted the outlook of the game. Early in the third however Kootenay’s power play would fizzle on a glorious 5-on-3 opportunity and six minutes later Medicine Hat would give the Ice a taste of the 5-on-3 elixir with both Kevin King and Brayden McNabb in the box. Possessing the WHL’s leading point-getter in Linden Vey it wasn’t long before he had his 19th goal and league-best 49th point with a blast from the deep slot to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead.
2:29 later McNabb would atone for the gaffe that put the Ice down two-men as he stepped out of the box and joined in on a 3-on-2. Matt Fraser’s slapshot would produce a rebound for McNabb, his fourth goal of the season and second on the night to tie it at two. The play would be video reviewed but ruled a good goal. The goal set-up the overtime and the fortuitous bounce off the glass that landed on Hamilton’s stick and had Lieuwen broke his over the post in frustration after the puck was behind him. “We didn’t compete very well all night,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “At the end of the day it might have been a good bounce for the Tigers (in overtime) but we were still out of position.”
“He (Lieuwen) played well enough for us to win and it would’ve been nice to get it to a shootout, where Nathan does so well but tonight it wasn’t to meant to be.”
Quick Hits – McNabb’s first goal of the night brought down enough toques, mittens and even some Teddy Bears to fill two truckloads that will be distributed through the Salavation Army and Angel Tree to those in need this winter… D Hayden Rintoul and forward Erik Benoit are both still 2-3 weeks away with knee injuries. In Rintoul’s case the Calgary product has a slight tear to his MCL and won’t see any action until after Christmas… Kootenay heads back out on the road for a four-game set through the Prairies starting Wednesday in Prince Albert… D Brayden McNabb will play in Prince Albert and then Friday in Moose Jaw before leaving the club in his attempt to make Team Canada starting Saturday in Toronto... The Rec Plex Three-Stars were 1. D Brayden McNabb 2. D Thomas Carr and 3. G Nathan Lieuwen.
Tigers take an point
Highlites to last night's tilt are here.
The Score – Medicine Hat 3 - Kootenay 2 (OT)
What Happened – To be perfectly honest it the Ice who looked like they were playing their sixth game in eight nights on the road. A lacklustre start plagued the club and only the solid goaltending of Lieuwen kept them in it.
The Goals – After a string of continuously poor shifts by the Ice the fourth line got burned by some hard work down low the Tigers when Cole Grbavac found Reid Petryk streaking through the low slot before he beat Nathan Lieuwen along the ice with a backhand to make it 1-0... Kootenay finally tied the game and brought a storm of toques and mittens raining down when Brayden McNabb capped off a bevy of chances with a power play shot from the point for his 3rd of the season… Down two men in the third Linden Vey blasted his 19th from the high slot that beat Liewen stick-side to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead… After finishing his time in the bin McNabb joined in a 3-on-2 coming out of the box and tapped in a rebound from Matt Fraser’s slapshot. After a short review it was ruled a good goal to tie the game… A bad bounce in overtime - well, bad if you’re an Ice fan - came off the end boards right to Wacey Hamilton, who deked Nathan Lieuwen for the game-winner.
The Hit - Ryan Harrison caught Steele Boomer with his head down just as he crossed the Tiger blueline. The Tigers were laying Kootenay players out all night. McNabb, Boomer, Ismond all were rocked at one point or another on this night.
The Near miss - After a clear face-off win by Wacey Hamilton the overager walked in and beat Nathan Lieuwen low along the ice but didn’t beat the post.
Best Save - After killing off a penalty the Tigers found Ryan Harrison stepping out of the box as the last Ice Jagger Dirk defender fell and went in alone on Lieuwen. His sliding blocker save was a beauty.
The Turning Point – Out of position in OT a fortuitous bounce off the end boards ended this one.
The Crowd – 2417 on Toque and Mitten Toss night.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Brayden McNabb - Two goals
2. Thomas Carr - Solid on the Tiger blueline
3. Nathan Lieuwen - Was stellar and gave his team a chance to win; they didn’t take it.
Up Next: Kootenay heads back out on the road starting Wednesday in Prince Albert. The loser point gives Kootenay a 19-7-1-2 record and 41 points; two back of Red Deer and Saskatoon for the conference and division lead.
Game Summary:
Tigers 3 @ Ice 2 (OT)
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Kootenay Ice; December 4, 2010.
Medicine Hat Tiger captain Wacey Hamilton took a Tiger bounce off the end-boards in overtime and deked Ice goaltender Natha Lieuwen to give the visitors a 3-2 overtime win in WHL action Saturday night.
The Tigers opened the scoring on a goal by Reid Petryk 8:56 into the first period. Kootenay finally tied the game 17:04 into the second when Brayden McNabb wired his 3rd on the power play. Medicine Hat went ahead again when WHL leading scorer Linden Vey wired his 19th on a five-on-three power play in the third but McNabb stepped out of the penalty box two minutes later and tied the game on a 3-on-2 rush.
Hamilton's ninth in overtime was the game-winner.
Tyler Bunz stopped 28 of 30 shots to get the win while Nathan Lieuwen turned aside 33of 36 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
1.Petryk 3 (Grbavac, Shinkaruk) 8:56
Penalties -- Reinhart Ktn Bredo MH (ten minute misconduct) 1:37, Ismond Ktn McKay MH (roughing) Harrison MH (unsportsmanlike conduct) 17:51.
Second Period
2. Kootenay, McNabb 3 (Dirk, Fraser) 17:04 (pp)
Penalties -- Leach Ktn (delay-of-game) 11:06, Owuya MH (high-sticking) 16:42, Harrison MH (tripping) 19:32.
Third Period
3. Medicine Hat, Vey 19 (Etem, Pitlick) 10:20 (pp)
4. Kootenay, McNabb 4 (Fraser, Dirk) 12:09
Penalties -- Kessy MH (roughing), Hamilton MH (roughing, misconduct) King Ktn (roughing) 3:28, Coyle MH (tripping) 4:40, King Ktn (interference) 9:23, McNabb Ktn (delay-of-game) 10:02, Reinhart Ktn (hooking) 13:59.
Overtime
5. Medicine Hat, Hamilton 9 (Etem, Owuya) 1:37
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 7 13 9 1 - 29
Medicine Hat: 14 8 11 3 - 36
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (L,14-5-1-1) Medicine Hat: Tyler Bunz (W,12-5-2-0)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-5
Medicine Hat: 1-4
Referee -- Matt Kirk. Linesman -- Aidan Henderson, Scott Sharun.
Attendance -- 2417 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Hayden Rintoul (knee - 2-3 weeks), Erik Benoit (knee - 2-3 weeks).
Medicine Hat: Dylan Busenius, Vahe Zakeryan, Curtis Valk.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
The Score – Medicine Hat 3 - Kootenay 2 (OT)
What Happened – To be perfectly honest it the Ice who looked like they were playing their sixth game in eight nights on the road. A lacklustre start plagued the club and only the solid goaltending of Lieuwen kept them in it.
The Goals – After a string of continuously poor shifts by the Ice the fourth line got burned by some hard work down low the Tigers when Cole Grbavac found Reid Petryk streaking through the low slot before he beat Nathan Lieuwen along the ice with a backhand to make it 1-0... Kootenay finally tied the game and brought a storm of toques and mittens raining down when Brayden McNabb capped off a bevy of chances with a power play shot from the point for his 3rd of the season… Down two men in the third Linden Vey blasted his 19th from the high slot that beat Liewen stick-side to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead… After finishing his time in the bin McNabb joined in a 3-on-2 coming out of the box and tapped in a rebound from Matt Fraser’s slapshot. After a short review it was ruled a good goal to tie the game… A bad bounce in overtime - well, bad if you’re an Ice fan - came off the end boards right to Wacey Hamilton, who deked Nathan Lieuwen for the game-winner.
The Hit - Ryan Harrison caught Steele Boomer with his head down just as he crossed the Tiger blueline. The Tigers were laying Kootenay players out all night. McNabb, Boomer, Ismond all were rocked at one point or another on this night.
The Near miss - After a clear face-off win by Wacey Hamilton the overager walked in and beat Nathan Lieuwen low along the ice but didn’t beat the post.
Best Save - After killing off a penalty the Tigers found Ryan Harrison stepping out of the box as the last Ice Jagger Dirk defender fell and went in alone on Lieuwen. His sliding blocker save was a beauty.
The Turning Point – Out of position in OT a fortuitous bounce off the end boards ended this one.
The Crowd – 2417 on Toque and Mitten Toss night.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Brayden McNabb - Two goals
2. Thomas Carr - Solid on the Tiger blueline
3. Nathan Lieuwen - Was stellar and gave his team a chance to win; they didn’t take it.
Up Next: Kootenay heads back out on the road starting Wednesday in Prince Albert. The loser point gives Kootenay a 19-7-1-2 record and 41 points; two back of Red Deer and Saskatoon for the conference and division lead.
Game Summary:
Tigers 3 @ Ice 2 (OT)
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Kootenay Ice; December 4, 2010.
Medicine Hat Tiger captain Wacey Hamilton took a Tiger bounce off the end-boards in overtime and deked Ice goaltender Natha Lieuwen to give the visitors a 3-2 overtime win in WHL action Saturday night.
The Tigers opened the scoring on a goal by Reid Petryk 8:56 into the first period. Kootenay finally tied the game 17:04 into the second when Brayden McNabb wired his 3rd on the power play. Medicine Hat went ahead again when WHL leading scorer Linden Vey wired his 19th on a five-on-three power play in the third but McNabb stepped out of the penalty box two minutes later and tied the game on a 3-on-2 rush.
Hamilton's ninth in overtime was the game-winner.
Tyler Bunz stopped 28 of 30 shots to get the win while Nathan Lieuwen turned aside 33of 36 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
1.Petryk 3 (Grbavac, Shinkaruk) 8:56
Penalties -- Reinhart Ktn Bredo MH (ten minute misconduct) 1:37, Ismond Ktn McKay MH (roughing) Harrison MH (unsportsmanlike conduct) 17:51.
Second Period
2. Kootenay, McNabb 3 (Dirk, Fraser) 17:04 (pp)
Penalties -- Leach Ktn (delay-of-game) 11:06, Owuya MH (high-sticking) 16:42, Harrison MH (tripping) 19:32.
Third Period
3. Medicine Hat, Vey 19 (Etem, Pitlick) 10:20 (pp)
4. Kootenay, McNabb 4 (Fraser, Dirk) 12:09
Penalties -- Kessy MH (roughing), Hamilton MH (roughing, misconduct) King Ktn (roughing) 3:28, Coyle MH (tripping) 4:40, King Ktn (interference) 9:23, McNabb Ktn (delay-of-game) 10:02, Reinhart Ktn (hooking) 13:59.
Overtime
5. Medicine Hat, Hamilton 9 (Etem, Owuya) 1:37
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 7 13 9 1 - 29
Medicine Hat: 14 8 11 3 - 36
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (L,14-5-1-1) Medicine Hat: Tyler Bunz (W,12-5-2-0)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-5
Medicine Hat: 1-4
Referee -- Matt Kirk. Linesman -- Aidan Henderson, Scott Sharun.
Attendance -- 2417 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Hayden Rintoul (knee - 2-3 weeks), Erik Benoit (knee - 2-3 weeks).
Medicine Hat: Dylan Busenius, Vahe Zakeryan, Curtis Valk.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Kootenay shoots down Hawks
Kootenay finished off a five-game road trip in style Wednesday night in Portland by defeating the top-ranked WHL club 5-3. Matt Coxford of the Townman has coverage of the game here. The highlites are here.
Kevin King got a couple of goals while Brayden McNabb and Matt Fraser both chipped in with two assists. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 24 of 27 shots to get the win.
Kootenay improves to 19-7-0-2 and leap-frogs over Red Deer for first in the Central and second in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, a point off of Saskatoon for the conference lead.
24 hours earlier they dumped the Everett Silvertips 3-1.
Couple of thoughts:
Ryan Johansen got the first star nod with a goal and an assist and a -1. Homer pick... Not to nitpick but Kootenay's power play continues to fizzle. The trip was a combined 3-17 over the five games and take away the better than average result against the T-birds (3-3) and it's clear that there's an issue there. Just imagine their record with a power play that's at least middle-of-the-pack at 20+ percent? Right now they're 20th in the WHL at 14.7%. Brayden Schenn are you out there???.
For those counting, LA King forward Brayden Schenn is back with the Kings after a two week conditioning stint. He's played 8 games and isn't expected to get into the lineup tonight against Florida. Speculation is heating up that he will be released for Team Canada to play at the World Juniors so if he's going to be sent back to Brandon and then dealt to a contender before WJC training camp, the clock is ticking. Speculation that Portland and Saskatoon are in the running so likely the bidding is going to skyrocket for his services. If he comes back, if he's made available... a lot of ifs.
Clearly the Ice are going to have to make a splash for a home-run hitter on the power play to make a run this season, question is, who?
Lots of chatter on the board about 15-year-old Sam Reinhart playing in favour of fourth-liners Adam Rossignol and Brock Montgomery. If Montgomery had a slight injury to sit him a game in favour of the new kid to give him some time, why not? Anybody who has played the game in a team atmosphere knows that if you're the odd-man out in the situation, you better bust your hump the next time you're in so that you're not in the same position again. This doesn't do anything against team morale, it just motivates guys down the depth chart not to be the odd-man out. Besides, in Rossignol's case any rookie in the WHL - unless you're lights out - sits a certain amount of games healthy and usually knows that going in. Besides, this isn't nothing new. Maxwell, McCarthy, Stoll, Sylvester et al, all had their first taste this way and if the younger Reinhart is going to be a special player among that ilk in this league, then this is where is starts.
Oh, and love the opinions and express them but please, ixnay on the name-calling....
The goaltending of Nathan Lieuwen is finally carrying the mail for the club and the 19-year-old looks to living up to the first round Bantam pick he was four years ago. I'd think he'll start against the Hat Saturday night and perhaps Teskey getting PA Wednesday to open up the three-game road trip into the Prairies.
Talk about attendance - no, not Kootenay's - for once - and in Portland, a city of over 2 million, the game draws an announced crowd of 1698. I guess they have some terrific upside when they have a U.S. Division opponent in the Rose Garden but less than 1700?... In PG with the Cougars edging the Hitmen 4-3, 1755 showed up. This for a team that's second-best in the Western Conference. It's a been a while since you could say that... In Edmonton 2794 for the Oil's 5-4 Shootout loss to PA and in the Wack 2637 came to see the Blades dump the Bruins 7-3. What I'm trying to say is that the attendance issue is creeping up all around the league and not just here in Iceland.
Lastly, saw that Calgary's Jimmy Bubnick notched a Hat-trick last night. Could he be a target for some much-needed power play help? Discuss.
The Tigers are at the Plex Saturday night for a great Central Division tilt.
Kevin King got a couple of goals while Brayden McNabb and Matt Fraser both chipped in with two assists. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 24 of 27 shots to get the win.
Kootenay improves to 19-7-0-2 and leap-frogs over Red Deer for first in the Central and second in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, a point off of Saskatoon for the conference lead.
24 hours earlier they dumped the Everett Silvertips 3-1.
Couple of thoughts:
Ryan Johansen got the first star nod with a goal and an assist and a -1. Homer pick... Not to nitpick but Kootenay's power play continues to fizzle. The trip was a combined 3-17 over the five games and take away the better than average result against the T-birds (3-3) and it's clear that there's an issue there. Just imagine their record with a power play that's at least middle-of-the-pack at 20+ percent? Right now they're 20th in the WHL at 14.7%. Brayden Schenn are you out there???.
For those counting, LA King forward Brayden Schenn is back with the Kings after a two week conditioning stint. He's played 8 games and isn't expected to get into the lineup tonight against Florida. Speculation is heating up that he will be released for Team Canada to play at the World Juniors so if he's going to be sent back to Brandon and then dealt to a contender before WJC training camp, the clock is ticking. Speculation that Portland and Saskatoon are in the running so likely the bidding is going to skyrocket for his services. If he comes back, if he's made available... a lot of ifs.
Clearly the Ice are going to have to make a splash for a home-run hitter on the power play to make a run this season, question is, who?
Lots of chatter on the board about 15-year-old Sam Reinhart playing in favour of fourth-liners Adam Rossignol and Brock Montgomery. If Montgomery had a slight injury to sit him a game in favour of the new kid to give him some time, why not? Anybody who has played the game in a team atmosphere knows that if you're the odd-man out in the situation, you better bust your hump the next time you're in so that you're not in the same position again. This doesn't do anything against team morale, it just motivates guys down the depth chart not to be the odd-man out. Besides, in Rossignol's case any rookie in the WHL - unless you're lights out - sits a certain amount of games healthy and usually knows that going in. Besides, this isn't nothing new. Maxwell, McCarthy, Stoll, Sylvester et al, all had their first taste this way and if the younger Reinhart is going to be a special player among that ilk in this league, then this is where is starts.
Oh, and love the opinions and express them but please, ixnay on the name-calling....
The goaltending of Nathan Lieuwen is finally carrying the mail for the club and the 19-year-old looks to living up to the first round Bantam pick he was four years ago. I'd think he'll start against the Hat Saturday night and perhaps Teskey getting PA Wednesday to open up the three-game road trip into the Prairies.
Talk about attendance - no, not Kootenay's - for once - and in Portland, a city of over 2 million, the game draws an announced crowd of 1698. I guess they have some terrific upside when they have a U.S. Division opponent in the Rose Garden but less than 1700?... In PG with the Cougars edging the Hitmen 4-3, 1755 showed up. This for a team that's second-best in the Western Conference. It's a been a while since you could say that... In Edmonton 2794 for the Oil's 5-4 Shootout loss to PA and in the Wack 2637 came to see the Blades dump the Bruins 7-3. What I'm trying to say is that the attendance issue is creeping up all around the league and not just here in Iceland.
Lastly, saw that Calgary's Jimmy Bubnick notched a Hat-trick last night. Could he be a target for some much-needed power play help? Discuss.
The Tigers are at the Plex Saturday night for a great Central Division tilt.
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