The Score – Regina 2 – Kootenay 5
What Happened – A very entertaining and evenly matched game both teams ditched the defensive schemes for the some end-to-end hockey. The rookie goaltender Mackenzie made some key stops and the Ice capitalized on their chances. The Pats couldn’t.
The Goals – Kootenay found themselves with an early five-on-three and couldn’t cash-in. Four minutes later Joe Antilla took an interference penalty, the Pats were allowed to break-out of their zone, and into the Ice zone uninhibited. Chandler Stephenson fed a great pass to the slot where Lane Scheidl fired a wrist shot that squeezed through Skapski… The Ice tied it at 16:15 when Dylan McKinley outworked Pats D Kyle Burroughs for the puck and fed Max Reinhart wide-open in front of rookie goaltender Adam Beukeboom. He doesn’t miss many of those and didn’t, scoring his first of the season… With the Ice on the power play Joey Leach did a great job of keeping the puck in once on a Pats clear and then almost did it again, only this time his vertical only popped it enough for Jordan Weal to take off on a 2-on-1 with a streaking Brandon Underwood. He beat Skapski for this second of the season… Just as the same powerplay expired, Johnny Niebrandt wired a great wrist shot from the point that Adam Rossignol neatly deflected past Beukeboom to tie it… The Pats ended up in the box again and this time the Ice made them pay for it. Max, with his third point of the night, fired a shot that McKinley tipped between Beukeboom’s legs… In the third with the Pats pressing for the tying goal Jesse Ismond laid a hit on Pats D Jack Rodewald who coughed up the puck on the half-wall. Elgin Pearce picked it up, rushed the net and scored his first of the season on a nifty backhand. Ismond didn’t get an apple on the play but he should have. .. Max added an empty-net goal to finish off a four-point night and the win.
No Replay – Not long after the Ice tied it in the first Pats D Brandon Davidson found Chandler Stephenson with a great 125-foot pass at the Ice blueline. D John Niebrandt bothered him enough on the breakaway that Skapski steered the puck to the corner only to have Stephenson retrieve it and feed Lane Scheidl cross-ice for the one-timer. Skapski stopped just enough of it as it almost rolled across the line before being cleared. It was waived no-goal but I’m sure I wasn’t the only waiting for the replay booth to call down and say it was a goal. The call never came.
The Starters – Pats F Dryden Hunt, a former Kimberley resident, was in the starting line-up for his return to the East Kootenay.
Diesel Donation – Ryan ‘Diesel’ Dayman presented cheques to three local groups – Cranbrook Minor Hockey, Cranbrook Minor Baseball and the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band – with donations worth some $40,000 raised at his inaugural invitational golf tournament in August at Wildstone golf course in Cranbrook featuring many NHL’ers both current and retired. The former Kimberley Dynamiter, Dayman is now a local realtor.
The Save – After a particular horrendous set within their own zone early in the second Skapski stopped Pat forward Andrew Reider point blank but had the rebound squeak out to Jordon Weal on his forehand at about ten feet. Somehow Skapski got across to stop a sure goal.
Finding his groove – In his second game with Max as his pivot forward Dylan McKinley is starting to develop some chemistry with his linemates and looking more and more comfortable. Great deflection for the game-winner.
The Turning Point – In the third period with the Ice still clinging to a one goal lead Skapski was flopping around in a goal-mouth scramble. Like his save in the second period he somehow managed to stop another sure goal that again ignited his teammates.
The Crowd – 2909 on Cranbrook Minor Ball night.
Up Next – The Ice improve to 3-0-0-1 on the season and tops in the WHL. Yes, I know, it’s September. The club will travel to Calgary for an afternoon tilt on Sunday at the Saddledome with the Hitmen. The schedule gets harder as the Ice are in Edmonton mid-week and then Red Deer Saturday.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. C Max Reinhart – Four point night
2. G Mackenzie Skapski – the kid shook off some early game jitters and made some great stops
3. F Lane Sheidl – Dangerous all night
Game Summary:
Pats 2 @ Ice 5
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Regina Pats and the Kootenay Ice; September 30, 2011
Max Reinhart scored two goals and added two assists as the Kootenay won their third straight game, defeating the Regina Pats 5-2 in WHL action Friday night.
The Pats opened the scoring on the power play when Lane Scheidl notched his 2nd of the season past Ice starter Mackenzie Skapski at 6:31. Just under ten minutes later Dylan McKinley found Reinhart alone in the slot. He buried his first of the season past Pats starter Adam Beukeboom to tie it.
In the second the Pats re-took the lead when Brandon Underwood scored a short-handed marked but the Ice would bounce back on goals by Adam Rossignol, with his 3rd, and Dylan McKinley with his first of the season to take a 3-2 lead into the final period.
The Ice would put the game away late on Elgin Pearce's first of the season before Reinhart would finish off the four point night with an empty-net goal.
Skapski stopped 26 of 28 shots for his first win of the season while Beukeboom took the loss, stopping 22 of 26 shots.
First Period
1. Regina, Scheidl 2 (Stephenson, Weal) 6:31 (pp)
2. Kootenay, M. Reinhart 1 (McKinley) 16:15
Penalties -- Stephenson Reg (hooking) 0:39, Jobke Reg (delay-of-game) 1:42, Antilla Ktn (interference) 5:29, Paulsen Ktn (holding) 12:16.
Second Period
3. Regina, Underwood 2 (Weal) 10:06 (sh)
4. Kootenay, Rossignol 3 (Niebrandt, M. Reinhart) 11:55
5. Kootenay, McKinley 1 (Reinhart, Leach) 14:48 (pp)
Penalties -- Bidlevskii Reg (interference) 9:42, Volek Reg (hooking) 14:09.
Third Period
6. Kootenay, Pearce 1 (Dirk) 17:14
7. Kootenay, Reinhart 2 (Leach, McKinley) 19:15 (en)
Penalties -- Hunt Reg (tripping) 10:15.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 13 9 5 - 27
Regina: 10 12 6 - 28
Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (W, 1-0); Regina Adam Beukeboom (L, 0-1).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-5
Regina: 1-2
Referee -- Ryan Benbow, Jason Nissen. Linesman -- Anthony Guzzo, Jim Maniago.
Attendance -- 2909 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Luke Philp, Jesse Wood-Schatz, Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - two weeks), Jaedon Deschaneau.
Regina: Ricard Blidstrand, Nils Moser, Dyson Stevenson, Campbell Elyniuk, Tyler Borstmeyer.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Ice shutout Canes
The Score – Lethbridge 0 – Kootenay 2
What Happened – Kootenay scored two goals in the first half of the first period and looked to be running away with it. The Hurricanes recovered and pushed back but, in what could become a theme this season, couldn’t solve Nathan Lieuwen.
The Rookies – Drafted 3rd overall out of Calgary by the Hurricanes in 2010, forward Jay Merkley saw lots of ice-time for the Hurricanes. If the draft was held over many have said it would be Ice forward Sam Reinhart who would be in the top three of that draft class. You’ll get to see the fifth overall pick of that draft – Morgan Klimchuk – when the Pats visit the Rec Plex Friday.
The Goals – A neutral zone turnover – I thought it was Sam Reinhart who caused the trouble but it was credited to Joey Leach – Elgin Pearce ended up with the puck and gained the zone before finding Jesse Ismond with a great cross-ice pass. Ismond found the corner of the net on a one-timer to make it 1-0… The 15-year-old – he doesn’t turn 16 until November 6 – amazed the Ice faithful once again with a great effort to gain the puck off the wall and patiently walk out and roof his second of the season past Ketlo to make it 2-0.
The No-goal – The Canes started this one off right but might’ve got the shaft. A point-shot within the first minute changed direction and then hit the crossbar and landed on the stick of Graham Hood. He dumped it into the net but the goal was waved-off and ruled hit with a Hurricane high-stick. It hit a stick, whether or not it was high couldn’t be determined by replay. The ruling on the ice stood and the Ice caught a break, and then caught fire after that.
The Rookies, again - Tonight featured the regular season debut of D Mike Simpson, who notched his first assist in the Dub, and forward Jonathon Martin who returned from a four game suspension. The club has to cut two forwards out of Martin, Deschaneau, Philp and Wood-Schatz. After seeing all four, it is perhaps the toughest call the club has had to make in years. That 95-born draft class is dynamite.
The Return – The elder Reinhart returned to the Ice from the Calgary Flames training camp and instantly made the club better. He was all over the ice on this night and had, or set up, a ton of chances. At one point in the second the line of Max, Antilla and McKinlay hemmed the Canes in their own zone for almost a complete two minute stretch. No letter on his sweater yet but I imagine sewing the C on is just a formality.
The Turning Point – It was early but I’d give the nod to Sam’s goal. The Ice played with a lot of confidence the rest of the way and Lieuwen made it look easy.
The Hit – In the second Graham Hood was lined up by Ice forward Brendan Hurley at the Canes’ blueline for a big hit. The 6’3” 225lb D-man thought otherwise and it was Hurley who ended up flat on his back. Four minutes into the third however Hurley had his revenge, putting Hood on his keester in front of the Ice bench for the hit of the night.
The Banner – Okay, I agree with one of the comments that stated the 2011 Championship Banner looks empty. It’s needs some lettering in the middle.
Opportunity Knocks – The loss of 20-year-old James Martin was a huge blow to the club. D John Niebrandt, now in the four-hole of the club’s defensive unit, is taking every opportunity to prove he can be a top four guy in the WHL. Early indications are he’s done just that.
The Crowd – 2370 Low, really low. Good seats left? There were good sections to be had.
Up Next – Dryden Hunt, who also has a late birthday and won’t turn 16 until late November, makes first trip back to the Kootenays with his new team, the Regina Pats on Friday. Hunt, a former Kimberley product who relocated to Nelson five years ago, made the Pats as a listed player/walk on.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Nathan Lieuwen – 25 saves; Shutouts are never easy but he didn’t have to make a hard save
2. Damien Ketlo – 25 saves; He played well and kept it close.
3. Jesse Ismond – Big improvement over Saturday. Goal, assist.
Game Summary:
Hurricanes 0 @ Ice 2
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Kootenay Ice; September 27, 2011
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen stopped all 25 shots he faced and Jesse Ismond's goal 6:17 into the game stood up as the game winner as the Kootenay Ice beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-0 in WHL action Tuesday night.
Ismond took a cross-ice feed from Elgin Pearce and one-timed his second of the season into the corner of the net past Damien Ketlo to give the Ice a 1-0 lead. Ice rookie Sam Reinhart, who won't turn 16 until November 6, walk out from the half-wall and roofed his second of the season past Ketlo to give the Ice 2-0 four minutes later.
The two goals would hold up as Lieuwen stopped 25 shots for his 7th career WHL shutout. Ketlo stopped 25 of 27 shots to take the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Ismond 2 (Pearce, Leach) 6:17
2. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 2 (Simpson, Ismond) 9:03
Penalties -- Johnston Leth (interference) 1:24, Pearce Ktn (hooking) 14:57, Hood Leth (slashing) 16:39.
Second Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Martin Ktn (interference) 1:39, Dirk Ktn (hooking) 13:29.
Third Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 9 10 8 - 27
Lethbridge: 4 11 10 - 25
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 2-1); Lethbridge: Damien Ketlo (L, 0-1).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-2
Lethbridge: 0-3
Referee -- Derek Zalaski. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Sean Donnelly.
Attendance -- 2370 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand, Luke Philp, Jesse Wood-Schatz, Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - two weeks), Levi Cable (leg - day-to-day).
Lethbridge: Tanner Kovacs, Tyler Kizuik, Brandyn Hulit, Juraj Bezuch, Adam Henry, Michael Sofillas, Austin Fyten, Tayler Balog, Harrison Harper.
What Happened – Kootenay scored two goals in the first half of the first period and looked to be running away with it. The Hurricanes recovered and pushed back but, in what could become a theme this season, couldn’t solve Nathan Lieuwen.
The Rookies – Drafted 3rd overall out of Calgary by the Hurricanes in 2010, forward Jay Merkley saw lots of ice-time for the Hurricanes. If the draft was held over many have said it would be Ice forward Sam Reinhart who would be in the top three of that draft class. You’ll get to see the fifth overall pick of that draft – Morgan Klimchuk – when the Pats visit the Rec Plex Friday.
The Goals – A neutral zone turnover – I thought it was Sam Reinhart who caused the trouble but it was credited to Joey Leach – Elgin Pearce ended up with the puck and gained the zone before finding Jesse Ismond with a great cross-ice pass. Ismond found the corner of the net on a one-timer to make it 1-0… The 15-year-old – he doesn’t turn 16 until November 6 – amazed the Ice faithful once again with a great effort to gain the puck off the wall and patiently walk out and roof his second of the season past Ketlo to make it 2-0.
The No-goal – The Canes started this one off right but might’ve got the shaft. A point-shot within the first minute changed direction and then hit the crossbar and landed on the stick of Graham Hood. He dumped it into the net but the goal was waved-off and ruled hit with a Hurricane high-stick. It hit a stick, whether or not it was high couldn’t be determined by replay. The ruling on the ice stood and the Ice caught a break, and then caught fire after that.
The Rookies, again - Tonight featured the regular season debut of D Mike Simpson, who notched his first assist in the Dub, and forward Jonathon Martin who returned from a four game suspension. The club has to cut two forwards out of Martin, Deschaneau, Philp and Wood-Schatz. After seeing all four, it is perhaps the toughest call the club has had to make in years. That 95-born draft class is dynamite.
The Return – The elder Reinhart returned to the Ice from the Calgary Flames training camp and instantly made the club better. He was all over the ice on this night and had, or set up, a ton of chances. At one point in the second the line of Max, Antilla and McKinlay hemmed the Canes in their own zone for almost a complete two minute stretch. No letter on his sweater yet but I imagine sewing the C on is just a formality.
The Turning Point – It was early but I’d give the nod to Sam’s goal. The Ice played with a lot of confidence the rest of the way and Lieuwen made it look easy.
The Hit – In the second Graham Hood was lined up by Ice forward Brendan Hurley at the Canes’ blueline for a big hit. The 6’3” 225lb D-man thought otherwise and it was Hurley who ended up flat on his back. Four minutes into the third however Hurley had his revenge, putting Hood on his keester in front of the Ice bench for the hit of the night.
The Banner – Okay, I agree with one of the comments that stated the 2011 Championship Banner looks empty. It’s needs some lettering in the middle.
Opportunity Knocks – The loss of 20-year-old James Martin was a huge blow to the club. D John Niebrandt, now in the four-hole of the club’s defensive unit, is taking every opportunity to prove he can be a top four guy in the WHL. Early indications are he’s done just that.
The Crowd – 2370 Low, really low. Good seats left? There were good sections to be had.
Up Next – Dryden Hunt, who also has a late birthday and won’t turn 16 until late November, makes first trip back to the Kootenays with his new team, the Regina Pats on Friday. Hunt, a former Kimberley product who relocated to Nelson five years ago, made the Pats as a listed player/walk on.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Nathan Lieuwen – 25 saves; Shutouts are never easy but he didn’t have to make a hard save
2. Damien Ketlo – 25 saves; He played well and kept it close.
3. Jesse Ismond – Big improvement over Saturday. Goal, assist.
Game Summary:
Hurricanes 0 @ Ice 2
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Kootenay Ice; September 27, 2011
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen stopped all 25 shots he faced and Jesse Ismond's goal 6:17 into the game stood up as the game winner as the Kootenay Ice beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-0 in WHL action Tuesday night.
Ismond took a cross-ice feed from Elgin Pearce and one-timed his second of the season into the corner of the net past Damien Ketlo to give the Ice a 1-0 lead. Ice rookie Sam Reinhart, who won't turn 16 until November 6, walk out from the half-wall and roofed his second of the season past Ketlo to give the Ice 2-0 four minutes later.
The two goals would hold up as Lieuwen stopped 25 shots for his 7th career WHL shutout. Ketlo stopped 25 of 27 shots to take the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Ismond 2 (Pearce, Leach) 6:17
2. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 2 (Simpson, Ismond) 9:03
Penalties -- Johnston Leth (interference) 1:24, Pearce Ktn (hooking) 14:57, Hood Leth (slashing) 16:39.
Second Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Martin Ktn (interference) 1:39, Dirk Ktn (hooking) 13:29.
Third Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 9 10 8 - 27
Lethbridge: 4 11 10 - 25
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 2-1); Lethbridge: Damien Ketlo (L, 0-1).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-2
Lethbridge: 0-3
Referee -- Derek Zalaski. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Sean Donnelly.
Attendance -- 2370 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand, Luke Philp, Jesse Wood-Schatz, Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - two weeks), Levi Cable (leg - day-to-day).
Lethbridge: Tanner Kovacs, Tyler Kizuik, Brandyn Hulit, Juraj Bezuch, Adam Henry, Michael Sofillas, Austin Fyten, Tayler Balog, Harrison Harper.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Reinhart back, not the question of captain...
The Calgary Flames sent back Kootenay's top player today in F Max Reinhart. The 19-year-old should be available to play Tuesday night in Cranbrook as the Ice host the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Hockey Writers explain why Reinhart (and Portland's Sven Bartschi) didn't stick due to the club being up against the contract limit of 50. With Martin putting them at 49 last week I was betting the popular D-man wasn't getting a contract last week. I lost.
Now the question remains as to who will wear the 'C'?
Or is it a question at all.
Local player Matt Wilkins, a Kimberley product and former Dynamiter currently playing with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits has committed to the NCAA's Union College of the ECAC. Wilkins finished second in AJHL scoring last season.
And lastly, though most reports put him as an Edmontonian, as he was born there, Cranbrook's Scott Niedermayer will have his #27 raised to the rafters of the Prudential Centre in Newark as the New Jersey Devils will honour their former captain December 16. I'd imagine Anaheim will follow suit for the hockey player who has won every major championship (Stanley - four times - Two Olympic Gold, World Championships, Memorial Cup and yes, a Provincial Bantam and Peewee Championships) except AHL, as he never played in the minors. Niedermayer currently works for the Ducks in a front office capacity.
The Hockey Writers explain why Reinhart (and Portland's Sven Bartschi) didn't stick due to the club being up against the contract limit of 50. With Martin putting them at 49 last week I was betting the popular D-man wasn't getting a contract last week. I lost.
Now the question remains as to who will wear the 'C'?
Or is it a question at all.
Local player Matt Wilkins, a Kimberley product and former Dynamiter currently playing with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits has committed to the NCAA's Union College of the ECAC. Wilkins finished second in AJHL scoring last season.
And lastly, though most reports put him as an Edmontonian, as he was born there, Cranbrook's Scott Niedermayer will have his #27 raised to the rafters of the Prudential Centre in Newark as the New Jersey Devils will honour their former captain December 16. I'd imagine Anaheim will follow suit for the hockey player who has won every major championship (Stanley - four times - Two Olympic Gold, World Championships, Memorial Cup and yes, a Provincial Bantam and Peewee Championships) except AHL, as he never played in the minors. Niedermayer currently works for the Ducks in a front office capacity.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Ice dump Hitmen; Get three of four points
The Score – Calgary 1 – Kootenay 5
What Happened – The Ice celebrated their WHL Championship with a fantastic pyrotechnics show. Nathan Lieuwen was the only one that started the game however and stopped almost everything that the Hitmen threw at him. His teammates woke up sometime in the second.
The Goals – Just when you were looking down the bench for Cody Eakin or Matt Fraser to start them off with a grand total of six shots 15 minutes into the second period, the Ice scored and they came in bunches. With their fourth power play chance of the game the Ice finally came alive when Joe Antilla came up with a puck down low and found a wide open Sam Reinhart. He lifted his 1st of the season past Glover to give the Ice a 1-0 lead… 27 seconds later the Ice fired a mirror image of the first goal except from the other side when Brock Montgomery found Eric Benoit in the same spot. Benoit went glove side – the same as Reinhart – to put the Ice up 2-0… Eric Benoit finished off the three-goal outburst in 1:40 with his second of the season after Elgin Pearce sent a great pass down the left wing to Benoit with a head of steam. Benoit beat Hitmen defender Kenton Helgesen and fired a wicked wrist shot that went, you guessed it, high glove-side to give the Ice a 3-0 lead.... The Hitmen finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Justin Kirsch found Alex Gogolev streaking into the slot. He ripped his first of the season past Lieuwen. It would be the only one to get by the 20-year-old…. Jesse Ismond, no he wasn’t a brutal as he stated post-game on this night, slipped past Hitmen D-man Peter Kosterman after a great feed by Brock Montgomery and made it 4-1 with less than three minutes left… On a late power play Adam Rossignol notched his second of the night on another feed from Brock Montgomery to make the final 5-1.
The Pyrotechnics - They were a great way to celebrate the raising of the club's banners. The fireworks were loud, took your breath away and, thanks to a large flame-on machine, nearly singed the 2002 Banner hanging above. They didn't burn up but more than a few people thought they might go up in smoke.
The Rookies – Outshot 11-2 in the first Kootenay's biggest chance early came from the rookie line. Philp started the rush to Deschaneau and then took a great pass from Wood-Schatz who returned the favour and sent Philp in alone on Hitmen starter Brandon Glover, who then flashed the glove to make a great save; They almost opened the scoring in the second again with a errant pass by Glover right to Wood-Schatz. He was so surprised he had the puck with an open net he shot it wide.
The Hit – D Jeff Hubic, 17, pasted Hitmen forward Chase Clayton on the wall that drew a rise out of the 3253 at the Plex in the first period.
The Fight Card – A tussle in the Hitmen zone between Dylan McKinlay and Keaton Lubin. Call it a draw but it seemed to spark the home side four minutes later.
The Injury – Paulsen went down awkwardly near the end of the first and left the game. He returned in the second but seemed to be labouring somewhat. Paulsen and rookie Mike Simpson were gametime decisions with the nod going to Paulsen.
The Rookie Part II – In a late PK rookie Sam Reinhart took the defensive zone face-off. Yes, a 16-year-old, for the face off. He won it. Oh, he also killed penalties and scored. How old is he again?
The Hospital Run – A young girl in Section K took an errant puck in the face in the third period. A rushed trip to the hospital for some stitches and a bad bruise was lessoned somewhat with Ice forward Drew Czerwonka showing up with a stick signed by the team.
The Cuts – With Max Reinhart still with the Calgary Flames (one assist in tonight’s 2-1 loss to the Oilers) and Czerwonka out for at least two weeks with a shoulder injury, the club expects to come down from the 25 bodies still in camp by one this week, with the other decision not being made until Czerwonka is healthy.
Keeping the Faith – Those wondering what happened to Ice prospect D Tanner Faith, who got into four games as a 15-year-old last season, in his first shift during Ice training camp he suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out for all of training camp. He's returned to Wilcox to play with Notre Dame. Yes, save for an injury the could have seven 16-year-olds on their roster right now.
The Turning Point – An easy pick would be the 1:40 that the Ice put three goals behind Brandon Glover. However any of the 29 saves Lieuwen made to keep his team from being blown out would also suffice.
The Crowd – 3253
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Nathan Lieuwen – All world and bailed out his teammates all night long
2. D Joey Leach – Solid in trying to fill the void left by McNabb turning pro; two assists
3. F Victor Rask – Dangerous import couldn’t solve Lieuwen
Honourable Mention: Brock Montgomery; four assists, fresh off hernia surgery that healed much faster than anticipated, the 19-year-old played a big offensive role.
Up Next: The Lethbridge Hurricanes are here Tuesday night.
Hitmen 1 @ Ice 5
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Calgary Hitmen and Kootenay Ice; September 24, 2011
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 30 shots he faced as the Kootenay Ice dumped the Calgary Hitmen 5-1 in WHL action Saturday night.
After a scoreless first period the Ice broke open the scoring with three goals in a 1:40 span. Rookie Sam Reinhart notched his 1st of the season on the power play 14:17 into the second. Adam Rossignol made it 2-0 27 seconds later with his first of the season and then Erik Benoit got his second of the season 1:13 later to give the Ice a 3-0 lead.
The Hitmen finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Justin Kirsch found a streaking Alex Gogolev 10:46 into the third period with his 1st of the season. Lieuwen would shut the door after that as Jesse Ismond and Adam Rossignol added insurance goals for the 5-1 win.
Brock Montgomery finished the night with four assists.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win while Brandon Glover turned aside 13 of 18 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Niebrandt Ktn (interference) 7:14, Gogolev Cgy (tripping) 8:54, Trzonkowski Cgy (tripping) 12:20, Brassart Cgy (hooking) 14:25.
Second Period
1. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 1 (Antilla, Montgomery) 14:17 (pp)
2. Kootenay, Rossignol 1 (Montgomery, Hurley) 14:44
3. Kootenay, Benoit 2 (Pearce, Niebrandt) 15:57
Penalties -- Dirk Ktn (slashing) 3:27, Lubin Cgy McKinlay Ktn (fighting) 10:10, Kirsch Cgy (double roughing - served by Trzonkowski) Deschaneau Ktn (roughing) 12:34, Ismond Ktn (cross-checking) 20:00.
Third Period
4. Calgary, Gogolev 1 (Kirsch, Humphries) 10:46
5. Kootenay, Ismond 1 (Montgomery, Leach) 17:47
6. Kootenay, Rossignol 2 (Montgomery, Leach) 19:28 (pp)
Penalties -- Benoit Ktn (interference) 12:12, Risdon Cgy (elbowing) 19:10.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 2 11 5 - 18
Calgary: 11 10 9 - 30
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 1-1) Calgary: Brandon Glover (L, 0-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 2-5
Calgary: 0-4
Referee -- Ryan Bonnett, Tyler Adair. Linesman -- Scott Sharun, Mike Roberts.
Attendance -- 3253 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Mike Simpson (healthy), Max Reinhart (Calgary Flames - NHL), Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - three weeks), Jonathon Martin (4th of four-game suspension), Levi Cable (leg - day-to-day).
Calgary: Trevor Cheek, Ben Wilson, Alex Roach, John Lawrence, Luke Gordon, Greg Chase, Chris Driedger.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
What Happened – The Ice celebrated their WHL Championship with a fantastic pyrotechnics show. Nathan Lieuwen was the only one that started the game however and stopped almost everything that the Hitmen threw at him. His teammates woke up sometime in the second.
The Goals – Just when you were looking down the bench for Cody Eakin or Matt Fraser to start them off with a grand total of six shots 15 minutes into the second period, the Ice scored and they came in bunches. With their fourth power play chance of the game the Ice finally came alive when Joe Antilla came up with a puck down low and found a wide open Sam Reinhart. He lifted his 1st of the season past Glover to give the Ice a 1-0 lead… 27 seconds later the Ice fired a mirror image of the first goal except from the other side when Brock Montgomery found Eric Benoit in the same spot. Benoit went glove side – the same as Reinhart – to put the Ice up 2-0… Eric Benoit finished off the three-goal outburst in 1:40 with his second of the season after Elgin Pearce sent a great pass down the left wing to Benoit with a head of steam. Benoit beat Hitmen defender Kenton Helgesen and fired a wicked wrist shot that went, you guessed it, high glove-side to give the Ice a 3-0 lead.... The Hitmen finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Justin Kirsch found Alex Gogolev streaking into the slot. He ripped his first of the season past Lieuwen. It would be the only one to get by the 20-year-old…. Jesse Ismond, no he wasn’t a brutal as he stated post-game on this night, slipped past Hitmen D-man Peter Kosterman after a great feed by Brock Montgomery and made it 4-1 with less than three minutes left… On a late power play Adam Rossignol notched his second of the night on another feed from Brock Montgomery to make the final 5-1.
The Pyrotechnics - They were a great way to celebrate the raising of the club's banners. The fireworks were loud, took your breath away and, thanks to a large flame-on machine, nearly singed the 2002 Banner hanging above. They didn't burn up but more than a few people thought they might go up in smoke.
The Rookies – Outshot 11-2 in the first Kootenay's biggest chance early came from the rookie line. Philp started the rush to Deschaneau and then took a great pass from Wood-Schatz who returned the favour and sent Philp in alone on Hitmen starter Brandon Glover, who then flashed the glove to make a great save; They almost opened the scoring in the second again with a errant pass by Glover right to Wood-Schatz. He was so surprised he had the puck with an open net he shot it wide.
The Hit – D Jeff Hubic, 17, pasted Hitmen forward Chase Clayton on the wall that drew a rise out of the 3253 at the Plex in the first period.
The Fight Card – A tussle in the Hitmen zone between Dylan McKinlay and Keaton Lubin. Call it a draw but it seemed to spark the home side four minutes later.
The Injury – Paulsen went down awkwardly near the end of the first and left the game. He returned in the second but seemed to be labouring somewhat. Paulsen and rookie Mike Simpson were gametime decisions with the nod going to Paulsen.
The Rookie Part II – In a late PK rookie Sam Reinhart took the defensive zone face-off. Yes, a 16-year-old, for the face off. He won it. Oh, he also killed penalties and scored. How old is he again?
The Hospital Run – A young girl in Section K took an errant puck in the face in the third period. A rushed trip to the hospital for some stitches and a bad bruise was lessoned somewhat with Ice forward Drew Czerwonka showing up with a stick signed by the team.
The Cuts – With Max Reinhart still with the Calgary Flames (one assist in tonight’s 2-1 loss to the Oilers) and Czerwonka out for at least two weeks with a shoulder injury, the club expects to come down from the 25 bodies still in camp by one this week, with the other decision not being made until Czerwonka is healthy.
Keeping the Faith – Those wondering what happened to Ice prospect D Tanner Faith, who got into four games as a 15-year-old last season, in his first shift during Ice training camp he suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out for all of training camp. He's returned to Wilcox to play with Notre Dame. Yes, save for an injury the could have seven 16-year-olds on their roster right now.
The Turning Point – An easy pick would be the 1:40 that the Ice put three goals behind Brandon Glover. However any of the 29 saves Lieuwen made to keep his team from being blown out would also suffice.
The Crowd – 3253
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Nathan Lieuwen – All world and bailed out his teammates all night long
2. D Joey Leach – Solid in trying to fill the void left by McNabb turning pro; two assists
3. F Victor Rask – Dangerous import couldn’t solve Lieuwen
Honourable Mention: Brock Montgomery; four assists, fresh off hernia surgery that healed much faster than anticipated, the 19-year-old played a big offensive role.
Up Next: The Lethbridge Hurricanes are here Tuesday night.
Hitmen 1 @ Ice 5
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Calgary Hitmen and Kootenay Ice; September 24, 2011
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 30 shots he faced as the Kootenay Ice dumped the Calgary Hitmen 5-1 in WHL action Saturday night.
After a scoreless first period the Ice broke open the scoring with three goals in a 1:40 span. Rookie Sam Reinhart notched his 1st of the season on the power play 14:17 into the second. Adam Rossignol made it 2-0 27 seconds later with his first of the season and then Erik Benoit got his second of the season 1:13 later to give the Ice a 3-0 lead.
The Hitmen finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Justin Kirsch found a streaking Alex Gogolev 10:46 into the third period with his 1st of the season. Lieuwen would shut the door after that as Jesse Ismond and Adam Rossignol added insurance goals for the 5-1 win.
Brock Montgomery finished the night with four assists.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win while Brandon Glover turned aside 13 of 18 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Niebrandt Ktn (interference) 7:14, Gogolev Cgy (tripping) 8:54, Trzonkowski Cgy (tripping) 12:20, Brassart Cgy (hooking) 14:25.
Second Period
1. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 1 (Antilla, Montgomery) 14:17 (pp)
2. Kootenay, Rossignol 1 (Montgomery, Hurley) 14:44
3. Kootenay, Benoit 2 (Pearce, Niebrandt) 15:57
Penalties -- Dirk Ktn (slashing) 3:27, Lubin Cgy McKinlay Ktn (fighting) 10:10, Kirsch Cgy (double roughing - served by Trzonkowski) Deschaneau Ktn (roughing) 12:34, Ismond Ktn (cross-checking) 20:00.
Third Period
4. Calgary, Gogolev 1 (Kirsch, Humphries) 10:46
5. Kootenay, Ismond 1 (Montgomery, Leach) 17:47
6. Kootenay, Rossignol 2 (Montgomery, Leach) 19:28 (pp)
Penalties -- Benoit Ktn (interference) 12:12, Risdon Cgy (elbowing) 19:10.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 2 11 5 - 18
Calgary: 11 10 9 - 30
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 1-1) Calgary: Brandon Glover (L, 0-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 2-5
Calgary: 0-4
Referee -- Ryan Bonnett, Tyler Adair. Linesman -- Scott Sharun, Mike Roberts.
Attendance -- 3253 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Mike Simpson (healthy), Max Reinhart (Calgary Flames - NHL), Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - three weeks), Jonathon Martin (4th of four-game suspension), Levi Cable (leg - day-to-day).
Calgary: Trevor Cheek, Ben Wilson, Alex Roach, John Lawrence, Luke Gordon, Greg Chase, Chris Driedger.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Friday, September 23, 2011
Martin signs.... A youth movement in Ktn?
A couple of shoes dropped in Iceland yesterday and the moves are going to have a profound effect on the Ice this season.
Last one first:
D James Martin was signed by the Calgary Flames yesterday that sent some shockwaves through the club's line-up and put a big wrench into the club's plans this season.
Martin, 20, was expected to anchor the club's D that saw the loss of Brayden McNabb to the pros and Hayden Rintoul via trade with the Victoria Royals. It means the seven D-men still on the roster are in by default as one was going to be the odd-man out when Martin was to return.
The Winnipeg product could still return but it's unlikely, given the success he's had at the Flames camp. It leaves Leach, Niebrandt, Paulsen, Dirk as the club's only veterans on the blueline for the season opener in Red Deer tonight. Mike Simpson, 17, Jeff Hubic, 17 and Spencer Wand 16.
Wand joins five other 16-year-old's still on the roster. Ice coach Kris Knoblauch said yesterday there will be three more cuts (two now that Martin is gone) to the roster and that there would be a "16-year-old" line tonight. Likely Sam Reinhart, Deschaneau and Philp as Jonathon Martin still has another game in his four-game suspension to serve. Jesse Wood-Schatz is the other 16-year-old.
G Brett Teskey was released yesterday in a move that cleared up the goaltending issue within the club and the teams system. With Lieuwen back to play his overage year one of Skapski or Teskey had to go. Teskey was the odd-man out, setting up the Hoflin-Skapski tandem next year.
Skapski will need to get into more than 12 games (as Teskey started last season) to get the seasoning needed to assume the starter's role next season so it will be interesting to see if Lieuwen get's the workload he did last season. I would argue yes, especially since the team headed towards a youth movement, if not by their own design.
It was an intriguing question after last year's camp. Many thought that Skapski was the better of the two and it was a surprise that Teskey was kept. Then again the 20-year-old dynamic of still having Todd Mathews on the roster played a role in the decision to keep Teskey.
Season opener goes tonight in Red Deer and the hanging of the banner at the Plex goes tomorrow night. Mark the start time: 6:55 to get the festivities in that will include pyrotechnics etc.
For HockeyNow:
Lieuwen an Ice leader as WHL season starts
Kootenay Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen has seen his share of ups and downs as he embarks on his 5th and final season of junior hockey. It is safe to safe that the last season of hockey for the lanky puck-stopper has been up, wayyyy up.
Backstopping the Ice to a 2011 WHL championship, WHL Playoff MVP honours and then finally hearing the call to the NHL as a sixth-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in June’s NHL Draft. He topped it off by helping the Sabre rookies win the Traverse City Young Stars tournament before being returned just days before the puck dropped on the 2011-12 season, Lieuwen’s role will now expand with the Ice as the Abbotsford product will now lead a younger club as they defend last season’s championship. “We expect to have a good team this year and we expect to do well,” said Lieuwen as the club drops the puck on the 2011-12 season in Red Deer Friday. Saturday night the club will raise the 2011 WHL Championship banner to the Rec Plex rafters against the Calgary Hitmen.
And though the club can return 15 players from last season’s roster the loss of the likes of C Cody Eakin, D Brayden McNabb and forwards Matt Fraser, Steele Boomer and Kevin King to graduation and trade of D Hayden Rintoul to Victoria means that there’s a lot of room for new leaders in all departments, save for the goal crease. “My role is that I’m the guy in the net and that’s my first responsibility but there is an added role as a 20-year-old and the leadership aspect from the experience last season that I want to pass onto the younger guys this year.”
The club’s roster moves just prior to the season opener in Red Deer reflected that team’s youth movement this season. The team released goaltender Brett Teskey, 18, who served as back-up to Nathan Lieuwen during last season’s championship run. Teskey, from Regina, got into 18 games last season and finished with a 9-3 record, posting a .859 save percentage and a 3.21 goals against average. "With three goaltenders vying for two spots we felt to be fair to the goalies it was important to get down to our roster sooner rather than later. It is always difficult when you have to release a veteran player and we would like to thank Brett for his contribution to our Championship team last year,” said Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth in a release. It wasn’t determined just where Teskey would play this season.
Where D James Martin would play this season however was determined just prior to the season opener and it looks more and more like it won’t be in Cranbrook with the Ice this season. Martin, 20, received an invite from the Calgary Flames to the club’s training camp and earned a contract. Martin is with the Abbotsford Heat for their camp and will likely stick with the team. “Unfortunately we still have guys at pro camps,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We’d like them here to start our season but really, it’s a good problem to have. You want to move your players along with the next level and develop hockey players. We’d love to have him back but we’re just going to have to wait and see.”
Quick Hits – Before Martin signed his contract with the Flames Knoblauch anticipated three more cuts from his roster, two forwards and one on defence. With Martin’s departure the club is left with seven defensemen, three of which are rookies; Mike Simpson, 17, Jeff Hubic, 17 and Spencer Wand, 16…. Knobluach also said the team would field a forward line of 16-year-old’s in Red Deer. Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Deschaneau and Luke Philp will likely start for the club. Jonathon Martin must served one more game of his four-game suspension. Jesse Wood-Schatz rounds out the club’s seven 16-year-olds currently on the roster.
Last one first:
D James Martin was signed by the Calgary Flames yesterday that sent some shockwaves through the club's line-up and put a big wrench into the club's plans this season.
Martin, 20, was expected to anchor the club's D that saw the loss of Brayden McNabb to the pros and Hayden Rintoul via trade with the Victoria Royals. It means the seven D-men still on the roster are in by default as one was going to be the odd-man out when Martin was to return.
The Winnipeg product could still return but it's unlikely, given the success he's had at the Flames camp. It leaves Leach, Niebrandt, Paulsen, Dirk as the club's only veterans on the blueline for the season opener in Red Deer tonight. Mike Simpson, 17, Jeff Hubic, 17 and Spencer Wand 16.
Wand joins five other 16-year-old's still on the roster. Ice coach Kris Knoblauch said yesterday there will be three more cuts (two now that Martin is gone) to the roster and that there would be a "16-year-old" line tonight. Likely Sam Reinhart, Deschaneau and Philp as Jonathon Martin still has another game in his four-game suspension to serve. Jesse Wood-Schatz is the other 16-year-old.
G Brett Teskey was released yesterday in a move that cleared up the goaltending issue within the club and the teams system. With Lieuwen back to play his overage year one of Skapski or Teskey had to go. Teskey was the odd-man out, setting up the Hoflin-Skapski tandem next year.
Skapski will need to get into more than 12 games (as Teskey started last season) to get the seasoning needed to assume the starter's role next season so it will be interesting to see if Lieuwen get's the workload he did last season. I would argue yes, especially since the team headed towards a youth movement, if not by their own design.
It was an intriguing question after last year's camp. Many thought that Skapski was the better of the two and it was a surprise that Teskey was kept. Then again the 20-year-old dynamic of still having Todd Mathews on the roster played a role in the decision to keep Teskey.
Season opener goes tonight in Red Deer and the hanging of the banner at the Plex goes tomorrow night. Mark the start time: 6:55 to get the festivities in that will include pyrotechnics etc.
For HockeyNow:
Lieuwen an Ice leader as WHL season starts
Kootenay Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen has seen his share of ups and downs as he embarks on his 5th and final season of junior hockey. It is safe to safe that the last season of hockey for the lanky puck-stopper has been up, wayyyy up.
Backstopping the Ice to a 2011 WHL championship, WHL Playoff MVP honours and then finally hearing the call to the NHL as a sixth-round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in June’s NHL Draft. He topped it off by helping the Sabre rookies win the Traverse City Young Stars tournament before being returned just days before the puck dropped on the 2011-12 season, Lieuwen’s role will now expand with the Ice as the Abbotsford product will now lead a younger club as they defend last season’s championship. “We expect to have a good team this year and we expect to do well,” said Lieuwen as the club drops the puck on the 2011-12 season in Red Deer Friday. Saturday night the club will raise the 2011 WHL Championship banner to the Rec Plex rafters against the Calgary Hitmen.
And though the club can return 15 players from last season’s roster the loss of the likes of C Cody Eakin, D Brayden McNabb and forwards Matt Fraser, Steele Boomer and Kevin King to graduation and trade of D Hayden Rintoul to Victoria means that there’s a lot of room for new leaders in all departments, save for the goal crease. “My role is that I’m the guy in the net and that’s my first responsibility but there is an added role as a 20-year-old and the leadership aspect from the experience last season that I want to pass onto the younger guys this year.”
The club’s roster moves just prior to the season opener in Red Deer reflected that team’s youth movement this season. The team released goaltender Brett Teskey, 18, who served as back-up to Nathan Lieuwen during last season’s championship run. Teskey, from Regina, got into 18 games last season and finished with a 9-3 record, posting a .859 save percentage and a 3.21 goals against average. "With three goaltenders vying for two spots we felt to be fair to the goalies it was important to get down to our roster sooner rather than later. It is always difficult when you have to release a veteran player and we would like to thank Brett for his contribution to our Championship team last year,” said Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth in a release. It wasn’t determined just where Teskey would play this season.
Where D James Martin would play this season however was determined just prior to the season opener and it looks more and more like it won’t be in Cranbrook with the Ice this season. Martin, 20, received an invite from the Calgary Flames to the club’s training camp and earned a contract. Martin is with the Abbotsford Heat for their camp and will likely stick with the team. “Unfortunately we still have guys at pro camps,” said Ice head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We’d like them here to start our season but really, it’s a good problem to have. You want to move your players along with the next level and develop hockey players. We’d love to have him back but we’re just going to have to wait and see.”
Quick Hits – Before Martin signed his contract with the Flames Knoblauch anticipated three more cuts from his roster, two forwards and one on defence. With Martin’s departure the club is left with seven defensemen, three of which are rookies; Mike Simpson, 17, Jeff Hubic, 17 and Spencer Wand, 16…. Knobluach also said the team would field a forward line of 16-year-old’s in Red Deer. Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Deschaneau and Luke Philp will likely start for the club. Jonathon Martin must served one more game of his four-game suspension. Jesse Wood-Schatz rounds out the club’s seven 16-year-olds currently on the roster.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Vets making their way back.... but
Four Ice veterans who were away at NHL camps will be back for the club's season-opener on the road in Red Deer Friday.
Joe Antilla returned from San Jose over the weekend while Nathan Lieuwen (Buffalo)was back yesterday. D Joey Leach should be back in time for Friday and the same with Drew Czerwonka from Edmonton while it looks as though both Max Reinhart and James Martin will stay with the Flames for an exhibition game or two.
Trevor at the Daily Townsman has a piece here.
Reinhart will almost assuredly return being 19 and only able to play either in Calgary or Kootenay but in Martin's case, his return is anything but assured.
The Flames are impressed with Martin, who is 20 and is scheduled to anchor the Ice blueline this season. The Winnipeg product has other ideas though and is bent on earning a contract and sticking with the Flames organization.
Not to put the cart before horse but Martin was as sure thing as one could get to be one of the club's three, 20-year-olds. If he's signed by the Flames and doesn't return it throws a rather large wrench into the club's plan for the blueline.
Meaning the group becomes somewhat younger and that the deal to trade Hayden Rintoul in June might have been a little hasty, obviously with the 20/20 hind-site glasses on. Neibrandt, Leach and Paulsen are 19 while Dirk is 18 as the club's top four minus Martin with Simpson, Hubic - both 17 - and Wand likely to stick with the club in this scenario. With all three to be leaned on heavily in that case.
Then again, Martin hasn't made pro yet, just a lot of Ice fans really nervous.
Shaw announced the TV Schedule for the upcoming season it's here. The Ice are featured twice, both on the road, in Red Deer and Moose Jaw, respectively, in January.
Joe Antilla returned from San Jose over the weekend while Nathan Lieuwen (Buffalo)was back yesterday. D Joey Leach should be back in time for Friday and the same with Drew Czerwonka from Edmonton while it looks as though both Max Reinhart and James Martin will stay with the Flames for an exhibition game or two.
Trevor at the Daily Townsman has a piece here.
Reinhart will almost assuredly return being 19 and only able to play either in Calgary or Kootenay but in Martin's case, his return is anything but assured.
The Flames are impressed with Martin, who is 20 and is scheduled to anchor the Ice blueline this season. The Winnipeg product has other ideas though and is bent on earning a contract and sticking with the Flames organization.
Not to put the cart before horse but Martin was as sure thing as one could get to be one of the club's three, 20-year-olds. If he's signed by the Flames and doesn't return it throws a rather large wrench into the club's plan for the blueline.
Meaning the group becomes somewhat younger and that the deal to trade Hayden Rintoul in June might have been a little hasty, obviously with the 20/20 hind-site glasses on. Neibrandt, Leach and Paulsen are 19 while Dirk is 18 as the club's top four minus Martin with Simpson, Hubic - both 17 - and Wand likely to stick with the club in this scenario. With all three to be leaned on heavily in that case.
Then again, Martin hasn't made pro yet, just a lot of Ice fans really nervous.
Shaw announced the TV Schedule for the upcoming season it's here. The Ice are featured twice, both on the road, in Red Deer and Moose Jaw, respectively, in January.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Kootenay waxed to finish pre-season
UPDATE: The Ice have reduced their roster to 27 with four releases. Looks like I was wrong on Schellenberg.
Here's the release:
Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has reassigned four players:
Goaltender Wyatt Hoflin 16 St. Albert AAA Midgets
Defenseman/Forward Dylan Schellenberg 18 Drumheller Dragons - AJHL
Forward Jared Iron 17 La Ronge Ice Wolves - SJHL
Forward Kurt Johnas 17 Steinbach Pistons - MJHL
As a result of today's transactions, the ICE are carrying three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 16 forwards. Of those, five are still attending NHL Camps (Nathan Lieuwen - Buffalo, Drew Czerwonka – Edmonton, Max Reinhart – Calgary, Joey Leach – Calgary, James Martin - Calgary).
The first home action for the ICE will be Home Opener September 24 against the Calgary Hitmen at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Kootenay ICE Office or by calling 250-417-0322.
Good thing they don't count. The Ice finished the pre-season with a 1-4 record and were outscored in the Crowsnest Pass 19-3 as the club lost 10-0 to the Calgary Hitmen Sunday.
Both Mackenzie Skapski and Brett Teskey split the duties in net giving up five goals each on 50 shots.
Jesse Wood-Shatz was a minus-5 while four players, Simpson, Hubic, Johnas and Brendan Hurley were all dash-4.
The line-up remains at 31 with five players still at NHL camps.
In Calgary the Flames released five players back to junior but neither James Martin, Joey Leach or Max Reinhart were among them. Feel free to start fretting. Drew Czerwonka is still with the Oilers, as is Nathan Lieuwen with the Sabres.
Don't sweat it though, from reports I've read the Flames are keeping the likes of Martin, Leach and Reinhart for the splits-squad exhibition games with the Canucks Tuesday.
Here's the release:
Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has reassigned four players:
Goaltender Wyatt Hoflin 16 St. Albert AAA Midgets
Defenseman/Forward Dylan Schellenberg 18 Drumheller Dragons - AJHL
Forward Jared Iron 17 La Ronge Ice Wolves - SJHL
Forward Kurt Johnas 17 Steinbach Pistons - MJHL
As a result of today's transactions, the ICE are carrying three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 16 forwards. Of those, five are still attending NHL Camps (Nathan Lieuwen - Buffalo, Drew Czerwonka – Edmonton, Max Reinhart – Calgary, Joey Leach – Calgary, James Martin - Calgary).
The first home action for the ICE will be Home Opener September 24 against the Calgary Hitmen at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Kootenay ICE Office or by calling 250-417-0322.
Good thing they don't count. The Ice finished the pre-season with a 1-4 record and were outscored in the Crowsnest Pass 19-3 as the club lost 10-0 to the Calgary Hitmen Sunday.
Both Mackenzie Skapski and Brett Teskey split the duties in net giving up five goals each on 50 shots.
Jesse Wood-Shatz was a minus-5 while four players, Simpson, Hubic, Johnas and Brendan Hurley were all dash-4.
The line-up remains at 31 with five players still at NHL camps.
In Calgary the Flames released five players back to junior but neither James Martin, Joey Leach or Max Reinhart were among them. Feel free to start fretting. Drew Czerwonka is still with the Oilers, as is Nathan Lieuwen with the Sabres.
Don't sweat it though, from reports I've read the Flames are keeping the likes of Martin, Leach and Reinhart for the splits-squad exhibition games with the Canucks Tuesday.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Kootenay drops to 1-3 in pre-season
The Ice lost to the Lethbridge Hurricanes 9-3 last night in the Crowsnest Pass, dropping their record to 1-3 in the pre-season.
I didn't see the game so it's tough to comment on it, so I won't.
Well, okay, just a little. Scoring for the Ice were Sam Reinhart, Elgin Pearce and Luke Philp. Brett Teskey surrendered four goals on 19 shots while Wyatt Hoflin gave up five goals on 21 shots. The WHL has the summary here while Jeff Hollick has a good recap over at his blog (on the right).
Joe Antilla returned from the San Jose Sharks camp but didn't play last night along with Mackenzie Skapski, Jonathon Martin, Jesse Ismond, Levi Cable (ankle injury - day-to-day), and Brock Montgomery (sports hernia - October).
Liewen, Martin, Czerwonka, Leach and Reinhart are all still at NHL camps. Reinhart had a great rookie tournament in Penticton playing on a line with Sven Baertschi, who he faced off against and beat in the WHL final just a few months ago, and Americans forward Patrick Holland in an all-Dub line. The Calgary Herald has a piece here.
Offence-wise it certainly looks like Philp and Deschaneau (along with Reinhart, obviously) are the early leaders to gain three of the possibly five available forward positions, leaving Jared Iron, Jesse Wood-Shatz, Kurt Johnas, Jonathan Martin to fight it out for two spots. The 16-year-old crop seems to be more offensively inclined than the 17-year-old group. Sam Reinhart is ripping up the pre-season with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games. Once the season starts we'll talk more (or I'll write) about his role with the club this season.
Based on a 23-man roster, which is traditional for the club (14 forwards, 7 D, and 2 goalies), there are still 8 releases to be made. Two goalies and one 20-year-old must be a part of that configuration so I'll post two scenarios; (again, they're not based on what I've seen because I haven't been on the road with the team, just stats, so take them for what they're worth.)
If Lieuwen returns, which is far from a sure-thing after his play in the rookie tournament in Traverse City:
Lieuwen
Skapski
Skapski seems to have the edge in play so far and is challenging Brett Teskey. If Lieuwen's back I think Skapski will edge Teskey out. If Lieuwen doesn't return then it'll be the two of them between the pipes. Hoflin, 16, likely needs another year of seasoning before challenging for a spot.
Martin Leach
Paulsen Dirk
Niebrandt Simpson
Schellenberg
I have Schellenberg back on D only because the WHL website has him listed as such. I could be wrong but I think he'll have done enough to stick and because he's versatile and can play up front and on the blueline.
Reinhart Antilla Czerwonka
Benoit Pearce Ismond
McKinley Rossignol Hurley
Deschaneau Reinhart Philp
Montgomery Cable
The final two are more based on what they have done and not what they've done in camp, because of injuries. I don't know if Jared Iron, Wood-Shatz, Jon Martin or Johnas have done enough to supplant them. Ismond and Antilla are there if Lieuwen doesn't stick in the pros. If he's back, it'll be between the two of them based on the depth Martin brings to the blueline. At first I thought that Lieuwen might be the one out if he returns based on the fact that he'd certainly bring the most in return, given the lack of high-end goaltenders out there this season. That doesn't seem to be the case now and if he's returned, he'll likely anchor the club between the pipes.
I also though Montgomery might be in tough before camp but upon further review the size/grit/toughness issue of the club will need to be addressed. Czerwonka will play top minutes and can't be expected to fill that role.
Bodies should be returned from NHL camps later this week in time for the home opener but that's not guaranteed. But the club will likely get down to the bubble players by Monday.
I didn't see the game so it's tough to comment on it, so I won't.
Well, okay, just a little. Scoring for the Ice were Sam Reinhart, Elgin Pearce and Luke Philp. Brett Teskey surrendered four goals on 19 shots while Wyatt Hoflin gave up five goals on 21 shots. The WHL has the summary here while Jeff Hollick has a good recap over at his blog (on the right).
Joe Antilla returned from the San Jose Sharks camp but didn't play last night along with Mackenzie Skapski, Jonathon Martin, Jesse Ismond, Levi Cable (ankle injury - day-to-day), and Brock Montgomery (sports hernia - October).
Liewen, Martin, Czerwonka, Leach and Reinhart are all still at NHL camps. Reinhart had a great rookie tournament in Penticton playing on a line with Sven Baertschi, who he faced off against and beat in the WHL final just a few months ago, and Americans forward Patrick Holland in an all-Dub line. The Calgary Herald has a piece here.
Offence-wise it certainly looks like Philp and Deschaneau (along with Reinhart, obviously) are the early leaders to gain three of the possibly five available forward positions, leaving Jared Iron, Jesse Wood-Shatz, Kurt Johnas, Jonathan Martin to fight it out for two spots. The 16-year-old crop seems to be more offensively inclined than the 17-year-old group. Sam Reinhart is ripping up the pre-season with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games. Once the season starts we'll talk more (or I'll write) about his role with the club this season.
Based on a 23-man roster, which is traditional for the club (14 forwards, 7 D, and 2 goalies), there are still 8 releases to be made. Two goalies and one 20-year-old must be a part of that configuration so I'll post two scenarios; (again, they're not based on what I've seen because I haven't been on the road with the team, just stats, so take them for what they're worth.)
If Lieuwen returns, which is far from a sure-thing after his play in the rookie tournament in Traverse City:
Lieuwen
Skapski
Skapski seems to have the edge in play so far and is challenging Brett Teskey. If Lieuwen's back I think Skapski will edge Teskey out. If Lieuwen doesn't return then it'll be the two of them between the pipes. Hoflin, 16, likely needs another year of seasoning before challenging for a spot.
Martin Leach
Paulsen Dirk
Niebrandt Simpson
Schellenberg
I have Schellenberg back on D only because the WHL website has him listed as such. I could be wrong but I think he'll have done enough to stick and because he's versatile and can play up front and on the blueline.
Reinhart Antilla Czerwonka
Benoit Pearce Ismond
McKinley Rossignol Hurley
Deschaneau Reinhart Philp
Montgomery Cable
The final two are more based on what they have done and not what they've done in camp, because of injuries. I don't know if Jared Iron, Wood-Shatz, Jon Martin or Johnas have done enough to supplant them. Ismond and Antilla are there if Lieuwen doesn't stick in the pros. If he's back, it'll be between the two of them based on the depth Martin brings to the blueline. At first I thought that Lieuwen might be the one out if he returns based on the fact that he'd certainly bring the most in return, given the lack of high-end goaltenders out there this season. That doesn't seem to be the case now and if he's returned, he'll likely anchor the club between the pipes.
I also though Montgomery might be in tough before camp but upon further review the size/grit/toughness issue of the club will need to be addressed. Czerwonka will play top minutes and can't be expected to fill that role.
Bodies should be returned from NHL camps later this week in time for the home opener but that's not guaranteed. But the club will likely get down to the bubble players by Monday.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sly back in North America
As the Ice prepare for their second-to-last exhibition game in the Crowsnest Pass tonight against Lethbridge (thanks for the catch!) I found this on former Ice captain Dustin Sylvester.
Sylvester signed an AHL deal with the Calgary Flames affiliate in Abbotsford for the upcoming season after lighting-up the German second-league in Freiburg last season.
The Flames camp roster, at least the prospect one, is littered with Ice and former Ice players. As well as Marysville product and former Kimberley Dynamiter/Lethbridge Hurricane Carter Bancks.
Sylvester signed an AHL deal with the Calgary Flames affiliate in Abbotsford for the upcoming season after lighting-up the German second-league in Freiburg last season.
The Flames camp roster, at least the prospect one, is littered with Ice and former Ice players. As well as Marysville product and former Kimberley Dynamiter/Lethbridge Hurricane Carter Bancks.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Catching up....
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen and D-man Brayden McNabb started off the new hockey season the way they ended it, at least in the WHL, when the two won the Traverse City Prospects tournament in Michigan today with a 5-2 win with the Buffalo Sabres prospects over the New York Rangers prospects.
Lieuwen, 3-1 in the tourney, got the win in the final game as both he and McNabb should head to the Sabres main training camp.
McNabb is already signed and headed to the AHL at least, after a solid performance, could Lieuwen be far behind?
F Matt Fraser also played in the tournament for the Dallas Stars prospects, as did Cranbrook product D Jace Coyle.
Kootenay finished up the Tri-Cities tourney with a couple of losses to Everett and Portland before heading back to Cranbrook. 15-year-old Colin Shirley headed to his Midget club for the season though I imagine he'll get into some games this season. Shirley will play for the Saskatoon Blazers.
F Jonathon Martin received a four-game suspension from the WHL after he was fingered for a charging major against Portland.
Friday Kootenay is in Lethbridge for an exhibition tilt with the Canes while on Sunday the Ice will finish up the exhibition season against the Calgary Hitmen in the Crowsnest Pass.
The regular season opens the following Friday in Red Deer with the Ice hosting the Calgary Hitmen on Banner-Raising night Saturday, September 24 at the Rec Plex.
Lieuwen, 3-1 in the tourney, got the win in the final game as both he and McNabb should head to the Sabres main training camp.
McNabb is already signed and headed to the AHL at least, after a solid performance, could Lieuwen be far behind?
F Matt Fraser also played in the tournament for the Dallas Stars prospects, as did Cranbrook product D Jace Coyle.
Kootenay finished up the Tri-Cities tourney with a couple of losses to Everett and Portland before heading back to Cranbrook. 15-year-old Colin Shirley headed to his Midget club for the season though I imagine he'll get into some games this season. Shirley will play for the Saskatoon Blazers.
F Jonathon Martin received a four-game suspension from the WHL after he was fingered for a charging major against Portland.
Friday Kootenay is in Lethbridge for an exhibition tilt with the Canes while on Sunday the Ice will finish up the exhibition season against the Calgary Hitmen in the Crowsnest Pass.
The regular season opens the following Friday in Red Deer with the Ice hosting the Calgary Hitmen on Banner-Raising night Saturday, September 24 at the Rec Plex.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Ice open exhibition tourney with win
Sam Reinhart notched two goals as the Kootenay Ice came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Tri-City Americans 5-4 yesterday in Kennewick, Washington.
Kootenay fought some bus legs in the first and the rookies put the puck in the net against the Americans.
Brett Teskey got the start and surrendered three goals on 21 shots while Mackenzie Skapski came into the game halfway through and stopped 7 of 8 shots he faced.
Ice goals: Sam Reinhart (2), Kurt Johnas, Jaedon Descheneau and Luke Philp.
Annie Fowler of the T-C Herald has a recap here.
Kootenay is underway against Everett in the first action of Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth against his son Ryan, a forward trying to make the Silvertips as a 16-year-old.
On a local note that many have you have probably heard of, Kienan Hebert, 3, of Sparwood is still missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in hopes of finding the missing boy.
Kootenay fought some bus legs in the first and the rookies put the puck in the net against the Americans.
Brett Teskey got the start and surrendered three goals on 21 shots while Mackenzie Skapski came into the game halfway through and stopped 7 of 8 shots he faced.
Ice goals: Sam Reinhart (2), Kurt Johnas, Jaedon Descheneau and Luke Philp.
Annie Fowler of the T-C Herald has a recap here.
Kootenay is underway against Everett in the first action of Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth against his son Ryan, a forward trying to make the Silvertips as a 16-year-old.
On a local note that many have you have probably heard of, Kienan Hebert, 3, of Sparwood is still missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in hopes of finding the missing boy.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Ice alum not on KHL team plane...
A terrible tragedy today as the plane carrying the KHL (Russian) team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl crashed shortly after takeoff today.
Among the victims is former NHL'er, Saskatoon Blades coach and Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames assistant coach Brad McCrimmon, the brother of Brandon Wheat Kings owner/GM Kelly McCrimmon.
Former Canuck Pavol Demitra was also among the 44 victims. CBC has a story here.
Former Kootenay Ice forward Ryley Armstrong, who was on the roster of the Russian team, was not involved in the disaster. He Tweeted from Saskatoon that he's about to attend Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate training camp in St. John's.
Among the victims is former NHL'er, Saskatoon Blades coach and Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames assistant coach Brad McCrimmon, the brother of Brandon Wheat Kings owner/GM Kelly McCrimmon.
Former Canuck Pavol Demitra was also among the 44 victims. CBC has a story here.
Former Kootenay Ice forward Ryley Armstrong, who was on the roster of the Russian team, was not involved in the disaster. He Tweeted from Saskatoon that he's about to attend Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate training camp in St. John's.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Ice camp breaks at 32
The Kootenay Ice will begin their 2011 WHL Exhibition season with the 32-man roster that emerged from the club's training camp that featured 61 players.
The ICE have added the following players to their exhibition roster:
Mackenzie Skapski 17 Abbotsford, BC Goaltender
Wyatt Hoflin 16 Spruce Grove, AB Goaltender
Jeff Hubic 17 Regina, SK Defenseman
Mike Simpson 17 Abbotsford, BC Defenseman
Spencer Wand 16 Saskatoon, SK Defenseman
Dylan Schellenberg 18 Drumheller, AB Defenseman / Forward
Jared Iron 17 Canoe Narrows, SK Forward
Kurt Johnas 17 Winnipeg, MB Forward
Sam Reinhart 16 West Vancouver, BC Forward
Jesse Wood-Schatz 16 Sherwood Park, AB Forward
Luke Philp 16 Canmore, AB Forward
Jonathon Martin 16 Winnipeg, MB Forward
Jaedon Descheneau 16 Edmonton, AB Forward
Collin Shirley 15 Saskatoon, SK Forward
The 14 above are in addition to the club's current roster of 18 players from last season's club. Max Reinhart, Nathan Lieuwen, Joey Leach, Joe Antilla, James Martin and Drew Czerwonka will all attend NHL camps.
Brett Teskey G
Luke Paulsen D
Jagger Dirk D
John Niebrandt D
Adam Rossignol F
Brendan Hurley F
Elgin Pearce F
Dylan McKinlay F
Eric Benoit F
Jesse Ismond F
Injured List:
F Brock Montgomery - Sports Hernia (October)
D Tanner Faith
F Levi Cable
Both Cable and Faith were injured in training camp. Their prognosis is unknown. The roster is set at 32 but by my count there's 33 names. Montgomery's injury is likely the difference but Tanner Faith's name is conspicuously absent. His injury could be worse than first thought.
Some thoughts....
Out at the lake for the last gasp of summer vacation so I only managed three sessions including the Blue-White game.
On Sunday Team Blue jumped out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Dylan Schellenberg (18) and Eric Benoit, with two markers before Team White clawed their way back. Jackson Elyuik (16), James Martin, Garick Gray (17)and Jonathon Martin (16 - no relation to James, though they're from the same hometown of Winnipeg)who scored with less than a minute left to give Team White the 4-3 come from behind win.
Bronson Ammeter, an Ice draft pick from May started for Team White and surrendered 3 goals while Mackenize Skapski came on halfway through and shut the door.
Camp invite Jayden Sittler, 15, started for team blue and gave up one goal before Wyatt Hoflin, 16, gave up three goals to take the loss.
Over $1900 was raised for the Cranbrook/Kimberley United Way.
Had a long look at the club's first round pick from the 2011 Bantam Draft F Colin Shirley. Listed at 5'10" 135lbs when he was drafted the Saskatoon product looked like he's put weight and inches on since then. Good hands, speed and size. All the right tools to play at this level next season.
For this year's roster there looks to be a three-way race for two spots on the blueline. D Mike Simpson, 17, Spencer Wand, 16, and Jeff Hubic, 17. Dylan Schellenberg, 18, can play both forward and defence but looked stronger up front from what I seen. No Tanner Faith tells me that it's a three-way battle (unless Schellenberg plays back). Simpson is the front-runner. He and Wand had a good tilt in the Blue-White game with Simpson getting the clear decision. Wand has played well and may have moved ahead of Hubic on the pre-season chart. Exhibition season will tell.... Simpson, 17, has to be in the Brayden McNabb-range of size and weight. Listed last season at 6'4" 200lbs, he's bigger and stronger this season. Foot-speed will need to be addressed but McNabb was very similar in his development three years ago.
The Forwards had some names push ahead on the pre-season chart over the five-day camp. Going in I thought Philp and Descheneau were the top two 16-year-olds but following camp Jonothan Martin moved ahead in my rankings. Jakson Elyniuk and Jesse Wood-Schatz also muddied the waters. For arguments sake we'll take Sam Reinhart out of the mix. He's got a roster spot.... Kurt Johnas played better than Jared Iron from what I saw. Iron was well ahead last season but Johnas played well.
Where I thought Cable, Iron, Philp, Descheneau were the top four guys (plus Reinhart) for five forward spots, Cable's injury and the play of Martin, Johnas, Wood-Shatz and Schellenberg have thrown that theory out the window.
With Cable out and Reinhart already there, here's my rankings:
Martin
Schellenberg
Descheneau
Johnas
Iron
Philp
Wood-Shatz
The exhibition season should clear the air somewhat.
In goal I didn't see much of the 15-year-old goaltenders but was impressed by camp invite Jayden Sittler. The much-ballyhooed four-way goaltending problem, if Lieuwen is returned, got clearer on the weekend in my opinion. Skapski clearly identified himself as ready to challenge incumbent Brett Teskey whether Lieuwen returns or not. Wyatt Hoflin, 16, is still with the club but struggled with rebound control.
At camps end my rankings:
Lieuwen
Skapski
Teskey
Hoflin
During training camp two U.S.-born brothers - Justin Derlago, 17, and Riley Derlago, 16, impressed. With the former playing well in his last appearance Saturday. Neither played in the Blue-White game but Justin Derlago looked like he could play at this level perhaps next season. He was once considered a possible high-end Bantam draft pick in 2009 but wasn't selected. Could've been NCAA aspirations being from St. Paul, MN. He played with the Winnipeg Midget Thrashers last season.
Also F Garrick Gray, 17, played well in the Blue-White game and notched a goal. He played at the Banff Hockey Academy last season.
As for the veterans, the usual suspects stood out. Max Reinhart was lights-out and will put this team on his back and carry then offensively this season. James Martin will shine in the big role on the blueline this season.
Still lots of questions though for the upcoming season but, especially following a WHL Championship, there's lots of time to let the chips fall where they may.
And I was remiss in not mentioning that D Bryce Perpelitz of Cranbrook looks to have made the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs out of their training camp that concluded this weekend. Perpelitz, 17, notched 8 goals and 13 assists in 48 games last season with the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Kootenay opens up the exhibition season Thursday in Tri-City for the Ams' pre-season tournament.
The ICE have added the following players to their exhibition roster:
Mackenzie Skapski 17 Abbotsford, BC Goaltender
Wyatt Hoflin 16 Spruce Grove, AB Goaltender
Jeff Hubic 17 Regina, SK Defenseman
Mike Simpson 17 Abbotsford, BC Defenseman
Spencer Wand 16 Saskatoon, SK Defenseman
Dylan Schellenberg 18 Drumheller, AB Defenseman / Forward
Jared Iron 17 Canoe Narrows, SK Forward
Kurt Johnas 17 Winnipeg, MB Forward
Sam Reinhart 16 West Vancouver, BC Forward
Jesse Wood-Schatz 16 Sherwood Park, AB Forward
Luke Philp 16 Canmore, AB Forward
Jonathon Martin 16 Winnipeg, MB Forward
Jaedon Descheneau 16 Edmonton, AB Forward
Collin Shirley 15 Saskatoon, SK Forward
The 14 above are in addition to the club's current roster of 18 players from last season's club. Max Reinhart, Nathan Lieuwen, Joey Leach, Joe Antilla, James Martin and Drew Czerwonka will all attend NHL camps.
Brett Teskey G
Luke Paulsen D
Jagger Dirk D
John Niebrandt D
Adam Rossignol F
Brendan Hurley F
Elgin Pearce F
Dylan McKinlay F
Eric Benoit F
Jesse Ismond F
Injured List:
F Brock Montgomery - Sports Hernia (October)
D Tanner Faith
F Levi Cable
Both Cable and Faith were injured in training camp. Their prognosis is unknown. The roster is set at 32 but by my count there's 33 names. Montgomery's injury is likely the difference but Tanner Faith's name is conspicuously absent. His injury could be worse than first thought.
Some thoughts....
Out at the lake for the last gasp of summer vacation so I only managed three sessions including the Blue-White game.
On Sunday Team Blue jumped out to a 3-0 lead on goals by Dylan Schellenberg (18) and Eric Benoit, with two markers before Team White clawed their way back. Jackson Elyuik (16), James Martin, Garick Gray (17)and Jonathon Martin (16 - no relation to James, though they're from the same hometown of Winnipeg)who scored with less than a minute left to give Team White the 4-3 come from behind win.
Bronson Ammeter, an Ice draft pick from May started for Team White and surrendered 3 goals while Mackenize Skapski came on halfway through and shut the door.
Camp invite Jayden Sittler, 15, started for team blue and gave up one goal before Wyatt Hoflin, 16, gave up three goals to take the loss.
Over $1900 was raised for the Cranbrook/Kimberley United Way.
Had a long look at the club's first round pick from the 2011 Bantam Draft F Colin Shirley. Listed at 5'10" 135lbs when he was drafted the Saskatoon product looked like he's put weight and inches on since then. Good hands, speed and size. All the right tools to play at this level next season.
For this year's roster there looks to be a three-way race for two spots on the blueline. D Mike Simpson, 17, Spencer Wand, 16, and Jeff Hubic, 17. Dylan Schellenberg, 18, can play both forward and defence but looked stronger up front from what I seen. No Tanner Faith tells me that it's a three-way battle (unless Schellenberg plays back). Simpson is the front-runner. He and Wand had a good tilt in the Blue-White game with Simpson getting the clear decision. Wand has played well and may have moved ahead of Hubic on the pre-season chart. Exhibition season will tell.... Simpson, 17, has to be in the Brayden McNabb-range of size and weight. Listed last season at 6'4" 200lbs, he's bigger and stronger this season. Foot-speed will need to be addressed but McNabb was very similar in his development three years ago.
The Forwards had some names push ahead on the pre-season chart over the five-day camp. Going in I thought Philp and Descheneau were the top two 16-year-olds but following camp Jonothan Martin moved ahead in my rankings. Jakson Elyniuk and Jesse Wood-Schatz also muddied the waters. For arguments sake we'll take Sam Reinhart out of the mix. He's got a roster spot.... Kurt Johnas played better than Jared Iron from what I saw. Iron was well ahead last season but Johnas played well.
Where I thought Cable, Iron, Philp, Descheneau were the top four guys (plus Reinhart) for five forward spots, Cable's injury and the play of Martin, Johnas, Wood-Shatz and Schellenberg have thrown that theory out the window.
With Cable out and Reinhart already there, here's my rankings:
Martin
Schellenberg
Descheneau
Johnas
Iron
Philp
Wood-Shatz
The exhibition season should clear the air somewhat.
In goal I didn't see much of the 15-year-old goaltenders but was impressed by camp invite Jayden Sittler. The much-ballyhooed four-way goaltending problem, if Lieuwen is returned, got clearer on the weekend in my opinion. Skapski clearly identified himself as ready to challenge incumbent Brett Teskey whether Lieuwen returns or not. Wyatt Hoflin, 16, is still with the club but struggled with rebound control.
At camps end my rankings:
Lieuwen
Skapski
Teskey
Hoflin
During training camp two U.S.-born brothers - Justin Derlago, 17, and Riley Derlago, 16, impressed. With the former playing well in his last appearance Saturday. Neither played in the Blue-White game but Justin Derlago looked like he could play at this level perhaps next season. He was once considered a possible high-end Bantam draft pick in 2009 but wasn't selected. Could've been NCAA aspirations being from St. Paul, MN. He played with the Winnipeg Midget Thrashers last season.
Also F Garrick Gray, 17, played well in the Blue-White game and notched a goal. He played at the Banff Hockey Academy last season.
As for the veterans, the usual suspects stood out. Max Reinhart was lights-out and will put this team on his back and carry then offensively this season. James Martin will shine in the big role on the blueline this season.
Still lots of questions though for the upcoming season but, especially following a WHL Championship, there's lots of time to let the chips fall where they may.
And I was remiss in not mentioning that D Bryce Perpelitz of Cranbrook looks to have made the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs out of their training camp that concluded this weekend. Perpelitz, 17, notched 8 goals and 13 assists in 48 games last season with the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Kootenay opens up the exhibition season Thursday in Tri-City for the Ams' pre-season tournament.
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