Time to catch-up after a weekend in Montana with the Bantam team.
In what sounded like a superb hockey game at the Rec Plex Saturday night the Ice got two goals from Eric Benoit and Max Reinhart, with a shortie and an empty-netter, as Kootenay dumped the visiting Portland Winterhawks 4-1 in a rematch of last season's WHL Finals.
Of note is the sudden surge, okay, uptick, in the secondary scoring the club is looking for. Benoit with a couple last night giving him a respectable 5 goals on the season shows signs that the Czerwonka-Ismond-Max line won't have to carry the entire scoring load. Earlier in the week against the Rebels it was Pearce and Sam that provided the offence.
Kootenay improves to 11-3-0-2 on the season with 24 points, tops in the WHL, though, to be honest, it doesn't seem much like the club is feeling the love when it comes to consideration among the top contenders in the WHL this season. So, it begs the question: is this year's version of the Ice worthy of championship discussion as this point in the season, some two games off the season's quarter-pole?
Or is that decision best reserved for the culmination of the seven game home-stand and then the nine-game road odyssey at the end of November?
If they stand at or near the same spot they hold now over the next five or six weeks, and, being the best defensive club in the league (1.94 Goals Against Average per game) and being one of the lowest scoring club's in the league; (scoring an average of 2.69 goals a game), the same problem that presented itself for last season's club (hence the acquisition of Cody Eakin) seems to be the issue this season: scoring depth.
In possession of a wealth of picks and prospects, the Ice could easily afford the price of an Eakin last season. But with the same wealth of 16-year-old's (Reinhart, Descheneau, Martin, Wood-Shatz, Philp, Wand) as well as Bantam picks, does the club get into the market for scoring or stand pat to develop this crop of players?
It's an interesting question.
D Luke Paulsen's luck continues to fall on the bad side as the 19-year-old D-man suffered an undisclosed injury Saturday. It happened in the warm-up in which Paulsen tried to play through but couldn't continue. Jagger Dirk also missed some time as the versatile Joe Antilla moved back to the blueline for the Ice as can be seen on the highlites on the first goal, which are now up here.
Everett Rookie forward Ryan Chynoweth - a former Cranbrook Minor Hockey product and son of Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth - got into his first WHL scrap this week with Red Deer D-man Alex Petrovic. That video is here. Chynoweth gave up four inches and 35 pounds to Petrovic while the 19-year-old D-man for the Rebels, well, what's that saying about beating up a 16-year-old? If you win, you beat a 16-year-old and if you lose, you lost to a 16-year-old. That's usually why you don't see it happen all that often. Petrovic thought otherwise, I gather.
Chynoweth will get to make his WHL début at the rink he played a lot of minor hockey at this Friday as the Everett Silvertips make their one and only visit to the Rec Plex to face his dad's club. Gametime is 7PM
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Max named to WHL Subway Series team
F Max Reinhart was named to the WHL Subway Super Series team today. He'll play in both games scheduled to go in Regina and Moose Jaw November 16 and 17 against Team Russia.
Reinhart wasn't invited to the World Junior Summer Development camp but at least now he'll have a shot at doing it the long way as the Super Series is an identifier for Hockey Canada for those lucky enough to gain an invitation to the WJC Selection camp in December.
Thought maybe D Joey Leach might get some consideration at this level but it wasn't meant to be.
The release is here.
Reinhart wasn't invited to the World Junior Summer Development camp but at least now he'll have a shot at doing it the long way as the Super Series is an identifier for Hockey Canada for those lucky enough to gain an invitation to the WJC Selection camp in December.
Thought maybe D Joey Leach might get some consideration at this level but it wasn't meant to be.
The release is here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ice hit top spot
The Score – Red Deer 2 – Kootenay 3
What Happened – The Ice bent a times but they didn’t break and when they got their chances they buried them.
The Turning Point – As the Rebels did a lot on this night, they’d carried the play but had nothing to show for it. 13 minutes into the second period, after a long stint in the Ice zone Jon Martin started in a forecheck. Jesse Ismond jumped off the bench and intercepted a clear along the wall before firing a great pass to Martin for the tap-in and the eventual game-winner.
The Goals – After carrying the play for the first five minutes of the game the Ice came alive or more accurately, the Sam-Antilla-Pearce line did. After winning the battle in the corner Sam emerged with the puck and pushed across the Rebel net. Goaltender Patrik Bartosak stopped the first two attempts and as he was running out of net to shoot at, Sam lifted a backhand over the Rebel netminder to make it 1-0… Their next shift two minutes later, this time in the other corner, Joe Antilla fished out the puck and sent a laser of a pass to a wide open Elgin Pearce in the slot. His wrist-shot made it 2-0 for his 4th goal of the season… In the second, after a particularly ineffective power play opportunity and an even worse shift by the club’s fourth unit, Jon Martin missed a breakaway pass but got in on the forecheck. The Rebels tried to clear only to have Jesse Ismond catch it on the wall and send a great pass to Martin on the doorstep. He potted his first WHL goal to make it 3-0… The Rebels got that one back and got on the board three minutes later when Jagger Dirk forced one up the middle in his own zone. Bad idea as it was intercepted by Matt Dumba 15 feet in front of the Ice net. Lieuwen stopped the first attempt with a great save but couldn’t get the rebound as it was backhanded past him to make it 3-1… In the third with just over three minutes left the Rebels, on a delayed Ice penalty, Dumba intercepted a Paulsen clear – it should’ve been blown dead – and the 17-year-old D-man made two moves and then found Daulton Siwak at the back door. He wristed his 3rd of the season into the open net. 3-2. With about five seconds left Dumba had a glorious chance to tie it but the puck rolled on him and he ripped it wide.
The Line – The best trio on this night Joe Antilla, Elgin Pearce and Sam Reinhart, with the latter on the right wing, found some real chemistry. They found the back of the net too.
The Goaltender – It looked like it might be another one of those nights where the goalies hog the entire spotlight by stopping everything. Bartosak, a rookie import who trails Lieuwen in the stats department but not by much, looked sharp early.
The Top Ten? – Okay, it’s early in the season and to be honest, it’s tough to put a lot of stock in the CHL Top Ten rankings when it’s done by three NHL scouts who don’t see all the teams play, but at one point questions are going to be asked why the Ice aren’t there. They did score an honourable mention, for what it’s worth. See the full rankings here
The Home Stretch – Due to the World Cup of Curling taking over the Rec Plex from November 30-December 4, and the subsequent days before and after to turn the ice into curling ice, the club will be on a 9-game road trip from November 14 thru to December 8. Prior to that tonight’s game was the first of a 7-game home stand. On home ice Kootenay is 7-1 this season.
The Stinger – Playing perhaps his best game of the season, F Joe Antilla took a Alex Petrovic point shot off his left foot on the first shift of the third period. He walked it off and didn’t miss a shift.
No Nuge – Listed on the roster as a scratch, given his debut with the NHL’s Oilers through 8 games – 5 goals, 3 assists and a +4 and averaging over 13 minutes a game - he’ll be a permanent scratch by Friday night when he plays his 10th NHL game and the first year of the contract kicks in. He ain’t coming back.
Upset at the Zebras – After an exchange with linesman Chris Carlson over what he thought was a blown icing call later in the game, Coach K wasn’t thrilled with the non-call on the Rebels late second-goal which came on a delayed penalty. Ice D Luke Paulsen cleared it – right to Matt Dumba – but it should’ve been blown dead on the Ice possession; and he gave referee Ryan Bonnett an earful. Well, and earful for the mild mannered coach.
The Crowd – 2538
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Elgin Pearce – goal, assist; line was dangerous all night
2. Brock Montgomery - Solid
3. Matt Dumba – two assists, coming to the World Junior team this Christmas
Honourable Mention – Another solid but not flashy night by D John Niebrandt, who was +3.
What it means – The Ice improve to 10-3-0-2 and 22 points on the season. Good for first place in the Central Division; Eastern Conference and the WHL.
Up Next: Ty Rattie and the Portland Winterhawks are here Saturday night.
Game Summary:
Rebels 2 @ Ice 3
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Red Deer Rebels and the Kootenay Ice; October 26, 2011
Elgin Pearce had a goal and an assist as the Kootenay Ice edged the Red Deer Rebels 3-2 in WHL action Wednesday.
Sam Reinhart opened the scoring for the Ice in the first period with a backhand over Rebel goaltender Patrick Bartosak to make it 1-0. Pearce made it 2-0 two minutes later with a wrist shot from the slot. In the second the Ice went up 3-0 when Jon Martin scored his first-ever WHL goal, a tap-in off a feed from Jesse Ismond.
The Rebels chipped away at the Ice lead when Mason Burr got the Rebels on the board late in the second with his first of the season. Red Deer scored late when Matt Dumba found Daulton Siwak at the side of the net to make it 3-2.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 31 shots to get the win while Bartosak stopped 27 of 30 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 4 (Pearce, Antilla) 9:30
2. Kootenay, Pearce 4 (Antilla, S. Reinhart) 11:33
Penalties -- Dirk Ktn (tripping) 12:08, Muller RD (tripping) 14:32, Cowen RD (interference) 17:56.
Second Period
3. Kootenay, Martin 1 (Descheneau, Ismond) 13:55
4. Red Deer, Burr 1 (Dumba) 16:51
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (tripping) 1:06, Dirk Ktn Hamilton RD (roughing) Cowen RD (slashing) 10:52.
Third Period
5. Red Deer, Siwak 3 (Dumba) 16:54
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 15 7 8 - 30
Red Deer: 7 11 13 - 31
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 8-2-0-2); Red Deer: Patrick Bartosak (L, 8-3).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-3
Red Deer: 0-2
Referee -- Ryan Bonnett, Jonathan Stephenson. Linesman -- Chris Carlson, Jim Maniago.
Attendance -- 2538 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Levi Cable, Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks)
Red Deer: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Brooks Maxwell, Cody Thiel, Marc McCoy.
What Happened – The Ice bent a times but they didn’t break and when they got their chances they buried them.
The Turning Point – As the Rebels did a lot on this night, they’d carried the play but had nothing to show for it. 13 minutes into the second period, after a long stint in the Ice zone Jon Martin started in a forecheck. Jesse Ismond jumped off the bench and intercepted a clear along the wall before firing a great pass to Martin for the tap-in and the eventual game-winner.
The Goals – After carrying the play for the first five minutes of the game the Ice came alive or more accurately, the Sam-Antilla-Pearce line did. After winning the battle in the corner Sam emerged with the puck and pushed across the Rebel net. Goaltender Patrik Bartosak stopped the first two attempts and as he was running out of net to shoot at, Sam lifted a backhand over the Rebel netminder to make it 1-0… Their next shift two minutes later, this time in the other corner, Joe Antilla fished out the puck and sent a laser of a pass to a wide open Elgin Pearce in the slot. His wrist-shot made it 2-0 for his 4th goal of the season… In the second, after a particularly ineffective power play opportunity and an even worse shift by the club’s fourth unit, Jon Martin missed a breakaway pass but got in on the forecheck. The Rebels tried to clear only to have Jesse Ismond catch it on the wall and send a great pass to Martin on the doorstep. He potted his first WHL goal to make it 3-0… The Rebels got that one back and got on the board three minutes later when Jagger Dirk forced one up the middle in his own zone. Bad idea as it was intercepted by Matt Dumba 15 feet in front of the Ice net. Lieuwen stopped the first attempt with a great save but couldn’t get the rebound as it was backhanded past him to make it 3-1… In the third with just over three minutes left the Rebels, on a delayed Ice penalty, Dumba intercepted a Paulsen clear – it should’ve been blown dead – and the 17-year-old D-man made two moves and then found Daulton Siwak at the back door. He wristed his 3rd of the season into the open net. 3-2. With about five seconds left Dumba had a glorious chance to tie it but the puck rolled on him and he ripped it wide.
The Line – The best trio on this night Joe Antilla, Elgin Pearce and Sam Reinhart, with the latter on the right wing, found some real chemistry. They found the back of the net too.
The Goaltender – It looked like it might be another one of those nights where the goalies hog the entire spotlight by stopping everything. Bartosak, a rookie import who trails Lieuwen in the stats department but not by much, looked sharp early.
The Top Ten? – Okay, it’s early in the season and to be honest, it’s tough to put a lot of stock in the CHL Top Ten rankings when it’s done by three NHL scouts who don’t see all the teams play, but at one point questions are going to be asked why the Ice aren’t there. They did score an honourable mention, for what it’s worth. See the full rankings here
The Home Stretch – Due to the World Cup of Curling taking over the Rec Plex from November 30-December 4, and the subsequent days before and after to turn the ice into curling ice, the club will be on a 9-game road trip from November 14 thru to December 8. Prior to that tonight’s game was the first of a 7-game home stand. On home ice Kootenay is 7-1 this season.
The Stinger – Playing perhaps his best game of the season, F Joe Antilla took a Alex Petrovic point shot off his left foot on the first shift of the third period. He walked it off and didn’t miss a shift.
No Nuge – Listed on the roster as a scratch, given his debut with the NHL’s Oilers through 8 games – 5 goals, 3 assists and a +4 and averaging over 13 minutes a game - he’ll be a permanent scratch by Friday night when he plays his 10th NHL game and the first year of the contract kicks in. He ain’t coming back.
Upset at the Zebras – After an exchange with linesman Chris Carlson over what he thought was a blown icing call later in the game, Coach K wasn’t thrilled with the non-call on the Rebels late second-goal which came on a delayed penalty. Ice D Luke Paulsen cleared it – right to Matt Dumba – but it should’ve been blown dead on the Ice possession; and he gave referee Ryan Bonnett an earful. Well, and earful for the mild mannered coach.
The Crowd – 2538
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. Elgin Pearce – goal, assist; line was dangerous all night
2. Brock Montgomery - Solid
3. Matt Dumba – two assists, coming to the World Junior team this Christmas
Honourable Mention – Another solid but not flashy night by D John Niebrandt, who was +3.
What it means – The Ice improve to 10-3-0-2 and 22 points on the season. Good for first place in the Central Division; Eastern Conference and the WHL.
Up Next: Ty Rattie and the Portland Winterhawks are here Saturday night.
Game Summary:
Rebels 2 @ Ice 3
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Red Deer Rebels and the Kootenay Ice; October 26, 2011
Elgin Pearce had a goal and an assist as the Kootenay Ice edged the Red Deer Rebels 3-2 in WHL action Wednesday.
Sam Reinhart opened the scoring for the Ice in the first period with a backhand over Rebel goaltender Patrick Bartosak to make it 1-0. Pearce made it 2-0 two minutes later with a wrist shot from the slot. In the second the Ice went up 3-0 when Jon Martin scored his first-ever WHL goal, a tap-in off a feed from Jesse Ismond.
The Rebels chipped away at the Ice lead when Mason Burr got the Rebels on the board late in the second with his first of the season. Red Deer scored late when Matt Dumba found Daulton Siwak at the side of the net to make it 3-2.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 29 of 31 shots to get the win while Bartosak stopped 27 of 30 shots in taking the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 4 (Pearce, Antilla) 9:30
2. Kootenay, Pearce 4 (Antilla, S. Reinhart) 11:33
Penalties -- Dirk Ktn (tripping) 12:08, Muller RD (tripping) 14:32, Cowen RD (interference) 17:56.
Second Period
3. Kootenay, Martin 1 (Descheneau, Ismond) 13:55
4. Red Deer, Burr 1 (Dumba) 16:51
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (tripping) 1:06, Dirk Ktn Hamilton RD (roughing) Cowen RD (slashing) 10:52.
Third Period
5. Red Deer, Siwak 3 (Dumba) 16:54
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 15 7 8 - 30
Red Deer: 7 11 13 - 31
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 8-2-0-2); Red Deer: Patrick Bartosak (L, 8-3).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-3
Red Deer: 0-2
Referee -- Ryan Bonnett, Jonathan Stephenson. Linesman -- Chris Carlson, Jim Maniago.
Attendance -- 2538 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Levi Cable, Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks)
Red Deer: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Brooks Maxwell, Cody Thiel, Marc McCoy.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Ice edge Warriors
The Score – Moose Jaw 1 – Kootenay 2
What Happened – The goaltenders put on a show – first Siemens and then Lieuwen – in a entertaining hockey game but Siemens blinked first, and Max made him pay for it.
The Turning Point – With the Ice up 1-0 and the Warriors starting to press, Tanner Eberle got loose in the slot with the puck and Lieuwen stoned him.
The Goals – Max finally solved Luke Siemens seven minutes into the third period when Siemens couldn't cover a rebound after Johnny Niebrandt fired a slapshot that got through. Reinhart swatted it by him to make it 1-0… With the Warrior net empty Drew Czerwonka blocked a Warrior point-shot and was off to the races... 2-0 Ice. It's not often an empty-netter is the game-winner but on this night, it was. With still 30 seconds left and a face-off in the Ice zone, Kootenay had Max take the face-off but the kids - Jon Martin and Levi Cable - on the wings. They couldn't clear the zone and a wicked point-shot by Colin Bowman beat Lieuwen and spoiled the shutout.
The Save – Early, really early, in the first period Max Reinhart found himself on a 2-on-1 with Jesse Ismond. Reinhart sent a saucy pass to Ismond who had five of the six-foot wide net to shoot at. G Luke Siemens stretched over and got the toe on the puck. Lieuwen one-upped him in the third when Tanner Eberle was fed a pass in the low slot. Lieuwen stopped the point-blank chance to nurse the one-goal lead.
The Start – Stellar on this night but with nothing to show for their efforts. Besides the above save by Siemens, Reinhart hit the crossbar and Elgin Pearce found Joe Antilla later in the period with a great cross-ice feed that managed to hit Warriors D Colin Bowman instead of the back of the net.
The Goaltender – G Luke Siemens was a bit of surprise deal when the Warriors went looking for a goaltender earlier this season. Obtained from Everett Siemens, 19, is a bit of WHL journeyman having started his career in Prince George before backing up Kent Simpson last season with the Tips. If the first period and the 18 saves he made were any indication, maybe the Warriors obviously saw something in the Delta product.
The Hit – Flying all night, Ice forward Elgin Pearce took a pass along the Warrior blueline and then took a solid check from Warrior D Travis Brown, who levelled him. Pearce got up and shook it off.
The Class of 2010 – Another head-to-head match-up of the crème of the Bantam Draft crop went head-to-head tonight as the Warriors’ two first round picks from that terrific first round draft class in 2010; F Carter Hansen and F Torrin White went up against Sam on the night. Give Sam the early edge over the two Warrior picks but both will be solid players in the WHL. Look for White’s younger brother Jagger, a forward with the Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds Major Bantam club, to be a first round Bantam Draft pick in 2013. As a first-year Bantam he’s got 12 goals in his first seven games.
Life’s not a Beach – For Cody, that is. Twice in the last two minutes of the third the burly Warrior forward should’ve drawn a penalty. Once in a post-whistle scrum when rookie D Mike Simpson flattened him well after play stopped and again in his own zone when Jesse Ismond high-sticked him. Both of which were just feet away from referee Steve Papp. Reputations are a tough thing sometimes.
Fancy yourself an entertainer or wannabe gameshow host? – The Ice are on the lookout for ‘Live-Mike’ Guy or Gal. Anyone interested in the gig – trivia and fan games guy during the commercial breaks and in between periods – can contact Tiffany at the Ice office.
The Crowd – 2790
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Nathan Lieuwen – just another day at the office
2. G Luke Siemens – Spectacular
3. D Luke Paulsen – Solid on backend and showed flashes of offense
What it means – The Ice met yet another test on the young season by edging the Warriors and improves to 8-3-0-2 and a three-way tie for first in the Central with 18 points but to be truthful, when the Warriors get guys like Howden, Svendsen, McFaull – who has missed the last two games - and Edmundson back in the line-up they will be a force to be contended with in the Eastern conference. They are much better than their 6-5-1 record indicates.
Up Next: The Ice travel to Calgary for a 4PM date with the Hitmen on Sunday at the Saddledome. 102.9 The Drive has the call.
Summary:
Warriors 1 @ Ice 2
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Kootenay Ice. October 22, 2011
Max Reinhart stuffed in his 6th goal of the year following 40 minutes of shutout hockey as the Kootenay Ice edged the Moose Jaw Warriors 2-1 in WHL action Saturday in Cranbrook.
Reinhart jumped on a rebound that Warrior goaltender Luke Siemens couldn't cover and tucked it past him at 6:48 to give the Ice a 1-0 lead. With just under a minute left Ice captain Drew Czerwonka blocked a Warrior shot along the boards and raced after it to put it into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. The goal stood up as the game-winner however when the Warriors pulled Siemens again and this time finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Colin Bowman wired a slapshot from the point to make it 2-1 with 27 seconds left but that would be as close as the Warriors got.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 35 of 36 shots to get the win while Luke Siemens stopped 36 of 37 sent his way to take the loss.
First Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Lyon MJ (tripping) 0:36, Eberle MJ (boarding) 10:29, M. Reinhart Ktn (slashing) 11:14, Simpson Ktn (hooking) 13:55, Bowman MJ (interference) 14:50, Niebrandt Ktn (hooking) 18:12.
Second Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- M. Reinhart Ktn (boarding) 1:27, Brooks MJ (high-sticking) 13:52.
Third Period
1. Kootenay, Reinhart 6 (Niebrandt, Ismond) 6:48
2. Kootenay, Czerwonka 3 19:16 (en)
3. Moose Jaw, Bowman 4 (Reilly, Lyon) 19:34
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 18 12 8 - 38
Moose Jaw: 8 12 16 - 36
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 6-2-0-2); Moose Jaw: Luke Siemens (L, 3-4-1-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-4
Moose Jaw: 0-4
Referee -- Steve Papp. Linesman -- Reid Anderson, Sean Donnelly.
Attendance -- 2790 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand, Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks), Dylen McKinlay (back - day-to-day).
Moose Jaw: Kendall McFaull, Joel Edmundson, Sebastian Svendsen, Quinton Howden.
What Happened – The goaltenders put on a show – first Siemens and then Lieuwen – in a entertaining hockey game but Siemens blinked first, and Max made him pay for it.
The Turning Point – With the Ice up 1-0 and the Warriors starting to press, Tanner Eberle got loose in the slot with the puck and Lieuwen stoned him.
The Goals – Max finally solved Luke Siemens seven minutes into the third period when Siemens couldn't cover a rebound after Johnny Niebrandt fired a slapshot that got through. Reinhart swatted it by him to make it 1-0… With the Warrior net empty Drew Czerwonka blocked a Warrior point-shot and was off to the races... 2-0 Ice. It's not often an empty-netter is the game-winner but on this night, it was. With still 30 seconds left and a face-off in the Ice zone, Kootenay had Max take the face-off but the kids - Jon Martin and Levi Cable - on the wings. They couldn't clear the zone and a wicked point-shot by Colin Bowman beat Lieuwen and spoiled the shutout.
The Save – Early, really early, in the first period Max Reinhart found himself on a 2-on-1 with Jesse Ismond. Reinhart sent a saucy pass to Ismond who had five of the six-foot wide net to shoot at. G Luke Siemens stretched over and got the toe on the puck. Lieuwen one-upped him in the third when Tanner Eberle was fed a pass in the low slot. Lieuwen stopped the point-blank chance to nurse the one-goal lead.
The Start – Stellar on this night but with nothing to show for their efforts. Besides the above save by Siemens, Reinhart hit the crossbar and Elgin Pearce found Joe Antilla later in the period with a great cross-ice feed that managed to hit Warriors D Colin Bowman instead of the back of the net.
The Goaltender – G Luke Siemens was a bit of surprise deal when the Warriors went looking for a goaltender earlier this season. Obtained from Everett Siemens, 19, is a bit of WHL journeyman having started his career in Prince George before backing up Kent Simpson last season with the Tips. If the first period and the 18 saves he made were any indication, maybe the Warriors obviously saw something in the Delta product.
The Hit – Flying all night, Ice forward Elgin Pearce took a pass along the Warrior blueline and then took a solid check from Warrior D Travis Brown, who levelled him. Pearce got up and shook it off.
The Class of 2010 – Another head-to-head match-up of the crème of the Bantam Draft crop went head-to-head tonight as the Warriors’ two first round picks from that terrific first round draft class in 2010; F Carter Hansen and F Torrin White went up against Sam on the night. Give Sam the early edge over the two Warrior picks but both will be solid players in the WHL. Look for White’s younger brother Jagger, a forward with the Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds Major Bantam club, to be a first round Bantam Draft pick in 2013. As a first-year Bantam he’s got 12 goals in his first seven games.
Life’s not a Beach – For Cody, that is. Twice in the last two minutes of the third the burly Warrior forward should’ve drawn a penalty. Once in a post-whistle scrum when rookie D Mike Simpson flattened him well after play stopped and again in his own zone when Jesse Ismond high-sticked him. Both of which were just feet away from referee Steve Papp. Reputations are a tough thing sometimes.
Fancy yourself an entertainer or wannabe gameshow host? – The Ice are on the lookout for ‘Live-Mike’ Guy or Gal. Anyone interested in the gig – trivia and fan games guy during the commercial breaks and in between periods – can contact Tiffany at the Ice office.
The Crowd – 2790
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Nathan Lieuwen – just another day at the office
2. G Luke Siemens – Spectacular
3. D Luke Paulsen – Solid on backend and showed flashes of offense
What it means – The Ice met yet another test on the young season by edging the Warriors and improves to 8-3-0-2 and a three-way tie for first in the Central with 18 points but to be truthful, when the Warriors get guys like Howden, Svendsen, McFaull – who has missed the last two games - and Edmundson back in the line-up they will be a force to be contended with in the Eastern conference. They are much better than their 6-5-1 record indicates.
Up Next: The Ice travel to Calgary for a 4PM date with the Hitmen on Sunday at the Saddledome. 102.9 The Drive has the call.
Summary:
Warriors 1 @ Ice 2
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Kootenay Ice. October 22, 2011
Max Reinhart stuffed in his 6th goal of the year following 40 minutes of shutout hockey as the Kootenay Ice edged the Moose Jaw Warriors 2-1 in WHL action Saturday in Cranbrook.
Reinhart jumped on a rebound that Warrior goaltender Luke Siemens couldn't cover and tucked it past him at 6:48 to give the Ice a 1-0 lead. With just under a minute left Ice captain Drew Czerwonka blocked a Warrior shot along the boards and raced after it to put it into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. The goal stood up as the game-winner however when the Warriors pulled Siemens again and this time finally solved Nathan Lieuwen when Colin Bowman wired a slapshot from the point to make it 2-1 with 27 seconds left but that would be as close as the Warriors got.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 35 of 36 shots to get the win while Luke Siemens stopped 36 of 37 sent his way to take the loss.
First Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- Lyon MJ (tripping) 0:36, Eberle MJ (boarding) 10:29, M. Reinhart Ktn (slashing) 11:14, Simpson Ktn (hooking) 13:55, Bowman MJ (interference) 14:50, Niebrandt Ktn (hooking) 18:12.
Second Period
No Scoring.
Penalties -- M. Reinhart Ktn (boarding) 1:27, Brooks MJ (high-sticking) 13:52.
Third Period
1. Kootenay, Reinhart 6 (Niebrandt, Ismond) 6:48
2. Kootenay, Czerwonka 3 19:16 (en)
3. Moose Jaw, Bowman 4 (Reilly, Lyon) 19:34
Penalties -- None.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 18 12 8 - 38
Moose Jaw: 8 12 16 - 36
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 6-2-0-2); Moose Jaw: Luke Siemens (L, 3-4-1-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-4
Moose Jaw: 0-4
Referee -- Steve Papp. Linesman -- Reid Anderson, Sean Donnelly.
Attendance -- 2790 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand, Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks), Dylen McKinlay (back - day-to-day).
Moose Jaw: Kendall McFaull, Joel Edmundson, Sebastian Svendsen, Quinton Howden.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Benning to NCAA?
D Matt Benning, son of former NHLer D Brian Benning and a 2nd round Bantam pick of the Ice in 2009 has reportedly received an NCAA scholarship to Minnesota-Duluth, according to Gregg Drinnan at Taking Note.
Benning reported to the Ice training camp in 09 but following that decided not to return, citing the aforementioned NCAA options that have now appeared to come to fruition.
Earlier this summer Benning's rights were traded by Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth to Bob Tory and the Tri-City Americans for a conditional 3rd and 6th round picks, likely in the 2013 Draft.
Tory told me in an email following the deal that the picks were conditional on Benning reporting to the Ams, signing a WHL player contract and playing. It appears now those picks would revert back to the Americans.
Benning, a 6' 210lb rearguard, currently plays for the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL and should join UMD in 2013. With 2g and 6a in 12 games Benning is 14th among AJHL Defensemen in scoring.
Also, a note on former Ice G Brett Teskey. The Regina product is now with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Junior A SJHL.
Benning reported to the Ice training camp in 09 but following that decided not to return, citing the aforementioned NCAA options that have now appeared to come to fruition.
Earlier this summer Benning's rights were traded by Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth to Bob Tory and the Tri-City Americans for a conditional 3rd and 6th round picks, likely in the 2013 Draft.
Tory told me in an email following the deal that the picks were conditional on Benning reporting to the Ams, signing a WHL player contract and playing. It appears now those picks would revert back to the Americans.
Benning, a 6' 210lb rearguard, currently plays for the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL and should join UMD in 2013. With 2g and 6a in 12 games Benning is 14th among AJHL Defensemen in scoring.
Also, a note on former Ice G Brett Teskey. The Regina product is now with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Junior A SJHL.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tigers edge Ice
In what I termed a litmus test for the early version of the 2011-12 Ice came up as a pass last night although the Ice fell to the Tigers 2-1 at the Medicine Hat Arena.
The Tigers came out claws up as the home side dominated in the first period. Rookie import D Patrik Parkkonen took the high feed on a 3-on-2 and beat Nathan Lieuwen six minutes into the game on a great shot for a 1-0 Tiger lead. The league's leading scorer, Emerson Etem, made it 2-0 on the power play when he got Lieuwen going the other direction and put a wrister into the net for his 14th of the year. Playing on the same line as Etem is Tiger forward Hunter Shinkaruk, who didn't reach the scoresheet last night but was just as dangerous. IMO, I think he's one of the top 17-year-old's in the WHL but doesn't get a lot of ink NHL Draft-wise. He's got a late birthday and is eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft. The little guy in the Calgary Hitmen pre-game in the award-winning picture is Shinkaruk.
In the second the Ice came to life and pushed back hard on the Tigers. A big hit in the Tigers zone by Ice D Jeff Hubic on F Boston Leier turned the tide for the Ice after Jayden Hart took exception and drew an instigator in the ensuing fight. On the power play a shot from Joey Leach trickled through Bunz to make it 2-1. The goal was originally credited to Leach from Max but then changed to Ismond from Leach and Czerwonka.
After four games in five nights, not a bad result against the Tigers. Save for the 6-1 blemish last week against the Oil Kings, the Ice, having played all Central Division teams, should compete for the Division title with the Tigers, Oil Kings and Rebels. If the latter get RNH back, then they'll have the edge but I don't think he's coming back from the NHL's Oilers.
Ice scratches were F Brendan Hurley (knee - one month), D Luke Paulsen (bruised knee - day-to-day) and F Dylen McKinlay (leg - day-to-day). McKinlay should play Saturday against the Moose Jaw Warriors at the Rec Plex and Paulsen could be a game-time decision as Coach K on the broadcast indicated there was no ligament damage.
His replacement however, D Jeff Hubic, is clearly making a name for himself early into the season. Though it was a dash-1 last night the hit and subsequent fight turned the game around and lit a fire under his teammates.
But it's the neutral zone hits that he's clearly becoming proficient at. Here's the hit from last night that turned things around for the Ice. Here and here are two more examples of his hitting prowess. He's also becoming a pretty good fighter due to the unwritten rule of not being able to hit someone with a clean bodycheck in today's hockey without having to fight. But it's clear he's making a case to stay in the line-up every night with that kind of presence from the 6'2" 180lb rearguard. Hart's his own age but Weller and Roach are tough customers and older than the 17-year-old Hubic.
The highlites of the game are here.
Sean Rooney, a former Sports Editor at the Townsman, has the story for the Medicine Hat News here.
With the kids getting into the lineup on a regular basis - D Hubic, D Simpson, D Wand as well as forwards Levi Cable, Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Deschaneau, G Mackenzie Skapski and Jon Martin - throw in Colin Shirley, Luke Philp and Jesse Wood-Schatz - the discussion of projecting this line-up two-three years down the road and a real idea of another contender popped up. Not that they won't contend this season but with the time these kids are eating up now, how will they look when they're not so wet behind the ears? Hey, it's Junior Hockey and you're always looking forward, right?
The Moose Jaw Warriors - Quinton Howden, Morgan Reilly, Dylan McIlrath et al are up next at the Rec Plex Saturday and are yet another team that fell to the Ice in the long march to the championship last spring. Yes, they'll be motivated. Gametime 7PM
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Ice edge Hurricanes
The Kootenay Ice improved to 7-2-0-2 on the season with a 4-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a rare Monday game last night. Tonight the toughest test of the season is up with the club in Medicine Hat to face the Tigers.
The Tigers are 7-3-0-0 on the season, two points back of the Ice who have played one more game.
Jaedon Deschaneau scored his first WHL goal off a feed from Joe Antilla while Jagger Dirk, Adam Rossignol and Max Reinhart rounded out the scoring.
The loss was Lethbridge's 9th straight coming of a major shake-up that saw the club move D-man Derek Ryckman, 19, to the Tri-City Americans 2012 4th rounder; G Brandon Anderson, 19, along with a 3rd and a 6th round pick from 2012 to the Brandon Wheat Kings for G Liam Liston, 18 and D Spencer Galbraith. The Canes then shipped D Reid Jackson, 18, and a 5th round pick from 2012 to the Prince George Cougars for F Nick Buonassisi.
Nathan Lieuwen went the distance stopping 27 of 29 shots, improving his record on the season to 5-1-0-2; 1.35 GAA and .949 save percentage, the latter two which lead the WHL.
Reinhart finished with a goal and two helpers to reach 13 points (5g, 8a) in nine games and crack the top 20 in WHL scoring.
Luke Paulsen left the game with an undisclosed injury and his status is questionable for tonight while forward Dylen McKinlay was a game-time decision with his leg injury and should play tonight.
Jeff Hubic, who should draw in tonight, Brendan Hurley (knee - one month) and McKinlay were the scratches.
Tonight and indeed the next five games will present the early season litmus test for the Ice, who hold top spot in terms of points, 16, in the WHL. The Tigers Tuesday, then home against the Warriors this Saturday before heading to Calgary Sunday. The club then starts a long homestand with the Portland Winterhawks returning to the scene of the crime they referred to as the Kootenay's WHL championship last May.
Broadcast is tonight at 7PM (102.9 - the Drive)
The Tigers are 7-3-0-0 on the season, two points back of the Ice who have played one more game.
Jaedon Deschaneau scored his first WHL goal off a feed from Joe Antilla while Jagger Dirk, Adam Rossignol and Max Reinhart rounded out the scoring.
The loss was Lethbridge's 9th straight coming of a major shake-up that saw the club move D-man Derek Ryckman, 19, to the Tri-City Americans 2012 4th rounder; G Brandon Anderson, 19, along with a 3rd and a 6th round pick from 2012 to the Brandon Wheat Kings for G Liam Liston, 18 and D Spencer Galbraith. The Canes then shipped D Reid Jackson, 18, and a 5th round pick from 2012 to the Prince George Cougars for F Nick Buonassisi.
Nathan Lieuwen went the distance stopping 27 of 29 shots, improving his record on the season to 5-1-0-2; 1.35 GAA and .949 save percentage, the latter two which lead the WHL.
Reinhart finished with a goal and two helpers to reach 13 points (5g, 8a) in nine games and crack the top 20 in WHL scoring.
Luke Paulsen left the game with an undisclosed injury and his status is questionable for tonight while forward Dylen McKinlay was a game-time decision with his leg injury and should play tonight.
Jeff Hubic, who should draw in tonight, Brendan Hurley (knee - one month) and McKinlay were the scratches.
Tonight and indeed the next five games will present the early season litmus test for the Ice, who hold top spot in terms of points, 16, in the WHL. The Tigers Tuesday, then home against the Warriors this Saturday before heading to Calgary Sunday. The club then starts a long homestand with the Portland Winterhawks returning to the scene of the crime they referred to as the Kootenay's WHL championship last May.
Broadcast is tonight at 7PM (102.9 - the Drive)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Kootenay dumps Raiders
The Kootenay Ice improved to 6-2-0-2 and 14 points on the young season after defeating the Prince Albert Raiders 3-1 at the Rec Plex Saturday night in front of a crowd of 2698.
Ice captain continued to spark the club's top line with a goal and an assist in his second game back from a shoulder injury along with Joey Leach who mirrored the feat while Max chipped in with three assists in the win.
G Mackenzie Skapski bounced back nicely with a 28 save effort Saturday night after a tough outing against Red Deer.
The Ice now have Sunday off before heading to Lethbridge and then Medicine Hat Monday and Tuesday.
Dylen McKinlay left the game Friday against Lethbridge in the first period with an undisclosed injury, though I imagine it's one of either an upper body injury or lower body injury.....
Some attendance numbers after six games into the season:
2011 after six home dates - 2730
2010 after six home dates - 2425
It represents an increase of 305 over last season thus far.
Ice captain continued to spark the club's top line with a goal and an assist in his second game back from a shoulder injury along with Joey Leach who mirrored the feat while Max chipped in with three assists in the win.
G Mackenzie Skapski bounced back nicely with a 28 save effort Saturday night after a tough outing against Red Deer.
The Ice now have Sunday off before heading to Lethbridge and then Medicine Hat Monday and Tuesday.
Dylen McKinlay left the game Friday against Lethbridge in the first period with an undisclosed injury, though I imagine it's one of either an upper body injury or lower body injury.....
Some attendance numbers after six games into the season:
2011 after six home dates - 2730
2010 after six home dates - 2425
It represents an increase of 305 over last season thus far.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Ice rebound against LA
UPDATE -- Thanks to the poster who found this:
Utah Grizzlies - AHL Add John Negrin, D assigned from Abbotsford (AHL) by Calgary (NHL)
It never occurred to me to check the ECHL transactions. It's been a long drop for Negrin, a prospect who was that close to cracking the Flames roster one year ago.
Drew Czerwonka made his season debut with a C on the his sweater and a puck in the net, on his second shift no less, as the Ice edged the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-1 at the Rec Plex Friday.
The recently-named captain Czerwonka skated on the club's top line with Max at Centre and Jesse Ismond on the wing. While 15-year-old Sam Reinhart was moved to the third unit with Joe Antilla and Eric Benoit.
Czerwonka's goal came off a goal-mouth scramble 1:32 into the game with the Ice on the power play.
Elgin Pearce ripped the game-winner, again on the power play, past Lethbridge starter Damien Ketlo for the win.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 16 of 17 shots to improve to 4-1-0-2 on the season with a minuscule 1.26 GAA and .952 Save percentage.
On the road this weekend with the Bantams so I'm a fan listening to Holick and CP on the radio.
Saw that the Swift Current Broncos sent G Steven Myland to North Delta of the PIJHL which was the writing on the wall when the club acquired overage goaltender Jon Groenhyde from the Oil Kings last week. Myland was part of the 5-for-1 deal (plus three Bantam Picks) that saw the Ice get Cody Eakin last season.
Love CP's 'Where are they now?' feature on the broadcast tonight. Had Jaroslav Svoboda, who's played in the Czech Republic for the last five seasons, and Zdenek Blatny - who is now playing in Austria. On that note, for those following James Martin in the AHL with the Abbotsford Heat, the Heat won their home début over Rockford but both Martin and former Ice D-man John Negrin weren't in the line-up. Dustin Sylvester set up the game-winner in the third for the Heat
The Prince Albert Raiders, who lost 3-2 in OT in Spokane are here tomorrow night. The Raiders are the tail end of a six-game road trip in which they have two wins.
Utah Grizzlies - AHL Add John Negrin, D assigned from Abbotsford (AHL) by Calgary (NHL)
It never occurred to me to check the ECHL transactions. It's been a long drop for Negrin, a prospect who was that close to cracking the Flames roster one year ago.
Drew Czerwonka made his season debut with a C on the his sweater and a puck in the net, on his second shift no less, as the Ice edged the Lethbridge Hurricanes 2-1 at the Rec Plex Friday.
The recently-named captain Czerwonka skated on the club's top line with Max at Centre and Jesse Ismond on the wing. While 15-year-old Sam Reinhart was moved to the third unit with Joe Antilla and Eric Benoit.
Czerwonka's goal came off a goal-mouth scramble 1:32 into the game with the Ice on the power play.
Elgin Pearce ripped the game-winner, again on the power play, past Lethbridge starter Damien Ketlo for the win.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 16 of 17 shots to improve to 4-1-0-2 on the season with a minuscule 1.26 GAA and .952 Save percentage.
On the road this weekend with the Bantams so I'm a fan listening to Holick and CP on the radio.
Saw that the Swift Current Broncos sent G Steven Myland to North Delta of the PIJHL which was the writing on the wall when the club acquired overage goaltender Jon Groenhyde from the Oil Kings last week. Myland was part of the 5-for-1 deal (plus three Bantam Picks) that saw the Ice get Cody Eakin last season.
Love CP's 'Where are they now?' feature on the broadcast tonight. Had Jaroslav Svoboda, who's played in the Czech Republic for the last five seasons, and Zdenek Blatny - who is now playing in Austria. On that note, for those following James Martin in the AHL with the Abbotsford Heat, the Heat won their home début over Rockford but both Martin and former Ice D-man John Negrin weren't in the line-up. Dustin Sylvester set up the game-winner in the third for the Heat
The Prince Albert Raiders, who lost 3-2 in OT in Spokane are here tomorrow night. The Raiders are the tail end of a six-game road trip in which they have two wins.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Czerwonka new Ice captain
Poster number one had it right as the Ice named Drew Czerwonka captain today.
Here's the release:
______________________________________________________________
Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has named 19-year-old Edmonton Oilers draft pick Drew Czerwonka as Captain of the 2011-2012 team.
Czerwonka becomes the 16th Captain in the history of the ICE franchise. (John Kachur – 1996-1997, Steve McCarthy – 1998-2000, Mike Green – 2000, Mike Comrie – 2000, Dean Arsene – 2000-2001, Jason Jaffray – 2001-2002, Jarret Stoll – 2001-2002, Colin Sinclair – 2002-2003, Nigel Dawes – 2003-2005, Adam Cracknell – 2005-2006, Ryan Russell – 2006-2007, Steve DaSilva 2007-2008, Andrew Bailey – 2008-2009, Dustin Sylvester – 2009-2010, Brayden McNabb - 2010-2011).
The Assistant Captains will be Max Reinhart, Joey Leach, Jesse Ismond and Joe Antilla.
“We feel Drew best exemplifies what type of player our organization is looking for in a Captain. There are many players in our club that are great leaders on and off the ice, but unfortunately only one can wear the 'C'. Drew is going into his fourth season with the club and understands the standard of excellence we strive to accomplish” added Chynoweth.
Next home action for the ICE is tomorrow night against Lethbridge and Saturday against Prince Albert both at 7:00 pm. Tickets for both games are available at the Kootenay ICE Office.
Here's the release:
______________________________________________________________
Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has named 19-year-old Edmonton Oilers draft pick Drew Czerwonka as Captain of the 2011-2012 team.
Czerwonka becomes the 16th Captain in the history of the ICE franchise. (John Kachur – 1996-1997, Steve McCarthy – 1998-2000, Mike Green – 2000, Mike Comrie – 2000, Dean Arsene – 2000-2001, Jason Jaffray – 2001-2002, Jarret Stoll – 2001-2002, Colin Sinclair – 2002-2003, Nigel Dawes – 2003-2005, Adam Cracknell – 2005-2006, Ryan Russell – 2006-2007, Steve DaSilva 2007-2008, Andrew Bailey – 2008-2009, Dustin Sylvester – 2009-2010, Brayden McNabb - 2010-2011).
The Assistant Captains will be Max Reinhart, Joey Leach, Jesse Ismond and Joe Antilla.
“We feel Drew best exemplifies what type of player our organization is looking for in a Captain. There are many players in our club that are great leaders on and off the ice, but unfortunately only one can wear the 'C'. Drew is going into his fourth season with the club and understands the standard of excellence we strive to accomplish” added Chynoweth.
Next home action for the ICE is tomorrow night against Lethbridge and Saturday against Prince Albert both at 7:00 pm. Tickets for both games are available at the Kootenay ICE Office.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Oil Kings whip Ice
The Score – Edmonton 6 – Kootenay 1
What Happened – This wasn’t your father’s Oil Kings, or rather, maybe it was. This club resembled the Oil Kings of old (1960’s old) and ran roughshod over the stunned Ice.
The Goals – The Ice had trouble waking up for this one as the visitors jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead. Micheal St. Croix opened the carnage with Jesse Ismond in the box a point shot bounced off a player in front and right to St. Croix who easily beat Skapski to make it 1-0… Coming off the half-wall with the puck Curtiz Lazaar, the Oil Kings first round pick in 2010, ripped a flutterer that Skapski never moved on, nevermind stopped… On a chance in the Oil Kings zone D-man Jagger Dirk turned the puck over and the Oil went on a 3-on-1 the other way. Dirk got all the way back to help save a goal but the Ice never recovered. 10 seconds later a point-shot by Gernat was stopped by Skapski only to have Stephane Legault tuck it in behind him for a 3-0 lead with 8 seconds left in the first period... Dirk’s night didn’t get any better in the second as he lost a battle for a puck behind his net and Dylan Wruck – he’ll be in the Ice nightmares tonight - promptly centered it to Lazaar. He buried his second of the night. 4-0… In the third Ismond finally broke the donut on a rush started by Max Reinhart who fed Ismond off the left-wing. He roofed it to make it 4-1…The euphoria was short-lived however as rookie Mike Simpson fumbled it at the Oil blueline and Kristians Pelss fought off Joey Leach on the ensuing breakaway and beat Skapski high to the stick-side… On a weak clear late D Mark Pysyk corralled it and sent a harmless wrist shot to the net. Except it went in. 6-1.
The Line – For the second game the Reinhart brothers were together with Sam on one wing and Ismond on the other. It’s probably one of many shuffles of this deck desperately in need of an ace or two.
The Letters? - The captains were supposed to be named tonight but for whatever reason, weren't. I suspect it had something to do with Drew Czerwonka's return being delayed until the weekend. I also suspect you'll see Czerwonka take the younger Reinhart's place on the aforementioned line.
The Starter – 20-20 hindsight being what it is, Skapski was the curious starter on this night. It was a tough call having the league’s best goaltender on the bench facing arguably the Central Division’s best team, especially with weak sisters Lethbridge and Prince Albert up on the weekend. He didn’t play all that bad but on this team, goaltenders can ill afford to have bad nights.
The Save – Looking for a bright spot, Skapski robbed Cole Benson from point-blank ranged in front of his net after yet another battle was lost behind it.
The Turkey – Is it too far past Thanksgiving to use the too much turkey line?
The Scoring (or lack thereof) – Okay, it’s eight games in but 2.5 a game isn’t going to cut it for long.
Stand Out Stat – Last season’s playoff darling, F Joe Antilla has one assist, and is dash-2 through 8 games.
The Crowd – 2505, most of which didn’t last past the second period.
The Skinny – Kootenay loses its first regular game this season with style. You can excuse losses like this on a younger team but effort-wise, this one was a dud.
Up Next – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are here Friday
My Three Stars
1. Dylan Wruck – set up three goals
2. Curtis Lazaar – two goals; easily won the battle of 16-year-old rookies over Sam on this night.
3. G Larent Brossoit – Outstanding rebound control. 29 shots and rarely gave the Ice another sniff.
Summary:
Oil Kings 6 @ Ice 1
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Kootenay Ice; October 12, 2011
The Edmonton Oil Kings handed the Kootenay Ice their first regulation loss of the season in a 6-1 romp Wednesday night in Cranbrook.
The Oil Kings opened the scoring in the first with three goals: St. Croix with his 3rd on the power play; rookie Curtis Lazaar with his 2nd and the eventual game-winner and Stephane Legault late for a 3-0 lead. Edmonton built on that in the second when Lazaar took a great feed from Dylan Wruck for his second of the night for a 4-0 lead.
In the third the Ice finally got on the board when Jesse Ismond ripped a wristshot over Larent Brossoit for his 3rd of the season but it would be as close as the Ice would get as the visitors would add two more, one by Kristians Pelss and another by Mark Pysyk - both unassisted - to make it 6-1.
Brossoit was solid in stopping 31 of 32 shots to get the win while Mackenzie Skapski surrendered 6 goals on 29 shots to take the loss.
First Period
1. Edmonton, St. Croix 3 (Wruck, Sautner) 6:21 (pp)
2. Edmonton, Lazaar 2 (Wruck) 18:00
3. Edmonton, Legault 5 (Gernat, Foster) 19:52
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (roughing) 5:34.
Second Period
4. Edmonton, Lazaar 3 (Wruck) 14:01
Penalties -- Martin Ktn (hooking) 9:20, St. Croix Edm (interference) 10:22, Pelss Edm (roughing) 16:46.
Third Period
5. Kootenay, Ismond 3 (Reinhart) 8:48
6. Edmonton, Pelss 3 10:15
7. Edmonton, Pysyk 1 17:53
Penalties -- Montgomery Ktn (slashing) 14:32, Antilla Ktn (misconduct) 15:53,
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 9 13 11 - 32
Edmonton: 8 10 10 - 29
Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (L, 1-1); Edmonton: Laurent Brossoit (W, 6-2-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-2
Edmonton: 1-3
Referee -- Trevor Hanson. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Ian Shaver
Attendance -- 2505(4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - day-to-day), Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks)
Edmonton: Griffin Reinhart (league suspension, game five of five), Josh Lazowski, Colton Stephenson, David Stephens, Travis Ewanyk.
What Happened – This wasn’t your father’s Oil Kings, or rather, maybe it was. This club resembled the Oil Kings of old (1960’s old) and ran roughshod over the stunned Ice.
The Goals – The Ice had trouble waking up for this one as the visitors jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead. Micheal St. Croix opened the carnage with Jesse Ismond in the box a point shot bounced off a player in front and right to St. Croix who easily beat Skapski to make it 1-0… Coming off the half-wall with the puck Curtiz Lazaar, the Oil Kings first round pick in 2010, ripped a flutterer that Skapski never moved on, nevermind stopped… On a chance in the Oil Kings zone D-man Jagger Dirk turned the puck over and the Oil went on a 3-on-1 the other way. Dirk got all the way back to help save a goal but the Ice never recovered. 10 seconds later a point-shot by Gernat was stopped by Skapski only to have Stephane Legault tuck it in behind him for a 3-0 lead with 8 seconds left in the first period... Dirk’s night didn’t get any better in the second as he lost a battle for a puck behind his net and Dylan Wruck – he’ll be in the Ice nightmares tonight - promptly centered it to Lazaar. He buried his second of the night. 4-0… In the third Ismond finally broke the donut on a rush started by Max Reinhart who fed Ismond off the left-wing. He roofed it to make it 4-1…The euphoria was short-lived however as rookie Mike Simpson fumbled it at the Oil blueline and Kristians Pelss fought off Joey Leach on the ensuing breakaway and beat Skapski high to the stick-side… On a weak clear late D Mark Pysyk corralled it and sent a harmless wrist shot to the net. Except it went in. 6-1.
The Line – For the second game the Reinhart brothers were together with Sam on one wing and Ismond on the other. It’s probably one of many shuffles of this deck desperately in need of an ace or two.
The Letters? - The captains were supposed to be named tonight but for whatever reason, weren't. I suspect it had something to do with Drew Czerwonka's return being delayed until the weekend. I also suspect you'll see Czerwonka take the younger Reinhart's place on the aforementioned line.
The Starter – 20-20 hindsight being what it is, Skapski was the curious starter on this night. It was a tough call having the league’s best goaltender on the bench facing arguably the Central Division’s best team, especially with weak sisters Lethbridge and Prince Albert up on the weekend. He didn’t play all that bad but on this team, goaltenders can ill afford to have bad nights.
The Save – Looking for a bright spot, Skapski robbed Cole Benson from point-blank ranged in front of his net after yet another battle was lost behind it.
The Turkey – Is it too far past Thanksgiving to use the too much turkey line?
The Scoring (or lack thereof) – Okay, it’s eight games in but 2.5 a game isn’t going to cut it for long.
Stand Out Stat – Last season’s playoff darling, F Joe Antilla has one assist, and is dash-2 through 8 games.
The Crowd – 2505, most of which didn’t last past the second period.
The Skinny – Kootenay loses its first regular game this season with style. You can excuse losses like this on a younger team but effort-wise, this one was a dud.
Up Next – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are here Friday
My Three Stars
1. Dylan Wruck – set up three goals
2. Curtis Lazaar – two goals; easily won the battle of 16-year-old rookies over Sam on this night.
3. G Larent Brossoit – Outstanding rebound control. 29 shots and rarely gave the Ice another sniff.
Summary:
Oil Kings 6 @ Ice 1
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Kootenay Ice; October 12, 2011
The Edmonton Oil Kings handed the Kootenay Ice their first regulation loss of the season in a 6-1 romp Wednesday night in Cranbrook.
The Oil Kings opened the scoring in the first with three goals: St. Croix with his 3rd on the power play; rookie Curtis Lazaar with his 2nd and the eventual game-winner and Stephane Legault late for a 3-0 lead. Edmonton built on that in the second when Lazaar took a great feed from Dylan Wruck for his second of the night for a 4-0 lead.
In the third the Ice finally got on the board when Jesse Ismond ripped a wristshot over Larent Brossoit for his 3rd of the season but it would be as close as the Ice would get as the visitors would add two more, one by Kristians Pelss and another by Mark Pysyk - both unassisted - to make it 6-1.
Brossoit was solid in stopping 31 of 32 shots to get the win while Mackenzie Skapski surrendered 6 goals on 29 shots to take the loss.
First Period
1. Edmonton, St. Croix 3 (Wruck, Sautner) 6:21 (pp)
2. Edmonton, Lazaar 2 (Wruck) 18:00
3. Edmonton, Legault 5 (Gernat, Foster) 19:52
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (roughing) 5:34.
Second Period
4. Edmonton, Lazaar 3 (Wruck) 14:01
Penalties -- Martin Ktn (hooking) 9:20, St. Croix Edm (interference) 10:22, Pelss Edm (roughing) 16:46.
Third Period
5. Kootenay, Ismond 3 (Reinhart) 8:48
6. Edmonton, Pelss 3 10:15
7. Edmonton, Pysyk 1 17:53
Penalties -- Montgomery Ktn (slashing) 14:32, Antilla Ktn (misconduct) 15:53,
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 9 13 11 - 32
Edmonton: 8 10 10 - 29
Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (L, 1-1); Edmonton: Laurent Brossoit (W, 6-2-1)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-2
Edmonton: 1-3
Referee -- Trevor Hanson. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Ian Shaver
Attendance -- 2505(4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Drew Czerwonka (shoulder - day-to-day), Brendan Hurley (knee - 4-8 weeks)
Edmonton: Griffin Reinhart (league suspension, game five of five), Josh Lazowski, Colton Stephenson, David Stephens, Travis Ewanyk.
Monday, October 10, 2011
A quiet Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Monday some thoughts out and about...
Further to the post below on Nathan Lieuwen's performance in Red Deer Saturday night. Here's the evidence.... On that note, take a long look at Weller's hit on Max that gave the Ice the power play in which Pearce scores the winner. Clean hit or not?.
F Matt Fraser didn't take long to make an impression with the Dallas Stars AHL affiliate the Texas Stars deep in the heart of Texas. Fraser scored two goals and added an assist for the Austin-based AHL in a 7-0 drubbing of the Oklahoma City Barons last night.
The game had lots of local connections as along with Fraser, the Stars are captained by Brad Lukowich; Jace Coyle patrols the blueline and with Oklahoma G David LeNeveu of Fernie came on in relief of Barons starter Yann Danis.
In keeping with the graduated '20's; Kevin King with the Syracuse Crunch hasn't played yet (late start in the AHL schedule) and Steele Boomer is now with the NAIT Ooks of the Alberta College ACAC.
Some interest in the fact that D James Martin was a healthy scratch in the Abbotsford Heat first two games of the season on the road against Lake Erie. Dustin Sylvester scored in the first game Friday night for the Heat. They are the other AHL club with more Kootenay/local connections in that along with Martin, F Carter Bancks (Marysville), Sylvester and D John Negrin are also on the club. Negrin also was a healthy scratch over the weekend. Bancks is injured and did not play.
Martin theoretically could still be returned by the Flames/Heat to junior but it's not likely. If he were the Ice would have two weeks to decide on which three they would keep. The WHL's deadline for 20-year-olds is October 13 but Martin could return anytime up until the WHL roster/trade deadline.
Another team with a couple of former Ice players on it is Barys Astana of the KHL in Russia. F Nigel Dawes and G Jeff Glass along with another Winnipegger, Dustin Boyd are in the Russian league. There's an older story here on Dawes, Glass and Boyd and the former's thoughts on travelling in the KHL after the tragic plane crash that killed all 44 aboard that were members of the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
Back in the WHL Ice PBP Jeff Hollick said on the broadcast Saturday that forward Brendan Hurley will have his knee examined by doctors to determine the extent of the injury suffered after a collision with Oil Kings D Griffin Reinhart. His feeling is that Hurley's out at least 4-6 weeks. Reinhart got a major and a game misconduct for his troubles and a further 5-game suspension from the league.
And lastly, if you're a bit of a stats geek, like myself, you'll notice that the Ice - 4-1-0-2; 10pts, tied with four other teams for tops in the WHL - have scored just 19 goals through those seven games. 2.71 goals per game, just ahead of the Red Deer Rebels at 2.666/game (without RNH who scored in his début with the Oilers last night, that'll set the hockey world atwitter with the debate of will he or won't he return to the Rebels. Right now he won't but wait 8 more games) and the lowly T-Birds in Seattle just 2.5 goals/game through their first four WHL games. So 20th in team scoring in the 22-team WHL but only allowing 1.86/game through those same seven games, by far the best in the league. Good goaltending, get used to it because it's going to be a theme this year. Firewagon hockey surely won't be. Discuss.
Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Further to the post below on Nathan Lieuwen's performance in Red Deer Saturday night. Here's the evidence.... On that note, take a long look at Weller's hit on Max that gave the Ice the power play in which Pearce scores the winner. Clean hit or not?.
F Matt Fraser didn't take long to make an impression with the Dallas Stars AHL affiliate the Texas Stars deep in the heart of Texas. Fraser scored two goals and added an assist for the Austin-based AHL in a 7-0 drubbing of the Oklahoma City Barons last night.
The game had lots of local connections as along with Fraser, the Stars are captained by Brad Lukowich; Jace Coyle patrols the blueline and with Oklahoma G David LeNeveu of Fernie came on in relief of Barons starter Yann Danis.
In keeping with the graduated '20's; Kevin King with the Syracuse Crunch hasn't played yet (late start in the AHL schedule) and Steele Boomer is now with the NAIT Ooks of the Alberta College ACAC.
Some interest in the fact that D James Martin was a healthy scratch in the Abbotsford Heat first two games of the season on the road against Lake Erie. Dustin Sylvester scored in the first game Friday night for the Heat. They are the other AHL club with more Kootenay/local connections in that along with Martin, F Carter Bancks (Marysville), Sylvester and D John Negrin are also on the club. Negrin also was a healthy scratch over the weekend. Bancks is injured and did not play.
Martin theoretically could still be returned by the Flames/Heat to junior but it's not likely. If he were the Ice would have two weeks to decide on which three they would keep. The WHL's deadline for 20-year-olds is October 13 but Martin could return anytime up until the WHL roster/trade deadline.
Another team with a couple of former Ice players on it is Barys Astana of the KHL in Russia. F Nigel Dawes and G Jeff Glass along with another Winnipegger, Dustin Boyd are in the Russian league. There's an older story here on Dawes, Glass and Boyd and the former's thoughts on travelling in the KHL after the tragic plane crash that killed all 44 aboard that were members of the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
Back in the WHL Ice PBP Jeff Hollick said on the broadcast Saturday that forward Brendan Hurley will have his knee examined by doctors to determine the extent of the injury suffered after a collision with Oil Kings D Griffin Reinhart. His feeling is that Hurley's out at least 4-6 weeks. Reinhart got a major and a game misconduct for his troubles and a further 5-game suspension from the league.
And lastly, if you're a bit of a stats geek, like myself, you'll notice that the Ice - 4-1-0-2; 10pts, tied with four other teams for tops in the WHL - have scored just 19 goals through those seven games. 2.71 goals per game, just ahead of the Red Deer Rebels at 2.666/game (without RNH who scored in his début with the Oilers last night, that'll set the hockey world atwitter with the debate of will he or won't he return to the Rebels. Right now he won't but wait 8 more games) and the lowly T-Birds in Seattle just 2.5 goals/game through their first four WHL games. So 20th in team scoring in the 22-team WHL but only allowing 1.86/game through those same seven games, by far the best in the league. Good goaltending, get used to it because it's going to be a theme this year. Firewagon hockey surely won't be. Discuss.
Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Early MVP
You could probably just give him the MVP award right now.
G Nathan Lieuwen stopped 33 of 34 shots to backstop the Ice to a 2-1 victory over the Red Deer Rebels for the club's first road win of the young season.
The Ice improve to 4-1-0-2 and 10 points, first in the Central and tied for first in the Eastern Conference.
Max Reinhart notched his 4th of the season in the first and then, with the game tied with 3:12 left in the second Elgin Pearce's second stood up to be the game-winner
Kootenay was 2-6 on the power play.
Coach Kris Knoblauch put both Reinhart's on the same line, with some success. The scratches were F Drew Czerwonka (shoulder) who should play this week; F Brendan Hurley (Charlie Horse) and D Mike Simpson.
The Edmonton Oil Kings are here Wednesday night.
G Nathan Lieuwen stopped 33 of 34 shots to backstop the Ice to a 2-1 victory over the Red Deer Rebels for the club's first road win of the young season.
The Ice improve to 4-1-0-2 and 10 points, first in the Central and tied for first in the Eastern Conference.
Max Reinhart notched his 4th of the season in the first and then, with the game tied with 3:12 left in the second Elgin Pearce's second stood up to be the game-winner
Kootenay was 2-6 on the power play.
Coach Kris Knoblauch put both Reinhart's on the same line, with some success. The scratches were F Drew Czerwonka (shoulder) who should play this week; F Brendan Hurley (Charlie Horse) and D Mike Simpson.
The Edmonton Oil Kings are here Wednesday night.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Road not kind to Ice
The Kootenay Ice continued to falter away from the Cranbrook Rec Plex early in the 2011-12 season as the club dropped their third game on the road this season, 2-1 in a shoot-out to the Edmonton Oil Kings last night in Edmonton.
Max Reinhart had the Ice goal that gave the club a 1-0 lead until late in the third period.
Kootenay gave up 8 minor penalties and killed seven of them, the only blemish being when T.J. Foster scored with Elgin Pearce in the box to give the Oil a 4-on-3 advantage.
The Ice had only three opportunities but one was a five minute major to middle Reinhart brother Griffin, who was assessed a knee-on-knee to Ice forward Brendan Hurley. Hurley left the game with a suspected Charlie Horse.
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen was again the difference tonight as the 20-year-old was solid in stopping 26 of 27 shots. Oil Kings goaltender Laurent Brossoit stopped 22 of 23.
T.J. Foster and Martin Gernat scored in the shootout for Edmonton while Reinhart brothers Max and Sam were stopped.
Couple of recaps here and here.
Like seasons past, scoring in the early stages of 2011 seems to be an issue, at least on the road where the club has five goals in three games and 12 on home ice. Veteran forward Drew Czerwonka is due back likely by next week's home date with the Oil Kings. His depth will make a difference but whether or not it's a big difference, we'll see.
The Ice are in Red Deer Saturday.
On another note the Swift Current Broncos - one of the Ice small-market CHL brethren, announced that the club lost almost $200,000 last season. That story is here and here.
The report and numbers are significant for several reasons but the least of which is that the two organizations can be compared to, at least off the ice, when it comes to revenue. The Broncos expenses were almost $1.6 million last season with an average attendance of 2135.
Kootenay is a private business and as such the numbers aren't made public but you can bet that the two organizations have similar expenses, demonstrating the importance of fan support. In Cranbrook that fan support has moved in the right direction with over 2100 season tickets. Of course the fact that the club wins championships doesn't hurt either.
Of note is a study the Broncos brass did with the University of Saskatchewan business school on the impact of the Broncos to Swift Current totalling $6.2 million annually with $2.2 million of it being 'new money annually'.
Max Reinhart had the Ice goal that gave the club a 1-0 lead until late in the third period.
Kootenay gave up 8 minor penalties and killed seven of them, the only blemish being when T.J. Foster scored with Elgin Pearce in the box to give the Oil a 4-on-3 advantage.
The Ice had only three opportunities but one was a five minute major to middle Reinhart brother Griffin, who was assessed a knee-on-knee to Ice forward Brendan Hurley. Hurley left the game with a suspected Charlie Horse.
Goaltender Nathan Lieuwen was again the difference tonight as the 20-year-old was solid in stopping 26 of 27 shots. Oil Kings goaltender Laurent Brossoit stopped 22 of 23.
T.J. Foster and Martin Gernat scored in the shootout for Edmonton while Reinhart brothers Max and Sam were stopped.
Couple of recaps here and here.
Like seasons past, scoring in the early stages of 2011 seems to be an issue, at least on the road where the club has five goals in three games and 12 on home ice. Veteran forward Drew Czerwonka is due back likely by next week's home date with the Oil Kings. His depth will make a difference but whether or not it's a big difference, we'll see.
The Ice are in Red Deer Saturday.
On another note the Swift Current Broncos - one of the Ice small-market CHL brethren, announced that the club lost almost $200,000 last season. That story is here and here.
The report and numbers are significant for several reasons but the least of which is that the two organizations can be compared to, at least off the ice, when it comes to revenue. The Broncos expenses were almost $1.6 million last season with an average attendance of 2135.
Kootenay is a private business and as such the numbers aren't made public but you can bet that the two organizations have similar expenses, demonstrating the importance of fan support. In Cranbrook that fan support has moved in the right direction with over 2100 season tickets. Of course the fact that the club wins championships doesn't hurt either.
Of note is a study the Broncos brass did with the University of Saskatchewan business school on the impact of the Broncos to Swift Current totalling $6.2 million annually with $2.2 million of it being 'new money annually'.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Roster set
Coming off a 4-2 loss to the Calgary Hitmen Sunday afternoon the Ice finalized their roster by sending F Luke Philp to the AJHL's Canmore Eagles and F Jesse Wood-Schatz to Sherwood Park AAA Midget. There could be another forward destined for Midget or Junior A depending on whether or not the club decides to go with 22 or 23. Currently they sit at 23 (14 forwards, 7 D-men and two goalies).
F Drew Czerwonka remains on the shelf with a shoulder injury but will skate this week and likely be cleared for contact next week.
G Nathan Lieuwen is the WHL goaltender of the week and will stand for the CHL version of the award.
In the pro ranks C Cody Eakin was sent down today by the Washington Capitals to the AHL's Hershey Bears. Eakin was among the last cuts last year also.
D Matt Walker, who was a member of the 2000 WHL championship team was waived by the Philadelphia Flyers.
F Drew Czerwonka remains on the shelf with a shoulder injury but will skate this week and likely be cleared for contact next week.
G Nathan Lieuwen is the WHL goaltender of the week and will stand for the CHL version of the award.
In the pro ranks C Cody Eakin was sent down today by the Washington Capitals to the AHL's Hershey Bears. Eakin was among the last cuts last year also.
D Matt Walker, who was a member of the 2000 WHL championship team was waived by the Philadelphia Flyers.
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