Watched the game as a fan last night so the recap will be a short one today.
A fun game to watch last night as the goaltenders put on a show most of the night starting in the first period as Mackenzie Skapski, getting his second straight home start, kept the Ice in the game early and fought off a Chief barrage of 14 shots in the scoreless first period. Mac Engel was sharp for the Chiefs in the first, stopping Max Reinhart twice - once on a nice back-door feed and then again on a wrist shot - to keep the game scoreless.
Somebody mentioned to me that they were surprised Skapski was getting the start over Lieuwen at home. I thought he earned it after Tuesday's performance. He played well. Saw Lieuwen with his hand wrapped/taped Tuesday night on the bench but I don't think that factored into the decision.
In the second D Joe Leach opened the scoring with a wicked slapshot that beat Engel high to the blocker side, though Engel did get a piece of it. Three minutes later newly acquired Todd Fiddler - obtained from the Prince Albert Raiders for Chief leading scorer Anthony Bardaro and G Luke Lee-Knight, along with G Eric Williams going to the Chiefs - deflected in a point-shot that Skapski had little chance on.
The Ice went up 2-1 on a Dylan McKinlay wrist shot as he took the pass out of the corner and roofed his 7th of the season.
In the third the Ice really took it to the Chiefs but couldn't convert and a Eric Benoit high-sticking call - a tough one as he was spun around by a Chief on the play but his stick went flying, clipping D Corbin Baldwin in the back of the head - cost them. F Liam Stewart banged home a point-shot rebound to tie the game in the third.
Overtime solved nothing and then in the shootout Mitch Holmberg and Brendan Kichton scored to give the Chiefs the extra-point.
The Ice drop their second straight game and finish December 3-7. At 22-11-1-3 and 48 points the Ice sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, now six back of the rolling Oil Kings who lead the conference.
Some more thoughts:
The Ice were without D John Neibrandt and D Luke Paulsen last night. Neibrandt's in a sling and had some dental work done after taking a puck or stick in the mouth at practice earlier in the week. He's pretty beat up but could return in a week so it's likely a shoulder separation. Paulsen is day-to-day but being re-evaluated with an undisclosed injury. The club also missed the likes of Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Deschaneau, Spencer Wand and Jon Martin, all 16 but all who could've made impact. They're at the World U-tourny. D Tanner Faith, who was called up to play in place of the missing players was hurt in practice Thursday with an undisclosed ailment.
F Drew Czerwonka laid the biggest hit of the night on Chief forward Steven Kuhn along the half-wall that knocked out the plexiglass. It didn't break so the RecPlex staff just put it back in after about a four minute delay. There was one late in the game from Chief D Corbin Baldwin on Ice forward Brock Montgomery that rocked the 19-year-old as he cut in across the slot but he recovered. Crowd didn't like it but I thought it was a clean hit.
Chief tying goal was scored by F Liam Stewart, son of rocker Rod-the-bod Stewart and model Rachel Hunter. Stewart was tagged to play for Great Britain at the U-18 championships - Division II Group A - against the likes of Croatia, Korea, Lithuania, Romania and the host Netherlands at the end of March. The 17-year-old played for the LA Kings U-16 team last season. He was born in California and is still eligible to play for the U.S. team as internationally it's the country you play for after you turn 18 that cements where you'll play. Rod was a pretty good soccer player in the day but will be 67 January 10th. No, he wasn't in the building last night.... And an interesting or creepy, depending on your point of view, side-note. Former Ice captain Jarret Stoll, now playing for the LA Kings, dated Liam's Mom Rachel Hunter for a spell and almost got married a year or so ago. Meaning the former Ice captain was almost Liam's step-dad......
At the World U-17 challenge the Ice rookies are doing well. Sam leads the tournament in scoring with 4 points (all goals) as Team Pacific is 2-0 at the tourney atop Group A. They play Russia (that would be a better game to watch!) today. (11pm Mountain time). Wand and Martin (Team West) along with Descheneau (Team Pacific) haven't reached the stat-sheet yet.
Okay, that's it for 2011 as for the first time in 9 years New Year's Eve will consist of something other than a hockey game as the Ice aren't playing tonight at home. Canada-USA on the tube for World Juniors that means squat because the U.S. haven't played well at all is the only alternative.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Rebels double up on Ice
In Red Deer last night the Rebels had two new faces in the lineup in D Devan Fafard and C Charles Inglis last night but it was a Rebel regular who did the Ice in as Tyson Ness notched a couple of goals and added an assist on the game-winner as the Rebels doubled the Ice 4-2.
Drew Czerwonka and Elgin Pearce scored for the Ice while Nathan Lieuwen surrendered four goals on 25 shots.
The Red Deer Advocate has a gamer here while the highlites of the game are here.
A slow start and the hot-hand of Deven Dubyk stymied the Ice who lost D John Neibrant in the first period. Radio said that D Tanner Faith was supposed to play but he suffered an injury in practice and his status was questionable for tonight.
The Ice fall to 22-11-1-2 and 47 points and lose a spot in the Eastern Conference standings to the Tigers who beat the Hurricanes 5-2 last night. The Tigers now sit third in the conference, a point up on the Ice who are now fourth.
Just a couple of thoughts on the deadline that's fast approaching:
There has been some speculation that the Ice could be sellers at the deadline, if the right - inflated, I imagine - price was posted. Some of are of the theory that building for a big show in the next two seasons with the 16-year-olds now when they're 18-19 being one of dominating groups in 2-3 seasons, could be the goal right now. Supporting that is the lack of real impact players available out there at this time. It's a seller's market to the nth degree.
I don't buy it and I do so from a very logical standpoint. Given the club's success last season there's a very real possibility that this club could go deep into the playoffs again, second round or even conference final. And given the experience on the roster, that's a lot of possible playoff home dates for a small market team. As well, of course, that any team always plays to win every year and this season the club's in the thick of it again, only 1-2 games off of last season's pace at this time.
But I really don't see the team loading up and expending some of those blue-chip 16-year-olds they have to get them over the hump this season. The price (high) combined with the lack of real impact players reasonably for sale says to me the club won't do much this year at the deadline.
I guess the next couple of weeks will prove that out one way or another.
The Ice host the Spokane Chiefs tonight at the Rec Plex at 7PM.
Drew Czerwonka and Elgin Pearce scored for the Ice while Nathan Lieuwen surrendered four goals on 25 shots.
The Red Deer Advocate has a gamer here while the highlites of the game are here.
A slow start and the hot-hand of Deven Dubyk stymied the Ice who lost D John Neibrant in the first period. Radio said that D Tanner Faith was supposed to play but he suffered an injury in practice and his status was questionable for tonight.
The Ice fall to 22-11-1-2 and 47 points and lose a spot in the Eastern Conference standings to the Tigers who beat the Hurricanes 5-2 last night. The Tigers now sit third in the conference, a point up on the Ice who are now fourth.
Just a couple of thoughts on the deadline that's fast approaching:
There has been some speculation that the Ice could be sellers at the deadline, if the right - inflated, I imagine - price was posted. Some of are of the theory that building for a big show in the next two seasons with the 16-year-olds now when they're 18-19 being one of dominating groups in 2-3 seasons, could be the goal right now. Supporting that is the lack of real impact players available out there at this time. It's a seller's market to the nth degree.
I don't buy it and I do so from a very logical standpoint. Given the club's success last season there's a very real possibility that this club could go deep into the playoffs again, second round or even conference final. And given the experience on the roster, that's a lot of possible playoff home dates for a small market team. As well, of course, that any team always plays to win every year and this season the club's in the thick of it again, only 1-2 games off of last season's pace at this time.
But I really don't see the team loading up and expending some of those blue-chip 16-year-olds they have to get them over the hump this season. The price (high) combined with the lack of real impact players reasonably for sale says to me the club won't do much this year at the deadline.
I guess the next couple of weeks will prove that out one way or another.
The Ice host the Spokane Chiefs tonight at the Rec Plex at 7PM.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ice come out of the break hungry
The Score – Lethbridge 2 – Kootenay 4
What Happened – G Mackenzie Skapski got the nod and took advantage of the start and was the better of the two goalies on this night.
The Turning Point – Late in the second with the Ice nursing a 2-1 lead Phil Tot found himself wide open in front of Skapski off a bad Ice clearing attempt. Tot started to stickhandle but Skapski pulled a Johnny Bower and poked-checked the puck off him before he could make a move.
The Goals – After a particular slow start through the first two minutes the Ice were the benefactors of a fortuitous bounce off the corner boards right to a wide-open Jagger Dirk, who was allowed to step into his 2nd of the season to make it 1-0 Ice… With the Ice on a tail-end of an uneventful power play Joe Antilla – playing D on the PP – coughed up the puck in his own zone to Maxwell. Skapski made a great save on Maxwell but couldn’t stop the rebound as Watson roofed the tying goal. 1-1… The Ice started the second strong and it paid off when Rossignol dragged a defender towards him on a broken 2-on-1 and found Brock Montgomery in the slot. He seemed to fan on the one-timer but got enough of it to have go through Ketlo’s legs for a 2-1 lead… In the third Joe Antilla atoned for his earlier gaffe on the Hurricane goal with a great shift in the Canes zone and then on the neutral zone turnover took a pass from Elgin Pearce and came off the wing and beat Ketlo along the ice. 3-1 Ice… Later in the period Ismond found Drew Czerwonka streaking down the left-wing but was about to be caught by a Cane defender. He instead wired a slapshot that started to trickle through Ketlo’s pads but stopped, only to have a hard-driving Czerwonka poke the loose puck into the net behind him. 4-1 Ice. With the game well in hand late the Canes scored on a power play when Brody Sutter scored on a nice feed from Graham Hood. 4-2 final.
The Melee – The Christmas tidings didn’t last seven minutes on this night as a Jeff Hubic hit on Yakubowski at the Ice bench was followed up by a late hit on Hubic by Russ Maxwell. Adam Henry ended up taking a beating from Simpson after going after Simpson as the culprits paired-up. Yakubowski decided to take out his frustrations from the hit on Levi Cable and, being the second fight, both were tossed. With about five minutes left in the period Brock Montgomery hit Nick Buonasissi with his head down – the puck was in his skates – and took off his helmut and thankfully not his head. Brady Ramsay then jumped Montgomery to save the day. Roughing minors all around except Ramsay took an extra one in which the Ice gave up a shortie. All in all the first period ended up with 64 minutes in PIM’s. Guess the good will towards all men didn’t extend to tonight. The bad blood continued to the end of the second period when Joe Leach and Cam Braes screamed at each other for almost a minute after the buzzer. When Braes didn’t accept the challenge presented by Leach, Leach got a hold of Braes helmut in the pushing and shoving and proceeded to through it down the ice. It was entertaining to say the least.
The Save – Skapski had to be and was sharp to start the game. Mid-way through the first he stopped a point-blanke Hurricane chance and then the wrap-around chance on Nick Buonasissi – extending his pad across the crease. In the second killing a penalty Skapski poked-checked Phil Tot who was left along in front of him. A few posts helped the cause but Skapski continued with the hot-hand with an unconscious glove save off Maxwell late.
The Fast-one – Canes Coach Rich Preston tried to pull the switch on an icing by trying to switch two guys – Harper a rookie AP call-up and Watson, who was gassed. He got an earful from Thiessen. The next time his club got caught he burned his time-out.
The Rookies – C Luke Philp and D Tanner Faith have been recalled by the Ice from their respective clubs to fill the void left by four Ice 16-year-olds away at the U-17 tournament starting tomorrow in Windsor. Philp, a late cut from the Ice, is the leading scorer in Canmore with the Eagles of the AJHL with 10 goals, 23 assists in 30 games. Faith suffered a shoulder injury in camp and returned to play AAA Midget at Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He was a scratch tonight but should play Friday. Philp was used in a limited role tonight but did have a scoring chance in the first.
Rumour de jour - This one had former Ice D-man James Martin, who is 20, being returned from the AHL's Abbotsford Heat to the Ice. It's a non-starter. Martin's been cleared to return to the ice after a thumb injury has kept him out the last few weeks. A few text messages killed this one pretty fast. The subject of the trade deadline - a scant two weeks away - is obviously starting to foster some talk.
The Zebras – Busy on this night as Andy Thiessen doled out 90 minutes in PIM’s. Was it me or was he also in the way a lot tonight?
Oh those Russians - F Alex Kuvaev, who spurned the opportunity to join the Ice and instead signed a contract in Russia only to have that go sour and then join the Giants after the Christmas break after the Ice dropped him from their list, scored a goal and the shootout winner for the G-men over the Blazers tonight in a 4-3 win.
The Sutter - The Hurricanes' 6'4" son of Duane Sutter, Brody - drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes last June - seems to be a bit of late-bloomer. The 20-year-old looks like he could, or should, dominate in this league. A bit of an enigma considering the bloodlines. Scored a nice goal at the end of the game and probably should've had more.
The Former 'Tender - The goaltender Skapski beat out for the back-up spot, Brett Teskey, has landed back in the WHL at least on a temporary basis. Teskey was called up to back-up Ty Rimmer of the Tri-City Americans for the next ten days with 16-year-old Eric Comrie away at the World U-17 tournament. Teskey was 9-3 in 12 starts with the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings with a 3.29 GAA and .868 Save percentage.
The Crowd – 3076; lots of energy, should be a couple hundred more for Friday's tilt against the Chiefs.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Mackenzie Skapski – Played a big game just off the break. A sign of things to come?
2. RW Brock Montgomery – Big second period goal
3. C Russell Maxwell – Lots of chances, genuine pest
What it means – The Ice improve to 22-10-1-2 and 47 points, good for third in the Eastern Conference keeping a point clear of the Tigers who beat the Rebels 2-0 and four points back of the front-running Oil Kings who waxed the Blades tonight in Saskatoon.
Up Next: The Ice travel to Red Deer Thursday night for a date with the still-slumping Rebels. Friday the Spokane Chiefs are at the Plex.
Summary:
Hurricanes 2 @ Ice 4
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Kootenay Ice; December 27, 2011
The Kootenay Ice got goals from four different skaters as the Ice beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-2 in their first action back from the Christmas break.
The Ice opened the scoring when Jagger Dirk wired his 2nd of the year past Canes' goaltender Damien Ketlo to make it 1-0. The Hurricanes tied it up when Jamal Watson ripped a breakaway rebound past Mackenzie Skapski to knot the score at one after the first period.
In the second Brock Montgomery scored his 11th of the season to put the Ice up 2-1 on a shot from the slot that beat Ketlo through the legs.
The Ice extended their lead in the third on goals by Joe Antilla, with his 5th of the season, and Drew Czerwonka with his 10th of the year before the Hurricanes scored late on a goal by Brody Sutter to make the final 4-2.
Skapski stopped 26 of 28 shots to get the win while Ketlo turned aside 26 of 30 in taking the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Dirk 2 (Reinhart) 2:11
2. Lethbridge, Watson 3 (Maxwell) 17:20
Penalties -- Hood Leth Neibrandt Ktn (roughing) 1:14, Paulsen Ktn (delay-of-game) 3:38, Henry Leth Simpson Ktn (fighting) Yakubowski Leth Cable Ktn (fighting, misconduct) Maxwell Leth (interference) Hurley Ktn (dbl roughing) 6:47, Ramsey Leth (dbl roughing) Montgomery (roughing) 15:13, Watson Leth (slashing) Hood Leth (unsportsmanlike conduct) Dirk Ktn (slashing).
Second Period
3. Kootenay, Montgomery 11 (Rossignol, Benoit) 2:16
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (interference) 2:44, Montgomery Ktn (boarding) 7:05, Watson Leth (tripping) 18:57, Braes Leth (roughing) Leach Ktn (roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct) 20:00.
Third Period
4. Kootenay, Antilla 5 (Pearce, McKinlay) 7:59
5. Kootenay, Czerwonka 10 (Ismond) 14:55
6. Lethbridge, Sutter 16 (Hood, Oslanski) 19:41 (pp)
Penalties -- Buonasissi Leth (tripping) 0:24, Neibrandt Ktn (holding) 4:41, Bloomqvist Leth (interference) 8:19, Benoit Ktn (slashing) 11:40, Galbraith Leth (boarding) 12:02, Dirk Ktn (tripping) 16:00, Neibrandt Ktn (cross-checking) 18:24.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 8 8 14 - 30
Lethbridge: 10 8 10 - 28
Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (W, 6-2); Lethbridge: Damien Ketlo (L, 10-10).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-6
Lethbridge: 1-9
Referee -- Andy Thiessen. Linesman -- Mike Roberts, Scott Sharun.
Attendance -- 3076 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand (World U-17), Tanner Faith, Jaedon Descheneau (World U-17), Sam Reinhart (World U-17), Jon Martin (World U-17),
Lethbridge: Macoy Erkcamps, Tyler Kizuik, Juraj Bezuch, Austin Fyten, Craig Leverton, Jay Merkley, Max Moline.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
What Happened – G Mackenzie Skapski got the nod and took advantage of the start and was the better of the two goalies on this night.
The Turning Point – Late in the second with the Ice nursing a 2-1 lead Phil Tot found himself wide open in front of Skapski off a bad Ice clearing attempt. Tot started to stickhandle but Skapski pulled a Johnny Bower and poked-checked the puck off him before he could make a move.
The Goals – After a particular slow start through the first two minutes the Ice were the benefactors of a fortuitous bounce off the corner boards right to a wide-open Jagger Dirk, who was allowed to step into his 2nd of the season to make it 1-0 Ice… With the Ice on a tail-end of an uneventful power play Joe Antilla – playing D on the PP – coughed up the puck in his own zone to Maxwell. Skapski made a great save on Maxwell but couldn’t stop the rebound as Watson roofed the tying goal. 1-1… The Ice started the second strong and it paid off when Rossignol dragged a defender towards him on a broken 2-on-1 and found Brock Montgomery in the slot. He seemed to fan on the one-timer but got enough of it to have go through Ketlo’s legs for a 2-1 lead… In the third Joe Antilla atoned for his earlier gaffe on the Hurricane goal with a great shift in the Canes zone and then on the neutral zone turnover took a pass from Elgin Pearce and came off the wing and beat Ketlo along the ice. 3-1 Ice… Later in the period Ismond found Drew Czerwonka streaking down the left-wing but was about to be caught by a Cane defender. He instead wired a slapshot that started to trickle through Ketlo’s pads but stopped, only to have a hard-driving Czerwonka poke the loose puck into the net behind him. 4-1 Ice. With the game well in hand late the Canes scored on a power play when Brody Sutter scored on a nice feed from Graham Hood. 4-2 final.
The Melee – The Christmas tidings didn’t last seven minutes on this night as a Jeff Hubic hit on Yakubowski at the Ice bench was followed up by a late hit on Hubic by Russ Maxwell. Adam Henry ended up taking a beating from Simpson after going after Simpson as the culprits paired-up. Yakubowski decided to take out his frustrations from the hit on Levi Cable and, being the second fight, both were tossed. With about five minutes left in the period Brock Montgomery hit Nick Buonasissi with his head down – the puck was in his skates – and took off his helmut and thankfully not his head. Brady Ramsay then jumped Montgomery to save the day. Roughing minors all around except Ramsay took an extra one in which the Ice gave up a shortie. All in all the first period ended up with 64 minutes in PIM’s. Guess the good will towards all men didn’t extend to tonight. The bad blood continued to the end of the second period when Joe Leach and Cam Braes screamed at each other for almost a minute after the buzzer. When Braes didn’t accept the challenge presented by Leach, Leach got a hold of Braes helmut in the pushing and shoving and proceeded to through it down the ice. It was entertaining to say the least.
The Save – Skapski had to be and was sharp to start the game. Mid-way through the first he stopped a point-blanke Hurricane chance and then the wrap-around chance on Nick Buonasissi – extending his pad across the crease. In the second killing a penalty Skapski poked-checked Phil Tot who was left along in front of him. A few posts helped the cause but Skapski continued with the hot-hand with an unconscious glove save off Maxwell late.
The Fast-one – Canes Coach Rich Preston tried to pull the switch on an icing by trying to switch two guys – Harper a rookie AP call-up and Watson, who was gassed. He got an earful from Thiessen. The next time his club got caught he burned his time-out.
The Rookies – C Luke Philp and D Tanner Faith have been recalled by the Ice from their respective clubs to fill the void left by four Ice 16-year-olds away at the U-17 tournament starting tomorrow in Windsor. Philp, a late cut from the Ice, is the leading scorer in Canmore with the Eagles of the AJHL with 10 goals, 23 assists in 30 games. Faith suffered a shoulder injury in camp and returned to play AAA Midget at Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He was a scratch tonight but should play Friday. Philp was used in a limited role tonight but did have a scoring chance in the first.
Rumour de jour - This one had former Ice D-man James Martin, who is 20, being returned from the AHL's Abbotsford Heat to the Ice. It's a non-starter. Martin's been cleared to return to the ice after a thumb injury has kept him out the last few weeks. A few text messages killed this one pretty fast. The subject of the trade deadline - a scant two weeks away - is obviously starting to foster some talk.
The Zebras – Busy on this night as Andy Thiessen doled out 90 minutes in PIM’s. Was it me or was he also in the way a lot tonight?
Oh those Russians - F Alex Kuvaev, who spurned the opportunity to join the Ice and instead signed a contract in Russia only to have that go sour and then join the Giants after the Christmas break after the Ice dropped him from their list, scored a goal and the shootout winner for the G-men over the Blazers tonight in a 4-3 win.
The Sutter - The Hurricanes' 6'4" son of Duane Sutter, Brody - drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes last June - seems to be a bit of late-bloomer. The 20-year-old looks like he could, or should, dominate in this league. A bit of an enigma considering the bloodlines. Scored a nice goal at the end of the game and probably should've had more.
The Former 'Tender - The goaltender Skapski beat out for the back-up spot, Brett Teskey, has landed back in the WHL at least on a temporary basis. Teskey was called up to back-up Ty Rimmer of the Tri-City Americans for the next ten days with 16-year-old Eric Comrie away at the World U-17 tournament. Teskey was 9-3 in 12 starts with the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings with a 3.29 GAA and .868 Save percentage.
The Crowd – 3076; lots of energy, should be a couple hundred more for Friday's tilt against the Chiefs.
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. G Mackenzie Skapski – Played a big game just off the break. A sign of things to come?
2. RW Brock Montgomery – Big second period goal
3. C Russell Maxwell – Lots of chances, genuine pest
What it means – The Ice improve to 22-10-1-2 and 47 points, good for third in the Eastern Conference keeping a point clear of the Tigers who beat the Rebels 2-0 and four points back of the front-running Oil Kings who waxed the Blades tonight in Saskatoon.
Up Next: The Ice travel to Red Deer Thursday night for a date with the still-slumping Rebels. Friday the Spokane Chiefs are at the Plex.
Summary:
Hurricanes 2 @ Ice 4
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Kootenay Ice; December 27, 2011
The Kootenay Ice got goals from four different skaters as the Ice beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-2 in their first action back from the Christmas break.
The Ice opened the scoring when Jagger Dirk wired his 2nd of the year past Canes' goaltender Damien Ketlo to make it 1-0. The Hurricanes tied it up when Jamal Watson ripped a breakaway rebound past Mackenzie Skapski to knot the score at one after the first period.
In the second Brock Montgomery scored his 11th of the season to put the Ice up 2-1 on a shot from the slot that beat Ketlo through the legs.
The Ice extended their lead in the third on goals by Joe Antilla, with his 5th of the season, and Drew Czerwonka with his 10th of the year before the Hurricanes scored late on a goal by Brody Sutter to make the final 4-2.
Skapski stopped 26 of 28 shots to get the win while Ketlo turned aside 26 of 30 in taking the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Dirk 2 (Reinhart) 2:11
2. Lethbridge, Watson 3 (Maxwell) 17:20
Penalties -- Hood Leth Neibrandt Ktn (roughing) 1:14, Paulsen Ktn (delay-of-game) 3:38, Henry Leth Simpson Ktn (fighting) Yakubowski Leth Cable Ktn (fighting, misconduct) Maxwell Leth (interference) Hurley Ktn (dbl roughing) 6:47, Ramsey Leth (dbl roughing) Montgomery (roughing) 15:13, Watson Leth (slashing) Hood Leth (unsportsmanlike conduct) Dirk Ktn (slashing).
Second Period
3. Kootenay, Montgomery 11 (Rossignol, Benoit) 2:16
Penalties -- Ismond Ktn (interference) 2:44, Montgomery Ktn (boarding) 7:05, Watson Leth (tripping) 18:57, Braes Leth (roughing) Leach Ktn (roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct) 20:00.
Third Period
4. Kootenay, Antilla 5 (Pearce, McKinlay) 7:59
5. Kootenay, Czerwonka 10 (Ismond) 14:55
6. Lethbridge, Sutter 16 (Hood, Oslanski) 19:41 (pp)
Penalties -- Buonasissi Leth (tripping) 0:24, Neibrandt Ktn (holding) 4:41, Bloomqvist Leth (interference) 8:19, Benoit Ktn (slashing) 11:40, Galbraith Leth (boarding) 12:02, Dirk Ktn (tripping) 16:00, Neibrandt Ktn (cross-checking) 18:24.
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 8 8 14 - 30
Lethbridge: 10 8 10 - 28
Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (W, 6-2); Lethbridge: Damien Ketlo (L, 10-10).
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-6
Lethbridge: 1-9
Referee -- Andy Thiessen. Linesman -- Mike Roberts, Scott Sharun.
Attendance -- 3076 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Spencer Wand (World U-17), Tanner Faith, Jaedon Descheneau (World U-17), Sam Reinhart (World U-17), Jon Martin (World U-17),
Lethbridge: Macoy Erkcamps, Tyler Kizuik, Juraj Bezuch, Austin Fyten, Craig Leverton, Jay Merkley, Max Moline.
Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman
Friday, December 16, 2011
Ice edge Broncos in Shootout
The Score – Swift Current 4 – Kootenay 5
What Happened – The Ice built up a 3-1 lead only to watch it evaporate into a 4-3 deficit late in the third. The hot hand of Elgin Pearce got them back into it and then won it in the shootout.
The Turning Point – After a listless start to the third it took the Ice to go down a goal to play with some urgency. They were rewarded with Pearce’s third goal and second WHL hat-trick.
The Goals – Off a neutral zone turnover – a theme on this night with the two clubs in deep on the 1-2-2 trap for at least the first half of the game – Elgin Pearce finished off a short 2-on-1 as his shot squeaked through Groenhyde’s legs to make it 1-0… Pearce’s goal prowess continued when he potted his 13th of the season with the Ice on a power play to start the second. Dylan McKinlay dug the puck out from behind the net and found Pearce, who tucked it in the corner of the net for a 2-0 Ice lead… The Broncos halved the lead when Lowry sent a shot on Lieuwen off the left wing and the rebound came right out to a hard driving Colby Cave. He lifted over Lieuwen for his 5th of the season… Sam Reinhart restored the two goal lead two minutes later when he made a brilliant inside-out move and broke in alone on Groenhyde. He roofed his 10th of the season to make it 3-1. That one will make the WHL’s highlight reel… The wheels started to come off in third when D John Neibrandt took a tripping penalty that he and about 2700 others didn’t agree with. With the man-advantage Richard Nedomlel sent a screened wrist shot that beat Lieuwen to make it 3-2… The Broncos climbed back into the game on a 3-on-2 in which Gordon sent a shot along the ice that beat Lieuwen five-hole in a goal he most definitely wanted back… The Broncos took the lead with nine minutes left in the game when the Ice couldn’t get the puck – after about four tries – out of the zone and Coda Gordon found himself wide-open in front of Lieuwen. He stopped that shot with a great toe save but leaving the Broncos’ leading scorer Tayler Vause wide-open to pot the rebound. 4-3 Broncos… Kootenay finally turned the game back on when Levi Cable started a good forecheck and Dylan McKinlay sent a great pass to a wide-open Elgin Pearce. He ripped his hat-trick goal past Groenhyde to tie it… In the shootout Pearce continued with the hot-hand and fired a laser past Groenhyde, the only goal in the shootout.
The Injury Part I – On a strong backcheck Ice captain – yes, he is the captain – Drew Czerwonka spun out into the end boards and came up with his shoulder clearly looking out of its socket.
The Injury Part II - With both Mike Simpson and Jeff Hubic scratched Joe Antilla played D on this night. After clearing the puck back into the zone Antilla was hit by Bronco tough guy Andy Blanke. It wasn’t a brutal hit but enough that Antilla suffered a suspected Charlie Horse/leg injury and didn’t return.
The Injury - Part III – With a burst of speed Max Reinhart drove the net hard in the second period. With the Bronco defender on him Reinhart fell into the side of the net and his right ankle/knee seemed to fold up underneath him. He left in considerable discomfort.
The Good News – Czerwonka was able to pop things back into place and returned to play.
The Bad News – Both Antilla and Reinhart didn’t return however I was told that both will be fine and will return following the Christmas break.
The Save(s) – In the second period with the Broncos on the power play Lieuwen made three extraordinary saves to keep the Ice up two goals. He stopped Adam Lowry three times from close range.
No Christmas spirit – These two teams turned a defensive, trapped-up game into an end-to-end goal fest, which turned into an entertaining hockey game. They also don’t seem to like each other all that much.
The Trade - The Cody Eakin trade was evident last night for the visitors but not a dominant as one might've thought. 17-year-old F Colby Cave, the former Ice first round pick, notched a goal and has grown. The 6-foot, 180-pounder doesn't turn 17 until Boxing Day; Christian Magnus, 19, was used mostly in a 3rd-line role; F Jarret Zentner, F Ryan Bloom and G Steven Myland all were released by the Broncos but are still in the system while two of the draft picks in the deal could debut next year - D Zack Gonek, used with the 13th overall pick the Ice got from the Giants in the David Musil deal, is pegged as a can't miss prospect and F Calvin Leth was selected with the 2nd round pick. The Broncos still have a 3rd rounder to use this year.
The retribution – It took awhile but somebody finally stepped up after the Antilla hit when Spencer Wand traded blows with Blanke. It was a spirited bout, with Wand taking more than he was giving, but at least the 16-year-old stood up to the plate. He gave away three years and 25 pounds but showed up.
The Rookies – The club will see its rookie class head to the U-17 tournament in Windsor until the first week of January. Sam Reinhart, Spencer Wand, Jaedon Descheneau and Jonothan Martin will play for Team Pacific and Team Western at the tournament.
The Euro - Nothing to do with this game but F Alex Kuvaev, who was listed by the Ice last summer before being dropped when he signed a pro deal in his native Russia, has agreed to join the Vancouver Giants after the break. Kuvaev played with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists.
The Crowd – 2712
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. C Elgin Pearce – Hat-trick; shootout winner
2. LW Coda Gordon – goal, assist
3. RW Dylan McKinley – Set up game-saver
What it means – The Ice improve to 21-9-1-2 and 45 points; 3rd in the Eastern Conference, two back of the Oil Kings
Up Next: The Christmas break. The club returns to the ice at home when the surging Hurricanes pay a visit December 27
Summary:
Broncos 4 @ Ice 5 (SO)
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Swift Current Broncos and the Kootenay Ice; December 16, 2011
Elgin Pearce scored three goals and added the shootout game-winner as the Kootenay Ice edged the Swift Current Broncos 5-4 in WHL action Friday.
The Ice held period leads of 2-0 and 3-1 on Pearce's 12th and 13th goals along with a beauty by Sam Reinhart with his 10th of the season in the second period to make 3-1 after two.
The Broncos stormed back in the third period with three straight goals by Richard Nedomlel, Coda Gordon and Taylor Vause to take a 4-3 lead with nine minutes left in the game. With less than three minutes to play Dylan McKinlay sent a great pass to a wide-open Pearce who buried his 14th of the season and finished off the hat-trick to send the game into overtime and a shootout. Pearce would be the only goal-scorer in the shootout, ripping a wrist-shot high on the stick side of Jon Groenhyde to give the Ice the win
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 28 of 32 shots to get the win while Groenhyde stopped 35 of 39 to take the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Pearce 12 (Hurley) 12:32
Penalties -- Vause SC (tripping) 7:37, Paulsen Ktn (tripping) 15:40, Fleming SC (cross-checking) 19:42.
Second Period
2. Kootenay, Pearce 13 (McKinlay) 0:15 (pp)
3. Swift Current, Cave 5 (Lowry, Hoban) 13:37
4. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 10 (Wand, Paulsen) 15:37
Penalties -- Antilla Ktn (high-sticking) 0:55, Czerwonka Ktn (slashing) 4:07, Ismond Ktn (slashing) 6:11.
Third Period
5. Swift Current, Nedomiel 4 (Gordon, Scarlett) 2:58 (pp)
6. Swift Current, Gordon 14 (Vause) 8:31
7. Swift Current, Vause 21 (Gordon, Scarlett) 10:59
8. Kootenay, Pearce 14 (McKinlay) 17:03
Penalties -- Wand Ktn Blanke SC (fighting) 1:28, Neibrandt Ktn (tripping) 2:27, Scarlett SC (high-sticking) 4:09.
Overtime
No Scoring.
Penalties -- None.
Shootout - Kootenay wins 1-0
Kootenay: Pearce (goal), Ismond (miss), S.Reinhart (stopped).
Swift Current: Cave (miss), Gordon (stopped), Vause (stopped).
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 15 9 12 3 - 39
Swift Current: 9 12 9 2 - 32
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 16-8-1-2); Swift Current: Jon Groenhyde: (L, 11-11-1-3)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-3
Swift Current: 1-5
Referee -- Tyler Adair, Ryan Bonnett. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Ian Shaver
Attendance -- 2712 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Mike Simpson, Erik Benoit, Jeff Hubic.
Swift Current: Jordan Evans, Graeme Craig, Shea Howorko.
What Happened – The Ice built up a 3-1 lead only to watch it evaporate into a 4-3 deficit late in the third. The hot hand of Elgin Pearce got them back into it and then won it in the shootout.
The Turning Point – After a listless start to the third it took the Ice to go down a goal to play with some urgency. They were rewarded with Pearce’s third goal and second WHL hat-trick.
The Goals – Off a neutral zone turnover – a theme on this night with the two clubs in deep on the 1-2-2 trap for at least the first half of the game – Elgin Pearce finished off a short 2-on-1 as his shot squeaked through Groenhyde’s legs to make it 1-0… Pearce’s goal prowess continued when he potted his 13th of the season with the Ice on a power play to start the second. Dylan McKinlay dug the puck out from behind the net and found Pearce, who tucked it in the corner of the net for a 2-0 Ice lead… The Broncos halved the lead when Lowry sent a shot on Lieuwen off the left wing and the rebound came right out to a hard driving Colby Cave. He lifted over Lieuwen for his 5th of the season… Sam Reinhart restored the two goal lead two minutes later when he made a brilliant inside-out move and broke in alone on Groenhyde. He roofed his 10th of the season to make it 3-1. That one will make the WHL’s highlight reel… The wheels started to come off in third when D John Neibrandt took a tripping penalty that he and about 2700 others didn’t agree with. With the man-advantage Richard Nedomlel sent a screened wrist shot that beat Lieuwen to make it 3-2… The Broncos climbed back into the game on a 3-on-2 in which Gordon sent a shot along the ice that beat Lieuwen five-hole in a goal he most definitely wanted back… The Broncos took the lead with nine minutes left in the game when the Ice couldn’t get the puck – after about four tries – out of the zone and Coda Gordon found himself wide-open in front of Lieuwen. He stopped that shot with a great toe save but leaving the Broncos’ leading scorer Tayler Vause wide-open to pot the rebound. 4-3 Broncos… Kootenay finally turned the game back on when Levi Cable started a good forecheck and Dylan McKinlay sent a great pass to a wide-open Elgin Pearce. He ripped his hat-trick goal past Groenhyde to tie it… In the shootout Pearce continued with the hot-hand and fired a laser past Groenhyde, the only goal in the shootout.
The Injury Part I – On a strong backcheck Ice captain – yes, he is the captain – Drew Czerwonka spun out into the end boards and came up with his shoulder clearly looking out of its socket.
The Injury Part II - With both Mike Simpson and Jeff Hubic scratched Joe Antilla played D on this night. After clearing the puck back into the zone Antilla was hit by Bronco tough guy Andy Blanke. It wasn’t a brutal hit but enough that Antilla suffered a suspected Charlie Horse/leg injury and didn’t return.
The Injury - Part III – With a burst of speed Max Reinhart drove the net hard in the second period. With the Bronco defender on him Reinhart fell into the side of the net and his right ankle/knee seemed to fold up underneath him. He left in considerable discomfort.
The Good News – Czerwonka was able to pop things back into place and returned to play.
The Bad News – Both Antilla and Reinhart didn’t return however I was told that both will be fine and will return following the Christmas break.
The Save(s) – In the second period with the Broncos on the power play Lieuwen made three extraordinary saves to keep the Ice up two goals. He stopped Adam Lowry three times from close range.
No Christmas spirit – These two teams turned a defensive, trapped-up game into an end-to-end goal fest, which turned into an entertaining hockey game. They also don’t seem to like each other all that much.
The Trade - The Cody Eakin trade was evident last night for the visitors but not a dominant as one might've thought. 17-year-old F Colby Cave, the former Ice first round pick, notched a goal and has grown. The 6-foot, 180-pounder doesn't turn 17 until Boxing Day; Christian Magnus, 19, was used mostly in a 3rd-line role; F Jarret Zentner, F Ryan Bloom and G Steven Myland all were released by the Broncos but are still in the system while two of the draft picks in the deal could debut next year - D Zack Gonek, used with the 13th overall pick the Ice got from the Giants in the David Musil deal, is pegged as a can't miss prospect and F Calvin Leth was selected with the 2nd round pick. The Broncos still have a 3rd rounder to use this year.
The retribution – It took awhile but somebody finally stepped up after the Antilla hit when Spencer Wand traded blows with Blanke. It was a spirited bout, with Wand taking more than he was giving, but at least the 16-year-old stood up to the plate. He gave away three years and 25 pounds but showed up.
The Rookies – The club will see its rookie class head to the U-17 tournament in Windsor until the first week of January. Sam Reinhart, Spencer Wand, Jaedon Descheneau and Jonothan Martin will play for Team Pacific and Team Western at the tournament.
The Euro - Nothing to do with this game but F Alex Kuvaev, who was listed by the Ice last summer before being dropped when he signed a pro deal in his native Russia, has agreed to join the Vancouver Giants after the break. Kuvaev played with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists.
The Crowd – 2712
Rec Plex Three Stars
1. C Elgin Pearce – Hat-trick; shootout winner
2. LW Coda Gordon – goal, assist
3. RW Dylan McKinley – Set up game-saver
What it means – The Ice improve to 21-9-1-2 and 45 points; 3rd in the Eastern Conference, two back of the Oil Kings
Up Next: The Christmas break. The club returns to the ice at home when the surging Hurricanes pay a visit December 27
Summary:
Broncos 4 @ Ice 5 (SO)
CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Swift Current Broncos and the Kootenay Ice; December 16, 2011
Elgin Pearce scored three goals and added the shootout game-winner as the Kootenay Ice edged the Swift Current Broncos 5-4 in WHL action Friday.
The Ice held period leads of 2-0 and 3-1 on Pearce's 12th and 13th goals along with a beauty by Sam Reinhart with his 10th of the season in the second period to make 3-1 after two.
The Broncos stormed back in the third period with three straight goals by Richard Nedomlel, Coda Gordon and Taylor Vause to take a 4-3 lead with nine minutes left in the game. With less than three minutes to play Dylan McKinlay sent a great pass to a wide-open Pearce who buried his 14th of the season and finished off the hat-trick to send the game into overtime and a shootout. Pearce would be the only goal-scorer in the shootout, ripping a wrist-shot high on the stick side of Jon Groenhyde to give the Ice the win
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 28 of 32 shots to get the win while Groenhyde stopped 35 of 39 to take the loss.
First Period
1. Kootenay, Pearce 12 (Hurley) 12:32
Penalties -- Vause SC (tripping) 7:37, Paulsen Ktn (tripping) 15:40, Fleming SC (cross-checking) 19:42.
Second Period
2. Kootenay, Pearce 13 (McKinlay) 0:15 (pp)
3. Swift Current, Cave 5 (Lowry, Hoban) 13:37
4. Kootenay, S. Reinhart 10 (Wand, Paulsen) 15:37
Penalties -- Antilla Ktn (high-sticking) 0:55, Czerwonka Ktn (slashing) 4:07, Ismond Ktn (slashing) 6:11.
Third Period
5. Swift Current, Nedomiel 4 (Gordon, Scarlett) 2:58 (pp)
6. Swift Current, Gordon 14 (Vause) 8:31
7. Swift Current, Vause 21 (Gordon, Scarlett) 10:59
8. Kootenay, Pearce 14 (McKinlay) 17:03
Penalties -- Wand Ktn Blanke SC (fighting) 1:28, Neibrandt Ktn (tripping) 2:27, Scarlett SC (high-sticking) 4:09.
Overtime
No Scoring.
Penalties -- None.
Shootout - Kootenay wins 1-0
Kootenay: Pearce (goal), Ismond (miss), S.Reinhart (stopped).
Swift Current: Cave (miss), Gordon (stopped), Vause (stopped).
Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 15 9 12 3 - 39
Swift Current: 9 12 9 2 - 32
Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 16-8-1-2); Swift Current: Jon Groenhyde: (L, 11-11-1-3)
Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-3
Swift Current: 1-5
Referee -- Tyler Adair, Ryan Bonnett. Linesman -- Steve Cochrane, Ian Shaver
Attendance -- 2712 (4264)
Scratches --
Kootenay: Mike Simpson, Erik Benoit, Jeff Hubic.
Swift Current: Jordan Evans, Graeme Craig, Shea Howorko.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Ice lose to Rebels
Just over a week left before the WHL enters its Christmas break and the Ice served up a lump of coal for fans at the Rec Plex last night in a 4-2 loss to the injury-depleted Red Deer Rebels, who finally knocked that 13-game losing streak of their collective backs.
The highlites are here, while Trevor Crawley of the Townsman as a recap here.
After taking a 2-1 lead in the second period and having a territorial advantage over the Rebels, a shot coming into the zone from just inside the Ice blueline by Turner Elson beat Nathan Lieuwen to tie the game just 30 seconds later.
It was a goal the club never recovered from.
The Ice will have one more chance before the break to get into the Christmas spirit on a winning note when the Swift Current Broncos are here Friday night.
The Ice fall to 20-10-1-2 on the season and 43 points, still 3rd in the very crowded Eastern Conference standings that has 9 points separate 1st-8th.
It was a tough day for Max Reinhart after being cut from Team Canada and then venting his frustration late in the game. He expressed his displeasure in the post-game interviews.
Needless to say the club's in a bit of the December doldrums of late. One win in their last five and one win in their last six games at the Rec Plex dating back to November 4.
It's a crucial part of the schedule for the club and a juncture I believe that these next eight games will make or break any decision to upgrade the roster prior to the deadline or go with the kids and what they've got and see where the chips fall.
The highlites are here, while Trevor Crawley of the Townsman as a recap here.
After taking a 2-1 lead in the second period and having a territorial advantage over the Rebels, a shot coming into the zone from just inside the Ice blueline by Turner Elson beat Nathan Lieuwen to tie the game just 30 seconds later.
It was a goal the club never recovered from.
The Ice will have one more chance before the break to get into the Christmas spirit on a winning note when the Swift Current Broncos are here Friday night.
The Ice fall to 20-10-1-2 on the season and 43 points, still 3rd in the very crowded Eastern Conference standings that has 9 points separate 1st-8th.
It was a tough day for Max Reinhart after being cut from Team Canada and then venting his frustration late in the game. He expressed his displeasure in the post-game interviews.
Needless to say the club's in a bit of the December doldrums of late. One win in their last five and one win in their last six games at the Rec Plex dating back to November 4.
It's a crucial part of the schedule for the club and a juncture I believe that these next eight games will make or break any decision to upgrade the roster prior to the deadline or go with the kids and what they've got and see where the chips fall.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Reinhart release from Team Canada
Ice forward Max Reinhart's stay at Team Canada's selection camp was much shorter than he wanted as the 19-year-old Calgary Flames prospect was released today along with six other players as Team Canada got down to 35 players in anticipation of the 22-man roster to be announced Wednesday.
It wasn't a good day for the WHL players as a whole as five of the seven cuts were WHL players. Two were from the QMJHL.
Among the cuts were: Reinhart (Kootenay, WHL), D Matt Dumba (Red Deer, WHL), Brendan Kichton (Spokane, WHL), Mark McNeill (Prince Albert, WHL) and F Michael Ferland (Brandon, WHL). D Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rimouski, QMJHL) and F Zack Phillips (Saint John, QMJHL) were the other two releases.
Five of the players are 19 and aren't eligible next season but Dumba, 17, and McNeill, 18, will likely get shots next year.
Dumba and Reinhart will both likely be in the line-up tonight as the Ice host the slumping Rebels at the Rec Plex.
Red Deer has lost a team record 13 straight and have lost the services of their starting goaltender Patrick Bartosak indefinitely with shoulder surgery. The Rebels are also missing F Daulton Siwak, F Josh Cowen, F Adam Kambeitz and Aaron Borejko to injury. D Alex Petrovic is still at Team Canada's camp.
The Rebels have signed 20-year-old goaltender Deven Dubyk to try and turn the tides, releasing goaltender Tyler Oswald, 18, Monday. Dubyk was with the Humboldt Broncos of the Junior A SJHL who will host the Royal Bank Cup this year. Last season Dubyk served as back-up to Tyler Bunz with the Medicine Hat Tigers before being released this year due to 20-year-old numbers. He was also with the Moose Jaw Warriors for a spell this season before being released back to Humboldt. He'll get the start tonight.
Gametime is 7PM at the Rec Plex
It wasn't a good day for the WHL players as a whole as five of the seven cuts were WHL players. Two were from the QMJHL.
Among the cuts were: Reinhart (Kootenay, WHL), D Matt Dumba (Red Deer, WHL), Brendan Kichton (Spokane, WHL), Mark McNeill (Prince Albert, WHL) and F Michael Ferland (Brandon, WHL). D Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rimouski, QMJHL) and F Zack Phillips (Saint John, QMJHL) were the other two releases.
Five of the players are 19 and aren't eligible next season but Dumba, 17, and McNeill, 18, will likely get shots next year.
Dumba and Reinhart will both likely be in the line-up tonight as the Ice host the slumping Rebels at the Rec Plex.
Red Deer has lost a team record 13 straight and have lost the services of their starting goaltender Patrick Bartosak indefinitely with shoulder surgery. The Rebels are also missing F Daulton Siwak, F Josh Cowen, F Adam Kambeitz and Aaron Borejko to injury. D Alex Petrovic is still at Team Canada's camp.
The Rebels have signed 20-year-old goaltender Deven Dubyk to try and turn the tides, releasing goaltender Tyler Oswald, 18, Monday. Dubyk was with the Humboldt Broncos of the Junior A SJHL who will host the Royal Bank Cup this year. Last season Dubyk served as back-up to Tyler Bunz with the Medicine Hat Tigers before being released this year due to 20-year-old numbers. He was also with the Moose Jaw Warriors for a spell this season before being released back to Humboldt. He'll get the start tonight.
Gametime is 7PM at the Rec Plex
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Ice get back on track
The Kootenay Ice got back on track on the road Saturday night with a gritty 3-2 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers to halt their four-game slid.
The Ice returned the favour after losing last night by ruining the Tigers Teddy Bear Toss night on goals from John Neibrandt, with his 1st of the season, Brock Montgomery, with his 10th and the captain Drew Czerwonka in his 200th career WHL game with the game-winner with less than five minutes to play. The goal was Czerwonka's 9th.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 31 of 33 shots in a nice bounce-back effort following last night's rare off-night.
The Ice were missing Max Reinhart at Team Canada's selection camp, Spencer Wand (healthy) and surprisingly, 20-year-old forward Joe Antilla, who was also a healthy scratch. I haven't got word why as of yet.
The Tigers were missing G Tyler Bunz who is at the selection camp.
Emerson Etem and Tyler Cox scored for the Tigers.
Hands-up all those who had Brock Montgomery at the 10-goal mark before Christmas and ahead of Czerwonka. Thought so. Sure, Czerwonka's fought some injury issues but Montgomery's secondary scoring has been a pleasant surprise.
Rookie Jaedon Descheneau notched a couple of helpers on the club's first two goals as the fourth line were in on the game's first goal.
The Ice get their 20th win of the season and improve to 20-9-1-2 and 43 points, keeping pace with the Moose Jaw Warriors (45 points) and Edmonton Oil Kings (44 points), who both won Saturday.
The Red Deer Rebels, minus D Alex Petrovic and D Matt Dumba who are Team Canada's camp and also could be missing G Patrik Bartosak who was injured a couple of games back for the Rebels. They've also went into a 12-game losing tailspin before their game Sunday against Prince Albert.
The Ice returned the favour after losing last night by ruining the Tigers Teddy Bear Toss night on goals from John Neibrandt, with his 1st of the season, Brock Montgomery, with his 10th and the captain Drew Czerwonka in his 200th career WHL game with the game-winner with less than five minutes to play. The goal was Czerwonka's 9th.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 31 of 33 shots in a nice bounce-back effort following last night's rare off-night.
The Ice were missing Max Reinhart at Team Canada's selection camp, Spencer Wand (healthy) and surprisingly, 20-year-old forward Joe Antilla, who was also a healthy scratch. I haven't got word why as of yet.
The Tigers were missing G Tyler Bunz who is at the selection camp.
Emerson Etem and Tyler Cox scored for the Tigers.
Hands-up all those who had Brock Montgomery at the 10-goal mark before Christmas and ahead of Czerwonka. Thought so. Sure, Czerwonka's fought some injury issues but Montgomery's secondary scoring has been a pleasant surprise.
Rookie Jaedon Descheneau notched a couple of helpers on the club's first two goals as the fourth line were in on the game's first goal.
The Ice get their 20th win of the season and improve to 20-9-1-2 and 43 points, keeping pace with the Moose Jaw Warriors (45 points) and Edmonton Oil Kings (44 points), who both won Saturday.
The Red Deer Rebels, minus D Alex Petrovic and D Matt Dumba who are Team Canada's camp and also could be missing G Patrik Bartosak who was injured a couple of games back for the Rebels. They've also went into a 12-game losing tailspin before their game Sunday against Prince Albert.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Ice lose 4th straight
Don't look now but, uh oh.
Returning from a 9-game road trip in which the club won the first six but dropped the last three, Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen had a rare off night letting four goals by him on 13 shots before being pulled 6:20 into the second period in favour of Mackenzie Skapski.
On Teddy Bear and Touque toss night the Ice were handed a great opportunity to bring the bears down but instead surrendered a short-handed goal to Hunter Shinkaruk. Elgin Pearce would tie the game 25 seconds later with his 10th to bring a couple thousand bears, mittens and toques down from the stands.
Reid Petryk on a rebound halfway through the first would restore the Tigers one-goal lead but it was the second period that things really went sour for the Ice.
And early goal by Trevor Cox from the slot with Lieuwen caught deep in the net gave the visitors a 3-1 lead and then a power play goal by Bettauer through a maze of bodies made it 4-1 and chased Lieuwen to the bench.
Five minutes later, Skapski - who played well in relief - was hung out to dry by his teammates as they conducted a brutal change after getting stuck on the ice for a spell and gave up a two-on-one and Scott Mackay beat him between the legs for a 5-1 lead.
Goals by Brendan Hurley, Joe Leach and Dylen McKinlay late made the game close before Mackay scored into an empty-net.
Skapski will actually be stuck with the loss after giving up the eventual game-winner to Mackay.
The Ice drop to 19-9-1-2 and 41 points. With the Oil Kings win Edmonton takes over first place in the Central and Eastern Conference with 43 points.
Coupled with the four-game losing streak the Ice will also lose Max Reinhart to Team Canada's Selection camp Saturday before they travel to Medicine Hat for the rematch Saturday. The Tigers will lose Tyler Bunz to the camp also.
Jaedon Deschaneau, Levi Cable and Mike Simpson were the scratches.
This one was a tough game to watch. Not from a fans standpoint - it was an offensive show for sure - but from a structural game standpoint, the Ice didn't play well. The Tigers played a bit of a trap - deviating from their regular run and gun style that Kootenay couldn't solve.
D Luke Paulsen had a tough night checking in with a dash-4.
To be honest, neither goaltender played well on the eve of the selection camp and though the Ice held Etem off the scoresheet - he had his chances - the same couldn't be said of Scott Mackay.
Good crowd on Teddy Bear night with 3053 on hand.
On a WJC note F Brett Connolly and F Devante Smith-Pelly have been released from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks respectively in a move that will tighten up the race for a forward spot on the club. Still think Max has a good shot at that 10th-forward/Defensive specialist role for the team but time will tell.
Are the trade winds blowing yet? What does this four-game skid do to the chances of the club making a deal to get deeper by the deadline? If this thing gets out of hand it will only cement the club staying put and playing with the hand they've been dealt.
Between now and the January 10 deadline the Ice have a schedule that favours them. The Ice play the Tigers, Broncos, Hurricanes and Rebels all twice and Spokane and Moose Jaw once each. All teams nine-ten points back of the Ice in the standings with the exception of the Tigers and Warriors.
This one will go down to the wire.
And as for the McNeill comment that he's available.... For a player that is surely to be a 1st round NHL pick this June and almost as surely to return next season to junior, McNeill being on the block is far-fetched, even for the struggling Raiders.
Based on that the cost would be prohibitive in that it would cost a pretty penny to get him and likely empty the cupboard prospect and draft pick-wise for the next season or two.
Returning from a 9-game road trip in which the club won the first six but dropped the last three, Ice goaltender Nathan Lieuwen had a rare off night letting four goals by him on 13 shots before being pulled 6:20 into the second period in favour of Mackenzie Skapski.
On Teddy Bear and Touque toss night the Ice were handed a great opportunity to bring the bears down but instead surrendered a short-handed goal to Hunter Shinkaruk. Elgin Pearce would tie the game 25 seconds later with his 10th to bring a couple thousand bears, mittens and toques down from the stands.
Reid Petryk on a rebound halfway through the first would restore the Tigers one-goal lead but it was the second period that things really went sour for the Ice.
And early goal by Trevor Cox from the slot with Lieuwen caught deep in the net gave the visitors a 3-1 lead and then a power play goal by Bettauer through a maze of bodies made it 4-1 and chased Lieuwen to the bench.
Five minutes later, Skapski - who played well in relief - was hung out to dry by his teammates as they conducted a brutal change after getting stuck on the ice for a spell and gave up a two-on-one and Scott Mackay beat him between the legs for a 5-1 lead.
Goals by Brendan Hurley, Joe Leach and Dylen McKinlay late made the game close before Mackay scored into an empty-net.
Skapski will actually be stuck with the loss after giving up the eventual game-winner to Mackay.
The Ice drop to 19-9-1-2 and 41 points. With the Oil Kings win Edmonton takes over first place in the Central and Eastern Conference with 43 points.
Coupled with the four-game losing streak the Ice will also lose Max Reinhart to Team Canada's Selection camp Saturday before they travel to Medicine Hat for the rematch Saturday. The Tigers will lose Tyler Bunz to the camp also.
Jaedon Deschaneau, Levi Cable and Mike Simpson were the scratches.
This one was a tough game to watch. Not from a fans standpoint - it was an offensive show for sure - but from a structural game standpoint, the Ice didn't play well. The Tigers played a bit of a trap - deviating from their regular run and gun style that Kootenay couldn't solve.
D Luke Paulsen had a tough night checking in with a dash-4.
To be honest, neither goaltender played well on the eve of the selection camp and though the Ice held Etem off the scoresheet - he had his chances - the same couldn't be said of Scott Mackay.
Good crowd on Teddy Bear night with 3053 on hand.
On a WJC note F Brett Connolly and F Devante Smith-Pelly have been released from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks respectively in a move that will tighten up the race for a forward spot on the club. Still think Max has a good shot at that 10th-forward/Defensive specialist role for the team but time will tell.
Are the trade winds blowing yet? What does this four-game skid do to the chances of the club making a deal to get deeper by the deadline? If this thing gets out of hand it will only cement the club staying put and playing with the hand they've been dealt.
Between now and the January 10 deadline the Ice have a schedule that favours them. The Ice play the Tigers, Broncos, Hurricanes and Rebels all twice and Spokane and Moose Jaw once each. All teams nine-ten points back of the Ice in the standings with the exception of the Tigers and Warriors.
This one will go down to the wire.
And as for the McNeill comment that he's available.... For a player that is surely to be a 1st round NHL pick this June and almost as surely to return next season to junior, McNeill being on the block is far-fetched, even for the struggling Raiders.
Based on that the cost would be prohibitive in that it would cost a pretty penny to get him and likely empty the cupboard prospect and draft pick-wise for the next season or two.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Ice go cold to end trip
The wheels come off the road trip for the Ice over the weekend as the nine-game road trip finally turned sour after winning the first six, the club dropped all three games through the East Division this weekend, blowing a four goal lead against PA Friday and then a pair of one-goal losses to Moose Jaw and Swift Current Saturday and Sunday.
The three-game slide leaves the club at 19-8-1-2 and 41 points, still tops in the Central and Eastern Conference but a point back of the Tri-City Americans for the overall WHL lead. The crowded Eastern Conference has the Ice only three points out of sixth place in a six-team logjam at the top.
I didn't have a chance to listen to the entire three games stretch as I was in Kelowna with my Bantam team but hey, 6-3 on a 9-game roadie isn't too shabby.
And as for the comments about Coach K and him losing a game, with his record and what he's done this year with this line-up I think he's earned some slack.
I dunno, maybe it's the coach in me but besides the 7-5 loss to PA in which Skapski got the hook after the club blew a four goal lead, a pair of one-goal losses on a team the relies more and more on a 16-year-old as a very big part of it's offence doesn't indicate a coaching issue to me.
On a scoring note, F Charles Inglis was sent home by the PG Cougars yesterday and one wonders if another WHL team would take a chance on him. Oodles of talent and loads of baggage. Could the strict environment of the defending champs be a good fit, who could certainly use the scoring depth? Would he ruin the room? How much would he cost?
The former 1st round pick (4th overall by Saskatoon) from Winnipeg is a dynamic power forward but seems to have trouble with team rules. He can put the puck in the net as evident by the 32 for the Cougars last season and 19 for a deep Blades team as a 17-year-old.
The fact he was passed over in the NHL Draft also speaks volumes.
I doubt he'd ever be in an Ice uniform but it's just something else to bandie about.
More later...
The three-game slide leaves the club at 19-8-1-2 and 41 points, still tops in the Central and Eastern Conference but a point back of the Tri-City Americans for the overall WHL lead. The crowded Eastern Conference has the Ice only three points out of sixth place in a six-team logjam at the top.
I didn't have a chance to listen to the entire three games stretch as I was in Kelowna with my Bantam team but hey, 6-3 on a 9-game roadie isn't too shabby.
And as for the comments about Coach K and him losing a game, with his record and what he's done this year with this line-up I think he's earned some slack.
I dunno, maybe it's the coach in me but besides the 7-5 loss to PA in which Skapski got the hook after the club blew a four goal lead, a pair of one-goal losses on a team the relies more and more on a 16-year-old as a very big part of it's offence doesn't indicate a coaching issue to me.
On a scoring note, F Charles Inglis was sent home by the PG Cougars yesterday and one wonders if another WHL team would take a chance on him. Oodles of talent and loads of baggage. Could the strict environment of the defending champs be a good fit, who could certainly use the scoring depth? Would he ruin the room? How much would he cost?
The former 1st round pick (4th overall by Saskatoon) from Winnipeg is a dynamic power forward but seems to have trouble with team rules. He can put the puck in the net as evident by the 32 for the Cougars last season and 19 for a deep Blades team as a 17-year-old.
The fact he was passed over in the NHL Draft also speaks volumes.
I doubt he'd ever be in an Ice uniform but it's just something else to bandie about.
More later...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Streak hits six straight on the road
The Reinhart Bros show continued on the road last night in Saskatoon as Max sniped three goals while younger brother Sam notched four helpers as the Ice dumped the Blades 6-1.
Brock Montgomery with his 8th goal of the season, along with Eric Benoit with his 8th and rookie Jon Martin with his 2nd rounded out the scoring for the Ice.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 20 of 21 shots for the win.
Benoit returned after missing five games with an upper body injury.
The win gives the Ice a little breathing room atop the Eastern Conference and WHL standings, with a 19-5-1-2 record, good for 41 points, the first WHL club to break that barrier.
It's the sixth straight win for the Ice and seventh consecutive road win dating back to before the home stand, a team record.
There are highlites here and the Star-Phoenix has a recap here.
If you haven't seen it on Gregg Drinnan's blog over on the right, the mid-season leader for quote of the year goes to Blade GM and coach Lorne Molleken to Saskatoon Star-Phoenix writer Daniel Nugent-Bowman on the loss, which he alludes to as ugly or at the very least, not pretty. “That was like some of the girls you used to date, Daniel."
The four point night for Sam continued the rookie's torrid pace on the road trip with 18 points in his last six games, giving him 26 points (8g, 18a) on the season, good for 5th in the Rookie scoring race and tops among 16-year-olds.
Max's hat-trick gives him 15 goals on the season and he sits 15th in league scoring with 34 points on the season.
You'd have to think Max is just gearing up for his shot at the World Juniors starting December 10 with the selection camp. With WHL coaches Don Hay and Ryan Huska as assistant, Max's defensive play is likely the best shot he's got to make this team.
On that note one wonders how Hockey Canada could fudge the dates on Nathan Lieuwen's drivers license back a year. The season the 20-year-old is having would almost certainly put him in the running, especially given the goaltending situation with Team Canada and the perceived lack of star power at the position.
Question for today - or the next couple of weeks if you like. I asked it awhile back but it resonates now more than then: Does this club make a move prior to the deadline to beef up the blueline or the forwards in anticipation of a long run again this spring?
In two years this group (15's, 16's and 17-year-olds) is projected to be scary good. The present group is proving they can do just as good as last season - they're two wins ahead of last year's pace at this time - but another forward who can score or a top-five D-man wouldn't hurt the cause. You'll have until January 10th or so to discuss.
Dylen McKinley (team suspension), Jaedon Descheneau and Jeff Hubic were the scratches, finishing up the six-game, six player stretch that a veteran sat out for violation of team rules in which the club never missed a beat. The club is completely healthy for the first time this season.
Friday the road trip continues into Prince Albert, who now occupy the WHL's basement with a 6-21-1-1 record and 14 points, tied with Everett for last overall. Moose Jaw is Saturday with the road trip wrapping up Sunday night in Swift Current.
The CHL rankings came out yesterday, prior to the Blades-Ice game. Kootenay's in at 7th while the Blades are 5th, pre-6-1 Ice win.
Speaking of rankings Buzzing the Net (link over on right), one of the best Junior Hockey rolls on the net, has a completely different system based on toughness of recent schedule that produces the Dynamic Dozen. Though curiously the top CHL ranked club, the London Knights, is 13th. The Ice check in at 7th while the Blades are 6th. And for an answer posted there about why the two Reinhart brothers don't have their respective initials on their jerseys, they didn't want them. Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth ordered the letters for them but they chose not to have them put on.
In some alumni news former Ice assistant coach Brad Lauer moved from Syracuse to Anaheim yesterday - bring your Sandals - as former Washington Capital head coach Bruce Boudreau was out of work all of two days when the Ducks fired Randy Carlyle (head coach there since 2005 and just this summer signed a three-year deal) and replaced him with Boudreau. The whole staff was let go in the purge and Lauer was added as an assistant with the Ducks. He was an assistant under Cory Clouton with Ottawa last season before joining another former Ice coach, Mark Holick with the Ducks affiliate in Syracuse.
Brock Montgomery with his 8th goal of the season, along with Eric Benoit with his 8th and rookie Jon Martin with his 2nd rounded out the scoring for the Ice.
Nathan Lieuwen stopped 20 of 21 shots for the win.
Benoit returned after missing five games with an upper body injury.
The win gives the Ice a little breathing room atop the Eastern Conference and WHL standings, with a 19-5-1-2 record, good for 41 points, the first WHL club to break that barrier.
It's the sixth straight win for the Ice and seventh consecutive road win dating back to before the home stand, a team record.
There are highlites here and the Star-Phoenix has a recap here.
If you haven't seen it on Gregg Drinnan's blog over on the right, the mid-season leader for quote of the year goes to Blade GM and coach Lorne Molleken to Saskatoon Star-Phoenix writer Daniel Nugent-Bowman on the loss, which he alludes to as ugly or at the very least, not pretty. “That was like some of the girls you used to date, Daniel."
The four point night for Sam continued the rookie's torrid pace on the road trip with 18 points in his last six games, giving him 26 points (8g, 18a) on the season, good for 5th in the Rookie scoring race and tops among 16-year-olds.
Max's hat-trick gives him 15 goals on the season and he sits 15th in league scoring with 34 points on the season.
You'd have to think Max is just gearing up for his shot at the World Juniors starting December 10 with the selection camp. With WHL coaches Don Hay and Ryan Huska as assistant, Max's defensive play is likely the best shot he's got to make this team.
On that note one wonders how Hockey Canada could fudge the dates on Nathan Lieuwen's drivers license back a year. The season the 20-year-old is having would almost certainly put him in the running, especially given the goaltending situation with Team Canada and the perceived lack of star power at the position.
Question for today - or the next couple of weeks if you like. I asked it awhile back but it resonates now more than then: Does this club make a move prior to the deadline to beef up the blueline or the forwards in anticipation of a long run again this spring?
In two years this group (15's, 16's and 17-year-olds) is projected to be scary good. The present group is proving they can do just as good as last season - they're two wins ahead of last year's pace at this time - but another forward who can score or a top-five D-man wouldn't hurt the cause. You'll have until January 10th or so to discuss.
Dylen McKinley (team suspension), Jaedon Descheneau and Jeff Hubic were the scratches, finishing up the six-game, six player stretch that a veteran sat out for violation of team rules in which the club never missed a beat. The club is completely healthy for the first time this season.
Friday the road trip continues into Prince Albert, who now occupy the WHL's basement with a 6-21-1-1 record and 14 points, tied with Everett for last overall. Moose Jaw is Saturday with the road trip wrapping up Sunday night in Swift Current.
The CHL rankings came out yesterday, prior to the Blades-Ice game. Kootenay's in at 7th while the Blades are 5th, pre-6-1 Ice win.
Speaking of rankings Buzzing the Net (link over on right), one of the best Junior Hockey rolls on the net, has a completely different system based on toughness of recent schedule that produces the Dynamic Dozen. Though curiously the top CHL ranked club, the London Knights, is 13th. The Ice check in at 7th while the Blades are 6th. And for an answer posted there about why the two Reinhart brothers don't have their respective initials on their jerseys, they didn't want them. Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth ordered the letters for them but they chose not to have them put on.
In some alumni news former Ice assistant coach Brad Lauer moved from Syracuse to Anaheim yesterday - bring your Sandals - as former Washington Capital head coach Bruce Boudreau was out of work all of two days when the Ducks fired Randy Carlyle (head coach there since 2005 and just this summer signed a three-year deal) and replaced him with Boudreau. The whole staff was let go in the purge and Lauer was added as an assistant with the Ducks. He was an assistant under Cory Clouton with Ottawa last season before joining another former Ice coach, Mark Holick with the Ducks affiliate in Syracuse.
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