Blazers box

From The Daily News of Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 . . .

THE SCORE
Edmonton 4, Kamloops 0

WHAT HAPPENED
The Blazers laid a giant egg and were never in this game against the WHL’s
newest team.

THE STANDINGS
The Blazers (26-29-2-2) are eighth in the Western Conference, one point
behind the Chilliwack Bruins, who hold two games in hand. The Oil Kings
(19-29-4-6) are ninth in the Eastern Conference, 23 points out of a playoff
spot with 14 games to play.

THE SHUTOUT
Edmonton G Dalyn Flette, who began his career with the Blazers, posted his
second career shutout last night. His first came Feb. 2, 2007, when, as a
member of the Blazers, he stopped 15 shots in an 8-0 victory over the
visiting Portland Winter Hawks.

THE TURNOVERS
Edmonton’s first two goals were unassisted, the first coming of a turnover
by Kamloops D Spencer Fraipoint and the second when G Justin Leclerc fired a
clearance right to Edmonton RW Tomas Vincour.

THE SCOUT
Al Murray’s Hockey Canada’s head scout, was in the house and was paying
particular attention to Kamloops D Jordan Rowley and D Nick Ross. On his way
out of the press box, Murray admitted he wasn’t impressed with what he saw
from either player.

THE DRAFT PICK
C Brendan Ranford, 15, goes into the final weekend of the Alberta midget
league's regular season with an eight-point lead atop the points race.
Ranford, taken 15th overall by the Blazers in the 2007 bantam draft, leads
the AMHL in points (73), is tied for second in goals (30) and has a share of
the lead in assists (43). He plays for Edmonton (CAC) Gregg Distributors
which has one game remaining.

THE ANALYST
It appears that David Michaud, who drives in from Kelowna to serve as the
analyst on Radio NL’s Blazers broadcasts, is soon to sign on with the Prince
George Cougars. He will work in sales there and also will be part of the
team’s broadcasts. Gil Botelho, who has been the analyst, quit Thursday
after finding out that the Cougars were soon to hire Michaud, who also has
worked on Kelowna Rockets’ and Portland Winter Hawks’ broadcasts this
season.

THE DAILY NEWS THREE STARS

1. G Dalyn Flette, Edmonton. Did what he is supposed to do.

2. RW Tomas Vincour, Edmonton. Two goals.

3. D Matt Swaby, Edmonton. Led like a captain should.

UP NEXT
The Blazers are at home again tonight with the Vancouver Giants providing
the opposition. Game time is 7 o’clock.