Blazers box

THE SCORE
Spokane 6, Kamloops 2

WHAT HAPPENED
The defending Memorial Cup champions showed the home boys just how far they
have to go if they hope to reach that level. This was a real schooling in
all aspects of the game.

THE ATTENDANCE
The announced crowd count was 3,919. That is the smallest crowd to attend a
regular-season game in this facility since Feb. 18, 1993, when the Blazers
beat the Lethbridge Hurricanes, 4-1. In 1992-93, there were 15 crowds
smaller than 3,919. Since then there haven’t been any.

THE LEAGUE LEADERS
Kamloops LW Shayne Wiebe went into the game having scored in each of the
team’s first five games. He had a league-high six goals, but was blanked in
this one. . . . Kamloops D Giffen Nyren went in with the league lead in
assists (7) and added one to his total.

THE DEPARTED
LW Matt Wray, who turns 19 on Nov. 22, has left the Blazers. A healthy
scratch for two weekend games against the Kelowna Rockets, Wray, who is from
Qualicum Beach, wasn't happy with his playing time. He had four points and
147 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Blazers last season.

THE SUSPENSION
Kamloops D Nick Ross served Game 1 of a two-game suspension for the
interference major and game misconduct he incurred Saturday in Kelowna.
Rockets D Kyle Verdino, who was hit by Ross on the play in question, has
been diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his left knee. He won't play tonight
against the visiting Everett Silvertips.

THE HEAD COACH
Spokane head coach Hardy Sauter was the Chiefs’ lead assistant coach last
season. He also is a former Chiefs defenceman. He is the son of one-time
Flin Flon Bombers toughie Mike Sauter, who also coached in the WHL, and the
nephew of former WHL GM and coach Doug Sauter.

THE PRESENTATION
The Blazers Booster Club, represented by president Joanne Burnell and
vice-president Fred Nicolson, saluted the Chiefs’ 2008 Memorial Cup
championship by presenting Spokane captain Seth Compton with a plaque in a
pregame ceremony. The fans responded with a standing ovation.

THE SCOUTS
Among the numerous scouts in attendance were Stu MacGregor and Bob Brown,
both of whom work for the Edmonton Oilers and are former Blazers general
managers.

THE DAILY NEWS THREE STARS

1. C Mitch Wahl, Spokane. Smooth and four points.

2. D Brett Bartman, Spokane. Plus-6. Enough said!

3. LW Drayson Bowman, Spokane. Looked like he was still in Carolina.

UP NEXT
The Blazers meet the Oil Kings in Edmonton on Friday and the Hitmen in
Calgary on Saturday. Kamloops next plays at home on Oct. 10 when the Prince
George Cougars are here.