Some news . . .

No, I’m not back on a regular basis. Will be back here Thursday and we’ll begin stoking the fire. . . . For now, a few things of interest. . . . It’s worth noting that the Regina Pats have sold more than 3,200 season tickets for the first time in franchise history. They have broken the record (3,126) set last season. Part of the reason is that the first 4,000 fans to purchase season tickets also receive an option on tickets for the 2010 World Junior Championship that is to be played in Regina and Saskatoon.
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THE MacBETH REPORTS: Even while I’m away, Garth MacBeth keeps an eye on the European scene for us. Here are a few reports he filed over the last few days. . . . Saturday, Sept. 6: F Tim Kraus (Vancouver) was released by Fussen (Germany Oberliga). The club said that he didn't match its expectation that he would be able to replace Garrett Festerling, who led Oberliga in scoring last season. . . . F Joni Lindlöf (Kelowna/Lethbridge) signed with Asplöven Haparanda (Sweden Division 1) after his release by Tappara Tampere last week. . . . D Justin Mazurek (11 games with Portland in 2005-06) signed with Polonia Bytom (Poland). He holds dual Polish-Canadian citizenship. He had one goal and one assist in 18 games with Unia Oswiecim (Poland) last season. . . . F Lance Morrison (Kootenay/Calgary/Regina) signed with GIJS Bears Groningen (Netherlands). He was with UBC the last four seasons. . . . F Roman Psurny (Medicine Hat) was loaned by Zlin (Czech Extraliga) to Mlada Boleslav (Czech Extraliga) for the season. He had three goals and five assists in 45 games with Zlin and six goals and three assists in nine games with Prostejov (Czech 1.Liga) last season. His twin brother Michal (Medicine Hat/Kootenay) remains with Zlin.
Monday, Sept. 8: F Ryan Watson (Lethbridge) signed a three-year contract with Cortina (Italy Serie A). He was with Oklahoma City (Central Hockey League) last season and holds an Italian passport. . . . F Adrian Foster (Saskatoon/Brandon) signed a try-out contract with Red Bull Salzburg (Austria Erste Bank Liga). He was with Houston (AHL) last season.
Tuesday, Sept. 9: D Rick Berry (Seattle/Spokane) signed with Duisburg (Germany DEL). He was with Springfield (AHL) last season.
Friday, Sept. 12: F Ryan Bonni (Saskatoon/Red Deer) signed with Alba Volan Szekesfehervar (Hungary, plays in Austria Erste Bank Liga). He had seven goals and 17 assists in 40 games with SonderjyskE (Denmark Elitserien) last season.
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And some WHL trades made over the last few days. . . .
Sept. 8: Edmonton trades D Cameron Cepek, 20, and 2009 sixth-round bantam pick to Prince George for 2009 third-round bantam pick.
Sept. 9: Prince George trades D Garrett Thiessen, 19, to Prince Albert for a 2009 sixth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 10: Brandon trades LW Daniel Bartek, 20, to Everett for a 2009 fourth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 11: Red Deer trades F Colby Kulhanek, 19, to Prince George for a 2009 sixth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 11: Vancouver trades C Mitch Czibere, 19, and a 2009 fourth-round bantam pick to Regina for D Curtis Kulchar, 18, and RW Todd Kennedy, 18.
Sept. 11: Medicine Hat trades D Shayne Brown, 19, to Everett for D Tyer Kieffer, 19.
Sept. 11: Medicine Hat trades RW Thomas Frazee, 18, to Moose Jaw for conditional 2009 fifth-round bantam pick.
Sept. 13: Vancouver trades D Stefan Schneider, 19, to Portland for future considerations.
Sept. 13: Vancouver trades C Jonathan Parker, 17, to Seattle for a 2009 10th-round bantam pick.
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And a look at the WHL’s unofficial fine standings, showing number of incidents and amount fined:
Chilliwack 2/$750
Regina 1/$500
Vancouver 1/$250
Prince Albert 1/$250
Saskatoon 1/$250
Edmonton 1/$250
Kamloops 1/$250
Prince George 1/$250
TOTALS 9/$2,750
(NOTE: All fines for being involved in multi-fight situations.)
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See you here Thursday.