Tuesday . . . early

According to Jim Swanson of the Prince George Citizen, the Cougars still haven’t heard from LW Brad Riege, 19, who chose not to report to training camp. He was acquired from the Moose Jaw Warriors last season. “We’d have to grant his release, and no one has asked,” said Thompson. “I heard he might be working in the oil rigs.”. . . Perhaps Thompson hasn’t heard about RW Evan Pighin playing for the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies without getting a release from the Chilliwack Bruins. . . . Has anyone checked Victoria’s dressing room for Riege? Just asking.
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F Dale Weise has signed an NHL deal with the New York Rangers. Weise, who played for the Rangers in an exhibition game against the visiting Ottawa Senators on Monday, was selected by New York in the fourth round of the NHL’s 2008 draft. He had 112 points in 173 career games with the Broncos. He has one year of WHL eligibility remaining but is expected to play this season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. . . . F Geordie Wudrick, 18, has returned to the Broncos from the camp of the Los Angeles Kings. He was a third-round pick in the 2008 NHL draft. Wudrick is expected to play against the visiting Saskatoon Blades on Friday. . . . The Brandon Wheat Kings have their roster down to 26 after two reassignments. D Brett Rock, 17, is off to the midget AAA team in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., while G Graham Hildebrand, 17, is considering his options. He played last season with the Beardy’s Blackhawks of the Saskatchewan midget AAA league. Hildebrand’s departure leaves Brandon with two goaltenders – Joe Caligiuri, 19, and Andrew Hayes, 18.