THE MacBETH REPORT: D Robby Sandrock (Spokane/Swift Current/Medicine Hat/Kelowna) signed a one-year contract with Medveščak Zagreb (Croatia, plays in Austria Erste Bank Liga). He had 11 goals and 28 assists in 46 games with Villach (Austria Erste Bank Liga) last season. . . . F Anders Lövdahl (Calgary/Moose Jaw/Lethbridge) signed a one-year contract with Borlänge (Sweden Division 1). He had no points in 11 games with Mora (Sweden Allsvenskan) and four goals and 20 assists in 26 games split between Borlänge and Tingsryd (Sweden Division 1) last season. . . . D Kenton Smith (Calgary) signed a one-year contract with Valpellice (Italy Serie A). He had nine goals and 38 assists in 67 games with Manchester (UK Elite League) last season.
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As expected, the Lethbridge Hurricanes introduced Rich Preston as their GM and head coach at a Tuesday news conference. Preston, who turns 57 on Aug. 5, is a veteran NHL assistant coach, having worked with the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames. He also spent two seasons (1995-97) as head coach of the Regina Pats. . . . Preston replaces Roy Stasiuk, who was fired as GM, and Michael Dyck, whose contract as head coach wasn’t renewed.
It's interesting that Preston got a five-year deal, which seems to have replaced what used to be the standard two or three years with a one-year club option. Kamloops Blazers GM Craig Bonner got a five-year deal last summer and Dean Clark signed a five-year contract as head coach of the Prince George Cougars this offseason. I have a feeling that Marc Habscheid's deal as GM/head coach of the Chilliwack Bruins is for five years (Darryl Porter, the co-owner/governor, has only said it is in excess of three years). . . Interesting!
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When Kelly McCrimmon played for the Brandon Wheat Kings, he was one of the WHL’s top penalty-killing forwards.
But his stickhandling performance during Tuesday’s import draft may have been better than anything he did during his playing days.
McCrimmon went into the draft without a first-round selection, but it wasn’t long before had two of them.
To start, he acquired the Medicine Hat Tigers’ first-round selection (44th overall) in exchange for a 2011 sixth-round bantam draft pick or a flip of 2011 first-round import picks.
McCrimmon then dealt the 44th selection, along with veteran D Nathan Green, 20, to the Red Deer Rebels for the 14th overall pick. McCrimmon used that pick to take RW Toni Rajala, an 18-year-old from Finland.
After that, McCrimmon traded a 2011 third-round bantam draft pick to the Chilliwack Bruins for a 2011 eighth-round bantam draft pick and the 23rd overall pick in the import draft. He used that selection to take D Alexander Urbom, a 19-year-old Swede who was taken by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the weekend’s NHL draft.
Rajala, 5-foot-10 and 163 pounds, was a fourth-round selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL draft. He played for Finland at the world junior championship in Ottawa and also represented his country at the under-18 championship in Fargo, N.D., in the spring. He set a tournament scoring record – it had been held by Alex Ovechkin – with 19 points in six games and was named the event’s top forward.
Having dealt away Green, Brandon is down to four 20-year-olds, all forwards – Matt Calvert, Del Cowan, Jay Fehr and Aaron Lewadniuk.
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The Moose Jaw Warriors had the second overall selection in the import draft. But that was before Jeff Truitt, their new director of hockey operations, made his first WHL trade.
Truitt dealt the second pick to the Portland Winterhawks for a 2010 fourth-round bantam draft pick, a 2011 sixth-round bantam pick and the fifth overall pick in Tuesday’s import draft.
Portland moved up three spots in order to take Swiss F Nino Niederreiter.
The Warriors, picking fifth, grabbed LW Antonin Honejsek from HC Zlin in the Czech Under-20 Extraliga. According to the Warriors, he had “21 goals and 23 assists in 40 games for HC Zlin. The 5-foot-11, 176-pound left winger also tallied four goals and added two assists in six games at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Fargo, N.D., in the spring.” Honejsek is a late-1991 (Dec. 19) so is eligible for the 2010 NHL draft.
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The QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs acquired the first overall pick from the Halifax Mooseheads and used it on Russian F Stanislav Galiev, who played last season for the USHL’s Indiana Ice.
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Veteran coach Dave Allison has signed on as head coach of the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. He replaces former NHLer J.P. Parise, who remains as general manager and director of hockey operations. Allison has been a head coach in the AHL, ECHL, OHL and UHL and also had a stint as head coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators in 1995-96.
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Former Vancouver/Regina C Tim Kraus has signed for a second season with the ECHL’s Ontario, Calif., Reign. He led the team with 33 assists as he put up 48 points last season and was named to the National Conference all-star team.
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The Charleston, S.C., Post and Courier is reporting that Jared Bednar is stepping down as head coach of the ECHL-champion South Carolina Stingrays to accept a job with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat. Bednar will work as an assistant coach alongside head coach Jim Playfair. Bednar, 37, played three seasons in the WHL (Saskatoon, Spokane, Medicine Hat, Prince Albert, 1990-93). Bednar had been with the Stingrays since 1995, serving as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
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The ECHL’s Los Vegas Wranglers have named Ryan Mougenel as their new GM/head coach. He replaces Glen Gulutzan (Moose Jaw, Brandon, Saskatoon, 1986-92), who signed on as head coach of the AHL’s Texas Stars. What makes Mougenel’s signing interesting is that the Wranglers, due to financial reasons, won’t be hiring an assistant coach. Mougenel, 33, was an assistant coach with the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder last season after three seasons with the Freson Falcons.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hurricanes have their man
The Lethbridge Hurricanes will name Rich Preston as their general manager and head coach at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Preston, who has spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Calgary Flames, is a veteran of the coaching wars. The 57-year-old Preston spent two seasons as head coach of the Regina Pats (1995-97), compiling a 79-60-5 record. . . . The Hurricanes didn’t renew the contract of head coach Michael Dyck after the 2008-09 season and later fired general manager Roy Stasiuk.
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G Kurtis Mucha of the Portland Winter Hawks won’t be attending the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects camp that starts this weekend in the Alberta capital. The Oilers drafted Olivier Roy, an 18-year-old from the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, in the fifth round on Saturday. That combined with a desire to keep down the numbers in camp cost Mucha a spot in the camp. . . . Mucha lives in Sherwood Park, so it’s not like it would have cost them a ton of money to bring him into the camp. . . . Here’s hoping that Mucha lands a tryout with another team. Because after what he’s been through over the last three seasons in Portland, no one deserves it more.
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If you haven’t had your Tuesday chuckle yet, well, hold on because here it comes . . .
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators will play an NHL exhibition game in Regina on Sept. 21. . . . So, you ask, what’s the big deal? . . . Well, according to a press release, “ticket prices are $79.50 to $109.50 plus applicable service charges.” . . . Geez, Mayor Pat Fiacco and the gang must have that Regina economy really booming. After all, we’re talking about an EXHIBITION game. . . . This was quite a press release that was churned out by the folks at Evraz Place which, I think, used to go by the name Regina Exhibition Park. For starters, it referred to Ottawa’s first pick in the 2009 draft as Jared “Cowan” when it is spelled “Cowen.” The kid’s from Allan, Sask., so the least Prairie folks could do is get it right. . . . And then there was this gaffe: “Regina Pats season ticket holders and 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship package holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets prior to the Friday, July 3rd general pubic on-sale.” . . . Who knows? Maybe if you are able to prove you’re a member of the general pubic they’ll give you a discount. Maybe get you a ticket for under $50. Plus applicable service charges, of course.
NOTE: I have been informed that the "folks at Evraz Place" didn't have anything to do with the production of this press release, that it was the work of the promoter who is putting on the game.
Preston, who has spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Calgary Flames, is a veteran of the coaching wars. The 57-year-old Preston spent two seasons as head coach of the Regina Pats (1995-97), compiling a 79-60-5 record. . . . The Hurricanes didn’t renew the contract of head coach Michael Dyck after the 2008-09 season and later fired general manager Roy Stasiuk.
---
G Kurtis Mucha of the Portland Winter Hawks won’t be attending the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects camp that starts this weekend in the Alberta capital. The Oilers drafted Olivier Roy, an 18-year-old from the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, in the fifth round on Saturday. That combined with a desire to keep down the numbers in camp cost Mucha a spot in the camp. . . . Mucha lives in Sherwood Park, so it’s not like it would have cost them a ton of money to bring him into the camp. . . . Here’s hoping that Mucha lands a tryout with another team. Because after what he’s been through over the last three seasons in Portland, no one deserves it more.
---
If you haven’t had your Tuesday chuckle yet, well, hold on because here it comes . . .
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators will play an NHL exhibition game in Regina on Sept. 21. . . . So, you ask, what’s the big deal? . . . Well, according to a press release, “ticket prices are $79.50 to $109.50 plus applicable service charges.” . . . Geez, Mayor Pat Fiacco and the gang must have that Regina economy really booming. After all, we’re talking about an EXHIBITION game. . . . This was quite a press release that was churned out by the folks at Evraz Place which, I think, used to go by the name Regina Exhibition Park. For starters, it referred to Ottawa’s first pick in the 2009 draft as Jared “Cowan” when it is spelled “Cowen.” The kid’s from Allan, Sask., so the least Prairie folks could do is get it right. . . . And then there was this gaffe: “Regina Pats season ticket holders and 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship package holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets prior to the Friday, July 3rd general pubic on-sale.” . . . Who knows? Maybe if you are able to prove you’re a member of the general pubic they’ll give you a discount. Maybe get you a ticket for under $50. Plus applicable service charges, of course.
NOTE: I have been informed that the "folks at Evraz Place" didn't have anything to do with the production of this press release, that it was the work of the promoter who is putting on the game.
More from Monday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT: F Martin Bucek (Portland) signed a two-year contract extension with Os´wie˛cim (Poland). He had 34 goals and 27 assists in 34 games for Os´wie˛cim last season. . . . F Josh Olson (Portland) signed a one-year contract with Hannover (Germany 2.Bundesliga). He had 27 goals and 31 assists in 47 games for Bolzano (Italy Serie A) last season. . . . F Steven Crampton (Moose Jaw) signed a one-year contract with Fassa (Italy Serie A). He had 24 goals and 25 assists in 45 games with Esbjerg (Denmark AL-Bank Ligaen) last season.
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D Dylan Olsen, a first-round selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 NHL draft, spent last season with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks and now is headed for the U of Minnesota-Duluth. His WHL rights belong to the Medicine Hat Tigers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 bantam draft. “I’m still planning to go down to Duluth in August,” Olsen told the Medicine Hat News on Monday. ““I had been talking to them for a couple years and near the end of (last) season I signed my letter of intent. I’ve been set on going their for a while. (When the Tigers) drafted me in the bantam draft, they wanted me to play for them, but growing up I’ve always been set on going to school.”
———
In case you missed it, Mr. Anonymous posted this message earlier today: “My wife and I were at a Winterhawks (still getting used to it being one word) game last season, and they had a guy playing organ. My wife — being a fellow musician — went up and talked to him, and he told her they were talking about bringing him in on a more permanent basis this upcoming season. Just thought you'd like to know.” . . . Go for it Winterhawks. Go for it. Your fans will love you for it.
———
The Moose Jaw Warriors have dropped F Martin Filip, a 20-year-old Slovakian, so will make two selections in Tuesday’s CHL import draft. Filip spent two seasons with the Warriors, totaling 44 points in 118 games. Had he returned, he would have been a two-spotter — a 20-year-old import — and that’s something that Moose Jaw director of hockey operations Jeff Truitt didn’t feel the club could afford. . . . The move leaves the Warriors with three 20-year-olds on their roster — F Jason Bast, F Cody Smuk and D Ryan Stanton.
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Another interesting note was left on the blog — this one by Loft25 — and, in case you missed it, here it is. . . .
“I didn't see anyone determine how many players got drafted after their first year of eligibility (born before the Sept. 15, 1990 cutoff date).
I get:
28 - 1990s
19 - 1989s
1 - 1988
Total 48 players or 23 per cent of the draft. This leaves only 162 spots for first year draftees, which makes it even more impressive to be drafted in your first opportunity.”
By the way . . . that 1988-born player was Finnish G Mikko Koskinen. He was taken by the New York Islanders with the first pick of the second round.
———
A news conference in Moline, Ill, on Tuesday will reveal that hockey is staying in the area, despite the departure of the Quad City Flames, the NHL’s Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate, to Abbotsford, B.C. A new franchise will be introduced Tuesday and it will play in the IHL.
———
D Dylan Olsen, a first-round selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 NHL draft, spent last season with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks and now is headed for the U of Minnesota-Duluth. His WHL rights belong to the Medicine Hat Tigers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 bantam draft. “I’m still planning to go down to Duluth in August,” Olsen told the Medicine Hat News on Monday. ““I had been talking to them for a couple years and near the end of (last) season I signed my letter of intent. I’ve been set on going their for a while. (When the Tigers) drafted me in the bantam draft, they wanted me to play for them, but growing up I’ve always been set on going to school.”
———
In case you missed it, Mr. Anonymous posted this message earlier today: “My wife and I were at a Winterhawks (still getting used to it being one word) game last season, and they had a guy playing organ. My wife — being a fellow musician — went up and talked to him, and he told her they were talking about bringing him in on a more permanent basis this upcoming season. Just thought you'd like to know.” . . . Go for it Winterhawks. Go for it. Your fans will love you for it.
———
The Moose Jaw Warriors have dropped F Martin Filip, a 20-year-old Slovakian, so will make two selections in Tuesday’s CHL import draft. Filip spent two seasons with the Warriors, totaling 44 points in 118 games. Had he returned, he would have been a two-spotter — a 20-year-old import — and that’s something that Moose Jaw director of hockey operations Jeff Truitt didn’t feel the club could afford. . . . The move leaves the Warriors with three 20-year-olds on their roster — F Jason Bast, F Cody Smuk and D Ryan Stanton.
———
Another interesting note was left on the blog — this one by Loft25 — and, in case you missed it, here it is. . . .
“I didn't see anyone determine how many players got drafted after their first year of eligibility (born before the Sept. 15, 1990 cutoff date).
I get:
28 - 1990s
19 - 1989s
1 - 1988
Total 48 players or 23 per cent of the draft. This leaves only 162 spots for first year draftees, which makes it even more impressive to be drafted in your first opportunity.”
By the way . . . that 1988-born player was Finnish G Mikko Koskinen. He was taken by the New York Islanders with the first pick of the second round.
———
A news conference in Moline, Ill, on Tuesday will reveal that hockey is staying in the area, despite the departure of the Quad City Flames, the NHL’s Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate, to Abbotsford, B.C. A new franchise will be introduced Tuesday and it will play in the IHL.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Bonner prepared for import draft
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Craig Bonner has made his list and checked it twice.
Actually, the Kamloops Blazers’ general manager has checked it three or four times. Maybe more.
It’s all part of his preparations for the CHL’s two-round import draft that began this morning at 6 o’clock with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, having acquired the first pick from the Halifax Mooseheads, making a pick.
The Moose Jaw Warriors will be the first WHL team to make a pick; they’re up at 6:15 a.m.
The Blazers hold the 29th pick and will pick at 11:10 a.m.
Bonner attended the NHL draft in Montreal on the weekend and spent a lot of time talking to agents and hockey people about potential import draft picks.
The Blazers have one import on their roster — centre Dalibor Bortnak, an 18-year-old Slovakian, is preparing for his second season — after releasing Slovakian defenceman Michal Siska, 19.
“I have some names,” Bonner said. “I don’t know . . . it’s getting tougher and tougher.”
More and more WHL team officials are singing the same tune, primarily because this is a draft that is controlled, for the most part, by player agents who in a lot of instances are able to pretty much dictate landing spots for their clients. The result is that the order in which players are selected has more to do with availability than talent.
“We’ll see . . .,” Bonner said.
In the meantime, Bonner said he was pleased to have two players selected in the NHL draft on Saturday.
Right-winger Tyler Shattock was taken by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round, while forward Jimmy Bubnick went to the Atlanta Thrashers in the sixth round.
“I was really happy for Shattock,” Bonner said. “That was kind of the spot I was hearing but you never know because guys started to fall a little bit.”
Shattock, 19, suffered a leg injury after Christmas 2007 and, perhaps as a result, didn’t get drafted in 2008. He came back and had a 30-goal, 69-point season.
“He had a great start to the (2007-08 season) and then he got hurt,” Jarmo Kekalainen, the Blues’ assistant GM and director of amateur scouting, told Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “That was probably the biggest reason he was passed on last year. He had 30 goals this year, he’s 6-foot-3, he can hit . . . he can play physical.”
Bubnick, who went into the draft ranked 55th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, sent somewhat later than that.
“He went a little later than he probably thought,” Bonner said. “I think the consensus before the drat when I was talking to teams is that it was anywhere from the late third to the sixth round. So I don’t think it was that big a surprise from my end.
“I felt pretty confident he was going to get drafted and nowadays, the way the CBA is and everything, it doesn’t really matter what round you get drafted in; the money’s not that big a deal now.”
The key, Bonner said, is that Bubnick has a chance.
“Obviously, somone liked him,” Bonner said. “And to get him in the sixth round could be, at the end of the day, a great pick.”
Bonner is hopeful that the players on his roster who didn’t get drafted will take a close look at what Shattock accomplished.
“For all our guys who didn’t get drafted, or if they don’t get a tryout, they should look right at Tyler Shattock,” Bonner explained. “Here’s a guy who came back and had a good season and he goes in the fourth round. Bortnak and all those guys . . . they have to look at him and say, ‘Hey, it’s not over yet.’”
JUST NOTES: The Lethbridge Hurricanes are expected to name Rich Preston as their general manager and head coach. An announcement could come as early as today. Preston spent two seasons as head coach of the Regina Pats and the last six as an assistant with the NHL’s Calgary Flames. . . . The Vancouver Giants have traded Russian F Mikhail Fisenko, 19, to the Calgary Hitmen for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 bantam draft. Fisenko had 28 points, including 12 goals, in 60 games with the Giants last season.
The Red Deer Rebels have confirmed that Finnish D Tommi Kivisto, who was a freshman WHLer last season, won’t be returning. He has signed with Jokerit Helsinki. Kivisto was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the fourth-last pick in the NHL draft on Saturday. . . . There were 23 Swedish players selected in the NHL draft, but don’t expect many, if any, to end up in the WHL. “All of the Swedish kids who were selected early . . . I’ve been told they’ll be staying overseas,” Brent Sutter, the Rebels’ owner and president who also is the head coach of the Flames, told the Red Deer Advocate’s Greg Meachem. Presumably that includes D Tim Erixon, the Flames’ first pick on Friday.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Craig Bonner has made his list and checked it twice.
Actually, the Kamloops Blazers’ general manager has checked it three or four times. Maybe more.
It’s all part of his preparations for the CHL’s two-round import draft that began this morning at 6 o’clock with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, having acquired the first pick from the Halifax Mooseheads, making a pick.
The Moose Jaw Warriors will be the first WHL team to make a pick; they’re up at 6:15 a.m.
The Blazers hold the 29th pick and will pick at 11:10 a.m.
Bonner attended the NHL draft in Montreal on the weekend and spent a lot of time talking to agents and hockey people about potential import draft picks.
The Blazers have one import on their roster — centre Dalibor Bortnak, an 18-year-old Slovakian, is preparing for his second season — after releasing Slovakian defenceman Michal Siska, 19.
“I have some names,” Bonner said. “I don’t know . . . it’s getting tougher and tougher.”
More and more WHL team officials are singing the same tune, primarily because this is a draft that is controlled, for the most part, by player agents who in a lot of instances are able to pretty much dictate landing spots for their clients. The result is that the order in which players are selected has more to do with availability than talent.
“We’ll see . . .,” Bonner said.
In the meantime, Bonner said he was pleased to have two players selected in the NHL draft on Saturday.
Right-winger Tyler Shattock was taken by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round, while forward Jimmy Bubnick went to the Atlanta Thrashers in the sixth round.
“I was really happy for Shattock,” Bonner said. “That was kind of the spot I was hearing but you never know because guys started to fall a little bit.”
Shattock, 19, suffered a leg injury after Christmas 2007 and, perhaps as a result, didn’t get drafted in 2008. He came back and had a 30-goal, 69-point season.
“He had a great start to the (2007-08 season) and then he got hurt,” Jarmo Kekalainen, the Blues’ assistant GM and director of amateur scouting, told Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “That was probably the biggest reason he was passed on last year. He had 30 goals this year, he’s 6-foot-3, he can hit . . . he can play physical.”
Bubnick, who went into the draft ranked 55th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, sent somewhat later than that.
“He went a little later than he probably thought,” Bonner said. “I think the consensus before the drat when I was talking to teams is that it was anywhere from the late third to the sixth round. So I don’t think it was that big a surprise from my end.
“I felt pretty confident he was going to get drafted and nowadays, the way the CBA is and everything, it doesn’t really matter what round you get drafted in; the money’s not that big a deal now.”
The key, Bonner said, is that Bubnick has a chance.
“Obviously, somone liked him,” Bonner said. “And to get him in the sixth round could be, at the end of the day, a great pick.”
Bonner is hopeful that the players on his roster who didn’t get drafted will take a close look at what Shattock accomplished.
“For all our guys who didn’t get drafted, or if they don’t get a tryout, they should look right at Tyler Shattock,” Bonner explained. “Here’s a guy who came back and had a good season and he goes in the fourth round. Bortnak and all those guys . . . they have to look at him and say, ‘Hey, it’s not over yet.’”
JUST NOTES: The Lethbridge Hurricanes are expected to name Rich Preston as their general manager and head coach. An announcement could come as early as today. Preston spent two seasons as head coach of the Regina Pats and the last six as an assistant with the NHL’s Calgary Flames. . . . The Vancouver Giants have traded Russian F Mikhail Fisenko, 19, to the Calgary Hitmen for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 bantam draft. Fisenko had 28 points, including 12 goals, in 60 games with the Giants last season.
The Red Deer Rebels have confirmed that Finnish D Tommi Kivisto, who was a freshman WHLer last season, won’t be returning. He has signed with Jokerit Helsinki. Kivisto was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the fourth-last pick in the NHL draft on Saturday. . . . There were 23 Swedish players selected in the NHL draft, but don’t expect many, if any, to end up in the WHL. “All of the Swedish kids who were selected early . . . I’ve been told they’ll be staying overseas,” Brent Sutter, the Rebels’ owner and president who also is the head coach of the Flames, told the Red Deer Advocate’s Greg Meachem. Presumably that includes D Tim Erixon, the Flames’ first pick on Friday.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Olynyk chasing gold in New Zealand
For the Gonzaga fans in the reading audience . . .
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops is in New Zealand, prepared to write another chapter in his basketball career.
Olynyk, a 6-foot-10 forward who played this season with the South Kamloops Titans, is traveling with Canada’s under-19 basketball team. It will take part in the ninth FIBA U19 world championship that opens Thursday and runs through July 12 in Auckland, New Zealand.
“It’s going pretty good down here,” Olynyk wrote to The Daily News after arriving in Auckland.
Team Canada, coming off a victory in the 23rd annual Mondial Juniors de Basket in Douai, France, held a brief training camp in Hamilton and departed Friday.
“We left for New Zealand on the 26th,” Olynyk wrote, “and arrived here in the morning of the 28th, which was weird because it’s almost like June 27, 2009, never existed in my life.”
There are 16 teams in Auckland, with Canada in a pool with Australia, Syria and Spain. Three teams from each of four pools will move into the second round with the top eight from there advancing to the quarterfinals.
“It all comes down to how you start off and things like that, but we have a chance,” Greg Francis, Canada’s head coach, told Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. “Defensively, I think we have a chance to be as good as the top three or four teams in this tournament.
“Any national team at any level, if our best players are playing well, I think we’ve got a good chance to be in that final eight and have a chance to win a medal.”
Olynyk was named the tournament MVP in France and will be looked to for scoring in New Zealand.
“He can score at will,” centre Mike Allison told Larry Moko of the Hamilton Spectator. “It’s really amazing to watch. He can finish everywhere around the hole and away from it.”
Allison and Olynyk, along with about half the Canadian roster, were teammates at the National Elite Development Academy, which has been based at McMaster U in Hamilton. However, Canada Basketball announced this week that it has had to scrap NEDA because of budgetary reasons.
“The program produced significant results, allowing Canada to develop teams that qualified for this year’s under-19 men’s and women’s world championships,” stated a Canada Basketball press release. “But a change in federal funding criteria meant NEDA would no longer receive the ($500,000) a year promised when the program started.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops is in New Zealand, prepared to write another chapter in his basketball career.
Olynyk, a 6-foot-10 forward who played this season with the South Kamloops Titans, is traveling with Canada’s under-19 basketball team. It will take part in the ninth FIBA U19 world championship that opens Thursday and runs through July 12 in Auckland, New Zealand.
“It’s going pretty good down here,” Olynyk wrote to The Daily News after arriving in Auckland.
Team Canada, coming off a victory in the 23rd annual Mondial Juniors de Basket in Douai, France, held a brief training camp in Hamilton and departed Friday.
“We left for New Zealand on the 26th,” Olynyk wrote, “and arrived here in the morning of the 28th, which was weird because it’s almost like June 27, 2009, never existed in my life.”
There are 16 teams in Auckland, with Canada in a pool with Australia, Syria and Spain. Three teams from each of four pools will move into the second round with the top eight from there advancing to the quarterfinals.
“It all comes down to how you start off and things like that, but we have a chance,” Greg Francis, Canada’s head coach, told Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. “Defensively, I think we have a chance to be as good as the top three or four teams in this tournament.
“Any national team at any level, if our best players are playing well, I think we’ve got a good chance to be in that final eight and have a chance to win a medal.”
Olynyk was named the tournament MVP in France and will be looked to for scoring in New Zealand.
“He can score at will,” centre Mike Allison told Larry Moko of the Hamilton Spectator. “It’s really amazing to watch. He can finish everywhere around the hole and away from it.”
Allison and Olynyk, along with about half the Canadian roster, were teammates at the National Elite Development Academy, which has been based at McMaster U in Hamilton. However, Canada Basketball announced this week that it has had to scrap NEDA because of budgetary reasons.
“The program produced significant results, allowing Canada to develop teams that qualified for this year’s under-19 men’s and women’s world championships,” stated a Canada Basketball press release. “But a change in federal funding criteria meant NEDA would no longer receive the ($500,000) a year promised when the program started.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Some Monday stuff . . .
The Vancouver Giants have dealt F Mikhail Fisenko, 19, to the Calgary Hitmen for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 bantam draft. Fisenko had 28 points, including 12 goals, in 60 games with the Giants last season. . . .
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More WHLers with potential pro tryouts: LW Tyler Maxwell of the Everett Silvertips, Los Angeles Kings; RW Kellan Tochkin, Everett, Vancouver Canucks; G Travis Yonkman of the Swift Current Broncos, New York Rangers; D Spencer McAvoy of Swift Current, Columbus Blue Jackets. . . .
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Congrats to Barry Webster on being the first inductee into the builders’ wing of the Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame in Moose Jaw. Over the years, no one has breathed Warriors hockey more than Webster. . . . Yes, Barry is the older brother of former NHL head coach Tom Webster. . . . The Warriors will induct Kelly Buchburger and Rob Harvey into the players’ wing when they hold the gala affair at the Heritage Inn on July 10. For tickets, call 306-694-5711. . . .
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D Chad Erb, who completed his WHL eligibility by playing a fourth season with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2008-09, has decided to head for the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons. He is a native of Sanford, Man. . . .
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THE COACHING GAME: As expected, Guy Boucher has been named head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. He had been the head coach of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs for three seasons. He also was an assistant coach with Canada’s national junior team at the 2009 world junior championship. . . . Dave Barr is reported to be joining the coaching staff of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild under new head man Todd Richards. Barr spent four seasons with the OHL’s Guelph Storm before leaving to work as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche a year ago. He lost his job there when the Avs cleaned out Tony Granato and his staff. Barr is believed to have talked with the Lethbridge Hurricanes about their GM/head coach position that now seems destined to go to Rich Preston. Look for an announcement, perhaps on Tuesday.
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The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t make a qualifying offer to F Justin Keller, an eighth-round 2004 draft pick off the roster of the Kelowna Rockets. That makes him a free agent.
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More WHLers with potential pro tryouts: LW Tyler Maxwell of the Everett Silvertips, Los Angeles Kings; RW Kellan Tochkin, Everett, Vancouver Canucks; G Travis Yonkman of the Swift Current Broncos, New York Rangers; D Spencer McAvoy of Swift Current, Columbus Blue Jackets. . . .
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Congrats to Barry Webster on being the first inductee into the builders’ wing of the Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame in Moose Jaw. Over the years, no one has breathed Warriors hockey more than Webster. . . . Yes, Barry is the older brother of former NHL head coach Tom Webster. . . . The Warriors will induct Kelly Buchburger and Rob Harvey into the players’ wing when they hold the gala affair at the Heritage Inn on July 10. For tickets, call 306-694-5711. . . .
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D Chad Erb, who completed his WHL eligibility by playing a fourth season with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2008-09, has decided to head for the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons. He is a native of Sanford, Man. . . .
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THE COACHING GAME: As expected, Guy Boucher has been named head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. He had been the head coach of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs for three seasons. He also was an assistant coach with Canada’s national junior team at the 2009 world junior championship. . . . Dave Barr is reported to be joining the coaching staff of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild under new head man Todd Richards. Barr spent four seasons with the OHL’s Guelph Storm before leaving to work as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche a year ago. He lost his job there when the Avs cleaned out Tony Granato and his staff. Barr is believed to have talked with the Lethbridge Hurricanes about their GM/head coach position that now seems destined to go to Rich Preston. Look for an announcement, perhaps on Tuesday.
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The Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t make a qualifying offer to F Justin Keller, an eighth-round 2004 draft pick off the roster of the Kelowna Rockets. That makes him a free agent.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT: F Kiel McLeod (Kelowna) signed a one-year contract with Villach (Austria Erste Bank Liga). He had 29 goals and 22 assists in 41 games with Cortina (Italy Serie A) last season.
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A source told me early Sunday that Rich Preston is close to signing on as general manager and head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Preston, who coached the Regina Pats for two seasons, had been on the coaching staff of the Calgary Flames for six seasons but lost his job when GM Darryl Sutter cleaned house, dumping head coach Mike Keenan and most of the coaches. . . . “We’ve been talking,” Preston told the Regina Leader-Post’s Rob Vanstone later Sunday, “but there’s nothing concrete yet.”
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An interesting note jumped out at me from a piece by The Globe and Mail’s Eric Duhatschek, who wrote: “For all of his skating ability and his knack for making a good first pass, (Jay) Bouwmeester has never played a playoff game, in either the NHL or in junior.” . . . Bouwmeester played three seasons (1999-02) with the Medicine Hat Tigers. In his seven-season pro career, his only playoff experience has been 18 games with the Chicago Wolves in 2004-05, which was the lockout season. . . .
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With the NHL draft over and done with, players are starting to sign free-agent tryout contracts or agreeing to attend prospect camps.
The Minnesota Wild wants to take a look at Kamloops Blazers D Giffen Nyren, 20, while C C.J. Stretch, 20, will get a gander from the San Jose Sharks. . . .
F Cass Mappin, who turns 19 on Dec. 20, was ranked 73rd among draft-eligible North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting but wasn’t drafted. Mappin, 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, will go to rookie camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets. . . .
G Kurtis Mucha, 20, is expected to attend the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects camp that starts next weekend. . . .
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D Kevin Connauton, a third-round pick by the Vancouver Canucks, was a freshman with the Western Michigan Broncos last season. Connauton, a 19-year-old from Edmonton, told Steve Ewen of the Vancouver Province that he will talk to the Canucks before deciding where he will play next season. His WHL rights belong to the Vancouver Giants. “I won’t make any decision without talking to (the Canucks),” Connauton said. . . .
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Giants head coach Don Hay told Ewen that he is preparing for next season as though LW Evander Kane won’t be on the roster. Kane, who had 48 goals last season, was taken fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL’s draft. “If he doesn’t come back, we move on as normal,” Hay told Ewen. “If he does, it’s great for us, because he would obviously be a big part of our group. I just think if you keep waiting for him to come back you can lose focus on what you want to accomplish.”
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It looks like C Matt Betker (Portland Winterhawks, 2006-08) will open his 20-year-old season with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings, They have acquired his BCHL rights in a deal with the Nanaimo Clippers. . . .
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It’s just about time for major junior teams to start scouting in Florida. If you don’t believe that give this story a read.
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A source told me early Sunday that Rich Preston is close to signing on as general manager and head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Preston, who coached the Regina Pats for two seasons, had been on the coaching staff of the Calgary Flames for six seasons but lost his job when GM Darryl Sutter cleaned house, dumping head coach Mike Keenan and most of the coaches. . . . “We’ve been talking,” Preston told the Regina Leader-Post’s Rob Vanstone later Sunday, “but there’s nothing concrete yet.”
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An interesting note jumped out at me from a piece by The Globe and Mail’s Eric Duhatschek, who wrote: “For all of his skating ability and his knack for making a good first pass, (Jay) Bouwmeester has never played a playoff game, in either the NHL or in junior.” . . . Bouwmeester played three seasons (1999-02) with the Medicine Hat Tigers. In his seven-season pro career, his only playoff experience has been 18 games with the Chicago Wolves in 2004-05, which was the lockout season. . . .
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With the NHL draft over and done with, players are starting to sign free-agent tryout contracts or agreeing to attend prospect camps.
The Minnesota Wild wants to take a look at Kamloops Blazers D Giffen Nyren, 20, while C C.J. Stretch, 20, will get a gander from the San Jose Sharks. . . .
F Cass Mappin, who turns 19 on Dec. 20, was ranked 73rd among draft-eligible North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting but wasn’t drafted. Mappin, 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, will go to rookie camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets. . . .
G Kurtis Mucha, 20, is expected to attend the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects camp that starts next weekend. . . .
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D Kevin Connauton, a third-round pick by the Vancouver Canucks, was a freshman with the Western Michigan Broncos last season. Connauton, a 19-year-old from Edmonton, told Steve Ewen of the Vancouver Province that he will talk to the Canucks before deciding where he will play next season. His WHL rights belong to the Vancouver Giants. “I won’t make any decision without talking to (the Canucks),” Connauton said. . . .
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Giants head coach Don Hay told Ewen that he is preparing for next season as though LW Evander Kane won’t be on the roster. Kane, who had 48 goals last season, was taken fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL’s draft. “If he doesn’t come back, we move on as normal,” Hay told Ewen. “If he does, it’s great for us, because he would obviously be a big part of our group. I just think if you keep waiting for him to come back you can lose focus on what you want to accomplish.”
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It looks like C Matt Betker (Portland Winterhawks, 2006-08) will open his 20-year-old season with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings, They have acquired his BCHL rights in a deal with the Nanaimo Clippers. . . .
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It’s just about time for major junior teams to start scouting in Florida. If you don’t believe that give this story a read.
Keeping Score
Rick Telander, in the Chicago Sun-Times: “I remember sitting right here where I am typing this, in the third row of the open-air Wrigley press box, back on June 3, 2003, the same year that (Sammy) Sosa was failing his drug test, but we didn’t know it. It was the first inning of a night game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Sosa’s corked bat exploded into pieces that I can still see sailing over the emerald grass like kindling. Would Sammy cheat? Let us count the ways.” . . . “According to a report by CNBC,” writes Ian Hamilton of the Regina Leader-Post, “former Chicago Cubs steroid-gobbler Sammy Sosa had the sleeves of his jersey altered to make his arms look bigger back when he was playing. There’s no truth to the rumour that he also wore a sombrero to make his ever-expanding head look smaller.” . . . After the New York Islanders made the first selection in the NHL draft on Friday, Hamilton wrote: “the Isles got it right when they took John Tavares. Tough break for the kid, though: He gets to go to his first NHL training camp — and it’s in Saskatoon.”
After the Florida Panthers dealt winger Stefan Meyer to the Phoenix Coyotes for the rights to forward Stephen Reinprecht, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun noted: “Only in Gary Bettman’s NHL can a team without an owner, Phoenix, make a trade with a team that doesn’t have a general manager, Florida.” . . . One more from Simmons: “I see where Mike Gillis, who often fudged the truth about his professional relationship with disgraced agent David Frost, wants to build the Vancouver Canucks on the values of character and integrity. If that’s the case, maybe he should start by resigning.” . . . Spies report that the Chinese short track speed skating team is returning to Kamloops for a second visit and will hold a training camp, July 18 through Aug. 23, at the McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre. . . . On top of that, the Long Blades are to play host to a B.C. provincial camp at Mac Island, Aug. 22-26.
While the junior B Kamloops Storm may not yet have a head coach in place (Greg Hawgood?), the always smiling Tyler Boldt is returning for a second season as the Chase Chiefs’ GM and head coach. . . . It wasn’t one of John Daly’s better driving experiences. He was behind the wheel of his RV and going into the Bankhead Tunnel in Mobile, Ala., when, as he told the Mobile Press-Register, “The sign said ‘No trucks, cargo or hazardous material in the right lane.’ I’m reading the sign and don’t see the (clearance) footage. I’m thinking I’ve got to go to the left lane, and before I know it, the roof is torn out.” . . . One of the pitchers on the U.S. team that will play at the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines World Baseball Challenge in Prince George from July 16-26 will be right-hander Gerrit Cole. He was selected 28th overall by the New York Yankees in the 2008 MLB draft, but chose to attend UCLA instead of signing with the Bronx Bombers. He has a hard slider, a changeup and a 98-mph fastball.
When former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar filed for bankruptcy, among his debts was US$3 million owing to his ex-wife. Which may go down as the last sack of Kosar’s career. . . . Thankfully, talk of the NHL holding two Winter Classics on Jan. 1, one in Boston and the other in Calgary, turned out to be just that. Let’s be honest here — two in one season means these games no longer are Classics. . . . Where is a 50-game suspension not a 50-game suspension? In the world of MLB commish Bud Selig and union boss Donald Fehr. Only in their world could Manny Ramirez be playing in the minor leagues before his 50-game suspension for using performance enhancers was up. . . . Peter King, at si.com: “I don’t know who Jon and Kate are, and I pray to God I never learn.” . . . Ain’t that the truth? . . . With the NHL free-agent signing day arriving Tuesday, you might be wondering about Mark Recchi. He started last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning and finished it with the Boston Bruins. However, he told me Friday that he has yet to decide if he will play another season.
A note from Todd Esselmont, a former Kamloops Blazers forward, following the death of Dale Masson last weekend: “My brother Shea and I played with Mase for a couple of years under Ken Hitchcock. Was shocked to hear the news. We were born and raised in the Loops and used to see him here and there. A truly great guy. . . . He will be truly missed.” . . . Yes, the NHL should take a look at how it is that Brent Sutter bailed out of a valid contract as head coach of the New Jersey Devils and ended up as the head coach of the Calgary Flames, a team whose general manager is his brother, Darryl. . . . You are aware that only three of the seven Sutter brothers — Brian, Gary and Rich — aren’t (yet?) on the Flames’ payroll. But are you aware that the Sutter family doesn’t own the Flames?
Former Blazers coach Ed Dempsey has signed a two-year deal to continue as GM and head coach of the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He has been with the Spruce Kings since January 2004. . . . With the news that Tom Brady and his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, are expecting, Fark.com came up with his headline: Bündchendeoven. . . . Scott Ostler, in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Nick Faldo will be knighted by the Queen of England. Aren’t they handing out a lot of those knighthoods these days? I can understand Paul McCartney, but Nick Faldo? The American equivalent of British knighthood is receiving a nickname from Chris Berman.” . . . After Craig Hartsburg was introduced as the new head coach of the Everett Silvertips on Tuesday, goaltender Thomas Heemskerk told Nick Patterson of the Everett Herald: “He seems like a nice guy. As long as everyone works hard it might stay that way.” . . . And we close with a question from the aforementioned Ostler: “We can put a man on the moon, so why can’t the man be Jose Canseco?”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca and gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
After the Florida Panthers dealt winger Stefan Meyer to the Phoenix Coyotes for the rights to forward Stephen Reinprecht, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun noted: “Only in Gary Bettman’s NHL can a team without an owner, Phoenix, make a trade with a team that doesn’t have a general manager, Florida.” . . . One more from Simmons: “I see where Mike Gillis, who often fudged the truth about his professional relationship with disgraced agent David Frost, wants to build the Vancouver Canucks on the values of character and integrity. If that’s the case, maybe he should start by resigning.” . . . Spies report that the Chinese short track speed skating team is returning to Kamloops for a second visit and will hold a training camp, July 18 through Aug. 23, at the McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre. . . . On top of that, the Long Blades are to play host to a B.C. provincial camp at Mac Island, Aug. 22-26.
While the junior B Kamloops Storm may not yet have a head coach in place (Greg Hawgood?), the always smiling Tyler Boldt is returning for a second season as the Chase Chiefs’ GM and head coach. . . . It wasn’t one of John Daly’s better driving experiences. He was behind the wheel of his RV and going into the Bankhead Tunnel in Mobile, Ala., when, as he told the Mobile Press-Register, “The sign said ‘No trucks, cargo or hazardous material in the right lane.’ I’m reading the sign and don’t see the (clearance) footage. I’m thinking I’ve got to go to the left lane, and before I know it, the roof is torn out.” . . . One of the pitchers on the U.S. team that will play at the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines World Baseball Challenge in Prince George from July 16-26 will be right-hander Gerrit Cole. He was selected 28th overall by the New York Yankees in the 2008 MLB draft, but chose to attend UCLA instead of signing with the Bronx Bombers. He has a hard slider, a changeup and a 98-mph fastball.
When former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar filed for bankruptcy, among his debts was US$3 million owing to his ex-wife. Which may go down as the last sack of Kosar’s career. . . . Thankfully, talk of the NHL holding two Winter Classics on Jan. 1, one in Boston and the other in Calgary, turned out to be just that. Let’s be honest here — two in one season means these games no longer are Classics. . . . Where is a 50-game suspension not a 50-game suspension? In the world of MLB commish Bud Selig and union boss Donald Fehr. Only in their world could Manny Ramirez be playing in the minor leagues before his 50-game suspension for using performance enhancers was up. . . . Peter King, at si.com: “I don’t know who Jon and Kate are, and I pray to God I never learn.” . . . Ain’t that the truth? . . . With the NHL free-agent signing day arriving Tuesday, you might be wondering about Mark Recchi. He started last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning and finished it with the Boston Bruins. However, he told me Friday that he has yet to decide if he will play another season.
A note from Todd Esselmont, a former Kamloops Blazers forward, following the death of Dale Masson last weekend: “My brother Shea and I played with Mase for a couple of years under Ken Hitchcock. Was shocked to hear the news. We were born and raised in the Loops and used to see him here and there. A truly great guy. . . . He will be truly missed.” . . . Yes, the NHL should take a look at how it is that Brent Sutter bailed out of a valid contract as head coach of the New Jersey Devils and ended up as the head coach of the Calgary Flames, a team whose general manager is his brother, Darryl. . . . You are aware that only three of the seven Sutter brothers — Brian, Gary and Rich — aren’t (yet?) on the Flames’ payroll. But are you aware that the Sutter family doesn’t own the Flames?
Former Blazers coach Ed Dempsey has signed a two-year deal to continue as GM and head coach of the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He has been with the Spruce Kings since January 2004. . . . With the news that Tom Brady and his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, are expecting, Fark.com came up with his headline: Bündchendeoven. . . . Scott Ostler, in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Nick Faldo will be knighted by the Queen of England. Aren’t they handing out a lot of those knighthoods these days? I can understand Paul McCartney, but Nick Faldo? The American equivalent of British knighthood is receiving a nickname from Chris Berman.” . . . After Craig Hartsburg was introduced as the new head coach of the Everett Silvertips on Tuesday, goaltender Thomas Heemskerk told Nick Patterson of the Everett Herald: “He seems like a nice guy. As long as everyone works hard it might stay that way.” . . . And we close with a question from the aforementioned Ostler: “We can put a man on the moon, so why can’t the man be Jose Canseco?”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca and gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
The draft, one team at a time . . .
Here’s a team-by-team look at the NHL draft, courtesy of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
• Anaheim: 1 (15) Peter Holland, C, Guelph (OHL); 1 (26) Kyle Palmieri, RW/C, U.S. U-18; 2 (37) Matt Clark, D, Brampton (OHL); 3 (76) Igor Bobkov, G, Magnitogorsk (Russia, third div.); 4 (106) Sami Vatanen, D, Jyp Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 5 (136) Radoslav Illo, C, Tri-City (USHL); 6 (166) Scott Valentine, D, Oshawa (OHL).
• Atlanta: 1 (4) Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL); 2 (34) Carl Klingberg, F, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr); 2 (45) Jeremy Morin, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 4 (117) Edward Pasquale, G, Saginaw (OHL); 4 (120) Ben Chiarot, D, Guelph (OHL); 5 (125) Cody Sol, D, Saginaw (OHL); 6 (155) Jimmy Bubnick, C, Kamloops (WHL); 7 (185) Levko Koper, LW, Spokane (WHL); 7 (203) J. Samuels-Thomas, LW, Waterloo (USHL).
• Boston: 1 (25) Jordan Caron, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 3 (86) Ryan Button, D, Prince Albert (WHL); 4 (112) Lane Macdermid, LW, Windsor (OHL); 6 (176) Tyler Randell, RW, Kitchener (OHL); 7 (206) Ben Sexton, C, Nepean (Central Canadian Hockey League).
• Buffalo: 1 (13) Zack Kassian, RW, Peterborough (OHL); 3 (66) Brayden McNabb, D, Kootenay (WHL); 4 (104) Marcus Foligno, LW, Sudbury (OHL); 5 (134) Mark Adams, C, Malden Catholic H.S. (Mass.); 6 (164) Connor Knapp, G, Miami (Ohio) University (CCHA); 7 (194) Maxime Legault, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL).
• Calgary: 1 (23) Tim Erixon, D, Skelleftea (Sweden); 3 (74) Ryan Howse, F, Chilliwack (WHL); 4 (111) Henrik Bjorklund, RW, Farjestad (Sweden); 5 (141) Spencer Bennett, LW, Surrey (BCHL); 6 (171) Joni Ortio, G, TPS Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 7 (201) Gaelan Patterson, C, Saskatoon (WHL).
• Carolina: 1 (27) Philippe Paradis, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 2 (51) Brian Dumoulin, D, Jr. Monarchs (EJHL); 3 (88) Mattias Lindstrom, F, Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden); 5 (131) Matt Kennedy, RW, Guelph (OHL); 6 (178) Rasmus Rissanen, D, Kalpa Jr, (Finnish Jr.); 7 (208) Tommi Kivisto, D, Red Deer (WHL).
• Chicago: 1 (28) Dylan Olsen, D, Camrose (Alta. Jr. A); 2 (59) Brandon Pirri, F, Georgetown (Ontario Prov. Jr. A); 3 (89) Daniel Delisle, C, Totino Grace H.S. (Minn.); 4 (119) Byron Froese, C, Everett (WHL); 5 (149) Marcus Kruger, C, Djurgarden Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 6 (177) David Pacan, C, Cumberland (Central Canadian Junior League); 7 (195) Paul Phillips, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 7 (209) David Gilbert, C, Quebec (QMJHL).
• Colorado: 1 (3) Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL); 2 (33) Ryan OReilly, F, Erie (OHL); 2 (49) Stefan Elliott, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 3 (64) Tyson Barrie, D, Kelowna (WHL); 5 (124) Kieran Millan, G, Boston University (Hockey East); 6 (154) Brandon Maxwell, G, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 7 (184) Gus Young, D, Dedham Nobles H.S. (Mass.).
• Columbus: 1 (21) John Moore, D, Chicago (USHL); 2 (56) Kevin Lynch, F, under-18 (USDP); 4 (94) David Savard, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 5 (137) Thomas Larkin, D, Exeter H.S. (N.H.); 6 (167) Anton Blomqvist, D, Malmo Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 7 (197) Kkyle Neuber, RW, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL).
• Dallas: 1 (8) Scott Glennie, RW, Brandon (WHL); 2 (38) Alex Chiasson, F, Des Moines (USHL); 3 (69) Reilly Smith, F, St. Michaels (Ont. Prov. Jr. A); 5 (129) Tomas Vincour, C, Edmonton (WHL); 6 (159) Curtis McKenzie, LW, Penticton (BCHL).
• Detroit: 2 (32) Landon Ferraro, F, Red Deer (WHL); 2 (60) Tomas Tatar, F, Zvolen (Slovakia); 3 (75) Andrej Nestrasil, F, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 3 (90) Gleason Fournier, D, Rimouski (QMJHL); 5 (150) Nick Jensen, D, Green Bay (USHL); 6 (180) Mitchell Callahan, RW, Kelowna (WHL); 7 (210) Adam Almqvist, D, HV71 Jr. (Swedish Jr.).
• Edmonton: 1 (10) Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (Sweden); 2 (40) Anton Lander, C, Timra (Sweden); 3 (71) Troy Hesketh, D, Minnetonka H.S. (Minn.); 3 (82) Cameron Abney, RW, Everett (WHL); 4 (99) Kyle Bigos, D, Vernon (BCHL); 4 (101) Toni Rajala, RW, Ilves Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 5 (133) Olivier Roy, G, Cape Breton (QMJHL).
• Florida: 1 (14) Dmitri Kulikov, D, Drummondville (QMJHL); 2 (44) Drew Shore, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 3 (67) Josh Birkholz, F, Fargo (USHL); 4 (107) Garrett Wilson, LW, Owen Sound (OHL); 5 (135) Corban Knight, C, Okotoks (AJHL); 5 (138) Wade Megan, C, South Kent H.S. (Conn.); 6 (165) Scott Timmins, C, Windsor (OHL).
• Los Angeles: 1 (5) Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon (WHL); 2 (35) Kyle Clifford, F, Barrie (OHL); 3 (84) Nicolas Deslauriers, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 4 (95) J.F. Berube, G, Montreal (QMJHL); 4 (96) Linden Vey, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); 5 (126) David Kolomatis, D, Owen Sound (OHL); 6 (156) Michael Pelech, C/LW, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 6 (179) Brandon Kozun, RW, Calgary (WHL); 7 (186) Jordan Nolan, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 7 (198) Nic Dowd, C, Wenatchee (NAHL).
• Minnesota: 1 (16) Nick Leddy, D, Eden Prairie (USHS); 3 (77) Matthew Hackett, G, Plymouth (OHL); 4 (103) Kristopher Foucault, LW, Calgary (WHL); 4 (116) A. Fallstrom, RW, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.); 6 (161) Darcy Kuemper, G, Red Deer (WHL); 6 (163) Jere Sallinen, RW/LW, Blues Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 7 (182) Erik Haula, LW, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.); 7 (193) Anthony Hamburg, C, Dallas Midget Stars (Texas AAA).
• Montreal: 1 (18) Louis Leblanc, C, Omaha (USHL); 3 (65) Joonas Nattinen, F, Blues Jr. (Finland Jr); 3 (79) Mac Bennett, D, Hotchkiss School H.S. (Conn.); 4 (109) Alexander Avtsin, R, Dynamo Moscow (Russia-3); 5 (139) Gabriel Dumont, C, Drummondville (QMJHL); 6 (169) Dustin Walsh, C, Kingston (Ontario Jr. A.); 7 (199) Michael Cichy, C, Indiana (USHL); 7 (211) Petteri Simila, G, Karpat Jr. (Finnish Jr.).
• Nashville: 1 (11) Ryan Ellis, D, Windsor (OHL); 2 (41) Zach Budish, RW, Team South West (MHSEL); 2 (42) Charles-Olivier Roussel, D, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 3 (70) Taylor Beck, F, Guelph (OHL); 3 (72) Michael Latta, F, Guelph (OHL); 4 (98) Craig Smith, C, Waterloo (USHL); 4 (102) Mattias Ekholm, D, Mora Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 4 (110) Nick Oliver, C/LW, Roseau H.S. (Minn.); 5 (132) Gabriel Bourque, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL); 7 (192) Cameron Reid, C, Westside (BCHL).
• New Jersey: 1 (20) Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (Sweden); 2 (54) Eric Gelinas, D, Lewiston (QMJHL); 3 (73) Alexander Urbom, D, Djurgarden (Sweden); 4 (114) Seth Helgeson, D, Sioux City (USHL); 5 (144) Derek Rodwell, LW, Okotoks (AJHL); 6 (174) Ashton Bernard, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 7 (204) Curtis Gedig, D, Cowichan Valley (BCHL).
• N.Y. Islanders: 1 (1) John Tavares, C, London (OHL); 1 (12) Calvin de Haan, D, Oshawa (OHL); 2 (31) Mikko Koskinen, G, Blues (Finland); 3 (62) Anders Nilsson, G, Lulea Jr. (Swedish Jr); 4 (92) Casey Cizikas, C, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 5 (122) Anton Klementyev, D, Yaroslavl (Russia-3); 6 (152) Anders Lee, C, Edina H.S. (Minn.).
• N.Y. Rangers: 1 (19) Chris Kreider, C, Andover (USHS); 2 (47) Ethan Werek, C, Kingston (OHL); 3 (80) Ryan Bourque, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 5 (127) Roman Horak, C, Budejovice Jr. (Czech Rep.); 5 (140) Scott Stajcer, G, Owen Sound (OHL); 6 (170) Daniel Maggio, D, Sudbury (OHL); 7 (200) Mihail Pashnin, D, Mechel (Russia-2).
• Ottawa: 1 (9) Jared Cowan, D, Spokane (WHL); 2 (39) Jakob Silfverberg, F, Brynas Jr. (Swedish Jr); 2 (46) Robin Lehner, G, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr); 4 (100) Chris Wideman, D, Miami (Ohio) University (U.S. College-CCHA); 5 (130) Mike Hoffman, C/LW, Drummondville (QMJHL); 5 (146) Jeff Costello, LW, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 6 (160) Corey Cowick, LW, Ottawa (OHL); 7 (190) Brad Peltz, LW, Avon Old Fames H.S. (Conn.); 7 (191) Michael Sdao, D, Lincoln (USHL).
• Philadelphia: 3 (81) Adam Morrison, G, Saskatoon (WHL); 3 (87) Simon Bertilsson, D, Brynas (Sweden); 5 (142) Nicola Riopel, G, Moncton (QMJHL); 6 (153) Dave Labrecque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 6 (172) Eric Wellwood, LW, Windsor (OHL); 7 (196) Oliver Lauridsen, D, St. Cloud State University (NCAA-WCHA).
• Phoenix: 1 (6) Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (Sweden); 2 (36) Chris Brown, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 3 (91) Michael Lee, G, Fargo (USHL); 4 (97) Jordan Szwarz, RW, Saginaw (OHL); 4 (105) Justin Weller, D, Red Deer (WHL); 6 (157) Evan Bloodoff, LW, Kelowna (WHL).
• Pittsburgh: 1 (30) Simon Despres, D, Saint John (QMJHL); 2 (61) Philip Samuelsson, D, Chicago (USHL); 3 (63) Ben Hanowski, F, Little Falls HS (Minn.); 4 (121) Nick Petersen, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 5 (123) Alex Velischek, D, Delbarton H.S. (N.J.); 5 (151) Andy Bathgate, C, Belleville (OHL); 6 (181) Viktor Ekbom, D, Oskarshamn (Sweden-2).
• St. Louis: 1 (17) David Rundblad, D, Skelleftea (Sweden); 2 (48) Brett Ponich, D, Portland (WHL); 3 (78) Sergei Andronov, F, Togliatti (Russia); 4 (108) Tyler Shattock, RW, Kamloops (WHL); 6 (168) David Shields, D, Erie (OHL); 7 (202) Maxwell Tardy, C, Duluth East H.S. (Minn.).
• San Jose: 2 (43) William Wrenn, D, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 2 (57) Taylor Doherty, D, Kingston (OHL); 5 (147) Philip Varone, C, London (OHL); 7 (189) Marek Viedensky, C, Prince George (WHL); 7 (207) Dominik Bielke, D, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany).
• Tampa Bay: 1 (2) Victor Hedman,D, Modo (Sweden); 1 (29) Carter Ashton, RW, Lethbridge (WHL); 2 (52) Richard Panik, F, Trinec (Czech Rep.); 4 (93) Alex Hutchings, LW, Barrie (OHL); 5 (148) Michael Zador, G, Oshawa (OHL); 6 (162) Jaroslav Janus, G, Erie (OHL); 7 (183) Kirill Gotovets, D, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.).
• Toronto: 1 (7) Nazem Kadri, C, London (OHL); 2 (50) Kenny Ryan, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 2 (58) Jesse Blacker, D, Windsor (OHL); 3 (68) Jamie Devane, F, Plymouth (OHL); 5 (128) Eric Knodel, D, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (U.S. Major AAA); 6 (158) Jerry D'Amigo, RW, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 7 (188) Barron Smith, D, Peterborough (OHL).
• Vancouver: 1 (22) Jordan Schroeder, C, U. of Minnesota (U.S. College); 2 (53) Anton Rodin, F, Brynas Jr. (Swedish Jr); 3 (83) Kevin Connauton, D, Western Michigan (CCHA); 4 (113) Jeremy Price, D, Nepean (Central Canadian Jr.); 5 (143) Peter Andersson, D, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 6 (173) Joe Cannata, G, Merrimack University (U.S. Hockey East); 7 (187) Steven Anthony, LW, Saint John (QMJHL).
• Washington: 1 (24) Marcus Johansson, C, Farjestad (Sweden); 2 (55) Dmitri Orlov, D, Novokuznetsk (Russia); 3 (85) Cody Eakin, C, Swift Current (WHL); 4 (115) Patrick Wey, D, Waterloo (USHL); 5 (145) Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 6 (175) Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina (WHL); 7 (205) Benjamin Casavant, LW, P.E.I. (QMJHL).
• Anaheim: 1 (15) Peter Holland, C, Guelph (OHL); 1 (26) Kyle Palmieri, RW/C, U.S. U-18; 2 (37) Matt Clark, D, Brampton (OHL); 3 (76) Igor Bobkov, G, Magnitogorsk (Russia, third div.); 4 (106) Sami Vatanen, D, Jyp Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 5 (136) Radoslav Illo, C, Tri-City (USHL); 6 (166) Scott Valentine, D, Oshawa (OHL).
• Atlanta: 1 (4) Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL); 2 (34) Carl Klingberg, F, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr); 2 (45) Jeremy Morin, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 4 (117) Edward Pasquale, G, Saginaw (OHL); 4 (120) Ben Chiarot, D, Guelph (OHL); 5 (125) Cody Sol, D, Saginaw (OHL); 6 (155) Jimmy Bubnick, C, Kamloops (WHL); 7 (185) Levko Koper, LW, Spokane (WHL); 7 (203) J. Samuels-Thomas, LW, Waterloo (USHL).
• Boston: 1 (25) Jordan Caron, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 3 (86) Ryan Button, D, Prince Albert (WHL); 4 (112) Lane Macdermid, LW, Windsor (OHL); 6 (176) Tyler Randell, RW, Kitchener (OHL); 7 (206) Ben Sexton, C, Nepean (Central Canadian Hockey League).
• Buffalo: 1 (13) Zack Kassian, RW, Peterborough (OHL); 3 (66) Brayden McNabb, D, Kootenay (WHL); 4 (104) Marcus Foligno, LW, Sudbury (OHL); 5 (134) Mark Adams, C, Malden Catholic H.S. (Mass.); 6 (164) Connor Knapp, G, Miami (Ohio) University (CCHA); 7 (194) Maxime Legault, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL).
• Calgary: 1 (23) Tim Erixon, D, Skelleftea (Sweden); 3 (74) Ryan Howse, F, Chilliwack (WHL); 4 (111) Henrik Bjorklund, RW, Farjestad (Sweden); 5 (141) Spencer Bennett, LW, Surrey (BCHL); 6 (171) Joni Ortio, G, TPS Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 7 (201) Gaelan Patterson, C, Saskatoon (WHL).
• Carolina: 1 (27) Philippe Paradis, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 2 (51) Brian Dumoulin, D, Jr. Monarchs (EJHL); 3 (88) Mattias Lindstrom, F, Skelleftea Jr. (Sweden); 5 (131) Matt Kennedy, RW, Guelph (OHL); 6 (178) Rasmus Rissanen, D, Kalpa Jr, (Finnish Jr.); 7 (208) Tommi Kivisto, D, Red Deer (WHL).
• Chicago: 1 (28) Dylan Olsen, D, Camrose (Alta. Jr. A); 2 (59) Brandon Pirri, F, Georgetown (Ontario Prov. Jr. A); 3 (89) Daniel Delisle, C, Totino Grace H.S. (Minn.); 4 (119) Byron Froese, C, Everett (WHL); 5 (149) Marcus Kruger, C, Djurgarden Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 6 (177) David Pacan, C, Cumberland (Central Canadian Junior League); 7 (195) Paul Phillips, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 7 (209) David Gilbert, C, Quebec (QMJHL).
• Colorado: 1 (3) Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL); 2 (33) Ryan OReilly, F, Erie (OHL); 2 (49) Stefan Elliott, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 3 (64) Tyson Barrie, D, Kelowna (WHL); 5 (124) Kieran Millan, G, Boston University (Hockey East); 6 (154) Brandon Maxwell, G, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 7 (184) Gus Young, D, Dedham Nobles H.S. (Mass.).
• Columbus: 1 (21) John Moore, D, Chicago (USHL); 2 (56) Kevin Lynch, F, under-18 (USDP); 4 (94) David Savard, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 5 (137) Thomas Larkin, D, Exeter H.S. (N.H.); 6 (167) Anton Blomqvist, D, Malmo Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 7 (197) Kkyle Neuber, RW, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL).
• Dallas: 1 (8) Scott Glennie, RW, Brandon (WHL); 2 (38) Alex Chiasson, F, Des Moines (USHL); 3 (69) Reilly Smith, F, St. Michaels (Ont. Prov. Jr. A); 5 (129) Tomas Vincour, C, Edmonton (WHL); 6 (159) Curtis McKenzie, LW, Penticton (BCHL).
• Detroit: 2 (32) Landon Ferraro, F, Red Deer (WHL); 2 (60) Tomas Tatar, F, Zvolen (Slovakia); 3 (75) Andrej Nestrasil, F, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 3 (90) Gleason Fournier, D, Rimouski (QMJHL); 5 (150) Nick Jensen, D, Green Bay (USHL); 6 (180) Mitchell Callahan, RW, Kelowna (WHL); 7 (210) Adam Almqvist, D, HV71 Jr. (Swedish Jr.).
• Edmonton: 1 (10) Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (Sweden); 2 (40) Anton Lander, C, Timra (Sweden); 3 (71) Troy Hesketh, D, Minnetonka H.S. (Minn.); 3 (82) Cameron Abney, RW, Everett (WHL); 4 (99) Kyle Bigos, D, Vernon (BCHL); 4 (101) Toni Rajala, RW, Ilves Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 5 (133) Olivier Roy, G, Cape Breton (QMJHL).
• Florida: 1 (14) Dmitri Kulikov, D, Drummondville (QMJHL); 2 (44) Drew Shore, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 3 (67) Josh Birkholz, F, Fargo (USHL); 4 (107) Garrett Wilson, LW, Owen Sound (OHL); 5 (135) Corban Knight, C, Okotoks (AJHL); 5 (138) Wade Megan, C, South Kent H.S. (Conn.); 6 (165) Scott Timmins, C, Windsor (OHL).
• Los Angeles: 1 (5) Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon (WHL); 2 (35) Kyle Clifford, F, Barrie (OHL); 3 (84) Nicolas Deslauriers, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 4 (95) J.F. Berube, G, Montreal (QMJHL); 4 (96) Linden Vey, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); 5 (126) David Kolomatis, D, Owen Sound (OHL); 6 (156) Michael Pelech, C/LW, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 6 (179) Brandon Kozun, RW, Calgary (WHL); 7 (186) Jordan Nolan, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 7 (198) Nic Dowd, C, Wenatchee (NAHL).
• Minnesota: 1 (16) Nick Leddy, D, Eden Prairie (USHS); 3 (77) Matthew Hackett, G, Plymouth (OHL); 4 (103) Kristopher Foucault, LW, Calgary (WHL); 4 (116) A. Fallstrom, RW, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.); 6 (161) Darcy Kuemper, G, Red Deer (WHL); 6 (163) Jere Sallinen, RW/LW, Blues Jr. (Finnish Jr.); 7 (182) Erik Haula, LW, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.); 7 (193) Anthony Hamburg, C, Dallas Midget Stars (Texas AAA).
• Montreal: 1 (18) Louis Leblanc, C, Omaha (USHL); 3 (65) Joonas Nattinen, F, Blues Jr. (Finland Jr); 3 (79) Mac Bennett, D, Hotchkiss School H.S. (Conn.); 4 (109) Alexander Avtsin, R, Dynamo Moscow (Russia-3); 5 (139) Gabriel Dumont, C, Drummondville (QMJHL); 6 (169) Dustin Walsh, C, Kingston (Ontario Jr. A.); 7 (199) Michael Cichy, C, Indiana (USHL); 7 (211) Petteri Simila, G, Karpat Jr. (Finnish Jr.).
• Nashville: 1 (11) Ryan Ellis, D, Windsor (OHL); 2 (41) Zach Budish, RW, Team South West (MHSEL); 2 (42) Charles-Olivier Roussel, D, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 3 (70) Taylor Beck, F, Guelph (OHL); 3 (72) Michael Latta, F, Guelph (OHL); 4 (98) Craig Smith, C, Waterloo (USHL); 4 (102) Mattias Ekholm, D, Mora Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 4 (110) Nick Oliver, C/LW, Roseau H.S. (Minn.); 5 (132) Gabriel Bourque, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL); 7 (192) Cameron Reid, C, Westside (BCHL).
• New Jersey: 1 (20) Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (Sweden); 2 (54) Eric Gelinas, D, Lewiston (QMJHL); 3 (73) Alexander Urbom, D, Djurgarden (Sweden); 4 (114) Seth Helgeson, D, Sioux City (USHL); 5 (144) Derek Rodwell, LW, Okotoks (AJHL); 6 (174) Ashton Bernard, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 7 (204) Curtis Gedig, D, Cowichan Valley (BCHL).
• N.Y. Islanders: 1 (1) John Tavares, C, London (OHL); 1 (12) Calvin de Haan, D, Oshawa (OHL); 2 (31) Mikko Koskinen, G, Blues (Finland); 3 (62) Anders Nilsson, G, Lulea Jr. (Swedish Jr); 4 (92) Casey Cizikas, C, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 5 (122) Anton Klementyev, D, Yaroslavl (Russia-3); 6 (152) Anders Lee, C, Edina H.S. (Minn.).
• N.Y. Rangers: 1 (19) Chris Kreider, C, Andover (USHS); 2 (47) Ethan Werek, C, Kingston (OHL); 3 (80) Ryan Bourque, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 5 (127) Roman Horak, C, Budejovice Jr. (Czech Rep.); 5 (140) Scott Stajcer, G, Owen Sound (OHL); 6 (170) Daniel Maggio, D, Sudbury (OHL); 7 (200) Mihail Pashnin, D, Mechel (Russia-2).
• Ottawa: 1 (9) Jared Cowan, D, Spokane (WHL); 2 (39) Jakob Silfverberg, F, Brynas Jr. (Swedish Jr); 2 (46) Robin Lehner, G, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr); 4 (100) Chris Wideman, D, Miami (Ohio) University (U.S. College-CCHA); 5 (130) Mike Hoffman, C/LW, Drummondville (QMJHL); 5 (146) Jeff Costello, LW, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 6 (160) Corey Cowick, LW, Ottawa (OHL); 7 (190) Brad Peltz, LW, Avon Old Fames H.S. (Conn.); 7 (191) Michael Sdao, D, Lincoln (USHL).
• Philadelphia: 3 (81) Adam Morrison, G, Saskatoon (WHL); 3 (87) Simon Bertilsson, D, Brynas (Sweden); 5 (142) Nicola Riopel, G, Moncton (QMJHL); 6 (153) Dave Labrecque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 6 (172) Eric Wellwood, LW, Windsor (OHL); 7 (196) Oliver Lauridsen, D, St. Cloud State University (NCAA-WCHA).
• Phoenix: 1 (6) Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (Sweden); 2 (36) Chris Brown, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 3 (91) Michael Lee, G, Fargo (USHL); 4 (97) Jordan Szwarz, RW, Saginaw (OHL); 4 (105) Justin Weller, D, Red Deer (WHL); 6 (157) Evan Bloodoff, LW, Kelowna (WHL).
• Pittsburgh: 1 (30) Simon Despres, D, Saint John (QMJHL); 2 (61) Philip Samuelsson, D, Chicago (USHL); 3 (63) Ben Hanowski, F, Little Falls HS (Minn.); 4 (121) Nick Petersen, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 5 (123) Alex Velischek, D, Delbarton H.S. (N.J.); 5 (151) Andy Bathgate, C, Belleville (OHL); 6 (181) Viktor Ekbom, D, Oskarshamn (Sweden-2).
• St. Louis: 1 (17) David Rundblad, D, Skelleftea (Sweden); 2 (48) Brett Ponich, D, Portland (WHL); 3 (78) Sergei Andronov, F, Togliatti (Russia); 4 (108) Tyler Shattock, RW, Kamloops (WHL); 6 (168) David Shields, D, Erie (OHL); 7 (202) Maxwell Tardy, C, Duluth East H.S. (Minn.).
• San Jose: 2 (43) William Wrenn, D, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 2 (57) Taylor Doherty, D, Kingston (OHL); 5 (147) Philip Varone, C, London (OHL); 7 (189) Marek Viedensky, C, Prince George (WHL); 7 (207) Dominik Bielke, D, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany).
• Tampa Bay: 1 (2) Victor Hedman,D, Modo (Sweden); 1 (29) Carter Ashton, RW, Lethbridge (WHL); 2 (52) Richard Panik, F, Trinec (Czech Rep.); 4 (93) Alex Hutchings, LW, Barrie (OHL); 5 (148) Michael Zador, G, Oshawa (OHL); 6 (162) Jaroslav Janus, G, Erie (OHL); 7 (183) Kirill Gotovets, D, Shattuck-St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.).
• Toronto: 1 (7) Nazem Kadri, C, London (OHL); 2 (50) Kenny Ryan, F, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 2 (58) Jesse Blacker, D, Windsor (OHL); 3 (68) Jamie Devane, F, Plymouth (OHL); 5 (128) Eric Knodel, D, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (U.S. Major AAA); 6 (158) Jerry D'Amigo, RW, U.S. under-18 (USDP); 7 (188) Barron Smith, D, Peterborough (OHL).
• Vancouver: 1 (22) Jordan Schroeder, C, U. of Minnesota (U.S. College); 2 (53) Anton Rodin, F, Brynas Jr. (Swedish Jr); 3 (83) Kevin Connauton, D, Western Michigan (CCHA); 4 (113) Jeremy Price, D, Nepean (Central Canadian Jr.); 5 (143) Peter Andersson, D, Frolunda Jr. (Swedish Jr.); 6 (173) Joe Cannata, G, Merrimack University (U.S. Hockey East); 7 (187) Steven Anthony, LW, Saint John (QMJHL).
• Washington: 1 (24) Marcus Johansson, C, Farjestad (Sweden); 2 (55) Dmitri Orlov, D, Novokuznetsk (Russia); 3 (85) Cody Eakin, C, Swift Current (WHL); 4 (115) Patrick Wey, D, Waterloo (USHL); 5 (145) Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga-St. Michael's (OHL); 6 (175) Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina (WHL); 7 (205) Benjamin Casavant, LW, P.E.I. (QMJHL).
Mostly draft stuff . . .
Jim Kelley of Sportsnet takes a look at the move made by Brent Sutter, the owner and president of the Red Deer Rebels, in leaving the New Jersey Devils and ending up as the head coach of the Calgary Flames. It’s an interesting read and it’s right here.
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SOME DRAFT STUFF . . .
The Vancouver Canucks dealt D Shaun Heshka (Everett, 2003-05) to the Phoenix Coyotes for a seventh-round pick that was used on LW Steven Anthony of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. Heshka played for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. . . . D Jim Vandermeer (Red Deer, 1997-2001) was traded by Calgary to Phoenix for F Brandon Prust, who had played with the Flames in 2006-07 and 2008-09. Vandermeer played under new Flames head coach Brent Sutter with Red Deer but there won’t be a reunion now. . . . The Minnesota Wild picked up C Kyle Brodziak (Moose Jaw, 2000-04) and a sixth-round pick from Minnesota for fourth- and fifth-round picks. Brodziak had 27 points in 79 games with the Oilers last season. . . .
The Pittsburgh Penguins used the 151st selection on F Andy Bathgate of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. He is the grandson of former NHL great Andy Bathgate, who was an original member of the Penguins in 1967-68. The younger Bathgate had 16 points when a January shoulder injury ended his season. . . . The Toronto Maple Leafs used the 188th selection on D Barron Smith of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. He is the son of former NHL D Steve Smith. . . .
The Los Angeles Kings took Calgary Hitmen F Brandon Kozun in the sixth round after he put up 108 points last season. "I'm excited, and relieved a little bit," the 5-foot-8, 156-pound Kozun told Scott Fisher of the Calgary Sun. "I was born there and lived there for a while. So it'll be a nice little homecoming for me." He’ll leave Calgary on July 5 for a prospects’ camp in Los Angeles. . . . D Tyson Barrie of the Kelowna Rockets was taken by the Colorado Avalanche with the third pick of the third round. You may have expected him to be picked by the Tampa Bay Lightning, considering that his father, Len, is a co-owner there. That, however, is something Tyson didn’t want. “We have the NHL Network at home, so I was watching the draft and getting a little anxious,” Tyson told Doyle Potenteau of the Kelowna Daily Courier. “The second round passed and three picks in, I got selected. I was pretty happy, pretty pumped. But I was texting my dad throughout the whole thing . . . when they were moving up picks and they had a few picks in the second. I was texting him: Don’t do it, don’t do it. Now, I’m happy with how it went.” . . .
C Ryan Bourque was taken by the New York Rangers with the 80th pick. He is the son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque and will play for the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts next season. . . . The Buffalo Sabres took LW Marcus Foligno with the 104th selection. He is the son of former NHLer Mike Foligno. Marcus plays for the Sudbury Wolves; his father played in Sudbury and also played for the Sabres. . . . Philip Samuelsson, the son of former NHL D Ulf Samuelsson, was taken 61st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ulf won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins. Philip played for the USHL’s Chicago Steel last season, but now is headed for Boston College. . . . The Detroit Red Wings got something of a steal when they nabbed C Landon Ferraro with the second pick of the second round. Ferraro, the son of former WHL sniper Ray Ferraro, scored 37 goals for the Red Deer Rebels, a non-playoff team last season. . . .
C Drew Shore, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder from Littleton, Colo., was taken 44th overall by the Florida Panthers. He spent last season with the U.S. under-18 team and is expected to attend the U of Denver in the fall. He was a second-round pick by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2006 bantam draft, while his brother, RW Nick, was taken by the Kelowna Rockets in the seventh round of the 2007 bantam draft. . . .
The final tally will show there were 211 players selected when, actually, the number is 210. Here’s what happened. . . . The New York Rangers were granted a compensatory selection (47th overall) due to the death of 2007 first-round selection Alexei Cherepanov. He had been the 17th pick in that year’s draft. The Rangers used their compensatory pick on C Ethan Werek of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. . . . That extra pick should have brought the overall total to 211 selections. But the 188th selection (the 27th pick in the fourth round) was forfeited by the Toronto Maple Leafs as punishment for their having paid D Jonas Frogren a $755,000 signing bonus, which was in violation of the CBA. (The Leafs also were fined $500,000). . . . So in the end you add the Rangers’ extra pick, subtract the Maple Leafs’ forfeited pick and you come up with 210 selections.
Larry Wigge at nhl.com reports: “Eleven countries combined to have a total of 210 players taken. Of those, 102 were from Canada, 55 from the U.S., 24 from Sweden, 10 from Finland, seven from Russia, five from Slovakia, three from the Czech Republic, and one each from Belarus, Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.”
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SOME DRAFT STUFF . . .
The Vancouver Canucks dealt D Shaun Heshka (Everett, 2003-05) to the Phoenix Coyotes for a seventh-round pick that was used on LW Steven Anthony of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. Heshka played for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. . . . D Jim Vandermeer (Red Deer, 1997-2001) was traded by Calgary to Phoenix for F Brandon Prust, who had played with the Flames in 2006-07 and 2008-09. Vandermeer played under new Flames head coach Brent Sutter with Red Deer but there won’t be a reunion now. . . . The Minnesota Wild picked up C Kyle Brodziak (Moose Jaw, 2000-04) and a sixth-round pick from Minnesota for fourth- and fifth-round picks. Brodziak had 27 points in 79 games with the Oilers last season. . . .
The Pittsburgh Penguins used the 151st selection on F Andy Bathgate of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. He is the grandson of former NHL great Andy Bathgate, who was an original member of the Penguins in 1967-68. The younger Bathgate had 16 points when a January shoulder injury ended his season. . . . The Toronto Maple Leafs used the 188th selection on D Barron Smith of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. He is the son of former NHL D Steve Smith. . . .
The Los Angeles Kings took Calgary Hitmen F Brandon Kozun in the sixth round after he put up 108 points last season. "I'm excited, and relieved a little bit," the 5-foot-8, 156-pound Kozun told Scott Fisher of the Calgary Sun. "I was born there and lived there for a while. So it'll be a nice little homecoming for me." He’ll leave Calgary on July 5 for a prospects’ camp in Los Angeles. . . . D Tyson Barrie of the Kelowna Rockets was taken by the Colorado Avalanche with the third pick of the third round. You may have expected him to be picked by the Tampa Bay Lightning, considering that his father, Len, is a co-owner there. That, however, is something Tyson didn’t want. “We have the NHL Network at home, so I was watching the draft and getting a little anxious,” Tyson told Doyle Potenteau of the Kelowna Daily Courier. “The second round passed and three picks in, I got selected. I was pretty happy, pretty pumped. But I was texting my dad throughout the whole thing . . . when they were moving up picks and they had a few picks in the second. I was texting him: Don’t do it, don’t do it. Now, I’m happy with how it went.” . . .
C Ryan Bourque was taken by the New York Rangers with the 80th pick. He is the son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque and will play for the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts next season. . . . The Buffalo Sabres took LW Marcus Foligno with the 104th selection. He is the son of former NHLer Mike Foligno. Marcus plays for the Sudbury Wolves; his father played in Sudbury and also played for the Sabres. . . . Philip Samuelsson, the son of former NHL D Ulf Samuelsson, was taken 61st overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ulf won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins. Philip played for the USHL’s Chicago Steel last season, but now is headed for Boston College. . . . The Detroit Red Wings got something of a steal when they nabbed C Landon Ferraro with the second pick of the second round. Ferraro, the son of former WHL sniper Ray Ferraro, scored 37 goals for the Red Deer Rebels, a non-playoff team last season. . . .
C Drew Shore, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder from Littleton, Colo., was taken 44th overall by the Florida Panthers. He spent last season with the U.S. under-18 team and is expected to attend the U of Denver in the fall. He was a second-round pick by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2006 bantam draft, while his brother, RW Nick, was taken by the Kelowna Rockets in the seventh round of the 2007 bantam draft. . . .
The final tally will show there were 211 players selected when, actually, the number is 210. Here’s what happened. . . . The New York Rangers were granted a compensatory selection (47th overall) due to the death of 2007 first-round selection Alexei Cherepanov. He had been the 17th pick in that year’s draft. The Rangers used their compensatory pick on C Ethan Werek of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. . . . That extra pick should have brought the overall total to 211 selections. But the 188th selection (the 27th pick in the fourth round) was forfeited by the Toronto Maple Leafs as punishment for their having paid D Jonas Frogren a $755,000 signing bonus, which was in violation of the CBA. (The Leafs also were fined $500,000). . . . So in the end you add the Rangers’ extra pick, subtract the Maple Leafs’ forfeited pick and you come up with 210 selections.
Larry Wigge at nhl.com reports: “Eleven countries combined to have a total of 210 players taken. Of those, 102 were from Canada, 55 from the U.S., 24 from Sweden, 10 from Finland, seven from Russia, five from Slovakia, three from the Czech Republic, and one each from Belarus, Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.”
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The NHL draft, WHL style . . .
The WHL had 31 players selected in the NHL’s 2009 draft, led by the Red Deer Rebels, who had four players selected. . . . The rest: Kelowna, Saskatoon, each 3; Brandon, Calgary, Kamloops, Everett, Spokane, each 2; Chilliwack, Edmonton, Kootenay, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Portland, Prince Albert, Prince George, Regina, Swift Current, Vancouver, each 1.
---
Here is where the drafted players came from:
OHL: 44
WHL: 31
QMJHL, Sweden: 23 each
U.S. high schools: 19
USHL: 16
U.S. National Team Development Program: 10
Finland: 9
U.S. colleges: 7
Russia: 6
BCHL: 5
AJHL, CJHL, OJHL: 3 each
Czech Republic, U.S. midget AAA: 2 each
EJHL, Germany, NAHL, Slovakia: 1 each
---
A look at WHL players selected:
FIRST ROUND (5)
4. Atlanta, C Evander Kane, Vancouver
5. Los Angeles, C Brayden Schenn, Brandon
8. Dallas, RW Scott Glennie, Brandon
9. Ottawa, D Jared Cowen, Ottawa
29. Tampa Bay, RW Carter Ashton, Lethbridge
---
SECOND ROUND (3)
32. Detroit, C Landon Ferraro, Red Deer
48. St. Louis, D Brett Ponich, Portland
49. Colorado, D Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon
---
THIRD ROUND (7)
64. Colorado, D Tyson Barrie, Kelowna
66. Buffalo, D Brayden McNabb, Kootenay
74. Calgary, LW Ryan Howse, Chilliwack
81. Philadelphia, G Adam Morrison, Saskatoon
82. Edmonton, RW Cameron Abney, Everett
85. Washington, C Cody Eakin, Swift Current
86. Boston, D Ryan Button, Prince Albert
---
FOURTH ROUND (5)
96. Los Angeles, RW Linden Vey, Medicine Hat
103. Minnesota, LW Kris, Foucault, Calgary
105. Phoenix, D Justin Weller, Red Deer
108. St. Louis, RW Tyler Shattock, Kamloops
119. Chicago, C Byron Froese, Everett
---
FIFTH ROUND (1)
129. C Tomas Vincour, Edmonton
---
SIXTH ROUND (6)
155. Atlanta, C Jimmy Bubnick, Kamloops
157. Phoenix, LW Evan Bloodoff, Kelowna
161. Minnesota, G Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer
175. Washington, RW Garrett Mitchell, Regina
179. Los Angeles, RW Brandon Kozun, Calgary
180. Detroit, RW Mitchell Callahan, Kelowna.
---
SEVENTH ROUND (4)
185. Atlanta, LW Levko Koper, Spokane
189. San Jose, C Marek Viedensky, Prince George
201. Calgary, C Gaelan Patterson, Saskatoon
208. Carolina, D Tommi Kivisto, Red Deer
---
Here is where the drafted players came from:
OHL: 44
WHL: 31
QMJHL, Sweden: 23 each
U.S. high schools: 19
USHL: 16
U.S. National Team Development Program: 10
Finland: 9
U.S. colleges: 7
Russia: 6
BCHL: 5
AJHL, CJHL, OJHL: 3 each
Czech Republic, U.S. midget AAA: 2 each
EJHL, Germany, NAHL, Slovakia: 1 each
---
A look at WHL players selected:
FIRST ROUND (5)
4. Atlanta, C Evander Kane, Vancouver
5. Los Angeles, C Brayden Schenn, Brandon
8. Dallas, RW Scott Glennie, Brandon
9. Ottawa, D Jared Cowen, Ottawa
29. Tampa Bay, RW Carter Ashton, Lethbridge
---
SECOND ROUND (3)
32. Detroit, C Landon Ferraro, Red Deer
48. St. Louis, D Brett Ponich, Portland
49. Colorado, D Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon
---
THIRD ROUND (7)
64. Colorado, D Tyson Barrie, Kelowna
66. Buffalo, D Brayden McNabb, Kootenay
74. Calgary, LW Ryan Howse, Chilliwack
81. Philadelphia, G Adam Morrison, Saskatoon
82. Edmonton, RW Cameron Abney, Everett
85. Washington, C Cody Eakin, Swift Current
86. Boston, D Ryan Button, Prince Albert
---
FOURTH ROUND (5)
96. Los Angeles, RW Linden Vey, Medicine Hat
103. Minnesota, LW Kris, Foucault, Calgary
105. Phoenix, D Justin Weller, Red Deer
108. St. Louis, RW Tyler Shattock, Kamloops
119. Chicago, C Byron Froese, Everett
---
FIFTH ROUND (1)
129. C Tomas Vincour, Edmonton
---
SIXTH ROUND (6)
155. Atlanta, C Jimmy Bubnick, Kamloops
157. Phoenix, LW Evan Bloodoff, Kelowna
161. Minnesota, G Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer
175. Washington, RW Garrett Mitchell, Regina
179. Los Angeles, RW Brandon Kozun, Calgary
180. Detroit, RW Mitchell Callahan, Kelowna.
---
SEVENTH ROUND (4)
185. Atlanta, LW Levko Koper, Spokane
189. San Jose, C Marek Viedensky, Prince George
201. Calgary, C Gaelan Patterson, Saskatoon
208. Carolina, D Tommi Kivisto, Red Deer
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT: F Steve Regier (Medicine Hat) signed a one-year contract with Salzburg (Austria Erste Bank Liga). He had three goals and one assist in eight games with St. Louis (NHL) and 22 goals and 28 assists in 73 games with Peoria (AHL) last season.
———
An NHL draft note from Garth MacBeth, who pens the MacBeth report for our enjoyment: One note with regards to Edmonton's pick, Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson. His father, Gunnar Svensson, was my coach in 1979-80 when I played for Örnsköldsviks SK and his older brother is Björn Svensson, who played for Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. Gunnar is now a player agent.
———
Forget the NHL draft. The biggest news on Friday came from the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. They announced that “Gordon Fader, organist from the days of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, Nova Scotia Oilers and Halifax Citadels, will be making a return to the Metro Centre for eight games this season.” . . . Yes, it’s true. A hockey team actually is bringing back an organist, albeit not for every game. But how great is that? Nothing worse than the canned music that gets played during virtually every stoppage; nothing better than real, live organ music. Now that’ll get the fans pumped. . . . Here’s hoping a whole bunch of teams are paying attention to this one.
———
A note from a regular visitor to these parts pretty much summed up the first round of the NHL draft on Friday:
“Gawd! Snooze city! Can I ask the NHL or TSN or Versus to give me back those four hours of life that were just sucked away from me?”
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Shouldn’t some of those talking heads be liable for fraud after all the pre-draft hype that they foisted on a gullible public?
———
By the way, if you’re into the NHL’s annual July 1 free-agent feeding frenzy, you should know that the fun begins on TSN2 on Tuesday at noon ET and runs until 5 p.m. From 5 to 6 p.m., it’s on TSN.
Why not more of the Feeding Frenzy on TSN? It seems the network will be occupied with Wimbledon (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), followed by back-to-back CFL games (Toronto at Hamilton and Montreal at Calgary).
Appearing on TSN2’s coverage along with host James Duthie will be many of the usual suspects, including Bob McKenzie, Darren Dreger, Pierre McGuire, former Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster, Gino Reda, Dave Hodge, Michael Farber (Sports Illustrated), Dave Naylor (The Globe and Mail) and Chris Stevenson (Ottawa Sun).
———
Back to the NHL draft . . . of the 30 players selected in the first round on Friday, 16 were from the CHL. The OHL had seven players taken, the WHL had five and the QMJHL four. (In 2008, there were 20 CHLers taken in the first round.) . . . F Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants went fourth overall to the Atlanta Thrashers, followed by Brandon Wheat Kings F Brayden Schenn (Los Angeles Kings, fifth), Brandon F Scott Glennie (Dallas Stars, eighth), Spokane Chiefs D Jared Cowen (Ottawa Senators, ninth) and Lethbridge Hurricanes F Carter Ashton (Tampa Bay Lightning, 29th).
———
D Dylan Olsen, who played last season with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the 28th pick. He has committed to attend the U of Minnesota-Duluth. Olsen was taken by the Medicine Hat Tigers with the 84th pick in the 2006 bantam draft. . . . C Jordan Schroeder, who was taken by the Vancouver Canucks with the 22nd selection, is on the protected list of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. Everett GM Doug Soetaert is in Montreal and has said hello to Schroeder, but don’t read too much into that.
———
Former WHL coach Ed Dempsey has gotten a two-year contract extension from the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings. He's their GM and head coach. Dempsey has been there since January 2004. Mike Hawes, the club's assistant GM and director of player personnel, also got a new two-year deal.
———
An NHL draft note from Garth MacBeth, who pens the MacBeth report for our enjoyment: One note with regards to Edmonton's pick, Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson. His father, Gunnar Svensson, was my coach in 1979-80 when I played for Örnsköldsviks SK and his older brother is Björn Svensson, who played for Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. Gunnar is now a player agent.
———
Forget the NHL draft. The biggest news on Friday came from the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads. They announced that “Gordon Fader, organist from the days of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, Nova Scotia Oilers and Halifax Citadels, will be making a return to the Metro Centre for eight games this season.” . . . Yes, it’s true. A hockey team actually is bringing back an organist, albeit not for every game. But how great is that? Nothing worse than the canned music that gets played during virtually every stoppage; nothing better than real, live organ music. Now that’ll get the fans pumped. . . . Here’s hoping a whole bunch of teams are paying attention to this one.
———
A note from a regular visitor to these parts pretty much summed up the first round of the NHL draft on Friday:
“Gawd! Snooze city! Can I ask the NHL or TSN or Versus to give me back those four hours of life that were just sucked away from me?”
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Shouldn’t some of those talking heads be liable for fraud after all the pre-draft hype that they foisted on a gullible public?
———
By the way, if you’re into the NHL’s annual July 1 free-agent feeding frenzy, you should know that the fun begins on TSN2 on Tuesday at noon ET and runs until 5 p.m. From 5 to 6 p.m., it’s on TSN.
Why not more of the Feeding Frenzy on TSN? It seems the network will be occupied with Wimbledon (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), followed by back-to-back CFL games (Toronto at Hamilton and Montreal at Calgary).
Appearing on TSN2’s coverage along with host James Duthie will be many of the usual suspects, including Bob McKenzie, Darren Dreger, Pierre McGuire, former Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster, Gino Reda, Dave Hodge, Michael Farber (Sports Illustrated), Dave Naylor (The Globe and Mail) and Chris Stevenson (Ottawa Sun).
———
Back to the NHL draft . . . of the 30 players selected in the first round on Friday, 16 were from the CHL. The OHL had seven players taken, the WHL had five and the QMJHL four. (In 2008, there were 20 CHLers taken in the first round.) . . . F Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants went fourth overall to the Atlanta Thrashers, followed by Brandon Wheat Kings F Brayden Schenn (Los Angeles Kings, fifth), Brandon F Scott Glennie (Dallas Stars, eighth), Spokane Chiefs D Jared Cowen (Ottawa Senators, ninth) and Lethbridge Hurricanes F Carter Ashton (Tampa Bay Lightning, 29th).
———
D Dylan Olsen, who played last season with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the 28th pick. He has committed to attend the U of Minnesota-Duluth. Olsen was taken by the Medicine Hat Tigers with the 84th pick in the 2006 bantam draft. . . . C Jordan Schroeder, who was taken by the Vancouver Canucks with the 22nd selection, is on the protected list of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. Everett GM Doug Soetaert is in Montreal and has said hello to Schroeder, but don’t read too much into that.
———
Former WHL coach Ed Dempsey has gotten a two-year contract extension from the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings. He's their GM and head coach. Dempsey has been there since January 2004. Mike Hawes, the club's assistant GM and director of player personnel, also got a new two-year deal.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT: D Filip Novak (Regina) signed a contract (one year plus option year) with Automobilist Ekaterinburg (KHL). He had four goals and 13 assists in 50 games with Dinamo Riga (KHL) last season. Automobilist is a new club in the KHL this season, replacing Khimik Voskresensk after they were excluded from the league for financial reasons. . . . F Quinn Hancock (Tacoma/Kelowna/Calgary/Prince George) signed a one-year contract with Iserlohn (Germany DEL). He had three goals and 20
assists in 45 games for Jokerit Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) last season.
———
Jesse Wallin, who is beginning his second season as head coach of the Red Deer Rebels, has added the title of vice-president of hockey operations. He was an assistant coach from 2005-07 and associate coach in 2007-08. He also played 215 regular-season games with the Rebels before going on to a pro career. . . . As well, the Rebels named Randy Peterson their director of scouting and player development. Peterson, who had been the v-p of hockey operations, also is the franchise’s alternate governor. . . . The Rebels don’t have a general manager, as do most WHL franchises, but it sounds as though Wallin will be filling that position, just with a different title. . . . “This move was made because Jesse is hands on with the team on a day-by-day basis,” explained president/owner Brent Sutter in a press release. “He is in the best position to make decisions that affect the hockey operations. The move allows Randy to concentrate strictly on scouting and player development.”
———
Greg Meachem of the Red Deer Advocate reports that D Luke Egener, who played out his WHL eligibility with the Rebels last season, will attend the U of Calgary and play for the Dinos next season. . . . Also heading to the U of C are D Eric Frere, who finished his WHL career with the Kootenay Ice last season, and D Graham Potuer, who finished up with the Everett Silvertips.
———
If you’re a hockey fan you may want to try to be in southern Saskatchewan in late January. The Regina Pats have released their 2009-10 schedule and it includes an interesting last weekend in January. "The Pats announced the return of the Sportsman’s Dinner as well as the Trans-Canada Clash alumni weekend after one-year absences,” the Regina Leader-Post’s Greg Harder writes. "The dinner is slated for Jan. 28, followed by a home-and-home set between the Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors. The alumni teams are scheduled to do battle on the afternoon of Jan. 30 in Moose Jaw.”
———
Guy Boucher, the head coach of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, is reportedly the leading candidate to take over as head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate. RDS has reported that Boucher, Pascal Vincent of the Montreal Junior and André Tourigny of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies have been interviewed, as has a fourth unidentified candidate.
———
Jon Keen, the radio voice of the Swift Current Broncos, reports on his blog that former WHLer Mark Lamb has applied for the Broncos' GM/head coaching job. It became available last week when Dean Chynoweth agreed to join the New York Islanders as an assistant coach. Lamb spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.
assists in 45 games for Jokerit Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) last season.
———
Jesse Wallin, who is beginning his second season as head coach of the Red Deer Rebels, has added the title of vice-president of hockey operations. He was an assistant coach from 2005-07 and associate coach in 2007-08. He also played 215 regular-season games with the Rebels before going on to a pro career. . . . As well, the Rebels named Randy Peterson their director of scouting and player development. Peterson, who had been the v-p of hockey operations, also is the franchise’s alternate governor. . . . The Rebels don’t have a general manager, as do most WHL franchises, but it sounds as though Wallin will be filling that position, just with a different title. . . . “This move was made because Jesse is hands on with the team on a day-by-day basis,” explained president/owner Brent Sutter in a press release. “He is in the best position to make decisions that affect the hockey operations. The move allows Randy to concentrate strictly on scouting and player development.”
———
Greg Meachem of the Red Deer Advocate reports that D Luke Egener, who played out his WHL eligibility with the Rebels last season, will attend the U of Calgary and play for the Dinos next season. . . . Also heading to the U of C are D Eric Frere, who finished his WHL career with the Kootenay Ice last season, and D Graham Potuer, who finished up with the Everett Silvertips.
———
If you’re a hockey fan you may want to try to be in southern Saskatchewan in late January. The Regina Pats have released their 2009-10 schedule and it includes an interesting last weekend in January. "The Pats announced the return of the Sportsman’s Dinner as well as the Trans-Canada Clash alumni weekend after one-year absences,” the Regina Leader-Post’s Greg Harder writes. "The dinner is slated for Jan. 28, followed by a home-and-home set between the Pats and Moose Jaw Warriors. The alumni teams are scheduled to do battle on the afternoon of Jan. 30 in Moose Jaw.”
———
Guy Boucher, the head coach of the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs, is reportedly the leading candidate to take over as head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate. RDS has reported that Boucher, Pascal Vincent of the Montreal Junior and André Tourigny of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies have been interviewed, as has a fourth unidentified candidate.
———
Jon Keen, the radio voice of the Swift Current Broncos, reports on his blog that former WHLer Mark Lamb has applied for the Broncos' GM/head coaching job. It became available last week when Dean Chynoweth agreed to join the New York Islanders as an assistant coach. Lamb spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bonner getting Blazers draft-ready
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Craig Bonner, the general manager of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, is in Montreal today.
His purpose for being there is two-fold — he wants to take in the NHL draft, which runs Friday evening and into Saturday, and he will be preparing for Tuesday’s CHL import draft.
“The worst-case scenario . . . we’ll have two guys drafted,” Bonner said, looking ahead to the NHL draft. The first round will be held Friday; the last six rounds go Saturday. “The best case . . . maybe five. That may be a little wishful thinking but you never know.”
The only sure thing for the Blazers is forward Jimmy Bubnick, who was ranked 55th among draft-eligible North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings. Bubnick, an 18-year-old from Saskatoon, was 54th in the midseason rankings and is likely to be drafted in the third round or later.
In his sophomore season, Bubnick had 57 points, including 25 goals, in 72 games.
Forward Tyler Shattock, who was bypassed in last year’s draft, is hoping for a better result this time around, especially after a season in which he picked up 69 points, including 30 goals, in 68 games.
The 19-year-old from Salmon Arm also had an impressive stint last season in the training camp of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
Also eligible for the first time are forwards Dalibor Bortnak, Brett Lyon, Cole Grbavac and Jake Trask, defencemen Linden Saip and Josh Caron, and goaltender Jon Groenheyde.
Forwards Mark Hall and Shayne Wiebe and defencemen Kurt Torbohm, Curtis Kulchar and Zak Stebner are available after not being selected in 2008.
Bonner said he has heard from “quite a few” NHL teams and added that “I’m sure I’ll talk to more in Montreal.”
“There have been quite a few teams call with different questions about a variety of guys from our team,” Bonner said.
While Bonner and Matt Recchi, the Blazers’ director of player personnel, are in Montreal, none of the draft-eligibles will be on hand for the draft.
Meanwhile, the CHL import draft takes place via conference call on Tuesday, and Bonner will be making one selection. It all begins at 6 a.m., with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads holding the first pick, followed by the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors and the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The Blazers hold the 29th selection, which puts them on the clock at 11:10 a.m.
When the 2008-09 season ended, the Blazers had the maximum two import players — defenceman Michal Siska, 19, and Bortnak, 18, both of whom are from Slovakia. But the Blazers have since released Siska.
“That’s the other big reason why I’m going to Montreal,” Bonner said. “I want to talk to the agents, talk to different people and see who is coming over, do some research there . . .”
JUST NOTES: Bonner said he has a verbal commitment from assistant coach Geoff Smith for next season, meaning the coaching staff should be returning intact. . . . The Blazers will continue to pursue F Sahir Gill of the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers, whose rights they obtained from the Vancouver Giants last season. Gill attended a camp held by the USHL’s Chicago Steel last week and his name now appears on the Steel’s roster. However, it is believed he hasn’t yet made a decision on where he will play next season. . . . While the WHL’s Western Conference teams have yet to hold their scheduling meeting, some dates are known. The Blazers, who open training camp Aug. 20, will start the regular season with a home-and-home series against the Chilliwack Bruins. They’ll play in Chilliwack on Sept. 18 and at Interior Savings Centre on Sept. 19. . . . The Blazers will play seven exhibition games, opening Aug. 28 in Ladner against the Vancouver Giants, with the Giants here the following night. The Blazers’ exhibition schedule is in Scoreboard. . . . Traditionally, the Blazers have made an East Division swing later in the season. This season, however, ISC is booked on consecutive weekends in October so the Blazers will out on a six-game swing in mid-month. . . . A memorial service in honour of former Blazers G Dale Masson, who died Saturday at the age of 36, will be held Friday, 3 p.m., at McInnis and Holloway Park Memorial Chapel in Calgary. Masson died while competing in a corporate relay race. He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and their two sons — Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months. . . . Bonner and Masson were roommates at one time while both were with the Blazers. “It’s terrible,” Bonner said. “There is a guy in an athletic event who had run a (half-marathon) in April and must have been in decent shape. Boy, when your time is up . . .”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Craig Bonner, the general manager of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, is in Montreal today.
His purpose for being there is two-fold — he wants to take in the NHL draft, which runs Friday evening and into Saturday, and he will be preparing for Tuesday’s CHL import draft.
“The worst-case scenario . . . we’ll have two guys drafted,” Bonner said, looking ahead to the NHL draft. The first round will be held Friday; the last six rounds go Saturday. “The best case . . . maybe five. That may be a little wishful thinking but you never know.”
The only sure thing for the Blazers is forward Jimmy Bubnick, who was ranked 55th among draft-eligible North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings. Bubnick, an 18-year-old from Saskatoon, was 54th in the midseason rankings and is likely to be drafted in the third round or later.
In his sophomore season, Bubnick had 57 points, including 25 goals, in 72 games.
Forward Tyler Shattock, who was bypassed in last year’s draft, is hoping for a better result this time around, especially after a season in which he picked up 69 points, including 30 goals, in 68 games.
The 19-year-old from Salmon Arm also had an impressive stint last season in the training camp of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
Also eligible for the first time are forwards Dalibor Bortnak, Brett Lyon, Cole Grbavac and Jake Trask, defencemen Linden Saip and Josh Caron, and goaltender Jon Groenheyde.
Forwards Mark Hall and Shayne Wiebe and defencemen Kurt Torbohm, Curtis Kulchar and Zak Stebner are available after not being selected in 2008.
Bonner said he has heard from “quite a few” NHL teams and added that “I’m sure I’ll talk to more in Montreal.”
“There have been quite a few teams call with different questions about a variety of guys from our team,” Bonner said.
While Bonner and Matt Recchi, the Blazers’ director of player personnel, are in Montreal, none of the draft-eligibles will be on hand for the draft.
Meanwhile, the CHL import draft takes place via conference call on Tuesday, and Bonner will be making one selection. It all begins at 6 a.m., with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads holding the first pick, followed by the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors and the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The Blazers hold the 29th selection, which puts them on the clock at 11:10 a.m.
When the 2008-09 season ended, the Blazers had the maximum two import players — defenceman Michal Siska, 19, and Bortnak, 18, both of whom are from Slovakia. But the Blazers have since released Siska.
“That’s the other big reason why I’m going to Montreal,” Bonner said. “I want to talk to the agents, talk to different people and see who is coming over, do some research there . . .”
JUST NOTES: Bonner said he has a verbal commitment from assistant coach Geoff Smith for next season, meaning the coaching staff should be returning intact. . . . The Blazers will continue to pursue F Sahir Gill of the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers, whose rights they obtained from the Vancouver Giants last season. Gill attended a camp held by the USHL’s Chicago Steel last week and his name now appears on the Steel’s roster. However, it is believed he hasn’t yet made a decision on where he will play next season. . . . While the WHL’s Western Conference teams have yet to hold their scheduling meeting, some dates are known. The Blazers, who open training camp Aug. 20, will start the regular season with a home-and-home series against the Chilliwack Bruins. They’ll play in Chilliwack on Sept. 18 and at Interior Savings Centre on Sept. 19. . . . The Blazers will play seven exhibition games, opening Aug. 28 in Ladner against the Vancouver Giants, with the Giants here the following night. The Blazers’ exhibition schedule is in Scoreboard. . . . Traditionally, the Blazers have made an East Division swing later in the season. This season, however, ISC is booked on consecutive weekends in October so the Blazers will out on a six-game swing in mid-month. . . . A memorial service in honour of former Blazers G Dale Masson, who died Saturday at the age of 36, will be held Friday, 3 p.m., at McInnis and Holloway Park Memorial Chapel in Calgary. Masson died while competing in a corporate relay race. He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and their two sons — Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months. . . . Bonner and Masson were roommates at one time while both were with the Blazers. “It’s terrible,” Bonner said. “There is a guy in an athletic event who had run a (half-marathon) in April and must have been in decent shape. Boy, when your time is up . . .”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
McLeod will wait and hope
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Wes McLeod is comfortable in the knowledge that he did all he could do.
Now all he can do is wait, like so many other teen-aged hockey players.
The NHL’s 30 teams have gathered in Montreal where they will conduct the seven-round 2009 draft on Friday evening and through a lot of Saturday.
Some players know they will be selected in or near the first round. McLeod isn’t one of those, which is why he won’t be in the Bell Centre.
But he is hoping to get a phone call from an NHL team.
“I’m pretty excited . . . yes . . . but I’m not going to stress about it too much,” said McLeod, who was born in Burnaby but moved to Kamloops at the age of three. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound McLeod, who will turn 19 on Sept. 30, plays for the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He had 30 points, including six goals, and 52 penalty minutes in 58 games last season.
In 2007-08, he had 14 points and 39 penalty minutes in 58 games with the Ed Dempsey-coached Spruce Kings.
Seen as a good skater with a terrific shot, McLeod also played for Team West in the CJHL Prospects’ Game in Summerside, P.E.I., in December.
During the season, he committed to attend the U of Alaska/Anchorage and play for the Seawolves, starting in the fall. However, he has deferred that decision for one year, meaning he will return to the Spruce Kings and then join the Seawolves for 2010-11.
In choosing the Anchorage campus, he chose not to attend Bemidji State, Northeastern, Quinnipiac or Western Michigan, all schools that pursued him.
McLeod said he quite liked his 2009-10 season.
“Yeah, I did. I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I thought I had a good season. It was a good steppingstone so I can take my game to the next level next season.”
When NHL Central Scouting issued its final rankings, McLeod’s name appeared at No. 200 among draft-eligible North American skaters. That doesn’t mean he will get drafted but it tells you that NHL teams at least know he’s alive.
“I’ve been talking to a couple of teams so . . . we shall see,” he said. “I’m not really entirely sure what’s going to happen, but hopefully everything goes according to plan and I do get drafted.”
He said he has heard from the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers, but it is the Calgary Flames who have shown the most interest. In fact, he has met with Al Tuer, a former WHL player and coach who scouts out of Vernon for the Flames.
“He said the Flames are interested in me joining their organization,” McLeod said.
According to NCAA regulations, McLeod isn’t allowed to employ an agent, but he can have an advisor, a role that is filled by former NHLer Ed Ward.
“He thinks I have a good shot,” McLeod said, “and Calgary seems most interested. I’m really excited.”
Unfortunately for McLeod, he hasn’t heard from the Colorado Avalanche, the team that was his favourite as he made his way through Kamloops’ minor hockey ranks. This weekend, then, there could be a change of allegiance.
“Yeah, exactly,” McLeod said with a chuckle. “We shall see.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Wes McLeod is comfortable in the knowledge that he did all he could do.
Now all he can do is wait, like so many other teen-aged hockey players.
The NHL’s 30 teams have gathered in Montreal where they will conduct the seven-round 2009 draft on Friday evening and through a lot of Saturday.
Some players know they will be selected in or near the first round. McLeod isn’t one of those, which is why he won’t be in the Bell Centre.
But he is hoping to get a phone call from an NHL team.
“I’m pretty excited . . . yes . . . but I’m not going to stress about it too much,” said McLeod, who was born in Burnaby but moved to Kamloops at the age of three. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound McLeod, who will turn 19 on Sept. 30, plays for the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings. He had 30 points, including six goals, and 52 penalty minutes in 58 games last season.
In 2007-08, he had 14 points and 39 penalty minutes in 58 games with the Ed Dempsey-coached Spruce Kings.
Seen as a good skater with a terrific shot, McLeod also played for Team West in the CJHL Prospects’ Game in Summerside, P.E.I., in December.
During the season, he committed to attend the U of Alaska/Anchorage and play for the Seawolves, starting in the fall. However, he has deferred that decision for one year, meaning he will return to the Spruce Kings and then join the Seawolves for 2010-11.
In choosing the Anchorage campus, he chose not to attend Bemidji State, Northeastern, Quinnipiac or Western Michigan, all schools that pursued him.
McLeod said he quite liked his 2009-10 season.
“Yeah, I did. I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I thought I had a good season. It was a good steppingstone so I can take my game to the next level next season.”
When NHL Central Scouting issued its final rankings, McLeod’s name appeared at No. 200 among draft-eligible North American skaters. That doesn’t mean he will get drafted but it tells you that NHL teams at least know he’s alive.
“I’ve been talking to a couple of teams so . . . we shall see,” he said. “I’m not really entirely sure what’s going to happen, but hopefully everything goes according to plan and I do get drafted.”
He said he has heard from the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers, but it is the Calgary Flames who have shown the most interest. In fact, he has met with Al Tuer, a former WHL player and coach who scouts out of Vernon for the Flames.
“He said the Flames are interested in me joining their organization,” McLeod said.
According to NCAA regulations, McLeod isn’t allowed to employ an agent, but he can have an advisor, a role that is filled by former NHLer Ed Ward.
“He thinks I have a good shot,” McLeod said, “and Calgary seems most interested. I’m really excited.”
Unfortunately for McLeod, he hasn’t heard from the Colorado Avalanche, the team that was his favourite as he made his way through Kamloops’ minor hockey ranks. This weekend, then, there could be a change of allegiance.
“Yeah, exactly,” McLeod said with a chuckle. “We shall see.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Wednesday . . .
The Prince Albert Raiders have signed three defencemen — Austin Frank, Connor Sutton and Matt Wasylenko. . . . Sutton was a third-round pick in the 2009 bantam draft so isn’t eligible to play fulltime this season. He played for the Airdrie Xtreme, which won the Western Canadian bantam championship. . . . Frank was a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 and played for the midget AAA Calgary Buffaloes. . . . Wasylenko, also a fifth-round pick in 2008, started the season with the midget AAA St. Albert Saints but suffered a wrist injury.
———
A memorial service in honour of former WHL G Dale Masson will be held Friday, 3 p.m., at McInnis and Holloway Park Memorial Chapel in Calgary. Masson, 36, died Saturday while taking part in a corporate relay near Calgary. He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and their two sons — Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
———
A celebration of the life of former Prince Albert Raiders radio voice Morley Jaeger will be held Monday at the ANAF Hall, 25-11th Street West in Prince Albert. It will be a come-and-go affair, running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a presentation at 1 o’clock. . . . The family has requested donations to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
———
Jarret Stoll, who played for the Kootenay Ice (1998-2002) is all over the Internet today. If you haven’t heard, you can check it out right here.
———
A memorial service in honour of former WHL G Dale Masson will be held Friday, 3 p.m., at McInnis and Holloway Park Memorial Chapel in Calgary. Masson, 36, died Saturday while taking part in a corporate relay near Calgary. He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and their two sons — Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
———
A celebration of the life of former Prince Albert Raiders radio voice Morley Jaeger will be held Monday at the ANAF Hall, 25-11th Street West in Prince Albert. It will be a come-and-go affair, running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a presentation at 1 o’clock. . . . The family has requested donations to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
———
Jarret Stoll, who played for the Kootenay Ice (1998-2002) is all over the Internet today. If you haven’t heard, you can check it out right here.
Boughner replaces Lowry
Bob Boughner, the head coach of the Memorial Cup-champion Windsor Spitfires, is the new head coach of the Canadian under-18 team that will play in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. He replaces Dave Lowry, the former Calgary Hitmen head coach who was named an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Mark Holick of the WHL’s Kootenay Ice and Chris DePiero of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, are the assistant coaches. The U18 team will hold a selection camp at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary, Aug. 1-4.
Tuesday . . .
THE COACHING GAME: The Everett Silvertips made it official Tuesday when they introduced Craig Hartsburg as the third head coach in franchise history. Hartsburg, who was fired as head coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators in February, replaces John Becanic, who was dismissed at season’s end. . . . Hartsburg is believed to have signed a two-year contract and will work with associate head coach Jay Varady and assistant coach Mark LeRose. . . . The day’s best quote may have been uttered by Everett G Thomas Heemskerk, who told Nick Patterson of the Everett Herald: “(Hartsburg) seems like a nice guy. As long as everyone works hard it might stay that way." . . .
The Calgary Hitmen are in the market for a head coach now that Dave Lowry has joined the parent Flames as an assistant coach under new head coach Brent Sutter. Hitmen GM Kelly Kisio spent four seasons as head coach before turning over the reins to Lowry on June 24, 2008. Kisio, however, said there isn’t any chance of his returning to coaching. "No, I thought this year I was able to do a lot of things that I haven't done in the last five years," Kisio told Scott Fisher of the Calgary Sun. "And I think it showed in some of the hockey decisions we made this year, with the guys we brought in. It was a good year for me that way and I'd like to continue down that path." . . . Also on Sutter’s staff are former WHL D Ryan McGill, who is a former head coach of the Kootenay Ice, and former WHL G Jamie McLennan. . . . Sorry, but I still don’t comprehend how someone can sign a three-year contract as an NHL team’s head coach, walk out the door after two years, sign with another team as its head coach, and the original team doesn’t receive any compensation. That may work in Gary Bettman’s NHL, but somehow I don’t see it working in Ron Robison’s WHL . . . By the way, Lowry has been asked to give up his role as head coach of the Canadian under-18 team that will compete at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. So expect an announcement from Hockey Canada one of these days . . .
The Montreal Canadiens have dumped assistant coach Doug Jarvis, while deciding to keep Kirk Muller to work under head coach Jacques Martin. Again, there now could be room there for former WHL coach Perry Pearn, who came awfully close to becoming the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ GM/head coach . . .
The Kelowna Rockets have signed former captain Ryan Cuthbert to a three-year contract as a full-time assistant coach. The deal runs through 2011-12. He will join head coach Ryan Huska behind the Rockets’ bench, filling the void created when Jeff Finley resigned after two seasons. Cuthbert, who played five seasons in Kelowna, had been working as a part-time assistant . . .
When you heard that the Washington Capitals had promoted former Brandon Wheat Kings D Bob Woods, the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Hershey, to their coaching staff, you may have wondered how they had room to add a body. It turns out that assistant coach Jay Leach won’t be returning for another season.
---
By the time a new season arrives, seven teams will have hired new head coaches . . .
TEAMS THAT HAVE MADE COACHING CHANGES: Chilliwack Bruins (Marc Habscheid in, Jim Hiller out); Everett Silvertips (Craig Hartsburg in, John Becanic out); Prince George Cougars (Dean Clark in, Drew Schoneck and interim head coach Wade Klippenstein out); Regina Pats (Curtis Hunt in, Dale Derkatch out).
TEAMS THAT HAVE CHANGED GENERAL MANAGERS: Chilliwack Bruins (Marc Habscheid in, Darrell May out); Moose Jaw Warriors (Jeff Truitt in as director of hockey operations, Chad Lang out);
THESE TEAMS NEED HEAD COACHES: Calgary Hitmen (Dave Lowry out); Lethbridge Hurricanes (Michael Dyck out); Swift Current Broncos (Dean Chynoweth out).
THESE TEAMS NEED GENERAL MANAGERS: Lethbridge Hurricanes (Roy Stasiuk out); Swift Current Broncos (Dean Chynoweth out).
---
If you haven’t seen the latest on the fiasco that has become the Tampa Bay Lightning, check out this column right here. . . . It would seem that G Karri Rämö, for one, has seen enough. He has signed a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Continental Hockey League. . . . The Lightning's owners apparently had their meeting with the NHL commish and Oren Koules seems to be in control.
---
The Kamloops Blazers have been recruiting F Sahir Gill, 17, since acquiring his rights from the Vancouver Giants on Oct. 1 for a conditional 2010 second-round bantam draft pick. Gill, a seventh-round pick by Vancouver in the 2007 draft, played for the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers last season. Now it seems he spent June 8-14 at an invitational tryout camp for the USHL’s Chicago Steel. And his name now appears on the club’s roster for the 2009-10 season. . . . Gill had 39 points in 54 games with the Vipers and then added 17 points in 17 BCHL playoff games. He added five points as the Vipers won the Royal Bank Cup tournament. . . . The Steel selected Gill with the 56th selection of the USHL’s 2009 draft. . . . Gill, a native of Terrace, B.C., hasn’t yet made a commitment to an NCAA school.
---
JUST NOTES: F Troy Crowley, who had two points in 52 games with the Saskatoon Blades in 2006-07, has decided to attend the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons. Crowley, 20, played last season for the Western States Hockey League’s Phoenix Polar Bears. His 77 points left him third in the league’s scoring race. . . . The WHL and some of its teams began releasing the 2009-10 schedule in bits and pieces on Tuesday. If you’re looking for what’s available, check individual team websites or the WHL site. But keep in mind that the Western Conference teams haven’t even held their scheduling meeting yet. . . . The exhibition schedule is to open on Aug. 28 and, let’s be honest here, that is far too early. Who cares about hockey when summer is on its last legs and school isn’t even back in session?
The Calgary Hitmen are in the market for a head coach now that Dave Lowry has joined the parent Flames as an assistant coach under new head coach Brent Sutter. Hitmen GM Kelly Kisio spent four seasons as head coach before turning over the reins to Lowry on June 24, 2008. Kisio, however, said there isn’t any chance of his returning to coaching. "No, I thought this year I was able to do a lot of things that I haven't done in the last five years," Kisio told Scott Fisher of the Calgary Sun. "And I think it showed in some of the hockey decisions we made this year, with the guys we brought in. It was a good year for me that way and I'd like to continue down that path." . . . Also on Sutter’s staff are former WHL D Ryan McGill, who is a former head coach of the Kootenay Ice, and former WHL G Jamie McLennan. . . . Sorry, but I still don’t comprehend how someone can sign a three-year contract as an NHL team’s head coach, walk out the door after two years, sign with another team as its head coach, and the original team doesn’t receive any compensation. That may work in Gary Bettman’s NHL, but somehow I don’t see it working in Ron Robison’s WHL . . . By the way, Lowry has been asked to give up his role as head coach of the Canadian under-18 team that will compete at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. So expect an announcement from Hockey Canada one of these days . . .
The Montreal Canadiens have dumped assistant coach Doug Jarvis, while deciding to keep Kirk Muller to work under head coach Jacques Martin. Again, there now could be room there for former WHL coach Perry Pearn, who came awfully close to becoming the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ GM/head coach . . .
The Kelowna Rockets have signed former captain Ryan Cuthbert to a three-year contract as a full-time assistant coach. The deal runs through 2011-12. He will join head coach Ryan Huska behind the Rockets’ bench, filling the void created when Jeff Finley resigned after two seasons. Cuthbert, who played five seasons in Kelowna, had been working as a part-time assistant . . .
When you heard that the Washington Capitals had promoted former Brandon Wheat Kings D Bob Woods, the head coach of their AHL affiliate in Hershey, to their coaching staff, you may have wondered how they had room to add a body. It turns out that assistant coach Jay Leach won’t be returning for another season.
---
By the time a new season arrives, seven teams will have hired new head coaches . . .
TEAMS THAT HAVE MADE COACHING CHANGES: Chilliwack Bruins (Marc Habscheid in, Jim Hiller out); Everett Silvertips (Craig Hartsburg in, John Becanic out); Prince George Cougars (Dean Clark in, Drew Schoneck and interim head coach Wade Klippenstein out); Regina Pats (Curtis Hunt in, Dale Derkatch out).
TEAMS THAT HAVE CHANGED GENERAL MANAGERS: Chilliwack Bruins (Marc Habscheid in, Darrell May out); Moose Jaw Warriors (Jeff Truitt in as director of hockey operations, Chad Lang out);
THESE TEAMS NEED HEAD COACHES: Calgary Hitmen (Dave Lowry out); Lethbridge Hurricanes (Michael Dyck out); Swift Current Broncos (Dean Chynoweth out).
THESE TEAMS NEED GENERAL MANAGERS: Lethbridge Hurricanes (Roy Stasiuk out); Swift Current Broncos (Dean Chynoweth out).
---
If you haven’t seen the latest on the fiasco that has become the Tampa Bay Lightning, check out this column right here. . . . It would seem that G Karri Rämö, for one, has seen enough. He has signed a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Continental Hockey League. . . . The Lightning's owners apparently had their meeting with the NHL commish and Oren Koules seems to be in control.
---
The Kamloops Blazers have been recruiting F Sahir Gill, 17, since acquiring his rights from the Vancouver Giants on Oct. 1 for a conditional 2010 second-round bantam draft pick. Gill, a seventh-round pick by Vancouver in the 2007 draft, played for the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers last season. Now it seems he spent June 8-14 at an invitational tryout camp for the USHL’s Chicago Steel. And his name now appears on the club’s roster for the 2009-10 season. . . . Gill had 39 points in 54 games with the Vipers and then added 17 points in 17 BCHL playoff games. He added five points as the Vipers won the Royal Bank Cup tournament. . . . The Steel selected Gill with the 56th selection of the USHL’s 2009 draft. . . . Gill, a native of Terrace, B.C., hasn’t yet made a commitment to an NCAA school.
---
JUST NOTES: F Troy Crowley, who had two points in 52 games with the Saskatoon Blades in 2006-07, has decided to attend the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons. Crowley, 20, played last season for the Western States Hockey League’s Phoenix Polar Bears. His 77 points left him third in the league’s scoring race. . . . The WHL and some of its teams began releasing the 2009-10 schedule in bits and pieces on Tuesday. If you’re looking for what’s available, check individual team websites or the WHL site. But keep in mind that the Western Conference teams haven’t even held their scheduling meeting yet. . . . The exhibition schedule is to open on Aug. 28 and, let’s be honest here, that is far too early. Who cares about hockey when summer is on its last legs and school isn’t even back in session?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Some Tuesday stuff . . .
The Kelowna Rockets have signed head coach Ryan Huska to a two-year contract extension. He had signed a two-year deal with a club option for a third season in July 2007, so now is signed through 2011-12. Huska, 33, has been with the WHL champions since 2002 when he signed on as a part-time assistant coach. In two seasons under Huska, the Rockets have an 85-47-3-9 regular-season record. . . . The Rockets are looking for an assistant coach with last week’s resignation of Jeff Finley, who had been there through two seasons.
The Rockets also signed Lorne Frey, their director of player personnel and head scout, to a three-year extension that runs through 2011-12. Frey, 59, has been with the Rockets since 1991 when the franchise was born as the Tacoma Rockets. He is one of the WHL’s top talent scouts.
---
Sorry, fans, the WHL schedule isn’t nearly ready. The Eastern Conference gang held a scheduling meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, but the Western Conference bunch hasn’t yet met. . . . But the WHL’s regular season will open on Sept. 17 with the Vancouver Giants visiting the Kelowna Rockets. . . . Some Eastern Conference teams will begin releasing their schedules almost immediately. The Brandon Wheat Kings, who will play host to the 2010 Memorial Cup, will release their schedule Tuesday.
---
The Everett Silvertips will introduce Craig Hartsburg as their head coach on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. PT. If you are interested in watching, check out the Silvertips’ website Tuesday and you should be able to find an address. . . . A year ago, Bryan Murray, who coached the Regina Pats for one season, winning the 1979-80 championship, hired Hartsburg as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Murray and Hartsburg then hired Curtis Hunt as an assistant coach. Today, Hartsburg and Hunt both are WHL head coaches, Hunt having returned for a second go-round with the Pats. . . . Strange game, this coaching stuff. No?
---
The Montreal Canadiens have cleaned out the coaching staff of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, informing head coach Don Lever and assistant Ron Wilson that their contracts won’t be renewed. . . . When Montreal GM Bob Gainey is done, perhaps Perry Pearn, who spent one season as head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, will be on the Canadiens’ coaching staff, working under head coach Jacques Martin.
---
Various reports have the Vancouver Giants on the verge of signing Morley Scott to fill the spot created when Dave Sheldon’s contract as director of broadcasting and media relations wasn’t renewed. Scott spent many years as the analyst on Edmonton Oilers’ broadcasts but was replaced prior to 2008-09. You heard Scott doing play-by-play if you caught any of Shaw TV’s coverage of the AHL championship series between the Manitoba Moose and Hershey Bears.
---
Former WHL head coach Rob Daum will return as head coach of the Springfield Falcons, the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate. The 50-year-old Daum, who was pro scouting for the Oilers, joined the Falcons on Feb. 8 after head coach Jeff Truitt was fired. Truitt now is director of hockey operations with the Moose Jaw Warriors. . . . Former WHLer Gerry Fleming (Billings, Kelowna, 1981-83) will be one of Daum’s assistant coaches.
---
David Quinn, the associate head coach for five seasons at Boston U, is the new head coach of the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters. He replaces Joe Sacco, who moved up as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. Lake Erie is the Avs’ AHL affiliate.
---
The Washington Capitals have added former Brandon Wheat Kings D Bob Woods to their coaching staff. Woods was the head coach of the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, and guided them to the Calder Cup earlier this month. . . . Woods took over as the Bears’ head coach after Bruce Boudreau was promoted to the Capitals on Nov. 22, 2007.
The Rockets also signed Lorne Frey, their director of player personnel and head scout, to a three-year extension that runs through 2011-12. Frey, 59, has been with the Rockets since 1991 when the franchise was born as the Tacoma Rockets. He is one of the WHL’s top talent scouts.
---
Sorry, fans, the WHL schedule isn’t nearly ready. The Eastern Conference gang held a scheduling meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, but the Western Conference bunch hasn’t yet met. . . . But the WHL’s regular season will open on Sept. 17 with the Vancouver Giants visiting the Kelowna Rockets. . . . Some Eastern Conference teams will begin releasing their schedules almost immediately. The Brandon Wheat Kings, who will play host to the 2010 Memorial Cup, will release their schedule Tuesday.
---
The Everett Silvertips will introduce Craig Hartsburg as their head coach on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. PT. If you are interested in watching, check out the Silvertips’ website Tuesday and you should be able to find an address. . . . A year ago, Bryan Murray, who coached the Regina Pats for one season, winning the 1979-80 championship, hired Hartsburg as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Murray and Hartsburg then hired Curtis Hunt as an assistant coach. Today, Hartsburg and Hunt both are WHL head coaches, Hunt having returned for a second go-round with the Pats. . . . Strange game, this coaching stuff. No?
---
The Montreal Canadiens have cleaned out the coaching staff of the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, informing head coach Don Lever and assistant Ron Wilson that their contracts won’t be renewed. . . . When Montreal GM Bob Gainey is done, perhaps Perry Pearn, who spent one season as head coach of the Medicine Hat Tigers, will be on the Canadiens’ coaching staff, working under head coach Jacques Martin.
---
Various reports have the Vancouver Giants on the verge of signing Morley Scott to fill the spot created when Dave Sheldon’s contract as director of broadcasting and media relations wasn’t renewed. Scott spent many years as the analyst on Edmonton Oilers’ broadcasts but was replaced prior to 2008-09. You heard Scott doing play-by-play if you caught any of Shaw TV’s coverage of the AHL championship series between the Manitoba Moose and Hershey Bears.
---
Former WHL head coach Rob Daum will return as head coach of the Springfield Falcons, the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate. The 50-year-old Daum, who was pro scouting for the Oilers, joined the Falcons on Feb. 8 after head coach Jeff Truitt was fired. Truitt now is director of hockey operations with the Moose Jaw Warriors. . . . Former WHLer Gerry Fleming (Billings, Kelowna, 1981-83) will be one of Daum’s assistant coaches.
---
David Quinn, the associate head coach for five seasons at Boston U, is the new head coach of the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters. He replaces Joe Sacco, who moved up as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. Lake Erie is the Avs’ AHL affiliate.
---
The Washington Capitals have added former Brandon Wheat Kings D Bob Woods to their coaching staff. Woods was the head coach of the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, and guided them to the Calder Cup earlier this month. . . . Woods took over as the Bears’ head coach after Bruce Boudreau was promoted to the Capitals on Nov. 22, 2007.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Masson remembered as quiet with sense of humour
By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter
Ed Patterson remembers former teammate Dale Masson as a quiet guy with a terrific sense of humour.
Masson, a goaltender who played parts of four seasons with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, died Saturday near Calgary. He was 36.
Masson spent much of his time with the Blazers backing up Corey Hirsch, but, according to Patterson, he accepted his role and was a good teammate.
“He was a quiet guy, a nice guy and a big part for our team when we won,” said Patterson, who played two seasons with Masson. “He never caused too much trouble when he was the backup for Corey.”
Masson, a lawyer in Calgary, collapsed and died while running in the Kananaskis 100-mile race, a 10-person relay that starts in Longview, southwest of Calgary, and ends at Nakiska ski hill. He leaves a wife, Tanya, and two sons -- Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
Masson, an Edmonton native, joined the Blazers in 1989 and played in Kamloops until he was dealt to the Victoria Cougars for goaltender Steve Passmore during the 1992-93 season. In 1991-92, when the Blazers won their first Memorial Cup, Masson appeared in 29 games and had a 3.68 GAA.
Masson is the third former member of the Blazers to die in the last 13 months. Mike Mathers, who played in Kamloops from 1990-93, died in his sleep in St. Albert, Alta., on June 1, 2008. On Nov. 29, Michael Maniago, who was a Blazers goaltender from 2004-07, died in a car crash in Calgary.
Upon graduating from the WHL, Masson attended the U of Alberta and played five seasons with the Golden Bears, the last four as starter. In his final season (1998-99), he backstopped the Golden Bears to the CIAU national championship in Saskatoon.
Masson went on to play two seasons of pro hockey, spending time with the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots and the Central league’s Wichita Thunder and San Antonio Iguanas, before returning to the U of Alberta to study law.
Masson got his law degree in 2004 and was working for Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer in Calgary. According to the firm’s website, Masson, who was called to the bar in 2005, specialized in securities and corporate law. His profile picture on the website bdplaw.com shows a smiling Masson wearing a blocker and leaning on a goalie’s mask.
Patterson, who guessed that he last spoke with Masson 15 years ago, was shocked at the news of his death.
“He had a good sense of humour,” Patterson said. “He was a quiet guy, but when he dropped a joke, it was always funny.”
The BDP website noted that Masson was a participant on Team Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer for the Kananaskis 100-Mile Relay from 2005-08, meaning this was his fifth appearance in the race.
Masson also ran in the Calgary Police half-marathon on April 26, finishing in two hours five minutes 45 seconds.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized, but the tentative plan is for a service to be held Friday in Calgary.
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Daily News Sports Reporter
Ed Patterson remembers former teammate Dale Masson as a quiet guy with a terrific sense of humour.
Masson, a goaltender who played parts of four seasons with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, died Saturday near Calgary. He was 36.
Masson spent much of his time with the Blazers backing up Corey Hirsch, but, according to Patterson, he accepted his role and was a good teammate.
“He was a quiet guy, a nice guy and a big part for our team when we won,” said Patterson, who played two seasons with Masson. “He never caused too much trouble when he was the backup for Corey.”
Masson, a lawyer in Calgary, collapsed and died while running in the Kananaskis 100-mile race, a 10-person relay that starts in Longview, southwest of Calgary, and ends at Nakiska ski hill. He leaves a wife, Tanya, and two sons -- Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
Masson, an Edmonton native, joined the Blazers in 1989 and played in Kamloops until he was dealt to the Victoria Cougars for goaltender Steve Passmore during the 1992-93 season. In 1991-92, when the Blazers won their first Memorial Cup, Masson appeared in 29 games and had a 3.68 GAA.
Masson is the third former member of the Blazers to die in the last 13 months. Mike Mathers, who played in Kamloops from 1990-93, died in his sleep in St. Albert, Alta., on June 1, 2008. On Nov. 29, Michael Maniago, who was a Blazers goaltender from 2004-07, died in a car crash in Calgary.
Upon graduating from the WHL, Masson attended the U of Alberta and played five seasons with the Golden Bears, the last four as starter. In his final season (1998-99), he backstopped the Golden Bears to the CIAU national championship in Saskatoon.
Masson went on to play two seasons of pro hockey, spending time with the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots and the Central league’s Wichita Thunder and San Antonio Iguanas, before returning to the U of Alberta to study law.
Masson got his law degree in 2004 and was working for Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer in Calgary. According to the firm’s website, Masson, who was called to the bar in 2005, specialized in securities and corporate law. His profile picture on the website bdplaw.com shows a smiling Masson wearing a blocker and leaning on a goalie’s mask.
Patterson, who guessed that he last spoke with Masson 15 years ago, was shocked at the news of his death.
“He had a good sense of humour,” Patterson said. “He was a quiet guy, but when he dropped a joke, it was always funny.”
The BDP website noted that Masson was a participant on Team Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer for the Kananaskis 100-Mile Relay from 2005-08, meaning this was his fifth appearance in the race.
Masson also ran in the Calgary Police half-marathon on April 26, finishing in two hours five minutes 45 seconds.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized, but the tentative plan is for a service to be held Friday in Calgary.
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Former WHL goaltender dead
Dale Masson, who played goal for five WHL seasons, died Saturday while taking part in the Kananaskis 100-kilometre relay. He was 36.
Masson played for the Kamloops Blazers and Victoria Cougars (1989-94) before going on to play five years with the U of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton, the last four as the starter. He finished his CIS career with a national championship as the Golden Bears won it all in Saskatoon.
He ended up studying law at the U of Alberta. He graduated in 2004 and was working for Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer in Calgary at the time of his death.
Masson is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two sons – Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
Funeral arrangements will be finalized later in the week but the tentative plan is for a service to be held Friday afternoon in Calgary.
Masson played for the Kamloops Blazers and Victoria Cougars (1989-94) before going on to play five years with the U of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton, the last four as the starter. He finished his CIS career with a national championship as the Golden Bears won it all in Saskatoon.
He ended up studying law at the U of Alberta. He graduated in 2004 and was working for Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer in Calgary at the time of his death.
Masson is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two sons – Wyatt, 2, and Sam, two months.
Funeral arrangements will be finalized later in the week but the tentative plan is for a service to be held Friday afternoon in Calgary.
Welcome back . . .
Welcome back . . .
Actually, I’ve always wanted to do that.
Welcome back . . .
That is my impersonation of a TV sportscaster.
You’ve been on your couch all night. You haven’t gone anywhere. He/she takes a commercial break and when he/she returns, he/she opens with: “Welcome back.”
Even though you haven’t gone anywhere . . .
--------
Just back from Victoria. LGIW and I were there on Boxing Day of 2003 when the RCMP’s great raid on the B.C. Legislature took place. Just wanted to go back and see if anything had changed. It hasn’t. The mess has yet to be cleaned up. Victoria looks the same.
Of course, whenever I travel to Victoria from Kamloops, I have to make my way through the Lower Mainland. And I can only marvel at the inept road system. It is absolutely incredible and whenever I drive it I give thanks, over and over again, that I am not the driver of a big rig.
--------
So what has happened while I’ve been gone? Well . . . in chronological order, things unfolded something like this . . .
--------
THE MacBETH REPORT: D Joel Kwiatkowski (Tacoma/Kelowna/Prince George) signed a one-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg (KHL). He had 13 goals and 12 assists with Severstal Cherepovets (KHL) last season. . . . F Jarad Bourassa (Swift Current/Moose Jaw) signed with Gardena (Italy Serie B). He had 29 goals and 40 assists in 39 games with Gardina and one assist in three games with Odessa (KHL) last season. Bourassa joined Odessa after the season ended in Italy. . . . F Jeremy Colliton (Prince Albert) signed a one-year contract with Rögle Ängelholm (Sweden Elitserien). He had one assist in six games with the New York Islanders and eight goals and 28 assists in 56 games with Bridgeport (AHL) last season.
--------
The Swift Current Broncos dealt D Zach Habscheid, 17, to the Chilliwack Bruins for a fourth-round pick in the 2010 bantam draft. Habscheid, a ninth-round pick in the 2007 draft, had 18 points and 166 penalty minutes in 42 games with the midget AAA Swift Current Legionnaires last season. . . . The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Habscheid is the son of Bruins’ GM/head coach Marc Habscheid. . . . The deal was the last one made by Broncos’ GM/head coach Dean Chynoweth because . . .
--------
The Swift Current Broncos are looking for a general manager and a head coach following the resignation of head coach Dean Chynoweth. He announced Friday that he is leaving to join the NHL’s New York Islanders as an assistant coach. . . . The 41-year-old Chynoweth, who had been with the Broncos for five seasons, will work with head coach Scott Gordon with the Islanders. Chynoweth, 41, recently had had his option season picked up by the Broncos. He had joined Swift Current after four seasons as head coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds. . . . The Islanders actually selected Chynoweth 13th overall in the 1987 NHL draft. He had been a hard-nosed defenceman with the Medicine Hat Tigers and won two Memorial Cups there. Injuries limited him to 241 NHL games. . . . Now, of course, people now are wondering just what might have happened had Marc Habscheid, who is from Swift Current, not signed with Chilliwack. Al Stewart, the chairman of the Broncos’ board of directors, told Elizabeth Hunter of the Prairie Post: "This is my personal feeling . . . I am not sure that our budget could have supported hiring a guy of Marc's quality. That being said though, Marc made a decision that he feels is right, it is a perfect opportunity for him too because he has moved up into the general manager/coaching ranks and that is a step forward for him. Marc has made a decision to go to Chilliwack and things happen." . . . The most obvious move for the Broncos’ board is to promote assistant general manager/director of hockey operations Sheldon Ferguson and assistant coach Tim Kehler, but only time will tell.
--------
The WHL-champion Kelowna Rockets are in the market for an assistant coach following the resignation of Jeff Finley. The former NHL defenceman, who did a terrific job with the Kelowna defence, stepped aside in order to spend more time with his family. Finley, 42, had been with the Rockets since July 24, 2007. After playing four seasons in the WHL with the Portland Winter Hawks, Finley went on to play 15 seasons in the NHL. . . . Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton told Doyle Potenteau of the Kelowna Daily Courier that he received seven resumes within one hour of the club announcing Finley’s resignation.
"Coaching in hockey isn't like what it was a few years ago, where there was a shutdown period in the summer; it's now 12 months of the year because something's going on all the time," Hamilton told Potenteau. "And because of that, wives and kids have to make a lot of sacrifices. So I fully support . . . what Jeff wants to do, and that's spend time with his family.
"We're losing a very good person and an excellent coach, but I'm happy with his decision because he's happy. And I'm sure there's going to be a lineup of people who want to fill the position."
At the same time, Hamilton said head coach Ryan Huska will make the final decision on a new assistant coach and that assistant coaches Ryan Cuthbert, Kim Dillabaugh and Kim Gellert would continue in their roles.
--------
The Everett Silvertips are still without a head coach but they have signed D Nicholas Walters, the eighth overall selection in the WHL’s 2009 bantam draft. Walters, from St. Albert, Alta., was named the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League’s top defenceman after putting up 52 points in 32 games with the St. Albert Sabres. He also had 68 penalty minutes.
--------
The Sault Star is reporting that Craig Hartsburg has agreed to a two-year contract as head coach of the Everett Silvertips. The story is right here.
--------
Everett claimed C Alex Poulter, 20, and D Colin Scherger, 20, off waivers from the Prince George Cougars. Poulter had 23 points in 65 games last season, while Scherger had 10 points in 65 games. . . . The Silvertips now have five 20-year-olds on their roster, the others being D Shayne Brown, C Zack Dailey and F Shane Harper. Brown’s status is in doubt, though, after his 2008-09 season was ruined by a hip flexor problem.
--------
By the way, Alan Caldwell, over at Small Thoughts at Large, has reported that Everett and the Medicine Hat Tigers have agreed on compensation from the deal in which the Silvertips landed D Shayne Brown. Everett gave up D Tyler Kieffer, who turns 20 on July 20, in that deal but he never reported. If he doesn’t report in 2009-10, the Tigers will get a fourth-round 2010 bantam pick from the Silvertips.
--------
The Brandon Wheat Kings and the Keystone Centre’s board of directors have cut a deal that will, according to a press release, “result in the hockey team making a significant investment in the private suite project in Westman Place that will allow for the construction of all seven private suites, as originally planned.” The Keystone Centre didn’t have the financial wherewithal to foot the entire tab, so the Wheat Kings, the host team for the 2010 Memorial Cup, have agreed to get involved. “This investment supports the importance of the Memorial Cup coming to our facility and the City of Brandon, and as well, will serve the needs of the Wheat Kings and the Keystone Centre for many years to come,” Kelly McCrimmon, the franchise’s owner, said in a release. . . . The boxes are to be completed in January.
--------
Ryan Smith, who coached the MJHL’s Winnipeg South Blues last season, has been hired as head coach of that league’s Selkirk Steelers. Keith Cassidy, the Steelers’ GM and head coach for three seasons, had resigned. . . . The Blues, meanwhile, hired former U of Manitoba Bisons head coach Don MacGillivray as their new GM/head coach. Former WHLer Ray Neufeld will serve as assistant GM/assistant coach and another former WHLer, Sonny Mignacca, will be the goaltending coach.
--------
Adam Deadmarsh and Steve Konowalchuk, both of whom played in the WHL for the Portland Winter Hawks, have been added to the coaching staff of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche under head coach Joe Sacco. . . . Konowalchuk will be on the bench; Deadmarsh will be the team’s video/development coach.
--------
F Andrew Clark and F Matt Lowry, both of whom used up their WHL eligibility with the Brandon Wheat Kings last season, have received invitations to attend NHL training camps. Clark, who had 78 points, including 40 goals, in 72 games last season, will go to camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Lowry, who had 77 points in 71 games, will skate with the Ottawa Senators. . . . If Clark isn’t able to earn a pro contract, he’ll attend Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., and play for the Axemen.
--------
I know you will be as shocked as I was to learn that the Calgary Flames are expected to announce perhaps as early as today that Brent Sutter is their new head coach. Why don’t the Flames just offer jobs to all of the Sutter brothers and get it over with? . . . Once Brent is in place, he will join Darryl, who is the GM, Duane, who is director of player personnel, and Ron, who is a scout. Missing from the payroll are Brian, Rich and Gary, with the latter being the only brother not to have played in the NHL.
--------
The Flames also are expected to name former WHL player and coach Ryan McGill as an assistant coach – he was head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Quad City Flames, last season. Also expected to be named an assistant coach is Dave Lowry, who spent last season as head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen.
--------
Should Lowry leave the Hitmen, it will mean that at least seven WHL teams (Calgary, Chilliwack, Everett, Lethbridge, Prince George, Regina and Swift Current) will open the season with new head coaches.
--------
In Lethbridge, Brad Robson resigned as the Hurricanes’ assistant GM and director of scouting, telling radio voice Pat Siedlecki that that board of governors was taking too long to hire a GM so he had decided to move on. Robson had applied for the GM’s position that was vacated when the board fired Roy Stasiuk on May 11.
--------
I was told late last week that the Hurricanes were negotiating with veteran NHL assistant coach Perry Pearn in an attempt to sign him as their general manager. Pearn spent 1994-95 as the Medicine Hat Tigers’ head coach. . . . However, I have since been told that the Hurricanes are poised to announce that their new GM is Dave Barr. He spent four seasons running the OHL’s Guelph Storm, left to become an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche and lost his job when the Avs fired head coach Tony Granato and assorted other coaches.
--------
Old friend Morley Jaeger, the radio voice of the Prince Albert Raiders for 1,272 games, passed away Sunday at the age of 72. He handled Raiders’ games on 900 CKBI from 1972 through 1988, including four Centennial Cup championships – as the national junior A championship was then known. He also called the play of the Raiders’ Memorial Cup season (1984-85). On Nov. 15, the Raiders honoured Jaeger by naming the broadcast booth in the Art Hauser Centre in his honour. . . . Details of a celebration of Jaeger’s life will be announced early in the week.
--------
That’s it. You’re up to date . . . for a day or two. And, as Morley Jaeger used to say to end his sportscasts, “Until then, you know the score.”
Which beats the hell out of “welcome back.”
Actually, I’ve always wanted to do that.
Welcome back . . .
That is my impersonation of a TV sportscaster.
You’ve been on your couch all night. You haven’t gone anywhere. He/she takes a commercial break and when he/she returns, he/she opens with: “Welcome back.”
Even though you haven’t gone anywhere . . .
--------
Just back from Victoria. LGIW and I were there on Boxing Day of 2003 when the RCMP’s great raid on the B.C. Legislature took place. Just wanted to go back and see if anything had changed. It hasn’t. The mess has yet to be cleaned up. Victoria looks the same.
Of course, whenever I travel to Victoria from Kamloops, I have to make my way through the Lower Mainland. And I can only marvel at the inept road system. It is absolutely incredible and whenever I drive it I give thanks, over and over again, that I am not the driver of a big rig.
--------
So what has happened while I’ve been gone? Well . . . in chronological order, things unfolded something like this . . .
--------
THE MacBETH REPORT: D Joel Kwiatkowski (Tacoma/Kelowna/Prince George) signed a one-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg (KHL). He had 13 goals and 12 assists with Severstal Cherepovets (KHL) last season. . . . F Jarad Bourassa (Swift Current/Moose Jaw) signed with Gardena (Italy Serie B). He had 29 goals and 40 assists in 39 games with Gardina and one assist in three games with Odessa (KHL) last season. Bourassa joined Odessa after the season ended in Italy. . . . F Jeremy Colliton (Prince Albert) signed a one-year contract with Rögle Ängelholm (Sweden Elitserien). He had one assist in six games with the New York Islanders and eight goals and 28 assists in 56 games with Bridgeport (AHL) last season.
--------
The Swift Current Broncos dealt D Zach Habscheid, 17, to the Chilliwack Bruins for a fourth-round pick in the 2010 bantam draft. Habscheid, a ninth-round pick in the 2007 draft, had 18 points and 166 penalty minutes in 42 games with the midget AAA Swift Current Legionnaires last season. . . . The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Habscheid is the son of Bruins’ GM/head coach Marc Habscheid. . . . The deal was the last one made by Broncos’ GM/head coach Dean Chynoweth because . . .
--------
The Swift Current Broncos are looking for a general manager and a head coach following the resignation of head coach Dean Chynoweth. He announced Friday that he is leaving to join the NHL’s New York Islanders as an assistant coach. . . . The 41-year-old Chynoweth, who had been with the Broncos for five seasons, will work with head coach Scott Gordon with the Islanders. Chynoweth, 41, recently had had his option season picked up by the Broncos. He had joined Swift Current after four seasons as head coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds. . . . The Islanders actually selected Chynoweth 13th overall in the 1987 NHL draft. He had been a hard-nosed defenceman with the Medicine Hat Tigers and won two Memorial Cups there. Injuries limited him to 241 NHL games. . . . Now, of course, people now are wondering just what might have happened had Marc Habscheid, who is from Swift Current, not signed with Chilliwack. Al Stewart, the chairman of the Broncos’ board of directors, told Elizabeth Hunter of the Prairie Post: "This is my personal feeling . . . I am not sure that our budget could have supported hiring a guy of Marc's quality. That being said though, Marc made a decision that he feels is right, it is a perfect opportunity for him too because he has moved up into the general manager/coaching ranks and that is a step forward for him. Marc has made a decision to go to Chilliwack and things happen." . . . The most obvious move for the Broncos’ board is to promote assistant general manager/director of hockey operations Sheldon Ferguson and assistant coach Tim Kehler, but only time will tell.
--------
The WHL-champion Kelowna Rockets are in the market for an assistant coach following the resignation of Jeff Finley. The former NHL defenceman, who did a terrific job with the Kelowna defence, stepped aside in order to spend more time with his family. Finley, 42, had been with the Rockets since July 24, 2007. After playing four seasons in the WHL with the Portland Winter Hawks, Finley went on to play 15 seasons in the NHL. . . . Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton told Doyle Potenteau of the Kelowna Daily Courier that he received seven resumes within one hour of the club announcing Finley’s resignation.
"Coaching in hockey isn't like what it was a few years ago, where there was a shutdown period in the summer; it's now 12 months of the year because something's going on all the time," Hamilton told Potenteau. "And because of that, wives and kids have to make a lot of sacrifices. So I fully support . . . what Jeff wants to do, and that's spend time with his family.
"We're losing a very good person and an excellent coach, but I'm happy with his decision because he's happy. And I'm sure there's going to be a lineup of people who want to fill the position."
At the same time, Hamilton said head coach Ryan Huska will make the final decision on a new assistant coach and that assistant coaches Ryan Cuthbert, Kim Dillabaugh and Kim Gellert would continue in their roles.
--------
The Everett Silvertips are still without a head coach but they have signed D Nicholas Walters, the eighth overall selection in the WHL’s 2009 bantam draft. Walters, from St. Albert, Alta., was named the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League’s top defenceman after putting up 52 points in 32 games with the St. Albert Sabres. He also had 68 penalty minutes.
--------
The Sault Star is reporting that Craig Hartsburg has agreed to a two-year contract as head coach of the Everett Silvertips. The story is right here.
--------
Everett claimed C Alex Poulter, 20, and D Colin Scherger, 20, off waivers from the Prince George Cougars. Poulter had 23 points in 65 games last season, while Scherger had 10 points in 65 games. . . . The Silvertips now have five 20-year-olds on their roster, the others being D Shayne Brown, C Zack Dailey and F Shane Harper. Brown’s status is in doubt, though, after his 2008-09 season was ruined by a hip flexor problem.
--------
By the way, Alan Caldwell, over at Small Thoughts at Large, has reported that Everett and the Medicine Hat Tigers have agreed on compensation from the deal in which the Silvertips landed D Shayne Brown. Everett gave up D Tyler Kieffer, who turns 20 on July 20, in that deal but he never reported. If he doesn’t report in 2009-10, the Tigers will get a fourth-round 2010 bantam pick from the Silvertips.
--------
The Brandon Wheat Kings and the Keystone Centre’s board of directors have cut a deal that will, according to a press release, “result in the hockey team making a significant investment in the private suite project in Westman Place that will allow for the construction of all seven private suites, as originally planned.” The Keystone Centre didn’t have the financial wherewithal to foot the entire tab, so the Wheat Kings, the host team for the 2010 Memorial Cup, have agreed to get involved. “This investment supports the importance of the Memorial Cup coming to our facility and the City of Brandon, and as well, will serve the needs of the Wheat Kings and the Keystone Centre for many years to come,” Kelly McCrimmon, the franchise’s owner, said in a release. . . . The boxes are to be completed in January.
--------
Ryan Smith, who coached the MJHL’s Winnipeg South Blues last season, has been hired as head coach of that league’s Selkirk Steelers. Keith Cassidy, the Steelers’ GM and head coach for three seasons, had resigned. . . . The Blues, meanwhile, hired former U of Manitoba Bisons head coach Don MacGillivray as their new GM/head coach. Former WHLer Ray Neufeld will serve as assistant GM/assistant coach and another former WHLer, Sonny Mignacca, will be the goaltending coach.
--------
Adam Deadmarsh and Steve Konowalchuk, both of whom played in the WHL for the Portland Winter Hawks, have been added to the coaching staff of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche under head coach Joe Sacco. . . . Konowalchuk will be on the bench; Deadmarsh will be the team’s video/development coach.
--------
F Andrew Clark and F Matt Lowry, both of whom used up their WHL eligibility with the Brandon Wheat Kings last season, have received invitations to attend NHL training camps. Clark, who had 78 points, including 40 goals, in 72 games last season, will go to camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Lowry, who had 77 points in 71 games, will skate with the Ottawa Senators. . . . If Clark isn’t able to earn a pro contract, he’ll attend Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., and play for the Axemen.
--------
I know you will be as shocked as I was to learn that the Calgary Flames are expected to announce perhaps as early as today that Brent Sutter is their new head coach. Why don’t the Flames just offer jobs to all of the Sutter brothers and get it over with? . . . Once Brent is in place, he will join Darryl, who is the GM, Duane, who is director of player personnel, and Ron, who is a scout. Missing from the payroll are Brian, Rich and Gary, with the latter being the only brother not to have played in the NHL.
--------
The Flames also are expected to name former WHL player and coach Ryan McGill as an assistant coach – he was head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Quad City Flames, last season. Also expected to be named an assistant coach is Dave Lowry, who spent last season as head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen.
--------
Should Lowry leave the Hitmen, it will mean that at least seven WHL teams (Calgary, Chilliwack, Everett, Lethbridge, Prince George, Regina and Swift Current) will open the season with new head coaches.
--------
In Lethbridge, Brad Robson resigned as the Hurricanes’ assistant GM and director of scouting, telling radio voice Pat Siedlecki that that board of governors was taking too long to hire a GM so he had decided to move on. Robson had applied for the GM’s position that was vacated when the board fired Roy Stasiuk on May 11.
--------
I was told late last week that the Hurricanes were negotiating with veteran NHL assistant coach Perry Pearn in an attempt to sign him as their general manager. Pearn spent 1994-95 as the Medicine Hat Tigers’ head coach. . . . However, I have since been told that the Hurricanes are poised to announce that their new GM is Dave Barr. He spent four seasons running the OHL’s Guelph Storm, left to become an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche and lost his job when the Avs fired head coach Tony Granato and assorted other coaches.
--------
Old friend Morley Jaeger, the radio voice of the Prince Albert Raiders for 1,272 games, passed away Sunday at the age of 72. He handled Raiders’ games on 900 CKBI from 1972 through 1988, including four Centennial Cup championships – as the national junior A championship was then known. He also called the play of the Raiders’ Memorial Cup season (1984-85). On Nov. 15, the Raiders honoured Jaeger by naming the broadcast booth in the Art Hauser Centre in his honour. . . . Details of a celebration of Jaeger’s life will be announced early in the week.
--------
That’s it. You’re up to date . . . for a day or two. And, as Morley Jaeger used to say to end his sportscasts, “Until then, you know the score.”
Which beats the hell out of “welcome back.”
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Keeping Score
The Stanley Cup final only reaffirmed that when the referees put away their whistles and allow obstruction back into the game, well, you’re going to get 3-1 and 2-1 games. . . . When you look at the talent available on the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins roster, the seven-game final should have been a whole lot better than it was. But the referees slowed it down by choosing not to call obstruction the way it had been policed in the regular season. . . . You knew, of course, that the only product of the WHL on the Penguins’ roster is Vernon native Eric Godard and he didn’t get into even one playoff game. He had four points and 171 penalty minutes in 71 regular-season games.
It was one thing for Hockey Night in Canada to show numerous shots of Sidney Crosby’s parents during Game 7, but, sheesh, it went too far when the announcers started referring to them by their first names. . . . For the record, that would be Trina and Troy. . . . Bruce Dowbiggin writes a sports media column (Usual Suspects) for The Globe and Mail. After watching HNIC’s Ron MacLean in the postgame show after Game 7, Dowbiggin wrote: “Hmm, Usual Suspects thought you had to buy a ticket to be a fan.” . . . Seattle Times reader Bill Littlejohn, after the Red Wings accused Crosby of not being quick enough to the handshake line: “Sidney was reportedly busy unlacing his LeBron James signature skates.” . . . So the Penguins tie a can to head coach Michel Therrien in midseason, bring in Dan Bylsma and win the Stanley Cup. Who says midseason coaching changes don’t work? . . . Of course, this means you don’t want to be an NHL head coach whose team gets off to a slow start next season.
Mike Lupica, in the New York Daily News: “I think USC deserves our praise for somehow remaining under the salary cap — and in two sports — for as long as it has.” . . . Janice Hough, the Left Coast Sports Babe, on the Major League Baseball draft, which was held over three days last week: “MLB’s draft never receives as much attention as the NBA and NFL drafts, partly because it goes on forever, and for the most part it features players most Americans have never heard of, sort of like the Stanley Cup playoffs.” . . . If you’re like me, you’re thinking that Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic will spend two hours every day in the offseason practising free-throw shooting. . . . It says here that we’re going to have fun following basketballer Kelly Olynyk for the next few seasons at Gonzaga U in Spokane.
With Wimbledon approaching, Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle provides a warning: “If you thought (Maria) Sharapova and the Williams sisters have taken shrieking to an inexcusable level, wait until you hear (Michelle) Larcher de Brito. She's a new-age shrieker, shattering all previous standards of volume and density.” . . . Larcher de Prito is a talented Portuguese teenager. Jenkins is hopeful that she will end up in a match against Sharapova, which might be enough for tennis officials to finally put a stop to the raquet racket. . . . Lamont and Tonelli, a couple of U.S. radio jocks, apparently put together a tennis audio tape. It features shrieking women and groaning men, and now you’re smiling, aren’t you? . . . Gary Loewen of the Toronto Sun has two questions for NHL boss Gary Bettman: “1. Is it true you had the referees experiment with dog whistles during Game 7? 2. Is it possible to demote some NHL officials to figure-skating judges?”
You may have heard that Sammy Sosa, the former hip-hop home run hitter, has said he is ready to retire and that he will “calmly wait” for his induction into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.” To which Elliott Harris of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote: “Certainly, just as soon as the fine folks in Cooperstown, N.Y., can figure out a way to make his plaque out of cork.” . . . Of course, Sammy’s chances may have taken a real hit with the revelation by the New York Times this week that tested positive in 2003. . . . Ian Hamilton, in the Regina Leader-Post: “Zero Tolerance Entertainment, a company which deals in adult videos, reportedly has asked the Houston Texans if it can advertise on the NFL team’s practice jerseys. The Texans are thinking long and hard about the offer.” . . . Perhaps B.C. Lions owner David Braley, who is in the habit of quietly bailing out other CFL teams, could help out the auto and forestry industries.
An interesting trial was held earlier this week in Victoria where one hockey player, Robin Gomez, faced charges of assaulting another, Chris Ferraro, during an ECHL game in that city. What made it even more interesting was that Gomez was defended by the father-son lawyer tandem of Alexander (Sandy) Watt of Kamloops and his son, Jordan, who works out of Victoria. Hmm, perhaps there’s a TV drama there. Or maybe a reality show. . . . There are rumblings that Bill Belichick, the head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots, is soon to be married. Seattle Times reader Bill Littlejohn, for one, believes the rumours to be true because “he has already ordered a tuxedo with a hood on it.” . . . Dan Daly, in the Washington Times: “Read somewhere that Bill Belichick might get married again. As noncommittal as Bill is, though, it’ll probably be a wedding day decision. If you can’t make the ceremony, don’t worry. Something tells me Belichick will have it taped.” . . . Greg Cote, in the Miami Herald: “Veteran NFL quarterback Trent Green is retiring after 15 seasons marred by concussions. Friends are telling Green he enjoyed a solid career.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca and gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
It was one thing for Hockey Night in Canada to show numerous shots of Sidney Crosby’s parents during Game 7, but, sheesh, it went too far when the announcers started referring to them by their first names. . . . For the record, that would be Trina and Troy. . . . Bruce Dowbiggin writes a sports media column (Usual Suspects) for The Globe and Mail. After watching HNIC’s Ron MacLean in the postgame show after Game 7, Dowbiggin wrote: “Hmm, Usual Suspects thought you had to buy a ticket to be a fan.” . . . Seattle Times reader Bill Littlejohn, after the Red Wings accused Crosby of not being quick enough to the handshake line: “Sidney was reportedly busy unlacing his LeBron James signature skates.” . . . So the Penguins tie a can to head coach Michel Therrien in midseason, bring in Dan Bylsma and win the Stanley Cup. Who says midseason coaching changes don’t work? . . . Of course, this means you don’t want to be an NHL head coach whose team gets off to a slow start next season.
Mike Lupica, in the New York Daily News: “I think USC deserves our praise for somehow remaining under the salary cap — and in two sports — for as long as it has.” . . . Janice Hough, the Left Coast Sports Babe, on the Major League Baseball draft, which was held over three days last week: “MLB’s draft never receives as much attention as the NBA and NFL drafts, partly because it goes on forever, and for the most part it features players most Americans have never heard of, sort of like the Stanley Cup playoffs.” . . . If you’re like me, you’re thinking that Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic will spend two hours every day in the offseason practising free-throw shooting. . . . It says here that we’re going to have fun following basketballer Kelly Olynyk for the next few seasons at Gonzaga U in Spokane.
With Wimbledon approaching, Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle provides a warning: “If you thought (Maria) Sharapova and the Williams sisters have taken shrieking to an inexcusable level, wait until you hear (Michelle) Larcher de Brito. She's a new-age shrieker, shattering all previous standards of volume and density.” . . . Larcher de Prito is a talented Portuguese teenager. Jenkins is hopeful that she will end up in a match against Sharapova, which might be enough for tennis officials to finally put a stop to the raquet racket. . . . Lamont and Tonelli, a couple of U.S. radio jocks, apparently put together a tennis audio tape. It features shrieking women and groaning men, and now you’re smiling, aren’t you? . . . Gary Loewen of the Toronto Sun has two questions for NHL boss Gary Bettman: “1. Is it true you had the referees experiment with dog whistles during Game 7? 2. Is it possible to demote some NHL officials to figure-skating judges?”
You may have heard that Sammy Sosa, the former hip-hop home run hitter, has said he is ready to retire and that he will “calmly wait” for his induction into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.” To which Elliott Harris of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote: “Certainly, just as soon as the fine folks in Cooperstown, N.Y., can figure out a way to make his plaque out of cork.” . . . Of course, Sammy’s chances may have taken a real hit with the revelation by the New York Times this week that tested positive in 2003. . . . Ian Hamilton, in the Regina Leader-Post: “Zero Tolerance Entertainment, a company which deals in adult videos, reportedly has asked the Houston Texans if it can advertise on the NFL team’s practice jerseys. The Texans are thinking long and hard about the offer.” . . . Perhaps B.C. Lions owner David Braley, who is in the habit of quietly bailing out other CFL teams, could help out the auto and forestry industries.
An interesting trial was held earlier this week in Victoria where one hockey player, Robin Gomez, faced charges of assaulting another, Chris Ferraro, during an ECHL game in that city. What made it even more interesting was that Gomez was defended by the father-son lawyer tandem of Alexander (Sandy) Watt of Kamloops and his son, Jordan, who works out of Victoria. Hmm, perhaps there’s a TV drama there. Or maybe a reality show. . . . There are rumblings that Bill Belichick, the head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots, is soon to be married. Seattle Times reader Bill Littlejohn, for one, believes the rumours to be true because “he has already ordered a tuxedo with a hood on it.” . . . Dan Daly, in the Washington Times: “Read somewhere that Bill Belichick might get married again. As noncommittal as Bill is, though, it’ll probably be a wedding day decision. If you can’t make the ceremony, don’t worry. Something tells me Belichick will have it taped.” . . . Greg Cote, in the Miami Herald: “Veteran NFL quarterback Trent Green is retiring after 15 seasons marred by concussions. Friends are telling Green he enjoyed a solid career.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca and gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Still more from Wednesday . . .
F Joel Lowry, the son of Calgary Hitmen head coach Dave Lowry, has agreed to play for the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies this season. Joel, whose WHL rights belong to the Red Deer Rebels, played last season with the Calgary Buffaloes, who won the Alberta midget championship.
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The MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints are without a general manager and a head coach. . . . General manager Wayne Anderson has retired after nine seasons. . . . Head coach Doug Stokes has retired in order to focus on his health after having bypass surgery (hey, Doug, eat lots of seafood, but don’t touch the shrimp.) . . . Hmm. Might Keith Cassidy, who recently left the Selkirk Steelers after three years as their head coach, end up with the Saints?
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The WHL’s Everett Silvertips are getting some company in the Comcast Arena. The Stealth, a National Lacrosse League franchise that has spent six seasons in San Jose, is moving to Everett. The indoor lacrosse team will announce a new nickname next week. The NLL season begins in January.
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The best news I heard Wednesday involved the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings. Yes, Dwight McMillan will be back for another season as the team’s head coach. McMillan, who got his 1,000th victory on Feb. 1, 2008, has been coaching the Red Wings seemingly forever. Well, not quite that long, but he was the SJHL’s coach of the year for 1984-85. . . . I believe he has been coaching the Red Wings since 1972, which may be the longest run of any active coach with one team. . . . With 1,000 coaching victories, McMillan is keeping company with the likes of Scotty Bowman and Brian Kilrea and . . .
And you can’t mention McMillan without dropping the name of general manager Ron Rumball. Those two go together like bacon and eggs. And, oh, the stories they can tell!
Gentlemen, take notes and write a book. Please!
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The MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints are without a general manager and a head coach. . . . General manager Wayne Anderson has retired after nine seasons. . . . Head coach Doug Stokes has retired in order to focus on his health after having bypass surgery (hey, Doug, eat lots of seafood, but don’t touch the shrimp.) . . . Hmm. Might Keith Cassidy, who recently left the Selkirk Steelers after three years as their head coach, end up with the Saints?
---
The WHL’s Everett Silvertips are getting some company in the Comcast Arena. The Stealth, a National Lacrosse League franchise that has spent six seasons in San Jose, is moving to Everett. The indoor lacrosse team will announce a new nickname next week. The NLL season begins in January.
---
The best news I heard Wednesday involved the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings. Yes, Dwight McMillan will be back for another season as the team’s head coach. McMillan, who got his 1,000th victory on Feb. 1, 2008, has been coaching the Red Wings seemingly forever. Well, not quite that long, but he was the SJHL’s coach of the year for 1984-85. . . . I believe he has been coaching the Red Wings since 1972, which may be the longest run of any active coach with one team. . . . With 1,000 coaching victories, McMillan is keeping company with the likes of Scotty Bowman and Brian Kilrea and . . .
And you can’t mention McMillan without dropping the name of general manager Ron Rumball. Those two go together like bacon and eggs. And, oh, the stories they can tell!
Gentlemen, take notes and write a book. Please!
More from Wednesday . . .
Dale Derkatch, fired May 5 as head coach of the Regina Pats, has signed on with the Prince Albert Raiders as their director of player personnel. The Raiders are in the process of redoing their organizational structure and Derkatch replaces Dave O’Brien, whose contract as head scout wasn’t renewed. Before coaching the Pats for one season, Derkatch was the director of hockey development at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask. He also spent a lot of time (1998-2004) scouting for the NHL’s Washington Capitals. . . .
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F Dan Watt, who played for the Saskatoon Blades and Tri-City Americans (2004-07) has said he will play this season for the Nipissing Lakers who are preparing for their first season as a Canadian university team. The Lakers play out of North Bay, Ont. . . .
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Congrats to Tim Tisdale, who scored the OT goal in the 1989 Memorial Cup final, on being honoured by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association as its coach of the year. Tisdale, who scored that goal for his hometown Swift Current Broncos, is past-president of the Swift Current Minor Hockey Association and also serves as a referee. And he is the colour analyst on a lot of the radio broadcasts of Broncos’ games.
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F Dan Watt, who played for the Saskatoon Blades and Tri-City Americans (2004-07) has said he will play this season for the Nipissing Lakers who are preparing for their first season as a Canadian university team. The Lakers play out of North Bay, Ont. . . .
---
Congrats to Tim Tisdale, who scored the OT goal in the 1989 Memorial Cup final, on being honoured by the Saskatchewan Hockey Association as its coach of the year. Tisdale, who scored that goal for his hometown Swift Current Broncos, is past-president of the Swift Current Minor Hockey Association and also serves as a referee. And he is the colour analyst on a lot of the radio broadcasts of Broncos’ games.
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