Blazers box

THE SCORE
Saskatoon 4, Kamloops 3 (OT)

WHAT HAPPENED
The Blazers took one too many penalties and lost this one when the Blades,
who outshot them 42-26, scored on the PP.

THE STANDINGS
The Blazers (13-14-1-3) are sixth in the Western Conference, but now are
just one point behind the Everett Silvertips (14-11-3-0), who hold three
games in hand.

THE SILENCE
Prior to the game, a moment of silence was held to honour the memory of
Michael Maniago, the former Blazers goaltender who died in a car crash early
Saturday in Calgary.

THE FANS
Included in the crowd of 4,140 were 31 Blades supporters who are trucking
around B.C. with the team. The Blades’ boosters met with members of the
Blazers Booster Club during one intermission and exchanged gifts.

THE SON
Saskatoon LW Curtis Hamilton is the son of Kelowna Rockets’ president and GM
Bruce Hamilton. Curtis wears No. 9, the same number his father wore when he
played for the Blades.

THE COACH
Lorne Molleken, Saskatoon’s GM and head coach, will be the next to 400 WHL
victories. Don Hay (Vancouver Giants) and Don Nachbaur (Tri-City Americans)
got there this season. Molleken has 390 victories, good for 11th on the
all-time list.

THE NATIONAL TEAMS
Saskatoon F Milan Kytnar will play for Slovakia at the 2009 World Junior
Championship that opens Dec. 26 in Ottawa. USA Hockey will name its national
team this morning. Hockey Canada will unveil the roster for its
selection camp today as well.

THE DAILY NEWS THREE STARS

1. LW Derek Hulak, Saskatoon. Two goals, including the winner.

2. G Justin Leclerc, Kamloops. Gave his side a chance.

3. LW Adam Chorneyko, Saskatoon. Burned his old club twice.

NEXT UP
The Blazers head into Alberta for four games, starting Friday when they meet
the Oil Kings in Edmonton. They are next at home on Dec. 13 when they meet
the Swift Current Broncos. Game time is 7 p.m.