Pre-Game:
Wacey Hamilton dressed tonight
Red Deers Landon Ferarro dressed for the first time in 10 games with a knee injury
--------------------------------------------------
1st Period
Rebels Goal
1-0 Cowen, (4) (Green, Coetzee), ,
Little joey frazer couldn't contain his man in the corner and the rebels got a path to the net. Frazer was just able to just knock the puck off his stick, while the two tigers defenseman battled their guys in front of the net
I don't know how but Bunz looked like he was knocked down in the process, and then Josh Cowen picked up the loose puck skated past a slash from joey frazer and scored in the top of the net while Bunz was laying down.
Rebels Goal
2-0 Cowen, (4) (Coetzee, Morin),
Cullin Morin shot the puck from the point, and the puck was tipped not once but twice.
End OF first
A very fast paced first period. I thought the tigers were playing pretty good in their defensive zone despite being outscored by 2 goals. They were only beat once to the net and they didn't give up any odd man rushes. I think that "flu" and "lower body injury" suffered by Wacey Hamilton is actually a shoulder injury, just a guess. Wacey Hamilton also received a 10 minute misconduct at the end of the first period.
------------------------------------
2nd Period
Rebels Goal
3-0 Green, (7) (Kudrna, Ferraro),
Tomas Kundratek and Thomas Carr get caught flat footed as the puck is chipped by Kundratek along the boards and Andej Kudma gets a breakaway. Tyler Bunz makes a very good first stop, however Nathan Green is able to shoot in the rebound.
Rebels Goal
4-0 Coetzee, (9) (Nugent-Hopkins, Green)(PP),
Linden vey was dragged over trying to block a shot which left the center of the ice wide open. Nugent Hopkins passes over to Willie Coetzee who absolutely rifles one from the point. Powerplay Goal.
Tigers Goal
4-1 Gal, (5)
Taylor Gal blocks a pass along the blueline short handed and is sent in on a breakaway. Nathan Green just manages to catch him at the last second and trips him up. Gal is still able to get a shot off as he is falling. The goalie stops the shot but the puck is knocked into the net as Gal, and Nathan Green crash into him.
End OF Second
Well I thought the tigers let off the gas pedal a little bit compared to teh first period. You could see the frustration in their play as they are doing a bit of pushing and shoving after the whistle.
I'm not seeing very many checks being finished and the rebels look like they have built a lot of confidence in their play.
--------------------------------------
Third Period
Tiger Goal
4-2 King, (8) (Cameron, Kundratek),
Just as the Tigers PP was expiring, Off the Wing I thought it was Emerson Etem who shot the puck and Rebels Goalie Darcy Kuemper knocked it away with his blocker, However the puck went off the glass behind him and right back out in front. Tristan King skated in and put it home.
End Game
Final Score 4-2 Rebels.
Well the tigers played better in the third but I really thought the rebels let off the gas pedal. The refs were pretty favorable to the tigers and they got a few PP opportunities. The tigers managed quite a few high quality scoring chances and Darcy Kuemper stood on his head and turned most of them away.
A very disappointing road trip going 0-3, But that last period was a step in the right direction.
The tigers take on the struggling Seattle Thunderbirds Tomorrow night at the Arena.
Friday, October 30, 2009
New Events Center
City Council held a meeting yesterday on the Events Center.
If you missed the meeting and would like to watch it you can download it from the medicine hat website. http://www.city.medicine-hat.ab.ca/City%20Government/Departments/Community%20Development/New%20Event%20Centre%20Planning/index.asp
*Top link on page*
Note there is no audio for the first 30 minutes. So I skipped the beginning.
Key Notes
- They presented a proposal for 5500 seat arena expandable to 6500. It would maintain that "close" atmosphere feel. IT would also have 22 suites located at one end. The score clock could be pulled up if need be. Their would be a restaurant and lounge.
-The total cost they estimate at around 89 million dollars, with a 5% leeway of 94 million Dollars.
-The building would be about 175,00-180,000 square feet which is 3 times the size of the current arena.
They also said that the operating cost of the current arena for next year is about $400,000. The operating cost for the new building would be much lower.(I think they said $175,000 but I cant remember)
- 25 year lifetime expectancy. They also said that if they build it at the arena location there would obviously be flood issues.
On November 16th council is expected to go over funding options.
They also said that city council is expected to vote on the project on january 4th, 2010
If you missed the meeting and would like to watch it you can download it from the medicine hat website. http://www.city.medicine-hat.ab.ca/City%20Government/Departments/Community%20Development/New%20Event%20Centre%20Planning/index.asp
*Top link on page*
Note there is no audio for the first 30 minutes. So I skipped the beginning.
Key Notes
- They presented a proposal for 5500 seat arena expandable to 6500. It would maintain that "close" atmosphere feel. IT would also have 22 suites located at one end. The score clock could be pulled up if need be. Their would be a restaurant and lounge.
-The total cost they estimate at around 89 million dollars, with a 5% leeway of 94 million Dollars.
-The building would be about 175,00-180,000 square feet which is 3 times the size of the current arena.
They also said that the operating cost of the current arena for next year is about $400,000. The operating cost for the new building would be much lower.(I think they said $175,000 but I cant remember)
- 25 year lifetime expectancy. They also said that if they build it at the arena location there would obviously be flood issues.
On November 16th council is expected to go over funding options.
They also said that city council is expected to vote on the project on january 4th, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
2 Tigers Named to Team WHL
The 2009 SUBWAY® Super Series will take place November 16 – 26 and marks the seventh straight year that teams of CHL All-Stars have competed against Team Russia in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Tigers forwards Wacey Hamilton and Linden Vey are expected to take part in both games being held on November 25th in Victoria and November 26th in Kelowna.
Those dates actually come at a good time as the tigers are on a 6 day layoff period, during that week.
http://www.whl.ca/team-whl-rosters-announced-for-subway%C2%AE-super-series-p138492
Tigers forwards Wacey Hamilton and Linden Vey are expected to take part in both games being held on November 25th in Victoria and November 26th in Kelowna.
Those dates actually come at a good time as the tigers are on a 6 day layoff period, during that week.
http://www.whl.ca/team-whl-rosters-announced-for-subway%C2%AE-super-series-p138492
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tigers 0 @ P.A 6
Pre Game Notes
Wacey Hamilton still out of the lineup.
Devin Dubyk Gets the start tonight.
Looks Like Okal, Kessey, and Cameron are wearing full face shields.
Boston Leier Is dressed for the second straight game.
Line Combos
Kessey Vey Etem
Okal Cameron King
Gal Frazer M. MacKay
Leier Petryk S. MKay
Lines Were mixed up in the second period. In the third period the 3rd and 4th lines played the last half of the game.
-------------------------
1st Period
Lots of continuous play, not many whistles both teams had a few good chances. Tigers started a bit slow but started putting more pressure on later in the period.
Zdenik Okal had a half open net but couldn't backhand a shot over a sprawled out Garret Zemlak. Also the Raiders had a shorthanded Breakaway but they didn't get a shot on net as Isherwood raced back and got a stick in the way to deflect the puck high
Dylan Businius played a lot more minutes than usual. HE took a surprise hit with about 5 minutes to go and looked like he was limping a bit, hopefully its just a slight charley horse.
End OF First
--------------------
Second Period
Ugg A repeat of the second period in last nights game.
Raiders Goal
1-0 Raiders Hickmott, (8) (Herrod, Deck)
The tigers forwards were caught being greedy and not coming back quick enough. Jordan Hickmott the late guy coming in was fed a really nice pass By Brandon Herrod. Hickmott just waited as Dubyk dropped to his knees, and Hickmott easily deked to the left and put the puck into a partial open net.
Raiders Goal
2-0 Herrod, (7) (Maylan)
Jace Coyle coughed the puck up along the boards high in the tigers zone. The raiders then had a 3on1 in which Justin Maylan Gave a cross ice pass to brandon Herrod who shot it onto the partial open net. Dubyk didnt have much chance on that one.
Raider Goal
3-0 McCallum, (7) (Rowley, Herrod),
A pretty big Defensive breakdown McCallum was allowed to walk behind the net out the otherside for a wrap around, then managed to get his own rebound completely untouched. The defenders and center man got caught watching
Its disappointing the Tigers are bringing their "B" game. It looks like they are tired, or have bus legs or something. Their not moving their feet like they did during those 2 blowouts at the arena. They miss their Captain Wacey Hamilton to light a fire under their @$$. They did manage quite a few shots in the second, but a lot of them were long shots on the PP. They are making Garrett Zemlak look good with most of their shots coming either from the outside, or not getting good wood on close encounters in tight.
End Of Second.
---------------------------
Third Period
Raiders Goal
4-0 Cameron, (6) (Maylan, Button),
Jace Coyle gets caught up on a rush. ON a 4 on2 he fires a bullet of a pass that Cameron cant handle. Raiders turn it back the other way on a 2 on 1
Justin Maylan Waited out a sprawling defender then passed to dustin cameron who tipped it in on the open net.
Raider Goal
5-0 Rowley, (2)
Rowley fired a hard wrist shot from the point. Kundratek got his stick in the way trying to knock the puck down, and perfectly tipped it into his own net.
Raider Goal
6-0 Hickmott, (9) (Deck, Revenko)
Raiders on the PP. Deck passed it over To Hickmott on the half wall who one-timed it on net. It looked like Scott McKay may have screened Dubyk as the puck went in low stick side.
End Game
--------------------
5 of 6 periods these last 2 games I thought the tigers didn't bring a complete effort. Tonight it was not one specific area but it was a pretty equal team loss. Forwards, Goaltending and Defense was not up to snuff.
The Raiders goaltender played a pretty good game. He stopped the tough shots when he had too, and managed to control his rebounds on a lot of those shots from the outside.
The tigers were also 0/7 on the PP. They gave up a breakaway and 2- 2on1 rushes while on their powerplay.
3 Stars
1. P.A - 26 Brandon Herrod
2. P.A - 35 Garrett Zemlak
3. P.A - 12 Craig McCallum
Link TO MH News article: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/149610/110/
--------------------
Article Comments
Found a couple comments to be a little amusing.
Challenge Issued?
-Willie Desjardin's Comments in the paper
“It’s tough but that’s why not everybody wins and not everybody goes on to be hockey players. That’s when you see the character of your team, the character of your players.”
Wacey Hamilton still out of the lineup.
Devin Dubyk Gets the start tonight.
Looks Like Okal, Kessey, and Cameron are wearing full face shields.
Boston Leier Is dressed for the second straight game.
Line Combos
Kessey Vey Etem
Okal Cameron King
Gal Frazer M. MacKay
Leier Petryk S. MKay
Lines Were mixed up in the second period. In the third period the 3rd and 4th lines played the last half of the game.
-------------------------
1st Period
Lots of continuous play, not many whistles both teams had a few good chances. Tigers started a bit slow but started putting more pressure on later in the period.
Zdenik Okal had a half open net but couldn't backhand a shot over a sprawled out Garret Zemlak. Also the Raiders had a shorthanded Breakaway but they didn't get a shot on net as Isherwood raced back and got a stick in the way to deflect the puck high
Dylan Businius played a lot more minutes than usual. HE took a surprise hit with about 5 minutes to go and looked like he was limping a bit, hopefully its just a slight charley horse.
End OF First
--------------------
Second Period
Ugg A repeat of the second period in last nights game.
Raiders Goal
1-0 Raiders Hickmott, (8) (Herrod, Deck)
The tigers forwards were caught being greedy and not coming back quick enough. Jordan Hickmott the late guy coming in was fed a really nice pass By Brandon Herrod. Hickmott just waited as Dubyk dropped to his knees, and Hickmott easily deked to the left and put the puck into a partial open net.
Raiders Goal
2-0 Herrod, (7) (Maylan)
Jace Coyle coughed the puck up along the boards high in the tigers zone. The raiders then had a 3on1 in which Justin Maylan Gave a cross ice pass to brandon Herrod who shot it onto the partial open net. Dubyk didnt have much chance on that one.
Raider Goal
3-0 McCallum, (7) (Rowley, Herrod),
A pretty big Defensive breakdown McCallum was allowed to walk behind the net out the otherside for a wrap around, then managed to get his own rebound completely untouched. The defenders and center man got caught watching
Its disappointing the Tigers are bringing their "B" game. It looks like they are tired, or have bus legs or something. Their not moving their feet like they did during those 2 blowouts at the arena. They miss their Captain Wacey Hamilton to light a fire under their @$$. They did manage quite a few shots in the second, but a lot of them were long shots on the PP. They are making Garrett Zemlak look good with most of their shots coming either from the outside, or not getting good wood on close encounters in tight.
End Of Second.
---------------------------
Third Period
Raiders Goal
4-0 Cameron, (6) (Maylan, Button),
Jace Coyle gets caught up on a rush. ON a 4 on2 he fires a bullet of a pass that Cameron cant handle. Raiders turn it back the other way on a 2 on 1
Justin Maylan Waited out a sprawling defender then passed to dustin cameron who tipped it in on the open net.
Raider Goal
5-0 Rowley, (2)
Rowley fired a hard wrist shot from the point. Kundratek got his stick in the way trying to knock the puck down, and perfectly tipped it into his own net.
Raider Goal
6-0 Hickmott, (9) (Deck, Revenko)
Raiders on the PP. Deck passed it over To Hickmott on the half wall who one-timed it on net. It looked like Scott McKay may have screened Dubyk as the puck went in low stick side.
End Game
--------------------
5 of 6 periods these last 2 games I thought the tigers didn't bring a complete effort. Tonight it was not one specific area but it was a pretty equal team loss. Forwards, Goaltending and Defense was not up to snuff.
The Raiders goaltender played a pretty good game. He stopped the tough shots when he had too, and managed to control his rebounds on a lot of those shots from the outside.
The tigers were also 0/7 on the PP. They gave up a breakaway and 2- 2on1 rushes while on their powerplay.
3 Stars
1. P.A - 26 Brandon Herrod
2. P.A - 35 Garrett Zemlak
3. P.A - 12 Craig McCallum
Link TO MH News article: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/149610/110/
--------------------
Article Comments
Found a couple comments to be a little amusing.
Challenge Issued?
-Willie Desjardin's Comments in the paper
“It’s tough but that’s why not everybody wins and not everybody goes on to be hockey players. That’s when you see the character of your team, the character of your players.”
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tigers Whiped By Blades 7-2
I missed the first period. But from the sounds of things the tigers took it to the Blades in the first period but didn't have any luck being down 2-0.
The blades were playing really physical and it looked like it Intimidated the tigers in the second and third period.
In the second and third periods I thought the tigers played real poorly on their defensive game. They were soft on the puck, doing a lot of reaching and standing, which could be attributed to the physical play of Saskatoon. They still did manage a handful of good scoring opportunities, but the Blades did a pretty good job at whacking away pucks when the tigers started to close in.
It sounded like the tigers just had a very tough game, with some early injuries. Their gonna have to find a way to play with the blades physical style of play next time they face each other.
Willie Desjardin Interview
The blades broadcaster Interviewed Willie Desjardin after the game and he sounded pretty pissed in a polite sort of way, giving very short generic answers.
Willie Said that they lost 3 guys in the first 5 minutes of the game and was forced to play the 16 year olds on their 3rd line.
I could see Both Okal, and Cameron wearing full face shields. The tigers looked pretty tired in the third and they are probably a little banged up.
They will have to find a way to come back against Prince Albert Tomorrow.
Link to the MH News Article: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/149012/110/
The blades were playing really physical and it looked like it Intimidated the tigers in the second and third period.
In the second and third periods I thought the tigers played real poorly on their defensive game. They were soft on the puck, doing a lot of reaching and standing, which could be attributed to the physical play of Saskatoon. They still did manage a handful of good scoring opportunities, but the Blades did a pretty good job at whacking away pucks when the tigers started to close in.
It sounded like the tigers just had a very tough game, with some early injuries. Their gonna have to find a way to play with the blades physical style of play next time they face each other.
Willie Desjardin Interview
The blades broadcaster Interviewed Willie Desjardin after the game and he sounded pretty pissed in a polite sort of way, giving very short generic answers.
Willie Said that they lost 3 guys in the first 5 minutes of the game and was forced to play the 16 year olds on their 3rd line.
I could see Both Okal, and Cameron wearing full face shields. The tigers looked pretty tired in the third and they are probably a little banged up.
They will have to find a way to come back against Prince Albert Tomorrow.
Link to the MH News Article: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/149012/110/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday
A couple small pieces of news.
Tigers player of the week
Tristan King was named the Tigers player of the week, after recording 7 points in 3 games.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
The WHL This week
Jon Keen interviewed Willie Desjardin and they talked about his role for the upcoming World Junoirs. Also at the end of the show they aired a piece which included Bob Ridley interviewing the CHL player of the week Mark Isherwood
http://www.whl.ca/Easton-WHL-Radio-Show-s11270
Here is an article from the Edmonton Journal about the Tigers demolishing the Oil Kings On Saturday.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Tigers+gobble+struggling+Kings/2142777/story.html
A couple quotes from the article
"That's the worst performance that I've seen in the 2 1/2 years I've been here," Oil Kings head coach Steve Pleau said. "That's unacceptable from every standpoint. We were out-played, out-worked, out-coached out ... everything."
"Koper worked his butt off tonight and I should personally apologize to him," the coach said. "To get beat by your ex-team like that, that's gotta hurt. But he played with pride. I give him a lot of credit."
------------------------------------------------
Recently Traded Tigers
Colton Grant----8GP--1G--2A--3PTS --- -1 --13PMS
John Stampohar--6GP--0G--2A--2PTS---- -4---7PMS
Cody Carlson----4GP--0G--2A--2PTS--- -2 ---0PMS
Josh Koper------2GP--1G--0A--1PTS--- +1----4PM
Carlson has been playing on Regina's Top Line with Colton Tuebert.
Those stats are all games they have played with their new team.
Tigers New Guys
Matt MacKay 11GP--6G--3A--9PTS --- +1 --5PMS
Cole Grbavac 2GP--0G--1A--1PTS --- -1 --0PMS
Deven Dubyk GP:2 MIN:65 GA:5 Saves:30 G.A.A:4.58 SV%:.857
I haven't heard anything new about Cole Grbavac.
Tigers player of the week
Tristan King was named the Tigers player of the week, after recording 7 points in 3 games.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
The WHL This week
Jon Keen interviewed Willie Desjardin and they talked about his role for the upcoming World Junoirs. Also at the end of the show they aired a piece which included Bob Ridley interviewing the CHL player of the week Mark Isherwood
http://www.whl.ca/Easton-WHL-Radio-Show-s11270
Here is an article from the Edmonton Journal about the Tigers demolishing the Oil Kings On Saturday.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Tigers+gobble+struggling+Kings/2142777/story.html
A couple quotes from the article
"That's the worst performance that I've seen in the 2 1/2 years I've been here," Oil Kings head coach Steve Pleau said. "That's unacceptable from every standpoint. We were out-played, out-worked, out-coached out ... everything."
"Koper worked his butt off tonight and I should personally apologize to him," the coach said. "To get beat by your ex-team like that, that's gotta hurt. But he played with pride. I give him a lot of credit."
------------------------------------------------
Recently Traded Tigers
Colton Grant----8GP--1G--2A--3PTS --- -1 --13PMS
John Stampohar--6GP--0G--2A--2PTS---- -4---7PMS
Cody Carlson----4GP--0G--2A--2PTS--- -2 ---0PMS
Josh Koper------2GP--1G--0A--1PTS--- +1----4PM
Carlson has been playing on Regina's Top Line with Colton Tuebert.
Those stats are all games they have played with their new team.
Tigers New Guys
Matt MacKay 11GP--6G--3A--9PTS --- +1 --5PMS
Cole Grbavac 2GP--0G--1A--1PTS --- -1 --0PMS
Deven Dubyk GP:2 MIN:65 GA:5 Saves:30 G.A.A:4.58 SV%:.857
I haven't heard anything new about Cole Grbavac.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tigers Defeat Oil Kings 7-1
Pre Game
Direct Link to Gamesheet: www.whl.ca
The tigers website stated that they just re-assigned Boston Leir, and Curtis Valk. However Valk is dressed for tonights game. Also Dman Scott McKay has had a couple forward shifts
Edmonton is on a 3 game losing streak. They have however taken 3 of 4 points against the tigers, and smoked them 5-1 last time the tigers visited Edmonton
Scratches: Zdenik Okal(concussion) Tomas Kundratek(Flu) Wacey Hamilton(Unknown)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period
Edmonton Goal
1-0 Edmonton Koper, (2) (Raedeke, Proulx), 0:33
The Oil Kings Open up the scoring early. Some very good work from Readeke, Koper, proux line. Josh Koper Picks up the rebound on a goal mouth scramble and puts it past Bunz.
Tiger Goal
1-1 Cameron, (12) (King, Gal), 0:43
Right after the Oil Kings goal, the tigers pick up the puck off the faceoff, they come in on a mini 2on1. Triston King feeds Bretton Cameron and the goalie has no chance.
Tiger Goal
2-1 TigersEtem, (12) , 5:23 (SH)
Shorthanded Emerson Etem picks up the puck in the Oil Kings zone, walks out in front and uses his long reach to wrap the puck around Edmonton's Goaltender.
Tiger Goal
3-1 Tigers King, (6) (Vey, Carr), 15:01 (PP)
The tigers look like they've developed a nice little system to get some room on the powerplay. Carr feeds Linden Vey who Feeds Triston King, and he fires a wrist shot. Kale Kessey was in perfect positioning providing a nice screen.
Tiger Goal
4-1 Tigers King, (7) (Etem, Vey), 18:00 (PP)
A bit of a controversial Play. Just prior to the goal Emerson Etem was crunched he had his head down coming out of the zone, However the Oil King player came full speed right from the bench. Kale Kessey Immediately went over and started a fight.
The Oil Kings commentator was pretty furious that the tigers did not get an instigator penalty.(Kessey Did start the fight so his point was valid)
On the powerplay a Tiger Defender feeds Triston King up high and the tigers get a 2-0 breakaway, Kings feeds Etem who feeds King and scores on the open net.
Fight: Kale Kessey vs Travis Ewanyk
Not much of a fight. It started after the Emerson Hit. Kessey Tripped on a stick and they went down
The Oil Kings look frustrated you may see some of their frustration boiling over if the tigers get a bigger lead.
End Period
-----------------------------------------
2nd Period
Tiger Goal
5-1 Tigers Coyle, (3) (Etem, Kessy), 5:38
Emerson Etem has the puck down low and feeds a pinching Coyle from the point. He fires a slapper in from the high slot.
Thats it for Cam Lanigan. Torrie Jung replaces him in net
After that goal the pace of the game has really slowed down.
Fight
Tanner Sohn vs Brett Breitkreuz.
Not sure how it started but Sohn gets off to a good start throwing multiple rights to the back of BreitKreuz's head. Sohn then throws a couple jabs with his left trying to get Breitkreuz's to face him. Breitkreuz throws a left jab and squares around. Sohn then starts chucking the rights again and Breitkreuz half turns around. He then goes for the takedown picking Up Sohn's leg and tackling him.....which means the tigers get a powerplay. Breuitkruez also gets a game misconduct
End OF Second
----------------------
Third Period
Tiger Goal
6-1 TigersMacKay, (6) (Vey, King), 10:24 (PP)
On the Powerplay Triston King makes a very nice move, He beats his man along the boards, and makes a perfect pass over to Matt MacKay. MacKay didn't get good wood on the shot but it trickled in.
Tiger Goal
7-1 Tigers Vey, (6) (Carr, Busenius), 14:18 (PP)
On the PP linden Vey walks off the halfwall and beats Torrie Jung on the short side.
2 oil kings were caught in the middle of the ice, and Linden had allot of open ice to walk in on.
Tanner Sohn went feet first into the boards, camera zoomed out right away but it didn't look that healthy.
End Game
------------------------
The game was all tigers. They controlled the play and gave their young guys allot of Ice time in the third period.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 19 Tristan King
2. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
3. EDM - 12 Josh Koper
This weekend was phenomenal. Outscoring the opposition 16-3. IT seems like they are finally developing that Killer Instinct. The kind of instinct that only the elite teams posses. Whats more impressive is they did it without 3 of their top guys who were out with injuries.
On the radio I was amused at how the Oil Kings play by play man was directing harsh comments to the league. He really does not like the new fighting rules, and kept commenting about it throughout the game. Especially about the instigator that wasn't called, and when Breitzkruz was given a game misconduct for throwing Sohn to the ice during their fight.
I really like the quality of the Oil Kings webcast. The camera guy does a decent job, but they also have a great opening clip to start the game, they show some of the fan giveaways, and they play funny videos during the intermission.
Top Quality stuff and entertaining.
Direct Link to Gamesheet: www.whl.ca
The tigers website stated that they just re-assigned Boston Leir, and Curtis Valk. However Valk is dressed for tonights game. Also Dman Scott McKay has had a couple forward shifts
Edmonton is on a 3 game losing streak. They have however taken 3 of 4 points against the tigers, and smoked them 5-1 last time the tigers visited Edmonton
Scratches: Zdenik Okal(concussion) Tomas Kundratek(Flu) Wacey Hamilton(Unknown)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period
Edmonton Goal
1-0 Edmonton Koper, (2) (Raedeke, Proulx), 0:33
The Oil Kings Open up the scoring early. Some very good work from Readeke, Koper, proux line. Josh Koper Picks up the rebound on a goal mouth scramble and puts it past Bunz.
Tiger Goal
1-1 Cameron, (12) (King, Gal), 0:43
Right after the Oil Kings goal, the tigers pick up the puck off the faceoff, they come in on a mini 2on1. Triston King feeds Bretton Cameron and the goalie has no chance.
Tiger Goal
2-1 TigersEtem, (12) , 5:23 (SH)
Shorthanded Emerson Etem picks up the puck in the Oil Kings zone, walks out in front and uses his long reach to wrap the puck around Edmonton's Goaltender.
Tiger Goal
3-1 Tigers King, (6) (Vey, Carr), 15:01 (PP)
The tigers look like they've developed a nice little system to get some room on the powerplay. Carr feeds Linden Vey who Feeds Triston King, and he fires a wrist shot. Kale Kessey was in perfect positioning providing a nice screen.
Tiger Goal
4-1 Tigers King, (7) (Etem, Vey), 18:00 (PP)
A bit of a controversial Play. Just prior to the goal Emerson Etem was crunched he had his head down coming out of the zone, However the Oil King player came full speed right from the bench. Kale Kessey Immediately went over and started a fight.
The Oil Kings commentator was pretty furious that the tigers did not get an instigator penalty.(Kessey Did start the fight so his point was valid)
On the powerplay a Tiger Defender feeds Triston King up high and the tigers get a 2-0 breakaway, Kings feeds Etem who feeds King and scores on the open net.
Fight: Kale Kessey vs Travis Ewanyk
Not much of a fight. It started after the Emerson Hit. Kessey Tripped on a stick and they went down
The Oil Kings look frustrated you may see some of their frustration boiling over if the tigers get a bigger lead.
End Period
-----------------------------------------
2nd Period
Tiger Goal
5-1 Tigers Coyle, (3) (Etem, Kessy), 5:38
Emerson Etem has the puck down low and feeds a pinching Coyle from the point. He fires a slapper in from the high slot.
Thats it for Cam Lanigan. Torrie Jung replaces him in net
After that goal the pace of the game has really slowed down.
Fight
Tanner Sohn vs Brett Breitkreuz.
Not sure how it started but Sohn gets off to a good start throwing multiple rights to the back of BreitKreuz's head. Sohn then throws a couple jabs with his left trying to get Breitkreuz's to face him. Breitkreuz throws a left jab and squares around. Sohn then starts chucking the rights again and Breitkreuz half turns around. He then goes for the takedown picking Up Sohn's leg and tackling him.....which means the tigers get a powerplay. Breuitkruez also gets a game misconduct
End OF Second
----------------------
Third Period
Tiger Goal
6-1 TigersMacKay, (6) (Vey, King), 10:24 (PP)
On the Powerplay Triston King makes a very nice move, He beats his man along the boards, and makes a perfect pass over to Matt MacKay. MacKay didn't get good wood on the shot but it trickled in.
Tiger Goal
7-1 Tigers Vey, (6) (Carr, Busenius), 14:18 (PP)
On the PP linden Vey walks off the halfwall and beats Torrie Jung on the short side.
2 oil kings were caught in the middle of the ice, and Linden had allot of open ice to walk in on.
Tanner Sohn went feet first into the boards, camera zoomed out right away but it didn't look that healthy.
End Game
------------------------
The game was all tigers. They controlled the play and gave their young guys allot of Ice time in the third period.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 19 Tristan King
2. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
3. EDM - 12 Josh Koper
This weekend was phenomenal. Outscoring the opposition 16-3. IT seems like they are finally developing that Killer Instinct. The kind of instinct that only the elite teams posses. Whats more impressive is they did it without 3 of their top guys who were out with injuries.
On the radio I was amused at how the Oil Kings play by play man was directing harsh comments to the league. He really does not like the new fighting rules, and kept commenting about it throughout the game. Especially about the instigator that wasn't called, and when Breitzkruz was given a game misconduct for throwing Sohn to the ice during their fight.
I really like the quality of the Oil Kings webcast. The camera guy does a decent job, but they also have a great opening clip to start the game, they show some of the fan giveaways, and they play funny videos during the intermission.
Top Quality stuff and entertaining.
Tigers Trounce Rebels 9-2
A blowout not much more to say than that. This time the tigers didn't let off the gas pedal like they did vs Portland. The score could have been worse.
An interesting Note Red Deer has not won a regular season game at the arena since 2006. They did however win 1 playoff game the year the Tigers went to the Memorial Cup.
I found it funny that Matt Konan was actually a -1 in the game.
I guess the best defense is a good offense. The tigers lead the league with an average of scoring 4.7 goals a game. The tigers have 3 forward lines where each player has generated at least .5 points per game, with 5 players scoring at a 1ppg pace or higher.
I find it interesting that with so much depth at the forward position Desjardin will often put his lines out first on home ice.
Medicine Hat News Link about the game.
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/147075/110/
An interesting Note Red Deer has not won a regular season game at the arena since 2006. They did however win 1 playoff game the year the Tigers went to the Memorial Cup.
I found it funny that Matt Konan was actually a -1 in the game.
I guess the best defense is a good offense. The tigers lead the league with an average of scoring 4.7 goals a game. The tigers have 3 forward lines where each player has generated at least .5 points per game, with 5 players scoring at a 1ppg pace or higher.
I find it interesting that with so much depth at the forward position Desjardin will often put his lines out first on home ice.
Medicine Hat News Link about the game.
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/147075/110/
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tigers Deal Koper to the Kings
TO Edmonton: Josh Koper
TO Medicine Hat: 17-year-old defenseman Austin Bourhis
Austin is playing in the Saskatchewan Junior League with the Yorkton Terriers. The whl website lists him as 5'11 162 but the Yorkton website lists him as 6'0 185 lbs.
I've read that Austin is a smooth skating stay at home defenseman that may have some offensive potential. His PM total may indicate he is not afraid of the rough stuff.
His Yorkton Profile: http://www.yorktonterriers.com/team_roster_player.aspx?player_id=4062
-----------
Josh Koper
Koper had only played in about half the teams games so far. This brings the tigers 19 yr olds down to 8.
I thought Josh Koper had played well in the handful of games he dressed for. I thought not putting him into more games was unfair to him. If you asked me about him last year I would have told you he should have been sent down.
This year I liked what i saw from him, he showed hustle, ability to dig the puck out of the corners, and wasn't taking unnecessary penalties like he was last year. I think the tigers didn't really have ice-time to give him though, as when Koper Dresses, someone like Dylan Bredo or Reid Petryk sits. This Year Josh Koper managed 5 points in 7 games.
Edmonton seems like a great fit because he can play at home. I think he is a guy who given the right situation could develop into a 35ish point player.
One thing to note, the tigers now have a total of 13 forwards including, grbavac. 12 If he doesn't come back. This means that if the tigers were to suffer an injury or two, they might be forced to call up one of their 16 year olds.
Direct Link to Tigers Media Release : http://www.tigershockey.com
------------------
Also I should say thanks TO Jon Keen who recently gave this blog a mention on his blog @ Keen's Korner.
------------------------------------------------
Kris Russel Signs 3 year NHL Contract Extension.
Link: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=502525
-----------------------------------------------------
The Medicine Hat News has Mentioned that Curtis Valk practiced with the team yesterday. HE has bnen playing with the AAA Midget Tigers.
TO Medicine Hat: 17-year-old defenseman Austin Bourhis
Austin is playing in the Saskatchewan Junior League with the Yorkton Terriers. The whl website lists him as 5'11 162 but the Yorkton website lists him as 6'0 185 lbs.
I've read that Austin is a smooth skating stay at home defenseman that may have some offensive potential. His PM total may indicate he is not afraid of the rough stuff.
His Yorkton Profile: http://www.yorktonterriers.com/team_roster_player.aspx?player_id=4062
-----------
Josh Koper
Koper had only played in about half the teams games so far. This brings the tigers 19 yr olds down to 8.
I thought Josh Koper had played well in the handful of games he dressed for. I thought not putting him into more games was unfair to him. If you asked me about him last year I would have told you he should have been sent down.
This year I liked what i saw from him, he showed hustle, ability to dig the puck out of the corners, and wasn't taking unnecessary penalties like he was last year. I think the tigers didn't really have ice-time to give him though, as when Koper Dresses, someone like Dylan Bredo or Reid Petryk sits. This Year Josh Koper managed 5 points in 7 games.
Edmonton seems like a great fit because he can play at home. I think he is a guy who given the right situation could develop into a 35ish point player.
One thing to note, the tigers now have a total of 13 forwards including, grbavac. 12 If he doesn't come back. This means that if the tigers were to suffer an injury or two, they might be forced to call up one of their 16 year olds.
Direct Link to Tigers Media Release : http://www.tigershockey.com
------------------
Also I should say thanks TO Jon Keen who recently gave this blog a mention on his blog @ Keen's Korner.
------------------------------------------------
Kris Russel Signs 3 year NHL Contract Extension.
Link: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=502525
-----------------------------------------------------
The Medicine Hat News has Mentioned that Curtis Valk practiced with the team yesterday. HE has bnen playing with the AAA Midget Tigers.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Willie Desjardin Handed more Duties
Willie Desjardin will serve as the head coach for the whl subway series for team whl.
As I'm writing this the whl website does let you get into the article but IT clearly states he will be head coach, with Vancouver's Don Hay, and Kelowna's Ryan Husksa will be the assistants.
CHL Player of the Week
Mark Isherwood was also named the chl player of the week.
The BMO top 10
Calgary slips to the 2nd spot. Kamloops falls 2 spots to 7th. Vancouver maintains their 8th ranking, and Tri-City slides into the 10th spot. Moose Jaw was marked with an honorable mention.
As I'm writing this the whl website does let you get into the article but IT clearly states he will be head coach, with Vancouver's Don Hay, and Kelowna's Ryan Husksa will be the assistants.
CHL Player of the Week
Mark Isherwood was also named the chl player of the week.
The BMO top 10
Calgary slips to the 2nd spot. Kamloops falls 2 spots to 7th. Vancouver maintains their 8th ranking, and Tri-City slides into the 10th spot. Moose Jaw was marked with an honorable mention.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Portland Defeats Tigers 5-3
Boy does Portland ever have a big team, and you have to play a very fast game to beat them. They only have 2 guys under 6 feet. I thought most of the tigers weren't intimidated by their size, however it may have slowed them down after the first period.
I thought the Tigers started out really strong and they made Portland look slow in the first period by constantly getting their sticks in the way of passes, getting alot of rebound opportunities, and making perfect passes in tight to each other. Portland's Goalie was giving up Huge rebounds on everything. The tigers took advantage of that in the first period Scoring 3 times.
I thought as the game wore on Portland played a steady game, but the tigers couldn't keep up the pace they held in the first period. Portland made good use of catching the Tigers DMen napping as they had about 3 breakaways by passing to a forward cherry picking up high.
The Tigers came oooh soo close to tieing up the game late in the third. They were buzzing in Portland's end and Ian Curtis made the best save I have seen this year.
On a rebound the tigers had the puck at the side of the net. Curtis was down and out. I think it was Matt MacKay shot the puck towards the net along the ice, and out from nowhere Ian Curtis in desperation swung his stick and batted the puck away.
---
I thought without Kundratek on the ice Isherwood and Cole were out their all the time, they must have played half the game. I didn't particularly like Jace Coyle's game tonight.
I thought the Powerplay also struggled. Bring back that 3 way Dmen crossing game they used to do at the point.
Overall I thought the Tigers played fairly well, but there was room for defensive and powerplay improvment.
-------------
Jersey"ing" a player in a fight can Sometimes be unwise. John's First Fight as a Kamloops Blazer.
STampohar Vs Dylan McIlrath
I thought the Tigers started out really strong and they made Portland look slow in the first period by constantly getting their sticks in the way of passes, getting alot of rebound opportunities, and making perfect passes in tight to each other. Portland's Goalie was giving up Huge rebounds on everything. The tigers took advantage of that in the first period Scoring 3 times.
I thought as the game wore on Portland played a steady game, but the tigers couldn't keep up the pace they held in the first period. Portland made good use of catching the Tigers DMen napping as they had about 3 breakaways by passing to a forward cherry picking up high.
The Tigers came oooh soo close to tieing up the game late in the third. They were buzzing in Portland's end and Ian Curtis made the best save I have seen this year.
On a rebound the tigers had the puck at the side of the net. Curtis was down and out. I think it was Matt MacKay shot the puck towards the net along the ice, and out from nowhere Ian Curtis in desperation swung his stick and batted the puck away.
---
I thought without Kundratek on the ice Isherwood and Cole were out their all the time, they must have played half the game. I didn't particularly like Jace Coyle's game tonight.
I thought the Powerplay also struggled. Bring back that 3 way Dmen crossing game they used to do at the point.
Overall I thought the Tigers played fairly well, but there was room for defensive and powerplay improvment.
-------------
Jersey"ing" a player in a fight can Sometimes be unwise. John's First Fight as a Kamloops Blazer.
STampohar Vs Dylan McIlrath
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tigers make Another Trade!
Well technically they just modified the Carlson Deal.
The Tigers have received 15-year-old defenseman Mason Logan from Gull Lake, SK in exchange for the original third round draft pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft going back to Regina.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
The Tigers have received 15-year-old defenseman Mason Logan from Gull Lake, SK in exchange for the original third round draft pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft going back to Regina.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
Rumoured Trade A Done Deal
According to Greg Harder it took Regina some convincing for them to acquire Cody Carlson.
Carlson was rumored to have asked for a trade, but he wanted to play closer to home.
The tigers were able to fetch a 3rd round 2010 bantam draft pick for him.
I think a fresh start will do Carlson good. Like I said earlier I thought he was battling confidence issues, and a good guy to try and take a gamble on.
He will make his mistakes but given the right situation he could develop into a key member for regina. He was expellable as the tigers had 9 guys at Defense who have all shown capabilities of being a whl regular.
Carlson was playing allot on the powerplay on their last road trip, maybe designed to increase his value. I think a 3rd rounder is excellent value for him.
Confirmation at Regina's Wbsite: http://www.reginapats.com/News/737/
The tigers now have an extra second rounder as well as an extra third rounder for the next bantam draft.
---------
Mark Isherwood
Mark Isherwood was named whl player of the Week. Isherwood picked up 6 points, scoring four goals and two assists to go with a +2 rating, in three games over the past week, helping the Tigers post a 3-0 record in that span.
Click Here for the WHL article.
Carlson was rumored to have asked for a trade, but he wanted to play closer to home.
The tigers were able to fetch a 3rd round 2010 bantam draft pick for him.
I think a fresh start will do Carlson good. Like I said earlier I thought he was battling confidence issues, and a good guy to try and take a gamble on.
He will make his mistakes but given the right situation he could develop into a key member for regina. He was expellable as the tigers had 9 guys at Defense who have all shown capabilities of being a whl regular.
Carlson was playing allot on the powerplay on their last road trip, maybe designed to increase his value. I think a 3rd rounder is excellent value for him.
Confirmation at Regina's Wbsite: http://www.reginapats.com/News/737/
The tigers now have an extra second rounder as well as an extra third rounder for the next bantam draft.
---------
Mark Isherwood
Mark Isherwood was named whl player of the Week. Isherwood picked up 6 points, scoring four goals and two assists to go with a +2 rating, in three games over the past week, helping the Tigers post a 3-0 record in that span.
Click Here for the WHL article.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tigers Squeak Out a Win Over the Broncos 4-3
I thought the Tigers started the game absolutely pummeling the broncos for the first ten minutes. However after that the tigers stopped skating and the Broncos stepped up their game. I thought the Tigers were a bit lucky to come out with a clean 2 points. Tyler Bunz had to bail them out, and made some Top Notch saves to keep them ahead.
I thought the Tigers seemed to hit a wall in the third period. They were missing passes, and playing sloppily. Taylor Gal was lucky he didn't cost the team a goal when he made a boneheaded play to turn back into his zone instead of skating out with the puck. Gal I thought played a very good first 2 periods, but had a bad third period, which resembled the whole tiger team, minus the goalie.
I thought Mark Isherwood did a better job at timing his shots on the point. The broncos were playing with 2 men up high on their penalty kill, and he still managed to sneak some shots through.
I was disappointed that Thomas Carr wasn't in the lineup tonight. I hope he is not injured. He has been their best stay at home DMan.
The tigers have gone with 7 defensman the last 2 games. Although Sohn didn't touch the ice very much. Yes Cody Carlson was scratched for todays game.
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Cody Eakin vs Mathew Konan
For the Broncos Cody Eakin showed another side to his game. After Matt Konan hit a bronco awkwardly into the boards Eakin came flying over and challenged him to a fight.
Konan has 4 inches and a couple pounds on Eakin, But all Konan could do was to try and hold Eakin Off. Eakin was just chuckin his fists non-stop like a little energizer bunny. I think the majority of the punches missed but It was an impressive display of taking it to the Bigger Mathew Konan. I'd give the Fight to Eakin.
--------------
On Tuesday the Tigers take on a much improved Portland Winterhawks. I hear they are a very physical team, and have an excellent goaltender in Kurtis Mucha although he has struggled the last 2 games. I could see former bronco Ian Curtis maybe getting a start on Tuesday. The Winterhawks are currently one goal behind Moose jaw for most goals scored this season.
I thought the Tigers seemed to hit a wall in the third period. They were missing passes, and playing sloppily. Taylor Gal was lucky he didn't cost the team a goal when he made a boneheaded play to turn back into his zone instead of skating out with the puck. Gal I thought played a very good first 2 periods, but had a bad third period, which resembled the whole tiger team, minus the goalie.
I thought Mark Isherwood did a better job at timing his shots on the point. The broncos were playing with 2 men up high on their penalty kill, and he still managed to sneak some shots through.
I was disappointed that Thomas Carr wasn't in the lineup tonight. I hope he is not injured. He has been their best stay at home DMan.
The tigers have gone with 7 defensman the last 2 games. Although Sohn didn't touch the ice very much. Yes Cody Carlson was scratched for todays game.
-----------
Cody Eakin vs Mathew Konan
For the Broncos Cody Eakin showed another side to his game. After Matt Konan hit a bronco awkwardly into the boards Eakin came flying over and challenged him to a fight.
Konan has 4 inches and a couple pounds on Eakin, But all Konan could do was to try and hold Eakin Off. Eakin was just chuckin his fists non-stop like a little energizer bunny. I think the majority of the punches missed but It was an impressive display of taking it to the Bigger Mathew Konan. I'd give the Fight to Eakin.
--------------
On Tuesday the Tigers take on a much improved Portland Winterhawks. I hear they are a very physical team, and have an excellent goaltender in Kurtis Mucha although he has struggled the last 2 games. I could see former bronco Ian Curtis maybe getting a start on Tuesday. The Winterhawks are currently one goal behind Moose jaw for most goals scored this season.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tyler Ennis with a 4 point Night
Yesterday Tyler Ennis and the Portland Pirates defeated the Hartford Wolfpack 6-3. Tyler Ennis managed a hat-trick as well as one assist on the night. He had been held pointless in his first 5 games of the season, but broke out in a big way yesterday.
He has been placed on a line with Buffalo Prospect Nathan Gerbe who is 4 inches shorter than Ennis. GO here for the story http://mainehockeyjournal.com
----
Also I heard a rumor of a Cody Carlson trade.
(Heard from 2 sources, message board and someone else)
Regina's GM was spotted in the building a couple weeks ago. Ironically I believe Carlson had a really bad game that week. He had been receiving alot of powerplay time on the road recently.
Checking out Regina's roster they have 8 Dmen listed as they just sent one guy down.
If nothing is announced in the morning I would consider the rumor dead.
Bob Ridley was also quoted yesterday as saying he thinks Willie Desjardin isn't done tinkering with his roster yet.
Edit:
No mention of anything today.
He has been placed on a line with Buffalo Prospect Nathan Gerbe who is 4 inches shorter than Ennis. GO here for the story http://mainehockeyjournal.com
----
Also I heard a rumor of a Cody Carlson trade.
(Heard from 2 sources, message board and someone else)
Regina's GM was spotted in the building a couple weeks ago. Ironically I believe Carlson had a really bad game that week. He had been receiving alot of powerplay time on the road recently.
Checking out Regina's roster they have 8 Dmen listed as they just sent one guy down.
If nothing is announced in the morning I would consider the rumor dead.
Bob Ridley was also quoted yesterday as saying he thinks Willie Desjardin isn't done tinkering with his roster yet.
Edit:
No mention of anything today.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tigers Defeat Chilliwack 2-1 OT
Cole Grbavac
I almost forgot the Tigers newest acquisition Cole Grbavac has gone home. On the radio Willie Desjardin said he needed a few days to figure things out.
---
IT was quite the entertaining game. A lot of things impressed me tonight. The Tigers decisions were smart, their passes were crisp and they played Phenomenal defense. You could tell on what they have been working on in practice.
Instead of stopping the defensman pinching they increased it, and the forwards were responsible to cover their position. Previously the defensman were getting caught and no one was covering for them. The dmen became more confident as they held in a ton of pucks in at the blueline, and kept Chilliwack in their own end multiple times.
The Tigers are also using that triangle and finding the late man or the defenseman pinching in, which can be tough to stop.
Kale Kessey
Kale Kessey was really throwing his weight around. I liked his checks however I noticed the ref catch his number for a player to watch for. I could see him getting nailed with a 5 minute major for charging is he isn't careful.
I thought Both goaltenders played a really strong hockey game. They kept their teams in it on a few close calls.
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Chilliwack
For Chilliwack Chris Collins, Mitch McColm, and Lucas Gore caught my eye. Collins looks like a very fast skater, and he popped in the tieing goal with 1:30 left to go in the game.
McColm was looking for players to smash and was pretty vocal on the ice.
Lucas Gore made a variety of high quality saves, if it wasn't for him the tigers would have won by a few goals. Chilliwacks defense also helped him out allot by blocking and deflecting quite a few shots.
I thought Habschied's Kid wasn't a very strong skater but he showed some smarts and patience with the puck.
I was also impressed with how much Chlliwack's game has improved since the tigers played them last time. They really try to plug up the neutral zone. They played pretty good defensively as the tigers were firing on all cylinders.
----------------------------------
Edit:
Last Night Former Tiger Travis Dunstall scored 4 goals for the ajhl's grand prairie storm as they won 6-3 over Sherwood park.
I almost forgot the Tigers newest acquisition Cole Grbavac has gone home. On the radio Willie Desjardin said he needed a few days to figure things out.
---
IT was quite the entertaining game. A lot of things impressed me tonight. The Tigers decisions were smart, their passes were crisp and they played Phenomenal defense. You could tell on what they have been working on in practice.
Instead of stopping the defensman pinching they increased it, and the forwards were responsible to cover their position. Previously the defensman were getting caught and no one was covering for them. The dmen became more confident as they held in a ton of pucks in at the blueline, and kept Chilliwack in their own end multiple times.
The Tigers are also using that triangle and finding the late man or the defenseman pinching in, which can be tough to stop.
Kale Kessey
Kale Kessey was really throwing his weight around. I liked his checks however I noticed the ref catch his number for a player to watch for. I could see him getting nailed with a 5 minute major for charging is he isn't careful.
I thought Both goaltenders played a really strong hockey game. They kept their teams in it on a few close calls.
-----
Chilliwack
For Chilliwack Chris Collins, Mitch McColm, and Lucas Gore caught my eye. Collins looks like a very fast skater, and he popped in the tieing goal with 1:30 left to go in the game.
McColm was looking for players to smash and was pretty vocal on the ice.
Lucas Gore made a variety of high quality saves, if it wasn't for him the tigers would have won by a few goals. Chilliwacks defense also helped him out allot by blocking and deflecting quite a few shots.
I thought Habschied's Kid wasn't a very strong skater but he showed some smarts and patience with the puck.
I was also impressed with how much Chlliwack's game has improved since the tigers played them last time. They really try to plug up the neutral zone. They played pretty good defensively as the tigers were firing on all cylinders.
----------------------------------
Edit:
Last Night Former Tiger Travis Dunstall scored 4 goals for the ajhl's grand prairie storm as they won 6-3 over Sherwood park.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Holfeld Released +10 Games in part 2
Ryan Holfeld
The tigers were quiet on the overager front today. Ryan Holfeld was released, and was not picked up at the waiver draft. From what I've been told Holfeld was a great person to have in the dressing room, keeping people loose and upbeat.
Its unfortunate that that things end up this way for Holfeld. It was reported earlier by Gregg Drinnan that the Tigers team were looking at options to try and get him some place to play for the season.
Last year he managed to steal a handful of games. IF he was hot he was hard to score on, but a little inconsistent at times. I noticed quite a few things he adopted from Matt Keetley's game, like trying to play the puck often to help out the defense, and his lateral movement.
---
Part Two of the 10 games In
Zdenek Okal
Zdenek Okal is another player who I think is having a good start to the season. He has shown bravery standing up for his teammates and not afraid to throw out big hits. He has crumpled a few guys who are 30lbs heavier than him to the ice.
Kale Kessey
Kale Kessey - I think this kid has a really high Hockey IQ for a 17 year old. I like his reading ability on when to throw his weight around. This year he is going to have a checking type role. With his smarts and speed he will become a key player for the tigers down the road.
Joey Frazer
Joey Frazer - A small speedy type player, but doesn't get that many scoring opportunities. I'd like to see him use his speed more effectively. I would like to see him take his game up another notch but I'm not sure if he has it in him.
Tanner Sohn
Tanner Sohn - I think he will follow a similar path to Thomas Car. Because of the numbers he will be scratched every other game, but I believe he is more than capable of being a whl defensman. I liked his aggressive style to his game, and his ability to learn quickly on how to control his eagerness.
Reid Petryk
Reid Petryk - I like his size. The most used of the 16 year olds. Future Core player. I think he has a good shot at being named to the under 17's team.
Cody Carlson
Cody Carlson - Has been inconsistent. I noticed that on the road he was given alot of powerplay time. I have noticed that when he is confident he is spinning and turning and having good games. When he is not confident it has a snowball effect. I think he's gotta relax, focus and play like he can. I'd compare him to neo from the matrix movie. He has talent he just might not fully know it yet. If he doesn't realize it soon he will the one who is scratched for the other guys to get icetime.
Defense Numbers
The tigers have their forwards down to an acceptable number with 4 lines and 2 spares for injuries. The defense still has 9 players. Isherwood, Kundratek, Coyle, Carr, Konan are pretty much penciled in as starters. Which leaves 1 spot for Sohn, Carlson, Businius , McKay.
Their not gonna get allot of play time.
----------------------------------------------------
Daine Todd
I don't know how I missed this. Daine Todd missed all of last season of university hockey with another shoulder injury......his 4th major surgery on his shoulders. Tonight Will be his first game for the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.
A good read on his situation
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/sports/article/824727
The tigers were quiet on the overager front today. Ryan Holfeld was released, and was not picked up at the waiver draft. From what I've been told Holfeld was a great person to have in the dressing room, keeping people loose and upbeat.
Its unfortunate that that things end up this way for Holfeld. It was reported earlier by Gregg Drinnan that the Tigers team were looking at options to try and get him some place to play for the season.
Last year he managed to steal a handful of games. IF he was hot he was hard to score on, but a little inconsistent at times. I noticed quite a few things he adopted from Matt Keetley's game, like trying to play the puck often to help out the defense, and his lateral movement.
---
Part Two of the 10 games In
Zdenek Okal
Zdenek Okal is another player who I think is having a good start to the season. He has shown bravery standing up for his teammates and not afraid to throw out big hits. He has crumpled a few guys who are 30lbs heavier than him to the ice.
Kale Kessey
Kale Kessey - I think this kid has a really high Hockey IQ for a 17 year old. I like his reading ability on when to throw his weight around. This year he is going to have a checking type role. With his smarts and speed he will become a key player for the tigers down the road.
Joey Frazer
Joey Frazer - A small speedy type player, but doesn't get that many scoring opportunities. I'd like to see him use his speed more effectively. I would like to see him take his game up another notch but I'm not sure if he has it in him.
Tanner Sohn
Tanner Sohn - I think he will follow a similar path to Thomas Car. Because of the numbers he will be scratched every other game, but I believe he is more than capable of being a whl defensman. I liked his aggressive style to his game, and his ability to learn quickly on how to control his eagerness.
Reid Petryk
Reid Petryk - I like his size. The most used of the 16 year olds. Future Core player. I think he has a good shot at being named to the under 17's team.
Cody Carlson
Cody Carlson - Has been inconsistent. I noticed that on the road he was given alot of powerplay time. I have noticed that when he is confident he is spinning and turning and having good games. When he is not confident it has a snowball effect. I think he's gotta relax, focus and play like he can. I'd compare him to neo from the matrix movie. He has talent he just might not fully know it yet. If he doesn't realize it soon he will the one who is scratched for the other guys to get icetime.
Defense Numbers
The tigers have their forwards down to an acceptable number with 4 lines and 2 spares for injuries. The defense still has 9 players. Isherwood, Kundratek, Coyle, Carr, Konan are pretty much penciled in as starters. Which leaves 1 spot for Sohn, Carlson, Businius , McKay.
Their not gonna get allot of play time.
----------------------------------------------------
Daine Todd
I don't know how I missed this. Daine Todd missed all of last season of university hockey with another shoulder injury......his 4th major surgery on his shoulders. Tonight Will be his first game for the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.
A good read on his situation
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/sports/article/824727
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Subway Challenge
This weeks question.
Which Central Division alum is the all-time leader in career playoff games played by a goaltender?
Hint: He was from Red Deer and is currently an NHL starting Goalie.
You can find the answer here http://www.whl.ca/Playoffs-Career-p121195
To Submit your answer with a chance to win prizes here is the website address again
http://www.whl-central.com/\
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Overager Deadline has passed. Ryan Holfeld has been released, and he is now a free agent.
It has been leaked that Seattle has made a trade agreement with a whl team, they wont release details until paperwork is done.
Seattle and Brandon made a trade. Seattle sent goalie Jacob DeSerres to Brandon. Brandon gave up center Brendan Rouse
http://www.seattlethunderbirds.com/news/index.html?article_id=283
Which Central Division alum is the all-time leader in career playoff games played by a goaltender?
Hint: He was from Red Deer and is currently an NHL starting Goalie.
You can find the answer here http://www.whl.ca/Playoffs-Career-p121195
To Submit your answer with a chance to win prizes here is the website address again
http://www.whl-central.com/\
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overager Deadline has passed. Ryan Holfeld has been released, and he is now a free agent.
It has been leaked that Seattle has made a trade agreement with a whl team, they wont release details until paperwork is done.
Seattle and Brandon made a trade. Seattle sent goalie Jacob DeSerres to Brandon. Brandon gave up center Brendan Rouse
http://www.seattlethunderbirds.com/news/index.html?article_id=283
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
10 Game Mark Part One
Their have been lots of negative comments on the Tigers Roarrs on purrs website lately. I just wanna say to any players that read that website or even this one to take everything they say with a grain of salt. Some people you just have to ignore, or laugh at behind your monitor. :)
I'll cover thoughts about others not mentioned in here more either tomorrow or thursday.
The Unexpected Good Stuff
I'll Admit I didn't expect the offense to have taken off so fast. I thought they would score in bunches, but between games not periods. The Tigers are starting to build a reputation where any lead is not safe.
I have been really happy with Wacey Hamilton, Bretton Cameron, Thomas Carr, Taylor Gal,Emerson Etem and the trade with Moose Jaw, and Kamloops.
Wacey Hamilton
Wacey Hamilton last year when he wasn't injured had a jekyl/hyde game style. Three nights he would concentrate on the after whistle stuff, and the next he would show some wheels. So far for the most part he has been flying all over the Ice. If he Keeps it up there's no question that an nhl team will take interest in him. A game where his feet is always moving is a game he scores points, and creates chances.
Bretton Cameron
I think I said Cameron could put up about .75ppg? Well he is rising towards the 1.75ppg mark. Has been a heart and soul guy blocking shots head first, and has really been a warrior. He didn't even miss a game after getting hit in the face with a puck. You want your 20yr olds to show leadership, and Cameron wouldn't even have to say a word in the dressing room as he has shown tons of leadership out on the ice.
Thomas Carr
Last year by this mark it was apparent he wasn't quite fast and strong enough in the corners to be a go-to-guy on defense. His learning curve for a second year player is quite impressive. With the teams defensive game underperforming Carr has been arguably the most reliable on defense and he doesn't take unnecessary penalties.
Taylor Gal
I'm almost ready to admit that he is a player that I feel I misjudged his ability on. This year he has shown exceptional body positioning, and smarts with the puck. As a result he is scoring at a near 1ppg pace. I have been impressed with his ability to hang on to the puck along the boards, and wait for a trailer coming into the play. Lets see if he can keep it up.
Emerson Etem
NHL material already at 17, perhaps a 1st rounder? HE is really solid player, and fast. His speed with his long unique low center of gravity skating stride, is a little deceiving. He will be a player that the scouts will be watching heavily, which could also help the other 19 year olds get noticed.
The Bad
Team Defense
One of the few things stopping them from becoming an elite team. I think goaltending isn't entirely to be blamed. If you look at the reason behind all the goals against, the tigers are simply getting caught out of position, Which is leading to some high quality chances.
Things I've mentioned before like defenseman moving forward as the flow of the play switches, having pucks chipped by them standing still, not covering their man in front, playing in the same corner. They can find a way to play just as offensive, they just have to limit more of the other team's high scoring chances by playing better positionally.
If Bunz was letting bad goals in you could blame him then, but the strong majority of the shots that have beat him are high quality scoring opportunities IMO.
Last year at this time:
Were shutout:3 times GF:30 GA:31
THis year
Were SHutout: 1 time GF:48 GA:44
I'll cover thoughts about others not mentioned in here more either tomorrow or thursday.
The Unexpected Good Stuff
I'll Admit I didn't expect the offense to have taken off so fast. I thought they would score in bunches, but between games not periods. The Tigers are starting to build a reputation where any lead is not safe.
I have been really happy with Wacey Hamilton, Bretton Cameron, Thomas Carr, Taylor Gal,Emerson Etem and the trade with Moose Jaw, and Kamloops.
Wacey Hamilton
Wacey Hamilton last year when he wasn't injured had a jekyl/hyde game style. Three nights he would concentrate on the after whistle stuff, and the next he would show some wheels. So far for the most part he has been flying all over the Ice. If he Keeps it up there's no question that an nhl team will take interest in him. A game where his feet is always moving is a game he scores points, and creates chances.
Bretton Cameron
I think I said Cameron could put up about .75ppg? Well he is rising towards the 1.75ppg mark. Has been a heart and soul guy blocking shots head first, and has really been a warrior. He didn't even miss a game after getting hit in the face with a puck. You want your 20yr olds to show leadership, and Cameron wouldn't even have to say a word in the dressing room as he has shown tons of leadership out on the ice.
Thomas Carr
Last year by this mark it was apparent he wasn't quite fast and strong enough in the corners to be a go-to-guy on defense. His learning curve for a second year player is quite impressive. With the teams defensive game underperforming Carr has been arguably the most reliable on defense and he doesn't take unnecessary penalties.
Taylor Gal
I'm almost ready to admit that he is a player that I feel I misjudged his ability on. This year he has shown exceptional body positioning, and smarts with the puck. As a result he is scoring at a near 1ppg pace. I have been impressed with his ability to hang on to the puck along the boards, and wait for a trailer coming into the play. Lets see if he can keep it up.
Emerson Etem
NHL material already at 17, perhaps a 1st rounder? HE is really solid player, and fast. His speed with his long unique low center of gravity skating stride, is a little deceiving. He will be a player that the scouts will be watching heavily, which could also help the other 19 year olds get noticed.
The Bad
Team Defense
One of the few things stopping them from becoming an elite team. I think goaltending isn't entirely to be blamed. If you look at the reason behind all the goals against, the tigers are simply getting caught out of position, Which is leading to some high quality chances.
Things I've mentioned before like defenseman moving forward as the flow of the play switches, having pucks chipped by them standing still, not covering their man in front, playing in the same corner. They can find a way to play just as offensive, they just have to limit more of the other team's high scoring chances by playing better positionally.
If Bunz was letting bad goals in you could blame him then, but the strong majority of the shots that have beat him are high quality scoring opportunities IMO.
Last year at this time:
Were shutout:3 times GF:30 GA:31
THis year
Were SHutout: 1 time GF:48 GA:44
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tigers @ Kamloops
I will only be able to recap one period... WOWZERS I've missed 2 periods all year and the tigers go and score 10 goals.
PreGame:
Matt Konan Is Dressed
Josh Koper is Dressed
Cody Carlson scratched for a second straight game.
COle Grbavac was also scratched (A stipulation of the trade perhaps?)
------------------------
First Period
Score 4-2 Blazers
Blazer Goals
1.Created off a bad pass, a gift pass to the middle of the ice. Either Isherwood or Businius was hit in the corner and tapped the puck into the middle of the ice.
2. Jace Coyle didn't cover his man in front, and allowing a cross ice onetimed shot, to easily beat Bunz
3. On the PP a mad Scramble in front Tigers had 3 guys in front of the net but couldn't control a bouncing puck as it landed at the side of the net with Bunz on his knees, and Blazer Shayne Wiebe would pot his second of the game.
4. Blazer Brendan Ranford Would Undress Trison King from the half wall. He would shoot at the same Time Bretton Cameron would try to knock the puck away. The pucked ended up dribbling toward the goal and would Suprise Bunz who went down early.
Tiger Goals
1. On the Powerplay Jace Coyle would wrist a shot in at the point. Wacey Hamilton was screening the goalie and he didnt see the puck.
2. On the PP Matt Konan would get the puck off a faceoff and blast it at the net. It would hit a Blazer in front and Beat Leclerc 5 hole.
The tigers had alot of good chances in the first period. However Justin Leclerc played well and stood his ground. I thought the Tigers are playing hard but their making the same kind of Defensive Mistakes in their own zone. Blazers look like they have a pretty quick transition game.
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So I was busy having turkey with some relatives today, and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a 12 on the scoreboard. I thought my uncle was kidding when he said the tigers won 12-5. Based on they way they have been coming back I was thinking they would be in for a comeback but I didn't expect a 10 goal outburst.
DID the Tigers miss Mathew Konan??
Well he was only a +7 in the game. I'm not sure whats more impressive that or Emerson Etem's 4 goals. Emerson was absolutely crunched near the Blueline in the first period, I guess he wanted some payback. Out of the 12 goals 8 of them were even strength, with 2 shorthanded.
I'm looking forward to watching some of the highlights, and reading some of the fan reactions as to what exactly happened.
Media Links on the Game
http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/
Fight Between Thomas Kundratek
PreGame:
Matt Konan Is Dressed
Josh Koper is Dressed
Cody Carlson scratched for a second straight game.
COle Grbavac was also scratched (A stipulation of the trade perhaps?)
------------------------
First Period
Score 4-2 Blazers
Blazer Goals
1.Created off a bad pass, a gift pass to the middle of the ice. Either Isherwood or Businius was hit in the corner and tapped the puck into the middle of the ice.
2. Jace Coyle didn't cover his man in front, and allowing a cross ice onetimed shot, to easily beat Bunz
3. On the PP a mad Scramble in front Tigers had 3 guys in front of the net but couldn't control a bouncing puck as it landed at the side of the net with Bunz on his knees, and Blazer Shayne Wiebe would pot his second of the game.
4. Blazer Brendan Ranford Would Undress Trison King from the half wall. He would shoot at the same Time Bretton Cameron would try to knock the puck away. The pucked ended up dribbling toward the goal and would Suprise Bunz who went down early.
Tiger Goals
1. On the Powerplay Jace Coyle would wrist a shot in at the point. Wacey Hamilton was screening the goalie and he didnt see the puck.
2. On the PP Matt Konan would get the puck off a faceoff and blast it at the net. It would hit a Blazer in front and Beat Leclerc 5 hole.
The tigers had alot of good chances in the first period. However Justin Leclerc played well and stood his ground. I thought the Tigers are playing hard but their making the same kind of Defensive Mistakes in their own zone. Blazers look like they have a pretty quick transition game.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
So I was busy having turkey with some relatives today, and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a 12 on the scoreboard. I thought my uncle was kidding when he said the tigers won 12-5. Based on they way they have been coming back I was thinking they would be in for a comeback but I didn't expect a 10 goal outburst.
DID the Tigers miss Mathew Konan??
Well he was only a +7 in the game. I'm not sure whats more impressive that or Emerson Etem's 4 goals. Emerson was absolutely crunched near the Blueline in the first period, I guess he wanted some payback. Out of the 12 goals 8 of them were even strength, with 2 shorthanded.
I'm looking forward to watching some of the highlights, and reading some of the fan reactions as to what exactly happened.
Media Links on the Game
http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/
Fight Between Thomas Kundratek
Saturday, October 10, 2009
GIants Defeat the Tigers 5-4 in a heartbreaker
Pre-Game
Devan Dubyk getting the start, but would be pulled after the 4th goal.
Bretton Cameron wearing a full face cage.
1st Period
1-0 TIgersEtem, (5) (Vey, Isherwood), 5:21 (SH)
Tigers start the game out strong. They get a 2on 1 shorthanded goal. They get some luck as Isherwood rings the puck around the boards and it hits the linesman at the blueline. Linden Vey picks up the puck and scoots down the Ice with Emerson Etem on a 2on1. Vey passes To Etem who roofs a Nice shot.
Giants Goal 1-1 Mappin, (3) (Henry, Barnett), 12:14
Both Dmen get caught in the corner. Cass Mapin beats Isherwood to the net and gets fed a nice pass. Mappin roofs it.
2nd Period
Giants Goal 2-1 Gallagher, (2) (Bouma), 0:46
Kundratek would get caught skating forward in the neutral zone. A quick pass and the Giants get a 2 on1 and Gallagher roofs it.
Giants Goal 3-1 Gallagher, (3) (Cunningham, Manning), 7:02 (PP)
Cunnigham skates into the middle of the Ice passes down low TO Gallagher who roofs a shot at the side of the net. A PP goal and a very nice shot. Dubyk went down a little early but it was a perfect shot
Giants Goal 4-1 Manning, (3) (Hodder), 16:39
I dont know what the tigers were doing But the Giants Dman skated scott free down the middle of the ice from his own end. He faked a shot and slid a weak shot along the ice on goal. Somehow it went right through Devan Dubyk. It was a bad goal.
Willie Would Pull Dubyk, the last goal was his fault but the previous 3 goals were from shots that picked the top of the net, and from defensive miscues.
3rd Period
Tiger Goal 4-2 King, (2) (Hamilton, Cameron), 3:15
The tigers would get a 3on1 down low. Hamilton Fed a perfect pass over to King who had an open net and made no mistake.
Tiger Goal 4-3 MacKay, (1) (Kundratek, Cameron), 9:35
Tigers cycling down low. The puck hits the refs skate at the hashmarks, and the puck comes out perfectly to Cameron near the wall. Cameron passes to MacKay who shoots, then gets his own rebound and scores with the goalie sprawled out.
Tigers Goal 4-4 King, (3) (Coyle), 13:34
Colye PInching down low feeds the puck over to King at the side of the net. He waits out a diving Jamie TUcker and roofs it. TIEGAME
Giants Goal 5-4 Connauton, (3) (Barnett), 19:17
Wow a heartbreaker. The tigers came back being down 4-1 only to have a flip shot from the point beat Bunz who didn't see the puck.
Game Over
Fight
Zdenik Okal vs Ryan FUnk
Funk hit Emerson Etem from the side just as he was turning. Emerson went hard into the boards. Okal came over like a bat out of hell and started throwing punches. Funk being the bigger guy was also throwing rabbit shots, and he fell over top of Okal. No damage done but it was a very short Fight.
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More defensive Miscues gave the giants an early lead in the game. The giants were the much better team through the first two periods. In the third The tigers somehow turned it on and scored 3 goals in 10 minutes. However as soon as they scored the tieing goal they stepped off the gas pedal, and it was Vancouver slowly gaining Momentum.
The tigers played a tad better on defense however they still gave up 2 goals on Defensive mistakes. Plus 1 goal from a shot that should have been stopped.
The good thing about this team is that their offensive game can never be counted out. They fix these Defensive miscues, play better for an entire game and they will be a top team. However they have a loooooooong way to go to get there.
Josh Koper was scratched again.
Devan Dubyk getting the start, but would be pulled after the 4th goal.
Bretton Cameron wearing a full face cage.
1st Period
1-0 TIgersEtem, (5) (Vey, Isherwood), 5:21 (SH)
Tigers start the game out strong. They get a 2on 1 shorthanded goal. They get some luck as Isherwood rings the puck around the boards and it hits the linesman at the blueline. Linden Vey picks up the puck and scoots down the Ice with Emerson Etem on a 2on1. Vey passes To Etem who roofs a Nice shot.
Giants Goal 1-1 Mappin, (3) (Henry, Barnett), 12:14
Both Dmen get caught in the corner. Cass Mapin beats Isherwood to the net and gets fed a nice pass. Mappin roofs it.
2nd Period
Giants Goal 2-1 Gallagher, (2) (Bouma), 0:46
Kundratek would get caught skating forward in the neutral zone. A quick pass and the Giants get a 2 on1 and Gallagher roofs it.
Giants Goal 3-1 Gallagher, (3) (Cunningham, Manning), 7:02 (PP)
Cunnigham skates into the middle of the Ice passes down low TO Gallagher who roofs a shot at the side of the net. A PP goal and a very nice shot. Dubyk went down a little early but it was a perfect shot
Giants Goal 4-1 Manning, (3) (Hodder), 16:39
I dont know what the tigers were doing But the Giants Dman skated scott free down the middle of the ice from his own end. He faked a shot and slid a weak shot along the ice on goal. Somehow it went right through Devan Dubyk. It was a bad goal.
Willie Would Pull Dubyk, the last goal was his fault but the previous 3 goals were from shots that picked the top of the net, and from defensive miscues.
3rd Period
Tiger Goal 4-2 King, (2) (Hamilton, Cameron), 3:15
The tigers would get a 3on1 down low. Hamilton Fed a perfect pass over to King who had an open net and made no mistake.
Tiger Goal 4-3 MacKay, (1) (Kundratek, Cameron), 9:35
Tigers cycling down low. The puck hits the refs skate at the hashmarks, and the puck comes out perfectly to Cameron near the wall. Cameron passes to MacKay who shoots, then gets his own rebound and scores with the goalie sprawled out.
Tigers Goal 4-4 King, (3) (Coyle), 13:34
Colye PInching down low feeds the puck over to King at the side of the net. He waits out a diving Jamie TUcker and roofs it. TIEGAME
Giants Goal 5-4 Connauton, (3) (Barnett), 19:17
Wow a heartbreaker. The tigers came back being down 4-1 only to have a flip shot from the point beat Bunz who didn't see the puck.
Game Over
Fight
Zdenik Okal vs Ryan FUnk
Funk hit Emerson Etem from the side just as he was turning. Emerson went hard into the boards. Okal came over like a bat out of hell and started throwing punches. Funk being the bigger guy was also throwing rabbit shots, and he fell over top of Okal. No damage done but it was a very short Fight.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
More defensive Miscues gave the giants an early lead in the game. The giants were the much better team through the first two periods. In the third The tigers somehow turned it on and scored 3 goals in 10 minutes. However as soon as they scored the tieing goal they stepped off the gas pedal, and it was Vancouver slowly gaining Momentum.
The tigers played a tad better on defense however they still gave up 2 goals on Defensive mistakes. Plus 1 goal from a shot that should have been stopped.
The good thing about this team is that their offensive game can never be counted out. They fix these Defensive miscues, play better for an entire game and they will be a top team. However they have a loooooooong way to go to get there.
Josh Koper was scratched again.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Chilliwack Defeats Tigers 5-4 OT
Tonight A few thoughts on the game.
Bretton Cameron
Bretton Cameron left the game and didn't return after a puck crawled up his stick and smacked him in the face. He also crashed heavily feet first into the boards minutes before and looked to be in some discomfort. As a result Willie was mixing up his lines regularly.
Defensive Troubles
Again the defense was having trouble. It wasn't that Bunz was the problem, It was mainly defensive coverage issues. I thought the tigers played well enough to win, but probably didn't deserve to. 2 of their goals were direct results of Chilliwack's goalie blundering the puck, and the Tigers went 1/8 on the powerplay.
Grbavac + Matt MacKay+Hamilton
I thought the two new guys looked good. They both were a part of a tigers 3rd goal. However they gave an assist to Bretton Cameron who wasn't even on the ice after getting hit by a puck in the face. I believe the assist should have gone to Matt MacKay. Grbavac seemed to have good chemistry with Taylor gal, and Triston king for the couple shifts they were paired together on. Wacey Hamilton also played great again.
Chilliwack Stars
Chilliwack's Shayne Neigum has traits of his cousin Derek Dorsett, he has a mean side to his game. Chilliwack's 17 years old Chris COllins and 18 yr old Ryan Howse, looked very dangerous. When Chilliwack comes to the hat those are two players to keep an eye on.
I should also mention Colton Grant was named third star. HE was responsible for setting up Chilliwack's 1st goal, stealing the puck from behind the net and centering it out front. Winning teams need players like Colton Grant and he will help that team out considerably.
On the overtime winning Goal 17 yr old Chris Collins, absolutely undressed Jace Coyle. It was a 1on 3. Collins faked a shot, Colye went down on one knee to block it. Collins then skated around Coyle and shot the puck topshelf.
Disallowed Goal
Their is a definite loophole in favor of goalies if goals like this are disallowed.
The tigers had a 2on1 rush up the ice. Chilliwack's last defender fell. A pass to Zdenik Okal and he had a minibreakaway from the top left hand side of the faceoff circle.
Okal a left handed shot came from the left side of the ice with speed. He faked a shot then went to his backhand. At this point the goalie was beat, he went down early and was out of position. Sliding backwards in the wrong direction his skate/pad knocked the net out of place to stop from sliding backwards, half a second later Okal put the puck in the net. The goal was disallowed on a ruling that the net was knocked off accidentally.
While it was accidental but was because the goalie was beaten cleanly. The play was reviewed and still counted as no goal. The ref initially signaled the play as a goal.
Something like that being disallowed is just plain wrong. The goalie knocked the net off on a PREMIUM scoring chance, with half an open net.
Bretton Cameron
Bretton Cameron left the game and didn't return after a puck crawled up his stick and smacked him in the face. He also crashed heavily feet first into the boards minutes before and looked to be in some discomfort. As a result Willie was mixing up his lines regularly.
Defensive Troubles
Again the defense was having trouble. It wasn't that Bunz was the problem, It was mainly defensive coverage issues. I thought the tigers played well enough to win, but probably didn't deserve to. 2 of their goals were direct results of Chilliwack's goalie blundering the puck, and the Tigers went 1/8 on the powerplay.
Grbavac + Matt MacKay+Hamilton
I thought the two new guys looked good. They both were a part of a tigers 3rd goal. However they gave an assist to Bretton Cameron who wasn't even on the ice after getting hit by a puck in the face. I believe the assist should have gone to Matt MacKay. Grbavac seemed to have good chemistry with Taylor gal, and Triston king for the couple shifts they were paired together on. Wacey Hamilton also played great again.
Chilliwack Stars
Chilliwack's Shayne Neigum has traits of his cousin Derek Dorsett, he has a mean side to his game. Chilliwack's 17 years old Chris COllins and 18 yr old Ryan Howse, looked very dangerous. When Chilliwack comes to the hat those are two players to keep an eye on.
I should also mention Colton Grant was named third star. HE was responsible for setting up Chilliwack's 1st goal, stealing the puck from behind the net and centering it out front. Winning teams need players like Colton Grant and he will help that team out considerably.
On the overtime winning Goal 17 yr old Chris Collins, absolutely undressed Jace Coyle. It was a 1on 3. Collins faked a shot, Colye went down on one knee to block it. Collins then skated around Coyle and shot the puck topshelf.
Disallowed Goal
Their is a definite loophole in favor of goalies if goals like this are disallowed.
The tigers had a 2on1 rush up the ice. Chilliwack's last defender fell. A pass to Zdenik Okal and he had a minibreakaway from the top left hand side of the faceoff circle.
Okal a left handed shot came from the left side of the ice with speed. He faked a shot then went to his backhand. At this point the goalie was beat, he went down early and was out of position. Sliding backwards in the wrong direction his skate/pad knocked the net out of place to stop from sliding backwards, half a second later Okal put the puck in the net. The goal was disallowed on a ruling that the net was knocked off accidentally.
While it was accidental but was because the goalie was beaten cleanly. The play was reviewed and still counted as no goal. The ref initially signaled the play as a goal.
Something like that being disallowed is just plain wrong. The goalie knocked the net off on a PREMIUM scoring chance, with half an open net.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Joey Frazer Suspended 2 Games
Joey Frazer Two games for cfb major and g.m. at Kelowna on October 7.
There was a race for the puck along the boards. Both players were coming in fast,Kyle Verdino was in front and Frazer was half a step behind him.Just as they got to the boards Frazer gave a push to get the guy off balance. Verdino fell feet first into the boards.
Tough weekend for the Tigers coming up.
Chilliwack:Friday
Vancouver: Saturday
Kamloops: Monday
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Both vancouver and Kamloops have started the season on a hot streak with 12 points in 8 games. The tigers will need to cut down on penalties, control the play and tighten up defensively.
---
4 of 7 games have gone to overtime or a shootout. The tigers have come out with the extra point once. In 5 games Tyler Bunz has a 4.05 GAA and .860 save%.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Team Canada Womens Hockey Team played the Midget AAA Tigers at the Arena tuesday. Curtis Valk was mentioned as playing for the AAA Midget Tigers.
Which would mean the tigers are down To Dylan Businius, Reid petryk, and Dylan Bredo, as their 16 year olds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out these two articles to read more about the Stampohar and Grbavac trade.
http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/141782/110/
There was a race for the puck along the boards. Both players were coming in fast,Kyle Verdino was in front and Frazer was half a step behind him.Just as they got to the boards Frazer gave a push to get the guy off balance. Verdino fell feet first into the boards.
Tough weekend for the Tigers coming up.
Chilliwack:Friday
Vancouver: Saturday
Kamloops: Monday
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Both vancouver and Kamloops have started the season on a hot streak with 12 points in 8 games. The tigers will need to cut down on penalties, control the play and tighten up defensively.
---
4 of 7 games have gone to overtime or a shootout. The tigers have come out with the extra point once. In 5 games Tyler Bunz has a 4.05 GAA and .860 save%.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Team Canada Womens Hockey Team played the Midget AAA Tigers at the Arena tuesday. Curtis Valk was mentioned as playing for the AAA Midget Tigers.
Which would mean the tigers are down To Dylan Businius, Reid petryk, and Dylan Bredo, as their 16 year olds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out these two articles to read more about the Stampohar and Grbavac trade.
http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/141782/110/
Tigers Deal Stampohar to Blazers
For a recap of last nights Game vs Kelowna scroll down 1 more post or click here for a direct link to the post.
Medicine Hat Tigers made their second trade in as many days with the acquisition of 18-year-old forward COLE GRBAVAC from the Kamloops Blazer, the team announced today.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
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Stampohar was not really fitting in with the Tigers system of fast skaters. I thought as a 17 year old he looked like he may of had potential to one day be a power forward who could charge the net and run over anybody, create havoc and be tough to move from the front of the net. I remember Willie Desjardin saying he thought Stampohar could be a Milan Lucic type player.
2 years later....
His game never took off on another level. His 18 year old season was almost a step backwards. During the first part of this season he has been the same old Stampohar. I think a change will be good for him but, I think he has hit his potential ceiling already. I should add he was entertaining to watch him when he stepped up and fought somebody.
Kamloops will be getting a guy who is not afraid to drop the gloves. He should be able to stand toe-toe with anyone. However he is a little slow, and doesn't really have much offense in him. He needs to learn how to drive to the net and, better body positioning. He has a tendency to push a player rather than bodycheck him. Being a 19 year old he is eligible to come back next year, but I think there are better options available.
------------------------------------------------------------
COLE GRBAVAC - RW 18 Yr. 6'2 190lbs.
He recently left the Kamloops team because he was disappointed in his ice time. He was taken in the third round, 56th overall in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft.
Scouting report says he is a tough gritty player.
here are 2 fight videos I located from hockeyfights.com
Medicine Hat Tigers made their second trade in as many days with the acquisition of 18-year-old forward COLE GRBAVAC from the Kamloops Blazer, the team announced today.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stampohar was not really fitting in with the Tigers system of fast skaters. I thought as a 17 year old he looked like he may of had potential to one day be a power forward who could charge the net and run over anybody, create havoc and be tough to move from the front of the net. I remember Willie Desjardin saying he thought Stampohar could be a Milan Lucic type player.
2 years later....
His game never took off on another level. His 18 year old season was almost a step backwards. During the first part of this season he has been the same old Stampohar. I think a change will be good for him but, I think he has hit his potential ceiling already. I should add he was entertaining to watch him when he stepped up and fought somebody.
Kamloops will be getting a guy who is not afraid to drop the gloves. He should be able to stand toe-toe with anyone. However he is a little slow, and doesn't really have much offense in him. He needs to learn how to drive to the net and, better body positioning. He has a tendency to push a player rather than bodycheck him. Being a 19 year old he is eligible to come back next year, but I think there are better options available.
------------------------------------------------------------
COLE GRBAVAC - RW 18 Yr. 6'2 190lbs.
He recently left the Kamloops team because he was disappointed in his ice time. He was taken in the third round, 56th overall in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft.
Scouting report says he is a tough gritty player.
here are 2 fight videos I located from hockeyfights.com
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Rockets Beat Tigers 6-5 SO
Interesting Note:
Ryan Holfeld Did not make the trip with the Tigers through B.C.
Neither did John Stampohar as he is suspended.
Director Of officiating is in the house
Long Post With Goal Highlights
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period
1-0 Kelowna Novotny, (8) (McMillan, Bloodoff), 0:44
Kundratek got caught pinching, but managed to come back however Brandon McMillan made a perfect cross ice pass to Stepan Novotny just out of the reach of Kundratek in the high slot area. Novotny would put it past an outstretched Tyler Bunz.
Moments later Kundratek would hit the post on a point shot.
2-0 Kelowna Main, (1) (Astles), 7:53
Tiger right winger(Bretton Cameron I think) gave the puck up along the boards. The rocket player skated in with the puck got a shot off. Bunz made the save, but didn't keep track of the rebound. It squirted out to a rocket near the right side as Tyler Bunz lost sight of the puck on a goal mouth scramble.
3-0 Kelowna KEL McMillan, (1) , 19:50 (SH)
On the PP Zdenik Okal fumbled the puck along the point, A rocket player poked the puck past him and skated in alone on a breakaway.
Kale Kessey absolutely hammered 2 Rockets Players, big hits and got into a scrap. I'll recap it later. Tigers aren't moving their feet. Kelowna controlled the majority of the play.
End Of First
Second Period
WOWOWOW what a period
3-1 Tiger Goal King, (1) , 2:11
Tigers with some sutained pressure just after thier PP. Triston King had the puck near the side of the net and Picked the top left hand corner.
3-2 Tiger Goal Frazer, (2) (Carlson, Koper), 2:34
Cody Calrson with the point shot, rebound came out and Joey frazer popped in the rebound in front.
3-3 Tiger Goal Okal, (1) (Vey), 3:00
Linden Vey passed to Okal coming into the zone, Okal absolutly wired a rocket top shelf.
4-3 Kelowna McMillan, (2) (Novotny, McColgan), 5:32 (PP)
Kelowna gets a 5-3 The defenceman fanned on the shot but the puck dribbled like a turtle along the ice past everyone. Bunz stuck out a pad to make a light save but the puck rebounded right to McMillan who was johhny on the spot.
4-4 Tie Tiger Goal Cameron, (6) (Hamilton, Kundratek), 9:37
Off a turnover at the blueline Bretton Cameron feeds wacey Hamilton in front of the slot and ties the game.
The tigers would get a 5on3 but Fail to score. Will that come back to hurt them?
Joey Frazer would get a 5 minute major and kicked out of the game. He was racing behind Kelowna rocket Defender Kyle Verdino to get the puck along the boards. Frazer would give a slight push to get the guy off balance. Unfortunately it put him off balance to much and he fell into the boards awkwardly. The tigers will have a 4 minute Powerplay to kill.
The tigers played much better and it was a complete reversal of the first period scoring 3 goals within 49 seconds.
3rd Period
Goal 5-4 Kelowna St. Denis, (4) (Main, Borejko), 13:32 (SH)
The webcast was out showing fans but when it came back Kelowna's Kyle St. Denis had a breakaway off a faceoff in Kelowna's end.
Goal 5-5 Tie Cameron, (7) (Hamilton, Isherwood), 19:46
With seconds left in the game and the goalie pulled The Tigers get one last rush up the ice. Bretton Camerson gets fed the puck in the slot and roofs it.
OT
Tigers control the majority of overtime with a couple decent chances. No Goals. This is going to a shootout.
ShootOut
Rockets win with 12 total shooters. 3 of 6 Tigers shots missed the net or had no shot. Triston King didn't get a shot off for the 3rd straight shootout. Mark Isherwood scored for the tigers just under the blocker.
END GAME
Fights
Kyle Kessey vs Colin Bowman
Kessey just rocked a rocket behind the net. Bowman immediately stepped up to challenge kessey. They both threw a couple punches as Kessey overpowered him and they fell backwards. Nor much of a fight but edge to kessey
Bretton Cameron vs Kyle Verdino
Not sure how it started but Cameron was throwing punches at Verdino who was in an awkward position as the refs half had him pinned down. Both players would get double roughing penalties.
Tanner Sohn Jesse Astles
Again not sure how it started. Sohn would throw a bunch of short rabbit punches overpowers Astles to the ice Edge:Sohn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall it was a HIGHLY ENTERTAINING GAME. The defense was basically non-existent with chances galore. The rockets going up 3-0, Then the tigers scoring 3 goals in 49 seconds. The rockets would score on a shorthanded breakaway to go up 5-4 with 7 minutes left in the game.Bretton Cameron would tie the game with Bunz pulled.
The tigers should be happy with a point. But its bittersweet they could not pull a complete comeback. Getting 1 point when you start the game down 3-0 , then allow 2 shorthanded goals is not bad I suppose.
I thought Talyor Gal, Wacey Hamilton, Thomas Carr had pretty good nights.
I thought Kelowna's broadcaster were very entertaining to listen to and did a remarkable job. Their Camera switchboard operator could use some work. Zoomed in to much, and missed 2 of the tigers shootout attempts.
Let me know if you like these recaps or If i should try to shorten them up a bit?
Ryan Holfeld Did not make the trip with the Tigers through B.C.
Neither did John Stampohar as he is suspended.
Director Of officiating is in the house
Long Post With Goal Highlights
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period
1-0 Kelowna Novotny, (8) (McMillan, Bloodoff), 0:44
Kundratek got caught pinching, but managed to come back however Brandon McMillan made a perfect cross ice pass to Stepan Novotny just out of the reach of Kundratek in the high slot area. Novotny would put it past an outstretched Tyler Bunz.
Moments later Kundratek would hit the post on a point shot.
2-0 Kelowna Main, (1) (Astles), 7:53
Tiger right winger(Bretton Cameron I think) gave the puck up along the boards. The rocket player skated in with the puck got a shot off. Bunz made the save, but didn't keep track of the rebound. It squirted out to a rocket near the right side as Tyler Bunz lost sight of the puck on a goal mouth scramble.
3-0 Kelowna KEL McMillan, (1) , 19:50 (SH)
On the PP Zdenik Okal fumbled the puck along the point, A rocket player poked the puck past him and skated in alone on a breakaway.
Kale Kessey absolutely hammered 2 Rockets Players, big hits and got into a scrap. I'll recap it later. Tigers aren't moving their feet. Kelowna controlled the majority of the play.
End Of First
Second Period
WOWOWOW what a period
3-1 Tiger Goal King, (1) , 2:11
Tigers with some sutained pressure just after thier PP. Triston King had the puck near the side of the net and Picked the top left hand corner.
3-2 Tiger Goal Frazer, (2) (Carlson, Koper), 2:34
Cody Calrson with the point shot, rebound came out and Joey frazer popped in the rebound in front.
3-3 Tiger Goal Okal, (1) (Vey), 3:00
Linden Vey passed to Okal coming into the zone, Okal absolutly wired a rocket top shelf.
4-3 Kelowna McMillan, (2) (Novotny, McColgan), 5:32 (PP)
Kelowna gets a 5-3 The defenceman fanned on the shot but the puck dribbled like a turtle along the ice past everyone. Bunz stuck out a pad to make a light save but the puck rebounded right to McMillan who was johhny on the spot.
4-4 Tie Tiger Goal Cameron, (6) (Hamilton, Kundratek), 9:37
Off a turnover at the blueline Bretton Cameron feeds wacey Hamilton in front of the slot and ties the game.
The tigers would get a 5on3 but Fail to score. Will that come back to hurt them?
Joey Frazer would get a 5 minute major and kicked out of the game. He was racing behind Kelowna rocket Defender Kyle Verdino to get the puck along the boards. Frazer would give a slight push to get the guy off balance. Unfortunately it put him off balance to much and he fell into the boards awkwardly. The tigers will have a 4 minute Powerplay to kill.
The tigers played much better and it was a complete reversal of the first period scoring 3 goals within 49 seconds.
3rd Period
Goal 5-4 Kelowna St. Denis, (4) (Main, Borejko), 13:32 (SH)
The webcast was out showing fans but when it came back Kelowna's Kyle St. Denis had a breakaway off a faceoff in Kelowna's end.
Goal 5-5 Tie Cameron, (7) (Hamilton, Isherwood), 19:46
With seconds left in the game and the goalie pulled The Tigers get one last rush up the ice. Bretton Camerson gets fed the puck in the slot and roofs it.
OT
Tigers control the majority of overtime with a couple decent chances. No Goals. This is going to a shootout.
ShootOut
Rockets win with 12 total shooters. 3 of 6 Tigers shots missed the net or had no shot. Triston King didn't get a shot off for the 3rd straight shootout. Mark Isherwood scored for the tigers just under the blocker.
END GAME
Fights
Kyle Kessey vs Colin Bowman
Kessey just rocked a rocket behind the net. Bowman immediately stepped up to challenge kessey. They both threw a couple punches as Kessey overpowered him and they fell backwards. Nor much of a fight but edge to kessey
Bretton Cameron vs Kyle Verdino
Not sure how it started but Cameron was throwing punches at Verdino who was in an awkward position as the refs half had him pinned down. Both players would get double roughing penalties.
Tanner Sohn Jesse Astles
Again not sure how it started. Sohn would throw a bunch of short rabbit punches overpowers Astles to the ice Edge:Sohn
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall it was a HIGHLY ENTERTAINING GAME. The defense was basically non-existent with chances galore. The rockets going up 3-0, Then the tigers scoring 3 goals in 49 seconds. The rockets would score on a shorthanded breakaway to go up 5-4 with 7 minutes left in the game.Bretton Cameron would tie the game with Bunz pulled.
The tigers should be happy with a point. But its bittersweet they could not pull a complete comeback. Getting 1 point when you start the game down 3-0 , then allow 2 shorthanded goals is not bad I suppose.
I thought Talyor Gal, Wacey Hamilton, Thomas Carr had pretty good nights.
I thought Kelowna's broadcaster were very entertaining to listen to and did a remarkable job. Their Camera switchboard operator could use some work. Zoomed in to much, and missed 2 of the tigers shootout attempts.
Let me know if you like these recaps or If i should try to shorten them up a bit?
Tigers Deal Colton Grant to Chilliwack
Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat Tigers announce this afternoon they have completed a deal with the Chilliwack Bruins.
The Tigers have traded 20-year-old Colton Grant to the Bruins for a sixth round bantam pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
I believe this leaves Chilliwack with 4 overagers, and It reduces the Tigers overagers to 4. Overager Cutoff date is October 15th at 1PM pst.
The Tigers have traded 20-year-old Colton Grant to the Bruins for a sixth round bantam pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Oct&lim1=0
I believe this leaves Chilliwack with 4 overagers, and It reduces the Tigers overagers to 4. Overager Cutoff date is October 15th at 1PM pst.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Central Division Challenge
Central Division Challenge Trivia
If your interested in entering a free online contest keep reading
Subway is doing the challenge again this year. Each week there is a new question. If answered correctly you are entered to win prizes from subway.
There is a trip for 2 to the memorial cup and, 1 eat free subway for a year for each city if the central Division Challenge, and a couple other prizes.
This weeks question is: Who is the only Central Division player to record 10 points in a single game?
Hint: He was a former tiger.
You can find the answer on this list of records http://www.whl.ca/Single-Game-p121193
GO to this website for more Information and to enter the contest:
http://www.whl-central.com/
If your interested in entering a free online contest keep reading
Subway is doing the challenge again this year. Each week there is a new question. If answered correctly you are entered to win prizes from subway.
There is a trip for 2 to the memorial cup and, 1 eat free subway for a year for each city if the central Division Challenge, and a couple other prizes.
This weeks question is: Who is the only Central Division player to record 10 points in a single game?
Hint: He was a former tiger.
You can find the answer on this list of records http://www.whl.ca/Single-Game-p121193
GO to this website for more Information and to enter the contest:
http://www.whl-central.com/
Monday, October 5, 2009
Stampohar suspended 4 games
According to the whl's discipline page John Stampohar is being suspended 4 games for his open ice interference hit from behind in yesterdays game vs the Oil Kings.
http://www.whl.ca/2009-10-discipline-p137550
You can watch the hit in one the fight videos I added yesterday down below.
The hit was a dumb decision, the penalty was a little harsh, but justifiable. The guy did back into him, but stampohar just ran him over.
I think if that happened with 2 guys the same size you only see a 2 minute minor penalty. I looked over the last 2 years of suspensions and I couldn't find any previous suspension for Stampohar.
http://www.whl.ca/2009-10-discipline-p137550
You can watch the hit in one the fight videos I added yesterday down below.
The hit was a dumb decision, the penalty was a little harsh, but justifiable. The guy did back into him, but stampohar just ran him over.
I think if that happened with 2 guys the same size you only see a 2 minute minor penalty. I looked over the last 2 years of suspensions and I couldn't find any previous suspension for Stampohar.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tigers Defeat Oil Kings 4-3 SO
I'm tired so I'm keepin' it short...Added youtube Fight clips.
I thought the tigers played fairly well tonight, better that yesterday. Although they still have quite a few areas to improve upon. I thought Tyler Bunz rebounded and played a good game. Edmonton as expected tried to shoot upstairs allot and Bunz played very well standing up to those shots better.
Fights
John Stampohar vs Drew Nichol
Stampohar just creamed an Oil King from the side exiting the zone, the Oil King player didn't see Stampohar coming, and went down in a bundle of pain.
I thought that was a dumb thing to do and stampohar payed for it in the fight. You could hear a loud helmet to hand crunch sound from one of Stampohar's punches, and Drew Nichol fed him some good shots. Decision Nichol. Stampohar also received a 5 minute major for interference, and a game misconduct in addition to the fighting major.
Mark Pysk vs Tanner Sohn
The oil kings were really crashing the net hard, and Pysk gave Bunz an elbow to the head. Tanner Sohn didn't hesitate at all and started throwing punches. Edge to Sohn
Matt MacKay vs Travis Ewanyk
I'm not sure how this one started it was behind the play. But all of a sudden these two started going at it. I don't think anything major landed but it looked like Ewanyk had the edge in this one.
19 year old Josh Koper was scratched for a second straight game. With the Injuries to Carlson and Konan it gave way for Tanner Sohn, and Scott McKay to get some ice time.
Other Thoughts
I didn't like Isherwood's game tonight he was caught pinching 3-4 times, and gave the puck away a few times. I think he is trying to do too much. Just simplify your game. Make a good first pass and take a guy out if your gonna pinch.
EDIT
I incorrectly listed Matt Mackay as wearing an A on his jersey, the whl gamesheet misdirected me.....Blame it on them :)
HE is still getting used to things but his line created a handful of scoring opportunities, and He scored a very good goal in the shootout.
I haven't really made a prediction on how I think the tigers will do this year yet.
I've watched all of their games either live or via webcast.
I don't believe they are championship caliber, but I think they have the potential to make it to the 2nd/3rd round if they were to improve their team defensive game.
I think they will be in tough going for the 3rd,4th spots in the conference.
----------------------------------------------------------
I noticed Boston Leier has been deleted as having an x on the whl skaters page.
www.whl.ca
So now it looks like the tigers are down to 4 16 year olds.
I thought the tigers played fairly well tonight, better that yesterday. Although they still have quite a few areas to improve upon. I thought Tyler Bunz rebounded and played a good game. Edmonton as expected tried to shoot upstairs allot and Bunz played very well standing up to those shots better.
Fights
John Stampohar vs Drew Nichol
Stampohar just creamed an Oil King from the side exiting the zone, the Oil King player didn't see Stampohar coming, and went down in a bundle of pain.
I thought that was a dumb thing to do and stampohar payed for it in the fight. You could hear a loud helmet to hand crunch sound from one of Stampohar's punches, and Drew Nichol fed him some good shots. Decision Nichol. Stampohar also received a 5 minute major for interference, and a game misconduct in addition to the fighting major.
Mark Pysk vs Tanner Sohn
The oil kings were really crashing the net hard, and Pysk gave Bunz an elbow to the head. Tanner Sohn didn't hesitate at all and started throwing punches. Edge to Sohn
Matt MacKay vs Travis Ewanyk
I'm not sure how this one started it was behind the play. But all of a sudden these two started going at it. I don't think anything major landed but it looked like Ewanyk had the edge in this one.
19 year old Josh Koper was scratched for a second straight game. With the Injuries to Carlson and Konan it gave way for Tanner Sohn, and Scott McKay to get some ice time.
Other Thoughts
I didn't like Isherwood's game tonight he was caught pinching 3-4 times, and gave the puck away a few times. I think he is trying to do too much. Just simplify your game. Make a good first pass and take a guy out if your gonna pinch.
EDIT
I incorrectly listed Matt Mackay as wearing an A on his jersey, the whl gamesheet misdirected me.....Blame it on them :)
HE is still getting used to things but his line created a handful of scoring opportunities, and He scored a very good goal in the shootout.
I haven't really made a prediction on how I think the tigers will do this year yet.
I've watched all of their games either live or via webcast.
I don't believe they are championship caliber, but I think they have the potential to make it to the 2nd/3rd round if they were to improve their team defensive game.
I think they will be in tough going for the 3rd,4th spots in the conference.
----------------------------------------------------------
I noticed Boston Leier has been deleted as having an x on the whl skaters page.
www.whl.ca
So now it looks like the tigers are down to 4 16 year olds.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Kootenay Ice's Tigers 5-4 OT
Players of the Game
I thought Zdenik Okal, Taylor Gal, Linden Vey, Thomas Kundratek, Emerson Etem all had themselves a pretty good game. Honorable mentions to Jace Coyle, and Joey Frazer.
I was pleasantly surprised seeing Linden Vey actually finish his checks out there tonight. Zdenik Okal played a strong physical game, and was a catalyst on offense. Taylor Gal won a lot of battles along the boards. Kundratek looked like he was used to playing against stronger competition.
Emerson Etem
Emerson Etem keeps impressing me. 2 more goals tonight. He has the potential to be a very high NHL draft pick. Very solid skater.
Goats of the Game
I thought Tyler Bunz and Cody Carlson had poor games. Cody was INJURED in the third period after taking 3 minor penalties, and being on the ice for Kootenay's first 3 goals. He had a game to forget.
Tyler Bunz.....I dont know what to say....To me it seems like he is having a hard time keeping an eye on the puck, and the other teams are picking up on that he is beatable upstairs. If he plays tomorrow you will see the Oil Kings going upstairs until Bunz starts stopping those shots. The Oil Kings keyed on him upstairs last game.
I also didn't like the play of Triston King. He needs to get his shirt dirtier and keep his feet moving, he is playing the perimeter too much.
Fight
Kale Kessey vs Jesse Ismond
-wrestling match, no fight.
Mathew Konan Vs Brock Montgomery
- Very impressive fight. These are the fights you love to watch as a fan. They looked like they were getting tired then both went into second gear, and kept going. After Reviewing the fight I'm calling it a draw. Both players landed some real quality shots to the head. It was brought to my attention that Konan never came back afterwards.
More Thoughts
The Tigers need to do a better job at playing in their own zone. They gave Kootenay too many second and third chances.
Tomorrow the Tigers are in Tough Vs the Oil Kings. The Oil Kings look like they have a very hard working and solid team this year. Kruger said after the game they expect to have some lineup changes for tomoroww.
Refs
That hooking call with 30 seconds left in the game was a....."very brave" call for the ref to make. I was watching another player at the time, and didn't fully see the hook, but you could definitely hear the boos in the arena when the ref blew the whistle.
The 2 refs let a few things go including a slash by Kootenay's goaltender near the end of the game, and another borderline hook by an Ice player On Tomas Kundratek.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 11 Zdenek Okal
2. KTN - 12 Dustin Sylvester
3. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
http://www.tigershockey.com/multimedia/mc.php For Highlights of the game
---------------------------------------------------------------
Theirs were reports that Regina's GM Brent Parker was in attendance for last nights game.
I thought Zdenik Okal, Taylor Gal, Linden Vey, Thomas Kundratek, Emerson Etem all had themselves a pretty good game. Honorable mentions to Jace Coyle, and Joey Frazer.
I was pleasantly surprised seeing Linden Vey actually finish his checks out there tonight. Zdenik Okal played a strong physical game, and was a catalyst on offense. Taylor Gal won a lot of battles along the boards. Kundratek looked like he was used to playing against stronger competition.
Emerson Etem
Emerson Etem keeps impressing me. 2 more goals tonight. He has the potential to be a very high NHL draft pick. Very solid skater.
Goats of the Game
I thought Tyler Bunz and Cody Carlson had poor games. Cody was INJURED in the third period after taking 3 minor penalties, and being on the ice for Kootenay's first 3 goals. He had a game to forget.
Tyler Bunz.....I dont know what to say....To me it seems like he is having a hard time keeping an eye on the puck, and the other teams are picking up on that he is beatable upstairs. If he plays tomorrow you will see the Oil Kings going upstairs until Bunz starts stopping those shots. The Oil Kings keyed on him upstairs last game.
I also didn't like the play of Triston King. He needs to get his shirt dirtier and keep his feet moving, he is playing the perimeter too much.
Fight
Kale Kessey vs Jesse Ismond
-wrestling match, no fight.
Mathew Konan Vs Brock Montgomery
- Very impressive fight. These are the fights you love to watch as a fan. They looked like they were getting tired then both went into second gear, and kept going. After Reviewing the fight I'm calling it a draw. Both players landed some real quality shots to the head. It was brought to my attention that Konan never came back afterwards.
More Thoughts
The Tigers need to do a better job at playing in their own zone. They gave Kootenay too many second and third chances.
Tomorrow the Tigers are in Tough Vs the Oil Kings. The Oil Kings look like they have a very hard working and solid team this year. Kruger said after the game they expect to have some lineup changes for tomoroww.
Refs
That hooking call with 30 seconds left in the game was a....."very brave" call for the ref to make. I was watching another player at the time, and didn't fully see the hook, but you could definitely hear the boos in the arena when the ref blew the whistle.
The 2 refs let a few things go including a slash by Kootenay's goaltender near the end of the game, and another borderline hook by an Ice player On Tomas Kundratek.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 11 Zdenek Okal
2. KTN - 12 Dustin Sylvester
3. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
http://www.tigershockey.com/multimedia/mc.php For Highlights of the game
---------------------------------------------------------------
Theirs were reports that Regina's GM Brent Parker was in attendance for last nights game.
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