Even though the tigers lost tonight they took a step in the right direction. After a so-so first ten minutes of hockey the tigers got their feet moving and played some pretty good hockey.
I haven't seen the team play that well since they lost to Vancouver back in January.
The tigers were keeping their feet moving and they were hitting everything that moved.
Ryan Holfeld played real well. He was sharp and looked pretty focused. I thought he also provided loads of support in making good quality passes when he played the puck.
I thought Kundratek looked like a star back on the point. Isherwood and Jayce Coyle I thought played one of their better games since the Christmas break. The whole team was moving the puck around much faster, and head-manning the puck MUCH better.
Travis Dunstall looks like he is lost out there.
I was disappointed in the quality of the reffing.
There were 2 occasions where one ref did the washout signaling no penalty, when the other ref blew play down and called one. On the second Calgary goal one of the calgary players pushed (with his arms) a tiger defender over, then whacked the puck into the net.
There were a couple occasions during a stoppage in play where Calgary would send out their players, then their coach would call them back and put different guys out after Willie sent his players out.
Lethbridge lost tonight so the tigers officially clinch 5th place, and will play Swift Current in round 1. I will post some stats between the two teams later in the week.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Playoff Positioning
Kootenay Lost tonight which means they CANNOT pass the tigers in the standings.
Any tiger point, or lethbridge loss of a point and the tigers clinch 5th.
Another Note: Saskatoon lost in overtime to P.A. That implicates that Saskatoon will finish 2nd. So the Brandon, and Swift remains the only teams that are possible first round matchups for the tigers.
Game Tomorow
I don't see Calgary resting any players in the game tomorrow. Calgary will need to win both games to earn the regular season title. Lets see how a moderately healthy tiger team can play against the best team in the chl.
Last time these two teams met at the arena the tigers played fairly hard, but the Hitmen kept snipping perfect shots off the post and in. Calgary's broke the game apart in the second after the tigers tied the game 3-3, and crused to an 8-4 win.
Injury
As of March 10th, the WHL lists Bretton Cameron and Tristan King as out for 1-2 weeks.
The news reported Tristan King was a game time decision last game, but did not take the re-game warmup
Like I mentioned on the tigers message board
Sean Ringrose
Brennan Bosch
Mark Isherwood
Colton grant
Jayce Coyle
If they play tomorrow they will all have played in a full 72 game season.
With this injury plagued season i find it incredible that this will be the most players playing in a full season since at least 96-97.
*The whl stats on their site only goes to year 1996-1997 so I don't know if this is the most ever, or a previous year has them beat.
Any tiger point, or lethbridge loss of a point and the tigers clinch 5th.
Another Note: Saskatoon lost in overtime to P.A. That implicates that Saskatoon will finish 2nd. So the Brandon, and Swift remains the only teams that are possible first round matchups for the tigers.
Game Tomorow
I don't see Calgary resting any players in the game tomorrow. Calgary will need to win both games to earn the regular season title. Lets see how a moderately healthy tiger team can play against the best team in the chl.
Last time these two teams met at the arena the tigers played fairly hard, but the Hitmen kept snipping perfect shots off the post and in. Calgary's broke the game apart in the second after the tigers tied the game 3-3, and crused to an 8-4 win.
Injury
As of March 10th, the WHL lists Bretton Cameron and Tristan King as out for 1-2 weeks.
The news reported Tristan King was a game time decision last game, but did not take the re-game warmup
Like I mentioned on the tigers message board
Sean Ringrose
Brennan Bosch
Mark Isherwood
Colton grant
Jayce Coyle
If they play tomorrow they will all have played in a full 72 game season.
With this injury plagued season i find it incredible that this will be the most players playing in a full season since at least 96-97.
*The whl stats on their site only goes to year 1996-1997 so I don't know if this is the most ever, or a previous year has them beat.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Playoff Matchups
Two key events happened yesterday for the tigers.
Swift Current Beat Brandon which means the tigers are officially gone from the Home Ice advantage race.
Kootenay Lost to Edmonton
IT means kootenay has to outright win both their games against lethbridge to pass us.
The tigers can clinch 5th place with a point of any kind or if kootenay looses a point of any kind.
Swift Current Beat Brandon which means the tigers are officially gone from the Home Ice advantage race.
Kootenay Lost to Edmonton
IT means kootenay has to outright win both their games against lethbridge to pass us.
The tigers can clinch 5th place with a point of any kind or if kootenay looses a point of any kind.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tiger beat Rebels 3-1
Gonna keep it brief
A solid effort tonight by the tigers. They played pretty well for the full 60 minutes. They had one little lapse in the third period but it was just for 1 shift. They were definitely hitting waaaaay more, which was good. IT made for shaky rebel hands out there.
I couldn't help but notice the rebels goaltender Darcy Kuemper. He looked huge in net, and seemed pretty calm and always square to the shooter. He also almost scored on himself.
One thing I keep forgetting to write about is, the tigers are always standing up on the bench. They are allowed to sit during radio time outs and whistles, but during play they have to stand up. I'm not sure if it has always been like that, or if its a new thing they are trying out?
Tigers needs to shoot the puck more....allot more.
John Stampohar started showing more hustle in the later stages of the game.
Colton Grant has been the unsung hero lately. I wouldn't doubt he has won the most 1v1 battles during the last 3-5 games.
I think Ryan Holfeld is still a little shaky. Tonight he didn't know where his rebounds were. That is one thing he has to improve upon is his rebounds control. He doesn't let out the big rebounds but there are tons of small rebounds that are being left near the crease.
Edit: Oh yeah another thing. They gotta cut down on those unnecessary penalties.
Last Game of the year on saturday, sheesh that went by fast. We will have to see if Calgary will rest some players.
A solid effort tonight by the tigers. They played pretty well for the full 60 minutes. They had one little lapse in the third period but it was just for 1 shift. They were definitely hitting waaaaay more, which was good. IT made for shaky rebel hands out there.
I couldn't help but notice the rebels goaltender Darcy Kuemper. He looked huge in net, and seemed pretty calm and always square to the shooter. He also almost scored on himself.
One thing I keep forgetting to write about is, the tigers are always standing up on the bench. They are allowed to sit during radio time outs and whistles, but during play they have to stand up. I'm not sure if it has always been like that, or if its a new thing they are trying out?
Tigers needs to shoot the puck more....allot more.
John Stampohar started showing more hustle in the later stages of the game.
Colton Grant has been the unsung hero lately. I wouldn't doubt he has won the most 1v1 battles during the last 3-5 games.
I think Ryan Holfeld is still a little shaky. Tonight he didn't know where his rebounds were. That is one thing he has to improve upon is his rebounds control. He doesn't let out the big rebounds but there are tons of small rebounds that are being left near the crease.
Edit: Oh yeah another thing. They gotta cut down on those unnecessary penalties.
Last Game of the year on saturday, sheesh that went by fast. We will have to see if Calgary will rest some players.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Tigers loose another in Kootenay 5-2
Tigers played pretty well in the first period, but then Kootenay started turning the momentum. Kootenay won the season series 6-0, and is now only 1 point back with one game in hand.
Kootenay outshot the tigers 20-1 in the third period, and that was because Kootenay shot the puck in their own net.
Red Deer on tuesday.
Kootenay outshot the tigers 20-1 in the third period, and that was because Kootenay shot the puck in their own net.
Red Deer on tuesday.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Another rough night of hockey...
...to watch from a tigers standpoint that is.
The turning point in the game was when the tigers had a 3-2 rush up the ice, and Linden Vey was hooked, interfered with and tripped a couple times, with the refs choosing not to call anything. Kootenay managed to gain control of the puck went up the ice and scored. After that the tigers unraveled and it was game over.
I thought that was a pretty pathetic non-call by the refs. The puck carrier(Vey) was pulled down in a 4-5 slash/chop sequence. There were TWO referees and they goofed that situation up big time.
There was a ton of interference, slight hooks, slight holds, throughout the whole game, it was frustrating to watch. If you missed tonights game you probably did yourself a favor.
Kootenay also did a great job at finishing thier checks and pounding the tigers into submission, during the early part of the game.
Wacey Hamilton was one of the few bright spots in the game. When he has the puck he plays in your face/dirty shirt style of hockey, and uses his body positioning to his advantage. Travis Dunstall I thought played with more heart tonight than he has shown in the past.
I am pretty disappointed in how this year has ended up for the tigers. It looked so promising at the start but they continue to get worse as the season goes along. I don't have much confidence in them getting past the first round. The tigers need to find a way to break that heavy forecheck that opposition teams are using.
Maybe they should try to play a box type system 5v5 then have a cherry picker float near the oppositions blueline....haha
The turning point in the game was when the tigers had a 3-2 rush up the ice, and Linden Vey was hooked, interfered with and tripped a couple times, with the refs choosing not to call anything. Kootenay managed to gain control of the puck went up the ice and scored. After that the tigers unraveled and it was game over.
I thought that was a pretty pathetic non-call by the refs. The puck carrier(Vey) was pulled down in a 4-5 slash/chop sequence. There were TWO referees and they goofed that situation up big time.
There was a ton of interference, slight hooks, slight holds, throughout the whole game, it was frustrating to watch. If you missed tonights game you probably did yourself a favor.
Kootenay also did a great job at finishing thier checks and pounding the tigers into submission, during the early part of the game.
Wacey Hamilton was one of the few bright spots in the game. When he has the puck he plays in your face/dirty shirt style of hockey, and uses his body positioning to his advantage. Travis Dunstall I thought played with more heart tonight than he has shown in the past.
I am pretty disappointed in how this year has ended up for the tigers. It looked so promising at the start but they continue to get worse as the season goes along. I don't have much confidence in them getting past the first round. The tigers need to find a way to break that heavy forecheck that opposition teams are using.
Maybe they should try to play a box type system 5v5 then have a cherry picker float near the oppositions blueline....haha
Friday, March 6, 2009
Home ice is pretty much gone
This year the tigers have faced loads of adversity, but unlike years past they have not been able to overcome those challenges.
Looks like the tigers will be starting out on the Road in the first round.
The tigers lost tonight vs Regina while Swift Current pulled out a close 3-1 win over the Oil Kings.
It Means the tigers are 3 points back of swift current, with just 4 games remaining.
Right now the broncos have more wins than the tigers so that means a Tie would go to the Broncos.SO the tigers really need to make up 4 points in just 4 games.
With 2 games against Kootenay and 1 against calgary, I do not see the tigers overcoming this burden! It is too much for them to handle.
The tigers should be a bit worried about dropping further if they loose both games TO kootenay.
Looks like the tigers will be starting out on the Road in the first round.
The tigers lost tonight vs Regina while Swift Current pulled out a close 3-1 win over the Oil Kings.
It Means the tigers are 3 points back of swift current, with just 4 games remaining.
Right now the broncos have more wins than the tigers so that means a Tie would go to the Broncos.SO the tigers really need to make up 4 points in just 4 games.
With 2 games against Kootenay and 1 against calgary, I do not see the tigers overcoming this burden! It is too much for them to handle.
The tigers should be a bit worried about dropping further if they loose both games TO kootenay.
Tiger Playoff Tickets
The tigers Splash screen has the following information about tiger tickets:
Season Ticket Holders can pick up their tickets:
Monday March 16th to Wednesday March 18th.
Public Tickets go on sale on Thursday March 19th at 9:00 AM
Prices:
Adults - $20
Youth - $16
Children - $12
Season Ticket Holders can pick up their tickets:
Monday March 16th to Wednesday March 18th.
Public Tickets go on sale on Thursday March 19th at 9:00 AM
Prices:
Adults - $20
Youth - $16
Children - $12
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Stuff
I have heard that Travis Dunstall will be expected to play in the next tiger game.
He had been sent home for what the tigers are calling the "flu".
I have heard rumors from various sources that he was sent home to get his head screwed on straight. His play on the ice had been deteriorating which could have been because of his off-ice issues.
I find it strange that the team would send a player home because he had the flubug. IMO the tigers sent him home for a week to re-organize his priorities, and come back with a better work ethic, perhaps he could have had a cold as well.
Edit The Medicine Hat News is reporting that Dunstall said it was a strange Illness. However Dunstall also said he played real well the last 3 games. I still think it was something more than just being sick.
Their is 2 weeks remaining in the whl regular season, and the tigers are 1 point back of 4th place. That 3 point lead over Swift evaporated pretty quickly. Looking at the schedules down below I'd say swift current has an easier schedule, yes they only have 1 home game but 4/5 games are against teams they can and should beat.
The tigers play powerhouse Calgary and their Kryptonite Kootenay twice.The tigers will need at least 2 wins out of those 3 games to keep up the pressure on swift
While Regina and Red Deer will be considered must wins.
It appears as if the ball is in the Bronco's court, they would have to uncharacteristically loose to a weaker opponents for any tiger chance of catching 4th.
Tigers schedule
Regina(A)
Kootenayx2 (H)(A)
Red Deer
Calgary
Swift Current's Schedule
Edmonton(A)
Brandon(A)
Red Deer(A)
regina(x2)(H)(A)
Note**-It should be noted that Kootenay still has a shot of catching the tigers if they were to win both games in their Home and Home series.
He had been sent home for what the tigers are calling the "flu".
I have heard rumors from various sources that he was sent home to get his head screwed on straight. His play on the ice had been deteriorating which could have been because of his off-ice issues.
I find it strange that the team would send a player home because he had the flubug. IMO the tigers sent him home for a week to re-organize his priorities, and come back with a better work ethic, perhaps he could have had a cold as well.
Edit The Medicine Hat News is reporting that Dunstall said it was a strange Illness. However Dunstall also said he played real well the last 3 games. I still think it was something more than just being sick.
End Of Season Predictions
Their is 2 weeks remaining in the whl regular season, and the tigers are 1 point back of 4th place. That 3 point lead over Swift evaporated pretty quickly. Looking at the schedules down below I'd say swift current has an easier schedule, yes they only have 1 home game but 4/5 games are against teams they can and should beat.
The tigers play powerhouse Calgary and their Kryptonite Kootenay twice.The tigers will need at least 2 wins out of those 3 games to keep up the pressure on swift
While Regina and Red Deer will be considered must wins.
It appears as if the ball is in the Bronco's court, they would have to uncharacteristically loose to a weaker opponents for any tiger chance of catching 4th.
Tigers schedule
Regina(A)
Kootenayx2 (H)(A)
Red Deer
Calgary
Swift Current's Schedule
Edmonton(A)
Brandon(A)
Red Deer(A)
regina(x2)(H)(A)
Note**-It should be noted that Kootenay still has a shot of catching the tigers if they were to win both games in their Home and Home series.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Best Of The East Poll
This poll was created by Brandon What King Journalist Bruce Luebke, who writes for the Brandon Sun.
I believe he polled players from each team
Most Valuable Player to his Team
1. Braden Holtby – Saskatoon
2. Brett Sonne – Calgary
3. Justin Bernhardt – Prince Albert
Best Goaltender
1. Braden Holtby – Saskatoon
2. Martin Jones – Calgary
3. Travis Yonkman – Swift Current
Top Rookie
1. Jordan Weal – Regina
2. Burke Gallimore – Saskatoon
3. Mark Pysyk – Edmonton
Best 16-Year old Player
1. Jordan Weal – Regina
2. Mark Pysyk – Edmonton
3. Ryan Harrison – Prince Albert
Best Stay at Home Defenceman
1. Keith Aulie – Brandon
2. Ben Wright – Lethbridge/Alex Plante – Calgary (tie)
Best Offensive Defenceman
1. Paul Postma – Calgary
2. Eric Doyle – Swift Current
3. Michael Stone – Calgary
Best 20-year old Player
1. Kyle Bortis – Calgary
2. Justin Bernhardt – Prince Albert
3. Andrew Clark – Brandon
Best Pro Prospect
1. Brayden Schenn – Brandon
2. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
3. Jordan Eberle – Regina
Top Defensive Forward
1. Carson McMillan – Calgary
2. Carter Bancks – Lethbridge
3. Drew Hoff – Lethbridge
Top Face-off Man
1. Brett Sonne – Calgary
2. Jason Bast – Moose Jaw
3. Brent Raedeke – Edmonton
Best Skater
1. Tyler Ennis – Medicine Hat
2. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
3. Brandon Kozun – Calgary
Hardest Shot
1. Jyri Niemi – Saskatoon
2. Michael Stone – Calgary
3. Paul Postman – Calgary/Joel Broda – Calgary (Tie)
Most Accurate Shot
1. Jordan Eberle – Regina
2. Joel Broda – Calgary
3. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
Toughest Player
1. Matt McCue – Medicine Hat
2. Teigan Zahn – Saskatoon
3. Ian Schultz – Calgary
Most Irritating Player
1. Kyle Beach – Lethbridge
2. Charles Inglis – Saskatoon
3. Ian Barteaux – Kootenay
Opposing Player you Respect the Most
1. Brett Sonne – Calgary
2. Tyler Ennis – Medicine Hat
3. Jordan Eberle – Regina
Best Coach
1. Dave Lowry – Calgary
2. Lorne Molleken – Saskatoon
3. Willie Desjardins – Medicine Hat
Best Executive
1. Kelly Kisio – Calgary
2. Kelly McCrimmon – Brandon
3. Lorne Molleken – Saskatoon
Best Referee
1. Chris Savage
2. Regan Vetter
3. Andy Thiessen
Best Fans
1. Medicine Hat
2. Calgary
3. Regina
Question #1 – Would you be in favour of making changes to rules regarding fighting in the WHL?
No – 23
Yes - 6
Question #2 – Would you like to see the limit of 20-year old players raised from the current three?
No – 6
Yes - 24
Question #3 – Would you like to see the number of import players reduced from the current two?
No – 17
Yes – 13
Question #4 – Would you be in favour of further expansion of the WHL above the current 22 teams?
No – 21
Yes – 9
Question #5 – Do you like the currently Canada/Russia Challenge format?
No – 22
Yes – 7
I believe he polled players from each team
Most Valuable Player to his Team
1. Braden Holtby – Saskatoon
2. Brett Sonne – Calgary
3. Justin Bernhardt – Prince Albert
Best Goaltender
1. Braden Holtby – Saskatoon
2. Martin Jones – Calgary
3. Travis Yonkman – Swift Current
Top Rookie
1. Jordan Weal – Regina
2. Burke Gallimore – Saskatoon
3. Mark Pysyk – Edmonton
Best 16-Year old Player
1. Jordan Weal – Regina
2. Mark Pysyk – Edmonton
3. Ryan Harrison – Prince Albert
Best Stay at Home Defenceman
1. Keith Aulie – Brandon
2. Ben Wright – Lethbridge/Alex Plante – Calgary (tie)
Best Offensive Defenceman
1. Paul Postma – Calgary
2. Eric Doyle – Swift Current
3. Michael Stone – Calgary
Best 20-year old Player
1. Kyle Bortis – Calgary
2. Justin Bernhardt – Prince Albert
3. Andrew Clark – Brandon
Best Pro Prospect
1. Brayden Schenn – Brandon
2. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
3. Jordan Eberle – Regina
Top Defensive Forward
1. Carson McMillan – Calgary
2. Carter Bancks – Lethbridge
3. Drew Hoff – Lethbridge
Top Face-off Man
1. Brett Sonne – Calgary
2. Jason Bast – Moose Jaw
3. Brent Raedeke – Edmonton
Best Skater
1. Tyler Ennis – Medicine Hat
2. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
3. Brandon Kozun – Calgary
Hardest Shot
1. Jyri Niemi – Saskatoon
2. Michael Stone – Calgary
3. Paul Postman – Calgary/Joel Broda – Calgary (Tie)
Most Accurate Shot
1. Jordan Eberle – Regina
2. Joel Broda – Calgary
3. Zach Boychuk – Lethbridge
Toughest Player
1. Matt McCue – Medicine Hat
2. Teigan Zahn – Saskatoon
3. Ian Schultz – Calgary
Most Irritating Player
1. Kyle Beach – Lethbridge
2. Charles Inglis – Saskatoon
3. Ian Barteaux – Kootenay
Opposing Player you Respect the Most
1. Brett Sonne – Calgary
2. Tyler Ennis – Medicine Hat
3. Jordan Eberle – Regina
Best Coach
1. Dave Lowry – Calgary
2. Lorne Molleken – Saskatoon
3. Willie Desjardins – Medicine Hat
Best Executive
1. Kelly Kisio – Calgary
2. Kelly McCrimmon – Brandon
3. Lorne Molleken – Saskatoon
Best Referee
1. Chris Savage
2. Regan Vetter
3. Andy Thiessen
Best Fans
1. Medicine Hat
2. Calgary
3. Regina
Question #1 – Would you be in favour of making changes to rules regarding fighting in the WHL?
No – 23
Yes - 6
Question #2 – Would you like to see the limit of 20-year old players raised from the current three?
No – 6
Yes - 24
Question #3 – Would you like to see the number of import players reduced from the current two?
No – 17
Yes – 13
Question #4 – Would you be in favour of further expansion of the WHL above the current 22 teams?
No – 21
Yes – 9
Question #5 – Do you like the currently Canada/Russia Challenge format?
No – 22
Yes – 7
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