There was an article today in the Prince Albert Daily Herald, they interviewed Travis Dunstall on his thoughts about possibly joining their team?
""I'm going to wait and see where I get traded to. For a 20-year-old, it's tough to play on a weaker team. "Obviously, anyone would like the Calgarys or Vancouvers - teams that are always contenders and good. It's my last year, so it would be nice to be on a winning team."
Dunstall said he hasn't heard from prospective teams, but he's ready to entertain offers. "I would have to talk to the coach to see where they're at and what their plans are," said the five-foot-10, 180-pound winger.
"Their D-men look good and their goaltending is not too bad. Their forwards are a little younger. It looks like (the Raiders) could get a little older, for sure."
In the interim, Dunstall plans to skate with the junior A Grande Prairie Storm, the defending Alberta Junior Hockey League champion."I'm probably going to head up there later today," he said "They're going to have another good team this year.""
Penner trade bait?
A trade for Dunstall might enable the Raiders to send holdout forward Cole Penner to his hometown team, Medicine Hat.
Penner, the fourth overall pick in the 2006 bantam draft, played just 17 games with Prince Albert over the past two years.
Link TO article
http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=281940&sc=5
Interesting rumour but as it stands now it is just a rumour. What do you tiger fans think? Does Cole Penner Interest you?
More News to come a bit later...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Travis Dunstall Not coming Back
The Medicine Hat News is reporting the Tigers have told Travis Dunstall to wait at home while the Tigers try to work out a trade for him.
It could be assumed that Lethbridge and Kootenay could be potential trading partners based on the fact they will be both looking to acquire an overager, However I'd rather see Dunstall go to an Western Conference team. Perhaps a team like Seattle may be interested as they have a 19 yr old who has requested a trade. Or even Everett who picked up a couple overagers on waivers.
Dunstall says that he may end up considering joining the Junior A Grand Prairie storm to play out his final season of junior eligibility. Grand Prairie is expected to field a very good team this year.
Dunstall says that he has no hard feelings for Medicine Hat, and that he knows its all part of Business. He goes on to mention that he likes Medicine Hat, and that the team and players have been good to him.
On my overagers poll I hosted over the summer Travis Dunstall was 4th out of 5 in the players that fans wanted to see come back.
This leaves the Tigers with Bretton Cameron, Colton Grant, Mark Isherwood, and Ryan Holfeld as the Remaining overagers, along with Tomas Kundratek, and Tyler Ennis who are unlikely but possible to come back for another season. I'll post my specific thoughts on Dunstall If/when a trade gets announced.
Link TO article Here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/129423/110/
---
Rasmus Damgaard
The News also reported that Recent CHL Import Selection Rasmus Damgaard has decided to not show up to Medicine hat this year. It was speculated that there was a 50-50 chance of coming, however he has signed a contract a couple weeks before the draft and it was unlikely that he could have gotten out of it.
---
Training Camp Reschedule
The 2:15 scrimmage scheduled for today has been canceled. Instead the team will head to calgary to watch the Team Canada scrimmage being held at the Calgary Saddledome
It could be assumed that Lethbridge and Kootenay could be potential trading partners based on the fact they will be both looking to acquire an overager, However I'd rather see Dunstall go to an Western Conference team. Perhaps a team like Seattle may be interested as they have a 19 yr old who has requested a trade. Or even Everett who picked up a couple overagers on waivers.
Dunstall says that he may end up considering joining the Junior A Grand Prairie storm to play out his final season of junior eligibility. Grand Prairie is expected to field a very good team this year.
Dunstall says that he has no hard feelings for Medicine Hat, and that he knows its all part of Business. He goes on to mention that he likes Medicine Hat, and that the team and players have been good to him.
On my overagers poll I hosted over the summer Travis Dunstall was 4th out of 5 in the players that fans wanted to see come back.
This leaves the Tigers with Bretton Cameron, Colton Grant, Mark Isherwood, and Ryan Holfeld as the Remaining overagers, along with Tomas Kundratek, and Tyler Ennis who are unlikely but possible to come back for another season. I'll post my specific thoughts on Dunstall If/when a trade gets announced.
Link TO article Here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/129423/110/
---
Rasmus Damgaard
The News also reported that Recent CHL Import Selection Rasmus Damgaard has decided to not show up to Medicine hat this year. It was speculated that there was a 50-50 chance of coming, however he has signed a contract a couple weeks before the draft and it was unlikely that he could have gotten out of it.
---
Training Camp Reschedule
The 2:15 scrimmage scheduled for today has been canceled. Instead the team will head to calgary to watch the Team Canada scrimmage being held at the Calgary Saddledome
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Matthew Konan Gets Anaheim Invite
The Anaheim Ducks just released their rookie camp roster today. On the list is Tigers Matthew Konan, and of course ex Tiger Matt McCue who is listed at the forward position.
http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=487024
I am still wondering why Tyler Ennis hasn't signed with Buffalo yet? I read an article a couple months ago where Buffalo's GM Darcy Regier said he expects Ennis to play in portland (buffalo's affiliate) for the upcoming season. But it leaves me wondering why haven't they signed him yet.
Overagers
Also I have been going over the list of Overagers for this coming year, and unlike last year's shortage there are going to be quite a few 20 yr olds who wont be playing hockey in the whl this year. It will be a buyers market, however there are very few teams eligible to buy without releasing another.
I can only see lethbridge and kootenay being under the limit unless another team unexpectedly has a couple players sign NHL contracts, or releases a player based on expectations they can get a better player relatively cheaply
(Lethbridge has 4 20's but its likely that 3 players move on)
(kootenay has 1 overagers)
Does this cheapen the cost for a 20yr old? possibly. The longer a buying team waits the cheaper the cost of the player. A team like kootenay(who needs 2 overagers) could possibly trade 4th-7th round picks away for a couple players they like. Or they could wait until October 16th rolls around and probably pick a couple players for free, however who they get may not be their first or second choices.
What does this mean for the tigers overagers? They better knock the socks off the competition. I would also absolutely hate to see lethbridge or kootenay end up with one of our 20's.
For a good guide on the current 20 yr old situations check out http://www.hockeyfights.com/forums/f11/updated-overage-situation-104656/
-Hordibrusk29 has compiled a fairly accurate list on what the overager situation looks like around the league.
http://ducks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=487024
I am still wondering why Tyler Ennis hasn't signed with Buffalo yet? I read an article a couple months ago where Buffalo's GM Darcy Regier said he expects Ennis to play in portland (buffalo's affiliate) for the upcoming season. But it leaves me wondering why haven't they signed him yet.
Overagers
Also I have been going over the list of Overagers for this coming year, and unlike last year's shortage there are going to be quite a few 20 yr olds who wont be playing hockey in the whl this year. It will be a buyers market, however there are very few teams eligible to buy without releasing another.
I can only see lethbridge and kootenay being under the limit unless another team unexpectedly has a couple players sign NHL contracts, or releases a player based on expectations they can get a better player relatively cheaply
(Lethbridge has 4 20's but its likely that 3 players move on)
(kootenay has 1 overagers)
Does this cheapen the cost for a 20yr old? possibly. The longer a buying team waits the cheaper the cost of the player. A team like kootenay(who needs 2 overagers) could possibly trade 4th-7th round picks away for a couple players they like. Or they could wait until October 16th rolls around and probably pick a couple players for free, however who they get may not be their first or second choices.
What does this mean for the tigers overagers? They better knock the socks off the competition. I would also absolutely hate to see lethbridge or kootenay end up with one of our 20's.
For a good guide on the current 20 yr old situations check out http://www.hockeyfights.com/forums/f11/updated-overage-situation-104656/
-Hordibrusk29 has compiled a fairly accurate list on what the overager situation looks like around the league.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Rookie Camp concludes
The Medicine Hat News says the tigers will bring about 14 players from Rookie Camp over to main camp. They only mentioned 2 names.
Curtis Valk, and 15 yr old 1st rounder Hunter Shinkaruk who is only eligible to play in 5 whl games this year until his parent club 'AAA' Calgary Royals are eliminated from their playoffs.
Willie Desjardins goes on to mention that he was impressed at the rookie camp this weekend.
"“I thought it was real good,” said Desjardins. “I think we had lots of good players, and that is how I judge camp is by the talent level we had in and how hard guys played. I was real happy with it.”"
Link to full article here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/128613/110/
---
There are fan reports up at at MH Tigers roars and purrs which also compliment the play of Hunter Shinkaruk.
""by far the best forward there, lightning fast, smart, can shoot and score, works his arse off every shift"" --Training Camp Observer @ MH Tigers roars and purrs message board......Link to Board over there in links sction ------------------------------------>
---
A fan also mentioned that Tigers Prospect Emerson Etem is also skating with the Tiger vets. Emerson has been touted by scouts as possessing Elite speed and a potential game breaker.
Main Camp starts on Wednesday
Curtis Valk, and 15 yr old 1st rounder Hunter Shinkaruk who is only eligible to play in 5 whl games this year until his parent club 'AAA' Calgary Royals are eliminated from their playoffs.
Willie Desjardins goes on to mention that he was impressed at the rookie camp this weekend.
"“I thought it was real good,” said Desjardins. “I think we had lots of good players, and that is how I judge camp is by the talent level we had in and how hard guys played. I was real happy with it.”"
Link to full article here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/128613/110/
---
There are fan reports up at at MH Tigers roars and purrs which also compliment the play of Hunter Shinkaruk.
""by far the best forward there, lightning fast, smart, can shoot and score, works his arse off every shift"" --Training Camp Observer @ MH Tigers roars and purrs message board......Link to Board over there in links sction ------------------------------------>
---
A fan also mentioned that Tigers Prospect Emerson Etem is also skating with the Tiger vets. Emerson has been touted by scouts as possessing Elite speed and a potential game breaker.
Main Camp starts on Wednesday
Friday, August 21, 2009
Rookie Camp *Edited
Chat TV's Erin Glazier did a piece on Rookie camp registration and the first day of practices.
http://www.tigershockey.com/multimedia/mc.php
The video shows former Tiger, Doctor Blair St. Bartin give a presentation about the Education that comes along with being a junior hockey player.
They also discussed how the talent is found via their scouts, and they did a short interview with Tiger Hopeful Boston Leir.
Coach Clouston Mentioned they are looking for guys who fit their system who display a good deal of speed, skill, and competitiveness.
-----
The Medicine Hat News training camp article mentions local kid Curtis Valk who stands at 5'6 and weighs 131 lbs. Head Scout Brad McEwen stated he thought Valk had a good first day. The News also talked to 2008 2nd rounder Dylan Bredo, who felt he could have put in a little better performance.
Link TO article Here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/128268/110/
--------
I wont be able to make it down there this weekend at all. If anyone has comments or insights feel free to post a comment or email me, address is posted on the lower right hand side of the blog page.
---
Also There was one trade in the whl today. Brandon traded goalie James Priestner and a 5th round draft pick to the Prince George cougars, In exchange for a 3rd round pick and the playing rights to 19-year old defenceman Aaron Ness of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
(the 5th rounder is conditional for if Aaron Ness reports)
http://www.tigershockey.com/multimedia/mc.php
The video shows former Tiger, Doctor Blair St. Bartin give a presentation about the Education that comes along with being a junior hockey player.
They also discussed how the talent is found via their scouts, and they did a short interview with Tiger Hopeful Boston Leir.
Coach Clouston Mentioned they are looking for guys who fit their system who display a good deal of speed, skill, and competitiveness.
-----
The Medicine Hat News training camp article mentions local kid Curtis Valk who stands at 5'6 and weighs 131 lbs. Head Scout Brad McEwen stated he thought Valk had a good first day. The News also talked to 2008 2nd rounder Dylan Bredo, who felt he could have put in a little better performance.
Link TO article Here
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/128268/110/
--------
I wont be able to make it down there this weekend at all. If anyone has comments or insights feel free to post a comment or email me, address is posted on the lower right hand side of the blog page.
---
Also There was one trade in the whl today. Brandon traded goalie James Priestner and a 5th round draft pick to the Prince George cougars, In exchange for a 3rd round pick and the playing rights to 19-year old defenceman Aaron Ness of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
(the 5th rounder is conditional for if Aaron Ness reports)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tigers Rookie Camp Starts Friday + Cole Penner News
The tigers have invited 84 players to this years training camp.
Rookies, listed players and players of interest will have Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, and Sunday 23rd to make an impression on Tigers scouts and coaches. The players that make it through will leave for a team building getaway in the cypress hills for 2 days afterwards.
Main camp gets started Wednesday August 26th. All sessions according to the tigers website are open to the public.
Good Luck to all those players that take part.
For a direct link to their media release click here.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Aug&lim1=0
Edit: Medicine Hat Native and former 5th Overall Bantam Draft Pick Cole Penner has declined a training camp invite from the Prince Albert Raiders. He will be in his 18 yr old season this year, and if P.A does not trade or release his rights it is assumed he would continue to play for the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL.
Cole Penner has played 17 games in the WHL recording 1 goal(against the Tigers), 1 assist and 56 PM's. His stats in the AJHL indicate he is more of a power forward/enforcer with limited to some offensive upside to his game.. Prince Albert fans are pretty frustrated and they feel that 5th Overall pick was wasted.
Rookies, listed players and players of interest will have Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, and Sunday 23rd to make an impression on Tigers scouts and coaches. The players that make it through will leave for a team building getaway in the cypress hills for 2 days afterwards.
Main camp gets started Wednesday August 26th. All sessions according to the tigers website are open to the public.
Good Luck to all those players that take part.
For a direct link to their media release click here.
http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Aug&lim1=0
Edit: Medicine Hat Native and former 5th Overall Bantam Draft Pick Cole Penner has declined a training camp invite from the Prince Albert Raiders. He will be in his 18 yr old season this year, and if P.A does not trade or release his rights it is assumed he would continue to play for the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL.
Cole Penner has played 17 games in the WHL recording 1 goal(against the Tigers), 1 assist and 56 PM's. His stats in the AJHL indicate he is more of a power forward/enforcer with limited to some offensive upside to his game.. Prince Albert fans are pretty frustrated and they feel that 5th Overall pick was wasted.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Medicine Hat Speed Skater Turns Heads
"Liam McFarlane, who gave up hockey at 10, believes he can make people think another ice skating sport when they think of ‘The Hat.’
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Skating+Medicine+speed+skater+flies+under+radar+wins/1886680/story.html
Edit: Ha it only took my 2 days to realize I spelled Medicine Hat as Medicine had. /facepalm
fixed
A 23-year-old member of Speed Skating Canada’s national short track development team, McFarlane has been a revelation at the Olympic team trials this week at Pacific Coliseum. A terrifically strong starter, the aspiring psychologist won the second 500-metre race on Wednesday, following a fourth in Sunday’s opener at that distance.
A win in Monday’s third and final 500 would automatically qualify McFarlane for a spot on the team for 2010 — before he’s even raced a single World Cup. It would surprise some, but not the excitable McFarlane.".....
-Read Full article Herehttp://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/Skating+Medicine+speed+skater+flies+under+radar+wins/1886680/story.html
Edit: Ha it only took my 2 days to realize I spelled Medicine Hat as Medicine had. /facepalm
fixed
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tigers Announce Official Season Schedule
Home Opener: September 19 vs Lethbridge
Season Opener: September 19 vs Lethbridge
First Meeting against the team that knocked us out of last years playoffs:
December 17th vs Brandon
Central Opponents: 32 Games
Divisional Opponents: 56 Games
U.S Opponents: 5 Games ( 1 game each)
B.C Opponents: 11 Games
East Opponents: 24 Games (4 games a team)
Interesting Stats
Tigers visit Prince George for 2 games back to back
Tigers play 3 consecutive games: 3 times
11 of their last 14 games are at Home!
Tigers have 8 games which start at 6:00PM mountain. All other games start at 7 or 7:30.
The Tigers DONT make a U.S Division trip this year
Per Team
Lethbridge - 8
Edmonton - 6
Calgary - 6
Red Deer - 6
Kootenay - 6
Swift Current - 4
Brandon - 4
Saskatoon - 4
Regina - 4
Moose Jaw - 4
Prince Albert - 4
Chilliwack - 3
Prince George - 2
Kamloops - 2
Vancouver - 2
Kelowna - 2
Seattle - 1
Tri-City - 1
Spokane - 1
Portland - 1
Everett - 1
Season Opener: September 19 vs Lethbridge
First Meeting against the team that knocked us out of last years playoffs:
December 17th vs Brandon
Central Opponents: 32 Games
Divisional Opponents: 56 Games
U.S Opponents: 5 Games ( 1 game each)
B.C Opponents: 11 Games
East Opponents: 24 Games (4 games a team)
Interesting Stats
Tigers visit Prince George for 2 games back to back
Tigers play 3 consecutive games: 3 times
11 of their last 14 games are at Home!
Tigers have 8 games which start at 6:00PM mountain. All other games start at 7 or 7:30.
The Tigers DONT make a U.S Division trip this year
Per Team
Lethbridge - 8
Edmonton - 6
Calgary - 6
Red Deer - 6
Kootenay - 6
Swift Current - 4
Brandon - 4
Saskatoon - 4
Regina - 4
Moose Jaw - 4
Prince Albert - 4
Chilliwack - 3
Prince George - 2
Kamloops - 2
Vancouver - 2
Kelowna - 2
Seattle - 1
Tri-City - 1
Spokane - 1
Portland - 1
Everett - 1
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Medicine Hat Mavericks Off To round 2
I know this isn't hockey related but it is the off-season:)
The Mavericks managed to win the deciding Game 5 (6 - 1), in their best of 5 series against the Lethbridge Bulls. Lethbridge had beat them 6 times out of 7 in the regular season, I believe. Congrats to them.
The Mavericks will face Okotoks in Round 2 Which starts Tonight.
Sean Ringrose
Their was a brief article on Sean Ringrose in the "Gateway" - the University of ALberta's student Newspaper. Here is an excerpt
"Meanwhile, up front, big things are expected from Ringrose, who played number-two centre for the Medicine Hat Tigers last year behind Buffalo Sabres’ 2008 first-rounder Tyler Ennis. Alberta’s new forward will play a vital role in the team’s powerplay, and is expected to bring some even-strength scoring prowess to Clare Drake Arena.
“He had 28 goals [last year], and when you’re playing behind Ennis, who’s going to eat up a lot of your powerplay time—like, when I went and watched, Ennis stayed out there for 1:45 of the powerplay—that’s not bad for a second-line centre,” Thurston remarked. “He does a great job positionally and he’s going to be a 20-minute guy per game.
“Sean reminds me a little bit of Derek Ryan—and [we all] know the quality of player that he’s been for our program.”"
http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/articles/sports/2009/08/05/six-new-recruits-welcomed-bears-hockey-prepares-training-camp
The Mavericks managed to win the deciding Game 5 (6 - 1), in their best of 5 series against the Lethbridge Bulls. Lethbridge had beat them 6 times out of 7 in the regular season, I believe. Congrats to them.
The Mavericks will face Okotoks in Round 2 Which starts Tonight.
Sean Ringrose
Their was a brief article on Sean Ringrose in the "Gateway" - the University of ALberta's student Newspaper. Here is an excerpt
"Meanwhile, up front, big things are expected from Ringrose, who played number-two centre for the Medicine Hat Tigers last year behind Buffalo Sabres’ 2008 first-rounder Tyler Ennis. Alberta’s new forward will play a vital role in the team’s powerplay, and is expected to bring some even-strength scoring prowess to Clare Drake Arena.
“He had 28 goals [last year], and when you’re playing behind Ennis, who’s going to eat up a lot of your powerplay time—like, when I went and watched, Ennis stayed out there for 1:45 of the powerplay—that’s not bad for a second-line centre,” Thurston remarked. “He does a great job positionally and he’s going to be a 20-minute guy per game.
“Sean reminds me a little bit of Derek Ryan—and [we all] know the quality of player that he’s been for our program.”"
http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/articles/sports/2009/08/05/six-new-recruits-welcomed-bears-hockey-prepares-training-camp
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Quick Update
I noticed that Team Canada's Under 18 Mens team was just announced.
Tyler Bunz who was a late camp invite didn't make the final roster.
Link to the Final roster here
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/64991/la_id/1.htm
WHLer's Who made the list
Jordan Weal - Regina
Quinton Howden - Moose Jaw
Brad Ross - Portland
Brett Connolly - P.G
Alexander Petrovic - Red Deer
Mark Pysyk - Edmonton
Calvin Pickard - Seattle
Tyler Bunz who was a late camp invite didn't make the final roster.
Link to the Final roster here
http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/64991/la_id/1.htm
WHLer's Who made the list
Jordan Weal - Regina
Quinton Howden - Moose Jaw
Brad Ross - Portland
Brett Connolly - P.G
Alexander Petrovic - Red Deer
Mark Pysyk - Edmonton
Calvin Pickard - Seattle
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