Wow what a game.. It was pretty Impressive from a tiger standpoint.
The score IMO was not an indicator how the game went. The Tigers had half a step on the Hitmen all night, with the exception of the last couple minutes in the third and their powerplay in overtime. The tigers are also hitting ALOT MORE than they did last year. Thier Defense moved the puck very quickly and killed most Hitmen Fore checks. Overall They looked really really good, with some minor glitches, that cost them dearly.
The Hitmen came out really strong in the first period, they were hitting alot and playing pretty fast, but the tigers were finding the passing lanes and outmatching them. I was actually a little surprised by that. If Wacey Hamilton can get the team going like that every game, we as Tiger fans could be in for a very entertaining year. *Crosses Fingers*
Their were many fans frustrated by the reffing tonight. The Hitmen were awarded a goal in the second period in front of a massive dogpile in front of the tigers net. Everyone was pushing and shoving in the crease, I don't know How Chris Savage could see that puck through the whole thing. Ryan Holfeld was pushed to the side, as Calgary players were digging in and Tigers were trying to lift sticks and push guys away, Holfeld got swept out of position leaving an open net.
The tigers had a goal disallowed. Someone was pushed into the far goal post and knocked the net off, as a Tiger player banked a shot off Martin Jones pads' and in. They reviewed the play for a good 5-8 minutes and then called it no goal.
Both goals were reviewed and didn't go the Tigers way.
The Hitmen did have a few quality chances late and could have won the game in regulation, or Overtime. I thought Ryan Holfeld played a pretty poor opening couple of periods, however he did play really well in the third.
Fights
The game looked like it was getting a little nasty for a few minutes. Bretton Cameron was nailed from the side in a dangerous position into the boards, which was borderline checking form behind. Moments later Zdenik Okal hit a Hitmen Defender from behind.
There were also a few fights resulting from those hits.
Tyler Fiddler Took on Mathew Konan - one of them slipped and it was a short wrestling match.
Tanner Sohn vs Ben Wilson
Sohn was the instigator but didn't receive a penalty for it. Sohn came in swinging pretty widly while the hitmen player kept leaning back avoiding everything. Wilson threw a jab which popped Sohn under the visor by surprise. Sohn kept trying to throw punches but Wilson kept backing up easily avoiding them. They fell to the ice just as Sohn appeared to be getting an upper hand. Sohn had a little bit of blood running down as he skated to the box.
Thoughts
I was impressed by some of the veterans tonight that I haven't necessarily liked in the past. I liked Josh Koper tonight, he showed some hustle and surprised me. I thought Thomas Carr played a phenomenal game on defense. Cody Carlson played very good.
More thoughts..
Tanner Sohn wasn't pinching in every shift. Mathew Konan, and Jace Coyle were moving the puck around very fast in tight. Bretton Cameron, and Wacey Hamilton were outstanding. Cameron kept blocking shots head first which is a little dangerous, his arm is gonna be black after blocking all those shots. Reid Petryk looked good tonight too. He didn't get a lot of icetime, but he created a really good chance when he picked off the puck along the boards after a Hitmen player heard footsteps and Petryk threw it towards the net.
Mark Isherwood I thought had another difficult game, he didn't play horrible, but he can play MUCH better. 1 thing I keep noticing is how he tends to hesitate on his first good passing option out of his zone, skates a little bit then makes a low percentage pass with an opponent in the way.
Colton Grant again was the overager scratch. Business, MacCauly, Leir, Bredo, McKay were also not dressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Link TO Medicine Hat News article on the game.
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/137881/110/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Also Cole Penner was traded again.
He went From Brooks Bandits -----Melfort---to Grand Prairie -- who then traded him to Merritt Centennials of the BCHL. Penner didn't report to Melfort, or Grand Prairie who traded him hours after getting him.
---------------------------------------------------
Travis Dunstall
He has rejoined the Grand Prairie Storm. A recent game summary confirms it.
http://www.gpstorm.com/association.aspx
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tigers Vs Calgary Preview
The Tigers have a chance at getting redeeming themselves from last year. The Hitmen absolutely dominated the tigers all year, last year.
"This is the first of six meetings between the Calgary Hitmen and the Medicine Hat Tigers this season. Last season, Medicine Hat has posted a (0-6-0-0) record versus the Hitmen (0-3-0-0 at home) and (0-3-0-0-0 in Calgary) with the Hitmen outscoring the Tigers 29-8 and out-shooting Medicine Hat 191-133.
Current Tiger, Linden Vey (3A) managed three points in six games versus Calgary. In six appearances, goaltender Ryan Holfeld (0-5-0-0) allowed 21 goals (4.43 G.A.A) on 150 shots (.860 Save %) while rookie Tyler Bunz was 0-1-0-0, allowing seven goals (5.72 G.A.A) on 41 shots (.829 Save %) in three appearances.
On the power play, the Tigers were 2 for 30 with the man advantage (06.7%), while killing off 23 of 37 Calgary power plays (62.2%). "
http://www.tigershockey.com/gameday/gameday.php?stype=browsei&season=2009-2010&month=Sep&lim1=1
- Ugghh check out that PP and PK percentage thats pretty nasty.
The Hitmen are also currently in the #1 spot in the CHL.
6-2 Victory over Red Deer
4-2 Victory over Edmonton
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been hearing a handful of rumors these past couple days. I wouldn't be surprised to hear something pop up soon.
"This is the first of six meetings between the Calgary Hitmen and the Medicine Hat Tigers this season. Last season, Medicine Hat has posted a (0-6-0-0) record versus the Hitmen (0-3-0-0 at home) and (0-3-0-0-0 in Calgary) with the Hitmen outscoring the Tigers 29-8 and out-shooting Medicine Hat 191-133.
Current Tiger, Linden Vey (3A) managed three points in six games versus Calgary. In six appearances, goaltender Ryan Holfeld (0-5-0-0) allowed 21 goals (4.43 G.A.A) on 150 shots (.860 Save %) while rookie Tyler Bunz was 0-1-0-0, allowing seven goals (5.72 G.A.A) on 41 shots (.829 Save %) in three appearances.
On the power play, the Tigers were 2 for 30 with the man advantage (06.7%), while killing off 23 of 37 Calgary power plays (62.2%). "
http://www.tigershockey.com/gameday/gameday.php?stype=browsei&season=2009-2010&month=Sep&lim1=1
- Ugghh check out that PP and PK percentage thats pretty nasty.
The Hitmen are also currently in the #1 spot in the CHL.
6-2 Victory over Red Deer
4-2 Victory over Edmonton
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been hearing a handful of rumors these past couple days. I wouldn't be surprised to hear something pop up soon.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Lethbridge Trades Kyle Beach
The Spokane Chiefs have acquired forward Kyle Beach from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for defensemen Mike Reddington and Landon Oslanski. Beach was the Chicago Blackhawks first round draft selection, 11th overall, in 2008.
Looks like Lethbridge gets a little help on defense. A little Ironic though that beach is going to a division rival of his former Team Everett Silvertips.
-------------------------------------------------------------
CHL Top 10 Week 2
Rank
Team (Record)
1. Calgary Hitmen (2-0-0-0)
2. Drummondville Voltigeurs (4-0-0-0)
3. Windsor Spitfires (0-1-0-1)
4. Gatineau Olympiques (4-0-0-0)
5. Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (1-0-0-0)
6. Saskatoon Blades (1-0-0-0)
7. Quebec Remparts (3-0-1-0)
8. London Knights (1-0-0-0)
9. Brandon Wheat Kings (1-1-0-0)
10.Saint John Sea Dogs (4-0-0-0)
http://www.whl.ca/calgary-hitmen-move-to-the-top-of-bmo-chl-mastercard-top-10-p137820
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Apparently Cole Penner has been traded from Melfort to Grand Prairie in the AJHL. He was originally traded to Melfort from the Brooks bandits but he never reported.
Looks like Lethbridge gets a little help on defense. A little Ironic though that beach is going to a division rival of his former Team Everett Silvertips.
-------------------------------------------------------------
CHL Top 10 Week 2
Rank
Team (Record)
1. Calgary Hitmen (2-0-0-0)
2. Drummondville Voltigeurs (4-0-0-0)
3. Windsor Spitfires (0-1-0-1)
4. Gatineau Olympiques (4-0-0-0)
5. Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (1-0-0-0)
6. Saskatoon Blades (1-0-0-0)
7. Quebec Remparts (3-0-1-0)
8. London Knights (1-0-0-0)
9. Brandon Wheat Kings (1-1-0-0)
10.Saint John Sea Dogs (4-0-0-0)
http://www.whl.ca/calgary-hitmen-move-to-the-top-of-bmo-chl-mastercard-top-10-p137820
------------------------------------------------------
Apparently Cole Penner has been traded from Melfort to Grand Prairie in the AJHL. He was originally traded to Melfort from the Brooks bandits but he never reported.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday Notes
Dunstall released from Everett
Travis Dunstall has already had quite the whirlwind of a season so far.
HE went from Medicine Hat to Grand Prairie storm, to Everett, and now I wonder If he is going back to grand prairie? They also had 9 over-agers earlier in the year, there may not be a spot left for him.
Tyler Ennis assigned To Portland
I was wondering if he was getting sent down soon as he didn't play in back to back exhibition games. http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499422&navid=DL|BUF|home
Matt McCue
The Anaheim Ducks today announced they have assigned defenceman Matt McCue to the Manitoba Moose. Also found a fight video vs Canuck Nathan McIver in preseason play. Apparently this was his second fight of the game and McCue demolish his first opponent but alas I cant find the video.
Lethbridge Herald
Has an article on the Canes Opening Weekend, and they mention some bits about playing the Tigers.
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/content/view/95691/50/
Jace Coyle
Was named Tiger of the week. http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Sep&lim1=0
Overager Situation
Over at Small Thoughts At Large Alan Caldwell developed a nice list of the Current Overager Situation, and his thoughts as to Who is likely to stay or go.
http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/
The tigers technically have 5 overagers but its looking more and more like they will only have to get rid of 1.
Potential Trading Partners?
Kelowna If Colin Long doesnt come back, they have a spot open.
Kooteny Ice: Only 2 overagers.
Lethbridge: Unlikely as they are rivals, and they are probably looking for help either on their blueline.
Calgary: One of their guys is questionable at coming back, so they might have an opening.
Everett:has acquired a few 20 yr olds. They look like their done by releasing 2 players today, but maybe its possible they go for someone else.
Vancouver: One of their 20's just broke his leg.
Kelowna and Kootenay Look like the best trading partners. But you never Know someone else like Everett might want to upgrade.
Travis Dunstall has already had quite the whirlwind of a season so far.
HE went from Medicine Hat to Grand Prairie storm, to Everett, and now I wonder If he is going back to grand prairie? They also had 9 over-agers earlier in the year, there may not be a spot left for him.
Tyler Ennis assigned To Portland
I was wondering if he was getting sent down soon as he didn't play in back to back exhibition games. http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499422&navid=DL|BUF|home
Matt McCue
The Anaheim Ducks today announced they have assigned defenceman Matt McCue to the Manitoba Moose. Also found a fight video vs Canuck Nathan McIver in preseason play. Apparently this was his second fight of the game and McCue demolish his first opponent but alas I cant find the video.
Lethbridge Herald
Has an article on the Canes Opening Weekend, and they mention some bits about playing the Tigers.
http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/content/view/95691/50/
Jace Coyle
Was named Tiger of the week. http://www.tigershockey.com/media/media.php?stype=browsei&season=2009&month=Sep&lim1=0
Overager Situation
Over at Small Thoughts At Large Alan Caldwell developed a nice list of the Current Overager Situation, and his thoughts as to Who is likely to stay or go.
http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/
The tigers technically have 5 overagers but its looking more and more like they will only have to get rid of 1.
Potential Trading Partners?
Kelowna If Colin Long doesnt come back, they have a spot open.
Kooteny Ice: Only 2 overagers.
Lethbridge: Unlikely as they are rivals, and they are probably looking for help either on their blueline.
Calgary: One of their guys is questionable at coming back, so they might have an opening.
Everett:has acquired a few 20 yr olds. They look like their done by releasing 2 players today, but maybe its possible they go for someone else.
Vancouver: One of their 20's just broke his leg.
Kelowna and Kootenay Look like the best trading partners. But you never Know someone else like Everett might want to upgrade.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tiger Alumni Darren Helm Out 2-4 Weeks
Darren Helm
TRAVERSE CITY -- After experiencing the disappointment of being sent down to the minors at the start of last season, Darren Helm now must deal with a different kind of frustration.....
Helm, the speedy fourth-line center for the Detroit Red Wings, is expected to be out two to four weeks with an AC sprain in his right shoulder.
Helm, 22, was injured Monday during the second day of training camp when he tripped over Logan Pyett's stick and crashed into the boards.
http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2009/09/red_wings_darren_helm_out_24_w.html
----------------------------------------------------
Tyler Ennis
Also Tyler Ennis is listed on the initial roster For Buffalo's game tonight.
Scoreboard Link For easy Access
http://www.nhl.com/scores/index.html#?navid=nav-scr-league
Edit: Tyler Ennis is not playing
------------------------------------------------------
Medicine Hat News
For the Medicine hat News story about the Home Opener Click below.
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/136398/110/
'Not since the days of Kris Russell and David Schlemko have the Medicine Hat Tigers received this much scoring from their back end.
During the team’s regular season opener Saturday night at The Arena, defencemen Mark Isherwood, Jace Coyle and Cody Carlson combined to record three goals and five assists as the Tigers bombed their biggest rivals in the Central Division, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, 7-3.'
Recent NHL Cuts
Stefan Myer sent down to San Antonio.
Matt Keetley sent down to Abbotsford
Gord Baldwin Sent down TO Abbotsford
TRAVERSE CITY -- After experiencing the disappointment of being sent down to the minors at the start of last season, Darren Helm now must deal with a different kind of frustration.....
Helm, the speedy fourth-line center for the Detroit Red Wings, is expected to be out two to four weeks with an AC sprain in his right shoulder.
Helm, 22, was injured Monday during the second day of training camp when he tripped over Logan Pyett's stick and crashed into the boards.
http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2009/09/red_wings_darren_helm_out_24_w.html
----------------------------------------------------
Tyler Ennis
Also Tyler Ennis is listed on the initial roster For Buffalo's game tonight.
Scoreboard Link For easy Access
http://www.nhl.com/scores/index.html#?navid=nav-scr-league
Edit: Tyler Ennis is not playing
------------------------------------------------------
Medicine Hat News
For the Medicine hat News story about the Home Opener Click below.
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/136398/110/
'Not since the days of Kris Russell and David Schlemko have the Medicine Hat Tigers received this much scoring from their back end.
During the team’s regular season opener Saturday night at The Arena, defencemen Mark Isherwood, Jace Coyle and Cody Carlson combined to record three goals and five assists as the Tigers bombed their biggest rivals in the Central Division, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, 7-3.'
Recent NHL Cuts
Stefan Myer sent down to San Antonio.
Matt Keetley sent down to Abbotsford
Gord Baldwin Sent down TO Abbotsford
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tigers Blow away the Canes 7-3!
I changed some play summaries from the initial post!
First Period
The tigers started out skating pretty hard in the opening minutes. However they started developing nervous hands, and it looked like they wern't quite sure of where to go, or how to play in tight proximity to each other. The tigers defense got caught pinching a few times and it led to some Hurricanes chances early. The canes managed to score on a couple favorable bounces.
1-0 Tigers
Kale Kessey put the Tigers up 1-0 after getting a partial breakaway off a turnover at the blueline and rang the puck off the far post and in past Lethbridge goalie Ville Kolppanen.
1-1 Tie
The Hurricanes would Tie the game up after an odd man break up the ice. Joey Frazer lost control of the puck at the blue line and the hurricanes stormed in on a 4-2. THe initial shot was blocked but Lethbridge jammed home the rebound.
2-1 Lethbridge
LET Fyten, (1) , 16:28
The puck squirted out to Lethbridge's Austin Fyten at the top of the faceoff circle and used Big Matt Konan as a screen. The puck floated high glove side past the surprised Ryan Holfeld.
Second Period
The tigers managed to break the game open, really coming out hard and pressuring the Canes hard for the last half of the period. Lethbridge weren't helping themselves as their defensman were making poor passes and coughing up the puck.
2-2 Tie
Cameron, (1) (Coyle, Carlson), 5:56 (PP)
Jace Coyle made a perfect pass to Bretton Cameron in the slot and he put it past a partially screened Ville Kolppanen.
3-2 Tigers
Carlson, (1) (Etem, Gal), 9:15 (SH)
The tigers were pressuring the canes in their own end shorthanded. Emerson Etem provided a perfectly timed screen while Cody Carlson flipped the puck in the net from along the boards.
4-2 Tigers
Cameron, (2) (Isherwood, Hamilton), 14:36
mark Isherwood shot the puck from the point, there was a huge rebound which came right to Cameron all alone at the side of the net.
Third Period
Tigers continued to pressure and continued to take over the game. Felt sorry for the Finnish canes goalie as he looked pretty frustrated.
5-2 Tigers
Hamilton, (1) (Gal, Coyle), 5:11
With the Hurricanes running around in their own End. Taylor Gal made a nice play and Deked the lethbridge goalie out of position. The puck went back to the point for a shot on net, and Lethbridge's goalie was too slow covering the puck, then he failed to notice Bretton Cameron scooping it behind the net and feeding it to wacey Hamilton.
Note: WHl.ca has the assists wrong Bretton Cameron and Taylor Gal should be credited with assists. I initially got it wrong to when doing the summary.
6-2 Tigers
Coyle, (1) , 9:55 (PEN/SH)
Jacey Coyle would explode out of his zone and beat everyone with a clear cut breakaway.(It helped that a Canes defender fell over) He got hooked at the end and still got a deke shot off. On the Penalty shot attempt. He made a couple head fakes and dekes, went to the far right hand side, and tucked the puck between the legs of Ville, Kolppanen
7-2 Tigers
Isherwood, (1) (Vey, King), 12:00 (PP)
Isherwood would sneak in off the point and receive a cross ice past from Linden Vey He made no mistake.
7-3 Lethbridge
Henke, (1) (Mestery, Braes), 12:27 (PP)
Curtis Valk was assessed a high sticking penalty resulting in a canes PP. Eric Mestery took a low shot from the point and Brent Henke tipped it into the far corner.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 28 Bretton Cameron
2. M.H - 7 Cody Carlson
3. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
Emerson Etem
Emerson Etem has a very unique skating stride. It looks like he is about to fall down. He has a very low center of gravity and that unique stride really masks how fast he is going. He looks like a very strong player, although his puck control may need some work.
Bretton Cameron
Throw my previous thoughts about overagers out the window. I thought Cameron looked really good, especially along the boards. He won a lot of puck battles out there. I would like to see how he does against a more experienced team.
Jace Coyle
Again he looked really good. Excellent at moving the puck, and seemed to take control when the tigers had a tough time getting out of their end.
Tristan King
He only had 1 assist tonight but he looked really good on the Powerplay.
Linden Vey. I thought he had a tough time out there. HE was trying to plow through 3 guys at once and lost the puck a lot.
Mark Isherwood. I thought he was fighting the puck, and it took him 2 periods to get back into the speed of the game.
Other random thoughts
Tanner Sohn really impressed me in the pre-season but he showed a bit of a weakness tonight. He looked good in the first period, but looked too eager the rest of the game. His aggressiveness and board play are strong points however he got caught pinching a few times, and needs improvement on making that first pass out of his end.
Wacey Hamilton
Seemed to shoot the puck when he could have set a guy up, then passed when he should have shot. He was named Captain for the 09/10 season.
Thomas Kundratek
Who was reportedly being sent to the hat has been sent to the Hartford Wolfpack.
Their is a fear that he may fly back overseas if sent to Junoir.
http://www.beyondtheblueshirts.com/2009/09/wolf-pack-training-camp-opens-saturday/
Scratches:
Dylan Busiuness
Colton Grant
Scott McKay
Boston Leier
Reid Petryk
It might be a frustrating season in Lethbridge. They could definitely use an improvement on their back-end
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If kundratek does not report it will ease the 20 yr old situation. With Grant possibly being the odd guy out. Someone mentioned on tigers roars and purrs that there were rumours from a tiger billet on how a deal was being worked on with Colton grant, however they also said they thought Ennis was still returning so I don't know how credible that rumor would be.
Game Summary
First Period
The tigers started out skating pretty hard in the opening minutes. However they started developing nervous hands, and it looked like they wern't quite sure of where to go, or how to play in tight proximity to each other. The tigers defense got caught pinching a few times and it led to some Hurricanes chances early. The canes managed to score on a couple favorable bounces.
1-0 Tigers
Kale Kessey put the Tigers up 1-0 after getting a partial breakaway off a turnover at the blueline and rang the puck off the far post and in past Lethbridge goalie Ville Kolppanen.
1-1 Tie
The Hurricanes would Tie the game up after an odd man break up the ice. Joey Frazer lost control of the puck at the blue line and the hurricanes stormed in on a 4-2. THe initial shot was blocked but Lethbridge jammed home the rebound.
2-1 Lethbridge
LET Fyten, (1) , 16:28
The puck squirted out to Lethbridge's Austin Fyten at the top of the faceoff circle and used Big Matt Konan as a screen. The puck floated high glove side past the surprised Ryan Holfeld.
Second Period
The tigers managed to break the game open, really coming out hard and pressuring the Canes hard for the last half of the period. Lethbridge weren't helping themselves as their defensman were making poor passes and coughing up the puck.
2-2 Tie
Cameron, (1) (Coyle, Carlson), 5:56 (PP)
Jace Coyle made a perfect pass to Bretton Cameron in the slot and he put it past a partially screened Ville Kolppanen.
3-2 Tigers
Carlson, (1) (Etem, Gal), 9:15 (SH)
The tigers were pressuring the canes in their own end shorthanded. Emerson Etem provided a perfectly timed screen while Cody Carlson flipped the puck in the net from along the boards.
4-2 Tigers
Cameron, (2) (Isherwood, Hamilton), 14:36
mark Isherwood shot the puck from the point, there was a huge rebound which came right to Cameron all alone at the side of the net.
Third Period
Tigers continued to pressure and continued to take over the game. Felt sorry for the Finnish canes goalie as he looked pretty frustrated.
5-2 Tigers
Hamilton, (1) (Gal, Coyle), 5:11
With the Hurricanes running around in their own End. Taylor Gal made a nice play and Deked the lethbridge goalie out of position. The puck went back to the point for a shot on net, and Lethbridge's goalie was too slow covering the puck, then he failed to notice Bretton Cameron scooping it behind the net and feeding it to wacey Hamilton.
Note: WHl.ca has the assists wrong Bretton Cameron and Taylor Gal should be credited with assists. I initially got it wrong to when doing the summary.
6-2 Tigers
Coyle, (1) , 9:55 (PEN/SH)
Jacey Coyle would explode out of his zone and beat everyone with a clear cut breakaway.(It helped that a Canes defender fell over) He got hooked at the end and still got a deke shot off. On the Penalty shot attempt. He made a couple head fakes and dekes, went to the far right hand side, and tucked the puck between the legs of Ville, Kolppanen
7-2 Tigers
Isherwood, (1) (Vey, King), 12:00 (PP)
Isherwood would sneak in off the point and receive a cross ice past from Linden Vey He made no mistake.
7-3 Lethbridge
Henke, (1) (Mestery, Braes), 12:27 (PP)
Curtis Valk was assessed a high sticking penalty resulting in a canes PP. Eric Mestery took a low shot from the point and Brent Henke tipped it into the far corner.
3 Stars
1. M.H - 28 Bretton Cameron
2. M.H - 7 Cody Carlson
3. M.H - 26 Emerson Etem
Thoughts
Positives I Noticed
Emerson Etem
Emerson Etem has a very unique skating stride. It looks like he is about to fall down. He has a very low center of gravity and that unique stride really masks how fast he is going. He looks like a very strong player, although his puck control may need some work.
Bretton Cameron
Throw my previous thoughts about overagers out the window. I thought Cameron looked really good, especially along the boards. He won a lot of puck battles out there. I would like to see how he does against a more experienced team.
Jace Coyle
Again he looked really good. Excellent at moving the puck, and seemed to take control when the tigers had a tough time getting out of their end.
Tristan King
He only had 1 assist tonight but he looked really good on the Powerplay.
Guys who can play better
Linden Vey. I thought he had a tough time out there. HE was trying to plow through 3 guys at once and lost the puck a lot.
Mark Isherwood. I thought he was fighting the puck, and it took him 2 periods to get back into the speed of the game.
Other random thoughts
Tanner Sohn really impressed me in the pre-season but he showed a bit of a weakness tonight. He looked good in the first period, but looked too eager the rest of the game. His aggressiveness and board play are strong points however he got caught pinching a few times, and needs improvement on making that first pass out of his end.
Wacey Hamilton
Seemed to shoot the puck when he could have set a guy up, then passed when he should have shot. He was named Captain for the 09/10 season.
Thomas Kundratek
Who was reportedly being sent to the hat has been sent to the Hartford Wolfpack.
Their is a fear that he may fly back overseas if sent to Junoir.
http://www.beyondtheblueshirts.com/2009/09/wolf-pack-training-camp-opens-saturday/
Scratches:
Dylan Busiuness
Colton Grant
Scott McKay
Boston Leier
Reid Petryk
It might be a frustrating season in Lethbridge. They could definitely use an improvement on their back-end
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If kundratek does not report it will ease the 20 yr old situation. With Grant possibly being the odd guy out. Someone mentioned on tigers roars and purrs that there were rumours from a tiger billet on how a deal was being worked on with Colton grant, however they also said they thought Ennis was still returning so I don't know how credible that rumor would be.
Home Opener Tonight!
Season opener
If you got tickets don't miss it.
"With the Tigers celebrating their 40th anniversary — they were formed in 1970 — all season long, there are some special events planned for tonight’s home opener that the team decided not to divulge before game time."
-Medicine Hat News
Lethbridge Huricanes
Lethbridge was pounded 8-1 last Night by Kootenay. Which means you can expect them to come out hard tonight. Hopefully the players aren't as nervous as past seasons.
Experiencing the "Arena" for the first time can totally throw off a players concentration.
----------------------------------
Tristan King
Tristan King who had "verbally agreed" to a contract earlier made it official on Friday.
Frisco, Tex. – The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has signed forward Tristan King and defenseman Hubert Labrie each to three-year entry-level contracts. Both players participated in the 2009 Traverse City Tournament with other Dallas prospects.
----------------------------------------------------
Blogger Adsense
Edit: Also I'm trying out this New google/blogger Ad-sense thing. So you may see an advertisement or two. You cant fault a starving college student for trying to make a couple extra bucks?.... If they become too much of a nuisance, or appear not to be worth it, I will take them out. I will be experimenting trying out where the best place to put them is.
I also added a google search box at the top of the page
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Jesse Ursic
Port Alberni minor hockey product Jesse Ursic has signed with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.
Ursic, 16, attended the Tigers’ Alberta training camp earlier this month, but despite lasting longer than many rookies, he has been sent back to major midget for the season.
Ursic will play defence for the North Island Silvertips AAA team in Nanaimo this season.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/albernivalleynews/sports/59646812.html
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Cole Penner
Medicine Hat native Cole Penner was recently traded from the Brooks Bandits to the Melfort Mustangs. He didn't dress for last nights game with Melfort and there is a rumour on www.whlfans.ca that he went back to the Hat.
If you got tickets don't miss it.
"With the Tigers celebrating their 40th anniversary — they were formed in 1970 — all season long, there are some special events planned for tonight’s home opener that the team decided not to divulge before game time."
-Medicine Hat News
Lethbridge Huricanes
Lethbridge was pounded 8-1 last Night by Kootenay. Which means you can expect them to come out hard tonight. Hopefully the players aren't as nervous as past seasons.
Experiencing the "Arena" for the first time can totally throw off a players concentration.
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Tristan King
Tristan King who had "verbally agreed" to a contract earlier made it official on Friday.
Frisco, Tex. – The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has signed forward Tristan King and defenseman Hubert Labrie each to three-year entry-level contracts. Both players participated in the 2009 Traverse City Tournament with other Dallas prospects.
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Blogger Adsense
Edit: Also I'm trying out this New google/blogger Ad-sense thing. So you may see an advertisement or two. You cant fault a starving college student for trying to make a couple extra bucks?.... If they become too much of a nuisance, or appear not to be worth it, I will take them out. I will be experimenting trying out where the best place to put them is.
I also added a google search box at the top of the page
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Jesse Ursic
Port Alberni minor hockey product Jesse Ursic has signed with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.
Ursic, 16, attended the Tigers’ Alberta training camp earlier this month, but despite lasting longer than many rookies, he has been sent back to major midget for the season.
Ursic will play defence for the North Island Silvertips AAA team in Nanaimo this season.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/albernivalleynews/sports/59646812.html
----------------------------------------------------
Cole Penner
Medicine Hat native Cole Penner was recently traded from the Brooks Bandits to the Melfort Mustangs. He didn't dress for last nights game with Melfort and there is a rumour on www.whlfans.ca that he went back to the Hat.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kundratek Sent Back Re:edited
New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has assigned 15 players to Hartford (AHL).
In addition, the Rangers returned five players to their respective junior club: goaltender Scott Stajcer (Owen Sound, OHL); defenseman Tomas Kundratek (Medicine Hat, WHL); and forwards Ryan Bourque (Quebec, QMJHL), Roman Horak (Chilliwack, WHL) and Ethan Werek (Kingston, OHL).
http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498895
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Medicine Hat News
Has an article on everyones thoughts.
Desjardins said his staff will take their time in figuring out which overagers will stay. “They are real quality guys,” said Desjardins. “It just makes it real hard. That is something we will have to work through.”
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/135513/110/
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The question now remains is who goes for the tigers?
Does this mean that Grant and Cameron are now on the block?
Does Kundratek or Isherwood get put on the block?
Does Willie try to shop around for a back-up goalie? and cut/deal Holfeld to deal with kundrateks return?
They still have a bunch of 16 yr olds hanging around as well.
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Edit:
16 Year Old Restrictions
In previous posts I kept saying their were 2-16 year olds allowed per team.
However that may be incorrect.
I did some researching and found a couple articles that said there is a 4 player limit on 16 yr olds for major junior for the 09/10 season.(However they would still be able to call up a 16 year old as well for a max of 10 games or until their parent team is eliminated).
I initially thought that there was a 2 player cap or 40 player limit across the whl, but it appears hockey Canada may have changed that. If anyone knows a definitive answer please let me know.
SO in reality they may only have to cut 1 more 16 year old.
In addition, the Rangers returned five players to their respective junior club: goaltender Scott Stajcer (Owen Sound, OHL); defenseman Tomas Kundratek (Medicine Hat, WHL); and forwards Ryan Bourque (Quebec, QMJHL), Roman Horak (Chilliwack, WHL) and Ethan Werek (Kingston, OHL).
http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498895
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medicine Hat News
Has an article on everyones thoughts.
Desjardins said his staff will take their time in figuring out which overagers will stay. “They are real quality guys,” said Desjardins. “It just makes it real hard. That is something we will have to work through.”
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/content/view/135513/110/
---------------------------------------------------------
The question now remains is who goes for the tigers?
Does this mean that Grant and Cameron are now on the block?
Does Kundratek or Isherwood get put on the block?
Does Willie try to shop around for a back-up goalie? and cut/deal Holfeld to deal with kundrateks return?
They still have a bunch of 16 yr olds hanging around as well.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit:
16 Year Old Restrictions
In previous posts I kept saying their were 2-16 year olds allowed per team.
However that may be incorrect.
I did some researching and found a couple articles that said there is a 4 player limit on 16 yr olds for major junior for the 09/10 season.(However they would still be able to call up a 16 year old as well for a max of 10 games or until their parent team is eliminated).
I initially thought that there was a 2 player cap or 40 player limit across the whl, but it appears hockey Canada may have changed that. If anyone knows a definitive answer please let me know.
SO in reality they may only have to cut 1 more 16 year old.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Linden Vey Coming back to the Hat!
L.A made their first set of cuts and Linden Vey Is being Returned back to the Tigers.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/09/kings-nhl-hockey-.html
No official word has been given yet but I would think there is enough time for him to get settled and play in Saturday's Home opener.
The only wild-card left is Kundratek.
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Thomas Kundratek
Edit: Apparently the rangers played 2 games yesterday, and Kundratek was dressed during the day game which wasn't recorded at nhl.com
Here is a quote on his play from a NY ranger blogger.
"Tomas Kundratek does have an excellent shot, but right now, he is very inconsistent defensively. In the first period he blew his coverage, and it led to the Devils’ first goal. In the second period, he made an excellent play to break up a cross ice pass that would have led to a two-on-one. Then in the third period he wound up from the blueline and let his big shot rip, which unfortunately missed the net and came out of the zone leading to an opportunity the other way. Finally, on the PK, while on a four on three, Kundratek put a big hit on a Devil’s player and took himself out of the play, which created a four on two. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Kundratek will be an excellent professional defenseman two to three years down the road, but right now, he should return to junior and keep developing. Hopefully, he will see that and take the first plane back to Medicine Hat. "
-http://hfrangersblog.com/?p=62
The rangers are expected to make their first cuts today, could our 20 yr old situation get a bit more crowded?
Check my previous post for info On Tyler Ennis Signing with Buffalo
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/09/kings-nhl-hockey-.html
No official word has been given yet but I would think there is enough time for him to get settled and play in Saturday's Home opener.
The only wild-card left is Kundratek.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Kundratek
Edit: Apparently the rangers played 2 games yesterday, and Kundratek was dressed during the day game which wasn't recorded at nhl.com
Here is a quote on his play from a NY ranger blogger.
"Tomas Kundratek does have an excellent shot, but right now, he is very inconsistent defensively. In the first period he blew his coverage, and it led to the Devils’ first goal. In the second period, he made an excellent play to break up a cross ice pass that would have led to a two-on-one. Then in the third period he wound up from the blueline and let his big shot rip, which unfortunately missed the net and came out of the zone leading to an opportunity the other way. Finally, on the PK, while on a four on three, Kundratek put a big hit on a Devil’s player and took himself out of the play, which created a four on two. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Kundratek will be an excellent professional defenseman two to three years down the road, but right now, he should return to junior and keep developing. Hopefully, he will see that and take the first plane back to Medicine Hat. "
-http://hfrangersblog.com/?p=62
The rangers are expected to make their first cuts today, could our 20 yr old situation get a bit more crowded?
Check my previous post for info On Tyler Ennis Signing with Buffalo
Tyler Ennis Signs NHL Deal + Shaw TV
Consider Ennis as a Tiger Alumni
Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed forward Tyler Ennis to a three-year entry level contract.
"I'm looking forward to having a good career as a Sabre."
"I think if you look at him, he’s got some characteristics that are along the Derek Roy line," Head Coach Lindy Ruff said. "He can open people up, he can make some special plays and he’s a good player in real tight spaces. Obviously size is a factor but I think he’s been able to push through at every level so you hope he can continue to push through."
http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498754
---
Click Here for an interview conducted with him today
http://sabres.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?type=fvod&id=1
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He will be missed dearly. Good Luck at the NHL Level. Some people are saying that he could possibly see NHL Ice as soon as this year.
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Shaw TV
Shaw Tv Released thier Tv schedule today. They are carrying 3 games with the Tigers
Friday Nov. 13/09 Medicine Hat @ Calgary 7:00pm
Tuesday Dec. 1/09 Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat 7:00pm
Wednesday Feb. 10/10 Prince Albert @ Medicine Hat 7:00pm
Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed forward Tyler Ennis to a three-year entry level contract.
"I'm looking forward to having a good career as a Sabre."
"I think if you look at him, he’s got some characteristics that are along the Derek Roy line," Head Coach Lindy Ruff said. "He can open people up, he can make some special plays and he’s a good player in real tight spaces. Obviously size is a factor but I think he’s been able to push through at every level so you hope he can continue to push through."
http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498754
---
Click Here for an interview conducted with him today
http://sabres.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?type=fvod&id=1
-------------
He will be missed dearly. Good Luck at the NHL Level. Some people are saying that he could possibly see NHL Ice as soon as this year.
---------------------------------------------------
Shaw TV
Shaw Tv Released thier Tv schedule today. They are carrying 3 games with the Tigers
Friday Nov. 13/09 Medicine Hat @ Calgary 7:00pm
Tuesday Dec. 1/09 Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat 7:00pm
Wednesday Feb. 10/10 Prince Albert @ Medicine Hat 7:00pm
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