Last Edit: 3:00 PM Wednesday (Added WHL Schedule Link)
Edit: 8:50 AM Thursday (Added MH News Link)
1st Round - 47th Selection
Marek Langhamer - Goalie - Czech Republic 6'1.75 181 lbs 1994 July 22nd - Pardubice
- Next season will be his 18 Yr Old Season.
- Elite Prospects Page
- Drafted 184th overall by Phoenix 7th round
- Photo In Action
-Scouting Report
Butterfly goalie with a quick glove and strong athletic ability. Has quick reflexes, fast legs, good lateral movement, solid rebound control, good positioning, and great recovery ability. Calm when the attack is strong and drives when taking shooters on. Very lean and had no formal goaltending coach until four seasons ago. Intriguing goalie prospect.
http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/player/marek-langhammer/17531/
- Apparently He suffered a Knee Injury during the Under 18's against the U.S.A and didn't return (same one Hunter Shinkaruk participated in) Was projected to go in the middle rounds of the NHL draft, but fell to the 7th. It is a little hard to believe he fell so late in the import draft, as I just saw a report from Phoenix after thier draft that said they expected him to play in the CHL this year.
- Tigershockey.com Article
----------------------------
2nd Round 77th Overall
(Traded Up With Lethbridge for a late round bantam draft pick)
- Daniel Hanson - Denmark - Defenseman - 5'10 150 lbs - Sonderjyske '95
Next season Will be his 17 Yr Old Season.
- Elite Prospects Page
- Tigershockey.com Article
I'll try to dig up some more info on this kid.
-----------------------------------------
This makes the battle for the Starters job more intense. It's never a bad thing to have more competition in camp. They also have a bit of variety with thier age group. You gotta think that a drafted goalie has a good chance to stick but he still has to prove he belongs. Cameron won the backup role last season, so he has some slight experience over MacAuley. Its incredibly tough to break into the league as a 16 yr old goaltender. It will be a good battle during camp.
Goalies
- Langhamer (18)
- Cameron (19)
- MacAuley(17)
- Robidoux(16)
WHL SCHEDULE
The WHL Released the full schedule today. Tigers start with a Home and Home against Lethbridge.
The Tigers start on the road in Lethbridge on Friday September 21st
Then come back to the Hat Saturday September 22nd for the Home Opener.
Tigers have a bundle of road games right off the bat as they take a 3 week trip into B.C/Central Alberta at the beggining of October.
http://whl.ca/uploads/assets/WHL_EN_SITE/2011_12_WHL_Season/WHL_Documents11_12/2012_13_WHL_Schedule_June_27_12.pdf
MH News Article on the Tigers Import Draft
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/a-stealat-47tigers-thrilled-to-get-nhl-drafted-goalie-with-first-pick-of-chlimport-draft-wednesday-06282012.html
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
WHL Release Exhibition Schedule (Edit:Friday)
It has been pretty quiet around here lately. I'm taking a good portion of the summer off from this blog, but I will try to post something If any major news comes out like the CHL Import Draft next Wednesday. I still want to try and post my Annual Arm-Chair GM scouting report before the NHL Draft Tomorow (which is not going to happen, this weekend sometimes.)
Tigers Exhibition Games
Saturday - 01/09/2012 - Medicine Hat vs Calgary - 3:00 (Edm Tourney)
Sunday - 02/09/2012 - P.G vs Medicine Hat - 11:00 (Edm Tourney)
Sunday - 09/09/2012 - Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat - 6:00 HOME GAME
Wednesday - 12/09/2012 - Medicine Hat @ Lethbridge - 7:00
Saturday - 15/09/2012 - Medicine Hat vs Red Deer - 7:30 (stettler)
Slightly Old News
Alex Theriau was not signed by the Dallas Stars so he will be eligible to go back into the draft on Friday.
Edit:Didn't get selected in the draft Alex Theriau is now a free agent. His chances of coming back to the Tigers just went up.
Willie Desjardins was moved to the Stars AHL Affiliate the Texas Stars as thier Head Coach.
Hunter Shinkaruk was selected for the 2012 Russia/Canada Challange. This event replaced the Team Canada Summer Development Camp for the world junoirs.
Darren Helm re-signed with Detroit (4 year 8.5 million dollar deal) I think 90% of the hockey world would consider that a steal.
Edit
Their have been a few comments that have been getting stuck in the spam filter, including a pretty newsworthy comment about Parkkonen.
Patrik Parkkonen
I completely missed this but Patrik Parkkonen has Signed with Porin Assat of the Finnish elite league. He signed a 2 year contract in early June. The Tigers blueline depth is now looking a little inexperienced with Parkkonen going overseas and Mckay heading off to school.
Defensive Depth Chart
Alex Theriau(20??) Busenius(19)
Becker(18) Lewington(18)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
This means the Tigers will be able to draft 2 new euros through the Euro Draft.
Tigers Exhibition Games
Saturday - 01/09/2012 - Medicine Hat vs Calgary - 3:00 (Edm Tourney)
Sunday - 02/09/2012 - P.G vs Medicine Hat - 11:00 (Edm Tourney)
Sunday - 09/09/2012 - Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat - 6:00 HOME GAME
Wednesday - 12/09/2012 - Medicine Hat @ Lethbridge - 7:00
Saturday - 15/09/2012 - Medicine Hat vs Red Deer - 7:30 (stettler)
Slightly Old News
Alex Theriau was not signed by the Dallas Stars so he will be eligible to go back into the draft on Friday.
Edit:Didn't get selected in the draft Alex Theriau is now a free agent. His chances of coming back to the Tigers just went up.
Willie Desjardins was moved to the Stars AHL Affiliate the Texas Stars as thier Head Coach.
Hunter Shinkaruk was selected for the 2012 Russia/Canada Challange. This event replaced the Team Canada Summer Development Camp for the world junoirs.
Darren Helm re-signed with Detroit (4 year 8.5 million dollar deal) I think 90% of the hockey world would consider that a steal.
Edit
Their have been a few comments that have been getting stuck in the spam filter, including a pretty newsworthy comment about Parkkonen.
Patrik Parkkonen
I completely missed this but Patrik Parkkonen has Signed with Porin Assat of the Finnish elite league. He signed a 2 year contract in early June. The Tigers blueline depth is now looking a little inexperienced with Parkkonen going overseas and Mckay heading off to school.
Defensive Depth Chart
Alex Theriau(20??) Busenius(19)
Becker(18) Lewington(18)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
This means the Tigers will be able to draft 2 new euros through the Euro Draft.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Congrats To The Oil Kings
The Edmonton Oil Kings took out the Portland Winterhawks in the 7th game by a score of 4-1.
Link to Game Highlights: http://www.whl.ca/video/index/id/b41c2b50d41f3fbad89e33bc59367d57
This was Portland Second Straight Loss in the WHL Finals.
The Oil Kings will now head over to Shawinigan to face off against: Shawinigan Cataractes, London Knights , and Saint John Sea Dogs for the 2012 memorial cup.
Congrats to the Oil Kings! and Good Luck @ the Memorial Cup!
Link to Game Highlights: http://www.whl.ca/video/index/id/b41c2b50d41f3fbad89e33bc59367d57
This was Portland Second Straight Loss in the WHL Finals.
The Oil Kings will now head over to Shawinigan to face off against: Shawinigan Cataractes, London Knights , and Saint John Sea Dogs for the 2012 memorial cup.
Congrats to the Oil Kings! and Good Luck @ the Memorial Cup!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tigers Deal for Heavyweight Forward
Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat Tigers General Manager Brad McEwen announced this afternoon the Tigers have traded 17-year-old forward Riley Sheen to the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for soon to be 19-year-old forward Jacob Doty.
Doty, who calls Billings, MT home, has spent the past two seasons on a full time basis with the T-Birds. The 6’ 3”, 223 lbs right-winger played five games for Seattle in the 2009-10 season as a 16-year-old. In fifty-five games last season, Jake scored two goals and added five assists for seven points while picking up 107 penalty minutes.
“We acquired a 19-year-old forward in Jake who will give us a bigger forward up front,” said Tigers’ general manager Brad McEwen. “Jake will give us some good fore checking presence and will compete hard on the puck. We are looking forward to Jake joining our team.”
“We thank Riley and his family for his time and effort while with the Tigers and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” stated McEwen.
http://tigershockey.com/
----------
Last season Doty was involved in 15 fights, and 24 the year before. He is a fan favorite in Seattle.
Here is his hockeyfights.com profile http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/12825
--------
A move to add toughness. I thought Sheen was playing well at the end of the season but was a victim to the depth charts....He will have a big opportunity to earn some prime time minutes in Seattle.
The Tigers forward group is already pretty packed, even moreso if Kessy does indeed return....A couple new prospects will likely force their way into the roster, and you gotta think room will need to eventually be made.
Updated Depth Charts (just a quick setup)
Shinkaruk(18) Bredo(19) Dieno(19)
Leier(19) Valk(19) Koules(18)
Labelle(17) Hart(18) Cox(17)
Kessy(20) Doty(19) Hurley (19)
Broadhead(17)
xxx
+ Prospects
Defence
Parkkonen(19)? Lewington(18)
Becker(18) Busenius(19)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
Mckay(school)
Alex Theriau (pro??)
Prospects
+Euro
Doty, who calls Billings, MT home, has spent the past two seasons on a full time basis with the T-Birds. The 6’ 3”, 223 lbs right-winger played five games for Seattle in the 2009-10 season as a 16-year-old. In fifty-five games last season, Jake scored two goals and added five assists for seven points while picking up 107 penalty minutes.
“We acquired a 19-year-old forward in Jake who will give us a bigger forward up front,” said Tigers’ general manager Brad McEwen. “Jake will give us some good fore checking presence and will compete hard on the puck. We are looking forward to Jake joining our team.”
“We thank Riley and his family for his time and effort while with the Tigers and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” stated McEwen.
http://tigershockey.com/
----------
Last season Doty was involved in 15 fights, and 24 the year before. He is a fan favorite in Seattle.
Here is his hockeyfights.com profile http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/12825
--------
A move to add toughness. I thought Sheen was playing well at the end of the season but was a victim to the depth charts....He will have a big opportunity to earn some prime time minutes in Seattle.
The Tigers forward group is already pretty packed, even moreso if Kessy does indeed return....A couple new prospects will likely force their way into the roster, and you gotta think room will need to eventually be made.
Updated Depth Charts (just a quick setup)
Shinkaruk(18) Bredo(19) Dieno(19)
Leier(19) Valk(19) Koules(18)
Labelle(17) Hart(18) Cox(17)
Kessy(20) Doty(19) Hurley (19)
Broadhead(17)
xxx
+ Prospects
Defence
Parkkonen(19)? Lewington(18)
Becker(18) Busenius(19)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
Mckay(school)
Alex Theriau (pro??)
Prospects
+Euro
Thursday, May 3, 2012
2012 WHL BANTAM DRAFT
Will update every 30 mins or so
1st Round
- 16th - Ty Schultz – D, Burnaby Winter Club 5’11” 160 lbs
Scouting report on him says he is a very good puck mover, a strong skater, and anticipates the play very well
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Round
38th - Matthew Bradley - C miahmoo Bantam A1-T1 5'9 150 lbs
- found a scouting video of him here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE2Hot3q1_Y
---------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Round
- No Picks
4th Round
- No Pick
---------------------------------------------------------------
5th Round
104th Jordan Xavier C 5'8 134 lbs - Calgary Northstars Bantam AAA
Jordan's Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JordanXavier18
- scouting reports say he is very speedy
---------------------------------------------------------------
6th Round
125th - Mendell Dubuisson - RW - 6'0' 150lbs - Phoenix Firebirds U14 - Surprise Arizona
- Power Forward type player
126th - Mitchell Dyck - D - 6'0 184 lbs - Pembina Valley AAA Bantam - Winkler Manitoba
---------------------------------------------------------------
7th Round
143rd - Riley Morris - G 5'10 154 lbs - Calgary Bronks Bantam AAA - Calgary
- Athletic, Catches Left
148th - Justin Young - C 5'11 152 lbs - Leduc Bantam AAA - Leduc
----------------------------------------------------------------
8th Round
170th - Brad Forrest D 5'9 135 lbs Calgary Bisons Bantam AAA - Calgary
- Some scouts had him pegged to go much higher..
---------------------------------------------------------------------
9th Round
192nd - Jake Fletcher LW 5'9 155 lbs Semiahmoo Bantam A1-T1 Surrey B.C.
----------------------------------------------------------------
10th Round
214th - Todd Bredo D 6'2 170lbs - Prince George Bantam Tier 1
-------------------------------
11th Round
236 Brayden Uhrich RW 5'9 151 lbs Notre Dame Bantam AAA - Rosetown Sask,
Tigers are Done.
http://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-2012-bantam-draft-selections
4 Defenseman
6 Forwards
1 Goalie
Avg Height: 5'10.5
Avg Weight: 153.2 lbs
1st Round
- 16th - Ty Schultz – D, Burnaby Winter Club 5’11” 160 lbs
Scouting report on him says he is a very good puck mover, a strong skater, and anticipates the play very well
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Round
38th - Matthew Bradley - C miahmoo Bantam A1-T1 5'9 150 lbs
- found a scouting video of him here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE2Hot3q1_Y
---------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Round
- No Picks
4th Round
- No Pick
---------------------------------------------------------------
5th Round
104th Jordan Xavier C 5'8 134 lbs - Calgary Northstars Bantam AAA
Jordan's Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JordanXavier18
- scouting reports say he is very speedy
---------------------------------------------------------------
6th Round
125th - Mendell Dubuisson - RW - 6'0' 150lbs - Phoenix Firebirds U14 - Surprise Arizona
- Power Forward type player
126th - Mitchell Dyck - D - 6'0 184 lbs - Pembina Valley AAA Bantam - Winkler Manitoba
---------------------------------------------------------------
7th Round
143rd - Riley Morris - G 5'10 154 lbs - Calgary Bronks Bantam AAA - Calgary
- Athletic, Catches Left
148th - Justin Young - C 5'11 152 lbs - Leduc Bantam AAA - Leduc
----------------------------------------------------------------
8th Round
170th - Brad Forrest D 5'9 135 lbs Calgary Bisons Bantam AAA - Calgary
- Some scouts had him pegged to go much higher..
---------------------------------------------------------------------
9th Round
192nd - Jake Fletcher LW 5'9 155 lbs Semiahmoo Bantam A1-T1 Surrey B.C.
----------------------------------------------------------------
10th Round
214th - Todd Bredo D 6'2 170lbs - Prince George Bantam Tier 1
-------------------------------
11th Round
236 Brayden Uhrich RW 5'9 151 lbs Notre Dame Bantam AAA - Rosetown Sask,
Tigers are Done.
http://tigershockey.com/article/tigers-2012-bantam-draft-selections
4 Defenseman
6 Forwards
1 Goalie
Avg Height: 5'10.5
Avg Weight: 153.2 lbs
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
2012 WHL Bantam Draft Preveiw
The Tigers Picks by round
1st Round(1)
2nd Round(1)
3rd Round(0)
4th Round(0)
5th Round(1)
6th Round(2)
7th Round(2)
8th Round(1)
9th Round(1)
10th Round (1)
and so on.... until they stop selecting players. They have traditionally passed in the 10th round and later but it largely depends on how full their 50 player protected list is.
You can Watch the WHL Bantam Draft live here:
http://yyz.neulion.com/static/hockey/whl/awards-draft-2012/
Draft Lists
http://www.whl.ca/draft/fullDraft
Tyler Bunz named WHL Goalie of the Year
Congrats to Tyler Bunz.
Emerson Etem was a runner up for WHL player of the year.
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-announces-2011-12-award-winners
1st Round(1)
2nd Round(1)
3rd Round(0)
4th Round(0)
5th Round(1)
6th Round(2)
7th Round(2)
8th Round(1)
9th Round(1)
10th Round (1)
and so on.... until they stop selecting players. They have traditionally passed in the 10th round and later but it largely depends on how full their 50 player protected list is.
You can Watch the WHL Bantam Draft live here:
http://yyz.neulion.com/static/hockey/whl/awards-draft-2012/
Draft Lists
http://www.whl.ca/draft/fullDraft
Tyler Bunz named WHL Goalie of the Year
Congrats to Tyler Bunz.
Emerson Etem was a runner up for WHL player of the year.
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-announces-2011-12-award-winners
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Miles Koules Decides to Join the Tigers
From his twitter feed
- https://twitter.com/#%21/mileskoules
"Made my decision to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers next season."
http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/koules-picks-medicine-hat.html#more
http://futureconsiderations.ca/quick-hits-koules-bulking-up/
http://atraditionofexcellence.blogspot.ca/2012/01/recruit-profile-miles-koules.html
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/235452/group/homepage/
Edit
MH News Article
At the Trade Deadline the Tigers traded Reid Petryk and a conditional 4th round pick to Everett for the Rights to Miles Koules and a conditional 4th round pick.
Koules is eligible for this years NHL draft.
NHL central scouting had Koules ranked as the 151st North American Skater during mid-term reports, but fell to 201 overall for the year end rankings. This coming season will be his 18 year old year. He put up 15 points in 28 games for the US national Team Development Program which plays games in the ushl.
WHL Bantam Draft
Is coming up this week on May 3rd (Thursday)
Emerson Etem Update
Etem's Team the Syracuse Crunch were eliminated from the AHL playoffs 3 games to 1 against the St. John's IceCaps
Etem scored 2 goals in 4 playoff games, and added 1 goal in 2 regular season games.
- https://twitter.com/#%21/mileskoules
"Made my decision to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers next season."
http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/koules-picks-medicine-hat.html#more
http://futureconsiderations.ca/quick-hits-koules-bulking-up/
http://atraditionofexcellence.blogspot.ca/2012/01/recruit-profile-miles-koules.html
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/235452/group/homepage/
Edit
MH News Article
At the Trade Deadline the Tigers traded Reid Petryk and a conditional 4th round pick to Everett for the Rights to Miles Koules and a conditional 4th round pick.
Koules is eligible for this years NHL draft.
NHL central scouting had Koules ranked as the 151st North American Skater during mid-term reports, but fell to 201 overall for the year end rankings. This coming season will be his 18 year old year. He put up 15 points in 28 games for the US national Team Development Program which plays games in the ushl.
WHL Bantam Draft
Is coming up this week on May 3rd (Thursday)
Emerson Etem Update
Etem's Team the Syracuse Crunch were eliminated from the AHL playoffs 3 games to 1 against the St. John's IceCaps
Etem scored 2 goals in 4 playoff games, and added 1 goal in 2 regular season games.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Shinkaruk Impresses At Under 18's
Team Canada was playing in the Bronze Medal game this afternoon. They previously lost to the U.S.A 2-1 in the semifinals. Team U.S.A dominated almost every team they played outscoring the opposition 26-4..including a 7-0 win over Sweden in the Gold Medal game.
Hunter Shinkaruk scored a hat-trick including the game winning goal in overtime against Finland to win the game for Team Canada.
The game winner was a highlight real goal, as he drove wide past the Finnish Defender cut to the net and put the puck past an outstretched Finnish goaltender.
Shinkaruk finished the Tournament with 8 points in 6 games(4 goals, 4 assists). Which was tied for 2nd in scoring on Team Canada behind Red Deer Rebel Mathew Dumba who potted 12 assist in 7 games.
Keep your eyes on TSN for the game highlights..
Emerson Etem Update
Etem has played 2 regular season games, and 2 playoff games with Syracuse. He has 1 goal, 6 shots on net and 2 penalty minutes. The crunch are tied 1-1 in their series against St. Johns Ice Caps
Hunter Shinkaruk scored a hat-trick including the game winning goal in overtime against Finland to win the game for Team Canada.
The game winner was a highlight real goal, as he drove wide past the Finnish Defender cut to the net and put the puck past an outstretched Finnish goaltender.
Shinkaruk finished the Tournament with 8 points in 6 games(4 goals, 4 assists). Which was tied for 2nd in scoring on Team Canada behind Red Deer Rebel Mathew Dumba who potted 12 assist in 7 games.
Keep your eyes on TSN for the game highlights..
Emerson Etem Update
Etem has played 2 regular season games, and 2 playoff games with Syracuse. He has 1 goal, 6 shots on net and 2 penalty minutes. The crunch are tied 1-1 in their series against St. Johns Ice Caps
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Next Season Outlook
Players not Coming Back
Cole Grbavac (overage)
Emerson Etem ( NHL Contract)
James Bettauer (overage)
Matt Konan (overage)
Very Unlikely to Return
Tyler Bunz (NHL Contract) - The oilers 2 'tenders in the AHL(Yann Danis, and David Leneveu had very strong years. Oliver Roy had a very strong season in the echl last year and will likely be moved up to the AHL. Where Bunz plays will depend on what the Oilers do with their goalies. It could be likely that Bunz starts in the ECHL next season taking a similar path to Oliver Roy. But the Oilers would likely have to dump someone to make room.
Uncertain
Kale Kessy - Kale Kessy has a contract but I don't believe he is quite ready to make the jump yet. It would be beneficial for him to work on his game for another year in the whl. That being said its up to the coyotes to decide where he plays.
Alex Theriau - Will be having off-season Hip surgery for a torn labrum. This injury was known as the beginning of the season, and he played through the whole year with it. Recovery time could potentially be as long as 6 months..if that's the case I think it would be likely that we would see him back for another season. If he recovers faster he may move on to the pro leagues.
Patrik Parkkonen - 18 year old Finnish Males are conscripted into the military...could play havoc on if he is here for a whole year.
Next Years Overager's
Scott Mckay
Kale Kessy
Alex Theriau
If Kessy and Theriau return it would appear as if the overage situation is set. Mckay is eligible to come back next year. It might be possible that the Tigers look for a younger movement, or put him back on the blue-line if Theriau/Parkkonen doesn't come back. I think at least one of Kessy/Theriau will return...they could be in the market for another overager.
Edit: It was mentioned that Mckay may be looking to go the college route next season. If that's the case the Tigers are definitely in the market for an overager.
Long-Term
Next season will be an experience building year, but that does not mean they will not dress a good team. In 2 years the Tigers have the potential to Dress incredibly strong group of players. A lot of guys are in their draft season this coming year.
.....Their could be some tough decisions with 1 or 2 older players. If your building for 2 years down the road..a couple of next years 19's might possibly be trade bait. (Leier,Valk,Bredo,Hurley,Busenius,Parkkonen,Cameron,Dieno) ..there's always a chance one of them earns a contract and doesn't come back for their 20 yr old year....but I doubt that whole group are still Tigers by the end of next season.
Forwards
Tigers could potentially only loose Emerson Etem and Cole Grbavac. I think Kessy is a good candidate to be back for another year.
The Tigers will be able to roll 3 solid lines, perhaps all 4 depending on what level the talent coming in has to bring. Pretty much the same depth but a year older..which hopefully means a little more scoring by committee.
(depth purposes only)..includes Kessy...puts Mckay back on defence.
Shinkaruk(18) Valk(19) Leier(19)
Kessy(20) Bredo(19) Dieno (19)
Labelle(17) Hart(18) Cox(17)
Sheen(18) Broadhead(17) Hurley(19)
xxx
xxx
Prospects
Steve Owre
Blake Penner
Chad Butcher
Alex Mobray
+ other prospects
I'm really liking the skill of the forward group, this group should remain fairly intact for the season after next as well. They have a very strong group of centerman. If Kessy doesn't come back they will certainly need someone who can throw his weight around.
Defence
Parkkonen(19) Lewington(18)
Becker(18) Busenius(19)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
Alex Theriau ??
Mckay (20) school??
Ty Stanton(17)
+prospects
A little uncertain. If Theriau doesn't come back, and Parkkonen gets conscripted it will be a very young group.
Goalies
Kenny Cameron(19)
Dawson MacAuley(18)
Zac Robidoux (16)
+ other prospects
The goalies are in a bit of an awkward position. I wish Cameron was 1 year younger... With the strong 20 year old group for the season after next he would have to play lights out to push someone out of a spot. However this season It will be another battle royal for the #1 spot.
After looking at the depth charts I think Hurley, and Mckay will be in tough to keep spots, just because of the young guys coming back...and more of a youth movement for next season. If Theriau doesn't come back depending on the up and coming prospects Mckay could be very helpful on the blue-line for next season. I could see a guy like Busenius bringing in good value in a trade if depth allows for it.
Next year will be very exciting Hunter Shinkaruk, Jayden Hart, Riley Sheen, Tyler Lewington, Gavin Broadhead,Chad Labelle, Trevor Cox,Spenser Jensen are all draft eligible, which means they will be working hard in the off-season and looking to come back with a vengeance for next season. It will be exciting to see how their game improves over the course of next season, and see how many players get drafted. If these guys all show up next season the Tigers could be a dark horse in the second half of the season.
Late Edit
Their is also a possiblity of an nhl lockout to consider. I really hope that doesnt happen as the nhl has grown a lot in the last couple seasons. However if the NHL were to lockout it could be likely that Emerson Etem, and Tyler Bunz would return for thier overager year.
Emerson Etem UPDATE
Emerson played in his first two AHL games this weekend. In the Second game he scored the Game winner and was named 2nd star!! Go ETEM!!
http://blog.syracuse.com/crunch/2012/04/syracuse_crunch_playoff-bound.html
Cole Grbavac (overage)
Emerson Etem ( NHL Contract)
James Bettauer (overage)
Matt Konan (overage)
Very Unlikely to Return
Tyler Bunz (NHL Contract) - The oilers 2 'tenders in the AHL(Yann Danis, and David Leneveu had very strong years. Oliver Roy had a very strong season in the echl last year and will likely be moved up to the AHL. Where Bunz plays will depend on what the Oilers do with their goalies. It could be likely that Bunz starts in the ECHL next season taking a similar path to Oliver Roy. But the Oilers would likely have to dump someone to make room.
Uncertain
Kale Kessy - Kale Kessy has a contract but I don't believe he is quite ready to make the jump yet. It would be beneficial for him to work on his game for another year in the whl. That being said its up to the coyotes to decide where he plays.
Alex Theriau - Will be having off-season Hip surgery for a torn labrum. This injury was known as the beginning of the season, and he played through the whole year with it. Recovery time could potentially be as long as 6 months..if that's the case I think it would be likely that we would see him back for another season. If he recovers faster he may move on to the pro leagues.
Patrik Parkkonen - 18 year old Finnish Males are conscripted into the military...could play havoc on if he is here for a whole year.
Next Years Overager's
Scott Mckay
Kale Kessy
Alex Theriau
If Kessy and Theriau return it would appear as if the overage situation is set. Mckay is eligible to come back next year. It might be possible that the Tigers look for a younger movement, or put him back on the blue-line if Theriau/Parkkonen doesn't come back. I think at least one of Kessy/Theriau will return...they could be in the market for another overager.
Edit: It was mentioned that Mckay may be looking to go the college route next season. If that's the case the Tigers are definitely in the market for an overager.
Long-Term
Next season will be an experience building year, but that does not mean they will not dress a good team. In 2 years the Tigers have the potential to Dress incredibly strong group of players. A lot of guys are in their draft season this coming year.
.....Their could be some tough decisions with 1 or 2 older players. If your building for 2 years down the road..a couple of next years 19's might possibly be trade bait. (Leier,Valk,Bredo,Hurley,Busenius,Parkkonen,Cameron,Dieno) ..there's always a chance one of them earns a contract and doesn't come back for their 20 yr old year....but I doubt that whole group are still Tigers by the end of next season.
Forwards
Tigers could potentially only loose Emerson Etem and Cole Grbavac. I think Kessy is a good candidate to be back for another year.
The Tigers will be able to roll 3 solid lines, perhaps all 4 depending on what level the talent coming in has to bring. Pretty much the same depth but a year older..which hopefully means a little more scoring by committee.
(depth purposes only)..includes Kessy...puts Mckay back on defence.
Shinkaruk(18) Valk(19) Leier(19)
Kessy(20) Bredo(19) Dieno (19)
Labelle(17) Hart(18) Cox(17)
Sheen(18) Broadhead(17) Hurley(19)
xxx
xxx
Prospects
Steve Owre
Blake Penner
Chad Butcher
Alex Mobray
+ other prospects
I'm really liking the skill of the forward group, this group should remain fairly intact for the season after next as well. They have a very strong group of centerman. If Kessy doesn't come back they will certainly need someone who can throw his weight around.
Defence
Parkkonen(19) Lewington(18)
Becker(18) Busenius(19)
Jenson(17) xxx
xxx
Alex Theriau ??
Mckay (20) school??
Ty Stanton(17)
+prospects
A little uncertain. If Theriau doesn't come back, and Parkkonen gets conscripted it will be a very young group.
Goalies
Kenny Cameron(19)
Dawson MacAuley(18)
Zac Robidoux (16)
+ other prospects
The goalies are in a bit of an awkward position. I wish Cameron was 1 year younger... With the strong 20 year old group for the season after next he would have to play lights out to push someone out of a spot. However this season It will be another battle royal for the #1 spot.
After looking at the depth charts I think Hurley, and Mckay will be in tough to keep spots, just because of the young guys coming back...and more of a youth movement for next season. If Theriau doesn't come back depending on the up and coming prospects Mckay could be very helpful on the blue-line for next season. I could see a guy like Busenius bringing in good value in a trade if depth allows for it.
Next year will be very exciting Hunter Shinkaruk, Jayden Hart, Riley Sheen, Tyler Lewington, Gavin Broadhead,Chad Labelle, Trevor Cox,Spenser Jensen are all draft eligible, which means they will be working hard in the off-season and looking to come back with a vengeance for next season. It will be exciting to see how their game improves over the course of next season, and see how many players get drafted. If these guys all show up next season the Tigers could be a dark horse in the second half of the season.
Late Edit
Their is also a possiblity of an nhl lockout to consider. I really hope that doesnt happen as the nhl has grown a lot in the last couple seasons. However if the NHL were to lockout it could be likely that Emerson Etem, and Tyler Bunz would return for thier overager year.
Emerson Etem UPDATE
Emerson played in his first two AHL games this weekend. In the Second game he scored the Game winner and was named 2nd star!! Go ETEM!!
http://blog.syracuse.com/crunch/2012/04/syracuse_crunch_playoff-bound.html
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
(Re:Edit) Warriors Sweep the Tigers
Moose Jaw Defeats Tigers 4-3 OT
Pre-Game
Alex Theriau was out with a hip injury. Kyle Becker dressed in his place and looked really good in doing so.
Short Summary
It was the Tigers best game of the series, unfortunately it wasn't enough. The tigers were able to get a few more pucks out of their end however, Moose Jaw still fired 47 shots on net. Moose Jaw came out a little flat in the first period despite getting the first goal of the game 1:43 in.
Power-Play Success
The Tigers made Moose Jaw pay taking penalties as they scored 3 powerplay goals in the first period to take a 3-1 Lead (Bettauer x2, Boston Leier were the goal scorers).
Momentum Changer
Like the previous game the warriors took the momentum over in the second period with a powerplay goal of their own. The Warriors then tied the game up with about 4 minutes left in the third period as Sam Fioretti managed to handcuff Bunz on a wrist shot just inside the blueline.
So Close
The Tigers had quite a few scoring chances in the third period and overtime. Another post hit and a dozen or so chances that squeaked inches wide of the net. They had 2 incredible chances to win the game in overtime, but it just wasn't meant to be as 15 year old standout Brayden Point snapped a rebound over-top a fallen Tyler Bunz to win them the game.
Congrats to Moose Jaw, they are going to give Edmonton a real good run for their money in the conference final. I don't think I've ever seen a 15 year old callup play first line minutes in the playoffs. The warriors have an absolute gem in their hands.
Closing Thoughts
It was a fun treat to Watch Emerson Etem, Tyler Bunz, Cole Grbavac, and Matt Konan play the last couple seasons, and a pleasant surprise to see newcomer James Bettauer lead the league in Defensive scoring. ALL 5 players will be missed next season.
We weren't exactly sure what type of season the Tigers were going to have this year, and the coach Darren Kruger said the same thing on the radio after the game ended.
I think making it to the second round should be considered a successful season. Its too bad that injuries down the stretch made life a little difficult, but it could also be a blessing in disguise as the Tigers found out that Chad Labelle, and Kyle Becker look more than whl ready, As well as the Emergence of Rhyse Dieno before he got injured.
Initial thoughts for next season is that it will be an experience building year. The Tigers will be younger and could still have a good shot at making the playoffs. They have a lot of young talent that when it matures in 2 years they could be making deep playoff runs, but if they are building for 2 years they might have some tough 19 year old decisions to make for next year, but I'll get more into that in a couple days.
Looking Back to last July (Season predictions for this year)
----------------------------
http://tigerturf.blogspot.ca/2011/07/next-season.html
I'm not sure what to think. If certain combos can gel, they will be the dark horse of the league and surprise, especially with the loss of guys like Pitlick, Vey, and Hamilton. However theirs also the possibility of having the supporting players/ depth not up to par if the 18 year olds don't step up their game.
They have a combo of smart, physical, fast and skilled forwards, They should maintain an average offense at worst. The Question will be on how the secondary offense and defense gels together.
It seems like they have the ingredients of where their not expected to be a power house yet could surprise if things mix together well. Yet they could also cook up a rotten batch of cookies. A safe bet would put them in the middle of the pack 5th-6th. However I wont be surprised to see them fall or rise in either direction.
----------------------------
It was a little general, but the Tigers finished 4th and made it to round two. I think they did slightly better than expectations considering the losses of the previous season.
Whats Next
Sometime over the next couple days I'll do an outlook for next season, and then my annual NHL Arm Chair GM scouting report I do for kicks soon after. As well as a look at how former Tigers of the previous years have been doing.
Radio
I just missed it but I thought I heard Kruger on the radio say that Kessy was coming back next season. Anyone else catch or confirm that?
Articles
http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/Sports/Hockey/2012-04-12/article-2952734/Point-scores-OT-winner-to-give-Warriors-a-series-sweep-over-the-Tigers/1
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/braes-appreciates-playoffs-more-with-age-04112012.html
Overtime Heartbreak
Pre-Game
Alex Theriau was out with a hip injury. Kyle Becker dressed in his place and looked really good in doing so.
Short Summary
It was the Tigers best game of the series, unfortunately it wasn't enough. The tigers were able to get a few more pucks out of their end however, Moose Jaw still fired 47 shots on net. Moose Jaw came out a little flat in the first period despite getting the first goal of the game 1:43 in.
Power-Play Success
The Tigers made Moose Jaw pay taking penalties as they scored 3 powerplay goals in the first period to take a 3-1 Lead (Bettauer x2, Boston Leier were the goal scorers).
Momentum Changer
Like the previous game the warriors took the momentum over in the second period with a powerplay goal of their own. The Warriors then tied the game up with about 4 minutes left in the third period as Sam Fioretti managed to handcuff Bunz on a wrist shot just inside the blueline.
So Close
The Tigers had quite a few scoring chances in the third period and overtime. Another post hit and a dozen or so chances that squeaked inches wide of the net. They had 2 incredible chances to win the game in overtime, but it just wasn't meant to be as 15 year old standout Brayden Point snapped a rebound over-top a fallen Tyler Bunz to win them the game.
Congrats to Moose Jaw, they are going to give Edmonton a real good run for their money in the conference final. I don't think I've ever seen a 15 year old callup play first line minutes in the playoffs. The warriors have an absolute gem in their hands.
Closing Thoughts
It was a fun treat to Watch Emerson Etem, Tyler Bunz, Cole Grbavac, and Matt Konan play the last couple seasons, and a pleasant surprise to see newcomer James Bettauer lead the league in Defensive scoring. ALL 5 players will be missed next season.
We weren't exactly sure what type of season the Tigers were going to have this year, and the coach Darren Kruger said the same thing on the radio after the game ended.
I think making it to the second round should be considered a successful season. Its too bad that injuries down the stretch made life a little difficult, but it could also be a blessing in disguise as the Tigers found out that Chad Labelle, and Kyle Becker look more than whl ready, As well as the Emergence of Rhyse Dieno before he got injured.
Initial thoughts for next season is that it will be an experience building year. The Tigers will be younger and could still have a good shot at making the playoffs. They have a lot of young talent that when it matures in 2 years they could be making deep playoff runs, but if they are building for 2 years they might have some tough 19 year old decisions to make for next year, but I'll get more into that in a couple days.
Looking Back to last July (Season predictions for this year)
----------------------------
http://tigerturf.blogspot.ca/2011/07/next-season.html
I'm not sure what to think. If certain combos can gel, they will be the dark horse of the league and surprise, especially with the loss of guys like Pitlick, Vey, and Hamilton. However theirs also the possibility of having the supporting players/ depth not up to par if the 18 year olds don't step up their game.
They have a combo of smart, physical, fast and skilled forwards, They should maintain an average offense at worst. The Question will be on how the secondary offense and defense gels together.
It seems like they have the ingredients of where their not expected to be a power house yet could surprise if things mix together well. Yet they could also cook up a rotten batch of cookies. A safe bet would put them in the middle of the pack 5th-6th. However I wont be surprised to see them fall or rise in either direction.
----------------------------
It was a little general, but the Tigers finished 4th and made it to round two. I think they did slightly better than expectations considering the losses of the previous season.
Whats Next
Sometime over the next couple days I'll do an outlook for next season, and then my annual NHL Arm Chair GM scouting report I do for kicks soon after. As well as a look at how former Tigers of the previous years have been doing.
Radio
I just missed it but I thought I heard Kruger on the radio say that Kessy was coming back next season. Anyone else catch or confirm that?
Articles
http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/Sports/Hockey/2012-04-12/article-2952734/Point-scores-OT-winner-to-give-Warriors-a-series-sweep-over-the-Tigers/1
http://www.medicinehatnews.com/local-sports/braes-appreciates-playoffs-more-with-age-04112012.html
Overtime Heartbreak
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