Left winger Braeden Johnson is still at the Saskatoon Blades' training camp in Martensville. Johnson scored in an intra-squad game on Friday and was one of 40 players picked to play in the Blue and White game yesterday. His white squad lost 7-4. Johnson stuck with the Blades for more than 30 games last year, so there's a good chance he makes the team as an 18-year-old.
Haven't found evidence of any other players at WHL camps, but I'll keep looking. If you know of someone, feel free to leave a comment.
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Darren Zary of the StarPhoenix had a story last week on Josh Thorimbert, who's getting ready to make his NCAA debut when the Colorado College Tigers start their season in late September. It's incredible what Thorimbert has accomplished, but it will also be interesting to see how many starts he gets behind Joe Howe, the top freshman goalie in the country last year. Thorimbert is eligible for the NHL draft next summer, so hopefully he has a solid season. I know of several NHL teams keeping tabs on his progress.
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Craig Stein is reporting a major trade in the works involving two of the teams he covers (Yorkton, Melville, Swan Valley, Wayway). No word on whether it involves the SJ, MJ or both leagues but he says two big names are moving. The Terriers and Mils could both use some offensive punch, so we'll see what develops.
EDIT: Turns out the deal doesn't involve offence at all. Craig says the Terriers have sent 20-year-old defender Clark Byczynski to Swan Valley to complete the futures part of their acquisition of Troy Smukowich at last year's deadline. Details are here
Seems like a very stiff price for Yorkton to pay. Yes, Smukowich was a huge part of their run to the final last year, but he's now gone and they lose possibly their best defenceman for a rental. Byczynski was also huge in last year's playoffs. The Dogs have a pretty balanced blueline unit, but if they lose Austin Bourhis to Prince Albert, they could really be hurting. As it is, I'd say they're looking at a survivor series berth at best. That said - it worked out pretty well for them last year.
EDIT: Turns out the deal doesn't involve offence at all. Craig says the Terriers have sent 20-year-old defender Clark Byczynski to Swan Valley to complete the futures part of their acquisition of Troy Smukowich at last year's deadline. Details are here
Seems like a very stiff price for Yorkton to pay. Yes, Smukowich was a huge part of their run to the final last year, but he's now gone and they lose possibly their best defenceman for a rental. Byczynski was also huge in last year's playoffs. The Dogs have a pretty balanced blueline unit, but if they lose Austin Bourhis to Prince Albert, they could really be hurting. As it is, I'd say they're looking at a survivor series berth at best. That said - it worked out pretty well for them last year.
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WCEC update: Work is well underway on the new entrance/concession area at the back of the building. This will serve as the lobby for this season, and once the front of the building is repaired and a new lobby built, this area at the back will be used for storage or perhaps as the new site of the Zamboni room. Inside, the Klippers' dressing room and new fitness area are pretty close to being finished.
Also, the new synthetic ice surface arrived last week and has been installed at the WCEC parking lot, next to McGowan park. Kids are already out skating in their shorts and t-shirts.
The 70x36 sheet will give kids a place to practice until the WCEC re-opens, and it should also take a bit of pressure off the rink schedule during the season.
Hey Josh, not sure but is Andrew Herle still on the Klippers list? He's in PA but do you think he could come back down the pipe as a 20 yr old?
ReplyDeleteHe still is as far as I know. That wouldn't surprise me at all next year... not too many spots in the WHL for 20-year-old energy players.
ReplyDelete