First, it's looking like the Klippers will fire shots at Garrett Montour again. He was the Stars' goaltender in the rookie game last week and he didn't look too bad despite giving up eight goals. Now, he's probably going to get the call for the season opener, with both Kyle Birch and Graham Hildebrand unavailable.
Birch will serve the last game of his three-game suspension for fighting Dauphin goalie Brett Willows on Friday, and it sounds like Hildebrand won't be ready to return from a knee injury he's been nursing.
This will be the first time I've seen a third-string goalie start a season opener. Bizarre. You can bet the Klippers will be taking shots from everywhere in the first few minutes.
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In other North Stars news, they have added Vince Sauvie to the camp roster, according to Dan O'Connor on twitter. Sauvie was the main attraction for the West Central Rage in Kerrobert last season. As a first-year PJHL team, the Rage managed only four wins on the season, but Sauvie lit it up. The 1991-born right winger led the league in scoring with 37 goals and 80 points in 42 games. It was a phenomenal feat for a player on a last-place club.
I know the Klippers were interested in Sauvie for a time last season. I'm not sure how much they pursued him. His rights were owned by the Neepawa Natives (MJHL), who traded him to the OCN Blizzard earlier this summer. After going through training camp with OCN, he apparently wanted to be closer to home (Cando SK) so he was sent to Battlefords.
This is a team that's already quite deep as far as forwards go, so it may be tough for Vince to grab a roster spot.
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During my quick chat with Larry Wintoneak yesterday morning, I asked him about the extent of Tanner Exner's shoulder injury. He gave me the "loose lips sink ships" routine. Normally Larry is pretty good with talking about injuries and how long players might be out - although he never reveals what the actual injury is, which is understandable. I'm going to chalk this one up to the charged atmosphere that comes with opening the season.
If Exner isn't ready to start the season, I wonder what Sanfred King's line will look like. It's a good bet he'll have Pearce Gourley on his left side, but who on the right? My first guess would be Taylor Wasden, as he's one of the few right shots among those bottom six candidates (heck, maybe the only one). Or perhaps it'll be Ryan Benn, who's got a little more offensive creativity and might be a good fit with King if he's comfortable playing his off wing.
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Here are the suggestions for a new nickname for the Dommett-Calkins-Adamyk line:
-Banjo line (Braeden-Andrew-Johnny)
-TSN line - The Scoring Network
-ATM line - Money in the bank
-CAA line (Calkins-Adamyk-Andrew) - There when you need us
I really don't have a favourite, so I might just ask the boys what they think this weekend. That's if I end up going on the bus to Battlefords and La Ronge, which is the plan right now.
I've been looking at stats for last year. Gerwing rookie 12pts 35games
ReplyDeleteGourley non rookie 29pts 39 games
Kissick rookie 12pts 43 games
Long rookie 5pts 40 games
Penner rookie 45pts 42 games
Doesn't look like too hard of decision and if I am correct Penner is normally a right winger moved to center sometime this year there's your replacement right winger.
Hey Josh, go with the ATM line. Money in the bank. It's GREAT.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about Penner being a natural RW. He's gotta make the team first though (which is pretty likely). I tend to think Larry will lean toward someone with a little more experience, but we'll wait and see. Who knows, Exner might play on the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI like the ATM line, not sure how original it is though.
How about "TNT" for the line name. Dynamite??
ReplyDeleteHow about JAB line they will throw anything at the net
ReplyDelete