As promised, here is the interview with Larry Wintoneak from yesterday. We discuss every aspect of the team and how badly this club wants to win a league championship. There's also some new information. One bit that isn't on the tape is that the Klippers have their eye on several WHL players who might come down, including Braeden Johnson, of course, and Wheaton King (Sanfred's 18-year-old brother).
I "shortened" this to 32 minutes.
Of course, the Klippers are in Humboldt tonight and, not surprisingly, they're icing a veteran-heavy line-up. The only non-returning players in tonight are Gourley, Long, Penner, Gerwing and Thiel.
Kindersley's Jeff Olson has been sent back to midget AAA, leaving three more cuts to make up front.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Never let it be said...
...that Larry Wintoneak doesn't say much.
I just met with the coach for my annual Klippers season preview. We often spend over an hour at Tim Hortons when we meet for interviews, but I think this one set a new record.
Let's just say the interview itself lasted 40 minutes, 26 seconds - and that's just what's on the tape.
Larry talked about how excruciating the decisions will be up front, addressed the current blueline situation and had some strong words for critics of his team's goaltending, among many, many other things.
I'll try to get some of this up in a while, but I'm guessing it'll take me until next year's playoffs to transcribe this stuff and organize it...
For now, here are the players still on the 27-man roster. Eighteen of them are forwards.
Forwards
Dommett - Calkins - Adamyk
Duzan - Hoffman - Mysiorek
Gourley - King - Exner
Benn - Taylor - Wasden
Gerwing - Penner - Kissick
Olson - Bosovich - Long
Larry says he'll start with 14 forwards. I don't envy him one bit, trying to decide which four kids to let go.
Defencemen
Leedahl - Flanagan
Tabin - Sonntag
Down - Bartel
Thiel
Goalies
Hellyer
McDonald
I just met with the coach for my annual Klippers season preview. We often spend over an hour at Tim Hortons when we meet for interviews, but I think this one set a new record.
Let's just say the interview itself lasted 40 minutes, 26 seconds - and that's just what's on the tape.
Larry talked about how excruciating the decisions will be up front, addressed the current blueline situation and had some strong words for critics of his team's goaltending, among many, many other things.
I'll try to get some of this up in a while, but I'm guessing it'll take me until next year's playoffs to transcribe this stuff and organize it...
For now, here are the players still on the 27-man roster. Eighteen of them are forwards.
Forwards
Dommett - Calkins - Adamyk
Duzan - Hoffman - Mysiorek
Gourley - King - Exner
Benn - Taylor - Wasden
Gerwing - Penner - Kissick
Olson - Bosovich - Long
Larry says he'll start with 14 forwards. I don't envy him one bit, trying to decide which four kids to let go.
Defencemen
Leedahl - Flanagan
Tabin - Sonntag
Down - Bartel
Thiel
Goalies
Hellyer
McDonald
Contest!
Here's the deal. I'm in the middle of writing a story on Andrew Dommett, Johnny Calkins and Braeden Adamyk. It just struck me that after more than a year playing together, their line doesn't have a name yet.
I'm having trouble coming up with anything good, so I'm going to turn it over to the readers to submit a few suggestions. The one I like the best is what I'll start calling them.
I always love it when you can string together a good nickname using the players' initials. Sadly, "CAD" and "JAB" aren't exactly winners.
Or there's the Banjo Line - Braeden Andrew Johnny - but that's also a little lame.
Suggestions, please!
I'm having trouble coming up with anything good, so I'm going to turn it over to the readers to submit a few suggestions. The one I like the best is what I'll start calling them.
I always love it when you can string together a good nickname using the players' initials. Sadly, "CAD" and "JAB" aren't exactly winners.
Or there's the Banjo Line - Braeden Andrew Johnny - but that's also a little lame.
Suggestions, please!
Big words from Estevan coach
In the audio section of the SJHL website, you'll find a new interview with Estevan Bruins coach Karry Biette talking about his team's chances going into the season. I didn't have time to listen to the whole thing, but the last thing he said was:
"Fire me by Christmas if we're not in the top three."
Ballsy.
I think the B's have a great chance of being there - but it's still a gutsy thing to say.
"Fire me by Christmas if we're not in the top three."
Ballsy.
I think the B's have a great chance of being there - but it's still a gutsy thing to say.
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Elsewhere in the SJ, the Yorkton Terriers have acquired 19-year-old defenceman Troy Dumais from the Sioux Lookout Flyers of the Superior International junior league. According to Craig Stein's blog, he's a big kid at 6'3" who produced 14 points in 51 games last year.
I know nothing else about him, but any help is good help for a Yorkton blueline that just lost Clark Byczynski and Austin Bourhis.
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I'm pretty busy at work today writing Klipper stuff for next week, including a feature on the Johnny Calkins line, and football stuff.
By the way, I wrote a story on the Calkins line last season, just before Christmas. We did the interview in Humboldt a couple hours before a Klipper win, and I took some abuse from Larry due to his rule of not interviewing players after 2:30 on a game day, which I had never been told about. The wires got crossed somewhere and the damn thing never even ran in the paper.
This is a funny business. Some days you don't want to stop, other days you don't want to stop drinking.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Klippers lose a tight one to North Stars
The Klippers lost a close one 4-3 in North Battleford tonight, moving them to 1-2 on the pre-season. It was a hard-fought game by the sounds of it, with the teams trading one-goal leads all night.
Johnny Calkins, Andrew Dommett and Beau Taylor scored for the Klips. Calder Neufeld had two for the Stars along with singles from Kyle Hall and Nathan Tomac.
Both line-ups were laden heavily with veterans. The Calkins line dressed for the Klippers (obviously) along with the likes of King, Exner, Sonntag, Leedahl (his first action since that minor injury), Tabin and Flanagan.
Cody Thiel dressed again - pretty solid for a kid who was about to be cut before his performances on Sunday and Monday. It might not be kosher, but I'm officially rooting for this kid to make the team.
Johnny Calkins, Andrew Dommett and Beau Taylor scored for the Klips. Calder Neufeld had two for the Stars along with singles from Kyle Hall and Nathan Tomac.
Both line-ups were laden heavily with veterans. The Calkins line dressed for the Klippers (obviously) along with the likes of King, Exner, Sonntag, Leedahl (his first action since that minor injury), Tabin and Flanagan.
Cody Thiel dressed again - pretty solid for a kid who was about to be cut before his performances on Sunday and Monday. It might not be kosher, but I'm officially rooting for this kid to make the team.
Tight competition at Klippers training camp
JOSH LEWIS
of The Clarion
Competition is fierce for the handful of forward spots up for grabs on the Kindersley Klippers, but there is no denying the team’s blueline depth is an area of concern.
Almost a week into training camp, head coach Larry Wintoneak is happy with what he’s seen from his young hopefuls but is actively seeking an experienced defenceman via trade.
The coach struck a deal with an out-of-province team to acquire a 20-year-old defenceman, but that fell through Monday when the player was claimed off waivers by another team within his league, which is part of the process when a player is shipped out of his league for futures.
“We had him and then we didn’t have him,” said Wintoneak, “A veteran would be good, but that’s not really the focus. We need a guy that’s maybe had a year under his belt, I’m not saying he has to be 20.”
Team Shea, wearing black jerseys, defeated Team Perkins in all three intra-squad games held on the weekend - including the annual Blue and White Game, which Shea won 7-5.
The Shea goal scorers were Tanner Kissick, Tanner Exner, Sanfred King, Jordon Hoffman, Taylor Duzan, Eric Webb, and Walker Wintoneak, the coach’s son, who suited up to help fill out the line-up.
Braeden Adamyk scored twice for Perkins, to go with singles from Jeff Olson, Mitchell Schwark and Taylor Wasden.
Ex-captain Jordan Braid played on the Perkins blueline throughout the weekend to get some ice time. Braid revealed that he will play for the Georgia-based Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League this season.
Webb created a stir by fighting Justin Gerwing, Nicholas Howell and Wasden over the course of two intra-squad games, leaving his face in rough shape. He was ready to fight captain Andrew Dommett to start the second period of the Blue and White Game, but had to settle for Wasden, who won the scrap handily.
He and his brother, ’92 goaltender Corey, were cut along with several 1994-born players. Goaltender Patrick Johnson returned to the Saskatoon Contacts, leaving Scott Hellyer and Justin McDonald safe in the crease.
The team’s blueline took another blow on Sunday when highly touted 1993-born Nick Eliason decided to return to the Contacts. The Klippers had hoped he could help fill out their back end.
“We did our best to try to lure them here,” Wintoneak said of Eliason and fellow ’93 Brett Blatz. “In our opinion, we think they’re ready to play, in their opinion they wanted to stay back.”
For the time being, Riley Down will start on defence and other players who have done it before, such as Wasden and Kissick, may be asked to shift back until a defenceman or two is acquired.
Wasden is having a strong camp after returning from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of last season. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick in the Blue and White Game and said his knee feels much stronger than before the injury.
“It feels real good. Last year, watching everybody else get to do that, it killed me,” said Wasden. “I worked hard for eight months and now I’m back doing what I like to do.”
Defenceman John Sonntag said the training camp battles are exciting.
“It’s healthy competition. Everybody’s battling for spots. Nobody’s on the team for sure yet,” said the 20-year-old. “I’m getting ready to go battle hard in exhibition and get ready for the home opener. I’m getting pretty pumped to play. I think all the boys are, so it’s good to see.”
One player with a good shot at earning a spot on the blueline is Cody Thiel of Bruno. The 17-year-old is at his second Klipper training camp and scored twice in Monday’s rookie game against Battlefords.
“At last year’s camp, I was out there for the experience and to get used to the fast hockey that the SJHL plays,” he said. “My second year, it’s trying to make the team, do my best, make hard passes, do whatever I can to make the team.”
Left winger Pearce Gourley signed with the team last month and is also at his second camp.
“This year there’s a lot more veterans, so it’s a lot more competitive. Everyone’s working hard to earn a spot. I’m just trying to do the small things right,” said the 18-year-old.
“I’m a physical guy, I can put a few pucks in the net and just use my body down low to create openings for other people.”
With at least 16 players having some chance at making the team up front, Wintoneak said the final cuts won’t be easy.
“We’ve got some tough decisions. We’ve got some real good quality players here and it’s a really fine line between them all,” he said. “Their work ethic and their commitment is tremendous and it’s a pleasure to watch them compete at this level.”
He said all the youngsters have met his expectations as far as work ethic is concerned and will be judged in part on their intangibles, such as what they can bring to the club on special teams.
of The Clarion
Competition is fierce for the handful of forward spots up for grabs on the Kindersley Klippers, but there is no denying the team’s blueline depth is an area of concern.
Almost a week into training camp, head coach Larry Wintoneak is happy with what he’s seen from his young hopefuls but is actively seeking an experienced defenceman via trade.
The coach struck a deal with an out-of-province team to acquire a 20-year-old defenceman, but that fell through Monday when the player was claimed off waivers by another team within his league, which is part of the process when a player is shipped out of his league for futures.
“We had him and then we didn’t have him,” said Wintoneak, “A veteran would be good, but that’s not really the focus. We need a guy that’s maybe had a year under his belt, I’m not saying he has to be 20.”
Team Shea, wearing black jerseys, defeated Team Perkins in all three intra-squad games held on the weekend - including the annual Blue and White Game, which Shea won 7-5.
The Shea goal scorers were Tanner Kissick, Tanner Exner, Sanfred King, Jordon Hoffman, Taylor Duzan, Eric Webb, and Walker Wintoneak, the coach’s son, who suited up to help fill out the line-up.
Braeden Adamyk scored twice for Perkins, to go with singles from Jeff Olson, Mitchell Schwark and Taylor Wasden.
Ex-captain Jordan Braid played on the Perkins blueline throughout the weekend to get some ice time. Braid revealed that he will play for the Georgia-based Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League this season.
Webb created a stir by fighting Justin Gerwing, Nicholas Howell and Wasden over the course of two intra-squad games, leaving his face in rough shape. He was ready to fight captain Andrew Dommett to start the second period of the Blue and White Game, but had to settle for Wasden, who won the scrap handily.
He and his brother, ’92 goaltender Corey, were cut along with several 1994-born players. Goaltender Patrick Johnson returned to the Saskatoon Contacts, leaving Scott Hellyer and Justin McDonald safe in the crease.
The team’s blueline took another blow on Sunday when highly touted 1993-born Nick Eliason decided to return to the Contacts. The Klippers had hoped he could help fill out their back end.
“We did our best to try to lure them here,” Wintoneak said of Eliason and fellow ’93 Brett Blatz. “In our opinion, we think they’re ready to play, in their opinion they wanted to stay back.”
For the time being, Riley Down will start on defence and other players who have done it before, such as Wasden and Kissick, may be asked to shift back until a defenceman or two is acquired.
Wasden is having a strong camp after returning from a torn ACL that forced him to miss most of last season. He had a Gordie Howe hat trick in the Blue and White Game and said his knee feels much stronger than before the injury.
“It feels real good. Last year, watching everybody else get to do that, it killed me,” said Wasden. “I worked hard for eight months and now I’m back doing what I like to do.”
Defenceman John Sonntag said the training camp battles are exciting.
“It’s healthy competition. Everybody’s battling for spots. Nobody’s on the team for sure yet,” said the 20-year-old. “I’m getting ready to go battle hard in exhibition and get ready for the home opener. I’m getting pretty pumped to play. I think all the boys are, so it’s good to see.”
One player with a good shot at earning a spot on the blueline is Cody Thiel of Bruno. The 17-year-old is at his second Klipper training camp and scored twice in Monday’s rookie game against Battlefords.
“At last year’s camp, I was out there for the experience and to get used to the fast hockey that the SJHL plays,” he said. “My second year, it’s trying to make the team, do my best, make hard passes, do whatever I can to make the team.”
Left winger Pearce Gourley signed with the team last month and is also at his second camp.
“This year there’s a lot more veterans, so it’s a lot more competitive. Everyone’s working hard to earn a spot. I’m just trying to do the small things right,” said the 18-year-old.
“I’m a physical guy, I can put a few pucks in the net and just use my body down low to create openings for other people.”
With at least 16 players having some chance at making the team up front, Wintoneak said the final cuts won’t be easy.
“We’ve got some tough decisions. We’ve got some real good quality players here and it’s a really fine line between them all,” he said. “Their work ethic and their commitment is tremendous and it’s a pleasure to watch them compete at this level.”
He said all the youngsters have met his expectations as far as work ethic is concerned and will be judged in part on their intangibles, such as what they can bring to the club on special teams.
Klipper rookies impress in rout over Battlefords
JOSH LEWIS
The Clarion
Judging by Monday’s rookie game in Eston, the future is every bit as bright as the present for the Kindersley Klippers.
Cody Thiel and Brennan Bosovich both scored twice to help the Klippers to a 8-3 victory over the Battlefords North Stars in the annual pre-season rookie game.
Kiley Long, Jeff Olson, Colby Daniels and Brett Penner also scored for Kindersley. Blake Young, Joel Blaquiere and Bryden Serafini had the Stars’ goals.
The Klippers had period leads of 4-2 and 6-3 and also dominated the shot clock.
“You always want to play to win and these kids wanted to win,” said head coach Larry Wintoneak. “That pace was good. I didn’t think they could keep up at times. We really hemmed them in good.”
It was another impressive outing for Thiel, a 17-year-old defenceman, and it earned him another chance to impress the brass. After Monday’s performance, Thiel was pencilled into the line-up for Tuesday’s game in Brooks.
“They felt good, right off the bat there. It got me going,” he said of the goals. “I felt confident. I made a couple of mistakes, but every game you’re going to have a couple. You just bounce back and forget about them and make good plays and everything goes good then.”
Thiel scored both markers from almost the same spot, just to the right of the net, one on a rebound and another on a slick cross-ice pass.
“I played forward my whole life in minor hockey, so I love being in the rush and getting up in there,” he explained. “I don’t care about points, I just like helping my team out and doing my best.”
Other players who impressed on Monday included Bosovich (‘93), Daniels (‘94), defenceman Nicholas Howell (‘94) and wingers Pearce Gourley (‘92) and Tanner Kissick (‘92).
Howell threw his weight around for a 16-year-old and impressed the Klippers enough that they listed him that day.
“You could see it on the bench. They were up and not one guy wanted to quit,” Wintoneak said of the energy. “There were no issues whatsoever with the way we played, I didn’t think.”
The Klippers have exhibition games tonight in Battlefords and Saturday in Humboldt.
The Clarion
Judging by Monday’s rookie game in Eston, the future is every bit as bright as the present for the Kindersley Klippers.
Cody Thiel and Brennan Bosovich both scored twice to help the Klippers to a 8-3 victory over the Battlefords North Stars in the annual pre-season rookie game.
Kiley Long, Jeff Olson, Colby Daniels and Brett Penner also scored for Kindersley. Blake Young, Joel Blaquiere and Bryden Serafini had the Stars’ goals.
The Klippers had period leads of 4-2 and 6-3 and also dominated the shot clock.
“You always want to play to win and these kids wanted to win,” said head coach Larry Wintoneak. “That pace was good. I didn’t think they could keep up at times. We really hemmed them in good.”
It was another impressive outing for Thiel, a 17-year-old defenceman, and it earned him another chance to impress the brass. After Monday’s performance, Thiel was pencilled into the line-up for Tuesday’s game in Brooks.
“They felt good, right off the bat there. It got me going,” he said of the goals. “I felt confident. I made a couple of mistakes, but every game you’re going to have a couple. You just bounce back and forget about them and make good plays and everything goes good then.”
Thiel scored both markers from almost the same spot, just to the right of the net, one on a rebound and another on a slick cross-ice pass.
“I played forward my whole life in minor hockey, so I love being in the rush and getting up in there,” he explained. “I don’t care about points, I just like helping my team out and doing my best.”
Other players who impressed on Monday included Bosovich (‘93), Daniels (‘94), defenceman Nicholas Howell (‘94) and wingers Pearce Gourley (‘92) and Tanner Kissick (‘92).
Howell threw his weight around for a 16-year-old and impressed the Klippers enough that they listed him that day.
“You could see it on the bench. They were up and not one guy wanted to quit,” Wintoneak said of the energy. “There were no issues whatsoever with the way we played, I didn’t think.”
The Klippers have exhibition games tonight in Battlefords and Saturday in Humboldt.
Exhibition slate continues tonight
The busy week continues for the Klippers as they get set to play their third pre-season game (their second "real" one, you could say) in North Battleford tonight.
The Brooks Bandits won last night's game 5-2, with Jordon Hoffman and Kiley Long scoring for the Klips. I have no idea what kind of line-up the Bandits iced, but this was their fourth pre-season tilt, so I reckon there were quite a few vets playing. The Klippers had six returnees in the line-up - Duzan, Hoffman, Mysiorek, Down, Flanagan and Hellyer.
I would expect at least 10 returning players to get the nod for tonight's game, including the Calkins line. The North Stars are coming off a 8-5 loss in Humboldt last night and will probably have a good number of vets playing as well. This will be the Klippers' first look at Shayne Morrissey and Colin Phaneuf, if they play. Both forwards have gotten a lot of hype since Battlefords acquired them over the summer.
The Brooks Bandits won last night's game 5-2, with Jordon Hoffman and Kiley Long scoring for the Klips. I have no idea what kind of line-up the Bandits iced, but this was their fourth pre-season tilt, so I reckon there were quite a few vets playing. The Klippers had six returnees in the line-up - Duzan, Hoffman, Mysiorek, Down, Flanagan and Hellyer.
I would expect at least 10 returning players to get the nod for tonight's game, including the Calkins line. The North Stars are coming off a 8-5 loss in Humboldt last night and will probably have a good number of vets playing as well. This will be the Klippers' first look at Shayne Morrissey and Colin Phaneuf, if they play. Both forwards have gotten a lot of hype since Battlefords acquired them over the summer.
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The CJAHL's pre-season Top 20 is out this afternoon. Flin Flon and La Ronge made the list, along with Battlefords as an honourable mention. Personally (and this has nothing to do with the Klippers being excluded) I've always felt national rankings done before the season starts are silly - especially at this level, where it's so hard to get info about the players teams have brought in over the summer.
Maybe it's just me, but with all the talent La Ronge has lost from last season, ranking them in the top 15 in Canada is preposterous.
Nice to see Truro and Woodstock from my neck of the woods, though.
Nice to see Truro and Woodstock from my neck of the woods, though.
1. (2) Vernon Vipers (BCHL)
2. (5) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
3. (3) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
4. (10) Oakville Blades (OJHL)
5. (8) Brockville Braves (CJHL)
6. (HM) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
7. (4) Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL)
8. (HM) Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
9. (16) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
10. (1) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
11. (11) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
12. (8) Grand Prairie Storm (AJHL)
13. (9) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
14. (NR) La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL)
15. (7) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
16. (13) Fort William North Stars (SIJHL)
17. (NR) Wellington Dukes (OJHL)
18. (NR) Winnipeg Saints (MJHL)
19. (19) Abitibi Eskimos (NOJHL)
20. (20) Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAA)
Honourable mention goes to the Powell River Kings (BCHL), Battlefords North Stars (SJHL), Swan Valley
Stampeders (MJHL), Huntsville Otters (OJHL), Truro Bearcats (MJAHL).
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday thoughts
I'm drinking a triple-triple as we speak. That's a step up from my usual double-double. Why the difference? Well, it's been a stressful day.
My car was broken into on the weekend, the same night as the Pharmasave crash. The rectal cavity who did it (hey, I can express my anger in a professional manner) stole the zoom lens that I use for shooting Klipper games, plus a battery charger and about 10 CDs. Now, far be it from me to criticize my own company, but it looks like I'll be on the hook for that lens.
It's the third time my car's been broken into (the first in Kindersley) but this one was easily the most expensive. It pisses me off more every time because it's a crime that you can't do a damn thing about. I'll never see that stuff again.
My car was broken into on the weekend, the same night as the Pharmasave crash. The rectal cavity who did it (hey, I can express my anger in a professional manner) stole the zoom lens that I use for shooting Klipper games, plus a battery charger and about 10 CDs. Now, far be it from me to criticize my own company, but it looks like I'll be on the hook for that lens.
It's the third time my car's been broken into (the first in Kindersley) but this one was easily the most expensive. It pisses me off more every time because it's a crime that you can't do a damn thing about. I'll never see that stuff again.
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On a happier note, the hits on the blog have been exploding this week. The 1,000th visitor checked it out on Sunday, and in less than 48 hours since then, the number has ballooned to almost 1,800. I hope you guys are enjoying this and getting the kind of info you want to see. Again, suggestions and feedback are always welcome. I'm looking at perhaps giving out a prize for future milestones - still something that needs to be looked into though.
I just added a photo gallery to the blog. There are only a few on it right now, from the weekend, but I'll add a lot more as the season gets going (and when I get that camera lens back).
I just added a photo gallery to the blog. There are only a few on it right now, from the weekend, but I'll add a lot more as the season gets going (and when I get that camera lens back).
I won't be travelling to any of the road games this week, so things will be a little more low-key over the next few days.
Of course, that will change if the Klippers manage to acquire a defenceman this week.
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The SJHL has announced that Access will show seven games live this season. That's on top of the tape-delayed Game of the Week, which returns this year. Those ones are broadcast on Access 4-5 days after the fact.
Here are the live games, all on Thursdays:
Sept. 16 - Estevan at Melville (season opener)
Sept. 23 - Kindersley at Yorkton
Oct. 21 - Yorkton at Battlefords
Nov. 18 - Estevan at Battlefords
Nov. 25 - Weyburn at Yorkton
Dec. 16 - Flin Flon at Battlefords
Jan. 20 - Estevan at Battlefords
It's really too bad the North Stars don't get more media attention, eh?
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During one of my chats with Larry Wintoneak over the weekend, we got to talking about the new Junior A Supplement that takes effect in the SJHL and several other leagues this season. The whole thing was designed to avoid being subject to Hockey Canada's new one-fight rule. I looked over the document (which you can find here) a couple of weeks ago and while most of it seems reasonable, I don't like the fact that a player can only fight five times in a season before being suspended. I also take issue with the regulation which calls for the second player on a team to be penalized for goalie interference, in the same game, to be suspended. Considering how inconsistent referees are on this penalty, in particular, it has huge potential to be unfair in a lot of the cases it gets applied to.
Long story short, Larry agreed with me on both these matters, especially the five-fight limit. It's not a big issue for the Klippers, since they tend not to carry an enforcer, but it still doesn't make a lot of sense. Of course, this got Larry talking about the line brawls that were commonplace when he played in the league...
SJHL officials director Tracy Cook was in Eston on Sunday afternoon to give a presentation to the team on how the new regulations will work. Quite a few players, at least that I talked to, share these concerns.
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A few days ago someone asked how Justin Bertow was doing after his motorcycle accident earlier this summer. At the time I knew he was out of hospital, but I talked to Taylor Wasden about it last night (they've been friends since Grade 7) and he gave me a little more info. As a result of the accident, Bertow lost a small piece of his skull (I'm not sure whether this was from the accident itself, or surgery). The plan is to re-insert it sometime in the near future, whenever he's feeling well enough to have it done, I would think. Obviously, Bertow is done with hockey - at least for this year - but Wazzy said he still wants to get back on a bike.
Klippers lose out on 20-year-old defenceman
Larry Wintoneak has had a trade on the front burner over the past two days. Today, it was rudely knocked off the stove.
As the head coach explains in this interview, he had a deal for an out-of-province 20-year-old defenceman in exchange for futures. CJAHL rules indicate that when a player is sent to another league for futures, every team in the league he's leaving gets 48 hours to claim him off waivers before the deal goes through. This is what happened.
Wintoneak also talks about options for shoring up the back end, the sudden decision by Nick Eliason to go back to midget, and the Klippers' performance in the rookie game.
Vets who will suit up in Brooks Tuesday night include Taylor Duzan, Jordon Hoffman, Jesse Mysiorek, Sean Flanagan, Riley Down and Scott Hellyer. They will be joined by a mix of '92s and '93s, along with three '94s (probably Howell, Schwark and Daniels).
One more note before we get to Larry's interview - a total of 374 people stopped by the blog today (over 1,000 page views). That's just over double the number from any other day so far. Good to see there are lots of other people who can't wait for the season to start.
As the head coach explains in this interview, he had a deal for an out-of-province 20-year-old defenceman in exchange for futures. CJAHL rules indicate that when a player is sent to another league for futures, every team in the league he's leaving gets 48 hours to claim him off waivers before the deal goes through. This is what happened.
Wintoneak also talks about options for shoring up the back end, the sudden decision by Nick Eliason to go back to midget, and the Klippers' performance in the rookie game.
Vets who will suit up in Brooks Tuesday night include Taylor Duzan, Jordon Hoffman, Jesse Mysiorek, Sean Flanagan, Riley Down and Scott Hellyer. They will be joined by a mix of '92s and '93s, along with three '94s (probably Howell, Schwark and Daniels).
One more note before we get to Larry's interview - a total of 374 people stopped by the blog today (over 1,000 page views). That's just over double the number from any other day so far. Good to see there are lots of other people who can't wait for the season to start.
Post-Game Interviews
Here's some of the post-game reaction to the Klippers' 8-3 victory over Battlefords in the annual rookie game tonight. The interviews are with guys who (in my opinion) have been two of the most impressive players in camp. The first is '93 defenceman Cody Thiel, who scored twice tonight and who I feel has an excellent shot at making this team. I had never talked to him until tonight and he seems like a really nice kid, very humble and deferential. The second is Pearce Gourley, who's looked good for the second straight camp. He's making a strong case to join the team as a big, physical two-way winger.
I'll have another post up soon with Larry Wintoneak passing along some info, including a botched trade for a 20-year-old defenceman.
I'll have another post up soon with Larry Wintoneak passing along some info, including a botched trade for a 20-year-old defenceman.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Rookie Game - Live Blog
Kindersley defeated Battlefords 8-3 in the annual rookie game Monday in Eston. Here's the game blog:
l7:31: Justin Lund of the Stars gets called for the first penalty, and a scrum ensues in the neutral zone. You can tell this isn't an intra-squad game... tons of noise in this building.
7:33: Klippers get the first goal. Cody Thiel tucks a rebound glove side on the PP.
7:38: Klippers back to the PP after Jeff Olson was on the receiving end of a cheap shot along the boards.
7:41: Thiel strikes again! Pinching again, he takes a beaut of a cross-slot pass and bangs it home. Klips lead 2-0 and lead the shots 7-1.
7:42: Shofner fans on a partial breakaway. Could have made a case for a penalty shot though.
7:43: I've been told a few of the numbers on tonight's roster sheet are incorrect, so there might be the odd error with these names.
7:44: Blake Young breaks down the left side and beats Justin McDonald with a short side wrister. 2-1.
7:44: Kiley Long gets it right back. That Klipper bench is wired.
7:47: Joel Blacquiere gets hauled down on a breakaway by Bosovich. Penalty shot coming up... and he completely undresses McDonald. That's some dangling right there. Klips lead 3-2.
7:49: Pearce Gourley is a pinball out there. If you ask me, his spot on this team is all but sewn up.
7:55: The Martensville boys, Bosovich and Shofner, were on a 2-on-1. I don't think Bosovich knew his buddy was there. Easy stop for Montour.
7:59: Klippers are on the PK but that doesn't stop Olson from sniping a wrister past Montour on a breakaway counter.
8:01: After 20 minutes, Klips lead 4-2 with a 13-3 shots edge.
8:25: Ryan McBride mixing it up in front of the Stars net. He's got a great shot at playing for the Klippers next year.
8:28: Klippers #19 (not on the roster) dings the loudest post I've ever heard, and Colby Daniels snaps a wrister over Montour's right shoulder moments later. Klips lead 5-2.
8:30: Brayden Serafini gets it right back for the Stars, jamming one past McDonald's right pad.
8:31: Jeff Olson just knocked goaltender Montour into next week! Montour got up somehow, and Olson didn't get called.
8:32: Bosovich beats Montour to make it 6-3 midway through the second. Game's getting chippy. Lots of hits.
8:33: Daniels nearly got another one. Just glanced off Montour's glove shoulder off a breakaway.tttyt
8:36: Jeff Bartel just got decked at the blueline. He's taking some abuse tonight. Meanwhile, the more I see Cody Thiel, the more I like him. I can definitely see him cracking this team if he wants to forego his last year of midget.
8:38: McBride just rang one off the left post. Patrick Johnson and Blair Mahon are now in goal.
8:44: Correction - Montour STILL in goal.
8:46: Brett Blatz just challenged Serafini and the North Star backed away. Great fight. LOL
8:49: Webb stabbed at the puck when he shouldn't have, gave up a breakaway to #27 (not on roster) but Johnson stopped him.
8:50: Klips lead 6-3 after 40. Shots are 27-13. The third will start with 4-on-4.
9:11: Three minutes into the third. My battery is about to die. Twitter it is... again. Bosovich just made a SWEET dangle at the Stars blueline.
9:12: Colby Daniels has been one of the most impressive players in white tonight.
9:18: Bosovich and Penner score back-to-back.
9:21: With under a minute left, Serafini went after Blatz. They were quickly separated by a linesman. Serafini was tossed and he was giving it to the fans on his way off the ice. When he got there... he couldn't open the door! Here's this guy yapping at the fans, then he takes 15 seconds to open this stupid door while everyone's laughing at him. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen at a hockey game.
l7:31: Justin Lund of the Stars gets called for the first penalty, and a scrum ensues in the neutral zone. You can tell this isn't an intra-squad game... tons of noise in this building.
7:33: Klippers get the first goal. Cody Thiel tucks a rebound glove side on the PP.
7:38: Klippers back to the PP after Jeff Olson was on the receiving end of a cheap shot along the boards.
7:41: Thiel strikes again! Pinching again, he takes a beaut of a cross-slot pass and bangs it home. Klips lead 2-0 and lead the shots 7-1.
7:42: Shofner fans on a partial breakaway. Could have made a case for a penalty shot though.
7:43: I've been told a few of the numbers on tonight's roster sheet are incorrect, so there might be the odd error with these names.
7:44: Blake Young breaks down the left side and beats Justin McDonald with a short side wrister. 2-1.
7:44: Kiley Long gets it right back. That Klipper bench is wired.
7:47: Joel Blacquiere gets hauled down on a breakaway by Bosovich. Penalty shot coming up... and he completely undresses McDonald. That's some dangling right there. Klips lead 3-2.
7:49: Pearce Gourley is a pinball out there. If you ask me, his spot on this team is all but sewn up.
7:55: The Martensville boys, Bosovich and Shofner, were on a 2-on-1. I don't think Bosovich knew his buddy was there. Easy stop for Montour.
7:59: Klippers are on the PK but that doesn't stop Olson from sniping a wrister past Montour on a breakaway counter.
8:01: After 20 minutes, Klips lead 4-2 with a 13-3 shots edge.
8:25: Ryan McBride mixing it up in front of the Stars net. He's got a great shot at playing for the Klippers next year.
8:28: Klippers #19 (not on the roster) dings the loudest post I've ever heard, and Colby Daniels snaps a wrister over Montour's right shoulder moments later. Klips lead 5-2.
8:30: Brayden Serafini gets it right back for the Stars, jamming one past McDonald's right pad.
8:31: Jeff Olson just knocked goaltender Montour into next week! Montour got up somehow, and Olson didn't get called.
8:32: Bosovich beats Montour to make it 6-3 midway through the second. Game's getting chippy. Lots of hits.
8:33: Daniels nearly got another one. Just glanced off Montour's glove shoulder off a breakaway.tttyt
8:36: Jeff Bartel just got decked at the blueline. He's taking some abuse tonight. Meanwhile, the more I see Cody Thiel, the more I like him. I can definitely see him cracking this team if he wants to forego his last year of midget.
8:38: McBride just rang one off the left post. Patrick Johnson and Blair Mahon are now in goal.
8:44: Correction - Montour STILL in goal.
8:46: Brett Blatz just challenged Serafini and the North Star backed away. Great fight. LOL
8:49: Webb stabbed at the puck when he shouldn't have, gave up a breakaway to #27 (not on roster) but Johnson stopped him.
8:50: Klips lead 6-3 after 40. Shots are 27-13. The third will start with 4-on-4.
9:11: Three minutes into the third. My battery is about to die. Twitter it is... again. Bosovich just made a SWEET dangle at the Stars blueline.
9:12: Colby Daniels has been one of the most impressive players in white tonight.
9:18: Bosovich and Penner score back-to-back.
9:21: With under a minute left, Serafini went after Blatz. They were quickly separated by a linesman. Serafini was tossed and he was giving it to the fans on his way off the ice. When he got there... he couldn't open the door! Here's this guy yapping at the fans, then he takes 15 seconds to open this stupid door while everyone's laughing at him. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen at a hockey game.
Rookie game rosters
Here are the rosters for tonight's rookie game against Battlefords in Eston.
For Kindersley:
A. McDonald ('92) / Johnson ('93)
Howell ('94) - Webb ('93) - these two fought last night and are now D partners
Bartel ('92) - Thiel ('93)
Schmaltz (Kadin is a local guy who played with the midget Wheat Kings last year - '93 I believe)
Gourley ('92) - Penner ('92) - Kissick ('93)
Long ('92) - Gerwing ('92) - A. McDonald ('93)
Olson ('93) - Schwark ('94) - McBride ('93)
Daniels ('94) - Bosovich ('93) - Shofner ('93)
For Battlefords (courtesy of Dan O'Connor):
35 Blair Mahon 94 - G
02 Connor Gulka 93
03 Reece Fenrich 94
04 Dillon Forbes 93
05 Eric Pfeifer 95
06 Robin Yew 95
07 Andrew Peeyachew 92
08 Regan Yew 95
09 Joel Blaquiere 95
10 Chad Tichkowsky 92
11 Derek Pfisterer 92
12 Bryden Serafini 94
14 Justin Lund 94
15 Ryne Keller 94
16 Jesse Gerbig 93
17 Cody Antos 92
19 Blake Young 94
21 Jordaan Braun 94
22 Tim Rollins 92
39 Garrett Montour 92 - G
Should be a good one tonight. Both sides are dressing a few players with a good shot at cracking the roster. The Stars' roster has a bit of a local flavour - the Yew brothers were at the Klippers' summer camp last month, and Andrew Peeaychew played with the West Central Rage in Kerrobert last year.
I'll be live blogging again, so check back here at 7:30. Hopefully the laptop battery has a little more stamina tonight!
For Kindersley:
A. McDonald ('92) / Johnson ('93)
Howell ('94) - Webb ('93) - these two fought last night and are now D partners
Bartel ('92) - Thiel ('93)
Schmaltz (Kadin is a local guy who played with the midget Wheat Kings last year - '93 I believe)
Gourley ('92) - Penner ('92) - Kissick ('93)
Long ('92) - Gerwing ('92) - A. McDonald ('93)
Olson ('93) - Schwark ('94) - McBride ('93)
Daniels ('94) - Bosovich ('93) - Shofner ('93)
For Battlefords (courtesy of Dan O'Connor):
35 Blair Mahon 94 - G
02 Connor Gulka 93
03 Reece Fenrich 94
04 Dillon Forbes 93
05 Eric Pfeifer 95
06 Robin Yew 95
07 Andrew Peeyachew 92
08 Regan Yew 95
09 Joel Blaquiere 95
10 Chad Tichkowsky 92
11 Derek Pfisterer 92
12 Bryden Serafini 94
14 Justin Lund 94
15 Ryne Keller 94
16 Jesse Gerbig 93
17 Cody Antos 92
19 Blake Young 94
21 Jordaan Braun 94
22 Tim Rollins 92
39 Garrett Montour 92 - G
Should be a good one tonight. Both sides are dressing a few players with a good shot at cracking the roster. The Stars' roster has a bit of a local flavour - the Yew brothers were at the Klippers' summer camp last month, and Andrew Peeaychew played with the West Central Rage in Kerrobert last year.
I'll be live blogging again, so check back here at 7:30. Hopefully the laptop battery has a little more stamina tonight!
The Adamyk-Dommett-Calkins Show
As promised, here's the video interview we shot the other night. Apologies for the background noise... it's a rink.
Camp Day 4 Notes & Reactions
Before I move on to impressions from last night, I think I may have finally cracked the code to upload interviews onto the blog.
Eureka!! This is John Sonntag after last night's Blue and White Game.
Eureka!! This is John Sonntag after last night's Blue and White Game.
Taylor Wasden talks about what it's like to get back into things after recovering from torn knee ligaments (and how the fight with Webb came about):
On to last night's game. First, a correction. Although Nick Eliason was listed as #81 on the game roster, that number was worn by Martensville's Brennan Bosovich, who made his training camp debut. Hence the confusion over Eliason being up front. He has actually reported back to the Saskatoon Contacts - a surprise to say the least. More on this tonight.
With the departure of Eliason, one player I think has a real shot at making the team (if he wants to make the jump) is Cody Thiel. This is his second training camp with the Klippers and I think he looked solid this weekend. He's a 6'2" blueliner who needs to fill out some, but still uses his size well. He threw some good hits last night and did a good job separating opposing forwards from the puck. Whether he's willing to play third-pairing minutes at 17 years old is a good question.
I thought Ryan Benn looked great last night. He moved his feet, got to loose pucks and created a lot of chances for Team Perkins, especially in the early going. It's not the first time I've seen that from him, but it would be nice to see it more often. He's got the skill to be a top six player, no question. He and Beau Taylor feed off each other well. Wouldn't be surprised to see them stick together to start the year.
It was a great night for Taylor Wasden, with a Gordie Howe hat trick. He scored Perkins' second goal late in the first period and also pummelled Eric Webb in a fight to start the second. (As he explains in the video above, Webb wanted to fight Dommett. He also tussled with Howell off the opening puck drop. The kid's got guts... and after seeing his face last night, maybe a couple of scars too).
Kamloops Blazers draft pick Mitchell Schwark made his training camp debut. For a 16-year-old, he was pretty effective on the physical side, throwing a few hits and even knocking over Sonntag - the biggest player in the organization - late in the game. Schwark also got a penalty shot early in the first period after being tripped by Lance Tabin. He dinged the left post. Schwark is a Blazer in midget AAA as well.
It's going to be interesting to see the roster for tonight's rookie game against Battlefords. I don't think there are enough rookies in camp to ice a full roster, so we may see a handful of returnees in the line-up. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
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I went to a Labour Day gathering to watch the Riders yesterday, but the real deal is today. Go Argos. Yeah you heard me. Go Argos.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Whoa!
I was planning to write a game recap when I got home from Eston. That all changed pretty quickly when I got here:
This is the back of Pharmasave in Kindersley, on the same block I live in (about 30 feet away). I arrived home around 10:30 pm to discover my parking area blocked off by police tape. Bystanders said a drunk driver was doing donuts on Main and hit this wall at 130 kph. There are two dumpsters in that area, the one you see in the photo and another one that was crushed like a pancake. As far as I know, the driver survived - which is incredible in itself.
This is the back of Pharmasave in Kindersley, on the same block I live in (about 30 feet away). I arrived home around 10:30 pm to discover my parking area blocked off by police tape. Bystanders said a drunk driver was doing donuts on Main and hit this wall at 130 kph. There are two dumpsters in that area, the one you see in the photo and another one that was crushed like a pancake. As far as I know, the driver survived - which is incredible in itself.
Blue & White Game - Live Blog
Team Shea defeated Team Perkins 7-5 in the Blue & White Game on Sunday. Here's the game blog:
It'll be interesting to see what line-up changes are made for tonight's game. The rosters were the same over the last two nights.
Speaking of interesting, I filmed a video interview with Andrew Dommett, Braeden Adamyk and Johnny Calkins after last night's game. If my camera card hadn't filled up, we easily could have been there till after midnight with the way those guys yap at each other. I'll try to get that up tomorrow.
6:51 p.m. Hardly any roster changes for tonight. Walker Wintoneak is playing D for Team Shea, and Daniels moves to Shea to replace Tyndall (Kindersley's Ryan McBride takes Daniels' spot for Perkins). Jordan Braid is playing again for Perkins.
7:01 p.m. Another scrap right off the draw and it's Webb again, this time fighting '94 defenceman Howell. Not much of a fight, more of a wrestling show.
7:02: 42 seconds in and I nearly got decapitated by a puck. Great start to the night.
7:04: Great opening shift for Ryan Benn. He can play like a man possessed when he wants to. He and Beau Taylor have good chemistry.
7:07: Real solid shift for Johnny Calkins, stealing the puck from Tabin and then setting up Dommett for a pair of can't-miss chances... that Dommer missed.
7:10: Schwark hits the post on a penalty shot after being tripped by Tabin. Game remains scoreless.
7:11: Jeff Olson opens the scoring for Perkins (white) after taking a bank pass from Braid at the blueline and sniping the top right corner from close range. BTW - goalies are Hellyer for black, Patrick Johnson for white.
7:15: Ryan Benn might be the best player on the ice so far. Calkins, Duzan also look good.
7:18: For a guy described as stay-at-home, Nick Eliason isn't afraid to rush the puck.
7:20: Taylor Wasden finds the back of the net on a wrister from between the dots. White leads 2-0. 1:40 left in the 1st.
7:22: First period is over. See you back here in 10 minutes.
7:40: Wasden just said he was going to fight and he murdered Webb right off the draw. Webb will have no brain cells left if he keeps this up (although some here would say he's got n...no. I won't make that comment). At least he isn't bleeding this time.
7:44: Kerrobert's Tanner Kissick gets Team Shea on the board with a quick five-hole shot that beat Johnson. Perkins leads 2-1.
7:47: Wasden is an assist away from a Gordie Howe hatty in the blue & white game. Nearly had a second goal there. Get 'er done Wazzy.
7:50: Switch-up time for the goalies with 8:49 left in the second. Justin McDonald (Perkins) and Corey Webb (Shea) enter the game.
7:52: Riley Down breaks free and rips a wrist shot stick side on McDonald to tie the game 2-2. Seconds later, Mysiorek gets a dangerous chance on a 2-on-1 with Duzan but McDonald holds the fort.
7:55: Cody Thiel is looking solid on the Perkins blueline. The '93 defender was at camp last year too. Competition for the last three spots is wide open so he could have a shot.
7:57: Nick Eliason is playing up front the last few shifts. Interesting. He also just got hauled down on his way to the net by Flanagan. Penalty shot time... and he glances a high shot just off McDonald's mask and out of play.
8:01: McDonald robs Tanner Exner on a breakaway. Kid's having a solid night.
8:19: Shea leads 3-2 entering the third. There was a goal scored late in the second that I missed because I was typing instead of looking up. Multi-tasking ain't easy...
8:20: My battery only has about 20 minutes left. If anything noteworthy happens after that, it'll be on my twitter account (which you can get to on the left side of the blog).
8:22: Sanfred King taps in a beauty cross-ice feed from Tanner Exner to put Shea ahead 4-2. No chance for McDonald.
8:24: Braider gets on the board! Fires a shot past Webb from between the circles to make it 4-3.
8:26: Webb makes a solid stop on Adamyk breaking in from the left side. 13 minutes left in the third. Good game.
8:30: Adamyk just rubbed out Duzy along the boards. So strange to see these guys battling each other.
8:31: A beauty of a play to tie the game for Perkins. Braider took the puck behind the net, hit Wasden in front and he redirected it across to Adamyk for an easy tap-in. Gordie Howe hat trick for Wazzy.
8:33: Game is tied 4-4 with 7:11 to go. Only six minutes of battery time left. My nerves...
8:35: 16-year-old Schwark just knocked over Sonntag. That ain't easy to do.
8:36: A Perkins clearing attempt deflects off a stick and gives Dommett a clear breakaway. Tried to go five-hole and it closed up awful quick.
8:37: Duzan breaks in alone and sneaks a wrister past McDonald to give Shea a 5-4 lead. 4:23 to go.
8:38: OK, pop over to my twitter account for the last few minutes of the game.
It'll be interesting to see what line-up changes are made for tonight's game. The rosters were the same over the last two nights.
Speaking of interesting, I filmed a video interview with Andrew Dommett, Braeden Adamyk and Johnny Calkins after last night's game. If my camera card hadn't filled up, we easily could have been there till after midnight with the way those guys yap at each other. I'll try to get that up tomorrow.
6:51 p.m. Hardly any roster changes for tonight. Walker Wintoneak is playing D for Team Shea, and Daniels moves to Shea to replace Tyndall (Kindersley's Ryan McBride takes Daniels' spot for Perkins). Jordan Braid is playing again for Perkins.
7:01 p.m. Another scrap right off the draw and it's Webb again, this time fighting '94 defenceman Howell. Not much of a fight, more of a wrestling show.
7:02: 42 seconds in and I nearly got decapitated by a puck. Great start to the night.
7:04: Great opening shift for Ryan Benn. He can play like a man possessed when he wants to. He and Beau Taylor have good chemistry.
7:07: Real solid shift for Johnny Calkins, stealing the puck from Tabin and then setting up Dommett for a pair of can't-miss chances... that Dommer missed.
7:10: Schwark hits the post on a penalty shot after being tripped by Tabin. Game remains scoreless.
7:11: Jeff Olson opens the scoring for Perkins (white) after taking a bank pass from Braid at the blueline and sniping the top right corner from close range. BTW - goalies are Hellyer for black, Patrick Johnson for white.
7:15: Ryan Benn might be the best player on the ice so far. Calkins, Duzan also look good.
7:18: For a guy described as stay-at-home, Nick Eliason isn't afraid to rush the puck.
7:20: Taylor Wasden finds the back of the net on a wrister from between the dots. White leads 2-0. 1:40 left in the 1st.
7:22: First period is over. See you back here in 10 minutes.
7:40: Wasden just said he was going to fight and he murdered Webb right off the draw. Webb will have no brain cells left if he keeps this up (although some here would say he's got n...no. I won't make that comment). At least he isn't bleeding this time.
 |
| Wasden pumps Webb to start the 2nd. Webb wanted to fight Dommett. |
7:44: Kerrobert's Tanner Kissick gets Team Shea on the board with a quick five-hole shot that beat Johnson. Perkins leads 2-1.
7:47: Wasden is an assist away from a Gordie Howe hatty in the blue & white game. Nearly had a second goal there. Get 'er done Wazzy.
7:50: Switch-up time for the goalies with 8:49 left in the second. Justin McDonald (Perkins) and Corey Webb (Shea) enter the game.
7:52: Riley Down breaks free and rips a wrist shot stick side on McDonald to tie the game 2-2. Seconds later, Mysiorek gets a dangerous chance on a 2-on-1 with Duzan but McDonald holds the fort.
7:55: Cody Thiel is looking solid on the Perkins blueline. The '93 defender was at camp last year too. Competition for the last three spots is wide open so he could have a shot.
7:57: Nick Eliason is playing up front the last few shifts. Interesting. He also just got hauled down on his way to the net by Flanagan. Penalty shot time... and he glances a high shot just off McDonald's mask and out of play.
8:01: McDonald robs Tanner Exner on a breakaway. Kid's having a solid night.
8:19: Shea leads 3-2 entering the third. There was a goal scored late in the second that I missed because I was typing instead of looking up. Multi-tasking ain't easy...
8:20: My battery only has about 20 minutes left. If anything noteworthy happens after that, it'll be on my twitter account (which you can get to on the left side of the blog).
8:22: Sanfred King taps in a beauty cross-ice feed from Tanner Exner to put Shea ahead 4-2. No chance for McDonald.
8:24: Braider gets on the board! Fires a shot past Webb from between the circles to make it 4-3.
8:26: Webb makes a solid stop on Adamyk breaking in from the left side. 13 minutes left in the third. Good game.
8:30: Adamyk just rubbed out Duzy along the boards. So strange to see these guys battling each other.
8:31: A beauty of a play to tie the game for Perkins. Braider took the puck behind the net, hit Wasden in front and he redirected it across to Adamyk for an easy tap-in. Gordie Howe hat trick for Wazzy.
8:33: Game is tied 4-4 with 7:11 to go. Only six minutes of battery time left. My nerves...
8:35: 16-year-old Schwark just knocked over Sonntag. That ain't easy to do.
8:36: A Perkins clearing attempt deflects off a stick and gives Dommett a clear breakaway. Tried to go five-hole and it closed up awful quick.
8:37: Duzan breaks in alone and sneaks a wrister past McDonald to give Shea a 5-4 lead. 4:23 to go.
8:38: OK, pop over to my twitter account for the last few minutes of the game.
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