The Red Deer Rebels get a rare Friday night off as they prepare for the Lethbridge Hurricanes tomorrow, followed by a four-game road swing.
The scheduling this season for the Rebs has been unusual at best.....they've played less games than any team in the East, and only hit the ice once this weekend. Are there a few double-headers coming up over the next two months or something?
Heading into tonight's action, the Rebs still sit 10 points back of the final playoff spot, with three games in hand on Regina, and four games in hand on Prince Albert and Edmonton.
Scoreboard watching tonight will include: CGY vs LETH, SC vs P.A.
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Received a nice email from Alex Petrovic's mom today. Thanks for the kind words Kim, i'm glad you enjoy the blog.
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Crazy to see this week that the CGY Hitmen have clinched a playoff spot already. They could go on a 22-game losing skid, and the other teams could win all their games, and it still wouldn't matter. What a season CGY is having, with a roster that , man for man, isn't as impressive as in years past.
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Here at home tonight, why not head south 25 min and check out the Olds Grizzlies of the AJHL. They host the Camrose Kodiaks tonight, and are riding a four-game win streak after a 4-1 victory over Fort Mac last night.
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My final Super Bowl Prediction: Pittsburgh 26 Arizona 21
The Cards will cover, and it's going to be a very entertaining game. In the end though, defense wins out. The old adage: If you don't score many points, you MIGHT win. If the OTHER team doesn't score, you WILL win.
AW
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Quick Wed Night Hitter
To end the Kyle Beach saga: He has been suspended THREE games by the Western Hockey League today, meaning he will miss Saturday's game here in Red Deer.
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Also, Sylvan's Shaun Sutter, the son of former Rebs coach Brian Sutter, has signed his latest pro contract in Italy.
AW
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Also, Sylvan's Shaun Sutter, the son of former Rebs coach Brian Sutter, has signed his latest pro contract in Italy.
AW
Shootout loss/Beach Susp.
The latest update in the Kyle Beach incident:
Beach HAS been suspended by the WHL for shooting a puck into the stands following the Hurricanes game here in Red Deer on Saturday night. The length of the suspension has yet to be decided, but he will miss tonight's game against Regina for sure.
Upon watching the video replay, I'll admit, it was pretty evident that Beach ducked his head in anxiety as he the puck cleared the glass, so I AM pretty convinced he didn't mean to fire it into the crowd, but rather smack it off the glass.
That fact may save him for a huge suspension in the ten-game range, but either way, it's an irresponsible play, and the end result could have been predicted.
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BRANDON WHEAT KINGS 2 RED DEER REBELS 1 (shootout)
The Rebels get a well-deserved point last night, but fall 2-1 in a shootout to the Brandon Wheat Kings. The wheaties continue to rack up the wins...make it 17 in their last 18.
Matt Calvert opened the scoring for Brandon in a first period that was all Wheat Kings.
Red Deer came on in the second though, and outshot Brandon 30-14 over the final 40 minutes and overtime.
Landon Ferraro tipped home a Cullen Morin point shot on a powerplay to tie the game in the second. For Ferraro, it was his 28th of the season as he made his return from a groin injury which sidelined him for three games.
15 year-old Ryan Nugent Hopkins picked up the second helper on the goal, giving him six points in his five games as an underager.....a remarkable pace. Rebel fans CAN'T WAIT until this kid is in the lineup full-time next season.
The situation reminds me of the little boy asking his dad if he can keep the puppy dog that followed him home one day......Nugent-Hopkins will now head back to his Midget team in Vancouver, but if it was up to Rebels brass, he wouldn't be going anywhere.
The point leaves Red Deer eight behind Regina, Edmonton, and Prince Albert for the final playoff spot in the East. Again, the Rebs have little choice but to keep on picking up points.
Notes
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-Keith Aulie and Colby Robak don't ever come off the ice for Brandon. A pair of 30-minute dmen is a nice feature for a coaching staff to have.
-Chatted with Dallas Stars scout Dennis Holland in the intermission last night, this one was a scouts dream, with draft eligible players like Brayden Schenn, Scott Glennie, Landon Ferraro, Tommi Kivisto, Cass Mappin, Willie Coetzee, Darcy Kuemper, and Justin Weller
-I thought both Coetzee and Weller were very good last night, as was Kuemper
-Cullen Morin quietly has 9 points in his last 11 games. Over the last four years, Red Deer hasn't generated a lot of offense from the blueline. Hopefully that trend is coming to an end.
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Beach HAS been suspended by the WHL for shooting a puck into the stands following the Hurricanes game here in Red Deer on Saturday night. The length of the suspension has yet to be decided, but he will miss tonight's game against Regina for sure.
Upon watching the video replay, I'll admit, it was pretty evident that Beach ducked his head in anxiety as he the puck cleared the glass, so I AM pretty convinced he didn't mean to fire it into the crowd, but rather smack it off the glass.
That fact may save him for a huge suspension in the ten-game range, but either way, it's an irresponsible play, and the end result could have been predicted.
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BRANDON WHEAT KINGS 2 RED DEER REBELS 1 (shootout)
The Rebels get a well-deserved point last night, but fall 2-1 in a shootout to the Brandon Wheat Kings. The wheaties continue to rack up the wins...make it 17 in their last 18.
Matt Calvert opened the scoring for Brandon in a first period that was all Wheat Kings.
Red Deer came on in the second though, and outshot Brandon 30-14 over the final 40 minutes and overtime.
Landon Ferraro tipped home a Cullen Morin point shot on a powerplay to tie the game in the second. For Ferraro, it was his 28th of the season as he made his return from a groin injury which sidelined him for three games.
15 year-old Ryan Nugent Hopkins picked up the second helper on the goal, giving him six points in his five games as an underager.....a remarkable pace. Rebel fans CAN'T WAIT until this kid is in the lineup full-time next season.
The situation reminds me of the little boy asking his dad if he can keep the puppy dog that followed him home one day......Nugent-Hopkins will now head back to his Midget team in Vancouver, but if it was up to Rebels brass, he wouldn't be going anywhere.
The point leaves Red Deer eight behind Regina, Edmonton, and Prince Albert for the final playoff spot in the East. Again, the Rebs have little choice but to keep on picking up points.
Notes
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-Keith Aulie and Colby Robak don't ever come off the ice for Brandon. A pair of 30-minute dmen is a nice feature for a coaching staff to have.
-Chatted with Dallas Stars scout Dennis Holland in the intermission last night, this one was a scouts dream, with draft eligible players like Brayden Schenn, Scott Glennie, Landon Ferraro, Tommi Kivisto, Cass Mappin, Willie Coetzee, Darcy Kuemper, and Justin Weller
-I thought both Coetzee and Weller were very good last night, as was Kuemper
-Cullen Morin quietly has 9 points in his last 11 games. Over the last four years, Red Deer hasn't generated a lot of offense from the blueline. Hopefully that trend is coming to an end.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Beach Update
As per below: I talked with a league official today, and he confirmed that the WHL is indeed looking into the incident, and expects to make a decision sometime over the next couple of days.
He assured me that the league isn't taking a "blind eye" to this incident, but rather it's just one of those things that takes some time.
Talk to you later tonight.
He assured me that the league isn't taking a "blind eye" to this incident, but rather it's just one of those things that takes some time.
Talk to you later tonight.
Gameday Tuesday
RED DEER REBELS VS BRANDON WHEAT KINGS - 7 P.M. (ENMAX CENTRIUM)
We'll have the pregame show at 6:30 tonight (http://www.big105.fm/)
More gameday updates to come prior to puck drop. I CAN tell you that Landon Ferraro will be back in the lineup tonight. He missed the past three games with a groin strain and will play right wing on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordie Deagle.
Come next season, I think I'd rather see Hopkins and Ferraro as your first two centermen instead of on the same line, but it should be fun seeing them play together tonight, especially on the powerplay.
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As per yesterday's notes: Still no suspension handed down to Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Kyle Beach for ripping the puck into the crowd following the final buzzer on Saturday night. I can say without hesitation that it was 100 % intentional, and the fact that he hasn't even recieved ONE game is absolutely ludicrous. I put a call into the league office earlier today for a little clarity on the matter. When I learn something I'll let you know.
Maybe I'm overblowing this whole incident somewhat, however......leaving the bench to fight is one thing, getting into a line brawl is one thing. Shooting the puck into the crowd at a wicked velocity, putting people at risk is a totally different matter.
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The AAA Midget Optimist Rebels will take on the Canadian National Womens team tomorrow night in an exhibition game at the Red Deer Arena. Puck drop is 8 p.m. Admission into the game is a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank.
AW
We'll have the pregame show at 6:30 tonight (http://www.big105.fm/)
More gameday updates to come prior to puck drop. I CAN tell you that Landon Ferraro will be back in the lineup tonight. He missed the past three games with a groin strain and will play right wing on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordie Deagle.
Come next season, I think I'd rather see Hopkins and Ferraro as your first two centermen instead of on the same line, but it should be fun seeing them play together tonight, especially on the powerplay.
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As per yesterday's notes: Still no suspension handed down to Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Kyle Beach for ripping the puck into the crowd following the final buzzer on Saturday night. I can say without hesitation that it was 100 % intentional, and the fact that he hasn't even recieved ONE game is absolutely ludicrous. I put a call into the league office earlier today for a little clarity on the matter. When I learn something I'll let you know.
Maybe I'm overblowing this whole incident somewhat, however......leaving the bench to fight is one thing, getting into a line brawl is one thing. Shooting the puck into the crowd at a wicked velocity, putting people at risk is a totally different matter.
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The AAA Midget Optimist Rebels will take on the Canadian National Womens team tomorrow night in an exhibition game at the Red Deer Arena. Puck drop is 8 p.m. Admission into the game is a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank.
AW
Monday, January 26, 2009
Rebel Alumni Notes
Courtesy of Gregg Drinnan's blog (Kamloops):
Former Rebel F Kyle Wanvig has been released by Brynäs Gävle (Sweden Elitserien).
He was not receiving much ice time and asked for his release. In 18 games with Brynäs, Wanvig had two goals and one assist.
Another Former Reb, F Shawn McNeil signed with Herner ESV (Germany Oberliga) after his release by Kassel (Germany DEL). McNeil had five goals and 19 assists in 36 games for Kassel this season. His contract with Herner is for the rest of this season with an option for next season.
D Ross Lupaschuk, who also played with Red Deer, signed with Mora (Sweden Allsvenskan) for the rest of this season. Lupaschuk, who was released by Novosibirsk (Russia KHL) earlier this month, played for Mora in 2005-06. . . .
Former Rebel F Kyle Wanvig has been released by Brynäs Gävle (Sweden Elitserien).
He was not receiving much ice time and asked for his release. In 18 games with Brynäs, Wanvig had two goals and one assist.
Another Former Reb, F Shawn McNeil signed with Herner ESV (Germany Oberliga) after his release by Kassel (Germany DEL). McNeil had five goals and 19 assists in 36 games for Kassel this season. His contract with Herner is for the rest of this season with an option for next season.
D Ross Lupaschuk, who also played with Red Deer, signed with Mora (Sweden Allsvenskan) for the rest of this season. Lupaschuk, who was released by Novosibirsk (Russia KHL) earlier this month, played for Mora in 2005-06. . . .
Weekend Wrap/Hopkins to stay/Beach antics
Upon further review, it looks like 15 year-old phenom Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will stick around to play for the Rebels Tuesday night against the Brandon Wheat Kings
Being 15, Nugent-Hopkins can only play in five games this season, until his midget teams season (Van NW Giants) is finished.
Seeing as though the Rebs don't venture out west again this season, and Nugent-Hopkins season will likely go longer than Red Deer's, the team has decided to just keep him here for a couple of extra days.
Also not hurting the situation is that the 15-year old was spectacular over the weekend, picking up two goals and an assist in two games. He was one of, if not the best Rebel on the ice both nights, and was named the second star in wach game.
In four WHL games so far, he has two goals and three assists for five points.
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No definitive word yet on Landon Ferraro's groin injury. Hopefully he'll be back for Tuesday night, as it would be great to see the Ferraro-Hopkins combo on the powerplay.
In case you missed it: here's the summary from Saturday:
1. R.D Esposito, (6) , 14:22
1. LET Bancks, (8) (Braes, Ross), 18:35
2. R.D Smith, (12) (Mappin, Morin), 2:23
2. R.D Nugent-Hopkins, (2) (Morin, Kivisto), 9:21
2. R.D Esposito, (7) (Nugent-Hopkins, Coetzee), 12:57
3. R.D Smith, (13) (Egener, Ferguson), 1:10
3. LET Bancks, (9) (Beach, Braes), 2:24
3. LET Ashton, (24) (Beach, Bancks), 16:23 (PP)
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The second period was the best 20 minute stretch I've seen from Red Deer this season, outshooting the Hurricanes 19-4.
Something that has flown under the radar in this hockey game was the IDIOTIC play Kyle Beach made when time expired. After the buzzer, Beach took the puck in his own end, turned, and FIRED the puck into the stands, hitting a fan. I don't know how many people saw this...but I'm not talking about a soft toss which could be caught with bare hands...I mean an absolute ROCKET of a snapshot. I hope there is good video evidence of this, and I hope Beach gets the book thrown at him.
Being 15, Nugent-Hopkins can only play in five games this season, until his midget teams season (Van NW Giants) is finished.
Seeing as though the Rebs don't venture out west again this season, and Nugent-Hopkins season will likely go longer than Red Deer's, the team has decided to just keep him here for a couple of extra days.
Also not hurting the situation is that the 15-year old was spectacular over the weekend, picking up two goals and an assist in two games. He was one of, if not the best Rebel on the ice both nights, and was named the second star in wach game.
In four WHL games so far, he has two goals and three assists for five points.
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No definitive word yet on Landon Ferraro's groin injury. Hopefully he'll be back for Tuesday night, as it would be great to see the Ferraro-Hopkins combo on the powerplay.
In case you missed it: here's the summary from Saturday:
1. R.D Esposito, (6) , 14:22
1. LET Bancks, (8) (Braes, Ross), 18:35
2. R.D Smith, (12) (Mappin, Morin), 2:23
2. R.D Nugent-Hopkins, (2) (Morin, Kivisto), 9:21
2. R.D Esposito, (7) (Nugent-Hopkins, Coetzee), 12:57
3. R.D Smith, (13) (Egener, Ferguson), 1:10
3. LET Bancks, (9) (Beach, Braes), 2:24
3. LET Ashton, (24) (Beach, Bancks), 16:23 (PP)
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The second period was the best 20 minute stretch I've seen from Red Deer this season, outshooting the Hurricanes 19-4.
Something that has flown under the radar in this hockey game was the IDIOTIC play Kyle Beach made when time expired. After the buzzer, Beach took the puck in his own end, turned, and FIRED the puck into the stands, hitting a fan. I don't know how many people saw this...but I'm not talking about a soft toss which could be caught with bare hands...I mean an absolute ROCKET of a snapshot. I hope there is good video evidence of this, and I hope Beach gets the book thrown at him.
Apparently, and I can't say for sure, a man was hit very hard by the puck, and was extremely irate after the game... (as he should be).
Beach shooting the puck into the crowd comes AFTER the fact that his final shift on the night was an absolute disgrace....wiring slap shots from his own end with 40 seconds to go, and his team down by two goals. He absolutely quit in the final stages of this hockey game. If I was a teammate or a coach on this hockey team, I would have zero time for antics like that.
I've always given the benefit of the doubt to controversial and polarizing figures in sports. Beach brings a very marketable and highly desired hybrid of skills. He's mean, skilled, and has a bomb of a shot...but some things shouldn't be tolerated. This is one of them.
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I wrote a blurb on Red Deer Native Paul Postma prior to the weekend...and he came as advertised. I thought he was tremendous on Friday night, and then last night, he put up four points in Calgary's 7-4 win over Regina.
AW
Friday, January 23, 2009
Game Night Lineup
RED DEER REBELS VS CGY HITMEN
-7:30 - Enmax Centrium
-Pregame show gets underway shortly - 7 p.m. (www.big105.fm)
-Tonight marks the home debut of 15-year old Ryan Nugent Hopkins. He'll play in Landon Ferraro's spot (strained groin) in between Cass Mappin and Willie Coetzee. Lines as follows:
Deagle - Wray - Smith
Mappin - Nugent Hopkins - Coetzee
Esposito/Polak - Gross - Ferguson
Redmond - Kambeitz - Cowen
Morin - Petrovic
Archer - Weller
Kivisto - Kot
Darcy Kuemper gets the start in between the pipes: Martin Jones will start for the Hitmen
Luke Egener, Steve Oursov, and Ferraro are the three scratches.
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Here are some thoughts from Nugent-Hopkins pregame:
"It's just really exciting to get my first game in at the Centrium...I'm really looking forward to it....My job is just to work as hard as I can and help the team get a win"
On Calgary:
"Ive seen a couple of their games, and I know they're a good team but ive seen us play too and I know if we play our game we can handle them"
On practicing, and now playing with Mappin and Coetzee:
"I've felt pretty good. At the start I was a bit jet lagged and wanted to get my legs back, but after that I started to pick it up a bit in practice and I think we'll be a pretty good line out there"
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Paul Postma will join me on the pregame show tonight, the Red Deer native , in my opinion, is the most underrated played in the Western Hockey League.....although that rep is starting to fade. With 52 points in 48 games this season on the blueline, the hockey world is taking notice. Paul is an outstanding young man, extremely respectful, and is going to turn a lot of heads in his pro career.
-7:30 - Enmax Centrium
-Pregame show gets underway shortly - 7 p.m. (www.big105.fm)
-Tonight marks the home debut of 15-year old Ryan Nugent Hopkins. He'll play in Landon Ferraro's spot (strained groin) in between Cass Mappin and Willie Coetzee. Lines as follows:
Deagle - Wray - Smith
Mappin - Nugent Hopkins - Coetzee
Esposito/Polak - Gross - Ferguson
Redmond - Kambeitz - Cowen
Morin - Petrovic
Archer - Weller
Kivisto - Kot
Darcy Kuemper gets the start in between the pipes: Martin Jones will start for the Hitmen
Luke Egener, Steve Oursov, and Ferraro are the three scratches.
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Here are some thoughts from Nugent-Hopkins pregame:
"It's just really exciting to get my first game in at the Centrium...I'm really looking forward to it....My job is just to work as hard as I can and help the team get a win"
On Calgary:
"Ive seen a couple of their games, and I know they're a good team but ive seen us play too and I know if we play our game we can handle them"
On practicing, and now playing with Mappin and Coetzee:
"I've felt pretty good. At the start I was a bit jet lagged and wanted to get my legs back, but after that I started to pick it up a bit in practice and I think we'll be a pretty good line out there"
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Paul Postma will join me on the pregame show tonight, the Red Deer native , in my opinion, is the most underrated played in the Western Hockey League.....although that rep is starting to fade. With 52 points in 48 games this season on the blueline, the hockey world is taking notice. Paul is an outstanding young man, extremely respectful, and is going to turn a lot of heads in his pro career.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Injury Update
Rebels Injury News:
Landon Ferraro is still a bit of a mystery at this point. He originally tweaked his groin in the fastest skater competition at the CHL Top Prospects game, before re-aggravating it against Vancouver on Saturday night.
He may try and skate over the next couple of days, but depending on the comfort level...the team will have to be careful. As we've seen in the NHl over recent years, groin injuries can nag a player for a long long time.
Certainly this setback made the decision to call up Ryan Nugent Hopkins that much easier for the Rebels. If Ferraro is indeed out, an offensive center with the ability to make plays is a must-have in the lineup.
Also, it doesn't hurt the Owner/President Brent Sutter will be in the house this weekend to watch his blue-chipper.
20-year old F/D Brennan Wray missed the game in Med Hat as well with a knee issue, but he should be good to go come Friday night. F Steve Oursov also didn't make the trip.
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If Cam Ward isn't named the NHL's first star of the week...or at least one of the three stars, i'll eat my hat. Ward went 2-0-0 with a shutout, a goals against of 0.50, and stopped 77 of 78 shots this week.
Landon Ferraro is still a bit of a mystery at this point. He originally tweaked his groin in the fastest skater competition at the CHL Top Prospects game, before re-aggravating it against Vancouver on Saturday night.
He may try and skate over the next couple of days, but depending on the comfort level...the team will have to be careful. As we've seen in the NHl over recent years, groin injuries can nag a player for a long long time.
Certainly this setback made the decision to call up Ryan Nugent Hopkins that much easier for the Rebels. If Ferraro is indeed out, an offensive center with the ability to make plays is a must-have in the lineup.
Also, it doesn't hurt the Owner/President Brent Sutter will be in the house this weekend to watch his blue-chipper.
20-year old F/D Brennan Wray missed the game in Med Hat as well with a knee issue, but he should be good to go come Friday night. F Steve Oursov also didn't make the trip.
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If Cam Ward isn't named the NHL's first star of the week...or at least one of the three stars, i'll eat my hat. Ward went 2-0-0 with a shutout, a goals against of 0.50, and stopped 77 of 78 shots this week.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Weekend Boost - Nugent-Hopkins to make home debut
After losing seven of eight games and sitting precariously on the edge of even being MENTIONED in a playoff race, the Rebels are pulling out all the stops to try and get a spark.
15 year old Ryan Nugent Hopkins, the first overall bantam pick in this past springs draft, will arrive in Red Deer this week, practice on Thursday, and suit up for divisional home games this weekend vs CGY and LETH.
Landon Ferraro's day-to-day groin pull probably helps facilitate this move....but he is still probable for the weekend. Ferraro won't skate Tuesday, but will probably try for Wednesday.
Nugent Hopkins is eligible to play five games with Red Deer this season. Earlier in the year, he suited up twice on a Western road trip, picking up two assists.
Hopkins, again, as a 15 year old, is leading the BC Major Midget league in scoring with 26 goals and 54 points in just 25 games. He also was recently named MVP of the Macs Midget Tourney in CGY.
At this point....I'm not too sure who he'll play with on the weekend. A lot will depend on Ferraro's health. However, he will probably wind up on the top PP unit.
more to come this week.
AW
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Also...what a game tonight from Cam Ward. 35 saves in Carolina's 2-0 shutout of Toronto at the ACC...his finest game this season.
15 year old Ryan Nugent Hopkins, the first overall bantam pick in this past springs draft, will arrive in Red Deer this week, practice on Thursday, and suit up for divisional home games this weekend vs CGY and LETH.
Landon Ferraro's day-to-day groin pull probably helps facilitate this move....but he is still probable for the weekend. Ferraro won't skate Tuesday, but will probably try for Wednesday.
Nugent Hopkins is eligible to play five games with Red Deer this season. Earlier in the year, he suited up twice on a Western road trip, picking up two assists.
Hopkins, again, as a 15 year old, is leading the BC Major Midget league in scoring with 26 goals and 54 points in just 25 games. He also was recently named MVP of the Macs Midget Tourney in CGY.
At this point....I'm not too sure who he'll play with on the weekend. A lot will depend on Ferraro's health. However, he will probably wind up on the top PP unit.
more to come this week.
AW
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Also...what a game tonight from Cam Ward. 35 saves in Carolina's 2-0 shutout of Toronto at the ACC...his finest game this season.
Tiger Mauling
MEDICINE HAT TIGERS 5 RED DEER REBELS 1
Things went from bad to worse for the Red Deer Rebels last night. Coming off a season-worst 9-3 loss to the Vancouver Giants, a game in which they lost leading scorer Landon Ferraro to a gron injury, the Rebels suffered a mauling at the hands of the Tigers in Med Hat.
Photo: Tigers F Tyler Ennis forechecks a prone Rebel last night
Here's the summary:
Photo: Tigers F Tyler Ennis forechecks a prone Rebel last nightHere's the summary:
1. M.H Gal, (6) (Konan), 2:38
1. M.H Bosch, (14) (Kundratek, Dunstall), 6:07 (PP)
1. M.H King, (10) (Vey, Okal), 18:07
2. M.H Ennis, (18) (Isherwood, King), 4:18
3. M.H King, (11) , 3:00
3. R.D Kivisto, (1) (Cowen, Kambeitz), 10:22 (PP)
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-For Kivisto, the goal was finally his first of the year. Tommi has a bomb from the point...and I still think he'll finish the season with six or seven goals.
-Luke Egener, Colin Archer, Josh Cowen, and Adam Kambeitz were all minus three. It goes without saying...a fourth line on any team can't be minus three. I've though the fourth line has actually given Jesse Wallin some pretty good minutes in recent weeks....so hopefully this is just a blip on the radar screen.
-When Red Deer began this stretch of home games (8 in 9), I said i figured we'd have a pretty good idea of what their playoff chances were. So far.....the results have been less than steller: A shootout loss to Med Hat, a loss to Prince Albert. A win over Chilliwack, and a loss to Vancouver.
-The Rebels now sit nine points back of the 8th and final playoff spot in the East. They also lead Moose Jaw by that same nine point margin for last in the conference.
Next up: The CGY Hitmen in town on Friday night.
3. M.H King, (11) , 3:00
3. R.D Kivisto, (1) (Cowen, Kambeitz), 10:22 (PP)
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-For Kivisto, the goal was finally his first of the year. Tommi has a bomb from the point...and I still think he'll finish the season with six or seven goals.
-Luke Egener, Colin Archer, Josh Cowen, and Adam Kambeitz were all minus three. It goes without saying...a fourth line on any team can't be minus three. I've though the fourth line has actually given Jesse Wallin some pretty good minutes in recent weeks....so hopefully this is just a blip on the radar screen.
-When Red Deer began this stretch of home games (8 in 9), I said i figured we'd have a pretty good idea of what their playoff chances were. So far.....the results have been less than steller: A shootout loss to Med Hat, a loss to Prince Albert. A win over Chilliwack, and a loss to Vancouver.
-The Rebels now sit nine points back of the 8th and final playoff spot in the East. They also lead Moose Jaw by that same nine point margin for last in the conference.
Next up: The CGY Hitmen in town on Friday night.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Pumpshow - Rebels lose game and Ferraro
VANCOUVER GIANTS 9 RED DEER REBELS 3
Heading in...we knew Vancouver was on of the best teams in the nation, but after an impressive 4-1 Rebels win Friday night, I don't think anyone saw this type of score transpiring.
But it did. The Giants scored early and often enroute to victory. Casey Pierro-Zabotel led the way with 2 g and 3 a to increase his scoring lead. Gary Nunn, another Rebel Killer in recent meetings, added 2g and 2a. Here's the summary:
1. VAN Rodgers, (5) (Gallagher, Henry), 3:20
1. VAN Schira, (11) (Cunningham, Ross), 5:55 (PP)
1. VAN Pierro-Zabotel, (23) (Nunn, Regner), 8:10
1. VAN Cunningham, (18) (Blum, Regner), 12:18 (PP)
1. VAN Nunn, (10) (Blum, Pierro-Zabotel), 19:20 (PP)
2. R.D Mappin, (16) (Weller, Archer), 0:43
2. VAN Nunn, (11) (Kane, Pierro-Zabotel), 4:17
2. VAN Regner, (11) (Rodgers, Henry), 8:32 (PP)
2. R.D Ferraro, (27) (Coetzee, Weller), 10:19
2. R.D Smith, (11) (Wray, Petrovic), 11:13
2. VAN Kane, (27) (Pierro-Zabotel), 14:52
2. VAN Pierro-Zabotel, (24) (Nunn, Manning), 19:42
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-As you can see, all the scoring came in the first two periods. Darcy Kuemper was pulled after four goals on 14 shots in the first. Cam Gorchynski played until the end of the second, then Kuemper came back on in the third. I would expect Kuemper to get the start in Medicine Hat tonight.
(6 p.m. - www.big105.fm) pregame show 5:50 with Cam Moon.
-Landon Ferrao did manage to snipe home his 27th of the season for Red Deer in the second frame, but left soon after with a groin tweak. Ferrao felt ok afterwards, but is day-to-day and won't make the trip to Med Hat Sunday night.
With 25 games to go in Ferraro's season, he has 27 goals, and is on pace for the best goal output we've seen from a Rebel in quite some time.
-Brandon Sutter's career high is 26
-In 06-07, Kirill Starkov had a solid 32, the same total boasted by import Roman Wick in 04/05
-Colin Fraser's career best in Red Deer was 24, which he hit twice....
-Boyd Gordon potted 33 in 02-03....but Ferraro is on pace to better that mark.
-I would think a realistic goal is to get close to the 40 goals Matt Ellison scored in 02-03, his first and only year with the Rebels.
-In 2000-01, Kyle Wanvig put up a career-best 55.
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As I said on the broadcast last night....you knew heading into the weekend..there was a very good chance Red Deer was going to beat Chilliwack, but there was also a very good chance they were going to lose to Vancouver. This weekend's success/failure ratio will hinge on Sunday's result in Medicine Hat.
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The AAA Midget's are home to Edmonton's SSAC Sunday afternoon - 3:15 p.m. (Red Deer Arena)
Heading in...we knew Vancouver was on of the best teams in the nation, but after an impressive 4-1 Rebels win Friday night, I don't think anyone saw this type of score transpiring.
But it did. The Giants scored early and often enroute to victory. Casey Pierro-Zabotel led the way with 2 g and 3 a to increase his scoring lead. Gary Nunn, another Rebel Killer in recent meetings, added 2g and 2a. Here's the summary:
1. VAN Rodgers, (5) (Gallagher, Henry), 3:20
1. VAN Schira, (11) (Cunningham, Ross), 5:55 (PP)
1. VAN Pierro-Zabotel, (23) (Nunn, Regner), 8:10
1. VAN Cunningham, (18) (Blum, Regner), 12:18 (PP)
1. VAN Nunn, (10) (Blum, Pierro-Zabotel), 19:20 (PP)
2. R.D Mappin, (16) (Weller, Archer), 0:43
2. VAN Nunn, (11) (Kane, Pierro-Zabotel), 4:17
2. VAN Regner, (11) (Rodgers, Henry), 8:32 (PP)
2. R.D Ferraro, (27) (Coetzee, Weller), 10:19
2. R.D Smith, (11) (Wray, Petrovic), 11:13
2. VAN Kane, (27) (Pierro-Zabotel), 14:52
2. VAN Pierro-Zabotel, (24) (Nunn, Manning), 19:42
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-As you can see, all the scoring came in the first two periods. Darcy Kuemper was pulled after four goals on 14 shots in the first. Cam Gorchynski played until the end of the second, then Kuemper came back on in the third. I would expect Kuemper to get the start in Medicine Hat tonight.
(6 p.m. - www.big105.fm) pregame show 5:50 with Cam Moon.
-Landon Ferrao did manage to snipe home his 27th of the season for Red Deer in the second frame, but left soon after with a groin tweak. Ferrao felt ok afterwards, but is day-to-day and won't make the trip to Med Hat Sunday night.
With 25 games to go in Ferraro's season, he has 27 goals, and is on pace for the best goal output we've seen from a Rebel in quite some time.
-Brandon Sutter's career high is 26
-In 06-07, Kirill Starkov had a solid 32, the same total boasted by import Roman Wick in 04/05
-Colin Fraser's career best in Red Deer was 24, which he hit twice....
-Boyd Gordon potted 33 in 02-03....but Ferraro is on pace to better that mark.
-I would think a realistic goal is to get close to the 40 goals Matt Ellison scored in 02-03, his first and only year with the Rebels.
-In 2000-01, Kyle Wanvig put up a career-best 55.
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As I said on the broadcast last night....you knew heading into the weekend..there was a very good chance Red Deer was going to beat Chilliwack, but there was also a very good chance they were going to lose to Vancouver. This weekend's success/failure ratio will hinge on Sunday's result in Medicine Hat.
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The AAA Midget's are home to Edmonton's SSAC Sunday afternoon - 3:15 p.m. (Red Deer Arena)
Saturday vs Vancouver
RED DEER REBELS VS VANCOUVER GIANTS - 7:30 P.M.
(I'll have the pregame show starting at 7 ..(www.big105.fm)
Red Deer will deploy the exact same lineup as last night. Scratches will be Egener, Polak, and Oursov.
Darcy Kuemper will start in net, the Giants will go with their back up Jamie Tucker, who hasn't lost yet this season in regulation (11-0-0-1)
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Down at the Arena tonight, the AAA Midget Optimist Rebels play host to Fort Sask. Tomorrow, it's a 3:15 start against Southside (Edm). Talked with head coach Trevor Keeper today...he'll be on the show tomorrow morning (106.7 the Drive - 8 - 9 a.m,)
Red Deer wraps up the reg. season with EIGHT straight home games...
meanwhile, Rebs prospect Daulton Siwak is leading the team in scoring with 27 points in 26 games...as a 15 year old. Pretty impressive.
Last Night: A convincing 4-1 win over Chilliwack.
(I'll have the pregame show starting at 7 ..(www.big105.fm)
Red Deer will deploy the exact same lineup as last night. Scratches will be Egener, Polak, and Oursov.
Darcy Kuemper will start in net, the Giants will go with their back up Jamie Tucker, who hasn't lost yet this season in regulation (11-0-0-1)
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Down at the Arena tonight, the AAA Midget Optimist Rebels play host to Fort Sask. Tomorrow, it's a 3:15 start against Southside (Edm). Talked with head coach Trevor Keeper today...he'll be on the show tomorrow morning (106.7 the Drive - 8 - 9 a.m,)
Red Deer wraps up the reg. season with EIGHT straight home games...
meanwhile, Rebs prospect Daulton Siwak is leading the team in scoring with 27 points in 26 games...as a 15 year old. Pretty impressive.
Last Night: A convincing 4-1 win over Chilliwack.
| 1. R.D Deagle, (1) (Morin, Smith), 13:31 | |
| 2. R.D Coetzee, (13) (Mappin, Ferraro), 11:45 (PP) | |
| 3. R.D Redmond, (3) , 3:14 | |
| 3. CWK Ward, (7) (Ius, MacDonald), 11:42 | |
| 3. R.D Ferraro, (26) (Mappin, Morin), 13:49 -Ferraro was outstanding last night...by my count, he finally scored on his 11th shot of the night. -The line of Wray - Smith - Deagle cycled the puck very well all night, and looked like absolute men....they'll need to do the same vs Vancouver tonight. -If it wasn't for Lucas Gore, Bruins netminder...this one would have been over early....41 saves to hold his team in it....I think the shift where the Bruins scored, and then one immediately following were the only brief moments where the Bruins had any pressure. |
Friday, January 16, 2009
Three Games in Three nights - Friday
RED DEER REBELS VS CHILLIWACK BRUINS - 7:30 P.M. (ENMAX CENTRIUM)
-I'll have the pregame show tonight starting at 7 p.m. (http://www.big105.fm/)
-Sorry, I was unable to update the blog from Oshawa this week. The Top Prospects game was a great event, hosted in a very lovely rink (The GM Center)
Rebels F Landon Ferraro captured the fastest skater in the skills competition Tuesday night. I was hoping to see Tommi Kivisto get a crack at the hardest shot...but he didn't get a chance to shoot. Too bad, because Tommi can bomb it.
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Ferraro and Kivisto come back to a team that faces a very tough task this weekend with three games in three nights. Sitting in 11th place in the East, 10 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot, it's not hard to see what Red Deer needs to do over the final 28 games of the season. They'll need to probably win 20 of them.....if not more. Tonight, it's a must win against the Bruins, who come in sporting the WHL's second-worst record (12 -28 - 2 -3)
-Red Deer's Jeff Einhorn, a member of the silver-medal winning AAA midget squad at the Telus cup two years ago, has become a key component of the Bruins blueline. Former Rebel Mike Krgovich, who is a great kid, has been picked up by the Bruins and is very excited to be back in Red Deer.
Also, playing in just his third WHL game tonight will be Mitch Topping, the 15 year old defenseman plays for the AAA Optimist Rebels, and was Chilliwacks first round pick in last springs Bantam Draft.
-With this being such a big weekend for Red Deer, it will be interesting to see if Darcy Kuemper gets three consecutive starts, or if 16-year old G Cam Gorchynski will make his debut one of these nights.
-The last time these two clubs met was two weeks ago (Jan 3rd). Ryan Howse scored three goals and added an assist in a 5-3 Bruins win. Landon Ferraro replied twice for Red Deer, and missed a penalty shot that turned out to be a pretty key moment in the hockey game.
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-I'll have the pregame show tonight starting at 7 p.m. (http://www.big105.fm/)
-Sorry, I was unable to update the blog from Oshawa this week. The Top Prospects game was a great event, hosted in a very lovely rink (The GM Center)
Rebels F Landon Ferraro captured the fastest skater in the skills competition Tuesday night. I was hoping to see Tommi Kivisto get a crack at the hardest shot...but he didn't get a chance to shoot. Too bad, because Tommi can bomb it.
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Ferraro and Kivisto come back to a team that faces a very tough task this weekend with three games in three nights. Sitting in 11th place in the East, 10 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot, it's not hard to see what Red Deer needs to do over the final 28 games of the season. They'll need to probably win 20 of them.....if not more. Tonight, it's a must win against the Bruins, who come in sporting the WHL's second-worst record (12 -28 - 2 -3)
-Red Deer's Jeff Einhorn, a member of the silver-medal winning AAA midget squad at the Telus cup two years ago, has become a key component of the Bruins blueline. Former Rebel Mike Krgovich, who is a great kid, has been picked up by the Bruins and is very excited to be back in Red Deer.
Also, playing in just his third WHL game tonight will be Mitch Topping, the 15 year old defenseman plays for the AAA Optimist Rebels, and was Chilliwacks first round pick in last springs Bantam Draft.
-With this being such a big weekend for Red Deer, it will be interesting to see if Darcy Kuemper gets three consecutive starts, or if 16-year old G Cam Gorchynski will make his debut one of these nights.
-The last time these two clubs met was two weeks ago (Jan 3rd). Ryan Howse scored three goals and added an assist in a 5-3 Bruins win. Landon Ferraro replied twice for Red Deer, and missed a penalty shot that turned out to be a pretty key moment in the hockey game.
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Some numbers to chew on:
16-year old D Alex Petrovic leads Red Deer in plus minus. (+5)
16-year old D Alex Petrovic leads Red Deer in plus minus. (+5)
Ferraro leads the team in goals (25) and points (40), while Mappin and Ferguson are tied in assists (18).
Mappin also leads the team in penalty minutes (75)
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Tyler Penny, who recently went home to Weyburn to play Jr. A, is playing on the second line with the SJHL's Red Wings, and scored in his second game earlier this week.
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Red Deer's Colton Sceviour, who plays with Lethbridge, is apparently set to sign his first pro contract with the Dallas Stars. Sceviour was a fourth round pick of the stars two years ago.
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Mappin also leads the team in penalty minutes (75)
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Tyler Penny, who recently went home to Weyburn to play Jr. A, is playing on the second line with the SJHL's Red Wings, and scored in his second game earlier this week.
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Red Deer's Colton Sceviour, who plays with Lethbridge, is apparently set to sign his first pro contract with the Dallas Stars. Sceviour was a fourth round pick of the stars two years ago.
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Monday, January 12, 2009
CSB out with Mid-Term Ranks - Ferraro 13
The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau has released their Mid-term rankings for the upcoming 2009 entry draft. A solid second quarter of the season for Landon Ferraro has seen him shoot up to number 13 among North American Skaters.
Also ranked among North American Skaters: Rebels winger Cass Mappin at number 27, D Tommi Kivisto at number 46, and winger Willie Coetzee at number 77
Meanwhile, G Darcy Kuemper is the sixth-highest ranked goaltender in North America, and the highest among all WHL netminders.
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Also ranked among North American Skaters: Rebels winger Cass Mappin at number 27, D Tommi Kivisto at number 46, and winger Willie Coetzee at number 77
Meanwhile, G Darcy Kuemper is the sixth-highest ranked goaltender in North America, and the highest among all WHL netminders.
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Monday Update
No games until the weekend for the Red Deer Rebels:
Friday vs Chilliwack
Saturday vs Vancouver
Sunday @ Medicine Hat
-Safe to say though, it will be a pretty tough week of practice after a crucial 5-3 loss to Prince Albert on Saturday night. Head coach Jesse Wallin was furious postgame, calling the effort embarrassing, and saying he "couldn't explain why" the team came out so flat in such a big game. When I left the rink about an hour or so after the game ended, the players still hadn't come up from the room, so they were probably getting an earful.
Wallin followed through with his discontent on Sunday.....as the team was brought in for a good old fashioned bag skate at 6 a.m. For once, I got up AFTER the team did.
Friday vs Chilliwack
Saturday vs Vancouver
Sunday @ Medicine Hat
-Safe to say though, it will be a pretty tough week of practice after a crucial 5-3 loss to Prince Albert on Saturday night. Head coach Jesse Wallin was furious postgame, calling the effort embarrassing, and saying he "couldn't explain why" the team came out so flat in such a big game. When I left the rink about an hour or so after the game ended, the players still hadn't come up from the room, so they were probably getting an earful.
Wallin followed through with his discontent on Sunday.....as the team was brought in for a good old fashioned bag skate at 6 a.m. For once, I got up AFTER the team did.
Meanwhile: Edmonton, Prince Albert, Regina, Kootenay, and Lethbridge all picked up points over the weekend...making a potential playoff spot that much tougher to attain.
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F Landon Ferraro and D Tommi Kivisto will be in Oshawa, ONT. the next few days for the CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects game. I'll be going out East as well, so hopefully I can update the blog from the road. If not, I'll talk to you again on Thursday.
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Last night, it was a rough Broncos debut for Morgan Clark, as he allowed seven goals in a 7-3 loss to the Calgary Hitmen. Clark was dealt to Swift for a 2010 fifth-round pick on Friday night.
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Red Deer's Curtis Glencross captured the fastest skater competition at the Calgary Flames annual skills contest yesterday afternoon. Glencross can fly, and if you remember, he also won the title while with the Edmonton Oilers last season.
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F Landon Ferraro and D Tommi Kivisto will be in Oshawa, ONT. the next few days for the CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects game. I'll be going out East as well, so hopefully I can update the blog from the road. If not, I'll talk to you again on Thursday.
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Last night, it was a rough Broncos debut for Morgan Clark, as he allowed seven goals in a 7-3 loss to the Calgary Hitmen. Clark was dealt to Swift for a 2010 fifth-round pick on Friday night.
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Red Deer's Curtis Glencross captured the fastest skater competition at the Calgary Flames annual skills contest yesterday afternoon. Glencross can fly, and if you remember, he also won the title while with the Edmonton Oilers last season.
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Saturday, January 10, 2009
Big Trade from Swift - Ktn
Swift Current Broncos General Manager Dean Chynoweth announced that the club has acquired 19 year old defenseman John Negrin and 19 year old forward, Red Deer Native Mike Stickland from the Kootenay Ice in exchange for: 16 year old forward Christian Magnus, 17 year old defenseman James Martin and the Broncos 2nd and 4th round bantam picks in 2010.
Negrin is a 2nd round selection by Calgary in the 2007 draft and is signed by the Flames. He has 5 goals and 31 points in 37 games this season with the Ice. Negrin is 6’2” 190 lbs from West Vancouver, BC and played in the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge game in Swift Current in November.
Stickland, a 5’11” forward from Red Deer Alberta, has 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games this season, his 3rd in the WHL. Stickland had 22 goals and 50 points last season in Kootenay.
Negrin is a 2nd round selection by Calgary in the 2007 draft and is signed by the Flames. He has 5 goals and 31 points in 37 games this season with the Ice. Negrin is 6’2” 190 lbs from West Vancouver, BC and played in the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge game in Swift Current in November.
Stickland, a 5’11” forward from Red Deer Alberta, has 13 goals and 25 points in 42 games this season, his 3rd in the WHL. Stickland had 22 goals and 50 points last season in Kootenay.
Friday night Trade - Gameday
Rebels Make Trade With Swift Current
RED DEER, AB – Brent Sutter, Owner/President of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, announced today that 18-year old goaltender Morgan Clark was traded to the Swift Current Broncos for a 5th round pick in the 2010 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.
Clark is in his third year in the WHL and was a 7th round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
Additionally, the Rebels have added 16-year old goaltender Cam Gorchynski to their roster.
Gorchynski was playing with the Fraser Valley Bruins of the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League and was the Rebels 5th round selection in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.
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The WHL trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. today, about two hours from now. I don't expect much else from the Rebels between now and then...but we'll see.
Pretty close to a must-win tonight against the Prince Albert Raiders.
7:30 puck drop - 7 p.m. pregame show (www.big105.fm)
Red Deer trails Price Albert by seven points for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East, but the Rebs hold three games in hand.
Hard to beleive, but Edmonton (7th) and P.A. (8th) are now INTO playoff positions, while Lethbridge and Regina, both losing AGAIN last night, are out.
The Raiders are coming off a win in Lethbridge last night. Kyle Beach made his Hurricanes debut, picking up an assist.
-If something happens at the deadline, I will be sure to get it on here ASAP. More to come prior to gametime.
-Both Landon Ferraro and Tommi Kivisto will fly out to Ontario early next week for the CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects game. The Skills competition goes in Oshawa on Tuesday, with the game itself on Wddnesday. I would think Kivisto will be entered in the hardest shot contest, while Ferraro may have a chance to win fastest skater.
RED DEER, AB – Brent Sutter, Owner/President of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, announced today that 18-year old goaltender Morgan Clark was traded to the Swift Current Broncos for a 5th round pick in the 2010 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.
Clark is in his third year in the WHL and was a 7th round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
Additionally, the Rebels have added 16-year old goaltender Cam Gorchynski to their roster.
Gorchynski was playing with the Fraser Valley Bruins of the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League and was the Rebels 5th round selection in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.
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The WHL trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. today, about two hours from now. I don't expect much else from the Rebels between now and then...but we'll see.
Pretty close to a must-win tonight against the Prince Albert Raiders.
7:30 puck drop - 7 p.m. pregame show (www.big105.fm)
Red Deer trails Price Albert by seven points for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East, but the Rebs hold three games in hand.
Hard to beleive, but Edmonton (7th) and P.A. (8th) are now INTO playoff positions, while Lethbridge and Regina, both losing AGAIN last night, are out.
The Raiders are coming off a win in Lethbridge last night. Kyle Beach made his Hurricanes debut, picking up an assist.
-If something happens at the deadline, I will be sure to get it on here ASAP. More to come prior to gametime.
-Both Landon Ferraro and Tommi Kivisto will fly out to Ontario early next week for the CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects game. The Skills competition goes in Oshawa on Tuesday, with the game itself on Wddnesday. I would think Kivisto will be entered in the hardest shot contest, while Ferraro may have a chance to win fastest skater.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thurs night update
Plenty of WHL trade deadline happenings: Including the CGY Hitmen picking up the leagues leading sniper Joel Broda. Wow. the rich get richer (www.whl.ca)
Nothing yet from the Rebels.
-19 year-old F Tyler Penny is heading back home to Weyburn to play Jr. A for Dwight McMillan and the Red Wings. Tyler is a great kid who will be missed by everyone. Here's hoping he lights up the SJHL!
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Nothing yet from the Rebels.
-19 year-old F Tyler Penny is heading back home to Weyburn to play Jr. A for Dwight McMillan and the Red Wings. Tyler is a great kid who will be missed by everyone. Here's hoping he lights up the SJHL!
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Thursday Update
Medicine Hat Tigers 4 Red Deer Rebels 3
-Chalk up another one for the "one that got away" column. Up 3-2 with less then seven minutes to go, the Red Deer Rebels surrender a third period lead, and then go on to lose in a shootout last night. All in all, it was another game in which the team played pretty well.....and while picking up a point is a good thing..two would have been better.
1. R.D Archer, (4) (Deagle, Ferguson), 3:12 (PP)
1. M.H King, (9) (Hamilton, Vey), 4:57 (PP)
1. R.D Ferraro, (24) , 19:06
2. M.H Cameron, (10) (Kundratek, Coyle), 3:28
2. R.D Ferraro, (25) (Coetzee), 7:25
3. M.H Ringrose, (13) (Carlson, Holfeld), 13:09
-Med Hat outshot Red Deer 40-35, each team hit a couple of posts, and I thought Red Deer had the better chances in the late stages and then in overtime.
-In the shootout, Kuemper made a couple of good saves, and then got a big chunk of the shot from Mark Isherwood, but unfortunately, it landed flat and rolled into the net. For Red Deere, Landon Ferraro made a great move to the backhand, but hit the post. Willie Coetzee and Brett Ferguson were both stopped by Ryan Holfeld.
-Three Stars:
1) Landon Ferraro - Two goals on the night, his 24th and 25th , tying him for third in the WHL. Landon didn't have a ton of open ice to work with last night, but I thought he was extremely patient, he made good dump in's, smart changes, and chipped the puck when needed to chip it. He was able to bide his time, and when he eventually had a couple of chances, he took advantage. I am getting more impressed with his defensive play lately as well, when things aren't coming easy with the puck, he has been able to stay patient and make sure he doesn't give anything up.
2) Bretton Cameron - A threat for Med Hat all night, he seemed to pick up some of the slack left by Tyler Ennis, who was given a few days off to stay with his family in Edmonton. Good energy, good wheels, and a nose for the net. Didn't give up on theplay, scoring the Tigers second goal.
3) Willie Coetzee - picked up a hard-working assist on Ferraro's second goal of the game. I really like Willie on the top line. His defensive awareness is gettign better all the time, and his speed is a very good complement to Cass Mappin's ability down low, and Ferraro's speed through the middle. We'll see how it goes, but this could end up being a great line next season.
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Honorable mention: Cody Carlson - Med Hat, Justin Weller - Red Deer, Colin Archer - Red Deer
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Rebels are back on home ice on Saturday night against the Prince Albert Raiders. P.A. leads Red Deer by five points in the Eastern Conference, but the Rebels have two games in hand. This is a huge game for both teams.
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soapbox time: Rebel fans....the crowd was absolutely brutal last night. Not only was the rink less then half full...it's pretty sad when a scoreboard flashes "make some noise" in the pregame, and there is a smattering of applause as the team hits the ice. It's funny....Rebel fans are the first to question work ethic.....Central Alberta loves to see their team work hard and earn every inch.......but in a divisional game, I thought the fan base didn't put in much of an effort last night. Get off your hands people!
-Although, I will say, the fans who WERE there did a nice job of giving Tigers head coach Willie Dejardins a standing ovation before the game. Classy.
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Some quick hits:
-The new WHL website looks great (www.whl.ca)
-Looking forward to some more trades this week...Hurricanes GM Roy Stasiuk isn't afraid to mix it up is he? Going out and getting Kyle Beach is a ballsy move. I'm looking forward to seeing how he fits in playing with some top notch players.
-Speaking of Lethbridge, how big would it be if they get D Luca Sbisa back from Philly?
-Rebel's Landon Ferraro and Tommi Kivisto will head to Oshawa, ON next week for the CHL Top Prospects Game. I'll be hopping a flight to catch the festivities as well. Should be interesting.
-Chalk up another one for the "one that got away" column. Up 3-2 with less then seven minutes to go, the Red Deer Rebels surrender a third period lead, and then go on to lose in a shootout last night. All in all, it was another game in which the team played pretty well.....and while picking up a point is a good thing..two would have been better.
1. R.D Archer, (4) (Deagle, Ferguson), 3:12 (PP)
1. M.H King, (9) (Hamilton, Vey), 4:57 (PP)
1. R.D Ferraro, (24) , 19:06
2. M.H Cameron, (10) (Kundratek, Coyle), 3:28
2. R.D Ferraro, (25) (Coetzee), 7:25
3. M.H Ringrose, (13) (Carlson, Holfeld), 13:09
-Med Hat outshot Red Deer 40-35, each team hit a couple of posts, and I thought Red Deer had the better chances in the late stages and then in overtime.
-In the shootout, Kuemper made a couple of good saves, and then got a big chunk of the shot from Mark Isherwood, but unfortunately, it landed flat and rolled into the net. For Red Deere, Landon Ferraro made a great move to the backhand, but hit the post. Willie Coetzee and Brett Ferguson were both stopped by Ryan Holfeld.
-Three Stars:
1) Landon Ferraro - Two goals on the night, his 24th and 25th , tying him for third in the WHL. Landon didn't have a ton of open ice to work with last night, but I thought he was extremely patient, he made good dump in's, smart changes, and chipped the puck when needed to chip it. He was able to bide his time, and when he eventually had a couple of chances, he took advantage. I am getting more impressed with his defensive play lately as well, when things aren't coming easy with the puck, he has been able to stay patient and make sure he doesn't give anything up.
2) Bretton Cameron - A threat for Med Hat all night, he seemed to pick up some of the slack left by Tyler Ennis, who was given a few days off to stay with his family in Edmonton. Good energy, good wheels, and a nose for the net. Didn't give up on theplay, scoring the Tigers second goal.
3) Willie Coetzee - picked up a hard-working assist on Ferraro's second goal of the game. I really like Willie on the top line. His defensive awareness is gettign better all the time, and his speed is a very good complement to Cass Mappin's ability down low, and Ferraro's speed through the middle. We'll see how it goes, but this could end up being a great line next season.
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Honorable mention: Cody Carlson - Med Hat, Justin Weller - Red Deer, Colin Archer - Red Deer
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Rebels are back on home ice on Saturday night against the Prince Albert Raiders. P.A. leads Red Deer by five points in the Eastern Conference, but the Rebels have two games in hand. This is a huge game for both teams.
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soapbox time: Rebel fans....the crowd was absolutely brutal last night. Not only was the rink less then half full...it's pretty sad when a scoreboard flashes "make some noise" in the pregame, and there is a smattering of applause as the team hits the ice. It's funny....Rebel fans are the first to question work ethic.....Central Alberta loves to see their team work hard and earn every inch.......but in a divisional game, I thought the fan base didn't put in much of an effort last night. Get off your hands people!
-Although, I will say, the fans who WERE there did a nice job of giving Tigers head coach Willie Dejardins a standing ovation before the game. Classy.
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Some quick hits:
-The new WHL website looks great (www.whl.ca)
-Looking forward to some more trades this week...Hurricanes GM Roy Stasiuk isn't afraid to mix it up is he? Going out and getting Kyle Beach is a ballsy move. I'm looking forward to seeing how he fits in playing with some top notch players.
-Speaking of Lethbridge, how big would it be if they get D Luca Sbisa back from Philly?
-Rebel's Landon Ferraro and Tommi Kivisto will head to Oshawa, ON next week for the CHL Top Prospects Game. I'll be hopping a flight to catch the festivities as well. Should be interesting.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Rebs Vs Tigers tonight
Game time 7 p.m. tonight at the Enmax Centrium.
The pregame show will get going shortly...(6:30 p.m. - www.big105.fm)
-There will be no Tyler Ennis or Zdenek Okal for Med Hat tonight. Ennis played last night in Edmonton, but stayed behind for some much deserved time off following a busy world junior sked. Okal is back with the team, but has the flu.
-For Red Deer, both Tommi Kivisto (finland) and Alex Petrovic (Team Pacific - U17s) are back....but NOT dressed tonight. It's been a lot of hockey in a very short time span for both. Both should return to the lineup on Saturday vs. P.A.
-Scratches tonight are Josh Cowen and Tomas Polak
-Med Hat suffered a big blow recently when overage dman Matt McCue signed a pro contract and left the team. McCue had turned into a pretty steady option on the blueline this season, and ass. coach Shaun Clouston told me on the coaches show that its going to be a pretty major loss for their club.
-The Tigers come in fourth in the conference (22-14-3-3) while Red Deer sits in 11th (15-21-1-5)
-Tonight marks the most crucial stretch of the season for the Rebels. With 8 of their next 9 on home ice, Red Deer will pretty much get to decide their own fate when it comes to the playoff race. I would say that at the end of this nine-game stretch, we'll have a pretty good idea as if playoffs are a possibility or not.
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saturday - 3 p.m. is the WHL trade deadline. To be honest, I haven't heard a lot of rumblings around here...It would surprise me if the Rebs did anything that would garner any sort of front page headlines. Red Deer doesn't really have any highly coveted 19 year olds or 20 year olds to move........and this definitely isn't the year to load up either. One year from today however, could prove to be a pretty busy time.
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I ran into Bentley Generals GM Jeff Mginnis the other day, and we were able to talk some hockey. Bentley, of course, is still undefeated in the Chinook Sr. League, and will again be in the mix for a National title run this spring. In the Chinook League, it's basically been a two team race , as per usual, with Bentley and Stony. Those games always seem to be pretty epic.
Bentley will host Stony here in Red Deer at the Arena on the 23rd. Unfortunately, it falls on the same night as a Rebs home game..but that was the only night they could book the Arena.
I'll admit, I get pretty busy here in town and don't really get out to Bentley too much during the regular season...for that, Generals fans, I apologize, but come playoff time, as per usual, I'll do my best to be all over it! I think this could be the year.
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AW
The pregame show will get going shortly...(6:30 p.m. - www.big105.fm)
-There will be no Tyler Ennis or Zdenek Okal for Med Hat tonight. Ennis played last night in Edmonton, but stayed behind for some much deserved time off following a busy world junior sked. Okal is back with the team, but has the flu.
-For Red Deer, both Tommi Kivisto (finland) and Alex Petrovic (Team Pacific - U17s) are back....but NOT dressed tonight. It's been a lot of hockey in a very short time span for both. Both should return to the lineup on Saturday vs. P.A.
-Scratches tonight are Josh Cowen and Tomas Polak
-Med Hat suffered a big blow recently when overage dman Matt McCue signed a pro contract and left the team. McCue had turned into a pretty steady option on the blueline this season, and ass. coach Shaun Clouston told me on the coaches show that its going to be a pretty major loss for their club.
-The Tigers come in fourth in the conference (22-14-3-3) while Red Deer sits in 11th (15-21-1-5)
-Tonight marks the most crucial stretch of the season for the Rebels. With 8 of their next 9 on home ice, Red Deer will pretty much get to decide their own fate when it comes to the playoff race. I would say that at the end of this nine-game stretch, we'll have a pretty good idea as if playoffs are a possibility or not.
---------------------
saturday - 3 p.m. is the WHL trade deadline. To be honest, I haven't heard a lot of rumblings around here...It would surprise me if the Rebs did anything that would garner any sort of front page headlines. Red Deer doesn't really have any highly coveted 19 year olds or 20 year olds to move........and this definitely isn't the year to load up either. One year from today however, could prove to be a pretty busy time.
----------
I ran into Bentley Generals GM Jeff Mginnis the other day, and we were able to talk some hockey. Bentley, of course, is still undefeated in the Chinook Sr. League, and will again be in the mix for a National title run this spring. In the Chinook League, it's basically been a two team race , as per usual, with Bentley and Stony. Those games always seem to be pretty epic.
Bentley will host Stony here in Red Deer at the Arena on the 23rd. Unfortunately, it falls on the same night as a Rebs home game..but that was the only night they could book the Arena.
I'll admit, I get pretty busy here in town and don't really get out to Bentley too much during the regular season...for that, Generals fans, I apologize, but come playoff time, as per usual, I'll do my best to be all over it! I think this could be the year.
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AW
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Another Gold- Tuesday
Well, Team Canada brass did it again....putting together the perfect team enroute to another gold medal performance at the Wortld Juniors...... finished off last night with a 5-1 win over Sweden.
You can't say enough good things about Jordan Eberle..another three points last night to finish third in tourney scoring. What impressed me even more about Eberle though was his ability to play in his own end, as well as kill penalties. The Oilers got a good one.
I also was surprised at just how good PK Subban is. He didn't really leave a huge impression on me last year, but he logged a ton of ice for Canada in '09 and really burst onto the national scene. What a skater.
It looks like Pat Quinn was right. A good call to start Dustin Tokarski. Not that Chet Pickard wouldn't have played just as well, but Tokarski was nearly unbeatable last night....39 saves and easily his best game of the tournament.
You can't say enough good things about Jordan Eberle..another three points last night to finish third in tourney scoring. What impressed me even more about Eberle though was his ability to play in his own end, as well as kill penalties. The Oilers got a good one.I also was surprised at just how good PK Subban is. He didn't really leave a huge impression on me last year, but he logged a ton of ice for Canada in '09 and really burst onto the national scene. What a skater.
It looks like Pat Quinn was right. A good call to start Dustin Tokarski. Not that Chet Pickard wouldn't have played just as well, but Tokarski was nearly unbeatable last night....39 saves and easily his best game of the tournament.
-Ever since Crosby, we seem to be so enamoured with the first overall NHL draft pick every year, and unfairly, each one seems to get pegged as this generational talent, when really it isn't the case. Angelo Esposito was ordained as one of the next superstars midway through 2007. He eventually plummeted in the draft. Steven Stamkos will be a great NHL'er.....but far too big of a deal was made about this guy on draft day. That being said...I really think John Tavares IS worth the hype. This guy is going to score 50 goals one day. He's an absolute superstar. There was only one Gretzky...there's only one Crosby......but I also think there will only be one Tavares.
-Hopefully, Tyler Ennis will be in town with the Medicine Hat Tigers tomorrow night...the centrium crowd has always done a great job of welcoming back world junior heroes, no matter which rival team they play for. Remember five years ago? In the first game back, right off the opening faceoff, Dion Phanuef fought Andrew Ladd, while Ryan getzlaf squared off with Colin Fraser. All World Junior teammates, all buddies. What a moment.
-Former Rebel Cam Ward was named the NHL's 3rd star of the week yesterday
-Former Rebel Vlad Mihalik was called up to the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, picked up his first point, an assist, on Sunday, and was sent back down yesterday.
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Monday, January 5, 2009
Gold Medal Monday/Rebs/Petro
People were wondering aloud weather things could possibly get any more dramatic after Canada's win over the U.S. on New Years Eve. They certainly did in Saturday's 6-5 semifinal shootout win over Russia...I don't think anyone could have anticipated that heart-wrenching of a scenario in the late stages.
I fully expect to see more of the same tonight, as Canada faces Sweden for gold in Ottawa. (5:30 p.m. - TSN)
The Swedes have a very good team...better than the U.S.....better than Russia. I really think this one could go either way.
-One thing is for certain...Canada needs goaltending tonight. It looks like Dustin Tokarski (Spokane) will get the start again between the pipes. I'll admit...this surprises me. Tokarski has been shaky at times over the last two games....and I'm a big believer in Chet Pickard. We'll have to live with Pat Quinn's hunch though, and cheer on whoever gets the nod.
-Heading into the WJC camp, I was really on the fence when it came to Jordan Eberle. I knew he was an outstanding player......but I just wasn't sure if he was a guy that was going to play in Canada's top six. Boy has he silenced any critics he may have had. Ebs has been unreal, and his hands are proving to be some of the best we've ever seen. "The goal" has made him an instant national icon.
-What are you doing for the game tonight? I'll be hitting a lounge with some friends I think...an event like this, I have to be out somewhere to take in all the drama with other Canadians.
When it comes to any other team I cheer for, like the Riders or the Oilers, I don't really like going out to public places, because you'll always find people cheering AGAINST your team as well......It's a different story when it's a Team Canada event though. I don't know a lot of Swedes in Red Deer.
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The WHL is set to relaunch a brand new website today.......it hits at NOON our time. I look forward to seeing it. Here's the release:
CALGARY, AB. - The Western Hockey League is proud today to announce the launch of the new <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca .
The completely redesigned <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca features an all-new look and features including top-line navigation, new homepage video player, photo galleries, richer media, more video, exclusive photos, more multi-media throughout as well as a new key word search and suggestions tool.
Additional features like interactive news articles with the ability to post reader comments will be added in the future. WHL fans and media will still have the same access to WHL scores, standings, statistics and game information they have come accustom to in the past in a new and exciting look.
The new <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca will launch Monday, January 5th at 12:00 pm (MT). Please note between 11:30 am – 12:00 pm (MT), <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca will be down as our website provider transfers IP addresses from the old website to the new.
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We've talked a lot recently about the emergence of Alex Petrovic on the Rebels blueline. I've only covered this team for about five years now, but the furious game-to-game improvement from the 16 year old Petro is the highest Ive seen so far from anyone.
Petrovic has been outstanding at the World Under 17's over the last two weeks in Port Alberni, B.C. His team Pacific lost 5-1 to Team Ontario in the gold medal final yesterday...but Petrovic was the hero of the semifinal win over the U.S., scoring twice, including the overtime winner in a 6-5 victory. It will be good to get him back in the lineup.
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The Rebels losing streak meanwhile, has reached three games following a 5-3 loss to Chilliwack on Saturday night. Red Deer finishes the road trip at 1-2-1, and head coach Jesse Wallin figures the team will have to go about 20-9 over the home stretch to make the playoffs. I would say that is a fairly accurate assessment.
Red Deer plays host to the Med Hat Tigers Wednesday at the Enmax Centrium - 7 p.m. (6:30 pregame show - www.big105.fm )
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AW
I fully expect to see more of the same tonight, as Canada faces Sweden for gold in Ottawa. (5:30 p.m. - TSN)
The Swedes have a very good team...better than the U.S.....better than Russia. I really think this one could go either way.
-One thing is for certain...Canada needs goaltending tonight. It looks like Dustin Tokarski (Spokane) will get the start again between the pipes. I'll admit...this surprises me. Tokarski has been shaky at times over the last two games....and I'm a big believer in Chet Pickard. We'll have to live with Pat Quinn's hunch though, and cheer on whoever gets the nod.
-Heading into the WJC camp, I was really on the fence when it came to Jordan Eberle. I knew he was an outstanding player......but I just wasn't sure if he was a guy that was going to play in Canada's top six. Boy has he silenced any critics he may have had. Ebs has been unreal, and his hands are proving to be some of the best we've ever seen. "The goal" has made him an instant national icon.
-What are you doing for the game tonight? I'll be hitting a lounge with some friends I think...an event like this, I have to be out somewhere to take in all the drama with other Canadians.
When it comes to any other team I cheer for, like the Riders or the Oilers, I don't really like going out to public places, because you'll always find people cheering AGAINST your team as well......It's a different story when it's a Team Canada event though. I don't know a lot of Swedes in Red Deer.
----------------------
--------------------------
The WHL is set to relaunch a brand new website today.......it hits at NOON our time. I look forward to seeing it. Here's the release:
CALGARY, AB. - The Western Hockey League is proud today to announce the launch of the new <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca .
The completely redesigned <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca features an all-new look and features including top-line navigation, new homepage video player, photo galleries, richer media, more video, exclusive photos, more multi-media throughout as well as a new key word search and suggestions tool.
Additional features like interactive news articles with the ability to post reader comments will be added in the future. WHL fans and media will still have the same access to WHL scores, standings, statistics and game information they have come accustom to in the past in a new and exciting look.
The new <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca will launch Monday, January 5th at 12:00 pm (MT). Please note between 11:30 am – 12:00 pm (MT), <http://www.whl.ca> www.whl.ca will be down as our website provider transfers IP addresses from the old website to the new.
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We've talked a lot recently about the emergence of Alex Petrovic on the Rebels blueline. I've only covered this team for about five years now, but the furious game-to-game improvement from the 16 year old Petro is the highest Ive seen so far from anyone.
Petrovic has been outstanding at the World Under 17's over the last two weeks in Port Alberni, B.C. His team Pacific lost 5-1 to Team Ontario in the gold medal final yesterday...but Petrovic was the hero of the semifinal win over the U.S., scoring twice, including the overtime winner in a 6-5 victory. It will be good to get him back in the lineup.
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The Rebels losing streak meanwhile, has reached three games following a 5-3 loss to Chilliwack on Saturday night. Red Deer finishes the road trip at 1-2-1, and head coach Jesse Wallin figures the team will have to go about 20-9 over the home stretch to make the playoffs. I would say that is a fairly accurate assessment.
Red Deer plays host to the Med Hat Tigers Wednesday at the Enmax Centrium - 7 p.m. (6:30 pregame show - www.big105.fm )
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AW
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday - Rebs Wrap Up Trip
Vancouver Giants 2 Red Deer Rebels 1 (ot)
-The Red Deer Rebels move to 1-1-1 so far on a four game road trip with a 2-1 overtime loss in Vancouver to the Western Conference-leading Giants. Down 1-0 with just over a minute to go, The Rebels pulled netminder Darcy Kuemper for the extra attacker, and prompty tied the game after Connor Redmond buried a Landon Ferraro feed in front.
3. VAN Schira, (9) (Regner, Pierro-Zabotel), 8:35 (PP)
3. R.D Redmond, (2) (Ferraro, Morin), 18:17
OT. VAN Fisenko, (8) (Berube), 4:21
-Mikael Fisenko won it for Vancouver in overtime, but Red Deer has to feel good about stealing a point in a place like Vancouver...where points are pretty hard to come by. The Rebs can wrap up what would be a succesful trip with a win in Chilliwack tonight.
-Nice read by the coaching staff.....Connor Redmond, who plays primarily on the fourth line, was having a strong game playing in front of friends and family.....he gets thrown out on the ice late in a pressure situation, and he bags his second of the season to tie the game.
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The Rebels wrap up the four-gamer tonight in Chilliwack: Here's the preview from WHL.ca
The Chilliwack Bruins (11-25-2-2) host the Red Deer Rebels (15-20-1-5) on Saturday night.
The Bruins suffered a 4-3 defeat to the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors on New Year’s Eve for their third straight defeat, and currently sit three points behind Prince George for eighth place in the Western Conference.
Andy Smith has been held off the score sheet in nine straight games.
The Rebels dropped a 2-1 overtime decision in Vancouver on Friday night for their second straight defeat and third in four games, and currently sit six points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Rebels are 5-12-1-4 on the road this season.
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Nice to see former Rebel Cam ward playing so well right now. After a slow start to the season with the Hurricanes, and a groin injury that slowed his momentum, Ward has been fantastic ever since the 'Canes made the coaching change, bringing in Paul Maurice to replace Peter Laviolette.
Ward is 7-2 -1 over his last ten starts...his save % is rising, while his G.A.A has been plummeting. After winning the Conn Smythe in 2006, ward took a lot of heat for a so so 2007, and didn't receive nearly the accolades he deserved in 2008, finishing fourth in the league in wins. The truth is, Ward is one of the best goaltenders in the game, and continues to win hockey games in a pretty wide-open Carolina system. Nice to see him playing so well.
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I had a good conversation with Brent Sutter yesterday about the New Jersey Devils, and his matchup with son Brandon and the Carolina Hurricanes coming up on Tuesday...unfotunately, we had some major audio problems here at the station, and the sound-card on my computer blew. needless to say, I can relay some quotes from Brent....buty the interview isn't broadcast quality. Looks like Cam Moon will have to find a different intermission guest tonight...Sorry Mooner!
AW
-The Red Deer Rebels move to 1-1-1 so far on a four game road trip with a 2-1 overtime loss in Vancouver to the Western Conference-leading Giants. Down 1-0 with just over a minute to go, The Rebels pulled netminder Darcy Kuemper for the extra attacker, and prompty tied the game after Connor Redmond buried a Landon Ferraro feed in front.
3. VAN Schira, (9) (Regner, Pierro-Zabotel), 8:35 (PP)
3. R.D Redmond, (2) (Ferraro, Morin), 18:17
OT. VAN Fisenko, (8) (Berube), 4:21
-Mikael Fisenko won it for Vancouver in overtime, but Red Deer has to feel good about stealing a point in a place like Vancouver...where points are pretty hard to come by. The Rebs can wrap up what would be a succesful trip with a win in Chilliwack tonight.
-Nice read by the coaching staff.....Connor Redmond, who plays primarily on the fourth line, was having a strong game playing in front of friends and family.....he gets thrown out on the ice late in a pressure situation, and he bags his second of the season to tie the game.
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The Rebels wrap up the four-gamer tonight in Chilliwack: Here's the preview from WHL.ca
The Chilliwack Bruins (11-25-2-2) host the Red Deer Rebels (15-20-1-5) on Saturday night.
The Bruins suffered a 4-3 defeat to the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors on New Year’s Eve for their third straight defeat, and currently sit three points behind Prince George for eighth place in the Western Conference.
Andy Smith has been held off the score sheet in nine straight games.
The Rebels dropped a 2-1 overtime decision in Vancouver on Friday night for their second straight defeat and third in four games, and currently sit six points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Rebels are 5-12-1-4 on the road this season.
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Nice to see former Rebel Cam ward playing so well right now. After a slow start to the season with the Hurricanes, and a groin injury that slowed his momentum, Ward has been fantastic ever since the 'Canes made the coaching change, bringing in Paul Maurice to replace Peter Laviolette.
Ward is 7-2 -1 over his last ten starts...his save % is rising, while his G.A.A has been plummeting. After winning the Conn Smythe in 2006, ward took a lot of heat for a so so 2007, and didn't receive nearly the accolades he deserved in 2008, finishing fourth in the league in wins. The truth is, Ward is one of the best goaltenders in the game, and continues to win hockey games in a pretty wide-open Carolina system. Nice to see him playing so well.
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I had a good conversation with Brent Sutter yesterday about the New Jersey Devils, and his matchup with son Brandon and the Carolina Hurricanes coming up on Tuesday...unfotunately, we had some major audio problems here at the station, and the sound-card on my computer blew. needless to say, I can relay some quotes from Brent....buty the interview isn't broadcast quality. Looks like Cam Moon will have to find a different intermission guest tonight...Sorry Mooner!
AW
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday Update - Gameday - Prospect News
Red Deer Rebels @ Vancouver Giants8:30 p.m. (http://www.big105.fm/) -Pregame show at 8:20
-Game three of a four game road swing for Red Deer, who lost 6-3 in Everett on Wednesday night.
-If Red Deer is ever going to knock off the top team in the West, tonight would probably be a good time to do it. The Giants are missing 17 year old forward Evander Kane (Canada - WJC's) and 19 year old D John Blum (U.S. - WJC's)
-Coming in, the Rebels sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only Moose Jaw, and seven points out of the 8th and final playoff position. In order to make the postseason, Red Deer will need to leapfrog both Prince Albert and Edmonton, as well as catch one team currently in the top eight. (Regina? Lethbridge? Kootenay?)
-D Alex Petrovic is still at the World U17s with Team Pacific...and as of right now, I am not sure when Tommi Kivisto will return from team Finland. I would expect the team to give him some time off upon his return though. For a player who has already reached a career-high in terms of games played, tacking on the WJC's may tire him out for the second half. The coaching staff is well aware of this and will probably do their best to ensure he doesn't run out of gas in the coming weeks.
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At the Macs Midget Tournament in Calgary.....the legend that is Ryan Hugent-Hopkins continues to grow. The Rebels prospect, selected first overall in the 2008 Bantam Draft, was named Mac's Tourney MVP....at the age of 15.
It's difficult to PLAY Major Midget at 15, let alone lead the BC AAA league in scoring. Not only will Hopkins be an impact player next season in Red Deer...he could be upwards of a point per game guy right away.Hopkin's Giants lost 6-5 in double OT to the CGY Buffaloes in the championship final yesterday.
Red Deer's AAA Optimist Rebels had a terrific round-robin, going a perfect 4-0, but lost in their first playoff game, 4-0 to Lethbridge. G Mike Salmon was named top goaltender of the tourney, and was named to the first all-star squad. D Justin Krabben was named to the second team.
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Former Red Deer Rebel Kris Versteeg will go down in history as the first ever player to score a goal at Wrigley Field. Versteeg lit the lamp for Chicago yesterday, and later added an assist, in a 6-4 loss to the Wings at the Winter Classic.
It goes without saying....Versteeg, now with 31 points in 34 games, has been one of the big stories in the NHL this season. he's still in the hunt for the Calder, although he may be in tough against Patrik Berglund in St.Louis and Steve Mason in Columbus.
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Coming up Tuesday: New Jersey Devils @ Carolina Hurricanes
Brent Sutter vs Brandon Sutter...for the first time ever. I hope to have comments for you from both over the next few days.
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A couple of local notes: This morning marked the start of the 25th annual "Friends on Ice" Ringette tourney in the city. A great boost to the community, this tourney continues to get bigger and better every year.
And The Red Deer Titans Rugby Club played their annual "Snow Bowl" yesterday at the Rugby park. The annual game pits the "Married's" against the "Singles". Those who have already tied the knot must be battled-hardened. They won it this year 30-15
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AW
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