It's been a lot of fun keeping tabs on the two most entertaining first round WHL playoff series.
Swift Current and Medicine Hat will go to a 7th and deciding game tonight, while Saskatoon and Lethbridge will go to seventh heaven tomorrow.
The Broncos are suddenly devastated by injuries, which will play a huge factor tonight. Check out all the gameday info on Jon Keen's terrific blog, linked to the right.
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This is great. The Leafs have inked Notre Dame prospect Christian Hanson. Yup. That Hanson clan.
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/clip?id=3273508&categoryid=null
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Bentley Generals vs Fort St. John Flyers will kick off the McKenzie Cup Thursday night at the Red Deer Arena. Things have admittedly been a bit slow here the last week or so, but I'll have plenty of info on this series in the days ahead.
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I'm off to Edmonton to catch Oilers - Ducks tonight. BY FAR, the biggest game of the season for Edmonton. Lose, and I think they're done. Very frustrating as an Oilers fan. AT least Pedersen's Dallas Stars are done. Looks good on them.
AW
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Generals on to the McKenzie Cup
BENTLEY GENERALS 2 STONY PLAIN EAGLES 1
(Red Deer, AB)
What a huge surprise. Cough.
Game seven of the Senior AAA Provincial final, fittingly, came down to a single goal AGAIN Wednesday night.
Before a packed house (and I mean JAM-packed) at the Red Deer Arena (upwards of 2300) the Bentley Generals used goals from Sean Robertson and Kevin Smyth to upend the Stony Plain Eagles 2-1, and capture the Provincial title for a third consecutive season.
Robertson opened the scoring in the second period, converting a rebound of Smyth's fanned shot from the circle.
(Red Deer, AB)
What a huge surprise. Cough.
Game seven of the Senior AAA Provincial final, fittingly, came down to a single goal AGAIN Wednesday night.
Before a packed house (and I mean JAM-packed) at the Red Deer Arena (upwards of 2300) the Bentley Generals used goals from Sean Robertson and Kevin Smyth to upend the Stony Plain Eagles 2-1, and capture the Provincial title for a third consecutive season.
Robertson opened the scoring in the second period, converting a rebound of Smyth's fanned shot from the circle.
(pictured: Kevin Smyth...in 1994)
Stony responded with a HUGE goal late in the period, a powerplay marker from Tate Locke with just 14 seconds to go, and it was 1-1 after 40.
Midway through the third, the Generals caught a break, as a possible go-ahead goal by Stony was called back after it was knocked in with a high stick.
From that point on, Bentley seemed to play with more urgency, and with 8:01 to go, Kevin Smyth ripped home a powerplay marker off a pretty feed from Diarmuid Kelly for the go-ahead goal.
Scott Galenza would preserve the series clincher for Bentley, making 19 saves, while Cody Rudkowsky was again unflappable for Stony, stopping 28.
The former St.Louis Blues netminder was named playoff MVP, and deservedly so.
So...Bentley moves on to the McKenzie Cup Championship series against the Fort St. John Flyers. All games go at the Red Deer Arena, startig next Thursday night. The winner moves on to the Allan Cup.
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Greg Wyshynski, who has a terrific blog (puck daddy) on Yahoo! Sports - caught up with former Rebel netminder Cam Ward this week. Included is another plug for our Ward-owned Rec team here in town, the Red Deer Jets.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Puck-Daddy-chats-with-Carolina-s-Cam-Ward-about-;_ylt=AtvWQQHc3vhKOrZ8Aj8XV997vLYF?urn=nhl,150520
Ward picked up his 5th consecutive win last night, number 35 on the season, as the 'Canes defeated Ottawa 2-1.
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The former St.Louis Blues netminder was named playoff MVP, and deservedly so.
So...Bentley moves on to the McKenzie Cup Championship series against the Fort St. John Flyers. All games go at the Red Deer Arena, startig next Thursday night. The winner moves on to the Allan Cup.
-----------------------------
Greg Wyshynski, who has a terrific blog (puck daddy) on Yahoo! Sports - caught up with former Rebel netminder Cam Ward this week. Included is another plug for our Ward-owned Rec team here in town, the Red Deer Jets.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Puck-Daddy-chats-with-Carolina-s-Cam-Ward-about-;_ylt=AtvWQQHc3vhKOrZ8Aj8XV997vLYF?urn=nhl,150520
Ward picked up his 5th consecutive win last night, number 35 on the season, as the 'Canes defeated Ottawa 2-1.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Griz down to one last bullet
AJHL PLAYOFFS
SPRUCE GROVE SAINTS 4 OLDS GRIZZLIES 1
(Olds, AB)
-The Spruce Grove Saints, the number one ranked Jr. A squad in the nation, rode a pair of former Red Deer Rebels to a 4-1 victory over the Olds Grizzlies Monday night, and with it, take a commanding 3-0 lead in the third-round series.
G Travis Rolheiser made 35 saves in net, while Jordan Draper picked up a goal and an assist.
Josh Lazowski, the former Leduc AAA Midget, notched a pair of assists. Lazowski was at Rebels camp this past September, and although he has great hands, he was about a half step behind the pace.
Also playing for Spruce Grove, defenseman Rory Connop, who at one point was coveted by the Rebs and "I believe" was placed on the protected list.
Ryan Cornforth scored the lone goal for Olds, who will need a win tonight on home ice to avoid the sweep. (7:30 p.m. - Olds Sportsplex)
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I have watched a lot of hockey this season, but I don't know if I've seen a shoddier goaltending performance then that of Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood last night in Calgary. At one point, it was all Wings, but 3-0 Flames on the scoreboard, thanks to three BRUTAL goals. Is Detroit REALLY going to win the cup? This should have been a 3-1 game in favour of the Wings, but they lost 5-3.
Speaking of this game, Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin was apparently down at the 'Dome to say hello to some former Wings teammates. I think we all forget it sometimes, but Wally should actually still be PLAYING in the NHL. His is one of the more unfortunate stories of a great career ruined early by concussion problems
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Remember...Game Seven of the Senior AAA Provincial Final goes tomorrow night at the Red Deer Arena (8:30 p.m.).
It could potentially be the final game of the season for the Bentley Generals as they host Stony Plain...but with the way home ice has gone in this series (each team winning three in their own barn) I would say you should put an extra nickel or two on the Generals.
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The WHL postseason continues tonight with six series going to game three. Last night, The CGY Hitmen dump Edmonton 4-1 to go up 3-0 in that first round series. The bigger story though, may have been the crowd, or lack thereof.
Guy Flaming has an interesting take on the Pipeline Blog today:
http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/
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Former Rebel netminder Cam Ward was great again last night in the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 OT win over Florida. Wardo has helped the 'Canes move all the way up to fifth in the East, and was named the NHL's First Star of the week yesterday.
Ward is very quietly having a career season, and sits third OVERALL in the NHL when it comes to wins (34-22-5, 5 so)
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SPRUCE GROVE SAINTS 4 OLDS GRIZZLIES 1
(Olds, AB)
-The Spruce Grove Saints, the number one ranked Jr. A squad in the nation, rode a pair of former Red Deer Rebels to a 4-1 victory over the Olds Grizzlies Monday night, and with it, take a commanding 3-0 lead in the third-round series.
G Travis Rolheiser made 35 saves in net, while Jordan Draper picked up a goal and an assist.
Josh Lazowski, the former Leduc AAA Midget, notched a pair of assists. Lazowski was at Rebels camp this past September, and although he has great hands, he was about a half step behind the pace.
Also playing for Spruce Grove, defenseman Rory Connop, who at one point was coveted by the Rebs and "I believe" was placed on the protected list.
Ryan Cornforth scored the lone goal for Olds, who will need a win tonight on home ice to avoid the sweep. (7:30 p.m. - Olds Sportsplex)
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I have watched a lot of hockey this season, but I don't know if I've seen a shoddier goaltending performance then that of Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood last night in Calgary. At one point, it was all Wings, but 3-0 Flames on the scoreboard, thanks to three BRUTAL goals. Is Detroit REALLY going to win the cup? This should have been a 3-1 game in favour of the Wings, but they lost 5-3.
Speaking of this game, Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin was apparently down at the 'Dome to say hello to some former Wings teammates. I think we all forget it sometimes, but Wally should actually still be PLAYING in the NHL. His is one of the more unfortunate stories of a great career ruined early by concussion problems
---------
Remember...Game Seven of the Senior AAA Provincial Final goes tomorrow night at the Red Deer Arena (8:30 p.m.).
It could potentially be the final game of the season for the Bentley Generals as they host Stony Plain...but with the way home ice has gone in this series (each team winning three in their own barn) I would say you should put an extra nickel or two on the Generals.
-------
The WHL postseason continues tonight with six series going to game three. Last night, The CGY Hitmen dump Edmonton 4-1 to go up 3-0 in that first round series. The bigger story though, may have been the crowd, or lack thereof.
Guy Flaming has an interesting take on the Pipeline Blog today:
http://thepipelineshow.blogspot.com/
----------
Former Rebel netminder Cam Ward was great again last night in the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 OT win over Florida. Wardo has helped the 'Canes move all the way up to fifth in the East, and was named the NHL's First Star of the week yesterday.
Ward is very quietly having a career season, and sits third OVERALL in the NHL when it comes to wins (34-22-5, 5 so)
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday Update - Another Game Seven
GENERALS - EAGLES GOING TO GAME SEVEN
For the second time in as many series, the Bentley Generals are going to a do or die game seven.
The Stony Plain Eagles evened the Senior AAA provincial final at three with a 2-1 win on home ice last night.
Yes. As dramatic as ANOTHER game seven is going to be...is anyone surprised? These two teams play to a one-goal result almost EVERY single time they meet. In the Chinook League Championship, Bentley won the fifth and deciding game 5-4. After seven games with Fort Sask, it will once again be Bentley and Stony in game seven.
In all seriousness, this game.... (Wednesday - Red Deer Arena - 8:30 p.m.) is for a berth in the Allan Cup. The winner moves on to HOST the Mackenzie cup, which has been an annual walk for whoever comes out of Alberta.
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REBELS TOP PROSPECT STILL ROLLING ALONG IN PLAYOFFS
15 year old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins playoff run will continue. Nugent-Hopkins midget team, the Vancouver Northwest Giants, defeated the Greater Vancouver Canadiens 2-1 in overtime to capture the B.C. Major Midget League title Sunday.
The Giants now await the winner of the Alberta Midget League Championship series between the Calgary Buffaloes (featuring Rebs prospect Joel Lowry) and Sherwood Park. B.C. hosts the Pacific Regionals (April 3-5)
The 15 year old Nugent Hopkins, one of the youngest players in the league, led the regular season in scoring with 40 goals, 47 assists, and 87 points in just 36 games. The second leading scorer had 63 points. He also put up 11 points in five playoff games.
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GRIZZLIES LOOK FOR BIG PLAYOFF WIN ON HOME ICE
A big game for the Olds Grizzlies tonight in the AJHL Playoffs. The Griz dropped both weekend games on the road in Spruce Grove over the weekend, and trail their third-round series with the Saints 2-0. Spruce Grove is currently the top-ranked Jr. A team in the nation.
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For the second time in as many series, the Bentley Generals are going to a do or die game seven.
The Stony Plain Eagles evened the Senior AAA provincial final at three with a 2-1 win on home ice last night.
Yes. As dramatic as ANOTHER game seven is going to be...is anyone surprised? These two teams play to a one-goal result almost EVERY single time they meet. In the Chinook League Championship, Bentley won the fifth and deciding game 5-4. After seven games with Fort Sask, it will once again be Bentley and Stony in game seven.
In all seriousness, this game.... (Wednesday - Red Deer Arena - 8:30 p.m.) is for a berth in the Allan Cup. The winner moves on to HOST the Mackenzie cup, which has been an annual walk for whoever comes out of Alberta.
------------------------
REBELS TOP PROSPECT STILL ROLLING ALONG IN PLAYOFFS
15 year old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins playoff run will continue. Nugent-Hopkins midget team, the Vancouver Northwest Giants, defeated the Greater Vancouver Canadiens 2-1 in overtime to capture the B.C. Major Midget League title Sunday.
The Giants now await the winner of the Alberta Midget League Championship series between the Calgary Buffaloes (featuring Rebs prospect Joel Lowry) and Sherwood Park. B.C. hosts the Pacific Regionals (April 3-5)
The 15 year old Nugent Hopkins, one of the youngest players in the league, led the regular season in scoring with 40 goals, 47 assists, and 87 points in just 36 games. The second leading scorer had 63 points. He also put up 11 points in five playoff games.
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GRIZZLIES LOOK FOR BIG PLAYOFF WIN ON HOME ICE
A big game for the Olds Grizzlies tonight in the AJHL Playoffs. The Griz dropped both weekend games on the road in Spruce Grove over the weekend, and trail their third-round series with the Saints 2-0. Spruce Grove is currently the top-ranked Jr. A team in the nation.
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Friday, March 20, 2009
WHL Playoff Predictions
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Edmonton Oil Kings vs Calgary Hitmen
-I have all the respect in the world for the rapid progress Edmonton has made, but you don't see mismatches like this very often. I really hope Edmonton can put on a thriller in either game three of four at Rexall - HITMEN IN A SWEEP
Saskatoon Blades vs Lethbridge Hurricanes
-This could wind up being the best series of the year. Something tells me Lethbridge will finally play like we all thought they would from the start of the year, but unfortunately, they're up against a rock-solid, playoff built Blades squad. Cam Moon is going to have a ton of fun covering this one for SHAW. Saskatoon's dominance on the road wins out. - BLADES IN 6
Brandon Wheat Kings vs Kootenay Ice
-Call it a hunch. The Ice somehow continue to win games, and I'm going to go out on a limb. Kootenay will win three overtime games, and get outshot badly - ICE IN 7
Medicine Hat Tigers vs Swift Current Broncos
-This should be another great series. No Matt Tassone really hurts the Broncos, but despite superstar Tyler Ennis, I think Swift still is the better team - BRONCOS IN 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver Giants vs Prince George Cougars
-I think Vancouver will have a tougher time getting out of the West then say...Cgy will have in the East, but this is still a quick warmup act for the Giants. P.G. pulls out one game. - GIANTS IN 5
Everett Silvertips vs Tri City Americans
-Everett has given up a ton of goals. Tri City scores a ton of goals. Hopefully the Ams get Chet Pickard back soon - TRI IN FIVE
Kelowna Rockets vs Kamloops Blazers
-Nine meetings this season, nine Kelowna wins. eep. Blazers rally for one solitary overtime victory. I love playoff OT. - ROCKETS IN FIVE
Spokane Chiefs vs Seattle Thunderbirds
-Could we get two upsets in the first round? Yup. Tbirds take advantage of a hurting Chiefs squad. Pickard, Hickey take team on shoulders. Devon LeBlanc pots series winner. - TBIRDS IN 7
Edmonton Oil Kings vs Calgary Hitmen
-I have all the respect in the world for the rapid progress Edmonton has made, but you don't see mismatches like this very often. I really hope Edmonton can put on a thriller in either game three of four at Rexall - HITMEN IN A SWEEP
Saskatoon Blades vs Lethbridge Hurricanes
-This could wind up being the best series of the year. Something tells me Lethbridge will finally play like we all thought they would from the start of the year, but unfortunately, they're up against a rock-solid, playoff built Blades squad. Cam Moon is going to have a ton of fun covering this one for SHAW. Saskatoon's dominance on the road wins out. - BLADES IN 6
Brandon Wheat Kings vs Kootenay Ice
-Call it a hunch. The Ice somehow continue to win games, and I'm going to go out on a limb. Kootenay will win three overtime games, and get outshot badly - ICE IN 7
Medicine Hat Tigers vs Swift Current Broncos
-This should be another great series. No Matt Tassone really hurts the Broncos, but despite superstar Tyler Ennis, I think Swift still is the better team - BRONCOS IN 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver Giants vs Prince George Cougars
-I think Vancouver will have a tougher time getting out of the West then say...Cgy will have in the East, but this is still a quick warmup act for the Giants. P.G. pulls out one game. - GIANTS IN 5
Everett Silvertips vs Tri City Americans
-Everett has given up a ton of goals. Tri City scores a ton of goals. Hopefully the Ams get Chet Pickard back soon - TRI IN FIVE
Kelowna Rockets vs Kamloops Blazers
-Nine meetings this season, nine Kelowna wins. eep. Blazers rally for one solitary overtime victory. I love playoff OT. - ROCKETS IN FIVE
Spokane Chiefs vs Seattle Thunderbirds
-Could we get two upsets in the first round? Yup. Tbirds take advantage of a hurting Chiefs squad. Pickard, Hickey take team on shoulders. Devon LeBlanc pots series winner. - TBIRDS IN 7
Playoff Picks
I'm one of the last to do them, but my playoff predictions will be up later this morning.
AW
AW
Big Weekend Upcoming
Rebels 17 year old forward Landon Ferraro will soon head to Canada's U-18 selection camp in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This year's tourney begins April 9th in Fargo-Moorhead, ND. Canada opens up defence of it's 2008 title against Germany.
Mike Johnston, the head coach and GM of the WHL's Portand Winterhawks, was named Canada's bench boss earlier this week.
Landon, who is finishing up classes in Red Deer still, gets to spend a week at home in Vancouver with the family before embarking on a busy spring and summer, one that includes the U-18's, the NHL Draft Combine, and the NHL Entry Draft in June, where he is expected to go in the first round.
Landon will join me on the show this Sunday to talk about his hopes for the selection camp.
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Also on MORON SPORTS this weekend, I'll catch up with former Red Deer Rebel and Moose Jaw Warrior Jordan Knackstedt, a 7th round pick of the Boston Bruins, who is having a very solid season with the AHL's Providence Bruins.
We'll also take a look at the season that was for the Rebs, hear from head coach Jesse Wallin, and preview/update the first round of the WHL postseason with Cam Moon.
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I didn't mention this yesterday, but Paul Postma of Red Deer was fittingly named a first team All-Star after his insane season with the Calgary Hitmen. Postma ranked up 23 goals, and 84 poins to tie a Calgary club record for blueliners, and was also named the Eastern Conference nominee for Dman of the year.
Postma was drafted in the 7th round by Atlanta in 2007, and hopes to reach a contract very soon. However, even if he doesn't, he could re-enter the draft and probably go in the first two rounds this summer.
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Coming up tonight:
AJHL Playoffs - Olds Grizzlies @ Spruce Grove Saints - Game one, Round three
Coming up tomorrow
AJHL Playoffs - Olds Grizzlies @ Spruce Grove Saints - Game two, round three
Sr. AAA Prov. Final - Bentley Generals vs Stony Plain - 8 p.m. (RD Arena) (series tied 2-2)
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On Sunday, a bunch of us media guys will be playing in the 5th annual "Scoops vs Troops" game at the Blackfalds Arena. It's a 2 p.m. start, with tickets just a few bucks at the door. The media takes on the military, with the good guys going for a 5th consecutive win.
This year's tourney begins April 9th in Fargo-Moorhead, ND. Canada opens up defence of it's 2008 title against Germany.
Mike Johnston, the head coach and GM of the WHL's Portand Winterhawks, was named Canada's bench boss earlier this week.
Landon, who is finishing up classes in Red Deer still, gets to spend a week at home in Vancouver with the family before embarking on a busy spring and summer, one that includes the U-18's, the NHL Draft Combine, and the NHL Entry Draft in June, where he is expected to go in the first round.
Landon will join me on the show this Sunday to talk about his hopes for the selection camp.
-----
Also on MORON SPORTS this weekend, I'll catch up with former Red Deer Rebel and Moose Jaw Warrior Jordan Knackstedt, a 7th round pick of the Boston Bruins, who is having a very solid season with the AHL's Providence Bruins.
We'll also take a look at the season that was for the Rebs, hear from head coach Jesse Wallin, and preview/update the first round of the WHL postseason with Cam Moon.
-------
I didn't mention this yesterday, but Paul Postma of Red Deer was fittingly named a first team All-Star after his insane season with the Calgary Hitmen. Postma ranked up 23 goals, and 84 poins to tie a Calgary club record for blueliners, and was also named the Eastern Conference nominee for Dman of the year.
Postma was drafted in the 7th round by Atlanta in 2007, and hopes to reach a contract very soon. However, even if he doesn't, he could re-enter the draft and probably go in the first two rounds this summer.
---------------
Coming up tonight:
AJHL Playoffs - Olds Grizzlies @ Spruce Grove Saints - Game one, Round three
Coming up tomorrow
AJHL Playoffs - Olds Grizzlies @ Spruce Grove Saints - Game two, round three
Sr. AAA Prov. Final - Bentley Generals vs Stony Plain - 8 p.m. (RD Arena) (series tied 2-2)
------------
On Sunday, a bunch of us media guys will be playing in the 5th annual "Scoops vs Troops" game at the Blackfalds Arena. It's a 2 p.m. start, with tickets just a few bucks at the door. The media takes on the military, with the good guys going for a 5th consecutive win.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday Update - Draft Pick
The Red Deer Rebels, after missing the playoffs for the third time in four years, will get another high end prospect to add to the stable this spring.
The WHL, holding the annual draft lottery yesterday in Edmonton for all six non-playoff teams.
1) Portland Winterhawks
2) Moose Jaw Warriors
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Red Deer Rebels
5) Regina Pats
6) Prince Albert Raiders
In 2006, the Rebs selected Landon Ferraro 2nd overall, in 2007, Connor Redmond was the 11th overall selection, and last year, Ryan Nugent Hopkins went number one.
The Bantam Draft goes April 30th in Edmonton.
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The WHL postseason begins tonight with the Edmonton Oil Kings in Calgary. The Hitmen wind up as the top-ranked team in the nation heading into the playoffs.
The Windsor Spitfires out of the OHL are ranked number two, the QMJHL's Drumondville Voltigeurs at three. The WHL's Vancouver Giants are ranked number four, and Saskatoon seven.
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PURELY from the rumor mill.....I have heard this name pop up in numerous conversations over the last couple of weeks. Mattias Tedenby.
18 years old, the NEW JERSEY DEVILS first-round pick in last summer's NHL entry draft. The diminuative Swede is a flashy, offensive player who starred for his country at the World Junior's in Ottawa. With the Brent Sutter connection, could this be a player Red Deer grabs in the CHL Import Draft? Obviously, it's only speculation, and so much has to be worked out before tedenby would come over...........but sometimes, where there's smoke, there's fire.
Red Deer has stated that a high end European forward will be one of their off-season goals.
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This afternoon marks the start of the 4A Provincial High School Basketball Championships here in Red Deer. Lindsay Thurber, Hunting Hills, and Notre Dame all have teams ranked in the top 16.
In the Sr. Boys bracket - #16 Lindsay Thurber vs #1 Harry Ainley - 2 p.m.
- # 13 Notre Dame vs #4 Archbishop O'Leary - 4 p.m.
Sr. Girls - # 13 Thurber vs #4 Archbishop Jordan - 2 p.m.
- # 15 Hunting Hills vs #2 St. Marys - 6 p.m.
-All four local teams will need to pull off a pretty sizeable upset to move on.
The WHL, holding the annual draft lottery yesterday in Edmonton for all six non-playoff teams.
1) Portland Winterhawks
2) Moose Jaw Warriors
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Red Deer Rebels
5) Regina Pats
6) Prince Albert Raiders
In 2006, the Rebs selected Landon Ferraro 2nd overall, in 2007, Connor Redmond was the 11th overall selection, and last year, Ryan Nugent Hopkins went number one.
The Bantam Draft goes April 30th in Edmonton.
----------------------------------
The WHL postseason begins tonight with the Edmonton Oil Kings in Calgary. The Hitmen wind up as the top-ranked team in the nation heading into the playoffs.
The Windsor Spitfires out of the OHL are ranked number two, the QMJHL's Drumondville Voltigeurs at three. The WHL's Vancouver Giants are ranked number four, and Saskatoon seven.
----------------------
PURELY from the rumor mill.....I have heard this name pop up in numerous conversations over the last couple of weeks. Mattias Tedenby.
18 years old, the NEW JERSEY DEVILS first-round pick in last summer's NHL entry draft. The diminuative Swede is a flashy, offensive player who starred for his country at the World Junior's in Ottawa. With the Brent Sutter connection, could this be a player Red Deer grabs in the CHL Import Draft? Obviously, it's only speculation, and so much has to be worked out before tedenby would come over...........but sometimes, where there's smoke, there's fire.
Red Deer has stated that a high end European forward will be one of their off-season goals.
-------------
This afternoon marks the start of the 4A Provincial High School Basketball Championships here in Red Deer. Lindsay Thurber, Hunting Hills, and Notre Dame all have teams ranked in the top 16.
In the Sr. Boys bracket - #16 Lindsay Thurber vs #1 Harry Ainley - 2 p.m.
- # 13 Notre Dame vs #4 Archbishop O'Leary - 4 p.m.
Sr. Girls - # 13 Thurber vs #4 Archbishop Jordan - 2 p.m.
- # 15 Hunting Hills vs #2 St. Marys - 6 p.m.
-All four local teams will need to pull off a pretty sizeable upset to move on.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday update
I'm sure the Red Deer Rebels will be watching with vested interest tonight as the Edmonton Oil Kings visit the Prince Albert Raiders to see who goes to the WHL postseason in the Eastern Conference....
Red Deer made this game happen with back to back wins over Edmonton this past weekend.
There was an email from the Raiders office this week that simply said......"Go Rebels Go"
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20 year old's Brennan Wray and Carter Smith are waiting on word from Fort Worth in the Central Hockey League this week. The possibility exists that the two Moose Jaw boys will head south to join the "Brahmas" for the rest of the season.
Red Deer made this game happen with back to back wins over Edmonton this past weekend.
There was an email from the Raiders office this week that simply said......"Go Rebels Go"
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20 year old's Brennan Wray and Carter Smith are waiting on word from Fort Worth in the Central Hockey League this week. The possibility exists that the two Moose Jaw boys will head south to join the "Brahmas" for the rest of the season.
Monday, March 16, 2009
WEEKEND SHOW
I'll be doing a full season-recap this weekend on the show. If you have ANY question on the team, the season, or the WHL playoffs in general, please get it to me. Sports@big105.fm
We'll hear from some players, coaches, and Cam Moon as well.
I'll make sure I get to every single one, no question too tough.
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The coaching staff is holding exit meetings with the players this morning.
We'll hear from some players, coaches, and Cam Moon as well.
I'll make sure I get to every single one, no question too tough.
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The coaching staff is holding exit meetings with the players this morning.
Weekend Sweep - Rebs Close Out Season
RED DEER REBELS 2 EDMONTON OIL KINGS 1
-They called this final stretch their own version of the playoffs, and they played like it. The Red Deer Rebels, playing the role of spoiler in a big-time way this weekend, sweeping a home and home with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Red Deer finishes up their season riding their best stretch of the season, having won six of nine.
-Down 1-0 heading into the third, Red Deer rallied with back-to-back goals from Carter Smith, his 19th and 20th of the season, marking the first time ALL YEAR Red Deer won a game that they trailed after two periods.
-What a devastating weekend this was for Edmonton, as they needed just one single point to qualify for the playoffs. Now, they'll head into Prince Albert for a one-game playoff tomorrow night. All of a sudden, It's advantage Raiders, even though the Oil Kings did win three of four in the season series.
-To fully understand the scope of the amazing freefall of the Regina Pats...try this one for size: With their win yesterday, the Rebels finish in a TIE with Regina for 10th in the Eastern Conference, each with 60 points. It's going to be a long offseason in the Queen City.
-During training camp, when everone was speculating on possible 20-year old's and what impact they could have, the Rebels VP of Hockey Ops Randy Peterson adamently defended Carter Smith, and all but promised a 20 goal season. Carter finished with 20 on the nose yesterday, and had easily his best career season.
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Heritage Jr. B - Stettler Lightning 4 Blackfalds Wranglers 3
-Stettler takes a 3-1 lead in the North Final, with game five set for Tuesday night.
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AJHL Playoffs - The Olds Grizzlies get another chance to move on to the third round tonight, and they can do it on home ice. The Griz lead Okotoks three games to two.
-They called this final stretch their own version of the playoffs, and they played like it. The Red Deer Rebels, playing the role of spoiler in a big-time way this weekend, sweeping a home and home with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Red Deer finishes up their season riding their best stretch of the season, having won six of nine.
-Down 1-0 heading into the third, Red Deer rallied with back-to-back goals from Carter Smith, his 19th and 20th of the season, marking the first time ALL YEAR Red Deer won a game that they trailed after two periods.
-What a devastating weekend this was for Edmonton, as they needed just one single point to qualify for the playoffs. Now, they'll head into Prince Albert for a one-game playoff tomorrow night. All of a sudden, It's advantage Raiders, even though the Oil Kings did win three of four in the season series.
-To fully understand the scope of the amazing freefall of the Regina Pats...try this one for size: With their win yesterday, the Rebels finish in a TIE with Regina for 10th in the Eastern Conference, each with 60 points. It's going to be a long offseason in the Queen City.
-During training camp, when everone was speculating on possible 20-year old's and what impact they could have, the Rebels VP of Hockey Ops Randy Peterson adamently defended Carter Smith, and all but promised a 20 goal season. Carter finished with 20 on the nose yesterday, and had easily his best career season.
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Heritage Jr. B - Stettler Lightning 4 Blackfalds Wranglers 3
-Stettler takes a 3-1 lead in the North Final, with game five set for Tuesday night.
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AJHL Playoffs - The Olds Grizzlies get another chance to move on to the third round tonight, and they can do it on home ice. The Griz lead Okotoks three games to two.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
One Last Weekend
RED DEER REBELS VS EDMONTON OIL KINGS - 7:30 P.M. (ENMAX CENTRIUM)
I'll have the pregame show starting at seven (www.big105.fm) - Considering the Rebels moving to 106.7 The Drive next year, this will be the final pregame show I'll do on BIG 105. Anyways......
With Prince Albert's CLUTCH win last night over the Blades, it means Edmonton (two games remaining) is tied with the Raiders (one game remaining) for the final playoff spot in the East.
The Raiders play IN Saskatoon tonight, setting up for a great finish to the season.
-I just got word that 20 year-old Carter Smith will probably be int he lineup tonight. Unexpected news, but also great news, as it was thought he was finished for the year after injuring his knee against Calgary a few weeks ago. Brennan Wray could also be back in tonight. Those two, along with Luke Egener, will all be wrapping up long WHL careers this weekend.
UPDATE - 6 P.M.
20 Year-olds Carter Smith and Brennan Wray WILL return to the lineup tonight. Weller, Oursov, and Mappin are all still injured.
No surprise, it's Kuemper vs Jung in goal.
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The Bentley Generals pulled out a 4-3 OT win against the Stony Plain Eagles last night at the Arena. The game was a bit sloppy to start...but boy, did it get dramatic in the late stages.
Brett Thurston converted a rebound for the game-winner. The Generals lead 2 games to one..game four goes tonight in Stony.
I had to roll my eyes a little bit at the shot total in this game. 66-28 in favour of Bentley. The Generals were the better team, no doubt about it.....but not to that extent. The guys counting the shots got a little carried away.
Fellas, I know you love your Generals, but padding the shot totals doesn't make them look any better. After a while, I started paying close attention, and there was definitely some "double clicking" going on.
My favorite part about watching Generals games, without a doubt, is watching Kevin Smyth shoot the puck. This guy absolutely hammers it. I love it.
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I'll have some more info prior to Rebs game time tonight
I'll have the pregame show starting at seven (www.big105.fm) - Considering the Rebels moving to 106.7 The Drive next year, this will be the final pregame show I'll do on BIG 105. Anyways......
With Prince Albert's CLUTCH win last night over the Blades, it means Edmonton (two games remaining) is tied with the Raiders (one game remaining) for the final playoff spot in the East.
The Raiders play IN Saskatoon tonight, setting up for a great finish to the season.
-I just got word that 20 year-old Carter Smith will probably be int he lineup tonight. Unexpected news, but also great news, as it was thought he was finished for the year after injuring his knee against Calgary a few weeks ago. Brennan Wray could also be back in tonight. Those two, along with Luke Egener, will all be wrapping up long WHL careers this weekend.
UPDATE - 6 P.M.
20 Year-olds Carter Smith and Brennan Wray WILL return to the lineup tonight. Weller, Oursov, and Mappin are all still injured.
No surprise, it's Kuemper vs Jung in goal.
--------
The Bentley Generals pulled out a 4-3 OT win against the Stony Plain Eagles last night at the Arena. The game was a bit sloppy to start...but boy, did it get dramatic in the late stages.
Brett Thurston converted a rebound for the game-winner. The Generals lead 2 games to one..game four goes tonight in Stony.
I had to roll my eyes a little bit at the shot total in this game. 66-28 in favour of Bentley. The Generals were the better team, no doubt about it.....but not to that extent. The guys counting the shots got a little carried away.
Fellas, I know you love your Generals, but padding the shot totals doesn't make them look any better. After a while, I started paying close attention, and there was definitely some "double clicking" going on.
My favorite part about watching Generals games, without a doubt, is watching Kevin Smyth shoot the puck. This guy absolutely hammers it. I love it.
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I'll have some more info prior to Rebs game time tonight
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday AM - Playing Spoiler/Radio Change
First up, some news concerning our radio broadcast for next season. Big news for us, maybe not quite as big for you.
Starting
in the fall, 106.7 The Drive will be your new home for Rebels hockey, leaving BIG 105 after 17 years. (Internally, from my angle, things don't especially change, as these two stations work hand in hand, and the studios are about six feet apart)
Two games to go for the Red Deer Rebels this season, and they directly affect the outcome of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Edmonton Oil Kings remain two points up on Prince Albert for the 8th and final playoff spot. Each team has two games remaining.
The Raiders finish off with a tough home and home against Saskatoon, while the Oil Kings get a home and home with Red Deer. The Raiders play tonight, so the Oil Kings will get a pretty good idea of what they need to do ahead of time.
--------------
Down at the Red Deer Arena tonight. Game three of the Sr. AAA Provincial Final between the Bentley Generals and Stony Plain Eagles. The series is knotted up at one.
In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies have gone up three games to one in their series with Okotoks. Jordan Kwas potted the game winner last night as the Griz took it 3-2. Game five goes Saturday.
--------------------------
And at the CCAA National Volleyball Championships in North Bay, Ontario, the RDC Queens are into the semifinals. The Queens defeated Nipissing college 3-1 in their first game, and will take on Macewan out of Edmonton tonight.
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I'll be down at the Arena tonight to catch the Generals...hope to see you there....
AW
Starting
in the fall, 106.7 The Drive will be your new home for Rebels hockey, leaving BIG 105 after 17 years. (Internally, from my angle, things don't especially change, as these two stations work hand in hand, and the studios are about six feet apart)All 72 regular season games, and dare I say, playoff games, will be on 106.7, as well as online (http://www.1067thedrive.fm/).
The two remaining games THIS season will still be on BIG 105. (http://www.big105.fm/)
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The two remaining games THIS season will still be on BIG 105. (http://www.big105.fm/)
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Two games to go for the Red Deer Rebels this season, and they directly affect the outcome of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Edmonton Oil Kings remain two points up on Prince Albert for the 8th and final playoff spot. Each team has two games remaining.
The Raiders finish off with a tough home and home against Saskatoon, while the Oil Kings get a home and home with Red Deer. The Raiders play tonight, so the Oil Kings will get a pretty good idea of what they need to do ahead of time.
--------------
Down at the Red Deer Arena tonight. Game three of the Sr. AAA Provincial Final between the Bentley Generals and Stony Plain Eagles. The series is knotted up at one.
In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies have gone up three games to one in their series with Okotoks. Jordan Kwas potted the game winner last night as the Griz took it 3-2. Game five goes Saturday.
--------------------------
And at the CCAA National Volleyball Championships in North Bay, Ontario, the RDC Queens are into the semifinals. The Queens defeated Nipissing college 3-1 in their first game, and will take on Macewan out of Edmonton tonight.
-----
I'll be down at the Arena tonight to catch the Generals...hope to see you there....
AW
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday Recap
MEDICINE HAT TIGERS 3 RED DEER REBELS 1
It's almost the end of the road for the Red Deer Rebels. Needing a win to clinch the season series with the Medicine Hat Tigers, a shorthanded Rebs squad came out flat and suffered a 3-1 loss on the road.
Here's the summary:
1. M.H Bosch, (21) (Vey, Ennis), 4:00
2. R.D Coetzee, (18) (Esposito, Petrovic), 14:45 (PP)
2. M.H Isherwood, (19) (Ringrose, Bosch), 16:42 (PP)
3. M.H Okal, (17) (Hamilton, Dunstall), 6:49
-Darcy Kuemper stopped 27 of 30 shots in goal.
Rebs forward Landon Ferraro was held off the board, leaving him at 36 goals on the season. Here are a couple of his thoughts afterwards:
"It's a game that was there to be won. We played about 25 minutes of good hocley and playing under half a game won't work against a team like Medicine Hat. You have to play a full game and we didnt do that. They're a team that on the powerplay and five on five can make you pay.....and we did."
On the end of the season:
"We really need these two last games to not only go out on a good note, but for setting up next year. We need to go out with a bang just to make next years team excited to be here and get playing. We need to make sure we come out strong Saturday."
The Rebels wrap up their 2008-09 season with a home and home against the Edmonton Oil Kings. (7:30 p.m. Saturday - Enmax Centrium) (2 p.m. Sunday - Rexall Place)
The Oil Kings sit 8th in the Eastern Conference, two points up on the Prince Albert Raiders, and five points up on Regina, with three games to play for each team.
Tonight, Edmonton plays host to the Kootenay Ice, while Prince Albert and Regina go head to head. So the possibility remains the Red Deer could very well decide the fate of the Oil Kings, something Ferraro is looking forward to.
"I'd like nothing better than to make Edmonton miss. They're one of the teams that you play a lot. I don't like playing them very much and I know the guys on the team dont like playing them much so it would be nice to send them to the golf course quick with us."
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The Blackfalds Wranglers struck first in game one of the Heritage Jr. B North Final last night with a 7-5 win over the Stettler Lightning. Kurtis Ross led the way with a hat trick for the Wranglers, who head on the road for game two tonight.
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In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies and Okotoks Oilers meet up in game three of their second-round series tonight. The series is tied at one. Gametime is 7:30 in Olds.
---------
AW
It's almost the end of the road for the Red Deer Rebels. Needing a win to clinch the season series with the Medicine Hat Tigers, a shorthanded Rebs squad came out flat and suffered a 3-1 loss on the road.
Here's the summary:
1. M.H Bosch, (21) (Vey, Ennis), 4:00
2. R.D Coetzee, (18) (Esposito, Petrovic), 14:45 (PP)
2. M.H Isherwood, (19) (Ringrose, Bosch), 16:42 (PP)
3. M.H Okal, (17) (Hamilton, Dunstall), 6:49
-Darcy Kuemper stopped 27 of 30 shots in goal.
Rebs forward Landon Ferraro was held off the board, leaving him at 36 goals on the season. Here are a couple of his thoughts afterwards:
"It's a game that was there to be won. We played about 25 minutes of good hocley and playing under half a game won't work against a team like Medicine Hat. You have to play a full game and we didnt do that. They're a team that on the powerplay and five on five can make you pay.....and we did."
On the end of the season:
"We really need these two last games to not only go out on a good note, but for setting up next year. We need to go out with a bang just to make next years team excited to be here and get playing. We need to make sure we come out strong Saturday."
The Rebels wrap up their 2008-09 season with a home and home against the Edmonton Oil Kings. (7:30 p.m. Saturday - Enmax Centrium) (2 p.m. Sunday - Rexall Place)
The Oil Kings sit 8th in the Eastern Conference, two points up on the Prince Albert Raiders, and five points up on Regina, with three games to play for each team.
Tonight, Edmonton plays host to the Kootenay Ice, while Prince Albert and Regina go head to head. So the possibility remains the Red Deer could very well decide the fate of the Oil Kings, something Ferraro is looking forward to.
"I'd like nothing better than to make Edmonton miss. They're one of the teams that you play a lot. I don't like playing them very much and I know the guys on the team dont like playing them much so it would be nice to send them to the golf course quick with us."
-------
The Blackfalds Wranglers struck first in game one of the Heritage Jr. B North Final last night with a 7-5 win over the Stettler Lightning. Kurtis Ross led the way with a hat trick for the Wranglers, who head on the road for game two tonight.
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In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies and Okotoks Oilers meet up in game three of their second-round series tonight. The series is tied at one. Gametime is 7:30 in Olds.
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AW
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday Gameday
RED DEER REBELS @ MEDICINE HAT TIGERS - 7 P.M.
Cam Moon will have the pregame show at 6:50 (http://www.big105.fm/)
The Rebels have won a pair of shootouts against the Tigers this season, and are 2-2-0-1 head to head.
Noone has had the Tigers number quite like leading scorer Landon
Ferraro. In four games against the Tigers this season (he missed one with a strained groin) Ferraro has six goals and two assists for eight points. Remember, he needs four goals over the final three games for a 40 goal season.
After tonight, the Rebs wrap things up with a home and home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Brennan Wray will likely stay home tonight. Carter Smith and Cass Mappin are out indefinitely as well.... No word on the immediate status of Justin Weller and Steve Oursov.
------------------------------
Yet another story is out there speculating on the future of Brent Sutter.
The Rebels owner and New Jersey Devils head coach has done a great job this year, and has his club competing for the Eastern Conference title.
That being said, being away from his family, his ranching operation, and his junior hockey club which has missed the postseason in three of the last four years, bringing with it an attendance dive.....certainly carries a certain level of homesickness.
Would I be surprised to see Brent back next season in Red Deer? Not at all.
However, I haven't talked to him or asked him about it straight up either. Like any decision he makes, I'm sure it will be pondered in the off-season, because as of right now, the Devils have as good a shot as anyone coming out of the East.
I do wonder about a couple of things though.
Cam Moon will have the pregame show at 6:50 (http://www.big105.fm/)
The Rebels have won a pair of shootouts against the Tigers this season, and are 2-2-0-1 head to head.
Noone has had the Tigers number quite like leading scorer Landon
Ferraro. In four games against the Tigers this season (he missed one with a strained groin) Ferraro has six goals and two assists for eight points. Remember, he needs four goals over the final three games for a 40 goal season.After tonight, the Rebs wrap things up with a home and home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Brennan Wray will likely stay home tonight. Carter Smith and Cass Mappin are out indefinitely as well.... No word on the immediate status of Justin Weller and Steve Oursov.
------------------------------
Yet another story is out there speculating on the future of Brent Sutter.
That being said, being away from his family, his ranching operation, and his junior hockey club which has missed the postseason in three of the last four years, bringing with it an attendance dive.....certainly carries a certain level of homesickness.Would I be surprised to see Brent back next season in Red Deer? Not at all.
However, I haven't talked to him or asked him about it straight up either. Like any decision he makes, I'm sure it will be pondered in the off-season, because as of right now, the Devils have as good a shot as anyone coming out of the East.
I do wonder about a couple of things though.
A) I wonder if Sutter's contract carries with it some sort of an out clause after this season, realizing beforehand that maybe he was only going to give NHL coaching a shot for a couple of years.
B) Is Sutter more likely to return to Red Deer if the Devils win the cup, or don't win the cup?
I do believe that this Junior hockey team is moving in the right direction, albeit slowly....The goaltending and top six defensemen are looking solid for next season, while a young, talented core of Ferraro - Coetzee - Mappin - Nugent Hopkins should provide the bulk of the offense.
Adding an impact Euro scorer and a contributing 20 year old would help, and s a result, the Rebs would almost certainly be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2009-10
What will accelerate the success of this team in my belief, is a full-time General Manager.
Would Brent go in that direction? Or would he want to resume a full time head coach and Gm role? If so..what happens to Jesse Wallin? Would aspirations of being a career coach take a hit if relegated to an assistant role again?
All questions that will be answered this offseason.
-----------------
AJHL Playoffs:
The Okotoks Oilers scored four goals in the third period last night enroute to a 6-3 win over the Olds Grizzlies. That second round series is now tied up at one, with game three set to go Wednesday night in Olds.
Heritage Jr. B Playoffs:
It's game one of the North Division Final tonight in Blackfalds. The Wranglers, coming off an emotional five-game win over the Red Deer Vipers, play host to Stettler. My good buddy Jared Waldo, who does sports at another radio station here in town, is an assistant coach with Blackfalds, and is doing a heckuva job.
NHL Notes
-Former Rebel netminder Cam Ward is quietly having a brilliant second half with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ward blanked the Rangers 3-0 last night for a career high fifth shutout of the season. For the third straight season, ward has reached the 30 win mark, a figure that places him currently third in the NHL. The five shutouts puts him in a tie for sixth. Ward has won his last four starts and has the 'Canes in a tie for fifth in the East.
-Red Deer's Brandon Sutter was recalled by the 'canes prior to this game from his two-week conditioning stint in Albany, but didn't dress.
-Speaking of the Devils, they're home to Darryl Sutter's Calgary Flames tonight, pitting brother against brother. Also of note, Flames youngster BRETT Sutter will play in this one. The Former Rebel captain faces his uncle Brent for the first time on NHL ice.
AW
B) Is Sutter more likely to return to Red Deer if the Devils win the cup, or don't win the cup?
I do believe that this Junior hockey team is moving in the right direction, albeit slowly....The goaltending and top six defensemen are looking solid for next season, while a young, talented core of Ferraro - Coetzee - Mappin - Nugent Hopkins should provide the bulk of the offense.
Adding an impact Euro scorer and a contributing 20 year old would help, and s a result, the Rebs would almost certainly be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2009-10
What will accelerate the success of this team in my belief, is a full-time General Manager.
Would Brent go in that direction? Or would he want to resume a full time head coach and Gm role? If so..what happens to Jesse Wallin? Would aspirations of being a career coach take a hit if relegated to an assistant role again?
All questions that will be answered this offseason.
-----------------
AJHL Playoffs:
The Okotoks Oilers scored four goals in the third period last night enroute to a 6-3 win over the Olds Grizzlies. That second round series is now tied up at one, with game three set to go Wednesday night in Olds.
Heritage Jr. B Playoffs:
It's game one of the North Division Final tonight in Blackfalds. The Wranglers, coming off an emotional five-game win over the Red Deer Vipers, play host to Stettler. My good buddy Jared Waldo, who does sports at another radio station here in town, is an assistant coach with Blackfalds, and is doing a heckuva job.
NHL Notes
-Former Rebel netminder Cam Ward is quietly having a brilliant second half with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ward blanked the Rangers 3-0 last night for a career high fifth shutout of the season. For the third straight season, ward has reached the 30 win mark, a figure that places him currently third in the NHL. The five shutouts puts him in a tie for sixth. Ward has won his last four starts and has the 'Canes in a tie for fifth in the East.
-Red Deer's Brandon Sutter was recalled by the 'canes prior to this game from his two-week conditioning stint in Albany, but didn't dress.
-Speaking of the Devils, they're home to Darryl Sutter's Calgary Flames tonight, pitting brother against brother. Also of note, Flames youngster BRETT Sutter will play in this one. The Former Rebel captain faces his uncle Brent for the first time on NHL ice.
AW
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday Morning Update
Apologies for the lack of weekend info.....I didn't get around to writing on the blog, and was reminded by Swift Currents Jon Keen Saturday to get my ass in gear.
Keener explained that one of his hobbies is something to the effect of sitting around, clicking refresh.
RED DEER REBELS WEEKEND
Friday night, the Rebs showed plenty of resiliency in the face of injuries, but still lost a tight-checking affair to the Kootenay Ice 3-2.
Landon Ferraro (36) and Joel Kot (2) scored for the Rebs, who were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention with the loss. The Ice meanwhile, clinch a playoff spot for the 58th yeat in a row. At the WHL trade deadline, I had my doubts it would happen, and now it looks like they'll end up finishing sixth in the conference.
Already without Carter Smith, Steve Oursov, Cass Mappin, and Justin Weller, the Rebs lost another one of their 20 year-olds Brennan Wray. Wray also sat out Saturday with concussion like/fatigue symptoms, but is expected to play again in the final three games, possibly tomorrow in Medicine Hat.
Saturday, we witnessed one of the more entertaining games of the season as the Rebs held off Swift Current 4-3.
Here's the summary:
1. S.C Dowling, (20) (Dansereau, Claffey), 10:37 (SH)
2. R.D Ferguson, (5) (Kambeitz, Deagle), 4:36
2. R.D Coetzee, (17) (Morin, Petrovic), 8:28
2. S.C Stickland, (23) (Dansereau, McAvoy), 18:32
3. R.D Redmond, (4) (Kambeitz, Kot), 13:49
3. R.D Archer, (6) , 19:23 (EN)
3. S.C Stickland, (24) (Negrin, Dowling), 19:42 (PP)
-Willie Coetzee's goal was unbelievable, and gets my vote for goal of the year. You can check it out on the Rebels website, and odds are, on the WHL plays of the week coming up. It's tough to describe, but basically Coetzee took a pass from Cullen Morin off the rush, toe-dragged Travis Yonkman, the Bronco netminder, and threw it upstairs while falling over backwards. Sensational.
-It was a wild finish to this one, as the Broncos's down a goal, had a 6 on 4 with less than a minute to go, but while passing it back to the point, the puck would hop over John Negrin's stick and go all the way down into the empty net. It took a while to figure out who was going to be credited with the goal, and in the booth we thought for a second it may have been Darcy Kuemper, the Rebel goaltender. Instead, Colin Archer was deemed the last Rebel to touch the puck, certainly the cheapest goal he's ever scored in his life.
"I just saw some mesh and shot it" Arch told me afterwards.
-This game marked the first in the last five in which Landon Ferraro failed to record a goal. Landon sits at 36 with three games to go, and still has an outside shot at hitting 40.
-16 year-old rookie Adam Kambietz was unbeleivable all weekend, and was a prime beneficiary of added ice time due to injuries. An assist Friday, and two helpers Saturday, along with the game's first star. I think Adam will be a prime breakout candidate next season.
------
What a big win for the Oil Kings last ngiht, 2-1 over Lethbridge. The victory puts EDM in the drivers seat when it comes to the final playoff spot in the conference. With a two point lead on Prince Albert with three games to play, the Oil Kings control their own destiny. Red Deer and Edmonton finish the season with a home and home Saturday and Sunday.
The Regina Pats also won last night, picking up a win against Moose Jaw, the only team they can beat in the second half. So for the time being, the Pats are alive, but they'll be out with a loss or an Edmonton win.
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Former Rebel Captain Scott Doucet, who also played for Regina and Prince Albert in the WHL, has signed on with a new team. www.reddeerjets.com
Yes. I know. A shameless promo. I stand by it.
-------------
It's shaping up to be another long series between the Bentley Generals and the Stony Plain Eagles. This series is tied up at one after the teams split a pair over the weekend. Game three goes Friday night at the Red Deer Arena, and thankfully, isn't head-to-head with a Rebels game for once.
------
In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies have stolen home-ice advantage away from the Okotoks Oilers with a 5-2 in game one of their second-round series. The Griz look to make it two in a row tonight, again on the road.
-----
Red Deer native Trent Hunter fractured his ankle on Saturday in the Islanders win over the New Jersey Devils, and is out indefinitely.
----------
AW
Keener explained that one of his hobbies is something to the effect of sitting around, clicking refresh.
RED DEER REBELS WEEKEND
Friday night, the Rebs showed plenty of resiliency in the face of injuries, but still lost a tight-checking affair to the Kootenay Ice 3-2.
Landon Ferraro (36) and Joel Kot (2) scored for the Rebs, who were mathematically eliminated from postseason contention with the loss. The Ice meanwhile, clinch a playoff spot for the 58th yeat in a row. At the WHL trade deadline, I had my doubts it would happen, and now it looks like they'll end up finishing sixth in the conference.
Already without Carter Smith, Steve Oursov, Cass Mappin, and Justin Weller, the Rebs lost another one of their 20 year-olds Brennan Wray. Wray also sat out Saturday with concussion like/fatigue symptoms, but is expected to play again in the final three games, possibly tomorrow in Medicine Hat.
Saturday, we witnessed one of the more entertaining games of the season as the Rebs held off Swift Current 4-3.
Here's the summary:
1. S.C Dowling, (20) (Dansereau, Claffey), 10:37 (SH)
2. R.D Ferguson, (5) (Kambeitz, Deagle), 4:36
2. R.D Coetzee, (17) (Morin, Petrovic), 8:28
2. S.C Stickland, (23) (Dansereau, McAvoy), 18:32
3. R.D Redmond, (4) (Kambeitz, Kot), 13:49
3. R.D Archer, (6) , 19:23 (EN)
3. S.C Stickland, (24) (Negrin, Dowling), 19:42 (PP)
-Willie Coetzee's goal was unbelievable, and gets my vote for goal of the year. You can check it out on the Rebels website, and odds are, on the WHL plays of the week coming up. It's tough to describe, but basically Coetzee took a pass from Cullen Morin off the rush, toe-dragged Travis Yonkman, the Bronco netminder, and threw it upstairs while falling over backwards. Sensational.
-It was a wild finish to this one, as the Broncos's down a goal, had a 6 on 4 with less than a minute to go, but while passing it back to the point, the puck would hop over John Negrin's stick and go all the way down into the empty net. It took a while to figure out who was going to be credited with the goal, and in the booth we thought for a second it may have been Darcy Kuemper, the Rebel goaltender. Instead, Colin Archer was deemed the last Rebel to touch the puck, certainly the cheapest goal he's ever scored in his life.
"I just saw some mesh and shot it" Arch told me afterwards.
-This game marked the first in the last five in which Landon Ferraro failed to record a goal. Landon sits at 36 with three games to go, and still has an outside shot at hitting 40.
-16 year-old rookie Adam Kambietz was unbeleivable all weekend, and was a prime beneficiary of added ice time due to injuries. An assist Friday, and two helpers Saturday, along with the game's first star. I think Adam will be a prime breakout candidate next season.
------
What a big win for the Oil Kings last ngiht, 2-1 over Lethbridge. The victory puts EDM in the drivers seat when it comes to the final playoff spot in the conference. With a two point lead on Prince Albert with three games to play, the Oil Kings control their own destiny. Red Deer and Edmonton finish the season with a home and home Saturday and Sunday.
The Regina Pats also won last night, picking up a win against Moose Jaw, the only team they can beat in the second half. So for the time being, the Pats are alive, but they'll be out with a loss or an Edmonton win.
--------
Former Rebel Captain Scott Doucet, who also played for Regina and Prince Albert in the WHL, has signed on with a new team. www.reddeerjets.com
Yes. I know. A shameless promo. I stand by it.
-------------
It's shaping up to be another long series between the Bentley Generals and the Stony Plain Eagles. This series is tied up at one after the teams split a pair over the weekend. Game three goes Friday night at the Red Deer Arena, and thankfully, isn't head-to-head with a Rebels game for once.
------
In the AJ, the Olds Grizzlies have stolen home-ice advantage away from the Okotoks Oilers with a 5-2 in game one of their second-round series. The Griz look to make it two in a row tonight, again on the road.
-----
Red Deer native Trent Hunter fractured his ankle on Saturday in the Islanders win over the New Jersey Devils, and is out indefinitely.
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AW
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday AM Update
LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES 7 RED DEER REBELS 1
-The three-game winning streak for the Red Deer Rebels ended with a resounding thud last night in Lethbridge. The 'Canes scored three times in the first 7:49 and ran away with it from there, adding two more in the second, and two more in the third.
-What intrigues me now when looking ahead to Friday...is seeing how the Rebels respond. Good teams can win a few in a row, suffer a loss, shake it off, and start a brand new winning streak. Hell, winning two then losing two all season will get you into the playoffs. Winning three and losing one will get you a top four seed in the Conference.
-Landon Ferraro ruined the shutout bid with his 35th goal late in the third. Ferraro now has a four-game goal scoring streak, and is up to 35 on the season. He needs five goals in his final five games to become the first Rebel to reach the 40-goal plateau since Matt Ellison in 2002-03
Rebels host the Kootenay Ice Friday night - 7:30 p.m. (Enmax Centrium)
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Phew! A collective sigh of relief from hockey fans in Central Alberta, as the Bentley Generals hang on for a narrow 3-2 victory over Fort Sask last night. The Generals had their hands full all series with the Cheifs, but eventually prevail for a seven-game win.
Jared Smyth put home the game winner last nitght with 5:23 to go in the third. Also scoring were Joe Vandermeer and Tyler Haarstad.
So Bentley is now set to renew their rivalry with Stony Plain in the Senior AAA Provincial Final. This best-of-seven begins Friday night at the Red Deer Arena. The winner will host the Mackenzie cup against whichever team comes out of B.C.
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Heritage Jr. B - the Blackfalds Wranglers force a fifth and deciding game with a 3-2 win over the Red Deer Vipers last night. Game five goes in Blackfalds tonight (7:30)
AJHL - The Olds Grizzlies miss a chance to move on to the second round, losing 6-5 in OT to Drumheller. The fifth and deciding game of that series goes tomorrow in Olds.
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A couple of thoughts on the NHL's trade deadline day:
- I was a little too geared up for the whole thing, and of course, nothing happened from 6 am to 9 am.
-I've always LOVED Patty O'Sullivan. The guys is uber-talented, but the Edmonton Oilers needed another small forward like I need a tax audit. I hope it works out.
-Very surprised to not see Colby Armstrong go anywhere from the Thrashers. he could fill a key role on any team heading into the postseason.
-I went back and forth on this one.....but if I was Florida, I WOULD have traded Jay Bouwmeester
-As much as I don't care for them...I feel bad for the Minnesota Wild. At one point, they owned a top five asset in the game in Marian Gaborik. Now, they couldn't even deal him at the deadline.
-It was a smaller deal, but I was still surprised to see Tampa dump off Steve Eminger. I've always liked the guy's game.
-San Jose made a great deal getting Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from Anaheim. Two battle-tested cup winners.
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-The three-game winning streak for the Red Deer Rebels ended with a resounding thud last night in Lethbridge. The 'Canes scored three times in the first 7:49 and ran away with it from there, adding two more in the second, and two more in the third.
-What intrigues me now when looking ahead to Friday...is seeing how the Rebels respond. Good teams can win a few in a row, suffer a loss, shake it off, and start a brand new winning streak. Hell, winning two then losing two all season will get you into the playoffs. Winning three and losing one will get you a top four seed in the Conference.
-Landon Ferraro ruined the shutout bid with his 35th goal late in the third. Ferraro now has a four-game goal scoring streak, and is up to 35 on the season. He needs five goals in his final five games to become the first Rebel to reach the 40-goal plateau since Matt Ellison in 2002-03
Rebels host the Kootenay Ice Friday night - 7:30 p.m. (Enmax Centrium)
-------------
Phew! A collective sigh of relief from hockey fans in Central Alberta, as the Bentley Generals hang on for a narrow 3-2 victory over Fort Sask last night. The Generals had their hands full all series with the Cheifs, but eventually prevail for a seven-game win.
Jared Smyth put home the game winner last nitght with 5:23 to go in the third. Also scoring were Joe Vandermeer and Tyler Haarstad.
So Bentley is now set to renew their rivalry with Stony Plain in the Senior AAA Provincial Final. This best-of-seven begins Friday night at the Red Deer Arena. The winner will host the Mackenzie cup against whichever team comes out of B.C.
------------
Heritage Jr. B - the Blackfalds Wranglers force a fifth and deciding game with a 3-2 win over the Red Deer Vipers last night. Game five goes in Blackfalds tonight (7:30)
AJHL - The Olds Grizzlies miss a chance to move on to the second round, losing 6-5 in OT to Drumheller. The fifth and deciding game of that series goes tomorrow in Olds.
-----------
A couple of thoughts on the NHL's trade deadline day:
- I was a little too geared up for the whole thing, and of course, nothing happened from 6 am to 9 am.
-I've always LOVED Patty O'Sullivan. The guys is uber-talented, but the Edmonton Oilers needed another small forward like I need a tax audit. I hope it works out.
-Very surprised to not see Colby Armstrong go anywhere from the Thrashers. he could fill a key role on any team heading into the postseason.
-I went back and forth on this one.....but if I was Florida, I WOULD have traded Jay Bouwmeester
-As much as I don't care for them...I feel bad for the Minnesota Wild. At one point, they owned a top five asset in the game in Marian Gaborik. Now, they couldn't even deal him at the deadline.
-It was a smaller deal, but I was still surprised to see Tampa dump off Steve Eminger. I've always liked the guy's game.
-San Jose made a great deal getting Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from Anaheim. Two battle-tested cup winners.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How Streak It is/NHL Trade Deadline
RED DEER REBELS 3 KOOTENAY ICE 1
For the second time this season, the Red Deer Rebels have put together a winning streak. Make it three in a row after last night's 3-1 win on the road in Cranbrook. Landon Ferraro, who has been hot and cold this season, is officially on fire again. Two more goals, including perhaps the nicest of the season so far, giving him 34 on the year.
Here's the summary:
1. KTN Pacovsky, (8) (Reinhart, Bailey), 19:42 (PP)
2. R.D Ferraro, (33) (Esposito, Kivisto), 3:31
3. R.D Kambeitz, (3) (Ferguson, Archer), 3:28
3. R.D Ferraro, (34) , 19:31 (EN)
-Ferraro's first goal was a thing of beauty, beating Brayden McNabb at the blueline before cutting in and ripping one high top shelf.
-The game winner off the stick of Adam Kambeitz was a deflection in front on a point shot by Colin Archer.
-Not to be overlooked in this one, goaltender Darcy Kuemper: 33 saves and named the game's first star for a third consecutive outing. Talking with s couple of NHl scouts last week, Kuemper's value has really been on the rise.
-Red Deer looks to make it four straight for the first time this season tonight in Lethbridge - 7 p.m. (www.big105.fm)
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AJHL playoffs - An 18 shutout for G Marc Boulanger last night, as the Olds Grizzlies pound Drumheller 7-0 to go up two games to one in their opening round best-of-five.
The Griz can wrap it up with another win on the road tonight (7:30 p.m.)
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It doesn't get any better than game seven! The Bentley Generals and Fort Sask Chiefs hook up tonight in Bentley...It's the deciding game of the Senior AAA Provincial Semfinal.
The winner moves on to face Stony Plain. Game time is 8:30 Tonight in Bentley.
Also tonight...Red Deer Vipers vs Blackfalds - (8 p.m. - RD Arena)
The Vipers lead the best-of-five series two games to one.
-------------
And....today, probably one of my favorite days of the year. NHL Trade deadline day. I won't bother listing all the trades on this blog..god knows there are better sites for that!
For the second time this season, the Red Deer Rebels have put together a winning streak. Make it three in a row after last night's 3-1 win on the road in Cranbrook. Landon Ferraro, who has been hot and cold this season, is officially on fire again. Two more goals, including perhaps the nicest of the season so far, giving him 34 on the year.
Here's the summary:
1. KTN Pacovsky, (8) (Reinhart, Bailey), 19:42 (PP)
2. R.D Ferraro, (33) (Esposito, Kivisto), 3:31
3. R.D Kambeitz, (3) (Ferguson, Archer), 3:28
3. R.D Ferraro, (34) , 19:31 (EN)
-Ferraro's first goal was a thing of beauty, beating Brayden McNabb at the blueline before cutting in and ripping one high top shelf.
-The game winner off the stick of Adam Kambeitz was a deflection in front on a point shot by Colin Archer.
-Not to be overlooked in this one, goaltender Darcy Kuemper: 33 saves and named the game's first star for a third consecutive outing. Talking with s couple of NHl scouts last week, Kuemper's value has really been on the rise.
-Red Deer looks to make it four straight for the first time this season tonight in Lethbridge - 7 p.m. (www.big105.fm)
----------------
AJHL playoffs - An 18 shutout for G Marc Boulanger last night, as the Olds Grizzlies pound Drumheller 7-0 to go up two games to one in their opening round best-of-five.
The Griz can wrap it up with another win on the road tonight (7:30 p.m.)
---------
It doesn't get any better than game seven! The Bentley Generals and Fort Sask Chiefs hook up tonight in Bentley...It's the deciding game of the Senior AAA Provincial Semfinal.
The winner moves on to face Stony Plain. Game time is 8:30 Tonight in Bentley.
Also tonight...Red Deer Vipers vs Blackfalds - (8 p.m. - RD Arena)
The Vipers lead the best-of-five series two games to one.
-------------
And....today, probably one of my favorite days of the year. NHL Trade deadline day. I won't bother listing all the trades on this blog..god knows there are better sites for that!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Siwak added - officially
As expected, 15 year-old Daulton Siwak will play with the Red Deer Rebels for the remainder of the season, the team announced this morning.
Siwak was the Rebs second round pick, 24th overall, in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft.
This season with the AAA Midget Optimist Rebels, Siwak potted 17 goals and 35 points in 33 games, along with 83 PIM.
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Siwak was the Rebs second round pick, 24th overall, in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft.
This season with the AAA Midget Optimist Rebels, Siwak potted 17 goals and 35 points in 33 games, along with 83 PIM.
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weekend wrap up
Wouldn't you know it.....the Red Deer Rebels seem to be figuring a few things out. The Rebs put together their best weekend in quite some time, with back to back 3-2 wins over Kelowna on Friday and Prince Albert Saturday.
The big difference this weekend? Special teams. Nearly dead last in both categories, the Rebel powerplay (4 for 12) and penalty kill (11 for 12) were outstanding.
Scoring Friday: Landon Ferraro (31) Jordie Deagle (6) Willie Coetzee (16)
Scoring Saturday: Landon Ferraro (32) Jordie Deagle (7) Cody Gross (10)
For Deagle, give him goals in three consecutive games, as he continues to push for 20 year-old consideration next season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was named the first star in both games, and seems to back in the same zone we saw just prior to the Christmas break.
The Rebels return to action Tuesday night in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice. (7 p.m - http://www.big105.fm/)
-Expect to see 15 year-old Daulton Siwak in the lineup sometime this week. Siwak is expected to join the Rebs after the AAA Midget's were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday afternoon.
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As per above, the season DID come to an end for the AAA Midget's Sunday in Lethbridge with a 7-1 loss to the Titans. As head coach Trevor Keeper told me....."we just ran out of gas".
The Titans sweep the best of three series, and with that offense, will be a big tie threat to take home a league title.
Siwak (pictured: right), who led the team in scoring this season, will most likely play out the remaining eight games with the Rebels, gaining some valuable experience for next year.
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What a series it's turned out to be between the Bentley Generals and the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs in the Provincial Senior AAA Semifinal.
The Chiefs pull out a 5-4 win Saturday night, despite three goals and an assist from Kevin Smyth, and force a seventh and deciding game in the series.
The finale goes Wednesday night (8:30 p.m.) in Bentley. The Stony Plain Eagles are already through to the Provincial Final after defeating River Cree in six games.
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The big difference this weekend? Special teams. Nearly dead last in both categories, the Rebel powerplay (4 for 12) and penalty kill (11 for 12) were outstanding.
Scoring Friday: Landon Ferraro (31) Jordie Deagle (6) Willie Coetzee (16)
Scoring Saturday: Landon Ferraro (32) Jordie Deagle (7) Cody Gross (10)
For Deagle, give him goals in three consecutive games, as he continues to push for 20 year-old consideration next season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was named the first star in both games, and seems to back in the same zone we saw just prior to the Christmas break.
The Rebels return to action Tuesday night in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice. (7 p.m - http://www.big105.fm/)
-Expect to see 15 year-old Daulton Siwak in the lineup sometime this week. Siwak is expected to join the Rebs after the AAA Midget's were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday afternoon.
-------
As per above, the season DID come to an end for the AAA Midget's Sunday in Lethbridge with a 7-1 loss to the Titans. As head coach Trevor Keeper told me....."we just ran out of gas".
The Titans sweep the best of three series, and with that offense, will be a big tie threat to take home a league title.
Siwak (pictured: right), who led the team in scoring this season, will most likely play out the remaining eight games with the Rebels, gaining some valuable experience for next year.
--------------
What a series it's turned out to be between the Bentley Generals and the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs in the Provincial Senior AAA Semifinal.
The Chiefs pull out a 5-4 win Saturday night, despite three goals and an assist from Kevin Smyth, and force a seventh and deciding game in the series.
The finale goes Wednesday night (8:30 p.m.) in Bentley. The Stony Plain Eagles are already through to the Provincial Final after defeating River Cree in six games.
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Alberta Junior League: Two goals and two assists for Brance Orban Sunday night, as the Olds Grizzlies double up Drumheller 4-2. The first-round series is now tied up at one. Game three goes Tuesday night in Drumheller
Heritage Jr. B: The Red Deer Vipers pick up a 5-2 win on the road in Blackfalds Sunday afternoon.
Heritage Jr. B: The Red Deer Vipers pick up a 5-2 win on the road in Blackfalds Sunday afternoon.
Scoring for Red Deer: Colton Sutter (2), Casey Mitchell, Josh Christensen, and Layne Anholt.
The Vipers lead the Wranglers two games to one, and can wrap up the best of fve with a win on home ice Wednesday (8 p.m. - RD Arena)
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Some RDC Sports from the weekend: The Queens Volleyball team brings home gold from the ACAC Championships @ Mount Royal. The Queens knock off Macewan 3-1 in Sunday's final.
The Kings Vball squad finishes out of the medals, while the RDC Mixed Curling team brings home bronze from Vermillion.
The Vipers lead the Wranglers two games to one, and can wrap up the best of fve with a win on home ice Wednesday (8 p.m. - RD Arena)
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Some RDC Sports from the weekend: The Queens Volleyball team brings home gold from the ACAC Championships @ Mount Royal. The Queens knock off Macewan 3-1 in Sunday's final.
The Kings Vball squad finishes out of the medals, while the RDC Mixed Curling team brings home bronze from Vermillion.
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