Bantam Draft Thread - Rebels Take Dumba

The Red Deer Rebels have selected Calgary, AB defenseman Matt Dumba with their first round pick, 4th overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
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Dumba played ‘AAA’ Bantam with the Calgary Bronks of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.

In 33 games this season, Matt scored 20 goals and added 18 assists for 38 points with 96 PIM. Dumba also participated in the 2009 Alberta Cup.

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-With their second round pick, 27th overall, Red Deer selected F Mason Burr out of Airdrie.
5'10'' 140 lbs

08-09: Airdrie Xtreme (AMBHL AAA bantam) -- 33gp-31g-27a-58pts-38pim
08-09: Airdrie Xtreme (AMBHL AAA bantam - Playoffs) -- 14gp-6g-9a-15pts-26pim
08-09: Airdrie Xtreme (St. Albert AAA Bantam tournament) -- 7gp-4g-5a-9pts-4pim
08-09: Airdrie Xtreme (Western Bantam Championships) -- 4gp-7g-1a-8pts-6pim
08-09: South Senators (Alberta Cup) -- 4gp-0g-1a-1pts-0pim

**This was a great Bantam team, featuring first rounder Mike Winther, and will produce more than a few draft picks as the day goes on. Red Deer scouted this team very actively this season, and despite a poor Alberta Cup showing, Burr scored goals by the boatload throughout the season.**
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With their 4th round pick, Red Deer selected Cochrane's Joel Hamilton, another member of the powerhouse squad from Airdrie.

Other picks:

Marc McCoy 5th round, 93rd overall Centre Edmonton, AB
Lucas Grayson 6th round, 116th overall Defence Port Hardy, BC
Chase McMurphy 6th round, 131st overall Right Wing Chestermere, AB
Davin Stener 7th round, 137th overall Defence Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Bolton Pouliot 7th round, 140th overall Goaltender Calgary, AB
Brooks Maxwell 8th round, 159th overall Centre Raymond, AB
Nikolas Olsson 9th round, 181st overall Left Wing Escondido, CA
Tyler Bateman 10th round, 203rd overall Centre Kelowna, BC

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And the number one overall selection in this year's WHL Bantam Draft is:

Portland Winterhawks - Derrick Pouliot - Defenseman, Weyburn, SK- 5′11, 165

- 08-09: Weyburn Wings (SSMHL AA bantam) — 26gp-25g-38a-63pts-24pim

-Not a big surprise, as Pouliot had an exceptional year, and was a consensus top two or top three selection in a draft filled with high-end blueliners.

2. - Moose Jaw Warriors - Morgan Reilly, D - West Vancouver, B.C.

3.- Chilliwack Bruins (Traded to Edmonton) - Griffin Reinhart, D - West Vancouver, B.C.

4. - Red Deer Rebels - Matt Dumba, D - Calgary, AB

5. - Regina Pats - Chandler Stephenson, C - Saskatoon, SK.

6. - Prince Albert Raiders - Mike Winther, C - Trochu, AB

7. - Prince George Courgars (Traded to Tri City) - Connor Rankin, C - North Vancouver, B.C.

8.- Everett Silvertips - Nicolas Walters, D - St. Albert, AB.

9. - Edmonton Oil Kings (Traded to Chilliwack) - Stephen Hodges, C - South Delta, B.C.

10. - Kamloops Blazers - Brady Gaudet, D - Redvers, SK

11. - Everett Silvertips - Seth Jones, D - Dallas, Texas

12. -Seattle Thunderbirds - Brandon Troock, RW - Edmonton, AB

13.-Kootenay Ice - Colby Cave, C - North Battleford, SK

14. - Medicine Hat Tigers - Hunter Shinkaryk, C - Calgary, AB

15. -Swift Current Broncos - Evan Richardson, C - Nanaimo, B.C.

16. - Spokane Chiefs - Reid Gow, D - Killarney, MB

17. - Kelowna Rockets - Jason Seibert, RW - Abbotsford, B.C.

18. - Brandon Wheat Kings - Eric Ray, D - Beauval, SK

19. - Tri City Americans (Traded to Prince George) - Josh Smith, D - Bentley , AB

20. - Saskatoon Blades - Ryan Olsen, C - Delta, B.C.

21. - Vancouver Giants - Dalton Sward, C - Abbotsford, B.C.

22. - Calgary Hitmen - Chase Clayton, C - Abbotsford, B.C.

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WHL Bantam Draft Set To Go

The Red Deer Rebels will select 4th overall in today's WHL Bantam Draft, getting underway at 8:15 Thursday morning.

Some thoughts from Rebels VP of Hockey Ops Randy Peterson leading up to the first pick.

"It gives us an opportunity to set ourselves up for the future. Right now we're going to get a franchise-type player.....we really beleive that with picking at number four. We feel we're leaning towards a defenseman, but we'll see what's there and available to us. Regardless, we know we're going to get a top end defenseman.

On the top-end blueliners available:

You've got a couple of puck movers, (Morgan Reilly, Dereck Pouliot) with really high-end intelligence that can skate, think the game and run your powerplay. Another kid (Griffin Reinhardt) can do that same, but also can add that physical presence and is kind of a Phaneuf- type hitter you could say. He's a 6'3'' defender already and could be a dominant shutdown guy. Pair him with (Alex) Petrovic, and those are two big trees that are difficult to go around.

Do the Rebs have four players they'd be happy to get at number four..or will they try to trade up?

"Safe to say, there are two or three on our wish list, but we've been workng with five (players) for a while that we're seirous about and that's how we're looking at it."

On the importance of the second round pick (27th overall)

"You've gotta get lucky a bit, that's for sure. Every team sees things differently.....and whether we're right or wrong, we may have a guy ranked differently. Daulton Siwak and Alex Petrovic both slid to us in the second. Another thing we need to consider when we're looking at our second pick is: do we have a better chance at a top end defenseman or forward sliding to us?"

Some thoughts on Dane Phaneuf, Dion's younger brother from Edmonton

"A mobile kid who plays the game pretty smart and plays the powerplay. He's definitley a kid who we'd have to seriously look at... that's for sure. Whether that's in the second or fourth (round), we'd have to wait and see who's available. Some have him ranked very high, and some have him ranked mid-round, but he's a very good player."

On Josh Smith, A Lacombe product who played AAA Bantam in Red Deer this season, and is a projected first rounder.

"He can shoot the puck a tonne. He's a mobile kid who's tough to play against. He's a good player as well and highly sought after with the way he plays the game. He's one of those top end kids, and no question he'll be considered high."


Here is the order for the first two rounds of today's draft....I'll have thoughts, analysis, and quotes up later this morning.

1st Round
1) Portland Winter Hawks
2) Moose Jaw Warriors
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Red Deer Rebels
5) Regina Pats
6) Prince Albert Raiders
7) Prince George Cougars
8) Everett Silvertips
9) Edmonton Oil Kings
10) Kamloops Blazers
11) Lethbridge Hurricanes (to Everett)
12) Seattle Thunderbirds
13) Kootenay Ice
14) Medicine Hat Tigers
15) Swift Current Broncos
16) Spokane Chiefs
17) Kelowna Rockets
18) Brandon Wheat Kings
19) Tri-City Americans
20) Saskatoon Blades
21) Vancouver Giants
22) Calgary Hitmen


2nd Round
1) Moose Jaw Warriors
2) Portland Winter Hawks
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Prince George Cougars
5) Red Deer Rebels
6) Regina Pats
7) Everett Silvertips
8) Edmonton Oil Kings
9) Prince Albert Raiders
10) Kamloops Blazers
11) Lethbridge Hurricanes
12) Seattle Thunderbirds
13) Kootenay Ice
14) Medicine Hat Tigers
15) Swift Current Broncos
16) Spokane Chiefs
17) Kelowna Rockets
18) Brandon Wheat Kings
19) Tri-City Americans
20) Saskatoon Blades
21) Vancouver Giants
22) Calgary Hitmen

Supporting Deidra Dionne

Red Deer native and Olympic medalist Deidra Dionne has embarked on the journey towards her third Olympic Winter Games in 2010.

The Freetyle Aerials Skiier has teamed up with General Mills as part of her fundraising efforts, and you have the chance to help.

With every purchase of a Generals Mills cereal product (eight in total), you get a code to enter online to vote for one of 16 Canadian athletes. With every vote, your chosen athlete, in this case hopefully Deidra, will get one dollar.

So if you're out at the grocey store...keep this in mind!

Dionne is still trying to come back to full form after her devastating accident in 2005 left her with a broken neck.

It was a tough year on the circuit, one that has seen Dionne bumped to Canada's development team, a demotion that comes with a drop in funding as well, making this venture that much more important.

For more on Deidra and her story:

http://www.deidradionne.ca/

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BANTAM DRAFT THURSDAY

-Some info and thoughts I have on Thursday's WHL Bantam Draft are in the post below. Interested to hear your thoughts, especially if you are involved in the world of Bantam hockey.

AW

Monday - 'Tenders/Generals/Bantam Draft

BENTLEY GENERALS DOCUMENTARY INTO IT'S FINAL STAGES

As you may or may not have noticed over the course of the Bentley Generals lengthy playoff run this season, there were always plenty of video camera's in attendance. Most of those belonged to the crew from Pounce TV.

"Blood, Sweat, and Beers" The story of the Bentley Generals, is a one hour documentary, still in progress, hitting the airwaves this fall. It's sure to be an amazing story, and you can check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOHVEVzFV4I

The Writer, Director, Producer, and brains behind the project is Eppo Erkes, who I had on my show over the weekend.

The interview should be on his website sometime this week. http://www.pounce.tv/

Starting next month, Eppo will hit the editing studio to try to get 60 hours of film down to a one hour show.
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Two games, two shutouts for goaltenders with Red Deer ties yesterday. Former Rebel Cam Ward made 28 saves as the Carolina Hurricanes forced a seventh and deciding game in their series with the New Jersey Devils after a 4-0 win. Game seven goes tomorrow in Jersey.


At the World Hockey Championships in Switzerland, Red Deer's Chris Mason, making his first ever internatinal appearance, stopped 16 shots to backstop Canada to a 9-0 win over Hungary.

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Coming up Thursday, another big day for the future of the Red Deer Rebels, as the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft gets underway. I'll have plenty of info that day on both radio stations: http://www.big105.fm/ and http://www.1067thedrive.fm/

The Rebels select fourth overall, the third time in the last four years they've owned a top four pick (2nd overall in 06, 1st overall in 08)

Here is the draft order for the top two rounds:

1st Round
1) Portland Winter Hawks
2) Moose Jaw Warriors
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Red Deer Rebels
5) Regina Pats
6) Prince Albert Raiders
7) Prince George Cougars
8) Everett Silvertips
9) Edmonton Oil Kings
10) Kamloops Blazers
11) Lethbridge Hurricanes (to Everett) (Kyle Beach deal)
12) Seattle Thunderbirds
13) Kootenay Ice
14) Medicine Hat Tigers
15) Swift Current Broncos
16) Spokane Chiefs
17) Kelowna Rockets
18) Brandon Wheat Kings
19) Tri-City Americans
20) Saskatoon Blades
21) Vancouver Giants
22) Calgary Hitmen


2nd Round
1) Moose Jaw Warriors
2) Portland Winter Hawks
3) Chilliwack Bruins
4) Prince George Cougars
5) Red Deer Rebels
6) Regina Pats
7) Everett Silvertips
8) Edmonton Oil Kings
9) Prince Albert Raiders
10) Kamloops Blazers
11) Lethbridge Hurricanes
12) Seattle Thunderbirds
13) Kootenay Ice
14) Medicine Hat Tigers
15) Swift Current Broncos
16) Spokane Chiefs
17) Kelowna Rockets
18) Brandon Wheat Kings
19) Tri-City Americans
20) Saskatoon Blades
21) Vancouver Giants
22) Calgary Hitmen

-The Rebels don't own a third round pick in '09 (traded for D Mark Louis), and selects once in the fourth, once in the fifth, twice int he 6th, and twice in the seventh.

-Over the last five years, Red Deer has selected a forward with their top pick every year:

(Ryan Nugent Hopkins - 1st Overall - 2008)
(Connor Redmond - 11th Overall - 2007)
(Landon Ferraro - 2nd Overall - 2006)
(Cass Mappin - 12th Overall - 2005)
(Brandon Sutter - 6th Overall - 2004

-Not to be overlooked, is the importance of the second round selection this season, which in many cases has the chance to give the best value,depending on who slips in the draft for what reason. Last year, Red Deer selected F Daulton Siwak 24th overall, a player who they had rated in the first round.

In the second round of 2007 came maybe the Rebels most astute selection in the last few years, taking D Alex Petrovic 33rd overall. Fast forward two years, and chances are Petrovic goes in most pundits top five (Howden, Connolly, Pysyk, Czerwonka?)

-Given the assets the organization currently owns, and their penchant for selecting first-round forwards, I would think a high end defenseman will top their wish list on Thursday.

-All things considered, the top defensemen available are probably:

1) Morgan Reilly, a puck moving D out of Notre Dame who could eventually run the powerplay.

2) Dereck Pouliout, described as a tremendous skater with offensive instincts who thinks the game very well, out of Weyburn, SK.

Chances are, unless the Rebels decide to trade up, these two won't be on the board by the time Red Deer hits the board at number four. If they are...pencil the name in right now.

Assuming these two are off the board, the top players in the mix for Red Deer are probably:

1) Griffin Reinhardt - Another defenseman out of AA Midget in Vancouver. Already 6'3'', Reinhardt, the brother of Kootenay's Max, is more of a Jared Cowen type of shutdown guy. While the Rebels would love to add a little more offense from the blueline, this may be a case of "Best Dman available". That's not to say Chilliwack won't grab this kid 3rd overall either.

2) Mike Winther - Possibly the best forward available. Out of Trochu, and part of the powerhouse Bantam team in Aidrie, one that could produce more than a few WHL'ers. Red Deer, among other squads, has heavily scouted this team. had just one goal, but four points, at this past weekend's Alberta Cup.

3) Josh Smith - Out of Lacombe, another dman, and a local boy to boot, who by all accounts had a good Alberta Cup tourney with the Central Thrashers, scoring 8 points and racking up 14 PIM in five games.

4) Matt Dumba - A 5'11 dman out of Calgary who can play both ways.

Those are just a few of the names out there. but probably the main ones to remember when it comes to Red Deer at 4th overall.

-What will interest me most, as mentioned, is what Red Deer does with their second round pick, as always, a chance to get good value from a player whom you had rated higher..or a chance to grab a player who slips.

-Weyburn's Tayler Balog, thought by some to be a top five selection, had an "inconsistent" end to his season, and has slipped on some charts. It's doubtful though, that he falls all the way to 24.

-Shea Howarko, another dman out of Notre Dame, is likely destined to go in the latter stages of the first, but if he's available early in the second, he's a kid I would take a run at.

-Seth Jones (pictured) is an interesting case. A 6'3'' power forward out of Dallas, Texas. His father, former NBA'er Popeye Jones, stands 6'8'' and played with the Mavericks, Raptors, Celtics, Nuggets, Wizards, and warriors over his 10-year career. In terms of pure raw potential, Jones is a sure-fire top 10 pick, probably in the mix to go in the top five.

However, there's an old adage: Don't use your first round pick on "potential". Add to that fact the Jones family seems to be non-commital when it comes to a WHL career, and we may see the hulking forward slip.

The Everett Silvertips have two things going for them in this case: 1) They have multiple first round picks at 7 and 11. 2) They're an American-based team, who had success in the past taking Peter Mueller, who, at the time, was very much doubted to forego his NCAA eligibility.

-Dane Phanuef. Yes, Dion's brother out of Edmonton. Why not? There's obviously a familiarity there, and from what I've been told, Dane is a heck of a player too. He could go late in the first, but if he's available at 24, I'm certain he'll be in Red Deer's discussions.

Notables: Chandler Stephenson, Saskatoon, Steven Hodges, South Delta, Jetlan Houcher, Edmonton, Shayne Gwinner, Drumheller, Riley Bennefield, Wetaskiwin.

-It should be noted that on this list are no goaltenders. I don't pretend to be able to talk goalies. It's a position I don't really understand, and unless you have a sure-fire stud, I don't really like the idea of drafting them too high.

-Please keep in mind, the above info is strictly my opinion(s) based on multiple factors and conversations I've had with coaches, scouts, and other media. I have seen some of these players play, but not all of them.

AW

Versteeg Calder Finalist

Speaking of former Red Deer Rebel Kris Versteeg (below post), the NHL has declared him to be one of three finlalists for the Calder trophy, given to the rookie of the year.


http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=419551

This was an extremely tough rookie class to narrow down, as Drew Doughty, Blake Wheeler, and a sectacular Pekka Rinne were all left out of the top three.

The other finalists are Caolumbus G Steve Mason, and Anaheim Ducks F Bobby Ryan. This is pretty elite company for Kris, as Ryan is a 2nd overall pick, and Mason was the MVP of the World Juniors two years ago. Versteeg has had to claw for everything he's had in his career...nothing has been handed to him on a silver platter.

A Few Notes

Wednesday Notes:

-Former Rebel Kris Versteeg, a great guy, and a great story, is front and center in the whole "trash talking Jarome Iginla" story. Calgary fans and media sure are sensitive. In today's CGY based papers, the Hawks were called "classless", "ignorant", and "potty-mouthed". Has anyone ever heard of gamesmanship? Trash talk happens. Get over it. Don't you think that maybe both teams run their mouths at each other? The sooner Calgary is eliminated, the sooner we can get back to enjoying the playoffs.

-I'm busy these days compiling all the WHL Bantam Draft info I can so I can pass it along to you before April 30th. Unlike the NHL draft, it's pretty tough to keep tabs on draft eligible youngsters in bantam, seeing as though I'm not driving across Western Canada to scout. I have been talking to plenty of sources though, and I'll have a draft preview early next week. Stay tuned. The Red Deer Rebels select 4th overall this year, and I WILL say this..expect a defenseman to be on Red Deer's wish list.

-The Allan Cup Champion Bentley Generals are planning on "tentatively" holding a victory parade, BBQ, cabaret on Saturday May 2nd to celebrate their championship in Bentley. The trophy is expected to be in attendance. I'll have more details for you as they become available.

-Red Deer native Chris Mason's St.Louis Blues are the first team out of the playoffs after last night's 3-2 OT loss to Vancouver. Mason had a few goals he'd like to have back, but for the most part showed pretty well in this series. St.Louis, unfortunately, was just clearly the second-best team. They can hold their heads high though, the best team in the second half made an impressive run to lock down a playoff spot, while Mason enjoyed the best season of his career. It's tough to go save for save with Roberto Luongo, the best goaltender in the world. the previous statement is a FACT. Luongo is a lock for the starters role in 2010.

-I'm all for Canadiana......but there is something very satisfying about seeing the Habs teeter on the brink of playoff disaster. There was somethign very annoying about Montreal's sense of entitlement and overhyped expectations leading into their 100th season. I even talked to a Habs fan yesterday who thinks they'll still win the series...come on. The fact that once again, Montreal booed the American anthem puts the nail in the coffin for me. Go Bruins.

-And just a reminder, if you're in the Red Deer area, and feel like taking a shot at mens baseball this season, the AA Red Deer Razorbacks are holding open tryouts beginning Thursday night at the Collicutt. I have more info on our stations website. www.big105.fm

Bentley Generals - Allan Cup Champions

GENERALS CAPTURE THE 2009 ALLAN CUP

BENTLEY GENERALS 4 SOUTHEAST PRARIE THUNDER 3 - 2 OT

- Considering the long, winding road the Bentley Generals took to get to the Allan Cup, it was only fitting the 2009 Allan Cup Championship Final was won in drmatic fashion.

Former Red Deer Rebel Diarmuid Kelly scored at 5:21 of double overtime, giving Bentley a 4-3 win, and their first ever National Championship.

There is no way to describe this final affair other than epic. Absolutely epic. A national TV audience on TSN2 would have been captivated regardless of whether you had Bentley ties or not.

The Generals trailed this one 3-2 with 12 minutes to play, and were in the process of killing off a double-minor when they found a way to notch the biggest goal of the season.

Of all people, it was captain Kent Beagle who picked off an errant outlet pass, moves in alone, and beat a prone Southeast netminder to tie the game at three.

Momentum, as it seemed, was on Bentley's side....but this one was far from over. After being outshot 8-5 over the first OT period, the Generals would come out fired up for the second, and that's when Kelly found the net off a scramble for his first goal of the tournament.

What a wild ride it was for this team. With the annual struggles of the Red Deer Rebels, it became apparent quite early on this season, that the Generals run was going to attract plenty of playoff-hungry fans.

What followed was a fantastic seven-game provincial final against Stony Plain, culminating with a thrilling game seven win at the Red Deer Arena.

Next up, was a battle-tested Fort St. John squad in the McKenzie Cup. Again, 2100 plus fans would pack the rafters at the Arena for four games.

Next up was the Allan Cup this past week, and unlike years past, Bentley had an easy time of it leading up to the final. Wins of 5-2, 9-1, and 8-1, leaving many wondering just how difficult this final was going to be. As it turned out...it wasn't.

A huge congrats to the entire Generals organization, one that has dealt with their fair share of heartbreak on the National stage for many years. This playoff run was a pleasure to watch, a pleasure to cover, and that final game was one that won't be forgotten for a long time.

Unlikely Allan Cup Matchup

The Bentley Generals were probably pleased when finding out who their opponent would be for this afternoon's Allan Cup semifinal in Steinbach, MB.

After pulling off a 3-2 ot win against Lloydminster in the quarters, the Thunder Bay Twins will provide the opposition today.

In their round robin matchup Wednesday, Bentley manhandled the Twins 9-1.

So...while it would be a bit irresponsible to take ANYONE for granted at this point....safe to say......if you beat a team 9-1, you expect to beat them again.

In the other semi, it will be the two Manitoba teams hooking up, the South East Prarie Thunder, and the host Steinbach Northstars.

The final goes at 2 p.m. tomorrow on TSN.

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A nice story in the CGY Sun today featuring Colin Fraser and Dion Phaneuf, one that focuses on them being teammates here in Red Deer for three years with the Rebels.

Although still friendly, that relationship, obviously, has taken a turn towards the bitter side of things seeing as how the Flames and Hawks are competing in a firat round playoff series.

The story also touches on the game immediately following the World Juniors in 2005 at the Enmax Centrium, and I remember it like it was yesterday.

It was the Red Deer Rebels and the Calgary Hitmen, and before the game, Fraser, Phaneuf, and Brent Sutter were honored by the Rebels, with the WJC trophy in the house. Also recognized were Andrew Ladd (also now with the Hawks) and Ryan Getzlaf, who were part of that powerhouse squad in Grand Forks, ND.

After the ceremony, all four were on the ice for the opening faceoff. Off the draw, Ladd and Phanuef dropped the mitts in a great bout. One second later, it was Fraser and Getzlaf's turn. The crowd went wild, and it was a great way of these four guys solidifying that friends or not, the CGY/RD rivalry was here to stay.

What a great night.
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By the way...it's painfully obvious that Dion Phaneuf is completely hurt right now. He's had a tough season, but in this series with Chicago, he's going to be absolutely useless. He can barely move, especially in his own zone.

Yet, with Regehr and Sarich both out, the Flames still need Phaneuf to play close to 25-30 min a night. They're not going to win this series. As much as Dion can rub people the wrong way, he won't deserve the critism he is sure to get from fans in Calgary. He probably shouldn't even be in the lineup. I thave been told it's his back that's the issue, but I can't be sure.

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And of course.......I'd be amiss if I didn't touch on this. It was all the rage at the water cooler today. Sportsnet's Roger Millions...the gaffe of all gaffe's.

If you didn't see it...here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6hsM5yRac&feature=related

EPIC. ABSOLUTELY EPIC.

As far as I can tell....it's definitely not a "Live" hit, but rather someone else...(an editor, a VTR guy, etc) that sewered him.

Now, the first rule of broadcasting is..."the mic is always live"

That being said, if you like Millions or not, you have to feel bad for the guy. I think all of us in broadcasting, including myself, has screwed up while "taping" something, muttered a swear word, then just deleted it. This one came back to bite him.

I wonder what the fallout will be. even if it isn't his fault..does this cost Millions his job?

GENERALS INTO SEMI FINALS

BENTLEY GENERALS ON TO SEMI FINALS @ ALLAN CUP

For the third consecutive season, the Bentley Generals find themselves among the final four senior teams in the country.

The Generals wrapped up a first place finish in pool A at the Allan Cup with a 9-1 win over Thunder Bay last night in Steinbach, MB.

The tone was set early for Bentley, as defenseman Dion Darling opened the scoring just 34 seconds in. Kurt Bensmiller extended the lead to 2-0 with a poerplay marker a few minutes later.

After Thunder Bay cut the lead in half early in the second, the floodgates opened for the Generals. Don Morrison, Kent Beagle, Bensmiller, and Ryan Manitowich would score before the period was out. In the third, it was Chris Martini, Manitowich, and Tyler Haarstad finding the net, making the final 9-1.

Morrison would finish the night with 1 g, 2a, while Diarmuid Kelly set up three goals

The Generals finish just 1 for 12 on the powerplay, but did manage to direct 60 shots on goal.

Cody Rudkowsky stopped 19 of 20 Thunder Bay shots, while Scott Galenza came on in the third to stop all six he faced.

Bentley gets Thursday off, and a bye into Friday's semifinals.

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It's getting to be that time of year again in Central Alberta. Baseball season is fast approaching, and the Senior AA Parkland League is no exception.

This from Kevin Stelmaschuk, Gm of the Red Deer Razorbacks ball club:

The Red Deer Razorbacks are heading into their second season of existence, and will begin holding open tryouts starting next week, indoors, at the Collicutt Center.

Sessions run Thursday, April 23rd, Tuesday, April 28, and Thursday, APril 30th from 9-10:15 p.m.

There is a $20 fee to cover the field times (three sessions) that must be paid prior to coming on the field the first night.

For more info on the Parkland AA Baseball League, check out http://www.parklandbaseball.ca/

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Wednesday AM Update

I had the pleasure today to give a tour of our sports department to a couple of Red Deer Students.

Dakotah, age 13 from Westpark middle school, and Molly, 13, from Eastview Middle school.

Dakotah is a Canucks fan, and tabs Vancouver as his favorite for the cup. Molly, unfortunately, like myself, roots for the Oillers. There's always next year.

Wednesday News - CSB/AllanCup/NHLPlayoffs

2009 Allan Cup - Steinbach, MB.

The Bentley Generals made a big splash in game one of the Allan Cup last night. Bentley hammers the host Steinbach Northstars 5-2 in their opener, outshooting the home team 51-31.

Steinbach had gotten off to a good start the night before, shutting out Thunder Bay 5-0, and earlt in the second, it looked like they were going to do the same, jumping out to a 2-0 lead.

But the Generals would respond right away, scoring five unanswered goals, with Curtis Austring (2) Kevin Smyth, Brett Thurston, and Jared Smyth (en) all finding the net.

Theoren Fleury certainly made his presence known, notching an assist along with TWENTY-FOUR minutes in penalties, including two 10-min misconducts, one for a hit to the head, and another for abusing the officials.

Cody Rudkowsky made 29 saves for the win. Bentley will take on Thunder Bay tonight.

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CENTRAL SCOUTING OUT WITH FINAL RANKINGS

The NHL's CSB Bureau came out with it's final term rankings for the upcoming 2009 Entry Draft in Montreal.

Maybe it's a product of missing the playoffs again, but all five members of the Red Deer Rebels who are ranked saw drops, some of them substantial.

Landon Ferraro, a likely first rounder, saw his ranking drop from 13th to 18th among North American skaters. Ferraro now has a banged up shoulder, and is day to day with Canada's U18 team in Fargo, ND. Ferraro did not play yesterday in a 4-2 win over Sweden.

Cass Mappin, who was ranked 27th in the mid term, fell to 72nd overall after missing the last month of the season with a broken foot.

Tommi Kivisto, who a year ago was projected as a first rounder, saw his stock drop all the way to 119 after a rough first year in North America.

Willie Coetzee, who came out of nowhere to turn plenty of heads, also saw a big time drop, down to 132. The other drops I can understand, but Coetzee's is a head-scratcher to me. He was one of the players in the WHL whose game just got better and better as the season went on. I talked to many scouts who were very intrighued with his speed and his shot, and I still wouldnt be surprised to see Willie go in the top 180 of ALL draft eligible skaters this summer (5th round)

Darcy Kuemper also saw a slight drop among North American goaltenders, falling from 6th to 10th.

Another note, Penticton's Curtis Mckenzie, who is Rebels property, is ranked a solid 89th. Red Deer would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to get Mckenzie on the team, but so far, it hasn't happened. If and when he gets drafted, it may grease the wheels.

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Remember Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson foolishly predicting an Ottawa Stanley Cup a few years back? Well how about this in Vancouver?

http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/Columnists/Jones_Terry/2009/04/15/9117451-sun.html

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Meanwhile, a good story in the Calgary Sun today on the Lowry's. Calgary Hitmen coach Dave, and son Joel, a Red Deer Rebels prospect. The Hitmen are seeking a Memorial Cup berth, while Joel's midget team, the CGY Buffaloes, are headed to the Telus Cup in Selkirk.

Lowry will be a regular next season with the Rebels.

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My Edmonton Oilers are unfortunately done.....but I will still watch the NHL playoffs with plenty of excitement starting tonight. Things understandably slow down by rounds two and three, but the first round of the postseason is always an absolute blast.

I talked with Cam Ward today in advance of the Carolina Hurricanes - New Jersey Devils first round series. I'll play the interview this weekend on the show. Wardo fired me a text after the fact and said he'll do his best to send Brent Sutter back to the farm.

My First round predictions can be found later today in the Red Deer Express newspaper..but in a nutshell, here they are.

SJ over ANA in 7
CLB over DET in 6
VAN over STL in 5
CHI over CGY in 5

BOS over MON in 6
WSH over NYR in 5
CAR over NJ in 7
PHI over PIT in 6
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Just a reminder, if you're without a playoff pool and still want to get into one, our mens rec team (owned by Cam Ward) is holding one. Get in on it! details at www.reddeerjets.com


AW

Monday News and Notes

The 2009 Allan Cup, Canada's Senior AAA National Hockey Championship, gets underway this afternoon in Steinbach, MB.

The Bentley Generals, making their third consecutive appearance, open up their preliminary schedule TUESDAY night against the host NorthStars.

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The WHL's Eastern conference semis and Western conference semis couldn't have been scripted any differently. While Calgary and Brandon both took home their respective series in four-game walks, Vancouver and Spokane will go to a 7th and deciding game, while Kelowna disposed of Tri City in a hard fought six.

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Red Deer's Paul Postma, after an outstanding season with the CGY Hitmen, where he led all WHL blueliners in scoring, has signed his first pro contract with the Atlanta Thrashers.

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Red Deer Rebel Landon Ferraro and Team Canada are back in action tonight at the World Under 18's in Fargo, North Dakota. Canada will face the Czech Republic tonight. Ferraro has a goal and an assist after two wins over Germany and Switzerland.

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So in the forecast tomorrow it reads "high of 1 degree, snow". What the hell? Once the Masters hits, I get the golf itch pretty bad. On that note, Angel Cabrera goes par - par - par - par on the final two holes and in the playoff, and wins the Green Jacket. Not exactly brilliant shot-making from Kenny Perry down the stretch.

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Now that the Oilers are done this season, my two passions heading into the NHL postseason are a) Rooting against Calgary and, b) Trying to win my playoff pools.

I'm a big advocate of playoff pools, for anyone, regardless of your level of sports fandom. It sure keeps your interest when your favorite team (s) are out. If you'd like to get in on a pool, but don't have one yet, check out www.reddeerjets.com.

Playoff predictions to come tuesday or Wednesday on the blog.

Allan Cup News

GENERALS PREPARE FOR ALLAN CUP

The Bentley Generals will practice this weekend in advance of their third consecutive Allan Cup appearance, set to begin Monday night in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Coming up on the show this Sunday (MORON SPORTS - 8-9 a.m. - 106.7 the Drive) I'll talk with Generals GM Jeff McInnis about the road to the National Championship tourney, and how this roster was put together over the last year.

Bentley, annually one of the top Senior AAA teams in the nation, has had more than their fair share of heartbreak at this event, losing in the final last year to the Brantford Blast, before falling in overtime in the semi's the year before in Stony Plain.

Bentley begins their tourney TUESDAY night against the host Steinbach NorthStars, a team that features a pretty star-laden roster, including:

Theo Fleury (Who, ironically enough, was rumored to play in Bentley before the season began)
Kelly Glowa (46 years old, but can still put up points...three time 100 point man in the WHL)
Chris Nielsen (2nd rd pick of the Isles in '98. Former CGY Hitmen star, CLB Blue Jacket)
Jamie Hodson (Goaltender, former Wheat King, third round leafs draft pick in '98)
Mark Kolesar (One of a number of former Wheat Kings, 28 games with Toronto in the mid 90's)
Greg Hawgood (474 NHL games with BOS, EDM, PHI, FLA, PIT, SJ, VAN, DAL)

In addition, plenty of this roster has played NCAA or WHL hockey. They're stacked, and will provide a very good test for the Generals.

I asked McInnis if they were going to be paying any special attention to Fleury, who of course, was an NHL superstar, and is in probablythe best shape he's been in for the last five years. An interesting response:

" There is absolutely nothing I'm worred about with Theo. He's typical Theo. He said some things last summer that made everyone think he was coming our way, but I had never talked to him. he had talked with Brian (Sutter) once and got the wheels in motion with the media...but I had never talked to him."

"I haven't seen hime all sinter. He showed up about three games ago to see us play Fort. St. John, but I pay no attention to him. He's the least of my worries."

"The last time I saw him was against Horse Lake, and he was about their eleventh best forward, so I know he'll be better than he was then, but no, I'm not worried about Theo...he's the last thing on my mind."

Check out the show this weekend for more. Have a great Easter!

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Ferraro gets first taste of Team Canada

Canada wins final tune-up game at U-18's

-Red Deer Rebel forward Landon Ferraro scored a powerplay goal for Team Canada in a 5-2 exhibition win over Slovakia last night, finishing their exhibition sked with a 2-0 record in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Calgary native Dylan Olsen (Camrose Kodiaks) also scored a powerplay marker in the win.

Canada opens up the World U18's Thursday against Germany in Fargo, North Dakota, and will play their second game Saturday against Switzerland.

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Noone has really talked about it....but I'm starting up the OFFICIAL Cam Ward for Vezina talk. Why not? He's been the best goaltender in the NHL for the last two months, vaulting Carolina into a fourth place tie in the Eastern Conference.

Ward has a career high and franchise record 38 wins, which ranks third among all NHL goaltenders, and also has six shutouts.

Calgary's Mikka Kiprusoff leads the league in wins, but his other subpar numbers basically mean he's not winning anything. Roberto Luongo may be the games best goaltender, but was injured for 30 games, ditto for Marty Brodeur.

Steve Mason, Tim Thomas, and Cam Ward should be the three finalists, in my opinion.

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It's the foremost and final stop on the Bantam scouting circuit: The annual Alberta Cup. The 2009 edition will be held in Calgary from April 22-26th, just a few days prior to the WHL Bantam Draft.

All eight zone teams in the province announced their rosters yesterday, including the Central Thrashers:

G - Adam Beukeboom - Sundre
G - Tanner Kovacs - Innisfail

D - Shayne Gwinner - Drumheller
D - Dylan Muhlbach - Stettler
D - Myles Peck - Lacombe
D - Jared Potter - Drumheller
D - Joshua Smith - Lacombe
D - Reid Stoyberg - Red Deer

F - Brady Bakke - Red Deer
F - Ryley Bennefield - Wetaskiwin
F - Chance Braid - Wainwright
F - Brendan Dennis - Red Deer
F - Ambrose Firkus - Irma
F - Dru Hickle - Hanna
F - Zane Jones - Olds
F - Travis Mcevoy - Thorsby
F - Josh Kluck - Drumheller
F - Derek Muhlbach - Stettler
F - Luke Scheunert - Huxley
F - Mike Winther - Trochu
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Oh.........and it was a big day for me at the radio station bright and early this morning. For the first time in two years, and in about 50? 60? coffees, I won at roll up the rim. My next Tim Horton's will be on the house.

AW

Generals off to Allan Cup

BENTLEY GENERALS 3 FORT ST. JOHN FLYERS 2

(Red Deer, AB)

For a third consecutive season, the Bentley Generals have punched their ticket to the Allan Cup. The Generals wrapped up the McKenzie Cup series Sunday night with a 3-2 win over the Fort St. John Flyers at the Red Deer Arena. Bentley wins the three games to one, outshooting and outchancing the Flyers at almost every turn.

That didn't make it easy though.

Flyers goaltender Troy Hunt made 44 saves, many of the spectacular variety, a performance that was fairly indicative of the scrappy effort his teammates put forth all series.

Kevin Smyth opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the first period, and when Ryan Manitowich scored on a breakaway at 18:23, it looked like Bentley might take game two in a route.

Kurt Bensmiller made it 3-0 on a second period powerplay, but the Flyers came right back getting two quick goals Rod Stevens and Ian Munro to cut the deficit back to one.

Bentley outshot Fort St. John 12-9 in the third, but couldn't find a way to get the insurance marker, setting up for a nail-biting finish.

Holding down the fort was G Cody Rudkowsky, back in the net after being shelled for six goals in Friday's game two.

Kurt Bensmiller was named McKenzie Cup MVP after potting three goals and seven points in the four game series.

The Allan Cup begins next Monday (April 13th) in Steinbach, Manitoba.

More to come this week......

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The AAA midget Calgary Buffaloes, led by Rebels prospect Joel Lowry (the son of Hitmen coach Dave) are headed to the 2009 Telus Cup after defeating the Vancouver NorthWest Giants (led by Rebs prospect Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) 3-2 in the third and deciding game of the Pacific Regionals.

Both Nugent -Hopkins and Lowry scored for their respective teams in the final game. Hopkins was named series MVP after scoring four goals over the three contests.

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Another day...another Brent Sutter story.

This time from Eric Francis in the CGY Sun, who speculates that Sutter is almost assuradely destined for home, and THEN will become the new head coach of the Calgary Flames in 2010-2011.

Now, Francis is pretty much the king of throwing S*** at the wall to see if anything sticks, and loves to write merely to get a reaction. And......he'll usually get it.

I suppose there's something to be said for a "love me, hate me, just read me" tabloid mentality.....at the same time, I think it's pretty clear sometimes that what Francis doesn't know could fill a warehouse.

But he sells papers. I know I read him every week.

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You know spring is reallyhere when the MLB season kicks off. I'm a big Jays guy, and will be watching as they host the Detroit Tigers in the season opener tonight.

It could be a long year for Jays fans. You can read some of my thoughts here:
http://www.reddeerexpress.com/express/edition03/sports-002.html

Some friends and I had our annual baseball draft yesterday afternoon......I know sometimes fantasy pools can carry with it a "living in your moms basement" sort of reputation, but I love 'em. NHL, NFL, and MLB.......It keeps the games interesting and relevant, no matter how your favorite team is doing.

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Generals take game one - Ferraro to U18's

BENTLEY GENERALS 5 FORT ST. JOHN FLYERS 2

(Red Deer, AB)

The Bentley Generals drew first blood in their McKenzie Cup series with the Fort St. John Flyers Thursday night, winning game one 5-2 before another capacity crowd at the Red Deer Arena.

It was all Generals in the first, as Kevin Smyth scored twice and assisted on another, and Bentley led it 4-0 thru 20.

Give the Flyers credit though, because as overmatched and travel-lagged as they looked in the first, they came out much harder in the second, and cut the lead in half.

In the third, it was Bentley that made a few adjustments, and put the game away with a goal from Chris Martini.

Newly-added Goaltender Cody Rudkowsky (Stony Plain) was solid in net, stopping 27 shots for the win.

Rudkowsky (pictured here making a save in the Senior AAA Final AGAINST the Generals) was named MVP of the Provincial playoffs, and was prompty snapped up by Bentley after the series.


PERIOD 1
Bentley Generals at 17:59 - Ryan Manitowich from Brett Thurston and Tyler Haarstad

Bentley Generals at 11:57 (PP) - Kevin Smyth from Kurt Bensmiller and Curtis Austring

Bentley Generals at 5:43 (PP) - Kurt Bensmiller from Kevin Smyth and Sean Robertson

Bentley Generals at 1:18 (PP) - Kevin Smyth from Kurt Bensmiller and Curtis Austring

PERIOD 2
Fort St. John Flyers at 12:50 - David Alexander from Todd Alexander

Fort St. John Flyers at 6:21 (PP) - Ian Munro from Ryan Carter

PERIOD 3
Bentley Generals at 11:17 - Chris Martini from James Bullock and Tyler Haarstad

Game two in the best-of-five goes tonight (Friday) at the Arena. (7:30 p.m.)


Note: After the game, I spotted former NHL star Theo Fleury downstairs. Fleury will play for host Steinbach in the Allan Cup, April 13-19. Theo is very close with Generals head coach Brian Sutter. Also playig for teh host club will be Ted Fleury, Chris Nielsen, and Greg Hawgood.

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FERRARO NAMED TO CANADA'S U18 TEAM

Even though it was a given, Hockey Canada made it official today, including Rebels forward Landon Ferraro on it's World Under-18 squad.

Ferraro is one of eight WHL'ers on the squad, along with Kootenay's Brayden McNabb, Saskatoon's Stefan Elliot, Prince George forward Brett Connolly, Byron Forese of Everett, Regina's Garrett Mitchell, Swift Current's Cody Eakin, and Saskatoon forward Curtis Hamilton.

The only Alberta native on the club is Calgary's Dylan Olsen, who plays with the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks.

Canada opens up the tourney April 9th against Germany in North Dakota. For now, the team is practicing and bonding in Minnesota.

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At the Red Deer City Sports Awards last night.

Former RDC Athletic Director Al Ferchuk was recognized with the Lifetime Sport Achievment award.

Notre Dame High School Vball coach Chris Wandler was named coach of the year

Biathlete Zina Kocher wins top female athlete, while Trampoline expert Kyle Soehn wins the male award.

Gymnast Megan Louis takes home junior female athlete, while Kyle Soehn wins the male award.


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Received this note from Rene with Imedia TV

Hey Andrew, your fans can now watch a new online tv Sports channel....which includes some of the latest hockey games you have reported on.

http://www.imediatv.ca/index.php?siteid=14&hidechannel=trueor

visit iMediaTV.ca and scroll down to the sports channel.

Bentley Generals vs Ft. St. John Flyers Game 1 of McKenzie Cup

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Two of the Red Deer rebels top prospects will be matched up in the AAA Midget Pacific regionals. Joel Lowry and the CGY Buffaloes visit Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the Vancouver NW Giants.

The best of threeseries begins tonight in Burnaby. All three games will be webcast live at www.bchockey.net/MML

The winner moves on to the Telus Cup April 20-26 in Selkirk , MB.

McKenzie Cup - Game One in Red Deer

GENERALS AND FLYERS SET TO DROP THE PUCK

-The Bentley Generals will look to punch their ticket to the Allan Cup for a third consecutive year over the next few nights in Red Deer. Bentley plays host to the Fort St. John Flyers in the best-of-five McKenzie Cup series, beginning tonight. (7:30 p.m. Red Deer Arena)

Games two through five, if needed, will go Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon at the same times.

The Generals will be minus one Joe Vandermeer tonight due to a suspension incurred as the final buzzer sounded in the Senior AAA Provincial Final against Stony Plain.

The Flyers will be without their leading scorer Kip Noble for the duration of the series after he sustained an injury in the B.C. Final.

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What a great night for Red Deer's Colton Sceviour. Two goals and an assist as Lethbridge defeated Saskatoon 4-3 in game seven last night. A big time game from a big-game player. The Hurricanes had underachieved all season long, and finally got their game on track at the right time...when the playoffs hit. With all their firepower, one would think the Calgary - Lethbridge series will be no easy task for the powerhouse Hitmen.

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