I just don't know what it is yet..........
The Brandon Wheat Kings took Red Deer's 14th overall import selection today, and used it to select Edmonton Oilers prospect Toni Rajala out of Finland. Rajala, a diminuative 5'10'', is loaded with offensive skill, and led the World Under 18's with 19 points in 8 games this spring. Wow, would he have looked good in a Rebels uniform or what?
So no word yet on what return Red Deer recieved, although it looks like they now have Medicine Hat's pick in their back pocket at number 41 overall.
more to come as I get it!.....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Import Draft Today
Over the years, the Red Deer Rebels have had some very good import players.
Think: Mikhail Yakubov (32 goals, 89 points in 2001-02), Mikko Kuukka (43 points and hard-nosed defensive play over two seasons, 2003--05), Roman Wick (87 points in 89 games over parts of two seasons, 2004-06), Kirill Starkov (32 goals in 06-07), Martin Hanzal (85 points in 60 games in 2006-07), and there are a few more on that list....
They've also had some very bad import players. Think:
Tomas Polak (11 goals in two seasons, 2007-2009, years in which he was relegated to the press box most nights), Vladimir Mihalik (now actually a legit pro prospect who saw some time in Tampa Bay last year, but at 6'7'', was still learning the game in a less than stellar season in Red Deer), Alexei Zhurba (29 games, one goal in 1999-00. He.......wasn't good),
We'll see who they get today.
The Red Deer Rebels head into the CHL Import Draft with both a first round (#14 overall) and a second round (#74 overall) pick.
Currently, the Rebs have no imports on the roster, so depending on what's on the board, they very well may use both picks in the draft, even though recently drafted Tommi Kivisto (6th overall import selection last year) left a bad taste in their mouths, breaking back to Finland to play this season.
But looking ahead to next season, with Landon Ferraro, Cass Mappin, Willie Coetzee, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins solidified in the top six, another scoring winger is a definite need for this team.
Brent Sutter, who along with Jesse Wallin, has been burning up the phone lines trying to find the right fit, says he isn't sure yet whether he'll use the pick, or simply trade it.
You can follow along here: http://chl.ca/importDraft.php
The Rebels are expected to make their pick just after 9:40 a.m.
AW
Think: Mikhail Yakubov (32 goals, 89 points in 2001-02), Mikko Kuukka (43 points and hard-nosed defensive play over two seasons, 2003--05), Roman Wick (87 points in 89 games over parts of two seasons, 2004-06), Kirill Starkov (32 goals in 06-07), Martin Hanzal (85 points in 60 games in 2006-07), and there are a few more on that list....
They've also had some very bad import players. Think:
Tomas Polak (11 goals in two seasons, 2007-2009, years in which he was relegated to the press box most nights), Vladimir Mihalik (now actually a legit pro prospect who saw some time in Tampa Bay last year, but at 6'7'', was still learning the game in a less than stellar season in Red Deer), Alexei Zhurba (29 games, one goal in 1999-00. He.......wasn't good),
We'll see who they get today.
The Red Deer Rebels head into the CHL Import Draft with both a first round (#14 overall) and a second round (#74 overall) pick.
Currently, the Rebs have no imports on the roster, so depending on what's on the board, they very well may use both picks in the draft, even though recently drafted Tommi Kivisto (6th overall import selection last year) left a bad taste in their mouths, breaking back to Finland to play this season.
But looking ahead to next season, with Landon Ferraro, Cass Mappin, Willie Coetzee, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins solidified in the top six, another scoring winger is a definite need for this team.
Brent Sutter, who along with Jesse Wallin, has been burning up the phone lines trying to find the right fit, says he isn't sure yet whether he'll use the pick, or simply trade it.
You can follow along here: http://chl.ca/importDraft.php
The Rebels are expected to make their pick just after 9:40 a.m.
AW
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Landon Ferraro article
Landon's father Ray had some nice things to say in an article that was the lead story on TSN.ca today:
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283147
That's what it's all about.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283147
That's what it's all about.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
MORON SPORTS - Mappin News
Just spoke with Rebels F Cass Mappin, who unfortunately, didn't go in the entry draft today, something that came as a pretty big surprise to some. Cass was instantly invited to the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect camp next month, so he's feeling good that he'll get a quick chance to prove himself.
- On the show Sunday morning (8-9 a.m ) www.1067thedrive.fm
-Rebels broadcaster Cam Moon - we'll discuss the Rebs that were taken in the draft, and some of the other WHL'ers.
Prospect writer Jeff Nielsen breaks down the first round.
-Drafted Rebels Landon Ferraro, Justin Weller, and Darcy Kuemper.
- On the show Sunday morning (8-9 a.m ) www.1067thedrive.fm
-Rebels broadcaster Cam Moon - we'll discuss the Rebs that were taken in the draft, and some of the other WHL'ers.
Prospect writer Jeff Nielsen breaks down the first round.
-Drafted Rebels Landon Ferraro, Justin Weller, and Darcy Kuemper.
Draft Day - Ferraro goes/Mappin doesn't
It was a bit of a gut-wrenching night for rebels F Landon Ferraro, as he watched 30 other players walk to the podium on night one of the NHL entry draft in Montreal.
However, on day two, it didn't take long for Ferraro to be snapped up. After trading down from number 29, the Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings took Ferraro at #32 overall this morning.
Here's an interview with Landon moments after;
http://redwings.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?id=44377
Looks good in Red!
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With a number of Rebels watching the draft board closely today, the first one to go was a bit of a shocker. D Justin Weller was selected by Pheonix in the 4th round, 105th overall, while G Darcy Kuemper was taken by Minnesota in the 6th round, 161st.
Rebels draft pick Curtis McKenzie, who opted to go the junior "A" route (Penticton) the last two years, was taken in the 6th round as well by Dallas. Don't forget, the Stars drafted Kelowna Rockets sniper Jamie Benn a couple of years ago, could we see McKenzie defect to the WHL just like Benn did in 07-08?
Rebels D Tommi Kivisto goes very, very late to Carolina in the 7th round. The 'Canes have always watched Red Deer very closely (Ward, Sutter) and again, this will be interesting to see if it at all has bearing on whether or not Kivisto returns to Red Deer next season. Every indication was he was heading back to Finland.
-Hard to believe F Cass Mappin not only slips, but doesn't go at all in the draft today, falling through all seven rounds. A definite surprise considering that at one point early in the season, Mappin was projected as a top few rounds guy. Some of the players who were going in rounds 7 and 8 were fighters, one player from AAA midget in Dallas. Lots of tier II guys, and one tier III player, so the fact that noone took a shot at Mappin, or even Willie Coetzee, is a bit of a surprise to me.
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Another interesting draft note today. After picking up the rights to D Jay Bouwmeester in a trade, the Calgary Flames knew that to have any chance of sighning him, they'd need to shed a bit of salary. They did a bit of that today, sending D Jim Vandermeer to Pheonix for F Brandon Prust.
Vandermeer, a former Rebels captain, was reportedly excited to play for his former Junior coach Brent Sutter. However, his salary (2.3 million this year AND next) was a bit high for a 6th defenseman, and was one that Flames brass felt better moving.
However, on day two, it didn't take long for Ferraro to be snapped up. After trading down from number 29, the Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings took Ferraro at #32 overall this morning.
Here's an interview with Landon moments after;
http://redwings.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?id=44377
Looks good in Red!
--------
With a number of Rebels watching the draft board closely today, the first one to go was a bit of a shocker. D Justin Weller was selected by Pheonix in the 4th round, 105th overall, while G Darcy Kuemper was taken by Minnesota in the 6th round, 161st.
Rebels draft pick Curtis McKenzie, who opted to go the junior "A" route (Penticton) the last two years, was taken in the 6th round as well by Dallas. Don't forget, the Stars drafted Kelowna Rockets sniper Jamie Benn a couple of years ago, could we see McKenzie defect to the WHL just like Benn did in 07-08?
Rebels D Tommi Kivisto goes very, very late to Carolina in the 7th round. The 'Canes have always watched Red Deer very closely (Ward, Sutter) and again, this will be interesting to see if it at all has bearing on whether or not Kivisto returns to Red Deer next season. Every indication was he was heading back to Finland.
-Hard to believe F Cass Mappin not only slips, but doesn't go at all in the draft today, falling through all seven rounds. A definite surprise considering that at one point early in the season, Mappin was projected as a top few rounds guy. Some of the players who were going in rounds 7 and 8 were fighters, one player from AAA midget in Dallas. Lots of tier II guys, and one tier III player, so the fact that noone took a shot at Mappin, or even Willie Coetzee, is a bit of a surprise to me.
-----------
Another interesting draft note today. After picking up the rights to D Jay Bouwmeester in a trade, the Calgary Flames knew that to have any chance of sighning him, they'd need to shed a bit of salary. They did a bit of that today, sending D Jim Vandermeer to Pheonix for F Brandon Prust.
Vandermeer, a former Rebels captain, was reportedly excited to play for his former Junior coach Brent Sutter. However, his salary (2.3 million this year AND next) was a bit high for a 6th defenseman, and was one that Flames brass felt better moving.
Friday, June 26, 2009
2009 NHL Entry Draft Notes-As many as five Red Deer Rebels could be selected in the entry draft today and tomorrow, the only sure-thing being Landon Ferraro.
(The others include Cass Mappin, Tommi Kivisto, Willie Coetzee, and Justin Weller)
-With the likes of Evander Kane, Brayden Schenn, Jared Cowen, Stefan Elliot, Scott Glennie, etc. it's a great WHL draft class as well.
-A couple of thoughts from Landon Ferraro heading into the first day:
"Honestly, again, with my range I'm really trying not to think about that. I'm just trying to make sure to be prepared if i do go int he second rounf, or be extremely happy if I stay in the first."It's a bit of a weird ranking right now. I could go anywhere from 15 to 35 . I'll be disappointed if i slip to the second day, but in the end, it's no big deal."
-Nothing too scientific here, but if I had to predict, this is how I see the First round going Friday night, barring any trade-ups, which I'm sure we'll see a few of.
1) New York Islanders - Victor Hedman - D - Modo (SEL)
-Obviously, this one could go either way. I'll say Hedman becauseof the "can't miss" factor. 6'6'' and a fantastic two-way game.
2) Tampa Bay Lightning - John Tavarez - F - London (OHL)
-Some say he's the best player from 20 feet in that we've seen over the last 15 years. Could easily see him go at one, but we'll call it a gut instinct.
3) Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene - C - Brampton (OHL)
-Again, no surprise here, but the Av's will be content with whomever falls to them at number three. A lot of scouts love Duchene's two-way game. I was very impressed with his skill set when I went to the CHL Top Prospects game in Oshawa this winter. He was in a class by himself.
4) Atlanta Thrashers - Evander Kane - F - Vancouver (WHL)
-Some question Kane's attitude and dressing room persona, but you can't deny he is the premier power-forward in this draft. too good to pass up at number four.
5) Los Angeles Kings - Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson - LW - Timra (SEL)
-Who knows, the fastest player in the 2009 draft may wind up as the best player 10 years from now. With NHL size already, teams 8 through 15 are praying he slips. He won't.
6) Phoenix Coyotes - Jared Cowen - D - Spokane (WHL)
-I love some of the talent the Coyotes have stockpiled up front (Mueller, Turris, Hanzal, Boedker), and it's time they add a stud D-man to the mix. Some say Cowen (knee injury) will slip, but I say he's just too good. He was dominant as a 16 year-old in the WHL and Memorial Cup. That's hard to do.
7) Toronto Maple Leafs - Brayden Schenn - C - Brandon (WHL)
-So much talk of the Leafs trading up, possibly to get Schenn, an absolutely tremendous player with the Wheat Kings. I don't think they'll have to. This would be great value at number seven. I don't see Schenn being a superstar, but he's a can't miss top liner.
8) Dallas Stars - Oliver Ekman -Larsson - D - Leksands (SWEAI)
-Pick your poison with Larsson or Kulikov, but with Ivan Vishnevsky already in the fold, look for the Stars to go with the bigger blueliner.
9) Ottawa Senators - Ryan Ellis - D - Windsor (OHL)
-The Sens pull off the first gamble, taking the pint-sized, yet super skilled spitfire at number nine. He can run any powerplay in his sleep. Risk-reward.
10) Edmonton Oilers - Dmitri Kulikov - D - Drummondville (QMJHL)
-While Scott Glennie may be the popular pick here, and it still may happen, you may see Edmonton employ a "best player available" mentality, snapping up Kulikov at 10.
11) Nashville Predators - Scott Glennie - C - Brandon (WHL)
-The Preds are stacked on defense, so I see them goign the forward route. Glennie is another safe pick, who could be a big-time steal. Big, skilled, and competitive.
12) Minnesota Wild - Nazem Kadri - C - London (OHL)
-Not overly big, but great puck skills. The Wild will be thrilled if Kadri falls to 12.
13) Buffalo Sabres - John Moore - D - Chicago (USHL)
-A bit of a surprise here, as the Sabres take Moore early. A great skater who could form a formidable duo with Tyler Meyers in coming years.
14) Florida Panthers - Jordan Schroeder - RW - U of Minn (WCHA)
-Tiny, yet flush with offensive ability. Schroeder had a great World Junior tourney for the U.S.A.
15) Anaheim Ducks - Zack Kassian - RW - Peterborough (OHL)
-May be the best "big man" in the draft. Everyone would lvpove to have selected Milan Lucic in 2006, and this clone could see his stock rise as a result.
16) Columbus Blue Jackets- Jacob Josefson - C - Djurgarden (SEL)
-A nice pick by the Jackets here, who get a solid, two way player to compliment some of their high end offensive studs.
17) St.Louis Blues - Calvin de Haan - D - Oshawa (OHL)
-I'll peg a surprise here. I have like de Haan from what I've seen. I think he'll go early...maybe not this early though.
18) Montreal Canadiens - Louis Leblanc - C - Omaha (UHL)
-Habs appease the hometown crowd (if they even keep the pick) and opt for the Quebec native, playing in the U.S.
19) New York Rangers - Peter Holland - C - Guelph (OHL)
-Some hockey people out there absolutely LOVE Holland. He won't go too high, but I could see the Rangers finally committing at 19
20) Calgary Flames - Dylan Olsen - D - Camrose (AJHL)
-CGY loves Dion. Olsen is Dion-lite. He's from CGY. He played in Alberta. If history is any indication, everything adds up.
21) Philadelphia Flyers - Chris Krieder - LW - Andover (High School)
-One of the mysteries of this year's draft. The Flyers are in no hurry, stocked up front.
22) Vancouver Canucvks - Landon Ferraro - C - Red Deer (WHL)
-A B.C. boy, we'll say Ferraro goes at 22 to Vancouver.
Running out of time here, hopefully I can finish up later.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Busy Day - Wallin - University Commitments
Just a day after I was putting some serious thought into the Rebels GM situation comes a release from the Rebels hockey club today:
--So there you go. A pretty interesting development. More trust in Wallin, and a bit more separation from Brent Sutter when it comes to running the hockey club.
--Three former Western Leaguers have committed to the U of Calgary next season. Luke Egener, who played his final season with the Red Deer Rebels in 08-09, Eric Frere, who played parts of three seasons in Red Deer before moving on to MJ, CGY, and KTN. And Graham Potuer, a Red Deer native who became one of the most underrated blueliners in the entire WHL the past two seasons. Sounds like a pretty good coup for the U of C. A lot of experience.
--Coming up tomorrow morning: Comments from potential first-rounder Landon Ferraro, as well as my mock draft.
Jesse Wallin Named Vice-President Of Hockey Operations
RED DEER, AB – Brent Sutter, President/Owner of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, announced today he has named Jesse Wallin Vice-President of Hockey Operations. Wallin will also remain as the team’s Head Coach; he is entering his second season in that position. He was the Rebels Associate Coach in 2007-08 and was the team’s Assistant Coach from 2005 to 2007.
Wallin is a former Rebels player, playing in 215 regular season games with the team as well as another 30 playoff games. He went on to a six-year professional career after being selected in the first round of the 1996 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings and was part of their 2002 Stanley Cup Championship. Wallin also was part of Team Canada’s 1997 World Junior Championship gold medal team.
Randy Peterson, the former Vice-President of Hockey Operations, is now the Rebels’ Director of Scouting and Player Development. He will remain as the team’s Alternate Governor.
Brent Sutter, President/Owner Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club - “This move was made because Jesse is hands on with the team on a day-by-day basis. He is in the best position to make decisions that affect the hockey operations. The move allows Randy to concentrate strictly on scouting and player development.”
Jesse Wallin, Vice-President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach – “I’m honored for this opportunity. I look forward to working with Randy Peterson, our scouts, and coaching staff. We are committed to a very competitive team for this season and into the future.”--So there you go. A pretty interesting development. More trust in Wallin, and a bit more separation from Brent Sutter when it comes to running the hockey club.
--Three former Western Leaguers have committed to the U of Calgary next season. Luke Egener, who played his final season with the Red Deer Rebels in 08-09, Eric Frere, who played parts of three seasons in Red Deer before moving on to MJ, CGY, and KTN. And Graham Potuer, a Red Deer native who became one of the most underrated blueliners in the entire WHL the past two seasons. Sounds like a pretty good coup for the U of C. A lot of experience.
--Coming up tomorrow morning: Comments from potential first-rounder Landon Ferraro, as well as my mock draft.
Thursday Note - NHL Draft Upcoming
Some thoughts on the Red Deer Rebels GM scenario:
http://www.reddeerexpress.com/express/edition03/sports-005.html
-The 2009 NHL Entry Draft is a little over 24 hours away..I'll have some thoughts later today and tomorrow mornign, including my own mock draft.
-Where does Landon Ferraro go Friday night....OR...does he slip to round two?
- The CHL Import Draft goes Tuesday, June 30th. The Rebels pick at 14th, and then again at 74th. I don't think it's set in stone who Red Deer wants to select as of yet, as the NHL draft this weekend could play a big role. I'll have more info on that come Monday.
-The 73rd annual Ponoka Stampede gets going tonight. With $40,000 up for grabs in each of the seven events, it's North America's richest rodeo over the Canada Day weekend. Thanks to the Stampede comittee for hosting a great media day at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort yesterday.
http://www.reddeerexpress.com/express/edition03/sports-005.html
-The 2009 NHL Entry Draft is a little over 24 hours away..I'll have some thoughts later today and tomorrow mornign, including my own mock draft.
-Where does Landon Ferraro go Friday night....OR...does he slip to round two?
- The CHL Import Draft goes Tuesday, June 30th. The Rebels pick at 14th, and then again at 74th. I don't think it's set in stone who Red Deer wants to select as of yet, as the NHL draft this weekend could play a big role. I'll have more info on that come Monday.
-The 73rd annual Ponoka Stampede gets going tonight. With $40,000 up for grabs in each of the seven events, it's North America's richest rodeo over the Canada Day weekend. Thanks to the Stampede comittee for hosting a great media day at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort yesterday.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday Notes - More Sutter
It turns out I was wrong.
Over the last couple of months, I have said I just didn't fully believe that Brent Sutter was heading to Calgary to coach the Flames. At least not in 2009-10.
But, a whirlwind couple of weeks will wrap up with Brent being officially named the Flames head coach on Monday.
This is great news for Calgary, as Brent is a tremendous coach, something the Flames haven't had for quite some time. Not only is he a proven winner, but he also will probably hold more sway with former Rebel Dion Phanuef, who had possibly the worst season of his career due to a myriad of reasons.
Some will question the ethics of the situation, but Sutter will tell you everything was done by the book, and Devils GM Lou Lamirello was very cooperative in giving Calgary, namely ownership and Ken King, permission to court Brent.
Coaching has obviously become a huge love for Brent at the NHL level, and I am happy that he will be doing what he wants.
But while it's good news for the Flames, and good news for Brent, those of us in Red Deer will certainly wonder...Is this good for the Rebels?
That remains to be seen.
While there may not be any direct correlation to Brent leaving two years ago, and the subsequent two-year struggles in Red Deer, I do certainly believe that this team needs a full-time General Manager. So when Sutter resigned his New Jersey post a week ago, I had convinced myself that the GM role, full time, was the next step. It turns out I was mistaken.
While Brent will be in Alberta, obviously much, much closer to the Rebs, coaching an NHL team is no part-time job. His involvement with the junior club will be intensified, but will that be enough?
One thing is certain though. It's a good day to be a Flames fan, because in that aspect, this is a great fit.
----------------
I did chat briefly with Brent about a couple of issues this weekend. The first being Joel Lowry. Although it's not set in stone yet, it does look like Lowry will go the Junior A route in Victoria next season. Don't forget, Lowry has U.S. citizenship, making the prospect of a scholarship to a big U.S. school an easier process.
Lowry was one of Red Deer's most highly touted prospects, and was going to get a long look this fall.
A different source told me Saturday that if Joel does decide to go the WHL route, it won't be in Red Deer, but rather, he would hope to play for father Dave in Calgary. It will be interesting to see if Rebs management decides to cut their losses, and get some value in a trade with the Hitmen. I would think Lowry could fetch a 2nd or 3rd round pick if these division-rivals were to reach a rare agreement.
---------
As for the Tommi Kivisto situation, Sutter says nothing will be decided until the NHL draft, if and where Kivisto goes will have a large bearing on whether he comes back to Red Deer or not.
Kivisto signed a contract this Spring to play in Finland next year, and indicated he did not want to return to the WHL.
-----------
Coming up this week, I will have plenty of info on the upcoming NHL draft, potentially a big one for the Red Deer Rebels. Kivisto could go in the mid-rounds, while Landon Ferraro is a potential first rounder. Landon still has a couple of interviews to do, but he will be in Montreal as of Wednesday. Cass Mappin is a mystery. After a good combine, he could go anywhere from the 2nd - 7th round. Willie Coetzee is a potential pick, as is Darcy Kuemper, and in a bit of a longer-shot scenario, Justin Weller.
Also of note, Rebels pick Curtis McKenzie, who had a terrific season in Junior A after spurning Red Deer in each of the last two years. Much like Kivisto, McKenzie could still possiby play in the WHL next season if pushed by a drafting parent club.
Over the last couple of months, I have said I just didn't fully believe that Brent Sutter was heading to Calgary to coach the Flames. At least not in 2009-10.
But, a whirlwind couple of weeks will wrap up with Brent being officially named the Flames head coach on Monday.
This is great news for Calgary, as Brent is a tremendous coach, something the Flames haven't had for quite some time. Not only is he a proven winner, but he also will probably hold more sway with former Rebel Dion Phanuef, who had possibly the worst season of his career due to a myriad of reasons.
Some will question the ethics of the situation, but Sutter will tell you everything was done by the book, and Devils GM Lou Lamirello was very cooperative in giving Calgary, namely ownership and Ken King, permission to court Brent.
Coaching has obviously become a huge love for Brent at the NHL level, and I am happy that he will be doing what he wants.
But while it's good news for the Flames, and good news for Brent, those of us in Red Deer will certainly wonder...Is this good for the Rebels?
That remains to be seen.
While there may not be any direct correlation to Brent leaving two years ago, and the subsequent two-year struggles in Red Deer, I do certainly believe that this team needs a full-time General Manager. So when Sutter resigned his New Jersey post a week ago, I had convinced myself that the GM role, full time, was the next step. It turns out I was mistaken.
While Brent will be in Alberta, obviously much, much closer to the Rebs, coaching an NHL team is no part-time job. His involvement with the junior club will be intensified, but will that be enough?
One thing is certain though. It's a good day to be a Flames fan, because in that aspect, this is a great fit.
----------------
I did chat briefly with Brent about a couple of issues this weekend. The first being Joel Lowry. Although it's not set in stone yet, it does look like Lowry will go the Junior A route in Victoria next season. Don't forget, Lowry has U.S. citizenship, making the prospect of a scholarship to a big U.S. school an easier process.
Lowry was one of Red Deer's most highly touted prospects, and was going to get a long look this fall.
A different source told me Saturday that if Joel does decide to go the WHL route, it won't be in Red Deer, but rather, he would hope to play for father Dave in Calgary. It will be interesting to see if Rebs management decides to cut their losses, and get some value in a trade with the Hitmen. I would think Lowry could fetch a 2nd or 3rd round pick if these division-rivals were to reach a rare agreement.
---------
As for the Tommi Kivisto situation, Sutter says nothing will be decided until the NHL draft, if and where Kivisto goes will have a large bearing on whether he comes back to Red Deer or not.
Kivisto signed a contract this Spring to play in Finland next year, and indicated he did not want to return to the WHL.
-----------
Coming up this week, I will have plenty of info on the upcoming NHL draft, potentially a big one for the Red Deer Rebels. Kivisto could go in the mid-rounds, while Landon Ferraro is a potential first rounder. Landon still has a couple of interviews to do, but he will be in Montreal as of Wednesday. Cass Mappin is a mystery. After a good combine, he could go anywhere from the 2nd - 7th round. Willie Coetzee is a potential pick, as is Darcy Kuemper, and in a bit of a longer-shot scenario, Justin Weller.
Also of note, Rebels pick Curtis McKenzie, who had a terrific season in Junior A after spurning Red Deer in each of the last two years. Much like Kivisto, McKenzie could still possiby play in the WHL next season if pushed by a drafting parent club.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
WHL News for Thursday
Rebels owner and president Brent Sutter was one of those in attendance at the WHL's Annual General Meeting this week in Vancouver. Yesterday, a pair of substantial rulings were released.
First off, it looks like full-time video replay will be coming to the regular season for the first time starting in the fall. To this point, the league has only used replay in the playoffs. My thoughts have always been, if it helps to get the call right, so be it. Delays seem to be a necessary evil.
Secondly, the board announced that the current one thru eight Conference Playoff format will remain in place for the next five years.
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Greg Drinnan http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/ reported on his blog today that 17 year old F Joel Lowry, one of the Rebels top prospects, has agrred to play with the BCJHL's Victoria Grizzlies next season.
After some additional research, it indeed looks like this is the case. I'll hopefully have comment later on today from Red Deer. Lowry, the son of Hitmen head coach Dave, played AAA Midget with the Alberta Champion CGY Buffaloes last season, and was expected to get a long, long look in camp this fall. If Lowry does go through with the Junior A route instead, it will mean the second substantial prospect loss in the last two years for Red Deer. Curtis McKenzie, who is expedted to go somewhere in the middle rounds of next weeks NHL entry draft, has spurned Red Deer in each of the last two seasons to play Junior in B.C.
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This is a bit delayed, but congrats to Former Rebel netminder James Reimer, who helped the ECH:'s South Carolina Stingrays to the Kelly Cup Championship earlier this month with a game seven victory over the Alaska Aces. Reimer was named playoff MVP
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I had a good chat with Shaun Sutter last night, the new assistant coach with the Regina Pats. I'll play that interview on the show this weekend.
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AW
First off, it looks like full-time video replay will be coming to the regular season for the first time starting in the fall. To this point, the league has only used replay in the playoffs. My thoughts have always been, if it helps to get the call right, so be it. Delays seem to be a necessary evil.
Secondly, the board announced that the current one thru eight Conference Playoff format will remain in place for the next five years.
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Greg Drinnan http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/ reported on his blog today that 17 year old F Joel Lowry, one of the Rebels top prospects, has agrred to play with the BCJHL's Victoria Grizzlies next season.
After some additional research, it indeed looks like this is the case. I'll hopefully have comment later on today from Red Deer. Lowry, the son of Hitmen head coach Dave, played AAA Midget with the Alberta Champion CGY Buffaloes last season, and was expected to get a long, long look in camp this fall. If Lowry does go through with the Junior A route instead, it will mean the second substantial prospect loss in the last two years for Red Deer. Curtis McKenzie, who is expedted to go somewhere in the middle rounds of next weeks NHL entry draft, has spurned Red Deer in each of the last two seasons to play Junior in B.C.
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This is a bit delayed, but congrats to Former Rebel netminder James Reimer, who helped the ECH:'s South Carolina Stingrays to the Kelly Cup Championship earlier this month with a game seven victory over the Alaska Aces. Reimer was named playoff MVP
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I had a good chat with Shaun Sutter last night, the new assistant coach with the Regina Pats. I'll play that interview on the show this weekend.
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AW
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sutter Stepping Down - confirmed
Well, that didn't take too long.
In a matter of hours, it's been confirmed that Brent Sutter will step down as head coach of the New Jersey Devils today.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281325
I talked with Brent early this morning, and he said he'd be in contact with New Jersey, with an official announcement coming this afternoon.
It will be interesting to see if he makes any sort of commitment to a plan for next season...where does he go, what does he do? As started below, I'd like to beleive a full time President - General Manager post in Red Deer tops the priority list.
Local baseball tonight:
Sunburst League - RD Riggers vs RD Stags - 7:30 p.m. -(Great Chief)
Parkland League - RD Razorbacks @ Eckville Expos - 7 p.m.
In a matter of hours, it's been confirmed that Brent Sutter will step down as head coach of the New Jersey Devils today.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281325
I talked with Brent early this morning, and he said he'd be in contact with New Jersey, with an official announcement coming this afternoon.
It will be interesting to see if he makes any sort of commitment to a plan for next season...where does he go, what does he do? As started below, I'd like to beleive a full time President - General Manager post in Red Deer tops the priority list.
Local baseball tonight:
Sunburst League - RD Riggers vs RD Stags - 7:30 p.m. -(Great Chief)
Parkland League - RD Razorbacks @ Eckville Expos - 7 p.m.
SUTTER DECISION COMING TODAY?
Apologies for the blog hiatus. Things will be heating up again very soon...no tme like the present to get things started.
-We've been waiting for a decision for weeks, and it was thought one could be coming sometime this week. Well how about today? CTV Calgary has been reporting overnight that Brent Sutter will STEP DOWN as head coach of the New Jersey Devils Tuesday.
If true, it won't come as a huge surprise, as Brent has obviously not tried to hide the fact he misses his ranch, his family, and the Red Deer Rebels, who have not made the WHL postseason in his absence.
When Sutter took the New Jersey job two years ago, he made certain to seperate any Red Deer announcement from any New Jersey announcement, so if he is to resign today, I would expect he won't come out and unveil all his plans for the 2009-10 season quite yet.
The popular rumor in NHL circles is that Brent would head down the QE2 to take the job with the Calgary Flames. Personally, I don't see it happening. With the Rebels seemingly on the rebound after back to back fledgling seasons, now would be a perfect time to get back to his business, in need of some attention.
In my opinion, this Rebel team needs a full-time General Manager badly. The cupboards are starting to look a bit fuller with prospects, and a playoff spot, which would be just the second in the past five years, is EXPECTED to come to fruition in 2009-10.
More on a possible announcement when I get it.
AW
-F Carter Smith, who wrapped up a five-year WHL career with a 20 goal season in Red Deer in 08-09, has commited play for the U of Regina next season.
-
-We've been waiting for a decision for weeks, and it was thought one could be coming sometime this week. Well how about today? CTV Calgary has been reporting overnight that Brent Sutter will STEP DOWN as head coach of the New Jersey Devils Tuesday.
If true, it won't come as a huge surprise, as Brent has obviously not tried to hide the fact he misses his ranch, his family, and the Red Deer Rebels, who have not made the WHL postseason in his absence.
When Sutter took the New Jersey job two years ago, he made certain to seperate any Red Deer announcement from any New Jersey announcement, so if he is to resign today, I would expect he won't come out and unveil all his plans for the 2009-10 season quite yet.
The popular rumor in NHL circles is that Brent would head down the QE2 to take the job with the Calgary Flames. Personally, I don't see it happening. With the Rebels seemingly on the rebound after back to back fledgling seasons, now would be a perfect time to get back to his business, in need of some attention.
In my opinion, this Rebel team needs a full-time General Manager badly. The cupboards are starting to look a bit fuller with prospects, and a playoff spot, which would be just the second in the past five years, is EXPECTED to come to fruition in 2009-10.
More on a possible announcement when I get it.
AW
-F Carter Smith, who wrapped up a five-year WHL career with a 20 goal season in Red Deer in 08-09, has commited play for the U of Regina next season.
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