Ryan and Matt Rupert: Two of a kind
on May 10th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Two of a kind
OHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: Ryan and Matt Rupert loving the grind of Knights playoff run.
By STEVE GREEN, THE LONDON FREE PRESS
Ryan and Matt Rupert were drafted by the London Knights to be impact players, but it’s unlikely anyone outside the organization thought they’d be making such a big impact so early in their major junior hockey careers. And on such a major stage to boot.
The feisty 17-year-olds from Grand Bend have simply been two of the Knights’ better players in the OHL final against the Niagara IceDogs, which London leads 3-1 heading into Game 5 Friday night at the John Labatt Centre (7 p.m., Rogers Sportsnet).
“The playoffs suit us,” Matt Rupert said Thursday at the JLC. “It’s all about grinding it out, getting the puck in deep and finishing your checks.”
Along with the likes of fellow 17-year-olds Chris Tierney, Max Domi, Bo Horvat and Andreas Athanasiou, the Ruperts have been at the forefront of a youthful charge that has the older, supposedly stronger IceDogs flummoxed. And all from a team that was supposed to be loading up for a Memorial Cup run next year, yet finds itself a win away from that tournament now.
“It’s been fun,” Matt Rupert said. “Everyone picks us for next year, but we’d like to prove them wrong this year. But to be doing this so early (in their careers) is unbelievable. This has been a great chance to learn for next year.”
Ryan Rupert leads the Knights in this series with four goals, all of them coming at the ancient Jack Gatecliff Arena in St. Catharines.
“It’s an old-time building and I like to play that old-time hockey,” he said with a grin, perhaps channelling an inner Hanson brother as he’s been playing with an edge for a while now. “You never want to go into a game thinking you have to be the guy. You just want to have fun and right now things are exceeding expectations.
“I mean, everyone wants to be the go-to guy, but our whole team is made up of go-to guys and right now it’s just my turn.”
There’s no doubt the Knights, with the Ruperts leading the way, have the IceDogs off their game.
“It’s just been hard work so far,” Matt said. “We’ve been getting on their big guys and shutting them down, getting in their faces and rattling their cages a bit.
“But it’s not just us. We’ve got great leadership in our room. Austin Watson has been there (a Memorial Cup) before, so he lets us know what it takes. We’ve also got a lot of veterans and a lot of character in that room.”
“It’s really about our defensive play,” Ryan added. “They’re a team that’s used to scoring goals and they’re getting really frustrated.”
Ryan Rupert said the time he and his brother spent with the then-struggling junior B Lambton Shores Predators may have been a blessing.
“We got a lot of playing time while we were there, for one thing,” he said. “And it showed us that you always want to be on a winning team. Losing’s not a lot of fun and we’re having a lot of fun right now.”
And that fun could turn to celebration Friday night and the chance to close out the series on home ice isn’t lost on either twin, who both said a repeat of the near-flawless all-around performance in Game 4′s 4-1 win is what’s needed.
“A little bit,” Matt said when asked if he could see defeat in the IceDogs’ eyes, “but we’ve got to think of this as though the series is still tied. They’re going to come out strong and we just have to fight through it.”
“And we haven’t won a series at home yet,” Ryan added. “It would be nice to win one in front of our fans.”
One man who isn’t shocked at all by the Ruperts’ play is head coach and GM Mark Hunter.
“Not really. They’re competitive kids who love this time of year,” he said. “We have a lot of faith in these boys. They’ve got a great desire to win and it’s not fun playing against people who are that competitive every shift.”
At the moment, the Knights are batting 2-for-3 on the injury front after Wednesday’s win. Forwards Seth Griffith and Josh Anderson look good to go for Game 5 after Griffith blocked several shots and Anderson was cross-checked by the IceDogs’ Brett Ritchie. Knights defenceman Olli Maatta, who also took a cross-check from Ritchie as the game ended, this one around the back of the head, is day-to-day, Hunter said.
more..Murphy, Yakupov, Agozzino All-Stars
on May 9th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
From OntarioHockeyLeague.com:
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the All-Star teams for the 2011-12 OHL regular season.
Both clubs competing in the Rogers OHL Championship Series are well represented on all three All-Star teams with the Niagara IceDogs leading the way with four players, followed by the London Knights with three players. IceDogs’ All-Stars include Defenceman of the Year Dougie Hamilton on the first team, goaltender Mark Visentin on the second team, and overage forwards Alex Friesen and Andrew Agozzino listed as third team All-Stars. The Knights are represented by Scott Harrington on defence for the first team along with Goaltender of the Year Michael Houser. Forward Seth Griffith was voted to the second team at right wing.
The first team also includes OHL Top Scorer Michael Sgarbossa of the Sudbury Wolves at centre, with Brandon Saad of the Saginaw Spirit at left wing, and Tyler Toffoli of the Ottawa 67’s at right wing. The Spirit’s Greg Gilbert is also listed on the first team as the OHL’s Coach of the Year.
Toffoli was voted a first team All-Star for the second straight season, while fellow first team All-Star Dougie Hamilton was on the second team last year. Second team All-Stars Visentin and defenceman Ryan Murphy of the Kitchener Rangers are also recognized for the second straight season having both appeared as first team All-Stars in 2010-11.
The OHL All-Star Teams were selected by the OHL’s General Managers. Players were voted on by position and received five points for a first place vote, three for a second place vote, and one for a third place vote. In the case of defencemen, the top two selections received five points, the third and fourth selections received three points, and the fifth and sixth selections each received a single point.
2011-12 OHL All-Star Teams (voting points in brackets):
First Team:
Centre – Michael Sgarbossa, Sudbury Wolves (86)
Left Wing – Brandon Saad, Saginaw Spirit (45)
Right Wing – Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67’s (75)
Defence – Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs (93)
Defence – Scott Harrington, London Knights (60)
Goaltender – Michael Houser, London Knights (74)
Coach – Greg Gilbert, Saginaw Spirit (45)
Second Team:
Centre – Sean Monahan, Ottawa 67’s (27)
Left Wing – Tanner Pearson, Barrie Colts (36)
Right Wing – Seth Griffith, London Knights (42)
Defence – Cody Ceci, Ottawa 67’s (55)
Defence – Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers (46)
Goaltender – Mark Visentin, Niagara IceDogs (46)
Coach – Steve Spott, Kitchener Rangers (39)
Third Team:
Centre – Alex Friesen, Niagara IceDogs (23)
Left Wing – Andrew Agozzino, Niagara IceDogs (32)
Right Wing – Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting (35)
Defence – Beau Schmitz, Plymouth Whalers (30)
Defence – Ryan Sproul, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (28)
Goaltender – John Gibson, Kitchener Rangers (30)
Coach – Stan Butler, Brampton Battalion (34)
A Tale of Two Thomas’
on May 4th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
A Tale of Two Thomas’
By Bob Crawford
MAY 4, 2012
SportsPageMagazine.com
The pressure cooker of pro sports can make for some strange situations, and hockey history has seen many a family battle, with gentlemen sharing the same last name going up against one another in opposing jerseys.
Most of those have been sibling clashes, with brother combinations like Phil and Tony Esposito, the Staal brothers, the Sutter clan, Scott and Rob Niedermayer, Keith and Wayne Primeau, etc., knocking heads.
The current Connecticut Whale vs. Norfolk Admirals series, though, features a father and son locking horns, in the Whale’s Christian Thomas and his dad, Steve.
Christian Thomas joined the Whale from the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League April 4 and played in Connecticut’s last five regular season games, and all four playoff contests to date. Steve Thomas is Player Development Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Norfolk’s parent club, and while he is not an official member of the Admirals’ coaching staff, often assists Head Coach John Cooper and Assistant Coach Mike Flanagan, both in practice and behind the bench.
Game One of the Whale/Admirals series Wednesday was the first time the two Thomas men had faced each other on opposing sides. Given that his pride and joy was going to be front and center in the opponent’s lineup, Steve Thomas was conflicted, right up to the start of Wednesday’s game, about whether he should go back behind the bench.
“It’s going to be a bit odd, but I’m looking forward to it,” Steve said Wednesday morning. “It’s a hard kind of thing, but he’s playing pro hockey now and it’s what he wants to do. He’s in an environment , the playoffs, right now, luckily enough, and he’s worked hard to be in this position. So he’s made his bed, and playoff hockey’s intense, it’s played with a lot of passion, and whatever happens, happens out there. It’s beyond my control.”
So, not surprisingly, dad had some mixed feelings. The younger Thomas, on the other hand, didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the situation, although he did acknowledge its out-of-the-ordinary nature.
“It’s pretty weird seeing him on the other bench, that’s for sure,” Christian said. “He’s always coached me in minor hockey. He was on my bench, so he always helped me out, but now he’s helping out the opposition. It’s going to be pretty cool, though.”
Anyone who has kids of their own would certainly forgive Steve Thomas if he became a little distracted in this series, struggling with keeping his mind on his own job and not getting caught up in watching his son. That is a line, however, that Thomas the elder is familiar with straddling.
“I coached him in Minor Bantam, Bantam and Minor Midget, and I treated him like I would any other player,” Steve Thomas said, “and I think that’s the approach I’m going to take [in this series], for sure. More than anything I want our team to win this series, at the same time I’d really like to see my son do well.”
Competing in the heat of battle is one thing, and doing one’s best to help a loved one achieve their goals is another. Steve Thomas, a 20-year NHLer who scored 421 goals and 933 points in the Big Show, is in a great position to use not only his playing experience, but his player-development expertise, to advise Christian on the younger Thomas’ quest to succeed in the pros.
“I think it’s a big transition, playing Junior hockey and making the jump to playoff hockey in the American Hockey League,” Steve said. “You’ve got guys out here that had stints in the National Hockey League, and it’s one step closer to his goal. I think coming out of Junior, that transition, more than anything, is playing well defensively in your own zone. And I think as an offensive player, that makes it that much more of an adjustment because in Junior, it’s all about winning. Guys take chances, they cheat the game a little bit, and you just can’t do that at this level, players are too good. So that transition even becomes more magnified because it’s that defensive mode you kind of have to have yourself in, because ultimately everything starts in your own end. Play good defensive hockey, you get your offensive chances.”
For his part, the 19-year-old Christian Thomas, a second-round draftee by the New York Rangers in the 2010 NHL Draft, takes dad’s advice to heart, and is quick to give the old man credit for knowing what he’s talking about.
“He’s pretty much spot-on,” Christian said of Steve’s counsel. “He said guys (in pro) are bigger, stronger, it’s quicker and you have less time to make plays. First game, I found that out right away, and it was just a bit of adapting I had to do. I feel pretty comfortable out there right now, but playoff hockey is obviously a lot quicker, and it’s going to be a tough series.”
Christian Thomas is already a veteran of one AHL playoff battle, the Whale’s first-round sweep of Bridgeport. Although he did not get on the scoresheet in the three games, he saw significant time on right wing on the Whale’s top line with center Kris Newbury and left-wing Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, another great growth opportunity.
“It was tough, it was my first playoff series in the AHL and it was pretty quick, only playing five games of regular season,” Christian said, “but it was another step up, but playing with two guys like that just makes it a lot easier. They’re so good on the ice and they only help you.”
Christian Thomas, at 5-9 and 170 pounds, is similar in stature to Steve, whose playing dimensions were listed at 5-11 and 185 pounds. The son also exhibits other traits that were hallmarks of his dad’s game, like a quick, hard shot and a willingness to navigate any kind of traffic anywhere on the ice. Still, it’s not exactly like looking in the mirror for Steve when he watches Christian.
“I think he’s a different player than I was,” Steve said. “I don’t think he’s near as physical as I was. I tried to be first in on the forecheck, take the body, go to the net, go to the dirty areas, and he does that. He’s not the one that’s going to initiate a hit that’s going to put a kid through the glass or anything like that. I think he’s more of a finesse player. He shoots the puck as well, if not better, than I ever did, and I think he’s got a better skill set than I had.”
Even if that were an exaggeration of fatherly pride, it is certainly high praise, as Steve Thomas wasn’t exactly a plumber. And now he gets to try to help his own organization defend against that skill set that number 23 in a Whale jersey possesses. Conversely, the potential of having something big to crow about at the summertime family dinner table provides Christian with some extra motivation.
“I know the coach of their team and their other assistant,” Christian said, “but it would be cool, beating these guys in the playoffs, and it’s kind of like bragging rights with my dad.”
According to Steve, who had to battle his way to the NHL after being undrafted out of Junior, his young fellow already has something to hold over his head, what with having been the 40th pick his draft year.
“He’s got that on me, and he passed me last year in my goal total for the Junior levels,” Steve chuckled. “But I’ve really enjoyed watching him play, I really do. Obviously as a dad you hope your son does well, but it’s a bit of a different ballgame now. I’m with this organization and he’s over there, and like I said, I hope he does well, but at the same time I’m hoping we get through this series.”
The most important question might be, who is Christian’s mom, Lori, rooting for in this matchup?
Christian’s answer to that was rather diplomatic, as he said, “That’s a good question, hopefully she’ll be rooting for me, but she’s coming up to Connecticut for the three games there, so we’ll see what she says.”
Steve, on the other hand, harbored no illusions at all about who his wife would like to see prevail.
“She’s going to definitely be rooting for him, for sure,” the proud dad quickly conceded.
more..D’Agostini OHL Humanitarian of Year
on May 1st, 2012 by Pulver Sports
From OntarioHockeyLeague.com
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that goaltender Andrew D’Agostini of the Peterborough Petes is the 2011-12 recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy presented to the OHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.
D’Agostini, a 19-year-old from Scarborough, ON, earns the award for his efforts in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada shown large in part through his support and friendship of six-year-old Anthony Romanelli who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis three years ago. D’Agostini is the fifth member of the Petes to receive this award and the second straight following Jack Walchessen who was last year’s recipient.
“I would like to thank the Peterborough Petes and the OHL for this great honour,” said D’Agostini. “Peterborough has always made me feel welcome and I have enjoyed every minute giving back to them. The real heroes are people like Anthony and his family who understand how precious every day is.”
D’Agostini first reached out to Cystic Fibrosis Canada after hearing the affects of the disease when the local chapter spoke to the Petes’ organization on December 17 prior to club’s fundraising efforts and team skate in support of the foundation. D’Agostini took it upon himself to meet the presenter, Tracy Romanelli, and her son Anthony, and expressed his interest in helping to raise money for the cause. The meeting turned into an ongoing and impactful friendship where D’Agostini has maintained constant communication with Anthony and his family providing gracious comfort and support. D’Agostini is now the spokesman for the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk which takes place on May 27, 2012, and captains the team “Shutout for Anthony” which has already raised over $5,000.
“Seeing the boys together is just amazing,” said Tracy Romanelli. “Andrew had said to me in that first meeting that he was going to help make a difference in Anthony’s life. I realize it is not easy for a young man to get involved with a sick child but Andrew has given Anthony the dream of becoming a goalie and the hope that one day he may not have to deal with Cystic Fibrosis.”
In addition to his work for Cystic Fibrosis, D’Agostini has contributed over 250 hours in the past three seasons to various causes such as the Petes’ “Partners in Education Program”, while spending time in the pediatric ward of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, playing floor hockey with a local group of Special Olympians, and visiting a young Petes’ fan after returning home from an extended stay in the hospital as a result of a car accident leaving a Petes’ game earlier in the season. On the ice, D’Agostini played in 38 games between the pipes posting a record of 17-15-1-1 with one shutout, a goals-against-average of 3.90 and save percentage of .890. He was last year’s recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented to the league’s top High School Student Athlete of the Year.
“The Peterborough Petes are very proud of Andrew and the announcement of him being named the recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Award as OHL Humanitarian of the Year,” said Petes’ Assistant General Manager Aaron Garfat. “This is an award that the Petes take great pride in nominating a player for. Andrew’s involvement in the community goes above and beyond and is a true reflection of his character. He is a great role model for the youth of our community both on and off the ice.”
Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be renamed in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.
In addition to D’Agostini and Walchessen, other Petes to win the award include Brent Tully (1994), Mike Martone (1997), and Jeff MacDougald who was the first player to receive the award in recognition of Snyder in the 2004-05 season. This is the third time where a team has had back-to-back recipients following Chris Terry and Ryan Hayes of the Plymouth Whalers in 2009 and 2010, while David Silverstone and Michael Mole earned the award as members of the Belleville Bulls in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
D’Agostini will be the OHL’s nominee for Humanitarian of the Year at the annual CHL Awards on May 26 and will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the OHL Awards Ceremony which takes place June 5 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
2011-12 Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Nominees:
Barrie – Dylan Smoskowitz*
Belleville – Luke Judson
Brampton – Mitchell Porowski
Erie – Mac MacDonnell
Guelph – Kyle Pereira
Kingston – Cody Alcock
Kitchener – Ben Fanelli*
London – Scott Harrington
Mississauga – Brett Foy
Niagara – Mark Visentin
Oshawa – Kevin Bailie
Ottawa – Shane Prince
Owen Sound – Jay Gilbert
Peterborough – Andrew D’Agostini
Plymouth – Colin MacDonald
Saginaw – Eric Locke
Sarnia – Nathan Chiarlitti**
Sault Ste. Marie – Brandon Alderson
Sudbury – Nathan Pancel
Windsor – John Cullen
*repeat nominee
** three-time nominee
Kerdiles’ 5 point, Gold Medal Game
on April 23rd, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Hockey Recruit Leads USA To Gold At World Championships
by Chuck Schwartz on Apr 23, 2012 10:42 AM CDT in Wisconsin Badgers Hockey
www.buckys5thquarter.com
If Sunday’s gold medal game at the 2012 Under 18 IIHF World Championships is any indication of how incoming UW hockey recruit Nic Kerdiles is going to play in big games while at Wisconsin, Badger fans have something to start getting excited about.
Kerdiles, widely considered the top forward on the United States under 18 team helped secure gold for the red, white, and blue over the weekend, thanks in large part to a two-goal, three-assist performance in a 7-0 gold medal game thrashing of Sweden.
The 6’2, 200 pound C/LW finished the tournament as the top point producer for the United States, with 9 points in 6 tournament games (4g, 5a).
The Irvine, California native certainly helped his draft stock over the past week, which was already in solid standing. Kerdiles was recently ranked as the #29 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, placing him firmly on the bubble to be drafted somewhere between the late first, and early second round at the Draft this summer in Pittsburgh.
Kerdiles is considered one of, if not the #1 forward recruit in the nation for the class of 2012. He will join fellow Badger recruits Morgan Zulinick (Salmon Arm, BCHL), Eddie Wittchow (Waterloo, USHL), and Kevin Schulze (Omaha, USHL) in Madison in the fall.
more..Sabres prospect Varone turning heads
on April 18th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Sabres prospect Varone turning heads in Rochester
Rookie led Americans in scoring, earned two-way contract
By Bill Hoppe
Niagara Gazette
ROCHESTER — It was a life-changing decision. In September, Phil Varone impressed the Buffalo Sabres, so the club offered an AHL contract following his training camp tryout. But Varone was also strongly considering attending the University of New Brunswick.
“It was 50-50,” Varone said Friday inside the Blue Cross War Memorial following the Rochester Amercans’ 5-1 win over the Syracuse Crunch.
Varone, a scoring star with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, went home and discussed his future with his parents.
“I talked to my dad about it,” the 21-year-old said. “He said, ‘You know what? I think you should do it. This opportunity might not come up again.’ So I took a chance.”
Seven months later, Varone’s chance has paid off handsomely. The center’s 52 points led an Amerks team featuring several top prospects and high-priced veterans. His 41 assists tied for the AHL rookie lead.
The Sabres inked Varone, who went unsigned after San Jose selected him 147th overall in 2009, to a two-way contract in March.
“That was my goal after I got an AHL contract to kind of work to that,” Varone said.
Without Varone, it’s likely the Amerks, who start their first-round Western Conference semifinal series tonight against the Marlies in Toronto, would’ve missed the playoffs.
The prospect credits Amerks coach Ron Rolston and his tenacity for his success.
“He gave me an opportunity, and I kind of ran with it,” Varone said. “Just hard work, I guess, having good patience, a good attitude. Guys who work hard, it usually works out for them.”
Rolston believes Varone’s work ethic compliments his talents.
“He works so hard, you knew that he was going to be where he was because he scored a lot of points in junior hockey,” Rolston said. “ … He works on his game a lot. He’s just built over the course of the year, and his confidence came along with it. Now he’s the player he is for us.”
What kind of player is Varone?
“Just a guy that can play in all situations, last minute of the game if we’re up a goal and down a goal,” he said. “I’m more of a passer than a goal scorer, but I believe I can score as well.”
Varone, who’s listed at 5-foot-10 and 186 pounds, called getting passed on by the Sharks a “letdown.”
“I couldn’t tell you why (they passed),” Varone said. “(I) had two shoulder surgeries while I was drafted for them. Maybe it was just because of my size. Maybe they just thought I was injury-prone. But I haven’t missed a game – knock on wood – in the last two years, so I think I’m kind of over that.”
Varone, the only Amerk to play all 76 games, dazzled as an overage OHL player last season, scoring 33 goals and 81 points in only 55 contests. That helped him land a spot in Buffalo’s summer developmental camp and later training camp.
Right now, Varone said he’s “just going with the flow.” He isn’t thinking much about his whirlwind season.
“It’s just all happening at once,” he said. “Maybe this summer I’ll be able to take it in a bit more.”
more..LeBlanc succeeds with winning attitude
on April 12th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
LeBlanc succeeds with winning attitude
April 12, 2012
Photo: Jim Orlando
by Amy Spivey || AHL On The Beat Archive
Peter LeBlanc couldn’t have had a much better start to his second year of playing professional hockey as he entered the 2011 preseason this past September.
The center participated in the Chicago Blackhawks training camp as an invitee on an AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs and played in three preseason games with Chicago, including their final contest on Oct. 2 against the Washington Capitals.
LeBlanc then returned to the IceHogs for the beginning of the American Hockey League’s regular season, but the forward couldn’t carry over the momentum from his strong preseason.
Despite notching three assists in the first four games of the 2011-12 campaign, LeBlanc stalled out, notching just one helper in his next five appearances between late October and early November, even sitting out a few games.
But IceHogs head coach Ted Dent knew LeBlanc would fight his way back into the lineup.
“He was just finding his groove and getting some confidence,” Dent said. “Not that he lacked confidence, because he had a good training camp in Chicago, a really good training camp. [He] was a healthy scratch a few games, which I think woke him up a little bit. Then he found his game and just took off.”
The Hamilton, Ont., native’s season hit full speed after a three-point effort against Oklahoma City on Nov. 16, his first game in the lineup after being scratched for three consecutive contests.
Now, LeBlanc is second overall in points for the IceHogs this season, is one of the leaders in power-play points and has nearly a dozen multi-point games on the campaign.
According to LeBlanc, the key to his success is relatively simple.
“It’s just a comfort thing,” he said. “Last year was my first year playing that many games in a season. This year I’m used to it, the three-in-three’s and back-to-back games. I’ve gotten used to that and have been able to handle the grind of the season a lot better.”
The 24-year-old has found success at every level he’s played at, adapting to increased expectations and higher demands on his time and body as he made his way to the professional ranks.
KEEPING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
The summer after completing his final season with the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, LeBlanc signed an AHL contract with Rockford and prepared to make the jump to the pro game. He started off on a positive note, garnering a helper in his professional debut on Oct. 9, 2010.
But like many rookies, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound forward wasn’t playing many minutes, so the IceHogs loaned him to the Toledo Walleye, their ECHL affiliate, after the first three games of the season.
Though LeBlanc would have preferred to stay in Rockford, he took advantage of the time he spent in Toledo.
“It was disappointing at first,” LeBlanc said. “But when I went down I just tried to improve my game and get my confidence high.
“I played in every situation. I had tons of minutes. I had a lot of points there. It helped my confidence so when I came back here I could be effective.”
In 22 appearances with Toledo, LeBlanc totaled 8-14-22. Rockford recalled the centerman in early December and LeBlanc tallied six points (5g, 1a) in his next eight games with the Hogs, including a stretch where he notched a goal in four straight contests.
“It worked out really well for me,” said LeBlanc. “When I came back to Rockford I was able to make an impact and stay here for the rest of the year.”
In all, the forward earned 12-18-30 in 57 games with the IceHogs during his rookie season and tied for the team lead with four game-winning goals.
The positive attitude that kept LeBlanc on track during his first professional campaign also helped him endure a challenging season during his junior hockey days.
Growing up, LeBlanc played for the Hamilton Red Wings, a Junior A club in his hometown. The local rink was just a two-minute drive from his house and he often walked to practice.
“I played [from] five years old until I was 17,” LeBlanc said. “I really enjoyed playing there. A lot of friends and family got to come see me play.”
Unfortunately, no one saw LeBlanc play very much during his final season with the Red Wings.
“I had mono. I missed 30-something games,” he said.
Thirty-plus games equaled approximately two-and-a-half months that LeBlanc wasn’t able to suit up. What made the situation worse was that, for the most part, LeBlanc felt fine. But an enlarged spleen kept him off the ice longer than he anticipated.
“I had to wait for that to go back to normal,” LeBlanc said. “That’s why it took so long. I was still going to school. I just couldn’t get hit because of my spleen. It was frustrating.”
By the time the forward was cleared to play, only three games remained in Hamilton’s regular-season schedule. LeBlanc knew it would be rough, but he jumped back in so he could prepare for a playoff run.
“When I came back, it was tough to put the weight back on,” LeBlanc said. “The worst part was getting my legs back. After a couple of games, though, I felt pretty good.”
LeBlanc made it through the postseason and then spent the summer preparing for his freshman year at the University of New Hampshire.
Before he packed up for school, though, the Hamilton native was rewarded for his hard work. The Chicago Blackhawks made LeBlanc their seventh-round selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
“I knew it was my draft year, but I didn’t know if anything was going to happen,” said LeBlanc. “I found out from my mom that I got drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks. I was ecstatic.”
The door opened for a potential career as a professional hockey player, but before LeBlanc could test his skills with the big boys, he took his talents to the NCAA where he built a strong resume both on and off the ice.
WINNING WAYS
As a teenager, LeBlanc watched many of his friends move on from Junior A in Hamilton to play hockey elsewhere. Some decided to play Major Junior in Canada, while others choose the college route.
“When I was 15, I didn’t really know much about college hockey,” LeBlanc said. “My dad exposed me to it and said I should take a look at it.”
There were two schools that LeBlanc looked at with regards to both hockey and academics: Michigan State University and the University of New Hampshire. He took trips to see both schools, but after a stop in New England, LeBlanc knew exactly where he wanted to go.
“I went to visit New Hampshire when I was 16, and I fell in love with the place. I thought it was unreal. I really wanted to play there,” said LeBlanc. “I liked the way New Hampshire was set up. [It’s] a nice, perfect sized school, a lot of fan support. I just really liked the atmosphere.”
The forward did consider playing major junior in Canada, but when it came down to it, LeBlanc wanted to be prepared for a career outside of hockey. He graduated from New Hampshire with a degree in political science, and while LeBlanc is currently focused on playing professional hockey, he’s happy that he has something to fall back on.
“It was about having a back-up plan, never knowing what’s going to happen with hockey. I definitely wanted to get an education,” said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc skated four seasons at UNH and was nearly a point-per-game player during his junior and senior campaigns. In 153 total games at New Hampshire, the forward notched 34 goals and 51 assists.
“Every year I was there we were competing for the NCAA tournament, and we made it every year,” LeBlanc said. “We won three league championships, and in Hockey East that’s tough to do.”
During two of LeBlanc’s NCAA tournament runs, the Wildcats had the opportunity to play at the Verizon Wireless Arena, home of the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs. Manchester is less than an hour from the UNH campus in Durham, and fans spared no expense to come cheer on LeBlanc and the Wildcats.
“It was packed, and it was unbelievable,” LeBlanc said. It’s just really exciting when it comes down to one game and your school is really supportive.
“We definitely learned how to win there, and we had a winning attitude. It’s something that stays with you.”
SUCCESS AT THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
One of the most frustrating aspects about Rockford’s 2011-12 season is that the team wasn’t winning consistently in the first half of the campaign. It certainly wasn’t for lack of effort, but the IceHogs endured some rough losing stretches that would get any team down.
“I think we lost a lot of games that we could have won, and it just didn’t happen for us,” LeBlanc said. “For the most part, we were playing pretty well through the stretches where we were losing games. It was frustrating.”
Then, as the calendar turned to 2012, Rockford’s season also started to turn.
The Hogs had a record of 9-3-0-1 in January after a dismal December when they only won three times. In February they hit a rough patch, but won four games in a row to end the month and went on to garner another 9-3-0-1 record in March.
LeBlanc credits a more defensive-minded approach as part of the IceHogs’ success.
“We’ve stuck to it. We’re playing better defense as far as not giving up so many odd-man rushes. In this league, if you give up a lot of odd-man rushes, [the puck is] going to end up in the back of the net. We’ve definitely gotten better at that and that’s helped our overall game,” LeBlanc said.
The most significant aspect of a solid defense is goaltending, and LeBlanc points to Carter Hutton, who joined the IceHogs in December after spending the first two months of the season backstopping in Toledo, as having as big an impact as anyone.
“Hutton has really helped,” he said. “We got him and he started playing very well, and he’s continued that throughout the season. He plays the puck really well and gets the puck out of our zone quickly. He’s a big help.”
But LeBlanc has contributed to the turnaround, too. He has spent much of the season centering a line that includes Rostislav Olesz at left wing. The two forwards developed a strong chemistry, which resulted in goals and assists.
“Playing with Olesz is great,” LeBlanc said. “He’s a super strong guy, an unbelievable playmaker. It’s been pretty fun playing with him.”
But like everyone on the IceHogs roster, LeBlanc has seen his line change, sometimes on a daily basis, due to injuries, call-ups and trades.
“It’s difficult, but it’s one thing you have to learn with pro hockey,” said LeBlanc. “People move, things happen and you have to adapt to it.”
Regardless of who LeBlanc is playing with, Coach Dent knows that he can count on the forward to contribute under any circumstances.
“Peter penalty kills for us, he’s on the power play, he takes some important face-offs. He’s in all situations,” Dent said.
Not only does LeBlanc play in all situations, but he also brings a solid work ethic and positive attitude to the rink every day. That effort has resulted in LeBlanc becoming one of Rockford’s leading scorers in just his second professional campaign.
“I like the pro game,” LeBlanc said. “I like playing more. It’s nice to get into a good rhythm. I like the style of the game.”
The 24-year-old also likes the city where he has gotten his start in the American Hockey League.
“Rockford’s a really fun place to play. [There’s] great fan support and great support by the city.”
more..Rychel delighted with Ho-Sang pick
on April 8th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Rychel delighted with Ho-Sang pick
BY JIM PARKER, THE WINDSOR STAR APRIL 8, 2012
WINDSOR, Ont. — Windsor Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel feels he struck gold Saturday by grabbing Toronto Marlboros minor midget centre Josh Ho-Sang with the fifth pick overall in the Ontario Hockey League Draft.
“To get a player of Josh’s caliber at No. 5 is awesome for our franchise,” Rychel said. “Very electric, very offensive, a driven kid who wants to do well. He will play immediately and be on the top two lines.”
The five-foot-11, 160-pound Ho-Sang was considered the pre-season favourite to be the top pick in this year’s OHL Draft, but his stock slipped during the season.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Ho-Sang, who will wear No. 66. “I’ve been kind of dreaming about playing for Windsor for a long time.”
The slick skating, soft handed Ho-Sang posted 31 goals and 79 points this season.
OHL Central Scouting’s write up of Ho-Sang called him, “one of the most skilled hockey players at the minor midget level in a long time. He has the ability to beat a defenceman one-on-one and make them look like they were standing still.
“It looks like, at times, that the puck is attached to his stick with a string because he can move in any direction with the puck and not lose speed, which makes him very hard to defend in open ice. Joshua has many gears and isn’t afraid to take the puck to any area of the ice if it will create a scoring chance for himself or his teammates.”
Ho-Sang was the third member of the Marlboros taken in the first five picks. Teammate Connor McDavid, who was given exceptional status, went first overall to the Erie Otters and the Kingston Frontenacs took defenceman Roland McKeown with the second pick.
The Spitfires added size to the defence in the second round by grabbing six-foot-five, 215-pound defenceman Patrick Sanvido from the Guelph minor midgets. The 15-year-0ld had three goals and16 points in 30 games.
“I”ve always been kind of tall,” Sanvido said. “I”m a big guy, but I think I skate well and use my size effectively.”
The Spitfires had a pair of picks in the third round and stayed on defence with the first selection by taking smooth skating Graeme Brown from the Greater Kingston minor midgets.
The six-foot, 175-pound Brown had a goal and 11 points in 25 games last season, but does have high offensive potential.
“I’m kind of an offensive defenceman and I make a good first pass,” Brown said. “This was probably one of my best seasons, but I didn’t do as much on offence.”
Two picks later, the Spitfires took centre Ryan Verbeek from the Lambton Junior Sting minor midgets. He is the nephew of former NHL’er Pat Verbeek. The 15-year-old Verbeek, who is six-foot and 185 pounds, is said to be a great skater that plays with an edge. He had 20 goals and 30 points in 39 games last.
“I”m surprised when I went, but it’s a good place to go,” said Verbeenk, whose father Brian Verbeek played junior hockey with Rychel in Sudbury. “I’ll play on the edge and when my teammates need me, I’ll be there.”
The Spitfires took a flyer in the fourth round and grabbed Chicago Missions minor midget centre Nick Schamltz.
The five-foot-11, 158-pound centre’s brother Jordan Schmaltz, who is a defenceman, was drafted by the Spitfires in 2009, but is headed to the University of North Dakota.
“It’ definitely an option (to play in Windsor), but right now I”m playing with (USHL) Green Bay and planning to go to (the University of) North Dakota,” Schmaltz said.
In the sixth round, the Spitfires took forward Jack Billings, who played at Culver Academy. The five-foot-10, 180-pound Billings is a 1995-born player, which means he can step right into Windsor’s lineup and is not subject to the limitations of four 1996-born players. He had 26 goals and 50 points in 33 games last season.
In the seventh roud, the Spitfires went back to defence and took six-foot-three, 190-pound Bennett Morrison from the Mississauga Rebels. In round eight, Windsor selected Ottawa Junior Senators left winger Cameron Hughes, who is six-foot-two and 170 pounds.
The Spitfires took another flyer in the ninth round grabbing Culver U16?s right defenceman Louis Belpedio. The five-foot-10, 165-pound Belpedio is headed to the United States Development Program for two years, but could opt to play in the OHL after that.
In the 10th round, the Spitfires again added more size by taking six-foot-one, 170-pound left winger Chris Cobham from the Toronto Young Nationals. He potted 23 goals in 51 games last season.
Rychel took his only local player in the 11th round taking Sun County Panthers forward Jared Leslie, who had nine goals and 25 points in 30 games last season.
The club grabbes smooth skating right defenceman Ryker Killins, of the Huron Perth Lakers in the 12th round. He had one goal and 11 points in 33 games this past season.
Windsor had a pair of picks in the 13th round. The club took diminutive forward Robbie Demontis, from the Vaughan Kings, with its first pick of the round and grabbed phsical defenceman Anthony Kotsovos, from the London Knights Gold, with its second pick of the round.
The Spitfires also had two picks in the 14th round. The first pick was used to take Chicago Mission U16?s defenceman Adam Baughman with CYA U16?s foward Christopher Dodero, whose brother plays in Sudbury, going with the second pick in the round.
Windsor capped off the draft with the first pick of the 15th round and selected stay-at-home defenceman Robert Byckowski from the Toronto Red Wings.
Several of the players will be in town April 28 when the club holds a one-day mini camp, which will include an on-ice session that will be open to the public.
more..Seguin wins Bruins’ Seventh Player Award
on April 4th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Tyler Seguin Honored With NESN.com’s Bruins’ Seventh Player Award (Video)
by NESN Staff on Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 12:47AM
The Boston Bruins and NESN announced Tuesday that Bruins forward Tyler Seguin was named the winner of NESN’s Seventh Player Award presented by Mazda.
Voted on by Bruins fans online at NESN.com, NESN’s Seventh Player Award is an annual award presented to the Bruin who went above and beyond the call of duty and exceeded the expectations of Bruins fans during the 2011-12 season.
This year, in his second full season with the Bruins, the 20-year-old Seguin leads the teams in points with 65 and is tied for the team lead in goals with 27. Seguin also has a plus-32 rating which ranks third overall in the NHL, behind teammates Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara. He recorded his first career hat trick on November 5, 2011 in Toronto and was named to the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
Seguin’s offensive totals from this year are nearly triple his output from his rookie season, when he registered 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 74 games.
The Brampton, Ontario native was originally drafted second overally by the Bruins in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
In addition to the Seventh Player Award trophy, Seguin will receive $5,000 to donate to the charity of his choice.
Past recipients include Brad Marchand (2011), Tuukka Rask (2010), David Krejci (2009) and Milan Lucic (2008).
Read more at: http://www.nesn.com/2012/04/tyler-seguin-honored-with-nesncoms-bruins-seventh-player-award-video.html
more..Clendening Hockey East 1st All-Star
on March 15th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
HOCKEY EAST ANNOUNCES 2011-2012 ALL-STAR TEAMS
~ Nine of the 12 First and Second Team All-Stars in action this weekend at Garden ~
www.hockeyeastonline.com
The 2011-2012 Hockey East First-Team All-Stars
Wakefield, Mass. – The Hockey East Association announced its 2011-2012 All-Star Teams on Thursday night at the Hockey East Championship banquet at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Mass.
Hockey East semifinalists Boston College, Boston University and the University of Maine each had three players named among the league’s 2011-12 All-Star teams, led by the league’s top three scorers, all Black Bears.
Maine seniors Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ont.) and Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) were two of the First Team’s forwards, joined by BC’s Barry Almeida (Springfield, Mass.). Abbott was the lone unanimous selection to the First-Team. Fellow Black Bear Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y) was named to the Second Team, alongside BU’s Chris Connolly (Duluth, Minn.) and BC’s Chris Kreider (Boxford, Mass.)
The Terriers had two defensemen chosen, First-Teamer Adam Clendening (Wheatfield, N.Y.), along with Second-Teamer Garrett Noonan (Norfolk, Mass.) and Second Team goaltender Doug Carr (Hanover, Mass.) of UMass Lowell were the only three underclassman among all the honorees.
BC blueliner Brian Dumoulin (Biddeford, Maine) was the only repeat selection, following up on his all-star sophomore season with another strong showing as a junior. Merrimack’s Joe Cannata (Wakefield, Mass.) culminated a fine career as the First Team goaltender, while classmate Karl Stollery (Camrose, Alta.) rounded out the selections as a Second Team defenseman.
The Second Team demonstrated a great cross section of the talent across Hockey East, with five of the league’s 10 teams represented. Interestingly, three selections from each team are natives of Massachusetts.
The Hockey East Association is a 10-team Division I college men’s hockey conference founded in 1984 and an eightteam Division I women’s league which began play in 2002-03. The men’s league has won seven NCAA championships in the past 19 years. Since 1999, Hockey East has won five NCAA Championships and have placed 18 teams in the Frozen Four, along with 45 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
more..Lane MacDermid Made Impact
on March 12th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Lane MacDermid Making Impact With Physical Play, Reliable Approach in First Recall to Bruins
By: Douglas Flynn
NESN.com
The Bruins have been ravaged by injuries of late, with the shuttle from Providence working overtime to bring up enough new bodies to fill all the voids created.
The results produced by those replacements have been mixed, but at least one newcomer has fit seamlessly into his role with the big club.
Forward Lane MacDermid made an immediate impact when he dropped the mitts on his very first shift in the NHL last week, taking on Rangers heavyweight Mike Rupp. But MacDermid has proven capable of contributing with the gloves on as well, keeping the “Merlot Line” clicking while Daniel Paille has been sidelined with an upper-body injury.
“I’ve just tried to keep it simple and play well defensively,” MacDermid said before the club departed for its three-game road trip that opened Sunday in Pittsburgh. “Not give that many chances against and try to get in on the forecheck, basically just try to play my game.”
MacDermid’s game is a perfect match for new linemates Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton, both of whom have been impressed with the youngster’s play in his first taste of NHL action.
“He’s done a great job,” Campbell said. “He knows what his strengths are. He fits in well with us. We’re a simple line. We try to be a diligent line and work hard every night and also be a very reliable, responsible line that the coaching staff can trust. That’s his game. He’s stuck to his game. He works hard. He finishes his checks. He skates well.
“I guess that’s a testament to this organization,” Campbell added. “Piesy’s a big part of our team, but there’s depth and he’s done a great job coming in.”
That depth helped keep MacDermid from reaching the NHL until late in his third pro season, but after strong showings in training camp and a handful of preseason games this fall, the 22-year-old knew his opportunity would come eventually.
“After playing those exhibition games, I was confident I would get a chance,” MacDermid said. “But throughout the season other players stepped up down in Providence and they got the call, so I wasn’t too sure if I would get the call this year or maybe have to wait another year. I was pretty happy to get that call though, that’s for sure.”
The Bruins have been happy with MacDermid’s play as well. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound winger has stayed out of the box other than his bout with Rupp, been a physical presence on the forecheck (10 hits in five games, including six against Toronto) and earned a regular shift.
“What I like about those types of guys is they’re pretty tough individuals, but they can play,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. “I think that’s always important. Obviously he’s got some good genes and he’s got some hockey sense. You watch him play and he finishes his checks well. He plays a big, tough, grinding type of game, but he also plays a smart game. He reads the play very well and he’s certainly not a liability out there. He’s played hard and seems to have a lot of confidence.”
MacDermid has averaged 8:54 of ice time in his first five games, including 12:54 on Thursday in a win over Buffalo. That fourth line contributed Boston’s first goal in a 3-1 win when Campbell tipped in a Thornton shot, and was used extensively in the third period as the Bruins rolled four lines to wear down the Sabres. That unit consistently kept Buffalo hemmed in its own zone.
“He’s playing well,” Thornton said. “When we’ve been out there I think we’ve been fairly effective. We’ve spent a lot of time in the offensive zone. I think our line is a fairly easy line for him to transition into since it’s kind of his style of play, straight-line hockey, just working hard and creating energy.”
It also helps to have a veteran like Thornton — who plays a similarly hard-nosed game — around if MacDermid needs any advice. Thornton has been careful not to overwhelm the youngster with too much information, instead letting MacDermid come to him whenever he has a question.
“A little bit if he asked,” Thornton said of the wisdom he’s shared. “I remember when I was first coming up, if I wanted to know something, I would rather ask more than I wanted people telling me.”
MacDermid also has another source of inside information on life in the NHL if needed. He can always call upon his father, Paul Macdermid, who played 690 career games over 14 seasons with Hartford, Winnipeg, Washington and Quebec from 1982-95.
“He just told me to enjoy the game and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” MacDermid said of his father, who attended Lane’s first two games in New York and Toronto. “But mostly he knows the coaches will be talking to me so he’s just encouraging me and supporting me.”
MacDermid has provided some solid support to the shorthanded Bruins as well. Paille is close to returning, but with the other injuries Boston is still dealing with up front, that may not spell the end of MacDermid’s first stint with the big club.
With the chemistry he’s shown with Campbell and Thornton, the Bruins may be better served keeping this latest incarnation of the “Merlot Line” together and using Paille on the third line. And even if the Bruins do get back to close enough to full strength and MacDermid has to head back to Providence, they can at least rest a little more assured that another quality role player is just a phone call away when needed.
more..Brad Thiessen 1st NHL Win
on February 29th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
BCHL extra: Former junior A goalie debuts with NHL’s Penguins
By Gary Ahuja
TheProgress.com
The puck is the same size in the NHL as it is at every other level.
Goalie coach Gilles Meloche passed along that message to Aldergrove’s Brad Thiessen prior to his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon.
Thiessen shared that nugget in a media scrum following his 22-save performance in a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Consol Energy Center.
His efforts earned him first star honours.
“It was everything I expected and more,” he told reporters.
“It was a lot of fun to be a part of it and contribute to a win.”
Thiessen was recalled from the Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last week after back-up goalie Brent Johnson suffered an injury.
And with the team playing back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday, Thiessen figured he might get his first taste of NHL regular season action.
Thiessen’s dad and a cousin were able to make it to Pittsburgh to watch the game, as was his fiance. Thiessen’s brother and his fiance also made the trip.
Any jittery nerves he may have had, were soon gone.
The former BCHL star with the Penticton Panthers, Prince George Spruce Kings and Merritt Centennials used his head — literally — to make his first save, as a Derek Mackenzie slapshot deflected off Thiessen’s helmet and out of danger.
“They had a few good chances on their first few shots so just to be able to make those saves helped me get settled and into the game,” he said.
Columbus opened the scoring when captain Rick Nash beat Thiessen on a shorthanded breakaway 9:49 into the second period.
But Pittsburgh tied the game at one on an Evgeni Malkin goal and then scored three times in the third.
“I knew we had some pretty good forwards on this team that we were going to come through and eventually they did,” he said.
The Blue Jackets’ Vinny Prospal scored the final goal of the game.
Thiessen spent three seasons in the BCHL before starring at Northeastern University.
In his junior season, he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, presented to the top collegiate player.
He left school early and signed with the Penguins as a free agent in 2009.
Thiessen has spent the majority of his three pro seasons in the AHL and last year, won the Aldege ‘Baz’ Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s top goaltender and setting franchise records with 35 wins and seven shutouts.
He still returns to Aldergrove in the off-season and trains locally with TnT Hockey Performance Training.
more..Cammalleri’s marathon training session
on February 24th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Cammalleri shot tv ad in one marathon training session
By Steve MacFarlane
QMI Agency
CALGARY – Talk about cramming.
In about 32 seconds of footage, Michael Cammalleri can be seen harnessed up and pulling weights on a sled behind him, running uphill, diving into a pool, pushing a sled loaded with weights, sprinting on a track, running backward while someone else pushes the sled, doing reverse crunches, curling a log, pressing a log, tossing a medicine ball, sparring in the gym, climbing stairs, descending stairs, doing pull-ups, playing floor hockey, skipping rope and hitting the treadmill.
It wasn’t spaced out over a month of filming either — a marathon 12-hour training session last summer resulted in the half-minute adidas commercial spot.
“I probably got a little carried away,” Cammalleri said with a laugh. “We had a body double and, if you know me at all, I didn’t let him do much.
“I was too much of a perfectionist.”
The sweat you see is real. The smile you see as he pauses on the track to let the camera catch up, only long enough for a close-up of the grin before he sprints away again, was either filmed early or forced.
“I actually had to take some time off after that because it was such a strenuous day,” said the 29-year-old Richmond Hill, Ont., product who has become the Canadian face of the athletic company.
“You live and you learn the lesson. Next year when we shoot the campaign, next summer, we’ll be a little smarter about it.
“I probably put a month of volume into a day. It’s probably not the best thing for you.”
Cammalleri is a known workout fiend. That and the fact he is a Toronto-area athlete who has played in NHL hockey hotbeds in Calgary and Montreal attracted him to adidas marketers looking to grab some attention and relate to athletes north of the border.
He spends his summer’s training with Matt Nichol in Toronto, mixing it up in all those ways featured in the adidas commercial.
“All the stuff you see in that was my real equipment. That’s where I really train,” Cammalleri said of the ad. “It was shot at the gym and the track where we do our summer training. They kinda came in one day and scouted it with me.
“They basically just took my exercises and shot me doing them. And shot me doing them again and again and again and again and again.
“Then used a fraction of it.”
The commercial, likewise, is just a fraction of his relationship with adidas.
Cammalleri swears by their product and says he’s been loyal to them for about seven years.
“It’s been a fantastic relationship. I’m a firm believer in the product,” he said. “This isn’t just a commercial where I wear it. I really do train in those shoes and wear their stuff.
“It’s cool for me because I think if you’re gonna be an athlete and endorse product, I think it’s important you pick product that is in line with your brand and what you believe in.”
With the new adipure trainer (the one with the toes) hitting stores, adidas approached Cammalleri about promoting them.
“They wanted to get some exposure to the Canadian training market via hockey, and they approached me with an idea for this campaign,” he said.
“I was completely flattered. What can I say? I guess playing in the markets I’ve played in and being looked at as someone who trains and thinks fitness is a big part of their life, that’s kind of someone they wanted.
“I feel like the more fit I am, the better I feel out there, the better my chances of performing well. That’s kind of how I got to where I am, I guess.”
more..McCabe: From uniform to suit
on February 21st, 2012 by Pulver Sports
By George Richards
Miami Herald
Bryan McCabe walked into the press box at the BankAtlantic Center much like Joe Nieuwendyk did a few years back.
Freshly retired after playing more than 16 seasons in the NHL, McCabe didn’t quite know where to go nor where he should be. The former Panthers captain looked at the directory of assigned seats and boxes in the press box before noticing a familiar face.
“I’m doing some scouting,’’ McCabe said, nattily dressed in a designer suit while carrying a briefcase that hung uncomfortably from his right hand.
McCabe, like Nieuwendyk and many other former NHL players before him, is trying on the front-office side of hockey for size. When Nieuwendyk retired from the Panthers in 2006 because of back issues, he took some time off before accepting Jacques Martin’s offer to work as a special consultant to the Panthers. Nieuwendyk obviously took to it and, after spending time with Florida and the Maple Leafs, was named general manager of the Dallas Stars in 2009.
It’s definitely not a job for everyone.
“It has to be the right person. Just being an ex-player doesn’t mean you can do this,’’ Panthers alternate governor and founder Bill Torrey said. “You have to ask if someone has a willingness to go and sit in cold rinks and watch a kid. Bryan is here, and he and Dale have good conversations. … Bryan is bright, smart, current and respected. We didn’t just bring him in because he’s an ex-player. There’s just so much more to it than that.’’
It’s too early to see if McCabe will find the new gig to his liking, but with the NHL trade deadline forthcoming, the Panthers appreciate his input. McCabe started last season with the Panthers before being traded to the Rangers before the deadline hit, so he knows a little about all but a very few players in the league.
“I’m pretty fresh when it comes to this, so when it comes to players out on the ice, I’m relevant,’’ McCabe said. “I hope to help out when it’s come to that.’’
Panthers general manager Dale Tallon traded McCabe last year after the Panthers’ season fell apart. Tallon has tremendous respect for McCabe and is giving him a chance to see if he likes working on the personnel side.
McCabe has attended the past few Panthers home games and has spoken to Tallon regarding different players the Panthers have interest in. The trade deadline is Monday at 3 p.m., and Florida is looking to add pieces for a postseason run.
“I’ve been in hockey my whole life, so it’s obviously something I would like to stay around if possible,’’ said McCabe, who spent three seasons with the Panthers after coming to South Florida, like Nieuwendyk, from Toronto. “I’ve been fortunate to spend some time with Dale over the past few months, and I hope that’s got my foot in the door.’’
McCabe is the latest former Florida player to join the organization over the past few years. Brian Skrudland, the Panthers first captain in 1993, is the team’s director of player development and works with the team’s prospects.
Cory Stillman, who like McCabe was traded from Florida at last year’s deadline before retiring, was named the team’s assistant director of player development over the summer.
Tallon likes working with people with whom he has had a previous relationship, but also with people he respects and gets along with. McCabe, who seems comfortable being back around his former teammates in Florida, fits that bill.
“It’s important to embrace your past and utilize their knowledge and contemporary attitude to move forward and get where we want to be,’’ Tallon said. “These guys know the players, know the systems.”
more..Ryan Murphy OHL D-Man of the Month
on February 10th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
KITCHENER – Ryan Murphy of the Kitchener Rangers has been named OHL defenceman of the month after piling up 21 points in January.
Murphy led all OHL defencemen in scoring last month, netting five goals and recording a league-high 16 assists in 12 games. The 18-year-old also had a plus-minus rating of plus-8 in helping to lead the Rangers to nine wins in January.
more..David Savard’s 1st NHL Goal
on February 8th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
more..The education of Adam Clendening
on February 5th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
By Kelsey Peters
ChicagoBlackhawks.com
Both Patrick Kane and Adam Clendening grew up on the rinks of western New York. Their parents were friends, and they sometimes shared coaches, Kane first and then Clendening about four years later.
And on the day Clendening was drafted, Kane passed along a message: “Congratulations, it’s good to have another Buffalo guy around.”
The Blackhawks selected the defenseman in the second round of the 2011 Entry Draft. Chicago picked Mark McNeill (18th overall) and Phillip Danault (26th overall) in the first round, but some hockey insiders believe the Blackhawks essentially took four first round picks when they picked up Clendening (36th overall) and Brandon Saad (43rd overall) in the second.
“He was the one guy in the whole draft that I was really hoping we were going to get,” said Stan Bowman, Blackhawks vice president and general manager. “I’d seen him play a few times, and every game I went to, I just noticed him. He had the ability to make plays. Some guys make a bad play, and then they’re just afraid to try anything. Adam’s got that cockiness with the puck, where even if he turns it over and the other team scores, if he gets it again he’s going to try to make a play again. He’s got some guts that way. That’s one of his assets. You don’t want to coach that out of him.”
Clendening, a lifelong Bruins fan, is happy to be a Blackhawk and excited about the possibility of playing with his Buffalo brother one day.
“I think being drafted with the Hawks — the organization speaks for itself. From being near the bottom of the standings to winning a Cup in five or six years, it’s pretty special.”
Clendening was drafted after a stellar freshman year with Boston University, where he posted a squad-best 21 assists in 39 games. He was also named a Hockey East Honorable Mention All-Star, the lone rookie in the league to earn all-star recognition. Now he’s back with the Terriers for his sophomore campaign.
“I don’t think my mindset is all that different this year,” said Clendening. “But just being more used to the league — the pace of the play, the length of the season, how hard the games are, how important the games are — gives you more confidence and more composure.”
In the first 12 games of the 2011-12 season, he recorded one goal, eight assists and 34 shots on goal, which led all BU blueliners, while his 13 penalties for 34 minutes paced the team.
“He’s off to a very good start,” said Bowman. “Even though he’s only a sophomore, he’s one of their leaders. He’s a power-play guy for them, and I’d anticipate him to continue to have a big offensive role on the team. He played that role last year too, but I would say he’s stepped his game up to the next level. He’s really taken it upon himself to be one of their go-to guys on defense. The coaches see that. If anything, they think he has even more potential than he’s recognized. He’s got a lot of ability.”
Bowman sees Clendening in a similar role within the Blackhawks system — a power-play specialist and offensive defenseman that can complement skilled forwards. But he still has a ways to go.
“We’ve picked up on some things that he can get better at: his quickness and his ability to defend bigger players,” said Bowman. “He’s never going to be a big guy. He’s 5-foot-11. He is strong, but for a smaller guy he’s not real quick, so he has to use his smarts defensively when he plays against bigger players. And his skating is something that we’d like him to continue to improve.
“We don’t expect him to be a Duncan Keith kind of skater — probably more like Brent Seabrook. Brent is not a lightning-fast guy; he’s a powerful skater, and he’s a big strong guy. Adam is a smaller version of that. Adam plays a physical style, kind of like Seabrook does, but he just doesn’t have the size to be able to do that. So we’ve got to work with him on his own end, being able to contain players and defend them. But once he gets the puck and moves up the ice with it, he’s very gifted.”
Clendening says he looks up to players like Keith and Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang.
“I try to play like (Nicklas) Lidstrom, but that’s hard to do,” he said with a laugh. “My hockey sense is probably my best attribute, but I can quarterback a power play and transition from defense to offense pretty quickly too.”
His coaches at BU have made the comparison between Clendening and Terriers alum Kevin Shattenkirk, currently with the St. Louis Blues.
“He was also at Boston University; he was an offensive defenseman and smaller guy just like Clendening,” said Bowman. “But they say Clendening is further along in their minds than Shattenkirk was at the same age.”
Clendening isn’t the only Blackhawks prospect in Boston. Kevin Hayes (first round, 24th overall in the 2010 draft) plays for the rival Boston College Eagles, and the two grew up playing in tournaments together.
“He’s a big kid, and every time I see him he looks bigger,” joked Clendening. “He’s got great vision, it’s hard to work on him down low, and he’s very slippery for such a big guy, which you don’t see a whole lot. He’s had that since he was little.
“Kevin actually made a joke the day of the draft, saying, ‘You’ll be picked by the Hawks; don’t worry about it,’ and then it ended up being true.”
more..Jokinen discovers complete game
on February 5th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
By Scott Cruickshank
Postmedia News
CALGARY — When the Calgary Flames’ wingers are producing, Olli Jokinen is the common denominator.
“The thing that jumps out to me — Olli’s got the puck a lot,” says Lee Stempniak, who, Saturday, matched his career-best for points — four, including three goals. “He’s skating with it, he’s carrying it, leading the rush. This year it seems he’s always got the puck. He uses his speed to back defencemen up. He uses his creativity and his shot to set up opportunities.”
Eager to get his own season on track, another winger, Blake Comeau joined Jokinen to start the recent road trip — then erupted for three points in Edmonton.
“He’s really calm and poised with the puck,” Comeau says of Jokinen. “He’s got such great vision that sometimes you feel you don’t even have to call for the puck — he just knows you’re there. I don’t know how he does it. He’s definitely one of the easiest guys to play with.”
Jokinen’s impact, according to Comeau, extends well beyond his 24 shifts per night.
“To me, he’s a really positive guy on the bench,” says the 25-year-old. “Being a younger guy on the team and playing with a guy who’s had the success and the career that he has, it’s obviously calming to have a guy like that on the bench talking to you. There’s times when you try to make plays and they don’t work out, but he’s the first guy to turn to you and say, ‘Good try.’ Just little things like that.”
Twice this season, Jokinen has gone three consecutive nights without a point. That’s it for droughts.
“He’s been good pretty much every game,” says Mikael Backlund, 22. “You can learn from how he works every night. He takes pride in his game and always wants to be a difference-maker. Obviously, he’s been more consistent this year.”
Adds Comeau: “Since I’ve been here, he’s been the prototype of that type of player. That’s what players want to see out of their teammates, what coaches want to see out of their players — what you’re going to get from the guy every night. And you know what you’re going to get with Olli.”
Don’t call it a breakout. The man has a 91-point campaign on his resume.
Don’t call it a comeback. The man is in the midst of his ninth consecutive 50-point season.
But, in many ways, this is a new Jokinen, at 33 years of age.
Coach Brent Sutter traces the resurrection back to November 2010 when he ordered the veteran to be tighter defensively, to be more accountable, to adopt a shutdown mentality, to maintain his production levels.
“He was excited about it,” says Sutter, “because he felt that, ‘OK, this is a role I can take on.’”
Jokinen, to the surprise of many skeptics, continues to embrace that challenge.
“He’s learned how to play the game the right way,” says Sutter. “Credit to Olli. He’s worked at being a more complete player.”
Not everyone has noticed.
Jokinen’s name appeared on Sports Illustrated’s most-overrated poll — as voted on by players.
Jokinen is in the final season of his contract. His agent, Ian Pulver, recently visited general manager Jay Feaster in Calgary, so already there is dialogue between the parties.
And should Pulver ever be unavailable for a sit-down with Flames brass, he could send Stempniak to negotiate in his place.
“A great player, an unbelievable player,” Stempniak says of Jokinen. “There’s guys that maybe see the ice as well or guys that carry the puck as well, but he does it all. Getting points on the power play. Getting points even strength. He’s a big guy, so he matches up well against the other teams’ top players. (Joe) Thornton, (Ryan) Getzlaf, guys like that.
“He does everything well.”
Calgary Herald
more..OCTOSAM: G8GNER’s Big Night
on February 4th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Congratulations to Sam Gagner for his transcendent performance against the Chicago Blackhawks. Sam became the first NHLer to post 8 points in a game since the 1988-89 season, also tying Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey for the Oilers’ all-time record for most points in a game.
Here’s some of the coverage from Sam’s memorable game, where he was named the first, second and third star of the game:
The Best Part Of Sam Gagner’s Eight-Point Night: Being Awarded All Three Stars
Barry Petchesky
Deadspin.com
Sam Gagner gave Edmonton something it hasn’t seen since the days of Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, and something nobody’s done in 23 years. Despite a scoreless first period for the Oilers, Gagner scored four goals against the Blackhawks, assisted on four more, and clocked in just the 16th eight-point game in NHL history.
We had collectively forgotten that eight points was a “thing,” since it had been so long (Mario Lemieux in the 1989 playoffs), but once upon a time these were as common as four-goal games. Of the 16 ever accomplished, 13 came in a 13-year stretch beginning in 1976. Lemieux alone had three eight-pointers in the 1988-89 season.
On Sam Gagner, Era Effects, and the greatest games ever
Bruce McCurdy
Edmonton Journal
When 22-year-old Sam Gagner exploded for the first eight-point game recorded in the NHL in his lifetime, he immediately joined a select list. Since Mario Lemieux last performed the feat in the spring of 1989, the group of players who had done so had held fast at just a dozen players who among them had produced 15 games of eight or more points.
Most of these outbursts, including Lemieux’s three 8-point games (all in 1988-89!) and Wayne Gretzky’s two (both during his 51-game point streak in 1983-84), occurred during the highest-scoring era in hockey history. By contrast Gagner produced his snowman during the so-called “Dead Puck Era” when 1-0 and 2-1 scores are very much the norm. Just for fun I decided to compare all the eight-point scoring outbursts and adjust them for era effects. When examined in this light Sam’s explosion is truly extraordinary.
It’s fun to note that with Gagner’s addition the Edmonton Oilers are the only NHL team to have three different players on the list, and also the only franchise to feature as many as four such performances. The high-flying Oilers, indeed!
Gagner’s performance stands out in a few respects, however, even when compared to the likes of Gretzky and Coffey. For one thing he figured in on every goal the Oilers scored Thursday, just the second player to do this.
Sam Gagner’s Fairly Decent Night
Steve Dangle
RealSports.ca
Sam Gagner vs the Rest of the NHL in 2011-12
Sam Gagner registered more points in his eight-point game alone than 45.4% of the players who have played in the NHL so far this season.
Not including goalies, 834 skaters have played in at least one NHL game in 2011-12. Of those 834 players, only 455 have registered at least eight points in 2011-12 thus far, and 379 have not. One of those 379 players is the Habs’ $7.3 million man Scott Gomez. Also worthy of mention is Gagner’s four goals in this game. Only 353 of the 834 skaters that have played in the NHL this season have four or more goals, which means Gagner scored more goals in that game alone than 57.6% of the NHL.
Sam Gagner vs Every NHL Player in the History of Ever
Sam Gagner registered more points in his eight-point game alone than the career totals 34.3% of the players who ever have played in the NHL…ever.
Not including goalies, NHL.com holds the basic career stats for 6,114 players. For a random example, you can easily find stats for Fred Doherty, a man born in 1887 from Norwood, ON, who played one game with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1918-19 season. The site even tracks his non-NHL stats back to the 1908-09 season with the Guelph Professionals of the OPHL. Of the 6,114 NHL players listed on the site, only 4,016 of them have ever registered eight or more points in their career. This means that in just one game, Sam Gagner surpassed the career point-total of 2,098 present and former NHL players.
Sam Gagner vs the 2007 Draft
Sam Gagner scored more points in his eight-point game alone than 80.1% of the 2007 NHL draft class has so far in their career.
Gretzky Thrilled for Gagner
Sportsnet Staff
Wayne Gretzky was happy to see Sam Gagner tie one of his many Edmonton Oilers records.
The Great One watched Gagner’s eight-point performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday and was thrilled to see the 22-year-old forward and Oilers fans enjoy a memorbable night.
“I was excited for him,” Gretzky told Doug MacLean and Nick Kypreos on HOCKEY CENTRAL @ Noon on Thursday. “That’s what the game is all about. It was wonderful for him obviously and great for the Oiler fans to see something so special. It was a great night for him. He made a couple really good shots and got a couple really great bounces off the boards… It was a really great night.”
Gretzky said he’s a fan of how Gagner plays the game and he was happy to see the Oilers forward garner some league-wide respect during what has been an up-and-down tenure for him in Edmonton.
“He always says the right things, never complains,” Gretzky explained. “He is always positive, upbeat, and puts team ahead of himself. He’s gone from the second to the fourth line. Always battles and gives 100 per cent effort…He slides out and blocks shots — just a good team player. You always want to see good people have success.”
Gretzky was most impressed that Gagner was able to accomplish the feat in this era of hockey, where the players are bigger and stronger and the goaltending is better across the National Hockey League.
“What he did last night was really special,” Gretzky said. “Playing against good tough competition. Against one of the best teams in hockey — not a 10-win team. He did it against a very good hockey club.”
Oilers’ Gagner still having trouble accepting his record-tying performance
The Canadian Press
EDMONTON – Sam Gagner was still having trouble Friday believing his name is in the Edmonton Oilers record book alongside the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey.
But Gagner moved himself into such lofty company after registering a club record-tying eight points in Edmonton’s 8-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.
“It feels good,” Gagner said following the Oilers’ skate Friday morning. “You can’t really re-create a memory like that. I’m not sure if it’s even sunk in fully yet.
“Once the summer hits, it might. For myself, I’m trying to stay even-keeled as much as I can. It’s hard but we have games coming up. It seems like we play every other day. I’ve got to find a way to just kind of relax and get some sleep and get ready for the next one.”
Gagner had four goals and four assists to become just the 11th player in NHL history to register eight points in one game. Gretzky did it twice, against New Jersey in 1983 and Minnesota in 1984, while Coffey did so against Detroit in 1986.
Gretzky’s No. 99 and Coffey’s No. 7 hang in the rafters at Rexall Place and both players are in Hockey Hall of Fame. They also contacted Gagner to offer their congratulations and Gagner said he still hasn’t read all the text messages he received following his record-tying performance.
“I had 60 (messages) last night and another 50 when I got up this morning,” he told a large group of reporters. “It’s a lot of work texting everyone back, but it’s nice to see the support from everyone.
“I got a couple of really big ones, too. Wayne Gretzky texted me and Paul Coffey as well. To be mentioned in a record with those guys is a pretty special feeling and just really an honour . . . to get a text someone like that, who is the best player of all time, it’s something he didn’t have to do. To take time out of his day to do that, it was really special for me and it meant a lot.”
Mario Lemieux twice had eight points and was the last to do so before Gagner did. In fact, the 22-year-old Gagner wasn’t even born when Lemieux did it for the second time Dec. 31, 1988 against New Jersey.
“I think it speaks volumes to how crazy getting eight points in a game in today’s era is and how it just doesn’t happen,” linemate Taylor Hall said. “I’m not sure how many games have been played since then, but it’s got to be crazy and how about the number of games before that?
“It’s just an amazing stat and I’m grateful I was there to see it.”
Hawks 4 Oilers 8 – Gags bags EIGHT POINTS in transcendent performance
Bruce McCurdy
Edmonton Journal
#89 Sam Gagner, 10 – Funny thing, in the first period I thought he was off his game, it seemed like the puck was going through his stick at times. Some magic pixie dust must have fallen on that stick in the first intermission, cuz from there ’til the end of the game Sam could do no wrong (give or take that butt save, an unfortunate consequence of stirring things up in the crease area). Entering the game with just two points in nine games and no goals in his last eleven, Gagner erupted for an astonishing 4-4-8 over just 33:53 of game time, with a +6 for the cherry on top. Twice he scored by beating Corey Crawford to the open side of the net, he scored from outside and he scored from close range. Besides the four (!) goals he had three primary assists, two of those solo assists, so these weren’t exactly cheap points, ignoring for the moment the Dave Reece-quality netminding that allowed a few of them to find twine. He made a couple of wonderful long passes: a stretch pass to Hall on the far blueline that broke the young star for the 2-1 goal that started Oilers’ comeback, later a lovely soft dump up the boards that Hall was able to skate on to and eventually feed back to Gagner for the clinical snipe. It seemed like every time he touched the puck good things would happen. He was in on 11 scoring chances and 8 of them went into the net for goodness sake. He was also charged with 0 chances against, and even managed to to lead the Oilers with a credible 7/13=54% on the dot. So not technically perfect, I suppose, an impossible achievement for any “out player”, but a fabulous combination of both process and results deserving of the Cult of Hockey’s first ever grade of 10.
Sittler marvels over Gagner’s ‘magical’ night
Associated Press
Darryl Sittler knows exactly how Sam Gagner felt.
“Everything falls into place,” he said. “Every shot you take pretty well goes in or you make a pass and the guy completes it. It’s magical those types of nights. They don’t happen very often.”
Gagner finished with eight points _ four goals, four assists _ in Edmonton’s 8-4 victory over Chicago on Thursday night. The Oilers’ forward became just the 12th NHL player to total at least that many points in a game _ and the first since Mario Lemieux on Dec. 31, 1988.
Sittler, the former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has held the NHL record since Feb. 7, 1976. His landmark game against Boston featured six goals and four assists. It remains an evening he still can’t explain.
“I would never have thought that in my wildest dreams that I would be the one to score 10 points in a game, but it happened,” Sittler told The Canadian Press on Friday. “I’m sure Gagner probably never thought he’d have eight.
Record night for Oilers’ Gagner
Terry Jones
Edmonton Sun
EDMONTON – It’s not every night when, after everybody has thrown all their hats on the ice, the guy scores again and somebody throws a shoe.
It’s not every night when a modern-day Edmonton Oiler ties a record previously shared by Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, after breaking a mark which hasn’t been equalled since Jari Kurri did it back in 1988.
It’s not every night a player is named the first, second and third star.
Four goals. Four assists. Eight points.
Heck, the guy was even 54% in the faceoff circle.
Sam Gagner had his night of nights, his game of games to lead the Oilers to their first back-to-back wins since before the Grey Cup, a third win over Chicago and a two-game goal total of 17 against the Blackhawks at home in an 8-4 win.
Maybe that will finally take Sam Gagner’s name off the trade rumour list.
Gagner admits he was kind of thinking of something a little like that when he went out to take his skate in front of the fans chanting “Gagner! Gagner! Gagner!” for the three-star selection of Gagner, Gagner, Gagner.
“This year has been tough,” he said after the media mob had cleared and he started to peel his uniform off.
“There have been a lot of rumours. It’s hard to keep your mind focused. I’ve said it before. I want to stay here and be part of the future of this team,” said the Oilers first-round pick, sixth overall, of 2007.
“And I want to keep playing with him,” said Taylor Hall, who was moved to join Gagner and Jordan Eberle after the first period.
“I feel like a bit of a pigeon in the game with four points,” laughed Hall of what was a record points night for him. “I was really happy to be on the ice with him. It was a really cool moment.”
It was more than cool. It was a payoff.
“It just shows you how badly Sam wants to be part of what’s going on here,” said coach Tom Renney, making a point about the trade rumours.
“This is a guy who has fought for his teammates this year. He wants to provide leadership as well, and sometimes you have to suck it up and keep your mouth shut to lead. He has done that.”
People forget. The kid is only 22 years old.
Oilers Gagner still in spotlight
Terry Jones
Edmonton Sun
EDMONTON – More than anything, the town needed it.
Four games ago, before the players chose to save Tom Renney from spending the rest of the season coaching from the edge of a cliff, with three wins at home and a loser point in Vancouver, Edmonton fans were running out of patience. Oilers fans were having a difficult time focusing on the future.
But then they experienced Sam Gagner’s night of nights — four goals and four assists, for an Edmonton Oilers NHL record-equaling eight-points — and the future came back into focus.
“The town?” said coach Tom Renney. “Start with the team. The team really needed it.
“It could be as galvanizing a moment as we’ll have this year. This might be one of those moments where guys kind of bring it all together and look at it as something special and say ‘What else can we do?’ ”
Then he went there.
“This team is going to be special. No question. It’s got special people in it, kids who are deeply committed to where this can go,” said Renney.
There was more to Sam Gagner’s unforgettable moment than Sam Gagner. It was eight points but it kind of worked like eight pills.
Because of his night and an 8-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, the Oilers are back to where they were (minus the possibility of making the playoffs) when the team went 8-2-2 to start the season.
You can see the future again. Happy days aren’t here again. But happier days have returned.
Mark Messier in awe of Sam Gagner’s eight-point night for Oilers
By Daniel Nugent-Bowman
National Post
Mark Messier was two days too soon.
The Hall of Fame centre was at Rexall Place on Tuesday night watching his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, edge the Colorado Avalanche 3-2.
But he missed the historic night by one game.
Messier was in Saskatoon on Thursday preparing for a charity event on Friday. As a result, he wasn’t able to catch the live view of Oilers centre Sam Gagner tying a club record with eight points in a game during an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
“We were being filled in as it was going on,” said Messier. “I couldn’t believe it. For this day and age, to score eight points with the calibre of the competition in the league is incredible.
“I finally got to see the highlights this morning and, as someone said, there weren’t any fluky goals in the bunch. They were tremendous highly-skilled plays. To tie Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, it must have been an amazing night in Edmonton. I wish I was there.”
Sam Gagner on HNIC Radio
THE RIG 28 week ending January 15th
on January 14th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Flames Honour Jokinen for Playing 1,000 Games
Al Charest/QMI Agency
Sergeev’s Silver (Larionov)
Artem Sergeev was honoured by the Foreurs prior to a game against the Quebec Remparts after returning from the World Juniors in Alberta.
Jan 9
JOG line still hot
John Down
Calgary Herald
The line of Iginla, Olli Jokinen and Curtis Glencross remains red-hot for the Flames.
Glencross scored his club-leading 17th goal and added an assist Saturday to boost his recent take to 14 points (nine goals) in the last 15 games. Iginla, with that 500th goal, now has nine goals among 21 points in the last 19 games, while Jokinen, with an assist, can point to 19 points (12 assists) in the last 19 games.
Top prospect Yakupov won’t require surgery (Larionov)
Mike G. Morreale
NHL.com
Nail Yakupov, considered by many to the be the top player available in the 2012 NHL Draft, will not require surgery after suffering a knee injury playing for the Russian National Junior Team in the gold-medal game of the 2012 World Junior Championship last week.
Yakupov underwent an MRI on Sunday to determine the extent of his injury. According to Mark Glavin, assistant general manager of the Sarnia Sting, surgery is not required.
“The MRI indicated no significant damage,” Glavin told NHL.com via email. “He will continue therapy both with Dr. John Vargo here in Sarnia and at the Fowler Clinic in London. His return is expected in three-to-four weeks.”
Yakupov, who won a silver medal for Russia at the WJC after producing 9 assists and a plus-4 rating in seven games, has 21 goals and 53 points in 26 games this season for the Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. His teammate in Sarnia, fellow Russian Alex Galchenyuk, is out for the season after undergoing ACL surgery. Galchenyuk is also considered to be a high first-round draft pick in June.
Yakupov is currently in his second OHL season. In 2010-11, the 5-foot-10 1/2, 189-pound right wing broke Steven Stamkos’ Sarnia records for a first-year player with 49 goals and 101 points.
Jan 10
Trio Grande! Flames have a top line
Randy Sportak
QMI Agency
Despite all the lack of success over the past few seasons when Iginla and Jokinen have been together, he decided to give it another shot.
The reasoning was to try kicking Iginla’s game into motion, alongside Jokinen and Glencross, who have been a strong duo since midway through last season.
The results have been what the Flames needed.
Over the past 22 games, Iginla has collected 10 goals and 23 points, while Jokinen has totalled seven goals and 20 points and Glencross has netted 10 goals and 17 points.
Could it be Iginla and Jokinen have finally become the combination the club expected when that big trade-deadline swap was made in the 2008-09 NHL season?
“I play different hockey than I played before — more selfless,” Jokinen said. “I have really good chemistry with Glennie — we’ve played over a year on the same line. With Iggy, he fits in.
“I don’t think this was the plan going into the season — that me, Glennie and Iggy would be a line — but it’s been good.”
Jokinen figures the fact he and his linemates have committed better defence is the difference.
“If you want to be a high-scoring line in this league, you’ve got to be a really good defensive line. The less time you spend in your end, the better chances you’ll have offensively,” Jokinen said. “I think Iggy’s changed his game, too. If you see the way he backchecks now — the little things — he plays a really good team game and has been effective.”
Varone with 5 goals, 11 points in last 10 games
Roy: Goalie of the Week, Again
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announced in conjunction with the ECHL that goaltender Olivier Roy has been named Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 2-8.
Roy, 20, earns his second award of the season and also received the weekly honor on Nov. 22. He was 2-0-0 with a shutout, a goals against average of 0.96 and a save percentage of .970 in two victories at Pacific Division rival Bakersfield last week.
Roy turned aside all 29 shots he faced in a 1-0 win at Bakersfield on Friday, tying the Thunder single-season record with his third shutout of the season. He followed up with a 35 save performance in regulation and overtime, and a 4-for-4 effort in the shootout, in a 3-2 win against the Condors on?Saturday.
Roy Reacts to Award
Greyhounds Pick Up Some Wolves
Gerry Liscumb Jr
local2 sault ste. marie
Soo Greyhounds GM Kyle Dubas announced a deal on Tuesday morning involving three players and pair of picks with the Sudbury Wolves.
In the deal the Hounds acquire 17-year old defenseman CODY MINTZ, 18-year old forward GREG JAMBROSICH and Sudbury’s 4th Round pick in 2014 in exchange for MICHAEL KANTOR and a conditional 15th Round pick in 2013.
…
“In the trade we got younger and added two players that we believe will be solid performers for our club now and moving forward.”
MINTZ, who was originally selected in the 4th Round of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection and has played in 26 games this year for Sudbury. The Bowmanville, ON product stands 5’9” while weighing 174 lbs.
One year ago Cody lead all 16 year old defensemen in scoring at the Ontario Jr. A level playing for the Cobourg Cougars. In 40 games he had 8 goals 19 assists (27 points) and 47 PIM’s.
“Cody is in his first full OHL season. He plays the game very hard and has great competitiveness. He adds to our compliment of young defenceman and we look forward to seeing Cody in a Soo Greyhounds uniform.”
Meanwhile JAMBROSICH is in his 3rd season in the OHL. The Stoney Creek, ON product has 2 goals and 5 assists in 33 games played this year. A former 6th Round pick of the Wolves, Jambrosich stands 6’1” while weighing 182 lbs.
“Greg plays the game with very good speed and adds depth at centre for us. Greg had 10 goals as a 17 year old in Sudbury and we see him as a solid penalty killer for our team. He will bring energy to our forward group.”
Jan 11
Tyler Seguin Shows Incredible Finishing Touch to Give Bruins Late Lead
NESN.com
Jokinen with two assists in Flames win
Injured Galchenyuk still considered top talent (Larionov)
Mike G. Morreale
NHL.com
Just because Sarnia Sting center Alexander Galchenyuk doesn’t have a number beside his name on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for North American skaters, it doesn’t mean he won’t be a top-five selection at the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh on June 22.
Galchenyuk had season-ending surgery Oct. 27 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and hasn’t played a single minute all season in the Ontario Hockey League. He suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Windsor Spitfires on Sept. 16.
“I’m just trying to support our guys from the sidelines, although I can’t describe how hard it is to watch,” Galchenyuk wrote in a recent blog for NHL.com. “I would much rather be out there with them, but at least I get to spend more time at the rink now. I guess sometimes life throws out these challenges for you and you start appreciating things a lot more after you don’t have them for a while. Right now I’m making the most of my situation and I’m hungrier than ever to get back out on the ice. I know that when I do go back that I will appreciate my time on the ice and being with my teammates even more.”
Playing alongside Nail Yakupov in Sarnia last season, Galchenyuk had 31 goals and 83 points in 68 games. It was enough to make believers out of any scout who had the opportunity to watch him.
“One element for Galchenyuk is the fact he played last year, and going into this season he was already recognized as one of the top prospects,” Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr, told NHL.com. “I think most of the teams are pretty comfortable in knowing the type of player they’ll be getting. Obviously you’d like to see him play during his draft year, but the scouts and general managers are going to be more concerned with how the surgery went, what type of surgery it was and how the recovery process is going along.”
There’s little doubt Galchenyuk will be in high demand at the NHL Scouting Combine in May.
Ouellet with 6 goals, 6 assists in last 6 games
Kerdiles ranked 27th on CSS mid-term North American list
Iafrate, Kontos ranked in Top 100 on CSS mid-term North American list
Windsor’s Devlin ranked on CSS mid-term North American list
Jan 12
Seguin named to All-Star Team
Douglas Flynn
NESN.com
Seguin makes his first All-Star appearance after participating last year as one of the rookie selections. He leads Boston with 17-21-38 totals and is a plus-33 in 38 games.
Russia’s Nail Yakupov named No. 1 prospect in midseason 2012 NHL draft rankings
Postmedia News
Heading the North American top 10 are a pair of Russian forwards who play in the Canadian Hockey League. Nail Yakupov of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting is rated to go first in the draft, while Mikhail Grigorenko of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Quebec Remparts sits second.
Yakupov is currently on the shelf with a knee injury suffered at the world junior tournament — he’ll be on the sidelines for another month.
“He’s a dynamic player who plays with offensive energy . . . he wants the puck and he loves to score,” NHL director of Central Scouting Dan Marr told NHL.com. “But what he’s learning now is how to play the game without the puck; he’s not an individual player and he has a pretty good sense of responsibility.”
After earning the CHL rookie of the year award in 2010-11, Yakupov has collected 21 goals and 53 points in 26 games for the Sting this year.
Gomez is Back
MacDermid to finish season with Attack
Jason Pirie
yourgbsports.com
The Owen Sound Greys have released defenceman Kurtis MacDermid to the Owen Sound Attack, enabling him to join the Ontario Hockey League club on a full-time basis.
A Sauble Beach, Ont. native, MacDermid, 17, had collected nine points (three goals, six assists) and 80 penalty minutes in 20 games as co-captain of the Greys this season.
The 6-3, 186-pound rearguard was originally drafted by the Attack in the seventh-round (139th overall) of the 2010 OHL Priority Selection. He has two assists and seven penalty minutes in nine games with the Attack this season.
“It was our goal at the beginning of the season to assist with his development and we are excited to see him earn a full-time opportunity with the Attack,” said Greys assistant GM Steve McIver. “We would like to thank Kurtis for his leadership and commitment to our organization over the past two seasons and wish him the best of luck and continued success.”
Greyhounds newcomers ready to go
Peter Ruicci
The Sault Star
When he donned the Soo Greyhounds red and white jersey Wednesday, in order to have his official team picture taken, Greg Jambrosich saw it as an omen of sorts.
The 18-year-old native of Stoney Creek, Ont., one of two players who joined the Hounds in a Tuesday trade with the Sudbury Wolves, had worn those colours previously.
During his days in minor hockey, the St. Catharines Falcons also wore red and white.
“That brought back good memories,” said Jambrosich, part of a deal that sent veteran Hounds winger Michael Kantor to the Wolves.
Jambrosich, a centre, 17-year-old defenceman Cody Mintz and a fourth-round draft choice in 2014 were acquired for the 19-year-old Kantor and a conditional 15th-round selection in 2013.
The deal was completed just prior to Tuesday’s 12 noon Ontario Hockey League trade deadline.
“It was a little bit of a surprise,” Jambrosich said of the transaction. “They (the Wolves) didn’t call me until 12:05 to tell me I’d been traded. When the deadline passed, I thought I’d be staying.”
Instead, Jambrosich joins a Greyhounds team that was looking to add more youth to a lineup heavy with veterans.
“I’m excited. The Wolves and the Hounds both told me this would be a great opportunity for me,” said Jambrosich, a third-year player taken by the Wolves in the sixth round of the 2009 OHL draft.
After scoring 10 goals and assisting on seven others during the 2010-2011 campaign, Jambrosich, known as an excellent skater, had managed just two goals and five assists in 33 games this season.
Part of the problem, said the six-foot-one, 182-pounder, is he hasn’t been shooting enough.
And while confidence in his ability to contribute some goals has never been a problem, Jambrosich, who’s been known more as a defensive specialist, believes he’ll be even more confident playing for the Greyhounds.
“The coach (Mike Stapleton) and GM (Kyle Dubas) have told me they have plans for me and that’s boosted my confidence,” he said. “I’d like to show more offensively. Penalty-killing is a big part of my game and I hope to give the team more depth at centre.”
Galchenyuk hits major milestone in recovery
Alex Galchenyuk
NHL.com
Hey everybody. Hope all of you had a good time over the holidays.
I have some exciting news this month — I went out on the ice! It was Dec. 19th, and it only was for about 10 minutes, but it still felt great. It made me feel like I am getting closer and closer to recovery.
The second time was Dec. 31, and of course the second time around I felt more comfortable on the ice. I was still taking it very easy, but I went out there and took a few good shots. I guess all my upper-body workouts are paying off. So that was a very exciting way for me to start the New Year.
Therapy in London is going well. I can do mostly everything now, and we decided to reduce it to two times a week. I’m visiting Dr. Vargo’s office daily for additional physiotherapy and massages. I’ve started swimming and I’m doing squats and lunges. My legs are getting bigger and stronger and I still focus on my upper body and core, too. Also, daily cardio is in my routine now, so I can get in shape faster. If in the beginning it was mostly therapy and a little workout, now I’ve started working out almost at full strength. My doctor says that hopefully closer to the end of this month I will officially be allowed to skate. I’m pretty pumped about that.
Christmas and New Year’s was fun with my family, but I didn’t really take any time off during the holidays this year. I don’t want to lose any time. Our family also celebrated Russian Christmas which is Jan. 6-7.
I watched most of the World Junior Championship. It was a very intense competition and a lot of exciting games. Although I enjoyed watching, I admit I wasn’t that crazy over it because it’s hard to just watch and not be able to participate. I’m very happy for my buddies from Team Russia, “Jambo” (Nail Yakupov) and “Dino” (Artem Sergeev) for winning the silver medal. Also for Filip Forsberg and Sebastian Collberg from Team Sweden. I had a chance to play with both of them on one line when we played for Europe Selects and both are great players. I’m especially happy for Ludvig Rensfeldt, my teammate from Sarnia, for winning the gold. It was a great level of hockey.
Jan 13
Cammalleri bubbling with excitement
Eric Francis
Calgary Sun
CALGARY – It wasn’t all that long ago that the Calgary Flames were faced with having to decide whether to keep Mike Cammalleri or Olli Jokinen.
Now, they have both.
Question is, who gets to wear the No. 13 Jokinen grabbed upon his own shocking return?
“I’ve got to talk to him (Friday),” laughed Cammalleri, his voice bubbling with excitement from the Boston hotel where he was cabbed to after being pulled from last night’s Habs game and told he’d been traded.
“I don’t know if he’ll give me 13. He’s playing great hockey. I’ve really never worn anything else. Man, I’m not worried about it. I’m just so excited … I can’t wait to get there.”
The numbers game is also what prompted a move as the Canadiens cleared cap space by moving Cammalleri’s US$6-million hit for the next two years for Rene Bourque ($3.33 million for four more years) as part of the shocking swap that also included non-NHL players and picks.
Jay Feaster’s announcement was played lived on the Jumbotron during the first intermission, prompting a loud cheer from fans who adored the pint-sized sniper when he was here in 2008-09.
Both clubs move players in need of a change of scenery and a key part of the deal is the fact Cammalleri never hid the fact he never wanted to leave here in the first place.
“I would have loved to stay if it had worked out that way,” said Cammalleri, whose 39-goal season in Calgary priced him out of a team that already had cap issues.
“The writing was on the wall in terms of having to move. It was a decision they made at the time. It was amicable. We kept in touch. Darryl said what he had with cap room but said that was all he could do. There wasn’t even much of a discussion.”
There’s been plenty of talk since as the chatty Cammalleri has endless connections with many current Flames.
“I spend summers with (Mark) Giordano, (Tom) Kostopoulos and I have been friends for 10 years, (Brendan) Morrison and I got to alumni weekend in Michigan, Jarome (Iginla) and I keep in touch all the time, (Jay) Bouwmeester and I roomed together at the world juniors,” rambled the media darling.
“Getting traded is always weird because there’s emotions involved. When I found out I was traded, they didn’t tell me where, but I was really excited to find out it was Calgary. I have such fond memories of my time there.”
Cammalleri will have little time to adjust before being thrown into Flames’ fire
Darren Haynes
The Canadian Press
“I had such a great experience here my last time here. There’s so many familiar people for me in this locker-room,” he said. “I know where the team stands right now. It’s an exciting thing to be a part of to be three points out of a playoff spot right here and coming in for a big push here on this end of the season. It’s exciting for me, so it means a lot to be back.
“I would have liked to stay the first time around. The experience was great and I thought we had a pretty good team at the time. It was exciting then too.”
Cammalleri will be looked upon to inject some scoring into an offince that ranks in the bottom third in the league.
“One of the main reasons I was brought here is to produce offensively,” he said. “That’s something I’ll look to provide for sure.
“I would imagine I’ll be pretty excited. It’ll be fun for me to get out there. I’ll probably go out there really anxious and excited and be exhausted after 10 seconds and make it a quick short one.”
Cammalleri’s presence will give the Flames an emotional boost against the Kings, and it comes after they got some good news Thursday with the return of steady defenceman Mark Giordano, who had missed 21 games with a hamstring injury.
“I know Cammy personally. I played with him before and know him from back home. The guy works exceptionally hard off ice and on ice and we all know what kind of damage he can do around the net with the puck,” Giordano said. “Any time you see guys like that who take a lot of pride in off-ice stuff and commitment in the gym and carry it over onto the ice.
“Cammy, he’s a very confident player and that rubs off on guys.”
Cammalleri will be wearing jersey No. 93, a departure from his No. 13, currently worn by Jokinen. With Jokinen wearing No. 21, the two were teammates for the latter part of the 2009 season after Jokinen was acquired in a trade with Phoenix.
“I didn’t have a lot of options. There’s a lot of numbers taken,” said the native of Richmond Hill, Ont. “Pretty simply put, I thought of Dougie Gilmour. He played here. I know he was wearing No. 39. I grew up in Toronto as a kid watching him play for the Leafs with 93. That was one of the kind of five numbers that was sent in a text message to me with kind of some options. I said sure.”
All-Star nod a sign of Tyler Seguin’s improvement
Lenny Neslin
Boston Globe
Before the Bruins edged the Canadiens at TD Garden last night, Zdeno Chara and Tyler Seguin joined Tim Thomas and the Bruins coaching staff as selections for the All-Star Game at the end of the month.
Chara and coach Claude Julien were happy with Seguin’s improvement and selection.
“It’s an honor for him and anybody who is selected,” Chara said. “There’s a lot of top players from different teams in the league all get together and hopefully he’ll learn from them and carry it with him. He’s come a long way from last year.”
Seguin already has nearly doubled last season’s point output in about half the games, as he had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) last year while this season he has 38 points (17, 21). Seguin, 19, participated in the skills contest last year but did not make the team.
“It’s a great experience for him,” Julien said. “Last year was even more so because he wasn’t in the lineup every night. This year he goes back again with a bit more confidence because he’s accomplishing more.”
Game Day: David Savard
Leivo still clicking with linemates
Ben Leeson
The Sudbury Star
There was nary a beaker or a test tube to be found.
But there was no shortage of chemistry at Sudbury Community Arena on Sunday, when Josh Leivo reunited with Michael Sgarbossa and Andrey Kuchin on the Sudbury Wolves’ top line.
The trio, which had run rampant in last year’s playoffs, combined for nine points — a goal and two assists each — in a 7-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires.
It was Leivo’s second night on the big line, after the rightwinger spent much of the first half of the season skating alongside captain Michael MacDonald and Kristoff Kontos. But after Kontos was traded to the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors last week, newcomer Derek Schoenmakers took the second-line spot and Leivo was reunited with Sgarbossa and Kuchin.
“To be honest, I didn’t know if it was still there, after the first game against London, because we had some big chances and we couldn’t bury it,” said Leivo, an 18year-old native of Innisfil, Ont. “But against Windsor, we showed what we could do and we were able to provide some offence for the team.”
Leivo’s goal Sunday was his sixth in six games, giving the second-year OHLer career highs of 17 goals and 17 assists in 35 starts.
Last year, he scored 13 goals and assisted on 17 others in 64 games, helping convince the Toronto Maple Leafs to make him their third-round selection, 86th overall, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
“Josh Leivo always seems to have one, two or three qualities chances every night,” Wolves head coach Trent Cull said. “And with Derek coming in, we toyed with the lineup a bit. That’s not to say that Brody Silk wasn’t doing a good job with Kuch and Sgarby. He was doing a great job. But with Derek coming in, we thought we’d try something different and put Josh back with those guys. And it worked out pretty well against Windsor.
“Josh definitely has the skill to match those guys. But, of course, we always want to make sure the work is still there, because when Josh is working, he’s pretty effective.”
Agozzino scores team leading 22nd goal
Jan 14
GTHL Top Prospect Ho-Sang Still Turning Heads
jrhockeyrecruit.com
Allstate All-Canadians — The Experience from NHLPA on Vimeo.
It’s no secret that Thornhill, Ontario’s Josh Ho-Sang plans to play in the OHL next season and he will undoubtably be drafted in the first round of the OHL Entry Draft.
He was one of the strongest personality (check out his goal at the 7:23 mark above) in the short film produced by the NHLPA this past summer for the Allstate All-Canadians Camp in Toronto, a mentoring event that included forty-two 15-year-old hockey players from across the country.
Ho-Sang is now one of the most sought after young hockey players in the country. While he’s currently playing for the Marlies in the GTHL, some OHL scouts claim he should have been granted exceptional player status and suited up to play as a 15-year-old in the OHL. Aside from 15-year-old Aaron Ekblad, the 6’3 200 lbs. defenceman who joined the OHL earlier this season, the last player to be granted exceptional player status was John Tavares in 2005. That is, exceptional player status isn’t handed out very often by the 7 member panel of Hockey Canada.
This week, Ho-Sang took a break from his regular play with the Marlies and joined Wendel Clark’s team in the Scotiabank Top-Prospects (click for photos). The game was broadcast on Rogers TV and will air again on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm.
Kudos for Oilers Gagner
Derek Van Diest
Edmonton Oilers
EDMONTON – Sam Gagner was the only member of the Edmonton Oilers to put up a fight Friday night and he had the wounds to prove it.
Unfortunately for the Oilers forward, the beating he took from Anaheim Ducks defenceman Francois Beauchemin did little to inspire his team in a lackluster 5-0 loss.
Gagner challenged Beauchemin to a fight after he had taken a run at Oilers winger Taylor Hall in the second period.
“It happens a lot with Hallsy, guys take some liberties,” said Gagner. “It was just kind of a situation where I was there and I hit him. There was nothing going on in the play and I felt like the opportunity was there. But he throws lefts and it’s not something I was aware of, yet I don’t think that would have made me change what I did.”
Gagner paid a price in the fight, although it appeared Beauchemin let up after landing a number of lefts to his opponent’s face, opening up a small cut on the bridge of his nose.
“I’m not really a guy who studies fights or anything,” Gagner said. “I don’t know which way guys throw or how tough they are. That’s just way it goes sometimes, but I’m no worse for wear, so it’s no big deal.”
To his credit, Gagner hung in with Beauchemin, who is as tough as they come, and did not go down.
Apparently, the Ducks six-foot, 207-pound blue-liner, knowing it was a mismatch, gave the Oilers centre a chance to opt out of the confrontation prior to the fight, which was declined.
“That just shows the character that he has,” said Oilers winger Ryan Jones. “If somebody is going to take a run at Hallsy, that’s big on Gags for stepping up and throwing some punches.”
Gomez speak to media after practice
Andreoff Scores OT Winner for Oshawa
Goodrow scores third period tying goal
D’Agostini stops 27 shots in win
Clendening goal sparks BU Rally
Jambrosich, Mintz post points in first game as Greyhounds
Nazarian gets two assists in win
Jan 15
more..THE RIG 28 week ending January 8th
on January 14th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Jan 2
Rupert, Welychka find chemistry
Ryan Pyette
London Free Press
SARNIA – Brett Welychka can’t see inside Ryan Rupert’s head.
“I don’t have twin telepathy or whatever they call it like Matt does,” the London Knights forward said. But the speedy 17-year-old should still at least be granted honorary Rupert status.
With Matt Rupert still out and likely to return from a shoulder injury this week, Welychka ushered in the new year by teaming with Ryan Rupert to account for all three goals in a shutout victory over the struggling Sarnia Sting before 4,546 Sunday afternoon at the RBC Centre. Welychka struck twice, just like he did Friday night, to sink the Sting, who have lost five straight.
The Londoner had just one goal this season coming into the weekend. “Ryan and I have been able to find some good chemistry (on a line with Dane Fox),” Welychka said.
“We’re missing some guys, including Matt, and I’m getting some more minutes. That’s my personality to try to step up and do more. “It shows our depth. We worked hard for every puck.”
He has also helped one Rupert put to rest a familiar complaint the Knights twins play much better together than they do apart or when one of them is out of action. They aren’t fans of Vancouver’s Sedin twins, who have almost always played on the same line during their careers.
“I’ve heard that before and I just try to ignore the people who say that,” rough-and-tumble Ryan Rupert said. “Last year, I got called up and Matt stayed in junior B for a while and I proved I could play at this level. “We haven’t always been on the same line. I hope the last few games show we can play well without each other. He (Welychka) plays similar to me and I think that’s helped us.”
After drilling the opening goal past Sarnia goalie Brandon Maxwell, Rupert sent Welychka to the races on a short-handed break to open an early two-goal lead. Then he outmuscled six-foot-three Sting defenceman Connor Murphy to set up another Welychka marker in the opening minute of the third.
This, like the Hunters, feels like a home game for Rupert, who grew up in Grand Bend and played competitive minor hockey for the Lambton Junior Sting.
Thomas scores GWG for Generals
Jan 3
Ex-Wing Larionov watches under-17 prospects
Joel Boyce
Windsor Star
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Igor Larionov was in Windsor the past week to watch the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
He wasn’t here as a spectator but as an agent. The former Detroit Red Wings represents more than a dozen professional hockey players, including ex-Spit Andrei Loktionov of the Los Angeles Kings.
“I came to watch a couple of young players,” Larionov said. “One of them is Sergei Tolchinskiy.”
Tolchinskiy is a five-foot-seven, 150-pound centre and assistant captain for Team Russia.
Larionov said he wants to see how he takes to the smaller rinks, with the thought of bringing him to the CHL in the near future.
Tolchinskiy made a big impact by scoring a highlight reel goal in the first minute of the international tournament.
“I love his attitude and approach to the game,” Larionov said.
“He plays very smart hockey and gives it all in every shift. He’s not a big guy but he has a big heart.”
Presently working from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Windsor is a convenient drive for Larionov.
“So far it’s been good,” Larionov said.
“It’s nice to see young talent from all across the world. It’s good for everybody to prepare themselves with what to expect and what’s the next step to get better.”
The Hockey Hall of Famer was watching a few other players to possibly represent. Russia defender Denis Alexandrov and forward Pavel Buchnevich, as well as an unnamed Czech Republic player.
“I had to watch a few games to watch these guys to see how they compete, since those guys will be my interest for the next 20 years if so,” he said.
Larionov is also representing Sarnia Sting forwards Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk and Erie Otters goaltender Ramis Sadikov.
As well, Val-d’Or, Foreurs defenceman Artem Sergeev of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and other players in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Though, not only is he an agent, Larionov is the co-owner of the Triple Overtime Wine Company, which exports Australian and Californian wines to Russia, Switzerland and small parts of Michigan.
Jokinen picks up assist in 100th game
Kontos scores 11th goal, career high
Jan 4
Boston Bruins winger Tyler Seguin adding a new dimension to his game
Mike Loftus Patroit Ledger WILMINGTON —Nobody will ever accuse Tyler Seguin of being a bully.
Then again, he doesn’t want people thinking he’s a baby.
The 19-year-old winger, who leads the Bruins with 32 points entering Game 36 of the season tonight at New Jersey, moved into a first-place tie with linemate Brad Marchand when he scored his 15th goal on New Year’s Eve at Dallas. A few minutes later, he nearly gave the B’s a 2-1 lead, but his bid for goal No. 16 hit the post. Boston’s scoring chances were the product of Seguin’s willingness to take and give contact. He scored from directly in front of the net, tipping in David Krejci’s shot while being cross-checked in the back. The post shot came after he bumped Stars forward Mike Ribeiro hard enough to create a loose puck, which Marchand fed to Seguin for a point-blank shot.
“It’s part of his game he wants to improve on – going to those dirty areas, if he wants to score more goals,” Coach Claude Julien said of Seguin, who has two goals and six points in his last five games after going 1-2–3 in the previous nine. “To be a bigger factor, he’s got to do that, and he’s willing to do it.”
Gagner with goal and assist against Sabres
Gomez returns to practice with Habs
Irwin named to AHL All-Star Team
Kevin Kurz
CSNBayArea.com
Matt Irwin and Tyson Sexsmith will represent the Worcester Sharks in the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic in Atlantic City on Jan. 29-30.
Irwin, a defenseman, has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points and 12 penalty minutes in 27 games. He was recalled by the Sharks in December, but did not appear in a game.
Varone extends point streak to five games
Spitfires captain Robertson traded to Sarnia
Jim Parker
Windsor Star
WINDSOR, Ont. — Defenceman Adrian Robertson had been hearing the rumours for weeks and Wednesday it became a reality.
The Windsor Spitfires traded Robertson, who was the team’s captain, to the Sarnia Sting. In exchange, the Sting sent Windsor a third-round pick in 2012, which had been acquired in an earlier trade from Sault Ste. Marie, along with the Sting’s second-round pick in 2016 and 2017.
“The past couple of days things have heated up and I’ve gotten messages from different people asking if I had been traded,” Robertson said as he left the Windsor dressing room for the last time. “I hadn’t heard anything, so I just said, ‘No.’”
But the 20-year-old Robertson, who is in his overage season, knows the deal makes sense for a young Windsor team looking to the future.
“Absolutely, it makes sense for Windsor,” said Robertson, who is second in the Ontario Hockey League in scoring for defenceman with nine goals and 33 points in 39 games. “I’m not here next year and this helps them going forward.”
But as captain of the team, the six-foot-two, 210-pound Robertson was happy to be leading a young Windsor club building to the future and looking to scramble for a playoff spot in a tough Western Conference.
“Everyone believed we could make it and I didn’t want to be one of those people to take the easy way out,” Robertson said of being traded. “I would have been completely happy here.”
But the Sting, who picked up veteran defenceman Craig Duininck and overager Taylor Carnevale earlier in the season, are looking to make a long run in the playoffs, which should provide Robertson more exposure in his quest to sign a pro contract. Ironically, it was season-ending shoulder surgery for Carnevale that opened an overage spot in Sarnia for Robertson.
“This should give him the opportunity for a long playoff run this season,” Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said. “Adrian was a class act on and off the ice.
“He represented himself and the team very professionally. I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for the Spitfires’ organization.”
Yakupov with four assists in semi-final win over Canada
Clendening Scores in Team USA Win
Ouellet Update
Matthew Wuest
RedWingsCentral.com
Defenseman Xavier Ouellet (Blainville-Boisbriand, QMJHL) is on fire lately, having piled up five goals and an assist in his past three games and 11 points in his past nine contests. His 12 goals n 35 games are second in the QMJHL to Buffalo Sabres free-agent signing Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, who has 20 goals in 36 games
Jan 5
Yakupov Post-game interview (Larionov)
Jokinen named NHLPA player of the week
NHLPA.com
Hockey players are a highly conditioned group of athletes. One thing they learn to do at a very young age is to take their careers “one game at a time.” This is something that helps them stay focused and grounded after wins and losses, as well as keeps their routine of preparation as consistent as possible.
For Olli Jokinen, this “one game at a time” routine recently took him over the threshold of an impressive milestone: the 1,000-games-played plateau. This is a major milestone for the dynamic Finnish-born player, something he will undoubtedly look back on with pride once he completes his career.
The NHL is the best hockey league in the world, and there are hundreds of players who suit up but never have the chance to reach a milestone such as the one Jokinen just achieved. This adds to an already-impressive career accomplishment list that includes success both in the NHL and on the international stage.
Jokinen has been key in helping the Calgary Flames right the ship after a slow start in 2011-12. His chemistry with Jarome Iginla has been quite evident, especially recently, as the Flames have positioned themselves for a push in the second half of the season in the tough Western Conference. With Jokinen returning to form, notching timely points and continuing to take it “one game at a time,” the Flames are definitely a team to watch in the 2012.
• Jokinen became the 268th player in NHL history to reach the 1,000-games-played milestone.
• Jokinen has returned to the offensive production he is known for, leading the Flames in scoring to date with 32 points.
• Jokinen is a decorated and veteran member of the Finnish international team, capturing medals at the junior and men’s levels.
Cammalleri post-game interview
AHL: Worcester Sharks Tyson Sexsmith, Matt Irwin are All-Stars
Bill Ballou
Telegram.com
Irwin’s selection makes it two straight years a former UMass defenseman has been one of the Sharks’ all-star selections. College teammate Justin Braun made it last season. In just 1 1/2 AHL seasons, Irwin has scored 17 goals, and only two other Worcester defensemen, Derek Joslin and Patrick Traverse, have more career goals on defense.
The quality of Irwin’s goals is even more impressive than the quantity. Of those 17, 12 have put the Sharks ahead or tied the score, and 11 of them have come in the third period or overtime.
Hard to believe, then, that when he was a rookie last year, Irwin was a healthy scratch in seven of Worcester’s first 17 games.
“All I ever wanted,” he said, “is the same that any hockey player wants, I think, and that’s the opportunity to play and show what you can do.”
In their first five years here, the Sharks had nine players named to an All-Star Classic roster. All nine played in the NHL either before or after their selections. Neither Irwin nor Sexsmith has NHL experience yet, though Irwin has come close. He was called up last year and has been called up already this season, but didn’t get into a game either time.
“First time,” he remembered, “I didn’t get out of the airport. This time, I got out of the airport and made it to the rink. So next time, that should mean I get into a game. Either way, just being up to get a taste of what it’s like was a great experience.”
Records show that almost everybody who is an AHL All-Star plays in the NHL, so Irwin’s taste of the big leagues is almost certain to lead to a bigger bite of the show.
Kontos traded to Mississauga
Ben Leeson
The Sudbury Star
It’s also a draft year for Kontos, one of the Wolves’ best offensive players, with 12 goals and 13 assists in 35 starts.
“You never want to see a good person and a good hockey player leave your organization,” Smith said. “But, unfortunately, when you want to acquire a good player you have to give up something of significance. Kristoff is really starting to show that offensive skill that he has and he has really represented the team and the city well and we wish him all the best.”
Kontos is excited about the prospect of increased ice time in Mississauga, a team which also dealt veteran forward Joseph Cramarossa to the Belleville Bulls on Thursday.
“They told me they’re looking for a top-end centre to play on their top two lines,” Kontos said. “I’m looking forward to that, for sure.”
But he’ll look back fondly on his time in the Nickel City.
“I was here two years and a built some great relationships with some of the guys on this team,” Kontos said. “I was always treated well here. This is a great organization, 10 out of 10, for sure, so that makes this a little hard to swallow. It’s bittersweet.”
Playing for Mississauga, a team which has had Sudbury’s number the last few seasons, will be a little surreal for the 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Penetang, Ont.
“I have been at that rink many times and we used to say there was a curse there, that we would not play well or get beat,” Kontos said. “But now I’m excited to play there. It’s a good organization and I look forward joining it.”
10 world junior players who stood out (Larionov)
Daniel Girard
Toronto Star
• Nail Yakupov — The 18-year-old Russian forward, who plays for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, came into the tournament widely regarded as the top prospect ahead of the June NHL entry draft. He’s not disappointed. Showcasing the high-end skill that sees him compared to fellow countryman and former superstar Pavel Bure, Yakupov dazzled with speed and playmaking, particularly in four-assist effort in semifinal win over Canada.
Former Lewiston resident Clendening gets assist for U.S.
Belowthefalls.com
It wasn’t exactly the finish he wanted, but former Lewiston and Wheatfield resident Adam Clendening finished off the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in style.
Clendening had an assist on the game’s winning goal to help the U.S. National Junior Team defeat Switzerland, 2-1.
Kevin Gravel collected a pass from Clendening, who plays at Boston University, and fired a slap shot at 16:15 that proved to be the game-winning goal.
Jack Campbell made 21 saves, including 16 in the final two periods, as Team USA finished the tournament in seventh place with a 3-0-0-3 (W-OTW-OTL-L) overall record.
“You always want to win your last game of any tournament and we did just that,” said Dean Blais, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. “I’m proud of our guys for giving their all to the end.”
Russia conjures some old magic at world juniors
George Johnson
National Post
CALGARY — They were, both back in their day and for always, a singular three-sided wonder to behold.
As tight, as together on and off the beat, as the piano, double bass and drums of a superb jazz trio. The rink was their recording studio — big occasions, top-step-podium games, their jam sessions.
Krutov-Larionov-Makarov.
The legendary KLM Line.
And count Igor Larionov a big fan of the way coach Valeri Bragin has structured this Russian team at the IIHF world junior championship gunning for gold on Thursday night, the direction he has them pointed.
To enthrall. To enrich. To entertain.
“I like it very much, the way they play,” critiques the former Detroit Red Wings star, long renowned a saavy, cerebral analyst of the sport.
“When you watch them the whole tournament — and I’ve watched a lot of games . . . they’ve brought back a fast, exciting game to Russian hockey. Even that game against Latvia, when they showed that kind of skill, that’s how we played on the KLM line.
“One-touch passes, skating through the neutral zone, slowing down the game a little bit. All different aspects.
“That’s what I thought. This is like the greatest hockey.
“It brings back memories of when I played.
“It shows this game can still take people off the seats.”
Larionov, in his guise as player agent, sits in the small, semi-circular stands overlooking Rink 3 at Winsport Arenas on the eve of Thursday’s gold medal game between Russia and Sweden. He’s watching two of his clients, the projected No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL entry draft Nail Yakupov and defenceman Artyom Sergeyev, prepare for the most nerve-jangling night of their young lives.
Tolchinski has blast in final (Larionov)
Bob Duff
Windsor Star
WINDSOR, Ont. — His smile beaming, a world championship gold medal dangling from his neck, Russia’s Sergei Tolchinski still struggled to express his emotional state.
“I don’t have some words,” he said after scoring a hat trick to lead Russia to a 7-4 win over the United States in Wednesday’s gold-medal game of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge at the WFCU Centre.
The Russians, and just about everyone who was involved with the week-long event came armed with plenty of descriptives regarding the quality of performance turned in by Windsor as a first-time host city to the event.
“We’re really pleased with everything,” said Jeff Beck, Hockey Canada’s manager of marketing services and events. “The host committee did a great job, the volunteers have been outstanding.
“It’s a great hockey community.”
With an overall tournament attendance of 33,145, you couldn’t find someone with a bad word to say about Windsor.
“It was the best time,” said Tolchinski, who was lobbying to make this his new home.
“I really like Windsor. I would be very glad if I were to get invited to play for the local team in the OHL.”
Rupert’s revenge tops Soo
Ryan Pyette
London Free Press
“I showed them (the Hounds and their fans) I can score goals, too,” the 17-year-old Grand Bend native said. “It’s not just about a slash. We expected (a hostile environment). I thought it would be worse than it was.”
The game featured 32 minutes in penalties, but this time around, no fighting or suspensions.
Cousins finished the game pointless and was a minus-2. Rupert silenced the Soo crowd by scoring 5:32 into the game – the only goal in an opening period during which the Knights recorded a mere two shots.
“We ended up with six goals and we worked hard for every one of them,” Rupert said.
Rupert teamed up on the play with Vladislav Namestnikov, who had four assists in his first game back from a pelvis injury that cost him a spot on the Russian world junior team.
“Vladdy gave Ryan a nice pass and you always want to get off to a good start and score first on the road,” Seth Griffith said. “That got us going. The Soo’s a tough team and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“We’re missing a lot of guys and the defence really stepped up for us.”
Leivo with two goals, Jambrosich with two assists
Oligny with two assists in win
Bradley to play in USHL Top Prospects Game
Nikandrov chosen as alternate for Top Prospects Game
Jan 6
Seguin speaks after 9-0 win
Robertson named top OHL defenceman for December
Sting teammate Adrian Robertson was named the OHL defenceman of the month. He led all OHL blue-liners in scoring with two goals and nine assists.
Yakupov, Sergeev win Silver with Russia
Jan 7
Thiessen recovers to boost Penguins
Tom Venesky
TimesLeader.com
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — After losing his last three starts and giving up 14 goals in the process, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins goaltender Brad Thiessen made a play that would’ve doomed most netminders.
It occurred during a Penguins power play in the third period of Friday’s 4-3 win against the Rochester Americans. With the game tied 2-2, Thiessen had the puck stripped from him as he tried to play it in the corner. Rochester scored a shorthanded goal to go up 3-2, but amazingly Thiessen wasn’t rattled.
“Maybe it was a good test for me,” he said.
Thiessen came up big later in the night when he stopped Rochester’s Mark Voakes in the eighth round of a shootout to give the Penguins the victory.
The win improves the Penguins to 19-11-1-4 and provides a much-needed confidence boost after Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to Norfolk.
Olivier Roy’s shutout ties Stockton Thunder franchise record
Mike Weaver
Stockton Hockey Examiner
Stockton Thunder goalie Olivier Roy matched a team record Friday night (Jan. 6) by posting his third shutout of the season.
Roy stopped all 29 shots he faced and made a single goal by Jordan Fulton hold up for a 1-0 victory over the Bakersfield Condors in front of 5,120 spectators at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, CA. The teams will meet again at the same location on Saturday night (Jan. 7).
Roy’s performance allowed him to tie the club record for shutouts in a season, matching the mark previously set by Tim Boron during the 2007-’08 season and repeated by Andrew Perugini during the 2009-’10 season.
“We got one goal and he made it stand up,” Thunder Coach Matt Thomas said by telephone after the game. “We needed a big game from him and he delivered it.”
The victory was the second in a row for Roy and the Thunder, and allowed the team to start a five-game road trip on a positive note.
Roy post-game interview
Andreoff, Thomas with three points each in win
Agozzino with goal, assist and shootout winner
Goodrow scores both Brampton goals
Rupert and Rupert score in London win
Jan 8
Jokinen sets up Iginla for 500th career goal
Varone’s Goals Help Amerks to Win
(Rochester, NY)… Rochester Americans rookie forward Phil Varone scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner, and David Leggio made a season-high 44 saves to power the Amerks to a 3-2 win over the defending Calder Cup champion Binghamton Senators tonight at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The win improves Rochester (15-13-4-2) to 3-1-0-0 this season against the B-Sens as it has now collected points in six of its last seven games.
The two-goal effort was the first multi-goal game for Varone, who also extended his point streak to six games.
Roy perfect in shootout to lead Stockton to win
Thomas with goal and assist in win
more..THE RIG 28 week ending January 1st
on January 14th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Dec 26
Flames recall past World Juniors
Steve MacFarlane
Calgary Sun
CALGARY – Olli Jokinen knows what it’s like to win the world junior hockey championship on home soil.
But over in Finland, it might not have been quite the same as it would be for the Canadian kids playing in front of their fervent fans in Edmonton and Calgary over the next couple of weeks.
“The building was full — that’s very unusual over there in the junior stage,” the Flames centre said of the 1998 world juniors in Helsinki and Hameenlinna. “I remember we played against Canada Dec. 25, and there was maybe 5,000-6,000 people in the first period. People were watching the game on TV and saw there was a lot of empty seats.
“By the end of the second period, the building was full.”
By the end of the game, Finland had filled the Canadians’ stockings with coal. Losing to the hosts in the first game of the tournament started Team Canada towards a shocking eighth-place finish in the annual event.
“Nobody was expecting us to win. We kind of took off after that — we didn’t lose a game,” recalled Jokinen, who was named top forward at the tournament. “We ended up beating Russia in overtime (on a goal from former Flames forward Niklas Hagman) in front of the home crowd.
“It was a good experience.”
Clendening on point for Team USA
Ryan Nagelhout
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS — Twelve months after getting cut for the first time in his life, things are different for Adam Clendening.
First, the Wheatfield native finished a strong freshman season on the blueline at Boston University, raising his draft stock and getting snagged by the Chicago Blackhawks early in the second round (36th overall).
He shined in the Team USA Under-20 camp this summer and, a year after being one of the final cuts from the World Junior Championship roster, Clendening will be one of Team USA’s biggest assets on the point in Alberta over the next two weeks.
“It felt different this time,” Clendening said. “I think it’s just the right time. I’m just kind of maturing as a player and as my career goes on. I think everything is just starting to fall into place now.”
Clendening has certainly kicked his game up a notch after watching the World Juniors unfold without him in Buffalo last year. Another year of slick assists and good skating meant not worrying “what you could have done better” this time.
A little luck always helps, of course.
Some top talent on the back end will be missing for the Americans, which means more responsibility for Clendening. The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping blueliner Justin Faulk, making him inelligable for the tournament, which runs today until Jan. 5 in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.
Team USA defenseman Seth Jones suffered an upper-body injury in an exhibition game against Russia on Wednesday, just hours before the final 22-man roster was to be announced.
“You never want to see anyone hurt, but those are guys that play a similar style to me,” Clendening said.
Clendening got a few bumps and bruises of his own in the 6-3 exhibition loss to Russia. Twice he was hit with enough force to knock his helmet off. Once he was sandwiched by two Russians, Sergei Barbashev and Yaroslav Kosov.
A Canadian photographer caught a snapshot of the three players colliding, the American’s helmet empty between two Russian elbows as Clendening goes to the ice. It wasn’t enough to knock him out of the game, but it was cause for concern for his mother, Ann.
“She saw the picture,” Clendening said. “I have a black eye. I know my mom’s pretty nervous but I can handle myself out here.”
Clendening and his family know that sacrifices are necessary to succeed at this level. The 19-year-old spent Christmas practicing with the team in Camrose, Alberta. Holiday dinner with the Americans may lack the family charm most enjoy on Christmas, but the Clendenings agreed it’s the best holiday they’ve had in years.
“It’s a better one than last year,” Adam’s father Frank Clendening said. “It’s really a thrill. We’re very happy for him. It’s not every day someone makes a national team.”
Dec 27
Clendening posts 2 assists for Team USA in opener
Dec 28
Top prospect Yakupov focused on now
Scott Fisher
Toronto Sun
CALGARY — Good thing Nail Yakupov isn’t a scout.
He’d be missing out on some pretty good talent — like himself.
Asked if it was important to be selected first overall at this summer’s NHL Entry Draft, the Russian superstar said his stock had fallen after failing to hit the scoresheet in the tournament opener Monday night.
“I had a terrible game (Monday), so I can be in the sixth round,” Yakupov deadpanned.
There’s no chance of that happening.
Some have called Yakupov the best prospect since Sidney Crosby and the 5-foot-11, 161-lb. scoring machine is the consensus No. 1 pick. Russian teammate Mikhail Grigorenko could be second out of the gate.
But the draft, he insists, is the last thing on his mind as he tries to help Russia defend it’s world junior gold medal for the first time since 2002-03.
“I don’t think about the draft,” said Yakupov, who received a few souvenir stitches on his lip in the Boxing Day tilt. “I’ve been asked 10 questions in three days about the draft.
“But we’re at the world juniors right now, so I don’t think about the draft.
“I have to think about the world juniors. We want to win. We have a good team and we’re going 100% to win. I think everybody understands how we need to play good D.”
He came up empty — something that’s happened just four times in 26 tilts with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting this season — in the curtain-raiser against the Swiss.
Which likely means the rest of his opponents are going to pay.
Lokomotiv crash haunts Russians (Larionov)
Scott Fisher
Calgary Sun
Canadians often talk about hockey as though it’s life and death.
But it isn’t.
It’s just a game — a game this country is extremely passionate about — but a game nonetheless.
Unfortunately, it takes a tragic event to put things in perspective.
Russia lived through, and is still dealing with, that tragedy.
Nearly four months after a plane crash claimed the lives of an entire team — the powerful Yaroslavl Lokomotiv — the country is in mourning.
Two members of last year’s world junior championship squad — forward Danill Sobchenko and defenceman Yuri Urychev — were on the plane.
Russian superstar Nail Yakupov said the tragedy is never far from players’ minds.
“When I heard this news, it was a shock,” Yakupov said. “These were good players, like NHL players. I knew a couple of guys. It’s hard for hockey.
“I think everyone thinks about Lokomotiv, and if we win, it will be for Lokomotiv.”
M Hockey: Unsung Hero of the First Half
Jashvina Shah
wtbusportsradio.com
Assistant captain Justin Courtnall has some of the lowest point totals on the team, recording just one assist and one goal this season. But points aren’t everything, and Courtnall proved that over the first half. He became the team’s emotional and physical leader, never being afraid to stand up for his teammates or participate in post-whistle extra-curricular activities.
Not many people think of junior Justin Courtnall when they think of BU hockey, but he’s been a force for the Terriers this year. BU has enough players who can guide the puck to the back of the net, but they’ve been a little starved for emotional leaders. Courtnall may not star in the goals or assists columns, but he’s been one of those emotional leaders the Terriers have needed this season.
Dec 29
UW men’s hockey: Big weekend awaits Kerdiles
Andy Baggot
Madison.com
A milestone weekend is on deck for 17-year-old center Nic Kerdiles as long as the health of the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey signee for 2012-13 holds up.
Kerdiles will accompany the U.S. National Team Developmental Program under-18 squad to Madison Saturday night and fully intends to mix it up with his future teammates in an exhibition game at the Kohl Center.
That’s the plan even though Kerdiles has been sidelined since Dec. 11 with a lower body injury that hasn’t completely healed.
“I’m going on the trip,” Kerdiles said, referring to an itinerary that also includes an exhibition game at Minnesota State-Mankato Friday night. “I should be playing unless there’s some type of minor setback.”
Kerdiles, who leads Team USA with 11 goals in 26 games, said he caught an inadvertent knee in the back during a U.S. Hockey League game against Sioux City.
“I skated (Wednesday) and it felt pretty good,” he said. “It was a lot better than it felt (Tuesday). I think I’m going to be pretty good.”
In addition to skating against the Badgers, Kerdiles will use the weekend to make his official campus visit. His parents, Michel and Nathalie, are flying in from Irvine, Calif., to share the experience with their son, who is based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Yakupov from WJCs (Larionov)
Strong Prince County presence on Panthers
Jason Simmonds
Journal Pioneer
Player to watch
Another Panther for fans to keep an eye on is Carter, notes MacPherson.
“Matt Carter would be in the debate of the top player in the league,” continued the head coach. “He (Carter) has drawn a lot of interest from NHL teams, and he went to the Dallas Stars’ training camp this year.
“He won the scoring race in the league last year, and he’s up in the top two or three this year. As far as gifted offensive players, he’s as good as they come in this league.”
Nazarian scores OT GWG with 1 second remaining
Dec 30
Cammalleri on Sportsnet590 The Fan
Varone posts two assists in win
Yakupov with 3 assists in Russia win over Latvia
Andreoff with two assists in win
Dec 31
Marlies Christmas Stories: Blacker & Mikus
UW men’s hockey: Sneak peek on tap for Kerdiles, Badgers
Andy Baggot
Wisconsin State Journal
Nic Kerdiles received two belated holiday gifts this week, neither of which was wrapped, but both generated a wondrous response.
Kerdiles is a 17-year-old center who will play for the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team next season. He’s the primary storyline Saturday night when the U.S. National Team Development Program under-18 team comes to the Kohl Center for an exhibition game.
A Californian who committed to the Badgers in February of 2010 and signed a National Letter of Intent last month, Kerdiles leads Team USA in goals with 11 and has endeared himself to NHL talent evaluators in advance of the 2012 entry draft.
Many project Kerdiles as a first-round pick, which helps explain two thoughts from the UW coaching staff this week.
Asked if Kerdiles could play for the Badgers right now, UW coach Mike Eaves nodded his head.
“With the young team that we have, I would think so,” Eaves said, adding Kerdiles would be among the top 12 forwards in a lineup now dominated by freshmen and sophomores.
“Coming from a coach like that, who has such a big and successful resume, that’s a huge compliment,” Kerdiles said.
Kerdiles, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, is judged to have the whole package in terms of skills and intangibles. He has an excellent shot from the perimeter, but is more than willing to venture into the messy areas of the ice. He skates and passes well while bringing an edgy attitude. He blocks shots, is adept at faceoffs and is a conscientious defender.
“He has the skill, but he plays both ends of the rink,” said UW assistant coach Gary Shuchuk, who has seen Kerdiles play twice this season. “The biggest thing is he plays 200 feet. That’s perfect.”
In expressing his gratitude toward Shuchuk for that analysis, Kerdiles credited Team USA coach Danton Cole with instilling that all-around approach to his game.
“Last year I had a little bit more of an issue with that,” Kerdiles said, referring to time spent with the under-17 team. “This year he’s really stressed on me playing more defense than I was before. What comes out of that is you become a lot more successful starting in the (defensive ) zone, playing well there and moving the puck up. Good offense is created through defensive play.”
That evolution has caught the eye of NHL scouts, who have Kerdiles among their top 40 prospects in the world. Red Line Report, an independent international evaluation service, had Kerdiles ranked 75th in October. Two months later he was 31st after scoring five goals in three games to lead the U.S. to the gold medal in the Four Nations tournament in Switzerland.
LeBlanc scores tying goal, 10th goal of the year
Savard recalled from Springfield
Lynch scores tying goal late in Michigan comeback win over MSU
Thomas with 2 points, Andreoff with three assists
Goodrow with goal, 2 assists in 4-1 win
Agozzino scores winner in shootout as the IceDogs beat the Majors 6-5
Leivo scores twice for Sudbury in OT win
Jan 1
1,000 games no big deal for Flames’ Jokinen
Scott Cruickshank
Calgary Herald
NASHVILLE — Olli Jokinen is a man who clearly wants to live in the moment.
His world is now — not yesterday, not tomorrow.
So, sorry, details from his first appearance in the National Hockey League are not forthcoming. That was too long ago. Things are too hazy.
And his upcoming 1,000th game?
Well, that doesn’t really resonate either. Its mention the other day barely rates a shrug.
“I’ve been able to play and stay in the game,” says the Calgary Flames centre, who, when he touches the ice Sunday evening, will officially earn his silver stick — the 268th player to reach the 1,000-game benchmark. “I think I still have a lot of years ahead of me. But the biggest thing this year — I’m not going to lose my focus. It’s a tough league to play, a tough league to stay in, a tough league to be good in. So you can’t really make plans about what you’re going to do in two weeks, in three weeks, or the 1,020th game or whatever it is, you know? It’s a number. Obviously, a nice milestone. But at the end of the day, what do you play for? Winning the Stanley Cup. That’s it.
“It’s not about points or point streaks or milestones. It’s one thing only — to win the games. We all want a chance to be in the post-season.
“Everything else . . . don’t matter.”
One thing the 33-year-old does freely acknowledge is the changing NHL — and how he’s managed to change with it. Transforming himself from offensive centrepiece to dependable workhorse.
Evolution equals survival in pro sports.
“It’s not like I learned a new skill or anything,” Jokinen says, “but I learned to think the game differently. Defensively now, I try to do everything possible to help this team win games. Not necessarily putting up 30 goals. I realize when I do things right — the way the coaches want me to play — I can be a pretty effective player. Block the shot. Win the faceoff. Have a take-away. Dump the puck in. And maybe, once in a while, score.
“But if the coaches don’t believe you can do the job, who knows?”
For that support, he thanks the Sutters — Darryl, the general manager who signed him; Brent, the bench boss who re-tooled him.
In the last half of the 2010-11 campaign, in particular, Jokinen overhauled his game — swooping around less, buckling down more. Even with an eye on his own zone, he’s likely to put his ninth consecutive 50-point season into the books.
Loktionov with two assists in Kings win over Vancouver (Larionov)
BADGERS 4, U.S. UNDER-18 3
Andy Baggot
Wisconsin State Journal
The outing gave UW fans a tantalizing glimpse of the near future. Nic Kerdiles, a 17-year-old center who signed to play for the Badgers in 2012-13, factored into a lot of good things for Team USA.
He assisted on the first two goals of the night — converting turnovers into heads-up plays.
“It was an exciting night for me,” Kerdiles said, “but everyone on our team gave a good effort.”
Kerdiles made his presence felt on the first shift, outdueling Schultz, a reigning All-American, for possession along the wall and triggering a quick transition that led to an open shot by left winger Kyle Osterberg.
On his next shift, Kerdiles pounced on a poor clearing pass by junior defenseman and captain John Ramage and set up right winger Brendan Silk for a conversion. Silk angled left to right through the slot, faked a shot to get Thompson out of position and converted at the right post.
“It was a nice play,” Thompson said. “I wish I’d been a little more patient.”
Roy perfect in shootout to lead Stockton to win
Erlich leads Barrie with 4 assists
Ryan Rupert with 3 points in 3-0 win
more..THE RIG 28 week ending December 25th
on January 14th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Dec 19
Tyler Seguin, Sophmore of the Year?
Jokinen with goal and assist in Calgary loss
Seguin postgame interview
Kleinburg’s Agozzino wins OHL honour
By Michael Hayakawa
Yorkregion.com
Andrew Agozzino, a Kleinburg resident and forward with the Niagara IceDogs, was named the OHL’s Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 18, the league announced Monday.
The 20-year-old Agozzino scored two goals and five assists and recorded a plus-minus rating of plus-four during that week.
Agozzino led the IceDogs to a pair of wins to end the first half of the OHL season tied for third place in the Eastern Conference with 41 points.
In a game against the Erie Otters Dec. 15, Agozzino had the best offensive game of his OHL career with five points including two goals and three assists in a 7-0 win and was named the game’s first star.
The IceDogs’ captain also picked up two assists in a 3-1 win over the Sudbury Wolves Saturday.
Agozzino is in his fifth OHL season with the IceDogs.
He has scored 258 points in 285 career OHL games including 40 points with 17 goals and 23 assists in 34 games this season.
Spitfires Captain Adrian Robertson
Lessard named QMJHL 2nd star of the week
Erlich scores OT winner for Barrie
Oligny scores first goal of the season
Dec 20
Clendening: ‘I’m not going anywhere’
Scott McLaughlin
collegehockeynews.com
Scott McLaughlin: So you’re at World Junior camp right now. Last year you were one of the final cuts. What have you taken from that experience for this year?
Adam Clendening: I’m just trying to do the stuff I normally do. Play my game and not try to think too much or try to get recognized. Just play my style and not worry about trying to impress people. Just try to fit the role they want me to fit. Hopefully that’s good enough to get a roster spot.
SM: Last year, Coach Parker said he thought that early in the season, you might’ve been pushing a little too much and trying to impress for World Juniors. Was that true? And did you feel more relaxed the first half of this season?
AC: I don’t know. I feel like just being in your second year of college hockey, you feel more confident. You know what to expect. You know the different rinks, the different teams, the different players in the league, that kind of thing. You just get more comfortable and fall into your role, and your team’s more confident in you. I wouldn’t say I was nervous the first year, but the World Juniors were in my hometown, so I kind of put some pressure on myself to make it and play in front of my friends and family at home.
SM: I also wanted to ask you about everything going on at BU right now. Now that you’ve had a couple days to let it sink in a little, what are your thoughts and reactions?
AC: Not much, really. We just need to look forward and keep doing what we’ve been doing. I’m sure the coaches have thought about the adjustments that need to be made. We can’t let it be that big of a deal. With Corey, nobody really knows exactly what happened and nobody can really comment on it. And Charlie’s thing was a personal decision. I just feel like we’re gonna have to soldier on, just keep going, and not change what we’ve been doing. We had a solid first half, I think, so we just have to keep doing what we’re doing and some people will have to play a bigger role. That’s it.
Christian Thomas says he’s ready to move on
Brian McNair
durhamregion.com
OSHAWA — Christian Thomas assured that he’s over it already, and will be cheering for Canada just like every other hockey fan in this country.
The ‘it’ being the painful news he received last Wednesday, that he, in his final year of eligibility, didn’t quite make the grade to participate at the world junior hockey championships.
Thomas was one of 13 players cut Wednesday, a day that went far better for Oshawa Generals teammate and captain Boone Jenner, who made the Canadian team.
“Sure I was disappointed a couple of days after, but it’s one of those things you’ve just got to let go and play your own game when you get back,” Thomas said Sunday, following a 5-3 loss to the Ottawa 67′s. “I gave it all I’ve got over there, but it just didn’t work out.”
Nail helps punch the ticket (Larionov)
Dec 21
Recovering Mitchell still an asset for Royals
ReadingEagle.com
The stat sheet doesn’t care about Dale Mitchell’s road to recovery.
It’s brutally honest that way.
Whether a player is rehabbing, injured or fatigued, the numbers only pay attention to offensive productivity.
That makes Mitchell’s recent stretch with the Reading Royals all the more impressive.
Getting back on the ice seven months after surgery for a torn knee ligament was a feat. Scoring eight goals in the first 10 games after returning was an off-the-charts success.
Mitchell still feels lingering effects from his injury, which he suffered during Reading’s playoff series against Cincinnati in April, but he hasn’t let it stop him from contributing.
“I’ve had some good days and bad days,” he said. “Overall, it’s getting better.”
Recuperating from ACL surgery is an ongoing process and there will be setbacks.
Mitchell made his season debut Nov. 19. Early in his second game with the Royals, the right wing aggravated the injury and missed another week.
Mitchell has excelled since. He posted nine points during a seven-game stretch that included three key wins over division rival Wheeling.
The hard part is staying patient.
“That Toledo game after I first got sent here, it blew up on me,” Mitchell said. “After that I didn’t have any big emergencies. It’s been pretty good.”
Mitchell’s production has been a shot in the arm for the Royals, who have struggled to score goals. It also has been remarkable for a player who relies on his skating skill to find space on the ice.
Andy Andreoff – Generals Player of the Week
The Generals rolled into the General Motors Centre at 5:30 AM on Monday morning, marking the end of a long and tiring road trip during which the Generals roster changed drastically. In a couple of games that proved challenging for the Gens, Andy Andreoff earned himself Player of the Week with his leadership and commitment.
The Generals played Friday against the Sudbury Wolves and Sunday against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. With Emerson Clark injuring his wrist in Sudbury and Christian Thomas and Boone Jenner leaving for Team Canada`s World Junior Selection Camp, the team`s lineup dwindled quickly.
On a tough weekend, Andy Andreoff stepped up to fill the holes, not only offensively, but in a leadership capacity.
Andy`s weekend was highlighted by a beautiful power play goal against the Greyhounds that brought the Gens within one goal, making the score 4-3 late in the third. Andy worked hard to give his team a chance, the team`s fate was sealed with an empty net goal.
Nail Yakupov dazzles junior hockey fans (Larionov)
Kristen Odland
Postmedia News
RED DEER, Alta. — If you haven’t already heard of the name Nail Yakupov, don’t worry.
You will.
The 18-year-old sublimely skilled Russian forward and potential first-overall pick at the 2012 NHL entry draft next summer was in the business of jaw-dropping Tuesday at Red Deer’s Enmax Centrium in front of 5,946 fans.
Still evaluating their rosters and making cuts ahead of the 2012 IIHF world junior hockey tournament, both teams were able to use real game action for the first time on Tuesday. The Russians, for one, iced a dangerous lineup — even by scratching lone returning player and captain Evgeny Kuznetsov, 2012 NHL draft eligible Mikhail Grigorenko, and Saskatoon Blades netminder Andrey Makarov — and beat the Americans 6-3 in exhibition play.
“I’ve played against Canadian guys and U.S. guys for two years so I know how they play,” Yakupov said. “But yeah, we were nervous because this is the first game at the world juniors. Everything’s different but we won and we played good.
“I think everybody was nervous because someone will be cut after these two (exhibition game). Everybody wanted to play hard and we played good (Tuesday). So, we’ll see after our second game against the Czech Republic (Thursday in Lethbridge).”
And Yakupov, for one, is not going back to the Sarnia Sting — his Ontario Hockey League club — before Christmas.
As expected, he was dynamite in the neutral zone and is as every bit as skilled as they say. He had fans out of their seats with jaws dropped in the third period as he picked up a pass from defenceman Igor Ozhiganov and absolutely undressed U.S. goalie Jack Campbell on Russia’s fourth goal — short-handed.
A Tale of two seasons for Windsor Spitfires’ Defenseman Brandon Devlin
Todd Cordell
TheHockeyGuys.net
Since the trade, things have really been looking up for the 2012 draft eligible defenseman. Devlin has been playing big minutes for Bob Boughner’s Spitfires and has produced much more than in Barrie. Devlin had three points and a +4 rating in 16 games with the Colts and since the trade he has tallied two goals, five assists and a +2 in 16 games. That’s almost a half of a point per game since being traded which isn’t bad for a defenseman; especially one who’s best asset is arguably his physicality or play in his own zone.
I managed to talk to Devlin recently and he told me that: “Playing in Windsor has helped a lot, I’ve regained my confidence and am playing my game.”
He mentioned Bob Boughner has played a big part of helping him regain his confidence and I asked if there was any particular reason as to why: “Just by giving me the opportunities to prove myself in every situation, he said.”
Dec 22
Clendening makes U.S. Junior team
Paul Peck
WIVB.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (WIVB) – Last year, Adam Clendening was one of the final cuts from a USA team that would play in his hometown. This year, while it won’t come close to his family, Clendening will wear the Red, White and Blue. The defenseman has earned a spot on the team that will play in this year’s World Junior Championships in Edmonton and Calgary.
The Wheatfield native will debut with Team USA on Monday, when the Americans play Denmark in Edmonton. Currently playing at Boston University, Clendening was a second round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks this summer.
Clendening was hugely disappointed when he was cut from last year’s team. He was excited about the chance to play in front of his family and friends in Buffalo, which hosted last year’s tournament.
Seven players return from the squad that won the bronze medal in Buffalo. Clendening, a fast skating and puck moving defenseman, will be counted on to play a key role for this year’s team.
Clendening is the only local player to be part of this year’s USA team.
Young Oilers recall ‘exciting’ world junior experience
Evan Daum
EdmontonJournal.com
While Eberle didn’t crack the Team Canada roster as a 17-year-old for the 2008 tournament in the Czech Republic, having to wait until he was 18 to make the squad, fellow Oilers teammate Sam Gagner was one of the select few who managed to crack the Team Canada roster as a 17-year-old for the 2007 tournament in Sweden while playing for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.
“I had got cut from the under-18s a few months earlier and went back to junior and had a lot to prove because of that,” Gagner recalled. “I never really expected to get the invite to world junior camp that year, so when I did it was exciting. It was an opportunity to make the team and get a chance to play for a team you grew up idolizing and dreaming of playing on.
“I just wanted to go in there and play the way I had been playing all season and let the chips fall where they may and it ended up working out.”
Work out it did for Gagner, as Team Canada went on to win gold in Sweden over Russia to claim the country’s 13th world junior championship. That tournament proved to be Gagner’s first and only trip to the world juniors, as he was drafted later that year by the Oilers and cracked their roster as an 18-year-old in the fall.
For Gagner, the support Team Canada received from Canadians at the tournament in Sweden and at home, really intensified the joy of winning the gold medal. That support will surely be felt by this year’s world junior contingent as they compete in Alberta.
“We had a lot of fans over there and when we won the gold medal it felt like we were at home, because of how loud the Canadian fans were. It just makes it such a great experience knowing that they’re behind you and I’m sure with it being in Edmonton and Calgary it will be a lot of fun for those guys playing in front of the home crowd,” Gagner said.
Dale Mitchell recalled by Marlies
Dec 23
Tyler Seguin Beats Santa to the Punch
Matt Scholley
WilmingtonPatch.com
Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday night. But on Thursday, Tyler Seguin was the one delivering gifts to one Wilmington family.
The Boston Bruins young star visited the home of Mikey Murphy, who remains hospitalized following his collapse over the summer on his way to the Bruins Stanley Cup parade. Seguin came with gifts for the Murphy family, who spends much of its time in Boston with Mikey.
Though Mikey wasn’t home at the time, several family members were thrilled with Seguin’s appearance.
The fast skating NHL forward even had the chance to reunite the Murphy family dog. His name? You guessed it. Seguin. The pair met at Ristuccia Arena when the four-legged version was a puppy, and when the human version walked into the house on Thursday, he immediately asked where the dog was.
Cindy Murphy, Mikey’s mom, said the player gave each family member a bag that included Bruins shirts, sweatshirts, sweatjackets, hats, scarfs and more. There was a separate bag for the family which had a few different Bruins games, the new book, a DVD player and more.
“It was so overwhelming and surreal,” said Cindy. “It meant the world to the whole family but we all wished it was under different circumstances.”
Dec 24
Yakupov says all bets are on at world juniors (Larionov)
George Johnson
Postmedia News
CALGARY — The wager that night at Crabby Joe’s Tap and Grill in Sarnia, Ont., had as much to do with the belly as the heart.
“There were a few of us there to watch the game,’’ recalls Nail Yakupov, thoughts drifting back to the 2011 world junior hockey championship final from Buffalo, New York. “We were in a bar: Me, our coach (Trevor Letowski) from Sarnia, a Russian coach and his son. (Letowski) said ‘Canada’s gonna win. Let’s go. Food and drinks.’
“No beers.
“Just for fun.
“Boy, was he excited after second period. The score was 3-0. And he was like ‘C’mon guys, pay up.’ And we’re like ‘No, no, we still have third period.’
“Then it was 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and he’s getting worried. Then 4-3, 5-3. . . . Wow!
“So he lost. He paid.
“We ate a lot of chickens wings and burgers that night. A lot.’’
A satisfied pat of the tummy.
“I was full.’’
In the fading glow of memory, Yakupov estimates Letowski’s billfold being roughly $200 lighter by the time the evening ended. In jubilation for the Russians, catastrophe for Canada. But for current Sarnia Sting coach, Jacques Beaulieu, this year’s wager with the prodigious winger carries graver consequences. The stakes, higher.
Beaulieu’s son Nathan, you see, happens to be a part of Team Canada.
“So if Canada wins,’’ reveals Beaulieu, “Nail has to wear a Team Canada jersey for an entire week at practice. On the flip-side, I’ll be wearing a Russia jersey for a week if they win.
“So, yeah, it’s serious.”
Sergeev named to Team Russia (Larionov)
Dec 25
Clendening grows in adversity
Bucky Gleason
BuffaloNews.com
Adam Clendening allowed himself a pity party for about 24 hours last year before going back to work. Of course, it would have been incredible. How many Western New Yorkers ever had a chance to play in the World Junior Championships when they were held in Buffalo?
None.
Clendening would have been the first but instead experienced a different first. For the first time in his career, the defenseman failed to make a hockey team. He was part of the final round of U.S. cuts days before the 20-under tournament began in First Niagara Center (then HSBC Arena) and Niagara University.
Seeing the dream temporarily derailed was especially tough for a kid who lists Niagara Falls as his hometown. (He’s actually from Wheatfield and spent his freshman year attending Niagara-Wheatfield High). In the end, he came away a stronger person and better player after a lesson about overcoming adversity.
“Obviously, the day they tell you that you’re going home is never the best day,” Clendending said last week by telephone. “It was one day that hit me. I was like, ‘Oh [shoot], I can’t play in front of my family.’ But it was a learning experience. I played my game and thought I played real well, but I just wasn’t on the good end of it.”
Looking back, it was little more than a pothole. Clendening is expected to be a key member of the U.S. team in the WJC this year in Calgary and Edmonton. The best amateur hockey tournament on the planet starts Monday. The United States, which won the bronze medal in Buffalo a year ago, is again among the favorites.
Clendening, now 19 and a slick-passing sophomore at Boston University, officially made the team last week. He had been on USA Hockey’s fast track, which included two years in its development program and going to high school in Ann Arbor, Mich. He helped the U.S. to its second straight gold medal last season in the under-18 world championships, tying for the team lead with 10 points.
The world juniors are a different beast.
“All the veteran guys that are here say the same thing: it goes by so quick and it’s such a fun experience and just embrace each moment,” he said. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. We’re all expecting the fans to be on the opposite side of us, but it should be a fun environment either way.”
It will be wild.
more..THE RIG 28 week ending December 18th
on January 14th, 2012 by Pulver Sports
Dec 12
Christian Thomas knows Dad’s got his back
George Johnson
Calgary Herald
Beyond the sparkly trimmings and trappings, past the TV face time and those breathless, dumbstruck I-can’t-believe-it’s-him autograph requests, NHL dads are, deep down, just everyday hockey dads.
“I remember his very first goal,” Steve (Stumpy) Thomas is reminiscing, waiting to board a flight from Toronto to Tampa.
“He must’ve been, oh, six years old.
I was playing for the Devils then and he was involved in the New Jersey Youth Hockey League at the time.
“After the game he scored we took his stick and wrote on it, to remember the moment, you know. And I stared at this stick and it looked as if it’d been sitting on the driveway or the front lawn all winter, buried underneath snow.
“It looked like a forgotten road-hockey stick.
“I always think about it like, ‘Why is it always the shoemaker whose son has the worst shoes?’
“Well, he sure looked like he had the worst hockey stick. And he used it to score his first goal.”
Christian Thomas (using updated equipment) has scored plenty through the intervening 13 years.
Ninety-five over the past two seasons for the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals. Thirteen more in 21 starts so far this campaign.
Which is, only in part, why he’s here, trying to crack the Canadian World Junior roster.
A chip off the old Stump? In many ways, yes.
“He’s got a little mean streak in him like his dad and he shoots the puck like his dad,” critiques Team Canada head scout Kevin Prendergast. “Not quite as big as his dad, but it doesn’t hinder his play. He’s got the big ticker.
Jesse Blacker after Marlies practice
Spitfires finish it in OT
Jim Parker
Windsor Star
With all-time leading scorer Billy Bowler’s No. 9 being raised to the rafters, it only seemed fitting that the Windsor Spitfires should put up a few goals Saturday.
But few could have expected a comeback from a four-goal deficit midway through the second period that resulted in a 6-5 win by the Spitfires in overtime over the Erie Otters before 5,977 at the WFCU Centre.
“To come back like that is pretty special and hopefully it leads to something,” said Spitfires captain Adrian Robertson, who had a goal and two assists.
Aside from Bowler’s number being retired, it was also the team’s annual teddy bear toss for charity.
…
“The biggest thing is to lead by example,” Robertson said.
“If your body language shows you’re down, the team falls. Keep positive and keep working hard.
“We felt if we could get 20 or 25 shots in the third period, we’d tie the game. We kept chipping away.”
A banged up Erie squad, which iced a roster three under the limit, could not slow the Windsor charge in the final 10 minutes of regulation.
“We found a way and that’s the important thing,” said Robertson, whose team held a 25-4 edge in shots in the third period and 55-25 overall.
Johnson’s slap shot from a bad angle got Windsor started.
Robertson grabbed a puck out of the air and beat Erie goalie Ramis Sadikov on a power play to get the Spitfires within one.
Mitchell scores sixth goal in eight games
Dec 13
Savard scores twice in Springfield win
Schofield shops for Toys for Tots
Thomas with strong showing for Team White
Morton-Boutin scores shootout winner for Sundogs
Yakupov retains #1 status on Button’s draft list (Larionov)
Dec 14
Ryan Murphy takes world junior snub in stride
Thiessen stops 22 of 24, WBS wins 500th in franchise history
LeBlanc scores twice in Rockford win
Mitch Dunning posts goal and assist for Elmira
Dec 15
Matt Beaudoin scores GWG for Vipers
Windsor Star
Joel Boyce
“It’s our time now.”
Those were the words LaSalle Vipers captain Matt Beaudoin used in the locker-room before the game against the Leamington Flyers Wednesday night.
The Vipers responded to the firing of head coach John Nelson with a 4-3 win against their Essex County rivals in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
“I can’t say enough good things of how we played tonight,” Beaudoin said. “For us to step up like that especially after the things we’ve gone through this week, it’s just an awesome way to respond going forward. It was a huge win – top to bottom.”
Yakupov invited to Top Prospects Game (Larionov)
Dec 16
Future Watch: Olivier Roy
By Mike Benton | Stockton Thunder
STOCKTON, Calif. – Everyday when he arrives at Stockton Arena, goaltender Olivier Roy enters the Thunder locker room and is greeted by a few visual reminders.
Those are photos including Devan Dubnyk, Theo Peckham and Liam Reddox – all who began their career and ascension to the Oilers as a member of the Stockton Thunder.
At the top of the wall is an eye-popping inscription, plastered in old English font, written “Making the Jump.”
Roy (no relation to “Patrick”) knows that he’s playing on a potential springboard.
“It’s always fun to see all of those players,” said Roy. “It’s always fun to see that you can be one of those guys to play in the NHL and make it to your dream.”
As a spectacular prospect who fashions his game on quickness and athleticism between the pipes, Roy was selected by the Oilers in the fifth round of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft.
His resume boasts proven commodities. After earning the elite honour to represent Canada in the World Junior Championship last season, he signed his first NHL contract with the Oilers in March and got a second turn in as many years with the Oilers at the YoungStars Tournament in September.
He opened up the Oilers run in Penticton donning the blue, orange and white sweater to match his mask and pads, making a series of spine twisting and limb flaring stops in a 24 save performance against the Vancouver Canucks (7-2 Oilers win on Sept. 11).
The next turn in his journey has taken his path to warmer climates in Stockton, where energetic and passionate Northern California crowds awaited his arrival in October.
Agozzino with 5-point game for Niagara
Cutting scores tying goal for Attack
Dec 17
Rangers beat Soo in shootout
Josh Brown
TheRecord.com
KITCHENER — Ryan Murphy doesn’t feel that he has anything to prove.
“I am where I am because of the way I play and I’m not going to change the way I play because of pressure,” said the Kitchener Rangers defenceman.
The 18-year-old was back in town for Friday’s 3-2 shootout win against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds after being a surprise cut from Canada’s world junior hockey selection camp earlier this week.
It was the third time the Aurora native has been passed over by Hockey Canada. He was one of the final nine cuts at last year’s world junior camp and didn’t make the Under-18 team that same year.
“I went in there and they knew what I bring to the table offensively,” said the Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick. “It was the defence part of the game that they had a question mark beside.
“I know, and the coaches here in Kitchener and in Carolina know that I can play defence. I guess Hockey Canada wanted me to answer that question.”
Murphy kept his smooth stride in check and held back a bit on jumping into the play at camp. But proving he could be responsible in his own end may have been his undoing.
“Maybe if I had to do it all over again, I’d play my game,” he said.
His usual style was on display Friday at the Aud. Murphy weaved through the Greyhounds virtually at will.
Galchenyuk settling into rehab routine (Larionov)
By Alex Galchenyuk – Special to NHL.com
Hi Everyone!
It’s been a very busy month for me. I’ve been going to the Fowler Kennedy clinic for therapy daily, where I work with trainers Nancy and Kim. In Sarnia, Dr. Vargo, Mike Anning and Eric Corda also work with me on a daily basis. I’m doing workouts for my back, shoulders, arms and core. My leg workouts now consist of leg press, bike and elliptical balance exercises. I work mostly at the rink, and my dad and our trainer Mark Anderson have been helping me with that. So far my road to recovery has been going pretty good. I can do a lot more now, so the past month has been like a daily routine of therapy and training for me. Trying to get a little better every day.
I’ve been going to all our games lately; I just don’t go on the road trips because I can’t miss any therapy right now. Trying to support our guys from the sidelines, although I can’t describe how hard it is to watch. I would much rather be out there with them, but at least I get to spend more time at the rink now. You know, I guess sometimes life throws out these challenges for you and you start appreciating things a lot more after you don’t have them for a while. Right now I’m making the most of my situation and I’m hungrier than ever to get back out on the ice. I know that when I do go back that I will appreciate my time on the ice and being with my teammates even more.
Varone scores first professional goal with Rochester
Dec 18
Mitchell scores twice in Reading win
Lessard nets hat trick for Drakkar
Beukeboom scores first goal as an IceDog
Erlich scores twice, including OT winner
more..THE RIG 28 week ending December 11th
on December 10th, 2011 by Pulver Sports
Josh Ho-Sang in Documentary on NHLPA’s All-State All-Canadians Mentorship Camp
Dec 5
Stockton Thunder goalie Olivier Roy too much for Ontario Reign
Mike Weaver
Stockton Examiner
At least this time, getting a shutout was good enough to also get Stockton Thunder goalie Olivier Roy a victory.
Roy earned his second shutout of the season on Sunday (Dec. 4), when he recorded 32 saves in beating the Ontario Reign 2-0 in front of 4,644 witnesses at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.
In his previous shutout, Roy was unable to celebrate a victory because the Thunder failed to support him offensively and ended up losing to the Utah Grizzlies in a shootout on Nov. 4 at Stockton Arena. The Thunder (10-7-3) didn’t leave Roy with much margin for error in Sunday’s game, either, but third-period goals by Jesse Fratkin and Jordan Fulton proved to be all Roy needed to improve his record to 4-4-3.
“He definitely deserved this shutout,” Thunder Coach Matt Thomas said by telephone after the game. “He was the best player on the ice.”
Fratkin played a big part in making sure Roy’s efforts weren’t wasted. In addition to scoring the game’s first goal not quite two minutes into the third period, Fratkin also was credited with an assist on Fulton’s insurance goal, which came with just 1:31 remaining to play.
Tyler Seguin gets up to speed
Jackie MacMullan
ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON — The routine for healthy scratches for the Boston Bruins is to skate pregame with the guys, take a quick shower, straighten the tie and retreat to the press box to watch the team do what they are aching to do themselves — play the game.
That ritual didn’t work for Tyler Seguin. The walk to the Garden rafters elevator in street clothes was humbling, humiliating, even though he was only 19 years old, even though the Bruins explained in great detail the grand plans they had for him in the future — as long as Seguin was willing to be patient and understanding.
It didn’t take long for second-year player Tyler Seguin to emerge as a potential franchise player as he leads the league in plus-minus.
The rookie nodded while coach Claude Julien emphasized the need to dig in the corners for the puck, to become a better two-way player, to become bigger, stronger, more experienced.
Seguin tried to do everything his coaches asked — except when the games started. On the nights Julien left him out of the lineup, Seguin took part in the pregame skate, but when the other healthy scratches hit the showers, the kid veered off to the weight room. There, while the Bruins went about the business of winning hockey games, Seguin pumped iron and released some private frustration, sometimes for as long as the first two periods.
Looking back, he concedes, he wasn’t as well equipped for the quantum leap from juniors to the NHL as he had thought.
“Very few are,” offered veteran Shawn Thornton.
On Seguin’s first day of training camp, the players zoomed past him at warp speed, as if someone had turned a switch and put the action on fast forward.
“The quickness and how fast they made decisions wasn’t something I was used to,” Seguin admitted.
His stall in the locker room was next to Patrice Bergeron, across from Zdeno Chara. He fired pucks at the head of Tim Thomas, who played hockey at his dad’s alma mater, Vermont, and had reached legendary status among Catamount alums. He was far from home and didn’t know anyone, and there were moments when Seguin glanced at his surroundings and thought, “What am I doing here?”
“You feel like you don’t belong, but you want so badly to belong,” Seguin explained. “You have to figure out that fine line between a dream and a goal.”
His tremendous release and his quick stride were on display in the early days of his arrival. He had these incredibly soft hands than enabled him to make top-notch goalies — even the great Tim Thomas — look foolish.
Tyler Seguin could score. The teenage center represented the potential antidote to so much that had ailed the underachieving Bruins.
“He does absolutely ridiculous things with the puck,” Bruins forward Brad Marchand said.
When practices ended, the players lingered on the ice, engaging in shootouts and other contests. They had competitions for accuracy, for the most goals, for end-to-end rushes. Seguin won most of them. Then he’d go home and call his father after another night of tortured watching from on high gnawed at his psyche.
Cutting Takes Weekly Honor
Attackhockey.com
The Owen Sound Attack is announcing that defenseman Keevin Cutting has been named the teams Becker Shoes Attacker of the Week for the week ending Sunday, December 4th, 2011.
Cutting, a Bracebridge native picked up 2 assists and finished the weekend with a +3 rating while playing considerable minutes on the back end. Cutting’s best game was on Friday evening in Guelph which saw him pick up an assist and finish the game with a +2 rating.
In 31 games this season, the 6’01, 187lb rearguard has 3 goals and 8 assists for 11 points to go along with a +13 rating.
Adam Clendening invited to Team USA WJC Camp
Crane Scores, Ohio State up to 11 straight
Andreoff with two goals, assist for Generals
Dec 6
Generals’ Thomas CHL’s best
Oshawa Generals forward Christian Thomas picked up nine points in only two games to earn the Canadian Hockey League’s player of the week award.
Thomas had three goals and six assists, including a hat trick and two assists in Friday’s 8-4 Ontario Hockey League win over the Sarnia Sting. He added four assists in a 9-1 win over the Peterborough Petes on Sunday.
The Toronto native, who finished the week with a plus-6 rating, was selected 40th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers and has been invited to Canada’s national junior team selection camp which opens on Saturday in Calgary
Oilers forward Sam Gagner hopes early season scoring woes are behind him
Robin Brownlee
The Canadian Press
EDMONTON – Sam Gagner and the Edmonton Oilers are hoping his first goal of the season will provide a spark that ignites an offensive flame.
Gagner snapped a 21-game goal-scoring drought dating back to last season when he scored in a 5-3 loss to Calgary at Rexall Place Saturday. It came as much relief for Gagner who has been slowed by an ankle sprain that kept him out of the first six games of the season and foiled by bad bounces and good goaltending when he returned to action.
“I’m hoping that’s the way it goes,” Gagner said Tuesday as the Oilers, who have just one win in the first four games of a six-game homestand, prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday.
“I don’t even think it’s just the goal,” he continued. “It seems the last six or seven games, I’ve felt a lot better and I’m playing a lot better. I knew it was going to take some time to get back to where I wanted to be after the injury. I just didn’t think it was going to take that much time.”
While youngsters Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall shared the spotlight and dominated the score sheet as the Oilers jumped to a surprising 8-2-2 start to the season, Gagner was either injured or struggling to regain his confidence and find his game.
Since being moved to left wing on a line with captain Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky, Gagner’s showing signs of doing exactly that, even if modest offensive totals of 1-7-8 through Edmonton’s first 27 games represent his slowest start in five NHL seasons.
“Since he’s come on our line he’s been solid,” Horcoff said. “We know he’s talented, and his confidence is starting to come a little bit more now.
Seguin scores on Pens
VIDEO: One-on-one with Alyonka Larionov
The Hockey News
Hockey runs through the blood of Alyonka Larionov so it was no surprise when the 24-year-old media guru found herself immersed in the world her father, Igor, chose for his career path.
And despite being in the business for such a short time, she already has an impressive resume. Larionov has worked with Sauce Hockey, TSN, Hockey Night in Canada, and was part of HBO’s widely popular 24/7 Penguins-Capitals series. But if you ask us, this savvy Russian is just getting started.
Ryan Kennedy sat down with Larionov after an exclusive photo shoot for THN’s latest issue of Fully Loaded, on newsstands now, to discuss her connection to NHL prospects Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk, her most recent documentary project and much more.
Dec 7
Andy Andreoff Named Man of Movember
OshawaGenerals.com
By the end of Movember, Andy Andreoff sported so much hair on his upper lip that people kept mistaking him for Super Mario and asking where his overalls were. And we thought he was Macedonian, not Italian.
For all of Andy’s hardwork, concentrating on growing facial hair and putting up with the itchiness, the Generals awarded Andy with a prize pack which included: A customizable Movember T-shirt, razor, deodorant, movie pass, pizza pizza coupons, and an East Side Mario’s coupon. Thanks for hanging in there Andy! Check out his photo gallery here!
Andy and the Generals organization raised valuable funds for prostate cancer research and raised awareness for men’s health. To learn more about this important issue, visit ca.movember.com
LeBlanc goal Triggers 1221 Teddys
Brad Thiessen’s New Mask
InGoalMag.com
Matt Irwin scores seventh goal of the season
Dec 8
Gagner starting to click
Derek Van Diest
Edmonton Sun
EDMONTON – Sam Gagner felt a little lighter Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Having finally shrugged the monkey by scoring his first goal of the season on Saturday, Gagner went into the next contest looking to build on his previous outing.
“I think the goal or not, I feel like the last five or six games I’ve been creating a lot more (chances),” Gagner said. “I feel a lot better out there. It’s something that I want to keep going and help contribute to wins. We’ve had a tough stretch here and it’s time we turned things around, and everyone needs to be pulling if we’re going to do that.”
Gagner scored in a losing cause to the Flames Saturday.
Despite playing well in the two weeks leading to that point, Gagner had failed to find the net in his first 19 games of the season. However, he figured it was only going to be a matter of time.
“It’s kind of a cycle, you start playing better and you’re game comes from that, you get more opportunity and you gain confidence from that,” Gagner said. “I think it’s really important in this league to find confidence anyway you can. I’m feeling better out there, I’m playing a lot in a lot of different situations and that’s helped me and hopefully I can continue to improve and get better as the season goes along.”
Murphy puts concussion behind him, eyes spot on world junior team
Daniel Girard
Toronto Star
Ryan Murphy is known as a real character, an upbeat guy with an easy smile, a practical joker who keeps his Kitchener Rangers’ teammates at ease.
So, perhaps there’s no surprise he’d find a bright side in the huge hit he sustained in early November, which left him concussed and out for a month.
“Obviously, I would have loved not to suffer that injury,” the 18-year-old defenceman said in an interview following his return to the Rangers’ lineup over the weekend after missing 10 games with his second career concussion.
“But if I had to pick a time, it probably would have been around that time. Any later then I wouldn’t have been competing at the world junior camp,” said Murphy, who will be in Calgary beginning Saturday looking to crack the roster of Canada’s entry in the tournament which opens Boxing Day.
Dec 9
Jokinen’s late goal gives Flames 3-2 win over Avs
Dec 10
Gagner scores twice as Oilers dump Avs
Jim Matheson
PostMedia News
EDMONTON — After sleeping through a 5-3 loss to the woeful Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night, the ill-prepared Edmonton Oilers were much more alert against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Oilers scored early and often, with Sam Gagner popping a pair while being a cagey decoy on another one-timer by Jordan Eberle off a classic Ryan Nugent-Hopkins feed as they rolled to a 4-1 victory on Friday night at Rexall Place.
Gagner broke the game open with three minutes left in the middle frame after Nugent-Hopkins slid a pass over on a two-on-one to give the Oilers a three-goal lead.
“Slow motion all the way down the ice,” said Gagner, who came into the game with only one goal in 21 games, but has six points in his last four matches.
“Two-on-one from our blue-line. Great play by Ebby to get the puck out and all I was thinking on the backside was being ready for a one-timer. I knew (Nugent-Hopkins) was getting it over to me. He’s got such great vision and I had a whole open net.”
After that, the Oilers smothered the Avalanche.
Gagner’s play on Eberle’s goal showed he’s either got eyes in the back of his head or he heard Eberle yelling at him to lay off the pass.
“The way Nuge controls the puck on the half-wall — I knew what he was thinking. He looked right through me,” said Gagner. “Hard pass and I didn’t want to wreck it, so got out of the way.”
“(Gagner) seems to be able to tell when I’m passing through to Ebs,” said Nugent-Hopkins, who has 13 goals and 19 assists on the season and sits sixth in the scoring race. “It’s pretty easy. I don’t have to say anything to him.”
Stars blank Checkers as Beskorowany stops 29 shots
Steve Habel
Statesman.com
CEDAR PARK — Perhaps playing the top teams in the American Hockey League brings out the best in the Texas Stars, who showed they are always up for a good skate and a fight or two while dominating Charlotte 3-0 Friday before 5,601 at Cedar Park Center.
Texas goalkeeper Tyler Beskorowany stopped all 29 shots he faced in earning his second career shutout and first of the season.
The victory snapped a five-game home losing streak and was the second in a row and in less than a week for the Stars (10-11-0-1, 21 points) over Charlotte, who handily lead the AHL’s Western Division. Texas’s past three games have been against the Checkers (15-9-1-1, 32 points); the Stars split a pair of games last week in Charlotte.
The win was also Texas’s first in regulation at home since opening night.
Charlotte pressured Beskorowany throughout the third period, outshooting Texas 10-3, but couldn’t get the puck into the net.
“The defense played great in front of me and I was able to get a piece of some of Charlotte’s shots the few times they had an opening,” Beskorowany said. “This team feels like it’s starting to come together. A lot of our young guys are realizing that with some of our more experiences player called up to Dallas this is their time to make things happen.”
Beskorowany Post-game Interview
Sarnia Sting signs forward Daniel Nikandrov
lambtonshield.com
Daniel Nikandrov, who currently plays with the Sarnia Legionnaires, has been signed with the Sarnia Sting.
Sarnia Sting Head Coach and General Manager Jacques Beaulieu said he’s pleased with what he’s seen, prompting the decision.
“I have seen Daniel play a lot this year with the Legionnaires and I am very impressed with both his skill level and hockey knowledge. Again we are thrilled to have Daniel and his family commit to both the Sarnia Sting and the Ontario Hockey League.”
Nikandrov, who was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, calls Richmond Hill home. He was the Sting’s 4th round selection (68th overall) in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.
He played last season with the Markham Majors Midget team.
Royals top Wheeling
ReadingEagle.com
Recap: The Reading Royals found a dramatic way to end their nine-game winless streak. They rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat first-place Wheeling at WesBanco Arena Friday night.
The Royals trailed 2-1 entering the third period. Dale Mitchell’s goal at 12:21 tied it before Dennis McCauley’s power-play score at 16:59 gave the Royals their first lead.
Mitchell, who has five goals in seven games since being sent down on injury rehab by AHL Toronto, added an empty-netter in the final seconds.
Yakupov, Sergeev Invited to Russian WJC Camp (Larionov)
Ouellet sets up four goals for Armada
MacDermid sets up game-tying goal in Providence Win
Lynch scores GWG, Michigan beats Michigan State
Erlich with three points in Barrie win over Guelph
Goodrow scores 10th goal in twelve games
Leivo posts 2 goals and assist in Sudbury win
Iafrate returns to Kitchener lineup
Dec 11
Sharks Recall Defenseman Matt Irwin from Worcester
Press Release
SAN JOSE, California – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has recalled defenseman Matt Irwin from the Worcester Sharks, the team’s top development affiliate in the American Hockey League.
Irwin, 24, is tied for the team lead with 16 points (7-9=16), which are tied for the fourth most amongst AHL defensemen, in 21 games played. His seven goals are tied for second in the AHL and rank second on the team overall. Six of his goals have come on the power play, which lead all AHL defensemen and are tied for sixth overall in the League.
Irwin has never appeared in an NHL game. In 96 career games with Worcester over the past three seasons, he has posted 47 points (17-30=47) and 53 penalty minutes.
The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia was originally signed by San Jose as a free agent on March 23, 2010.
Irwin excited to join Sharks
Kevin Kurz
CSNBayArea.com
CHICAGO – Matt Irwin got the call a little past midnight.
Around 12:30 a.m. in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Irwin was notified that the Sharks would need him in Chicago prior to Sunday’s game against the powerful Blackhawks. He left the team hotel around 3:00 a.m. local time, caught a 6:00 a.m. flight, and arrived at the United Center at 1:40 p.m. CST.
“It’s been a long day, but it’s something I’ve been waiting for, and it’s exciting,” he said before the game, in which he ended up being a healthy scratch.
Todd McLellan was asked to describe Irwin’s game.
“Offensive catalyst for [Worcester]. He shoots the puck well, and hard. Obviously, at that level, he’s been very, very confident, skating pucks out of trouble, making initial passes. A puck-moving, reliable defenseman at that level. We hope that he brings some of those skills here tonight.”
One area Irwin could see some action is on the power play. The Sharks are just one for their last 25 with a man advantage, including an 0-for-6 effort on Saturday night. Irwin has six power play goals for Worcester, and is second on the team in scoring with 16 points (7g, 9a).
“He could play in that situation. He’s an offensive guy and had a hell of a year down there,” said McLellan. “He’s been seeing the ice very well and deserves the opportunity to come up.”
“If that’s where they put me, I’ll do my best,” said the 24-year-old, who signed as a free agent with the Sharks in March, 2010. “Hopefully, I can contribute wherever the coaching staff feels that they can slide me in. I’ll be happy to do whatever. I’m here to help the team win, and contribute.”
New line seemed to fit Loktionov (Larionov)
Rich Hammond
LAKingsinsider.com
MURRAY: “I thought he played well. There’s still areas that I can see that, as he matures, where he will become a better hockey player, but his possession time was really good. He moved his feet. He was very good with composure on breakouts. He’s got some instincts that are hard to find. He’s going to be a good player. He got an opportunity (against Minnesota) to play with a couple pretty good hockey players, and I think he took advantage of it and had nice energy and had a smile on his face. It was a good thing. It’s coming.’’
Savard scores twice in Falcons win
Robertson posts goal and two assists, Windsor wins in OT
Goodrow with goal and assist, Brampton moves into first place
Clendening’s three-point night for BU
Yakupov returns to lineup for Sarnia, posts two points (Larionov)
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