Friday, November 27, 2009
Blogging the Showcase - Games 3 and 4
Game three of the SJHL Showcase definitely had a "playoff feel" to it. The Humboldt Broncos and Flin Flon Bombers went hard after one another, and it ultimately came down to goaltending.
Andrew Bodnarchuck continues to leave a lasting impression on many folks in the SJHL with his consistency and his ability to make big saves. Just ask David Dykstra about Andrew Bodnarchuck's goaltending.
**Side note. Nothing's funnier than watching a player celebrating after he thinks he's scored. Makes for an embarrassing moment.**
I did color for Darryl Skender's broadcasting on CK750 for this game, and I was emphatic about the fact that Humboldt's top players were better than Flin Flon's. I saw more from Justin Buzzeo and Spencer Braaten than I did from Matt Lecours and Devon Mitzner.
Braaten scored both Humboldt goals en route to a 2-1 victory.
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The final game of the evening was by far the best (in my opinion).
The Kindersley Klippers and Melville Millionaires were physical from the get-go and overall this game seemed to have more flow than any of the others.Does the fact that it was a typical 7:30 start have anything to do with it?
I did color with Craig Stein on GX 94 last night, and I thought he and I had a great call together. Tough given the fact that Melville lost the game 5-3, but I don't think it was Melville playing bad, as it was Kindersley playing well.
I've seen a lot of Kindersley teams over the years, and I've got to be honest: This Kindersley team looks good. Really good. Sanfred King seems to making a real impact on a line with Jordan Braid and Taylor Duzan, and Andrew Dommett (19 years old) has totally transformed his game from last season.
If my memory serves correctly, it took Andrew Dommett until the 4th of January last year to even score a goal in the SJHL, and now he's got 22 of them!
Watch out Weyburn, I'm calling right now - Kindersley will make a real run at the Sherwood Conference Title. Having seen Weyburn, Melville, Notre Dame and Kindersley all play yesterday, the Klippers in my opinion have the best team in that conference.
Agree or disagree?
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Tonight the Battlefords North Stars take the ice for their first game of the Showcase. They'll take on the Humboldt Broncos in an 8:00 start, and I for one am thrilled that the Stars have this type of opportunity to strut their stuff.
It's a tough situation though for these players. Yes they're trying to showcase their abilities for scouts, but at the same time they can't sacrifice the team's success for their own personal gains (Or can they?).
It's an important game for the Stars as far as the standings are concerned because a win by Humboldt tonight, and we have a tie in the Bauer Conference Standings for second place. Granted the North Stars have three games in hand on Humboldt, but games in hand are trivial until they're actually played.
More blogging from the Civic Center today. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Blogging the Showcase (Game Two - Melfort and Nipawin)
So far through two periods (to no surprise) Devon Stillar has been the best player on the ice.He's scored twice and assisted on Blake Hietela's Goal.
Nipawin has goals from Matt Guerts and Matt Spafford.
Its been a tough game for Hawks netminder (and former North Star) Ryan Kerpan. 11 saves on 15 shots against.)
For Melfort I've really liked what I've seen from Stillar (obviously), Chinova, Roschuck, Tribble and goaltender Chris Ward.
For Nipawin the usual suspects: Leclerc, Dusyk, Thiessen, Spafford and Brkich.
I've just volunteered my color-commentating services for the upcoming CK750 broadcast for the Humboldt - Flin Flon game.
Clearly I have some type of broadcasting addiction. I freaking love this Showcase.
Nipawin has goals from Matt Guerts and Matt Spafford.
Its been a tough game for Hawks netminder (and former North Star) Ryan Kerpan. 11 saves on 15 shots against.)
For Melfort I've really liked what I've seen from Stillar (obviously), Chinova, Roschuck, Tribble and goaltender Chris Ward.
For Nipawin the usual suspects: Leclerc, Dusyk, Thiessen, Spafford and Brkich.
I've just volunteered my color-commentating services for the upcoming CK750 broadcast for the Humboldt - Flin Flon game.
Clearly I have some type of broadcasting addiction. I freaking love this Showcase.
Blogging the Showcase - Game 1 (Weyburn - Notre Dame)
Not a good start to the weekend for the Weyburn Red Wings.
The quiet atmosphere at the Civic Center allowed everybody in the building to hear Dwight McMillan's frustrations from the bench. Cowie, Bly, Penny were all non-factors and Notre Dame earned every inch of ice.
I admit that I got to the game late, and missed the first period. But overall the Notre Dame Hounds were largely the better team. The game had a sloppy feel to it for the most part, and big highlight occured mid-way through the second period when Weyburn's Hilton CRUSHED Notre Dame forward Travis Janke at center-ice.
A 4-2 win for the Notre Dame Hounds.
The best players for Notre Dame: Milner, Cameron, Janke, and Smidt.
The best players for Weyburn: Perrault, Daniels.
The crowd was understandedly quiet, but for an 11 am game, still satisfying. I'm excited to see the crowd for tonight's Flin Flon - Humboldt game.
Up next is Melfort and Nipawin. I promise a more insightful entry. Hope you're able to make it to the Civic Center for some of the weekend.
The quiet atmosphere at the Civic Center allowed everybody in the building to hear Dwight McMillan's frustrations from the bench. Cowie, Bly, Penny were all non-factors and Notre Dame earned every inch of ice.
I admit that I got to the game late, and missed the first period. But overall the Notre Dame Hounds were largely the better team. The game had a sloppy feel to it for the most part, and big highlight occured mid-way through the second period when Weyburn's Hilton CRUSHED Notre Dame forward Travis Janke at center-ice.
A 4-2 win for the Notre Dame Hounds.
The best players for Notre Dame: Milner, Cameron, Janke, and Smidt.
The best players for Weyburn: Perrault, Daniels.
The crowd was understandedly quiet, but for an 11 am game, still satisfying. I'm excited to see the crowd for tonight's Flin Flon - Humboldt game.
Up next is Melfort and Nipawin. I promise a more insightful entry. Hope you're able to make it to the Civic Center for some of the weekend.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The SJHL Showcase Is (Almost) Here!
Here is a complete schedule for the SJHL Showcase which kicks off tomorrow morning and runs all the way through Saturday. A 3-day pass for the Showcase will run you 30 bucks if you are not a season-ticket holder. Season ticket holders get all three days for just 25 dollars. 30 dollars divided by 12 games equals close to 2.50$ per game! You will not find another bargain like this out there.
Thursday, November 26th.
Nipawin vs. Melfort - 11 am
Weyburn vs. Notre Dame - 2 pm
Humboldt vs. Flin Flon - 5 pm
Melville vs. Kindersley - 7:30 pm.
Friday, November 27th.
Notre Dame vs. La Ronge - 9 am
Flin Flon vs. Nipawin - 11:30 am
Yorkton vs. Melville - 2:30 pm
Estevan vs. Weyburn - 5:30 pm
Humboldt vs. Battlefords - 8 pm
Saturday, November 28th.
Estevan vs. Yorkton - 2 pm
La Ronge vs. Melfort - 5 pm
Kindersley vs. Battlefords - 7:30 pm.
Thursday, November 26th.
Nipawin vs. Melfort - 11 am
Weyburn vs. Notre Dame - 2 pm
Humboldt vs. Flin Flon - 5 pm
Melville vs. Kindersley - 7:30 pm.
Friday, November 27th.
Notre Dame vs. La Ronge - 9 am
Flin Flon vs. Nipawin - 11:30 am
Yorkton vs. Melville - 2:30 pm
Estevan vs. Weyburn - 5:30 pm
Humboldt vs. Battlefords - 8 pm
Saturday, November 28th.
Estevan vs. Yorkton - 2 pm
La Ronge vs. Melfort - 5 pm
Kindersley vs. Battlefords - 7:30 pm.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Stars - Terriers Photos
*** All Photos By Julie Larson.
Birch Makes a Key Save Early.
The Captain.
Tony Oak Puts the Game Out of Reach.
12-1 this year at the Civic Center.
Birch Makes a Key Save Early.
The Captain.
Tony Oak Puts the Game Out of Reach.
12-1 this year at the Civic Center.
Stars Blank Terriers 5-0.
Tuesday night at the North Battleford Civic Center, the Battlefords North Stars shutout the Yorkton Terriers 5-0. Kyle Birch made 33 saves, and Shay Neufeld led the way with three points en route to victory.
The Stars capitalized early on the game thanks to some early powerplays. Brett Miller deflected home a Dominic Perrault point shot to net his 15th goal of the season. 56 seconds later Dane Muench scored his third of the season and quickly the Stars were up 2-0.
Yorkton coach Ed Zawatsky wasted no time in sending a message to his team. He pulled goaltender Joel Danyluk after only four shots!
Yorkton outshot the North Stars in the first period by a total of 12-9, but were unable to get their power-play going.
The second period yielded no offence, but Yorkton definitely held the territorial edge in the frame. Matt Chomyc had several chances for Yorkton, but Kyle Birch again stood his ground.
Yorkton got an early power-play in the third period but were unable to generate much of anything offensively. The Stars and Terriers went back and forth with little result until Tony Oak took advantage of a broken play and buried his second of the year. Shay Neufeld then used his wheels to get behind the Yorkton D and sniped on a breakaway and Blake Peake capped off the night with his 11th of the year on a two-on-one finish.
Shay Neufeld, and Blake Peake were the only North Stars to have multi-point nights.
Afterwards Ken Pearson spoke fondly of his team's resolve.
"I liked our forward makeup tonight. I thought all four lines had opportunities to score some goals. I thought Muench, Szucki and Tatchell played really well," said Pearson afterwards.
As for goaltending, Pearson said that Kyle Birch deserved the shutout. "Good for Kyle. He deserved it tonight. He's come close a few times this year. It's nice to see him be squared to the puck and make some good covers. Nice to see him rewarded that way."
Now the Stars will focus their attention to the SJHL Showcase. The Civic Center is going to be packed, and emotions will no doubt be running high as these SJHLers gather to impress the scouts, all while trying to leap-frog other teams in the standings.
We'll have both games on the air this weekend, starting with the Humboldt Broncos game starting at 7:45 Friday night with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show.
The Stars capitalized early on the game thanks to some early powerplays. Brett Miller deflected home a Dominic Perrault point shot to net his 15th goal of the season. 56 seconds later Dane Muench scored his third of the season and quickly the Stars were up 2-0.
Yorkton coach Ed Zawatsky wasted no time in sending a message to his team. He pulled goaltender Joel Danyluk after only four shots!
Yorkton outshot the North Stars in the first period by a total of 12-9, but were unable to get their power-play going.
The second period yielded no offence, but Yorkton definitely held the territorial edge in the frame. Matt Chomyc had several chances for Yorkton, but Kyle Birch again stood his ground.
Yorkton got an early power-play in the third period but were unable to generate much of anything offensively. The Stars and Terriers went back and forth with little result until Tony Oak took advantage of a broken play and buried his second of the year. Shay Neufeld then used his wheels to get behind the Yorkton D and sniped on a breakaway and Blake Peake capped off the night with his 11th of the year on a two-on-one finish.
Shay Neufeld, and Blake Peake were the only North Stars to have multi-point nights.
Afterwards Ken Pearson spoke fondly of his team's resolve.
"I liked our forward makeup tonight. I thought all four lines had opportunities to score some goals. I thought Muench, Szucki and Tatchell played really well," said Pearson afterwards.
As for goaltending, Pearson said that Kyle Birch deserved the shutout. "Good for Kyle. He deserved it tonight. He's come close a few times this year. It's nice to see him be squared to the puck and make some good covers. Nice to see him rewarded that way."
Now the Stars will focus their attention to the SJHL Showcase. The Civic Center is going to be packed, and emotions will no doubt be running high as these SJHLers gather to impress the scouts, all while trying to leap-frog other teams in the standings.
We'll have both games on the air this weekend, starting with the Humboldt Broncos game starting at 7:45 Friday night with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show.
Stars - Terriers Preview
Something scary just dawned on me. I haven't watched a game from the North Battleford Civic Center since November the 8th. The previous two home games were held on Fridays. The first Friday I was calling NSRHL, and last Friday I was in Ontario preparing for a funeral. As I begin typing this preview, I'm starting to get those familiar pre-game jitters before a North Star's game.
The Yorkton Terriers are in town for their first battle of the season, and although this is a non-conference battle for these teams, the two points at stake are important for both teams. The Stars are trying to climb their way towards Flin Flon while seperating themselves from Humboldt and La Ronge. Yorkton is in a dog-fight right now with Melville and Notre Dame, and a two-point effort from the Terriers tonight would likely go a long way to get them fired up for the upcoming SJHL Showcase.
Enough personal banter - Lets preview this sucker shall we!
Record: 12-11-3-0 (3rd in the Sherwood Conference)
Who's Hot Up Front:
The Terriers are a lunch-bucket, 'score by committee' team. Over the past three years, not a single Yorkton Terrier has scored more than 20 goals in a season. It looks as though Torey Stott may do so this year, but he's walking a fine line at this point. He's got 11 goals through 26 games and has always impressed me whenever I've seen him play. Stott will likely see lots of ice-time tonight, especially on the power-play. If the Stars want to be successful, they'll have to keep Stott off the score sheet because he is their best weapon offensively.
Who's on D:
Defensively the Yorkton Terriers are led by two different players. 17-year-old Austin Bourhis has performed exceptionally well so far for Ed Zawatsky's club. He's got 14 points so far this year, and leads all Terrier defenceman in scoring.
The second player is the lone 20-year-old on the backend, Shawn Shackleton. I remember watching him back in September and thinking, "This guy is one of the best skating defenceman in the SJHL." Maybe I caught him on a good night, because he's only got one assist this year, but that also brings me to the conclusion that he's a great shutdown guy.
Who's in Goal:
You'll have to flip a couple of coins to figure this one out.
YOR 30 Luke Boechler (90) 384 14 211 2.19 0.934 3-2-2-0 3 1.88
YOR 35 Joel Danyluk (90) 412 18 223 2.62 0.919 3-3-0-0 1 2.48
YOR 29 Devin Peters (90) 765 42 412 3.29 0.898 6-6-1-0 0 2.82
The Terrier's are still carrying three goaltenders. All are 19, all are talented, and all are playing at a similar capacity right now. I'm not even going to attempt to figure this one out. I'll leave that for the coaches.
X-Factor:
Clarke Breitkreuz has gained a lot of notoriety recently for his appearance with Team Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge in Summerside P.E.I. He's even garnered the attention of the NHL's Central Scouting. He's quick, he's tough, and he's got a good offensive knack to him. North Star fans will be impressed by this kid tonight. Mark my words.
Record: 15-10-1-0
Who's Hot Up Front:
Ward Szucki is currently playing his best hockey of the season. The 18-year-old was held scoreless Saturday in Humboldt, but is coming off a two-goal outing against the Estevan Bruins, and also scored two weeks ago in Melfort. Add Szucki's name to the long list of North Star forwards capable of being a difficult threat for Yorkton tonight.
Who's on D:
Look for Woody Klassen to have a strong game tonight for the North Stars. He had a tough game Saturday in Humboldt, but knowing Woody's character and ability, he's going to bounce back and play true to form tonight. Expect two or three big hits from Klassen tonight. I still remember watching Klassen last year during his North Star's debut (which happened to be against Yorkton) drilling Corey Silverson and immediately making an impression with the North Star faithful.
Who's in Goal:
Again, this is an area where I will simply avoid. Hilldebrand has won three straight games. Birch is an early season MVP candidate for this team. You're call Ken! Must be nice to have two very capable netminders at your disposal.
X-Factor:
The line of Dane Muench, Blake Peake and Mitch Wall as a whole will be my x-factor for tonight's game. These three have the capability to make life miserable for the opposition. Peake's speed, Wall's finesse and Muench's natural ability to score makes them one of the toughest lines to stop. A strong night from these three, and the Terriers are in tough tonight.
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You can catch tonight's broadcast on GX 94 out of Yorkton. I'll be joining my buddy Craig Stein on the radio tonight, providing some color to his play-by-play. I always enjoy my visits with Craig, and he calls a great game.
I'll be back to recap the game later tonight!
Cheers,
Dano
The Yorkton Terriers are in town for their first battle of the season, and although this is a non-conference battle for these teams, the two points at stake are important for both teams. The Stars are trying to climb their way towards Flin Flon while seperating themselves from Humboldt and La Ronge. Yorkton is in a dog-fight right now with Melville and Notre Dame, and a two-point effort from the Terriers tonight would likely go a long way to get them fired up for the upcoming SJHL Showcase.
Enough personal banter - Lets preview this sucker shall we!
Record: 12-11-3-0 (3rd in the Sherwood Conference)
Who's Hot Up Front:
The Terriers are a lunch-bucket, 'score by committee' team. Over the past three years, not a single Yorkton Terrier has scored more than 20 goals in a season. It looks as though Torey Stott may do so this year, but he's walking a fine line at this point. He's got 11 goals through 26 games and has always impressed me whenever I've seen him play. Stott will likely see lots of ice-time tonight, especially on the power-play. If the Stars want to be successful, they'll have to keep Stott off the score sheet because he is their best weapon offensively.
Who's on D:
Defensively the Yorkton Terriers are led by two different players. 17-year-old Austin Bourhis has performed exceptionally well so far for Ed Zawatsky's club. He's got 14 points so far this year, and leads all Terrier defenceman in scoring.
The second player is the lone 20-year-old on the backend, Shawn Shackleton. I remember watching him back in September and thinking, "This guy is one of the best skating defenceman in the SJHL." Maybe I caught him on a good night, because he's only got one assist this year, but that also brings me to the conclusion that he's a great shutdown guy.
Who's in Goal:
You'll have to flip a couple of coins to figure this one out.
YOR 30 Luke Boechler (90) 384 14 211 2.19 0.934 3-2-2-0 3 1.88
YOR 35 Joel Danyluk (90) 412 18 223 2.62 0.919 3-3-0-0 1 2.48
YOR 29 Devin Peters (90) 765 42 412 3.29 0.898 6-6-1-0 0 2.82
The Terrier's are still carrying three goaltenders. All are 19, all are talented, and all are playing at a similar capacity right now. I'm not even going to attempt to figure this one out. I'll leave that for the coaches.
X-Factor:
Clarke Breitkreuz has gained a lot of notoriety recently for his appearance with Team Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge in Summerside P.E.I. He's even garnered the attention of the NHL's Central Scouting. He's quick, he's tough, and he's got a good offensive knack to him. North Star fans will be impressed by this kid tonight. Mark my words.
Record: 15-10-1-0
Who's Hot Up Front:
Ward Szucki is currently playing his best hockey of the season. The 18-year-old was held scoreless Saturday in Humboldt, but is coming off a two-goal outing against the Estevan Bruins, and also scored two weeks ago in Melfort. Add Szucki's name to the long list of North Star forwards capable of being a difficult threat for Yorkton tonight.
Who's on D:
Look for Woody Klassen to have a strong game tonight for the North Stars. He had a tough game Saturday in Humboldt, but knowing Woody's character and ability, he's going to bounce back and play true to form tonight. Expect two or three big hits from Klassen tonight. I still remember watching Klassen last year during his North Star's debut (which happened to be against Yorkton) drilling Corey Silverson and immediately making an impression with the North Star faithful.
Who's in Goal:
Again, this is an area where I will simply avoid. Hilldebrand has won three straight games. Birch is an early season MVP candidate for this team. You're call Ken! Must be nice to have two very capable netminders at your disposal.
X-Factor:
The line of Dane Muench, Blake Peake and Mitch Wall as a whole will be my x-factor for tonight's game. These three have the capability to make life miserable for the opposition. Peake's speed, Wall's finesse and Muench's natural ability to score makes them one of the toughest lines to stop. A strong night from these three, and the Terriers are in tough tonight.
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You can catch tonight's broadcast on GX 94 out of Yorkton. I'll be joining my buddy Craig Stein on the radio tonight, providing some color to his play-by-play. I always enjoy my visits with Craig, and he calls a great game.
I'll be back to recap the game later tonight!
Cheers,
Dano
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