WATERLOO, Ont. - Nolan Patrick made a triumphant return to the Brandon Wheat Kings lineup on Friday night, recording two goals and two assists.
The 2017 NHL Draft's top prospect has played in just seven games this season due to injury. Last night was his first game action since Oct. 11.
Despite missing so much time - and despite Halifax Mooseheads import Nico Hischier having a strong first half and World Junior tournament - Patrick is still projected to go first overall.
After Nico Hischier's strong WJC, I polled 5 head scouts on if in conversation for first overall with Nolan Patrick. Universal answer: No.
Like Patrick, Saint John's Joe Veleno has missed much of his season due to injury. Despite missing a lot of time, Veleno, who turned 17 yesterday, is having a good campaign with the Sea Dogs, recording four goals and 13 assists in 18 games. He has been held pointless in just five of those games.
Following Saint John's Oct. 21 game, Veleno didn't play again until Dec. 17. He quickly found his game though and has registered three goals and seven assists in the nine games following his return.
Averaging just under a point-per-game, Veleno's strong numbers have gone under the radar on a stacked Sea Dogs team - and that's probably an okay thing since there will be plenty of attention on him next season, which is his draft year.
During a World Junior broadcast last month, TSN's Bob McKenzie mentioned that Veleno is in the conversation for the first overall pick in 2018. Elite Prospects has a list of players categorized as top prospects for next year's draft, which, along with Veleno, features local talent Anderson MacDonald of the Sherbrooke Phoenix and Halifax rookies Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Jared McIsaac.
The host Red Deer Rebels are off to the
semifinal of the 2016 Memorial Cup.
Evan Polei scored at 3:50 of overtime to
give the Rebels a 2-1 victory over the WHL champion Brandon Wheat Kings last night,
earning the team a berth in Friday’s semifinal against the Rouyn-Noranda
Huskies.
The Rebels were eliminated by the Wheat
Kings in the WHL’s Eastern Conference final.
Red Deer finished the round robin
portion of the tournament with a 2-1 record and an even goal differential.
After losing the event’s opener to London, the Rebels went on to beat the
Huskies and Wheat Kings.
Meanwhile, after a solid opening win
over Brandon, Rouyn-Noranda lost to Red Deer and London, giving the team a 1-2
record. They’ve struggled to stay disciplined over the past two games –
although the officiating has been… something.
London, 3-0 with an incredible +15 goal
differential, has already advanced to Sunday’s championship game. Brandon has
been eliminated.
The four teams that will play in the
2016 Memorial Cup are now known.
The Brandon Wheat Kings punched their
ticket to the tournament with a 8-4 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Game 5
of the WHL final last night. The Wheat Kings will join the host Red Deer
Rebels, QMJHL champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and OHL champion London Knights. The Wheat Kings last appeared in the Memorial Cup in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. Former Sea Dogs goaltender Jacob DeSerres was on that team.
The Memorial Cup begins next Friday with
the Rebels taking on the Knights at 9 p.m. The following day, the Huskies face
the Wheat Kings at 8 p.m. All three league champions had
tremendous seasons. Rouyn-Noranda (No. 1), London (No. 3) and Brandon (No. 7)
were all listed in the final CHL Top 10 ranking. Here's a look at how each performed this year:
League
Team
Reg. Season
Playoffs
QMJHL
Rouyn-Noranda
54-9-3-2
16-4
OHL
London
51-14-2-1
16-2
WHL
Brandon
48-18-4-2
16-5
Host
Red Deer
45-24-1-2
9-8
The Oshawa Generals won last year's Memorial Cup in Quebec City, defeating Kelowna 2-1 in overtime in the championship game.
MORE ON DESPRES TSN’s Bob McKenzie sent out another tweet this afternoon about Sea Dogs defenseman Simon Despres’ performance so far at Team Canada’s selection camp.
Tyson Barrie played well last night, Simon Despres has struggled. Would have thought Despres would have been top 6 but he needs to step up.
Final cuts come tomorrow.
DeSERRES INTERVIEW
Sea Dogs goaltender Jacob DeSerres had a nice interview with Brandon Wheat Kings voice Bruce Luebke. In the interview, the former Wheat King talks about how it likes the Sea Dogs organization and the team’s chances at winning it all this year.
TESINK PICKS UP AWARD
Sea Dogs rookie Ryan Tesink was named the team’s mid-season top rookie last week. The award, presented by RDS, puts Tesink in some pretty high company with the likes of Martin Frk and Dillon Fournier picking up the Mooseheads’ and Maineiacs’ award, respectively.
Tesink has been solid this season, playing on a line with just about every Sea Dog at some point this season. In 28 games, the Saint John native has six goals and 12 assists.
WHO: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles vs Saint John Sea Dogs WHEN: Tonight, 7:30 pm WHERE: Harbour Station
VISITING TEAM: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Record: 6-13-0-1 (5th in Maritimes Division) Last Game: 2-0 loss vs Chicoutimi Wednesday Leading Scorer: Viktor Hertzberg (20GP-8G-9A-17Pts) Notes: The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles come into today’s match with a 6-13-0-1 record, good for fifth in the Maritimes Division and 15th overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. If the playoffs started today, they would face Saint John in the first round… the Eagles are coming off a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Wednesday night at Centre 200. Sags goaltender Christopher Gibson made 35 stops to shutout Cape Breton while Andrew Hayes made 30 stops at the other end. The Eagles went 0/5 on the power play. It was only the second time they had been shutout this season… 3-6-0-1 in their last 10 games and are coming off a loss… the Eagles are 3-7-0-1 on the road so far this year, meaning half of their wins have come at home while half have come on the road. While playing away from Centre 200, they have been outscored 29-41… they are the owners of the fourth worst power play in the QMJHL with a rating of 0.143%... they have the second worst penalty kill in the league and are running at 0.723%... Viktor Hertzberg leads the Eagles in scoring with 17 points, eight goals and nine assists, in 20 games this season. His eight goals lead the team in the goal scoring department while is nine assists are also a team high… from the Cape Breton Post on Wednesday’s game: “Cape Breton was without Taylor MacDougall (upper body). He’s going to be re-evaluated and is currently listed as day-to-day... Brad Cuzner (lower body) and Raman Hrabarenka (upper body) are both out four weeks, while Spencer Metcalfe is day-to-day after being hit by a puck during practice Monday”… Hayes will likely start in goal for the Eagles this evening. He has a record of 2-2-0-0, a league best 1.74 goals against average (although it isn’t officially counted), and a 0.924 save percentage since being picked up by Cape Breton from the Western Hockey League a short time ago.
HOME TEAM: Saint John Sea Dogs Record: 15-3-0-1 (1st in Maritimes Division) Last Game: 7-0 win at Rouyn-Noranda Sunday Leading Scorer: Jonathan Huberdeau (19GP-13G-11A-24Pts) Notes: The Saint John Sea Dogs enter play today with a 15-3-0-1 record which is good for first in the Maritimes Division and are currently tied with the Quebec Remparts for first overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They have played one fewer game than the trailing Acadie-Bathurst Titan and Moncton Wildcats in the division and have played one more game than the Remparts… the Sea Dogs are coming off a 7-0 blowout win in Rouyn-Noranda on Sunday afternoon at Iamgold Arena. Stanislav Galiev and Michael Kirkpatrick led the way for Saint John producing two goals apiece. Gabriel Bourret, Mike Thomas, and Danick Gauthier also added goals. Steven Anthony and Stephen MacAulay both had two assists. Goaltender Frederic Piche was not tested too much, stopping 28 shots for the shutout victory… Saint John just completed a five day, six game road trip through northwestern Quebec where the team went a perfect 4-0-0-0… have won five straight games entering tonight’s contest with all of them being on the road. Wins came against Halifax and two in each Val-d’Or and Rouyn-Noranda… this will be the Sea Dogs’ first home game since October 17th where team defeated Victoriaville 4-2 at Harbour Station… the Sea Dogs have yet to lose on home ice this season and have a perfect 8-0-0-0 record. They have outscored their opposition 40-17 at Harbour Station. They are averaging five goals per home game… this is the first of four straight home matches for Saint John… 1-1-0-0 against Cape Breton this season. They have outscored the Eagles 8-4 in the two games… Jonathan Huberdeau continues to lead the way for Saint John in the scoring department. He has a team leading 24 points, 13 goals and 11 assists, in 19 games this season. He also leads the Dogs in goals with 13, plus/minus at +22, and penalty minutes with 27… Michael Kirkpatrick has a team leading 17 assists… the Sea Dogs have been excellent while shorthanded this season, scoring a league leading eight shorties. They have the fourth best penalty kill in the league at 0.842%... Ryan Tesink sits fourth in rookie scoring with five goals and nine assists in 17 games… Jacob DeSerres will likely get the call between the pipes this evening. He has a 3-1-0-0 record, a 2.73 goals against average, and a 0.903 save percentage. His last game was a 3-2 overtime victory in Rouyn-Noranda on Saturday.
Windsor Spitfires Win Second Straight MasterCard Memorial Cup
PRESS RELEASE BRANDON, Man. – Adam Henrique and Ryan Ellis each registered three points while the Spitfires recorded 52 shots on goal en route to a convincing 9-1 victory over the host Brandon Wheat Kings to win the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup.
The Spitfires become just the eighth team in CHL history to win back-to-back titles, and the first team since the Kamloops Blazers in 1994 and 1995.
Adam Henrique opened the scoring at 6:34 with a wrist-shot which he directed between the pads of Jacob De Serres. Then, with 33 seconds left in the first period, the Spitfires doubled their lead. The Wheat Kings failed to clear the puck causing a turnover in their own zone which opened the door for Eric Wellwood who jumped on a loose puck and beat De Serres top shelf.
Windsor took a 3-0 advantage 4:34 into the second period with Brent Raedeke in the penalty box for slashing. Taylor Hall let go a powerful wrist-shot from the left face-off dot that found an opening over the goaltender’s shoulder.
The Wheat Kings cut the lead to two less than four minutes later. Matt Calvert recorded his third goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup on the power play. But it wasn’t long before the Spitfires added to their lead. After a lengthy review from the video replay both, Greg Nemisz’s goal was confirmed, putting Windsor up 4-1.
Zach Kassian and Cam Fowler added markers prior to the end of the second period to put the game out of reach.
Zach Kassian, Adam Henrique and Dale Mitchell recorded goals in the third period.
Philipp Grubauer made 27 saves to record his fourth win of the tournament.
Following the game, Taylor Hall was awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup MVP, his second in as many years. He completed the tournament with 5 goals and 4 assists.
Of note, Cam Fowler became just the 21st player in history to win both a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship as well as a Memorial Cup title in the same year. His teammate, Ryan Ellis, accomplished the feat last year.
One of the players who also managed to win both titles is former Brandon Wheat King Trevor Kidd who won gold with Canada in 1991 before winning a Memorial Cup with the Spokane Chiefs. Kidd participated in the opening ceremonies prior to the game before a Westman Place crowd of 5,609.
GAME DAY What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup Final Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Windsor Spitfires When: 8:00 pm Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2 Regular season goal differential: 321-204 Playoff goal differential: 56-51 Playoff record: 9-6 Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (1979 and 1996) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
WINDSOR SPITFIRES Regular season record: 50-12-1-5 (106 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3 Regular season goal differential: 331-203 Playoff goal differential: 90-54 Playoff record: 16-3 Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009) Memorial Cup championships: One (2009) League championships: Two (2009 and 2010) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
The 92nd edition of the Memorial Cup wraps up today in Brandon, Man. as the host Wheat Kings take on the defending champion Windsor Spitfires.
READY FOR A REMATCH After the Windsor Spitfires dominated the home squad 9-3 in the opening game of the Memorial Cup, the Brandon Wheat Kings will look for revenge tonight.
“Obviously it was quite a goal differential in the first game,” said Wheat Kings’ co-captain Brayden Schenn to MemorialCup.com. “But if you look at it, I think we’re a lot better team from the beginning of the tournament until now. We’re going to have to come out with a good start. That will be a key.”
After getting off to a rough start, the Wheaties shutout the Moncton Wildcats before dropping a decision against the Calgary Hitmen. But Brandon would bounce back in the semi-final, defeating the Hitmen 5-4 in overtime to advance to the Final.
“The guys were really excited about the win last night,” said Wheat Kings’ forward Aaron Lewadniuk Friday. “It’s really exciting and everyone is just looking forward to the opportunity to be able to win it on our home rink here.”
ONE LAST TIME Win or lose, several players will not play junior hockey ever again. For the Spitfires, a lot of their core players who have been dominant over the past two seasons will not return.
“A lot of these kids are going on to their own careers after Sunday’s game,” said Spitfires’ coach Bob Boughner to MemorialCup.com. “We’ve talked about it a lot. Sunday is going to be mixed emotions I think. Obviously our focus is going to be on trying to win this thing but afterwards there will be a lot of emotions I’m sure.”
THEY’LL BE READY After cruising through most of the round-robin at this tournament, the Spitfires will not be underestimating the Wheat Kings.
"We're not going to underestimate them," Spitfires defenceman Mark Cundari said after practice Saturday to the Windsor Star. "It's not going to be a walk in the park."
"It's pretty much what they tried to do the first game," Spitfires defenceman Ryan Ellis said. "They've got some big bodies and our job is to get it out as quickly as possible."
LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY According to Canoe.ca, Spitfire star forward Taylor Hall could become the first player to win back-to-back Memorial Cup MVP awards.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” said Hall. “That’s pretty special in its own right, too. In saying that, no one on our team can get MVP if we don’t win. That’s not what we’re worried about. It’s an incredible accomplishment and something I’d be proud about, but at the end of the day, I’d rather have the ring.”
Tonight could very well be Hall’s final junior game.
“I’ve kind of thought about that. It could be my last go at it and that’s special. I have a really good opportunity to finish off strong,” said Hall, who is expected to go in the first two picks of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles next month. “All I’ve got to do is work hard for 60 minutes. If I can perform like my team relies on me to do, I’ll be fine.”
“THE HIT” In the first meeting of these two teams, Travis Hamonic hammered Taylor Hall into the end boards.
JOIN THE CLUB It’s not like the Wheat Kings goal is impossible. The last two Western Hockey League teams to win the event as host did not win the league title.
"That's something we think about," Brandon defenseman Colby Robak admitted Saturday to Rogers Sportsnet. "Hopefully the hockey gods are in our favour and keep the streak alive."
OTHER STUFF Full preview from Yahoo! Sports blog Buzzing the Net
Bowling, shopping, waterslides, and mini-golf – welcome to the world of Windsor Spitfire free time. (Canadian Press)
The Spitfires still think about the late Mickey Renaud. (Calgary Herald)
Windsor is on a roll entering the game. (Windsor Star)
MEDIA Television:Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA) Webcast: Sportsnet.ca
Fehr Scores in OT and lifts Wheat Kings to MasterCard Memorial Cup Final
PRESS RELEASE BRANDON, Man. – Jay Fehr scored his third goal of the tournament 3:16 into overtime to send the Brandon Wheat Kings to their first MasterCard Memorial Cup championship game in just over thirty years with a 5-4 win over the Calgary Hitmen.
The intensity level was off the charts in the first few minutes of the opening frame. Bodies were flying everywhere with both teams trying to take over the momentum. Calgary got the first power play opportunity at 13:31 after Darren Bestland went to the penalty box for holding and the Hitmen capitalized. Joel Broda jumped on his own rebound and pushed a backhand shot past a sprawling De Serres.
Less than thirty seconds later, Ian Schultz quieted the hometown crowd by blasting a wrist-shot from the bottom of the face-off circle behind the Wheat Kings’ goaltender. The Hitmen retreated to their dressing room with a comfortable 2-0 lead after the first period.
Alexander Urbom cut the lead in half at 1:35 with his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup to get the crowd going at Westman Place. Calgary regained their two-goal advantage after Tyler Fiddler broke into the offensive zone and blasted a hard slap-shot beyond Jacob De Serres at the midway mark. But it didn’t take long for the Wheat Kings to battle back. Matt Calvert registered his second goal of the tournament just two minutes later.
Travis Hamonic added a power play marker with ten seconds left to play in the second period to tie it up at three. The Wheat Kings outshot the Hitmen 15-4 in the second frame.
The fans at Westman Place exploded into cheer at 5:09 of the third period as Brandon took a 4-3 lead thanks to a blast off the stick of Colby Robak. But Misha Fisenko forced overtime scoring at 14:48 of the third period.
Jay Fehr sent the Wheat Kings to the MasterCard Memorial Cup championship game 3:16 into overtime.
Brayden Schenn was named the game’s first star. Martin Jones received second star honours while Fehr, the hero on this night, got the nod for the game’s third star.
The Brandon Wheat Kings will battle the Windsor Spitfires in the championship game of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS which kicks off on Sunday at 6 pm (CDT). The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.
GAME DAY What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Semi-Finals Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmem When: 9:00 pm Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2 Regular season goal differential: 321-204 Playoff goal differential: 56-51 Playoff record: 9-6 Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (1979 and 1996) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
CALGARY HITMEN Regular season record: 52-17-1-2 (107 points) League regular season ranking: First overall, first in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff road record: 33-12-1-0 Regular season goal differential: 269-177 Playoff goal differential: 96-56 Playoff record: 16-7 Memorial Cup appearances: 1999 Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: 1999, 2010 Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
In a rematch of Wednesday’s final round-robin game, the Calgary Hitmen face the Brandon Wheat Kings tonight with the winner advancing to Sunday’s Memorial Cup Final.
READY FOR A REMATCH The two teams met in the WHL’s Eastern Conference final and again on Wednesday in the final round robin game of the tournament so it’s safe to say that they know each other well and don’t really like each other very much.
“I think we know what we’re getting into and they know what they’re getting into,” said Hitmen co-captain Michael Stone. “We’re two teams that don’t like each other and I wouldn’t see it going any differently than it has before.”
“Obviously you never want to lose to a team like we have the last couple of times,” said Wheat Kings’ defenceman Travis Hamonic. “It’s kind of frustrating at times but we just have to put everything behind us right now. It’s a Game 7 mentality for both teams. The winner moves on and the loser goes home and starts their summer training. We don’t want that right now.” (MemorialCup.com)
LIVE BLOG Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog from the semifinal tonight at 9:00 pm.
KOZUN IS BACK IN Like a lot of other hockey players, Brandon Kozun doesn’t enjoy watching the game a whole lot. Kozun has been unable to play his role as a sniper in the Memorial Cup because of an ankle injury. That is expected to change tonight.
“I’m very excited,” Kozun said. “I’m ready to go and I’ve got a lot of built up energy ready. I’ve wanted to get out there the last two (games). It’s tough for me. I kind of shake the entire game and get a little nervous. It’s tough to watch on the sidelines and it’s going to be nice to be out there.”
“I think if you watched that practice you could see how excited I am,” Kozun said. “It felt really good. There’s not much I can’t do right now. It’s nice to get back on the ice. I felt really comfortable out there.” (MemorialCup.com)
TIME TO STEP UP Brandon Wheat Kings net minder Jacob De Serres has had an odd Cup run. But with his team’s season on the line, the past will be the last thing on his mind.
“I’m looking forward to it,” De Serres said after practice Thursday. “I’m ready to go.”
He admitted his tournament start was not been ideal.
“I wanted to do so well, so bad, I caught myself trying to do too much,” the six-foot-two, 180-pound De Serres said. “I need to battle harder.
GLENNIE RETURNS Wheat Kings forward Scott Glennie also practiced Friday morning and will be available for Friday's game. Glennie missed the second and third periods of Wednesday's round robin game.
"It was just basically a little banged up and I guess it was just a decision from the trainer and Kelly (McCrimmon) not to play me the rest of the game," Glennie said.
When asked if he wanted to get back in the game, he said: "Rest is a good thing. Quite honestly, it's a big game today and just to rest up for the rest of the game was necessary." (Rogers Sportsnet)
OTHER STUFF Full preview from Yahoo! Sports blog “Buzzing The Net.”
Is it even possible for Bob Boughner to be fired by the Spitfires? (Toronto Sun)
The Hitmen are sick of the Windsor Spitfires love fest. (CBC)
The top five goals at the 2010 Memorial Cup…. so far. (Buzzing the Net)
MEDIA Television:Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA) Webcast: Sportsnet.ca
Wheat Kings fall to Hitmen in game six of MasterCard Memorial Cup
PRESS RELEASE BRANDON, Man. – The Calgary Hitmen offence exploded for five first period goals on way to a 5-1 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings at Westman Place to finish the round-robin schedule of the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
The Hitmen were the first to get on the board. Kris Foucault directed an innocent looking shot on net that slid between the pads of Jacob De Serres. Less than thirty seconds later, the Wheat Kings tied it up at one as Jay Fehr, who was left alone in the slot, one-timed a beautiful Aaron Lewadniuk pass behind goaltender Martin Jones.
Foucault seemed to have De Serres’ number in the first period. He scored his second goal of the game, and third of the tournament, on the Hitmen’s third shot. Then, Cody Beach doubled the Hitmen’s lead by registering his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup at 13:47.
A relentless Calgary squad just kept the pressure coming. Jimmy Bubnick and Tyler Shattock added markers to give the Hitmen a comfortable 5-1 lead after the first twenty minutes of play.
The Wheat Kings raised their level of play in the second period. Although they failed to score, the shot total was a respectable 10-9 for the Hitmen.
Same story in the final frame, but the intensity level went sky high and the officials sent a number of players on both sides to the penalty box for roughing.
Martin Jones made 39 saves in the win, while De Serres took the loss despite 25 stops.
All three stars were Hitmen. Kris Foucault was named the game’s first star while teammates Jimmy Bubnick (2nd) and Tyler Shattock (3rd) were also honoured.
The Brandon Wheat Kings will battle the Calgary Hitmen in the semi-final game of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Rogers Sportsnet and RDS Friday at 7 pm (CDT). The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.
GAME DAY What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Round-Robin Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmen When: 9:00 pm Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2 Regular season goal differential: 321-204 Playoff goal differential: 56-51 Playoff record: 9-6 Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (1979 and 1996) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
CALGARY HITMEN Regular season record: 52-17-1-2 (107 points) League regular season ranking: First overall, first in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff road record: 33-12-1-0 Regular season goal differential: 269-177 Playoff goal differential: 96-56 Playoff record: 16-7 Memorial Cup appearances: 1999 Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: 1999, 2010 Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
In a rematch on the Western Hockey League Final, the Calgary Hitmen take on the home town Brandon Wheat Kings in the last game of round-robin action at the Memorial Cup.
FAMILIAR FOES The Calgary Hitmen and Brandon Wheat Kings know each other all too well. The last time the WHL rivals met was in game five of the semi-finals when the Hitmen advanced to the league final.
“We’ve got so much of a rivalry with Calgary,” said Wheat Kings’ defenceman Colby Robak to MemorialCup.com. “Out of the four years I’ve been here they have knocked us out three times. Personally and as a team, they are an easy team for us to want to beat.”
“I think there are probably still some hard feelings from our series earlier,” said Hitmen forward Tyler Shattock. “I don’t think you can expect anything but the best from both teams. Everyone wants to put on a good show. We’re on national TV and everyone wants to put in their say for Friday.”
SOMETHING TO PLAY FOR Although tonight’s game has no meaning with regards to the standings, both teams will be bring their “A” game.
"If they pulled a win together against us, it could give them a boatload of confidence and we don't need that going into the semifinals of the biggest tournament of most of our lives," said Hitmen forward Kris Foucault, who has a goal and an assist in the tournament to the Calgary Herald.
"From our team's standpoint, it looks a lot better to come out (of the round robin with a record of) 2-1 than 1-2. If we don't beat them, that could put a dagger into some of us."
Calgary will be without Brandon Kozun for the second consecutive game while Cody Sylvester is also expected to be out. Neither practised this morning with the rest of the team.
WHAT NOW? Is this the last year for the Memorial Cup? After this year’s tournament is complete, there will be no more room on trophy for team plaques. But CHL commissioner David Branch says not to worry.
"We set into motion a policy going back several years ago that the Memorial Cup will not change its shape or size because it's got such a distinctive structure and is so recognizable," said Branch on Wednesday to Luber’s Lounge, "So, what we'll, do as we need more space, we'll take some of the top plaques off and make them a little bit smaller, and we'll place the original ones will be placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame."
OWEN’S TIME With Nicola Riopel on the shelf for last night’s game with an illness, backup Shane Owen suited up for his first game since March 11.
Despite picking up the overtime loss, Owen never missed a beat.
"We had a lot of confidence in him and we knew that if we needed him that he would deliver," Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn said to Rogers Sportsnet. "He played pretty much like that all year for us. He's got a lot of tools. He's got a real good mental side."
"We knew he could do the job," overage forward Randy Cameron added. "Really, really proud of him. He stepped in there and shut the door for us and made the big stops when we needed it and we could take momentum from those saves."
LIVE CHAT Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup tonight at 9:00 pm for their LIVE BLOG.
OTHER STUFF Full Preview from Yahoo! Sports blog “Buzzing the Net”
The Wildcats went to see Iron Man 2 on Monday night according to Andrew Flynn. Flynn, the son of Moncton’s head coach Danny, as been filing reports all week in the Times & Transcript.
Live with Regis and Kelly is going to be doing a show from PEI this summer. Unreal.
De Serres shuts the door to give Wheat Kings 4-0 Win
PRESS RELEASE BRANDON, Man. – Wheat Kings goaltender Jacob De Serres was brilliant, making 31 saves to earn the shutout and give the home team a 4-0 win over the Moncton Wildcats Sunday afternoon at Westman Place.
Both teams played it tight in the first half of the opening frame with limited scoring opportunities coming about.
The first goal came off the stick of Toni Rajala who received a great pass in the slot from Aaron Lewadniuk on a two-on-one and then proceeded to beat Nicola Riopel with a gorgeous backhand shot at 10:14. No other goals were scored in the first period and the Wheat Kings retreated to their dressing room with a one-goal lead.
Toni Rajala did additional damage in the second period burying his second goal of the day at 8:17. Then, with Randy Cameron in the penalty box for high-sticking, Brayden Schenn recorded his first goal of the MasterCard Memorial Cup to put the home team up 3-0.
Head coach Danny Flynn immediately called a timeout to try to get his team settled down, but the Wildcats were unable to solve De Serres.
At the start of the third period, Brent Raedeke put the game out of reach by recording his first goal of the tournament.
Toni Rajala was named the games first star. Goaltender Jacob De Serres was honoured with the second star while Shayne Wiebe collected the third star.
Former Wheat King and current Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo participated in the ceremonial opening faceoff.
Game four of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet tomorrow at 7 pm (CDT) as the Calgary Hitmen take on the Windsor Spitfires. The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.
GAME DAY What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Preliminary Round Who: Brandon Wheat Kings vs Moncton Wildcats When: 4:00 pm Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
The Moncton Wildcats look to rebound from a rough 5-4 loss yesterday against the Calgary Hitmen this afternoon. The host Brandon Wheat Kings will be looking for their first win of the tournament as well after dropping their first game 9-3 to the Windsor Spitfires.
BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2 Regular season goal differential: 321-204 Playoff goal differential: 56-51 Playoff record: 9-6 Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (1979 and 1996) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
MONCTON WILDCATS Regular season record: 48-14-2-4 (102 points) League regular season ranking: Third overall, second in Atlantic Division Combined regular season and playoff road record: 30-10-2-2 Regular season goal differential: 276-164 Playoff goal differential: 95-48 Playoff record: 16-5 Memorial Cup appearances: One (2006) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (2006 and 2010) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
BAD BOUNCE The Moncton Wildcats’ epic collapse yesterday was capped off by a freakish bounce that caught ‘Cats goalie Nicola Riopel by surprise.
"I've never seen a bounce like that," said Riopel. "And I didn't see him, I looked up to play the puck and there he was."
"It was almost two small games inside one," said Wildcats coach Danny Flynn. "I thought the first half of the game, we played real well." (Calgary Herald)
LOOKING TO REBOUND The Brandon Wheat Kings looked like a high school team on Friday, getting destroyed 9-3 by the powerful Windsor Spitfires. The Kings can’t afford another big loss.
"We were far from our best (Friday) night," McCrimmon said Saturday following a morning practice with his Brandon club. "And with the field we have here, you have to be ready to play and you have to play real well to have a chance at success." (Winnipeg Free Press)
NOT GOOD ENOUGH Battling an ankle injury, Hitmen star Brandon Kozun appeared ready to play yesterday. But after a few shifts, he was glued t0 the bench for the rest of the way.
“I wanted to get out there so bad. I probably could have, but there were a lot of guys playing well. It was a smart choice by Mike (Williamson, head coach) to keep playing them.” (Toronto Sun)
NO RISK TAKEN Wildcats head coach Danny Flynn said that Moncton was being very cautious yesterday, especially in the third period.
"The players care so much and they so badly want to win," he said. "It’s human nature for you not to want to make a mistake and kind of subconsciously sit back."
"Momentum’s a powerful force in hockey and they got momentum and seized it and pushed us hard and battled back to tie it," Flynn noted. "The last (goal) is one you’d like to have back… but that’s hockey and you make your own breaks." (Rogers Sportsnet)
GETTING IT DONE What the Wildcats need to do today against the Wheat Kings according to Danny Flynn:
“We have to get back to grinding and working and we need to keep our composure a little bit,” said Flynn. “We got a little nervous at times and didn’t show the composure we needed. Hopefully, we’ll have a little more poise, and hopefully, we can make some of those plays under pressure.” (Toronto Sun)
LIVE CHAT Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog Game 3 of the junior hockey championship. (Yahoo!)
CHECKING IT OUT The odd bounce that won the game for the Calgary Hitmen was examined by Canadian Hockey League officials this morning. From Patrick’s King Memorial Cup Notebook:
Western Hockey League vice president of hockey operations, Rick Doerksen, along with Chad Lang, hockey operations for the host committee and Marcel Patenaude, vice president of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, could not find anything irregular with the corner zamboni entrance.
"We just felt it was important to look at the strange bounce that caused such impact and take a look this morning to see if there was anything irregular," Doerksen told sportsnet.ca. "In viewing the boards, we found nothing irregular and it appears it was just those fluky bounces that happen on occasion."
Lang fired approximately two dozen pucks around the corner boards, none of which ricocheted back towards the net. Only one shot had changed its course, but wasn't significantly altered like in Saturday's game.
"Nothing came out tested," Doerksen explained. "We shot a number of pucks and certainly couldn't get a bounce like that in a 4-4 game."
MEDIA Television:Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA) Webcast: Sportsnet.ca
Wheat Kings fall to defending MasterCard Memorial Cup Champs
PRESS RELEASE BRANDON, – The Windsor Spitfires scored four unanswered goals in the first five minutes of play to open the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup, defeating the Brandon Wheat Kings 9-3 in front of a stunned crowd of 5,381 at the Westman Place inside the Keystone Centre.
Although the Wheat Kings made their presence felt in the opening minute of the game with several bone crunching hits, the Spitfires put the game out of reach early as Kenny Ryan, Scott Timmins, Adam Henrique and Taylor Hall all recorded markers within the first five minutes of play.
Taylor Hall scored his second goal of the night at 18:23, putting Windsor up 5-0 after the first twenty minutes.
Wheat Kings’ head coach Kelly McCrimmon gave the nod to back-up goaltender Jacob De Serres in the second period. But the change did little to disrupt the Spitfires who registered their sixth goal of the night at 1:15 courtesy of Adam Henrique.
Scott Timmins and Dale Mitchell added markers before the Wheat Kings finally got on the board thanks to a goal by winger Adam Lewadniuk. Unfortunately for the hometown Wheaties, Zach Kassian scored a late one to put the Spitfires up 9-1 after two periods.
Goal scorers in the third included Matt Calvert and Jay Fehr.
Philipp Grubauer made 30 saves to earn the win in goal for the Spitfires.
Adam Henrique was named the game’s first star, with Spitfires' defenceman Mark Cundari named the game's second star, and Hall named third star of the game.
The Wheat Kings wore commemorative jersey's in honour of the Canadian Army. The jersey's are currently available for bid online at www.mastercardmemorialcup.com .
Game two of the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup hits the airwaves of Rogers Sportsnet and RDS tomorrow at 2 pm (CDT) as the WHL Champion Calgary Hitmen battle the QMJHL Champions the Moncton Wildcats.
The game can also be seen live on Sportsnet.ca and on the NHL Network in the U.S.
GAME DAY What: 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup: Preliminary Round Who: Windsor Spitfires vs Brandon Wheat Kings When: 9:00 pm Where: Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba
WINDSOR SPITFIRES Regular season record: 50-12-1-5 (106 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, first in Western Conference Combined regular season and playoff road record: 29-10-1-3 Regular season goal differential: 331-203 Playoff goal differential: 90-54 Playoff record: 16-3 Memorial Cup appearances: Two (1988 and 2009) Memorial Cup championships: One (2009) League championships: Two (2009 and 2010) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Regular season record: 50-18-1-3 (104 points) League regular season ranking: Second overall, second in Eastern Conference Combined regular season and playoff home record: 31-10-0-2 Regular season goal differential: 321-204 Playoff goal differential: 56-51 Playoff record: 9-6 Memorial Cup appearances: Three (1979, 1995 and 1996) Memorial Cup championships: None League championships: Two (1979 and 1996) Preview:Rogers Sportsnet
The first game of the Memorial Cup goes tonight in Brandon as the hosts take on the defending champion Windsor Spitfires.
READY TO ROLL The 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup officially began yesterday afternoon in Brandon.
More than 500 spectators and dignitaries were in attendance in addition to the 100-person Honour Guard to welcome the arrival of the Memorial Cup and celebrate the rededication of one of hockey’s most prestigious trophies. (MemorialCup.com)
WHEAT KINGS ANXIOUS TO DROP THE PUCK After being eliminated in the semi-finals, the Wheat Kings are ready for a second chance.
"We're ready," said Wheat Kings co-captain Brayden Schenn. "It's almost like a second chance. Not many teams get that chance to play for the Memorial Cup in their home town. We're excited and we’re looking forward to it." (MemorialCup.com)
LIVE CHAT Join Yahoo! Sports Jr. Hockey Editor Sunaya Sapurji and Buzzing the Net blogger Neate Sager live from the MasterCard Memorial Cup as they blog Game 1 of the junior hockey championship. (Yahoo! Sports)
SCOUTING THE CHAMPS The Moncton Wildcats and Wheat Kings hung around to check out the Spitfires during practice yesterday.
"People talk about dynasties," Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said. "That's quite an accomplishment to talk about." (Windsor Star)
THE LONG WAY CBC Windsor has a reporter at the Memorial Cup covering the Spits but had quite a journey to get there.
“Two cancelled flights out of Windsor because of a broken plane and bad weather, too many one-way streets in Winnipeg and a long, flat drive to Brandon. Oh and I forgot to mention the airline lost my luggage.” (CBC)
IN NET The Wheat Kings are keeping who they will start in net tonight a secret.
"Oh, it's one of these interviews," said Wheat Kings head coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon. "We don't (name) our starting goaltender until we have our team meeting and we'll address it at that time. Guys are completely comfortable with both goaltenders. They've been a tandem all year and have gained confidence in his teammates." (Canoe Sports)
ENOUGH SAID Top prospect Taylor Hall will be putting his draft stock in his back pocket for the next week.
“It’s the Memorial Cup. We’re here as a team and all that draft stuff is going to take care of itself later.” (Calgary Herald)
MEDIA Television:Rogers Sportsnet, RDS, and NHL Network (USA) Webcast: Sportsnet.ca
