A Slew Foot Of Junior Notes

How about the sentence handed down by the OHL this week. Garrett Wilson of the Owen Sound Attack has been suspended 15 games for slew footing Dan Kelly of Kitchener. Kelly broke an ankle on the play. I think slew footing might become the new "hit to the head" that leagues will start cracking down on. If you recall last week, Dallas Stars captain Brendan Morrow did the dirty deed on Columbus Blue Jacket forward Michael Peca, the Stars scored, Peca was very upset, grabbed the ref and he was suspended 5 games by the NHL. Leagues everywhere will be on the look out for this very dangerous play.

Congratulations to Brampton's Stan Butler, who recorded his 400th victory last Friday. The only coach Brampton has ever had reached the milestone with a 1-0 victory. Butler has also coached in Oshawa of the OHL and in Prince George of the WHL.

This next story is very Ugly. Michigan Wolverines defenceman Steve Kampfer was seriously injured Sunday morning, in what looks like an assault from a Wolverines football player. Unbelievably a similar incident took place on the campus of Michigan State over the weekend as well.

Team Russia has been announced for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge, starting November 2nd in Camrose, Alberta.

This does not seem to be a strong year for Russians at the 2009 draft, as according to International Scouting Services, no one from the former land of hammer and sickle is expected to be taken the first round. Of course a lot could change in the next 8 months, and some of it might take place in Camrose.

It should be noted that while no Russians are projected to be first round picks right now, the top Russian prospect will be at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge. Anton Burdasov is a 6.03, 180 pound right winger is playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Russian first division from what I can tell. He suited up for Russia at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament and helped his country win gold. He has obvious size and from what I've read has decent hands. ISS has him ranked as their 11th best European, and first Russian, but that could mean 3rd round in June. also coming over for Russia that you might see drafted is D-man Georgy Berdyukov. The One guy you'll really want to watch if you're heading to Camrose is Kirill Kabanov, who could be a top 3 pick in 2010. By the way we'll be interviewing USA head coach Mark Carlson Tuesday on TPS see below for listening details, and if you want to take in the 2008 WJAC in Camrose, we'll be giving away a tournament pass Tuesday night.

A few other notes, from one storm to another, 2008 Carolina Hurricanes 1st round pick (14th overall) Zach Boychuk has returned to the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes. Boychuk played 2 games with the Senior Canes, and could be in the Junior Canes line up when they host Prince George Tuesday night. Without the 72 point man from last year Lethbridge has scored an Eastern Conference low 30 goals, and sit 4th in the Central Division. They could also use Luca Sbisa in the line up, but the Swiss blueliner who was also a 2008 (19th overall) first round pick of Philly is to valuable to the Flyers right now. He played a season high 21:05 last week versus Montreal.

Saskatoon netminder Braden Holtby has signed with the Washington Capitals, it's a standard 3 year entry level deal. Holtby was interviewed by TPS recently and talked about his training camp experience. He's the main man in toon town in his 3rd WHL season and will be a key reason if the Blades sneak into the playoffs. Right now he has a sub 2.25 goals against average and a save percentage of .922 (before Tuesday night)and the Blades are second in the East Division just 2 points back of front running Swift Current. (again before Tuesday night)

One other WHL note, Brandon Wheat Kings forward Jay Fehr (no relation to former Wheat King and current Washington Capital Eric Fehr) has been named the Boston Pizza WHL player of the week. Fehr notched 9 points in 3 games for the Wheat Kings, including a 4 point outing against Edmonton a week ago Monday.


Fehr's head coach Kelly McCrimmon, along with head scout for ISS Mike Oke, Lincoln Stars forward and last week's 2009 draft prospect performer of the week Brett Chartier along with Mark Carlson will join Guy and myself tonight on The Pipeline Show. You can listen in Edmonton on THE TEAM 1260 from 7-9 PM mountain time, or online at www.thepipelineshow.com where you can also listen to archived programming.