Werek's World - Part 7

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For the last several month we have been fortunate enough to have a foursome of 2009 eligible prospects guest blogging with us. With the draft almost here, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs has found time in his busy schedule to update us once again on what's happening right now as he gets set for what might be the biggest day of his life thus far.

Draft Keeper - Part 2

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Fargo Force goalie Mike Lee and Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks.

Here is the latest entry to 'Draft Keeper' written by USHL goalie Mike Lee...

Werek's World - Part 6

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks and netminder Mike Lee of the Fargo Force.

Here now is Ethan Werek's latest addition to Werek's World. It's a brief glipse into experiences at the NHL Combine...

Moore From the Pipeline - Part 4

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks and netminder Mike Lee of the Fargo Force.

One note before we get to Moore's latest blog... Yesterday we were directed to a story out of Colorado Springs in regards to John Moore's intentions for next season. The brief story (see HERE) makes the following assertion: "Moore expressed that he is definitely coming to CC in the fall."

As we keep in fairly regular contact with Moore, this news came as a bit of a surprise since the last time we had spoken, John made it clear that any decision on that subject wouldn't be made until after the NHL Draft. At that time, with the input from his new NHL team, his advisor and his family he would then weigh his options and come to a conclusion.

The defenceman signed a letter of intent with Colorado College making the Tigers his NCAA option, but he was also drafted by the Kitchener Rangers in the recent OHL Priority Selection. We contacted John earlier tonight and he indicated to us that he has not made any kind of firm commitment to Colorado College nor to the Kitchener Rangers.

Here now is the latest installment of Moore From the Pipeline written by the player himself:

Werek's World - Part 5

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks and netminder Mike Lee of the Fargo Force.

Here now is the fifth installment of Werek's World:

Draft Keeper - Part 1

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs and Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks.

Here now is the first entry from Fargo Force netminder Mike Lee...

Dylan On The Draft

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore, defenceman with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs. Today we are pleased to present part one of 'Dylan On The Draft' with Camrose Kodiak and soon to be Minnesota-Duluth D-man Dylan Olsen who recently suited up for Canada at the U-18 World Championship.

Moore From the Pipeline - Part 3

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore, defenceman with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs. We have a few other players lined up who have yet to contribute.

Here now is the latest entry from defenceman John Moore

Werek's World - Part 4

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen.

Here now is the third installment of Werek's World.

Werek's World - Part 3

The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore, defenceman with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs. We recently announced that Dylan Olsen, Camrose Kodiaks blueliner, will also be on board in the very near future. Two more players have verbally agreed to participate and a couple more are potentially on our list as well.

Here now is the latest entry from Ethan Werek:

No hockey, what to do with my time?

Now that hockey is over I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands. Well to catch you up to speed I’ll talk about the Kingston Frontenacs final weekend of the year. We started off on a Tuesday where it was the last time Brian Kilrea would travel into the limestone city. We had an awesome opening ceremony. After honouring Ottawa’s “Killer” it was also Military night where a huge tank was driven around the ice and soldiers were shimming down from the top of the building: it was pretty cool to see. Now back to the game, after getting down we came back to tie it up with 33 seconds left. We took them to a shoot out, but fell short.

We then travelled to Peterborough for the last time for a Thursday night game. We played a solid game but fell short on the wall with Jason Mission between the pipes for the Petes. We were back at it on Friday at home for the last time of the year against the Oshawa team that was fighting for the final play-off spot in the East. We had an awful start to the game, but we dominated the second and third and pulled out a win. It was a great way to end the year at home and our fans gave us an amazing standing ovation.

We had Saturday off, from hockey that is, however I had to spend the day buried in books in the Library here at Queens, trying to write Politics papers. I finally finished most of my papers just in time to go to Boston Pizza where the billets of our only over-ager, Andris Dzerins, threw a going away dinner for him. He didn’t know about it and he was really surprised to see all the boys there. The next day the end of our year was upon us as we went up to Ottawa to finish up a disappointing year.

It was also the last regular season game for Ottawa in which Brian Kilrea (pictured) would take his place behind the bench in the Civic Center. It was an amazing honor ceremony-- the best that I have ever seen. A captain from each decade that he coached was there and many other notable guests. I have to say personally it was amazing to play for Mr. Kilrea at the Top Prospects game. He was so emotional and had so much energy in the game. I heard before I went to the Prospects, that he stood in the middle of the ice during practice but I didn’t really think much of it, until our practice at the Prospects. It was truly amazing: pucks are missing him by inches and guys are almost running him over, but he stands his ground. I am currently reading Don Cherry’s book, and there is a good section in it talking about Mr. Kilrea and how he is the reason for the NHL players Union and how he was a “team first” type of guy. Having had the opportunity to play for him was a great experience.

Now back to the game. There was no beating Ottawa on “Killer’s” night: we fell short and ended the year off on a sour note. However, it was great to walk out after the game and see a bus load of our fans there. We really do have the best fans in the “O.” It was a tough bus ride home, knowing that hockey was over for the year and we won’t be able to go on a play off run. On Monday we had individual meetings with the coaches and all of the boys went back home but I had to stay here in Kingston to finish up school at Queens.

It’s been hard to change my daily routine of going to breakfast club in the morning and practice in the afternoon. I was planning on taking a week off at the end of the year, but I couldn’t stand all the free time so on that Wednesday I started working out and skating. It’s tough getting used to not having my usual Friday night dinner of Chicken and rice, but I am already looking forward to next year.

Ethan Werek
#25

Ethan Werek is ranked 26th overall by International Scouting Services (Feb '09) and 43rd in North America by NHL Central Scouting (mid-term rankings). The 6.05' and 191 lbs forward ended the OHL year with 32 goals and 64 points in 66 games this year with Kingston.

Werek is expected to be on the roster when Hockey Canada announces their 2009 U18 team that will play in Fargo beginning April 9th.

(photos courtesy: The Kingston Frontenacs, CHL, )

Moore From The Pipeline - Part 2

The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Player Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from Ethan Werek, forward with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs, and John Moore of the Kingston Chicago Steel (USHL). More will be announced shortly but first, here is the second installment of 'Moore From the Pipeline'.
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Hello, this is John Moore touching base again.

After winning eight in a row, the Steel hit a rough patch and dropped four in a row. I think that we hit rock bottom when we made the trip up to Fargo, North Dakota to play the Force. I can say without a doubt that this was the worst road trip in my two years with the Steel. Looking back at the trip, I can now laugh but it was a nightmare to say the least.

I knew from the first minute that this road trip was going to be a long one when three teammates showed up to the rink shivering, coughing, and sneezing. They had the flu but still managed to make the trip. We climbed on the bus at 9 in the morning (when it was 60 and sunny in Chicago) and got off 14 hours later in Fargo where it was snowing.

Things started off seemingly well on Friday; we had a good pre-game skate, had a solid team meal and everything seemed to be going well... until the puck dropped.

We were dominated for 60 minutes and came out on the short end of an 8-1 shellacking. We came back the next night and lost a very close game 3-1, Fargo scored an empty netter in the last minute. Immediately after the game, we boarded the bus and drove back home.

I get some heat from my teammate Andrew Miller on account that I can fall asleep pretty easily on the bus. He isn't as fortunate, as his seat is located right next to the television, which is seemingly always on.

We got back home Sunday morning, and me and my roommates, Philip Samuelsson and Alex Simonson, had a pretty low key day. We all felt pretty run down from the travel and I felt sick. After staying home sick Monday from school, I tried to give things a go on Tuesday.

My first class, Math, was just a battle. The rest of the class was taking a quiz while my teacher was explaining the material that I had missed while I was gone. In the middle of our discussion, I got the sweats. I sweated right through my shirt and my math teacher just gave me one of those "are you kidding me" kind of looks and gave me a pass to the nurse. As a senior in high school, my 12th time around the block, I really didn't feel the need to go sit in the nurses office and shoot the breeze for four hours for her to tell me I was sick, so I just walked down the street back to my house. As it turned out, I had the flu and was pretty beat down for the next couple of days.
I didn't practice Monday or Tuesday, but got back at it on Wednesday. I lost about 10 pounds while I was sick and it looked like I was carrying a piano on my back Wednesday in practice.

We dropped a tough game to Omaha on Friday. However, we were able to climb out of the hole last night with a big shootout win over the Lincoln Stars and it felt great to finally get back in the win column.

John Moore is ranked 17th overall by International Scouting Services (Feb '09) and 8th in North America by NHL Central Scouting (mid-term rankings). The 6'2 and 189 lbs defender currently has 14 goals and 37 points in 49 games this year with Chicago in the USHL. Moore has made his NCAA commitment to Colorado College while he remains an OHL free agent having never been drafted.

(photos courtesy: USHL and Chicago Steel)

Werek's World - Part 2

The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore, defenceman with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs. More will be announced shortly but first, here is the second installment of 'Werek's World'.
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Hello again... we have completed another successful weekend here in Kingston but I should probably start by filling you in with our team’s prior weekend.

We went on the road and did the Sarnia and London trip. I have to say it was my favorite “roadie” of the year. We stayed in an awesome hotel and got to play at the JLC in front of a packed house. We started off with a win against Peterborough, and then bussed down to Sarnia where we ran into a hot goalie and lost 2-1. The next day we had a matinee match against London. We kept up with them until the third when the ref’s decided to get some TV time on Sportsnet by awarding us an endless amount of penalties. We lost that game 7-2, but we competed hard and it was a good weekend for the team.

On the bus we usually stick to the same movies. I think on every bus trip this year we’ve watched “Step Brothers” and we’re at the point now where the team’s saying the lines as the movie is playing.

We have a pretty tough schedule ending off our season; Friday’s game is the first of 7 games in 9 days. We started it off on Friday at home where we beat Sudbury.


Saturday morning we were off to Mississauga where we lost 4-3 in a fast paced game. We ended the weekend off at home in Kingston where we went into the third period down 2-0. We were down 3-2 with 12 seconds left when we thought we'd tied it up-- but it was disallowed as it was called a high stick. But that didn’t stop us. With 1 second left we tied the game from a point shot from the point that hit one of their guys, went off my glove, then off one of the Barrie guys skate and in. We ended up winning the game in a shoot out.

Well I’m going to have to end my blog here as I have to finish up writing a paper for Politics that’s due tomorrow. Until next time!

-Ethan Werek
#25

Ethan Werek is ranked 24th overall by International Scouting Services (Feb '09) and 43rd in North America by NHL Central Scouting (mid-term rankings). The 6.05' and 191 lbs forward currently has 29 goals and 56 points in 62 games this year with Kingston.

(photos courtesy: The Kingston Frontenacs)

Moore From The Pipeline - Part 1

Hello, my name Is John Moore and I am really excited to be keeping a blog in the upcoming months leading up to the draft. It’s my first experience with one so I’ll ask you to bear with me!

I am from Winnetka, Illinois, which is about 20 miles north of Chicago. I grew up playing for the Chicago Young Americans and then made the switch to the Chicago Mission for my bantam and midget years. With the Mission, I had the opportunity to play for Steve Smith, who played a couple of years in Edmonton. He was a great coach and our families remain close to this day. His son, Barron, recently had shoulder surgery and so he is back in town from Peterborough where he was playing for the Petes. Barron and I are going to meet up some time this week and go bowling which should be a good match now that he is reduced to one arm (I am absolutely brutal).

I play for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and one of the benefits of this is that I live at home during my junior career. This year, I have two teammates living with me in Alex Simonson and Philip Samuelsson. It has been a tremendous experience living with these guys and I couldn’t ask for two better roommates.

This year for the Steel has been up and down. We are a young team that was a bit inconsistent in the beginning of the year. We are currently chasing the Waterloo Blackhawks for the fourth and final playoff spot in the east division. We trail them by just three points and are just taking things one day at a time, game to game. I’ve had a lot of fun this year though and love coming to the rink everyday.

Earlier this year, our captain Mike Walsh had season ending shoulder surgery and I was named captain. It was a tremendous honor to be named captain and it is a responsibility that I have enjoyed every minute of. One thing that I definitely need to work on is my pre-game speeches though. I’m a pretty quiet kid who sticks to himself and early on my speeches were a little rough, most of the guys would start giggling—they were that bad. I’ve come a long way in that department though and most of my teammates gave me the thumbs up when I appeared on The Pipeline Show earlier this month.

John Moore is ranked 17th overall by International Scouting Services (Feb '09) and 8th in North America by NHL Central Scouting (mid-term rankings). The 6'2 and 189 lbs defender currently has 13 goals and 33 points in 43 games this year with Chicago in the USHL. He recently made his first appearance on The Pipeline Show on February 10th.

(photos courtesy: The USHL and the Chicago Steel)

Werek's World - Part 1

Hello everyone, my name is Ethan Werek and I’ve been asked to write a blog leading up to the draft.

I’ll start off with a little background information about myself. I’m from Goodwood, Ontario which is a small hamlet about an hour north east of Toronto (assuming there is no traffic). I started playing hockey in Stouffville but I played my minor hockey with the Toronto Marlies in the GTHL and spent last season with the Stouffville Spirit of the OPHJL. This season, I play for the Kingston Frontenac’s of the OHL. Kingston is a great town about three hours east of Toronto. I also attend Queen’s University where I’m taking Politics.

This year our team has struggled and we have found ourselves on the outside of the play-offs and in the basement of the O, but we’ve been playing some better hockey of late, beating teams like Ottawa, London and Brampton.

In November our team had a coaching change that made some big news by hiring hockey legend and local Kingston boy, Doug Gilmour. It was amazing to have Doug, or as many refer to him as “killer” on the ice with us teaching us the game that he played for 20 years at its highest level.

At a recent Toronto Maple Leafs game, Doug Gilmour was honoured by the hanging of his number at the ACC. That night, all of our team members were in attendance courtesy of Mike Zigomanis of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a former Kingston Frontenac.

This past weekend we had three games and had one of our best weekends taking 2 of the 3 games. Thursday we travelled down the 401 to Oshawa to play then Gen’s. We started off slow, down two goals, but rallied and took the game 4-2. The next night we were back in Kingston to play Niagara who are one of the top teams in the east. We played hard and took that game as well 4-2. We had Saturday off so I enjoyed the day with some of the boys at “all you can eat sushi” and a movie. Sunday we played Kitchener at home. We started off slow, but played them hard: however we fell short with the score being 3-2. All in all we had a pretty good weekend and hopefully we will continue to play well with only 10 games left this year.

Next weekend we’re at home on Friday playing Peterborough and then we hit the road to play Sarnia on Saturday, then London on Sunday. I believe the game Sunday will be on Sportsnet.

Until my next report, have a good one.

Ethan Werek
#25

Ethan Werek is ranked 24th overall by International Scouting Services (Feb '09) and 43rd in North America by NHL Central Scouting (mid-term rankings). The 6.05' and 191 lbs forward currently has 26 goals and 51 points in 56 games this year with Kingston. He recently made his first appearance on The Pipeline Show on February 17th.

(photos courtesy: Kingston Frontenacs and the National Post)

2009 NHL Draft Prospect Blogs

Last year The Pipeline Show was fortunate to welcome a pair of guest bloggers in Camrose Kodiaks forward Joe Colborne and Jordan Eberle of the Regina Pats. Both players took the time to share the experience of playing for the RBC Cup or the NHL Draft combine as well as the events leading up to and after the NHL Draft itself.

The Pipeline Show is excited to announce that the tradition will continue again this season as the 2009 NHL Draft approaches.

We have plans to have 2009 eligible prospects from the WHL, OHL, QMJHL and USHL on board who will periodically update how things are going for their team and for them as individuals during this pivotal season in their careers.

We are not going to release the names of the players who will guest blog with us until their first entires are ready to be released but I will go so far as to say that every player who will be on board is considered to be a high profile 2009 draft prospect.

The first edition of the guest blogs for 2009 will be posted... later today!