The 9 game struck and Brett Connolly was still around the Tampa Bay dressing room as the Lightning made it official, Brett Connolly had made their club. Once he plays his 10th NHL game (Thursday vs. Nashville) a year of his contract will kick in. Tuesday night we had Al Bristowe from PGTV on the show to discuss whether or not Connolly would stick, and recently Guy wrote a piece about decision time for NHL teams.
Showing posts with label Bristowe (Allan). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bristowe (Allan). Show all posts
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Connolly now a Former Prince George Cougar
~
The 9 game struck and Brett Connolly was still around the Tampa Bay dressing room as the Lightning made it official, Brett Connolly had made their club. Once he plays his 10th NHL game (Thursday vs. Nashville) a year of his contract will kick in. Tuesday night we had Al Bristowe from PGTV on the show to discuss whether or not Connolly would stick, and recently Guy wrote a piece about decision time for NHL teams.
The 9 game struck and Brett Connolly was still around the Tampa Bay dressing room as the Lightning made it official, Brett Connolly had made their club. Once he plays his 10th NHL game (Thursday vs. Nashville) a year of his contract will kick in. Tuesday night we had Al Bristowe from PGTV on the show to discuss whether or not Connolly would stick, and recently Guy wrote a piece about decision time for NHL teams.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Top 5 Tuesday: TPS Invitational Moments
~
Last week The Pipeline Show crew (Millard, Flaming and The Sports Doctor, Taylor Medak) hit the road and went to Jasper. Also along for the ride were some of Millard's buddies (who I am pleased to say are now my buddies too) and of course nepotism at its best meant a couple of our siblings were around as well.
In all there were 8 golfers; the TPS crew and: Prince George Cougars Assistant GM Wade Klippenstein... PGTV sports icon Allan Bristowe... Shawn Blustein of J&J Wholesale Auto... My older brother Kevin Flaming from DLM Consulting and last but certainly not least... Warrant Officer Derek Millard who is stationed here at CFB Edmonton.
It was a diverse group of golfers - a few guys who play a lot, some hardly at all and a few that fall somewhere in between. In all, we played 72 holes of golf inside of a 36 hour period at the famed Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course - two rounds each day separated by a fabulous stay in the Outlook Cabin.
Here now are 5 memories from the The 2009 TPS Invitational Golf Classic...
5. Out of Bounds???
Listen, everyone knows there is some wagering done on the golf course and this outing was no different. In our final round of the trip, our group of players was down to 7 as Bristowe had to bolt back to P.G. for work. We decided to split the remaining 7 into a trio of teams for a quicker round of "best ball". The rivalry between the Bluestein/Millard and the Klippenstein/Millard pair was evident - Dean needed a clutch drive on the 12th hole to push the pot and came through but it was the last bit of good news for he and Klipper.
As Derek and Shawn sat back and enjoyed watching Wade and Dean's downward spiral towards poverty, Klippenstein and Millard kept up their mantra of: "Double or Nothing?"
"A gentleman would at least give us a chance to win our money back" said Millard as he tried to convince his older brother and Blustein to allow them another kick at the can. The winning duo were only too pleased to give Dean and Wade more rope with which they could hang themselves.
Cue the 18th hole - a downhill dog-leg to the left that tempts long hitters to cut the corner to the green at the risk of several lakeside cabins.
With Derek's power drive securing he and his partner in fine position, the pressure was on for Dean and Klip to respond. Dean's drive was not unlike a routine pop-fly, an easy out at Skydome and potentially the final nail in their wagering coffin. However, Klippenstein had been wielding a big driver all day and only needed to connect one more time to keep them in contention.
As The WHL exec watched his ball sail over the treed corner and towards certain disaster among the cars, campers and kids to the left, all hope seemed lost. So the duo decided to hit a provisional ball which ended up sitting perfectly in the middle of the fairway, the lie you would assume they would play from but... you'd be wrong.
Above is the view from near the green where the rest of us waited many long and painful minutes as the team debated playing the provisional or Klippenstein's original drive which, as it turned out, was simply buried in pine cones and tree shrapnel instead of someone's windshield. (Take note of what side of the fence they're on).
Somehow Millard found a way to not only get out of the extreme rough and onto the green but he planted it well within birdie territory of the hole to boot. Suffice to say the end result was another push and so the damage to their wallets didn't get any worse. A hell of a shot on the final hole of the trip.
4. Trophy Presentation
It was decided early on that the overall winner of the trip would be the guy who had the lowest score in any single round. Bristowe, The Sports Doctor and I brought up the rear while the other 5 guys appeared to be in contention for the coveted top prize. Blustein scored three consecutive rounds of 89, the mark of consistency (otherwise known as a lack of improvement). Klippenstein's best loop was 87 Followed by the brothers Millard with scores of 86 (Dean) and 85 (Derek).
The best round of the trip belonged to Kevin who came in with a 40-41-81 after the first go around. As impressive a score as that is, it should be noted that Kevin not only overcame the same gene pool as me but that it was only his second time out this year. An 81 at JPL is pretty darn good!
As the event came to a close and we prepared for the journey back to Edmonton, some guys hit the pro shop for souvenir hats while others sought out the men's lockeroom to jettison some excess cargo before the 3.5-hour ride home. It was there that we found a rather official looking trophy on display and decided to have an impromptu ceremony to crown the winner of the 1st Pipeline Show Invitational.
That would be me on the left presenting the trophy to my "big" brother Kevin.
3. The 13-Strokes Golf Academy
As anyone on this trip will attest to, I'm not a great golfer. I do OK... every second drive is acceptable, chipping is decent, putting usually pretty good. I shot a 49 on the front nine and I was happy. I followed that up with a 51 on the back for an even 100... my best round.
Dean on the other hand is what I would call a very good golfer. He can spank the ball out there, his approach shots are accurate and his putting is pretty precise.
But even the best of golfers can have an off hole... as his scorecard revealed during day 1. Here is his recap of that memorable half an hour spent on hole #10:
1-Topped one 10 feet off the tee into some long grass.
2-Took unplayable (one penalty stroke) as I knew I couldn’t get it out of the grass and over the pond in front of us. However I thought I would be able to tee it up again. I couldn’t. First decision making mistake.
3-Hit driver off the deck, into the water. One stroke penalty
5.Hit 5 wood, pushed it into the woods on the left.
6-Was told by Al Bristowe (my longtime trusted friend) that he found my Callaway. Chipped it out onto the fairway.
8-Realized it wasn’t my ball. 2-stroke penalty. 2nd decision making mistake, should have made sure it was my ball.
9-Was still about 310 out. Hit 5 wood. Landed about 100 out.
10-Sand Wedge misses green to the right, near but not in bunker.
11-Chip on passed hole to about 10 feet.
12-Came up 2 inches short on first putt.
13-tap in for 13.
Yes folks... a 13. Shades of Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy himself. But to his credit, Deano dusted himself off and went on to have a strong back nine. I also have to tip my hat to him for being a man about it and filling out his card correctly - Honesty is always the best policy... even when it's downright embarrassing. Still, the 13 on Wednesday made the 11 he scored on Day 2 look almost respectable!
2. A&W
Now this particular item doesn't actually occur on the golf course but it came about at the end of the trip and definitely is a memory I won't soon forget.
We stopped in Hinton, AB to grab a bite to eat and it was decided that we'd hit up a fast food joint so we could just eat and run. The 7 Edmonton-bound golfers were split in two vehicles with Dean and Klippenstein in a car and the rest of us in a 12-passenger van (courtesy J&J Wholesale Auto). The guys piled out of the van and went inside the local A&W restaurant while Klipper and Deano decided to beat us out via the drive thru.
However, their fast lane theory wasn't panning out thanks to the person wearing the headset...
"Can you repeat that please?"
"I'm sorry but we've run out of cheese for the cheeseburgers, is that OK?"
Finally Klipper, nearing the end of his rope, said: "OK, I'm going to start over and I'm going to say this really slowly..."
Little did Klip or Dean know that inside the A&W, Blustein had convinced one of the employees to let him on the headset and he was the guy taking their order and screwing them around. Those of us inside the restaurant, including the real employees, were killing ourselves until Shawn finally let them off the hook by walking out the door to the drive-thru to reveal the truth.
1. JPL Hospitality
The trip was a major success for several reasons but the biggest was definitely because of how we were treated by all of the people who work at JPL that helped to make our visit a memorable one.
Now I'm just speaking for myself here when I say this because I know that most of the guys with me on the trip have been to a lot of top courses and so they might have been expecting the treatment we got. For me though it was a new experience and here's how it went:
We rolled up in the van and were greeted by a couple of guys who promptly unloaded our clubs for us and put them on our carts. We put on our shoes, grabbed a couple clubs and our complimentary bucket of balls and hit the range for a warm up. As our tee off time approached we walked back up to our carts where we were greeted by Courtney, the lovely and pleasant hostess who kept all the groups heading out at the right time.
The course itself was in outstanding condition. The fairways were smooth and soft like a carpet (or so I'm told, I didn't find one until the afternoon). The greens were consistently tough but fair and the pin placements were often challenging.
Thankfully for me (in the cart above) and for Taylor (The Sports Doctor), it's a pretty wide course for the most part. Both of us have artfully assimilated our banana slices into our game so we were able to arc our drives well out of bounds before seeing them safely drop onto the short grass.
The weather was fantastic, 23C and 27C, with just a touch of light showers on day two. Of course the scenery is as amazing as you could possibly ask for - the Rocky Mountains provide a backdrop that makes even the worst tee shot look beautiful... for a minute.
Beverage girls Erica and Jen were never to busy to shoot the shit and kept their snickering to an inaudible level when I hammered two consecutive drives into the ladies tee box on hole #3.
At the end of the round you wheel back to the club house where it's almost a scene from NASCAR. You pull up, a couple employees meet you, park the cart and immediately begin cleaning your clubs. Not a big deal for some guys but my clubs (a set I got from Canadian Tire about a dozen years ago) had never been cleaned before. I play an average of 3 rounds per summer and the heads of my sticks looked like I'd used them more for backyard gardening than for smacking golf balls. Still, these guys not only cleaned them but they scrubbed them, perhaps sandblasted them, polished them and returned them to me looking better than the day I originally purchased them.
At the end of Day 1 we retired to our accommodations - the Outlook Cabin (above), a rustic yet luxuriously comfortable lodge with more than enough room for all of us. The Millards cooked a late night supper on the BBQ and we all took in a herd of Elk that wondered into our backyard. A postcard view at every turn, great company, frosty beverages and the best shower I've ever had - I can't possibly recommend the Outlook Cabin any higher.
Day 2 began the same way as Day 1; a friendly greeting at the course where the free overnight storage of our clubs meant no hassle for us that morning.
At one point on day two, like an idiot I left my wedge laying next to a green only to discover the blunder a couple of holes later. JPL has a "Players Assistant" that speeds around the course and he gladly sped back and found my iron and returned it to me. Wonderful service! He even had time to snap a group photo for us so that everyone would be in it. (Wasn't my camera though so I don't have it).
Everyone on the trip agreed that it was a great time and both Dean and I have decided that somehow, it was but the first of a series of TPS Invitationals we'll be doing from now on.
We've mentioned it before but in case you missed it, the JPL has an absolutely fantastic deal on this summer that is open to anyone, not just superstar TV guys like Millard and Bristowe or big wheels like Klippenstein and Blustein.
$300 gets you unlimited golf and a night's stay. UNLIMITED golf. Bristowe, being a non-Alberta resident, would normally have to pay $225 to play JPL but with this remarkable deal he played $1000 worth of golf + had unreal accommodations for only $300.
If you're a golfer, serious or otherwise, do yourself a favor and put the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course on your MUST-PLAY list this year and tell them that The Pipeline Show sent you. You won't regret it.
Last week The Pipeline Show crew (Millard, Flaming and The Sports Doctor, Taylor Medak) hit the road and went to Jasper. Also along for the ride were some of Millard's buddies (who I am pleased to say are now my buddies too) and of course nepotism at its best meant a couple of our siblings were around as well.
In all there were 8 golfers; the TPS crew and: Prince George Cougars Assistant GM Wade Klippenstein... PGTV sports icon Allan Bristowe... Shawn Blustein of J&J Wholesale Auto... My older brother Kevin Flaming from DLM Consulting and last but certainly not least... Warrant Officer Derek Millard who is stationed here at CFB Edmonton.
It was a diverse group of golfers - a few guys who play a lot, some hardly at all and a few that fall somewhere in between. In all, we played 72 holes of golf inside of a 36 hour period at the famed Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course - two rounds each day separated by a fabulous stay in the Outlook Cabin.
Here now are 5 memories from the The 2009 TPS Invitational Golf Classic...
5. Out of Bounds???
Listen, everyone knows there is some wagering done on the golf course and this outing was no different. In our final round of the trip, our group of players was down to 7 as Bristowe had to bolt back to P.G. for work. We decided to split the remaining 7 into a trio of teams for a quicker round of "best ball". The rivalry between the Bluestein/Millard and the Klippenstein/Millard pair was evident - Dean needed a clutch drive on the 12th hole to push the pot and came through but it was the last bit of good news for he and Klipper.
As Derek and Shawn sat back and enjoyed watching Wade and Dean's downward spiral towards poverty, Klippenstein and Millard kept up their mantra of: "Double or Nothing?"
"A gentleman would at least give us a chance to win our money back" said Millard as he tried to convince his older brother and Blustein to allow them another kick at the can. The winning duo were only too pleased to give Dean and Wade more rope with which they could hang themselves.
Cue the 18th hole - a downhill dog-leg to the left that tempts long hitters to cut the corner to the green at the risk of several lakeside cabins.
With Derek's power drive securing he and his partner in fine position, the pressure was on for Dean and Klip to respond. Dean's drive was not unlike a routine pop-fly, an easy out at Skydome and potentially the final nail in their wagering coffin. However, Klippenstein had been wielding a big driver all day and only needed to connect one more time to keep them in contention.
As The WHL exec watched his ball sail over the treed corner and towards certain disaster among the cars, campers and kids to the left, all hope seemed lost. So the duo decided to hit a provisional ball which ended up sitting perfectly in the middle of the fairway, the lie you would assume they would play from but... you'd be wrong.
Above is the view from near the green where the rest of us waited many long and painful minutes as the team debated playing the provisional or Klippenstein's original drive which, as it turned out, was simply buried in pine cones and tree shrapnel instead of someone's windshield. (Take note of what side of the fence they're on).Somehow Millard found a way to not only get out of the extreme rough and onto the green but he planted it well within birdie territory of the hole to boot. Suffice to say the end result was another push and so the damage to their wallets didn't get any worse. A hell of a shot on the final hole of the trip.
4. Trophy Presentation
It was decided early on that the overall winner of the trip would be the guy who had the lowest score in any single round. Bristowe, The Sports Doctor and I brought up the rear while the other 5 guys appeared to be in contention for the coveted top prize. Blustein scored three consecutive rounds of 89, the mark of consistency (otherwise known as a lack of improvement). Klippenstein's best loop was 87 Followed by the brothers Millard with scores of 86 (Dean) and 85 (Derek).
The best round of the trip belonged to Kevin who came in with a 40-41-81 after the first go around. As impressive a score as that is, it should be noted that Kevin not only overcame the same gene pool as me but that it was only his second time out this year. An 81 at JPL is pretty darn good!
As the event came to a close and we prepared for the journey back to Edmonton, some guys hit the pro shop for souvenir hats while others sought out the men's lockeroom to jettison some excess cargo before the 3.5-hour ride home. It was there that we found a rather official looking trophy on display and decided to have an impromptu ceremony to crown the winner of the 1st Pipeline Show Invitational.
That would be me on the left presenting the trophy to my "big" brother Kevin.3. The 13-Strokes Golf Academy
As anyone on this trip will attest to, I'm not a great golfer. I do OK... every second drive is acceptable, chipping is decent, putting usually pretty good. I shot a 49 on the front nine and I was happy. I followed that up with a 51 on the back for an even 100... my best round.
Dean on the other hand is what I would call a very good golfer. He can spank the ball out there, his approach shots are accurate and his putting is pretty precise.
But even the best of golfers can have an off hole... as his scorecard revealed during day 1. Here is his recap of that memorable half an hour spent on hole #10:
1-Topped one 10 feet off the tee into some long grass.2-Took unplayable (one penalty stroke) as I knew I couldn’t get it out of the grass and over the pond in front of us. However I thought I would be able to tee it up again. I couldn’t. First decision making mistake.
3-Hit driver off the deck, into the water. One stroke penalty
5.Hit 5 wood, pushed it into the woods on the left.
6-Was told by Al Bristowe (my longtime trusted friend) that he found my Callaway. Chipped it out onto the fairway.
8-Realized it wasn’t my ball. 2-stroke penalty. 2nd decision making mistake, should have made sure it was my ball.
9-Was still about 310 out. Hit 5 wood. Landed about 100 out.
10-Sand Wedge misses green to the right, near but not in bunker.
11-Chip on passed hole to about 10 feet.
12-Came up 2 inches short on first putt.
13-tap in for 13.
Yes folks... a 13. Shades of Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy himself. But to his credit, Deano dusted himself off and went on to have a strong back nine. I also have to tip my hat to him for being a man about it and filling out his card correctly - Honesty is always the best policy... even when it's downright embarrassing. Still, the 13 on Wednesday made the 11 he scored on Day 2 look almost respectable!
2. A&W
Now this particular item doesn't actually occur on the golf course but it came about at the end of the trip and definitely is a memory I won't soon forget.
We stopped in Hinton, AB to grab a bite to eat and it was decided that we'd hit up a fast food joint so we could just eat and run. The 7 Edmonton-bound golfers were split in two vehicles with Dean and Klippenstein in a car and the rest of us in a 12-passenger van (courtesy J&J Wholesale Auto). The guys piled out of the van and went inside the local A&W restaurant while Klipper and Deano decided to beat us out via the drive thru.However, their fast lane theory wasn't panning out thanks to the person wearing the headset...
"Can you repeat that please?"
"I'm sorry but we've run out of cheese for the cheeseburgers, is that OK?"
Finally Klipper, nearing the end of his rope, said: "OK, I'm going to start over and I'm going to say this really slowly..."
Little did Klip or Dean know that inside the A&W, Blustein had convinced one of the employees to let him on the headset and he was the guy taking their order and screwing them around. Those of us inside the restaurant, including the real employees, were killing ourselves until Shawn finally let them off the hook by walking out the door to the drive-thru to reveal the truth.
1. JPL Hospitality
The trip was a major success for several reasons but the biggest was definitely because of how we were treated by all of the people who work at JPL that helped to make our visit a memorable one.
Now I'm just speaking for myself here when I say this because I know that most of the guys with me on the trip have been to a lot of top courses and so they might have been expecting the treatment we got. For me though it was a new experience and here's how it went:
We rolled up in the van and were greeted by a couple of guys who promptly unloaded our clubs for us and put them on our carts. We put on our shoes, grabbed a couple clubs and our complimentary bucket of balls and hit the range for a warm up. As our tee off time approached we walked back up to our carts where we were greeted by Courtney, the lovely and pleasant hostess who kept all the groups heading out at the right time.
The course itself was in outstanding condition. The fairways were smooth and soft like a carpet (or so I'm told, I didn't find one until the afternoon). The greens were consistently tough but fair and the pin placements were often challenging.
Thankfully for me (in the cart above) and for Taylor (The Sports Doctor), it's a pretty wide course for the most part. Both of us have artfully assimilated our banana slices into our game so we were able to arc our drives well out of bounds before seeing them safely drop onto the short grass.The weather was fantastic, 23C and 27C, with just a touch of light showers on day two. Of course the scenery is as amazing as you could possibly ask for - the Rocky Mountains provide a backdrop that makes even the worst tee shot look beautiful... for a minute.
Beverage girls Erica and Jen were never to busy to shoot the shit and kept their snickering to an inaudible level when I hammered two consecutive drives into the ladies tee box on hole #3.
At the end of the round you wheel back to the club house where it's almost a scene from NASCAR. You pull up, a couple employees meet you, park the cart and immediately begin cleaning your clubs. Not a big deal for some guys but my clubs (a set I got from Canadian Tire about a dozen years ago) had never been cleaned before. I play an average of 3 rounds per summer and the heads of my sticks looked like I'd used them more for backyard gardening than for smacking golf balls. Still, these guys not only cleaned them but they scrubbed them, perhaps sandblasted them, polished them and returned them to me looking better than the day I originally purchased them.
At the end of Day 1 we retired to our accommodations - the Outlook Cabin (above), a rustic yet luxuriously comfortable lodge with more than enough room for all of us. The Millards cooked a late night supper on the BBQ and we all took in a herd of Elk that wondered into our backyard. A postcard view at every turn, great company, frosty beverages and the best shower I've ever had - I can't possibly recommend the Outlook Cabin any higher.Day 2 began the same way as Day 1; a friendly greeting at the course where the free overnight storage of our clubs meant no hassle for us that morning.
At one point on day two, like an idiot I left my wedge laying next to a green only to discover the blunder a couple of holes later. JPL has a "Players Assistant" that speeds around the course and he gladly sped back and found my iron and returned it to me. Wonderful service! He even had time to snap a group photo for us so that everyone would be in it. (Wasn't my camera though so I don't have it).
Everyone on the trip agreed that it was a great time and both Dean and I have decided that somehow, it was but the first of a series of TPS Invitationals we'll be doing from now on.
We've mentioned it before but in case you missed it, the JPL has an absolutely fantastic deal on this summer that is open to anyone, not just superstar TV guys like Millard and Bristowe or big wheels like Klippenstein and Blustein.
$300 gets you unlimited golf and a night's stay. UNLIMITED golf. Bristowe, being a non-Alberta resident, would normally have to pay $225 to play JPL but with this remarkable deal he played $1000 worth of golf + had unreal accommodations for only $300.
If you're a golfer, serious or otherwise, do yourself a favor and put the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course on your MUST-PLAY list this year and tell them that The Pipeline Show sent you. You won't regret it.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The down-low with Bristowe
Posted by Allan Bristowe
First of all I would like to thank Dean and Guy for the opportunity to be a part of the Pipeline blog. It’s great to work with Dean again after going to broadcasting school with him. I did want to add this one tid bit of information: Even though the Raiders are in fight for a playoff spot, and won’t catch Dean’s Wheat Kings as I write my first blog... Last night the scoreboard read: RAIDERS 2 WHEAT KINGS 1.
All kidding aside my first topic is about a special young player that a lot of people in the east may not have heard about, but you will. Prince George Cougar forward Brett Connolly is the best 16 year old in the league in my opinion and should be named rookie of the year in the WHL.
He may not have as many points as Jordan Weal (13 goals 49 assists for 62 points) from Regina or Everett’s 17 year old rookie Kellan Tochkin (18 goals 51 assists for 69 points). Connolly leads the Cougars in scoring with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 59 games. The PG Product will likely by named the Cougars MVP for the season and does things on many nights that you don’t see 19 year olds do in the dub.
Even Cats Head Coach Wade Klippenstein has said many times he’s been the best player on the ice for both teams. One weekend in particular comes to mind in January when the Cats faced the Kelowna Rockets with Jamie Benn, Tyler Myers in the line-up after winning gold for Canada at the world junior championship. Plus the Rockets had just received Mikael Backlund from the Calgary Flames. The 6 foot 1’,162 pound left winger’s been putting up good numbers all season despite losing line mate Dana Tyrell at Christmas time.
The Cougars have had such a tough time finding another player to go along with Connolly and centre man Marek Viedensky they tried 5 different players in one period recently. I think Connolly might even be the top WHL player selected in the 2010 NHL draft. He’s worth the price of admission and a player people should keep on their radar. He’s already on the mind of NHL scouts.
That’s the Down-low with Bristowe. Next week we’ll take a look at the WHL western conference playoff picture which should have all 8 teams decided by this weekend.
First of all I would like to thank Dean and Guy for the opportunity to be a part of the Pipeline blog. It’s great to work with Dean again after going to broadcasting school with him. I did want to add this one tid bit of information: Even though the Raiders are in fight for a playoff spot, and won’t catch Dean’s Wheat Kings as I write my first blog... Last night the scoreboard read: RAIDERS 2 WHEAT KINGS 1.
All kidding aside my first topic is about a special young player that a lot of people in the east may not have heard about, but you will. Prince George Cougar forward Brett Connolly is the best 16 year old in the league in my opinion and should be named rookie of the year in the WHL.
He may not have as many points as Jordan Weal (13 goals 49 assists for 62 points) from Regina or Everett’s 17 year old rookie Kellan Tochkin (18 goals 51 assists for 69 points). Connolly leads the Cougars in scoring with 29 goals and 27 assists for 56 points in 59 games. The PG Product will likely by named the Cougars MVP for the season and does things on many nights that you don’t see 19 year olds do in the dub.
Even Cats Head Coach Wade Klippenstein has said many times he’s been the best player on the ice for both teams. One weekend in particular comes to mind in January when the Cats faced the Kelowna Rockets with Jamie Benn, Tyler Myers in the line-up after winning gold for Canada at the world junior championship. Plus the Rockets had just received Mikael Backlund from the Calgary Flames. The 6 foot 1’,162 pound left winger’s been putting up good numbers all season despite losing line mate Dana Tyrell at Christmas time.
The Cougars have had such a tough time finding another player to go along with Connolly and centre man Marek Viedensky they tried 5 different players in one period recently. I think Connolly might even be the top WHL player selected in the 2010 NHL draft. He’s worth the price of admission and a player people should keep on their radar. He’s already on the mind of NHL scouts.
That’s the Down-low with Bristowe. Next week we’ll take a look at the WHL western conference playoff picture which should have all 8 teams decided by this weekend.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
New head Hound in Notre Dame, and TPS adds another blogger.
It's come to my attention that Notre Dame will have a new head coach for it's Junior A team next year. Mike Vandeberghe is leaving the team at the end of the season. The former Brandon Wheat King D-man will help out with the University of Regina as well as help out with team Western for the U-17's. "Big Red" is also heading to Romania this spring to help coach the countries national team alongside former Brandon University Bobcat head coach Tom Skinner. This means in two years the Hounds will have a new coach for their Junior A team as well as AAA midget team after Dale Derkatch left to coach Regina of the WHL.
Speaking of "Joe Pesci" as some have dubbed Derkatch, someone asked me today through a text message if his job was in jeopardy because the Pats post Christmas slide. From what I've heard, G.M. Brent Parker is standing behind his man. But that has been the kiss of death for coaches in the past.
One final note, starting next week on this day, TPS will welcome CKPG TV sports director Allan Bristowe for the "Down-lo with Bristowe". Big Al will give us his take on the WHL's western conference and other items in the world of prospects. However we may have to rein Bristowe in if the P.A. Raiders beat out the Oil Kings for the 8th and final playoff spot, as Prince Albert is his home town. On the bright side, Bristowe is also cut from the goalie cloth so there will be more pipeman talk from The Pipeline Show. I'm very pleased to welcome my old Western Academy Broadcasting College buddy to "Coming Down The Pipe"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Falcons win streak over, Oil Kings go Cougar Hunting, Jumbo Joe strikes gold for Pioneers
Springfield's win streak has ended just as it was getting started...literally. After doubling up Portland 6-3 Tuesday, they fell to Worcester 2-1 in overtime. Springfield grabbed a point for the second straight night though. Newly acquired Charles Linglet scored the only Falcons goal. The winger was picked up from Peoria, the farm club of the St. Louis Blues, in exchange for Carl Corazzini. Corazzini was signed in the off season to a minor league deal.
Devan Dubnyk was the games 2nd star and deservedly so, kicking out 35 saves with the game winner a deflection with under a minute to go in next goal wins time. Gilbert Brule sat this one out with an injury, as did Geoff Paukovich (See Guy's post below) You can hear Head Coach Rob Daum's post game comments courtesy of the Falcons website. Springfield is home to Bridgeport tomorrow and travel to Providence Sunday.
Meanwhile, apparently Guy was a little premature with his locust warning (again see below) as the assist J.F. Jacques looked to get last night on a Liam Reddox goal, has been taken away by the NHL.
The Edmonton Oil Kings brought out both barrels in Prince George Friday night, firing 38 shots on net and winning 3-2. Jeff Lee, Thomas Vincour, and Logan Proulx scored for Edmonton.
Vincour was playing just his 3rd game since January 11th due to an injury. P.G. pulled within 1 with 51 seconds to play, but the Kings held off a late rally. The same two teams will do it again tomorrow night in Big Al Bristowe's town. Prince Albert was idle so the OK kids are tied with the Raiders for the 8th and final playoff spot. Regina beat Moose Jaw on Rogers Sportsnet so the Pats are still 8 points back. 2 interesting things about the Pats, they gave away some really cool posters as Guy pointed out below and was shown on Global TV Friday, and Colton Teubert went off on fans in Regina. Check out Greg Harder's story. I hope this guy turns things around, because when he's good he can be a game changer with big hits. But it's his reputation that's taking a big hit right now.
Also tonight former Camrose Kodiak Joe Colborne, who was once a guest blogger for TPS, came up extremely large for the Denver Pioneers tonight. The game was on the NHL network, and Colborne made sure it didn't end on time, scoring the tying goal with 15 seconds to go. The Pioneers won it the first minute into overtime. It's the second straight week Jumbo Joe has tied a contest as he salvaged a point against Colorado College last weekend. After a slow start with just 2 goals in his first 16 games, the Bruins first rounder has 3 in 2 games and 5 points in 4 February games. He has 26 points in 31 games overall, and if he can finish strong he might catch the eye of Team Canada for next year's World Junior Championship in Saskatoon and Regina.
Devan Dubnyk was the games 2nd star and deservedly so, kicking out 35 saves with the game winner a deflection with under a minute to go in next goal wins time. Gilbert Brule sat this one out with an injury, as did Geoff Paukovich (See Guy's post below) You can hear Head Coach Rob Daum's post game comments courtesy of the Falcons website. Springfield is home to Bridgeport tomorrow and travel to Providence Sunday.Meanwhile, apparently Guy was a little premature with his locust warning (again see below) as the assist J.F. Jacques looked to get last night on a Liam Reddox goal, has been taken away by the NHL.
The Edmonton Oil Kings brought out both barrels in Prince George Friday night, firing 38 shots on net and winning 3-2. Jeff Lee, Thomas Vincour, and Logan Proulx scored for Edmonton.
Vincour was playing just his 3rd game since January 11th due to an injury. P.G. pulled within 1 with 51 seconds to play, but the Kings held off a late rally. The same two teams will do it again tomorrow night in Big Al Bristowe's town. Prince Albert was idle so the OK kids are tied with the Raiders for the 8th and final playoff spot. Regina beat Moose Jaw on Rogers Sportsnet so the Pats are still 8 points back. 2 interesting things about the Pats, they gave away some really cool posters as Guy pointed out below and was shown on Global TV Friday, and Colton Teubert went off on fans in Regina. Check out Greg Harder's story. I hope this guy turns things around, because when he's good he can be a game changer with big hits. But it's his reputation that's taking a big hit right now.
Also tonight former Camrose Kodiak Joe Colborne, who was once a guest blogger for TPS, came up extremely large for the Denver Pioneers tonight. The game was on the NHL network, and Colborne made sure it didn't end on time, scoring the tying goal with 15 seconds to go. The Pioneers won it the first minute into overtime. It's the second straight week Jumbo Joe has tied a contest as he salvaged a point against Colorado College last weekend. After a slow start with just 2 goals in his first 16 games, the Bruins first rounder has 3 in 2 games and 5 points in 4 February games. He has 26 points in 31 games overall, and if he can finish strong he might catch the eye of Team Canada for next year's World Junior Championship in Saskatoon and Regina.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Beach Weather In Lethbridge
The first big domino has toppled when it comes to trades in the WHL, as the Lethbridge Hurricanes picked up power forward Kyle Beach from Everett. The Canes also grabbed 19 year old D-man Mark Alexander in the deal, but gave up a first round pick in next year's bantam draft, as well as former 6th overall selection Alex Theriau whom Lethbridge drafted in 2007. The Silvertips also get 18 year old Dan Iwanski.
This is an interesting trade from a couple of perspectives. As of Tuesday, Everett was in 5th place in the western conference, but obviously they don't think they have the horses to contend with Vancouver, Spokane or Tri City come playoff time. They also don't think Kyle Beach will be back in the WHL next year, or they didn't want the 2008 Chicago Blackhawk 1st rounder back.
Another theory that was brought up on The Pipeline Show Tuesday night was that Beach wanted out of Everett. That was brought to us by PGTV sports director Allan Bristowe. From a Lethbridge angle they get a dominant combination of size and skill, but Kyle Beach does come with baggage. TPS is a fan of his on ice product, but we have spoken to people across the league who say he's a 'buyer beware' type of player.
He taped OHL over the Canadian logo at a Hockey Canada camp a few years ago, in a loud protest over Ontario Hockey League players getting more ice time. He also allegedly ridiculed Milan Lucic, shrugging his shoulders in a hunch backed manor, despite the fact that Lucic has a medical condition which cause his upper back to curve up.
If Beach hits Lethbridge and fits in, the currently tied for 8th place Canes could find themselves movin' on up like George Jefferson. If not it could wreck the room and their playoff chances. Hopefully the 18 year old works out in Lethbridge and it's the start to repairing his damaged reputation. It would also help the Canes if Beach returns next year.
The Kelowna Rockets appear to be a whole lot better without making a move yet. With Michael Backlund set to join the Rockets it give them even more offence to the 4th place club, that has scored the 4th most goals in the west. Backlund was terrific for Sweden in the WJC leading all Sweden forwards in scoring. He was especially good against Slovakia. Backlund was the player that got things going for the Swedes and allowed them to avoid the same fate as the U.S.A one game earlier.
The Flames want their 2007 1st round pick in North America and with his playing time being cut drastically in Sweden it seemed a perfect fit, especially if the Rockets go on a lengthy run. I did read some disgruntled Kelowna fans who were upset their team didn't get in on the Kyle Beach bidding, but they could be getting someone soon in a trade. According to Allan Bristowe on TPS Tuesday, Kelowna is eyeing up St. Albert product Jesse Dudas. The 6'1", 226 pound blueliner is currently with Swift Current, but according to Bristowe didn't report to Speedy Creek and has been told he'll be traded. It will be the Columbus Blue Jacket's 4th WHL team if the deal happens.
Other names being bandied about right now, Defenceman Nick Ross out of Kamloops, a Phoenix Coyotes 1st rounder from 2007. I would be shocked if Joel Broda isn't dealt by Moose Jaw. The Capitals 5th round pick from 2008 has 35 goals in 38 games (as of Tuesday) and in my opinion would look great with Saskatoon. The Blades could use some scoring to compliment their great goaltending and solid blueline. It's been a long time since the Blades made a push at the deadline and this might be the year to do it.
I'm also wondering out loud if Kelly McCrimmon tries to get something for 19 year giant blueliner Keith Aulie. He's 6'6", 222 pounds and proved he could keep up with fleet footed stars at the WJC. He would solidify a few team's back end. Does Aulie return for a 20 year old season in Brandon next year? I doubt it. I think the Flames will have him in the AHL with Quad City. While the Wheat Kings are 3rd in the eastern conference right now thanks to a 8-0-1 run lately, you know they'll want to load up for next year when they host the Memorial Cup. And in Regina Brent Parker has to ask himself the same question when it comes to studs Jordan Eberle (Oilers 22nd overall 2008) and Colten Tuebert (Kings 13th overall 2008) will they be back next year, or does he get a ton of young prospects and draft picks in return for them this year?
The WHL's trade deadline is January 10th, and it should be an interesting one, stay tune and feel free to give us your thoughts on upcoming trades or ones that have already happened.
This is an interesting trade from a couple of perspectives. As of Tuesday, Everett was in 5th place in the western conference, but obviously they don't think they have the horses to contend with Vancouver, Spokane or Tri City come playoff time. They also don't think Kyle Beach will be back in the WHL next year, or they didn't want the 2008 Chicago Blackhawk 1st rounder back.
Another theory that was brought up on The Pipeline Show Tuesday night was that Beach wanted out of Everett. That was brought to us by PGTV sports director Allan Bristowe. From a Lethbridge angle they get a dominant combination of size and skill, but Kyle Beach does come with baggage. TPS is a fan of his on ice product, but we have spoken to people across the league who say he's a 'buyer beware' type of player.
He taped OHL over the Canadian logo at a Hockey Canada camp a few years ago, in a loud protest over Ontario Hockey League players getting more ice time. He also allegedly ridiculed Milan Lucic, shrugging his shoulders in a hunch backed manor, despite the fact that Lucic has a medical condition which cause his upper back to curve up.
If Beach hits Lethbridge and fits in, the currently tied for 8th place Canes could find themselves movin' on up like George Jefferson. If not it could wreck the room and their playoff chances. Hopefully the 18 year old works out in Lethbridge and it's the start to repairing his damaged reputation. It would also help the Canes if Beach returns next year.
The Kelowna Rockets appear to be a whole lot better without making a move yet. With Michael Backlund set to join the Rockets it give them even more offence to the 4th place club, that has scored the 4th most goals in the west. Backlund was terrific for Sweden in the WJC leading all Sweden forwards in scoring. He was especially good against Slovakia. Backlund was the player that got things going for the Swedes and allowed them to avoid the same fate as the U.S.A one game earlier.
The Flames want their 2007 1st round pick in North America and with his playing time being cut drastically in Sweden it seemed a perfect fit, especially if the Rockets go on a lengthy run. I did read some disgruntled Kelowna fans who were upset their team didn't get in on the Kyle Beach bidding, but they could be getting someone soon in a trade. According to Allan Bristowe on TPS Tuesday, Kelowna is eyeing up St. Albert product Jesse Dudas. The 6'1", 226 pound blueliner is currently with Swift Current, but according to Bristowe didn't report to Speedy Creek and has been told he'll be traded. It will be the Columbus Blue Jacket's 4th WHL team if the deal happens.Other names being bandied about right now, Defenceman Nick Ross out of Kamloops, a Phoenix Coyotes 1st rounder from 2007. I would be shocked if Joel Broda isn't dealt by Moose Jaw. The Capitals 5th round pick from 2008 has 35 goals in 38 games (as of Tuesday) and in my opinion would look great with Saskatoon. The Blades could use some scoring to compliment their great goaltending and solid blueline. It's been a long time since the Blades made a push at the deadline and this might be the year to do it.
I'm also wondering out loud if Kelly McCrimmon tries to get something for 19 year giant blueliner Keith Aulie. He's 6'6", 222 pounds and proved he could keep up with fleet footed stars at the WJC. He would solidify a few team's back end. Does Aulie return for a 20 year old season in Brandon next year? I doubt it. I think the Flames will have him in the AHL with Quad City. While the Wheat Kings are 3rd in the eastern conference right now thanks to a 8-0-1 run lately, you know they'll want to load up for next year when they host the Memorial Cup. And in Regina Brent Parker has to ask himself the same question when it comes to studs Jordan Eberle (Oilers 22nd overall 2008) and Colten Tuebert (Kings 13th overall 2008) will they be back next year, or does he get a ton of young prospects and draft picks in return for them this year?
The WHL's trade deadline is January 10th, and it should be an interesting one, stay tune and feel free to give us your thoughts on upcoming trades or ones that have already happened.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tyrell Out For Season
Just heard that Dana Tyrell will need season ending ACL surgery. There is also MCL damage that the Prince George Cougar captain suffered Friday night against Sweden in Canada's first World Junior pre tournament game. This is an extremely tough blow for a guy who didn't make the team last year due to injury and would have been a hot commodity at the deadline. It means Tyrell won't get a chance to battle for a gold medal or a Memorial Cup in what will be his last chance. He just signed a contract with Tampa before the camp began.
According to PGTV sports director Allan Bristowe Hockey Canada might bring Tyrell back for the medal round and want him to feel like part of the team. It's a nice touch.
According to PGTV sports director Allan Bristowe Hockey Canada might bring Tyrell back for the medal round and want him to feel like part of the team. It's a nice touch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)