Fargo U18's Going Under?

This picture pretty much says it all. The World U18 Hockey Championship is about to kick off in Fargo, ND but there are some pretty big hurdles for the tournament to overcome for it to be considered a success.

Brad Elliot Schlossman is a friend of The Pipeline Show. He covers the Fighting Sioux in North Dakota and has been keeping tabs on the U18s, especially now that UND hockey is done for the year. He recently had this post on his blog (always linked at the right).

It's not a pretty picture that Brad paints. It's unfortunate timing to say the least because, as Brad points out, at a time when the community has much bigger issues to deal with no one is going to be thinking about hockey. And those who are somehow able to use the tournament as a temporary escape from reality and try to attend... well, sounds like they have a horrible experience awaiting them on the way to the UPC as well.

I've never been to the Urban Plains Center but from the scouts and players that I have spoken with who have been there, it's a great facility - on the inside. Aagin, Brad's description of the current mess surrounding the building might be enough to keep people away and if the flood waters actually do reach the rink you know that's going to kill any walk up, or wade up, crowd there might have been.

Television coverage of the event is sparse until the final few days. I believe that TSN in Canada is going to be showing some of Canada's final games and the medal round as well. It's unfortunate that there isn't more available because it sounds like TV might be the best way to take in the action.

Best of luck to those living in the area.

Signings Usher in New Wave for NHL

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Every spring there is a new crop of drafted players who sign their entry level deals or free agents who defy the odds and ink contracts without every having been drafted in the first place. This year is no different and some of the names that have been etched on dotted lines lately represent the future of the NHL.

Here's a rundown on what has been happening around the league over the last few weeks that you might have missed.

ANAHEIM

The Ducks went the collegiate route signing Minnesota-Duluth forward MacGregor Sharp. The Red Deer native led the Bulldogs in scoring with 50 points in 43 games and set career highs in all categories this year as a senior. Before college Sharp played 3 years in the AJHL for Boris Rybalka and the Camrose Kodiaks. Sharp reported to AHL Iowa last week.

Anaheim also came to terms with Mark Mitera, a defenceman of the Michigan Wolverines who was the Ducks' 1st round pick (19th overall) back in 2006. Mitera is 6'3 and 215 lbs or so and is a decent 2-way defenceman who often played in the shadow of guys like Jack Johnson (LA) and Matt Hunwick (BOS). Mitera is already in Iowa and has 2 points in 3 games.

BOSTON

It was announced last night that the Bruins have inked free agent forward Yannick Riendeau who compiled 126 points in 64 regular season games for the Drummondville Voltigeurs this season. The Volts are still alive in the QMJHL playoffs and are considered one of the favorites to represent the league at this year's Memorial Cup in Rimouski. After only 4 playoff games Riendeau already has an incredible 19 points. The 5'10 winger hails from Brossard, PQ.

BUFFALO

The Sabres signed their 7th rounder from 2005. Matt Generous is a 6'3 blueliner who spent the last 4 years at St. Lawrence University where he totalled 56 points over 4 seasons with the Saints. Hockey's Future does not consider Generous to be a strong prospect for the Sabres.

Interesting side note, I was recetnly approached by a Sabres scout who mentioned to me that The Pipeline Show had been recommended to the NHL club's scouting staff as an excellent prospects resource. I looked into it, found out the name of the Buffalo contact who did the recommending and called him to say hello and express our gratitude.

CALGARY

Both John Negrin and Matt Pelech were signed a while ago but the pair of defencemen have been recalled by the Flames thanks to the rash of injuries currently plaguing Calgary's line up. Negrin split this past season between Kootenay and Swift Current and compiled career highs in all categories. The Vancouver product was a 3rd round pick by the Flames in 2007 and would definitely go sooner than that if that draft were done over today.

Pelech is already in his second pro season but the former 1st rounder had not dressed for the big club until recently. The 6'3 225 lbs rearguard was drafted while a member of the Sarnia Sting but he also played for the London Knights and the Belleville Bulls during his OHL career.

CAROLINA

He's one of Carolina's top prospects according to Hockey's Future and now Jamie McBain has embraked on his pro career. He spent the last three seasons as a key member of the Wisconsin Badgers including this past season where his 37 points in 40 games was a team high. McBain was a second round pick by the Hurricanes back in 2006 and is considered by everyone that I have spoken to as a player who will have little trouble making the jump to the NHL. He's also got a wealth of experience playing for USA on the international stage.

COLORADO

The Avalanche signed Minnesota Golden Gopher Ryan Stoa, their 2nd round pick from 2005. The 6'3 and 215 lb center stayed in college for 4 seasons although he missed almost all of his junior year due to injury. Stoa rebounded with 24 goals and 46 points for the Gophers this year, and was the team's leading scorer.

DALLAS

The Stars have had a lot of luck with their NCAA trained netminder in Marty Turco and recently signed another one. Colorado College Tigers goalie Richard Bachman was considered one of the best collegiate goalies this time last year but he and his club were disappointments this season. The 5'10 Bachman hails from Salt Lake City Utah and played his junior days in the USHL with Cedar Rapids and Chicago. Dallas selected Bachman in the 4th round back in 2006.

EDMONTON

The Oilers signed 2008 1st rounder Jordan Eberle to a 3-year entry level deal in late March. Once his WHL season was complete in Regina, Eberle joined the AHL Springfield Falcons and has notched 3 points in 5 games. The smallish forward had a good but not stellar year with the Pats but will be forever etched in Hockey Canada history for his memorable goal against Russia at the 2009 World Junior Championship in Ottawa.

Edmonton also recalled Taylor Chorney from the AHL. The 2nd rounder from 2005 has spent the entire year on the farm where he and numerous other Oiler prospects have floundered on the cellar dwelling team. Chorney is considered one of Edmonton's top prospects by HF

FLORIDA

Matt Duffy was a 4th round pick by the Panthers in the 2005 draft and he's been at the University of Maine every since. The 6'2 rearguard had 17 points as a senior this year, turned pro and went to the ECHL for a couple of games and is now in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In 4 games with the Americans he already has 5 points.

LOS ANGELES

The Ohio State Buckeyes made it to the NCAA Tournament and leading the way was forward undrafted forward Corey Elkins. With 41 points in 42 games, Elkins showed enough for the Kings who have signed him and kept him around the NHL club rather than ship him off to Manchester. The Minnesota native is listed at 6'2 and 200 lbs. His 41 points this year are more than double the production of his previous three college seasons... combined.

MINNESOTA

The Kelowna Rockets announced recently that forward Cody Almond had signed his entry level contract with the Wild. He was a 5th round selection of Minnesota in 2007 and has continued to develop as a member of the powerful Kelowna club. Almond's stats have increased each year going from 43 to 56 to 66 points this year which includes 33 goals. The Rockets are still active in the WHL playoffs but this might be the Calgarian's last go around in Kelowna.

Minnesota has also signed Denver Pioneers forward Patrick Mullen. He's small and has never scored more than 7 goals (freshman year) but the 5'10 Pittsburgh product obviously showed enough to the Wild to make them want to sign him. Mullen has yet to make his pro debut.

MONTREAL

Any time the Montreal Canadiens sneeze it makes news and make no mistake, their recent signing of Olivier Fortier was no different. HF doesn't have Fortier in Montreal's top 20 but Fortier has shown that at the junior level, he can produce. He had 35 points in 29 games this year with Rimouski and in the playoffs he's added 6 more in 4 games. He's an averaged sized center who was taken in the 3rd round.

NEW YORK RANGERS

Paul Crowder is a Victoria BC native who has spent the last three years with the Seawolves of Alaska. The 3-year NCAA came to an end recently when he signed on with the Rangers. Crowder compiled 33 points in 35 games with Alaska-Anchorage but has just one since suiting up for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. His brother Tim was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

OTTAWA

Craig Schira is an over-age defeceman with the Vancouver Giants who put up 59 points in 71 WHL games this year. Schira was undrafted but the Sens liked what they saw in the Saskatchewan product and signed him to a deal just last week. The Giants might be playing longer than Ottawa this year as they are one of the favorites to represent the WHL at the Memorial Cup in Rimouski this May.

PHILADELPHIA

The Flyers have been busy. First they were able to get 2007 pick Mario Kempe out of Sweden and into the AHL on an Amateur Tryout. The 5th rounder is an offensive defenceman who played 2 years in the QMJHL with the St. John's Fog Devils before heading back home this past year. In 4 games with the AHL Phantoms Kempe has yet to hit the score sheet.

Philly also signed another Swede, this time it was 27-year-old UFA goalie Johan Backlund. The keeper played for Timrå in the Swedish Elite League and had a 2.56 GAA and .907 save percentage through 49 games.

The biggest news out of Philly though is the signing of top prospect James vanRiemsdyk. Rumors were that the Flyers were unhappy about the lack of statistical development of 'JVR' with the Wildcats and that he was available at the trade deadline. Having him under contract will make it easier to move the 6'3 left winger and so all eyes will be n the Flyers at the draft to see if they dangle the promising player to move up.

PHOENIX

The Coyotes recently announced signing former Prince Albert Raider Jeff May to a contract. May was originally drafted in 2005 by the Detroit Red Wings, went unsigned but did not get re-selected in the 2007 draft. He ended his WHL career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes after being acquired at the deadline. This season May has bounced around the minor leagues going from AHL Norfolk to ECHL Las Vegas, back up to AHL Providence and now finally he's settled in San Antonio, the affiliate of the Coyotes.

PITTSBURGH

Mark Letestu was a stanout with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, played 1 year of NCAA hockey at Western Michigan and then signed with the Penguins. He's spent the last couple of years in Wilkes-Barre and recently was signed to an extention. Letestu had 22 goals and 57 points this year.

Yesterday it was announced that the Penguins had signed free agent goalie Brad Thiessen from the Northeastern Huskies. Thiessen is a Hobey Baker finalist after his stellar campaign with the Huskies. The B.C. product was still eligible to return for a senior year but opted to turn pro instead. The Penguins are deep in NCAA goalie prospects with Thiessen, Chad Johnson (Alaska-Fairbanks junior) and John Curry (former BU Terrier).

SAN JOSE

They are one of the NHL's best teams when it comes to drafting or signing NCAA players so when the San Jose Sharks come to terms with Boston College blueliner Nick Petrecki, it should be something that perks your interest. Petrecki is a really physical defenceman that I first got to see in person as a 17-year-old playing for the USHL at the Viking Cup in 2006. He was impressive then and the Sharks went out of their way to be able to draft him at the end of the 1st round that June. Rough, tough and mean make Petrecki one to watch.

Joe Loprieno won't be a name that many recognize but Merrimack Warriors fans are upset that he's left as a junior and chosen not to return for a fourth and final year. The defenceman only had 13 points through his first 3 NCAA years but some regard him as the team's best player so the Sharks are likely getting a defensive specialist who is probably considered a bit of a project. 22-year-old Loprieno was never drafted.

ST.LOUIS

The Blues have been making news with their signings as of late beginning with Brett Sonne of the Calgary Hitmen. The 100-point scorer had a strong WHL year and also helped Canada win gold at the 2009 WJC in Ottawa. Calgary are a explosive team and the favorites to be crowned WHL champions so it's unlikely the Blues see Sonne this year.

St. Louis drafted big Anothony Peluso in the 6th round on the 2007 draft. Peluso, 6'4 and 235 lbs, played for Erie, Sault Ste. Marie and most recently the Brampton Battalion in the OHL. Like Sonne, Peluso's team is expected to be playing well into the playoffs.

London Knights forward Phil McRae was a 2nd round pick of the Blues just last June but the NHL club already has him under wraps. The would-be second generation NHL scored 29 goals and 60 points with the Knights this year.

Perhaps the most notable player the Blues have recently signed is Aaron Palushaj. The Michigan Wolverine star was a second round pick for St. Louis in 2007 but he's been terrific since hitting the NCAA. The winger had 50 points this year after a 44-point freshman campaign a year ago. HF lists Palushaj as the 5th best prospect in their organization but the Blues are currently ranked #1 in the league thanks to fantastic drafting coupled with lousy NHL performance.

TORONTO

The Maple Leafs recently signed Notre Dame forward Christian Hanson to a contract and he made his NHL debut last night in a 8-5 loss to the Flyers. He played 2 years in the USHL before his 4-year career with the Fighting Irish which ended ten days ago with a historic first round upset loss to Bemidji State in the NCAA tournament. Hanson scored 16 goals and had 31 points as a senior, by far his best college year statistically.

Drumondville traded for Chris Didomenico at the Q-deadline and it's paid off for them. The forward was a point per game player during the season and currently has 14 points in 4 playoff games. He was part of Canada's gold medal winning team at the WJC and he was signed by the Leafs not that long ago.

Alex Berry was a 5th round pick of Toronto's in 2005 and the Massachusetts winger signed on with the Buds once his NCAA career came to a close a couple weeks ago. Berry is listed at 6'2 and 212 lbs and had 30 points this year for the Minutemen.
Yesterday it was annouced that Denver Pioneers forward Tyler Bozak had also inked a deal with the Leafs. The hotly sought after Bozak had 23 points in 19 games but missed a lot of the year due to injury. During that time off he was a guest on The Pipeline Show where he certainly impressed us with a solid interview.

VANCOUVER

Taylor Ellington went wall-to-wall as a Silvertip in his 5-year WHL career. Everett didn't trade him away this year at the deadline even though they probably would have gotten a decent return for the Victoria native. Vancouver signed him earlier in March. He was a 2nd round pick back in 2007 for the Canucks.

The Canucks also signed free agent Eric Walsky away from the Colorado College Tigers. Walsky is a native Alaskan who played two years with the Seawolves before sitting out a year as a transfer to C.C. where he ended his NCAA career with a 36-point campaign. Walksy has a pair of points in 4 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose.

WASHINGTON

Trevor Bruess was a junior at Makato and actually saw a big drop in his offensive production this year but that didn't scare off the Capitals. The Minnesota product scored 12 goals and had 5 helpers but that's a significant drop off from his 30-point sophomore season.

St. Lawrence Saints forward Zach Miskovic also signed on with Washington after completing his senior year. Miskovic had 16 goals and 25 points for the Saints, fourth in team scoring.

The biggest signing the Caps made, literally, is that of huling blueliner Joe Finley. The 6'7, 240 lbs blueliner had spent the last 4 years at the University of North Dakota after being a late first round pick in the 2005 draft. Finley is defence-first player but is an intimidating force that will mess you up in the corners or in front of the net.

One on One: Brandon Kozun

Round 2 of the WHL playoffs kicks off tonight and one of the most anticipated series is going to be the one between the Calgary Hitmen and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Calgary steamrolled over the Edmonton Oil Kings while the 'Canes went the 7-game distance before eliminating the Saskatoon Blades.

Calgary's lineup consists of an almost endless supply of offensive weapons. Joel Broda was the league's only 50-goal scorer this season, Brett Sonne cracked the 100-point plateau, Paul Postma had 84 points from the blueline and the team had six 20-goal scorers.

The Hitmen have 8 players drafted to NHL teams including Postma (ATL), Sonne and Ian Schultz (STL), Alex Plante (EDM), Michael Stone (PHX), Keith Seabrook and Broda (WSH) as well as Carson McMillan (MIN). Netminder Martin Jones was signed by the Los Angeles Kings after being a free agent invite to training camp last fall.

Leading the statistical charge though is an undrafted 19-year-old named Brandon Kozun who ended the year with an impressive 40 goals and 108 points. The Calgary native added 5 more points during the opening round sweep of Edmonton and was a plus-6 while doing it.

I had a chance to talk with Kozun after Game 4 in Edmonton and we discussed that series win, the seemingly flawless Hitmen lineup and also got his own explanation of why he thinks he went undrafted last year and how that fueled his fire for this season.

I've asked a number of scouts this year why Kozun was passed over and as you can probably guess by looking at the picture above, it all comes down to size (5'8, 150 lbs). But in a world where 5'9 160 lbs Patrick Kane is a Calder Trophy winner and 5'9 165 lbs Tyler Ennis is a first round pick you know that century point scorer Kozun is not going to slip through the cracks again this June.

You can hear the TPS exclusive interview HERE.

Predictions from The Pipeline Show and Pals

The puck drops on the WHL's second round playoff series tonight, and like we did in the first round, The Pipeline Show and some of our pals are making predictions. But first here's how the first round went for us.

Allan Bristowe-TPS Western Correspondant/PGTV - 4-0 (only predicited west)
Rod Pedersen-Voice of the Regina Pats - 2-2 (only predicted east)
Cam Moon-Voice of the Red Deer Rebels - 2-2 (only predicted east)
A.J. Jakubec-Voice of the Edmonton Oil Kings - 7-1
Guy Flaming-TPS - 6-2
Dean Millard-TPS - 8-0

So here we go for round two:

Medicine Hat Vs. Brandon

Moon: Wheat Kings in 6

Millard: Wheat Kings in 6

Pedersen: Wheat Kings in 6

Flaming: Wheat Kings in 6

Jakubec: Wheat Kings in 5

Bristowe: Wheat Kings in 6

Lethbridge Vs. Calgary

Moon: Hitmen in 5

Millard: Hitmen in 6

Pedersen: Hitmen in 6

Flaming: Hitmen in 6

Jakubec: Hitmen in 5

Bristowe: Hitmen in 5

Spokane Vs. Vancouver

Moon: Giants in 6

Millard: Giants in 7

Pedersen: Giants in 6

Jakubec: Giants in 6

Flaming: Giants in 6

Bristowe: Giants in 6

Kelowna Vs. Tri City

Moon: Rockets in 7

Millard: Rockets in 6

Flaming: Rockets in 6

Pedersen: Rockets in 6

Jakubec: Rockets in 5

Bristowe: Rockets in 7

Canada U18 Roster Released

Hot off the press... here is Hockey Canada's list as they have officially announced the roster for the U18s that kicks off for real on April 9th in Fargo, ND. You can tell by looking at the names why Hockey Canada waited so long to make it official as some of these players were still active in their league playoffs until the last 48 hours.

Goalies

1 Bryce O'Hagan 6'2" 194 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
30 Michael Zador 6'2" 189 Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Defence

3 Brayden McNabb 6'4" 195 Kootenay Ice (WHL)
4 Simon Despres 6'4" 214 Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
5 Erik Gudbranson 6'3" 195 Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
6 Stefan Elliott 6'1" 184 B.C. Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
12 Dylan Olsen 6'2" 195 Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
24 Calvin de Haan 6'0" 170 Oshawa Generals (OHL)
26 Taylor Doherty 6'8" 218 Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Forwards

7 Michael Fine 6'0" 191 Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
8 Brett Connolly 6'1" 162 Prince George Cougars (WHL)
9 Ryan O'Reilly 6'0" 205 Erie Otters (OHL)
10 Zack Kassian 6'3" 205 Peterborough Petes (OHL)
14 Byron Froese 6'0" 171 Everett Silvertips (WHL)
15 Garrett Mitchell 5'11" 181 Regina Pats (WHL)
16 Landon Ferraro 5'11" 165 Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
17 John McFarland 6'0" 192 Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
18 Joey Hishon 5'10" 166 Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
21 Cody Eakin 5'11" 174 Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
22 Curtis Hamilton 6'3" Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
23 Kyle Clifford 6'1" 200 Barrie Colts (OHL)
25 Ethan Werek 6'2" 195 Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Thoughts: A trio of '92 born players made the cut including a defenceman but not Mark Pysyk as some had thought/hoped... There are four underage forwards including two 'late' 91's in Joey Hishon and Curtis Hamilton.... One of the big surprises is in net where Scott Stajcer is a notable omission which makes me wonder if there is an injury to the Owen Sound keeper... TPS Guest bloggers Ethan Werek and Dylan Olsen are on the team as is another unannounced but verbally committed contributor... potential WHL rookie of the Year Brett Connelly is the youngest player on the team... the breakdown by league is OHL (12), WHL (8), AJHL (1), QMJHL (1)...

Omark strikes again

Another dandy from an Oilers prospect overseas. See for yourself



I love how the coaches are busting a nut laughing on the bench after the goal.

2 things about this goal. Apparently it was a friendly game between Sweden and Switzerland. The other is that his name is spelled Linus, but he's not like the Charlie Brown character. It's pronounced "Lee-nus." Oilers assistant general manager Kevin Prendergast told me a while back, that Omark went out of his way to make that point.

Would Omark try that move in a regular season or playoff game? Why the hell not, if it works who cares. Isn't the point to fool or catch the goalie off guard. I for one applaud this stuff.

I really hope that Omark signs with the Oilers and we get to see if the 4th round pick from 2007 can compete for a roster spot here or in Springfield, or is just another small skilled European who struggles in North America. Maybe we'll see some of this from Omark at the World Hockey Championship later this month in Switzerland.

Until then, here's another one from Omark to wet your appetite.

WHL Western Conference 2nd Round Preview

The Down-Low with Bristowe.

The next round of the Western Conference playoffs will be a survival series. All 4 teams made it through their opening series unscathed and none of them went longer than 5 games. Now there are 4 teams remaining who could win the league.

(1) Vancouver vs. Spokane (4)

This is the second straight year these two teams have met in the second round and the winner of the series guarantees that one of the last two Memorial Cup champs will make it to the Western Conference Final. Last year it was Spokane who got by Vancouver and went on to win it all. The Giants will be looking for revenge this time. Vancouver won the season series and a lot of the talk leading up to this series is how the Chiefs ended the Giants run at going to a third consecutive WHL final. Both teams had no problem in the opening round. Vancouver swept Prince George and Spokane needed 5 games against Seattle. Playoff experience is a non-factor in this series.

You might see the Chiefs really miss Jared Cowan in this round after he went down in January with a season ending knee injury. Dustin Tokarski gives 'Spok' the edge in goal and Tyson Sexsmith did struggle in the first round of the playoffs. The Giants have the better defence, Spokane has more high end scoring, but not as much depth. With redemption on their mind I see Vancouver winning in 6 or 7 games.

Key match-up: Dustin Tokarski vs. Tyson Sexsmith


(2) Tri-Cities vs. (3) Kelowna

The Tri-City Americans and Kelowna Rockets make for another intriguing match-up. Each team won twice in their own buildings in their 4 game regular season series. The Americans took an extra game in their first round series to get going against Everett. Kelowna swept Kamloops but some think the Rockets didn’t play their best hockey in that series.
Tri-Cities has the better goaltending on paper. Chet Pickard is one of the best in the league, while Mark Guggenberger is the biggest question mark for the Rockets. Kelowna has the advantage on the blueline with Buffalo Sabers first rounder Tyler Myers. The Rockets have more offensive potential with the likes of Jamie Benn and Colin Long. There’s talk Mikael Backlund might not be ready to start the series after suffering a lower body injury in the opening round against Kamloops. The Rockets have to win atleast once in Kennewick Washington and I think they’ll do it in game 7.

Key match-up: Mitch Fadden vs. Jamie Benn

That’s the Down-Low with Bristowe

Round 2 on the way for the WHL

The Western Hockey League's first round is in the books, so now teams like Brandon, Calgary, Vancouver and Kelowna who swept their opponents can finally get ready for game action. All 4 teams wrapped up their first round series a week ago tonight.

Last night Medicine Hat took out Swift Current in game 7, while tonight another series that went the distance came to an end. All the big nuts came out for Lethbridge in a 4-3 victory to upset the #2 ranked team in the East, Saskatoon, on the Blades home ice. Colton Sceviour notched a pair of goals and set up another, Zach Boychuk scored once and assisted on another, and just how big was getting Luca Sbisa back from Philadelphia this year for the 'Canes? He scored the game winner tonight.

Below is a look at the round 2 schedule, The Spokane-Vancouver series can be seen on SHAW TV, while Sportsnet might be doing the odd game out west as well. And just so you know, one TPS host went a perfect 8-8 in round one, I'll let Guy tell you who it is in the comments section below. It just proves that the sun even shines on a dog's butt sometimes.

HUSKY EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS

SERIES I (Game # - Visitor @ Home; Date)
All Start Times Are Local

#1 - Lethbridge @ Calgary; Friday, April 3 (7:00pm MST)
#2 - Lethbridge @ Calgary; Sunday, April 5 (2:00pm MST)
#3 - Calgary @ Lethbridge; Tuesday, April 7 (7:00pm MST)
#4 - Calgary @ Lethbridge; Wednesday, April 8 (7:00pm MST)
#5 - Calgary @ Lethbridge; Friday, April 10 (7:00pm MST)**
#6 - Lethbridge @ Calgary; Sunday, April 12 (5:00pm MST)**
#7 - Lethbridge @ Calgary; Tuesday, April 14 (7:00pm MST)**
** - if necessary

SERIES J

#1 - Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Saturday, April 4 (7:30pm MST)
#2 - Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Sunday, April 5 (6:00pm MST)
#3 - Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Wednesday, April 8 (7:00pm CST)
#4 - Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Friday, April 10 (7:30pm CST)
#5 - Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Saturday, April 11 (7:30pm CST)**
#6 - Brandon @ Medicine Hat; Monday, April 13 (7:00pm MST)**
#7 - Medicine Hat @ Brandon; Wednesday, April 15 (7:00pm CST)**
** - if necessary


KAL TIRE WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS

SERIES K

#1 - Spokane @ Vancouver; Friday, April 3 (7:30pm PST)
#2 - Spokane @ Vancouver; Saturday, April 4 (7:00pm PST)
#3 - Vancouver @ Spokane; Tuesday, April 7 (7:00pm PST)
#4 - Vancouver @ Spokane; Wednesday, April 8 (7:00pm PST)
#5 - Spokane @ Vancouver; Friday, April 10 (7:30pm PST)**
#6 - Vancouver @ Spokane; Sunday, April 12 (6:00pm PST)**
#7 - Spokane @ Vancouver; Tuesday, April 14 (7:00pm PST)**
** - if necessary

SERIES L

#1 - Kelowna @ Tri-City; Friday, April 3 (7:05pm PST)
#2 - Kelowna @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 4 (7:05pm PST)
#3 - Tri-City @ Kelowna; Tuesday, April 7 (7:00pm PST)
#4 - Tri-City @ Kelowna; Wednesday, April 8 (7:00pm PST)
#5 - Kelowna @ Tri-City; Friday, April 10 (7:05pm PST)**
#6 - Tri-City @ Kelowna; Sunday, April 12 (5:00pm PST)**
#7 - Kelowna @ Tri-City; Tuesday, April 14 (7:05pm PST)**
** - if necessary

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, )

Wednesday Re-Set

The March 31st edition of TPS presented previews and discussion on the OHL playoff picture as well as a look ahead to the Frozen Four. We also spoke with another notable 2009 eiligible draft prospect and chatted with a top prospect recalled by the Edmonton Oilers.

Taylor Chorney started the show off by joining us for a pre-game conversation while Liam Reddox and Marc Pouliot waited to go for supper. Chorney discussed his situation with the Oilers, his performance early on in Springfield compared to the second half of the season and also what the coaching change has meant for some of the AHL roster.

Our OHL insider, Sam Cosentino of Rogers Sportsnet, then walked us through the goings on of that league's post season including a eye witness account of Ottawa 67's bench boss Brian Kilrea's final game. Sam laid out who we should expect to see in the OHL semi-finals and then we all made our predictions as to who would represent the league at the Memorial Cup in Rimouski.

The WHL rookie scoring champ this year was Kellan Tochkin of the Everett Silvertips. The playmaker talked to us about the year that was and looked ahead to the draft and the U18s which he suprisingly isn't going to be a part of. His acceptance of that news and his outlook on the draft rankings was quite surprising. Tochkin has already got us thinking that he could be a steal at the draft if he goes in the mid-late rounds as ISS has him slotted (123rd).

Finally, our planned NCAA Frozen Four round table didn't come off as expected as one of our contributors fell ill and couldn't join us. So it was up to D.J. Powers of Hockey's Future to carry us through explanations of why NCAA relies so heavily on the pairwise rankings system. Then we all took turns with our Frozen Four and Hobey Baker predictions.

It was a big show and if you missed it live you can click the archive... RIGHT HERE.

Coming Down the Pipe... next week: Our Annual Frozen Four Coach's Show featuring interviews with all four coach's of the four NCAA team vying for the National Championship.