Three Western Hockey Leaguer’s Win CHL Awards
The Canadian Hockey League passed out its hardware today for this past season. The WHL had the top defenceman, rookie of the year, and scholastic players of the year. Vancouver Giant blue liner Jonathon Blum was named the best rear guard after 16 goals and 50 assists, plus he was plus 53 in 51 games. Prince George Cougar forward Brett Connolly joins the likes of Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane as the CHL rookie of the year. Connolly was the first 16 year old since Patrick Marleau to score 30 goals. The PG product also had 30 assists in 65 games. Saskatoon Blades d-man Stefan Elliott came away with the scholastic player of the year. The 18 year old has maintained an average above 90 percent in grade 12 this year. He also had a great season for the Blades scoring 16 times and adding 39 helpers. Some other notable award winners were Brampton’s Cody Hodgson who was named the player of the year and no surprise here Jonathon Tavares was the top prospect.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
This n' That
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While the NHL and AHL playoffs inch closer and closer to the finals and the Memorial Cup will be decided on Sunday, there are some things going on that may have gone unnoticed.
Summer Camp with the Oil Kings
For example, the Edmonton Oil Kings are in the middle of their annual get-to-know-ya summer camp. The WHL club has all of their '93 and '94 born players skating at NAIT right now so it's basically the 2008 and 2009 drafted players with a few listed players thrown in for good measure. Speaking of measure... 16-yer-old goalie Laurent Brossoit strode onto the ice and several of us standing rinkside were commenting on how big he is. He's isted a 6'2 but I swear he looked a lot bigger than that.
I had a chance to talk with Brossoit before today's on-ice session and was struck by how well spoken he is already. Keep in mind he's only 16 and is fresh out of Midget hockey. You can hear that conversation HERE.
Dean Millard and I also spoke with 2009 1st round pick Griffin Reinhart. This guy is going to be a player. Dean said he's heard people compare Reinhart to a 15-year-old Karl Alzner... the Oil Kings will be mighty happy if things turn out that well. You can hear our conversation with Griffin Reinhart HERE.
The third Oil Kings player we spoke with is the guy most will be looking to for this coming season - 2008 1st round pick Michael St. Croix. The Winnipeg kid is visibly bigger than a year ago and is a bit more comfortable in front of a microphone too. He had a special season in Midget leading Manitoba in scoring and also appearing at the World U17 challenge as the youngest player on Team West. Hear what St. Croix had to say HERE.
Interesting note: The Oil Kings have listed Henrik Samuelsson (credit A.J. Jakubec for the tip). Samuelsson is the younger brother of defenceman Philip Samuelsson who Edmonton drafted in the 2007 Bantam Draft. The older brother has signed a letter of intent with Boston College although he's not expected to play much there as a freshman in 2009-10. I was told today that Henrik will definitely be in town for training camp in August. Might we eventually see both brothers wearing Oil Kings jerseys? Philip played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL but whoever drafts him (if he gets drafted) might steer him to the WHL over a smaller role with Boston College. Samuelsson played for USA at the World U18s in Fargo but didn't get great reviews. They are the sons of Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Ulf Samuelsson who played in the NHL for several teams including Hartford, the Rangers and the Penguins.
Oiler Defenceman Re-Hab continues
He missed most of the 2008-09 campaign with a seriously injured knee but blueliner Jordan Bendfeld was on the ice with the Oil Kings bench staff helping run drills and shoot on the two netminders. I had a chance to speak with Bendfeld during the practice session and got a full report on how the injury happened, the re-hab process, what life was like in Stockton and obviously how key this off-season is for him as he looks ahead to Oiler camp in September. Hear what Bendfeld had to say by clicking HERE.
More signings
The Chicago Blackhawks signed Kyle Beach, their 2st round pick in 2008, to a 3-year entry level contract. The controversial forward will either stick with the Hawks next season or be returned to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. The Canes are still looking for a new GM and a new head coach as well with Rich Sutter leading the rumors for the bigger job according to Pat Siedlecki, the voice of the Canes.
Anton Gustafsson was signed by the Washington Capitals. He was their 1st round pick (21st overall) and officially joins the club that his dad was a part of during his NHL career. Gustafsson is a big center who played at a lower level that the SEL in Sweden this past year. Here is more from Elite Prospects.
The Oilers officially announced the signing of Swede Johan Motin that we told you about earlier in May.
The New York Rangers signed Finnish defenceman Ilkka Heikkinen last week. The 6'2 rearguard will turn 25 this November and has played 6 years in the SM-Liiga with Lukko Rauma and HIFK Helsinki. Heikkinen was never drafted.
Matthew Pistilli's QMJHL days are behind him. The 6'2 and 220 lb forward had 93 points with Gatineau in 2007-08 and followed that up with 45 goals and 86 points for Shawinigan this past year. The forward was never drafted.
Finally, Dwight King of the Lethbridge Hurricanes has signed his 3-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. the 4th round pick in 2007 had 60 points in 64 games with the Hurricanes in 2008-09.
STILL unsigned
The Oilers have 8 days left to get both Milan Kytnar and Alex Plante under contract or they will be up for grabs and returned to the pool for the 2009 Entry Draft. I was told yesterday that there was nothing new to report since I reported that the team and Plante were "a little ways apart" - that was on May 14th.
Other players of note still without a contract include Oil Kings goalie Torrie Jung, Carloina forward Justin McCrae and Chris Terry, a trio of Blackhawks made up of Colin Greenop, Maxime Tanguay and goalie Josh Unice, Ondrej Roman of the Dallas Stars, Florida's Corey Syvret, goalie Linden Rowat of the L.A. Kings and both Maxim Gratchev and Simon Lacroix for the Islanders.
it's possibly I missed one of the above being signed so if I did, please leave a comment and a link.
While the NHL and AHL playoffs inch closer and closer to the finals and the Memorial Cup will be decided on Sunday, there are some things going on that may have gone unnoticed.
Summer Camp with the Oil Kings
For example, the Edmonton Oil Kings are in the middle of their annual get-to-know-ya summer camp. The WHL club has all of their '93 and '94 born players skating at NAIT right now so it's basically the 2008 and 2009 drafted players with a few listed players thrown in for good measure. Speaking of measure... 16-yer-old goalie Laurent Brossoit strode onto the ice and several of us standing rinkside were commenting on how big he is. He's isted a 6'2 but I swear he looked a lot bigger than that.
I had a chance to talk with Brossoit before today's on-ice session and was struck by how well spoken he is already. Keep in mind he's only 16 and is fresh out of Midget hockey. You can hear that conversation HERE.Dean Millard and I also spoke with 2009 1st round pick Griffin Reinhart. This guy is going to be a player. Dean said he's heard people compare Reinhart to a 15-year-old Karl Alzner... the Oil Kings will be mighty happy if things turn out that well. You can hear our conversation with Griffin Reinhart HERE.
The third Oil Kings player we spoke with is the guy most will be looking to for this coming season - 2008 1st round pick Michael St. Croix. The Winnipeg kid is visibly bigger than a year ago and is a bit more comfortable in front of a microphone too. He had a special season in Midget leading Manitoba in scoring and also appearing at the World U17 challenge as the youngest player on Team West. Hear what St. Croix had to say HERE.
Interesting note: The Oil Kings have listed Henrik Samuelsson (credit A.J. Jakubec for the tip). Samuelsson is the younger brother of defenceman Philip Samuelsson who Edmonton drafted in the 2007 Bantam Draft. The older brother has signed a letter of intent with Boston College although he's not expected to play much there as a freshman in 2009-10. I was told today that Henrik will definitely be in town for training camp in August. Might we eventually see both brothers wearing Oil Kings jerseys? Philip played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL but whoever drafts him (if he gets drafted) might steer him to the WHL over a smaller role with Boston College. Samuelsson played for USA at the World U18s in Fargo but didn't get great reviews. They are the sons of Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Ulf Samuelsson who played in the NHL for several teams including Hartford, the Rangers and the Penguins.Oiler Defenceman Re-Hab continues
He missed most of the 2008-09 campaign with a seriously injured knee but blueliner Jordan Bendfeld was on the ice with the Oil Kings bench staff helping run drills and shoot on the two netminders. I had a chance to speak with Bendfeld during the practice session and got a full report on how the injury happened, the re-hab process, what life was like in Stockton and obviously how key this off-season is for him as he looks ahead to Oiler camp in September. Hear what Bendfeld had to say by clicking HERE.More signings
The Chicago Blackhawks signed Kyle Beach, their 2st round pick in 2008, to a 3-year entry level contract. The controversial forward will either stick with the Hawks next season or be returned to the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. The Canes are still looking for a new GM and a new head coach as well with Rich Sutter leading the rumors for the bigger job according to Pat Siedlecki, the voice of the Canes.
Anton Gustafsson was signed by the Washington Capitals. He was their 1st round pick (21st overall) and officially joins the club that his dad was a part of during his NHL career. Gustafsson is a big center who played at a lower level that the SEL in Sweden this past year. Here is more from Elite Prospects.
The Oilers officially announced the signing of Swede Johan Motin that we told you about earlier in May.
The New York Rangers signed Finnish defenceman Ilkka Heikkinen last week. The 6'2 rearguard will turn 25 this November and has played 6 years in the SM-Liiga with Lukko Rauma and HIFK Helsinki. Heikkinen was never drafted.
Matthew Pistilli's QMJHL days are behind him. The 6'2 and 220 lb forward had 93 points with Gatineau in 2007-08 and followed that up with 45 goals and 86 points for Shawinigan this past year. The forward was never drafted.
Finally, Dwight King of the Lethbridge Hurricanes has signed his 3-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. the 4th round pick in 2007 had 60 points in 64 games with the Hurricanes in 2008-09.
STILL unsigned
The Oilers have 8 days left to get both Milan Kytnar and Alex Plante under contract or they will be up for grabs and returned to the pool for the 2009 Entry Draft. I was told yesterday that there was nothing new to report since I reported that the team and Plante were "a little ways apart" - that was on May 14th.Other players of note still without a contract include Oil Kings goalie Torrie Jung, Carloina forward Justin McCrae and Chris Terry, a trio of Blackhawks made up of Colin Greenop, Maxime Tanguay and goalie Josh Unice, Ondrej Roman of the Dallas Stars, Florida's Corey Syvret, goalie Linden Rowat of the L.A. Kings and both Maxim Gratchev and Simon Lacroix for the Islanders.
it's possibly I missed one of the above being signed so if I did, please leave a comment and a link.
Friday, May 22, 2009
2009 TPS Mock Draft
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The 2009 NHL Entry Draft is just over a month away and that means it's time to start revealing our picks in this year's mock draft.
Unless you're new to our radio program or to this blog, you know that the NHL Entry Draft is THE biggest event on The Pipeline Show calendar. We like to say that, like the PGA, we also have 4 Majors: The World Junior Championship, The Frozen Four, The Memorial Cup and of course the crown jewel... the NHL Entry Draft.
All year long we have been speaking with 2009 eligible prospects on the show; pretty much each week aside from those occasions where we have a special show. We've talked to almost everyone in North America who is ranked in the 1st round as well as a bunch of guys we consider to be solid mid-rounders or sleeper picks.
Over the course of the season we've been picking the brains of scouts and team insiders as well as a few GMs or other NHL executives, all in order to get some insight into which teams like which players and which players might not be liked as much as the public thinks.
Now it comes down to this: Starting this Sunday, Dean Millard and I will start revealing our mock draft - one day at a time, one team at a time. We already have our complete list of picks set as of today and we'll give you our team-by-team preview over the next 30 days. Once all 30 teams are done we will announce our last minute, final mock... that will be on Tuesday June 23rd in conjunction with our last show before the Draft itself.
Why a last minute one?
Because we've still got 5 episodes of The Pipeline Show before the event including the 2-hour ISS Draft Countdown which, according to the traffic to our archives each year, is ridiculously popular. Plus we'll still be speaking with several key prospects on the show as well as a truckload of sources off the air between now and then so... we reserve the right to make changes on June 23rd!
As NHL 2009 cover models... Dean and I will alternate writing the team previews starting with my look at the New York Islanders who are slotted to make the 1st selection on June 26th in Montreal. We'll proceed in the same order that the draft will unfold so with a little math you'll be able to figure out when the preview for your favorite team is going to be revealed.
We already know that the two of us differ on a number of our selections and yet oddly enough, sometimes it will look like we actually share one brain.
We also know that our choices won't be universally loved and so we are expecting to read your comments telling us where you think we went wrong. So please, feel free to agree or disagree, applaud or throw cyber-tomatoes... but let's all have some class and have some fun.
See you on Sunday!
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft is just over a month away and that means it's time to start revealing our picks in this year's mock draft.Unless you're new to our radio program or to this blog, you know that the NHL Entry Draft is THE biggest event on The Pipeline Show calendar. We like to say that, like the PGA, we also have 4 Majors: The World Junior Championship, The Frozen Four, The Memorial Cup and of course the crown jewel... the NHL Entry Draft.
All year long we have been speaking with 2009 eligible prospects on the show; pretty much each week aside from those occasions where we have a special show. We've talked to almost everyone in North America who is ranked in the 1st round as well as a bunch of guys we consider to be solid mid-rounders or sleeper picks.
Over the course of the season we've been picking the brains of scouts and team insiders as well as a few GMs or other NHL executives, all in order to get some insight into which teams like which players and which players might not be liked as much as the public thinks.
Now it comes down to this: Starting this Sunday, Dean Millard and I will start revealing our mock draft - one day at a time, one team at a time. We already have our complete list of picks set as of today and we'll give you our team-by-team preview over the next 30 days. Once all 30 teams are done we will announce our last minute, final mock... that will be on Tuesday June 23rd in conjunction with our last show before the Draft itself.
Why a last minute one?
Because we've still got 5 episodes of The Pipeline Show before the event including the 2-hour ISS Draft Countdown which, according to the traffic to our archives each year, is ridiculously popular. Plus we'll still be speaking with several key prospects on the show as well as a truckload of sources off the air between now and then so... we reserve the right to make changes on June 23rd!
As NHL 2009 cover models... Dean and I will alternate writing the team previews starting with my look at the New York Islanders who are slotted to make the 1st selection on June 26th in Montreal. We'll proceed in the same order that the draft will unfold so with a little math you'll be able to figure out when the preview for your favorite team is going to be revealed.We already know that the two of us differ on a number of our selections and yet oddly enough, sometimes it will look like we actually share one brain.
We also know that our choices won't be universally loved and so we are expecting to read your comments telling us where you think we went wrong. So please, feel free to agree or disagree, applaud or throw cyber-tomatoes... but let's all have some class and have some fun.
See you on Sunday!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
NCAA/CHL Free Agent Forwards Wishlist
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The Edmonton Oilers will be holding their annual summer Top Prospects Camp in July as opposed to in June as in years past. This will enable them to invite the players that they will have just selected in the NHL Entry Draft as well as all of their NCAA properties who, like Matt Glasser the last two years, may have not been able to participate because of exams.
It will also give the Oilers a chance to invite some un-drafted overage players for a closer look as a precursor to another invite to the main camp in the fall.
I haven't spoken with anyone with the team yet about a list of players they might invite in July but I have drawn up my own. It consists largely on overage players from the WHL and the NCAA but there are a few OHL and QMHL players thrown in as well. Some of these guys might get snapped up in the draft which would obviously erase the possibility of them getting an invite from Edmonton.
Last year the Oilers invited a handful of players, my list is significantly longer but... here it is.
Lee Jubinville (F) - Princeton Tigers
Born Apr 30, 1985 Edmonton, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 175 Shoots L
Jubinville's 4-year NCAA career is done and because of his obvious tiny stature he was never drafted. However, playing in the ECAC Conference with the Princeton Tigers, Jubinville was able to put up some pretty good numbers. His best year, 2007-08, he compiled 39 points in 34 games, was named a Conference All-Star and was a Hobey Baker candidate. By comparison, Oiler prospect Riley Nash's top offensive output so far is 35 points although he's played 36 games in both of his ECAC seasons. (Nash is bigger but Jubinville is older)
The former member of the Camrose Kodiaks, Jubinville is a quick offensive player. I'm not sure how he'll make out as a pro playing against much bigger and stronger competition. Certainly the odds would be against him.
Mike Connolly (F) - Minnesota-Duluth
Born Jul 3, 1989 Calgary, ALTA
Height 5.11 Weight 180 Shoots L
He was a freshman at Duluth this year after two great years in Camrose. Connolly was a player I really thought someone should have taken a flier on in the draft last year because despite a lengthy layoff due to injury he still was a leading scorer for the Kodiaks and he was instrumental in their AJHL and Doyle Cup titles.
In Duluth he proved that he could be just as big of a contributor racking up 42 points in 43 games for the WCHA's Bulldogs. He finished third n team scoring but scored a clutch overtime goal against Princeton in the NCAA tournament. Connolly's not a big guy either but deserves a look.
Justin Fontaine (F) - Minnesota-Duluth
Born Nov 6, 1987 Bonnyville, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 170 Shoots R
Sticking with the Bulldogs for a minute, I think Justin fontaine is another intriguing player. He is a former AJHL Rookie of the Year (2005-06), played in the CJAHL Top Prospects game and played in the Viking Cup in 2006 as well. He led Bonnyville in scoring two straight years compiling 152 points in just over 100 games.
This year in Duluth he was second in team scoring with 48 points and was 9th in the nation in scoring. It was his sophomore year so he's probably got 2 more NCAA seasons ahead of him as at his size, I don't see a NHL club signing him early. He was Duluth's Rookie of the Year last season.
Carter Camper (F) - Miami RedHawks
Born Jul 6 1988 -- Rocky River, OH
Height 5.09 -- Weight 173 -- Shoots R
Yes he's small but as Miami head coach Enrico Blasi told us during the Frozen Four Coach's Show, the fact that Carter Camper has put together back-to-back +40 point seasons proves he's got what it takes. The CCHA is a very competitive NCAA Conference, there's no hiding and there are few opponents where you go into games getting ready to pad your stats. Camper was tied for 23rd in the NCAA scoring race. He's fast, agile, had 20 goals, he can dangle or set up plays.
I will be a little surprised if Camper goes undrafted again this June, especially considering Miami reached the National Championship game and the diminutive forward didn't wither under the spotlight. Camper actually picked up a point in both Frozen Four games including a dandy assist in the Championship loss to Boston University.
Mike McKenzie (F) - St. Lawrence University
Born Apr 29, 1986 Whitby, ONT
Height 6.00 Weight 175 Shoots L
McKenzie led the Saints in scoring this year as a junior and almost took them to a NCAA tournament at-large bid. His numbers jumped this past year as he set career bests in every category. I have seen his weight listed anywhere from 175 - 190 lbs so I'm not sure what it is exactly but I think we can safely say that he is of average size.
He played two years with the St. Mike's Buzzers and was a linemate with Andrew Cogliano. He's also the son of respected TSN analyst Bob McKenzie. The soon-to-be senior will be one of the alternate captains for the Saints for the 2009-10 campaign.
Jay Fehr (F) - Brandon Wheat Kings
Born Mar 2, 1989 Morden, MB
Height 5.10 Weight 170 Shoots L
He's overshadowed by the big name draft eligible players on his team but the few times I've watched the Wheaties when they've rolled through Rexall Place, this is the guy that gets them going. Fehr had a 4-point game against the Oil Kings in October and followed that up with a 17-game scoring steak where he compiled 31 points. Fehr doubled his goal scoring from his rookie year to 32 goals and ended with 84 points.
Interestingly enough, he lists the Oilers as his favorite NHL team which leads me to believe he'd bust his ass just as hard for Edmonton as he does in Brandon. He's a spark plug player but has a knack for production because of how hard he competes.
Tyler Shattock (F) - Kamloops Blazers
Born Feb 3, 1990 Salmon Arm, BC
Height 6.03 Weight 198 Shoots R
This was someone I wondered about in regards to last year's draft. he went unselected but with his size I was surprised that no one took a chance on Shattock. I was told that his skating is a big issue and that may be true but I look at the leap forward in his production and wonder if this is someone that might be a bit of a late bloomer.
Shattock went from 9 goals to 30 last year and his point total jumped from 23 to 69. I think there is enough intangible evidence here to warrant an invite for a closer look.
Justin Dowling (F) - Swift Current Broncos
Born Oct 1, 1990 Cochrane, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 182 Shoots L
I had the good fortune of being able to cover for Oil Kings radio colour analyst Kent Simpson for two games this past year, one of them was against Swift Current. One of the guys who I wanted to pay attention to was this Dowling kid who was outscoring all the drafted players on his team and yet wasn't getting any recognition as a notable 2009 eligible prospect himself. Cody Eakin is, and deservedly so, but Dowling's 66 points were 9 more than Geordie Wudrick a player who went in the 3rd round last year.
Unfortunately Dowling did nothing really special in that game so my questions really didn't get answered. But that's why he's on my invite wish list - because I still want to know if he did it with mirrors or if this is someone who is really getting overlooked.
Here are a few other forwards that I have in mind: Dustin Cameron is a 6'1 and 195 lb winger who lit the lamp 33 times this year for the Prince Albert Raiders... Ian Duval is at the Memorial Cup right now with Kelowna but all he's every done is produce - he was a point per game player in Moose Jaw and for the Rockets this year... speaking of the Rockets, the Bloodoff brothers (Evan and Lucas) have made me fans with their physical forechecking style of play... Andrew Clark potted 40 goals for the Wheat Kings in his final WHL year, all of it spent in Brandon... Bemidji State got to the Frozen Four this year and Tyler Scofield led them in goal scoring with 22. He may have been the fastest skater in the NCAA but at 5'8 and 150 lbs you'd expect him to be fast... James Marcou is another tiny forward but he had 47 points in 39 games with the Massachusetts Minutemen which was good for 12th overall in NCAA scoring...
I have some goalies on my list as well as a handful of blueliners but I'll save them for another day.
Have some thoughts on the guys I mentioned (other than TOO SMALL!) then please leave some comments. Have some other guys YOU would prefer get an invite or maybe one of these guys has already been scooped up and I missed it? Let me know.
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(Photos Courtesy: USCHO.com, WHL, UMD, St.Lawrence University, Miami RedHawks)
The Edmonton Oilers will be holding their annual summer Top Prospects Camp in July as opposed to in June as in years past. This will enable them to invite the players that they will have just selected in the NHL Entry Draft as well as all of their NCAA properties who, like Matt Glasser the last two years, may have not been able to participate because of exams.It will also give the Oilers a chance to invite some un-drafted overage players for a closer look as a precursor to another invite to the main camp in the fall.
I haven't spoken with anyone with the team yet about a list of players they might invite in July but I have drawn up my own. It consists largely on overage players from the WHL and the NCAA but there are a few OHL and QMHL players thrown in as well. Some of these guys might get snapped up in the draft which would obviously erase the possibility of them getting an invite from Edmonton.
Last year the Oilers invited a handful of players, my list is significantly longer but... here it is.
Lee Jubinville (F) - Princeton Tigers
Born Apr 30, 1985 Edmonton, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 175 Shoots L
Jubinville's 4-year NCAA career is done and because of his obvious tiny stature he was never drafted. However, playing in the ECAC Conference with the Princeton Tigers, Jubinville was able to put up some pretty good numbers. His best year, 2007-08, he compiled 39 points in 34 games, was named a Conference All-Star and was a Hobey Baker candidate. By comparison, Oiler prospect Riley Nash's top offensive output so far is 35 points although he's played 36 games in both of his ECAC seasons. (Nash is bigger but Jubinville is older)The former member of the Camrose Kodiaks, Jubinville is a quick offensive player. I'm not sure how he'll make out as a pro playing against much bigger and stronger competition. Certainly the odds would be against him.
Mike Connolly (F) - Minnesota-Duluth
Born Jul 3, 1989 Calgary, ALTA
Height 5.11 Weight 180 Shoots L
He was a freshman at Duluth this year after two great years in Camrose. Connolly was a player I really thought someone should have taken a flier on in the draft last year because despite a lengthy layoff due to injury he still was a leading scorer for the Kodiaks and he was instrumental in their AJHL and Doyle Cup titles.In Duluth he proved that he could be just as big of a contributor racking up 42 points in 43 games for the WCHA's Bulldogs. He finished third n team scoring but scored a clutch overtime goal against Princeton in the NCAA tournament. Connolly's not a big guy either but deserves a look.
Justin Fontaine (F) - Minnesota-Duluth
Born Nov 6, 1987 Bonnyville, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 170 Shoots R
Sticking with the Bulldogs for a minute, I think Justin fontaine is another intriguing player. He is a former AJHL Rookie of the Year (2005-06), played in the CJAHL Top Prospects game and played in the Viking Cup in 2006 as well. He led Bonnyville in scoring two straight years compiling 152 points in just over 100 games.This year in Duluth he was second in team scoring with 48 points and was 9th in the nation in scoring. It was his sophomore year so he's probably got 2 more NCAA seasons ahead of him as at his size, I don't see a NHL club signing him early. He was Duluth's Rookie of the Year last season.
Carter Camper (F) - Miami RedHawks
Born Jul 6 1988 -- Rocky River, OH
Height 5.09 -- Weight 173 -- Shoots R
Yes he's small but as Miami head coach Enrico Blasi told us during the Frozen Four Coach's Show, the fact that Carter Camper has put together back-to-back +40 point seasons proves he's got what it takes. The CCHA is a very competitive NCAA Conference, there's no hiding and there are few opponents where you go into games getting ready to pad your stats. Camper was tied for 23rd in the NCAA scoring race. He's fast, agile, had 20 goals, he can dangle or set up plays.I will be a little surprised if Camper goes undrafted again this June, especially considering Miami reached the National Championship game and the diminutive forward didn't wither under the spotlight. Camper actually picked up a point in both Frozen Four games including a dandy assist in the Championship loss to Boston University.
Mike McKenzie (F) - St. Lawrence University
Born Apr 29, 1986 Whitby, ONT
Height 6.00 Weight 175 Shoots L
McKenzie led the Saints in scoring this year as a junior and almost took them to a NCAA tournament at-large bid. His numbers jumped this past year as he set career bests in every category. I have seen his weight listed anywhere from 175 - 190 lbs so I'm not sure what it is exactly but I think we can safely say that he is of average size.He played two years with the St. Mike's Buzzers and was a linemate with Andrew Cogliano. He's also the son of respected TSN analyst Bob McKenzie. The soon-to-be senior will be one of the alternate captains for the Saints for the 2009-10 campaign.
Jay Fehr (F) - Brandon Wheat Kings
Born Mar 2, 1989 Morden, MB
Height 5.10 Weight 170 Shoots L
He's overshadowed by the big name draft eligible players on his team but the few times I've watched the Wheaties when they've rolled through Rexall Place, this is the guy that gets them going. Fehr had a 4-point game against the Oil Kings in October and followed that up with a 17-game scoring steak where he compiled 31 points. Fehr doubled his goal scoring from his rookie year to 32 goals and ended with 84 points.Interestingly enough, he lists the Oilers as his favorite NHL team which leads me to believe he'd bust his ass just as hard for Edmonton as he does in Brandon. He's a spark plug player but has a knack for production because of how hard he competes.
Tyler Shattock (F) - Kamloops Blazers
Born Feb 3, 1990 Salmon Arm, BC
Height 6.03 Weight 198 Shoots R
This was someone I wondered about in regards to last year's draft. he went unselected but with his size I was surprised that no one took a chance on Shattock. I was told that his skating is a big issue and that may be true but I look at the leap forward in his production and wonder if this is someone that might be a bit of a late bloomer.Shattock went from 9 goals to 30 last year and his point total jumped from 23 to 69. I think there is enough intangible evidence here to warrant an invite for a closer look.
Justin Dowling (F) - Swift Current Broncos
Born Oct 1, 1990 Cochrane, ALTA
Height 5.10 Weight 182 Shoots L
I had the good fortune of being able to cover for Oil Kings radio colour analyst Kent Simpson for two games this past year, one of them was against Swift Current. One of the guys who I wanted to pay attention to was this Dowling kid who was outscoring all the drafted players on his team and yet wasn't getting any recognition as a notable 2009 eligible prospect himself. Cody Eakin is, and deservedly so, but Dowling's 66 points were 9 more than Geordie Wudrick a player who went in the 3rd round last year.Unfortunately Dowling did nothing really special in that game so my questions really didn't get answered. But that's why he's on my invite wish list - because I still want to know if he did it with mirrors or if this is someone who is really getting overlooked.
Here are a few other forwards that I have in mind: Dustin Cameron is a 6'1 and 195 lb winger who lit the lamp 33 times this year for the Prince Albert Raiders... Ian Duval is at the Memorial Cup right now with Kelowna but all he's every done is produce - he was a point per game player in Moose Jaw and for the Rockets this year... speaking of the Rockets, the Bloodoff brothers (Evan and Lucas) have made me fans with their physical forechecking style of play... Andrew Clark potted 40 goals for the Wheat Kings in his final WHL year, all of it spent in Brandon... Bemidji State got to the Frozen Four this year and Tyler Scofield led them in goal scoring with 22. He may have been the fastest skater in the NCAA but at 5'8 and 150 lbs you'd expect him to be fast... James Marcou is another tiny forward but he had 47 points in 39 games with the Massachusetts Minutemen which was good for 12th overall in NCAA scoring...
I have some goalies on my list as well as a handful of blueliners but I'll save them for another day.
Have some thoughts on the guys I mentioned (other than TOO SMALL!) then please leave some comments. Have some other guys YOU would prefer get an invite or maybe one of these guys has already been scooped up and I missed it? Let me know.
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(Photos Courtesy: USCHO.com, WHL, UMD, St.Lawrence University, Miami RedHawks)
The Down-Low with Bristowe
Brett Connolly should win CHL Rookie of the Year.
The Canadian Hockey League will hand out its awards this Saturday for the overall winners. This can’t be easy to choose between 3 players that never played against each other and were spread out across the country. This year’s rookie of the year choice should be interesting. You’ve got Brett Connolly from the Prince George Cougars, Evgeny Grachev of the OHL’s Brampton Battalion, and the QMJHL’s Dmitry Kulikov who’s playing in the Memorial Cup with Drummondville.
If you go by the numbers, the award should be handed to Grachev who had a 40 goal, 40 assist season. Grachev who’s 19 was playing in his first year in the O, but is already drafted by the New York Rangers. Kulikov should be right up there as well as he was a multiple award winner in the Q, where the blueliner had 12 goals and 50 helpers in 57 games. Kulikov wasn’t only named the offensive rookie of the year and overall rookie of the year. The 18 year old was named, top defenceman and best pro prospect. Then there’s Brett Connolly the only Canadian in the bunch for the Canadian Hockey League rookie of the year. Connolly had a great season for a 16 year old. The Prince George product had 30 goals and 30 assists.
I haven’t watched the two other players, but saw enough of Connolly to know he deserves the award, plus he’s the only true rookie. I’ll guess we’ll find out on Saturday afternoon.
That’s the Down-Low with Bristowe.
The Canadian Hockey League will hand out its awards this Saturday for the overall winners. This can’t be easy to choose between 3 players that never played against each other and were spread out across the country. This year’s rookie of the year choice should be interesting. You’ve got Brett Connolly from the Prince George Cougars, Evgeny Grachev of the OHL’s Brampton Battalion, and the QMJHL’s Dmitry Kulikov who’s playing in the Memorial Cup with Drummondville.
If you go by the numbers, the award should be handed to Grachev who had a 40 goal, 40 assist season. Grachev who’s 19 was playing in his first year in the O, but is already drafted by the New York Rangers. Kulikov should be right up there as well as he was a multiple award winner in the Q, where the blueliner had 12 goals and 50 helpers in 57 games. Kulikov wasn’t only named the offensive rookie of the year and overall rookie of the year. The 18 year old was named, top defenceman and best pro prospect. Then there’s Brett Connolly the only Canadian in the bunch for the Canadian Hockey League rookie of the year. Connolly had a great season for a 16 year old. The Prince George product had 30 goals and 30 assists.
I haven’t watched the two other players, but saw enough of Connolly to know he deserves the award, plus he’s the only true rookie. I’ll guess we’ll find out on Saturday afternoon.
That’s the Down-Low with Bristowe.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Drummondville Defies Logic
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The Voltigeurs players are either banged up or throwing up and yet somehow they were able to pull out a 3-2 overtime victory over the home team Rimouski Oceanic tonight at the Memorial Cup.
And let's be honest - Rimouski dominated Drummondville for most of this game. The first period was spent almost entirely in the Voltigeurs half of the ice, the zamboni may have only needed to flood one side of the rink.
The shots on goal after the first period were 11-4 Rimouski thanks to 6 minutes of power play time. I'd say something like "I don't know how the Oceanic didn't have a 3 goal lead going into the second period" but the fact is I do know - his name is Marco Cousineau and tonight he was fantastic! Drummondville's goalie must have been feeling some heat after a forgettable outing on Monday against Kelowna when he was burned 6 times including a couple he'd like to forget. Well he had people forgetting those softies tonight as he stopped 39 of 41 Rimouski shots en route to the win.
Rimouski scored the night's first goal just over a minute into the second period and I thought the roof might cave in on the Volts. However, 17-year-old Jonathan Brunelle, a late addition to the game roster, scored a beauty with a nice individual effort. When Dmitri Kulikov struck a few minutes later while on the power play, the Oceanic faithful had to have been questioning the justice of it all.
To that point in the hockey game it was Rimouski who had carried the play and had out-chanced and out shot their opponents but just couldn't finish. When Cousineau wasn't robbing them blind the Oceanic were guilty of trying to be too cute - which happened way to much tonight in my opinion.
Rimouski did manage to equal the score when Patrice Cormier snapped one home from the slot. Regulation time expired with the score still tied so for the second time in the tournament the Voltigeurs would head to extra time.
Drummondville, who has the flu bug going through the room, somehow mustered up enough energy to be competitive in the overtime and eventually scored the winner. Eralier in the night Rogers Sportsnet colour commentator Sam Cosentino suggested this was a perfect game for a player like Gabriel Dumont and sure enough, he would be the Drummondville hero that scored the winner. (I think Sam's been standing too close to Loubardias and those dead-on predictions are getting a bit too frequent!)
Final shots in the game were 41-20 in favor of Rimouski but it will be the Oceanic who now have to bounce back from this loss to play Windsor in a tie-breaker game tomorrow. If they win that one it will be right back onto the ice on Friday night for another collision with the Voltigeurs in the semi-final.
Players of note for Drummondville: Obviously goalie Marco Cousineau (ANH) was sensational and the biggest reason why the Volts will rest until Friday night. Gabriel Dumont is an intriguing player - small but a bulldog that isn't afraid of anything. Dumont is undrafted.
Dmitri Kulikov needs to check his equipment because clearly someone had hung a target on his back before the game. The Russian was getting hammered all night long whether it was Cormier or Logan MacMillan's flying elbow at the end of the third period. He was knocked woozy a couple of times but give this guy credit - he's not the stereotypical Euro because not only did he not miss a shift, sometimes he was staying on and playing through the haze he must have been feeling. Top 10 pick this June, no question in my mind.
For Rimouski it was the same guys that I've been liking all tournament. Marc-Andre Bourdon (PHI) wasn't as dominant tonight as he was against Windsor (and I hope he returns to that form tomorrow) but he was sound in his defensive play. I thought Luca Cunti (TBY) was again the best Oceanic forward on the ice tonight.
Dean Millard and I argued on last night's show about Keven Veilleux's performance so far. For my money, he's a 6'5 power forward that is playing like he's 5'11... feel free to hit someone. Tonight he passed up several chances to get the puck on net instead opting for a cutesy pass attempt that inevitably failed. I like his size and he appears to be able to skate pretty well but I'd like to see him be more aggressive and take the puck to the net AND SHOOT.
Philippe Cornet jumps out every once in a while but for the most part is just one of Rimouski's top 6 forwards - not the performance I was expecting from their leading scorer. He's creative and I like to see that but he doesn't look very strong and I don't know if I've seen him shoot the puck more than twice in the past week.
Tomorrow night's game will be interesting. Is Windsor back on track after edging Kelowna (who had nothing on the line Tuesday and played like it)? Can Rimouski bounce back after a loss where they definitely were the better team or has the wind gone out of their sails?
Rogers Sportsnet, 5:00 PM Edmonton time (7:00 PM Eastern).
The Voltigeurs players are either banged up or throwing up and yet somehow they were able to pull out a 3-2 overtime victory over the home team Rimouski Oceanic tonight at the Memorial Cup.And let's be honest - Rimouski dominated Drummondville for most of this game. The first period was spent almost entirely in the Voltigeurs half of the ice, the zamboni may have only needed to flood one side of the rink.
The shots on goal after the first period were 11-4 Rimouski thanks to 6 minutes of power play time. I'd say something like "I don't know how the Oceanic didn't have a 3 goal lead going into the second period" but the fact is I do know - his name is Marco Cousineau and tonight he was fantastic! Drummondville's goalie must have been feeling some heat after a forgettable outing on Monday against Kelowna when he was burned 6 times including a couple he'd like to forget. Well he had people forgetting those softies tonight as he stopped 39 of 41 Rimouski shots en route to the win.Rimouski scored the night's first goal just over a minute into the second period and I thought the roof might cave in on the Volts. However, 17-year-old Jonathan Brunelle, a late addition to the game roster, scored a beauty with a nice individual effort. When Dmitri Kulikov struck a few minutes later while on the power play, the Oceanic faithful had to have been questioning the justice of it all.
To that point in the hockey game it was Rimouski who had carried the play and had out-chanced and out shot their opponents but just couldn't finish. When Cousineau wasn't robbing them blind the Oceanic were guilty of trying to be too cute - which happened way to much tonight in my opinion.
Rimouski did manage to equal the score when Patrice Cormier snapped one home from the slot. Regulation time expired with the score still tied so for the second time in the tournament the Voltigeurs would head to extra time.
Drummondville, who has the flu bug going through the room, somehow mustered up enough energy to be competitive in the overtime and eventually scored the winner. Eralier in the night Rogers Sportsnet colour commentator Sam Cosentino suggested this was a perfect game for a player like Gabriel Dumont and sure enough, he would be the Drummondville hero that scored the winner. (I think Sam's been standing too close to Loubardias and those dead-on predictions are getting a bit too frequent!)Final shots in the game were 41-20 in favor of Rimouski but it will be the Oceanic who now have to bounce back from this loss to play Windsor in a tie-breaker game tomorrow. If they win that one it will be right back onto the ice on Friday night for another collision with the Voltigeurs in the semi-final.
Players of note for Drummondville: Obviously goalie Marco Cousineau (ANH) was sensational and the biggest reason why the Volts will rest until Friday night. Gabriel Dumont is an intriguing player - small but a bulldog that isn't afraid of anything. Dumont is undrafted.
Dmitri Kulikov needs to check his equipment because clearly someone had hung a target on his back before the game. The Russian was getting hammered all night long whether it was Cormier or Logan MacMillan's flying elbow at the end of the third period. He was knocked woozy a couple of times but give this guy credit - he's not the stereotypical Euro because not only did he not miss a shift, sometimes he was staying on and playing through the haze he must have been feeling. Top 10 pick this June, no question in my mind.
For Rimouski it was the same guys that I've been liking all tournament. Marc-Andre Bourdon (PHI) wasn't as dominant tonight as he was against Windsor (and I hope he returns to that form tomorrow) but he was sound in his defensive play. I thought Luca Cunti (TBY) was again the best Oceanic forward on the ice tonight.Dean Millard and I argued on last night's show about Keven Veilleux's performance so far. For my money, he's a 6'5 power forward that is playing like he's 5'11... feel free to hit someone. Tonight he passed up several chances to get the puck on net instead opting for a cutesy pass attempt that inevitably failed. I like his size and he appears to be able to skate pretty well but I'd like to see him be more aggressive and take the puck to the net AND SHOOT.
Philippe Cornet jumps out every once in a while but for the most part is just one of Rimouski's top 6 forwards - not the performance I was expecting from their leading scorer. He's creative and I like to see that but he doesn't look very strong and I don't know if I've seen him shoot the puck more than twice in the past week.
Tomorrow night's game will be interesting. Is Windsor back on track after edging Kelowna (who had nothing on the line Tuesday and played like it)? Can Rimouski bounce back after a loss where they definitely were the better team or has the wind gone out of their sails?
Rogers Sportsnet, 5:00 PM Edmonton time (7:00 PM Eastern).
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:
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:
Wednesday Re-Set
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Brent Sutter - Owner, President and GM of the Red Deer Rebels as well as coach of the New Jersey Devils. Many have wondered if he'll return to the NHL next season and if so, whether it will be with the Devils or a team closer to his home. A lot of Oilers fans have Sutter atop their 'New Coach Wish List' and many Flames fans would like to see him join Darryl Sutter in Cowtown.
Last night we had an exclusive and extended talk with Brent Sutter about his past with the Rebels and Hockey Canada; many of the players dominating the NHL these days have Sutter's fingerprints on them. We also talked about Sutter's present with the Devils and playing against former players like Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course we also talked about what the future might bring and although he obviously can't say too much while under contract, Sutter did open up about what his off-season decision making will entail and gave some insight into his situation with Lou Lamoriello as well. (SUTTER HERE)
Also on the program, we caught up with 2009 eligible prospect Mike Cichy of the USHL's Indiana Ice. The forward set a new record for points in the playoffs en route to being named post season MVP as he led the ICE to the Clark Cup. Cichy also picked up the MVP award from the 2008 WJAC in Camrose back in November. Next season he'll be a member of the North Dakota whatever-they-will-be-calleds in the NCAA. (CICHY HERE)
We talked a lot about the ongoing Memorial Cup too. Our planned interview with Peter Loubardias fell through thanks to a wonky cell phone but that didn't stop us from covering as much ground on the tournament as possible. (Memorial Cup discussion HERE)
We ended the show with ISS head scout Mike Oke who broke down the latest rankings, the last monthly release before the ISS Draft Guide hits the street. Magnus Paarjarvi-Svensson, Louis Leblanc (pictured), Mike Cichy and Oliver Ekmund-Larsson were the players under the microscope this week. (ISS Draft Countdown for May HERE)
All that plus more on The Pipeline Show last night. If you haven't heard already, you can now follow us on Twitter and also join our Facebook Group as well. Just two more ways to stay connected to TPS so we can update you on the happenings in the world of hockey prospects.
(Photos Courtsey: NHL.com, USHL, Hockey Canada)
Brent Sutter - Owner, President and GM of the Red Deer Rebels as well as coach of the New Jersey Devils. Many have wondered if he'll return to the NHL next season and if so, whether it will be with the Devils or a team closer to his home. A lot of Oilers fans have Sutter atop their 'New Coach Wish List' and many Flames fans would like to see him join Darryl Sutter in Cowtown.Last night we had an exclusive and extended talk with Brent Sutter about his past with the Rebels and Hockey Canada; many of the players dominating the NHL these days have Sutter's fingerprints on them. We also talked about Sutter's present with the Devils and playing against former players like Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course we also talked about what the future might bring and although he obviously can't say too much while under contract, Sutter did open up about what his off-season decision making will entail and gave some insight into his situation with Lou Lamoriello as well. (SUTTER HERE)
Also on the program, we caught up with 2009 eligible prospect Mike Cichy of the USHL's Indiana Ice. The forward set a new record for points in the playoffs en route to being named post season MVP as he led the ICE to the Clark Cup. Cichy also picked up the MVP award from the 2008 WJAC in Camrose back in November. Next season he'll be a member of the North Dakota whatever-they-will-be-calleds in the NCAA. (CICHY HERE)We talked a lot about the ongoing Memorial Cup too. Our planned interview with Peter Loubardias fell through thanks to a wonky cell phone but that didn't stop us from covering as much ground on the tournament as possible. (Memorial Cup discussion HERE)
We ended the show with ISS head scout Mike Oke who broke down the latest rankings, the last monthly release before the ISS Draft Guide hits the street. Magnus Paarjarvi-Svensson, Louis Leblanc (pictured), Mike Cichy and Oliver Ekmund-Larsson were the players under the microscope this week. (ISS Draft Countdown for May HERE)
All that plus more on The Pipeline Show last night. If you haven't heard already, you can now follow us on Twitter and also join our Facebook Group as well. Just two more ways to stay connected to TPS so we can update you on the happenings in the world of hockey prospects.
(Photos Courtsey: NHL.com, USHL, Hockey Canada)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Oilers Sign Motin & a packed show tonight
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You can add another defenceman to the crowded blueline in Springfield next year as the Oilers have signed Swedish defenceman Johan Motin to a 3 year entry level deal. He played last year in the SEL with Farjestads, picking up 3 assists, 28 penalty minutes and was plus 4 as a 19 year old playing against men. The 6.01, 200 pound rearguard actually started playing in the SEL at 17.
TPS first talked about this signing a few weeks ago.
I'm told he will be at training camp in the fall, and assuming he doesn't blow the doors off everyone and make the team, it's going to be pretty packed on Springfield's blueline if all these guys are back:
Theo Peckham
Taylor Chorney
Cody Wild
Sebastien Bissaillon
Mathieu Roy
Brian Young
Josef Hrabl
Johan Motin
Chances are though, someone will be moved.
Motin was the Oilers 4th round pick in 2008, they didn't have a 2nd or 3rd round so he was their second selection. This will be a draft year to keep your eye on. Jordan Eberle had a terrific World Junior with Canada and would have likely approached 50 goals in the WHL had he not suited up for Canada. Motin is coming over with a few years of pro experience, and Edmonton's 5th round pick, Phillipe Cornet was healty and led Rimouski in scoring with 77 points in 66 games. He's currently with the Oceanic at the Mastercard Memorial Cup. Don't forget about Teemu Hartikainen, a Finish forward who takes after Detroits Tomas Holmstrom a little bit and scored 17 goals in the Finish men's league, playing on a team with former NHLer Sami Kapanen.
Set to Join Guy and I tonight:
Brent Sutter-Head Coach of the New Jersey Devils and still owner of the Red Deer Rebels. He'll bring us his Memorial Cup memories from winning it in 2001 as well as talk to us about the current young NHL stars he used to coach in Red Deer and for Canada as well as coach against in the NHL.
Peter Loubardias-Voice of Flames and CHL on Rogers Sportsnet. The Memorial Cup will be half over, who's impressed him and what can we expect for the rest of the week.
Mike Oke-Head scout for International Scouting Services. The May report is out, who's up and who's down and how is their final push before the draft coming along.
Mike Cichy-Indiana Ice forward. He's heading to UND next year and was the MVP of both the USHL playoffs and the World Junior A Challenge last November in Camrose. How is he preparing for the NHL draft.
Also various discussion about the world of hockey prospects, BAD ASS TRIVIA and more. Send your questions or comments to pipeup@thepipelineshow.com.
Listen in Edmonton on the TEAM 1260 or online here from 7-9 pm MST. Also follow us and message us at through twitter
You can add another defenceman to the crowded blueline in Springfield next year as the Oilers have signed Swedish defenceman Johan Motin to a 3 year entry level deal. He played last year in the SEL with Farjestads, picking up 3 assists, 28 penalty minutes and was plus 4 as a 19 year old playing against men. The 6.01, 200 pound rearguard actually started playing in the SEL at 17.
TPS first talked about this signing a few weeks ago.
I'm told he will be at training camp in the fall, and assuming he doesn't blow the doors off everyone and make the team, it's going to be pretty packed on Springfield's blueline if all these guys are back:Theo Peckham
Taylor Chorney
Cody Wild
Sebastien Bissaillon
Mathieu Roy
Brian Young
Josef Hrabl
Johan Motin
Chances are though, someone will be moved.
Motin was the Oilers 4th round pick in 2008, they didn't have a 2nd or 3rd round so he was their second selection. This will be a draft year to keep your eye on. Jordan Eberle had a terrific World Junior with Canada and would have likely approached 50 goals in the WHL had he not suited up for Canada. Motin is coming over with a few years of pro experience, and Edmonton's 5th round pick, Phillipe Cornet was healty and led Rimouski in scoring with 77 points in 66 games. He's currently with the Oceanic at the Mastercard Memorial Cup. Don't forget about Teemu Hartikainen, a Finish forward who takes after Detroits Tomas Holmstrom a little bit and scored 17 goals in the Finish men's league, playing on a team with former NHLer Sami Kapanen.
Set to Join Guy and I tonight:
Brent Sutter-Head Coach of the New Jersey Devils and still owner of the Red Deer Rebels. He'll bring us his Memorial Cup memories from winning it in 2001 as well as talk to us about the current young NHL stars he used to coach in Red Deer and for Canada as well as coach against in the NHL.
Peter Loubardias-Voice of Flames and CHL on Rogers Sportsnet. The Memorial Cup will be half over, who's impressed him and what can we expect for the rest of the week.
Mike Oke-Head scout for International Scouting Services. The May report is out, who's up and who's down and how is their final push before the draft coming along.
Mike Cichy-Indiana Ice forward. He's heading to UND next year and was the MVP of both the USHL playoffs and the World Junior A Challenge last November in Camrose. How is he preparing for the NHL draft.
Also various discussion about the world of hockey prospects, BAD ASS TRIVIA and more. Send your questions or comments to pipeup@thepipelineshow.com.
Listen in Edmonton on the TEAM 1260 or online here from 7-9 pm MST. Also follow us and message us at through twitter
Top 5 Tuesday: Memorial Cup Moments
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The hardest championship to win, in my humble opinion, is almost halfway over and today in Top 5 Tuesday I'll give you 5 things I've noticed through 4 games.
5. Windsor Winless
Who would have thunk it? Not me and probably not anyone if they are being truthful. A team with so much firepower has yet to win a game. Windsor pretty much steamrolled their way to the Memorial Cup but after an overtime loss to Drummondville and losing to an inspired host team from Rimouski, they need to beat Kelowna tonight and get some help to see the weekend. I can't believe it but maybe I shouldn't be to shocked, after all the #1 team in the country didn't even make the Memorial Cup. After winning 12 straight playoff games, Calgary lost to Kelowna in 6 games during the WHL final.
4. Goaltending Gaffes
With the exception of Rimouski's Maxime Gougeon, the goaltending at the 2009 Mastercard Memorial Cup has been well below average. Each of Mark Guggenberger from Kelowna, Marco Coussineau from Drummondville and Andrew Engelage from Windsor have given up soft goals. Engelage has done it at key times like the goal that forced overtime against Drummondville and the eventual game winner vs. Rimouski. Windsor is reminding me of Regina at the 2001 Memorial Cup. Donald Choukalas started for the Pats but was brutal as they fell to 0-2. Chad Davidson took over and led the host team to within an overtime game of reaching the final. Will Windsor pull the chute on Engalage and go with Josh Unice who played in this tournament with Kitchener last year?
3. Kool Kulikov
I'm really starting to like how Dmitry Kulikov plays the game. Ok so he struggled against Kelowna Monday night, but if we judged a player on one game, Jakob Markstrom wouldn't be so highly rated after his meltdown against Canada in the WJC gold medal game this year. Kulikov seems to know exactly when to dash up the ice and does it smoothly. He's a great power play QB and has a pretty decent shot. Drummondville's Mr. Everything on defence played in Russia's top 4 at the WJC as an underager. He's been hanging around the #10 spot for the past few months in the ISS rankings but one scout I spoke to tonight thinks he'll be gone earlier than that.
2. Barrie Outplaying Ellis
I'm not suggesting that NHL scouts will start ranking Kelowna's Tyson Barrie ahead of Windsor's Ryan Ellis, but in the battle of the pint sized blueliners, Barrie is winning. Barrie is listed at 5.10, 190 lbs and has 4 points in 2 games - including a 3 point night against Drummondville Monday - he's also plus 2. Ellis has just one goal, on the power play, and has been on the ice for 3 goals against giving him a -3 rating. I called Barrie a poor man's Ryan Ellis on TPS last Tuesday, he's ranked 77th by ISS in their May report but some scouts might be moving him up their list.
1. Huska = Memorial Cup Championships
With their win Monday night, Kelowna sent head coach Ryan Huska to the Memorial Cup final for a 5th time in his playing/coaching career, looking for his 5th championship. He won 3 as a player with Kamloops and was an assistant coach to Jeff Truitt when Kelowna won it all in 2004 on home ice. Incredibly this is Huska's 7th time at the tournament, the other 2 times they failed to make the final. So you have to think history is on his side as each time he's reached the title game, he's won it.
The hardest championship to win, in my humble opinion, is almost halfway over and today in Top 5 Tuesday I'll give you 5 things I've noticed through 4 games.
5. Windsor Winless
Who would have thunk it? Not me and probably not anyone if they are being truthful. A team with so much firepower has yet to win a game. Windsor pretty much steamrolled their way to the Memorial Cup but after an overtime loss to Drummondville and losing to an inspired host team from Rimouski, they need to beat Kelowna tonight and get some help to see the weekend. I can't believe it but maybe I shouldn't be to shocked, after all the #1 team in the country didn't even make the Memorial Cup. After winning 12 straight playoff games, Calgary lost to Kelowna in 6 games during the WHL final.
4. Goaltending Gaffes
With the exception of Rimouski's Maxime Gougeon, the goaltending at the 2009 Mastercard Memorial Cup has been well below average. Each of Mark Guggenberger from Kelowna, Marco Coussineau from Drummondville and Andrew Engelage from Windsor have given up soft goals. Engelage has done it at key times like the goal that forced overtime against Drummondville and the eventual game winner vs. Rimouski. Windsor is reminding me of Regina at the 2001 Memorial Cup. Donald Choukalas started for the Pats but was brutal as they fell to 0-2. Chad Davidson took over and led the host team to within an overtime game of reaching the final. Will Windsor pull the chute on Engalage and go with Josh Unice who played in this tournament with Kitchener last year?
3. Kool Kulikov
I'm really starting to like how Dmitry Kulikov plays the game. Ok so he struggled against Kelowna Monday night, but if we judged a player on one game, Jakob Markstrom wouldn't be so highly rated after his meltdown against Canada in the WJC gold medal game this year. Kulikov seems to know exactly when to dash up the ice and does it smoothly. He's a great power play QB and has a pretty decent shot. Drummondville's Mr. Everything on defence played in Russia's top 4 at the WJC as an underager. He's been hanging around the #10 spot for the past few months in the ISS rankings but one scout I spoke to tonight thinks he'll be gone earlier than that.
2. Barrie Outplaying EllisI'm not suggesting that NHL scouts will start ranking Kelowna's Tyson Barrie ahead of Windsor's Ryan Ellis, but in the battle of the pint sized blueliners, Barrie is winning. Barrie is listed at 5.10, 190 lbs and has 4 points in 2 games - including a 3 point night against Drummondville Monday - he's also plus 2. Ellis has just one goal, on the power play, and has been on the ice for 3 goals against giving him a -3 rating. I called Barrie a poor man's Ryan Ellis on TPS last Tuesday, he's ranked 77th by ISS in their May report but some scouts might be moving him up their list.
1. Huska = Memorial Cup ChampionshipsWith their win Monday night, Kelowna sent head coach Ryan Huska to the Memorial Cup final for a 5th time in his playing/coaching career, looking for his 5th championship. He won 3 as a player with Kamloops and was an assistant coach to Jeff Truitt when Kelowna won it all in 2004 on home ice. Incredibly this is Huska's 7th time at the tournament, the other 2 times they failed to make the final. So you have to think history is on his side as each time he's reached the title game, he's won it.
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