Final cut last year - Bourke first named to Canada U18 team

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Last August Prince George Cougar forward Troy Bourke was the final cut for team Canada's entry into the U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. It could have been a devastating blow for the teenager, and it looked for a while that Bourke wasn't yet over the disappointment as he struggled out of the gate.

However he finished strong and it's why TPS has learned Hockey Canada has tapped him for their team this spring.

Rielly not ready yet

Tonight was supposed to be the game Morgan Rielly returned to the Moose Jaw Warriors line up, but TPS has learned it won't happen.

Word is there hasn't been a set back, but that the doctor wouldn't clear him to play, so now he's back to week to week.

The Warriors can wrap up their first round playoff series with Regina tonight, which would give Rielly more time to heal.

Barely 16 year old really makes his Point for Moose Jaw

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The Regina Pats opened their playoff series with bitter rival Moose Jaw with a 3-2 win, but since then it's been all Warriors including a 5-4 double overtime victory in game 4 Wednesday night. They now lead the series 3-1 and predictably are led in scoring by veteran Quinton Howden. But it's a rookie who's starting to turn heads.

Check that, an ultra rookie; Brayden Point just turned 16 - 16 days ago.

Winterhawks list owner's son Ben Gallacher

Word is surfacing that Ohio State defenceman Ben Gallacher is leaving the Buckeye program after just one season. The 20 year old could turn pro and play for the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL or the Panthers for that matter, but he could also suit up for one season in the WHL. Oddly enough the team his father owns, Portland, just listed him. Hmmmmmm.

Before going the NCAA route the Calgary born blue liner honed his craft with Boris Rybalka's Camrose Kodiaks, with his best season coming last year with 5 goals, 22 helpers and 119 penalty minutes in 37 games. The 5.11 183 pounder had 1 goal and 12 points along with 30 pim this season in 24 games.

Gallacher is an undersized skilled D-man with some grit to his game and could be a very nice find for next year's team which will lose some star power and offence from this year's squad. Will he be a Tyson Barrie type player for Portland?

Canadian U20 Camp in Russia This Summer

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Sometimes even the most bitter rivalries should be left on the ice and forgotten. Calgary and Edmonton worked together to put together the 2012 World Junior Championship this past winter. Finland and Sweden are teaming up for the Men's World Championship this spring. But perhaps the best example is what Hockey Canada is doing this summer for Russia.

Last night on The Pipeline Show head scout Kevin Prendergast confirmed that Hockey Canada was going to hold their summer U20 camp in Russia. We'll tell you why after the jump.

Morgan Rielly To Return in First Round

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This is a good news, bad news story depending on which side of the Regina/Moose Jaw rivalry you sit on. TPS has learned that the Warriors will have a rising star back in their line up at some point in the opening round.

Morgan Rielly last played for the Tribe November 6th when he chipped in with 2 helpers against Calgary. But an injury against the Hitmen led to Rielly tearing his ACL and requiring surgery. Some thought it would be season ending, the doctors said mid April with the most optimistic time frame being mid to late March. Well they nailed it.

NCAA National Tournament Preview

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The 16-team NCAA National Tournament begins on Friday and culminates with the 2012 Frozen Four in Tampa Bay on the first weekend in April. The Boston College Eagles are the #1 ranked team heading in but in this 1-game format, anything can happen.

After the jump, the picks and predictions from Dean, Guy, Taylor and special guest Julie Robenhymer from Hockey Buzz.

QMJHL Playoff Preview

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The 2012 QMJHL playoffs begin tonight with action in two series with the other six beginning on Friday. The defending Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs have secured home ice advantage for the duration of the post season and look to repeat as league champions. The Shawinigan Cataractes are hosting the 2012 Memorial Cup but don't want to use the backdoor to get to the big dance.

Our predictions for the playoffs come after the jump along with guest Willy Palov of the Halifax Chronicle-Herald.

WHL Playoff Preview

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The WHL post season gets underway Friday night with the Kootenay Ice as defending champions. The Edmonton Oil Kings will have home ice advantage after capturing the Scotty Munro trophy with 107 points. After the predictions from Cam Moon - the voice of the Red Deer Rebels, Guy, Taylor Medak and myself.

OHL Playoff Preview

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The Ontario Hockey League kicks off it's playoffs this Thursday. Unlike last year when Owen Sound and Mississauga both went to the Memorial Cup, only the league champion will earn a trip to Shawinigan in May. After the jump we feature the predictions of myself, Guy, Taylor Medak and our CHL insider Sam Cosentino from Sportsnet.