WHLThread

[old_time_hockey]

The WHL thread went bye-bye I believe. Really it had turned into a shambles since I didn't have the time lately to keep up with it.

The season is just about here so lets start a new one. I figure the theme will mostly be Dub stuff but all Junior is welcome from the O and Q as well as BCHL, AJHL, MJHL and of course there is the PIJHL and KIJHL and VIJHL. Since a popular question is when will the WHL be on SHAW, here is the 2010/11 schedule BC Div. games highlighted:

Friday Oct. 8/10 Swift Current @ Calgary 7:00pm

Wednesday Oct. 27/10 Chilliwack @ Edmonton 7:00pm

Friday Nov. 5/10 Kelowna @ Vancouver 7:30pm

Wednesday Nov. 10/10 Red Deer @ Vancouver 7:00pm

Friday Nov. 12/10 Portland @ Saskatoon 7:00pm

Friday Nov. 19/10 Calgary @ Brandon 7:30pm

Tuesday Nov. 23/10 Regina @ Kamloops 7:00pm

Friday Nov. 26/10 Saskatoon @ Prince Albert 7:00pm

Friday Dec. 3/10 Calgary @ Vancouver 7:30pm

Friday Dec. 10/10 Everett @ Saskatoon 7:00pm

Wednesday Dec. 15/10 Swift Current @ Edmonton 7:00pm

Friday Dec. 17/10 Kelowna @ Calgary 7:00pm

Thursday Jan. 6/11 Calgary @ Swift Current 7:00pm

Wednesday Jan. 12/11 Kootenay @ Edmonton 11:30am

Friday Jan. 14/11 Portland @ Kelowna 7:00pm

Tuesday Jan. 18/11 Lethbridge @ Medicine Hat 7:00pm

Friday Jan. 21/11 Moose Jaw @ Edmonton 7:00pm

Tuesday Jan. 25/11 Medicine Hat @ Regina 7:00pm

Friday Jan. 28/11 Prince George @ Kelowna 7:00pm

Wednesday Feb. 2/11 Everett @ Kamloops 7:00pm

Friday Feb. 4/11 Vancouver @ Calgary 7:00pm

Tuesday Feb. 8/11 Medicine Hat @ Red Deer 7:00pm

Friday Feb. 11/11 Chilliwack @ Kelowna 7:00pm

Friday Feb. 18/11 Seattle @ Vancouver 7:30pm

Friday Feb. 25/11 Brandon @ Saskatoon 7:00pm

Wednesday Mar. 2/11 Lethbridge @ Chilliwack 7:00pm

Friday Mar. 4/11 Kootenay @ Saskatoon 7:00pm

Tuesday Mar. 8/11 Tri-City @ Kamloops 7:00pm

Friday Mar. 11/11 Moose Jaw @ Regina 7:00pm

Friday Mar. 18/11 Brandon @ Moose Jaw 7:00pm

2010/11 season should be interesting!

[goalie13]

There could probably be a whole CHL / WHL section in the Discussion Groups forum.

[old_time_hockey]

Giants Home Opener vs. Bruins Friday 24th @ 7:30pm

TOMORROW! Woohoo!

First 5000 fans thru the door will get a mini 2009/10 BC Division banner and they will raise the real banner before puck drop.

This season will be interesting. This will be without questions one of the youngest/inexperienced lineups the Giants will have iced since they came into the league. Although the Giants did get some good news that Craig Cunningham will be back to start the season as the Boston Bruins wanted him to sign an AHL only contract (meaning if called up wouldn't get NHL pay). So he will come back to Vancouver and put the C on for the Giants. So the Gallagher - Cunningham line will be intact. Then rookies Matt Belerieve, Cain Franson (Cody Fransons brother) and Dalton Sward who were all Giants picks will actually be asked to take on a fairly large roll for this team up front.

In goal Mark Segal will start and I figure be backed up by Brenden Jensen who spent last season with the Wenatchee Wild posting a 10-3-2 record and a .919 save % in the NAHL. Derek Tendler still is on the roster but after watching him in training camp it is clear he hasn't taken a step forward in his development and will probably be reassigned.

On the blueline Neil Manning from Nanaimo, BC will be the veteran. Along side him will be David Musil coming off a very solid rookie year. He could very well be a first round pick in the upcoming NHL draft. Then players like Wes Vannieuwenhuizen (we call him Vanalphabet)and Zach Hodder who would rotate in an out of the lineup last season will take on fulltime rolls. I think they will adjust well. Both played well when called upon but were down the depth chart behind Manning, Musil, Toigo, etc.

[old_time_hockey]

There could probably be a whole CHL / WHL section in the Discussion Groups forum.

[It's our time]

Go Blazers Go. Gonna be a tough year but hopefully the younger guys step up and we play well. Gonna be at almost every home game and hope to make some trips to see them on the road this year with buddies, yay for season tickets

[old_time_hockey]

Heading out to Minoru Arena tonight to watch the Richmond Sockeyes take on the visiting Squamish Wolfpack. Sockeyes home games are every Thursday at 7:30pm and it is only $8 to get in.

Sockeyes off to a good 3-0-1 start. Their OT loss was against the Abbotsford Pilots in a game that Jessie Siemens who is a Vancouver Giants list player was driven from behind into the boards. Lamb for Abbotsford got 5 and a game for it. Siemens would skate off with a little help to the bench but would not return to the game. Sockeyes would score twice on that 5min PP but would let the Pilots take a lead and be forced to tie the game in the 3rd to send it to OT. Apart from the check from behind it was a really entertaining game.

Squamish on the other hand is a mirror image 1-3-0 this season. Going to be in tough tonight.

[old_time_hockey]

Landon Ferraro Named Captain of the Everett Silvertips

The Everett Silvertips announced Thursday that 19 year old center Landon Ferraro has been named Captain of the Everett Silvertips for the 2010-11 season. Ferraro, of Vancouver, BC, served as an assistant captain with the Red Deer Rebels in 2009-10.

“It’s a huge honor to be named captain of the Everett Silvertips,” Ferraro said. “Joining this team as a new player and being named Captain is something that I will treat with the utmost respect. I look forward to working with Craig, Doug and the rest of the Silvertips as we look to bring this club to the next level.”

Ferraro, 19, was acquired from Red Deer in exchange for center Byron Froese and a conditional 2012 5th round draft pick in a July 26th trade. He was selected in the second round, 32nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings following a 37-goal season with the Rebels in 2008-09 and having been drafted second overall in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft. Standing 6'0 and weighing 170 pounds, the forward has accumulated 125 points on 66 goals and 59 assists in 179 WHL games and was a participant in the 2009 CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, earning the Fastest Skater Award at the 2009 CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects Skills Competition. He appeared in two AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season. Landon is the son of Ray Ferraro, an 18-year NHL veteran who holds the WHL record for goals in one season with 108, set in 1983-84 while with the Brandon Wheat Kings as part of a 192 point season.

Ferraro has also represented Hockey Canada on several occasions, posting four points on two goals and two assists while leading Canada to the Silver Medal at the 2009 World Under-18 Championships. He also appeared as a 16 year old for Team Pacific at the 2008 U-17 Hockey Challenge, recording four points on two goals and two assists.

“We’re excited to have Landon here as our Captain.” Head Coach Craig Hartsburg said. "He’s shown great maturity, competitiveness and commitment to his teammates. He will have great support from his assistant captains and other players who are leaders as well.”

Ferraro becomes the eighth captain in team history, following Bryan Nathe (2003-04), Mitch Love (2004-05), Torrie Wheat (2005-06), Cody Thoring (2006), Jason Fransoo (2007), Jonathan Harty (2007-08) and Zack Dailey (2008-10).

Accompanying Landon in leadership roles this season will be assistant captains Rasmus Rissanen, Clayton Cumiskey, Kellan Tochkin and Ryan Murray.

[old_time_hockey]

Well Squamish won something tonight: Clipboard long toss. Went from the bench, sailed clear across the center ice faceoff circle and then slid to a stop at the refs feet at the time keepers bench.

Sockeyes take the 4-1 win in a bizzarly reffed game. Squamish coach was POed to the max and of course was ejected for tossing the clipboard and will probably face a fine. But really both squads were equally screwed over.

Richmond opens the scoring on a PP after buzzing the net a few times they pick the top corner shortside. Squamish would even things up on a harmless looking shot that goes off a sockeye stick and in.

Sockeyes go up 2-1 on a real broken play to the side of the net and I really didn't see how it went in cause I was talking with a Penticton Vees scout. But it was a greasy one for sure. Then 3-1 on a delayed holding call with the goal at the bench nice pass and quick shot from the slot.

With 5mins left Richmond takes a penalty. Being down 2 Squamish pull the goalie for a 6 on 4. Sockeyes do a good job keeping them to the outside and broke up a passing play. With no icing they loft one down the ice that finds the back of the open cage.

[Canucksbiggestfan]

Went to elementary school with Dalton Sward was a pretty cool guy and he was good at hockey.

[b3.]

Brett Connolly, and Dylan McIlrath have been sent back to the Cougars and Warriors today.

[old_time_hockey]

Why do NHL teams do that? Should have sent them home yesterday so they could have a chance to play in their opening games of the season.

[old_time_hockey]

Thomas Frazee Traded to Moose Jaw

Regina, Sk – The Regina Pat are proud to announce the acquisition of 20 year old centre, Thomas Frazee, as well as a 4th round Bantam pick in 2011 and a 6th round pick in 2012 from the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for a 2nd round Bantam pick in 2012 and a 5th in 2013.

Frazee had a solid regular season with the Warriors in 2009-10 scoring 20 goals and accumulating 55 points in 17 games. He broke out in the Warriors playoff series with the Hitmen last season with 10 points in 7 games.

The 6’4” centre began his career with the Portland Winter Hawks as a 16 year old in 2006-07 and was a 1st round pick of the ‘Hawks in 2005. Tomas was a free agent invitee to Dallas Stars camp this past month where he played in 3 games, picking up an assist.

C – Thomas Frazee

Born: Mar. 31/90

North Vancouver, B.C.

6’04” 205lbs. Shoots: Right

2009-10 (Moose Jaw Warriors)

GP-70 G-20 A-35 PTS-55 PIM-18

Regina Pats General Manager Chad Lang, “We are excited to welcome Thomas to our lineup. We feel he brings a lot of offensive punch, size and experience to our hockey club. His leadership and winning attitude will be a welcomed addition to our locker room.”

Frazee joins forward Colin Reddin as the only two 20 year olds currently on the Pats roster, one less than the league maximum of 3.

General Manager, Chad Lang is available for comment at 11:30 in front of the Pats dressing room.

[PowerIce]

Any PIJHL fans other than old_time_hockey?

[old_time_hockey]

Giants Beat Down Bruins

What an opening game of the season. Bruins vs. Giants always is a little edgy and this was no exception. Just under 5 mins in Lyon tunes up Neigum and gets the full jersey pull. As such Neigum got 5 and 10 for the equipment malfunction (not having the strap done up)

Bruins would open the scoring with Ryan Howse getting the first of his 3 goals tonight. But each time the Bruins would score the Giants would answer back in quick order. The 2 - 2 goal was a beauty by Sward who was a Giants first round pick. Sward applies some pressure on Bruins goalie Lucas Gore who was handling the puck and Sward comes up with it. He tries to wrap it in but Gore got the pad down. Sward would grab his own rebound and flips it over the Bruins goalie. They would see saw back and forth until the 17:41 mark of the 2nd period when the Giants take their first lead of the season with Jordan Martinook playing in his first WHL game netting his first WHL goal after just CRUSHING the Bruins Dman, grabbing the puck and walking out and netting it. Then 8 seconds later over ager Matt Mackay who the Giants picked up from the Medicine Hat Tigers gets his first to stretch the lead to 2 and that would be the end of the night for Lucas Gore in the Bruins cage.

3rd period the Giants jump out to a 3 goal lead under a minute in when import LW Marek Tvrdon nets his 2nd of the game on a beautiful Brendan Gallagher feed. Watch this kid. He has soft hands and quick release. As Don Hay said in the post game show, playing with Gallagher and Cunningham, if he is willing to go to the net like he was tonight he his going to get goals in bunches. Cunningham would then score to get his first of the season and Gallagher would finish of the streak of 6 unanswered goals after marching out front of a shell shocked Bruins D and snapped it in.

Bruins 4 @ Giants 9 - F

1. CWK Howse, (1) (Soudek, Collins), 13:14 (PP)

1. VAN Henry, (1) (MacKay), 13:24

2. CWK Crooks, (1) (McKinlay, Hodges), 1:47

2. VAN Sward, (1) (Manning), 2:45

2. CWK Howse, (2) (Soudek, Collins), 6:31

2. VAN Gallagher, (1) (Tvrdon), 10:22

2. CWK Howse, (3) (Pauls, Topping), 12:44 (PP)

2. VAN Tvrdon, (1) (Gallagher, Musil), 15:26

2. VAN Martinook, (1) (Manning), 17:41 (PP)

2. VAN MacKay, (1) (Sohn), 17:49

3. VAN Tvrdon, (2) (Gallagher, Cunningham), 0:57

3. VAN Cunningham, (1) (Manning, Gallagher), 4:57 (PP)

3. VAN Gallagher, (2) , 8:54

Shots

Chilliwack Bruins 9 12 8 29

Vancouver Giants 15 19 11 45

3 Stars

1. VAN - 11 Brendan Gallagher

2. VAN - 20 Marek Tvrdon

3. CWK - 22 Ryan Howse

Tomorrow the Giants will travel down the I-5 to take on the Everett Silvertips who took a 4-3 win at home over the Seattle T-Birds tonight. The newest Tips captain Landon Ferraro picked up an assist on the winning goal.

[b3.]

Does Frazee have an older brother? That name is familiar, I'm thinking I have seen it on a Devil's contract list before.

Who is the Giants tough guy this year since Scholten is in PG now?

[old_time_hockey]

The other BC Div teams in action tonight met in da 'Loops with the home side coming out on top even though they were outshot by the visitng Cougars.

Cougars 2 @ Blazers 5 - F

1. KAM Willick, (1) (Saip, Smith), 10:42 (PP)

1. KAM Schaber, (1) (Ranford, Barnett), 11:16

2. P.G Connolly, (1) (Bourke), 4:58

2. KAM Barnett, (1) (Schaber, Hansen), 15:31

2. KAM Ranford, (1) , 16:29

2. P.G Marincin, (1) (Makin, Vlach), 17:45 (PP)

3. KAM Willick, (2) , 18:45 (EN)

Shots

Prince George Cougars 11 20 10 41

Kamloops Blazers 8 10 10 28

3 Stars

1. KAM - 10 Chase Schaber

2. KAM - 31 Jon Groenheyde

3. P.G - 28 Martin Marincin

Ex-Blazers goalie James Priestner takes the loss and Brett Connolly is held to 1 point.

[old_time_hockey]

Does Frazee have an older brother? That name is familiar, I'm thinking I have seen it on a Devil's contract list before.

Who is the Giants tough guy this year since Scholten is in PG now?

[Vomicillin]

Does Frazee have an older brother? That name is familiar, I'm thinking I have seen it on a Devil's contract list before.

Who is the Giants tough guy this year since Scholten is in PG now?

[old_time_hockey]

You're probably thinking about Jeff Frazee.

He's an American goalie in the Devils' system. Played for Team USA at the 2006 and 2007 WJC. Was the starter in 2007 when Canada beat them in the semis in the shootout.

Ahh memories of that game. Toews, Bourdon (RIP), Price, Jack Johnson.

[Lucic17]

GO GIANTS GO!!!!!!!!