Smoked meat anyone?
One night after scoring nine goals on the Hounds, the Bruins gave up the same number in a 9-0 blowout loss at the hands of the Yorkton Terriers.
While the Terriers did get some bounces and scored probably three goals that would almost never go in, this was an ugly outing for the Bruins virtually start to finish. They ran around in their own end, consistently got beaten by Terrier forwards, couldn't break out properly, couldn't gain the Yorkton blueline, couldn't hit the corners of the net.
It was a game where you could tell after the first period it was going to be an absolute stinker. At least that's what was going through my mind.
I guess the bright side is judging by tonight's game, the Bruins might have a bunch of world-class archers on their hands. Like Derek Tendler was saying in the press box, pretty much every shot was right at the target, i.e. crest.
Also, it looked like Taylor Reich may have scored one in the third period, but no cigar. That kind of night.
It was also a rough outing for Steven Glass, who had a couple of goals I'm sure he would have liked back in his second start in as many nights. He got the hook in favour of Brandon Stone after the fifth goal.
It's not a good way to go into a week off, especially with the team's trip to Grand Forks (UND) coming up this weekend. Then again, it's a game they have to put behind them and the trip should help with that.
Tonight's lineup was identical to last night's except for Dom Perrault, who was attending to a personal matter. Jeff Bartel drew in on the back end.
Keith Cassidy Oct. 26 by lewis94
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Bruins put up nine-spot on Hounds
Once again, the Estevan Bruins have demonstrated that they have no issues with scoring goals.
For the fifth time this year - all of them at Spectra Place - the Bruins scored six goals or more in a 9-2 pounding of the Notre Dame Hounds. It was also their second nine-spot against the Hounds this year.
Calder Neufeld scored his second hat trick in three games, with all three goals coming in a 14-minute span between the second and third period.
Austin Yano was also a standout, with three assists and a shorthanded goal with nine seconds left that came off a rebound of a Ben Johnstone breakaway.
Matt Dochylo, Derek Whitehill, Cole Olson, Eric Baldwin and Taylor Reich had the other markers.
This one didn't look like it had the makings of a blowout in the first period. The Bruins didn't look good in the first 10 minutes and surrendered the opening goal to Ben Morgan. But they turned it around and got goals from Dochylo, Whitehill and Olson before the end of the period.
Then they scored twice in a 2:13 span in the first half of the second period and the rout was on. The Bruins would pump seven past Ty Reichenbach before he got the hook in favour of Matt Smidt.
Despite having more than a healthy cushion to work with, Steven Glass didn't lose focus in the third period and made some huge stops to keep the Hounds to two goals (including one that I'm not at all convinced went in).
I thought Matt Dochylo was a guy who really set the tone tonight. His goal came the same way most of his do - by grinding it out and, in this case, knocking in a rebound. I also thought Connor Milligan was a rock, logging a ton of minutes to go with his two apples.
Cole Olson was with Reich and Froese and impressed me again. He might be near the top of the SJHL scoring race but he also brings a consistent work ethic and has been one of if not the best defensive forward on the team this year in my mind.
Neufeld now stands at 18 goals, five ahead of Dylan Smith and Jesse Ross. Neufeld, Olson and Smith have accounted for 36 of the team's 76 goals this year, or 47 per cent.
Michael Hengen sat out the game with a minor tweak to his knee and, as Keith explains below, he only sat out because it's relatively early in the season and they have the luxury of having 12 other capable forwards.
Matt Brykaliuk also left the game in the second period after taking what looked like a hit from behind. Baldwin moved up to the wing after that.
Here's some post-game for you. Also, we've begun taping the post-game interviews, so check the Mercury's website sometime tomorrow to see Keith's face for radio on film! Haha.
Keith Cassidy Oct. 25 by lewis94
For the fifth time this year - all of them at Spectra Place - the Bruins scored six goals or more in a 9-2 pounding of the Notre Dame Hounds. It was also their second nine-spot against the Hounds this year.
Calder Neufeld scored his second hat trick in three games, with all three goals coming in a 14-minute span between the second and third period.
Austin Yano was also a standout, with three assists and a shorthanded goal with nine seconds left that came off a rebound of a Ben Johnstone breakaway.
Matt Dochylo, Derek Whitehill, Cole Olson, Eric Baldwin and Taylor Reich had the other markers.
This one didn't look like it had the makings of a blowout in the first period. The Bruins didn't look good in the first 10 minutes and surrendered the opening goal to Ben Morgan. But they turned it around and got goals from Dochylo, Whitehill and Olson before the end of the period.
Then they scored twice in a 2:13 span in the first half of the second period and the rout was on. The Bruins would pump seven past Ty Reichenbach before he got the hook in favour of Matt Smidt.
Despite having more than a healthy cushion to work with, Steven Glass didn't lose focus in the third period and made some huge stops to keep the Hounds to two goals (including one that I'm not at all convinced went in).
I thought Matt Dochylo was a guy who really set the tone tonight. His goal came the same way most of his do - by grinding it out and, in this case, knocking in a rebound. I also thought Connor Milligan was a rock, logging a ton of minutes to go with his two apples.
Cole Olson was with Reich and Froese and impressed me again. He might be near the top of the SJHL scoring race but he also brings a consistent work ethic and has been one of if not the best defensive forward on the team this year in my mind.
Neufeld now stands at 18 goals, five ahead of Dylan Smith and Jesse Ross. Neufeld, Olson and Smith have accounted for 36 of the team's 76 goals this year, or 47 per cent.
Michael Hengen sat out the game with a minor tweak to his knee and, as Keith explains below, he only sat out because it's relatively early in the season and they have the luxury of having 12 other capable forwards.
Matt Brykaliuk also left the game in the second period after taking what looked like a hit from behind. Baldwin moved up to the wing after that.
Here's some post-game for you. Also, we've begun taping the post-game interviews, so check the Mercury's website sometime tomorrow to see Keith's face for radio on film! Haha.
Keith Cassidy Oct. 25 by lewis94
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Bruins go 2-for-3 on road trip
The first big road trip of the year for the Bruins didn't start well, but they rebounded in a big way.
The Bruins edged the Melfort Mustangs 3-2 tonight to win their second game in three nights on the road. Dylan Smith, Ryan Ostertag and Calder Neufeld had the goals, with Neufeld's power play marker in the second period standing up as the winner.
Connor Bradshaw scored twice in the first period for the Mustangs.
Brandon Stone picked up his second win in as many nights for the Bruins after a phenomenal performance Saturday that saw him stop 47 of 48 shots in a 4-1 win over La Ronge. The Wolves fired 19 shots at Stone in the third period and he stopped them all. You have to think his play on the road trip has clouded the Bruins' goalie situation even further.
After Skyler Hladun gave the Wolves the lead just 13 seconds into the second period, Calder Neufeld stepped up with a natural hat trick in his second game back from a groin injury. He scored early in the period and twice more late to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead after two. Ostertag would add an insurance goal six minutes into the third.
Derek Tendler got the start in Friday's 4-1 loss to the Ice Wolves, which saw La Ronge outshoot Estevan 50-39. Getting two wins on the trip is huge, but giving up 98 shots in two nights against the Wolves has to be a concern for the coaching staff.
La Ronge took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on goals by Pavlo Zerebecky and Aaron Enns. Matt Brykaliuk (who's suddenly knocking them in almost at will) traded goals with Tyson Valette in the second, and Pat Tran added a late empty-netter.
The Bruins (11-6) are still in first place in the Sherwood but they have to keep an eye on Weyburn now. The Wings are four points back with two games in hand after winning their last four games.
(Listen to this... talking about games in hand in October... I need help)
The Bruins only get one day off as they host the Hounds on Tuesday and the Terriers on Wednesday.
The Bruins edged the Melfort Mustangs 3-2 tonight to win their second game in three nights on the road. Dylan Smith, Ryan Ostertag and Calder Neufeld had the goals, with Neufeld's power play marker in the second period standing up as the winner.
Connor Bradshaw scored twice in the first period for the Mustangs.
Brandon Stone picked up his second win in as many nights for the Bruins after a phenomenal performance Saturday that saw him stop 47 of 48 shots in a 4-1 win over La Ronge. The Wolves fired 19 shots at Stone in the third period and he stopped them all. You have to think his play on the road trip has clouded the Bruins' goalie situation even further.
After Skyler Hladun gave the Wolves the lead just 13 seconds into the second period, Calder Neufeld stepped up with a natural hat trick in his second game back from a groin injury. He scored early in the period and twice more late to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead after two. Ostertag would add an insurance goal six minutes into the third.
Derek Tendler got the start in Friday's 4-1 loss to the Ice Wolves, which saw La Ronge outshoot Estevan 50-39. Getting two wins on the trip is huge, but giving up 98 shots in two nights against the Wolves has to be a concern for the coaching staff.
La Ronge took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on goals by Pavlo Zerebecky and Aaron Enns. Matt Brykaliuk (who's suddenly knocking them in almost at will) traded goals with Tyson Valette in the second, and Pat Tran added a late empty-netter.
The Bruins (11-6) are still in first place in the Sherwood but they have to keep an eye on Weyburn now. The Wings are four points back with two games in hand after winning their last four games.
(Listen to this... talking about games in hand in October... I need help)
The Bruins only get one day off as they host the Hounds on Tuesday and the Terriers on Wednesday.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
SJHL eyeing new western championship
Here's a story in today's Mercury detailing a new western championship in the works as well as a potential breakaway from the RBC Cup.
It has long been rumoured that the SJHL would be part of a new venture taking the four western Junior A hockey leagues out of the RBC Cup and into a new western championship.
The Mercury has obtained a document outlining the strategic plan for such a move, to begin in time for the 2012-13 season.
Phone calls to SJHL president Bill Chow were not returned.
The proposed new format would see the four leagues – the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL and MJHL – governed under the terms of the Junior A Supplement and would allow them to begin their regular season later in September, ending in March.
According to the document, a major reason for the change is to get away from Hockey Canada’s overbearing rules for hosting tournaments, which restrict profit for the host community by forcing them to change most or all of their advertising to Hockey Canada sponsors.
The document cites “Hockey Canada exclusivities” and “administrative fees for event management” among the reasons for taking this initiative.
It also stipulates that the leagues would maintain their membership in the CJAHL as well as the World Junior A Challenge and annual prospects game.
It also says that the four western leagues “shall remain open to the principle of a national championship if the dates and format can be worked out.”
The schedule proposed in the strategic plan would see the western championship played during the first week in May, with an equal rotation among the four leagues.
The proposed format would also do away with the current regional championships, the ANAVET Cup for Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and the Doyle Cup for Alberta and B.C.
A section of the plan titled “threats” lists possible resistance from Hockey Canada and its sponsors, particularly RBC, and push back from the eastern leagues, as items to consider.
A running theme throughout the strategic plan is putting teams on strong economic standing, with part of the mission statement aimed at “creating economic wealth and team stability.”
The proposal includes a plan to hold the inaugural western championship in May 2013 and, within the next two or three years, finalize the rotation for the first four years, through 2016, with the event being hosted by each of the four leagues in that time.
Also, head here for complete Showcase coverage.
It has long been rumoured that the SJHL would be part of a new venture taking the four western Junior A hockey leagues out of the RBC Cup and into a new western championship.
The Mercury has obtained a document outlining the strategic plan for such a move, to begin in time for the 2012-13 season.
Phone calls to SJHL president Bill Chow were not returned.
The proposed new format would see the four leagues – the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL and MJHL – governed under the terms of the Junior A Supplement and would allow them to begin their regular season later in September, ending in March.
According to the document, a major reason for the change is to get away from Hockey Canada’s overbearing rules for hosting tournaments, which restrict profit for the host community by forcing them to change most or all of their advertising to Hockey Canada sponsors.
The document cites “Hockey Canada exclusivities” and “administrative fees for event management” among the reasons for taking this initiative.
It also stipulates that the leagues would maintain their membership in the CJAHL as well as the World Junior A Challenge and annual prospects game.
It also says that the four western leagues “shall remain open to the principle of a national championship if the dates and format can be worked out.”
The schedule proposed in the strategic plan would see the western championship played during the first week in May, with an equal rotation among the four leagues.
The proposed format would also do away with the current regional championships, the ANAVET Cup for Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and the Doyle Cup for Alberta and B.C.
A section of the plan titled “threats” lists possible resistance from Hockey Canada and its sponsors, particularly RBC, and push back from the eastern leagues, as items to consider.
A running theme throughout the strategic plan is putting teams on strong economic standing, with part of the mission statement aimed at “creating economic wealth and team stability.”
The proposal includes a plan to hold the inaugural western championship in May 2013 and, within the next two or three years, finalize the rotation for the first four years, through 2016, with the event being hosted by each of the four leagues in that time.
Also, head here for complete Showcase coverage.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Bruins rally to beat Mils
The Estevan Bruins continue to have the Melville Millionaires' number this year.
The Bruins rallied from a 1-0 deficit after two periods to beat the Mils for the fourth time in as many tries this season with a 4-1 victory.
Allen Kilback had the Mils' goal late in the second period.
Austin Yano tied it early in the third on a brilliant end-to-end rush - I was thinking he and Perrault should have switched numbers for that one - and Taylor Reich gave the Bruins the lead when he tipped a puck out front and then turned around to tap it past Alex Wakaluk. It was another strong game for Reich, mostly on the top unit with Smith and Olson in the absence of Calder Neufeld (groin).
With less than two minutes left, Josh Jelinski managed to get the puck past Wakaluk despite being dogged by a Melville player all the way to the net. Reich scored an empty-netter not long after that.
On the injury front, Eric Baldwin missed the game, not due to the hit from behind on Sunday but with a hip ailment. Michael Hengen also left the game in the second period and Keith said it sounds like a knee injury, or at least something to do with his leg.
I thought it was a solid effort from the Bruins. It seemed that they just couldn't finish in the first two periods, despite the chances they were getting. There were a lot of shots that missed the net. But it all came together in the third.
Next up is a looooong 3-in-3 trip to La Ronge and Melfort this weekend.
The Bruins rallied from a 1-0 deficit after two periods to beat the Mils for the fourth time in as many tries this season with a 4-1 victory.
Allen Kilback had the Mils' goal late in the second period.
Austin Yano tied it early in the third on a brilliant end-to-end rush - I was thinking he and Perrault should have switched numbers for that one - and Taylor Reich gave the Bruins the lead when he tipped a puck out front and then turned around to tap it past Alex Wakaluk. It was another strong game for Reich, mostly on the top unit with Smith and Olson in the absence of Calder Neufeld (groin).
With less than two minutes left, Josh Jelinski managed to get the puck past Wakaluk despite being dogged by a Melville player all the way to the net. Reich scored an empty-netter not long after that.
On the injury front, Eric Baldwin missed the game, not due to the hit from behind on Sunday but with a hip ailment. Michael Hengen also left the game in the second period and Keith said it sounds like a knee injury, or at least something to do with his leg.
I thought it was a solid effort from the Bruins. It seemed that they just couldn't finish in the first two periods, despite the chances they were getting. There were a lot of shots that missed the net. But it all came together in the third.
Next up is a looooong 3-in-3 trip to La Ronge and Melfort this weekend.
***
Finally have some time and energy to throw out some thoughts on the Showcase. The entire weekend was a blast from start to finish, inside and outside the rink. As I've said before, it's a pretty cool atmosphere having hockey being played from morning till night, and with people from all over the province in the rink.
I don't have a firm number on the total number of scouts that showed up, but the consensus seems to be between 30 and 40. You can find a list of the registered scouts in the post below this one. I had a chat with a couple of the NHL guys and the overriding sentiment was that they come to the showcase because they don't want to be the one sitting at the draft table when someone else drafts a kid they didn't go to look at.
I honestly thought Saturday provided the most entertaining hockey, even though the Bruins didn't play. The final three games of the day, La Ronge vs. Nipawin, Humboldt vs. Melville and Flin Flon vs. Kindersley might have been the three best games of the weekend.
The Bruins won both of their games and many of their players made the most of the chance to play in front of the scouts. Upwards of a dozen players got interest from scouts at one level or another. Two guys I really felt made an impression were Steven Glass and Matt Brykaliuk. Glass started both games and handled himself like a seasoned vet. Brykaliuk had a breakout game Friday, showing off his skill and giving signs that he's making the adjustment to SJHL hockey.
Part of the showcase is the social aspect and I ran into a lot of familiar faces, including some old friends and players from Kindersley, which was nice. Speaking of which, I couldn't believe how many fans were there from Flin Flon and Nipawin. It almost sounded like the Whitney when the Bombers scored.
And honestly, every person I talked to raved about Spectra Place. People ran out of things to say. Safe to say it certainly made an impression.
It was a blast, but I'm glad it's over. I almost fell asleep a few times during Sunday's games.
Did you make it out? Any thoughts? Leave a comment.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Showcase scouts list
I'm hoping to finally get a full showcase recap on the blog tonight, but for now, here's a full list of the teams that were represented by scouts this weekend.
NHL: LA Kings, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals
NCAA: North Dakota, Union, Manhattanville, Michigan Tech, Minnesota-Duluth, Norwich
WHL: Tri-City, Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Vancouver
CIS: York University
Other: Dakota College (Bottineau), Keyano College (Fort Mac), Royal Military College (Kingston), Hockey Ministries
NHL: LA Kings, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals
NCAA: North Dakota, Union, Manhattanville, Michigan Tech, Minnesota-Duluth, Norwich
WHL: Tri-City, Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Vancouver
CIS: York University
Other: Dakota College (Bottineau), Keyano College (Fort Mac), Royal Military College (Kingston), Hockey Ministries
Friday, October 14, 2011
SJHL Showcase Live Chat
The Mercury is running a live chat on its website throughout showcase weekend. Check it out:
http://www.estevanmercury.ca/article/20111014/ESTMERCURY0204/111019862/-1/estmercury02/sjhl-showcase-live-chat
http://www.estevanmercury.ca/article/20111014/ESTMERCURY0204/111019862/-1/estmercury02/sjhl-showcase-live-chat
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Jelinski named captain; dressing room photos
It was a big day on the news front for the Bruins as they named their next captain and also showed off the new dressing room.
Josh Jelinski will wear the C, with Dom Perrault, Matt Dochylo and Derek Whitehill getting the As.
I like the decision to pick Jelinski. He's shown a lot of leadership during the early part of the season and a lot of that is his on-ice play. He's a hard worker and has fired up his teammates with his physical play on a few occasions.
The fact that he's wearing the C as a 19-year-old is an extra honour but he'll have support from three 20-year-olds also wearing letters.
As for the dressing room, wow. I had seen it about a month ago when it was far from done, and I was blown away then, but to see the finished product is something else. This was a labour of love for Gerry Aspen and you can tell with all the little personal touches like spotlights above the stalls, pucks beside the nameplates, carved Bruins logos in every drawer below the stalls.
The players got their first look at it and they were blown away.
Here are a few photos of the room.
Here are some interviews for you:
Bruins dressing room and new captain by lewis94
Josh Jelinski will wear the C, with Dom Perrault, Matt Dochylo and Derek Whitehill getting the As.
I like the decision to pick Jelinski. He's shown a lot of leadership during the early part of the season and a lot of that is his on-ice play. He's a hard worker and has fired up his teammates with his physical play on a few occasions.
The fact that he's wearing the C as a 19-year-old is an extra honour but he'll have support from three 20-year-olds also wearing letters.
As for the dressing room, wow. I had seen it about a month ago when it was far from done, and I was blown away then, but to see the finished product is something else. This was a labour of love for Gerry Aspen and you can tell with all the little personal touches like spotlights above the stalls, pucks beside the nameplates, carved Bruins logos in every drawer below the stalls.
The players got their first look at it and they were blown away.
Here are a few photos of the room.
 |
| Derek Whitehill, Steven Glass, Eric Baldwin |
 |
| Ryan Ostertag, Calder Neufeld, Jeff Bartel |
 |
| Members of the Bruins Alumni, which donated $40,000 toward the room and put in a lot of hours the last few weeks. |
Here are some interviews for you:
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Showcase preview
Here's the preview of this weekend's SJHL Showcase running in today's Mercury:
SJHL Showcase to invade Spectra Place
In two days, one of the marquee events on the SJHL calendar will kick off in Estevan.
The SJHL Showcase will bring all 12 member clubs to Spectra Place to play two games apiece in three days.
Local fans will get a steady dose of hockey, beginning Friday at 11 a.m. with Weyburn facing La Ronge, and ending Sunday at 7:30 p.m. when Flin Flon takes on Notre Dame.
Bruins president Jeff Pierson said he's excited for everything that the Showcase brings, including a chance to show off Spectra Place.
"We're showcasing one of the best Junior A hockey rinks in the country. That exposes our city more than our hockey club. Everyone who will hear and see about this, it's just super-exciting," said Pierson.
"I just really hope the people of Estevan and surrounding area come out and support this. This is step one in both the Bruins club and the city looking to attract bigger hockey events to Spectra Place. That part of it is pretty simple: good volunteers and good fan support will look very good on a resume for the World Junior A Challenge or even the RBC Cup."
The purpose of the annual event, aside from providing a financial boost for the host centre, is to showcase SJHL players for scouts ranging from the college level to the NHL.
Pierson said he's been in contact with three NHL scouts who are coming and there could be more.
The Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and NHL Central Scouting will all have representatives at Spectra Place.
Read the rest of the story here.
SJHL Showcase to invade Spectra Place
In two days, one of the marquee events on the SJHL calendar will kick off in Estevan.The SJHL Showcase will bring all 12 member clubs to Spectra Place to play two games apiece in three days.
Local fans will get a steady dose of hockey, beginning Friday at 11 a.m. with Weyburn facing La Ronge, and ending Sunday at 7:30 p.m. when Flin Flon takes on Notre Dame.
Bruins president Jeff Pierson said he's excited for everything that the Showcase brings, including a chance to show off Spectra Place.
"We're showcasing one of the best Junior A hockey rinks in the country. That exposes our city more than our hockey club. Everyone who will hear and see about this, it's just super-exciting," said Pierson.
"I just really hope the people of Estevan and surrounding area come out and support this. This is step one in both the Bruins club and the city looking to attract bigger hockey events to Spectra Place. That part of it is pretty simple: good volunteers and good fan support will look very good on a resume for the World Junior A Challenge or even the RBC Cup."
The purpose of the annual event, aside from providing a financial boost for the host centre, is to showcase SJHL players for scouts ranging from the college level to the NHL.
Pierson said he's been in contact with three NHL scouts who are coming and there could be more.
The Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and NHL Central Scouting will all have representatives at Spectra Place.
Read the rest of the story here.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Bruins-Terriers recap with Brandon Stone video
It had to happen eventually, and tonight it did. After reeling off five straight wins in Spectra Place, the Bruins suffered their first loss at home tonight in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Yorkton Terriers.
After talking about the Terriers' good job in finding Junior B gems in my game preview earlier today, Yorkton got all four goals from Jr. B grads: Jeremy Johnson (2), Jamie Vlanich and Zak Majkowski.
Ben Johnstone had the Bruins' lone goal, scoring in his second straight game. It was a beauty as he took a slick pass from Michael Hengen while driving to the net, slipped to his forehand and went roof daddy over Kale Thomson's glove. He might have been the Bruins' best forward tonight.
While the Bruins outshot the Dogs 38-34, I agreed with Keith's assessment in the post-game interview, which is that their forwards didn't do enough dirty work in digging for pucks and creating scoring chances. Instead, they often sat back waiting to set up the perfect play, and as we all know, that doesn't work out too often.
There were some shifts especially in the third where some Bruins just floated around out there, waiting for the play to come to them. That's not the way to try to build on a late second period goal.
Both Connor Milligan and Brandon Stone made their Bruin debuts tonight. I thought Milligan was for the most part very good, showing the ability to make a good first pass and maintaining pretty good positioning. What impressed me most was that in his first game, he wasn't afraid to take charge out there and communicate with the guys around him. You need those leaders out on the ice, especially with such a young blueline and a guy starting his first SJHL game.
As for Stone, there were a lot of positives to take out of his game. The only goal I could really fault him on was Johnson's first one in the second period when he lunged out of the crease after a loose puck and missed it, which left Johnson the open net.
Majkowski's goal, I think you can lay equally on Stone and the defence. He didn't look ready for the original shot and made the blocker save, but the rebound stayed out front. I thought the D should have been able to clear it, but it stayed right there for Majkowski to tap in.
I thought Stone showed quick lateral movement, a clean butterfly style and he did a good job of handling the puck. He also didn't seem to get rattled when the puck was bouncing around in front.
The Bruins are in Yorkton tomorrow before coming back home for the showcase.
Rest assured this will not be a regular feature haha.
Here you go. Look for the big glove save at the end.
After talking about the Terriers' good job in finding Junior B gems in my game preview earlier today, Yorkton got all four goals from Jr. B grads: Jeremy Johnson (2), Jamie Vlanich and Zak Majkowski.
Ben Johnstone had the Bruins' lone goal, scoring in his second straight game. It was a beauty as he took a slick pass from Michael Hengen while driving to the net, slipped to his forehand and went roof daddy over Kale Thomson's glove. He might have been the Bruins' best forward tonight.
While the Bruins outshot the Dogs 38-34, I agreed with Keith's assessment in the post-game interview, which is that their forwards didn't do enough dirty work in digging for pucks and creating scoring chances. Instead, they often sat back waiting to set up the perfect play, and as we all know, that doesn't work out too often.
There were some shifts especially in the third where some Bruins just floated around out there, waiting for the play to come to them. That's not the way to try to build on a late second period goal.
Both Connor Milligan and Brandon Stone made their Bruin debuts tonight. I thought Milligan was for the most part very good, showing the ability to make a good first pass and maintaining pretty good positioning. What impressed me most was that in his first game, he wasn't afraid to take charge out there and communicate with the guys around him. You need those leaders out on the ice, especially with such a young blueline and a guy starting his first SJHL game.
As for Stone, there were a lot of positives to take out of his game. The only goal I could really fault him on was Johnson's first one in the second period when he lunged out of the crease after a loose puck and missed it, which left Johnson the open net.
Majkowski's goal, I think you can lay equally on Stone and the defence. He didn't look ready for the original shot and made the blocker save, but the rebound stayed out front. I thought the D should have been able to clear it, but it stayed right there for Majkowski to tap in.
I thought Stone showed quick lateral movement, a clean butterfly style and he did a good job of handling the puck. He also didn't seem to get rattled when the puck was bouncing around in front.
The Bruins are in Yorkton tomorrow before coming back home for the showcase.
*********
I decided to try something different tonight. I've seen this done a couple of times with European NHL goalie prospects where bloggers try to give North American fans a sense of how the goalie looks. With it being Brandon Stone's first game as a Bruin, I shot some video of him and put it together into a compilation.
Rest assured this will not be a regular feature haha.
Here you go. Look for the big glove save at the end.
Bruins lose Daae; EST-YKT preview
Good afternoon. It's another Bruins game day as the team opens up a home-and-home against the Yorkton Terriers tonight at Spectra Place.
The Bruins will do it without left winger Austin Daae, who has joined the WHL's Prince George Cougars. I'm not sure how the Cougars got his rights from the Blades, but he's headed to BC for a second crack at the Dub.
Daae, an Estevan native, posted six points in five games with the Bruins, all assists, with four of them coming on Friday in Weyburn.
Here's a look at tonight's game.
The Bruins are coming off a split with the Wings. It will be interesting to see what happens with the big line of Neufeld-Olson-Smith over the next little while. Neufeld was replaced with Daae during the third period on Friday and the result was four goals. Then on Saturday, the Bruins relied on secondary scoring for the win with three rookies lighting the lamp. The trio has obviously set the league on fire so far, but it's also no secret that the coaching staff is looking for a better effort from them in terms of their own end.
I would expect we see a line of Froese-Whitehill-Jelinski tonight with the departure of Daae. This is a unit that can be intimidating along the boards but also has the potential to put up a lot of points. We'll also have to see if the line of Hengen-Johnstone-Ostertag sticks together tonight. After the game Benny had on Saturday, it's my opinion that he can't be sitting out anymore.
On the back end, there's a good chance Connor Milligan makes his Bruin debut. He's been impressive in practice and the team hopes he can make an impact as a top four guy. It also sounds like new goalie Brandon Stone could get his first start tonight. I'll be keeping an eye on those two for sure.
The Terriers have lost three straight games, including back-to-back defeats to Melville on the weekend, and they'll be looking to turn things around tonight. It appears goalie Warren Shymko is about ready to return from injury, although I'm not sure if he'll be in tonight.
One of Yorkton's problems has been the absence of top returning scorer Brent Struble, who has yet to play due to injury. Newcomers Ryon Sookro and Jamie Vlanich have picked up the slack so far, with help from Jeremy Johnson. If that's not an advertisement for Junior B hockey, I don't know what is. Zak Majkowski, Brenden Poncelet and Kyle McLeod will be other forwards to watch tonight.
Devon McMullen and Sam Rockwell lead the way on a blueline that is, if possible, even younger than that of the Bruins. If the tale of the tape tells us anything, it's that we could be in for a shootout tonight.
The Bruins will do it without left winger Austin Daae, who has joined the WHL's Prince George Cougars. I'm not sure how the Cougars got his rights from the Blades, but he's headed to BC for a second crack at the Dub.
Daae, an Estevan native, posted six points in five games with the Bruins, all assists, with four of them coming on Friday in Weyburn.
Here's a look at tonight's game.
 | ||
| Estevan Bruins (6-3) |
I would expect we see a line of Froese-Whitehill-Jelinski tonight with the departure of Daae. This is a unit that can be intimidating along the boards but also has the potential to put up a lot of points. We'll also have to see if the line of Hengen-Johnstone-Ostertag sticks together tonight. After the game Benny had on Saturday, it's my opinion that he can't be sitting out anymore.
On the back end, there's a good chance Connor Milligan makes his Bruin debut. He's been impressive in practice and the team hopes he can make an impact as a top four guy. It also sounds like new goalie Brandon Stone could get his first start tonight. I'll be keeping an eye on those two for sure.
 |
| Yorkton Terriers (4-6) |
One of Yorkton's problems has been the absence of top returning scorer Brent Struble, who has yet to play due to injury. Newcomers Ryon Sookro and Jamie Vlanich have picked up the slack so far, with help from Jeremy Johnson. If that's not an advertisement for Junior B hockey, I don't know what is. Zak Majkowski, Brenden Poncelet and Kyle McLeod will be other forwards to watch tonight.
Devon McMullen and Sam Rockwell lead the way on a blueline that is, if possible, even younger than that of the Bruins. If the tale of the tape tells us anything, it's that we could be in for a shootout tonight.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Bruins split home-and-home with Wings
The Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the first period and held on for a 3-1 win over Weyburn tonight, getting back in the win column after last night's 5-4 defeat.
Tanner Froese, Ben Johnstone and Taylor Reich had the Bruins' goals while Coltyn Sanderson scored for the Wings.
I thought Johnstone was one of the best players on the ice. Aside from scoring his first SJHL goal, he was a pinball out there, hitting everything that moved. In fact, the play he scored on began with a hit he made in the Bruins' end.
It was definitely his best game as a Bruin, I thought.
Steven Glass was more than solid in the Estevan cage, winning his third game of the year. After tonight's win, he's carrying a 1.33 goals-against average and .952 save percentage - both first among all SJHL goalies. He's done nothing but impress so far.
The Bruins are still undefeated at Spectra Place with a 5-0 record. Just wait till they get into their new room.
Post-game with Keith Cassidy:
Keith Cassidy Oct. 8 by lewis94
Tanner Froese, Ben Johnstone and Taylor Reich had the Bruins' goals while Coltyn Sanderson scored for the Wings.
I thought Johnstone was one of the best players on the ice. Aside from scoring his first SJHL goal, he was a pinball out there, hitting everything that moved. In fact, the play he scored on began with a hit he made in the Bruins' end.
It was definitely his best game as a Bruin, I thought.
Steven Glass was more than solid in the Estevan cage, winning his third game of the year. After tonight's win, he's carrying a 1.33 goals-against average and .952 save percentage - both first among all SJHL goalies. He's done nothing but impress so far.
The Bruins are still undefeated at Spectra Place with a 5-0 record. Just wait till they get into their new room.
Post-game with Keith Cassidy:
Keith Cassidy Oct. 8 by lewis94
Bruins-Wings lineups
Not enough time for a full preview, but here are the lines for tonight's back end of the home-and-home between the Bruins and Red Wings.
Steven Glass gets the start for the Bruins. Michael Hengen is back in after missing two games with a quad strain.
Estevan
Neufeld-Olson-Smith
Daae-Whitehill-Froese
Dochylo-Jelinski-Reich
Hengen-Johnstone-Ostertag
Bartel-Boesch
Yano-Kauk
Perrault-Baldwin
Glass
Tendler
Weyburn
Bruce-Sanderson-Ross
Kirkham-Kennelly-Whitell
Hermary-Kosloski-Pirio
Schneider-Carleton-Wilkinson
Macoretta-Johnson
Borstmayer-Morrison
Coupal-Kmita
Kilgore
Matheson
Steven Glass gets the start for the Bruins. Michael Hengen is back in after missing two games with a quad strain.
Estevan
Neufeld-Olson-Smith
Daae-Whitehill-Froese
Dochylo-Jelinski-Reich
Hengen-Johnstone-Ostertag
Bartel-Boesch
Yano-Kauk
Perrault-Baldwin
Glass
Tendler
Weyburn
Bruce-Sanderson-Ross
Kirkham-Kennelly-Whitell
Hermary-Kosloski-Pirio
Schneider-Carleton-Wilkinson
Macoretta-Johnson
Borstmayer-Morrison
Coupal-Kmita
Kilgore
Matheson
Friday, October 7, 2011
Bruins bring in '93 goalie, '92 defenceman
The roster moves continue for the Estevan Bruins.
There's a new goalie and a new defenceman in camp this week, bringing the roster back up to the max of 25 players.
The Moose Jaw Warriors have re-assigned 1993 goalie Brandon Stone to the Bruins. Stone is an Abbotsford native who got into 15 games with the Warriors last year. Keith said he'll let that situation play itself out and that he's in no hurry to get back down to two goalies.
"We’ve been happy with the goaltending we’ve had. I think both guys have done everything asked of them and more. (But) we’ll see how that competition plays out," he said.
"He’s a bigger goalie, he’s certainly got some reasonable experience over the past couple of seasons. He's looked very good in practice so far. The one thing that catches my attention right away is his work ethic."
Stone's stats:
The Bruins have also acquired 1992 defenceman Connor Milligan from the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks. Milligan was a rookie on last year's RBC Cup team in Camrose which bowed out in the semis.
The Winnipeg native was a stud in midget AAA, winning MVP and top defenceman honours in the Manitoba midget league in 2009-10. He captained his midget team and was also recruited by Keith when he was with the Winnipeg Saints.
"We’re not looking for him to be Bobby Orr. We don’t need that, we need someone who can play some steady minutes for us and he’ll be a solid, steadying influence for us."
Keith also described him as a good character player and added that he's a right-handed shot, which is an added plus for a Bruins team that only has two on the back end. I think there's a good chance we see him lining up across from Dominic Perrault.
Milligan's stats:
There's a new goalie and a new defenceman in camp this week, bringing the roster back up to the max of 25 players.
The Moose Jaw Warriors have re-assigned 1993 goalie Brandon Stone to the Bruins. Stone is an Abbotsford native who got into 15 games with the Warriors last year. Keith said he'll let that situation play itself out and that he's in no hurry to get back down to two goalies.
"We’ve been happy with the goaltending we’ve had. I think both guys have done everything asked of them and more. (But) we’ll see how that competition plays out," he said.
"He’s a bigger goalie, he’s certainly got some reasonable experience over the past couple of seasons. He's looked very good in practice so far. The one thing that catches my attention right away is his work ethic."
Stone's stats:
The Bruins have also acquired 1992 defenceman Connor Milligan from the AJHL's Camrose Kodiaks. Milligan was a rookie on last year's RBC Cup team in Camrose which bowed out in the semis.
The Winnipeg native was a stud in midget AAA, winning MVP and top defenceman honours in the Manitoba midget league in 2009-10. He captained his midget team and was also recruited by Keith when he was with the Winnipeg Saints.
"We’re not looking for him to be Bobby Orr. We don’t need that, we need someone who can play some steady minutes for us and he’ll be a solid, steadying influence for us."
Keith also described him as a good character player and added that he's a right-handed shot, which is an added plus for a Bruins team that only has two on the back end. I think there's a good chance we see him lining up across from Dominic Perrault.
Milligan's stats:
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Elecs secure home playoff game
The ECS Elecs football team defeated the Swift Current Colts 30-22 today to clinch home-field advantage for the quarter-finals in the Moose Jaw High School Football League.
Barring an ECS win next week over undefeated Vanier, and a Peacock loss to winless Swift Current, the Elecs (2-3) will finish fourth and host the Colts in the 4 vs. 5 game on Oct. 18.
The Elecs got majors from Dustin MacCuish (10-yard run), Kyle Hovind (on a fumble recovery in the end zone), Tyler Hodgson (one-yard plunge) and Bucky Strongeagle (20-yard pass).
Here's the full Mercury recap.
Barring an ECS win next week over undefeated Vanier, and a Peacock loss to winless Swift Current, the Elecs (2-3) will finish fourth and host the Colts in the 4 vs. 5 game on Oct. 18.
The Elecs got majors from Dustin MacCuish (10-yard run), Kyle Hovind (on a fumble recovery in the end zone), Tyler Hodgson (one-yard plunge) and Bucky Strongeagle (20-yard pass).
Here's the full Mercury recap.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Bruins stage comeback for OT win
If there was ever a game that a team was lucky to win, it was tonight.
The Bruins looked positively awful in the first two periods against Melville - not a lot of effort, no battles for loose pucks and not much backchecking. If not for Derek Tendler, the Mils definitely would have buried more than two goals.
Then, on a power play with 3.3 seconds left in the second period, Calder Neufeld blasted a big shot top shelf from the top of the left circle. That cut the Mils' lead in half and gave the Bruins a big boost going into the third.
Even for the first few minutes in the third, I didn't think the Bruins looked great. As Keith said after the game, they really only played 17-18 minutes of hockey. They allowed a one-timer goal to Michael Desjarlais during a 4-on-4 about three minutes in to restore Melville's two-goal lead.
Then Neufeld sniped yet another goal, his 11th of the year, and Josh Jelinski beat Alex Sirard 22 seconds later to tie it up and send Spectra Place into chaos. The Bruins had 16 shots in the period.
There were some tense moments near the end of the period. Melville had a goal called back with 3:31 left on a high stick. About a minute later, Austin Daae took a perfect pass breaking into the slot and was denied by Sirard's pad.
Dylan Smith later went hard into the end boards on a scoring chance and looked shaken up, to say the least. Shortly after that, Matt Dochylo took a bad hit from Michael Sagen and, I don't think, took another shift.
Smith's OT winner began with another big save by Tendler. The Bruins gained the line and Cole Olson held onto the puck just long enough to slip it through to Smith on the left side, and he found a tiny short side opening to beat Sirard.
The Mils have to be wondering what it's gonna take for them to beat the Bruins. They came out tonight fired up, obviously seeking revenge for the loss in their home opener, and likely would have had the game sewn up after two if not for Tendler.
Post-game with Smith and Cassidy:
Dylan Smith Oct. 5 by lewis94
Keith Cassidy Oct. 5 by lewis94
The Bruins looked positively awful in the first two periods against Melville - not a lot of effort, no battles for loose pucks and not much backchecking. If not for Derek Tendler, the Mils definitely would have buried more than two goals.
Then, on a power play with 3.3 seconds left in the second period, Calder Neufeld blasted a big shot top shelf from the top of the left circle. That cut the Mils' lead in half and gave the Bruins a big boost going into the third.
Even for the first few minutes in the third, I didn't think the Bruins looked great. As Keith said after the game, they really only played 17-18 minutes of hockey. They allowed a one-timer goal to Michael Desjarlais during a 4-on-4 about three minutes in to restore Melville's two-goal lead.
Then Neufeld sniped yet another goal, his 11th of the year, and Josh Jelinski beat Alex Sirard 22 seconds later to tie it up and send Spectra Place into chaos. The Bruins had 16 shots in the period.
There were some tense moments near the end of the period. Melville had a goal called back with 3:31 left on a high stick. About a minute later, Austin Daae took a perfect pass breaking into the slot and was denied by Sirard's pad.
Dylan Smith later went hard into the end boards on a scoring chance and looked shaken up, to say the least. Shortly after that, Matt Dochylo took a bad hit from Michael Sagen and, I don't think, took another shift.
Smith's OT winner began with another big save by Tendler. The Bruins gained the line and Cole Olson held onto the puck just long enough to slip it through to Smith on the left side, and he found a tiny short side opening to beat Sirard.
The Mils have to be wondering what it's gonna take for them to beat the Bruins. They came out tonight fired up, obviously seeking revenge for the loss in their home opener, and likely would have had the game sewn up after two if not for Tendler.
Post-game with Smith and Cassidy:
Dylan Smith Oct. 5 by lewis94
Keith Cassidy Oct. 5 by lewis94
Preview: Bruins vs. Mils
Good morning. The Bruins are back in action tonight when they take on the Melville Millionaires for the third time this season at Spectra Place.
It's the Bruins' first game since trading Chris Daniels to complete the Shea Cooper deal with Portage.
In other roster news, according to Ryan Crosson's twitter account, he's heading to the CJHL's Pembroke Lumber Kings. I'm not sure if that was a cash deal but I'll try to get the word from Keith after practice.
UPDATE: Keith said Crosson remains Bruins property and no deal has been made with Pembroke - apparently Crosson has contacts there - but they are trying to find him a good fit somewhere.
That brings the team down to seven defencemen, although they still have their eye on a few possible options to bring in another vet.
Here's a look at tonight's game.
The Bruins are riding a three-game winning streak and they will look to continue that with their third win over the Mils this season. The big line of Neufeld, Olson and Smith continues to dominate (check out the league scoring race - you may want to take a screenshot) but the good news on the weekend was that the team spread out their attack, getting goals from nine different players.
Austin Daae has made a physical impact in his first few games with the Bruins and I'd expect him to start chipping in some offence pretty soon. Josh Jelinski is another guy who's starting to heat up on the scoresheet, and rookie Tanner Froese has three goals so far.
On the back end, Tyler Kauk and Austin Yano continue to be perhaps the most cohesive pairing. Both have played extremely well while learning the ropes and their games complement each other well. Probably safe to say Derek Tendler gets the start tonight after not having played since last Tuesday against Humboldt.
It's been a slow start for the Mils and Saturday's loss in the first game in their new barn couldn't have buoyed their spirits. And, as Craig Stein reported on the weekend, it got worse when stud defenceman Lee Christensen fell in the shower and fractured his face in four places. Still, I maintain that there's a lot of talent on this team without the likes of Sean Aschim and Zach Rakochy, and they'll get it together sooner rather than later.
The biggest problem has been in goal, although 18-year-old Alex Wakaluk has done well since his recent acquisition. Still, the Mils are scouring the market for a veteran goalie. No word on who gets the start tonight.
Perhaps the biggest bright spot has been forward Ian McNulty, who's nearly halfway to last year's total of 19 points already, including five goals. Jesse Mireau is off to a good start, and Melville's getting decent production from their back end. Still, they could use more from the likes of Lucas Froese, Mark Owen, Michael Desjarlais and Roger Tagoona.
It's the Bruins' first game since trading Chris Daniels to complete the Shea Cooper deal with Portage.
In other roster news, according to Ryan Crosson's twitter account, he's heading to the CJHL's Pembroke Lumber Kings. I'm not sure if that was a cash deal but I'll try to get the word from Keith after practice.
UPDATE: Keith said Crosson remains Bruins property and no deal has been made with Pembroke - apparently Crosson has contacts there - but they are trying to find him a good fit somewhere.
That brings the team down to seven defencemen, although they still have their eye on a few possible options to bring in another vet.
Here's a look at tonight's game.
| ||
| Estevan Bruins (4-2) |
Austin Daae has made a physical impact in his first few games with the Bruins and I'd expect him to start chipping in some offence pretty soon. Josh Jelinski is another guy who's starting to heat up on the scoresheet, and rookie Tanner Froese has three goals so far.
On the back end, Tyler Kauk and Austin Yano continue to be perhaps the most cohesive pairing. Both have played extremely well while learning the ropes and their games complement each other well. Probably safe to say Derek Tendler gets the start tonight after not having played since last Tuesday against Humboldt.
 |
| Melville Millionaires (1-3-0-1) |
The biggest problem has been in goal, although 18-year-old Alex Wakaluk has done well since his recent acquisition. Still, the Mils are scouring the market for a veteran goalie. No word on who gets the start tonight.
Perhaps the biggest bright spot has been forward Ian McNulty, who's nearly halfway to last year's total of 19 points already, including five goals. Jesse Mireau is off to a good start, and Melville's getting decent production from their back end. Still, they could use more from the likes of Lucas Froese, Mark Owen, Michael Desjarlais and Roger Tagoona.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Daniels dealt to Portage
The Bruins have completed their deal with the Portage Terriers, finalizing the trade of 20-year-old forward Chris Daniels to the MJHL club today.
Daniels, a Winnipeg native, had a strong pre-season and has two goals on the year, but it was a case of having too many forwards and not enough ice time, especially with so many talented youngsters with the potential to be impact players in the SJHL.
The deal now looks like this: 1991 G Shea Cooper and 1991 F Chris Daniels to Portage for 1991 D Josh Dufresne and futures.
Dufresne is playing with the Briercrest Clippers, but Keith said Friday that "we might be able to recruit him" and "we can dictate when that happens."
(You'll remember the confusion on Friday when I originally reported that two players were going to Portage... this is the other shoe.)
The Bruins are now down to 14 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies for a total of 24 cards.
Daniels, a Winnipeg native, had a strong pre-season and has two goals on the year, but it was a case of having too many forwards and not enough ice time, especially with so many talented youngsters with the potential to be impact players in the SJHL.
The deal now looks like this: 1991 G Shea Cooper and 1991 F Chris Daniels to Portage for 1991 D Josh Dufresne and futures.
Dufresne is playing with the Briercrest Clippers, but Keith said Friday that "we might be able to recruit him" and "we can dictate when that happens."
(You'll remember the confusion on Friday when I originally reported that two players were going to Portage... this is the other shoe.)
The Bruins are now down to 14 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies for a total of 24 cards.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Neufeld named SJHL player of the month
Not surprisingly, SJHL goals leader Calder Neufeld has been named player of the month as well as player of the week.
Here's the SJHL release:
SJHL PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
Calder Neufeld, Estevan Bruins
1992 F Calder Neufeld (Carrot River SK) scored eight goals in just five games, including three games where he posted multiple goal efforts. He finished with 12-points, which was good enough for a tie for the SJHL scoring lead on September 30th.
Honorable Mention: Tad Kozun, Nipawin; Dylan Smith, Estevan; Jay Young, Flin Flon.
SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH:
Carson Grolla, Notre Dame Hounds
1992 D Carson Grolla (Prince George BC) had 2-goals and 2-assists in 6-games played to start the month of September. He was also a steady veteran for the Hounds, who used a rookie goaltender in four starts.
Honorable Mention: Jesse Williamson, Nipawin; Tanner Clark, Flin Flon; Logan Sproule, Humboldt.
SJHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH:
Tad Kozun, Nipawin Hawks
1993 F Tad Kozun (Nipawin SK) is a homegrown product leading a resurgence of sorts for the Hawks as they won six of their first seven to start the season. Kozun had 5-goals and 7-assists over that span.
Honorable Mention: Ty Reichenbach, Notre Dame; Jamie Vlanich, Yorkton; Jeremy Johnson, Yorkton.
SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH:
Ty Reichenbach, Notre Dame Hounds
1993 G Ty Reichenbach (Billings MT) won three of his four starts and didn't allow more than three goals in any one game. He finished 3-and-1, 2.04, .926.
Honorable Mention: Davis Jones, Nipawin; Matt Hrynkiw, Humboldt; Stephen Klein, Nipawin.
Also, the Bruins' Dylan Smith, Cole Olson and Steven Glass were given runner-up nods for player/goalie of the week, respectively.
Here's the SJHL release:
SJHL PLAYER OF THE MONTH:
Calder Neufeld, Estevan Bruins
1992 F Calder Neufeld (Carrot River SK) scored eight goals in just five games, including three games where he posted multiple goal efforts. He finished with 12-points, which was good enough for a tie for the SJHL scoring lead on September 30th.
Honorable Mention: Tad Kozun, Nipawin; Dylan Smith, Estevan; Jay Young, Flin Flon.
SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH:
Carson Grolla, Notre Dame Hounds
1992 D Carson Grolla (Prince George BC) had 2-goals and 2-assists in 6-games played to start the month of September. He was also a steady veteran for the Hounds, who used a rookie goaltender in four starts.
Honorable Mention: Jesse Williamson, Nipawin; Tanner Clark, Flin Flon; Logan Sproule, Humboldt.
SJHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH:
Tad Kozun, Nipawin Hawks
1993 F Tad Kozun (Nipawin SK) is a homegrown product leading a resurgence of sorts for the Hawks as they won six of their first seven to start the season. Kozun had 5-goals and 7-assists over that span.
Honorable Mention: Ty Reichenbach, Notre Dame; Jamie Vlanich, Yorkton; Jeremy Johnson, Yorkton.
SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH:
Ty Reichenbach, Notre Dame Hounds
1993 G Ty Reichenbach (Billings MT) won three of his four starts and didn't allow more than three goals in any one game. He finished 3-and-1, 2.04, .926.
Honorable Mention: Davis Jones, Nipawin; Matt Hrynkiw, Humboldt; Stephen Klein, Nipawin.
Also, the Bruins' Dylan Smith, Cole Olson and Steven Glass were given runner-up nods for player/goalie of the week, respectively.
Update on Cooper trade
Here's some info on the player the Bruins acquired in the Shea Cooper deal. The player is 20-year-old defenceman Josh Dufresne. He's a Portage native who played the last two seasons with the Terriers, including last year's Anavet Cup and RBC.
Dufresne committed to the Briercrest Clippers over the off-season, although Keith had said something the other day about possibly being able to recruit him to the Bruins.
Here is the story from the Portage Daily Graphic on Dufresne joining Briercrest.
Dufresne committed to the Briercrest Clippers over the off-season, although Keith had said something the other day about possibly being able to recruit him to the Bruins.
Here is the story from the Portage Daily Graphic on Dufresne joining Briercrest.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Bruins win third straight in Melville
Two rink openings, two victories for the Bruins.
Matt Dochylo's goal 2:58 into the third period stood up as the winner as the Bruins spoiled the party with a 3-2 win over the Melville Millionaires in the opening of the Horizon Credit Union Centre tonight.
Calder Neufeld and Dylan Smith had the other Bruins' goals, with Dustin Eberle (with the first goal in the HCUC) and Lucas Froese scoring for Melville.
Steven Glass picked up his second win in as many night as the Bruins earned their first road victory of the year.
Dominic Perrault didn't play and as far as I know that was the automatic one-game suspension that came with getting in the second fight on one stoppage last night against the Hounds.
The Bruins are now off until Wednesday, when they face the Mils for the third time this year at Spectra Place.
Matt Dochylo's goal 2:58 into the third period stood up as the winner as the Bruins spoiled the party with a 3-2 win over the Melville Millionaires in the opening of the Horizon Credit Union Centre tonight.
Calder Neufeld and Dylan Smith had the other Bruins' goals, with Dustin Eberle (with the first goal in the HCUC) and Lucas Froese scoring for Melville.
Steven Glass picked up his second win in as many night as the Bruins earned their first road victory of the year.
Dominic Perrault didn't play and as far as I know that was the automatic one-game suspension that came with getting in the second fight on one stoppage last night against the Hounds.
The Bruins are now off until Wednesday, when they face the Mils for the third time this year at Spectra Place.
Bruins thump Hounds 9-1
It's hard to think of a better way to get revenge on a team for a loss than to clobber them 9-1 less than a week later.
That's what the Bruins (3-2) did to Notre Dame (3-3) last night in a game that saw them score five or more goals for the fourth time in five games this season.
I can't say much other than to direct you to the game sheet because I'm laid up with the flu and wasn't at the game.
Not only did the Bruins put on a frightening offensive display, they spread out the attack with eight different goal scorers, including Eric Baldwin and Tyler Kauk netting their first SJHL goals.
Steven Glass made 20 saves for his first SJHL win.
I was also told there was a brawl midway through the third that resulted in coach Keith Cassidy being ejected. There were two fights on that stoppage, which dictates an automatic one-game suspension for the players involved in the second fight. I'm not sure if it was Daae or Perrault in the second one.
The Bruins are in Melville tonight to open the Horizon Credit Union Centre.
That's what the Bruins (3-2) did to Notre Dame (3-3) last night in a game that saw them score five or more goals for the fourth time in five games this season.
I can't say much other than to direct you to the game sheet because I'm laid up with the flu and wasn't at the game.
Not only did the Bruins put on a frightening offensive display, they spread out the attack with eight different goal scorers, including Eric Baldwin and Tyler Kauk netting their first SJHL goals.
Steven Glass made 20 saves for his first SJHL win.
I was also told there was a brawl midway through the third that resulted in coach Keith Cassidy being ejected. There were two fights on that stoppage, which dictates an automatic one-game suspension for the players involved in the second fight. I'm not sure if it was Daae or Perrault in the second one.
The Bruins are in Melville tonight to open the Horizon Credit Union Centre.
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