Well a win is a win and we are now 6 days away from the start of the regular season.
Kirk Belyk, a former Saskatoon Blade, potted a pair last night as the Pontiacs ran away from St. Albert for a 5-0 win. Jordan Kolisniak got his second in two games and veterans Chris Jung and Matt Register added goals in the victory.
I caught up with the coach after the game.
RH: It’s still just preseason but it’s always nice to get that winning feeling back?
CM: Yeah. I think, you know, we dressed a fairly old line up (Friday) I think because we needed to get guys in and get guys going. We’ve watched a lot of video here in the last day or two. We haven’t had a whole lot of practice time and the rewarding thing is that we have seen our compete level take a step and we have seen some things on video and that’s rewarding to take that first step. It’s a first step and we’ve shown glimpses of what this team is capable of doing and a lot of work ahead of us but always nice to get a win.
RH: Going to be able to squeeze in a practice (Saturday)?
CM: Yeah we have to. It would be nice to give them a day off because it’s been a grind but with how little time we have to practice we’ve got to get on the ice and go to work and we get a chance to take the afternoon off and take Monday off in preparation for our game against Grand Prairie.
RH: Kirk Belyk, a couple goals from him, what did you think of his play and who else impressed you?
CM: Well I think for Kirk Thursday night’s game in St. Albert was difficult for him in a sense that he had just got in and we probably didn’t see his best but I think we’ve seen a glimpse now of what this kid is capable of doing. He did that in the Midget AAA league in Saskatchewan a couple years ago but I think overall for the most part we got contributions from everybody. I just liked the way that we came out and competed for most of the game and that’s a big key because we have kind of been stuck in training camp, or I’ve always said summer hockey mode, but this was the first night that we hav finally snapped out of it a little bit.
RH: The win must have been really nice for those guys who had to play on team Black in the Black and White game to finally, finally get a win.
CM: Well to overcome some bad coaching. That helps to. When you got whatever that guys name over at that other place is you know I think he kind of got in there heads a little bit *laughs*.
The Robb Hunter Blog
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
CHAT WITH THE COACH
Is it still a scrum when I'm the only reporter around?
With Chad Mercier.
RH: What did you think of the game last night?
CM: I thought a little bit of a slow start in some areas. You can tell it's some guys' first game of the year. We knew going in with young guys we were going to have a lot of work ahead of us and you know I thought we seen some good things and some things we need to work on. We've had only one practice so far and that's probably been the biggest detriment of them all. Getting into game shape and just getting back to doing the little things but hey, it's early. We created enough chances tonight and we've got to build off that and we've got two more here to get fine tuned.
RH: With the young lineup and only a week ago to the regular season do you have enough time to get that work done?
CM: We are tight you know but it's going to be a day to day thing. That's one reason why you look at our schedule starting off with I think we've got something like 3 games in 12 nights. It's pretty light to start off with Robb and that was by design because we knew that we had to get some exhibition games in in a short about time and we are going to be limited in our practice time. Like I said we've had one practice to get some things in and we've seen some of those things on Thursday pay dividends for us and it's just a matter of rounding everything into shape. For some guys it's brand new and for other guys it's a refresher and it takes some time and some patients but overall we'll address some of the things we need to and look for improvement again heading into the game tonight.
RH: What kind of lineup should the hometown fans expect to see tonight?
CM: Well we are going to make a few changes but we've got to get some of our older guys in here and get them going a little bit. Enough standing around. I think we've seen what we needed to see with regards to evaluation and I think these next two games are going to be about getting our game to where we need it.
With Chad Mercier.
RH: What did you think of the game last night?
CM: I thought a little bit of a slow start in some areas. You can tell it's some guys' first game of the year. We knew going in with young guys we were going to have a lot of work ahead of us and you know I thought we seen some good things and some things we need to work on. We've had only one practice so far and that's probably been the biggest detriment of them all. Getting into game shape and just getting back to doing the little things but hey, it's early. We created enough chances tonight and we've got to build off that and we've got two more here to get fine tuned.
RH: With the young lineup and only a week ago to the regular season do you have enough time to get that work done?
CM: We are tight you know but it's going to be a day to day thing. That's one reason why you look at our schedule starting off with I think we've got something like 3 games in 12 nights. It's pretty light to start off with Robb and that was by design because we knew that we had to get some exhibition games in in a short about time and we are going to be limited in our practice time. Like I said we've had one practice to get some things in and we've seen some of those things on Thursday pay dividends for us and it's just a matter of rounding everything into shape. For some guys it's brand new and for other guys it's a refresher and it takes some time and some patients but overall we'll address some of the things we need to and look for improvement again heading into the game tonight.
RH: What kind of lineup should the hometown fans expect to see tonight?
CM: Well we are going to make a few changes but we've got to get some of our older guys in here and get them going a little bit. Enough standing around. I think we've seen what we needed to see with regards to evaluation and I think these next two games are going to be about getting our game to where we need it.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
CONT.
Less updates this period. Servus Credit Union place has WiFi but it's hard to find power and laptop battery is dying.
The Pontiacs pulled to within one early in the Thirda as Greg Hennessey scored less than 30 seconds into the final frame. Bonnyville pressed for the next 16 minutes but couldn't find a way to tie it up and with just over a minute left Jeff Jubinville restored the 2 goal lead. Jubinville had been the Steel's best player in the final two periods.
Pontiacs pulled Gingras and had a powerplay for the 2 man advantage as time wound down but the deficit was too much and this one ends 5-3 Steel.
Bonnyville does lead in shots on goal 30-23.
These two teams play agin tomorrow night at the RJ Lalonde in Bonnyville. Puck drop at 7:30. Expect different lineups from both squads as both coaching staffs continue to evalluate talent. Also expect Steven Seigo in the lineup for the first time this pre season.
The Pontiacs pulled to within one early in the Thirda as Greg Hennessey scored less than 30 seconds into the final frame. Bonnyville pressed for the next 16 minutes but couldn't find a way to tie it up and with just over a minute left Jeff Jubinville restored the 2 goal lead. Jubinville had been the Steel's best player in the final two periods.
Pontiacs pulled Gingras and had a powerplay for the 2 man advantage as time wound down but the deficit was too much and this one ends 5-3 Steel.
Bonnyville does lead in shots on goal 30-23.
These two teams play agin tomorrow night at the RJ Lalonde in Bonnyville. Puck drop at 7:30. Expect different lineups from both squads as both coaching staffs continue to evalluate talent. Also expect Steven Seigo in the lineup for the first time this pre season.
CONT.
Volcan's penalty turned out to be a double minor and despite sustained pressure the Pontiacs were able to kill it off. The period was about to end uneventfully until the Pontiacs went on a surge in the final 30 seconds highlighted by a Matthew Register chance that went off the shaft of the goaltenders stick and just over the bar. with 12 seconds left in the period Jeff Jubinville was called for a minor penalty. Bonnyville will start the period on the powerplay trailing 4-2 but leading 24-17 in shots.
CONT.
The Steel get one back as Ryan Wilkinson sent the shot through heavy traffic glove side on Gingras. The goal was scored on the 5 on 3 so the Steel are still on the powerplay.
Pontiacs kill off the remaining time in the penalty but are immidiately whilsed again. Volan with a highstick.
6:59 to go in the 2nd. St. Albert leads 4-2
Pontiacs kill off the remaining time in the penalty but are immidiately whilsed again. Volan with a highstick.
6:59 to go in the 2nd. St. Albert leads 4-2
CONT.
Now that's a celebration I recognize. Jordan Kolisniak took the pass from Chris Jung to finish off a 2-1. The Pontiacs are on the board with the Steel still leading 3-1. Kolisniak's celebration was remarkably similar to his older brother Brayden who played in Bonnyville after the trade dealine last season.
After the goal was scored both team change their goaltenders. Gingras now in net for Bonnyville with Ty Rimmer in goal for St. Albert.
It wasn't a nice welcome for Timmer as the Pontiacs scored again on the first shot he faced. A cross crease pass was deflected off a skate and underneath Rimmer. The goal goes to Shawn Bates. Henry and Hennesesey with the assists.
The Pontiacs will be shorthanded though as after the whistle on the goal both teams were called for roughing after the whisle but the Pontiacs ended up picking up the extra minor.
Pontiacs now down 5-on-3 as Jordan Kolisniak picks up a slashing minor. 5-on-3 for 1:42.
After the goal was scored both team change their goaltenders. Gingras now in net for Bonnyville with Ty Rimmer in goal for St. Albert.
It wasn't a nice welcome for Timmer as the Pontiacs scored again on the first shot he faced. A cross crease pass was deflected off a skate and underneath Rimmer. The goal goes to Shawn Bates. Henry and Hennesesey with the assists.
The Pontiacs will be shorthanded though as after the whistle on the goal both teams were called for roughing after the whisle but the Pontiacs ended up picking up the extra minor.
Pontiacs now down 5-on-3 as Jordan Kolisniak picks up a slashing minor. 5-on-3 for 1:42.
CONT.
A wonderful shift from the Pontiacs line of Bates, Henry and Hennessey led to a couple glorious scoring chances for the Pontiacs but on the next shift Craig Cuthbert was whistle for a hook while he was trying to keep the pressure up in the Steel end. St. Albert would capitalize on the PP with Turner Elsons getting his revenge at 6:22.
Another St. Albert powerplay is upcoming as Brennan Volcan sits in the box for crosschecking.
Another St. Albert powerplay is upcoming as Brennan Volcan sits in the box for crosschecking.
CONT.
Oh what a save! Julien LaPlante swam back into his goal to take a puck off the line and a sure goal away from Turner Elsons. Besides that chance 4 minutes in the Pontiacs have continued their strong play they started near the end of the first.
CONT.
The first period comes to an end with St. Albert out in front 2-0. Julien LaPlante made a number of difficult saves, most of which were with heavy traffic but it was the Pontiacs coming on strong as time ticked down forcing Mark Kotylak to make a couple of really good stops in the final minute.
CONT.
St. Ablert makes it 2-0 as Bryce Williamson picks up his second point of the night. This time the goal at 11:53. Not much chance for LaPlante as he made the first two saves but couldn't get to the third as the Pontiacs were caught scrambling.
CONT.
Turnovers continue to plague the Pontiacs. 11:00 left in the first and Craig Cuthbert has to haul his man down. Steel on the Powerplay. They lead 8-2 in shots on goal.
CONT.
First good chance of the game goes to the Pontiacs 3 minutes in but it's Nick Scott who opens the scoring 4:29 into the first period after the Pontiacs turned the puck over in their own zone to Steel captain Bryce Williamson who found Scott who found the back of the net, glove side on LaPlante.
BONNYVILLE vs. ST. ALBERT
odd.... The Pontiacs visiting St. Albert tonight dressed in their black uniform come out onto the ice to the tune of Will Smith's 'Men in Black'. First lyric is 'The good guys dressed in Black'. Nice welcome I guess.
Julien LaPlante gets the start for Bonnyville. Adam Gingras will play the second half.
Pontiacs will start the game on the powerplay as the Steel are called on a "Warm-up Violation". There were still three Steel players on the ice when warmup time ended. It's considered a bench minor.
Julien LaPlante gets the start for Bonnyville. Adam Gingras will play the second half.
Pontiacs will start the game on the powerplay as the Steel are called on a "Warm-up Violation". There were still three Steel players on the ice when warmup time ended. It's considered a bench minor.
GAME UPDATES
Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert has wireless internet so I'll do my best to get game updates done as quickly as possible as the game is going on tonight.
8 vets in the lineup for Bonnyville tonight.
8 vets in the lineup for Bonnyville tonight.
WHAT I MEAN TO SAY IS
I realize the World Jr's are predominately a major junior event and the AJHL is a full participant in the World Jr. A Challenge and is reflected as such in Hockey Canada press releases but it would have been nice to see Hockey Canada mention the AJ in a release of this magnitude as the league is developing at such a rate I wouldn't be surprised if there is some AJHL representation on the actual 2012 team.
NO AJHL INVOLVEMENT?
From Hockey Canada
THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA TO HOST 2012 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
CALGARY, AB/ EDMONTON, AB - Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced on Thursday that the Province of Alberta will host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, in Calgary and Edmonton.
The 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship will take place from late December 2011 to early January 2012 (exact dates to be determined) in Alberta at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary and Rexall Place in Edmonton.
The schedule will consist of 31 games, created and approved by both the IIHF and the 10 competing nations. The game schedule will not be determined or announced until early 2011.
The Alberta Bid was led by a team from the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Edmonton Events International, Edmonton Oil Kings, Calgary Hitmen, Northlands and Hockey Alberta.
Information on public ticket availability for the 2012 IIHF World Championship, including ticket prices, will be finalized at a later date. When tickets plans are finalized, it is anticipated that season and partial ticket holders of the Alberta-based WHL teams will have front-of-the line access to ticket packages at the official ticket campaign launch date.
The Alberta bid was chosen from two potential groups who made final presentations in Toronto on June 9-10 to the 2010 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship site selection committee, comprised of Bob Nicholson (president and CEO, Hockey Canada), Allan Morris (chair of the board, Hockey Canada), David Branch (president, Canadian Hockey League), Scott Smith (COO, Hockey Canada) and resource person Scott Farley (director of marketing services and events, Hockey Canada). The other finalist was a bid from Toronto. Saskatoon and Regina, SK had also bid for the championship, but withdrew after those cities were awarded the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Key elements of the Alberta bid
The Alberta bid group has a very strong business plan that includes a projected championship attendance record of more than 475,000 tickets sold and an estimated economic impact to the province of over $45 million. The plan also guarantees affordability for families, with 42 per cent of the championship tickets to be priced between $12 and $40 each, and a legacy plan that will have a long-lasting impact on hockey in Alberta at the conclusion of the event. The Alberta bid group connects all levels of hockey in its plan, including minor hockey, Hockey Alberta, the CHL and the NHL.
The bid includes a strong partnership with the five Alberta-based WHL franchises (Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers and Red Deer Rebels).
Profits from the event will be divided as follows. Hockey Canada will receive 50 per cent of net profits, the Canadian Hockey League will receive 35 per cent and the remaining 15 per cent of net profit will be shared between the host committee, Hockey Alberta and the other 12 member branches of Hockey Canada. The host committee profit share will benefit the Hockey Alberta Development Leadership Strategy, a component of which is to provide national hockey development leadership opportunities to all Hockey Canada branches.
“This is an exciting day for hockey fans in Alberta and throughout Canada,” said Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson. “The bid group from Alberta put forward a great plan, and the site selection committee was particularly impressed with the bid’s focus on making tickets affordable for all hockey fans. We had two outstanding bids to consider and both groups would have been great hosts of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship. Today, after completing the selection process, we feel that Alberta will present an event that will make all Canadians proud.”
”A joint Calgary-Edmonton bid is a natural choice when it comes to the World Junior Championship,” said CHL president David Branch. “Both markets are home to model junior franchises and some of the best junior hockey fans in the country.”
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Edmonton and won the bid to host this prestigious event,” said Jim Peplinski, Co-chair of the Alberta bid. “The World Junior Hockey Championship is truly a Canadian tradition and a tremendous event that we anticipate will bring significant benefit to the Province of Alberta, the tourism industry, and the hockey community. “
“Calgary and Edmonton have outstanding reputations for hosting international sport events, and we expect the 2012 World Junior Championship to enjoy tremendous success,” said Lyle Best, Co-chair of the Alberta bid. “This is a premier international event, and will be a great opportunity for all of Alberta to see the best young hockey players in the world compete for their countries.”
Canada will host the IIHF World Junior Championship twice before the 2012 event takes place in Calgary and Edmonton: the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship will be hosted by Ottawa from December 26, 2008 to January 5, 2009 and the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Saskatoon and Regina, SK from late December 2009 to early January 2010. Canada has already played host to the IIHF World Junior Championship seven times. Past Canadian host cities include Vancouver/Kamloops/Kelowna, BC (2006), Halifax/Sydney, NS (2003), Winnipeg, MB (1999), Red Deer, AB (1995), Saskatoon, SK (1991), Hamilton, ON (1986) and Montreal, QC (1978). Canada has won a medal at ten consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships, including four consecutive gold medals (2005-2008).
For more information on the 2009, 2010 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada, visit the official website of Hockey Canada at www.hockeycanada.ca.
THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA TO HOST 2012 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
CALGARY, AB/ EDMONTON, AB - Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced on Thursday that the Province of Alberta will host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, in Calgary and Edmonton.
The 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship will take place from late December 2011 to early January 2012 (exact dates to be determined) in Alberta at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary and Rexall Place in Edmonton.
The schedule will consist of 31 games, created and approved by both the IIHF and the 10 competing nations. The game schedule will not be determined or announced until early 2011.
The Alberta Bid was led by a team from the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Edmonton Events International, Edmonton Oil Kings, Calgary Hitmen, Northlands and Hockey Alberta.
Information on public ticket availability for the 2012 IIHF World Championship, including ticket prices, will be finalized at a later date. When tickets plans are finalized, it is anticipated that season and partial ticket holders of the Alberta-based WHL teams will have front-of-the line access to ticket packages at the official ticket campaign launch date.
The Alberta bid was chosen from two potential groups who made final presentations in Toronto on June 9-10 to the 2010 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship site selection committee, comprised of Bob Nicholson (president and CEO, Hockey Canada), Allan Morris (chair of the board, Hockey Canada), David Branch (president, Canadian Hockey League), Scott Smith (COO, Hockey Canada) and resource person Scott Farley (director of marketing services and events, Hockey Canada). The other finalist was a bid from Toronto. Saskatoon and Regina, SK had also bid for the championship, but withdrew after those cities were awarded the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Key elements of the Alberta bid
The Alberta bid group has a very strong business plan that includes a projected championship attendance record of more than 475,000 tickets sold and an estimated economic impact to the province of over $45 million. The plan also guarantees affordability for families, with 42 per cent of the championship tickets to be priced between $12 and $40 each, and a legacy plan that will have a long-lasting impact on hockey in Alberta at the conclusion of the event. The Alberta bid group connects all levels of hockey in its plan, including minor hockey, Hockey Alberta, the CHL and the NHL.
The bid includes a strong partnership with the five Alberta-based WHL franchises (Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers and Red Deer Rebels).
Profits from the event will be divided as follows. Hockey Canada will receive 50 per cent of net profits, the Canadian Hockey League will receive 35 per cent and the remaining 15 per cent of net profit will be shared between the host committee, Hockey Alberta and the other 12 member branches of Hockey Canada. The host committee profit share will benefit the Hockey Alberta Development Leadership Strategy, a component of which is to provide national hockey development leadership opportunities to all Hockey Canada branches.
“This is an exciting day for hockey fans in Alberta and throughout Canada,” said Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson. “The bid group from Alberta put forward a great plan, and the site selection committee was particularly impressed with the bid’s focus on making tickets affordable for all hockey fans. We had two outstanding bids to consider and both groups would have been great hosts of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship. Today, after completing the selection process, we feel that Alberta will present an event that will make all Canadians proud.”
”A joint Calgary-Edmonton bid is a natural choice when it comes to the World Junior Championship,” said CHL president David Branch. “Both markets are home to model junior franchises and some of the best junior hockey fans in the country.”
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Edmonton and won the bid to host this prestigious event,” said Jim Peplinski, Co-chair of the Alberta bid. “The World Junior Hockey Championship is truly a Canadian tradition and a tremendous event that we anticipate will bring significant benefit to the Province of Alberta, the tourism industry, and the hockey community. “
“Calgary and Edmonton have outstanding reputations for hosting international sport events, and we expect the 2012 World Junior Championship to enjoy tremendous success,” said Lyle Best, Co-chair of the Alberta bid. “This is a premier international event, and will be a great opportunity for all of Alberta to see the best young hockey players in the world compete for their countries.”
Canada will host the IIHF World Junior Championship twice before the 2012 event takes place in Calgary and Edmonton: the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship will be hosted by Ottawa from December 26, 2008 to January 5, 2009 and the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Saskatoon and Regina, SK from late December 2009 to early January 2010. Canada has already played host to the IIHF World Junior Championship seven times. Past Canadian host cities include Vancouver/Kamloops/Kelowna, BC (2006), Halifax/Sydney, NS (2003), Winnipeg, MB (1999), Red Deer, AB (1995), Saskatoon, SK (1991), Hamilton, ON (1986) and Montreal, QC (1978). Canada has won a medal at ten consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships, including four consecutive gold medals (2005-2008).
For more information on the 2009, 2010 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada, visit the official website of Hockey Canada at www.hockeycanada.ca.
THE EXHIBITIONS CONTINUE
Another chance for the rookies to impress and the vets to show why they belong and what kind of work got done over the summer.
The team travels to St. Albert tonight to face the Steel in exhibition action where both teams are expected to dress 9-11 veterans giving both coaching staffs a good look at what they will have to work with in the upcoming season.
The Pontiacs were able to get a practice in yesterday. Practice time has been hard to come by since the start of camp but with the workout yesterday tonight’s exhibition game should be able to let the players show how quickly they are picking up the systems which will be implemented this season.
Also, I have a meeting this afternoon so I can’t catch the bus with the team but I am looking for a ride to the game if anybody is heading down give me a shout.
The team travels to St. Albert tonight to face the Steel in exhibition action where both teams are expected to dress 9-11 veterans giving both coaching staffs a good look at what they will have to work with in the upcoming season.
The Pontiacs were able to get a practice in yesterday. Practice time has been hard to come by since the start of camp but with the workout yesterday tonight’s exhibition game should be able to let the players show how quickly they are picking up the systems which will be implemented this season.
Also, I have a meeting this afternoon so I can’t catch the bus with the team but I am looking for a ride to the game if anybody is heading down give me a shout.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
THE REACTION
Media scrum with coach Chad Mercier after the game.
CITL: What did you think of your team’s performance tonight?
CM: I thought it was a fairly even matched came despite the fact the score was 7-1 but I thought it was exactly what you were looking for in your first exhibition game. We got a chance to see a lot of things from our side. You hate to lose but we got to see a lot of what we want to see when it comes to evaluating things.
CITL: Were there any players who stood out for you?
CM: Well I think we had some guys that showed some real creative offensive opportunities. You know I liked what I seen in that side in it and you know when it’s exhibition or if it’s regular season when you get down you have to continue to create offence and continue to put out the effort unfortunately we ended up on the losing end of it.
RH: What kind of changes do you make heading into St. Albert on Thursday?
CM: Quite a bit. We are going to now sit down a look. The problem we have now is that we are dealing with some injuries and not knowing exactly when those injuries are going to be coming back so it’s a bit of a juggling act but I think today showed us a lot and there are some positives we’ve seen out there too. We know we are a young team and we have lots of work ahead of us in this short period of time to get ready for the start of the league.
RH: Any word on Rylan Medouche?
CM: We’ll find out, it sounds like a high ankle sprain which isn’t good news because those are usually tough to come back from but we’ll wait for him to get evaluated on Wednesday and go from there.
CITL: What did you think of your team’s performance tonight?
CM: I thought it was a fairly even matched came despite the fact the score was 7-1 but I thought it was exactly what you were looking for in your first exhibition game. We got a chance to see a lot of things from our side. You hate to lose but we got to see a lot of what we want to see when it comes to evaluating things.
CITL: Were there any players who stood out for you?
CM: Well I think we had some guys that showed some real creative offensive opportunities. You know I liked what I seen in that side in it and you know when it’s exhibition or if it’s regular season when you get down you have to continue to create offence and continue to put out the effort unfortunately we ended up on the losing end of it.
RH: What kind of changes do you make heading into St. Albert on Thursday?
CM: Quite a bit. We are going to now sit down a look. The problem we have now is that we are dealing with some injuries and not knowing exactly when those injuries are going to be coming back so it’s a bit of a juggling act but I think today showed us a lot and there are some positives we’ve seen out there too. We know we are a young team and we have lots of work ahead of us in this short period of time to get ready for the start of the league.
RH: Any word on Rylan Medouche?
CM: We’ll find out, it sounds like a high ankle sprain which isn’t good news because those are usually tough to come back from but we’ll wait for him to get evaluated on Wednesday and go from there.
BONNYVILLE vs. LLOYD
It wasn’t the most impressive score line for the Bonnyville Pontiacs. A 7-1 drubbing at the hands of the Lloydminster Bobcats at the Civic Centre probably was not the way the Pontiacs wanted to start the exhibition schedule but this is why they have exhibition. Looking further into the contest the shots were even, the chances not so much however the pace of the play did not seem like a game that should have ended 7-1.
It was the Brett Slobodzian early on as the Prince Albert Minto grad showed his skill scoring the first 2 goals of the game. Kory Chisholm, Brody Foster, A-Jay Moore, Dan Hillman and Marcus Dahl all scored for Lloyd while Sherwood Park product Brennen Volcan was given credit for the Pontiacs marker.
The outcome might have been different if the Pontiacs had scored half a second earlier in the first period as they did find a way to beat Curtis Lemke but it was just as the frame came to an end. A post in the second might have helped but in the end it was a night to evaluate the young talent and begin looking forward to playing in St. Albert Thursday night.
Zach Weissbach started in net and Jordan Panasiuk finished the second have and while neither was tremendous this bloggers opinion is that neither played themselves off the team tonight.
Rylan Medouche went down heavily in the first period and did not return.
All this brings us one step closer to the start of the regular season Friday September 5th, when the Grand Prairie Storm visit the RJ Lalonde for the home, and season, opener.
It was the Brett Slobodzian early on as the Prince Albert Minto grad showed his skill scoring the first 2 goals of the game. Kory Chisholm, Brody Foster, A-Jay Moore, Dan Hillman and Marcus Dahl all scored for Lloyd while Sherwood Park product Brennen Volcan was given credit for the Pontiacs marker.
The outcome might have been different if the Pontiacs had scored half a second earlier in the first period as they did find a way to beat Curtis Lemke but it was just as the frame came to an end. A post in the second might have helped but in the end it was a night to evaluate the young talent and begin looking forward to playing in St. Albert Thursday night.
Zach Weissbach started in net and Jordan Panasiuk finished the second have and while neither was tremendous this bloggers opinion is that neither played themselves off the team tonight.
Rylan Medouche went down heavily in the first period and did not return.
All this brings us one step closer to the start of the regular season Friday September 5th, when the Grand Prairie Storm visit the RJ Lalonde for the home, and season, opener.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
THE MILTON ROMANCHUK CUP
Can I say an ‘all dominating’ performance from Team White last night at the intrasquad game? Well it probably wasn’t really what the score showed. Team Black actually out shot White but it is the final score that counts and White took it 7-3. While behind the bench for Team White I was of course impressed with the line of Tyler Henry, Shawn Bates and Denis Cadrin. Those three provided a lot of the scoring punch before being sat for most of the third period (what was the coach thinking?). Also impressive (in my mind, and I make none of the decisions) were forwards Rylan Medouche, Steven Jean and defencemen Jordan Krankowsky and Bobby Janzen. Other players deserve mentions as well but unfortunately I’m trying to get on the road for Lloyd so this will be shorter than it should be.
It’s an interesting view from behind the bench. One that I am not at all accustomed to and picking up on who was playing well on the other team really didn’t happen for me. I’ll be glad to return to my press box.
As for Lloyd tonight, it should actually be a good one. Sometimes the first of the exhibition games are a little questionable but it sounds like both teams are going to dress upwards of 6 vets each so we’ll have a chance to see how this Pontiac squad stacks up against their most bitter of rivals before the games start counting.
It’s an interesting view from behind the bench. One that I am not at all accustomed to and picking up on who was playing well on the other team really didn’t happen for me. I’ll be glad to return to my press box.
As for Lloyd tonight, it should actually be a good one. Sometimes the first of the exhibition games are a little questionable but it sounds like both teams are going to dress upwards of 6 vets each so we’ll have a chance to see how this Pontiac squad stacks up against their most bitter of rivals before the games start counting.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
WEEKEND WRAPUP
The coach is starting to like what he sees.
RH: What did you think of the weekend?
CM: We are pretty happy with the way the weekend went Robb. We cut down on Saturday night and since then I think the intensity has risen. As the weekend kind of ended we’ve had some tired bodies and some hurt bodies. It’s a long grind, training camp, especially when you just get back into it. I think Sunday was a good afternoon off for them and will have done them real good. We are looking forward to a real intense intrasquad game her Monday night.
RH: After the intrasquad game, what’s the next round of cuts entail?
CM: We are going to cut right down after the intrasquad game. We haven’t decided exactly how many numbers but we are going to make that decision sometime on Monday and in regards to some of our injuries and how many bodies we need around in which case it gives some extra looks too. It’s an ongoing process and we don’t have a whole lot of time to get through it and start getting some systems in place and playing some games and evaluating some of the talent we still have.
RH: I asked you after day one what you would like to see more of and you said intensity. What would you like to see more of heading into the intrasquad game?
CM: Well I think the intensity level has to stay. Like I said, I think the rest and recouperation on Sunday afternoon will have done these guys real well and so we are just looking for them to get back and playing hard and keeping the intensity and emotion level up. It’s going to be a real physical and emotional grind for the next couple weeks getting ready and those guys that show that they can handle that will be the ones that end up staying and playing. It’s always interesting because you are playing against yourselves and you are happy with it against yourselves and now we are going to get a chance, this week, to test ourselves against some of the other teams and some of their young guys and see where we are shaking down.
RH: What did you think of the weekend?
CM: We are pretty happy with the way the weekend went Robb. We cut down on Saturday night and since then I think the intensity has risen. As the weekend kind of ended we’ve had some tired bodies and some hurt bodies. It’s a long grind, training camp, especially when you just get back into it. I think Sunday was a good afternoon off for them and will have done them real good. We are looking forward to a real intense intrasquad game her Monday night.
RH: After the intrasquad game, what’s the next round of cuts entail?
CM: We are going to cut right down after the intrasquad game. We haven’t decided exactly how many numbers but we are going to make that decision sometime on Monday and in regards to some of our injuries and how many bodies we need around in which case it gives some extra looks too. It’s an ongoing process and we don’t have a whole lot of time to get through it and start getting some systems in place and playing some games and evaluating some of the talent we still have.
RH: I asked you after day one what you would like to see more of and you said intensity. What would you like to see more of heading into the intrasquad game?
CM: Well I think the intensity level has to stay. Like I said, I think the rest and recouperation on Sunday afternoon will have done these guys real well and so we are just looking for them to get back and playing hard and keeping the intensity and emotion level up. It’s going to be a real physical and emotional grind for the next couple weeks getting ready and those guys that show that they can handle that will be the ones that end up staying and playing. It’s always interesting because you are playing against yourselves and you are happy with it against yourselves and now we are going to get a chance, this week, to test ourselves against some of the other teams and some of their young guys and see where we are shaking down.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
TEAM WHITE vs. TEAM BLACK
With the demands for more intensity in place it was a pretty breakout play early in this one that sent Pontiac vets Bates and Cadrin in on a 2-on-1. Bates moved the puck to Cadrin and ‘Caddy” made no mistake. Less than four mintues later team Black tied it up with another vet making an impact. Steven Seigo came off the bench calling for the puck all the way and when he arrived in the offensive zone he found it on his tape alone in front and it was quickly in the back of the net. The intensity was certainly there for the next 15 minutes as the pace had picked up. Team Black scored with a little local flair as Bonnyville native Ty Carey scored to push his team in front.
Early in period two team Black caught a break as Wyatt Watson came off the bench picked the puck up in the neutral zone, looked up and saw nothing but daylight. He would make no mistake finishing on the breakaway. With nine minutes left in the 2nd Black extended their lead to 4-1 when Greg Hennessey continued his impressive camp by carrying the puck over the blue line and then blasting a shot off the far post and in. Moments later Black made it 5-1.
With 14 minutes left in the 3rd team White had life. There is life in life support right? Either way Rylan Medouche took a nice feed from Matthew Register to make the score 5-2. The life support was unplugeed a minute later when Black tallied again to make it 6-2.
Early in period two team Black caught a break as Wyatt Watson came off the bench picked the puck up in the neutral zone, looked up and saw nothing but daylight. He would make no mistake finishing on the breakaway. With nine minutes left in the 2nd Black extended their lead to 4-1 when Greg Hennessey continued his impressive camp by carrying the puck over the blue line and then blasting a shot off the far post and in. Moments later Black made it 5-1.
With 14 minutes left in the 3rd team White had life. There is life in life support right? Either way Rylan Medouche took a nice feed from Matthew Register to make the score 5-2. The life support was unplugeed a minute later when Black tallied again to make it 6-2.
THE FIRST CUTS
With the intensity of camp lacking the schedule for camp has been changed. Cuts, which were scheduled for tonight, have been made this afternoon and we now find ourselves with two teams. This should send a message to the players who remain in camp that it is time to play some hockey. The regular season is now only 13 days away.
NO LONGER A ROOKIE
There are high expectations for Shawn Bates this year.
RH: How was the summer?
SB: It was pretty good, a good time to relax after a gruelling playoff run.
RH: How did the workouts go and how are you feeling heading into camp?
SB: Workouts went pretty good. I hurt my groin in the middle of July and it kind of set me back but I’ve been skating here for a couple weeks and I feel pretty good.
RH: You’ve been on the ice for three sessions now, how have you felt?
SB: I guess my legs aren’t used to it. I’ve felt good for each of the two sessions in the morning but then when it gets to the night my legs just don’t have the jump.
RH: Did newly acquired Pontiacs defenseman Greg Brown find out that the mouth still works on you in your game last night?
SB: Yeah I guess he did. I don’t know what to say about that. It was just the heat of the moment and we were losing and I guess I just let him know what I thought about that.
RH: Your team has been in a couple fights so far. Do you like to see the intensity pick up as camp goes along?
SB: Yeah it’s very good. Cotteril came over, I guess, to protect me and he did a good job stepping up and today I just think guys are trying to show they are ready to step up and play hard. Yeah it was a good session.
RH: How was the summer?
SB: It was pretty good, a good time to relax after a gruelling playoff run.
RH: How did the workouts go and how are you feeling heading into camp?
SB: Workouts went pretty good. I hurt my groin in the middle of July and it kind of set me back but I’ve been skating here for a couple weeks and I feel pretty good.
RH: You’ve been on the ice for three sessions now, how have you felt?
SB: I guess my legs aren’t used to it. I’ve felt good for each of the two sessions in the morning but then when it gets to the night my legs just don’t have the jump.
RH: Did newly acquired Pontiacs defenseman Greg Brown find out that the mouth still works on you in your game last night?
SB: Yeah I guess he did. I don’t know what to say about that. It was just the heat of the moment and we were losing and I guess I just let him know what I thought about that.
RH: Your team has been in a couple fights so far. Do you like to see the intensity pick up as camp goes along?
SB: Yeah it’s very good. Cotteril came over, I guess, to protect me and he did a good job stepping up and today I just think guys are trying to show they are ready to step up and play hard. Yeah it was a good session.
RED vs GREEN
Team Red had the early wakeup call as they came out firing in the first matchup of the day. 19 year old Jr. B star Sellek Bunn finished off a one timer one minute into the opening period. Less than 90 seconds later Shawn Bates showed the moves he was capable of producing making the goaltender commit before taking the puck all the way around the net and sliding it into the open side. 2-0 Red. Green would get on the board before the period was out to pull to within one. A little tussle with 8 minutes left in the first saw Josh Evans and Daine Franklin renew their RAMHL rivalry. Both players were wearing full face cages so not much was accomplished. Evans might be prepared to fight his way onto this team as he goes with Matthew Ketsa with 6 minutes left in the second. This time both were wise enough to remove their helmets before the fight. A good move for training camp but remember taking your own helmet off before a fight is a match penalty in the AJHL. Celebrity guest judge Michael Drader gave the pair the bronze for form but took off points for the landing. Just before the period was over Tyler Henry finished off a nice play between linemates Marc-Antoine Juneau and Beau Bertagnolli by lifting a puck over top of Adam Gingras to tie the game at 2 heading into the third.
You can tell the intensity is starting to pick up a little bit more in camp as both teams started playing a little more defence and scoring chances were hard to come by in the third until Shawn Bates almost broke through on a breakaway with 2 and half to go but was brought down from behind. On the ensuing penalty shot Bates had the game on his stick and wond up for the big slapshot but was denied. Landon Noyes made another big save and an old school save at that coming across and stacking his pads just as the buzzer sounded to end the game in a tie.
You can tell the intensity is starting to pick up a little bit more in camp as both teams started playing a little more defence and scoring chances were hard to come by in the third until Shawn Bates almost broke through on a breakaway with 2 and half to go but was brought down from behind. On the ensuing penalty shot Bates had the game on his stick and wond up for the big slapshot but was denied. Landon Noyes made another big save and an old school save at that coming across and stacking his pads just as the buzzer sounded to end the game in a tie.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A CHAT WITH THE COACH
The man who makes the cuts, General Manager Chad Mercier is happy with the first day of camp.
RH: What did you think of the first day of camp?
CM: Well I think early on there is a bit of a feel out process which I think there always is on day one. I think it’s gotten better as the day has gone on and any time you’ve got 4 teams in main camp the play can be a little bit scrambly but I think we are seeing what we need to see and just hoping that as we go through this weekend the intensity picks up after cuts on Saturday. Then into Sunday morning we expect it to start to narrow down getting ready for the season.
RH: Is the intensity level the one thing you would like to see increased heading into day two? What else would you like to see more of on the second day?
CM: Well I think just more consistent in that area. I think at times it’s been very good but then at times I think it’s been more of a mental thing than a physical thing at this time of year with regards to the level of emotion but that’s something that we’ve really stressed on that we get into battle mode as quickly as possible because as of today we are two weeks away from our home opener so we don’t have a whole lot of time to get ourselves ready. I think that has been one of the messages we have sent. I think we have done a decent job and we expect it to be even better on Saturday.
RH: What did you think of the first day of camp?
CM: Well I think early on there is a bit of a feel out process which I think there always is on day one. I think it’s gotten better as the day has gone on and any time you’ve got 4 teams in main camp the play can be a little bit scrambly but I think we are seeing what we need to see and just hoping that as we go through this weekend the intensity picks up after cuts on Saturday. Then into Sunday morning we expect it to start to narrow down getting ready for the season.
RH: Is the intensity level the one thing you would like to see increased heading into day two? What else would you like to see more of on the second day?
CM: Well I think just more consistent in that area. I think at times it’s been very good but then at times I think it’s been more of a mental thing than a physical thing at this time of year with regards to the level of emotion but that’s something that we’ve really stressed on that we get into battle mode as quickly as possible because as of today we are two weeks away from our home opener so we don’t have a whole lot of time to get ourselves ready. I think that has been one of the messages we have sent. I think we have done a decent job and we expect it to be even better on Saturday.
TEAM BLUE vs. TEAM RED
Four minutes in, the first quality scoring opportunity goes to Nathan Aulenbach , who received a pass from Team Blue teammate Derek Hutton at the opposing hash marks. Trying for a one-timer, Aulenbach wound up fanning on the shot in front of Adam Gingras. The first goal of the game ends up going to Tyson Glazier with a strong wrist shot past the team Blue netminder with 13 minutes left in the first. A quick response by team Blue’s Ross Herzog who won an offensive zone faceoff forward and then lifted a backhand over top of Gingras to tie the score at 1.
The first good chance of a lacklustre 2nd period resulted in a goal being waved off after team Red had kicked the puck into the net with 12 minutes left in the stanza. The officials continued their influence on the game as a minute later team Red had another goal disallowed after it was batted down with a high stick. Finally a goal that counted as team Blue’s Randy Janzen was Johnny on the spot for an open net tap in after a rebound from Kevin Carpenter’s point shot giving Blue the 2-1 lead with 6 mintues left in the 2nd. The second period ended 2-1 but not without some fireworks as Greg Brown entertained Dru Cotteril’s request for a fight as time expired in the period. Cotteril got in the early shots with the heaviest bomb being landed by Brown but you could heard the knuckle on helmet contact all the way in the press box. Celebrity guest judge Michael Drader called it a draw.
Early in period number three team Red tied it up just a couple minutes in before play continued much like it did in the second before the physical play finally started to pick up with just over 14 minutes to go. After a couple big body checks by both teams you could feel the life come back into the game. A deflected point shot gave Red a 3-2 advantage with nine minutes to go. As time ticked down team Blue was not able to get their goaltender pulled for an extra attacker and Red finished day one off with the 3-2 win.
The first good chance of a lacklustre 2nd period resulted in a goal being waved off after team Red had kicked the puck into the net with 12 minutes left in the stanza. The officials continued their influence on the game as a minute later team Red had another goal disallowed after it was batted down with a high stick. Finally a goal that counted as team Blue’s Randy Janzen was Johnny on the spot for an open net tap in after a rebound from Kevin Carpenter’s point shot giving Blue the 2-1 lead with 6 mintues left in the 2nd. The second period ended 2-1 but not without some fireworks as Greg Brown entertained Dru Cotteril’s request for a fight as time expired in the period. Cotteril got in the early shots with the heaviest bomb being landed by Brown but you could heard the knuckle on helmet contact all the way in the press box. Celebrity guest judge Michael Drader called it a draw.
Early in period number three team Red tied it up just a couple minutes in before play continued much like it did in the second before the physical play finally started to pick up with just over 14 minutes to go. After a couple big body checks by both teams you could feel the life come back into the game. A deflected point shot gave Red a 3-2 advantage with nine minutes to go. As time ticked down team Blue was not able to get their goaltender pulled for an extra attacker and Red finished day one off with the 3-2 win.
ALL STAR D-MAN BACK IN TOWN
Newly named assistant captain Steven Seigo is happy to be back in town.
RH: How was your summer?
SS: aw it was pretty good. You know tough, regular summer, work out quite a bit.
RH: Did you end up going somewhere pretty special this summer?
SS: Yeah, I went to Salzberg, Austria for three and a half weeks before I came here.
RH: Just for training or did you do anything interesting while you were over there?
SS: There is a pro team over there called the Salzberg Red Bulls and for a week and a half I was with the juniors and then the pros showed up so for a week and a half I was with the pros. It was just a training camp, usually two times on the ice with a work out later in the day.
RH: Did you hold your own against those guys?
SS: Yeah I think I did pretty good. They seemed to like what I could do. I felt up to speed and some of the guys were a little bit stronger than me but I felt like I could hold my own.
RH: You have committed to going to college but is Europe somewhere you would eventually like to play?
SS: It’s great to do in the summer and maybe after college or if the NHL doesn’t work out right away or if it doesn’t work out Europe is always an option. It’s a great place to play and it’s real nice over there.
RH: Let’s talk about this camp. How are you feeling out there after a couple games today?
SS: Pretty good. I just got off the plane about 40 hours ago so I’m still feeling a little tired, a little jet lagged and the legs are still a little tired but I feel pretty good out here. There are a lot of good players but I’m keeping up.
RH: You’ve played a couple games with team Green now. Is there anyone standing out to you?
SS: There are a couple good players. Marc-Antoine (Juneau), he got a couple points in the first game and I think a couple more this afternoon. He’s pretty quick, looks pretty good. All those guys on the team can play hockey.
RH: What’s it mean to you being named assistant captain this season?
SS: It’s great. Coming into this year it’s what I wanted. It’s a big responsibility and I feel like I’m up to the challenge. I just got to go in with confidence and just help lead the team.
RH: How was your summer?
SS: aw it was pretty good. You know tough, regular summer, work out quite a bit.
RH: Did you end up going somewhere pretty special this summer?
SS: Yeah, I went to Salzberg, Austria for three and a half weeks before I came here.
RH: Just for training or did you do anything interesting while you were over there?
SS: There is a pro team over there called the Salzberg Red Bulls and for a week and a half I was with the juniors and then the pros showed up so for a week and a half I was with the pros. It was just a training camp, usually two times on the ice with a work out later in the day.
RH: Did you hold your own against those guys?
SS: Yeah I think I did pretty good. They seemed to like what I could do. I felt up to speed and some of the guys were a little bit stronger than me but I felt like I could hold my own.
RH: You have committed to going to college but is Europe somewhere you would eventually like to play?
SS: It’s great to do in the summer and maybe after college or if the NHL doesn’t work out right away or if it doesn’t work out Europe is always an option. It’s a great place to play and it’s real nice over there.
RH: Let’s talk about this camp. How are you feeling out there after a couple games today?
SS: Pretty good. I just got off the plane about 40 hours ago so I’m still feeling a little tired, a little jet lagged and the legs are still a little tired but I feel pretty good out here. There are a lot of good players but I’m keeping up.
RH: You’ve played a couple games with team Green now. Is there anyone standing out to you?
SS: There are a couple good players. Marc-Antoine (Juneau), he got a couple points in the first game and I think a couple more this afternoon. He’s pretty quick, looks pretty good. All those guys on the team can play hockey.
RH: What’s it mean to you being named assistant captain this season?
SS: It’s great. Coming into this year it’s what I wanted. It’s a big responsibility and I feel like I’m up to the challenge. I just got to go in with confidence and just help lead the team.
GREY vs. GREEN
After their impressive first game team Grey started hot again in their afternoon contest against team Green and just over 5 minutes in Todd Layton scored to make it 1-0 for Grey. Through the next 10 minutes team Green turned on the pressure but 20 year old goaltender Thomas Skelton made 3 spectacular stops on cross crease moves. This allowed Team Grey to keep the one goal lead until Greg Hennessey was able to bump that cushion to two at the 13 minute mark, of period number 1, slipping a puck underneath Landon Noyes. Grey took a 3 goal lead with a seeing eye wrist shot from the point finding the back of the net off the stick of American defenseman Tony Moser. With 2 minutes left in the first Josh Evans followed in a Beau Bertagnolli breakaway to score on the rebound to get team Green on the board. Grey responded with 10 seconds left in the first on a goal by Craig Cuthbert to make it 4-1 but then the comeback was on.
Less than a minute into the second frame Jordan Kolisniak moved in and cut the grey lead down to 2. Kolisniak is the younger brother of graduated Pontiac Brayden Kolisniak. Late in the second Chad Brears of Cold Lake made a nice backhand move and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Josh Paul to bring team Green back to within 1. The period would end 4-3 in favour of team Grey.
The 2-goal lead was re-established with 12 minutes left in the third, a period that had been earmarked by stellar goaltending, Greg Hennessey continued a strong camp with a dangle in front of the net before shooting low on Julien Laplante of Team Green. A minute and a half later team green’s Beau Bertagnolli scored on a breakaway and then with 9 minutes left Bertagnolli pushed another puck past Josh Paul to tie the game up for Green. With 5 minutes left Craig Cuthbert finished off a beautiful 3-way passing play to restore the Grey lead 6-5. Grey continued to control the play as time ticked down with a single handed effort by Marc-Antoine Juneau the only offence Green could muster before Hennessey potted an empty netter to ice it for Grey.
Less than a minute into the second frame Jordan Kolisniak moved in and cut the grey lead down to 2. Kolisniak is the younger brother of graduated Pontiac Brayden Kolisniak. Late in the second Chad Brears of Cold Lake made a nice backhand move and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Josh Paul to bring team Green back to within 1. The period would end 4-3 in favour of team Grey.
The 2-goal lead was re-established with 12 minutes left in the third, a period that had been earmarked by stellar goaltending, Greg Hennessey continued a strong camp with a dangle in front of the net before shooting low on Julien Laplante of Team Green. A minute and a half later team green’s Beau Bertagnolli scored on a breakaway and then with 9 minutes left Bertagnolli pushed another puck past Josh Paul to tie the game up for Green. With 5 minutes left Craig Cuthbert finished off a beautiful 3-way passing play to restore the Grey lead 6-5. Grey continued to control the play as time ticked down with a single handed effort by Marc-Antoine Juneau the only offence Green could muster before Hennessey potted an empty netter to ice it for Grey.
INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS JUNG
After 2 goals in his first game of camp Chris Jung was ready for more.
RH: You were the only ’88 out on the ice in that game. Do you feel like an old guy out there?
CJ: Was I? Wow... really? Yeah I guess when you put it like that I feel kind of old. Yeah definitely. That’s kind of a good thing I guess. Come out and be a leader this year.
RH: Is that the plan to this year? With last year being your first in the AJHL are you going to try and take on more of a leadership role this season?
CJ: Yeah with last year being my first year here I was really trying to get used to a new place, a new town and a new league and now that I have the feel for it I want to get out there and be a leader on the team.
RH: A couple goals out there. How do you feel?
CJ: Good. Yeah I feel great. A lot of work this summer and then took a little break and now I’m ready to get back out there.
RH: A lot of goals right at the start of last year and then the offence kind of dried up a little bit for you and you turned into more of an energy guy. What do you take from last year that you want to change heading into year number two?
CJ: I definitely want to pick up my scoring. I was kind of in a slump there. I don’t mind the energy role but if I could sort of combine the two that would be great. Get a couple more points here and there and still be able to get out there and bang ‘bods’ and make an impact on the game would be great.
RH: Having a summer to look back on last year do you have some thoughts on why you went into that slump and how you can avoid that this year?
CJ: I’ve just got to know how to get mentally there and to get rested, eat right, go to sleep on time and then be mentally prepared for a 62 game season, it’s a grind definitely.
RH: You were the only ’88 out on the ice in that game. Do you feel like an old guy out there?
CJ: Was I? Wow... really? Yeah I guess when you put it like that I feel kind of old. Yeah definitely. That’s kind of a good thing I guess. Come out and be a leader this year.
RH: Is that the plan to this year? With last year being your first in the AJHL are you going to try and take on more of a leadership role this season?
CJ: Yeah with last year being my first year here I was really trying to get used to a new place, a new town and a new league and now that I have the feel for it I want to get out there and be a leader on the team.
RH: A couple goals out there. How do you feel?
CJ: Good. Yeah I feel great. A lot of work this summer and then took a little break and now I’m ready to get back out there.
RH: A lot of goals right at the start of last year and then the offence kind of dried up a little bit for you and you turned into more of an energy guy. What do you take from last year that you want to change heading into year number two?
CJ: I definitely want to pick up my scoring. I was kind of in a slump there. I don’t mind the energy role but if I could sort of combine the two that would be great. Get a couple more points here and there and still be able to get out there and bang ‘bods’ and make an impact on the game would be great.
RH: Having a summer to look back on last year do you have some thoughts on why you went into that slump and how you can avoid that this year?
CJ: I’ve just got to know how to get mentally there and to get rested, eat right, go to sleep on time and then be mentally prepared for a 62 game season, it’s a grind definitely.
MORNING GAMES on DAY 1
A high scoring affair to open training camp. Team Grey outscored Team Blue 8-5. Grey was lead by the line of returning Pontiacs Andy Skoreyko, Greg Hennessey and newly named captain Craig Cuthbert.
In the mornings second game 20 year old American forward Chris Jung opened the scoring for Team Red. Steven Seigo tied it up mid way through the period snapping a shot off the post and in past Zach Weisbach. There was no more scoring until halfway through the second when Marc-Antoine Juneau banged home a rebound. Juneau had 42 goals as a midget last year. Less than a minute later Chris Jung batted down a puck in the neutral zone, moved it passed the last defenceman and snapped it low along the ice beating Landon Noyes, who had just come into the game. Jung scored early and often at the start of last season before the grind of a 62 game AJHL season caught up to him and he was used as an effective energy guy. He looks refreshed and has lots of jump on day one of camp. Juneau’s midget teammate from last year gave team Green the lead again pouncing on a rebound at the top of the crease after Adam Gingas made a couple saves he was unable to stop the third shot with just over a minute left in the second. Less than 40 seconds later Paul Larocque converted on a pass off a 2-on-1 to give team Green a two goal cushion heading into the third. The onslaught continued in the third with Juneau getting his second of the game with a high wristshot. Team Red would record another goal and pull their goalie with a minute left but the game would end 5-3 in favour of team Green.
In the mornings second game 20 year old American forward Chris Jung opened the scoring for Team Red. Steven Seigo tied it up mid way through the period snapping a shot off the post and in past Zach Weisbach. There was no more scoring until halfway through the second when Marc-Antoine Juneau banged home a rebound. Juneau had 42 goals as a midget last year. Less than a minute later Chris Jung batted down a puck in the neutral zone, moved it passed the last defenceman and snapped it low along the ice beating Landon Noyes, who had just come into the game. Jung scored early and often at the start of last season before the grind of a 62 game AJHL season caught up to him and he was used as an effective energy guy. He looks refreshed and has lots of jump on day one of camp. Juneau’s midget teammate from last year gave team Green the lead again pouncing on a rebound at the top of the crease after Adam Gingas made a couple saves he was unable to stop the third shot with just over a minute left in the second. Less than 40 seconds later Paul Larocque converted on a pass off a 2-on-1 to give team Green a two goal cushion heading into the third. The onslaught continued in the third with Juneau getting his second of the game with a high wristshot. Team Red would record another goal and pull their goalie with a minute left but the game would end 5-3 in favour of team Green.
CAMP DAY 1
We’ll get you results from the Fitness testing hopefully later on this afternoon.
The big news out of registration night yesterday was the announcement Coach and General Manager Chad Mercier has signed a 5 year contract extension keeping him in Bonnyville through the 2013/14 season.
Finacial terms of the deal were not disclosed (always wanted to say that).
Also announced was the captain for the 2008/09 season. 20 year old Saskatchewan native Craig Cuthbert will wear the ‘C’ this year. “Cutter” had 12 goals 26 assists for 38 points in 55 games last year, his first with the Pontiacs. Craig also has 3 years of WHL experience on his resume and could just be the nicest darn hockey player off the ice you’ll ever meet.
Pontiac veterans Jeremy Gerhardt and Steven Seigo were named assistant captains.
As for the action on the ice 1993 born players are just getting underway in a scrimmage with older players getting their first chance to show their stuff at 9:30 this morning. On ice camp continues all day today and tomorrow.
The big news out of registration night yesterday was the announcement Coach and General Manager Chad Mercier has signed a 5 year contract extension keeping him in Bonnyville through the 2013/14 season.
Finacial terms of the deal were not disclosed (always wanted to say that).
Also announced was the captain for the 2008/09 season. 20 year old Saskatchewan native Craig Cuthbert will wear the ‘C’ this year. “Cutter” had 12 goals 26 assists for 38 points in 55 games last year, his first with the Pontiacs. Craig also has 3 years of WHL experience on his resume and could just be the nicest darn hockey player off the ice you’ll ever meet.
Pontiac veterans Jeremy Gerhardt and Steven Seigo were named assistant captains.
As for the action on the ice 1993 born players are just getting underway in a scrimmage with older players getting their first chance to show their stuff at 9:30 this morning. On ice camp continues all day today and tomorrow.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
FITNESS TESTING
Interview with Justin Zellweger moments after he finished his fitness testing.
RH: How do you think you did today?
JZ: I thought I did alright. I was more worried about the cardio and stuff but I think I came through in the end. I was hard though.
RH: What was the hardest part?
JZ: Oh the bike test. The five minute bike test. It was hell for me. It’s the last one at the end of the test and everyone regrets that one.
RH: How was your summer?
JZ: It was good, busy, lots of work but just getting ready for hockey here. I’m pretty excited to get back in the flow, back in the motion, and can’t wait for the season.
RH: What kind of expectations do you have for this year?
JZ: Want to be an all around player, keep the energy coming like I did last year, help my teammates out and hopefully be a leader and bring my team to another strong run in the playoffs.
Chat with Pontiacs assistant coach Ryan Pollack
RH: Is fitness testing a good way to find out who worked out over the summer?
RP: You know that’s the way on the surface that it always appears Robb, but there’s some other things that go into it to. Sometimes guys find out a little bit about themselves at this point as much as the guys find out about the investment they’ve put in through the summer. You know, there’s a level we need to get to physically in order to compete throughout the year and it shows guys their first introduction to the grind that a 62 game season is. That investment in the summer is important and if they haven’t done it it gets exposed and if they have it also shows up at this time.
RH: At the end of training camp if there are 2 guys on that bubble but you have to make a cut to get your numbers down will the coaches possibly refer back to today to help them make that decision?
RP: I think it’s sometimes that you can refer back to them at different times. I don’t think it’s something that will make or break a guy but it’s an area that we concentrate on and sometimes guys come in and are really good in one area and not so good in another and sometimes we take that data and that and teach them and help them improve in certain areas.
RH: How do you think you did today?
JZ: I thought I did alright. I was more worried about the cardio and stuff but I think I came through in the end. I was hard though.
RH: What was the hardest part?
JZ: Oh the bike test. The five minute bike test. It was hell for me. It’s the last one at the end of the test and everyone regrets that one.
RH: How was your summer?
JZ: It was good, busy, lots of work but just getting ready for hockey here. I’m pretty excited to get back in the flow, back in the motion, and can’t wait for the season.
RH: What kind of expectations do you have for this year?
JZ: Want to be an all around player, keep the energy coming like I did last year, help my teammates out and hopefully be a leader and bring my team to another strong run in the playoffs.
Chat with Pontiacs assistant coach Ryan Pollack
RH: Is fitness testing a good way to find out who worked out over the summer?
RP: You know that’s the way on the surface that it always appears Robb, but there’s some other things that go into it to. Sometimes guys find out a little bit about themselves at this point as much as the guys find out about the investment they’ve put in through the summer. You know, there’s a level we need to get to physically in order to compete throughout the year and it shows guys their first introduction to the grind that a 62 game season is. That investment in the summer is important and if they haven’t done it it gets exposed and if they have it also shows up at this time.
RH: At the end of training camp if there are 2 guys on that bubble but you have to make a cut to get your numbers down will the coaches possibly refer back to today to help them make that decision?
RP: I think it’s sometimes that you can refer back to them at different times. I don’t think it’s something that will make or break a guy but it’s an area that we concentrate on and sometimes guys come in and are really good in one area and not so good in another and sometimes we take that data and that and teach them and help them improve in certain areas.
THE RINK HAS ICE
It’s that time of year again when we find out who worked this summer and who worked out. Veterans have reported for Bonnyville Pontiac training camp and today they will be put through the gauntlet of fitness tests. All veterans are given a workout program to follow through the summer and this is the day that will show who followed it and who didn’t.
Fitness testing isn’t everything, even Wayne Gretzky was notoriously bad at it, but when you think back to round 2 game 3 against Fort McMurray it is the work in the summer and all the cardio training during the year which could be the difference in double overtime.
All players report tonight and will be on the ice tomorrow morning for the start of main camp. All sessions are open to the public, with ice times running Friday and Saturday from 8:00AM to 7:30PM as well as Sunday from 9:00AM to 12:30PM at the RJ Lalonde Arena.
Fitness testing isn’t everything, even Wayne Gretzky was notoriously bad at it, but when you think back to round 2 game 3 against Fort McMurray it is the work in the summer and all the cardio training during the year which could be the difference in double overtime.
All players report tonight and will be on the ice tomorrow morning for the start of main camp. All sessions are open to the public, with ice times running Friday and Saturday from 8:00AM to 7:30PM as well as Sunday from 9:00AM to 12:30PM at the RJ Lalonde Arena.
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