First off, thanks to everyone for visiting the site. We passed 2,500 hits, since the season started, as of this morning. When I started this I didn't know how much interest there would be but this obviously is blowing away my expectations. Expect more features to come in the near future and maybe even some TRH merchandise.
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Great game last night on a number of fronts. First off it was close and fairly exciting which helps. Of course we covered on the broadcast the work Julien Laplante put in for his third win of the year and we also talked about Greg Hennessey having another strong game, turning the momentum back to Bonnyville with his physical play. "Henny" will need to keep it up and continue to straddle the line of playing tough while staying out of the box. He's done a good job of that on this Pontiac winning streak. I also really liked the play of Chris Jung. "Junger" probably wasn't too happy about not playing Wednesday in Drayton and I thought he showed that instead of being upset about it he was going to come out with a fresh focus and the results showed last night.
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It will be another battle Tomorrow night in Fort Mac, as it always is at the Thickwood Heights Arena. While assistant coach Ryan Pollack commented last night on the post-game coaches show that many of the 47 Oil Barron shots came from the outside and they weren't good scoring chances getting 47 shots still means the Oil Barrons had way too much puck possession. Bonnyville will need to correct that if they expect to pick up another 2 points.
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I'll be at practice this afternoon to take in what changes we might expect for the rematch.
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Looks like Spruce Grove is up to their old tricks. The Saints have only one regulation loss on the year with 2 ties and a couple overtime losses. The bonus points S.G. picked up last year came back to haunt the Pontiacs as both teams finished with the same number of wins but the Saints finished 5 points ahead of Bonnyville in the standings with 11 OTL's to their credit.
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3 is nice but 4 is a streak.
The Robb Hunter Blog
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
GAME DAY
4-1 with a tie on last nights games. Wish my NFL picks were doing better today, and what happened to my Riders? ouch.
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The Oil Barrons come to town now trying to not go winless on their three game trek this weekend. Bonnyville should be rested and they try to push their winning streak to 3 games.
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These two teams battle a long, tough 6 game series in the second round last year with Fort Mac coming out on top. How would things have been different if the Pontiacs didn't run into injury problems? Steven Seigo missed three games in that series, Jamie Sadlowski missed time, Jeremy Gerhardt was out for every playoff game. Nothing you can do about it now though. Matthew Register was thrust into action with the blueline hurt and look what that experience is doing for him this year. He's playing with the confidence of a player who saw playoff time and now knows he can play at this level.
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With the Pontiacs losing in that series last year they will be the team more determined to exact some revenge so I take them tonight. How can I not though?
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The Oil Barrons come to town now trying to not go winless on their three game trek this weekend. Bonnyville should be rested and they try to push their winning streak to 3 games.
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These two teams battle a long, tough 6 game series in the second round last year with Fort Mac coming out on top. How would things have been different if the Pontiacs didn't run into injury problems? Steven Seigo missed three games in that series, Jamie Sadlowski missed time, Jeremy Gerhardt was out for every playoff game. Nothing you can do about it now though. Matthew Register was thrust into action with the blueline hurt and look what that experience is doing for him this year. He's playing with the confidence of a player who saw playoff time and now knows he can play at this level.
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With the Pontiacs losing in that series last year they will be the team more determined to exact some revenge so I take them tonight. How can I not though?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
ST. ALBERT
How about them Steel?
Coach suspended, team builds a 4 goal lead and then blows it in the third only to come back and score the winner late. I'll take them again tonight to beat Brooks.
The Fort Mac v. Spruce Grove game should be a good one and a good indicator of how the Pontiacs could fare against the Oil Barrons on Sunday as Bonnyville tied the Saints not that long ago. I like Spruce Grove at home but you can't count out the Oil Barrons responding after a loss. Take Fort Mac.
The Thunder are bad but it's a trap game for Canmore, still on the road after an emotional win in G.P. pick the upset.
Dragons beat Calgary at home.
Sherwood Park will handle Lloyd
and....
Kodiaks lose again.
Coach suspended, team builds a 4 goal lead and then blows it in the third only to come back and score the winner late. I'll take them again tonight to beat Brooks.
The Fort Mac v. Spruce Grove game should be a good one and a good indicator of how the Pontiacs could fare against the Oil Barrons on Sunday as Bonnyville tied the Saints not that long ago. I like Spruce Grove at home but you can't count out the Oil Barrons responding after a loss. Take Fort Mac.
The Thunder are bad but it's a trap game for Canmore, still on the road after an emotional win in G.P. pick the upset.
Dragons beat Calgary at home.
Sherwood Park will handle Lloyd
and....
Kodiaks lose again.
Friday, September 26, 2008
RESTED vs. TESTED.
Fort McMurray travels to the RJ Lalonde Sunday evening after playing tonight in St. Albert and Saturday in Spruce Grove.
The Pontiacs don't play again until that matchup on Sunday.
So I pose the question to the coach "Who has the advantage heading into Sunday?" Mercier told us on the morning show on Kool 101.3 that he doesn't believe either team would have an advantage based on the schedule. These teams are used to playing 3 games in 3 nights and being young men they can handle it.
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The Pontiac coaching staff is heading to St. Albert tonight for a little advanced scouting. While checking out what the Oil Barrons have to offer they will also see a St. Albert team that has been playing very well this year. What they won't see is Greg Parks behind the Steel bench. Parks was suspended for 2 games for dressing an ineligible player in a game last week. His team won 7-3 against Lloyd on Wednesday without him. If they win again tonight perhaps a permanent move to the press box is in order.
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The game on Sunday starts at 6:00. Some of the tickets printed say 6:30 but that is wrong so don't be late. The Pontiacs hope they aren't late for the game. They have only scored first in 1 game so far this season. Kudo's to them for demonstrating they can come back in hockey games but not getting the first goal is a trend they would like to reverse.
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Players had a meeting but a day off the ice yesterday. They will practice today and tomorrow. Trying to figure out a way to bring more intensity to the start of games players might be advised to bring their own bag to practice today, or perhaps they can borrow someone Else's.
The Pontiacs don't play again until that matchup on Sunday.
So I pose the question to the coach "Who has the advantage heading into Sunday?" Mercier told us on the morning show on Kool 101.3 that he doesn't believe either team would have an advantage based on the schedule. These teams are used to playing 3 games in 3 nights and being young men they can handle it.
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The Pontiac coaching staff is heading to St. Albert tonight for a little advanced scouting. While checking out what the Oil Barrons have to offer they will also see a St. Albert team that has been playing very well this year. What they won't see is Greg Parks behind the Steel bench. Parks was suspended for 2 games for dressing an ineligible player in a game last week. His team won 7-3 against Lloyd on Wednesday without him. If they win again tonight perhaps a permanent move to the press box is in order.
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The game on Sunday starts at 6:00. Some of the tickets printed say 6:30 but that is wrong so don't be late. The Pontiacs hope they aren't late for the game. They have only scored first in 1 game so far this season. Kudo's to them for demonstrating they can come back in hockey games but not getting the first goal is a trend they would like to reverse.
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Players had a meeting but a day off the ice yesterday. They will practice today and tomorrow. Trying to figure out a way to bring more intensity to the start of games players might be advised to bring their own bag to practice today, or perhaps they can borrow someone Else's.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
GOING FOR 2 IN A ROW
The Pontiacs will look to put 2 wins together for the first time this season.
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Another slow start for Bonnyville yesterday. The Pontiacs have scored first only once this year. The good news is they have demonstrated they can play from behind and they aren't out of any game but I'm sure they would like to try being the front runners for at least a little while.
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Entering the lineup tonight will be Brad Sykes. Sykes has been skating with the team for quite some time and now will play with Herzog and Zellweger in his first action this evening. He skates well and reminds me of Zellweger at least from what I've seen in practice.
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Coming out of the lineup is 20 year old forward Chris Jung. I wouldn't look at this as a permanent move.
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Thanks to Allias Kalinski for joining our broadcast yesterday. His goal again demonstrated the skill this young man has. Speed down the wing and a big shot for the back of the net. If he ever puts it all together and becomes more consistent he could really be something special here in Drayton.
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Joining us tonight for the player profile will be big defenceman Greg Brown. His first year in Bonnyville but he's a veteran so we'll see how he feels he's fitting in.
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Another slow start for Bonnyville yesterday. The Pontiacs have scored first only once this year. The good news is they have demonstrated they can play from behind and they aren't out of any game but I'm sure they would like to try being the front runners for at least a little while.
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Entering the lineup tonight will be Brad Sykes. Sykes has been skating with the team for quite some time and now will play with Herzog and Zellweger in his first action this evening. He skates well and reminds me of Zellweger at least from what I've seen in practice.
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Coming out of the lineup is 20 year old forward Chris Jung. I wouldn't look at this as a permanent move.
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Thanks to Allias Kalinski for joining our broadcast yesterday. His goal again demonstrated the skill this young man has. Speed down the wing and a big shot for the back of the net. If he ever puts it all together and becomes more consistent he could really be something special here in Drayton.
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Joining us tonight for the player profile will be big defenceman Greg Brown. His first year in Bonnyville but he's a veteran so we'll see how he feels he's fitting in.
MORNING OFF IN DRAYTON
I've spent the last half hour watching Much Music. I guess I never stop on this channel when I'm going through the satalite guide but I stopped when I saw the new Girlalicious video on. Don't really appreciate them on the radio all that much. Better on TV I guess.
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Not much really happens on the road. Sometimes the coaching staff is able to get ice time for a morning skate but that didn't happen on this trip. In order to get the guys up and moving around they organized a team football game. Good times this morning and maybe most importantly no injuries.
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The team will eat their pregame meal early this afternoon and then relax until it's time to head over to the rink.
I think I'll walk over to WalMart and maybe find a Tim Hortons.
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Who are all these hosts on Much these days? I must be getting old.
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Not much really happens on the road. Sometimes the coaching staff is able to get ice time for a morning skate but that didn't happen on this trip. In order to get the guys up and moving around they organized a team football game. Good times this morning and maybe most importantly no injuries.
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The team will eat their pregame meal early this afternoon and then relax until it's time to head over to the rink.
I think I'll walk over to WalMart and maybe find a Tim Hortons.
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Who are all these hosts on Much these days? I must be getting old.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
ROAD WIN
It sure feels better sharing a hotel room with the bus driver after a win than after a loss.
It may have taken a couple periods but the Bonnyville Pontiacs came alive in the third period tonight getting a trio of goals to vault them to a 4-2 win in Drayton Valley.
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Steven Seigo now leads this team in goals as he scores a pair. Named first star tonight and there isn't really a game that goes by that we couldn't name Steven a star.
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Laplante didn't face the tough chances thrown towards the Thunder goalie but was good when he needed to be tonight and don't forget that this game was tied for the majority of the evening meaning that if he wasn't good Drayton could have got the break they need to push them over the top.
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Greg Hennessey may have just put the AJHL on notice that he's ready to be the player he has the potential to be. 'Henny' score a goal, layed a guy out and tooled poor Courtney Nelson in a fight. Greg showed that tonight that when he concentrates on hockey, uses his size and strength for good then he can be dominate.
It may have been Shawn Bates's nice pass that set up his easy goal but give him credit for driving the net hard with his stick on the ice.
As for the fight, give Nelson all the respect in the world for going with the much larger Hennessey. He probably knew he wasn't going to come out on top in the tussle but stood up for his teammate Tyler Eskesen regardless. Eskesen had just been rocked by big number 89.
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1 is nice but 2 is a streak.
It may have taken a couple periods but the Bonnyville Pontiacs came alive in the third period tonight getting a trio of goals to vault them to a 4-2 win in Drayton Valley.
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Steven Seigo now leads this team in goals as he scores a pair. Named first star tonight and there isn't really a game that goes by that we couldn't name Steven a star.
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Laplante didn't face the tough chances thrown towards the Thunder goalie but was good when he needed to be tonight and don't forget that this game was tied for the majority of the evening meaning that if he wasn't good Drayton could have got the break they need to push them over the top.
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Greg Hennessey may have just put the AJHL on notice that he's ready to be the player he has the potential to be. 'Henny' score a goal, layed a guy out and tooled poor Courtney Nelson in a fight. Greg showed that tonight that when he concentrates on hockey, uses his size and strength for good then he can be dominate.
It may have been Shawn Bates's nice pass that set up his easy goal but give him credit for driving the net hard with his stick on the ice.
As for the fight, give Nelson all the respect in the world for going with the much larger Hennessey. He probably knew he wasn't going to come out on top in the tussle but stood up for his teammate Tyler Eskesen regardless. Eskesen had just been rocked by big number 89.
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1 is nice but 2 is a streak.
LINEUP
Look for Laplante to get the start tonight and both veteran wingers Denis Cadrin and Justin Zellweger to be in the lineup.
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Tonight's Player profile will ask Jeremy Gerhardt how he felt his first game went. Pregame show starts at 7:15. Online at www.1013koolfm.com
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Tonight's Player profile will ask Jeremy Gerhardt how he felt his first game went. Pregame show starts at 7:15. Online at www.1013koolfm.com
OFF TO DRAYTON VALLEY
The first overnight trip of the season embarks this morning with the greater metropolis of Drayton Valley being the destination. Can't all overnight trips be to Canmore?
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Sports pysch is back for the Bonnyville Pontiacs. The team took part in a presentation yesterday afternoon to work on the mental part of the game and with most teams in this league so close talent wise they will take any advantage they can get. Great presentation overall. Hope the boys enjoyed it because I sure did.
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As for the game the Pontiacs enter with a record of 2-2-1-1 coming off the overtime loss against Lloydminster on Saturday night. Drayton will look to snap a 3 game losing skid and pick up only their second win on the season.
Bonnyville enters clicking at a 19% on the powerplay and at 79% on the penalty kill both good for 9th overall in the league. The road penalty kill though is fourth best overall allowing only 2 goals in 15 times short handed. In comparison, the Thunder's powerplay has been weak working only 12% of the time while the PK is a little better at 79%.
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Dillon Wagner who played in Drayton Valley last year and impressed most with his skill as a 16 year old is playing right now for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and I don't think it would be too surprising if he stuck so that could be a large loss for this rebuilding Thunder squad.
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Former Bonnyville Pontiac Jonathon Kalinski made his NHL debut last night with the Philadelphia Flyers. Kalinski had an assist and reports suggest he played well. He might be back in the lineup tonight in Ottawa.
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Sports pysch is back for the Bonnyville Pontiacs. The team took part in a presentation yesterday afternoon to work on the mental part of the game and with most teams in this league so close talent wise they will take any advantage they can get. Great presentation overall. Hope the boys enjoyed it because I sure did.
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As for the game the Pontiacs enter with a record of 2-2-1-1 coming off the overtime loss against Lloydminster on Saturday night. Drayton will look to snap a 3 game losing skid and pick up only their second win on the season.
Bonnyville enters clicking at a 19% on the powerplay and at 79% on the penalty kill both good for 9th overall in the league. The road penalty kill though is fourth best overall allowing only 2 goals in 15 times short handed. In comparison, the Thunder's powerplay has been weak working only 12% of the time while the PK is a little better at 79%.
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Dillon Wagner who played in Drayton Valley last year and impressed most with his skill as a 16 year old is playing right now for the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and I don't think it would be too surprising if he stuck so that could be a large loss for this rebuilding Thunder squad.
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Former Bonnyville Pontiac Jonathon Kalinski made his NHL debut last night with the Philadelphia Flyers. Kalinski had an assist and reports suggest he played well. He might be back in the lineup tonight in Ottawa.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
RECAP
We talked about the possibility of a let down game from the Bonnyville Pontiacs or the fact they may take Lloydminster too lightly.
Did that happen tonight? Who knows but you have to give the Bobcats all the credit in the world for continuing to battle and take the game back after the Pontiacs were all over them for the first 10 minutes of the game.
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Steven Seigo with a pair adds to his goal total on the season. His 4 and Matthew Registers 2 mean the Pontiacs are seeing 26% of their goal production coming from the blueline. Last season a meager 7.8% of the offence came from the backend.
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Brennan Volcan who I thought was playing well did not see a shift after about the midway point of the second period. I did not see if there was an injury on a play and did not get a chance to find out what his situation is after the game with the Pontiacs holding a long closed door meeting.
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Another solid effort from Julien Laplante who looks good through the first 120 minutes of his AJHL career. You could not fault him on the breakaway goal in double overtime. He had stopped every other breakaway to that point and there had been a number.
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Great crowd at the game with announced attendance at 890 and on my few looks out of the pressbox I was impressed by the number of youth at the game. I hope the loss doesn't bring those numbers down going forward.
Did that happen tonight? Who knows but you have to give the Bobcats all the credit in the world for continuing to battle and take the game back after the Pontiacs were all over them for the first 10 minutes of the game.
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Steven Seigo with a pair adds to his goal total on the season. His 4 and Matthew Registers 2 mean the Pontiacs are seeing 26% of their goal production coming from the blueline. Last season a meager 7.8% of the offence came from the backend.
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Brennan Volcan who I thought was playing well did not see a shift after about the midway point of the second period. I did not see if there was an injury on a play and did not get a chance to find out what his situation is after the game with the Pontiacs holding a long closed door meeting.
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Another solid effort from Julien Laplante who looks good through the first 120 minutes of his AJHL career. You could not fault him on the breakaway goal in double overtime. He had stopped every other breakaway to that point and there had been a number.
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Great crowd at the game with announced attendance at 890 and on my few looks out of the pressbox I was impressed by the number of youth at the game. I hope the loss doesn't bring those numbers down going forward.
RECAP AND PREVIEW
They might not be the AJHL Defending Champion powerhouse everyone expected but Camrose is still the AJHL Defending Champion. A 5-2 win in Camrose led to a positive bus ride home for the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
It was probably a better ride home than what Lloydminster had to deal with traveling back from Sherwood Park just get come up here today. The 3-2 loss to the Cru probably isn't sitting well with Lloyd and they will be looking for a way to play the same kind of game against Bonnyville that was successful one week ago.
Puck drop at 7:30
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What a first impression Julien LaPlante made coming into the game last night after the first two goals had been scored and then proceeding to shut the door the rest of the way as the Pontiacs scored 5 unanswered. Expect LaPlante to get his first start tonight.
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He didn't get a goal but Shawn Bates took the game over as play progressed through periods two and three last night and it was a shift by the captain Craig Cuthbert 5 minutes into the second where "Cutter" hit everything in sight for about 70 seconds that immediately swung the tide in favour of Bonnyville.
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Matthew Register picked up his second goal of the year and should have had a third if not for an amazingly acrobatic save by the Camrose netminder. You will hear from "Regi" during the player profile tonight.
It was probably a better ride home than what Lloydminster had to deal with traveling back from Sherwood Park just get come up here today. The 3-2 loss to the Cru probably isn't sitting well with Lloyd and they will be looking for a way to play the same kind of game against Bonnyville that was successful one week ago.
Puck drop at 7:30
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What a first impression Julien LaPlante made coming into the game last night after the first two goals had been scored and then proceeding to shut the door the rest of the way as the Pontiacs scored 5 unanswered. Expect LaPlante to get his first start tonight.
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He didn't get a goal but Shawn Bates took the game over as play progressed through periods two and three last night and it was a shift by the captain Craig Cuthbert 5 minutes into the second where "Cutter" hit everything in sight for about 70 seconds that immediately swung the tide in favour of Bonnyville.
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Matthew Register picked up his second goal of the year and should have had a third if not for an amazingly acrobatic save by the Camrose netminder. You will hear from "Regi" during the player profile tonight.
Friday, September 19, 2008
ANOTHER GAME DAY
I would have said it but somehow it has more credence when it comes from the coach.
Assistant Coach Ryan Pollock during the post game coach's show on Wednesday night said "with all due respect Spruce Grove got a little lucky picking up a point here". I must concur with the coach that the Pontiac effort on Wednesday was the best of this short year and it will need to be even better tonight in Camrose.
The Kodiaks have started the year 0-3 and on the road. The Pontiacs will have to deal with an ornery defending champ opening their building for the year.
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0-for-8 on the powerplay might have been the only letdown on Wednesday night for Bonnyville. Taking some consolation in that is the fact the team did score twice just as powerplays were ending but the inability to score on two separate 5-on-3's must be of some concern and would be chances the Pontiacs can not let pass by tonight in Camrose or tomorrow against Lloyd.
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The plan at the start of the week was to play Julien LaPlante in Camrose before coming back with Gingras in the Divisional game against Lloyd on Saturday. All that changed after Gringras played his best game of the year Wednesday against Spruce Grove making the Pontiacs coaching staff want to get him back into action right away to keep the ball rolling. It will be read and react for who gets the nod on Saturday.
LaPlante has been working hard in practice and deserves a shot and will get one, it just might not be this weekend. The Pontiacs play another set of back to back games next week in Drayton Valley and the team also has 14 games in October so there will be plenty of upcoming back to backs for LaPlante to see some action.
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I'm sitting in the office looking at 2 garbage bags filled with stuffed animals. I'm very thankful and impressed with the response my few shoutouts for teddy bears has received. Again, I have a bet with the morning show host on Cam FM in Camrose on the result of the game tonight. If the Pontiacs win he has to come up to Bonnyville and sing the national anthem at a Pontiacs game. If the Kodiaks win I have agreed to collect 100 stuffed animals to be donated to the childrens wing of the Camrose hospital. I have started collecting bears already and if the the Pontiacs win I will donate the bears to a charity in Bonnyville. It's a win/win.
Assistant Coach Ryan Pollock during the post game coach's show on Wednesday night said "with all due respect Spruce Grove got a little lucky picking up a point here". I must concur with the coach that the Pontiac effort on Wednesday was the best of this short year and it will need to be even better tonight in Camrose.
The Kodiaks have started the year 0-3 and on the road. The Pontiacs will have to deal with an ornery defending champ opening their building for the year.
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0-for-8 on the powerplay might have been the only letdown on Wednesday night for Bonnyville. Taking some consolation in that is the fact the team did score twice just as powerplays were ending but the inability to score on two separate 5-on-3's must be of some concern and would be chances the Pontiacs can not let pass by tonight in Camrose or tomorrow against Lloyd.
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The plan at the start of the week was to play Julien LaPlante in Camrose before coming back with Gingras in the Divisional game against Lloyd on Saturday. All that changed after Gringras played his best game of the year Wednesday against Spruce Grove making the Pontiacs coaching staff want to get him back into action right away to keep the ball rolling. It will be read and react for who gets the nod on Saturday.
LaPlante has been working hard in practice and deserves a shot and will get one, it just might not be this weekend. The Pontiacs play another set of back to back games next week in Drayton Valley and the team also has 14 games in October so there will be plenty of upcoming back to backs for LaPlante to see some action.
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I'm sitting in the office looking at 2 garbage bags filled with stuffed animals. I'm very thankful and impressed with the response my few shoutouts for teddy bears has received. Again, I have a bet with the morning show host on Cam FM in Camrose on the result of the game tonight. If the Pontiacs win he has to come up to Bonnyville and sing the national anthem at a Pontiacs game. If the Kodiaks win I have agreed to collect 100 stuffed animals to be donated to the childrens wing of the Camrose hospital. I have started collecting bears already and if the the Pontiacs win I will donate the bears to a charity in Bonnyville. It's a win/win.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
GAME DAY
It will be a bounceback game for both teams tonight. The Pontiacs were not impressed with their effort in Lloydminster on Saturday night and they will look to respond against a talented Spruce Grove team they had plenty of trouble beating in their barn last year.
The Saints started their year dismantaling Drayton Valley in a home and home series. In their third game Spruce Grove lost at home to Okotoks in overtime. The Oilers were playing their third game in three nights so I'm sure the Saints expected a better result and will now look to see what kind of team they have after the easy wins against DV how will they do agaisnt a team expected to be near the top of the North Division this year?
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Both teams had a relaxed start to the year having only played three games so far.
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These are the two least penalized teams in the league but knowing the AJHL and their rules crackdown any game can result in a number of penalties being called and those numbers could shoot up. Both teams though will try to stay out of the box tonight as they know their opponents.
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I don't have official word on this but I would expect Gingras to get back in net tonight with Laplante getting the nod on Friday.
The Saints started their year dismantaling Drayton Valley in a home and home series. In their third game Spruce Grove lost at home to Okotoks in overtime. The Oilers were playing their third game in three nights so I'm sure the Saints expected a better result and will now look to see what kind of team they have after the easy wins against DV how will they do agaisnt a team expected to be near the top of the North Division this year?
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Both teams had a relaxed start to the year having only played three games so far.
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These are the two least penalized teams in the league but knowing the AJHL and their rules crackdown any game can result in a number of penalties being called and those numbers could shoot up. Both teams though will try to stay out of the box tonight as they know their opponents.
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I don't have official word on this but I would expect Gingras to get back in net tonight with Laplante getting the nod on Friday.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
SO MUCH FOR THOSE LINES
Let's shake the old Pontiac snow globe and see what we have here.
The only line combination used in practice yesterday that had been utilized during a games so far this year was the reuniting of the Killer 'B' line.
Bertagnolli, Bates and Belyk are back together again hoping to form the most dangerous killer 'B' combination since Bagwell, Biggio and Berkman.
Beyond that combination there not much is familiar. After the loss in Lloydminster one couldn't help but expect a shakeup and it looks like some players will be given a new opportunity to show what they can do.
Dennis Fontaine and I will have more on the line combinations during the Telephone Connections pregame show Wednesday night in Spruce Grove. We are on the air at 6:45. Yes, Dennis is making the trip.
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Practice featured a lot of board work, an area the Bobcats dominated on Saturday. An on ice team meeting took up almost a quarter of the practice.
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It will be interesting to see how the team responds to the adversity of starting the year 1-3 and facing two tough road matchups before seeing Lloydminster at home again on Saturday.
The only line combination used in practice yesterday that had been utilized during a games so far this year was the reuniting of the Killer 'B' line.
Bertagnolli, Bates and Belyk are back together again hoping to form the most dangerous killer 'B' combination since Bagwell, Biggio and Berkman.
Beyond that combination there not much is familiar. After the loss in Lloydminster one couldn't help but expect a shakeup and it looks like some players will be given a new opportunity to show what they can do.
Dennis Fontaine and I will have more on the line combinations during the Telephone Connections pregame show Wednesday night in Spruce Grove. We are on the air at 6:45. Yes, Dennis is making the trip.
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Practice featured a lot of board work, an area the Bobcats dominated on Saturday. An on ice team meeting took up almost a quarter of the practice.
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It will be interesting to see how the team responds to the adversity of starting the year 1-3 and facing two tough road matchups before seeing Lloydminster at home again on Saturday.
Monday, September 15, 2008
MATT COOK
A Bonnyville Product hopes to be lighting the lamp for Team Canada come November.
Former Bonnyville Pontiac Matt Cook was named to Canada's National Sledge Hockey team last week.
Cook, who is one of two rookies to make the team, says he found out about sledge hockey while watching his brother at the RBC cup.
Canada will defend their world championship in November and Cook, who had 129 penalty minutes in 32 games with the Pontiacs in 2005/06 before being diagnosed with cancer, hopes to be a physical force on the team.
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The home internet connection is set to be installed and we'll do our best to get better updates fromt eh road going as soon as that happens. Also hoping to pick up an aircard to get updates done on the bus.
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Also I'm heading to practice this afternoon so I'll have an update tomorrow morning and a game preview either tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday morning
Former Bonnyville Pontiac Matt Cook was named to Canada's National Sledge Hockey team last week.
Cook, who is one of two rookies to make the team, says he found out about sledge hockey while watching his brother at the RBC cup.
Canada will defend their world championship in November and Cook, who had 129 penalty minutes in 32 games with the Pontiacs in 2005/06 before being diagnosed with cancer, hopes to be a physical force on the team.
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The home internet connection is set to be installed and we'll do our best to get better updates fromt eh road going as soon as that happens. Also hoping to pick up an aircard to get updates done on the bus.
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Also I'm heading to practice this afternoon so I'll have an update tomorrow morning and a game preview either tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday morning
Saturday, September 13, 2008
RESTED vs. EXTRA ANGRY
Well it's a home and home series for the Bonnyville Pontiacs but the Lloydminster Bobcats managed to squeeze in an extra game last night.
The debate now begins would you rather be the team that's well rested with a night off last night or a team that lost their third in a row and 2nd straight at home.
You never want to be a team that has lost 3 straight but I imagine the Pontiacs will have to weather the storm early tonight as the Bobcats will likely be playing like a cornered animal.
Despite the 7-2 score on Wednesday this is going to be another battle through the trenches tonight at the Civic Centre in Lloyd.
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I would expect the Pontiacs to go back to Gingras again tonight with LaPlante getting his first start either Wednesday in Spruce Grove or even more likely Friday in Camrose with the Pontiacs playing back to back games that weekend and the South Division games while important are not quite the Divisional contests. But then again I'm not the coach.
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Speaking of Friday night in Camrose I have a bet with our former morning guy here in Bonnyville Dave Tymo. Dave has moved on to Camrose and we have a small wager on that game. If the Pontiacs win Dave has to come back up to Bonnyville and sing the national anthem at the rematch on November 22nd. If the Kodiaks win I have to collect 100 teddy bears and donate them to the Camrose Childrens Hospital.
I have faith in the Pontiacs but I thought I would start collecting the bears now and then if/when the Pontiacs win I will donate the bears instead to the Hospital in Bonnyville so in the end it's a win/win on the bet.
So if anyone has any stuffed animals they can donate to the cause it would help me out a great deal.
The debate now begins would you rather be the team that's well rested with a night off last night or a team that lost their third in a row and 2nd straight at home.
You never want to be a team that has lost 3 straight but I imagine the Pontiacs will have to weather the storm early tonight as the Bobcats will likely be playing like a cornered animal.
Despite the 7-2 score on Wednesday this is going to be another battle through the trenches tonight at the Civic Centre in Lloyd.
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I would expect the Pontiacs to go back to Gingras again tonight with LaPlante getting his first start either Wednesday in Spruce Grove or even more likely Friday in Camrose with the Pontiacs playing back to back games that weekend and the South Division games while important are not quite the Divisional contests. But then again I'm not the coach.
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Speaking of Friday night in Camrose I have a bet with our former morning guy here in Bonnyville Dave Tymo. Dave has moved on to Camrose and we have a small wager on that game. If the Pontiacs win Dave has to come back up to Bonnyville and sing the national anthem at the rematch on November 22nd. If the Kodiaks win I have to collect 100 teddy bears and donate them to the Camrose Childrens Hospital.
I have faith in the Pontiacs but I thought I would start collecting the bears now and then if/when the Pontiacs win I will donate the bears instead to the Hospital in Bonnyville so in the end it's a win/win on the bet.
So if anyone has any stuffed animals they can donate to the cause it would help me out a great deal.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Oh what a night.
Shawn Bates busts out of a slump in a big BIG way. He hadn’t scored in 13 games dating back to last season and I sure if you asked him if he would have been happy with 6 points over those 13 games he would have said “sure, I’ll take it”. Well he got those 6 points all last night in the way of 4 goals and 2 assists.
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The skill has been there all along on this team but what impressed me last night was the work on the forecheck. In that third period the Pontiacs wouldn’t let Lloydminster out of their own zone frustrating the Bobcats and causing countless turnovers.
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Dru Cotterill picked up his first two assists of the year and Tyler Henry scored his first goal in his AJHL career with a pair on the night and an assist to boot.
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This has nothing to do with hockey but I’m reading the news today and the Cold Lake Anti Bullying Coalition is trying to but an end to bullying in Cold Lake by 2013. It’s a great cause. A fantastic idea I only wonder why it takes until 2013. Are they waiting for all the current bully’s to graduate and they will start over with a fresh batch of students? And what is it about 2013 that they will be able to get bullying to stop by then? Was 2012 too soon and 2014 too late?
To relate it to hockey the Pontiacs are looking to fun their own anti-bullying campaign this season. They are looking for a sponsor for what they are calling their school program which involves getting players into classrooms delivering an anti-bullying message along with a drug awareness campaign and a whole lot more. Contact the Pontiac office if you want all the info.
Shawn Bates busts out of a slump in a big BIG way. He hadn’t scored in 13 games dating back to last season and I sure if you asked him if he would have been happy with 6 points over those 13 games he would have said “sure, I’ll take it”. Well he got those 6 points all last night in the way of 4 goals and 2 assists.
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The skill has been there all along on this team but what impressed me last night was the work on the forecheck. In that third period the Pontiacs wouldn’t let Lloydminster out of their own zone frustrating the Bobcats and causing countless turnovers.
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Dru Cotterill picked up his first two assists of the year and Tyler Henry scored his first goal in his AJHL career with a pair on the night and an assist to boot.
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This has nothing to do with hockey but I’m reading the news today and the Cold Lake Anti Bullying Coalition is trying to but an end to bullying in Cold Lake by 2013. It’s a great cause. A fantastic idea I only wonder why it takes until 2013. Are they waiting for all the current bully’s to graduate and they will start over with a fresh batch of students? And what is it about 2013 that they will be able to get bullying to stop by then? Was 2012 too soon and 2014 too late?
To relate it to hockey the Pontiacs are looking to fun their own anti-bullying campaign this season. They are looking for a sponsor for what they are calling their school program which involves getting players into classrooms delivering an anti-bullying message along with a drug awareness campaign and a whole lot more. Contact the Pontiac office if you want all the info.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
RALLY TOWELS
Sorry folks,
The Kool 101.3 RALLY TOWELS sponsored by Tidy Lube and Sign Solutions didn't get to Bonnyville in time for the game tonight. I guess the Boxes got stuck in delivery somewhere.
Yes. Those were the towels that were supposed to arrive for the home opener and if not then by tonight FOR SURE. Guess there aren't too many FOR SURE's anymore.
We are still getting them in and will still get them to fans and they will still be free.
See you at the game tonight!
The Kool 101.3 RALLY TOWELS sponsored by Tidy Lube and Sign Solutions didn't get to Bonnyville in time for the game tonight. I guess the Boxes got stuck in delivery somewhere.
Yes. Those were the towels that were supposed to arrive for the home opener and if not then by tonight FOR SURE. Guess there aren't too many FOR SURE's anymore.
We are still getting them in and will still get them to fans and they will still be free.
See you at the game tonight!
GAME DAY
It might be warm outside but the reception for the Lloydminster Bobcats will be chilly at RJ Lalonde arena tonight.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing their respective home openers to Grand Prairie.
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There won't be many roster changes for the Bonnyville Pontiacs tonight. Fans should expect to see nearly the same lineup they saw on Friday against G.P. but the team will likely insert Marc -Antoine Juneau who has recovered from his training camp injury.
Juneau lit up his midget AAA league last year in the states playing with Beau Bertagnolli who had a big impact with a goal and an assist in the home opener. Expect those two to see some action on the same line tonight.
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Speaking of line combinations, after Craig Cuthbert's big game, with 3 points, on Friday he will likely be moved up to try and spark the offence of Greg Hennessey and Tyler Henry.
Shawn Bates will move next to play maker Kirk Belyk who had 3 assists on Friday as the Pontiacs try and spread out the scoring.
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Adam Gingras will go in goal again for Bonnyville but expect Lloyd to make a change to Brady Wilyman after Tyler Esau let in some reported softies in Lloyd on Saturday.
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The Pontiacs have taken the last three season series between the two clubs and this years eight contests should again be a classic battle.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing their respective home openers to Grand Prairie.
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There won't be many roster changes for the Bonnyville Pontiacs tonight. Fans should expect to see nearly the same lineup they saw on Friday against G.P. but the team will likely insert Marc -Antoine Juneau who has recovered from his training camp injury.
Juneau lit up his midget AAA league last year in the states playing with Beau Bertagnolli who had a big impact with a goal and an assist in the home opener. Expect those two to see some action on the same line tonight.
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Speaking of line combinations, after Craig Cuthbert's big game, with 3 points, on Friday he will likely be moved up to try and spark the offence of Greg Hennessey and Tyler Henry.
Shawn Bates will move next to play maker Kirk Belyk who had 3 assists on Friday as the Pontiacs try and spread out the scoring.
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Adam Gingras will go in goal again for Bonnyville but expect Lloyd to make a change to Brady Wilyman after Tyler Esau let in some reported softies in Lloyd on Saturday.
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The Pontiacs have taken the last three season series between the two clubs and this years eight contests should again be a classic battle.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
THE PRACTICE BEFORE LLOYDMINSTER
This afternoons practice will be the last chance for some fine tuning before hosting the Highway 897 rivals. Unless you take 41 down to 45 and add in 17 or through Marwayne to 16 or I've even heard of some people going through Vermillion but that seems far out of the way. Either way they are Lloydminster and we are not supposed to like them.
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Saw Mike Westfall at practice yesterday with the cast off. He's still a few weeks away but it will be nice for the big guy to be able to start building strength back up in the arm.
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Had a pleasant chat with Tim Reid this afternoon. This was the topic of our discussion.
The World Junior Hockey Championships could come to Bonnyville.
Hockey Canada released a pre-tournament exhibition schedule with games being played in a number of communities across Ontario ahead of the 2009 World Juniors.
Tim Reid of the Bonnyville Centennial Centre says there is no reason not to expect the same for the 2012 version being held in this province.
Reid says anytime you get the best in the world possibly coming to our community they get very excited.
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Saw Mike Westfall at practice yesterday with the cast off. He's still a few weeks away but it will be nice for the big guy to be able to start building strength back up in the arm.
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Had a pleasant chat with Tim Reid this afternoon. This was the topic of our discussion.
The World Junior Hockey Championships could come to Bonnyville.
Hockey Canada released a pre-tournament exhibition schedule with games being played in a number of communities across Ontario ahead of the 2009 World Juniors.
Tim Reid of the Bonnyville Centennial Centre says there is no reason not to expect the same for the 2012 version being held in this province.
Reid says anytime you get the best in the world possibly coming to our community they get very excited.
Monday, September 8, 2008
THE FOCUS CHANGES
It's now squarely on the Lloydminster Bobcats.
The Pontiacs will have had three practices by the time the Bobcats come to town on Wednesday night and it is assured they will be intense as the team prepares for their biggest rival.
Speaking of the Rival their start to the season was similar to Bonnyville's
From the Meridian Booster:
http://www.meridianbooster.com/Sports/417490.html
The Pontiacs will have had three practices by the time the Bobcats come to town on Wednesday night and it is assured they will be intense as the team prepares for their biggest rival.
Speaking of the Rival their start to the season was similar to Bonnyville's
From the Meridian Booster:
http://www.meridianbooster.com/Sports/417490.html
Saturday, September 6, 2008
0-1
Not the best start to the season for the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
A strange shot 16 seconds in found a way to beat Adam Gingras and the Pontiacs were down early last night. You had to wonder at that point would this young Pontiac squad fold the tents early or at least take a little while longer to get over the shell shock? Neither. The team came firing back and outshot Grand Prairie 11-3 in the first period and did find a way to not only tie the game but take a 2-1 lead to finish out the first period.
The first 10 minutes or so of the 2nd period went much like the first frame with the Pontiacs continuing to carry the play and with Craig Cuthbert picking up his 2nd goal and 3rd point of the night the Pontiacs looked good up 3-1. Some late momentum though, for the Storm might have been a sign of things to come in the third.
Outshooting the Pontiacs 12-6 in the third and pretty much only playing two lines in the third period led to the Grand Prairie comeback. Coach Mike Vandekamp's decision to roll his top two lines put the Pontiacs back on their heals and took the game away from them. Three goals in less than four minutes midway through the third was all G.P. needed to take the lead and hold on for the win.
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Craig Cuthbert looked great picking up his 3 points. His linemates also played will with Kirk Belyk assisting on all three goals and Beau Bertagnolli showing no signs he was out of place in his first AJHL game adding a goal and an assist himself.
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The Henry, Bates, Hennessey line generated chances on some shifts and while they created good shooting opportunities the shots always seemed to find the centre of the Storm crest on goaltender Chad Carder's chest.
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Carder played strong for the Storm showing why Grand Prairie would want to add the 20 year old in a trade from Olds just before the start of the season.
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I might be biased because I always enjoy free food but the pregame tail gate party seemed to go over very well.
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The Pontiacs practiced this morning before a day off tomorrow and a couple more practice days before Lloyd comes to town on Wednesday.
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Kool 101.3 will be handing out free "Rally Towels" for fans in attendance Wednesday night. Be sure to hold onto them throughout the season and bring them back to the games.
A strange shot 16 seconds in found a way to beat Adam Gingras and the Pontiacs were down early last night. You had to wonder at that point would this young Pontiac squad fold the tents early or at least take a little while longer to get over the shell shock? Neither. The team came firing back and outshot Grand Prairie 11-3 in the first period and did find a way to not only tie the game but take a 2-1 lead to finish out the first period.
The first 10 minutes or so of the 2nd period went much like the first frame with the Pontiacs continuing to carry the play and with Craig Cuthbert picking up his 2nd goal and 3rd point of the night the Pontiacs looked good up 3-1. Some late momentum though, for the Storm might have been a sign of things to come in the third.
Outshooting the Pontiacs 12-6 in the third and pretty much only playing two lines in the third period led to the Grand Prairie comeback. Coach Mike Vandekamp's decision to roll his top two lines put the Pontiacs back on their heals and took the game away from them. Three goals in less than four minutes midway through the third was all G.P. needed to take the lead and hold on for the win.
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Craig Cuthbert looked great picking up his 3 points. His linemates also played will with Kirk Belyk assisting on all three goals and Beau Bertagnolli showing no signs he was out of place in his first AJHL game adding a goal and an assist himself.
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The Henry, Bates, Hennessey line generated chances on some shifts and while they created good shooting opportunities the shots always seemed to find the centre of the Storm crest on goaltender Chad Carder's chest.
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Carder played strong for the Storm showing why Grand Prairie would want to add the 20 year old in a trade from Olds just before the start of the season.
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I might be biased because I always enjoy free food but the pregame tail gate party seemed to go over very well.
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The Pontiacs practiced this morning before a day off tomorrow and a couple more practice days before Lloyd comes to town on Wednesday.
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Kool 101.3 will be handing out free "Rally Towels" for fans in attendance Wednesday night. Be sure to hold onto them throughout the season and bring them back to the games.
Friday, September 5, 2008
9 MORE HOURS
What happened to 1 more sleep?
Puck drops on the 2008/09 season at 7:30 at the RJ Lalonde with the Grande Prairie Storm in town. Might I recomend showing up early for this one. Not only is the tailgate party starting at 6:00 featuring a free BBQ but I had a quick preview of the entrance video yesterday and Don Sydora did another fantasic job on it so be sure to be settled in your seats early for this one. One more note on being there early. Last year the lights went off for the ceremony with a lot of people still trying to find their seats so go early and enjoy.
As for the game Gerhardt, Juneau and Westfall are out. Gingras starts in net and the Pontiacs look to start the season with a win for the 3rd straight year. The Pontiacs started last year 4-0 before losing in Overtime to the Camrose Kodiaks in game number 5. Not trying to get to far ahead of ourselves but the Pontiacs 5th game this year is in Camrose. I sure would be nice to see another matchup of undefeated teams for that one.
Show up early and bring your noisemakers because the atmosphere should be electric. We'll see you soon.
Puck drops on the 2008/09 season at 7:30 at the RJ Lalonde with the Grande Prairie Storm in town. Might I recomend showing up early for this one. Not only is the tailgate party starting at 6:00 featuring a free BBQ but I had a quick preview of the entrance video yesterday and Don Sydora did another fantasic job on it so be sure to be settled in your seats early for this one. One more note on being there early. Last year the lights went off for the ceremony with a lot of people still trying to find their seats so go early and enjoy.
As for the game Gerhardt, Juneau and Westfall are out. Gingras starts in net and the Pontiacs look to start the season with a win for the 3rd straight year. The Pontiacs started last year 4-0 before losing in Overtime to the Camrose Kodiaks in game number 5. Not trying to get to far ahead of ourselves but the Pontiacs 5th game this year is in Camrose. I sure would be nice to see another matchup of undefeated teams for that one.
Show up early and bring your noisemakers because the atmosphere should be electric. We'll see you soon.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
GRANDE PRAIRIE
So who's on this Storm team this year?
From the Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune:
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1183757
From the Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune:
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1183757
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2 MORE SLEEPS
Typical up tempo practice yesterday for the Pontiacs. Systems being put in place and constant reminders about the 'little things': communication, hussle and positioning.
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The Pontiacs new website is up. www.bonnyvillepontiacs.com. Some kinks still being worked out. Nice to see the pictures of all the new, and old, players are up. Some are a little interesting. "Hi, I'm Andy Skoreyko, I'm going to kill you."
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Big thanks to Chris Jung for making it into the station so early this morning for the Momento Minor Sports Minute. He made an interesting point about people who are making prognostications this early in the season. Who knows how good this team could be? They look talented. They looked good in exhibition but maybe Grand Prairie has picked up the next four Sidney Crosby's over the summer and won't lose a game all year. No one really knows at this point in the season.
Tune in to the morning show tomorrow as we'll be joined by another Pontiac player just after 8:00. Then on Friday another player will help co-host the hour long Realty Executives request hour from 9:00-10:00. That request hour will also feature a little bit of a fundraiser for the Bonnyville Boys and Girls club so stay tuned.
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Practice at 2:15 again today.
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The Pontiacs new website is up. www.bonnyvillepontiacs.com. Some kinks still being worked out. Nice to see the pictures of all the new, and old, players are up. Some are a little interesting. "Hi, I'm Andy Skoreyko, I'm going to kill you."
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Big thanks to Chris Jung for making it into the station so early this morning for the Momento Minor Sports Minute. He made an interesting point about people who are making prognostications this early in the season. Who knows how good this team could be? They look talented. They looked good in exhibition but maybe Grand Prairie has picked up the next four Sidney Crosby's over the summer and won't lose a game all year. No one really knows at this point in the season.
Tune in to the morning show tomorrow as we'll be joined by another Pontiac player just after 8:00. Then on Friday another player will help co-host the hour long Realty Executives request hour from 9:00-10:00. That request hour will also feature a little bit of a fundraiser for the Bonnyville Boys and Girls club so stay tuned.
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Practice at 2:15 again today.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
3 MORE SLEEPS
Playoffs? Don't talk about Playoffs! You kidding me? In my best Jim Mora (you tube it)
Okay that's a little out of context but regardless a long long way to go before playoffs and who knows what most North Division rosters will look like at the end of February.
I'll go so far as to say the home opener on Friday will be great. Almost 1300 fans last year and a little extra special greeting is planned from Kool 101.3 to all the fans who show up this year.
Talented, young and fun to watch.
After a day off yesterday players hit the ice for practice this afternoon where we will have another update.
Listen in to Kool tomorrow morning at 7:20 for the Momento Minor Sports Report and we will chat with a member of this years team about how far they think this team can go this year.
Okay that's a little out of context but regardless a long long way to go before playoffs and who knows what most North Division rosters will look like at the end of February.
I'll go so far as to say the home opener on Friday will be great. Almost 1300 fans last year and a little extra special greeting is planned from Kool 101.3 to all the fans who show up this year.
Talented, young and fun to watch.
After a day off yesterday players hit the ice for practice this afternoon where we will have another update.
Listen in to Kool tomorrow morning at 7:20 for the Momento Minor Sports Report and we will chat with a member of this years team about how far they think this team can go this year.
Monday, September 1, 2008
FORT MAC vs. BONNYVILLE (in LLB)
Four more days until the home opener. Only 3 more until NFL football starts and once again leading my fantasy team in LaDainian Tomlinson. It will be another good year.
I've really got to get an Internet connection at home so I can update from there. Sorry about the delay in getting this up. I did get the goal scorers updated on www.bonnyvillepontiacs.com so here is the post game coaches conference. Rumors abound about a website make over.
RH: What did you think of the game?
CM: It thought at times it was a real good game. I thought at times it showed like it was the last exhibition game of the season. Guys are kind of waiting to get to the regular season but on a positive note I think throughout this, Robb, we've taken strides and steps and we've moved forward and made improvements as we went and that's important at this time of year. Now we are going to get some practice time in and in the next couple, three weeks with only 3 games in the first 10 or 12 days of the season which will be very important for us but it's always nice to head into the regular season on a positive note.
RH: Overall how did the Lac La Biche experiment go?
CM: I think very well. I think it's great for our organization and our league and I think anytime you can get out and spread the product around I think as a calibre of game I think the fans were entertained. There were some very good plays and some good saves at both sides so I would expect that they were happy with the calibre and I think it's a good showcase for, like I said, our organization and the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
RH: What are you looking at for numbers right now and how many do you need to get down to before Friday?
CM: Well we are pretty much there. We are at 28 guys with three injuries. Two of them could be long term into October and one with Gerhardt where we are still not sure what part of September he's going to return so essentially we are right there. We might take a look at things here and see what our health is like and get down one or two in the next couple weeks. Discussions will take place with our hockey staff and we'll make those decisions but we'll take a day off and recoup mentally and physically and prepare because we know we are in for a tough battle against Grand Prairie for our home opener but we are looking forward to it.
I've really got to get an Internet connection at home so I can update from there. Sorry about the delay in getting this up. I did get the goal scorers updated on www.bonnyvillepontiacs.com so here is the post game coaches conference. Rumors abound about a website make over.
RH: What did you think of the game?
CM: It thought at times it was a real good game. I thought at times it showed like it was the last exhibition game of the season. Guys are kind of waiting to get to the regular season but on a positive note I think throughout this, Robb, we've taken strides and steps and we've moved forward and made improvements as we went and that's important at this time of year. Now we are going to get some practice time in and in the next couple, three weeks with only 3 games in the first 10 or 12 days of the season which will be very important for us but it's always nice to head into the regular season on a positive note.
RH: Overall how did the Lac La Biche experiment go?
CM: I think very well. I think it's great for our organization and our league and I think anytime you can get out and spread the product around I think as a calibre of game I think the fans were entertained. There were some very good plays and some good saves at both sides so I would expect that they were happy with the calibre and I think it's a good showcase for, like I said, our organization and the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
RH: What are you looking at for numbers right now and how many do you need to get down to before Friday?
CM: Well we are pretty much there. We are at 28 guys with three injuries. Two of them could be long term into October and one with Gerhardt where we are still not sure what part of September he's going to return so essentially we are right there. We might take a look at things here and see what our health is like and get down one or two in the next couple weeks. Discussions will take place with our hockey staff and we'll make those decisions but we'll take a day off and recoup mentally and physically and prepare because we know we are in for a tough battle against Grand Prairie for our home opener but we are looking forward to it.
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