The 5-2 win last night moves the Pontiacs winning streak to seven games and they are now the hottest team in the League. Sherwood Park comes to town tomorrow night with nine wins in their last 10 games but they have only won four in a row. With only four regulation losses all season the Crusaders are the top team in the league.
Usually only once or twice a season does a matchup like this occur. Last year it was four games into the season when an undefeated Pontiacs team took on the undefeated Camrose Kodiaks in one of the best games of the year. The Kodiaks won it in overtime when Boston Bruins first round pick Joe Colborne score an unassisted marker.
The Crusaders and Pontiacs will play other games this year but this is the one that I feel will have the most build up. It's Sherwood Park's first visit to the RJ Lalonde since they lost game 5 in the first round of the playoffs last year and were eliminated. The Pontiacs want revenge for a loss in the Park earlier this year when the Cru scored two shorthanded goals on the same powerplay to win by a pair. It's the best possible test for the validity of the Pontiacs' winning streak. How good is this team really now that the new additions are in the lineup? It marks the return of Jamie Sadlowski to the RJ Lalonde arena since he became World Champion Long Drive king which will just at to the atmosphere. This is as close to a playoff game in November that you are going to find.
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Kirk Belyk is now third in the league in scoring and is climbing fast.
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Craig Cuthbert will be out 4-6 weeks with the knee injury. That has to be considered good news considering how bad it could have been. That could mean a post Christmas return but how's this for a trade deadline pickup? The Pontiacs add the skill and leadership of Craig Cuthbert to their lineup and give up nothing in return. Get well soon Craig.
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The 2007/08 version of the Pontiacs set a franchise record for fewest goals allowed with 166 against. At this point last season they had allowed 62 goals. This years team is 8 off the pace having let in 70. As this team gets more practice time it will be interesting to see how close they can come to the 166 record.
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I think if you asked Shawn Bates he would tell you he would like to have more goals this year, especially considering the chances he has generated. In my mind though, whether he finishes on the chances or not, he's single handedly worth more than the price of admission to watch what he can do with the puck.
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I'll say it right here. I think the 'flying V', if led by Ashton Hewson, might just work.
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With all the hype around tomorrow's game don't forget the Calgary Royals are in town on Sunday for a 2:30 puck drop. There will be a skate with the Pontiacs session for the kids after the game so b sure to bring your skates to the game.
The Robb Hunter Blog
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CUTHBERT
At the 12:52 mark of the second period a hush fell over the RJ Lalonde as it became apparent Pontiacs captain and leading goal scorer Craig Cuthbert was not just going to bounce back up to his feet after taking a hit just inside his own blueline. As Cuthbert stayed on the ice Bonnyville defenceman Dru Cotterill stood up for his captain and went after the player responsible for the knee on knee collision. Devon Hobbs had Cuthbert lined up for the hit from centre ice in and the hit was all too reminiscent of Colin Scherger on Jeremy Gerhardt. Gerhardt ended up missing all of the playoffs last year and the start of this season. That is not to say that it has been determined Cuthbert will be out of the lineup for that long. As assistant coach Ryan Pollock said last night on the post game coach's show they will reevaluate Cuthbert once the swelling goes down and make a decision from there so expect him out at least 7-10 days.
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There was no penalty called on the play and no report submitted post game for the possibility of further disciplinary action. If the Pontiacs want there to be the chance of a suspension they would have to submit the video to the league within 24 hours for review. Regardless, it sounds as though Devon Hobbs will not be suspended.
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As for the rest of the game the Pontiacs explode for their largest offensive output December 11th, 2007 at Drumheller. That game hat tricks from Jeremy Gerhardt and Kyle Kvisle while Jamie Easton added a pair. Last night the Pontiacs got to 10 with nine different players scoring goals, while Kirk Belyk did run the show putting up 5 points. Belyk now makes the front page of the AJHL site on the short list of leading point getter's in the league.
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Steven Seigo missed his first of what will be five games while he's at the World Jr. A Hockey Challenge in Camrose with Team Canada West. The Pontiacs blueine featured 4 rookies and while they had their moments at times they got through it unscathed.
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Jamie Sadlowski will be in attendance at the game Saturday night to sign autographs. I hope his agent got him an appearance fee. If you can't make the game (and why wouldn't you? Sherwood Park is in town!) we will be joined on air by Sadlowski in the second intermission to talk about his run to the World Long Drive Championship.
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There was no penalty called on the play and no report submitted post game for the possibility of further disciplinary action. If the Pontiacs want there to be the chance of a suspension they would have to submit the video to the league within 24 hours for review. Regardless, it sounds as though Devon Hobbs will not be suspended.
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As for the rest of the game the Pontiacs explode for their largest offensive output December 11th, 2007 at Drumheller. That game hat tricks from Jeremy Gerhardt and Kyle Kvisle while Jamie Easton added a pair. Last night the Pontiacs got to 10 with nine different players scoring goals, while Kirk Belyk did run the show putting up 5 points. Belyk now makes the front page of the AJHL site on the short list of leading point getter's in the league.
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Steven Seigo missed his first of what will be five games while he's at the World Jr. A Hockey Challenge in Camrose with Team Canada West. The Pontiacs blueine featured 4 rookies and while they had their moments at times they got through it unscathed.
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Jamie Sadlowski will be in attendance at the game Saturday night to sign autographs. I hope his agent got him an appearance fee. If you can't make the game (and why wouldn't you? Sherwood Park is in town!) we will be joined on air by Sadlowski in the second intermission to talk about his run to the World Long Drive Championship.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I'M BACK
Hey folks,
Thanks for all the well wishes and a big thanks to the staff at the Bonnyville Hospital. They do good work. Best darn flu meds I've ever had.
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Just a thought I had while spending many an hour over the last week watching the NHL network. Owen Nolan is still in the league? and he plays for Minnesota? Really?
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If I'd known all it would take for the Pontiacs to go on a five game winning streak was for me to get an IV I would have done it a lot sooner. Looks like the boys are playing great and the new additions are stepping right in. I went through some rosters while I was away and couldn't find a team with the depth Bonnyville shows up front.
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Adam Gingras was moved to Brooks on Monday in exchange for future considerations. Hopefully things work out for Adam in Brooks. He's a little quiet sometimes but a really good guy once you get to know him. The Pontiacs are now down to 24 on their roster and might stay at that number for a while giving them some flexibility as roster deadlines in December and January approach.
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How about Jamie Sadlowski? Crushes a golf ball 417 yards for a quarter mill. I wonder if he needs an agent.
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Great post Krank. Did me proud.
Thanks for all the well wishes and a big thanks to the staff at the Bonnyville Hospital. They do good work. Best darn flu meds I've ever had.
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Just a thought I had while spending many an hour over the last week watching the NHL network. Owen Nolan is still in the league? and he plays for Minnesota? Really?
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If I'd known all it would take for the Pontiacs to go on a five game winning streak was for me to get an IV I would have done it a lot sooner. Looks like the boys are playing great and the new additions are stepping right in. I went through some rosters while I was away and couldn't find a team with the depth Bonnyville shows up front.
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Adam Gingras was moved to Brooks on Monday in exchange for future considerations. Hopefully things work out for Adam in Brooks. He's a little quiet sometimes but a really good guy once you get to know him. The Pontiacs are now down to 24 on their roster and might stay at that number for a while giving them some flexibility as roster deadlines in December and January approach.
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How about Jamie Sadlowski? Crushes a golf ball 417 yards for a quarter mill. I wonder if he needs an agent.
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Great post Krank. Did me proud.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Guest Blogger Filling In
Hello everyone
This is Jordon Krankowsky Bonnyville Pontiac defenceman guest blogging for Robb today since he missed the last couple games due to illness.
As most of you already know Devon Kalinski has come back to our club and in the two games he has played has made an impact that was expected.
The game in Lloyd was one where as a team we didn't play to out potential but still cam out on top with the victory. Tyler Henry got us started on the powerplay, and from there we began to take some penalties and let the Bobcats gain some momentum but the recently aquired goaltender Tyler Pugh stood on his head for us keeping us in it and allowing us the victory.
The game in St. Albert however was a site to be seen. We started a little flat, getting rid of the bus legs, but once we got going there was no stopping. With the 8-3 victory came Devon Kalinski getting his first AJHL goal. This was no ordinary goal though. Right off the faceoff which was pushed forward by Tyler Henry, Devon got handle of the puck and put it right under the bar with pretty much no room to shoot at but if you were there to see it you would understand. As a team we worked hard, getting pucks to the net and also getting all bodies to the net. We only scored one powerplay goal and 7 even strentgh goals showing just hard we were working.
The keys to that game were hard work and discipline. As for tonights game we will be looking to keep the streak alive with alot of hard work getting pucks out of our zone and in their zone and going to work. The Eagles are coming off a big loss in Lloyd last night so we have to be ready to play a hard fought game.
I would like to thank Robb for letting me fill in for him today and for all of us that have missed him he will be in the press box for the game tonight. 7:30 @ the RJ be there and support us, the more fans and noise that show the better. The fellas really enjoy playing in front a sold out crowd.
Hope to see you there
This is Jordon Krankowsky Bonnyville Pontiac defenceman guest blogging for Robb today since he missed the last couple games due to illness.
As most of you already know Devon Kalinski has come back to our club and in the two games he has played has made an impact that was expected.
The game in Lloyd was one where as a team we didn't play to out potential but still cam out on top with the victory. Tyler Henry got us started on the powerplay, and from there we began to take some penalties and let the Bobcats gain some momentum but the recently aquired goaltender Tyler Pugh stood on his head for us keeping us in it and allowing us the victory.
The game in St. Albert however was a site to be seen. We started a little flat, getting rid of the bus legs, but once we got going there was no stopping. With the 8-3 victory came Devon Kalinski getting his first AJHL goal. This was no ordinary goal though. Right off the faceoff which was pushed forward by Tyler Henry, Devon got handle of the puck and put it right under the bar with pretty much no room to shoot at but if you were there to see it you would understand. As a team we worked hard, getting pucks to the net and also getting all bodies to the net. We only scored one powerplay goal and 7 even strentgh goals showing just hard we were working.
The keys to that game were hard work and discipline. As for tonights game we will be looking to keep the streak alive with alot of hard work getting pucks out of our zone and in their zone and going to work. The Eagles are coming off a big loss in Lloyd last night so we have to be ready to play a hard fought game.
I would like to thank Robb for letting me fill in for him today and for all of us that have missed him he will be in the press box for the game tonight. 7:30 @ the RJ be there and support us, the more fans and noise that show the better. The fellas really enjoy playing in front a sold out crowd.
Hope to see you there
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
GAME DAY
Interesting appearance at practice yesterday. Bonnyville native Devon Kalinski who parted ways with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL last week was seen on the ice with the Bonnyville Pontiacs. He looked good out there but as of right now rumours of 'Devo' joining the team are just that ... rumours. He would certainly be another nice addition though.
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At practice the boys worked on communication between forwards and defencemen while eliminating wingers trying to drive wide, a distinctly 'Bobcatish' type attack.
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Dennis Fontaine will be making the trip to do colour tonight and without a doubt he will talk about how the Bobcats like to pinch their defencemen down the walls in the offensive zone so there will be openings through the middle if Bonnyville can chip pucks through and then, probably most importantly, capitalize on any odd man rushes that are generated.
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The Bobcats have only five wins on the year but two of those victories were against Bonnyville. Lloydminster is a hard working team that lacks a little offensive punch but in both their wins against the Pontaics they where the team willing to go the extra mile to out work their opponent and it was just enough to win. This shouldn't be the case tonight if the Pontiacs continue their work habits they started against Okotoks on Saturday and continued in St. Albert on Sunday. Actually the good work really started in G.P. at about the 10 minute mark of the first period but at that point they were down 4-0 and unable to come all the way back against the Storm.
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Tune in tonight to find out what the next chapter is in the Bonnyville Pontiacs Goaltending saga will be. We'll discover which one of the three gets the start tonight. Pre game show at 7:15.
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At practice the boys worked on communication between forwards and defencemen while eliminating wingers trying to drive wide, a distinctly 'Bobcatish' type attack.
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Dennis Fontaine will be making the trip to do colour tonight and without a doubt he will talk about how the Bobcats like to pinch their defencemen down the walls in the offensive zone so there will be openings through the middle if Bonnyville can chip pucks through and then, probably most importantly, capitalize on any odd man rushes that are generated.
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The Bobcats have only five wins on the year but two of those victories were against Bonnyville. Lloydminster is a hard working team that lacks a little offensive punch but in both their wins against the Pontaics they where the team willing to go the extra mile to out work their opponent and it was just enough to win. This shouldn't be the case tonight if the Pontiacs continue their work habits they started against Okotoks on Saturday and continued in St. Albert on Sunday. Actually the good work really started in G.P. at about the 10 minute mark of the first period but at that point they were down 4-0 and unable to come all the way back against the Storm.
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Tune in tonight to find out what the next chapter is in the Bonnyville Pontiacs Goaltending saga will be. We'll discover which one of the three gets the start tonight. Pre game show at 7:15.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A COUPLE OF NEAT STORIES
From Andrew Stoeten at Thescore.com:
For those of you who haven't run into Terry Tate lately, you might be surprised to know that an American election is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Check a few websites if you don't believe me. The media has really been underreporting this story, but trust me, the race really is going on-- and you want to know why one of the two presidential candidates is even there in the first place?
Mike. Ditka.
Seriously.
An interesting tidbit from Gunaxin points us to a USA Today article from August of 2004, titled, "Ditka says he won't run for U.S. Senate."
The story goes that Ditka was approached by the Republican party to run in place of their original candidate, Jack Ryan, who was shamed out of the race when it came to light, during divorce proceedings, that he'd gone to sex clubs with his wife, Jeri Ryan, the actress who played that Borg with huge tracts of land, and probably some other shit. Ultimately, Ditka decided against taking Ryan's place on the ticket-- citing his volatile temper as the main reason (though, uh... it's not like he would have exactly been dying to give up the one-day-a-week gig rambling on about the NFL).
His would-be opponent? Barack Obama ... (der).
Obama beat eventual-candidate Alan Keyes by 70% to 27%, meaning it's not exactly like Ditka could have just wandered in and slammed the Democratic opposition. But, uh... Ditka? In Illinois? I think he might have done OK. And if Ditka had won, that whole election thing that nobody's talking about right now might have looked a bit different.
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From Cory Masisak at the Washinton Times:
Tyler Sloan's father, Fred, drove 36 hours from the family's home in Calgary, Alberta, to Hershey, Pa., to spend a few days watching his son play in the American Hockey League.
As it turned out, Fred Sloan had to leave his car in Hershey and take an emergency flight home - and he probably couldn't be happier about it. His son was called up by the Washington Capitals and will make his NHL debut Tuesday night in Calgary against the Flames.
"I didn't think it would be this soon that I would get the call-up, but I'm ecstatic, and to get to play in Calgary is incredible," Tyler Sloan said after practice Monday. "To get this opportunity and be in Calgary - it is [like a] storybook."
It has been a long journey for Sloan, a 27-year-old defenseman who was never drafted. He has spent seven seasons playing for five teams between the AHL and the ECHL
For those of you who haven't run into Terry Tate lately, you might be surprised to know that an American election is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Check a few websites if you don't believe me. The media has really been underreporting this story, but trust me, the race really is going on-- and you want to know why one of the two presidential candidates is even there in the first place?
Mike. Ditka.
Seriously.
An interesting tidbit from Gunaxin points us to a USA Today article from August of 2004, titled, "Ditka says he won't run for U.S. Senate."
The story goes that Ditka was approached by the Republican party to run in place of their original candidate, Jack Ryan, who was shamed out of the race when it came to light, during divorce proceedings, that he'd gone to sex clubs with his wife, Jeri Ryan, the actress who played that Borg with huge tracts of land, and probably some other shit. Ultimately, Ditka decided against taking Ryan's place on the ticket-- citing his volatile temper as the main reason (though, uh... it's not like he would have exactly been dying to give up the one-day-a-week gig rambling on about the NFL).
His would-be opponent? Barack Obama ... (der).
Obama beat eventual-candidate Alan Keyes by 70% to 27%, meaning it's not exactly like Ditka could have just wandered in and slammed the Democratic opposition. But, uh... Ditka? In Illinois? I think he might have done OK. And if Ditka had won, that whole election thing that nobody's talking about right now might have looked a bit different.
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From Cory Masisak at the Washinton Times:
Tyler Sloan's father, Fred, drove 36 hours from the family's home in Calgary, Alberta, to Hershey, Pa., to spend a few days watching his son play in the American Hockey League.
As it turned out, Fred Sloan had to leave his car in Hershey and take an emergency flight home - and he probably couldn't be happier about it. His son was called up by the Washington Capitals and will make his NHL debut Tuesday night in Calgary against the Flames.
"I didn't think it would be this soon that I would get the call-up, but I'm ecstatic, and to get to play in Calgary is incredible," Tyler Sloan said after practice Monday. "To get this opportunity and be in Calgary - it is [like a] storybook."
It has been a long journey for Sloan, a 27-year-old defenseman who was never drafted. He has spent seven seasons playing for five teams between the AHL and the ECHL
GOLF
Best of luck to former Pontiac Jamie Sadlowski who competes this weekend in the World Long Drive Championships in Nevada. 'Sadlow' tees it up for his first round at just after noon hour on Friday. If you can hold out until Christmas without finding out the results you can watch the finals on ESPN. I believe TSN shows the finals at the same time in Canada. I'm trying to track down Jamie this week as he prepares so we might get him on air either tomorrow or pre recorded for Friday.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
2nd INTERMISSION
Holy powerplays batman.
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Lloydminster head coach Tom Kecca is in attendance doing a little advanced scouting for his Bobcats. The Pontiacs play in Lloydminster on Wednesday.
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The Steel's next action is on Friday when Bonnyville comes back to St. Albert so it's two straight against the Pontiacs for St.Albert and both on home ice.
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Lloydminster head coach Tom Kecca is in attendance doing a little advanced scouting for his Bobcats. The Pontiacs play in Lloydminster on Wednesday.
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The Steel's next action is on Friday when Bonnyville comes back to St. Albert so it's two straight against the Pontiacs for St.Albert and both on home ice.
AT THE RINK
Same lineup as last night. Why change it?
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Jordan Krankowsky will provide colour commentary this evening.
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Kevin Carpenter on the player profile.
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We'll try and provide some online updates while the game is on.
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Jordan Krankowsky will provide colour commentary this evening.
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Kevin Carpenter on the player profile.
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We'll try and provide some online updates while the game is on.
BACK ON THE ROAD
It's time for 3 more on the road starting tonight. The Pontiacs will then have 6 straight at home.
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I'll defer to the great recap of last night's game on bonnyvillepontiacs.com. It pretty much sums it up. Good solid 60 minute effort from the Pontiacs was rewarded with 2 points. They will need more of the same this evening against St. Albert.
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I'll defer to the great recap of last night's game on bonnyvillepontiacs.com. It pretty much sums it up. Good solid 60 minute effort from the Pontiacs was rewarded with 2 points. They will need more of the same this evening against St. Albert.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
TRADE
Drayton Valley Thunder Netminder Tyler Pugh now appears on the Bonnyville Pontiacs roster. With no Pontiacs missing one can only imagine it is for future considerations. The Pontiacs now have 3 goaltenders in house. We'll find out more on tonights pre-game coaches show.
Friday, October 17, 2008
MUSINGS
It was pointed out to me this morning that my colour guy for the Grande Prairie game was getting some heat from some Storm fans on another AJHL bulletin board site. My first thought was... First time all year my colour guy gets attacked for something he says and it wasn't Dennis Fontaine. Normally it's Fontaine who stirs up the controversy.
As for what our Storm friends were actually complaining about it's too bad they didn't spend more time actually listening to the broadcast. We gave a lot of credit for the work of the Storm in the first period. They were really on their game. We are a Bonnyville broadcaster however and we do focus on our team and why they may have come out a little flat. My colour commentator "sarcastically" brought up the fact it was the tough game the night before in Drayton. Some people just don't get sarcasm. Oh well. As for the complaints about the officials it was more than just one call. It was a lot of calls and I actually had a chance to listen to Jeff Hensen's (Voice of the Storm) post game show as our post game wrapped up before his (usually the road team is done their broadcast first because the home teams don't have to worry about catching a bus) and as I was packing up all I heard him talking about was the officiating. I agree with him it was really bad that night. Both ways. Regardless... thanks for the plug YakYak.
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More on the game. The Pontiacs really seemed flat in the first period, something that has seemed to be the norm for the first 17 games. Credit though to the Storm who capitalized on their chances, especially Bobby Tyson who picked up a couple goals from the back end off some hard work.
While coming back from 4-0 down isn't exactly the easiest thing to do in the world the Pontiacs kept at it all night and made it a two goal game with time left in the third to at least make it interesting but it was an empty netter than finally sealed their fate and stretched the score to 7-4.
Jordan Harrison got taught a lesson by Pontiac newcomer Ashton Hewson in that game and the lesson was "fists can hurt". Hewson unloaded on Harrison who, I guess, deserves some credit for even attempting to go with the 6'5 231lbs Pontiac.
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Should be a good event to be at Tomorrow night. The 2nd annual 'Pack the Rink Night' at the RJ Lalonde. The Pontiacs lost the first pack the rink night 3-2 to Lloydminster last year. It's a game I remember well because I proposed to my now wife at centre ice during the 2nd intermission. I joked with the boys they had better win because while the wife would remember being at centre ice and be able to tell her friends that story I knew my friends would always ask "so did your team win?" .... Well they didn't win. So they really owe me this year.
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Tailgate party starts at 5:00 with a free BBQ. Pontiac players who won't be dressed for the game will be playing games with the kids in the field house prior to puck drop. The Kool 101.3 rally towels will finally be handed out to the first 1,000 fans to show up. There are all kinds of draws and give-aways and the 50/50 draw is guaranteed to be $1000.
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Day off yesterday for the boys after they got back from G.P. at about 5:00am and at practice today they should expect a good dose of working on attacking with speed and good flow with and without the puck. Okotoks is not a team we see often up here in Bonnyville but they are talented and play a very entertaining brand of hockey that relies on speed and quickness to be effective.
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This is only the 6th game of the year at the RJ with the Pontiacs being mostly road warriors to start the season and it's only the 3rd game against a south division opponent.
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If a Pontiac fan doesn't win that AJHL fan of the year contest on the AJHL site then there is something fishy going on. Easily the best fans in the league are around these parts. Especially when it comes to playoff time. Would be great to see that kind of atmosphere tomorrow.
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I see on the poll that 2 people have voted for 'Other' as most hated team in the league. Who would 'Other' be? Sherwood Park? my only guess.
As for what our Storm friends were actually complaining about it's too bad they didn't spend more time actually listening to the broadcast. We gave a lot of credit for the work of the Storm in the first period. They were really on their game. We are a Bonnyville broadcaster however and we do focus on our team and why they may have come out a little flat. My colour commentator "sarcastically" brought up the fact it was the tough game the night before in Drayton. Some people just don't get sarcasm. Oh well. As for the complaints about the officials it was more than just one call. It was a lot of calls and I actually had a chance to listen to Jeff Hensen's (Voice of the Storm) post game show as our post game wrapped up before his (usually the road team is done their broadcast first because the home teams don't have to worry about catching a bus) and as I was packing up all I heard him talking about was the officiating. I agree with him it was really bad that night. Both ways. Regardless... thanks for the plug YakYak.
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More on the game. The Pontiacs really seemed flat in the first period, something that has seemed to be the norm for the first 17 games. Credit though to the Storm who capitalized on their chances, especially Bobby Tyson who picked up a couple goals from the back end off some hard work.
While coming back from 4-0 down isn't exactly the easiest thing to do in the world the Pontiacs kept at it all night and made it a two goal game with time left in the third to at least make it interesting but it was an empty netter than finally sealed their fate and stretched the score to 7-4.
Jordan Harrison got taught a lesson by Pontiac newcomer Ashton Hewson in that game and the lesson was "fists can hurt". Hewson unloaded on Harrison who, I guess, deserves some credit for even attempting to go with the 6'5 231lbs Pontiac.
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Should be a good event to be at Tomorrow night. The 2nd annual 'Pack the Rink Night' at the RJ Lalonde. The Pontiacs lost the first pack the rink night 3-2 to Lloydminster last year. It's a game I remember well because I proposed to my now wife at centre ice during the 2nd intermission. I joked with the boys they had better win because while the wife would remember being at centre ice and be able to tell her friends that story I knew my friends would always ask "so did your team win?" .... Well they didn't win. So they really owe me this year.
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Tailgate party starts at 5:00 with a free BBQ. Pontiac players who won't be dressed for the game will be playing games with the kids in the field house prior to puck drop. The Kool 101.3 rally towels will finally be handed out to the first 1,000 fans to show up. There are all kinds of draws and give-aways and the 50/50 draw is guaranteed to be $1000.
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Day off yesterday for the boys after they got back from G.P. at about 5:00am and at practice today they should expect a good dose of working on attacking with speed and good flow with and without the puck. Okotoks is not a team we see often up here in Bonnyville but they are talented and play a very entertaining brand of hockey that relies on speed and quickness to be effective.
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This is only the 6th game of the year at the RJ with the Pontiacs being mostly road warriors to start the season and it's only the 3rd game against a south division opponent.
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If a Pontiac fan doesn't win that AJHL fan of the year contest on the AJHL site then there is something fishy going on. Easily the best fans in the league are around these parts. Especially when it comes to playoff time. Would be great to see that kind of atmosphere tomorrow.
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I see on the poll that 2 people have voted for 'Other' as most hated team in the league. Who would 'Other' be? Sherwood Park? my only guess.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS
Not really a surprise but nice work Steven Seigo on being named, once again, to Team Canada West for the World Junior 'A' Hockey Championships to be held in Camrose in early November. Congratulations Steven.
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Seig's was one of 6 AJHL players to be named to the roster.
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Can't believe I paraphrased Han Solo in my last post. What was I thinking?
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Seig's was one of 6 AJHL players to be named to the roster.
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Can't believe I paraphrased Han Solo in my last post. What was I thinking?
GAME DAY
To paraphrase Han Solo. "Good against Drayton Valley is one thing. Good against Grande Prairie is something else".
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Good win by Bonnyville last night. Only 11 shots on goal for the Thunder as Adam Gingras records his first shutout of the year. It's a nice way to break a three game losing streak but hockey isn't about nice and now the real test comes tonight when the Pontiacs take on the Storm.
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Newcomer Ashton Hewson fit in nicely on the top line with Bates and Belyk. We will see if Hewson can have the impact he's expected to have against Grande Prairie. Play hard, play physical and create time and space for your linemates.
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Carpenter goes in for Krankowsky who agrivated his upper body injury in Drayton. Hennessey returns from a 2 game suspension and who he replaces will be a game time decision. Henny joked last night in the first intermission that if the team kept playing like they were he might not replace anybody in the lineup. The Pontiacs will need his physical play tonight.
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Expect Gingras to get the start again tonight.
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Let's hope pack the rink night on Saturday at the RJ will be just crazy. The atmosphere in the playoffs last year was tremendous so if the fans of Bonnyville can even come close to that it's a win/win. Also, those much promised Kool 101.3 rally towels will finally be handed out. Free for the first 800 or so fans. Get your tickets it should be a good one with Okotoks in town.
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Good win by Bonnyville last night. Only 11 shots on goal for the Thunder as Adam Gingras records his first shutout of the year. It's a nice way to break a three game losing streak but hockey isn't about nice and now the real test comes tonight when the Pontiacs take on the Storm.
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Newcomer Ashton Hewson fit in nicely on the top line with Bates and Belyk. We will see if Hewson can have the impact he's expected to have against Grande Prairie. Play hard, play physical and create time and space for your linemates.
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Carpenter goes in for Krankowsky who agrivated his upper body injury in Drayton. Hennessey returns from a 2 game suspension and who he replaces will be a game time decision. Henny joked last night in the first intermission that if the team kept playing like they were he might not replace anybody in the lineup. The Pontiacs will need his physical play tonight.
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Expect Gingras to get the start again tonight.
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Let's hope pack the rink night on Saturday at the RJ will be just crazy. The atmosphere in the playoffs last year was tremendous so if the fans of Bonnyville can even come close to that it's a win/win. Also, those much promised Kool 101.3 rally towels will finally be handed out. Free for the first 800 or so fans. Get your tickets it should be a good one with Okotoks in town.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
COUPLE OF NOTES
Thanks to Mike Pickett of 'Everything Ink' in Lethbridge Alberta for the design of the new logo. I think it looks great! If Mike gets on it we'll have TRH merchandise at some point. Yeehaw! Mind you, I still haven't paid him so I can't see him getting on it too quickly. haha.
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Finger 11 is playing the Energy Centre in Cold Lake sometime in the next month or two. It's just an idle thought but I figure Jeff Finger of the Toronto Maple Leafs should change his number from '4' to '11' and thereby make himself Finger 11.
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Finger 11 is playing the Energy Centre in Cold Lake sometime in the next month or two. It's just an idle thought but I figure Jeff Finger of the Toronto Maple Leafs should change his number from '4' to '11' and thereby make himself Finger 11.
Signings
The Bonnyville Pontiacs have signed 20 year old WHL product Ashton Hewson.
The 6'5, 231 lbs native of Cutknife Saskatchewan put up 15 goals and 43 points in 3 seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders before moving to the Seattle Thunderbirds to start this season.
Hewson is probable for the games this week.
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I caught up with the play by play voice of the Prince Ablert Raiders Drew Wilson for his thoughts.
TRH: What do you think of Ashton Hewson as a player?
DW: First and foremost he is a very imposing figure, he skates very, very well and his skills are better than you would expect for someone of his size and when he gets riled up he's a player to be reckoned with.
TRH: At 6'5 and with good speed is it just the limits place on the number of 20 year olds you are allowed on your roster that is keeping him out of the WHL?
DW: There are a glut of 20 year olds. You are absolutely right. You really have to be a solid 20 year old to play in the league this year with the numbers that are available.
TRH: With your dealings with him is he a stand up individual?
DW: He's a player that will be well liked by both the media and the community in Bonnyville. He was one of the most well liked Raiders in the community and did just a tonne of community work so he will not disappoint either in the community or with the media.
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To create room under the AJHL import rules the Bonnyville Pontiacs released 20 year old Defenceman Tony Moser. Tony will head back to Montana to finish his last year of Junior with his friends back home. It was always a pleasure to deal with Tony and I wish him the best of luck.
The 6'5, 231 lbs native of Cutknife Saskatchewan put up 15 goals and 43 points in 3 seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders before moving to the Seattle Thunderbirds to start this season.
Hewson is probable for the games this week.
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I caught up with the play by play voice of the Prince Ablert Raiders Drew Wilson for his thoughts.
TRH: What do you think of Ashton Hewson as a player?
DW: First and foremost he is a very imposing figure, he skates very, very well and his skills are better than you would expect for someone of his size and when he gets riled up he's a player to be reckoned with.
TRH: At 6'5 and with good speed is it just the limits place on the number of 20 year olds you are allowed on your roster that is keeping him out of the WHL?
DW: There are a glut of 20 year olds. You are absolutely right. You really have to be a solid 20 year old to play in the league this year with the numbers that are available.
TRH: With your dealings with him is he a stand up individual?
DW: He's a player that will be well liked by both the media and the community in Bonnyville. He was one of the most well liked Raiders in the community and did just a tonne of community work so he will not disappoint either in the community or with the media.
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To create room under the AJHL import rules the Bonnyville Pontiacs released 20 year old Defenceman Tony Moser. Tony will head back to Montana to finish his last year of Junior with his friends back home. It was always a pleasure to deal with Tony and I wish him the best of luck.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
1 POINT FROM 4
Day off for the Bonnyville Pontiacs before an early morning practice tomorrow.
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The Pontiacs showed more spirit on Saturday than they did on Friday night but they still can't be happy to see the differential stretched to nine points between themselves and the top 2 teams in the North Division. Somehow this team is going to have to learn to get a lead and play as front runners. They have spent too much time this season fighting their way back into hockey games.
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The Pontiacs showed more spirit on Saturday than they did on Friday night but they still can't be happy to see the differential stretched to nine points between themselves and the top 2 teams in the North Division. Somehow this team is going to have to learn to get a lead and play as front runners. They have spent too much time this season fighting their way back into hockey games.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Coaches Show With Chad Mercier
TRB: Chad a 5-3 loss to Sherwood Park on Wednesday, in a game that was tied after 40 minutes, but couldn't find a way to pull that one out, what were your thoughts on that game.
CM: I think it was a game of mistakes, you know I liked alot about our effort and compete level that night, I think we went to sleep for about 2-2 and a half minutes, in the second period on 2 powerplays we gave up 2 shorthanded goals off two turnovers, and really at the end of the day, a big difference in thehockey game. A couple of mistakes that caused turnovers, that causes goals or penalties that resulted in goals in the third period I think was the difference in the game.
TRB: So now Spruce Grove is in town, a team that plays a very similar style to yours talk about the team trying to shut down a high flying Spruce Grove Team?
CM: Well I think we are going to be presented alot of the same challenges, we were presented to in Sherwood Park. In regards to making sure that we need our effort, we need to work our speed level as good as anyone else in the league, If we got that, then the second thing we need now is working on the puck, and make sure we limit our mistakes and make sure that when we get the oppurtunity, i thought especially in the first 30 minutes we had enough oppurtunities to blow the game wide ope, we didnt convert them and allowed a team that is oppturtunistic to jump on some oppurtunities and so I think we're faced with the same thing here. If we work and compete were going to get some oppurtunities, we got to bare down and make some plays, and make sure we're doing that and limit their chances.
TRB: The best way to counteract, what is the weak leading powerplay from Spruce Grove to stay out of the penalty box, or does your penalty kill also have to be bang on tonight?
CM: Well I think your bang on with both regaurds and I think you saw that with Sherwood Park, the biggest thing is when you do get a big penalty kill you got to stay away from going into the box back to back, and thats what happened to us in the third period, when you face a team thats got a real good powerplay, and controlsm skilled players out there, you're going to have to come out big on your penalty kill but again limiting their oppurtunities in those situations, and especially back to back situations. On the flip side of it, I thought our powerplay in the beginning of the year was very good for us, we have to get back to becoming more fluent with our powerplay. I thought we had some oppurtunities even against Sherwood Park where pucks were laying there, pucks were at the net and we just have to bare down and get those pucks in the net.
TRB: Michael Westfall makes his first appearance in a Pontiac uniform tonight, so Pontiac fans first chance to see him tonight as they're driving to the game otnight listening to the Pre Game Show. What kind of player should they be expecting to see?
CM: Well we are real high of Michael, through camp he was treamendous before breaking his arm, he's a big kid who is mobile and can move the puck and competes hard. The biggest thing for him is its tough for a young guy to miss as much time time so early in the year, the interesting thing for all of us is how long it will take him to get his feet wet in game activity, it's tough enough on veterans, but real tough on rookies. We got alot of high hopes for Michael as he moves forward, and we know there will involve some patience, but we need to get him in there and getting him going.
TRB: Chad best of luck tonight against the Spruce Grove Saints.
CM: Thanks alot Robb.
CM: I think it was a game of mistakes, you know I liked alot about our effort and compete level that night, I think we went to sleep for about 2-2 and a half minutes, in the second period on 2 powerplays we gave up 2 shorthanded goals off two turnovers, and really at the end of the day, a big difference in thehockey game. A couple of mistakes that caused turnovers, that causes goals or penalties that resulted in goals in the third period I think was the difference in the game.
TRB: So now Spruce Grove is in town, a team that plays a very similar style to yours talk about the team trying to shut down a high flying Spruce Grove Team?
CM: Well I think we are going to be presented alot of the same challenges, we were presented to in Sherwood Park. In regards to making sure that we need our effort, we need to work our speed level as good as anyone else in the league, If we got that, then the second thing we need now is working on the puck, and make sure we limit our mistakes and make sure that when we get the oppurtunity, i thought especially in the first 30 minutes we had enough oppurtunities to blow the game wide ope, we didnt convert them and allowed a team that is oppturtunistic to jump on some oppurtunities and so I think we're faced with the same thing here. If we work and compete were going to get some oppurtunities, we got to bare down and make some plays, and make sure we're doing that and limit their chances.
TRB: The best way to counteract, what is the weak leading powerplay from Spruce Grove to stay out of the penalty box, or does your penalty kill also have to be bang on tonight?
CM: Well I think your bang on with both regaurds and I think you saw that with Sherwood Park, the biggest thing is when you do get a big penalty kill you got to stay away from going into the box back to back, and thats what happened to us in the third period, when you face a team thats got a real good powerplay, and controlsm skilled players out there, you're going to have to come out big on your penalty kill but again limiting their oppurtunities in those situations, and especially back to back situations. On the flip side of it, I thought our powerplay in the beginning of the year was very good for us, we have to get back to becoming more fluent with our powerplay. I thought we had some oppurtunities even against Sherwood Park where pucks were laying there, pucks were at the net and we just have to bare down and get those pucks in the net.
TRB: Michael Westfall makes his first appearance in a Pontiac uniform tonight, so Pontiac fans first chance to see him tonight as they're driving to the game otnight listening to the Pre Game Show. What kind of player should they be expecting to see?
CM: Well we are real high of Michael, through camp he was treamendous before breaking his arm, he's a big kid who is mobile and can move the puck and competes hard. The biggest thing for him is its tough for a young guy to miss as much time time so early in the year, the interesting thing for all of us is how long it will take him to get his feet wet in game activity, it's tough enough on veterans, but real tough on rookies. We got alot of high hopes for Michael as he moves forward, and we know there will involve some patience, but we need to get him in there and getting him going.
TRB: Chad best of luck tonight against the Spruce Grove Saints.
CM: Thanks alot Robb.
GAME DAY
I don't think there would be anything that would keep Craig Cuthbert out of the lineup tonight. Injured or not (and he's better now) he's a 20 year old who wants to play.
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Stay out of the penalty box. 37.5% on the powerplay on the road for the Saints. Deadly, just deadly.
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Cam Tait's at the game tonight. Good to see he's making the odd trip out of the Edmonton area. Here's hoping the boys put on a good show for him and that the next Tait's Eight feature is on Pontiac goals.
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It's not too early to start pumping 'Pack the Rink Night' coming up next weekend. October 18th, with a high flying Okotoks team in town. Should be a good one and hopefully the place will not only be full but loud as well. Playoff loud. Could the alarm clocks make a return? I'll make some phone calls. Also Kool 101.3 rally towels will be handed out. Yes, the rally towels that were supposed to be ready for the home opener.
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Happy Thanksgiving weekend everybody!
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Stay out of the penalty box. 37.5% on the powerplay on the road for the Saints. Deadly, just deadly.
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Cam Tait's at the game tonight. Good to see he's making the odd trip out of the Edmonton area. Here's hoping the boys put on a good show for him and that the next Tait's Eight feature is on Pontiac goals.
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It's not too early to start pumping 'Pack the Rink Night' coming up next weekend. October 18th, with a high flying Okotoks team in town. Should be a good one and hopefully the place will not only be full but loud as well. Playoff loud. Could the alarm clocks make a return? I'll make some phone calls. Also Kool 101.3 rally towels will be handed out. Yes, the rally towels that were supposed to be ready for the home opener.
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Happy Thanksgiving weekend everybody!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
RUMORS
Rumor has it the Pontiacs are close to signing a big body out of the WHL. I've heard from another play by play guy in the league that his team that thought they were in the running have been turned down so nothing official but it sounds good for Bonnyville. Stay Tuned.
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Two shorthanded goals against on one powerplay last night and the Pontiacs might be wishing they had declined that man advantage.
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What a fight between Lazoruk and Hennessey. The two traded rights with both of them landing solid punches and then when the rights got tired they both switched to the left. Best fight I've seen this year or last. Pretty much a draw but I give it to Henny on the strong finish before the linesmen jumped in.
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Criag Cuthbert will be ready to go tomorrow night.
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Rick Cey picked up a goal and we named him third star on the broadcast. Looks like a good addition to the team. Come on out tomorrow night and see him play and let me know what you think. Should be a good one with Spruce Grove in town.
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It will be the Fontaine show this weekend. As always Dennis will be there and we will be joined for an intermission in one of the two games by former Pontiac Justin Fontaine to find out how his season is starting out at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
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Two shorthanded goals against on one powerplay last night and the Pontiacs might be wishing they had declined that man advantage.
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What a fight between Lazoruk and Hennessey. The two traded rights with both of them landing solid punches and then when the rights got tired they both switched to the left. Best fight I've seen this year or last. Pretty much a draw but I give it to Henny on the strong finish before the linesmen jumped in.
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Criag Cuthbert will be ready to go tomorrow night.
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Rick Cey picked up a goal and we named him third star on the broadcast. Looks like a good addition to the team. Come on out tomorrow night and see him play and let me know what you think. Should be a good one with Spruce Grove in town.
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It will be the Fontaine show this weekend. As always Dennis will be there and we will be joined for an intermission in one of the two games by former Pontiac Justin Fontaine to find out how his season is starting out at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
GAME DAY
Well I had a big long post typed out but thanks to the shoddy internet at work blogger lost it. I hope the road trip goes a little smoother than the day at the office did.
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Criag Cuthbert and Rick Cey are both game time decisions tonight. I think the coaching staff would like to give Cey a couple more days getting used to being a Pontiac before getting him into the lineup but if Cuthbert still can't go then maybe Cey plays tonight.
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Chris Jung picked up an assist last night in North Battleford. Too bad his North Stars lost to the still undefeated, 9-0, Humboldt Broncos. The defending RBC champs appear to have reload this season. Expect them to be at the top of the CJHL rankings when they come out.
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6th place but only four points out of first. It's a North Division that looks like the CFL West. Can things get any tighter? There should be some movement for Bonnyville one way or the other in the next week though. The Pontiacs play 5 games in the next 8 days and all of them are against North Division opponents making them the proverbial '4-pointers'. It's a very important stretch of the season.
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The station received some positive feedback about the Friday afternoon broadcast from Showcase weekend. Thanks for that. Some, not I, were worried about interrupting regular daytime programing for hockey. All the feedback management gets goes a long way so, again, thanks.
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Criag Cuthbert and Rick Cey are both game time decisions tonight. I think the coaching staff would like to give Cey a couple more days getting used to being a Pontiac before getting him into the lineup but if Cuthbert still can't go then maybe Cey plays tonight.
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Chris Jung picked up an assist last night in North Battleford. Too bad his North Stars lost to the still undefeated, 9-0, Humboldt Broncos. The defending RBC champs appear to have reload this season. Expect them to be at the top of the CJHL rankings when they come out.
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6th place but only four points out of first. It's a North Division that looks like the CFL West. Can things get any tighter? There should be some movement for Bonnyville one way or the other in the next week though. The Pontiacs play 5 games in the next 8 days and all of them are against North Division opponents making them the proverbial '4-pointers'. It's a very important stretch of the season.
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The station received some positive feedback about the Friday afternoon broadcast from Showcase weekend. Thanks for that. Some, not I, were worried about interrupting regular daytime programing for hockey. All the feedback management gets goes a long way so, again, thanks.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
TRADE
The Bonnyville Pontiacs have sent 20 year old forward Chris Jung to the Battleford North Stars of the SJHL. In return the Pontiacs receive 20 year old forward Rick Cey.
Sorry to see Chris go. He is a fantastic individual.
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With the play by play voice of the North Stars Dan O'Conner.
TRH: What can you tell us about Ricky?
DO'C: Well on the ice Rick Cey is going to bring the Bonnyville Pontiacs a lot of speed. He's a right handed shot with a very good presence. Probably the thing I admire most about Rick Cey is he will sacrifice his body to no end to help his team win. Easily the most dedicated player the Battlefords have seen over the past 4 or 5 years if you include his time here as a midget player. He scored a couple short handed goals last year and he's going to give you guys some good versatility.
TRH: Now it wasn't the best of season's for the Battlefords last year what impact did Cey have on the lineup?
DO'C: Well Rick was hampered last year by a facial injury. He actually broke his jaw but when Rick was in the lineup you certainly felt his presence. I mentioned his foot speed, he was not only one of the fastest players on the North Stars but in the whole SJHL so you really noticed his presence there. I think he was one of the elder statesmen on a very young team. His leadership was appreciated and certainly that goes a long way in the North Stars development and already this year the team is off to a better start and I think Rick Cey's leadership may have had a small part to do with that.
TRH: Cey has not been in the lineup recently. This trade, at least from the Battlefords perspective is not all that unexpected?
DO'C: Not all that unexpected to say the least. This has been something we have expected for some time. Not exactly the greatest start with new coach Ken Pierson. Pierson and Cey didn't get off to the greatest of relationships from what I know and I think it's just more of an example of Cey just not being a part of the North Stars part of the future and giving Cey a chance to go to a team like Bonnyville and, if I can put on the the predictor hat here, I predict he will make a great impact with the Pontiacs.
Sorry to see Chris go. He is a fantastic individual.
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With the play by play voice of the North Stars Dan O'Conner.
TRH: What can you tell us about Ricky?
DO'C: Well on the ice Rick Cey is going to bring the Bonnyville Pontiacs a lot of speed. He's a right handed shot with a very good presence. Probably the thing I admire most about Rick Cey is he will sacrifice his body to no end to help his team win. Easily the most dedicated player the Battlefords have seen over the past 4 or 5 years if you include his time here as a midget player. He scored a couple short handed goals last year and he's going to give you guys some good versatility.
TRH: Now it wasn't the best of season's for the Battlefords last year what impact did Cey have on the lineup?
DO'C: Well Rick was hampered last year by a facial injury. He actually broke his jaw but when Rick was in the lineup you certainly felt his presence. I mentioned his foot speed, he was not only one of the fastest players on the North Stars but in the whole SJHL so you really noticed his presence there. I think he was one of the elder statesmen on a very young team. His leadership was appreciated and certainly that goes a long way in the North Stars development and already this year the team is off to a better start and I think Rick Cey's leadership may have had a small part to do with that.
TRH: Cey has not been in the lineup recently. This trade, at least from the Battlefords perspective is not all that unexpected?
DO'C: Not all that unexpected to say the least. This has been something we have expected for some time. Not exactly the greatest start with new coach Ken Pierson. Pierson and Cey didn't get off to the greatest of relationships from what I know and I think it's just more of an example of Cey just not being a part of the North Stars part of the future and giving Cey a chance to go to a team like Bonnyville and, if I can put on the the predictor hat here, I predict he will make a great impact with the Pontiacs.
Monday, October 6, 2008
WRLD JR. A TRYOUTS
Congratulations to Steven Seigo, Shawn Bates and Tyler Henry on their selection to the Team Canada West tryout camp for the World Jr. A Challenge to be held in November. Those three will be sick of traveling to and from Sherwood Park. Showcase Weekend then another trip their yesterday to be ready for camp today, they travel back to Bonnyville tonight and then back out to Sherwood Park on Wednesday for a game against the Crusaders. Regardless, it's worth it.
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A disappointing effort on Friday was followed by a slightly improved effort on Saturday. If the Pontiacs are in a dogfight for points come February they won't have to look much farther than 2 losses to Lloydminster and a loss to Drayton Valley as points they let slip by.
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Wednesday will be a good test of which Pontiacs team will show up. If they are on their game they will give the top ranked Crusaders a run for their money. If not it could be a long night with the way the Cru are putting the puck in the net.
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All this and it's still early in October. It's a busy month for the Pontiacs with an unbelievable 14 games in total. The extra games now will hopefully lead to more rested players heading into the playoffs with only 8 games in February and 4 of the last 5 at home. Injuries were a big factor last year in the playoffs so being able to rest some bumps and bruises should be a help come crunch time.
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A disappointing effort on Friday was followed by a slightly improved effort on Saturday. If the Pontiacs are in a dogfight for points come February they won't have to look much farther than 2 losses to Lloydminster and a loss to Drayton Valley as points they let slip by.
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Wednesday will be a good test of which Pontiacs team will show up. If they are on their game they will give the top ranked Crusaders a run for their money. If not it could be a long night with the way the Cru are putting the puck in the net.
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All this and it's still early in October. It's a busy month for the Pontiacs with an unbelievable 14 games in total. The extra games now will hopefully lead to more rested players heading into the playoffs with only 8 games in February and 4 of the last 5 at home. Injuries were a big factor last year in the playoffs so being able to rest some bumps and bruises should be a help come crunch time.
Friday, October 3, 2008
SHOWCASE WEEKEND
A very impressive event being put on here in Sherwood Park. All kinds of scouts in the stands and things are running smoothly from an AJ perspective. Speaking with AJHL president Craig Cripps and he mentioned how they will now always have it in a venue with two rinks so all the games can be played in the same building. While it would be nice to see in Bonnyville and the C2 would do a good job hosting don't get your hopes up with the added costs to the league having to room pretty much 15 teams needing hotel rooms while a number of teams here this weekend are traveling home between their games.
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Kudos to the Pontiacs PK but when you kill off 13 minor penalties you aren't going to have much time left to generate much offense. While some calls were questionable the Pontiacs need to do a better job of not putting themselves in a situation to take a penalty.
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Another strong game from Julien Laplante but I've said that a lot recently.
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Overheard at the rink today "the Pontiacs have too many playmakers and not enough true goalscorers". They sure have talent but it seems to more finding concistency then just putting on a lack of goal scoring.
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Players being named to the selection camp for the World Junior A Challege will be notified this weekend. Look for the Pontiacs to lose Steven Seigo for a few games in November while he represents his country. Nothing is a sure thing but it just makes sense.
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Go Riders.
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Kudos to the Pontiacs PK but when you kill off 13 minor penalties you aren't going to have much time left to generate much offense. While some calls were questionable the Pontiacs need to do a better job of not putting themselves in a situation to take a penalty.
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Another strong game from Julien Laplante but I've said that a lot recently.
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Overheard at the rink today "the Pontiacs have too many playmakers and not enough true goalscorers". They sure have talent but it seems to more finding concistency then just putting on a lack of goal scoring.
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Players being named to the selection camp for the World Junior A Challege will be notified this weekend. Look for the Pontiacs to lose Steven Seigo for a few games in November while he represents his country. Nothing is a sure thing but it just makes sense.
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Go Riders.
GAME DAY
Sykes is in for Volcan. Cadrin will move to left win and Laplante gets the start this afternoon.
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Day 1 of Showcase Weekend went well yesterday and was heavily attended by scouts from College, University and the pro ranks.
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We will be joined by a member of the Lake Superior State program out of the US during the first intermission this afternoon. Greg Hennessey is the feature on the player profile on the pre game show.
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Day 1 of Showcase Weekend went well yesterday and was heavily attended by scouts from College, University and the pro ranks.
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We will be joined by a member of the Lake Superior State program out of the US during the first intermission this afternoon. Greg Hennessey is the feature on the player profile on the pre game show.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
BROADCASTS
I will be running double duty this weekend with play by play broadcasts. I will cover the Pontiacs games for Kool 101.3 as well as two other games for the AJHL's internet broadcasts. I will broadcast internet only feeds online at ajhl.ca of the Calgary vs. Okotoks game on Friday and the Drayton Valley vs. Drumheller matchup on Saturday.
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Tune in to the Bonnyville game Tomorrow afternoon as I will be joined by former Pontiac Lucas Isley in one of the intermissions (likely the second).
Lucas plays his first exhibition game as a member of the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday.
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Tune in to the Bonnyville game Tomorrow afternoon as I will be joined by former Pontiac Lucas Isley in one of the intermissions (likely the second).
Lucas plays his first exhibition game as a member of the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
IT'S SHOWCASE TIME
From what I'm hearing Craig Cuthbert should be back in the lineup for the weekend. The Pontiacs really missed Craig's leadership and physical play against Fort Mac on Tuesday. The Oil Barrons threw the same number of shots on net as they did on Sunday but there was a little more traffic for Adam Gingras to deal with.
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All the credit in the world to Bonnyville though as the team again demonstrated they can come back in games. Down 6-3 with 10 minutes left doesn't sound like many teams would be mounting the comeback but the Pontiacs had a shot to tie it late.
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I spoke with Ryan Bartoshyk, who is the vice president of marketing with the AJHL and he says there is no reason there won't be over 100 scouts attending games at the Showcase Weekend.
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The Pontiacs went 0-2 at last years showcase and will be hoping for a better performance this time around. Hopefully they will not "play to their opposition" as on paper the Pontiacs should pick up 4 points with wins this weekend over Drayton and the Calgary Royals but these games aren't played on paper and you never know when a team will come up with a win.
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How about the play of Kirk Belyk? The former Saskatoon Blade has 12 points on his current 6 game point streak and has 4 straight games of at least 2 points. Steven Seigo also has points in 6 straight games.
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The team will stay in Fort Saskatchewan Thursday night so they don't have to make the long drive to Sherwood Park for the early 12:00 noon puck drop on Friday.
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All the credit in the world to Bonnyville though as the team again demonstrated they can come back in games. Down 6-3 with 10 minutes left doesn't sound like many teams would be mounting the comeback but the Pontiacs had a shot to tie it late.
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I spoke with Ryan Bartoshyk, who is the vice president of marketing with the AJHL and he says there is no reason there won't be over 100 scouts attending games at the Showcase Weekend.
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The Pontiacs went 0-2 at last years showcase and will be hoping for a better performance this time around. Hopefully they will not "play to their opposition" as on paper the Pontiacs should pick up 4 points with wins this weekend over Drayton and the Calgary Royals but these games aren't played on paper and you never know when a team will come up with a win.
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How about the play of Kirk Belyk? The former Saskatoon Blade has 12 points on his current 6 game point streak and has 4 straight games of at least 2 points. Steven Seigo also has points in 6 straight games.
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The team will stay in Fort Saskatchewan Thursday night so they don't have to make the long drive to Sherwood Park for the early 12:00 noon puck drop on Friday.
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