It's almost 2 years away from the 2014 Olympics in Sochi Russia and it's time to make a prediction for the Olympic Team, Some returnees and new blood and surprises!
This roster does not include Sidney Crosby just cause of the recent events but obviously if he comes back he's an automatic don't need to explain myself there.
Forwards
Claude Giroux, Milan Lucic, Jeff Carter, Rick Nash, Jonathan Toews, Mike Richards, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, Eric Staal, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Patrice Bergeron
New-comers: Giroux is obvious boy has hands and is clutch, Tavares can shoot from anywhere and score, he'll be big on the PP, Eberle, you just know something special is in him and should be well primed by 2014, Lucic, X-Factor and should give Ryan Miller nightmares, Stamkos is going to be playing sniper whoever is there, If Crosby is around lookout.
I debated on Bergeron but he'll be limited again but useful, you can say Getzlaf is struggling but he is still as good as ever and on the international stage he will shine with Corey Perry.
The line of Nash, Richards and Toews will shine again, Jeff Carter will get his chance to dawn the Red and White and be effective and Eric Staal will fill any role and bring leadership.
Defenseman
Shea Weber, Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Marc Staal, Brayden Coburn, Brent Burns and Kris Letang
This is going to probably change 4 times except the first three guys they are locks. Will Letang still be effective enough to crack the roster in two years, same for all these other d-men. Staal is almost a lock but health is hurting chances.
Goaltenders
Roberto Loungo, Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward
These first are obvious locks in my mind the intangible will be Cam Ward but if Lou is turned down, Carey Price is there and there's your change... Unless there's a stud from the woodwork there's your four goalies.
Captains, There was 3 assistants in rotation in Vancouver
Assistants: Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Shea Weber
Captain: Jonathan Toews
Coaching Staff
HC Mike Babcock
Babcock looks like a lock, I just don't see any other veterans that fills the role, I see Ruff could be the man but he's never had a super talented team except his Presidents Trophy team in 06 just don't see it happening.
Let's hope Mike doesn't have Pat Quinn syndrome of 02 then crapping the bed in 06 in Turin.
Assistants: Barry Trotz, Lindy Ruff, Guy Boucher
Care to argue these 3? Boucher is intense and if things get heavy he's got the Lemaire trap in his back pocket, Trotz deserves his chance as he's paid his dues.
What would you do different?
e-mail your team to gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me @gdp74
I'm Out
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Drive for 4
Again I know what you're gonna say... Wow its been a while since early December actually and a lot has happened since.
The Whitecourt Wolverines have been on Extreme Make-Over Hockey Team Edition!
Richard Kazda is out as Head Coach, I feel jinxed as a Broadcaster, 2 seasons of Play By Play and two HC changes, as it's never easy to say good-bye to a coach and with that a friend on the road, I went through it last year with Darrell Mann of the Melfort Mustangs and we still remain close friends and hoping the same for Richie we had a beverage or two a couple of days ago as he packed up to move on.
There is a couple of job prospects for him on the horizon and I wish him well, thanks for everything Richie!
With that though as this game is also a business the Wolverines decided to make a change and brought in Stanley Cup Champion Norm Lacombe into the fold as well as Pierre Luc Racette and things seem business as usual last night in the 2012 opener for Whitecourt with an 8-1 win over Fort St. John.
Before I say anything the Husky play at the end of the game was classless and unnecessary in Wyatt Anderson's cross-check to the face of Dion LeBlue, Dion didn't lose any teeth but did get a couple of stitches but in a 8-1 game and the puck is no where near the vicinity of LeBlue.... Skate away, If it's a scrap I'm not gonna call anybody out cause it's part of the game and it makes it a fair fight.
I'm curious about what the NWJHL will do for disciplinary action on that. Speaking of discipline Nick Bourgeois gets ejected for the second time this season this guy can be a great leader by example when he shoots the puck but unfortunately I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he's got the "Gino De Paoli Passionate Italian/Irish Fire" I've got in trouble in the Sports World by not just accepting the ref's call and move on, I get this from my father and surprisingly my mother, An Irish and Italian mixed male that's 6'5 200 plus pounds=recipe for disaster sometimes! But Nick is a great player and just needs to cool it and score goals, you'll be set my friend! He did get 2 ten minute misconducts I'm not sure what the disciplinary committee will say for him.
On to the game, you could tell the Wolverines were getting everything back, there's the practice pace then going to game atmosphere, the crowd was electric at the SSC, new players, coach and attitude and that lead to a scoreless first.
The second period, It was the Will Cloutier, Jean-Marco St.Pierre, Samuel Lauzon and Riley Helleckson show, Cloutier gets 2 points in his return to the Wolverines, St.Pierre was dangerous every time he had the puck for a four point night, Helleckson responded well with his drop to the third line and should get back two second-first line time next week. Everyone did their jobs for the Wolverines and that's what the organization wants, just specific job descriptions don't do anything less, seems easy but it's not.
Third period just turned into a nightmare for the Huskies as the onslaught continued with four more goals its gonna be an interesting ride in the next ten games before the post season.
-------------------------------------
More Wolverines business, at the Norm Lacombe press conference early in the week, Wolverines President Brent Stark said simply, there's no excuses now. A direct quote from Brent that is Debacle Exclusive.... "We brought in a coach that has won every championship, if that doesn't get you fired up to play hard everynight I don't know what the @%#! will" Brent wanted me to put this in and of course me being me I love passion and what people truly want to say and Stark shows that everyday.
The team is excited but with the additions of St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon, Dunham and apparently rumor has it another addition coming, who is gonna to be on the short end of the stick? 5 Wolverines were scratched last night so does a Rueker, Cartwright, Hodge, Thompson and Gann get a chance? we'll find out soon enough.
As for what kind of players St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon and Dunham bring... St.Pierre reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk he always has the puck and doesn't give it up, fast and can pick the corner. He had one goal last night but I predict more goals then apples by seasons end.
Lauzon is a quiet, under the radar guy that just is in the right place at the right time and he's the X-Factor on the ice he knows how to work and when he's gets in shape he'll be something else.
Dunham is 6'7 on D... what does he do? Shut Players down and could probably give Ivan Drago a run for his money!
Will Cloutier... Whitecourt do I have to explain this one? A very dynamic player and just has a great sense of seeing the ice and his players well makes everyone around him better, Oh and he won the scoring title last year!
Wolverines have a possible 20 points to earn from now till mid February so it should be interesting this coming weekend will be the chance to get the rust out and break things down as it's a trip to Beaverlodge Friday Night, not Saturday night as I said last night at 8PM on XM105FM and www.mytowntoday.ca and on Sunday afternoon in Sexsmith at 2 so busy times await in Wolverine land! Hop on it's gonna be fun as GM Joey Bouchard said to me last night via text.
---------------------------------------
In the Hopper
- The Denver Broncos win the AFC West at 8-8, and people are shocked the division is won this way? I am a fan but that's a rough year but I believe in the luck for the Wildcard Weekend as the Seahawks did beat a good New Orleans team last year!
- The New York Giants look dangerous, next week in Lambeau will be a blockbuster!
-Can the 49ers keep up with Drew Brees and New Orleans next week?
- Four different teams have won the WJC the last four years, Unreal games and a great tournament of course it was failure for Canada not being in the Gold Medal Game but I guess you got to hear O' Canada in your last game of the tourny this time.
Got to see two games during the Christmas break both had Latvia and they played well against Switzerland but ran out of gas, I hope to go to a WJC hopefully not in North America I'd just like to be that random Canada fan in some european country celebrating a gold medal!
- Jarome Iginla scored goal number 500 last night good on him! Will he have 500 plus goals as a Flame at seasons end? My question for the Flames quest for the playoffs, is worth getting the 7th or 8th seed? Or start a re-build If Leland Irving can improve I got a feeling Miikka Kiprusoff would look awfully good somewhere for some great draft picks and prospects! I hope it doesn't happen but who knows.
- Is Sidney Crosby finished? Should Chris Pronger retire?
A challenge to Debacle readers.... Sidney Crosby was a lock as the captain for Team Canada at the Olympics in Sochi but now its not in stone with his concussion and maybe shortened career.
Who is on your roster right now for 2014? Is Toews the Captain? Iginla gonna make the cut? Loungo the starting goalie?
Let me know email me at gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me at @gdp74
I'm Out!!!
The Whitecourt Wolverines have been on Extreme Make-Over Hockey Team Edition!
Richard Kazda is out as Head Coach, I feel jinxed as a Broadcaster, 2 seasons of Play By Play and two HC changes, as it's never easy to say good-bye to a coach and with that a friend on the road, I went through it last year with Darrell Mann of the Melfort Mustangs and we still remain close friends and hoping the same for Richie we had a beverage or two a couple of days ago as he packed up to move on.
There is a couple of job prospects for him on the horizon and I wish him well, thanks for everything Richie!
With that though as this game is also a business the Wolverines decided to make a change and brought in Stanley Cup Champion Norm Lacombe into the fold as well as Pierre Luc Racette and things seem business as usual last night in the 2012 opener for Whitecourt with an 8-1 win over Fort St. John.
Before I say anything the Husky play at the end of the game was classless and unnecessary in Wyatt Anderson's cross-check to the face of Dion LeBlue, Dion didn't lose any teeth but did get a couple of stitches but in a 8-1 game and the puck is no where near the vicinity of LeBlue.... Skate away, If it's a scrap I'm not gonna call anybody out cause it's part of the game and it makes it a fair fight.
I'm curious about what the NWJHL will do for disciplinary action on that. Speaking of discipline Nick Bourgeois gets ejected for the second time this season this guy can be a great leader by example when he shoots the puck but unfortunately I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he's got the "Gino De Paoli Passionate Italian/Irish Fire" I've got in trouble in the Sports World by not just accepting the ref's call and move on, I get this from my father and surprisingly my mother, An Irish and Italian mixed male that's 6'5 200 plus pounds=recipe for disaster sometimes! But Nick is a great player and just needs to cool it and score goals, you'll be set my friend! He did get 2 ten minute misconducts I'm not sure what the disciplinary committee will say for him.
On to the game, you could tell the Wolverines were getting everything back, there's the practice pace then going to game atmosphere, the crowd was electric at the SSC, new players, coach and attitude and that lead to a scoreless first.
The second period, It was the Will Cloutier, Jean-Marco St.Pierre, Samuel Lauzon and Riley Helleckson show, Cloutier gets 2 points in his return to the Wolverines, St.Pierre was dangerous every time he had the puck for a four point night, Helleckson responded well with his drop to the third line and should get back two second-first line time next week. Everyone did their jobs for the Wolverines and that's what the organization wants, just specific job descriptions don't do anything less, seems easy but it's not.
Third period just turned into a nightmare for the Huskies as the onslaught continued with four more goals its gonna be an interesting ride in the next ten games before the post season.
-------------------------------------
More Wolverines business, at the Norm Lacombe press conference early in the week, Wolverines President Brent Stark said simply, there's no excuses now. A direct quote from Brent that is Debacle Exclusive.... "We brought in a coach that has won every championship, if that doesn't get you fired up to play hard everynight I don't know what the @%#! will" Brent wanted me to put this in and of course me being me I love passion and what people truly want to say and Stark shows that everyday.
The team is excited but with the additions of St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon, Dunham and apparently rumor has it another addition coming, who is gonna to be on the short end of the stick? 5 Wolverines were scratched last night so does a Rueker, Cartwright, Hodge, Thompson and Gann get a chance? we'll find out soon enough.
As for what kind of players St.Pierre, Cloutier, Lauzon and Dunham bring... St.Pierre reminds me of Pavel Datsyuk he always has the puck and doesn't give it up, fast and can pick the corner. He had one goal last night but I predict more goals then apples by seasons end.
Lauzon is a quiet, under the radar guy that just is in the right place at the right time and he's the X-Factor on the ice he knows how to work and when he's gets in shape he'll be something else.
Dunham is 6'7 on D... what does he do? Shut Players down and could probably give Ivan Drago a run for his money!
Will Cloutier... Whitecourt do I have to explain this one? A very dynamic player and just has a great sense of seeing the ice and his players well makes everyone around him better, Oh and he won the scoring title last year!
Wolverines have a possible 20 points to earn from now till mid February so it should be interesting this coming weekend will be the chance to get the rust out and break things down as it's a trip to Beaverlodge Friday Night, not Saturday night as I said last night at 8PM on XM105FM and www.mytowntoday.ca and on Sunday afternoon in Sexsmith at 2 so busy times await in Wolverine land! Hop on it's gonna be fun as GM Joey Bouchard said to me last night via text.
---------------------------------------
In the Hopper
- The Denver Broncos win the AFC West at 8-8, and people are shocked the division is won this way? I am a fan but that's a rough year but I believe in the luck for the Wildcard Weekend as the Seahawks did beat a good New Orleans team last year!
- The New York Giants look dangerous, next week in Lambeau will be a blockbuster!
-Can the 49ers keep up with Drew Brees and New Orleans next week?
- Four different teams have won the WJC the last four years, Unreal games and a great tournament of course it was failure for Canada not being in the Gold Medal Game but I guess you got to hear O' Canada in your last game of the tourny this time.
Got to see two games during the Christmas break both had Latvia and they played well against Switzerland but ran out of gas, I hope to go to a WJC hopefully not in North America I'd just like to be that random Canada fan in some european country celebrating a gold medal!
- Jarome Iginla scored goal number 500 last night good on him! Will he have 500 plus goals as a Flame at seasons end? My question for the Flames quest for the playoffs, is worth getting the 7th or 8th seed? Or start a re-build If Leland Irving can improve I got a feeling Miikka Kiprusoff would look awfully good somewhere for some great draft picks and prospects! I hope it doesn't happen but who knows.
- Is Sidney Crosby finished? Should Chris Pronger retire?
A challenge to Debacle readers.... Sidney Crosby was a lock as the captain for Team Canada at the Olympics in Sochi but now its not in stone with his concussion and maybe shortened career.
Who is on your roster right now for 2014? Is Toews the Captain? Iginla gonna make the cut? Loungo the starting goalie?
Let me know email me at gino.depaoli@xm105fm.com or tweet me at @gdp74
I'm Out!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wolverines Sweep Dawson Creek
An interesting weekend for the Whitecourt Wolverines as they were looking for 5 straight wins and 4 straight wins when encountering Dawson Creek.
Arrived on Saturday Night in DC.... First I think that teenage series was full of crap as James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes were no where in sight but I think Katie Holmes saw the Wolverines bus off in the distance and saw the look of death in Dion LeBlue's eyes when he is in game mode... scary.
The Saturday Night game was what I expected the Wolverines to do a 9-1 thrashing of the Canucks Ryan Whelen punched in 4 point included the Phantom Goal, Wheels quoted by saying it was the easiest of his career. A face-off in the offensive zone was won by the Canucks but a bounce off the boards hits the paddle of goaltender Tyler Doucet and trickled in, a lot of line shuffling was done by Richard Kazada going into this weekend as the December 1st cut down day saw many faces leave the organization. We'll get to that much later.
Brandon Bodanek saw a lot of ice time as he was with Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose all weekend played very well, Rose and Helly have been great, The Status of Nick Bourgeois is a wait and see by the day as work commitments have held him back from quite a few games Bodanek can be that short term fix, Kirk Rueker notch a goal and an assist Saturday it was the youngsters getting a chance to shine against the Junior Canucks, the negative from this game was the fact that the boys couldn't give Carlen Lyle a shutout this weekend giving up a powper play goal late in the 3rd from Derek Freeman and you saw the frustration from everyone that really put a damper on the end of the game.
Off to what I predicted a 6-1 game on Sunday.... Sure didn't look that way for 40 minutes, a note going into this game Branden Kunz was suspended for fighting late in the 3rd period but he did come to the aid of Carlen Lyle who did come out of his net and was hit by Stuart Weaver, was pretty gutless on his part in a 9-1 game but maybe Carlen shouldn't have come out to play it, it's a hindsight 20/20 judgement call I'm not gonna get involved with this.
Onto Sunday's tilt, sloppy, sloppy turnovers in the Wolveriens own zone lead to quality chances for the Canucks but the play of Braeden Johnson was stellar, he did give me the gear for not giving him a start but he did get a honorable mention... I forgot to tell him that.
It was scoreless after one and not gonna lie it was a snoozer for me, didn't help i couldn't sleep till 2 in the morning the night before. But it was Ryan Whelen who has come into form with a great slap shot from the right circle to bottle it an make 1-0 Wolverines, but Brody Brewster would bounce back with a great individual effort to sneak one past Johnson late int he second to have a 1-1 tie into the third. Again TURNOVERS were the problem for Whitecourt, maybe showing some fatigue from the night before. But the third would be the rude awakening Whitecourt needed as Eaglesham's Brandon Bodanek would score the winner at 5:58 on a great feed from Riley Helleckson and an even better celebration, then the top line would take over as Riley would take a great no look feed, under three minutes later as you could see that play develop from a mile away and it was pretty!
Connor Tetlock would notch one late and that would make the final 4-1 for the Wolverines, the crew are now 16-5-0-1 and 2nd in the NWJHL standings going into this weekend's tilt with the Sexsmith Vipers.
Before we cue that up.... Kai Ohs, Mark Smith, Trevor Daynes, Nathan Hannah and Chad Mcleod-Borg were released on the December 1st cutoff day.... 17 players including two goalies played this weekend and that's how it's going to be until January 4th when some roster additions will be instated. What are they you ask? I do have an idea from Richard, Murray and Brent but will be keeping my lips sealed but one player that I can tell you that could be in the line-up this weekend with Sexsmith is Jesse Stymiest from Westlock, played here in the 2009/2010 season when Richard was first head coach and he brings a strong stay at home d-man that will help out the likes of LeBlue, Lyle, Kunz and Hodge for the time being and Devin Rooks could return to the line-up which would make sure the defense is in working order, In my mind you can dress three lines as long as you have a full d-core. Should be fun to watch.
Just have 3 games left in 2011, a home at home this weekend with Sexsmith then a great close to the season as Peace River visits the Scott Safety Centre. The radio station will not carry Friday's home game due to the company Christmas party but will be on the road to Sexsmith on Saturday 8PM, IF YOU READ ONE THING ON THIS BLOG MAKE IT THIS.... We have a new website launching tomorrow as its now www.xm105fm.com or www.mytowntoday.ca click on the links its a website 1000.... wait make that a billion times better then our old one and its really user friendly! Check it out, guys there's even a swimsuit girl of the day on it so there ya go!
----------------------------------------------------------
In the Hopper
The Denver Broncos are the AFC West leader for the first time since they started 6-0 with Josh McDaniels two seasons ago... Boy how times have changed, I said it last week and will say it again, Stats come later, winning comes first and Tim Tebow has done just that!
The Flames are 5 points out of a playoff spot in early December... CHILL OUT GUYS don't panic... yet
Wally Buono is stepping away for coaching, Goes out a winner and did it with class as always congrats Wally from one Italian to another Buono Fortuna!
19 days till Christmas, I have not started shopping and won't till December 15th, Radio pay what ya gonna do?
I'm Out!
Arrived on Saturday Night in DC.... First I think that teenage series was full of crap as James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes were no where in sight but I think Katie Holmes saw the Wolverines bus off in the distance and saw the look of death in Dion LeBlue's eyes when he is in game mode... scary.
The Saturday Night game was what I expected the Wolverines to do a 9-1 thrashing of the Canucks Ryan Whelen punched in 4 point included the Phantom Goal, Wheels quoted by saying it was the easiest of his career. A face-off in the offensive zone was won by the Canucks but a bounce off the boards hits the paddle of goaltender Tyler Doucet and trickled in, a lot of line shuffling was done by Richard Kazada going into this weekend as the December 1st cut down day saw many faces leave the organization. We'll get to that much later.
Brandon Bodanek saw a lot of ice time as he was with Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose all weekend played very well, Rose and Helly have been great, The Status of Nick Bourgeois is a wait and see by the day as work commitments have held him back from quite a few games Bodanek can be that short term fix, Kirk Rueker notch a goal and an assist Saturday it was the youngsters getting a chance to shine against the Junior Canucks, the negative from this game was the fact that the boys couldn't give Carlen Lyle a shutout this weekend giving up a powper play goal late in the 3rd from Derek Freeman and you saw the frustration from everyone that really put a damper on the end of the game.
Off to what I predicted a 6-1 game on Sunday.... Sure didn't look that way for 40 minutes, a note going into this game Branden Kunz was suspended for fighting late in the 3rd period but he did come to the aid of Carlen Lyle who did come out of his net and was hit by Stuart Weaver, was pretty gutless on his part in a 9-1 game but maybe Carlen shouldn't have come out to play it, it's a hindsight 20/20 judgement call I'm not gonna get involved with this.
Onto Sunday's tilt, sloppy, sloppy turnovers in the Wolveriens own zone lead to quality chances for the Canucks but the play of Braeden Johnson was stellar, he did give me the gear for not giving him a start but he did get a honorable mention... I forgot to tell him that.
It was scoreless after one and not gonna lie it was a snoozer for me, didn't help i couldn't sleep till 2 in the morning the night before. But it was Ryan Whelen who has come into form with a great slap shot from the right circle to bottle it an make 1-0 Wolverines, but Brody Brewster would bounce back with a great individual effort to sneak one past Johnson late int he second to have a 1-1 tie into the third. Again TURNOVERS were the problem for Whitecourt, maybe showing some fatigue from the night before. But the third would be the rude awakening Whitecourt needed as Eaglesham's Brandon Bodanek would score the winner at 5:58 on a great feed from Riley Helleckson and an even better celebration, then the top line would take over as Riley would take a great no look feed, under three minutes later as you could see that play develop from a mile away and it was pretty!
Connor Tetlock would notch one late and that would make the final 4-1 for the Wolverines, the crew are now 16-5-0-1 and 2nd in the NWJHL standings going into this weekend's tilt with the Sexsmith Vipers.
Before we cue that up.... Kai Ohs, Mark Smith, Trevor Daynes, Nathan Hannah and Chad Mcleod-Borg were released on the December 1st cutoff day.... 17 players including two goalies played this weekend and that's how it's going to be until January 4th when some roster additions will be instated. What are they you ask? I do have an idea from Richard, Murray and Brent but will be keeping my lips sealed but one player that I can tell you that could be in the line-up this weekend with Sexsmith is Jesse Stymiest from Westlock, played here in the 2009/2010 season when Richard was first head coach and he brings a strong stay at home d-man that will help out the likes of LeBlue, Lyle, Kunz and Hodge for the time being and Devin Rooks could return to the line-up which would make sure the defense is in working order, In my mind you can dress three lines as long as you have a full d-core. Should be fun to watch.
Just have 3 games left in 2011, a home at home this weekend with Sexsmith then a great close to the season as Peace River visits the Scott Safety Centre. The radio station will not carry Friday's home game due to the company Christmas party but will be on the road to Sexsmith on Saturday 8PM, IF YOU READ ONE THING ON THIS BLOG MAKE IT THIS.... We have a new website launching tomorrow as its now www.xm105fm.com or www.mytowntoday.ca click on the links its a website 1000.... wait make that a billion times better then our old one and its really user friendly! Check it out, guys there's even a swimsuit girl of the day on it so there ya go!
----------------------------------------------------------
In the Hopper
The Denver Broncos are the AFC West leader for the first time since they started 6-0 with Josh McDaniels two seasons ago... Boy how times have changed, I said it last week and will say it again, Stats come later, winning comes first and Tim Tebow has done just that!
The Flames are 5 points out of a playoff spot in early December... CHILL OUT GUYS don't panic... yet
Wally Buono is stepping away for coaching, Goes out a winner and did it with class as always congrats Wally from one Italian to another Buono Fortuna!
19 days till Christmas, I have not started shopping and won't till December 15th, Radio pay what ya gonna do?
I'm Out!
Leland Irving Interview
The Pride of Swan Hills is on his way to the show.
Leland Irving who's been a stand-out in the Calgary Flames farm system with the Abbotsford Heat has paid his dues and with Henrik Karlsson going down with a sprained MCL will be backing up Miikka Kiprusoff tomorrow night when Calgary hosts Carolina and for the distant future.
It's a great step for Irving who was the first overall Pick in 2006 for the Flames, the former Everett Silvertip was the Heat's MVP last season sporting a 30-24-0-2 record while recording a league best 8 shutouts, he already has 3 this season with a 15-7-0 record with the Heat and will join teammates T.J Brodie and Joe Piskula on the main roster.
Irving has been bombarded by calls from larger media, family and friends but took sometime to talk to XM105 today and obviously he's excited.
Leland Irving by gdp74
Good Luck Leland!
Leland Irving who's been a stand-out in the Calgary Flames farm system with the Abbotsford Heat has paid his dues and with Henrik Karlsson going down with a sprained MCL will be backing up Miikka Kiprusoff tomorrow night when Calgary hosts Carolina and for the distant future.
It's a great step for Irving who was the first overall Pick in 2006 for the Flames, the former Everett Silvertip was the Heat's MVP last season sporting a 30-24-0-2 record while recording a league best 8 shutouts, he already has 3 this season with a 15-7-0 record with the Heat and will join teammates T.J Brodie and Joe Piskula on the main roster.
Irving has been bombarded by calls from larger media, family and friends but took sometime to talk to XM105 today and obviously he's excited.
Leland Irving by gdp74
Good Luck Leland!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wolverines Split Their Home At Home With JDA Kings
The Whitecourt Wolverines had a solid outing on Friday Night against Grande Prairie as they locked horns with the JDA Kings as what was dubbed the biggest weekend of the season so far for the 3 time NWJHL Champs.
At the Scott Safety Centre After a Wild First Period, (Probably the Best Play By Play Period of the Season) Devin Rooks in his second game of the season got his first goal on a bullet to make it 1-0 after one, Nick Bourgeois was ejected from the game early at the five minute mark for unsportsmenlike conduct.
In the Second saw a slower pace to the game as both teams were at war in the first, it wasn't till the 3rd where the dramatics started to fall as Mitch Rose would fire home a solid one timer feed from Riley Helleckson to get what was the insurance goal at the time for Whitecourt at the 13 minute mark making 2-0.
But cue the comeback as as three straight goals from Grande Prairie including Ryan Trudeau's GWG after a costly Wolverine turnover with under four minutes to go would be the breaking point for the Wolverines as the Kings scored 3-2 victory. Athabasca Native Carlen Lyle made 24 saves in the loss earning the game's third star. GP's Nolan Bowker was the hero keeping the Kings in it as he made 34 saves taking the first star of the game.
The Next Night at the Coca Cola Centre an exhausted Wolverines team would get a lucky break as a penalty in the first minute of the game and Zach Mills would bank a shot off Tyler Van Erve to make it 1-0 on the Barrhead Native's 8th of the season.
The pace to this game was turnover after turnover for the Wolverines but Braeden Johnson would be outstanding on this night for the Wolverines, alot of icing calls in the second lead the game to be once again the Wolverines getting a break as Zach Mills got his second of the night at the 9:52 mark to make it 2-0, but the Kings would rally, Corey Wansteeker would get his 19th goal of the season, his league leading goal would cut the deficit to one going into the third.
A minute and 15 seconds in the 3rd Nolan Trudeau would tie things of on a great feed from his brother Ryan Trudeau, Johnson had no chance on it, but as Richard Kazada put it, the hockey gods were on Whitecourt's side this night as an innocent clear would lead to Ryan Whelen getting a gifted bounce off the boards with his 9th of the season with 1:55 left in regulation sealing the Kings fate and the Wolverines would steal one 3-2 over Grande Prairie.
Braeden Johnson made 47 saves in the victory obviously getting the first star, Ryan Whelen getting the second star with his GWG and Zach Mills with pair got his 8th and 9th goals of the season earning the third star of the night.
The Wolverines will hit the road this weekend for two straight in Dawson Creek on Saturday and Sunday, Gametimes are 8PM Friday and 2PM Sunday, I will have the play by play action at those times on XM105.3 and xm105.com
At the Scott Safety Centre After a Wild First Period, (Probably the Best Play By Play Period of the Season) Devin Rooks in his second game of the season got his first goal on a bullet to make it 1-0 after one, Nick Bourgeois was ejected from the game early at the five minute mark for unsportsmenlike conduct.
In the Second saw a slower pace to the game as both teams were at war in the first, it wasn't till the 3rd where the dramatics started to fall as Mitch Rose would fire home a solid one timer feed from Riley Helleckson to get what was the insurance goal at the time for Whitecourt at the 13 minute mark making 2-0.
But cue the comeback as as three straight goals from Grande Prairie including Ryan Trudeau's GWG after a costly Wolverine turnover with under four minutes to go would be the breaking point for the Wolverines as the Kings scored 3-2 victory. Athabasca Native Carlen Lyle made 24 saves in the loss earning the game's third star. GP's Nolan Bowker was the hero keeping the Kings in it as he made 34 saves taking the first star of the game.
The Next Night at the Coca Cola Centre an exhausted Wolverines team would get a lucky break as a penalty in the first minute of the game and Zach Mills would bank a shot off Tyler Van Erve to make it 1-0 on the Barrhead Native's 8th of the season.
The pace to this game was turnover after turnover for the Wolverines but Braeden Johnson would be outstanding on this night for the Wolverines, alot of icing calls in the second lead the game to be once again the Wolverines getting a break as Zach Mills got his second of the night at the 9:52 mark to make it 2-0, but the Kings would rally, Corey Wansteeker would get his 19th goal of the season, his league leading goal would cut the deficit to one going into the third.
A minute and 15 seconds in the 3rd Nolan Trudeau would tie things of on a great feed from his brother Ryan Trudeau, Johnson had no chance on it, but as Richard Kazada put it, the hockey gods were on Whitecourt's side this night as an innocent clear would lead to Ryan Whelen getting a gifted bounce off the boards with his 9th of the season with 1:55 left in regulation sealing the Kings fate and the Wolverines would steal one 3-2 over Grande Prairie.
Braeden Johnson made 47 saves in the victory obviously getting the first star, Ryan Whelen getting the second star with his GWG and Zach Mills with pair got his 8th and 9th goals of the season earning the third star of the night.
The Wolverines will hit the road this weekend for two straight in Dawson Creek on Saturday and Sunday, Gametimes are 8PM Friday and 2PM Sunday, I will have the play by play action at those times on XM105.3 and xm105.com
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Kazada Suspended for 2 Games
A tough break for the Whitecourt Wolverines going into this weekend's affairs with the Grande Prairie JDA Kings.
Head Coach Richard Kazada has been handed down a two game suspension for not being able to control his team during Saturday's 9-1 win over Dawson Creek.
Forward Trevor Daynes left the bench to fight Braden Lazinchuk, that means he won't be behind the bench during the vital weekend against GP, that leaves Murray Summers, Tyler Stubbs and being told by Wolverines Vice President Marc Chayer, another coach might step into help out this weekend, I don't know if Richard is allowed to be in the dressing room in between periods yet I haven't seen a rule book on this so we'll go day by day here and hopefully I can get a hold of Richard today he is working now so he's a little tougher to get a hold of these days.
Daynes has been suspended for a pair of games as well.
Gametime SATURDAY is 8:30 at the Coca Cola Centre in GP and Xm Country will have all the game coverage as well as Friday at 8 at the Scott Safety Centre.
Head Coach Richard Kazada has been handed down a two game suspension for not being able to control his team during Saturday's 9-1 win over Dawson Creek.
Forward Trevor Daynes left the bench to fight Braden Lazinchuk, that means he won't be behind the bench during the vital weekend against GP, that leaves Murray Summers, Tyler Stubbs and being told by Wolverines Vice President Marc Chayer, another coach might step into help out this weekend, I don't know if Richard is allowed to be in the dressing room in between periods yet I haven't seen a rule book on this so we'll go day by day here and hopefully I can get a hold of Richard today he is working now so he's a little tougher to get a hold of these days.
Daynes has been suspended for a pair of games as well.
Gametime SATURDAY is 8:30 at the Coca Cola Centre in GP and Xm Country will have all the game coverage as well as Friday at 8 at the Scott Safety Centre.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wolverines Have Biggest Weekend to Date Coming Up!
The Whitecour Wolverines have blown out the competition this season... the problem is no wins against the Peace River Navigators and the Grande Prairie JDA Kings, but they'll get their chance this weekend against GP.
The team will have a different strategy this coming weekend, I won't reveal it for obvious reasons but it will be something that will throw the fast Kings team off guard and no its not the Snoozefest 1-3-1 trap. Watch for the big guns to have a huge role as Nick Bourgeois, Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose will put up some numbers, that seems to be all Nick does, 11 points in 3 games with the Wolverines and a pleasure to watch, plays with an edge.
Ryan Whelen has stepped up his game in the past four games and has accepted any role Richard Kazada has thrown him into but being with Thompson and Mills has really been beneficial for him and he's starting to find his form.
The D-core has been lead by the 21 year olds in Mason Lyle and Dion LeBlue, yes they both have letter but it looks like they lead by example on the ice and have really rubbed off on Matthew Gann and Adam Hodge on the back end, Brandon Kunz out with a shoulder injury questionable for the weekend but I think he'll play, he has been Mr Consistent all season and don't see that slowing down.
The youngster have done their job too Kirk Rueker, Nathan Hannah, Levi Cartwright and Chad McLeod-Borg hard work is name of the game right now, this Wolverine team just needs more time and they do till December 14th to see their identity going forward.
Trevor Daynes left the bench and took on a Dawson Creek Canuck who went after a Wolverine player and absolutely dummied him, he'll be suspended for two games but.... here comes the Don Cherry Rant, Daynes could have watched and did nothing, but he is a tough guy with a bit of finish and can get the job done and with his fight earned the respect of his teammates and the teams in the league Trevor Daynes gets my tip of the cap you don't know many players who will jump the bench anymore in case they can't "Pat the Stats." There needs to be order on the ice and with the NWJHL's 3 fight then suspension rule we see too many cheap shots and beaking but no action, fighting has its place in hockey I'll defend it till the day I die. Way to be Trevor, RESPECT + (GTA San Andreas Feature)
Goaltending has been the best it can be Carlen Lyle the rookie is making it easy for Richard Kazada to pick a goalie and not rely heavily on Braden Johnson who has got all the losses against the Navs and Kings a tough pill to swallow already passing how many total losses he had last year.
I'm going to be fair I'm expecting a split series both teams are too good to lay down and get swept. I would be shocked if it was one sided.
Broadcast times this weekend are Friday at the Scott Safety Centre at 8 and the same goes for Saturday in GP, head to the rinks or listen to XM105.3 or xm105.com , we will have a new station website soon and the address will change but that will be made available when ready.
Should be a great weekend of Hockey with some good competition.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In The Hopper
The Grey Cup goes this weekend, BC and WPG will be unreal and BC wins 44-37 in a Western Shoot-out the way it should be!
Will Henry Burris be a Calgary Stampeder next season?
The Flames will dominate the Blackhawks but Sh*t the Sheets against Columbus Yikes need some help
The Drayton Valley Thunder are starting to get going in the right track 14-11 now on the season 8 points back of Lloydminster in the AJHL North Division, Go see this team they continue to impress this broadcaster.
Tim Tebow has found a way to get the Broncos to where they need to be down the road, can they sneak into the AFC West... when Oakland is 6-4, I think so!
Has Patrick Waring thought of cheering for Eli Manning since Peyton can't stop the bleeding in Indy?
I saw the iPad commercial today where a Basketball Coach is using it to draw a play up in what I think is a time out... please let the world of coaching not settle to this... Get a Whiteboard and draw it up the way everyone else is, Does Coach K use one? I want to coach one day and this will be hard to do, Using technology at halftime I'm good with but just X's and O's on black marker would be nice!
Special Congrats to my former Sports Director Darryl Skender who is doing something that is tough to do, I know this to an extent to be closer to home/family and still do what I love. Leaving his post at CK750/CJVR in a Royal Bank Cup season, to do to better his family's lives for the future and moving to BC and making the shoreline safer, Darryl All the Best for Elsa, Joey and yourself. Enjoy the coast and leave the frigid Saskatchewan Winters. I'm sure Jimmy Buffet will be blasting the whole move down to the coast! All the Best.
Christmas is 33 days away are you done or started shopping yet?
I'm Out
The team will have a different strategy this coming weekend, I won't reveal it for obvious reasons but it will be something that will throw the fast Kings team off guard and no its not the Snoozefest 1-3-1 trap. Watch for the big guns to have a huge role as Nick Bourgeois, Riley Helleckson and Mitch Rose will put up some numbers, that seems to be all Nick does, 11 points in 3 games with the Wolverines and a pleasure to watch, plays with an edge.
Ryan Whelen has stepped up his game in the past four games and has accepted any role Richard Kazada has thrown him into but being with Thompson and Mills has really been beneficial for him and he's starting to find his form.
The D-core has been lead by the 21 year olds in Mason Lyle and Dion LeBlue, yes they both have letter but it looks like they lead by example on the ice and have really rubbed off on Matthew Gann and Adam Hodge on the back end, Brandon Kunz out with a shoulder injury questionable for the weekend but I think he'll play, he has been Mr Consistent all season and don't see that slowing down.
The youngster have done their job too Kirk Rueker, Nathan Hannah, Levi Cartwright and Chad McLeod-Borg hard work is name of the game right now, this Wolverine team just needs more time and they do till December 14th to see their identity going forward.
Trevor Daynes left the bench and took on a Dawson Creek Canuck who went after a Wolverine player and absolutely dummied him, he'll be suspended for two games but.... here comes the Don Cherry Rant, Daynes could have watched and did nothing, but he is a tough guy with a bit of finish and can get the job done and with his fight earned the respect of his teammates and the teams in the league Trevor Daynes gets my tip of the cap you don't know many players who will jump the bench anymore in case they can't "Pat the Stats." There needs to be order on the ice and with the NWJHL's 3 fight then suspension rule we see too many cheap shots and beaking but no action, fighting has its place in hockey I'll defend it till the day I die. Way to be Trevor, RESPECT + (GTA San Andreas Feature)
Goaltending has been the best it can be Carlen Lyle the rookie is making it easy for Richard Kazada to pick a goalie and not rely heavily on Braden Johnson who has got all the losses against the Navs and Kings a tough pill to swallow already passing how many total losses he had last year.
I'm going to be fair I'm expecting a split series both teams are too good to lay down and get swept. I would be shocked if it was one sided.
Broadcast times this weekend are Friday at the Scott Safety Centre at 8 and the same goes for Saturday in GP, head to the rinks or listen to XM105.3 or xm105.com , we will have a new station website soon and the address will change but that will be made available when ready.
Should be a great weekend of Hockey with some good competition.
------------------------------------------------------------------
In The Hopper
The Grey Cup goes this weekend, BC and WPG will be unreal and BC wins 44-37 in a Western Shoot-out the way it should be!
Will Henry Burris be a Calgary Stampeder next season?
The Flames will dominate the Blackhawks but Sh*t the Sheets against Columbus Yikes need some help
The Drayton Valley Thunder are starting to get going in the right track 14-11 now on the season 8 points back of Lloydminster in the AJHL North Division, Go see this team they continue to impress this broadcaster.
Tim Tebow has found a way to get the Broncos to where they need to be down the road, can they sneak into the AFC West... when Oakland is 6-4, I think so!
Has Patrick Waring thought of cheering for Eli Manning since Peyton can't stop the bleeding in Indy?
I saw the iPad commercial today where a Basketball Coach is using it to draw a play up in what I think is a time out... please let the world of coaching not settle to this... Get a Whiteboard and draw it up the way everyone else is, Does Coach K use one? I want to coach one day and this will be hard to do, Using technology at halftime I'm good with but just X's and O's on black marker would be nice!
Special Congrats to my former Sports Director Darryl Skender who is doing something that is tough to do, I know this to an extent to be closer to home/family and still do what I love. Leaving his post at CK750/CJVR in a Royal Bank Cup season, to do to better his family's lives for the future and moving to BC and making the shoreline safer, Darryl All the Best for Elsa, Joey and yourself. Enjoy the coast and leave the frigid Saskatchewan Winters. I'm sure Jimmy Buffet will be blasting the whole move down to the coast! All the Best.
Christmas is 33 days away are you done or started shopping yet?
I'm Out
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