[Hollywood2]

MANITOBA BISONS 2010-11

It is high time that I started a thread for the 2010-11 Bison Hockey season. Several recruits have already been announced and the schedule has been released. Click for the [2009-10 THREAD].

The first signing from May was WHL d-man Jeremy Schappert. [PRESS RELEASE] His stats are in the release. He is a defensive d-man and this is what the Bisons need after losing Kip Workman and David Brown.



This was followed by another former WHL (and South Blues and AHL) d-man, Dane Crowley. [PRESS RELEASE] I saw him play an exhibition game last year. He red-shirted. I think he'll be a good addition. He has a bit of mean streak in him. The Free Press story on this is [HERE].



Just yesterday, the Bisons announced the signings of forward Del Cowan and goaltender Joe Caligiuri, although Caligiuri's signing was previously announced by the Dauphin Kings and others. [PRESS RELEASE] Cowan played for the Calgary Hitmen at the Memorial Cup and previously played for the Neepawa Natives and Brandon Wheat Kings, amongst others. Caligiuri finished his junior career with Dauphin (as an over-ager) but previously played for Prince George and Brandon in the WHL. The Winnipeg Sun story is [HERE]. The WHL story is [HERE].



One signing not yet announced by the Bisons is that of Portage Terrier Zach Tully. The Portage Daily Graphic link is [HERE]. He was their top defenceman.

The schedule [LINK] has also been released. In addition to the usual games, the non-conference schedule looks like this:

September 11th at Regina
September 12th v Saskatchewan (at Regina)
September 17th and 18th at Max Bell v TBA
September 24th and 25th at Max Bell v Brock Badgers
October 2nd at Bemidji State
October 3rd at North Dakota
December 29th and 30th at Lakehead

Elsewhere in Canada West, UBC and Regina got off to an early jump in recruitment. It is good to see that the cellar-dwellars from last year are determined to improve. The [CANADA WEST] site has a full list of their recruits and their stats. Here's a summary:

UBC Thunderbirds
Matt Wray - Camrose Kodiaks forward
James Isaacs - Fort McMurray Oil Barons defenceman
Mike McGurk - Owen Sound Attack defenceman
Torrie Jung - Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender

Regina Cougars
Brett Leffler - Regina Pats forward
Terrance Delaronde - Manitoba Bisons forward
Cody Esposito - Dauphin Kings forward
Cody Gross - Calgary Hitmen, Winnipeg Saints, Melville Millionaires forward
Lucas Isley - Bonnyville Pontiacs forward
Brett Leffler – Regina Pats forward
Tyler Penny – Weyburn Red Wings defenceman
Jordan Reeve – Melville Millionaires forward
Matt Strueby – Regina Pats goaltender
A.J. Whiffen – Weyburn Red Wings

BOOKMARKS:

• ~ ~ ~
  ~ ~ ~
  ~ ~

[Hollywood2]

Here's a schedule addition. The Bisons will play the Moose prospects at the brand new MTS Iceplex on September 29th. I really want to see the new facility. For those who don't know, it is being built on the western outskirts of Winnipeg by Assiniboia Downs. It will have 4 sheets, restaurant, lounge, and training facility. It is owned by the Moose and will host adult leagues and the Blues of the MJHL.

[Hollywood2]

MANITOBA BISONS 2010-11

The Bisons have officially announced the commitments of returning Bison and former WHL d-man Myles Rumsey and former Terrier Zach Tully, as previously noted in this thread. [PRESS RELEASE] That's quite a D the Herd is building. Now if they could just recruit Sidney Crosby. How's he going to earn a living after retirement without an education?



Don't forget, the Bisons will face the Brock Badgers on September 24th and 25th at the Max Bell Arena and the Moose prospects on September 29th at the Iceplex.

And here's a summary of the commitments and rumoured commitments as complied by Fan of the Vreds at HF:

• Regina
  Forwards - Matt Strueby, Terrance Delaronde, Tyler Penny, Lucas Isley, Brett Laffler, Cody Esposito
  Defense - Jordan Reeve
  Goalie - A.J Whiffen
  
  Manitoba
  Forwards - Del Cowan
  Defense - Dane Crowley, Jeremy Schappert, Zach Tully
  Goalie - Joe Caligiuri
  
  Calgary
  Defense - Jesse Craige
  
  Alberta
  Forwards - Mitch Czibere, Johnny Lazo, Matt Meropoulis, Lindsay Nielsen, Zack Dailey, Alex Rodgers
  Defense - Jarrett Toll, Drew Nichol, Ben Lindemulder
  Goalies - Kurtis Mucha, Linden Rowat
  
  UBC
  Forwards - Matt Wray, Bryce Lamb
  Defense - Mike McGurk, James Isaacs
  Goalie - Torrie Jung
  
  Saskatchewan
  Forwards - Craig McCallum
  Defense - Ryan Funk
  Goalie - Ryan Holfeld
  
  Lethbridge
  Forwards - Cameron Lamoureux
  Defense - Mason Conway

[Hollywood2]

NATIONAL RECRUITING UPDATE

Now is the time where observers from across the land rank the recruiting classes of the CIS teams. One such observer is Evan Daum at the University of Saudi Alberta. He has issued "report cards" on the OUA, Canada West, and AUS.

He does not grade all programs but instead has a #1, #2, and an honourable mention for each. His opinion is:

• OUA
  #1: UQTR
  #2: Carleton
  h/m: Lakehead
  
  Canada West
  #1: Alberta
  #2: Manitoba
  h/m: Regina
  
  AUS
  #1: Acadia
  #2: Saint Mary's
  h/m: Dalhousie

Here's what he thinks of the Bisons:

Despite some close competition from the conference's other green and gold program in Regina, the Bisons edge the Cougars out for second-place on the recruiting front so far. Up front the Bisons have only announced the addition of Del Cowan. Cowan split last season between Brandon, Prince George and Calgary of the WHL, going to the Memorial Cup with the Hitmen. He managed 17 goals in 67 games between his three stops, and added 16 points in 23 postseason games. A solid addition, but up front the Bisons' recruiting class still lacks that offensive firepower they really need.

If goaltending and defense wins championships, then Manitoba looks poised for another run at challenging for the conference crown with the addition of two good defenceman, and the heir apparent to Steve Christie in the crease Joe Caliguiri. Tampa Bay draft pick (#168 overall, 6th round, 2006) Dane Crowley joins the Bisons after red shirting last season. In 2008-09 Crowley played 8 games with Houston of the AHL, before spending the majority of the season with Phoenix of the ECHL. Joining Crowley is Jeremy Schappert who had 48 points last season with Seattle, and Zach Tully who played last season with Portage of the MJHL. Schappert and Crowley are both top four type defenders who are great additions.

In goal head coach Mike Sirant has brought in Joe Caliguiri who backstopped Dauphin of the MJHL last season, and had a 30-19-2 season back in 2007-08 with Brandon. Caliguiri should have the inside track at backing up last year's CIS Goaltender of the Year Steve Christie.

UBC UPDATE

There have also been two more announcements from UBC. They announced commitments from Ben Schmidt (from Powell River of the BCJHL) and Bryce Lamb (from Prince Albert of the WHL).

UPDATED BOOKMARKS:

• CONFERENCE SITES
  CIS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  CANADA WEST MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  AUS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  OUA MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  ACAC MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  
  CANADA WEST TEAM SITES
  MANITOBA BISONS
  ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS
  SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
  CALGARY DINOSAURS
  LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS
  REGINA COUGARS
  UBC THUNDERBIRDS
  
  BISON PRE-SEASON OPPONENTS
  BROCK BADGERS
  MANITOBA MOOSE
  NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING SIOUX
  BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS
  
  MEDIA/STATS SITES
  LEAGUESTAT - once games start you can find rosters, stats, schedules, and box scores here
  CIS BLOG
  SOUTH CAMPUS SPORTS - from Alberta
  SSN CANADA - on-line video of some CIS teams
  CITR - UBC radio broadcasts
  CJSR - Alberta radio broadcasts
  BOB ADAMS' CIS SPORTS PAGE - contains all scores and standings pre-2009
  
  MESSAGE BOARDS/FORUMS
  HF BOARDS - this has by far the most discussion of CIS hockey on the web
  CIS HOCKEY - I have yet to register on this brand new site, but I wish them well

[Hollywood2]

Topic for the hockey summit?

There is a story at faceoff.com [Canadian junior or NCAA? Debate rages on]. It is about the recent recruiting wars. The story is worth a look, and faceoff.com is worth a bookmark.

The CIS was mentioned tangentially in the story. The important thing to know is that the CHL scholarships are primarily used for players to attend at and play for CIS schools.

The article did not mention much about the CHL/CIS scholarships and why players prefer them to NCAA scholarships. The CHL/CIS players own their scholarships. They get one year for every year played in the CHL. They can switch schools and not lose a penny. They can even attend trade schools or other post-secondary institutions which do not even have hockey teams, and not lose a penny.

In the NCAA they cannot sign a "multi-year deal". The scholarship has to be renewed every year. Players can lose all or part of their scholarship for any one of a number of reasons such as injury, issues with a coach, a better player comes along, the team decides to "rebuild" in your 4th year, or the school cuts back on the scholarships for your team. If you switch schools you have to sit a season.

The other twist not mentioned in the story is that the NCAA considers CHL players to be "pro" thus making them ineligible to play NCAA. On the other hand, the CHL welcomes NCAA transfers, as does the CIS. This was not always the case.

Let's see if this issue is raised at the summit.

[Hollywood2]

BISONS, CIS UPDATE

First off, there is news on the recruiting front in that the Saskatchewan Huskies made some late additions. The PRESS RELEASE gives details. The players are forwards Craig McCallum and Cody Smuk, defencemen Ryan Funk, Curtis Kulchar, and Garrett Thiessen and goaltender Ryan Holfeld. There is more coverage at the STAR PHOENIX and at the CW SITE. There is another story on Cody Smuk from Chilliwack HERE.

At the same time, UBC has lost the Torrie Jung, the goaltender they had recruited. Pro 8 News reports that the Laredo Bucks of the CHL have signed him. Tough news for the Tweety Birds. Whether they have another goaltender lined up, I do not know.

The additional recruits from Sask led to a change in the South Campus Sports rankings by Evan Daum. He previously did a top 3 from each conference. Since then Sask goes up and UQTR goes down. Here's his nation-wide top 5 list:

• 1. Acadia
  2. St. Mary's
  3. Dalhousie
  4. Alberta
  5. Saskatchewan
  
  Knocking on the door: Manitoba, Regina and Carleton

Meanwhile, former Bison David Brown has now moved on to the Coloradeo Eagles of the CHL PRESS RELEASE.

I also came across a useful link at Elite Prospects which now has all-time stats for the various treams, including the BISONS.

Finally, the Bisons have changed their pre-season schedule so as to delete Bemidji State and replace them with St. Cloud State. This is the new pre-season schedule:

• Sep. 11 @ Regina 8:00pm at Regina
  Sep. 12 Saskatchewan 3:00pm at Regina
  Sep. 17 Brown and Gold Intrasquad 7:00pm at Max Bell Arena
  Sep. 24 Brock 7:00pm at Max Bell Arena
  Sep. 25 Brock 2:00pm at Max Bell Arena
  Sep. 29 vs. Manitoba Moose Prospects 7:00pm at True North Hockey Canada Mooseplex
  Oct. 2 @ St. Cloud State 7:07pm at St. Cloud, MN
  Oct. 3 @ North Dakota 6:07pm at Grand Forks, ND

UPDATED BOOKMARKS:

• CONFERENCE SITES
  CIS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  CANADA WEST MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  AUS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  OUA MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  ACAC MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  BC INTERCOLLEGIATE HOCKEY LEAGUE
  
  CANADA WEST TEAM SITES
  MANITOBA BISONS
  ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS
  SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
  CALGARY DINOSAURS
  LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS
  REGINA COUGARS
  UBC THUNDERBIRDS
  
  BISON PRE-SEASON OPPONENTS
  BROCK BADGERS
  MANITOBA MOOSE
  NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING SIOUX
  ST CLOUD STATE HUSKIES
  
  MEDIA/STATS SITES
  LEAGUESTAT - once games start you can find rosters, stats, schedules, and box scores here
  CIS BLOG
  SOUTH CAMPUS SPORTS - from Alberta
  SSN CANADA - on-line video of some CIS teams
  CITR - UBC radio broadcasts
  CJSR - Alberta radio broadcasts
  BOB ADAMS' CIS SPORTS PAGE - contains all scores and standings pre-2009
  ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
  
  MESSAGE BOARDS/FORUMS
  HF BOARDS - this has by far the most discussion of CIS hockey on the web
  CIS HOCKEY - I have yet to register on this brand new site, but I wish them well

[Hollywood2]

I have compiled the pre-season/exhibition/non-conference schedules for the Canada West teams:

September
Fri 10	7:00 PM	Portage College @ Regina
Sat 11	3:00 PM	Saskatchewan v Portage College (at Regina)
Sat 11	7:00 PM	Manitoba @ Regina
Sat 11	7:00 PM	Lethbridge @ Calgary 
Sun 12	3:00 PM	Saskatchewan v Manitoba (at Regina)
Sun 12	7:00 PM	Calgary @ Lethbridge	
Wed 15  7:00 PM	UNB @ Calgary 
Thu 16	7:00 PM	Oiler Rookies @ Alberta
Fri 17	7:00 PM	UNB @ Alberta 
Fri 17	7:00 PM	NAIT v Regina (at Saskatoon)
Sat 18	7:00 PM	NAIT @ Saskatchewan
Sat 18	7:00 PM	UNB @ Calgary 
Sun 19	6:00 PM	Regina @ Saskatchewan
Sun 19	7:00 PM	Alberta @ Calgary 
Fri 24	3:00 PM	Calgary v Saskatchewan (at Edmonton)
Fri 24	7:00 PM	Regina @ Alberta		
Fri 24	7:00 PM	Brock @ Manitoba
Fri 24	7:00 PM	SAIT @ UBC	
Sat 25	3:00 PM	Calgary v Regina (at Edmonton)
Sat 25	7:00 PM	Saskatchewan @ Alberta	
Sat 25	7:00 PM	Brock @ Manitoba		
Sat 25	7:00 PM	SAIT @ UBC			
Wed 29  7:00 PM	Manitoba @ Manitoba Moose

October
Sat 2 	5:00 PM	UBC @ Nebraska-Omaha		
Sat 2 	7:00 PM	Manitoba @ St. Cloud State		
Sun 3 	5:00 PM	UBC @ Minnesota			
Sun 3 	6:00 PM	Manitoba @ North Dakota		
Mon 4 	5:00 PM	UBC @ Minnesota State Mankato
Sat 9   7:00 PM	UBC @ Victoria Salmon Kings
Sun 10  7:00 PM	UBC @ Victoria Salmon Kings

[Hollywood2]

MORE NEWS A WEEK BEFORE EXHIBITIONS BEGIN

The Bison web site has a partially completed new roster page for 2010-11. Included are a few new names on the try-out roster: Brent Poplawski (d-man from the Winnipeg South Blues); Devin Himpe (d-man from the Dauphin Kings); and Wes Pawluk (forward from the Neepawa Natives). Right now there are only 13 names on the list, so check in for updates once the long weekend is over.

ELSEWHERE

The major recent announcements have come from the three Alberta-based teams.

Alberta: The annual game between the Edmonton Oilers Rookies and the Evil Monkeys has been scrapped. The Greasers have apparently scheduled games against other NHL rookie squads. Alberta will instead face another local Edmonton team, the Concordia Thunder of the ACAC. South Campus Sports laments this development.

Lethbridge: The H0rny Ones' recruiting class was announced all-at-once. Added are Taylor Gal, Ryan Letts, Tyler Melancon, Mason Conway, and former Bison Nick Hotson. South Campus Sports also has a story on this.

Calgary: The Dinos also announced their recruits en masse. The seven players are forwards Colton Grant, Taylor Rovatti, and Matt Scrivens; defencemen Brett Bartman, Spencer Fraipont, and Colton MacPherson; and goaltender Kris Lazaruk. South Campus Sports has background on all these players.

Regina: Former Regina Cougar and Winnipeg South Blue Brant Hilton has turned pro with the Mississippi River Kings, as announced by the U of R.

NEXT UP

Sat Sept 11 7:00 PM Manitoba @ Regina
Sun Sept 12 3:00 PM Saskatchewan v Manitoba (at Regina)
Fri Sept 24 7:00 PM Brock @ Manitoba
Sat Sept 25 7:00 PM Brock @ Manitoba

[Hollywood2]

September 10, 2010

EXHIBITION GAMES START TONIGHT



News is hard to come by for the opening weekend of exhibition games. The Bisons usually start with an intersquad game where I can see a complete roster at least. Right now, the roster page for 2010-11 is not being updated.

The Bisons are one of four teams visiting Regina's new digs. (The others are Sask and Portage College from the ACAC.) Calgary and Lethbridge play a home-and-home. UBC and the Evil Monkeys will be at home watching Family Guy re-runs, I guess. Portage is a 3rd year team based in Lac La Biche, Alberta. They split a pair of games last weekend against Fort McMurray of the AJHL.

I am hopeful that LeagueStat will give full rosters etc. after the games. Sometimes the U of R was slow to provide updates last year.

Also, the Canada West site seems to be undergoing a transformation. Last night a new format was there, but it is gone today. Hoefully this means that a new site will be launched only when it is full ready to go. Unlike what the CIS site did last year.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Fri 10 7:00 PM Portage College @ Regina
Sat 11 3:00 PM Saskatchewan v Portage College (at Regina)
Sat 11 7:00 PM Manitoba @ Regina
Sat 11 7:00 PM Lethbridge @ Calgary
Sun 12 3:00 PM Saskatchewan v Manitoba (at Regina)
Sun 12 7:00 PM Calgary @ Lethbridge

WEEKEND LINKS

• The news around the CIS has tailed off a bit lately. It seems everybody is just waiting for the games to start at long last. But here's what's out there as we head into the weekend.
  SOUTH CAMPUS SPORTS: LOOK AT SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES - Coach Adolph claims the Banjo-Dogs lacked "character" in last year's playoff loss. Hmm, sounds like cliche time in the pre-season. Never trust a guy named Adolph.
  
  SOUTH CAMPUS SPORTS: LOOK AT REGINA COUGARS - The Banjo-Cats have had a big turnover but have also lost some keys players from last year, including their 2nd and 4th top scorers, goaltender Brant Hilton, and leader Caine Pearpoint.
  
  U OF R PREVIEW STORY - There is a lot about the new digs. Geez, after getting paved highways 3 years ago, things are looking up in Hillbillyville.
  
  SOUTH CAMPUS SPORTS: WOOLGER GOING FROM EVIL MONKEYS TO UNB - After getting a 4 year degree he was off to get an MBA at UNB. But not so fast!
  
  DAILY GLEANER: WOOLGER GOING BACK! - This is also a good preview of the UNB Varsity Reds. It is easy-come-easy-go when players are not under contract.
  
  LEAGUESTAT - The site looks ready-to-go with updates and stats. So far there are advance links for only the two Regina games this weekend.

BOOKMARKS

• CONFERENCE SITES
  CIS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  CANADA WEST MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  ACAC MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  
  TEAM SITES
  MANITOBA BISONS
  SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
  REGINA COUGARS
  PORTAGE COLLEGE VOYAGEURS

[Hollywood2]

September 10, 2010

THE PUCK HAS DROPPED!
... just not yet for Bisons


PORTAGE COLLEGE VOYAGEURS 1
REGINA COUGARS 5
|> [LEAGUESTAT SUMMARY] ~ [U OF R STORY]

It was nice that LeagueStat had this game available for live updates. The Banjo-Cats appear to have outplayed their ACAC opponents, outshooting them 42-18. Former Bison Terrence Delaronde scored twice for the Puddy-Tats. There were also a lot of 10 minute misconducts and double roughing penalties doled out. I guess it got a little chippy once the score was out of reach.

Note that the Canada West site has changed so that the urls for the subsections are all different from before. The new men's hockey link is in "bookmarks" below.

NEXT UP:

Sat 11 3:00 PM Saskatchewan v Portage College (at Regina)
Sat 11 7:00 PM Manitoba @ Regina
Sat 11 7:00 PM Lethbridge @ Calgary
Sun 12 3:00 PM Saskatchewan v Manitoba (at Regina)
Sun 12 7:00 PM Calgary @ Lethbridge

BOOKMARKS:

• CONFERENCE SITES
  CIS MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  CANADA WEST MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  ACAC MEN'S HOCKEY SITE
  
  TEAM SITES
  MANITOBA BISONS
  SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
  REGINA COUGARS
  PORTAGE COLLEGE VOYAGEURS