[truebluefan]

Ottawa 67's Blue Line to Receive a Boost in Time for Home Opener

The Ottawa 67's have announced that overage defenceman Joe Grimaldi will return from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers camp in time to dress for the 67's home opener on Friday night against the Peterborough Petes.

Grimaldi spent two weeks at the New York Islanders camp before being assigned to Bridgeport.

Obtained in January of this year from the Windsor Spitfires, Grimaldi had a steadying influence on the 67's defensive corps last season and his return this year is being anxiously anticipated by the Ottawa 67's Head Coach and General Manager Brian Kilrea.

"Receiving a player like Grimaldi is always a big boost. He will come back with experience from the pros, work hard, and hopefully that will rub off on everyone."

Last season with the 67's, Grimaldi scored 7 goals and 21 points in only 27 games, while posting a +5 rating and 81 penalty minutes.

The Ottawa 67's Home Opener is on Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. vs. the defending OHL Champion Peterborough Petes and their new Head Coach, former 67's Assistant, Vince Malette.

Tickets for the Home Opener are still available and may be purchased online at www.capitaltickets.ca, over the phone by calling 599-FANS, or in person at the Ottawa 67's store and ticket office in the Coliseum Building on Bank St.

Ottawa 67's ticket prices are one of the lowest in the OHL. Children 12 years old and under can enjoy affordable hockey action for only $11.00 per game, adults can take in a game for only $14.00 and students and seniors can watch for only $13.00

 

[truebluefan]

Lets not kid ourselves: Hounds' power play has to produce

The way hockey is played these days, streets are named after teams that can't convert on the power play: One way and dead end.

If you hope to be successful, you simply must take advantage of the extra opportunities today's game offers.

A year ago in the Ontario Hockey League, there was a definite correlation between the ability to score with the man advantage and where a team finished in the overall standings.

The top five teams were also those who owned the league's best power-play units.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Elder Kostitsyn impressing Habs

Strong performances from Montreal rookies Andrei Kostitsyn and Guillaume Latendresse have made things difficult for Canadiens head coach Guy Carbonneau -- but you won't hear him complaining.

Kostitsyn, older brother of London Knights forward and Canadiens prospect Sergei Kostitsyn, had a goal and an assist and Alexander Perezhogin scored the overtime winner last night as the Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 for their second straight preseason win.

Perezhogin tipped in a point shot by Mike Komisarek at 2:13 of OT on a delayed penalty call for his first goal of the preseason, capping a solid effort for the Habs.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

New coach headed for old stomping grounds

It's going to be a special week for Peterborough Petes' head coach Vince Malette.

Malette will return to Ottawa, where he was an assistant coach to Brian Kilrea for nine years, for the first time when the Petes visit the 67's Friday. Tomorrow Malette will get his first taste of the Petes' rivalry with Oshawa Generals who visit the Memorial Centre at 7 p.m.

Malette resigned from the 67's at the end of last season to pursue a head coaching job. He was hired by the Petes in July after Dick Todd retired.

Malette is an Ottawa native and he's excited about returning.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

New Rangers winger more than a bruiser

Another disgruntled St. Mike's Majors winger has pulled into the Aud.

Say hello to Adam Zamec.

Yesterday, the Kitchener Rangers acquired the 17-year-old London kid from the Majors for a third-round Ontario Hockey League draft pick in 2008.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Downie back with the Petes

The Peterborough Petes now have back a major piece from last year’s OHL championship team.
Forward Steve Downie has returned to the club after attending the Philadelphia Flyers’ training camp.
Downie, a 2005 first round pick of the Flyers, scored 19 goals and had 34 assists during 35 regular season games with the Petes last season. In 19 playoff games, Downie had six goals and 15 assists.
Downie will likely see his first game action Thursday night when the Petes host Oshawa, 7 p.m., at the Memorial Centre.
The Petes travel to Ottawa on Friday. The game will mark the return of Peterborough head coach Vince Malette, who previously served as an assistant in Ottawa.

 

[truebluefan]

Generals preach patience after slow start

The Oshawa Generals are finding out the hard way what can happen when you remove the pre- from pre-season.

But, after dropping their first two games of the regular season following a sterling 6-0 exhibition record, coach/GM Brad Selwood is hoping fans will remain patient with his group of young players.

That's what he plans to do, at any rate.

"We've got the players in place, we just need them to mature," says Selwood, pointing out his roster includes four players born in 1990 and eight born in 1989. "It's just a matter of playing a little smarter. We've made some untimely, youthful mistakes."

After opening up the Ontario Hockey League season with a 4-3 loss in Toronto Friday to the St. Michael's Majors, the Generals fell 6-3 to the Frontenacs in Kingston Sunday afternoon.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Bass is back with the 'Dogs

Cody Bass is back with the Mississauga IceDogs.

The 19-year-old centre returned to Mississauga Tuesday afternoon after being re-assigned back to the Ontario Hockey League team by the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League.

Bass had been at Ottawa's training camp since the middle of the month and had a goal in a pair of exhibition games.

"It was an amazing experience," said Bass of his stint with the Senators. "I was there last year but I didn't get into the exhibition games. This year it was phenomenal.

"I mean, I grew up watching this and here I was playing against Philadelphia. I played against Peter Forsberg and I grew up liking him and all of a sudden, here I am playing against him."

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Stewart returns

Chris Stewart is on his way back to the Kingston Frontenacs.

The Colorado Avalanche confirmed yesterday that Stewart, the team's first selection in last June's NHL Entry Draft, was being sent back to the Ontario Hockey League club.


complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Emmerton wins weekly OHL award

Forward Cory Emmerton, who had four goals and four assists in leading the Kingston Frontenacs to a pair of wins, was named the OHL's player of the week Tuesday.

Emmerton opened the season with two goals and three assists in Kingston's 9-5 win over the Ottawa 67's. Two days later, he added two goals and an assist in a 6-3 road victory over the Oshawa Generals.

Emmerton was a second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in last year's NHL entry draft.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Sudbury-born players spread across league

Battles are heating up across the NOJHL. Here’s a report on the league and interesting notes about Sudbury-born players as well as news on Sudbury’s entry, the Junior Wolves.

Sudbury


Last week, the Junior Wolves got a big piece of business out of the way when they named forward Matt Chiupka team captain. Chiupka, 19, has played the last two seasons with Sudbury, scoring 12 goals and 44 points in 96 games. In the first five games this year, the five-foot-11 forward has four goals and 10 points, which leads the NOJHL.

Needless to say, Chiupka is proud to wear the “C” on his sweater.

“I was happy to be named captain,” said Chiupka. “I know I have large shoes to fill, but I am willing to do anything to help get this team back to the Dudley Hewitt Cup. I know the responsibilities are great, but I am ready for this.”

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Troops rally to down Wolves after loss to Bulls

The Brampton Battalion threw everything but the kitchen sink at Belleville Bulls goaltender Kevin Lalande as a new Ontario Hockey League season opened at the Powerade Centre on Friday evening.

But he probably would have stopped that too!

The veteran goaltender was at his very best as he sent the hometown faithful home disappointed as the Bulls skated off with a 5-3 win, despite being outshot 58-28.

The 58 shots the Battalion directed at the Bulls was a new franchise record, as was the 30 shot barrage they directed at Lalande in the second period. In fact, with five minutes remaining in the middle frame the troops had blasted 25 shots Lalande's direction while the Bulls hadn't tested Brampton goaltender Aaron Rock once.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Bobby Sanguinetti Named Becker Shoes Attacker of the Week

The Owen Sound Attack has named defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti the Becker Shoes Attacker of the Week for the week of September 18 - 24, 2006.

He started the week with a 3 point effort (2 goals, 1 assist) in a 4-3 loss to the Guelph Storm in Guelph on Friday, September 22. He was named Second star in the game.

The following night he assisted on the Attack's first goal of the game for a 1-0 lead. The Attack would hold on for a 4-3 win in their home opener.

He tied for the team lead in goals and assists for the week as well as overall points for the week. He finished with a rating of Plus 1 and was involved in 50% of the goals scored by the Attack. He is currently tied for first in OHL Defenseman Scoring.

Games This Week

Wednesday, September 27 at 7:00pm

Owen Sound Attack hosting the Sarnia Sting at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Cram the Den Night with CFOS, Mix 106, and Country 93. Broadcast live on Rogers Cable Channel 53.

Friday, September 29 at 7:30pm

Owen Sound Attack at London Knights at the John Labatt Centre. Broadcast on Bear Radio on 560 CFOS or on the internet at www.attackhockey.com. Also live on Rogers Cable Channel 53.

Saturday, September 30 at 7:30pm

Owen Sound Attack hosting Kitchener Rangers at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. This is a rematch of the first round of the playoffs last season when Owen Sound eliminated the Rangers in 5 games. Broadcast live on Rogers Cable Channel 53.

Attack Box Office is open weekdays 8:30 - 5pm. Phone orders with Visa or MasterCard by calling 519-371-7452 or toll free 1-866-5ATTACK. Internet orders at www.attackhockey.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Majors Swing Another Deal with Rangers

Toronto, Ont. (September 26, 2006) - The St. Michael's Majors have engaged in a trade with the Kitchener Rangers for the second time in just over a month. At the end of August, the Majors shipped forward Matt Halischuk and a 7th round draft pick to the Rangers for forward Mike Pelech. This time, forward Adam Zamec is headed to the Rangers for a 3rd round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection.

During his rookie campaign of 2005-06, Zamec collected 8 points and 39 penalty minutes in 60 regular season games before going pointless during 4 playoff contests. The winger's best production came during the month of October when he tallied 4 points during a 5-game stretch.

The Majors host the Brampton Battalion on Thursday evening (September 28) at 7:30 pm. Then, they embark on a home-and-home series with Sudbury, visiting the Wolves on Friday night at 7:30 pm and welcoming them to St. Mike's Arena on Sunday afternoon at 2 pm.

Majors flex and season ticket packages can be purchased through the team's office at 416-651-8228. Individual game tickets are also available through the Majors, and by calling Ticketmaster at 416-872-5000, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by stopping by the St. Michael's College School Arena box office within two hours of the puck drop.

 

[truebluefan]

Battalion releases Rogers Community Television schedule

BRAMPTON, Ont. - A total of 45 Brampton Battalion games are to be shown on Rogers Community Television this season, the Ontario Hockey League club announced Tuesday.

The schedule, which started with the Battalion's 3-2 season-opening win over the host Peterborough Petes on Thursday night and a 5-3 loss to the visiting Belleville Bulls on Friday night, comprises 21 home games and 24 road dates.

The only road games not to be shown are single visits to the Erie Otters, Plymouth Whalers, Saginaw Spirit and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, four games against the Sudbury Wolves and visits to the Toronto St. Michael's Majors on Nov. 16 and Feb. 22.

Eighteen televised road games are against Eastern Conference foes, including each of the Battalion's two visits to East Division opponents the Belleville Bulls, Kingston Frontenacs, Oshawa Generals, Ottawa 67's and Peterborough. Eight of 14 road games against Central Division opponents will be shown, comprising three games against the Barrie Colts, four against the Mississauga IceDogs and a visit to Toronto on Thursday night.

Following is the remaining Battalion schedule on Rogers Community Television, with road games in capitals:

Thursday, Sept. 28 at TORONTO 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29 vs. Barrie 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5 vs. Mississauga 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 6 at KINGSTON 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 12 at BARRIE 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 13 vs. Owen Sound 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 15 vs. Sarnia 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 22 vs. London 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 27 at MISSISSAUGA 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 28 at SARNIA 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 2 at WINDSOR 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 9 vs. Oshawa 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 11 at PETERBOROUGH 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17 at MISSISSAUGA 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 24 vs. Toronto 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2 at BARRIE 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 6 at MISSISSAUGA 7:05 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 8 at OTTAWA 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 10 vs. Windsor 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 14 vs. Mississauga 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 17 vs. Plymouth 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 29 at OSHAWA 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30 at OWEN SOUND 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 3 at BELLEVILLE 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 5 at KITCHENER 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 7 vs. Ottawa 2 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12 at OTTAWA 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 13 at BELLEVILLE 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 14 vs. Barrie 2 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 19 at KINGSTON 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21 vs. Kitchener 2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 2 at OSHAWA 7:35 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 4 vs. Toronto 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 9 at LONDON 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11 vs. Sault Ste. Marie 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 16 vs. Mississauga 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17 at BARRIE 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 23 at GUELPH 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25 vs. Ottawa 2 p.m.

Friday, March 2 at MISSISSAUGA 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 4 vs. Sudbury 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 11 vs. Mississauga 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 18 vs. Oshawa 2 p.m.

 

[truebluefan]

Haskins Covenant HealthCare Player of the Week

(Saginaw, MI) Forward Tyler Haskins has been earned the Covenant HealthCare Player of the Week honor. In the first two games of the Saginaw Spirit 2006-07 hockey season, Haskins had 2 goals and 2 assists in games against London and Guelph.

The 20 year old, Madison, OH native came to the Spirit after an August 2006 trade with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. During the 2005-2006 season, Haskins had 24 goals and 51 assists in 56 games played. He also represented the Eastern Conference in the 2006 OHL All-Star Classic.

 

[truebluefan]

Plymouth Faces Saginaw Tonight

Although Plymouth and Saginaw are considered the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League's West Division, they have won just one game between them after the first week of the season.

The Whalers and Spirit meet tonight at 7:11 p.m. at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw (http://www.plymouthwhalers.com, 7:00 pm).

Saginaw lost last Friday night in London (6-3) and their home opener (4-3) last Saturday against Guelph.

"There was good news and bad news in the two losses," Saginaw General Manager and Head Coach Bob Mancini told the Saginaw News. "The bad is we lost two games. The good is we played well against Guelph. (If) we play that way 10 times, we'll win nine."

Saginaw is still waiting for players to return from NHL training camps. Matt Corrente was returned last night from New Jersey and overages Mitch Maunu (Norfolk, AHL) and Ryan Garlock (Phoenix Coyotes) are still away in a bid to make a pro hockey roster.

Plymouth spilt their two games with a 7-3 loss in Sarnia last Friday and a wild, 7-6, shootout win over Erie last Saturday.

The 2,963 fans who attended the Whalers' home opener got their money's worth in excitement. The Whalers rallied from deficits of 4-2 and 6-4 to tie the game in regulation before winning.

Plymouth center Chris Terry - who won three games for the Whalers last season in a shootout - did it again as he beat Erie goaltender Ryan Ludzik with a shot that went five-hole.

"I came down with a pre-set move wanting to fake backhand and then go to my forehand," Terry said. "He (Ludzik) fell for the backhand fake, but took away blocker and poke checked, so the five-hole opened up. So I slid the puck between his legs."

There were plenty of offensive fireworks before Terry's game-winner. James Neal scored twice for Plymouth and now has three goals in two games. Whalers rookie Kaine Geldart scored his first OHL goal, while Jared Boll, Dan Collins (2nd of the year) and Terry all scored single goals in regulation. First star Evan Brophey added five assists for the Whalers. Andrew Hotham scored twice for Erie, while Sean O'Connor, Mitch Gaulton, Josh Vatri and Derrick Bagshaw scored singles.

Whalers fought from behind in another way as they were shorthanded 17 times and went 14-for-17 on the penalty kill. Referee Shaun Davis sent a constant parade of skaters to both penalty boxes all night long. Plymouth went 2-for-11 of the power play.

With the game tied a 2-2 after one period, Erie opened up a 4-2 lead in the second frame on goals by Hotham (9:43) and Bagshaw (11:37). Plymouth tied the game at 4-4 when Neal scored his second goal of the game at 12:06 of the second period and Boll batted home a rebound at 15:51. Hotham scored again at 19:04 of the second period and Erie led 5-4 after forty minutes.

Gaulton scored his first OHL goal at 11:35 of the third period to give Erie a 6-4 lead, but Plymouth came back in the period to tie the game on Collins' goal at 14:26 and Terry's goal at 16:32.

After a scoreless overtime, Hodgman appeared to score for Erie in the shootout, but video replay showed the puck went over the goal line after the net was off its' moorings. That set the stage for Terry's shootout winner, which was preserved when Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith (Brownstown) stopped Hotham on the final shot of the shootout.

Plymouth outshot Erie, 34-28, through 65 minutes.

In all, Plymouth was shorthanded 33 times over the two first two games of the season. On the positive side, the Whalers didn't quit on Saturday and battled hard for the victory over Erie.

"I don't think we were meshing together as a team yet," said Whalers captain Steve Ward. "We have a lot of guys coming back from NHL camps. It would have been nice to have a better weekend, but I think we had a good second game against Erie, and we'll go from there."

"The mindset we have is to never quit and that's what happened against Erie."

WHALERS' GOAL - SCORE ASSIST FROM FANS FOR GOALIE MASK DESIGN

A goaltender's mask is often an extension of a netminder's personality. Former Whaler goaltender Robert Esche - now with the Philadelphia Flyers - has gone from a theme of the United States to Kid Rock on his masks over the course of his National Hockey League career.

Although Esche has been called "Silent Bob" from time to time by the Philadelphia media, his mask speaks volumes.

With that in mind, the Whalers are asking fans of all ages to design a mask for one of the Plymouth goaltenders. The winning design will be used this season by Michal Neuvirth, Jeremy Smith or Kyle Jendra.

"We want the fans to have fun with it," said Plymouth President General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci. "We have an excellent fan base with a lot of kids. Our players enjoy interacting with kids and this is a way we can all have a little fun."

Fans of all ages can submit their entries in a number of ways:

Bring the design to the Fan Assistance Center (located behind Section 120) during a Whalers' home game or any time during business hours to the Compuware Sports Arena Main Office.

Email the design to the Whalers Office at [email protected]

FAX the design to the Whalers Office at (734) 453-4201.

The person submitting the winning design will win the following:

A night at a Whalers game for the entire family, including dinner at Ginopolis on the Ice before or after the game.

A personal tour of the Whalers locker room and an opportunity to meet the Whalers.

An autographed replica jersey and other Plymouth memorabilia.

An interview for the Whalers game program and other publications.

A prize package of fun from the Whalers and the team's Corporate Sponsors.

Deadline for the contest is Friday, October 20 when Plymouth hosts Brampton.

WHALERS PLAY IN SAGINAW TONIGHT, IN GUELPH on FRIDAY, HOST SAULT STE. MARIE on SATURDAY: After opening up the week in Saginaw tonight and then traveling to Guelph on Friday to take on the 3-0 Storm, the Whalers host Sault Ste. Marie this Saturday at the Compuware Sports Arena at 7:05 p.m. Tickets ($14 and $10) are available by calling the Compuware Sports Arena at (734) 453-8400, or by going to Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticketmaster can be called at (248) 645-6666.

Saturday's game is Team Poster Night and we'll have another Ginopolis Post-Game Party, featuring Dan Collins, John Armstrong, James Neal and Zack Shepley.

After Saturday's game, Plymouth hits the road for three games - Sat. Oct. 7 in Owen Sound, Sun. Oct. 8 in Mississauga and Fri. Oct. 13 in Erie - before returning home on Sat. Oct. 14 against London.