[truebluefan]

WHL Season Officially Kicked Off Thursday Night

Chilliwack Bruins start off on the right foot, defeating the usually dominant Kelowna Rockets in their first ever Western Hockey League game.

For the time being, the Chilliwack Bruins are the top team in the WHL.

The Bruins won the first game in their franchise history Thursday, defeating the Kelowna Rockets 3-1 on home ice.

Former Brandon Wheat King Stefphane Lenoski had a goal for the Bruins, as did Keith Voytechek and Aki Kangasmaski. Mark Santorelli had 2 assists.

Rob Roteliuk scored Kelowna's lone marker, while former P.A. Raider goalie Alex Archibald made 17 saves for the win.

 

[truebluefan]

Bruins knock off Rockets in front of a sell out crowd

CHILLIWACK, B.C. (CP) - The Chilliwack Bruins franchise started off with a bang by winning in its Western Hockey League debut.

Stephane Lenoski scored the winner and Alex Archibald stopped 17 shots as the Bruins defeated the Kelowna Rockets 3-1 Thursday for their first victory in franchise history. Keith Voytechek and Aki Kangasmaki also scored for Chilliwack (1-0-0), while Mark Santorelli added two assists to send a raucous sold-out crowd of 5,100 home happy.

Rob Roteliuk replied for Kelowna (0-1-0), which finished 0-12 on the power play.

Before the game, the Bruins held a tailgate party and a ceremony involving the Stanley Cup, Memorial Cup and a whole lot of fireworks.

When the smoke had settled - literally - after the pre-game ceremony, the Bruins came in waves at a stunned Rockets squad.

Before Kelowna could even register a shot on Chilliwack netminder Alex Archibald, it was 2-0 Bruins on nifty goals from Voytechek and 20-year-old defender Lenoski.

Voytechek cut to the slot and beat Rockets goalie Kristofer Westblom with a high backhand shot at 10:01 of the first period, and Lenoski snapped a shot over Westblom's glove on a power play 53 seconds later.

In fact, it was 15 minutes into the game before Kelowna captain Chris Ray finally put a puck on Archibald.

The Bruins kept coming in the second and third periods despite allowing Kelowna seven consecutive power-play opportunities.

Kangasmaki finished off a pretty three-way passing play with Ken Petkau and Santorelli at 7:25 of the second period to put the Bruins ahead 3-0.

In the third, Roteliuk was the only Rocket to beat Archibald, converting a feed from Colin Joe at 9:08.

"It's the perfect beginning for us," said fan Dennis Hutchinson, sporting a Boston Bruins Bobby Orr jersey. "This is just awesome."

Westblom made 19 saves in the loss.

Chilliwack finished 1-8 on the power play.

Next up for the Bruins are the Everett Silvertips who visit Prospera Centre on Saturday. Game time 7pm. To reserve tickets call the Bruins ticket line at 604.702.0062 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca,

 

[truebluefan]

Silvertips Begin 2006-2007 Season Saturday Night

The Everett Silvertips will begin their 4th WHL season on Saturday night when they travel to Chilliwack, BC to battle the newest team in the WHL, Chilliwack Bruins. The Silvertips will also battle the Kamloops Blazers in Kamloops, BC on Sunday night before coming home to Everett for the Silvertips home opening weekend on Friday, September 29 against the Kelowna Rockets at 7:35 p.m. and Saturday, September 30 against the Kamloops Blazers at 7:05 p.m. at the Everett Events Center. For individual tickets for the Silvertips home opening weekend, log onto www.everettsilvertips.com or call the Everett Events Center Box Office at 1-866-332-8499.

2006-2007 EVERETT SILVERTIPS

The 2006-2007 version of the Everett Silvertips return 18 players (10 forwards, 6 defensemen, 2 goalies) from last seasons US Division Championship squad. Entering into this season, Zach Hamill is currently 3rd in franchise history in scoring with 29 goals and 65 assists for 94 points. The Port Coquitlam, BC native is also 3rd in franchise history in assists (65) and 1st all time in career +/- (+21). After one season in the WHL, the reigning WHL Rookie of the Year, Peter Mueller is 5th all-time in Silvertips franchise history in scoring with 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points. Goaltender Leland Irving is 1st in franchise history in minutes played (4931), 1st in Wins (46), 1st in GAA (1.88), tied for 1st in Games Played (91) and tied for 2nd in SP (.926). Overall in three seasons in the WHL, the Silvertips have recorded a 108-82-17 (Ties)-6 (OTL)-3 (SOL) record.

'TIPS TOP CHL PRE-SEASON RANKINGS

The Canadian Hockey League today announced the Preseason CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 Rankings of the 2006-07 season. The weekly rankings of the Canadian Hockey League's Top 10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

The top ranked team heading into the 2006/07 season are the Everett Silvertips. The Silvertips promise to be an interesting club to watch this season with a dynamic offence led by Phoenix Coyote 2006 first round pick Peter Mueller and a great goaltender in Calgary Flames 2006 first round choice Leland Irving. The club will also be counting on Brady Calla, Ondrej Fiala and Zach Hamill to help Mueller lead the team towards a berth in the 2007 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The Saginaw Spirit had their best season in franchise history last year finishing ninth in the Ontario Hockey League. Scouts agree that this year the club will build on that success and be looking to contend for an OHL championship. With a promising defensive core that will include Patrick McNeill and Matthew Corrente the club features a pair of high end defencemen. Tom Pyatt, Ryan Garlock, Tyler Haskins and Ryan McDonough will lead the offence that promises to be one of the most potent in the OHL.

Val d'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will be looking to represent the "Q" in the MasterCard Memorial Cup this season and bring the coveted prize back to the province of Quebec. With Kristopher Letang returning to run the defence, the Foreurs can rest assured that they have a world class defenceman leading by example at all times. Brad Marchand and Mathieu Roy will be counted on to lead the offence as the club drives toward an extended playoff run.

CHL Mosaik MasterCard Preseason Top 10

Rank Team 1 Everett Silvertips 2 Saginaw Spirit 3 Val d'Or Foreurs 4 Vancouver Giants 5 Quebec Remparts 6 Kingston Frontenacs 7 Owen Sound Attack 8 Calgary Hitmen 9 Lewiston MAINEiacs 10 Medicine Hat Tigers

CODY THORING NAMED SILVERTIPS TEAM CAPTAIN

Everett Silvertips defenseman Cody Thoring was named team captain for the upcoming 2006-2007 season. The Swift Current, SK native becomes the 4th captain in franchise history. Entering into his 4th season in the WHL, all with the Silvertips, Thoring has played in 163 career games in the WHL. Thoring is also ranked 3rd in franchise history in games played with 163. Cody is the only player remaining from the 2003-2004 Silvertips squad. Thoring was drafted by the Silvertips in the 2003 WHL Expansion Draft from the Tri-City Americans.

"It is a huge honor to be named team captain for this great franchise," mentions Thoring. "It is also great to have the respect of my teammates and hopefully I can be a positive leader on and off the ice for them."

The Silvertips have also named their Assistant Captains for the 2006-2007 season. Defensemen Jason Fransoo, Jonathan Harty and forwards Zach Hamill, Brady Calla and Peter Mueller will wear the "A" on the jerseys this season as Assistant Captains. Zach Hamill and Brady Calla are entering into their 3rd season with the Silvertips while Jason Fransoo and Peter Mueller are heading into their 2nd WHL season.

EVERETT SILVERTIPS PRE-SEASON RECAP

The Everett Silvertips finished their pre-season schedule with a 3-3 record. Forward Brandon Campos (3 goals, 2 assists) led the Silvertips in pre-season scoring with 5 points. Shane Harper (1 goal, 3 assists) and Cody Thoring (1 goal, 3 assists) finished tied for 2nd on the team in pre-season scoring with 4 points. Forward Zach Hamill (1 goal, 2 assists) finished the pre-season strong with 3 points. During the pre-season the Silvertips finished 12 for 67 (17.9 %) on the power play and 61 for 79 (77.2%) on the penalty kill in 6 pre-season games.

CALGARY FLAMES RE-ASSIGN IRVING BACK TO EVERETT

The Calgary Flames have reassigned goaltender Leland Irving back to the Everett Silvertips. The Swan Hills, AB native was drafted by the Flames in the 1st Round (26th Overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In goal, Leland Irving posted 37 victories last season and recorded a 1.92 Goals Against Average and a .926% Save Percentage with 4 Shutouts in 67 games. Irving is expected to be back in action for the Silvertips in Chilliwack, BC on Saturday night.

VERSUS THE CHILLIWACK BRUINS

Saturday night will be the first ever meeting between the two Western Conference foes. During the 2006-2007 season, the Silvertips and the Bruins will meet six times (3 home, 3 road). Future Meetings: October 15: @ Everett, December 3: @ Chilliwack, January 28: @ Everett, February 3: @ Everett, February 18: @ Chilliwack.

VERSUS THE KAMLOOPS BLAZERS

Sunday night will be the first of four meetings between the two Western Conference rivals. The Silvertips are 4-9 all time against the Blazers in franchise history and 2-5 all time in Kamloops, BC. Future Meetings: September 30: @ Everett, November 15: @ Everett, February 28: @ Kamloops.

SPECIALITY TEAMS

The Silvertips finished the 2005-2006 season 4th in the WHL on the power play (81 of 420, 19.30%) and 5th in the WHL on the penalty kill (295 of 343, 86.00%). Everett also tallied a franchise high, 13 short handed goals last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Everett Silvertips are 1-2 all-time is regular season openers.

LISTEN TO SILVERTIPS HOCKEY ON NORTH SOUND 1380 ESPN RADIO

All 72 Everett Silvertips games can be heard on the flagship station for Silvertips hockey on North Sound 1380 AM ESPN Radio. Keith Gerhart will begin his 4th season behind the microphone as the voice of the Silvertips. New color analyst Al Kinisky will join Gerhart for all Silvertips home games and selected road games. Fans can also listen to Silvertips hockey via the internet on everettsilvertips.com.

WATCH EVERETT SILVERTIPS RINKSIDE ON EVERETT CHANNEL 21

Catch an all new season of Everett Silvertips Rinkside on Everett Channel 21 all season long. The show will air daily at 4:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The show will also air during the evening at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. every night on Channel 21.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 23: Everett Silvertips @ Chilliwack Bruins, 7:00 p.m. (Prospera Centre)

Sunday, September 24: Everett Silvertips @ Kamloops Blazers, 7:00 p.m. (Interior Savings Centre)

Friday, September 29: Kelowna Rockets @ Everett Silvertips, 7:35 p.m. (Everett Events Center)

Saturday, September 30: Kamloops Blazers @ Everett Silvertips, 7:05 p.m. (Everett Events Center)

Friday, October 6: Spokane Chiefs @ Everett Silvertips, 7:35 p.m. (Everett Events Center)

Saturday, October 7: Seattle Thunderbirds @ Everett Silvertips, 7:05 p.m. (Everett Events Center)

 

[truebluefan]

Meyers Norris Penny LLP Supports Rockets, KGH Neonatal Ward

Kelowna, B.C. - This hockey season there's an even better reason to cheer on your local hockey team. Every time the Kelowna Rockets score a goal during a home game, the Kelowna General Hospital's Neonatal Ward will receive $20. The donation is courtesy of Meyers Norris Penny LLP, a chartered accountancy and advisory firm based in the West with eight offices in BC including Kelowna. MNP is also a major sponsor of the Western Hockey League.

"We're delighted to be part of a program that's so positive for everyone involved - the neonatal ward receives much-needed financial support, the Rockets have that extra motivation to score, and MNP gets to support a terrific cause right here in our community," says Don Murdoch, MNP's Regional Managing Partner.

"We have always set extremely high goals in our endeavour to put our philanthropic resources to good use. Raising funds for the KGH Foundation and the Neo Natal Ward has been front and centre for many years. This fortuitist opportunity to work with MNP on a game by game basis will definitely catapult those goals to another level. It is going to be a very exciting season for the Rockets, KGH and MNP," says Anne-Marie Hamilton, Director Marketing & Game Operations, Kelowna Rockets.

The MNP Goal Donation Sponsorship Program will run throughout the 2006-2007 hockey season and play-offs. The Kelowna Rockets' next game is Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Prospera Place in Kelowna. The Rockets will be playing the Tri-City Americans.

About Meyers Norris Penny MNP is the only Top 10 chartered accountancy and advisory firm based in Western Canada. MNP provides clear, straightforward business advice with a local perspective. For more information, visit www.mnp.ca.

 

[truebluefan]

Hitmen acquire defenceman Michael Hengen from Chilliwack Bruins

Calgary, AB - Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced today the acquisition of defenceman Michael Hengen from the Chilliwack Bruins for a seventh round 2007 WHL Bantam Draft choice.

"With the youth on our back end we felt we needed a stabilizing older defenceman," said Kisio. "We've liked Michael for several years and are excited to add him to our team."

 

[truebluefan]

WHL adjusts into new season

Like it or not, the strict enforcement of penalties by referees in hockey is here to stay.

And Prince Albert Raiders head coach Peter Anholt is confident the team will be able to adapt and excel in the Western Hockey League this season — even with the changes.

“The ability to skate and adjust to rule changes is the key to the season and the league,” Anholt said Thursday during a speech at a Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Anholt said the team is halfway there.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Time to play hockey

"Now, it's time to play hockey."

So said Chilliwack Bruins president Darryl Porter as media from across Canada listened in on the WHL's season-starting press conference from Prospera Centre on Wednesday. "We finally get to drop the puck tomorrow."

There was a hint of relief in Porter's words. But also undisguised pride.

It has, he said, been an incredible launch for a new sports franchise.

Last night's game (which had yet to be played when these words were written) was sold out days ago. Seats were still available for Saturday's game, but it too is approaching a sell-out.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Blazers open WHL season against Portland tonight

The Blazers open the 2006-2007 regular season tonight at home against the Portland Winterhawks.

Game time is 7 p.m. at Interior Savings Centre. Tickets are available at the Interior Savings Centre box office.

The Blazers will serve as one of two Western Hockey League host teams for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge coming this November.

The series pits Canadian Hockey League players, eligible for Canada's entry at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championships, against Russian players vying for spots on their national junior team.

Games start Wednesday, Nov. 29 in Chilliwack and Thursday, Nov. 30 at Interior Savings Centre.

complete article