[truebluefan]

T-Birds Double Up on Cougars

Prince George, BC, September 23, 2006 - Four different Seattle Thunderbirds scored a goal Saturday night at the CN Centre to help the T-Birds to a 4-2 victory over the Prince George Cougars.

This was the second game of a back-to-back series between the two teams. Seattle split the season opening series after the Cougars won the first game, 4-2, on Friday night. Seattle's record is now 1-1-0-0 as they return home for the home opener on Saturday, September 30, against the Vancouver Giants. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at KeyArena.

Greg Scott put the T-Birds up 1-0 at 16:24 the first period with an unassisted goal. He picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, brought the puck in the Cougars zone, split two defenders and beat Prince George goalie Real Cyr glove side.

Seattle outshot Prince George 13-8 in the first period.

Prince George tied the game 1-1 with a power-play goal at 1:30 of the second period by Jared Walker. Brett Robertson and Ty Wishart had the assists.

The T-Birds outshot the Cougars 9-8 in the second period and led 22-16 in total shots after two periods.

Bretton Stamler beat Cyr five-hole with a slap shot 45 seconds into the third period on a five-on-three power play to give the T-Birds a 2-1 lead. Thomas Hickey had the assist when he took the puck off the right boards and passed to Stamler just inside the left circle. Hickey has an assist in the first two game of the season.

Seattle struck on the power-play again at 5:39 of the third. Lindsay Nielsen put back a rebound from a Stamler slap shot to give the T-Birds a 3-1 lead. Scott had the second assist on Seattle's third goal.

Robertson scored a power-play goal at 18:12 of the third period to cut the T-Birds lead to one goal. Dan Gendur and Dana Tyrell had the assists.

Jan Eberle gave the T-Birds their two-goal lead back when he scored a shorthanded empty-net goal at 19:01 of the third. Eberle shot the puck from along the left boards in the T-Birds zone.

The T-Birds finished with a 31-25 advantage in shots.

Seattle goalie Derek Yeomans stopped 23 of 25 shots and his record is now 1-1-0.

Cyr stopped 27 of 31 shots and his record is now 1-1- 0.

Thunderbird tickets are currently on sale for all regular 2006-07 regular season home games. Tickets are priced at $20, $16 & $12 Tickets may be purchased by calling 206 628-0888 or 206 448 PUCK (7825) or online at www.seattlethunderbirds.com. Tickets may also be purchased at all TicketMaster Outlets, the KeyArena's West Box Office Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and The Hockey Store located at 14326 124th Ave NE in Kirkland. For additional ticket information on Season Tickets and Group Rates please call 206 448 PUCK.

SCORING SUMMARY

First period - 1, Seattle, Scott 1 16:24. Penalties - Patterson, PG (interference), 6:21. Sagert, PG (slashing, roughing), 8:48. Durand, Sea (hooking), 10:28. Wishart, PG (hooking), 16:24. Gagnon, Sea (slashing), 17:32. Hickey, Sea (tripping), 17:49. Olson, Sea (cross checking), 19:21. Yeomans, Sea (hooking-served by Holloway), 19:51. Gendur, PG (hooking), 19:51.

Second period - 2, Prince George, Walker 2 (Robertson, Wishart), 1:30 (pp). Penalties - Hickey, Sea (interference), :06. Sagert, PG (tripping), 5:26. Gendur, PG (holding), 8:25. Jo. Schappert, Sea (hooking), 8:29. Wishart, PG (interference), 8:47. Vrana, PG (interference), 12:30. Hickey, Sea (holding), 12:53. Meidl, Sea (interference), 17:41. Hunter, PG (checking from behind), 19:42.

Third period - 3, Seattle, Stamler 1 (Hickey), :45 (pp). 4, Seattle, Nielsen 1 (Stamler, Scott), 5:39 (pp). 5, Prince George, Robertson 2 (Gendur), 18:11 (pp). 6, Seattle, Eberle 1 19:01 (en/sh). Penalties - Patterson, PG (slashing), :32. Stamler, Sea (tripping), 3:15. Hunt, PG (unsportsmanlike conduct), 3:15. Hunt, PG (delay of game), 5:34. Meidl, Sea (interference), 5:41. Jo. Schappert, Sea (tripping), 11:04. Gardner, PG (boarding), 12:26. Deagle, PG (tripping), 15:26. Patterson, PG (roughing), 16:08. Meidl, Sea (slashing), 16:23. Nielsen, Sea (tripping), 17:51. Hunter, PG (10-minute misconduct), 19:01.

Shots on goal - Seattle 13-9-9 31. Prince George 8-8-7 25. Goalies - Seattle, Yeomans 25 shots-23 saves (1-1-0); Prince George, Cyr 31-27 (1-1-0). Power plays - Seattle 2- 16; Prince George 2-12. A - 3,072. Referee - Chris Savage, Jon Stevenson. Linesmen - Brandon Dombroski, Dean Laschowski.

 

[truebluefan]

Isles reassign Kohn

Brandon, Manitoba -- Fresh off a split of their season opening home and home weekend series with the defending Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Champion Moose Jaw Warriors, the Wheat Kings have received some welcome news from the National Hockey League's New York Islanders.

The Islanders have announced that 19-year old defenceman Dustin Kohn has been reassigned to the WHL club after spending the past ten days skating with the NHL club at their Nova Scotia training camp.

A second round draft choice of the Islanders, Kohn will be back in Brandon on Monday and is expected to be in the lineup this coming weekend when the Wheat Kings host Red Deer on Friday and his former club, the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday.

One of three Wheat Kings invited to attend this past summer's National Junior Evaluation Camp in Calgary, the 6'2" 200 lb Edmonton product was obtained by the Wheat Kings at last January's WHL Trade Deadline in exchange for left-winger Derek LeBlanc. Following his acquisition, the Wheat Kings went on to post a 16-9-1-3 record with him in the lineup.

In 69 games during the 2005-06 campaign, Kohn had four goals and 29 points and in 192 career WHL games, he has fifteen goals and 81 points.

Kohn was one of four Wheat Kings to attend NHL camps this fall and the final one to be returned. Brandon currently has 28 players on its roster including nine defenceman.

 

[truebluefan]

One Giant weekend for WHL team

It was a good news, good news weekend for the Vancouver Giants.

Not only did the defending Western Hockey League champs open the 2006-07 season in style -- courtesy of a 9-0 win over the visiting Portland Winter Hawks on Saturday -- but they also learned they'd be getting back stylish defender Brendan Mikkelson.

And sooner, rather than later.

The 19-year-old Anaheim Duck prospect suited up for his first NHL game Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks. The most likely scenario was for Mikkelson to remain in the city and rejoin his junior club today, rather than return to Anaheim.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Silvertips Blank Blazers 4-0

Tonight the Everett Silvertips downed the Kamloops Blazers by a score of 4-0. Jason Fransoo, posting one goal and three assists, led the way for his team. The Silvertips now have a 2-0 record and 4 points. The Blazers, falling to 1-1, are tied for first in the BC Division with two points.

Jason Fransoo started off Everett's scoring at 12:27 of the second period. His shot went through traffic while the Silvertips were on a 5-on-3 power play. The team did not score again until the third, but posted three more goals for the win. Jesse Smyke, early in the final stanza, caught a rebound and shoved the puck into an empty net while Michael Maniago was out of position. Kyle Beach answered with Zack Dailey on a 2-on-1, to push the Silvertips to 3-0. Then Captain Cody Thoring sent a shot through a screen, on another Everett power play, to finalize the score at 4-0.

Leland Irving, as usual, made key saves to hold off the opposing Kamloops Blazers. He stopped all 21 shots he faced. This is Irving's first shutout of the 2006-07 season. Michael Maniago, who now falls to 1-1, made 18 saves on 22 shots. Everett out shot Kamloops 22-21.

The Everett Silvertips are back in action on Friday, September 29th, at home at the Everett Events Center. The puck drops against the Kelowna Rockets at 7:35pm, a new time for all Friday home games.

 

[truebluefan]

Overage situation to be final ‘this week’

If the writing isn’t on the wall, and in indelible ink, then it never will be.

Overagers Scott Bowles and Curtis Cooper were in the stands for both games this weekend, given spectator status so the Prince George Cougars could use the all-20s forward line of Eric Hunter, Brett Robertson and Jared Walker.

Cooper looked dapper in a blazer despite some changes to the blueline brigade from Friday to Saturday, while Bowles watched Real Cyr, his backup much of last season, get the call in back-to-back games.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Silvertips blank Blazers

Defenceman Jason Fransoo scored one goal and set up three others Sunday night, leading the Everett Silvertips to a 4-0 Western Hockey League victory over the Kamloops Blazers.

Jesse Smyke, Kyle Beach and Cody Thoring also scored for Everett (2-0-0-0), which led 1-0 after the second period. Everett was 2-for-8 on the power play; the Blazers (1-1-0-0) were 0-for-13.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Giants Weekly Recap

After tying a franchise record with their season opening victory Saturday night, the Vancouver Giants prepare to play four games over the next week.

Last night at the Pacific Coliseum, the Giants raised their 2006 B.C. Division, Western Conference, and WHL Championship banners to the rafters of the building. Following the pre-game festivities, the home team didn't disappoint a crowd of more than 11,000 as the Giants shut-out the visiting Portland Winterhawks 9-0.

J.D. Watt and Spencer Machacek each had a pair of goals while singles went to Kyle Lamb, Tim Kraus, Mitch Czibere, Cody Franson, and Mario Bliznak. Goaltender Dustin Slade picked up the shut-out on a night which saw the Giants out-shoot the Hawks 44-19.

Defenceman Jonathon Blum collected five assists in the win for Vancouver, establishing a club record for most assists by a Giants player in a single game.

The Giants finished off the game 4/18 on the power play and a perfect 9-for-9 on the penalty kill. The nine goals the Giants scored tied a club record for most goals in a single game. Ironically the Giants set that mark in their first ever home ice win on September 22, 2001 (9-5 W vs Seattle)!

Vancouver has a busy week ahead, playing four games against Western Conference opponents. Tuesday September 26, the Giants host the Spokane Chiefs (7:00pm) while on Friday September 29 they entertain the Chilliwack Bruins (7:30pm). Vancouver will play their first road game of the season Saturday September 30 in Seattle against the Thunderbirds (7:05pm). They will wrap up the weekend Sunday October 1 with a match-up at home against the Prince George Cougars (5:00pm).

 

[truebluefan]

Tips top Blazers 4-0

Leland Irving did the work early, the Everett Silvertips' offense finished it off late.

Irving earned a shutout in goal and Everett broke it open with three goals in seven minutes in the third period, giving the Silvertips a 4-0 victory over the Kamloops Blazers on Sunday night.

Jason Fransoo had a goal and three assists for Everett, which has opened the season with two consecutive victories.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Silvertips improve to 2-0

Jason Fransoo had a goal and three assists as the Everett Silvertips beat the Kamloops Blazers 4-0 in a Western Hockey League game on Sunday night.

Fransoo started the scoring for Everett (2-0) at 12:27 of the second period, threading a shot through traffic during a five-on-three Silvertips power play.

Everett didn't score again until the third period, but Fransoo assisted on each of the three goals, scored by Jesse Smyke, Kyle Beach and captain Cody Thoring.

Leland Irving stopped 21 shots to earn the shutout.

complete article

 

[truebluefan]

Robin Figren returns to Hitmen from NHL camp

Calgary, AB - Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced today the return of forward Robin Figren (pronounced FIG-ren) from New York Islanders Camp.

Figren was a third round draft pick of the Islanders this past summer, taken 70th overall in the NHL Entry Draft.

ROBIN FIGREN - LEFT WING

BORN: Stockholm, SW (March 7, 1988)

HEIGHT: 5'11" WEIGHT: 176 lbs.

HOW ACQUIRED: 1st round, 17th overall, in the 2006 CHL Import Draft

The Hitmen also announced today 19 year-old defenceman Marc Defoe has been reassigned. The move leaves 27 players on the Hitmen roster; three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 16 forwards.

Calgary continues their four game road trip this week with stops in Regina on Wednesday, Moose Jaw Friday and Brandon on Saturday. Next Hitmen home game is Friday, October 6th vs. Kootenay. Game time is 7 p.m. in the Pengrowth Saddledome.

 

[truebluefan]

Blazers Week In Review

The Blazers opened the season with a win and a loss on home ice to put their record at 1-1-0-0 after the opening weekend of play in the Western Hockey League. Here's how it happened:

Friday, September 22nd vs PORTLAND: Kamloops-6, Portland-3...Brock Nixon opened the season with 3 goals and 1 assist as the Blazers doubled up the Winterhawks 6-3 on opening night at Interior Savings Centre. The Hawks opened the scoring, but a Ray Macias powerplay goal and Nixon's shorthanded tally gave the home side the 2-1 lead after one. Each team scored twice in the second period...with Macias and Reid Jorgensen finding the net for the Blazers. Then in the third, Nixon added a powerplay goal and an even-strength tally to put the game away. Nixon's linemate, Juuso Puustinen picked up 3 assists. Final shots were 32-22 Blazers as Michael Maniago picked up the win while Kutis Mucha took the loss. The Blazers were FOUR FOR TEN on the powerplay...and 8-for-10 on the PK.

Sunday, September 24th vs EVERETT: Everett-4, Kamloops-0...Jason Fransoo had a goal and 3 assists and Leland Irving stopped all 21 shots as the Silvertips blanked the Blazers 4-0 on Sunday night. After a fast-paced and entertaining opening 30 minutes, the 'Tips got on the board with Fransoo's 5-on-3 powerplay goal midway through the second period. Everett the added 3 goals in the third period, from Jesse Smyke, Kyle Beach, and Cody Thoring, to put the game away. Final shots were 22-21 'Tips...with the Blazers ending the night 0-for-13 on the powerplay. Everett was 2-for-8 with the extra man.

THE WEEK TO COME

Monday: Practice, 2pm, Interior Savings Centre
Tuesday: Practice, 2pm, Interior Savings Centre
Wedesday: Practice, 2pm, Interior Savings Centre
Thursday: Practice, 2pm, Interior Savings Centre
Friday: Practice, 9am, Interior Savings Centre; Bus leaves for Everett at 11:30am
Saturday: GAME DAY @ EVERETT; Face-off 7:05, Radio NL-McDonald's Pre-Game Show 6:35
Sunday: GAME DAY @ PORTLAND; Face-off 5:00, Radio NL-McDonald's Pre-Game Show 4:30

THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR

RCMP DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM: Six Blazer players: Reid Jorgensen, Brock Nixon, Ryan White, Terrance Delaronde, and Ryan Bender, along with Assistant Coach Andrew Milne, are in Vancouver Monday and Tuesday for the first stage of the RCMP Drug Awareness Program. After a visit to Vancouver's downtown east side, the players will return to Kamloops and share their "Skid Row" stories with Grade Six students in School District #73. The players are due back in Kamloops late Tuesday afternoon.

SMART RISK PROGRAM: Blazer players will be on hand at South Kamloops Senior Secondary on Tuesday morning at 10am for a cheque presentation to SKSS's Smart Risk Program.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Monday, October 2nd: Kamloops Society for Community Living Car Wash, 11:30am - 12:30pm @ Wendy's Restaurant, North Shore; players will be on hand

Wednesday, October 4th: Carpet Bowling, 10am - 12pm @ Cottonwood Seniors Centre, North Shore; players will be on hand

Saturday, October 7th: Grand Opening, Petland, time TBD @ new Petland location on Notre Dame Dr.; players TBD

Monday, October 9th; Skate With The Blazers, following game vs Swift Current (2pm game time) @ Interior Savings Centre; admission is ticket to game vs Swift Current Sunday, October 22nd; Blueliner Breakfast, 8:30am @ SportsAction Lounge in Interior Savings Centre; all players will be on hand

 

[truebluefan]

Hitmen last week

September 22nd vs. Red Deer

HITMEN 3 REBELS 2

Brodie Dupont broke a 2-2 tie with a third period powerplay goal lifting the Hitmen to victory. Matt Isbister and Steve Covington also scored for Calgary who twice trailed by scores of 1-0 and 2-1. Dan Spence made several big stops in the Hitmen net and finished with 28 saves. Calgary was 2-12 on the powerplay, Red Deer 1-14.

September 23rd at Red Deer

HITMEN 3 REBELS 2

Ryan White scored at 1:25 of overtime at the Hitmen completed an opening weekend sweep of the Rebels. Dan Spence turned in another excellent performance in goal making 35 saves. Similar to Friday the Hitmen came from behind to get the win, again trailing by scores of 1-0 and 2-1. Keegan Dansereau and Matt Isbister also scored for Calgary who went 2-7 on the powerplay. Red Deer was 1-10.

 

[truebluefan]

Brodsky rejects sale offer

The owner and president of the Prince George Cougars, has rejected an offer to purchase the Western Hockey League franchise.

The Citizen has learned that the offer, initially for $5 million and then raised to $5.5 million, was turned down by Rick Brodsky through his daughter, team business manager Brandi Brodsky.

The group making the offer sent a letter, dated Sept. 14 and signed by Rick Turgeon and Darcy Buryn, to WHL governors and commissioner Ron Robison. Turgeon, who owns a financial business in the city, is the president of the Prince George Spruce Kings, the host team for this season’s Royal Bank Cup, while Buryn, an accountant, is the Spruce Kings’ treasurer.

complete article