Friday, October 21, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 8 Portland 4

Scoring
1. EDM D. Wruck, (3) (M. St. Croix, C. Lazar), 11:46
1. EDM M. St. Croix, (4) (C. Lazar, D. Wruck), 12:57
1. EDM A. Sautner, (1) (M. St. Croix, D. Wruck), 13:11
2. EDM K. Pelss, (4) (T. Foster, G. Reinhart), 13:51 (PP)
2. POR T. Rutkowski, (3) , 17:39 (PP)
2. EDM M. Gernat, (6) (D. Wruck, C. Lazar), 18:19
3. POR T. Rattie, (10) (J. Morrow, T. Rutkowski), 0:50 (PP)
3. EDM T. Foster, (6) (K. Pelss), 3:56 (SH)
3. POR J. Trott, (2) (B. Leipsic, J. Hanson), 6:15
3. EDM S. Legault, (6) (T. Foster), 6:39
3. POR B. Leipsic, (3) (B. Ross, C. De Leo), 10:58
3. EDM R. Dech, (1) (K. Wilson, R. Rachinski), 16:03

Goalies Portland GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Burke, Brendan 3 20:00 8 5 0
31 Carruth, Mac 5 40:00 20 15 0

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 4 60:00 24 20 0

3 Players of Note:
1. Dylan Wruck LW Edmonton. He, along with Curtis Lazar and Michael St.Croix were unstoppable tonight. Really good dynamics with these three, a shooter, passer, net crasher. I want to see Dylan Wruck succeed as bad as anyone, but his small stature may hold him back, but he has no quit in his game, just a pleasure to watch his heart and determination, mixed in with his skill.
2. Brendan Leipsic C Portland. This guy has some serious wheels and hands. But if Wruck is small, Leipsic is microscopic. Much like Wruck, no quit, all hustle. Was a handful for the Oil Kings defense all night. Offensively dynamic, defensively subpar. Would probably be better off being a winger at the next level.
3. Kristians Pelss LW Edmonton. I kinda bagged on Pelss during the rookie camp for the Oilers, for his lack of compete, so I feel I should make it right. He has become more physical over the last few games and finishing some of his opportunities as well. Good on Pelss for coming around on the North American game and now making a regular contribution to the Oil Kings.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 2 Moose Jaw 1

Scoring
2. M.J J. Wyton, (2) (E. Arnold, A. Johnson), 3:52
2. EDM G. Reinhart, (1) (M. St. Croix, C. Lazar), 13:20 (PP)
3. EDM G. Reinhart, (2) (T. Foster, M. St. Croix), 18:28

Goalies Moose Jaw GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Siemens, Luke 2 58:43 42 40 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 1 60:00 18 17 0


3 Players of Note:
1. Griffin Reinhart D Ednonton - Reinhart had a giveaway in his first shift of the game and was rock solid the rest of the way. Making good reads, taking the body in a physical game and using his shot to generate the only offense the Oil Kings could muster this night. Reinhart really took the bull by the horns tonight and led the way. It was a game he needed to get back on the radar.
2. Morgan Rielly D Moose Jaw - Rielly had some tools tonight that a lot of other players just don't have. A real shifty skating style and an ability to break down a play high speed. The only thing he has left to accomplish is to make the final play at that moment of impact that will result in goals for. As I had tweeted tonight, he reminds me of Phil Housley in his style of game, in the way he can make plays all over the ice. I wonder if some NHL team drafted him, if they would be tempted to play him on the wing and allow him to use his speed and vision off the wings.
3. Luke Siemens G Moose Jaw - I haven't heard a lot of hoopla around this player, but he looked really good tonight. On a night when his end was under siege a lot of the night, getting outshot 42-18, he seems calm and composed and got in the way off everything, minus 2 Reinhart blasts. His behemoth defense helped him out immensely on clearing his crease, but he was by far the busier of the 2 goaltenders. Not a very mobile goaltender, but does a good job with angles and staying square to the shooters. Doesn't overplay the puck.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Game Report: Regina 6 Edmonton 3

SCORING
1. REG M. Klimchuk, (4) (C. Jobke, D. Volek), 8:05 (PP)
1. EDM T. Foster, (5) (K. Lowe, L. Brossoit), 11:19
2. REG L. Martell, (1) (B. Underwood, M. Marantz), 14:38
2. EDM K. Wilson, (2) , 18:10
3. REG B. Davidson, (2) (M. Marantz, B. Underwood), 4:34
3. EDM D. Wruck, (2) (M. Gernat, M. St. Croix), 8:47
3. REG J. Weal, (4) (D. Hunt, K. Burroughs), 14:33
3. REG D. Volek, (3) (T. Ouellette, M. Klimchuk), 18:25
3. REG B. Davidson, (3) (B. Underwood), 19:28 (EN/PP)


Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
Regina
30 Hewitt, Matt 3 60:00 37 34 0
Edmonton
31 Brossoit, Laurent 5 59:26 35 30 0

3 Players of Note:
1. Brandon Davidson D Regina - Edmonton Oiler draft pick was all over the ice for the Regina Pats tonight. When he wasn't busy destroying OilKing plays, he was creating plays on offense. Scored on a bullet from the point on the power play that went just under the bar. The undeniable leader for Regina. I want to give Brandon Underwood props here. As Davidson's defense partner, he looks really formidable at both ends of the ice as well. Very impressed with his frame and mobility, as well as the ability to make the right play. A hidden gem that someone will uncover.

2. Morgan Klimchuk LW Regina - Impressed with the smarts and savvy this kid has. Plays within his limitations while still getting things done on the ice. This 16 year old has already emerged as a go to players for the Regina Pats. Doesn't like contact much, but makes plays while avoiding contact. Maybe this will change as he fills out more. Quick hands around the net and a very smooth skater.

3. TJ Foster C Edmonton - Foster has emerged as the offensive leader on forward for the OilKings early this season. His calling card is a cannon of a shot. His puck handling and puck transport has improved greatly over last year. He looks to be a player that found a niche on the OilKings roster. If he keeps it up, he might find himself on a pro roster one day.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Top 30 Draft Eligible Beginning of the 2011-2012 Season

Rank Player Name POS DOB Height Weight Shoots Team Link
1 Nail Yakupov RW 11/06/1993 5'11" 180 lbs L Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Comments: Goal scoring threat
2 Ryan Murray D 09/27/1993 6'0" 182 lbs L Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Comments: Tempo setting Dman
3 Mikhail Grigorenko C 05/16/1994 6'2" 192 lbs L Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Comments: Smooth two-way center
4 Alex Galchenyuk C 02/12/1994 6'1" 185 lbs L Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Comments: If anything, Sarnia fans should be entertained
5 Jacob Trouba D 02/26/1994 6'1" 183 lbs R USNDT
Comments: Solid at both ends
6 Filip Forsberg RW 08/13/1994 6'0" 176 lbs R Leksand (Swe)
Comments: Attacks hard from the wings
7 Griffin Reinhart D 01/24/1994 6'4" 202 lbs L Edmonton OilKings (WHL)
Comments: Pacesetting Dman that can play big
8 Nick Ebert D 05/11/1994 6'1" 195 lbs R Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Comments: Offensive minded Dman
9 Zemgus Girgensons C 01/05/1994 6'1" 182 lbs L Dubuque (USHL)
Comments: Raw, two-way Center
10 Olli Maatta D 08/22/1994 6'1" 198 lbs L London Knights (OHL)
Comments: Fire hydrant type Dman
11 Mathew Dumba D 07/25/1994 6'0" 172 lbs R Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Comments: Punishing cannon on the point
12 Morgan Rielly D 03/09/1994 6'0" 190 lbs L Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Comments: Poor man's Ryan Murray
13 Sebastian Collberg RW 02/23/1994 6'0" 180 lbs R Frolunda (Swe)
Comments: Offensive wizard
14 Jordan Schmaltz D 10/08/1993 6'2" 175lbs R Sioux City (USHL)
Comments: Two-way potential
15 Derrick Pouliot D 01/16/1994 5'11" 192 lbs L Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Comments: Offensive Dman
16 Cody Ceci D 12/21/1993 6'2" 203 lbs L Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Comments: Solid at both ends
17 Martin Frk RW 10/05/1993 6'0" 198 lbs L Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Comments: Thick bodied winger
18 Cristoval Nieves C 01/23/1994 6'2" 175 lbs L Kent Prep School (USA)
Comments: Slick centerman
19 Slater Koekkoek D 02/18/1994 6'2" 180 lbs L Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Comments: Mobile Dman
20 Henrik Samuelsson RW 02/07/1994 6'2" 192 lbs R USNDT
Comments: Immovable winger
21 Matia Marcantuoni C 02/22/1994 5'11" 185 lbs R Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Comments: Speedy center
22 Brendan Gaunce C 03/25/1994 6'2" 205 lbs L Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Comments: Two-way center
23 Scott Laughton C 05/30/1994 6'0" 174 lbs L Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Comments: Cerebral center
24 Charles Hudon LW 06/23/1994 5'8" 165 lbs L Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Comments: Dynamic winger
25 Teuvo Teravainen LW 09/11/1994 5'10" 161 lbs L Jokerit (Fin)
Comments: Crafty winger
26 Pontus Aberg RW 09/23/1993 5'11" 183 lbs R Djurgarden (Swe)
Comments: Sniping winger
27 Ville Pokka D 06/03/1994 6'0" 187 lbs R Karpat (Fin)
Comments: Offensive Dman
28 Oscar Dansk G 02/28/1994 6'2" 183 lbs L Brynas (Swe)
Comments: Athletic goaltender
29 Stefan Matteau C 02/23/1994 6'1" 188 lbs L USNDT
Comments: Two-way center
30 Jerrod Maidens C 03/04/1994 6'2" 170 lbs R Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Comments: Two-way center

WHL Top 15 Beginning of the Year 2011-2012 Draft Eligibles

WHL 2012 Top 15:

1. Ryan Murray D - Everett -
Strengths - Excellant 2-way Dman, plays defense and offense equally well, smooth skater, natural born leader, excellent first pass, outstanding hockey sense.
Weaknesses - Needs work on shot velocity, needs some work on core strength.

2. Griffin Reinhart D - Edmonton -
Strengths - Nice frame, good size, good mobility, dictates tempo well, solid first pass, solid at both ends of the ice, solid shot.
Weaknesses - Gets caught being a spectator in the game at times, needs to use his frame more in his own zone.

3. Mathew Dumba D - Red Deer -
Strengths - He's a high event player, loves to throw the big hit, excellent shot from the point, agitator, very good skater.
Weaknesses - makes risk/reward type plays, tends to throw himself off his own game, needs to bulk up to play the type of game he does.

4. Morgan Rielly D - Moose Jaw -
Strengths - Solid puck mover and first pass, has offensive flair, excellent mobility. Excellent timing on rushes. Sets tempo very well.
Weaknesses - Has trouble reading plays. Strength overall is an issue.

5. Derrick Pouliot D - Portland -
Strengths - Nice frame, has some offensive tools, solid first pass, has quick release, has good timing for jumping into play.
Weaknesses - Defensive game a little raw, needs to use body position more.

6. Damon Severson D - Kelowna -
Strengths - Solid defender, doesn't back away, plays very well away from the puck, solid first pass.
Weaknesses - Doesn't have a lot of offensive tools, could use some muscle mass.

7. Troy Bourke LW - Prince George -
Strengths - Creative player, excellent puck skills, nose for net, defensively responsible, high hockey sense.
Weaknesses - Skating could use some work, not a flyer, Smallish player, but stout.

8. Brenden Leipsic C - Portland -
Strengths - Strong puckhandler, shifty skater, oozes confidence.
Weaknesses - Very slight, plays at his own tempo, not all that physical.

9. Chandler Stephensen LW - Regina -
Strengths - Fire-plug type player, quick release, hard shot, powerful stride.
Weakness - Small frame, defensive game needs work, consistency issues.

10. Dalton Thrower D - Saskatoon -
Strengths - Very willing player, sacrifices body for team, potential for some offense to be there, repsonsible in his own zone, skates well
Weaknesses - Bites off more than he can chew, puck handling is suspect at times, offense isn't quite there yet.

11. Colton Sissons RW - Kelowna -
Strengths - up and down winger, repsonsible defensively, productive offensively, physical, tough, solid shot and release.
Weaknesses - skating could be better, not very creative offensively.

12. Brandon Magee C - Victoria -
Strengths - Hard, in your face type player, skates well and finishes checks strong, some offensive flair, very responsible defensively.
Weaknesses - Small stature for big game, puckhandling is an issue, over-pursues players.

13. Ryan Olsen C - Saskatoon -
Strengths - Ability to play strong 2-way game, good hockey frame, good hockey sense.
Weaknesses - Indifferent play at times, needs to add strength, offensively limited.

14. Jaynen Rissling D - Calgary -
Strengths - Tough and strong, excellent hockey body, decent puck mover, good co-ordination for his size.
Weaknesses - Mobility an issue, limited offense.

15. Daulton Siwak RW - Red Deer -
Strengths - Relentless forechecker, good speed for size, willing pugilist, decent hands considering role, solid role player.
Weaknesses - Hockey sense is low, offense is limited, not very creative.

Others to look out for:
16. Tyrel Seaman LW - Brandon
17. Brendan Troock RW - Seattle
18. Colten Heffley C - Kelowna
19. Chris Driedger G - Calgary
20. Reid Gow D - Spokane

Friday, October 7, 2011

Game Report: Kamloops 6 Spokane 4

Scoring
1. KAM B. Ranford, (1) (C. Schaber), 3:24
1. KAM J. Barnett, (1) (D. Willick, M. Needham), 5:58
1. SPO D. Kramer, (3) (S. Kuhn, M. Holmberg), 11:52 (PP)
1. KAM J. DePape, (1) (B. Ranford), 12:25
2. KAM A. Madaisky, (3) (B. Ranford, C. Schaber), 7:54 (PP)
3. KAM A. Sterzer, (1) , 8:56 (SH)
3. SPO R. Gow, (1) (S. Kuhn), 11:25
3. SPO J. Fram, (1) (M. Holmberg, D. Vandane), 12:23
3. SPO D. Kramer, (4) (M. Holmberg, A. Bardaro), 18:10 (PP)
3. KAM J. Lipon, (3) (C. Smith), 19:37

Spokane GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Rakochy, Zach 3 20:00 15 12 0
31 Engel, Mac 3 37:23 16 13 0

Kamloops GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Lanigan, Cam 4 60:00 24 20 0

3 Players of note:
1. Brendan Ranford LW Kamloops - Ranford was wheeling and dealing from the start. Using his speed and crafty stickhandling to dart through the Spokane defense. Even made a nice puck strip on the 3rd Kamloops goal. Not bad for a player playing in his first game of the season back in the Dub.
2. Darren Kramer LW Spokane - Kramer has a strong net presence about him. Not the most gifted skater but gets around well enough and has a good nose around the net. Was more known for his fisticuffs last year, seems to have found himself a nice scoring tough. Very deserving of the "C" on his sweater.
3. Chase Schaber C Kamloops - After getting a good look at him at the Oilers rookie camp, I was impressed with his versatility and leadership that he displays. Plays hard on the puck and battles every shift. Got a couple of dimes tonight and helped keep things on track tonight for Kamloops when everything could have fell off the rails for them.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Game Report: Medicine Hat 5 Edmonton 3

Played on Friday September 30 2011. Saw this game live.

Scoring
1. M.H E. Etem, (2) (D. Bredo, K. Tochkin), 7:41
2. M.H H. Shinkaruk, (1) (K. Kessy, C. Grbavac), 1:53
2. M.H H. Shinkaruk, (2) (A. Theriau, M. Konan), 14:29
3. M.H E. Etem, (3) (K. Tochkin), 3:50
3. M.H E. Etem, (4) (D. Bredo, M. Konan), 8:40 (SH)
3. EDM M. Gernat, (3) (M. Pysyk, T. Foster), 9:19 (PP)
3. EDM T. Foster, (2) (M. Pysyk, M. Gernat), 10:49 (PP)
3. EDM C. Lazar, (1) (T. Foster, A. Sautner), 12:51

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Bunz, Tyler 3 60:00 38 35 0

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 5 58:06 26 21 0

3 Players of Note:
1. Emerson Etem RW - Medicine Hat - Etem was a wrecking ball in this game. Looks thicker than he has in the past and played the power forward role to a tee. Was like a runaway freight train that scored on 3 breakaways by busting loose through the defense.
2. Hunter Shinkaruk LW - Medicine Hat - Shinkaruk has some of the quickest hands I have seen around the net. He was Johnny on the spot for 2 goals tonight. Stealth like abilities with quickness to pounce on loose pucks. Offensively a terror all night. Not bad for a 16 year old.
3. Martin Gernat D - Edmonton - Gernat was impressive on the back end. Operates the power play with great finesse and unleashes bombs from the point when need be. Needs to work on his reads in his own end, but gets away with it with good stick positioning.

Game Report: Victoria 5 Vancouver 3

Game was played on Saturday September 24 2011

Scoring
1. VIC J. Crooks, (1) (S. Hodges, H. Rintoul), 3:09
1. VAN J. Henry, (1) (T. Burns, N. Manning), 10:03 (PP)
1. VIC R. Soudek, (2) (L. Nelson, K. Sundher), 13:00 (PP)
2. VIC L. Nelson, (1) (S. Hodges, K. Pilton), 1:47
2. VIC B. Magee, (1) (K. Sundher, R. Soudek), 3:52 (PP)
3. VAN N. Burns, (1) (J. Henry, C. Franson), 8:48
3. VAN D. Sward, (2) (A. Ast, J. Henry), 17:57
3. VIC K. Sundher, (1) (T. Stahl), 19:46 (EN)

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
35 Whistle, Jackson 0 34:43 11 11 0
37 Jensen, Brendan 4 23:52 13 9 0

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Hamilton, Keith 3 60:00 51 48 0

3 Players of Note:
1. Keith Hamilton G - Victoria - Battled hard and gave his team a chance to win. Not the most athletic goaltender or positionally sound, but just a battler that gave everything he had. A goaltender that anyone would pull for.
2. Kevin Sundher C - Victoria - The obvious leader of the Victoria team. A battler that fights for every inch on the ice. Has modest offensive skill, more of a two-way game. More of a playmaker than a scorer.
3. Logan Nelson C - A player that I knew little about until this game. A real nose for the net. A feisty player that makes the most of his chances. Was very effective in an offensive role in this particular game.

Game Report: Brandon 4 Moose Jaw 1

Game was played on Thursday September 24 2011

Scoring
1. BDN A. Bertaggia, (1) (M. Stone, P. Ciarelli), 2:40
1. M.J C. Hansen, (1) (S. Svendsen, C. Beach), 17:38
2. BDN P. Ciarelli, (1) (R. Pulock, J. Meilleur), 11:57
2. BDN A. Bertaggia, (2) (B. Mraz, D. Favreau), 19:43 (PP)
3. BDN A. Bertaggia, (3) (M. Stone, T. Seaman), 16:23 (PP)

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Boes, Corbin 1 60:00 20 19 0

Goalies GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Dubyk, Deven 4 60:00 28 24 0

3 Players of Note:
1. Alessio Bertaggia LW Brandon - Waterbug type player that has very nice hands and a phenomenal sense of timing around the net. Finished everything he touched tonight. Moose Jaw had a real tough time containing him tonight.
2. Mark Stone LW Brandon - Scorer turned playmaker tonight. Had a nice game distributing and creating. Uses his size to make plays. Kind of a plodding type skater, but gets around and makes an impact.
3. Ryan Pulock D Brandon - A 16 year old that looks much older. He has poise and smarts well beyond his year. An excellant puckmover and puck separator. Will be one to keep an eye on into the future.