Kamloops Blazers Week in Review

Ryan Hanes leads the way celebrating the Blazers 1st goal in Kelowna Saturday night. (Photo Credit - Kelvin Harrison)

 

 

Week in Review:

Friday, October 28^th, 2011 vs. Kelowna Rockets – 5-2 Win

It was the Blazers all the way as they cruised to a 5-2 win over the Rockets on Friday. Tim Bozon, Brendan Ranford, Chase Schaber and Dylan Willick with two goals scored for the Blazers. Tyrell Goulbourne and Madison Bowey tallied for the Rockets. Goaltender Cole Cheveldave improved his record to 5-0-0-0 making 35 saves for the win. The Rockets goaltender Adam Brown was pulled after the fifth goal as Jordon Cooke came in on relief. Full Recap and Highlights.

Saturday, October 29^th, 2011 at Kelowna Rockets – 4-3 Win

The Blazers trailed 2-0 in this game, but rallied to win 4-3 over the Rockets. The hockey club stuck to their game plan as they were outshooting the Rockets 26-11 through two periods. Ryan Hanes scored his first goal of the year and Dylan Willick scored to even the score at 2-2 through two periods. In the third, Willick got his second of the game and Brendan Ranford ended up with the winning goal for a 4-3 win. Cam Lanigan played goal and made 20 saves, while Adam Brown was in net for the Rockets stopping 31 in the loss. Full Recap and Highlights.

Pink Power Play Month a Success

The Kamloops Blazers would like to thank everyone who donated money and contributed to Pink Power Play month. The final total of funds that were raised throughout the month is still being calculated. Congratulations to all of the auction winners. There will be a cheque presentation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on Saturday, November 12^th when the Blazers host the Edmonton Oil Kings.

An October to Remember

The Blazers had 10 wins in October and went 10-2-0-0 in the month which marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Blazers have won 10 games in October. In 1989-90 the Blazers were 10-1-0 in the month of October. That team actually started the season with a 20-1-0 record for the best start in franchise history. The 1987-88 Blazers went 10-4-0 in the month of October. They started the season with seven straight victories. The 1982-83 Kamloops Jr. Oilers were 10-1-0 in the month of October. They started the season with a 15-1-0 record.

Blazers to Wear Vintage Jerseys Wednesday

The Kamloops Blazers will be wearing their vintage jerseys this Wednesday when they host the defending Western Conference Champion Portland Winterhawks. The vintage jerseys have only been worn once this season on September 30^th when the Blazers defeated the Vancouver Giants 6-2. The jerseys are on sale in the Kamloops Blazers Corner Store.

Spreading the Success

The Blazers are off to one of their best starts in years as they are 11-3-0-0 and leading the WHL in winning percentage at .786. The team completed one of their best October’s on record with a 10-2-0-0 record. The Blazers early season success has been a team effort with contributions coming from the entire roster. Goaltenders Cam Lanigan and Cole Cheveldave have both split time in goal. Defenseman Tyler Hansen is leading the WHL in +/- with a +16 rating. The team is averaging the most goals for in the WHL, yet only have one player in the Top 20 in the WHL scoring race. The Blazers goals for and goals against ratio of +24 is the best in the WHL.

Contributions from all players have led to early season success.    

Guy Charron Video Interview

Radio NL’s Jon Keen sat down with Kamloops Blazers Head Coach, Guy Charron last week. Charron discussed the reasons the Blazers have been successful on and off the ice to start the 2011-12 WHL season. Watch Interview.

Blazers Ranked in BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10

The Kamloops Blazers came in ranked 10^th in the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 this past week. The Blazers were ranked along with other WHL clubs the Tri-City Americans and the Regina Pats. View the Rankings.

Two Players at Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup

The Blazers had two prospects that competed at the Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Moose Jaw this past weekend. Jordan Thomson led all defensemen in scoring with a goal and four assists in the tournament. Thomson, who was the Captain of Team Manitoba, led his team to a Silver Medal in the tournament. Goaltender Liam McLeod helped Team B.C. to a Bronze Medal. He went 1-1 in the tournament and was named a game star in the Bronze Medal game. Tournament Results.

Tyler Hansen Jersey Auction Raises Money in Magrath

Thanks to Gregg Hansen for passing along this information:

The town of Magrath came together for a benefit evening to raise money for the families of the four students killed in a tragic car accident two weeks ago. Two of the students were close friends of Tyler Hansen. Hansen was able to attend one of the funerals while on the road trip through Alberta. This was made possible by the coaching staff. The family requested that Tyler wear his Blazer jersey to the funeral to represent his team. 

The evening was kicked off with a country music concert in the school and ended with a hockey game between the local Bantam/Midget players against their dads in the local rink. The rink was packed with silent auction items of every kind including a signed Tyler Hansen jersey donated by the Blazers, a signed Taylor Hall jersey donated by the Oilers and a signed Calgary Flames jersey. Hansen's Blazer jersey was purchased by John Evans of Magrath for $500.00. The Oilers jersey brought in $1850.00 while the Flames jersey went for $1325.00. All told the evening brought in well over $50,000.00. Organizers and family members expressed their appreciation to Tyler and the Blazers as well as all those who contributed to the evening.

Promotional Schedule

                                      

Check out the promotional events schedule throughout the 2011-12 WHL season. For the Full Schedule.

Team Leaders: 

Goals – Brendan Ranford, Dylan Willick (9)

Assists –Tim Bozon, Colin Smith, Chase Schaber (10)

Points – Colin Smith (18)

+/- – Tyler Hansen (+16) – Leads WHL

Rookies – Tim Bozon (13)

PIM – Josh Caron (40)

GAA – Cole Cheveldave (2.18)

SV % – Cole Cheveldave (.921) 

Injury Report:

Jordan DePape, Upper Body, One Month +

Cole Ully, Upper Body, One Week

Community Service:

Tuesday, November 1^st, EDGE, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Schedule: 

Monday, October 31^st, Practice 2:00pm – 4:00pm ISC

Tuesday, November 1^st, Practice 2:00pm – 4:00pm ISC

Wednesday, November 2^nd, Blazers vs. Portland Winterhawks, 7pm, ISC

Thursday, November 3^rd, Practice 9:00am – 10:00am ISC, Depart for PG

Friday, November 4^th, Blazers at PG Cougars, 7pm, CN Centre

Saturday, November 5^th, Blazers at PG Cougars, 7pm, CN Centre

Sunday, November 6^th, TBA

Monday, November 7^th, Practice 2:00pm – 4:00pm, ISC

BIG WEEKEND FOR BLAZERS

Team Manitoba captain and Blazers prospect Jordan Thomson with Kamloops native and Team B.C. Captain Joe Hicketts. Photo credit - Troy Clifford.

The Blazers are hosting the Kelowna Rockets for Pink Power Play night Friday. Throughout the evening, the hockey club will be raising money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. For all the details, follow this link.

It has been a good week of practice for the Blazers after playing six games in nine nights over the past two weeks. Anytime a team can go 5-1-0-0 in a tough stretch like the Blazers just went through, there are a lot of positives.

The 2011 Team WHL for the Subway Super Series came out today, but no Blazers were selected for the event. Last year, the city of Kamloops hosted one of the games and Brendan Ranford, Austin Madaisky and Chase Schaber all played for Team WHL. It would have been a nice bonus for a Blazer to be selected. There is still a possibility for Madaisky or Ranford to be chosen as replacements if there are injuries.  

This weekend is pivotal for the Blazers to keep their momentum going. They have played outstanding hockey to this point. They are an exciting team to watch scoring 51 goals in 12 games, and only allowing 31 goals which is the best goal differential in the WHL. The team is off to its best start since the 2001-02 season where they were 9-2-0-1 with an overtime loss.

Two Blazer prospects are playing at the 2011 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Moose Jaw. Jordan Thomson, who was selected 4^th overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, is the Captain of Team Manitoba and goaltender Liam McLeod, who the Blazers selected in the 9^th round, is playing for Team B.C. Good luck and congratulations to both players for being selected to represent their provinces.

It was a nice bonus for the Blazers to see themselves ranked in the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10. The hockey team came in ranked 10^th in the country. At this stage of the season, it is tough to put a lot of stock in the rankings. At the same time, it is nice to see this team get some recognition for their good start.

Why have the Blazers had early season success? Here are some stats to look at:

·         Penalty Minutes… The Blazers are ranked 15^th averaging only 16 penalty minutes per game. Last season the Blazers were 4^th in the league averaging 20.8 minutes per game.

·         Penalty Killing… After finishing 20^th and leading the WHL with the most power play goals against, the Blazers are ranked 12^th in the WHL with 78.9% on the kill.

·         Goals Against… The Blazers are way down in this department averaging only 2.58 goals against per game. Last season the hockey club allowed 3.96 goals per game which was the 3^rd worst in the WHL.

·         Depth up Front… The Blazers haven’t relied on one line or one player to do the team’s scoring. It has been spread out throughout the team six players are averaging a point per game this season.

·         Solid Goaltending… The duo of Cole Cheveldave and Cam Lanigan has worked well to this point in the season. Both goalies have won games and are ranked among the top 10 goaltenders in the WHL statistically.

HEAD COACH GUY CHARRON DISCUSSES TEAM

Radio NL's Jon Keen sat down with Kamloops Blazers Head Coach, Guy Charron to discuss the early season success of the Blazers.

A DAY ON THE ROAD WITH THE BLAZERS

As published by Kamloops This Week. For more, visit Kamloops This Week.
 
The Kamloops Blazers returned to the River City from a three-game Alberta road trip on Sunday, Oct. 23.

KTW asked the club’s communications and media co-ordinator, Tim O’Donovan, to document a day in the life of the Blazers on the road.

The trip took Kamloops to Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. 

He chose to keep track of the club’s activities on Friday, Oct. 21, when the Blazers played the Hurricanes in Lethbridge.

The Kamloops Blazers were preparing to play the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Friday as part of a three-game road trip to Alberta.

At 9:30 a.m., breakfast was served.

The team always looks sharp on the road, dressing pro-casual, which means dress pants and a collared shirt.
Each meal is pre-ordered, so we are in and out of the restaurant within 20 to 30 minutes. 

Following the meal, the players headed to the Medicine Hat Leisure Centre (MHLC), where the hockey team had hung its gear. 

Visiting teams usually store and dry their hockey equipment at the opposing team’s rink. 

In this case, however, the Brandon Wheat Kings occupied the visitors’ dressing room at the Medicine Hat Arena because they played the Tigers on Friday night. 

Once at the Leisure Centre, the players put their skates out for athletic trainer Colin (Toledo) Robinson to sharpen. 

There are certain players that have their skates sharpened every game, including Brendan Ranford and Dylan Willick. 

Some players prefer to have duller skates, including Josh Caron and Bronson Maschmeyer. 

Toledo, as he is known by the players, is extremely detailed and precise when sharpening skates. 

As Toledo worked on the skates, players changed into workout clothes and went to a soccer field with head coach Guy Charron​ and associate coach Dave Hunchak. 

Hunchak organized a game of capture the flag and split the players into two teams.

The goal was to keep guys loose and give them some morning activity. 

Following the activity, the players packed their bags and loaded them on the bus.

The team headed back to the hotel at about 11:30 a.m. for some down time.

Between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., most of the players go through their routines. 

In general, most players will rest and nap to get some down time before their pre-game meal. 

Our pre-game meal was held at 2:45 p.m. across the street from our hotel. 

The Wheat Kings, who were staying in the same hotel as the Blazers, had just finished their meal as we entered the restaurant. 

As is the case for most pre-game meals, the menu was garden and Caesar salad, spaghetti with a meat sauce or an alfredo sauce, chicken and garlic bread. 

The “veteran” move, as some of the players say, is to mix the meat and alfredo sauce together on the pasta and chicken.
Following the meal, the Blazers loaded the bus and drove to Lethbridge. It was about a two-hour drive to Lethbridge and the Blazers arrived at the rink at about 5:10 p.m.

The hockey club then prepared for the game as the coaches orchestrated a brief video session and pre-game meetings. 

Toledo then put the guys through a dynamic stretch and each player performed their own rituals to prepare for the game. 

Overall, the game went well for the Blazers. 

The team did not have its best game of the season, but managed to come away with a 7-4 victory on the road, which was satisfying.

Since this is our only trip to Alberta this season, lots of families waited outside our dressing room to see their boys.

Maschmeyer, a Bruderheim, Alta., product, is a 20-year-old making his final trip through Wild Rose Country, so being able to play in front of his parents was a treat. 

The Blazers who had family in the building visited them after the game, while the other players loaded up the bus.
The team then exited the Enmax Centre with a couple of honks of the horn by the bus driver. The honks are traditional for a road team leaving the rink after a win. 

The hockey club went to Luigi’s in Lethbridge for their post-game meal. 

It was another hearty meal as Caesar salad, garlic bread, steak, potatoes and vegetables were served for the team. 

The players were a bit disappointed with there only being one long table for the entire team. 

This made it difficult for “shoe checks” to happen. A “shoe check” is when a player sneaks under a table and puts some type of sauce on another player’s shoe. 

Once the stealthy player retreats back to his seat, the entire team starts clanging their glasses with a piece of cutlery and everyone knows to look at their shoes. 

The targeted player must remove his shoe and show it to the entire team, which has a laugh at his expense.

Following the meal, the Blazers boarded the bus and headed back to Medicine Hat, where they were scheduled to play the Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The movie choice was Black Swan and it seemed the majority of the bus thought it was too weird for their liking. 

Our bus arrived at the Medicine Hat Arena at about 1 a.m.

The players unloaded all of the gear and hung their equipment to dry.

Younger players asked the veterans about  the Tigers.

Ranford talked about how he never played well in Medicine Hat, while Colin Smith remembered his hat-trick and the 6-5 shootout win in Medicine Hat last February. 

The arena has an old feel to it and the fans are right on top of you. 

It can be an intimidating but fun place to play. 

Following unloading, the Blazers headed back to their hotel to catch some sleep.

Winning always makes things easier and the Blazers hope to do a lot more of it this season.

KAMLOOPS BLAZERS WEEK IN REVIEW

Week in Review:

Wednesday, October 19^th, 2011 at Red Deer Rebels – 4-2 Loss

The Blazers held a lead for most of the game, but two mistakes by the Blazers and an empty net goal allowed the Rebels to earn a 4-2 victory. Brendan Ranford scored for the Blazers, while J.T. Barnett had a goal and an assist in the game. Cam Lanigan took the loss in goal as the Blazers scored the winning goal on themselves in a clearing attempt. Full Recap and Highlights.

Friday, October 21^st, 2011 at Lethbridge Hurricanes – 7-4 Win

The Blazers saw leads of 2-0 and 3-1 diminish, but came back to beat the Hurricanes 7-4 in Lethbridge. Rookie Cole Ully had a terrific game scoring his first two WHL goals. Colin Smith led the Blazers with two goals and two assists in the game. Goaltender Cole Cheveldave was pulled in favour of Cam Lanigan after the Hurricanes fourth goal. Lanigan came in and stopped all 11 shots he faced. Other Blazer goal scorers were J.T. Barnett, Dylan Willick and JC Lipon. Full Recap.

Saturday, October 22^nd, 2011 at Medicine Hat Tigers – 2-1 Win

In an entertaining game, the Blazers got revenge on the Medicine Hat Tigers with a 2-1 win to conclude their road trip. The Tigers were on the score sheet first as Emerson Etem streaked down the wing towards the goal and scored his league leading 16^th goal for a 1-0 lead. The Blazers came back, as JC Lipon scored shorthanded at the end of the second period to tie the game. J.T. Barnett scored for the third consecutive game, which was the lone goal of the third period on a wraparound. Goaltender Cam Lanigan shut the door the rest of the way for a 2-1 win. Full Recap and Highlights. 

Pink Power Play Jerseys This Friday!

Pink Power Play month is well under way and the Kamloops Blazers will be raising money throughout the month to support Breast Cancer. The Blazers will be wearing a specially designed Pink Reebok Jersey this Friday, October 28^th when they host the Kelowna Rockets. Following the game a “jersey off our back” presentation will be made to the winning bidders. To bid on a jersey, please call or email Ashley Neuls at 250-828-1144 or aneuls@blazerhockey.com. Updated Bids and More Information.

Kamloops Blazers Blog

The Kamloops Blazers have launched a blog to detail some of the day to day happenings with the hockey club. If you haven’t check out the blog, follow this link. Read some of the Blog entries.

Spreading the Success

The Blazers are off to a terrific start with a 9-3-0-0 record to lead the B.C. Division. The Blazers and Spokane Chiefs are leading the WHL with a .750 winning percentage. The early success is spread throughout the team, as the Blazers have five players averaging a point per game. Both goaltenders have above average statistics in goals against average and save percentage. Also, every player on the Blazers roster has a positive +/- rating. In the Blazers nine victories, nine different goal scorers have scored the game winning goal.

These are just some examples of where the Blazers early season successes have come from.  

Blazers to Play Special Olympics Athletes

The Kamloops Blazers players will be playing Special Olympics Athletes in a game of floor hockey on Monday, October 24. Fans are encouraged to attend the event at Brock Middle School starting at 7:00pm.

Doris Rubel Audio Tribute

The Kamloops Blazers play-by-play man, Jon Keen, put together a Doris Rubel audio tribute that played on Radio NL earlier this year. To listen to the tribute please Go To This Link.

Promotional Schedule

                                      

Check out the promotional events schedule throughout the 2011-12 WHL season. For the Full Schedule.

Team Leaders: 

Goals – Colin Smith (8)

Assists –Tim Bozon (10)

Points – Colin Smith (16)

+/- – Tyler Hansen (+11)

Rookies – Tim Bozon (12)

PIM – Josh Caron (40)

GAA – Cole Cheveldave (2.21)

SV % – Cam Lanigan (.916) 

Injury Report

Jordan DePape, Upper Body, One Month +

Chase Souto, Upper Body, Day to Day

Community Service:

Monday, October 24^th, Special Olympics Hockey 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Tuesday, October 25^th, EDGE Presentation, 9:00am

Wednesday, October 26^th, Food Bank, 9:45am

Thursday, October 27^th, EDGE Presentation, 9:00am

Thursday, October 28^th, North Shore Safeway, 10:00am

Schedule: 

Monday, October 24^th, Off-Ice Activity

Tuesday, October 25^th, Practice 2:00pm-4:00pm ISC

Wednesday, October 26^th, Practice 2:00pm-4:00pm ISC

Thursday, October 27^th, Practice 2:00pm-4:00pm ISC

Friday, October 28^th, Blazers vs. Kelowna Rockets, 7pm, ISC  

Saturday, October 29^th, Blazers at Kelowna Rockets, 7:05pm

Sunday, October 30^th, TBA

Monday, October 31^st, Practice 2:00pm-4:00pm, ISC

BLAZERS CONTINUE ALBERTA TRIP TONIGHT

When you outshoot and out chance your opponents, it’s expected that you win hockey games. The Blazers accomplished both feats in Red Deer, similar to what they’ve done all season, but fell 4-2 to the Rebels.

The Blazers played a terrific third period despite the loss, but two mistakes cost the team the game. A puck jumped over Bronson Maschmeyer’s stick and allowed Tyson Ness to score on a breakaway. Only 24 seconds later, the Rebels centered the puck and Tim Bozon accidentally put it into his own net. That goal stood up as the game winner as the Rebels added an empty net goal.

Time of possession or territorial advantage is not a statistic that is kept, but the Blazers would have had a major advantage. They had the Rebels hemmed in their own zone for most of the third period. Credit to the Rebels though, they defended well and played a solid team game in the win.     

Thursday was an off day for the Blazers. The hockey club practiced in Red Deer in the morning and then headed to Calgary to spend a little time at the Iron Cross Mills Mall. The “outlet mall” is fairly new and located north of Calgary. After some lunch and shopping the Blazers travelled straight to Medicine Hat.

It is odd to run into another WHL team like the Blazers did in Red Deer as they shared their hotel with the Moose Jaw Warriors. It is even rarer to run into another WHL team as the Blazers did on Thursday in Medicine Hat. The Blazers are sharing their hotel in Medicine Hat with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Wheat Kings are coming off a 5-game U.S. Division swing and are playing in Medicine Hat tonight and in Lethbridge tomorrow night. By coincidence, the Blazers are playing in Lethbridge tonight and in Medicine Hat tomorrow night.

There are always connections with players in the WHL, so seeing opposing teams always means old teammates and friends run into each other. It is a thrill for players to run into the opposition, because as they say “everyone seems to know everyone”.

Tonight, the Blazers are looking to get back on track against a struggling Lethbridge Hurricanes squad. The Canes are 0-8-0-1 in their past nine games, but have made some moves to improve their hockey team. The Blazers will start goaltender Cole Cheveldave tonight.

That is all for the Blazers as they finish up their brief 3-game road trip to Alberta comes to an end tomorrow night in Medicine Hat.

Read Tonight’s Game Notes

Pictures...

A view from the press box in Red Deer

The Rebels have a terrific facility

Ryan Hanes and Josh Caron walk back to the bus

Chase Souto runs from Matthew Needham in a game of capture the flag

J.T. Barnett carries the ball for his team

BLAZERS IN RED DEER TONIGHT

The Blazers spent Tuesday on the bus to Red Deer. The team practiced in Kamloops and departed for Red Deer at about 10:00am. The hockey club stopped in Golden for a quick bite to eat and arrived in Red Deer at about 8:30pm local time.

Time spent on the bus is always memorable and a great way for guys to become closer. The Blazers have spent most of the early part of the season at home. This is a great time for the team to get on the road and get a chance for team bonding and team building.

The drive from Kamloops to Banff must be one of the most scenic drives in Canada. With it being October, the fall colours are out and luckily there was nothing but blue sky!

There are a lot of positive vibes coming from this team right now. Any time you’re sitting in first place and have given yourself a chance to win every night, it’s hard not to be positive. There is no doubt the Blazers have earned every win to this point in the season.

Lots of players are excited about this trip to Alberta. The Blazers roster includes six players from Alberta including Cole Ully (Calgary), Chase Schaber (Red Deer), Bronson Maschmeyer (Bruderheim), Cam Lanigan (Calgary) and Cole Cheveldave (Calgary). This will be the only time they have the opportunity this season to play close to home.

It is not odd for a WHL team to cross paths with another WHL team throughout the season. The Blazers are sharing their hotel with the Moose Jaw Warriors for the next couple of nights. The Warriors are playing in Edmonton tonight and in Red Deer on Friday.

Cam Lanigan will get the start tonight in Red Deer. Lanigan is coming off a 5-4 win in Portland in a game that he stopped two penalty shots against the Warriors. The 19-year-old goaltender has been solid for the Blazers this season after a dreadful year last season.

The Blazers were terrific in Alberta last season with an impressive 7-1-1-0 record. This included a 1-0 victory and a 4-3 overtime loss to a talented Red Deer Rebels team. The Blazers hope to carry over their success in Alberta this season.

Game time is 6:00PM PT, to read tonight’s game notes follow THIS LINK.   

BLAZERS DOWN TO TWO GOALTENDERS

KOZUN RE-ASSIGNED TO NIPAWIN OF THE SJHL

Kamloops, BC – The Kamloops Blazers have re-assigned 17-year-old goaltender Taran Kozun to the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Kozun appeared in two games with the Blazers and had a 1-1-0-0 record with a 3.53 goals against average and an .857 save percentage.  

“It is important for Taran to play more games at his age to further his development,” commented General Manager, Craig Bonner. “We think Taran has a bright future with the Kamloops Blazers and in the WHL.” 

The Kamloops Blazers roster now sits at 23 players, including 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders.

BLAZERS MAKE IT PERFECT WEEKEND SWEEP

The Blazers celebrate a goal over the Kelowna Rockets (Photo: Kelvin Harrison)

What is more difficult? Playing your 7^th and final game of a 14-day road trip early in the WHL season, or playing the night before in Portland and arriving back in Kamloops at approximately 6:45am to prepare for another game? Both scenarios have their cons, but the Blazers were full marks in a 3-0 home ice victory over the Prince George Cougars on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Rockets and Blazers were both playing their third game in as many nights. The Rockets came in after weekend games in Victoria, while the Blazers were at home waiting for the Rockets. The Blazers won the game in the second period as they took a 3-1 lead and won the game 3-2.

Playing three games in three nights challenges a team’s character, depth and stamina. Winning all three games is a credit to a team’s character, depth and stamina. The last time the Blazers won three games in three nights was during the 2006-07 season. The hockey club put up 40-wins that season. 

Goaltender Cole Cheveldave has impressed in his four starts this season. The 18-year-old rookie has played well, and the stats back it up. It is very early, but it is nice to see Cheveldave among the league leaders in goals against average and save percentage. He will get consideration for WHL Goaltender of the Week honours. The Blazers have a good situation with three goaltenders on their roster, each in different age groups (Lanigan – 19, Cheveldave – 18, Kozun – 17). All three goaltenders have earned wins for the Blazers this season.

The Blazers have shown their depth as it seems different players step up on different nights. Friday night, Brendan Ranford, Chase Schaber and Cam Lanigan were the difference in a 5-4 overtime win in Portland. Saturday night it was Colin Smith, Dylan Willick and Cole Cheveldave that the Blazers relied on. On Sunday night JC Lipon scored the winner and Cheveldave was solid once again. It is great to see different players step up at different times.

A terrific stat to note: In the Blazers seven wins, seven different players have scored the game winning goal. Everybody needs to be on board to win.

The Blazers only have one play in the Top 20 in WHL scoring. The offence is spread out though as the hockey club also has six players that are averaging at least a point per game.

One final stat to ponder, 20 of the 21 roster players have a positive +/- rating this season. Last season, only one player on the roster finished as a + player.

A day off for the players is in order today, with the Blazers in the midst of playing six games in nine nights. The Blazers get a bit of a breather after this portion of the schedule. Following this coming weekend, the Blazers only play 9 games over their next 31 days.

The hockey club will depart for Red Deer tomorrow morning. The Blazers are making their only trip of the season to Alberta this week. The team will play in Red Deer Wednesday night, Lethbridge Friday night and in Medicine Hat on Saturday night to conclude the trip.

Thoughts from the road will be coming this week. 

BLAZERS DOWN WINTERHAWKS 5-4 IN OVERTIME

The dressing room set up in Portland before the Blazers 5-4 overtime win over the Winterhawks.

Brendan Ranford and Chase Schaber were back to their old ways on Friday night, despite the loss of their line mate Jordan DePape. Ranford paced the Blazers with 4 goals and an assist and Schaber will finish with a goal and four assists in a 5-4 overtime victory.

Ranford is a natural goal scorer. The puck seems to find his stick, and he sure knows how to finish. It was great to see him play competitive and pick up his team with a goal when it was needed.

Veteran goaltender Cam Lanigan, who stopped not one, but two penalty shots in the game, deserves some credit. Lanigan played well we he needed to which helped the Blazers earn the two points. Both penalty shots were at key times of the game. As the Blazers trailed 3-2 late in the second period, Lanigan stoned Brad Ross. The Blazers went on to tie the game before the period was out. Lanigan also stopped Taylor Peters, who was awarded a penalty shot with only 1:32 left in the game. Good for the goaltender to step up when his team needed him most.

The Blazers departed Portland immediately following the game in order to get some rest to prepare for tonight’s game with the Prince George Cougars. Thanks to our new bus driver “Mike” who did a great job filling in for our regular bus driver “CC”. “CC” underwent a minor procedure this week so won’t be behind the wheel for a few weeks. The entire Blazers organization wishes him well in his recovery.

Tonight, Prince George is playing their 7^th game of a 7-game road trip that started on October 4^th in Prince Albert. The Blazers are only 1-7-0-1 against the Cougars in their last 9 meetings. The Cougars were also the team that spoiled the Blazers home opener with a 1-0 win and knocked the Blazers out of playoff contention in the 71^st game last season. The hockey club will be out for redemption tonight!

RECAP / GAME HIGHLIGHTS AT PORTLAND, OCTOBER 14,2011 

THOUGHTS WHILE IN PORTLAND

The Kamloops Blazers arrived in Portland on Thursday evening in preparation for Friday’s game. It was a fairly uneventful day of travel on a beautiful October day. The movie selections were 'Horrible Bosses', ‘Just Go With It’, and ‘Sanctum’. All the movies seemed to go over well.

The Blazers received the bad news that Jordan DePape’s injury will keep him out of the Blazers line-up for longer then first expected. DePape will require surgery and will be out of the Blazers line-up for an undetermined time. If all goes well with the surgery and rehab, DePape has the potential to return towards the end of the season. Good luck to Jordan and his recovery. On the positive side, DePape’s injury offers up an opportunity to some of the Blazers’ young forwards to gain more experience and ice time. 

Portland is truly a beautiful city. The population is close to about 600,000 people. Tomorrow's game will be played in the Memorial Coliseum which has a 1970s flavour to the rink. The NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers played in the Coliseum before moving to the spacious Rose Garden for the 1995-96 season. The Winterhawks split time between the Coliseum and Rose Garden for their home games. With the NBA lockout in full effect, the Winterhawks have moved one of their games from the Coliseum to the Rose Garden. Don’t be surprised to see more of their upcoming games moved to the Rose Garden due to the lockout.

Cam Lanigan will get the start in goal for the Blazers tonight. It looks like Cole Cheveldave will get the start in Kamloops when the Blazers host the Cougars on Saturday night. The goaltending position is still up for grabs with Lanigan, Cheveldave and 17-year-old Taran Kozun fighting for playing time.

The Blazers were winless against Portland last season, but the games were definitely entertaining. Last November, the Blazers and Winterhawks had an on-ice incident at the end of the second period which led to fines and suspensions for both teams. The Blazers mounted a third period comeback but fell short in a 6-4 loss to the Winterhawks. In December, the Blazers lost a close game 5-4 in Portland with only 15 skaters. Injuries and international tournaments depleted the Blazers roster.

The ‘Hawks and the Blazers have a storied rivalry that dates back to the 1980s. The Blazers and ‘Winter Hawks’, as they have been known for much of their existence, met 9 times in 14 seasons from 1981-95 in the WHL playoffs. The Blazers won 5 of 9 memorable playoffs series. Portland, Seattle and Kamloops are the oldest WHL teams in the Western Conference.

Go to blazerhockey.com to read the game notes in anticipation of tonight’s game.

BLAZERS HIT THE ROAD TOMORROW

The Kamloops Blazers will depart tomorrow for Portland for their second road game of the season. This will be the Blazers first real road trip, making just a day trip to Everett last Saturday. The drive to Portland usually takes about 8-9 hours. The team will make a pit stop on the way to grab a bite to eat.

Forward Jordan DePape is being left behind to visit the doctor on Thursday. The Blazers hope to find out more about the injury following the appointment tomorrow. The team knows they will be without the services of Jordan for at least four-to-six weeks. It is tough luck for the 19-year-old forward who has battled the injury bug during training camp, and at different times last season. 

The Blazers will get their first look at the defending Western Conference Champions on Friday night. The Winterhawks have returned most of their team, but are still without forwards Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter. Johansen has been a healthy scratch for the Columbus Blue Jackets first two games, while Niederreiter is on the injured list with the New York Islanders. The Blazers will still have their hands full with talented players like Sven Bartschi, Ty Rattie, Joe Morrow, Brad Ross, and Troy Rutkowski who are all high NHL draft picks.

The dreaded three games in thee nights has arrived for the Blazers. In total, the Blazers actually play six games in nine nights. If you really want to break it down, the Blazers will play those six games in five different cities. It is always a grind, but the hockey club has 24 healthy players on their roster. This should give everyone an opportunity to contribute over the next couple of weeks.

Expect to see a few pictures up on the blog from the trip to Portland.