Random Kamloops Blazers Thoughts

Here are some thoughts about the Kamloops Blazers this week:

Congratulations to 16-year-old forward Matt Needham for being selected to play for Team Pacific at the upcoming U-17 World Challenge in Windsor from December 29^th – January 4^th. Team Pacific is made up of 16-year-old players from B.C. and Alberta. Every player on Team Pacific’s roster plays in the WHL.  

There was a cheque presentation prior to the Blazers home game on Saturday when they defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings 5-2. The presentation was to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society for $8,250. This is an increase over the past two seasons where the Blazers have raised money through jersey and stick auctions. Thanks to everyone who donated to this great cause.

Don’t forget, the Blazers are raising money for Men’s Cancer during the month of November. Donations have gone well as the players have raised over $1000 in donations for their moustaches. To keep up to date or to donate, Follow This Link.

Colin Smith is in Regina to compete for Team WHL at the 2011 Subway Super Series. He will play tomorrow night for Team WHL. On Thursday, Smith will fly to Spokane and meet the team.

The Blazers are hitting the road on Thursday and trying something a little different. They will depart from Kamloops at about 7:00am and practice in Osoyoos around lunch time. The team will then travel to Spokane following lunch in Osoyoos. In the past, the Blazers have practiced at home before they have departed.

There are some telling stats through 19 games this season. The Blazers have only trailed after two periods in three of 19 games this season. Three of the team’s six losses have come when the team was tied or led after two periods.

The Blazers are 8-0-0-0 in games where the score differential is 3+ goals. This means in all six of the Blazers losses they have only lost by one or two goals. The Blazers have allowed three empty net goals and are 1-4-0-0 in games with a 2-goal differential. If empty net goals are taken out of the equation, this shows that five of the Blazers six losses have been by only one goal.

What is with the high power play success rates among WHL teams this season? Believe it or not 19 of the 22 teams have a power play succession rate of at least 20.0%. In 2010-11 only 10 of the 22 teams finished with a succession rate of at least 20.0%. This also means that the penalty kill percentages are much lower then normal.

The Blazers success continues to be driven by team play with all 20 players contributing on a night by night basis. Goaltenders Cam Lanigan and Cole Cheveldave have virtually the same stats and ten different players have scored game winning goals for the Blazers. The teams continued success relies on team efforts night in and night out.