THOUGHTS FROM PRINCE GEORGE

It was a bounce the Blazers took advantage of, and have earned this season. Marek Hrbas dumped a puck into the Cougars zone, and an awkward bounce allowed Brendan Ranford to tap in a goal. The goal stood up as the winner in a 5-1 road victory in Prince George. The Blazers started slow on Friday, but stuck to their game plan and were stronger as the game wore on.  

Brendan Ranford has quietly scored 11 goals in his first 13 games to lead the Blazers in that category. He also now has three game winning goals on the season now. He was not selected for the 2011 Subway Super Series, but that has only motivated him to work harder and maintain consistency.

Forward Jordan DePape had successful surgery yesterday. His teammates were glad to hear from him following the surgery. The 19-year-old will have a long recovery ahead with a minimum of four months off from hockey. If everything goes well, Jordan will recover as the Blazers are in the stretch heading for the playoffs. He would be a great late season addition.

Amazingly, the Blazers already have more victories against the Kelowna Rockets and Prince George Cougars then all of last season. The Blazers only beat the Cougars once last year, and defeated the Rockets only twice. The hockey club has already beaten the Rockets three times, and the Cougars twice this season.

The hockey club has scored eight shorthanded goals, compared to only four last season. The Blazers lead the WHL in that category. The Saskatoon Blades and Medicine Hat Tigers have each scored six shorthanded markers. The WHL's leading scorer, Emerson Etem, has scored all six shorthanded markers for the Tigers.

Following tonight's game, the Blazers will have some time to breathe as they don't play until next Friday afternoon. In fact, the Blazers play only four games over their next 17 days.

That is all from Prince George, have a good weekend.

Enjoying a meal at Moxie's 

Blazers' Captain Chase Schaber stretches before game time

The Blazers celebrate a 5-1 win in Prince George

Pre-game preparations

The dressing room

Standing for the national anthem

THOUGHTS AS BLAZERS HOST WINTERHAWKS

The Blazers host the Portland Winterhawks tomorrow night for the first time this season. The defending Western Conference Champions are currently on a 9-game, 17-day road trip that started on October 21^st in Edmonton. The Winterhawks toured the Central Division with a 2-3-1-0 record and finish up their road trip this Friday and Saturday in Kelowna.

In the first meeting of the season on October 14^th in Portland, the Blazers scored a 5-4 overtime victory. Brendan Ranford led the Blazers with four goals and an assist and Chase Schaber had a goal and three assists. There were a lot of shots in the game as the Winterhawks outshot the Blazers 41-37.

The Winterhawks were dealt a blow to their roster today as the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that 19-year-old forward Ryan Johansen will stay in the NHL for the time being. The ‘Hawks are also without 19-year-old forward Nino Niederreiter who is still with the New York Islanders. He has yet to see game action due to injury, so isn’t expected back any time soon if at all by the Winterhawks.

There is still a ton of talent on this ‘Hawks team with eight players drafted to NHL teams. This includes 19-year-old Sven Bartschi who hasn’t played a game on the ‘Hawks current road trip.

On the Blazers front, they hope to continue their strong play and success into the month of November. The Blazers have had a terrific start to the season with an 11-3-0-0 record and were 10-2-0-0 in the month of October. So far, the hockey club is 3-0-0-0 against U.S. Division teams with wins over Everett, Spokane and Portland.

Cole Cheveldave gets the start tomorrow night as the Blazers continue to rotate Cheveldave and Cam Lanigan.

Chase Souto is expected to return to the line up tomorrow night after missing the last six games with an upper body injury. The Blazers will be without 16-year-old forward Cole Ully for the week after he suffered an upper body injury in a game this past weekend.

The Blazers hit the road on Thursday to prepare for two games in Prince George this weekend. Get ready for some pictures and thoughts from Prince George later this week.

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