Stamps' Stevens MJHL POW

Is it just me, or are the Swan Valley Stampeders and Dauphin Kings OWNING the MJHL Player of the Week, and Month awards?

That speaks for the great teams the Parkland area's lucky to have this season.

Swan Valley F Myles Stevens was given the weekly honour, netting 2-goals and 8-points in 3 games last week.

Remember when people were saying he was under-achieving?

Now, Stevens is 7th in the league in points (34-16-29-45).

He also racked up 25 points (8g-17a) in 12 games in November, and should be in the running for Player of the Month when it's announced in the next couple days.

Halfway Report: Yorkton Terriers

Record: 14-12-3-0 (31 pts) (as of halfway point, or 29 games)

On Pace: 28-24-6-0 (62 pts) .534%

Synopsis:
20 or so games in, it was starting to look like the same Terrier team from the last couple seasons. That's not a bad thing, it just means, few goals against, but few goals for. But having spent the better part of the last week with the Terriers, I think this last week could be a turning point for them. The start of November saw Yorkton go into their biggest slide of the season, starting the month 2-5-3 in their first 10 games. Since then, 3 straight wins away from home and it just seems like they have a bit of a swagger. Torey Stott went goal-less in seven of his first 8 games to start the season, but scored 4 goals in 5 games to hit the halfway point with a team-high 14g and 24p. He's been the club's heartbeat offensively on a line with Clarke Breitkreuz and rookie Brent Struble. But the thing that's got the Terriers on their recent hot streak was some secondary scoring that really wasn't there in the first 20+ games. The win against Melville on Friday saw the line of Matt Chomyc-Kevin Stringfellow-Rylan McDonell combine for 6 points, and the Estevan game the next day, it was Nathan Murray-Jordan Menke-Nick Dietrich who was likely the Terriers' top line. The line combined for 5 points, including 2 goals from Dietrich in the second period to draw the Terriers even, and McDonell followed up Friday's great effort with the winning goal in the final minute. As usual, the Terriers are in the upper echelon of teams when it comes to goals against, and that's been thanks to everyone, including the entire blueline, and all three goaltenders, with Luke Boechler, Joel Danyluk and Devin Peters all having great numbers.

What to Expect?
A reasonable goal for the Terriers would be to stay in the top three in the Sherwood, and push for second spot and home ice in Round One of the playoffs. Torey Stott, provided he stays healthy, should become the first Terrier to score 20 goals in a season in three years, and as long as the supporting cast continues to chip in and help that top line out, the Terriers have the makings to have a nice run. The blueline was already pretty solid, and Drew McDermott made it that much better. The 18 year old came from the WHL's Everett Silvertips in time for the Showcase, and showed poise on the powerplay, as well as dealing some big-time hits along the wall. Ed Zawatsky could very well have some other irons in the fire, and certainly has some trade bait, with several defenseman, and, oh yeah three goaltenders. The December 1st deadline is here, and we'll see what happens. Boechler and Danyluk have better numbers in terms of GAA and SV%, while Peters has the most wins, and surely taking the starting job last year as a relative unknown has to count for something.

HALFWAY HARDWARE
(Back for another year! Last year I gave MVP to Greg Coburn, Most Improved to Jordan Menke, and Most Pleasant Surprise to Devin Peters. Let's stick with those awards.)

Most Valuable Player
Torey Stott, Forward

As Stott goes, the Terriers go. Yorkton is 8-1-2 when Stott scores a goal this season. He's scored almost 20% of his team's goals, and has points on nearly one-third of them. On pace for 28 goals, Stott is leading the Terriers in most, or all offensive categories, and is a huge part of their powerplay. The 19 year old is showing no signs of a sophomore slump, after leading the team in goals a year ago with 18 as a rookie. As long as Stott's pace keeps up and the other lines chip in like they have recently, the Terriers' offensive woes could be a thing of the past.

Runners Up: Boechler, Danyluk, Peters, G

Most Improved Player
Kurtis Decker, Defense

With no goals and 5-assists, this award doesn't come down to offense, but responsibility. Decker's not flashy, but has been given plenty of ice time, including on the powerplay, and especially the PK. The Terriers probably don't have an undisputed top-pairing, but Decker and Austin Bourhis could arguably be that pairing, and are often on the first PP unit together. To appreciate Decker's game, you have to be at the rink on a regular basis, not just reading the boxscores on your computer. He blocks a tonne of shots and I've seen him break up countless cross-crease passes and end-to-end rushes, and they don't keep stats for that.

Runner Up: Nick Dietrich, F

Most Pleasant Surprise
Luke Boechler, Goalie

Boechler played Junior 'B' with the Saskatoon Royals last season, and won a Provincial Championship. This year, he took time off from university to give Junior 'A' one last shot, and halfway into the season, he's still on the Terrier roster as part of a 3-goalie system, and still leads the league with 3 shutouts, has a 2.30 GAA, .933%, and a record of 4-2-2. Realistically at the start of the year, one would have thought Peters and Danyluk would battle it out for the starting job and Boechler would backup one of them, but here he is challenging for the top job at the end of November.

Honourable mention to 17-year-old rookie defenseman Austin Bourhis, who leads all Terrier defensemen with 4g-10a-14p.

Feel free to agree or disagree with my choices in the Comments section. I'll post anything as long as you're not ripping players.

Ouch.

Monday morning, I still feel sick. Was Gainer the 13th man on the field?

Part of me is still proud, because the Riders weren't even supposed to keep it close. And they finished first for he first time in 33 years. Overall, a positive 2009 Rider season, but a kick in the stomach that won't go away until 2010.

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The Yorkton Terriers are riding high following a 3-game winning streak on the road, which including 2 wins at the Showcase. All 3 wins were by a goal (3-2 SO in KIN, 4-3 over MVL, 3-2 over EST).

The Terrier Coach's Show is available to listen to... I couldn't post last week's shows from Tuesday on because I was gone.

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Broadcasts this week....

Wednesday: Neepawa @ Swan Valley
Thursday: Yorkton @ Notre Dame
Friday: Swan Valley @ Portage
Sunday: Yorkton @ Notre Dame

Terriers Shade Mils @ Showcase

Another one goal game between the Hwy 10 rivals, this time at the Showcase in North Battleford, as the Yorkton Terriers held off the Melville Millionaires 4-3 on Friday afternoon.

Rylan McDonnell and Torey Stott scored in the second period, after the two teams played to a scoreless first. Matt Chomyc made it 3-0 early in the second, before Justin Hollinger got the Mils on the board with his 10th of the year. Stott would add his 2nd of the night and 14th of the year to restore the 3-goal lead, but the Mils didn't go away.

Michael Jordan and Logan Herauf scored late, and the Terriers and Luke Boechler managed to fend off a late Melville charge in the dying minutes.

Boechler made 38 saves on 41 shots, and looked like he could be in line for a league-best 4th shutout, until the Terriers beat him with their 30th shot. Zach Rakochy made 31/35 saves for Melville.

The Mils leave the Showcase empty-handed with no points in their two games, while the Terriers stay in the Battlefords for one last night, finishing off their weekend tomorrow (SAT) against Estevan (1:50 on GX94).

I spoke with Ed Zawatsky, and the newest Terrier Drew McDermott after the game. McDermott was recently re-assinged by the Everett Silvertips and made his Terrier debut in Friday's win. You may have heard those conversations on GX94's 5:05 Sports this afternoon. I might post them from the hotel tonight.

Right now we're watching Weyburn/Estevan before we leave for supper.

One more sleep. I think I speak for the rest of the guys when I say the road trip's been about long enough. It's been fun though!

100,000!

Steiner's Stall recieved visit # 100,000 at 12:07pm this afternoon.

It says it came from Ventura, California, but my SiteMeter says that a lot... (I think it's Yorkton or Melville!)

Thanks, and keep reading!

Terriers Deal Skagen to Hawks

The Yorkton Terriers have traded 20-year-old F David Skagen to the Nipawin Hawks for future considerations. Skagen had 4g-10a-14p in 25 games this season.

Klips Over Mils 5-3

Captains Michael Jordan and Jordan Braid take the ceremonial opening faceoff. Photo by Voice of the North Stars, and my colour man for the night, Dan O'Connor.

The Millionaires struck first on an Austin Krahenbil PP goal, but Sanfred King and Andrew Dommett made it 2-1 Klippers after the first. Braeden Adamyk made it 3-1 KK early in the third, but Melville's Aaron Decorby got that one back just 27 seconds later. Dommett's second of the game and 22nd of the season restored Kindersley's 2 goal lead, but Michael Jordan tipped in Krahenbil's point shot before the period was out, which made it 4-3 Kindersley. Taylor Duzan scored the third period's only goal, for the 5-3 final.

Dommett's been incredible the last two nights I've seen him. He scored two goals last year and halfway into his 19-year-old season he's one back of FF's Devin Mitzner for the league lead.

Also saw Mitzner and Flin Flon for a the first time tonight and was quite impressed despite their 2-1 loss to Humboldt.

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Again, Friday's Yorkton/Melville game unfortunatley won't be on the radio... but I am calling the game on the SJHL's webcast starting at 2:30, as well as the 11:00 game between Nipawin and Flin Flon. I'll still try to Twitter the YOR-MVL game as much as I can but it'll be a little more difficult since I'm doing play by play, and likely by myself. But click the Twitter link on the right, at www.twitter.com/gx94sports.

Look Who's Here...

Mils and Klippers at the Showcase tonight, 7:20 Pre Game Show on GX94.

From The Booth In Kindersley / Stamps Get 2nd Win Over Dauphin

Internet connection in Kindersley was wonky, so couldn't post until now. Here are a couple pics, and some audio from Wednesday's 3-2 (SO) Terrier win over the Klippers.

Torey Stott warming up starter Devin Peters. Not bad foreshadowing here, as Stott scored in regualation and added the shootout winner. Peters stopped 32/34 shots and all 3 shooters in the shootout.

Here's the radio audio from Stott's opening goal in the shootout and Peters' final save against
Kindersley's Jordan Braid.



Justin Lamontagne opened the scoring with his first SJHL goal early in the first period... Stott sniped his team-leading 12th in the second, before Andrew Dommett (20) and Taylor Duzan (10, PP) scored for Kinderlsley to force overtime. The Klippers out-shot Yorkton 34-22.

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Ryan Griffiths scored in his first home game in his return to Swan Valley, helping the Stamps beat the first place Dauphin Kings for the second time in 7 days, 5-2 at the Centennial Arena.

Chris Reimer, Brent Wilson, Carter Selinger, and Darcy Riddell had the others. Shelby Gray, Ryan Marshall and Myles Stevens had 2-assists each.

The Stampeders are now 19-12-1-1.
The Terriers have Thursday off, before taking on Melville Friday afternoon at 2:30, and Estevan Saturday at 2:00 at the Showcase in Battleford.

We're on the air Thursday at 7:20 with the Melville Millionaires and Kindersley on Day 1 of the Showcase.

Coffee Run Pics

Another beautiful day, no snow in Battleford either. Hoody and jeans was enough.

Home of most of our Pre and Post Game meals on the trip.

How would you like to own one of these? Pretty sure they have some significant $$$ flow!

They've got the fever!

So do they!

Home for a few days. Doesn't it look like summer?

The iron lung. Thanks to Bus Driver Bob, who I (might have) woke up after 11:00 last night because I left my laptop on the bus, and needed it to email my game report. Bob also predicted snow yesterday, and there were a few flakes as we got to the rink... but nothing since.

Morning!

After being awake from 6:00am - 1:00am yesterday, I made sure I slept from 1:00 to 9:30. Man that felt good! Terriers are enjoying breakfast in the hotel as I type... I think I missed it, so I'll wander down the street to Timmie's in the next little while. Sounds like the Terriers are going to the rink soon to grab their equipment and kill some time. Pre Game meal is at BP's at 1:30, before leaving for Kindersley around 2:00. Terriers and Klippers tonight at 7:00.

All is quiet at the Gold Eagle Lodge right now, but we're told the Melville Millionaires, La Ronge Ice Wolves, and Weyburn Red Wings are all checking in tomorrow! Infact the Mils and Terriers are both eating Pre Game at BP's back to back before their game Friday at 2:30.

Terriers' Coach & GM Ed Zawatsky looked ahead to the Klippers on last night's Post Game Show.

"We can close some gap in our division. Hopefully we're not too discouraged we haven't been scoring. We're just looking for that 50 minutes we played in the middle (last night) in Battleford and we should be fine."

This is only the second of six meetings between the Terriers and Klippers this season. Kindersley won the first one 6-2 on Halloween in Yorkton, while going 3-for-5 on the PP. Klippers have been hot of late, now sitting 15-10-0-1, 2nd place in the Sherwood, with a 4 point lead on ND and YOR. They're 4-1-0-1 in their last 6 games.

Some notes to consider:

- KK's Andrew Dommett has 14 goals in 13 home games this season.

- KK's Taylor Duzan has 16 points in his last 10 games.

- KK's Jordan Braid is top-5 in scoring with 17g-17a-34p.

- Ex-Brandon Wheat King Sanfred King scored two goals in his debut as a Klipper, now has 3-goals in 4-games.

- Klippers continue to ride 17-year-old rookie goalie Josh Thorimbert, who's 12-and-5 with a 2.88 GAA and .914%, along with a shutout.

Terriers Fall To Stars / Stamps Trade

The Yorkton Terriers kicked off their road swing with a 5-0 loss in North Battleford. I know 5-0 looks bad, but trust me, it wasn't a 5-0 hockey game. Battleford scored their first two goals less than a minute apart, both on the PP, one was a 5-on-3, and their last 3 goals all came in the last 6 minutes, including two 27 seconds apart in the final minute.

The 50 minutes in the middle, the Terriers were the better team, and out-shot the North Stars 33-27 on the night, Kyle Birch getting the shutout for BAT, the Stars' first of the season.

Yorkton's in Kindersley tonight (WED), 6:50 Pre Game Show, 7:00 face-off.

Ed Zawatsky Post Game



Ran into Chilliwack Bruins Coach/GM Marc Habscheid before the game and he was nice enough to come on during the second intermission.



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The Swan Valley Stampeders have re-acquired F Ryan Griffiths from the Steinbach Pistons. The 20-year-old had a team-high 17g and 31p with the Pistons. Going the other way were 18F's Tyler Peers and Francois Houde.

Griffiths was in the lineup on Tuesday, when the Stampeders fell 3-2 in Wayway.

At The Rink

From Battleford

9:30 am: (Leaving Farrell Agencies Arena) Thought I was running late, getting to Farrell Agencies Arena just before 9:00, so didn't stop for food/coffee. Got through another training camp on Madden 08 on PSP, while keeping an eye on "We Are Marshall" and "Bourne Ultimatum." Thankfully bus driver Bob needed a coffee in Dafoe, and I was able to grab a sandwich at the much-travelled 24/7 gas station. Closed my eyes but never slept, which is unfortunate... didn't get much shut-eye last night either. After Saskatoon, I finally pulled out my game notes and studied the North Star roster. They've got no less than SEVEN very good forwards, and some rookies also producing a lot of offense for Ken Pearson's bunch. Haven't seen the Stars this year, so I'm hoping the hourish drive for Stoon to NB familiarized myself enough. I made sure to remember who's #'s 12, 14, 19, 16, 10, 9, and 25, because I'll be saying those guys' names a lot tonight I'm sure.

2:30: Rolled into North Battleford... couldn't check into our rooms yet... lunch wasn't till 3:00. Scarfed down a Caeser Salad and Fettucini Alfredo at BP's. But after sitting across from Riley Rice's Lasagna I kinda wish I'd gotten that. Oh well, we're only eating there 4 more times, I'm sure I'll get it eventually.

3:30: Checked into Gold Eagle Lodge. Probably my favourite Hotel in the league. Nipawin's Evergreen Resort's a close second. My roomies are Ass't Coach Trent Cassan and Trainer Riley Rice. Three dudes, three beds. Just so you know.

Hoping to add some pics from the game tonight, provided there's a solid internet connection at the rink, which I believe there is. Voice of the North Stars Dan O'Connor joins me in the booth tonight... we're on the air at 7:20, puck drops at 7:30 to get this roadie underway.

Thanks for stoppin' by! The blog should reach 99,000 hits tonight, and with any luck should pass the 100,000 mark before the weekend's done. We'll have to throw a big "shin-dig" when that happens! Maybe send a GX94 Coffee Mug the winner's way... if I could tell who's reading.... and I can't.

Hit The Road!

At GX94 at about 7:00 am where I'll put together the 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 Sportscasts before catching the Terrier bus at the rink at 9:00. Thankfully I stayed late yesterday and put together everything else for the week! That's my chair corner of the newsroom. P.S. computer on the fritz! Hopefully something changes in the next week!

Clothes, Pillow (my best friend), and Dress Shirts. Packed last night, slept in (almost too much!) this am.

Halfway Report: Swan Valley Stampeders

Record: 18-11-1-1 (38 pts) 2nd in Sherwood

On Pace: 36-22-2-2 (76 pts) .613%

Synopsis:
Few expected this type of start out of the Stampeders, coming off a 2008-09 season that left them well out of the playoff picture. Add to the fact the Stampeders also brought in a new coach, an MJHL Rookie in Dwayne Kirkup, and there was sure to be a learning curve. But, the Stamps started the season 8-and-3, had a bit of a dry-spell, ending up 8-and-8 at one point, but have since gone 10-3-1-1. G Chris Ward was expected to be one of the top goalies in the league, but had numbers below his standards, and was traded to Melfort for Charlie Pogue. In seperate deals, GM Guy Vestby also moved G Josh Hohn to Steinbach and acquired G Caden Unger from the Winnipeg South Blues. Since Unger's arrival, the Stampeders have gone 7-1-1-1, and he's got a 5-0-1 record, a 1.62 GAA, .943%, and a shutout. Up front, the Stamps have put together a top-six that rivals anyone else's. The lines of Darcy Riddell-Ryan Marshall-Carter Selinger, and Shelby Gray-Myles Stevens-Chris Reimer have both contributed big time. It seems if one line's having an off-night, the other's firing, and on night that they're both on, the Stamps can rack 'em up, and they proved that with a 7-goal performance against Dauphin last week. Some more production from lines three and four will likely be needed down the stretch to ensure a spot in the post season. On defense, Cody Straker's the only 20-year-old, and has certainly been a steadying force back there with his physical play, and has also chipped in his share of points. But the bulk of the offense from the defense has come from Brent Wilson and Paul Bonar, each hovering around the point-per-game mark.

What to Expect?
I think it's safe to say playoff hockey will return in the Valley this spring, but home ice advantage in round one is anything but locked up. The Stamps currently have a slight lead over OCN with a game in hand, but I see the Blizzard as having piles of potential if everyone gets healthy. And I think teams you really have to watch are Portage and Neepawa. The Terriers and Natives have oodles of games in hand on everyone, and their winning percentages are almost on par with Swan Valley's. And certainly worth noting: in the final half of the season, the Stampeders play Dauphin 6 times, Portage 6 times, Neepawa 5 times, and OCN 5 times. Infact 19 of the Stamps' final 21 games in January and February are against Sherwood Division opponents. There are LOTS of points still on the table, and a team could go from 5th to 2nd, or, 2nd to 5th, in a hurry. And with the top 4 teams in the Addison all above .500, a cross-over's far from a guarantee at this point too. After typing this, I'm not sure "safe to say SV will make the playoffs" was the best choice of words with it being so close, but I feel they've given Dauphin as hard a time as anyone, and they've held their own against the Saints, too. Odds are a very good Sherwood team won't see the post season.

HALFWAY HARDWARE
(I did these awards at the halfway point last year for Melville and Yorkton, and will try to do them for all 4 teams this year. They're awards I just makeup myself and are only my opinion. You can feel free to leave any comments!)

Most Valuable Player
Ryan Marshall, Forward

This was a tough one to pick. With so many Stampeders having great offensive seasons, I've gotta go with the leading scorer, and not just for his 23-goals and 43-points. Marshall plays a tonne of PK minutes, and takes a lot of key faceoffs in his second season in Swan Valley. He led the MJHL in scoring through the first month, and still isn't far off the pace, after missing three games for the World Junior 'A' Challenge when he won a silver medal with Team West.

Honourable Mentions:

F Darcy Riddell: Riddell, like Marshall, does it all. He's added a lot more offense this season and is consistently the Hardest Working Stamp.

D Paul Bonar: Bonar coming back from the WHL drastically improves the Stampeder powerplay, as Coach Kirkup can have both Bonar and Brent Wilson on the backend on the PP. It paid instant dividends.

Most Improved Player
Chris Reimer, Forward

Reimer had 21 goals in his first two seasons of Junior Hockey, and has 23 in half a season as a 20 year old, including 16 in his last 13 games. Sure, he's on a hot streak, and likely won't continually put up more than a goal per game, but he's a threat to snipe 40 (on pace for 46).

Honourable Mentions:

F Carter Selinger: Selinger's fit in nicely alongside Riddell and Marshall, putting up a point-per-game as a 20 year old.

D Dylan Trowell: Trowell makes few if any mistakes, keeps things simple, and has built on a solid rookie campaign with another great defensive, physical role on the blueline as a sophomore.

Most Pleasant Surprise
Caden Unger, Goalie

I pondered if this was fair or not, since Unger's only played six games, but it's tough to argue with a 5-0-1 record, and the other statistics he's putting up. Originally brought in to replace Josh Hohn as Chris Ward's backup, Unger's now splitting time with fellow 18 year old Charlie Pogue, who was acquired for Ward shortly after Unger's arrival. So far the two rookies have been flip-flopping, or alternating games. But if Unger's numbers keep up, one has to wonder if he'll take on more of a "starter's" role.

Honourable Mentions:

F Shelby Gray: After getting little or no ice time in Weyburn, Gray's emerged as a top-six forward, and rounds out the Stamps' top two lines nicely, on a line with Myles Stevens and Reimer.

F Chris Reimer: Sure, they expected increased production, but to lead the team in goals? Reimer's exceeded expectations, and almost didn't play this season because of career opportunities.

Monday Randoms

- Rider Nation's a good place to be right about now, after yesterday's 27-17 win over the Calgary Stampeders. Off to the Grey Cup for the second time in three years, this time against Goliath (Montreal Alouettes). 16-3 to this point on the season. They lost to Calgary in last year's Grey Cup, and Riders hope they can turn the same trick IN Calgary. Darian Durant's emerging as a Top-3 QB in the CFL, and I absolutely love our Canadian meat-and-potatoes receiving corps. TD's for Getzlaf, Fantuz and Bagg yesterday. Grey Cup starts at 5:30 SK time on Sunday afternoon. We've got all the coverage on the air, including the Pre Game Show starting at 4:30 with The Cooperators Roughrider Football on GX94.

- As the radio guy for both teams, it was good to see not four, but SIX points get awarded between the Yorkton Terriers and Melville Millionaires in a Friday/Saturday home-and-home. They both need the points in a tight Sherwood Conference, and now Melville's in 4th (12-12-2), one point back of 3rd place Yorkton (12-11-3).

- Today is my only day at the radio station this week, as I jump on the Terrier bus tomorrow morning and don't come back until Saturday. The schedule makers have the Terriers in Battleford/Kindersley right before the Showcase starts in Battleford. Here's our schedule for the next week.

Tue/Nov/24: Yorkton @ Battlefords 7:20 / 7:30
Wed/Nov/25: Yorkton @ Kindersley 6:50 / 7:00
Thu/Nov/26: Melville vs Kindersley 7:20 / 7:30
Fri/Nov/27: Yorkton vs Melville 2:30
UNFORTUNATELY WE'RE NOT ABLE TO BROADCAST! SORRY!
Follow live updates at www.twitter.com/gx94sports
Sat/Nov/28: Yorkton vs Estevan 1:50 / 2:00

- I plan to step up the blogging during the road trip. I wanna say diary but that's a girly word. But I'd like to do some kinda journal or something with pictures, etc. So follow the Terriers and Mils at the Showcase right here, and on Twitter for all the latest!

- In the MJHL, the Swan Valley Stampeders are already half-done their regular season, and have a very respectable 18-11-1-1 record, which has them second place in the MJHL's Sherwood Division. They picked up 3 of 6 points on the weekend, losing 5-4 (SO) at home to the Saints on Friday, lost 8-5 in Neepawa Saturday, and won 3-2 (SO) yesterday in Neepawa. Chris Reimer scored in every game. He's now got goals in his last 10 games and points in his last 13 (16-8-24). Unreal! The plan for late this morning or early afternoon is to put together a Stampeders' halfway report, complete with some halfway awards, so stay tuned! The Wayway Wolverines got back on the ice over the weekend, after postponing 5 games due to sickness. The Wolverines lost in 7-2 in Dauphin on Friday, and 6-1 at home against the Saints on Saturday. They're now 6-18-0-1.

Saturday Quickie

Yorkton Terriers 3 @ Melville Millionaires 4 (OT)
Summary

Winnipeg Saints 5 @ Swan Valley Stampeders 4 (SO)
Summary

Wayway Wolverines 2 @ Dauphin Kings 7
Summary

Terriers (12-11-1) @ Mils (10-12-2)

Where to begin?

- It's an 8-point weekend. If the slumping Millionaires can sweep, they'd pass the Terriers and be right back in the thick of things. If Yorkton sweeps, the Mils will have lost 7 of 8, and quite possibly be looking at "selling," even as early as the December 1st roster cut-down date. I'm not just assuming, Jamie Fiesel said this stretch of games (including the Showcase) will go a long way in determining what they do December 1. If the two teams split, like they did Thanksgiving Weekend, well, not much changes!

- Neither team has lit the lamp a lot lately. In their last 10 games, Yorkton's scored 21 goals, while Melville's found the net 29 times. Jordan Menke leads the Terriers with 8 points (4g, 4a) in his last 10 games. Michael Jordan, Mike Desjarlais and Logan Herauf have 9 points each during the same stretch for Melville.

- Torey Stott leads the Terriers with 9 goals, but has one goal in his last 8 games. Even Menke, who does have 4 goals in his last 10 games, is goal-less in 5. Kevin Stringfellow hasn't scored in his last 6. Cody Zubko was originally credited with Yorkton's goal in a 1-0 win in Humboldt last Saturday, but that's since been changed to Nick Dietrich's goal. That makes Zubko without a goal in 14 games. Some of the Terriers' top guys are certainly due heading into the weekend.

- Most under-rated Terrier? Might be Kurtis Decker. I was amazed Tuesday in Weyburn how much #3 was on the ice. Must have been at least 25:00. Decker's got 2 assists on the season but his defensive game has been great, and he'll likely see a lot of Herauf, Decorby and company this weekend.

- The Terrier powerplay was great in the first home and home against Melville, going 5/13 (38.5%). Their overall penalty kill is still a league-best 84.1%.

- Should be Devin Peters' turn to start tonight for Yorkton. Petey is 6-6 with a 3.40 GAA and .897%. Boechler and Danyluk have had better #'s lately, so a strong performance for Peters against Melville would really help his cause as the Terriers look to get down to two goalies in the next 10 days.

- I wasn't just picking on the Terriers. As mentioned the Mils' offense has gone a little cold recently also, with their 6-0 win in Weyburn November 3rd the exception. After getting points in 17 of his first 18 games, Mils' leading scorer Logan Herauf has been held pointless in 3 of his last 6 games, and has put up 1g, 2a in those 6 GP. Aaron Decorby's kept things pretty consistent. Although he's also been kept off the sheet in 3 of his last 6 games, he's scored goals in 3 of his last 4, and now leads the team with 16g. Matt Kinnunen started the season on fire and has 9 goals, but none in his last 7 games. Kinnunen and Michael Jordan lead the Mils with 2g and 4 points against Yorkton this season.

- Coach Fiesel says his best forward of late has been Michael Desjarlais. The rookie has a 3-game point streak heading into tonight (2-2-4), and has points in 11 of his last 15 games (5g-9a-14p).

- Brayden Metz has 1g, 2a in 5 games since his return from the Regina Pats.

- Who starts in goal tonight for Melville? 16-year-old Zach Rakochy's either started or came on in relief in 6 of Melville's last 7 games. Brady Wilyman hasn't been 100% health-wise lately as the flu is going through a lot of hockey teams this time of year.

- A little inconsistent? The Mils started the season 2-and-1, then went 0-5-1 in their next 6, 7-1-1 in their next 9, and are 1-and-5 in their last 6.

- Tonight's game's on the radio, starting at 7:20 with the Pre Game Show. If you're out of town, head to http://www.gx94radio.com/ .

Harvest Qualify For Mac's

For a second straight season, the Yorkton Harvest will spend the Christmas Holidays in Caglary.

The Harvest learned this week they've qualified for the annual Mac's "AAA" Midget Hockey Tournament, which brings in the upper echelon of "AAA" Midget clubs from across North America.

Yorkton went winless last year, but Coach Graham Garrett expects them to draw on that experience and have a much better showing this time.

"Last year it was a goal to make the Mac's. This year, we're going there to compete. We're not just going there for the round robin, to enjoy the scenery. We're going there to show we're one of the top teams in Canada. There are 3 American teams going too. We're there to prove to everybody that we're a team that could be vying for a National Championship."

The Harvest are still first place in the SMAAAHL, with a record of 11-6-3-1, and have a lengthy break in their schedule as teams with games in hand make up some ground. Yorkton doesn't play again until Saturday, November 28th when they host the ND Argos at 4:00.

Speaking of the Harvest, I put some calls in yesterday to try to get Graham Garrett's suspenion clarified. Graham commented off the record but didn't want to be quoted on the air. The SMAAAHL Disciplinarian returned my call after I'd left yesterday... hoping to get him on today. I'll post it on the blog whatever I find out.

**If time allows, stay tuned for a Mils/Terriers preview! We're on the air at 7:20 tonight!

Nik Lewis Fuels The Fire

This isn't a Rider Blog, but I'm still a die hard supporter, and (Calgary) Stampeder hater. Check out this story from Canoe Slam Sports.

Let's cheer it for Lewis
Stampeder has celebration plans
By IAN BUSBY, SUN MEDIA

If the Saskatchewan Roughriders are annoyed with Nik Lewis' celebrations, they won't appreciate the Calgary Stampeders receiver's weekend plans.

"I'm going there to disappoint a province," Lewis said yesterday responding to comments he celebrates first downs too much.

"Not a stadium, but a province. The whole province is going to be Stamps fans (after this weekend).

"They had a Grey Cup win a couple years ago. They should be good for another 30 years."

Nothing like stoking the rivalry four days before the West final in Regina.

The Stamps refused to get into a war of words last week when Maurice Lloyd and the Edmonton Eskimos felt they were disrespected by the Stamps.

Ignoring those perceived slights seemed to work, and the Stamps came through with a 24-21 victory at McMahon Stadium.

The Riders did fire the first volley, as middle linebacker Rey Williams and defensive back Donovan Alexander both said they don't like Lewis' antics.

"They don't like people celebrating, then stop 'em from doing it," Lewis said.

Riders slotback Chris Getzlaf went as far as to say the motto in his locker-room is those catches are expected from his group and therefore not worth doing until you get into the endzone.
Clearly, Lewis' behaviour is not for everyone's tastes.

The elaborate touchdown celebrations are gone, but the slotback still screams to the heavens when he gets a first down, no matter the length of the reception.

The six-time 1,000-yard receiver gets plenty of publicity for it, and it seems he's part of every TSN intro for Stampeders' games.

Head coach John Hufnagel didn't find the Riders' remarks all that troubling and even took a shot of his own at his receiver when asked about it.

"If Nik got in the endzone a bit more, he wouldn't have to do the other things," Hufnagel said about the receiver who set the record this season for most yards with only one TD.

Lewis did have one of his best games of the season in the West semifinal, catching seven passes for 100 yards -- five of which were for first downs.

So there were plenty of first-down signals from the slotback.

Lewis hopes the Riders keep talking about what the visitors are doing, hoping that means the home side is lacking focus.

"They know who the better team is," Lewis said. "They are worried about us. We're not worried about them. We're not talking about them.

"We don't care about what they are going to do. We care about what we're going to do. When we do what we do, we're a better team than everybody else. When we don't do what we're supposed to do, we lose games."

There are more than a few Stampeders offensive players who believe they are their own worst enemy.

For years, the mantra in the Stampeders' locker-room is if penalties and turnovers weren't committed, the Horsemen would keep winning games easily.

"We know what we have in the locker-room," said Stamps quarterback Henry Burris.
"We have a very good team. If we play the right type of ball, we can beat anybody in this league.
"When we're not doing what we're supposed to do, those teams have cashed in and beat us."

IAN.BUSBY@SUNMEDIA.CA

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/CFL/Calgary/2009/11/19/11809221-sun.html

MJHL Sherwood: Percentages

While there's been a lot of parity in the MJHL this season, the games played from team to team, because of various circumstances, have been been anything BUT even.

What I often like to do is figure out teams' winning percentages to see where everyone REALLY stands, since points don't always tell the story in unbalanced schedules. For instance the Neepawa Natives have NINE games in hand on the OCN Blizzard. While it looks like Portage and Neepawa are slipping... really, they just haven't played any games for a while.

So here are the Sherwood standings based on percentages.

1) Dauphin Kings .875 (28 GP, 24-3-1) 49 pts (1st)
2) Swan Valley Stampeders .625 (28 GP, 17-10-1) 35 pts (2nd)
2) Portage Terriers .625 (24 GP, 13-7-1-3) 30 pts (4th)
4) Neepawa Natives .524 (21 GP, 10-9-0-2) 22 pts (5th)
5) OCN Blizzard .517 (30 GP, 14-13-2-1) 31 pts (3rd)
6) Wayway Wolverines .283 (23 GP, 6-16-0-1) 13 pts (6th)

Now of course this early in the season it only takes one or two losses, or wins, to drastically change your winning %, so don't read TOO much into these numbers. Dauphin was playing over .900 hockey before last night's loss to Swan!

And there's no sense even trying to predict first round playoff matchups at this point... it just makes my head spin. 2nd to 5th is up for grabs right now, and there's certainly no guarantee of a second straight cross-over with Winker just under the .500 mark as the 4th place team in the Addison.

I don't think anyone truly wants to see Dauphin in round one, even though the Stamps have had 2 good games against them. That 2 vs 3 matchup already looks like a seven gamer, and we have no clue who's going to be in it!

It's going to be one heck of a race to the finish, and we're not even halfway there!

Stampeder Statement

The Swan Valley Stampeders (17-10-1) built on a solid week on the road, returning home to defeat the first place Dauphin Kings (24-3-1) 7-4 on Wednesday.

The game featured scoring in bunches. Dauphin led 2-1 early in the second, before the Stamps reeled off 4 straight in the middle frame, and two more in the third to lead 7-2 at one point before the Kings chipped away with a couple late markers.

This time the Stamps had two lines firing on all cylinders. Darcy Riddell (2-2-4), Ryan Marshall (1-3-4) and Carter Selinger (2a) combined for 10 points, while Myles Stevens (1-2-3), Chris Reimer (1-1-2) and Shelby Gray (2a) had 7 points between them. Reimer now has 20 goals on the season, and is on pace to pot 44.

Defensemen Cody Straker and Brent Wilson (PP) also scored.

Charlie Pogue made 35/39 saves, as the Stamps did get out-shot 39-24.

The second place Stampeders now have 35 points, which is still 14 back of Dauphin, but gives Swan a 4 point cushion on 3rd place OCN, with 2 games in hand.

The Stampeders are 6-0-1 in their last 7 games. They host the Winnipeg Saints Friday night, then go to Neepawa Sat/Sun.

Zawatsky, Fiesel Tellin' It Like It Is

Four teams, roughly 15-20 pre games, 15-20 post games, at least 30 weekly coach's shows, and whenever there's other big news.

In other words I interview each of our four Head Coaches no less than 60, and in some cases close to 100 each year.

When you talk to the same people that much, it runs the risk of becoming redundant, both with the questions asked, and/or the answers given.

But between last night and this morning, I got some great quotes from Yorkton's Ed Zawatsky and Melville's Jamie Fiesel. I know if I was a player, they'd "wake me up!"

Eddie can be heard below in the Yorkton @ Weyburn game recap... Feez is under the Weekly Coach's Shows link... but here are some of their key thoughts.

Zawatsky says his best players need to perform. (Specifically referring to a 1:38 5-on-3 where they didn't score)

"You can't draw that up. You need some guys to step up and take advantage of that and score the big goal. We're still waiting for that guy to emerge and do that. Even at the end of the game, we had chances, we have certain guys out there who've had a lot of opportunities, we're 24 games into the season. Tonight, Niebrandt scores our only goal, Zubko scores our only the other day. If you're gonna win on the road, you need some guys we identify as offensive guys to score some goals."

Zawatsky on their 5-forward unit on the 5-on-3.

"I thought Stringfellow and Breitkreuz did a good job on the backend, Stringer hits the post, but our three forwards we had out there decided to do their own thing and got out of position and we squandered the last 30 seconds. I know it's a developmental league and you give them some leeway, but we really need those guys to step up and score at a time like that."

Fiesel on last night's loss in Estevan.

"It was absolutely self-inflicted. We had a 1-0 lead, and you're not going to win 1-0 very often, but in the third period we took some dumb penalties, a roughing after the whistle, and shooting the puck at the goalie after the whistle to get an unsportsmanlike call. You can't win hockey games with that mentality. We've got guys frustrated right now and it's hurting their game, and we don't have enough guys playing at the level we need to play and we don't deserve to win."

Fiesel on Mils' streaky play of late, questioning idenity.

"It's not enough. We're still debating whether we're a team that can cause some damage in the league this year, or if we're a team that has to suck it up, and maybe we don't need so many 20-year-olds on the team, and build for the future. We are coming into a new rink in a couple years, so these things are going through our head, and when you have games like last night where not enough guys are on board, it makes you wonder, 'are you good enough this year?', and we're still in that stage of deciding."

Fiesel on a key stretch of games (HUM-YOR-YOR-KIN-YOR) possibly determining which way they're going.

"Well absolutely, and then you have December 1st. We were debating going down to 23, or as low as 20 guys by then, leaving 5 cards open. That way if you want to move some 20-year-olds, get 2 for 1, you have room. So there's a lot still open right now, and these next two weeks are really going to decide it. If we're still in the position we're in now, I don't know if that'll be enough, and we'll have to really evaluate our situation at that time."

Terriers, Mils Both Come Up Short Away From Home

The Yorkton Terriers dropped a 2-1 decision in Weyburn on Tuesday night. Rhys Thomas opened the scoring for Weyburn on an early powerplay at 2:45 of the first period.

The two teams played to a scoreless second, before Forest Dell made it 2-0 Wings with 7:34 remaining in the game. John Niebrandt scored a powerplay goal with about 2:30 left in the game, and the Terriers thought they'd tied it, but the potential tying goal was waved off as it was ruled Torey Stott re-directed the puck above the crossbar.

AJ Whiffen made 33 saves to get the win, Joel Danyluk took the loss, making 28 saves.

Ed Zawatsky Post Game



Yorkton's in Melville Friday (on GX94), and home to the Mils on Saturday.

----------------

The Melville Millionaires suffered a similar fate in Estevan.

The Mils led 1-0 after the first period, but the Bruins scored four times in the third period, en route to a 4-2 win. Aaron Decorby (team-leading 16th) and Brayden Metz scored for the Mils.

Zach Rakochy made 34/38 saves.

Melville's home to Humboldt tonight, before the weekend home-and-home with the Terriers.

Terriers Warmin' Up in Weyburn

Terriers (12-10-1) @ Red Wings (16-3-0-4)

The Yorkton Terriers hook up with the Weyburn Red Wings for the fourth time this season tonight (7:20 on GX94).

- Weyburn leads the season series 2-1. Yorkton won the season opener 3-1 on home ice, but the Wings have since won two games by 5-1 scores, and have out-scored the Terriers 11-5 in the three head-to-head matchups.

- Rhett Bly (pictured) is finding his stride for the Wings. Bly takes a 5 game point streak (1g-6a-7p) into tonight's contest, and has hit the scoresheet in 9 of his last 10 games (6g-8a-14p). He leads the team with 15g, 14a, 29p.

- Bly's right-winger is Tyler Penny (13-12-25). Penny's been a model of consistency all season. He's had seven multi-point games, and has never had more than 2 points in a game, but has been held pointless in just 4 of the 22 games he's played in. Penny has a 9-game point streak coming into tonight (9-4-13).

- The third member of Weyburn's top trio is former Estevan Bruin Brennan Wrigley (7-11-18). Wrigley has a 4-game streak going (2g-4a-6p).

- Surprisingly enough, despite 11 goals in 3 games against the Terriers, that top line hasn't been a factor, combining for just 5 points (Bly/Penny 1g, 1a each, Wrigley 1a). Chris Daniels has been Weyburn's top scorer against Yorkton, with 2-2-4 in 3 games. Brock Appelyard (3g) and Lucas Ulmer (3a) have 3 points each vs YOR.

- You might remember at the start of the season I put a poll on the blog asking which Yorkton Terrier has the best chance of scoring 20 goals this season, as it hasn't been done in Terrier land in the last two seasons. I also predicted it would happen at least once. Torey Stott leads the team with 9 goals, and is on pace for 22.7. Jordan Menke has 7 in 23 games, Clarke Breitkreuz has 6 in 17. Both are on pace for just under 20.

- G Luke Boechler leads the SJHL with 3 shutouts. He also has 3 wins (3-2-1). If they keep going with their 3 man rotation, it would make tonight Joel Danyluk's (3-2, 2.88, .912, 1SO) turn to start.

- Weyburn's been rotating their two 20 goalies for the most part this season. Who would you rather face? A.J. Whiffen (7-1-0-3, 2.06, .927, 1SO)? Or Tanner Erickson (9-2-0-1, 2.44, .927, 2SO)? Yikes.

- No member of the Terriers has more than 2 points in 3 games vs Weyburn. Bourhis, Byczynski and Zubko (1g, 1a) and Skagen (2a) are tied for the team lead.

- Kevin Stringfellow (23-5-8-13) leads the Terriers in scoring away from home, with (3-3-6) in 10 games (tied with Clarke Breitkreuz).

- The Terriers' penalty kill is an SJHL-best 84.3%. In the month of November (6 games), Yorkton's given up just 4 powerplay goals in 36 chances, good for 88.9%. Special teams could be in the Terriers' favour, as the Wings, despite leading the league in points, have just the 9th best PP in the league (16.9%).

Make Up Game: Wayway @ Neepawa Tue/Jan/12

Alumni Watch: Daniel Hope

Daniel Hope, last year's Melville Millionaire captain, is finding huge success in his rookie season in the Canadian College ranks. The Kelvington kid's in his first campaign with the ACAC's Augustana Vikings, and is currently averaging an even two points per game. Hope is tied for the team lead with 10 goals, to go along with 12 assists and 22 points. Former Nipawin Hawk Torrie Dyck also has 10 goals, and leads the Vikings with 25 points. Hope and Dyck were teammates once before, with the SMAAAHL's Tisdale Trojans. Third in scoring for Augustana is former Humboldt Bronco & Notre Dame Hound defenseman Tanner Vandesype.

Hope had a team-high 28g and 63p for the Mils in 55 games last season.

Wayway Postpones 5th Straight Game

Portage Terriers @ Waywayseecappo Wolverines scheduled game for Tuesday, November 17th is PPD.

http://mjhlhockey.ca/news_item.aspx?news_id=1617

MJHL P.O.W.: Chris Reimer, Swan Valley

Pretty much a no-brainer.

Swan Valley Stampeder forward Chris Reimer has been named MJHL Player of the Week, after racking up 7-goals and 12-points during 4 games last week, in which the Stampeders went 3-0-1.

Reimer's 19 goals are third-best in the MJHL (Dauphin's Ryan Dreger leads the league with 21). Reimer leads the league with 10 goals on the powerplay.

The 20-year-old, along with Myles Stevens and Shelby Gray have given the Stamps two lines for the opposition to be scared of, with the Ryan Marshall-Darcy Riddell-Carter Selinger trio supplying the bulk of the Stamps' offense in the first two months of the season.

Stevens, and OCN's Jordan Sinclair were named runners-up for the weekly honour. Stevens had 11 points (4g-7a) in 4 games last week.

Morden, Meilleur, Rakochy Named to World U-17's

A forward, a defenseman, and a goalie, all from GX94 clubs will play in the World Under-17 Hockey Championship during the holidays.

Swan Valley Stampeder D Evan Morden (left), Wayway Wolverines' RW Jens Meilleur (right) and Melville Millionaires' G Zach Rakochy (middle) will all be part of Team West, which is made up of 11 Saskatchewan, and 11 Manitoba-born players born in 1993 (16-year-olds).

Two of the three guys are also local products, with Morden from Swan River, and Rakochy from Canora, SK. Rakochy will also be joined at the U17's by his own Coach, as the Millionaires' Jamie Fiesel goes behind the bench for a second straight year, assisting former Notre Dame Hounds' Coach Mike Vandenberge.

Another local tie to Team West is defenseman Ryan Murray. The 16-year-old defenseman is a rookie phenom for the WHL's Everett Silvertips. His brother Nathan plays for the Yorkton Terriers.

Full Roster

The World Under-17 Championship runs from December 29th to January 4th in Timmins, Ontario.

Unger Sticks It to Old Mates

Just a couple weeks ago, 18-year-old Caden Unger was the odd-man out in a crowded Winnipeg South Blues crease. Since a late-October trade to the Swan Valley Stampeders, Unger is 4-and-0, with a 0.98 GAA and a .966%, and on Sunday, made 35 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against his former Blues' team in Winnipeg.

The win makes it 6 games without a regulation loss for the Stamps (5-0-1), and they picked up 5 of a possible 6 points on their 3 in 3 trip to the big city (2-0-1).

A red-hot Chris Reimer scored again, his team-leading 19th of the season, and added an assist. Myles Stevens also had 1g, 1a. Reimer's now got 18 points during a 9-game point streak, including 12 goals.

The Stamps also re-take sole possession of second place in the Sherwood Division (16-10-1-0), and welcome the first place Dauphin Kings on Wednesday night.

Terriers, Mils Win; Stamps Get a Point

Luke Boecher made 33 saves for yet another shutout, to lead the Yorkton Terriers to a 1-0 win in Humboldt Saturday night. Boechler's played just 6 games this season, and leads the entire SJHL with 3 shutouts (3-2-1 record). Boechler's also above .500 on the season, despite a goal support of just 1.67 per game. Cody Zubko's first period marker proved to stand up as the winner, as the Terriers (12-10-1) grab 3 of a possible 4 points on their Melfort/Humboldt trip. They're back on the road Tuesday in Weyburn, and Friday in Melville (both on GX94).

Brayden Metz got his first points as a Millionaire this season, and his goal and assist both came in the first 37 seconds of the second period, as Melville held off Notre Dame 3-2, to get back to .500 (12-12-2). Michael Desjarlais scored the winner in the third.

Chris Reimer's hot streak continued, as the Swan Valley Stampeders fell 7-6 in overtime against the Winnipeg Saints, taking 3 of 4 points against the Addison Division leads the past two nights.

Reimer sniped a hat trick and added one assist, and his line with Myles Stevens (2g, 2a) and Shelby Gray (2a) had another huge night, combining for 10 points. Reimer now has 8g and 16p during an 8 game point streak, and is now tied for the team lead with Ryan Marshall with 18 goals.

Aside from the Reimer-Stevens-Gray line, D Brent Wilson had 3-assists, and Paul Bonar scored once.

The Stamps wrap up a three game weekend trip to Winnipeg against the Saints on Sunday.

Struble Scores in Season Debut For YT; Stamps Shade Saints

Brent Struble got into the Yorkton Terriers' lineup for the first time this season after a foot injury sustained in camp, and promptly scored his first SJHL goal in the second period of a 4-3 OT loss to the Melfort Mustangs. Matt Chomyc scored Yorkton's other two goals, while Todd Chinova scored twice for the 'Stangs, including the overtime winner. Former Swan Valley Stampeder Chris Ward made 27/30 saves in the Melfort cage, and even picked up an assist in the win.

----------------------

Ryan Marshall's back. After being held pointless in his return from the WJAC Wednesday in OCN, the 18-year-old scored twice, his 17th and 18th of the season (3rd most in MJHL), leading the Swan Valley Stampeders to a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Saints, to start off their road trip with two big points. Chris Reimer also scored, his 15th of the season (5g in last 4 games, 12p in last 7). Paul Bonar and Brent Wilson, who are behind only Dauphin's Steven Shamanski for points by a defenseman in the league, each got on the board again with assists.

The Stamps held the first place Saints to just 23 shots, and Caden Unger stopped 21 of them for his third straight win, and Swan Valley's 4th straight overall. With Dauphin beating Portage last (FRI) night, the Stamps and Terriers are now tied for 2nd with 30 points each (Stamps are 15-and-10). I think everyone else might as well just start cheering for Dauphin to beat other Sherwood opponents, because let's face it, the Kings are 22-2-1, and even if they play .500 hockey the rest of the season (and they won't, but just for argument's sake), they'd still finish with 40 wins, which is usually enough for 1st place. I predicted they'd win 50+, and it looks like 55 might not even be out of reach.

And as I'm sure you've seen by now on the MJHL site, the Wayway Wolverines weekend games in Selkirk and Winkler are also postponed, which means the Wolverines now have 4 games they need to make up. Let's hope it doesn't come down to last year's schedule, when they Wolves were forced to play 7 games in 8 nights to finish the season before a tough playoff matchup with Portage.

Interesting fact: All MJHL teams except for the bottom team in each division (Wayway & Steinbach) are at .500 or better. Great for the league, but will make it tough for teams like Wayway to get back in the race. My fingers are crossed though!

Weekend Schedules

SJHL (4)
Yorkton Terriers @ Melfort Mustangs 7:30
Estevan Bruins @ Weyburn Red Wings 7:30
Nipawin Hawks @ Kinderlsey Klippers 7:00
La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Battlefords North Stars 7:30

MJHL (5)
Swan Valley Stampeders @ Winnipeg Saints 7:30
Portage Terriers @ Dauphin Kings 7:30
Steinbach Pistons @ OCN Blizzard 7:00
Neepawa Natives @ Selkirk Steelers 7:30
Winnipeg South Blues @ Winkler Flyers 7:30

Prairie Junior Hockey League (2)
Assiniboia Southern Rebels @ Fort Knox 8:00
Ochapowace Thunder @ Saskatoon Quakers 7:45

Fishing Lake Hockey League (4)
Wadena Wildcasts @ Tisdale Ramblers 8:30
Kelvington Wheat Kings @ Foam Lake Flyers 8:30
Theodore Buffaloes @ Canora Cobras 8:30
Preeceville Pats @ Porcupine Plain Blues 8:30

Triangle Hockey League (1)
Churchbridge Imperials @ Moosomin Rangers 8:00

Qu'Appelle Valley Hockey League (3)
Indian Head Chiefs @ Grenfell Spitfires 8:00
Ogema Colts @ Rouleau Ramblers 8:00
Milestone Flyers @ Balgonie Bisons 8:00

Highway Hockey League (2)
Semans Wheat Kings @ Wynyard Monarchs 8:00
Southey Marlins @ Lumsden Monarchs 8:00

North Central Hockey League (3)
Oak Lake/Brandon Ice Men @ Shoal Lake Eagles 8:30
Virden Oil Kings @ Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks 8:30
Reston Rockets @ Foxwarren Falcons 8:30

**The Fox FM Prairie Fire players will be helping out with the Melville Food Bank this Saturday morning. From 9 to Noon, members of the team will be going door to door around Melville, looking for donations.

South Sask Midget "AA" Hockey League
Melville Millionaires @ Moose Jaw 8:45

LDM Foods Men's Cash Spiel
@ the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton
http://www.saskcurl.com/

8:30pm Draw
Jeff Hartung (Langenburg) vs Mike Eberle (Regina)
Wade Syordo vs Dallan Muyres (Saskatoon)
Kelly Kesslering (Moose Jaw) vs Bryan Derbowka (Yorkton)
Derek Gaudreau (Martensville) vs Jamie Schneider (Kronau)
Mark Herbert (Moose Jaw) vs Terry Marteniuk (Yorkton)
Shawn Joyce (Saskatoon) vs Adam Himmelspach (Lampman)
Warren Jackson (Saskatoon) vs Chris Busby (Osage)
Derek Boe (Regina) vs Clint Krismer (Regina)

High School Volleyball Regionals
http://www.shsaa.ca/pages/ets/pub_standings.php3?p_district_id=14

5A Boys in Weyburn
Yorkton Sacred Heart vs Moose Jaw Central 7:00

**Yorkton Regional plays their first game tomorrow (SAT) morning at 10:00 against Moose Jaw Vanier.

5A Girls in Moose Jaw
Yorkton Regional vs Estevan 7:00
Yorkton Sacred Heart vs Moose Jaw Peacock 7:00

**Melville's hosting 4A Girls Regionals on Saturday

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SATURDAY

1A Six-Man Football Provincial Final
Hanley Sabers @ Kelliher Cobras 1:00 on GX94

2A Six-Man Football Provincial Final
Clavet Cougars @ Hudson Bay Riders 1:00

Nine-Man Football Provincial Final
Swan Valley Tigers @ Lumsden Devils 1:00

High School Volleyball Regionals
http://www.shsaa.ca/pages/ets/pub_standings.php3?p_district_id=14

5A Boys in Weyburn
Yorkton Regional vs Moose Jaw Vanier 10:00
Yorkton Sacred Heart vs Weyburn 10:00
Yorkton Regional vs Balgonie 2:00
Yorkton Sacred Heart vs Estevan 2:00

5A Girls in Moose Jaw
Yorkton Sacred Heart vs Estevan 10:00
Yorkton Regional vs Moose Jaw Peacock 11:00
Yorkton Regional vs Yorkton Sacred Heart 1:00

4A Girls in Melville

Pool 'A'
Kipling vs Indian Head 10:00
Melville vs Indian Head 12:00
Melville vs Kipling 2:00

Pool 'B'
Canora vs Moosomin 11:00
Moosomin vs Lumsden 1:00
Canora vs Lumdsen 3:00

SJHL (5)
Notre Dame Hounds @ Melville Millionaires 7:30
Yorkton Terriers @ Humboldt Broncos 7:30
Weyburn Red Wings @ Estevan Bruins 7:30
La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Kindersley Klippers 7:00
Battlefords North Stars @ Melfort Mustangs 7:30

MJHL (4)
Swan Valley Stampeders @ Winnipeg Saints 7:30
Wayway Wolverines @ Selkirk Steelers 7:30
Neepawa Natives @ Dauphin Kings 7:30
Steinbach Pistons @ OCN Blizzard 7:30

Prairie Junior Hockey League (4)
Ochapowace Thunder @ Delisle Chiefs 7:30
Regina Capitals @ West Central Rage 7:30
Saskatoon Royals @ Assiniboia Southern Rebels 7:30
Saskatoon Westleys @ Tri-Town Thunder 7:30

Fishing Lake Hockey League (4)
Tisdale Ramblers @ Preeceville Pats 7:30
Theodore Buffaloes @ Foam Lake Flyers 7:30
Porcupine Plain Blues @ Wadena Wildcats 7:30
Canora Cobras @ Kelvington Wheat Kings 7:30

Triangle Hockey League (1)
Churchbridge Imperials @ Rocanville Tigers 8:00

Qu'Appelle Valley Hockey League (3)
Gordons Golden Hawks @ Balcarres Broncs 8:00
Balgonie Bisons @ Indian Head Chiefs 8:00
Rouleau Ramblers @ Kelliher Komets 8:00

Highway Hockey League (3)
Avonlea Arrows @ Bethune Bulldogs 8:00
Raymore Rockets @ Cupar Canucks 8:00
Wynyard Monarchs @ Southey Marlins 8:00

North Central Hockey League (2)
Grandview Comets @ Reston Rockets 8:00
Minnedosa Bombers @ Virden Oil Kings 8:00

Saskatchewan Midget "AAA" Hockey League (4)
Battlefords Stars @ Notre Dame Argos 1:00
Swift Current Legionnaires @ Moose Jaw Warriors 1:30
Regina Pat Canadians @ Tisdale Trojans 5:00
Beardys Blackhawks @ Saskatoon Blazers 7:45

South Sask Pee Wee "AA" Hockey League
Yorkton @ Swift Current 2:45

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SUNDAY

LDM Foods Men's Cash Spiel
@ the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton
http://www.saskcurl.com/
4:00 Final

MJHL (2)
Wayway Wolverines @ Winkler Flyers 6:30
Swan Valley Stampeders @ Winnipeg South Blues 7:30

SJHL (1)
La Ronge Ice Wolves @ Notre Dame Hounds 6:00

Prairie Junior Hockey League (4)
Regina Capitals @ Delisle Chiefs 3:00
Saskatoon Quakers @ West Central Rage 4:30
Cypress Cyclones @ Saskatoon Royals 5:00
Prince Albert Ice Hawks @ Saskatoon Westleys 7:45

North Central Hockey League (2)
Kenton Cougars @ Roblin North Stars 4:00
Oak Lake Ice Men @ Miniota/Elkhorn C-Hawk 7:30

Saskatchewan Midget "AAA" Hockey League (4)
Battlefords Stars @ Notre Dame Hounds 1:30
Regina Pat Canadians @ Tisdale Trojans 2:00
Moose Jaw Warriors @ Swift Current Legionnaires 2:15
Beardys Blackhawks @ Saskatoon Blazers 2:45

Saskatchewan Female Midget "AAA" Hockey League
Melville Fox FM Prairie Fire @ Notre Dame Hounds 4:30

South Sask Pee Wee "AA" Hockey League
Yorkton @ Swift Current 12:45

Wayway @ Portage PPD Tonight

Tonight's MJHL game between the Wayway Wolverines and Portage Terriers has been postponed. Once again it's due to some possible, and confirmed H1N1 cases.

Stamps 7 @ Blizzard 5

The newly-formed line of Shelby Gray, Myles Stevens and Chris Reimer combined for 13 points in the Swan Valley Stampeders' 7-5 win over the OCN Blizzard last night.

Reimer led the charge with 2-goals and 3-assists, while Gray scored twice and added 2-assists, and Stevens scored one and set up three.

Darcy Riddell added an empty-netter, while defenseman Paul Bonar had a goal and an assist, and Brent Wilson had two helpers.

For Reimer, he's now riding a 6-game point streak, with 7-goals and 11-points during the stretch, and the Stampeders are now alone in 3rd place with a 14-and-10 record.

Charlie Pogue made 25 saves on 30 shots in his Stampeder debut.

The Stamps are on the road to Winnipeg this weekend, where they'll face the Saints tomorrow and Saturday, and the Blues on Sunday.

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Kindersley Klippers 4 @ Melville Millionaires 3
MVL: Decorby, Hollinger, Herauf 1g; Wilyman 19/23, L

Yorkton Terriers 1 @ Estevan Bruins 5
EST: Haygarth 3g, 1a
YOR: Skagen 1g; Danyluk 36/41, L

Stamps (13-10-0-0) @ Blizzard (12-11-2-1)

Who says games in November mean nothing?

The Swan Valley Stampeders visit the OCN Blizzard for a big-time game in the Sherwood Division standings tonight (7:20 on GX94). 2nd to 5th in the standings are separated by just 9 points, and the Stamps and Blizz are right in the middle of it. OCN's 3rd with 27 points (26 games played), while Swan Valley sits 4th with 26 points (23 games played).

The two teams haven't seen eachother since an early season home-and-home that saw the home team win both games (OCN won 5-2, Stamps won 5-3).

Darcy Riddell leads the Stampeders with four points (1g, 3a) against OCN in two games, while OCN's Zeanan Ziemer and D Dale Warkentin each have 5 points (1g, 4a) in their two games vs the Stampeders. Blizzard G David Aime is 1-0 with a 1.62 GAA and a .954% against Swan Valley. Chris Ward played all 120 minutes against OCN in the Stamps' goal, but of course is now with the Melfort Mustangs. Charlie Pogue is expected to make his Stampeder debut tonight.

Zeanan Ziemer has tore is up at home this season, with a team-leading 7g and 23p in 10 home games so far.

Jordan Sinclair's been the hottest member of the Blizzard lately, racking up 4g-7a-11p in his last 10 games.

The Stampeders welcome back Ryan Marshall tonight, after he returned with a silver medal from the World Junior 'A' Challenge in Summerside, PEI. Marshall returns, still the Stamps' leading scorer, with 16g-16a-32p in 20 games. Darcy Riddell's just one point back (12-19-31).

Marshall left for PEI on a 5 game point streak (3-3-6). Chris Reimer has 5-1-6 in his last 5 games. Carter Selinger has 7 points (1-6) in only his last 2 games. Riddell has 3-2-5 in his last 2. Francois Houde had a career game in last Wednesday's 5-0 win over Wayway, collecting 3a.

The Stampeders have the league's 3rd ranked PP at 25%. OCN's 85% PK is second best in the MJHL. The Stamps are also the league's most penalized team, with 596 minutes in the sin bin.

**Inside the MJHL Episode 10 is now available on the blog by clicking the link on the right hand side. It will also air during the second intermission of tonight's game. Talk to you from OCN!

MJHL Commish Davis on H1N1 Situation

MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis

H1N1 Hits Wayway // Mils Goalie TYPO!

Tonight's MJHL game between the Wayway Wolverines and Neepawa Natives in Minnedosa has been postponed.

Barry Butler said on today's Wayway Wolverines' Coach's Show that oneof his players has a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus. A couple others are probably cases, and as many as 4 others are under examination with symptoms.

Since the show, Barry called back and said it's officially been called off, with no makeup date set as of yet.

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Haiden Block DID NOT play goal for the Melville Millionaires in Flin Flon on Saturday night. It was infact Zach Rakochy. Mils' Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel says it was just a typo.

Canada West Settles For Silver / Women's U-18 Wraps Up

USA won gold at the World Junior 'A' Challenge for a second straight year, with Sunday's 2-1 win over Canada West. After a scoreless first period, Team West scored first in the second, but the States tied it and scored the winner just :50 into the third.

Swan Valley's Ryan Marshall looked good and was out there in the dying minutes as they pressed for the tying goal. Yorkton's Clarke Breitkreuz had a physical start to the game, and I didn't think I saw him for a while, but didn't know if he was out of the game for sure, until I saw him at the end of the handshakes wearing just a jersey over his street clothes. Too bad to see him leave early, hopefully it's not a serious injury or anything like that.

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The WJAC kind of over-shadowed another major Hockey Canada Event, and that was the Women's Under-18 Nationals in Surrey, B.C. Plenty of local content there as well, with Melville's Jessica Campbell (now playing with the Pursuit of Excellence Program in Kelowna) on the squad again this year. Also, two current Melville Fox FM Prairie Fire girls were on the club, D Cara Zubko (Preeceville) and F Kennedy Ottenbreit (Grayson).

Saskatchewan finished 7th, beating B.C. in their final game on Saturday, while Manitoba picked up a 4th place finish, falling in Sunday's Bronze Medal Game, 2-1 to Quebec. Swan River's Meghan Vestby was on the club. Ontario Red beat Ontario Blue 1-0 to take Gold.

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The Yorkton Harvest picked up a big 4-3 win over Beardy's on Sunday, to improve to 12-6-1-1. Tayler Thompson scored twice, while Damon Severson and Levi Cable added the others. Scott Shivak played goal and made 35 saves in the win.

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I've got a couple "Days In Lieu" for doing games on stat holidays this past year, so I'm taking the next two Monday's off. A little R & R, and some Christmas Shopping in Regina's on the agenda for tomorrow (Nov/9). So catch ya Tuesday. Just two games for me this week. Wayway's taking on Neepawa Tuedsay (Game's in Minnedosa! Just found out! They tell me there's a phone line though.) Wednesday I've got Swan Valley @ OCN, and then ALL weekend with no games. Infact I see only two games on the air next week two, before it gets really busy with the Showcase in Battleford at the end of the month. I'll be in Battleford with the Terriers right before the Showcase also, when they make a Battleford/Kindersley Trip. I'll be there for 5 days, doing 4 games, should be fun. Hoping my buddies Dan O'Connor and Perry Thiessen can tell me what to do in NB for that long!

Early Sunday Sports

(Chick sacks Burris inside the Calgary 5 yard line late in the 4th quarter. Stampeders elect to give up a safety and change a 7-point Rider lead into 9?????? Chris Szarka added a late touchdown to seal it. Photo from calagaryherald.com)

- Riders Win! 30-14 over the Stampeders, to lock up first place in the CFL West for the first time since 1976. I don't even think my parents had MET in '76, so obviously this is my first chance to see my favourite team in any sport host a West Final. I wasn't even nearly as stressed as I usually am watching a Rider game... because they seemed in control for almost the entire contest (expect for their usual 3rd quarter woes). Darian Durant was ON... and found Chris Getzlaf and Rob Bagg for first half TD's, and found Andy Fantuz TWELVE (12!) times, for well over 100 yards. So we're 2-0-1 against the Stamps, but I think there's a great chance we're going to have to win one more against them, and that still worries me a tad. Can they really go undefeated in 4 games against the defending champs? Stampeders host Edmonton next Sunday in the West Semi Final, and we'll actually pick up that game on GX94 as well. The winner will face the Riders November 22nd. Grey Cup is the 29th in Calgary. Time to sit back and watch the Bombers and Ti-Cats this afternoon. Bombers win: They host Hamilton again next week in the East Semi. Tabbies win: They host B.C. next week.

- A little local flavour in all three remaining High School Football Provincial finals after yesterday's results.

9-Man
Swan Valley @ Lumsden

2A 6-Man
Clavet @ Hudson Bay

1A 6-Man
Hanley @ Kelliher

Provincial Finals are all on Saturday, November 14th.

- The Melville Millionaires went 0-and-2 on their Northern trip, falling 3-0 in FF last night. Box Score says 15-year-old Haiden Block was in goal, backed up by Brady Wilyman. Not sure what's going on there. Rakochy played in Friday's 5-2 loss in Nipawin. Could be some more sickness. Forward Dane Bonish came home from Nipawin with Clark and I on Friday for the same reason. Mils are back to .500 at 9-9-2.

- Yorkton Harvest lost 8-3 in Saskatoon to the Contacts yesterday, they're in Beardys this afternoon.

- Just noticed Warren Shymko was the backup goalie for the Moose Jaw Warriors last night. Looks like an emergency call-up situation, as MJ usually has Jeff Bosch and Brandon Glover. Glover played last night and Bosch wasn't on the roster. It'd be nice to see Shymko land a gig in the Dub. Due to a numbers game with the Yorkton Terriers he was assigned to the PJHL's Saskatoon Royals. Nothing against that league, but he's probably a solid Junior 'A' Goalie even at 17, and, as proven again, has drawn interest in the Western League. They've also bounced him around a little, having been traded from Tri-City to Kelowna, then re-assigned to Yorkton, and now picked up by Moose Jaw, at least last night.

- And don't forget about the World Junior 'A' Challenge Gold Medal game today at 3:00. Forwards Clarke Breitkreuz (Yorkton Terriers) and Ryan Marshall (Swan Valley Stampeders), and Coach Barry Butler (Wayway Wolverines), and the rest of Canada West meet Team USA in a rematch of last year's final (States won in a lopsided affair) on TSN2. Hopefully you've got it... I've got SaskTel Max... regular channel is 115, TSN2 HD is 415. Between that and the Bombers/Ti-Cats, and maybe a little NFL, if interesting, it should be a nice Sunday afternoon!