Steiner's Stall

TERRIERS & DQ TEAM UP

2012-02-02T20:58:00.001-06:00

(Click the poster... it'll get easier to read....)

MILS 2 @ HUMBOLDT 5

2012-02-02T02:12:00.003-06:00

There's a bad quality picture of Melville's bench during Oh Canada (lots of space huh?). 14 skaters... 9 forwards (including Fort Knox DEFENSEMAN Rylan Badduke, who had a great game), and 5 defensemen went into Humboldt to face the country's 2nd ranked team, and just didn't have horses or gas in the tank to keep up.

They were tied 1-1 after the first period, but the Broncos added four straight, and would win 5-2.

Russell Trudeau scored both Millionaire goals, giving him 26 in just 33 games this season. Ian McNulty had one assist, extending his point streak to 6 games (18 points).

The Mils were out-shot 37-14 (although the Mils clearly had a handful of shots that went unmarked in the second period especially), and Alex Wakaluk took the loss making 32 saves.

Often, when you win the special teams battles, you win, but the Mils went 2/6 on the PP and 7/7 on the PK in a losing cause, as they were out-scored 5-0 at even strength.

The Mils take on Notre Dame on Friday in Fort Qu'Appelle (on GX94).

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Tyler Giebel scored his second hat trick of the season, Curtis Oliver added a pair, as the Yorkton Terriers routed the Flin Flon Bombers 7-1.

Zak Majkowski and Kailum Gervais also scored for Yorkton, while Devon McMullen, Kelly Leismeister, Brent Struble and Jeremy Johnson all had 2 assists.

Warren Shymko earned another 'W', making 27/28 saves.

The Terriers move 3 points up on Melville for 2nd place, and 8 up on Estevan.

They're back in action Friday at home against Melfort.

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Wayway grabbed another single point in OCN with a 3-2 overtime loss.

The Wolverines got second period goals from Brett Lafond and Andrew Clark (SH), and took a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Cory Simons stopped 27/30 in the Wolverines' cage.

The Wolverines now sit 5 points back of Swan Valley for a playoff spot, and both teams now have 12 games remaining... 4 of which are against each other.

MILS' PK FALTERS IN OT LOSS TO BOMBERS

2012-02-01T01:37:00.004-06:00

Things were looking rosy for the Melville Millionaires to collect their fourth straight win when Ian McNulty scored his 2nd of the night, 21 seconds into the second period, giving his club a 3-0 lead over the Flin Flon Bombers.

But, after the Bombers tacked on two powerplay goals later in the second, and two more as part of a three goal third, McNulty's hat trick goal was needed just to get the game to overtime, where the Millionaires fell 6-5 (OT). Flin Flon went 4/7 with the man advantage, as Melville's 10th ranked PK falls to 77.5% for the season.

While the tying goal to get a single point was big, the Mils surely feel that they gave a point, and a chance to tie Yorkton for 2nd, away. As it stands, they're now one back of the Terriers, and 5 up on Estevan, with 2 games in hand on both teams. On a positive, that's 6 straight games the Mils have picked up at least one point in (4-0-2-0).

Melville's in Humboldt tonight (WED), on GX94.

On a sidenote, McNulty finished with 3 goals (32), and 4 points, which vaulted him past Andrew Johnston (HUM) and Blake Tatchell (WEY) and into sole possession of 2nd in the SJHL, 4 points back of Weyburn's Jesse Ross. He was 7th in league scoring when I was on the road with them last week. He now has 13 points in his last 3 games to quickly change that. Jesse Mireau also had four points (1g-3a), and Russell Trudeau added three assists, as that line combined for 11 points, one shy of the 12 they had last time out against Kindersley.

McNulty is now the reigning SJHL Player of the Week, and the Month, for January.

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The Wayway Wolverines took a 2-0 lead on early second period goals from Russell Turner and Jean-Michel Naud, but it was even at 2-2 after two periods in OCN.

Ashley Howie gave the Wolverines the lead back on a third period powerplay, his team-leading 21st goal of the season, but the Blizzard would answer once again, and go on to win 4-3 in a shootout.

Wayway's single point leaves them 6 points behind Swan Valley for a playoffs spot, with a game in hand. They'll meet the Blizzard again on Wednesday night.

What The New SJHL Schedule Means For Terriers/Mils

2012-01-31T09:04:00.002-06:00

As you saw in yesterday's release, the SJHL's schedule will be cut from 58 to 54 games next season.

Here's the breakdown of what will be different, and how it will affect the Millionaires & Terriers.

CURRENT SCHEDULE

The Terriers and Millionaires play:
- Each other: 8 times (as "rivals.") (home/away 4 times)
- Other 4 Sherwood teams: 6 times (home/away 3 times)
TOTAL OF 32 vs SHERWOOD TEAMS
- All 6 Bauer teams: 4 times (home/away 2 times)
TOTAL OF 24 vs BAUER TEAMS
- 2 Showcase Games
TOTAL OF 58 GAMES

SCHEDULE AS OF NEXT YEAR

Terriers & Millionaires will play
- Every Sherwood opponent: 8 times (including each other) (home/away 4 times)
TOTAL OF 40 vs SHERWOOD TEAMS
- All 6 Bauer teams: 2 times (home/away just once)
TOTAL OF 12 vs BAUER TEAMS
- 2 Showcase Games
TOTAL OF 54 GAMES

CHANGES COMING TO SJHL NEXT SEASON

2012-01-30T16:13:00.001-06:00

On January 28th 2012, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League held its semi-annual Governor’s meeting.

The meeting was held in Melfort at the Canalta Hotel; opening remarks were provided by Regional Vice President Gary Hoffert of Canalta Hotels.

The Governors have made decisions that will create hockey opportunities for
young men from Saskatchewan in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League
for the years to come.

First,the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s maximum number of 20 year old
players for the 2012-13 season will be 8; previously it was 9. For the
2013-14 season the maximum number of 20 years olds will be 7.

Next, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will play 54 games starting in
the 2012-13 season. With this number of games, teams will play the
majority of their games on weekends. With the reduction of 20 year old
players, this will provide more opportunities for younger players in the
league.

With the majority of the games to be scheduled for the weekends during the
season, the younger players will be able to focus on school during the
week and hockey practises.

Training camps will start on or after September 5th 2012 for all teams.

At the start of this season the Governors wanted to ensure that players
wanting to pursue opportunities at the NCAA level were being provided
those opportunities. This year the SJHL had an increase of over 100% of players writing SAT exams from the previous year.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League wants to be the League that provides
hockey players options to all leagues, there have been several players
that have been called upon to play in the WHL during the season and
several that have been returned to the SJHL from the WHL to gain more
experience at a high level of hockey in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey
League.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has agreed upon 3 year contract and a
1 year option with Sher-wood to be the supplier of Equipment and
Sticks.

The Official Helmet Supplier will be Cascade Sports with the M11 the
Messier Project, the helmet appears to be the helmet that will protect
our players the best.

With today’s concerns around head injuries the Governors felt that the M11
was the best option to protect the players in the Saskatchewan Junior
Hockey League.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Annual Fall Showcase tournament will
be held in Melfort hosted by the Melfort Mustangs, over the December 14th 2012 weekend.
The Annual Hall of Fame Game will be hosted by the Estevan Bruins in the early fall, date to be announced.

As President of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, Bill Chow wants to
credit the Governors for having the ability to realize where changes
were needed and that they had the will to make the changes that will
benefit the young players coming into the league, and also the teams in
the league.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is proud to be able to support hockey players in pursuing their goals in hockey.

For further comments or if you have questions please contact the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League President Bill Chow.

MILS / TERRIERS SWEEP WEEKLY SJ HONOURS

2012-01-30T09:08:00.002-06:00

SJHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ian McNulty, Melville

McNulty tore it up over the last week, racking up 7-goals and 6-assists for 13-points in his last four games, bumping his totals to 29-goals and 71 points on the season, which ranks him 4th in the SJHL scoring race, 8 behind Weyburn's Jesse Ross, with 11 games remaining. McNulty has 9 points (4g-5a) in his last 2 games.

SJHL DEFENSMAN OF THE WEEK: Tyson Newell, Melville

Newell continues to lead all SJHL Defensemen in scoring, with 45 points (10g-35a) in 46 games. In the last week, he tallied 6 points (1g-5a) in 4 games.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK: Warren Shymko

The Terriers continue to give all three of their goaltenders some playing time, but Shymko earned back to back starts this week, after a 3-2 (OT) win in Flin Flon on Wednesday, followed by a 6-1 win over Kindersley on Friday. That gave Shymko some nice stats for the week, at 2-0, 1.45 GAA, .952%.

TWO 5-4 SHOOTOUT LOSSES

2012-01-29T23:06:00.003-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers picked up a key point, but gave up 3-0 and 4-1 leads against Kindersley as they fell 5-4 (SO) to the Klippers on Sunday night.

Kyle McLeod, Zak Majkowski and Jamie Vlanich all had a goal and an assist, while Sam Rockwell also found the net.

The Terriers out-shot the Klippers 41-22 despite the SO loss.

The single point, coupled with Battleford having a big third period comeback in Estevan, leaves the Terriers 6 points up on Estevan, both with 8 games remaining, one being head to head (in EST Feb 8). The Terriers also have the tie-breaker vs the Bruins, so they're essentially 7 points up. It's probably too early for this kind of talk, but the Terriers' magic # to clinch a Top 3 spot is 5 (any combo of 5 Terrier wins or Estevan losses). How do you figure that? Basically, if Estevan wins all 8 of their remaining games (finishing with a maximum of 67 points), Yorkton would need to go 5-3 in their last 8 to tie. If EST goes 7-1, YOR would need to be 4-4, and so on.

Yorkton's now 2 points up on 3rd place Melville. The Mils have 3 games in hand on both the Terriers and Bruins. If the Bruins run the table, Melville would need to go 6-5 in their last 11 to tie, but the Mils DON'T have the tie-breaker against the Bruins, and would have to finish with MORE points. But like Mils' Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel said on the Post Game Show in Melfort on Friday, "We just have to win. We have the games in hand, if we take care of what we can take care of, we won't have to watch what everyone else is doing."

Next Up For:
Melville: Tue vs Flin Flon
Yorkton: Wed vs Flin Flon
Estevan: Thu @ Kindersley

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The Swan Valley Stampeders erased a 2-0 deficit in Winkler, and led 3-2 and 4-3, before falling 5-4 in a shootout to the Flyers.

Beau Taylor and Colin Baudry each had a goal and an assist for the Stamps. Dylan Reimer and Brett Charette added the others.

Former Stampeders Anthony Nobili and Jesse Enns both had a goal and a helper for Winkler.

Goaltender Jayson Argue got banged up Friday in Steinbach, and didn't play Saturday or Sunday. No word yet on the nature of the injury or the extent, but the Stamps' MVP has been key in their playoff push, and they can ill afford to lose him long-term. That said, Alcide Grenier made 41/45 saves Sunday in Winkler and filled in admirably.

Still a gutsy 3/6 points on the road trip, and they played Sunday's game without Argue, Tony Partridge, Landon Peel and Colton Magwood.

The Stamps are back in action Friday at home against Steinbach, before hosting Dauphin on Saturday. Swan finishes a season-changing January, going 9-2-0-1 in 12 games, collecting 19 of a possible 24 points.

The single point in Winkler puts Swan 7 points up on Wayway for a playoff spot (and I've been so focused on that race I almost didn't notice they're just 7 back of OCN for 2nd with a game in hand, and 3 head to head). The Wolverines do have 2 games in hand on the Stamps, and 4 head to head meetings with Swan coming up in February.

Speaking of tie-breakers... the first one is head-to-head wins, and unless Wayway wins all four remaining meetings, the Stamps will have the tie-breaker against the Wolverines, having won four of the first five.

**How's this for goofy/crazy? The Stamps (21-22-7) or Wolverines (18-24-6) first round playoff opponent might have fewer points than Dauphin's (34-12-5) first round opponent. Right now OCN has a similar record as the 5th place team in the Addison (Saints), and the 5th place team in the Addison will likely cross over and play the Kings in Round 1. Right now, Wayway has 11 fewer points than the Saints.

MORE BROADCAST CHANGES

2012-01-28T15:07:00.002-06:00

Because of a typo on the original SJHL Schedule, we ended up with a double-booking on Friday, February 10th.

The schedule initially had Melville @ Nipawin on Thursday, February 9th, and we were scheduled to broadcast, but the game is actually on Friday, February 10th, where I was scheduled to go to OCN with Swan Valley.

There were no options remaining for other Mils' games to broadcast, and a few for Swan... so we'll be doing Melville @ Nipawin on February 10th, and likely OCN @ Swan Valley on Wednesday, February 22nd to make up for the change.

EVERYONE WINS...

2012-01-28T03:18:00.003-06:00

All four of our local junior teams hit the ice on Friday, and all came away with two big points.

The Melville Millionaires had a slow start, but their powerplay carried them to a 6-3 win over the Melfort Mustangs.

The Mils scored on back to back powerplays in the second period, after falling behind 1-0 and 2-1.

Ian McNulty had a goal and three assists, Jesse Mireau scored twice in his final game in Melfort, where he spent the bulk of his SJHL career, and Russell Trudeau added three helpers, as that line combined for 9 points.

Connor Bradshaw added a goal and an assist, while TJ Reeve scored in his third straight game.

Blake Voth made 30/33 saves, as the Mils out-shot Melfort 48-33.

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After a scoreless first period, the Yorkton Terriers found their offensive touch, in a 6-1 win over the visiting Kindersley Klippers.

Warren Shymko was 6:50 shy of his 2nd shutout this season, and it was spoiled by Yorkton Harvest defenseman Kody Thue, in his first SJHL game.

Jeremy Johnson took over the Terrier lead in scoring, netting a pair on Friday, giving him 18 on the season, one more than Ryon Sookro.

Zak Majkowski and Jamie Vlanich each had a goal and an assist, Curtis Oliver and Brady Norrish added goals, and Brent Struble had a pair of assists.

- The Estevan Bruins also picked up two huge points on Friday, tying their game with Estevan late, before winning early in overtime.

So, Yorkton's in 2nd with 56 points, Melville 3rd with 53, Estevan 4th with 51. Yorkton/Estevan are even in games played (9 remaining), while Melville has 3 in hand on both.

Melville's home to Kindersley tonight (SAT), Yorkton welcomes the Klippers again on Sunday, while Estevan entertains Battleford Sunday as well.

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The Swan Valley Stampeders are back to .500.

A post-Christmas surge continued on Friday, with a 6-3 win over Steinbach, their 6th straight win, and 9th in 10 games since the break.

Rookie Justin Valentino busted out for 2g-2a, while Dylan Favell had 1g-2a. Dylan Reimer, Kyle Smart and Beau Taylor scored the other Stampeder goals.

Landon Peel added two assists.

The Stamps visit the Winnipeg Blues tonight (SAT), and finish off their swing tomorrow afternoon in Winkler.

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With the Stamps' win, the Wayway Wolverines had to keep pace to avoid a bigger hole, and they did, with a 7-6 OT win over Neepawa, keeping them within 6 points of the Stamps.

Richard Little led all scorers with 5 points (2g-3a), Zaine Walker scored twice, Steven Duda and Stephane Robidoux each had a goal and an assist, while Ashley Howie potted the overtime winner, his 20th of the season midway into the extra frame.

Wayway's off until Tuesday/Wednesday when they head to OCN for a pair. We'll have the Tuesday game on the air.

Mils @ Melfort on GX94

2012-01-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

www.gx94radio.com

Neither team has a full lineup. No Hall, Kilback, Aschim, Froese, Kipling, Elliot for Melville. AP- Kyle Bird.

No Zentner, Horn, Van Blaircom, Wourms, Tham for Mustangs. AP- Sheldon Argent.

PENALTY KILL FOR THE AGES

2012-01-27T13:17:00.003-06:00

Don't think I've ever posted audio from a penalty kill, but this one was different!

I believe 5 shot blocks... 2 by Connor Lowe-Wylde, 2 by Bob Pond, and one by Allen Kilback, who cleared the puck down the ice as the penalty came to an end.

What a job by Lowe-Wylde, Kilback, Pond, and Tyler Bird, who were forced to stay out for a full 2-minute North Stars powerplay back on Tuesday night, and lay down in front of Brody Luhning and Woody Klassen bullets.

Lowe-Wylde (pictured) likely wouldn't have played the next day in Kindersley if the Mils had a full lineup, but being two forwards short already, he toughed it out, blocked a few more on the PK vs the Klippers.

PATERSON SUSPENDED ONE GAME

2012-01-27T10:41:00.003-06:00

Terrier captain Riley Paterson has been suspended one game for a hit that occurred in the Sunday, January 15th game in Weyburn.

The Terriers open a 5 game home stand tonight when they host Kindersley at 7:30.

CONACHER TO SPEAK AT TERRIERS' SPORTSMAN'S DINNER

2012-01-26T20:10:00.001-06:00

WIN WEDNESDAY FOR MILS/TERRIERS

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-06:00

Millionaires 5 @ Kindersley 2

The Mils dressed only 10 forwards, and were led offensively by their two 17-year-olds. Allen Kilback had a goal and two assists, and TJ Reeve had one goal and an assist. Ian McNulty and Jesse Mireau had 1g-1a. Connor Bradshaw added his first as a Millionaire. Alex Wakaluk made 30/32 saves.

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Terriers 3 @ Flin Flon 2 (OT)

Curtis Oliver had a goal and an assist, before the Norrish twins rounded out the scoring. Brady scored in the second period to make it 2-1 Terriers, and Chase potted the overtime winner.

Warren Shymko made 27/29 saves in the win.

After Wednesday's action, the Terriers improve to 25-19-2-2, good for 54 points. They're 3 points up on Melville for second place, and 5 ahead of Estevan. The Mils are 2 up on Estevan for 3rd. Yorkton and Estevan are now even in games played, while the Mils have 3 games in hand on both the Terriers and Bruins. All 3 teams are back in action Friday. Melville's in Melfort (on GX94), Yorkton's home to Kindersley, and Estevan welcomes Nipawin.

Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Virgin Mobile.

MILLIONAIRES 3 @ NORTH STARS 4 (OT)

2012-01-24T23:12:00.002-06:00

The Millionaires trailed 2-0 late in the second period in Battleford, but scored three times in 3:46 to lead 3-2 before the middle period was done.

Ian McNulty got the first two quick ones, and TJ Reeve scored the go-ahead goal with 7.6 seconds left in the frame.

Blake Tatchell tied it in the third, and Brody Luhning scored the winner just 11 seconds into overtime.

A scary moment for the Mils occured early in the third period, when Lucas Froese got tied up with the linesman in the neutral zone, and hit the ice face-first. It was right below the broadcast booth, and I had a good view of something I wished I didn't have a good view of, right below the broadcast booth. I could see his eyes were closed, and blood started rushing from his nose.

Training staff and paramedics got Lucas onto a stretcher and they wheeled him off, and got him to the hospital.

Initial indications were a broken nose, and possible concussion... but Trainer Dave Melnychuk just got back from the hospital, with Froese, and it turns out it isn't broken, his face is just really sore. Doctor said he can't play for at least a week.

Connor Bradshaw also got hit in the head, left the game and didn't return. His injury appears a lot less serious than orginially thought, and it sounds like there's a good chance he could even play Wednesday in Kindersley.

With the single point, and a Yorkton loss (4-1) to Nipawin, the Mils are now tied for 3rd with Estevan with 4 games in hand, and 3 back of Yorkton for 2nd with 3 in hand.

Mils @ Klippers tonight (WED)... 7:20 Pre Game Show.

Mils @ Stars

2012-01-24T19:02:00.002-06:00

www.gx94radio.com

Roger Tagoona on the Pre Game Show, Allen Kilback first intermission, Weston Dressler, Stu Foord, Chris Getzlaf from Saturday's fundraiser hockey game in Yorkton.

GAME NOTES - MILS @ NORTH STARS ON GX94

2012-01-24T14:23:00.005-06:00

Mils: 21-16-2-4, 48 pts, 4th in Sherwood (.558%)
Stars: 32-11-0-2, 66 pts, 2nd in Bauer (.733%)

- Two teams who made a big trade on November 7th will go head to head for the third time this season. Roger Tagoona and the North Stars are 2-0 against Blake Voth and the Millionaires this season, while the Mils did manage an OT loss last time they were here. Voth played in the game at home, a 5-2 loss, while Tagoona has been held off the scoresheet in both head to head meetings. That aside, Tagoona and Voth have put up very impressive numbers for their new teams. Voth is 11-6-1, 2.86 GAA, .922%, 1 SO. Tagoona has 14 points (6g-8a) in 25 games for the Stars.

- Tonight's game starts off an unheard of stretch of 11 games in 17 night for the Millionaires, 7 of which are on the road. The Mils are in Battleford tonight, Kindersley tomorrow, Melfort Friday, and home to Kindersley on Saturday. They play 4 games in 5 nights, 3 weeks in a row.

- Unfortunately, they won't have their 'A' lineup. Sean Aschim won't play on this trip and is expected to miss all their action this week. After that, they're not sure.

- There's no question this is a huge part of Melville's schedule. They've got 5 games in hand on the Estevan Bruins, who they trail by one point for a top three spot. The Bruins play just once between now and Saturday, when they Mils play four times. If they can't pass them by this weekend, then they're making life very difficult on themselves.

- Four games are held in the SJHL between tonight and tomorrow night. They all involve the Mils and Terriers being on the road. Melville @ Battleford & Yorkton @ Nipawin Tuesday... Melville @ Kindersley & Yorkton @ Flin Flon Wednesday. Estevan's idle until hosting Nipawin on Friday.

- After making the Tagoona/Voth and Owen/Rakochy for Trudeau deals, the Millionaires immediately went on an 8-0-1 run. They followed that by losing their next 6, and have gone 7-4-1 since. They've won 2 of their last 5 (2-2-0-1), as they're still not quite over the hump.

- The North Stars followed a 13 game winning streak, and a stretch of 22-1-0-1 in 24 games, by losing four straight. They're 4-6 since that 13 gamer, and have won their last two over La Ronge and Melfort.

- UGH... faulty internet cord at the Gold Eagle... had a bunch more typed up and it didn't save because I 'wasn't connected.'

- Biggest stat to point out: The North Stars are 16-1-0-1 against the Sherwood Conference, with that one loss coming on opening night against Kindersley (The SO loss was on home ice against Yorkton). The Mils have played well against the strong Bauer Conference. They're the only team other than Weyburn to go above .500 against Northern opponents (7-5-1-2). Yorkton's even .500 at 8-8-1-1.

THE RIDERS CAN SKATE...

2012-01-23T13:02:00.008-06:00

(Pictures courtesy Dean Bakke) Neal Hughes is the Rider at the far left on the bottom, I'm right above his left shoulder. Weston Dressler front row far right. You may have heard of him.

The Riders came to town for some hockey action on Saturday night, taking on Yorkton Minor Football Coaches in a fundraiser. Some media members, myself included, suited up for the YMF team, and, we lost 10-3.

Personal highlights... a no-look spinorama back-hand pass tape to tape with Barry Sharpe infront of the net... losing my only faceoff to Weston Dressler, who just learned to skate... being a minus-2 (or maybe -3...). Felt good to get the skating legs back under me for one night. I tried using a one-piece composite stick which Terrie Trainer Riley Rice lent me, but after a couple shots in warmup, I quickly switched back to old woody. The John LeClair Sherwood 5030 Feather Lam... same one I used in my last game of midget in 2004. I can still fire a puck with that twig... not sure why these junior hot shots don't use them (HA!).

Getzlaf and Foord were their biggest ringers... we couldn't exactly keep up with them!

Here's some audio with Chris Getzlaf, Stu Foord and Weston Dressler... they took some time to talk with me and my teammate Jeff Schenberk from the Yorkton This Week.

Riders-Hockey by cstein14

My daughter really enjoyed the game..............

FINAL ROBIN'S ROUND TABLE

2012-01-23T08:52:00.001-06:00

Had a couple of requests for Thursday night's show... so, here it is...

Robins-Jan19 by cstein14

MILS GRAB SEASON SERIES WITH OT WIN / STAMPS INCREASE LEAD FOR 3RD

2012-01-21T22:49:00.003-06:00

The Terriers opened the scoring, Melville got the next five, and the Terriers rattled off the next four to force overtime.

Then, Michael Desjarlais scored 2:50 into overtime, and the Millionaires won 6-5 (OT).

Lucas Froese had a goal and two assists for the Millionaires, while Desjarlais, Sean Aschim and Lee Christensen each had a goal and an assist. Jesse Mireau and Tyler Bird also scored and Bob Pond added two assists.

Riley Paterson and Tyler Giebel each had a goal and an assist for the Terriers. Ryon Sookro, Chase Norrish and Keven Cann scored the others.

The two points are huge for the Mils, who are now just one point back of Estevan for 3rd, with 5 games in hand, and four behind Yorkton for 2nd with three in hand. More importantly, the season series was on the line in overtime, and with the victory, the Mils went 5-3 against the Terriers. The first tie-breaker is head-to-head wins, so in the event of a tie for 2nd (or 3rd) place, the Millionaires would get it.

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The Swan Valley Stampeders increased their 3rd place lead to 5 points over the Wayway Wolverines, as they beat Neepawa 3-2, while Wayway fell 5-1 to Selkirk.

Justin Valentino, Kyle Smart and Dylan Reimer scored for the Stamps, who are now 7-1 since Christmas, and 11-4-1 since December 1st.

Richard Little scored the only goal for Wayway.

The Stamps and Wolverines square off Sunday night in Wayway, in the first of five remaining head to head meetings.

MILS 1 @ TERRIERS 3 / ARGUE STONES PORTAGE

2012-01-20T22:22:00.002-06:00

Dawson MacAuley turned in a second straight solid performance, stopping 29/30 shots in a 3-1 Yorkton Terriers' win over the Melville Millionaires.

The Terriers out-shot the Mils 50-30, and got goals from Zak Majkowski, Brenden Poncelet and Kyle McLeod (EN).

Michael Desjarlais scored for the Millionaires, tying the game 5 minutes into the third period.

Blake Voth nearly stole one, like he did twice over New Year's weekend, making 47/49 saves in goal for the Millionaires.

The Terriers are now 5 points up on the Mils for 2nd place in the Sherwood.

Now, will the season series follow its script, and the Terriers sweep to tie the head-to-head matchups at 4? Or, will the Mils make it the first split of the season, and clinch the Parks Cup on home ice?

Find out Saturday at 7:30 in Melville.

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Speaking of stealing games... the Swan Valley Stampeders were out-shot 47-14 by the Portage Terries, but Jayson Argue made 45 saves, as the Stamps won 5-2.

The Stamps scored two late empty-netters to make it a 3-goal game.

Dylan Favell, Derek Falloon and Beau Taylor each had a goal and an assist for the Stampeders, while Landon Peel and Dylan Reimer scored the others.

That puts Swan Valley 3 points up on Wayway for a playoff spot, and they've now played one extra game.

Saturday night, Swan's in Neepawa, and Wayway's home to Selkirk. Sunday, Swan's in Wayway for a makeup game... the first of five remaining head to head meetings between our two local clubs.

LOSE A BET?

2012-01-20T11:04:00.002-06:00

This comes from Yorkton Terrier Chaplain John Anderson. John is also the Manager of the Best Western Hotel in Yorkton, and made a bet with one of his employees, devout Millionaires' fan Crystal Schultz, that the Terriers would win the Parks Cup and go further in the playoffs than the Mils last season.

A good picture to fire up the rivalry this weekend!

Any response Mils fans?

STAMPS - WOLVERINES MAKE-UP DATE

2012-01-19T21:00:00.003-06:00

The Swan Valley Stampeders will travel to Waywayseecappo on Sunday at 7:30, to makeup for their postponed game from last Sunday.

We're already broadcasting a Fort Knox game against Pilot Butte on Sunday at 3:00 (in Melville). It would be tight, but I think it's possible to do both... just gotta get the word from my bosses.

If we can't do it, we'll probably do the Wayway at Swan game on Sat/Feb/18... but we don't normally do Saturday games in the regular season, so we'll see!

STRUBLE/PATERSON TO GUEST ON ROUND TABLE

2012-01-19T11:32:00.002-06:00

The final Robin's Round Table of the season goes tonight at Robin's Donuts & 2-For-1 Pizza in Yorkton, from 6:30 - 7:00, and live on GX94.

20-year-olds Brent Struble and Riley Paterson will be my player guests, along with Terrier GM Don Chesney and Melville Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel.

WESTERN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP - SJHL President Bill Chow

2012-01-17T10:25:00.001-06:00

BILL-CHOW-SJHL-WCC by cstein14

WESTREN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP: MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis

2012-01-17T09:28:00.001-06:00

KIM-DAVIS-MJHL-WCC by cstein14

RACE TO THE FINISH

2012-01-16T08:36:00.003-06:00

With a month to go in the regular season, and the Terriers, Bruins and Millionaires basically tied, I thought it'd be a good time to break down each team's remaining schedules as they battle for 2nd and 3rd, and try to avoid a Best-of-Five Survivor Series date.

Yorkton Terriers (22-18-1-2, 47 points, T-2nd)
15 games remaining (9 home, 6 away)
Wed/Jan/18 vs Nipawin
Fri/Jan/20 vs Melville
Sat/Jan/21 @ Melville
Tue/Jan/24 @ Nipawin
Wed/Jan/25 @ Flin Flon
Fri/Jan/27 vs Kindersley
Sun/Jan/29 vs Kindersley
Wed/Feb/1 vs Flin Flon
Fri/Feb/3 vs Melfort
Tue/Feb/7 vs Battlefords
Wed/Feb/8 @ Estevan
Sat/Feb/11 @ Notre Dame
Sun/Feb/12 vs La Ronge
Wed/Feb/15 vs La Ronge
Sat/Feb/18 @ Notre Dame

Remaining Opponents
Melville: 2 (1H, 1A)
Kindersley: 2 (2H)
Notre Dame: 2 (2A)
La Ronge: 2 (2H)
Nipawin: 2 (1H, 1A)
Flin Flon: 2 (1H, 1A)
Estevan: 1 (1A)
Battlefords: 1 (1A)
Melfort: 1 (1A)

Melville Millionaires (20-14-2-4, 46 pts, 4th)
18 games remaining (10 home, 8 away)
Tue/Jan/17 vs Nipawin
Fri/Jan/20 @ Yorkton
Sat/Jan/21 vs Yorkton
Tue/Jan/24 @ Battlefords
Wed/Jan/25 @ Kindersley
Fri/Jan/27 @ Melfort
Sat/Jan/28 vs Kindersley
Tue/Jan/31 vs Flin Flon
Wed/Feb/1 @ Humboldt
Fri/Feb/3 @ Notre Dame
Sat/Feb/4 vs Melfort
Tue/Feb/7 @ Weyburn
Wed/Feb/8 vs Battlefords
Thu/Feb/9 @ Nipawin
Sat/Feb/11 vs La Ronge
Tue/Feb/14 vs La Ronge
Fri/Feb/17 vs Humboldt
Tue/Feb/21 vs Notre Dame

Remaining Opponents
Yorkton: 2 (1H, 1A)
Kindersley: 2 (1H, 1A)
Notre Dame: 2 (1H, 1A)
Battlefords: 2 (1H, 1A)
Humboldt: 2 (1H, 1A)
Nipawin: 2 (1H, 1A)
La Ronge: 2 (2H)
Melfort: 2 (1H, 1A)
Flin Flon: 1 (1H)
Weyburn: 1 (1A)

Estevan Bruins (23-23-0-1, 47 points, T-2nd)
11 games remaining (7 home, 4 away)
Fri/Jan/20 vs Kindersley
Fri/Jan/27 vs Nipawin
Sun/Jan/29 vs Battlefords
Thu/Feb/2 @ Kindersley
Fri/Feb/3 @ Battlefords
Sat/Feb/4 @ Kindersley
Wed/Feb/8 vs Yorkton
Fri/Feb/10 vs Kindersley
Sat/Feb/11 vs Humboldt
Fri/Feb/17 @ Weyburn
Sat/Feb/18 vs Weyburn

Remaining Opponents
Kindersley: 4 (2 H, 2A)
Weyburn: 2 (1H, 1A)
Battlefords: 2 (1H, 1A)
Yorkton: 1 (1H)
Humboldt: 1 (1H)
Nipawin: 1 (1H)

The Bruins are running out of games, and will need a great record in their final 11, and some help, to get a top three spot. They do see the rebuilding Kindersley Klippers four times in their last 11 games, and in 2 of their 4 remaining road games. Their other 7 games are all against teams with winning records. Their year-end home-and-home with Weyburn also might not have a lot on the line for the Wings, who could very well have first place sewn up by then.

If the Bruins go 8-3 in their last 11 games, Yorkton would need to go 8-7 in their last 15 to keep pace. Melville would have to go 9-9 in their last 18.

So really, if Yorkton & Melville both go above .500 from here to the finish line, it would almost force Estevan to win out. The Bruins do, on paper, have an easier, and less intense (packed) schedule to finish up.

Tie-Breakers: The first tie-breaker is head-to-head wins. Estevan has it over Melville. Yorkton has it over Estevan. Right now, Melville has it over Yorkton, but two Terrier wins this weekend would tie the season series at 4 wins each. Anything less than that, and Melville wins the season series.

SWAN @ WAYWAY - POSTPONED

2012-01-15T10:33:00.003-06:00

The Stamps and Wolverines will not finish off their home and home today in Wayway. As of this morning, there was roughly 8 inches of snow, and heavy winds in Swan River.

No makeup date has been set at this point, but both teams have packed schedules from here on out. This also means we'll have to pick another Stamps' game to broadcast, hopefully the makeup date of this one will work out.

STAMPS 3 @ NEEPAWA 4

2012-01-14T10:32:00.002-06:00

Stampeders' Coach Dwayne Kirkup felt the first goal would be important Friday in Neepawa, and it was. The Neepawa Natives got it, and held the lead four different times, in a 4-3 win over the Stamps, preventing Swan Valley from jumping into a playoff spot for now.

Dylan Dock scored twice for Neepawa, while Landon Peel scored for Swan in his first game back with the Stampeders since being re-assigned by the Regina Pats, and also rang one off the post on an early first period powerplay when it was scoreless. Colin Baudry and Kyle Smart also scored.

Shots were 38-23 for Swan. Former Wayway Wolverine Jared Knott made 35 saves in his first start as a Native.

Three Stars
1) Shane Harrington, NEE (2a)
2) Jared Knott, NEE (35 saves)
3) Landon Peel, SV (1g)

The Stampeders now have a huge home and home with the Wayway Wolverines, who they trail by one point for a playoff spot... tonight (SAT) in Swan, tomorrow in Waywayseecappo (4:00 on GX94).

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

The Yorkton Terriers out-shot Melfort by a similar margin that Swan did to Neepawa (37-25), but also came up on the short end.

Former Swan Valley Stampeder Patrick Johnson stopped all 37 for his first Junior hockey shutout, as Melfort came into Yorkton and upset the 2nd place Terriers 3-0.

Ex-Melville Millionaire Godric Tham had a goal and two assists, so did both of his linemates, Brandon Sloan and Jarett Zentner, as that line had 9 points between them.

Melfort's in Melville tonight, while the Terriers are off to Weyburn tomorrow (SUN).

NEEPAWA: OUR TOWN, OUR TEAM, 23 YEARS PROUD

2012-01-13T12:52:00.002-06:00

It's "Hazing Awareness Week" in Neepawa, as the community tries to turn their image around after the negative publicity they received after the hazing incident surrounding the Natives early this season. Kudos to Kevin Harris and friends for putting this week together, and to the Natives for having tonight's game FREE of charge for their fans. Should be a packed house as the Stampeders come to town. I'll air this interview during the 2nd intermission tonight as well.

Neepawa-harris by cstein14

MILS LINE COMBOS FOR TONIGHT

2012-01-11T12:50:00.003-06:00

The Melville Millionaires host Flin Flon tonight, and the biggest question with the new additions, is where does everyone fit in, especially up front? Coach Jamie Fiesel fully expects this to change, with a pair of regulars out with injuries or sickness in Alex Elliot and Michael Sagen, but here's what Mils' fans can expect to see tonight.

Connor Bradshaw (91) - Sean Aschim (92) - Jesse Mireau (91)

Lucas Froese (92) - Ian McNulty (92) - Russell Trudeau (93)

Taylor Wasden (91) - Allen Kilback (94) - T.J. Reeve (94)

Connor Lowe-Wylde (92) - Michael Desjarlais (91) - Colin Mospanchuk (93)

A BIG OL' RECAP

2012-01-11T00:01:00.009-06:00

Aschim returns to the SJ in Melville; Mils the most active of our local clubs on Deadline Day. (Photo courtesy http://seattlethunderbirdsphoto.wordpress.com)

The Melville Millionaires added four new faces to the lineup during the deadline day, the most notable being the return of Sean Aschim to the SJHL. Aschim's never played a game in Millionaire colours, but is their property, as part of the futures that came from Melfort at last year's deadline, for Brayden Metz and Cody Hanson. He will rejoin the other two pieces of that deal, in Jesse Mireau and Lee Christensen, and two other ex-Mustangs, Brett Kipling and Connor Bradshaw. Bradshaw was also a deadline day pickup, more on that in a second.

Aschim put up 51 points (17g-34a) in 51 games for Melfort last season, and went to camp with the Moose Jaw Warriors at the start of this season. Someone who plays a full season of Junior 'A' at 18, almost never makes the jump to the 'Dub at 19, but Aschim impressed, and actually led the Warriors in scoring early in the season, before falling down the depth chart, and eventually sitting out (when he was still near the top of the scoring chart). When it looked like he could be on his way to Melville, the Warriors shipped Aschim to Seattle. He put up 18 points in 37 WHL games this season, but is on his way to Melville.

The Millionaires added two 20-year-old forwards as well, in Taylor Wasden from Kindersley (for futures), and Connor Bradshaw from Melfort (for the rights to Graham Hood and Futures). And they also added 19-year-old defenseman Landon Hall from Dauphin for futures.

Bradshaw

Wasden

Hall

Mils' Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel recaps a busy day
Jamie-fiesel-moves by cstein14

I also got Wasden's thoughts on coming to Melville
Taylor-wasden by cstein14
The Yorkton Terriers stayed with the status-quo for the most part. John Odgers has been recalled by the Prince George Cougars for the remainder of the season, and as a result, the Terriers have recalled 16-year-old forward Kailum Gervais from the Yorkton Harvest. Gervais has a goal and three assists in 16 games as a Terrier this season, and 2g-11a-13p in 15 games with the Harvest. The Terriers are also sticking with three goaltenders, as Warren Shymko, Kale Thomson and Dawson MacAuley all remain in the fold.

Terrier Coach & Associate GM Trent Cassan
Trent-cassan-yorkton by cstein14

Landon Peel is back with the Swan Valley Stampeders. The Regina Pats added to their blue line on deadline day, and that forced the 17-year-old Peel out of the lineup. The Stamps some added offense to the backend in Peel, who played most of last season in Swan.

Also making his way to the Valley, is 18-year-old forward Dylan Favell, a 6'2", 185 centre, who had 9 goals and 12 points with the Selkirk Steelers this season (stats below aren't quite up to date)

Director of Player Personnel Jerry Mosiondz
Jerry-mosizondz-swan by cstein14

And the Wayway Wolverines were also fairly quiet, but they did re-acquire a familiar goaltender. They've added 1992 G Riley Feser from the Neepawa Natives. Feser spent half of last season in Wayway, and was sent to Neepawa after the Wolverines traded for 20 year old Ryan Benitez. The Wolverines send Hudson Morrison and Jared Knott to Neepawa in return.

Wayway also recalls 1992 F Brett Lafond, who they'd sent to Junior 'B'.

Wolverines Coach/GM Barry Butler
Barry-butler-wayway by cstein14

WOLVERINES GET A FAMILIAR FACE BACK IN GOAL

2012-01-10T23:57:00.000-06:00

Wayway re-acquired 1992 G Riley Feser from Neepawa, with 1994 F Hudson Morrison and 1992 G Jared Knott heading the other way.

The Wolverines also recalled 1992 F Brett Lafond from Junior 'B'.

STAMPEDERS GET PEEL BACK, ADD FAVELL

2012-01-10T23:51:00.002-06:00

The Swan Valley Stampeders have received 17-year-old defenseman Landon Peel back from the Regina Pats (WHL).

They've also acquired 1993 F Dylan Favell from Selkirk. Favell has 9g-3a-12p so far this season.

MILS ACQUIRE BRADSHAW FROM MELFORT

2012-01-10T21:38:00.001-06:00

Melville acquires 1991 F Connor Bradshaw for the Jr A rights to 1992 F Graham Hood (Lethbridge Hurricanes).

ASCHIM COMING TO MELVILLE

2012-01-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

ODGERS BACK TO THE DUB, GERVAIS SLOTS IN

2012-01-10T17:57:00.002-06:00

John Odgers is heading back to the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars, and that means Kailum Gervais is coming back from the Yorkton Harvest, to the Terriers.

Odgers scored his first SJHL goal and WHL goal in back to back games, before and after Christmas, while Gervais showed at the start of the season, and while he was called up as an AP, that he can play at the Junior 'A' level, at age 16.

MILS ADD WASDEN FROM KINDERSLEY

2012-01-10T16:58:00.002-06:00

The Melville Millionaires have acquired 20-year-old forward Taylor Wasden from the Kindersley Klippers for future considerations.

FROM THE BASEMENT COUCH - DEADLINE PREVIEW

2012-01-09T11:07:00.009-06:00

I seem to get sent for a loop with a head cold / sore throat for about a week around this time every year. I escaped it last year, at least during the hockey season, but it's making up for that this year. Towards the end of the Terrier game in Humboldt on Friday, my voice was starting to go, and all Saturday/Sunday, it felt like my melon was full of cement, and the sore throat was still there too.

It's a little better today, but when I speak, every second or third word is a whisper. Tried ordering a coffee on my way to the hospital this morning... that was interesting!

I got the vibe from the nurse that I shouldn't be coming to emergency for what is simply a bad "cold", but I can never get into my family doctor for at least a few days after I call, and the only walk-in clinic is only open from 6-8 pm. Figured I'd get some drugs and try to sleep it off. But, I'm told it's nothing bacterial, so I don't need anti-biotics... just some Tylenol Cold & Sinus, and a nasal spray.

Hoping this is the only sick day I have to take, but my voice will have to improve a lot in the next 18ish hours.

I've got a Junior 'B' broadcast Wednesday in Fort Qu'Appelle, and of course the Trade Deadline is tomorrow. I always head into the station that evening and bother the heck out of our four local GM's until midnight, and would love to do that again!

Last year, it was January 7th when the Terriers acquired Boyer & Buzzeo from Humboldt. Metz and Hanson also went from Melville to Melfort prior to deadline day, while Swan Valley got Nick Keller from Humboldt on the 7th (and they sent him to La Ronge on the 10th). On the 10th, Yorkton got Brant Remenda from Nipawin (most underrated trade I've ever seen... he was outstanding), and Wayway scooped up Josh Daley from Dauphin, a trade that gave them two solid scoring lines.

Being sick all weekend, I've had little or no contact with coaches/GM's the last few days, and I'm not much for speculation... I'm not gonna sit here and "guess" on a public site that this or that 18 year old kid is gonna be traded or re-assigned, but in real general terms... here's a few lines about each of our local teams heading into the deadline.

It's all really foggy, because none of our teams are proving to be powerhouses who would be looking to load up, but both SJ teams are (basically) guaranteed playoff spots, but will both probably finish somewhere in the middle (not first, not last).

In Manitoba, one team probably makes it, one team probably doesn't.

YORKTON TERRIERS: 2nd in the Sherwood (21-16-1-2)
It's highly improbable that anyone's catching Weyburn, so Yorkton, Melville, and Estevan will fight it out for 2nd and 3rd... the odd one out probably gets home ice in the Survivor Series, probably against Notre Dame (notice I say PROBABLY and LIKELY a lot? It's because every team still has 40 or so points on the table and things CAN change). This is a team that's been to the SJHL final in each of the last two seasons, and has a promising future, with forwards like Majkowksi (92), Murray (92), Giebel (93), Thompson (93), Oliver (93) and others. On defense, the Norrish twins and McMullen lead a strong crop of 93's, and they've got three goaltenders eligible to return next year. I don't see them messing with their 92's and 93's to give it another go this year, and I think the south is that wide-open that their current group has a fair chance of winning a round, and then ya never know! GM Don Chesney said on the air in Humboldt that 20-year-old forwards Riley Paterson and Brent Struble will finish their 3 year careers where they started, and aren't going anywhere. He also said they won't have 3 goaltenders after January 10th. Warren Shymko hasn't played since he saw Melville twice over New Year's Weekend. I would say that means they're letting the other two fight it out for the other job... NOT that Shymko's the odd one out. But Kale Thomson and Dawson MacAuley didn't make that decision an easy one... as Thomson made 39/42 saves in Humboldt (he played all 4 games against the Broncos and was solid in all of them). MacAuley, while he did see the the bottom team in each Conference, allowed just one goal in road games in Melfort and Kindersley. He's only 17, which means he has to play Junior 'A' in Saskatchewan, and he's got WHL aspirations next season. Hiding a goalie in Junior 'B' could be an option, but a Junior 'A' team can claim them for a nominal fee, as long as the player agrees to go. Whether it's through a trade or a re-assignment, the Terriers will likely be down to 2 goalies by tomorrow night, and may look to add a bigger, older defenseman, as they are generally younger and smaller back there. Much like this time last year, the addition of any of Austin Bourhis (PA Raider), Davis Vandane (Spokane Chiefs) or John Niebrandt (Kootenay Ice) would fill that void immediately. Niebrandt's got one of the best plus-minus's in the WHL, and I would is probably the safest of the three to stay. Vandane plays regularly... his numbers aren't what they were last year, but neither is Spokane as a team. Bourhis has played 4th line wing for the most part, and a little bit on defense in PA. The Raiders have been active on the trade front lately, and a appear to be getting younger. All three are 19, and the Terriers have a good chance of seeing 1, 2, or all 3 next year, but they're not banking on it right now (it would be exactly what they need though!)

Terrier 20 year olds: 6 (Struble, Paterson, Sookro / Leismeister, Rockwell, Cann)

MELVILLE MILLIONAIRES 3rd in the Sherwood (19-14-2-3)
The Mils are in that same log jam in the middle of the Sherwood with Yorkton and Estevan. The Mils have are two points back of Yorkton with 2 games in hand, and are tied with Estevan with 6 in hand. So getting a top three spot is pretty simple: Pick up more points in 20 games than Estevan does in 14 games. That's not a guarantee by any stretch, especially with Estevan almost done all their road games, but it does mean the Mils' fate is in their hands. Melville has room to add players, and I think they will. They played in the Survivor Series in each of the last two seasons, and won't be happy if they're there again. You can also add in the fact that Jamie Fiesel's in the last year of a contract. They had high hopes for this season, but injuries have played a big part in them being lower in the standings than they'd like to be. They've picked it up since Christmas, going 3-and-0, and are starting to get healthy. The Mils are set in goal with Blake Voth (91) and Alex Wakaluk (93). They've got four solid 20-year-olds on defense, while up front, they've been carried offensively a lot by their first line of Mireau-McNulty-Trudeau. Their other forwards are playing solid, but they could use some scoring help, and I wouldn't doubt they add one, who can play on their second line, and maybe another to play in the bottom six, with the departure of Andre Parker. Some of the high hopes rested with the likes of Sean Aschim and Levi Cable being in the fold. Ashcim was traded from Moose Jaw to Seattle early in the year, and on a team that struggles to score, Ashcim had 5g-4a in 29 games, and his +/- is even. Again, the Mils aren't banking on seeing Ashcim... but his return would mean the Mils' centremen would be: McNulty, Aschim, Desjarlais, Kilback. Not too shabby! Cable's playing more lately in Kootenay, but one of his teammates, defenseman Jeff Hubic, was a scratch in their last game, after the Ice added a D-Man from Swift Current. Kootenay has 8 regular defenseman on their roster, and Hubic, 17, and 16-year-old Spencer Wand appear to be the two playing the least. Wand's also a SK product and his SJ rights are held by Melfort. Aschim would make this team an instant contender, and if they don't see him, I expect the Mils to be active.

Millionaires' 20-year-olds: 7 (Mireau, Desjarlais / Newell, Christensen, Pond, Kipling / Voth)

WAYWAY WOLVERINES 3rd in the MJHL Sherwood (16-19-5)
The Wolverines have a full compliment of nine 20-year-olds, and if they can maintain a playoff position, they've got a chance to upset someone in the post season. The Wolverines aren't playing their best hockey right now though, going 2-6-2 since Decemeber 1st. A lot of that could have to do with the temporary departure of leading scorer Shane Goodrunning, who is now back with the team. He rejoined the Wolverines for their 3-2 loss in Neepawa on Sunday, where they out-shot the Natives 52-19, but still came up a goal short, as their former teammate Riley Feser stood on his head making 50 saves. Wayway's a dangerous team, with a top-four on defense as good as anyone's... and Cory Simons has really shored up their goaltending. Barry Butler said on his latest Coach's Show that they're in a position to add, as they're only carrying 20 players, but obviously if it's a 20-year-old, someone would have to be moved out. The Wolverines don't really have any WHL possibilities that I can see. 93 F Jens Meilleur in Brandon played in Wawyay as a 16-year-old, but is back from injury and playing pretty regularly, while 94 G Spencer Tremblay is the backup goalie in Moose Jaw. I think I said it around December 1st, that a deal LIKE the one that brought Daley to Wayway last deadline day would help them out... and give them more of a threat after Goodrunning, Pinkerton, etc. The Sasky boys (Veitch, Howie, Walker) have provided solid secondary scoring lately though. So, possibly another scoring forward up front, and/or someone to compliment Simons in goal could be in order. I haven't seen Jared Knott, infact he hasn't played any action since joining the Wolverines, but it's been a goaltending carousel in Wayway, and we'll see if Simons/Knott is the tandem they stick with or not.

Wolverines 20-year-olds: 9 (Goodrunning, Howie, Little, Pennell, Posch / Robidoux, Duda, Janzen, Landry)

SWAN VALLEY STAMPEDERS 4th in the MJHL Sherwood (15-20-6)
What a difference a month makes. It looked like the Stamps were already in sell-mode when they dealt Anthony Nobili to Winkler and Jesse Enns to Dauphin prior to December 1st, and got younger by brining in the likes of Derek Falloon, Brett Charette, Kyle Smart and Jeff Bartel. Since December 1st, the Stampeders are 7-3-1 in their last 11, and a perfect 3-0 since Christmas. That, along with Wayway's recent struggles, leaves the Stampeders only one point back of the Wolverines for 3rd, and with a cross-over likely, 3rd place would be the final playoff spot in the Division. Tony Partridge would certainly give any team a boost offensively, but with the playoffs now in reach, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Stampeders hang on to their remaining over-agers, and possibly try to add another piece up front or on the backend. Dwayne Kirkup likes guys who can play defense, and has already somewhat overhauled the blueline. The Regina Pats also just added another defenseman, and now have 9, including Landon Peel, who spent most of last season in Swan. It's pretty obvious who Regina's top 5 defensemen are, just by looking at the lineup/stats, and if the newcomer Fenske plays regular, that gives them 6, all 18-and-over... and leaves Peel (17, played 19 games), Nathan Zimbaluk (18, played 15 games), and Kyle Burroughs (16, played 34 games) as guys who don't play every game. Can't see them staying with 9, but whether that means trades, re-assignments, etc, I guess we'll find out by Tuesday afternoon, when the WHL has their deadline. You might think that given their record, the Stamps should sell regardless, but the thing is, in small-market Junior 'A' hockey, if you miss the playoffs, you lose money, and the Stamps aren't really in a position to lose cash. Do they have the horses to give Dauphin a run for the Sherwood title? Let's face it, probably not... with Dauphin's first line all former Major Junior players and a wealth of depth and experience behind them at all positions. But, expectations weren't exactly high in Dwayne Kirkup's first year as coach, and the Stampeders beat Portage, and then gave the RBC Host Kings a good series. And last year, outside of Ryan Marshall and Shelby Gray, there wasn't a lot of top-end skill on the team... and they played the eventual Anavet Cup Champion Portage Terriers, and took them to double OT in the first two games, won Games 3 and 4, before bowing out in 6. So I've learned not to question Coach Kirkup, as he always seems to get the most out of his teams. They've also got a goalie capable of stealing games, and a series, in Jayson Argue.

Stampeders 20-year-olds: 3 (Partridge, Taylor, Riddell)

TERRIERS 0 @ HUMBOLDT 3

2012-01-07T10:06:00.003-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers became the Humboldt Broncos' 13th straight victim last night, as the Broncos played some smothering team defense, giving up very few scoring chances to win 3-0.

Shots were 42-25 Humboldt, and Taylor Duzan scored twice, while Joey Davies had the other.

Matt Hrynkiw got his second straight shutout for Humboldt, while the Terriers did hit five posts. Kelly Leismeister cranked a slapshot off the crossbar when it was 0-0 in the first, Zak Majkowski and Riley Paterson struck iron in the second period... Paterson's was on a short-handed 2-on-1. Brady Norrish and Nathan Murray also found the pipe in period three.

The Terriers finish their trip in Kindersley tonight.

My voice barely hung on until the end of the post game show... and this morning, I can hardly speak! Bad time of year to get sick. Cup of Lemon Tea/Honey as I type.

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

Our MJHL teams both earned points... as the Swan Valley Stampeders won their second straight game, 4-1 over the Winnipeg Saints.

Shots were 40-33 for Swan Valley, but Jayson Argue stopped 39 for the win.

Derek Falloon and Colin Baudry each had a goal and an assist, Brendan Mitchell and Justin Valentino also scored, and Beau Taylor added two assists.

The Wayway Wolverines were up 2-0 on the first place Dauphin Kings, but Jesse Sinatynski scored a natural hat trick from there, and the Kings won 3-2 in overtime.

Sinatynski now has 44 goals in 40 games.

Zaine Walker and Ashley Howie scored for Wayway. Shots were 41-23 for Dauphin. Cory Simons made 38 saves for the Wolverines.

With last night's results, the Stampeders pick up another point in the race, as they're now three points back of Wayway for a playoff spot.

Swan's home to the Winnipeg Blues tonight, while Wayway's in Neepawa on Sunday.

FAST FACTS: Terriers @ Humboldt on GX94

2012-01-06T13:18:00.004-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers beat the Humboldt Broncos 4-1 in the SJHL Hall of Fame Game back on November 18th.

The Broncos haven't lost in regulation since.

They're 14-0-1 since Nov/18, and are winners of their last 12. Taking it a step further, they're 18-1-1 in their last 20 games. Go back to October 28th, when the Broncos were 8-8-1-1, they've gone 21-2-1 in 24 games since.

This Bronco team is a lot different from the one the Terriers saw on November 18th. Since then they've added the likes of Taylor Duzan, Emrik Guillemette, Jonathan Parisien and goaltender Colin Dzijacky. The scratches that night also included former Terrier Robbie Ciolfi, along with John Lawrence, Taylor Johnson, and Adam Antkowiak. So, it's almost an entirely different roster altogether now.

Humboldt's depth chart is, in a word, "frightening." Four lines, six D, and two goalies who are all solid, impact guys.

The Terriers played Humboldt three times, relatively early in the season, and played them well. They're 2-1 against them, and really, could have and maybe should have won the game they lost, being up 3-1, before Robbie Ciolfi took over and led the Broncos to a 4-3 win. Tonight's meeting is the final one of the regular season.

At the Elgar Peterson Arena, the Broncos are 16-2-0-1. The Terriers are also an impressive 10-6-1-1 in road games (excluding the Showcase).

A win tonight would make the Broncos the first team in the league to hit 30 W's. Tonight's game is also their league-high 43rd of the season. Just 15 left for them after tonight.

Humboldt leads the league with 170 goals scored (just over 4 per game). The next highest is Weyburn with 154.

The biggest surprise, with all those goals, Humboldt's powerplay ranks 9th in the SJHL, at 18.1%. Their 4th ranked PK (82.6%) helps off-set that, and their league-leading 9 short-handed goals. Yorkton's powerplay continues to impress, sitting 2nd best at 25.4%, just under one percent back of Estevan for tops.

I half expected to see Ciolfi with the bulk of Humboldt's 9 SHG's. After all, his first 4 goals as a Terrier came while on the penalty kill. He's got just one, while Andrew Johnston, and defenseman Kameron Ballas lead the team with 2. Trent Cassan and the Terriers know full well that Ciolfi's dangerous in all situations, including on the PK.

Former Swan Valley Stampeder Ryan Marshall, and Johnston are the only two Broncos to suit up in all 42 games so far. Three Terriers have ironman streaks going, with Devon McMullen, Riley Paterson and Zak Majkowksi playing all 38 Terrier games.

Kale Thomson has started all three of Yorkton's meetings against Humboldt, and he's been great. 2-1, 2.35 GAA, .926%. Without asking the coaching staff yet, it could be his turn again. Warren Shymko got both Melville games, while Dawson MacAuley played in Melfort on Wednesday.

Riley Paterson leads the Terriers with 5 points (2g-3a) in three games against Humboldt, and scored one of the nicest goals of the season in that Hall of Fame game, an end-to-end unassisted effort. Andrew Johnston had 4 points (1g-3a) in three games against the Terriers.

**PROGRAMMING NOTE** We won't have much of a Pre Game Show, with tonight being Ukrainian Christmas Eve. Carols will run from 7:00 to about 7:27, and I'll take it from there. We're also carrying the Christmas Eve service from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church starting at 10:00, which means, I'm off the air by 10:00 sharp, whether or not the game's over. Barring a lengthy injury or a pane of glass falling out, or something of that nature, that shouldn't be a problem.

Khrystos Rodyvsia!!

Talk to you tonight.

DAKOTA ODGERS ENJOYING HIS WHL PREVIEW

2012-01-06T12:59:00.002-06:00

15-year-old Yorkton Harvest forward and Spy Hill product Dakota Odgers has been called up by the Swift Current Broncos for their three game trip. They started it off on Wednesday with a 5-1 loss in Kootenay, and now face Red Deer tonight, and Edmonton tomorrow. Dakota and his brother John will both suit up in the WHL tonight, with John and the Prince George Cougars home to Kamloops.

Dakota-odgers by cstein14

FIESEL TALKS U17 / HOCKEY CANADA

2012-01-06T12:55:00.001-06:00

I like what he had to say about the state of Hockey Canada at the end of our chat.

Feez-U17 by cstein14

BIRD GETS THREE GAMES

2012-01-05T19:45:00.002-06:00

Melville Millionaires D Tyler Bird has been suspended for three games a result of his 5-minute major for kneeing on Yorkton Terriers F Curtis Oliver on January 1st.

Bird served the first game of that suspension on Tuesday night, and will have to sit out the Mils' next two games as well, and be eligible to return on January 17th when the Mils host Nipawin.

WOLVERINES 3 @ STAMPEDERS 5

2012-01-05T00:23:00.002-06:00

A game that featured four lead changes finally ended with the Swan Valley Stampeders coming out on top, 5-3 over the Wayway Wolverines.

Wayway struck first, when Cody Koskimaki scored early in the first period, but Colin Baudry and Tony Partridge got the Stampeders the lead shortly after, before Wayway's Ashley Howie scored twice, his 16th and 17th of the season, late in the period, and made it 3-2 Wolverines after one.

It stayed that way for almost the entire second, until Justin Valentino finished off a pretty passing play with 10.4 seconds remaining in the middle period, to square it at 3 after 40.

Early in the third, T.J. Fairall, who set up Valentino for the game-tying goal, scored the winner, before Kyle Smart added some insurance on the powerplay.

Shots were 37-33 Wayway, with Jayson Argue making 34 saves in the win.

The victory leaves the Stampeders just four points shy of the Wolverines for a playoff spot, and they meet 6 more times this regular season... next up, a home and home next weekend, Saturday the 14th in Swan, Sunday the 15th in Wayway.

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

The Yorkton Terriers picked up their first post-Christmas win, as they went into Melfort and out-shot the Mustangs 42-20 in a 5-1 win.

Two AP call-ups scored goals, with 16-year-old Yorkton Harvest forward Kailum Gervais getting a goal and an assist, and Ryley Stefanyshyn of the Ochapowace Thunder also finding the net. Brent Struble, Tayler Thompson and Tyler Giebel also scored, while Brenden Poncelet had a pair of assists.

Dawson MacAuley picked up the win for the Terriers, making 19 saves.

With the win, Yorkton's now in a three-way tie for second place in the Sherwood with Melville and Estevan. The Terriers and Mils each have three games in hand on the Bruins.

Yorkton's back on the road this weekend, with a Humboldt/Kindersley trip on Friday & Saturday. Friday's game in Humboldt is our next broadcast on GX94.

Fast Facts: Wolverines @ Stampeders on GX94

2012-01-04T13:20:00.002-06:00

Right now, they're long lost relatives who haven't seen each other for a while and it's nice to catch up. By the end of the season, they'll be the annoying in-laws who never leave.

The Wayway Wolverines and Swan Valley Stampeders have met just twice this season, and the last time was one day shy of three months ago, October 5th in Swan, where the Wolverines won 4-1. They also played September 24th in Wayway, and the Stamps won that one, 3-2 in a shootout.

Now, they'll make up for lost time, and cram SEVEN head to head meetings into the final month and a half of the regular season (46 days to be exact), and it's an important season series too, because in all likelihood, one of these two teams will make the playoffs, and one won't.

I asked both coaches this week if they look at it like a regular season seven game series that they'll have to win to get in.

Swan Valley's Dwayne Kirkup: "In a way, yes, but I don't think winning 4 out of 7 will be enough, I think we'll need to win more than that to give ourselves a chance."

Wayway's Barry Butler: "I've never been big on that, we have 25 games left and we need to approach every game and every opponent the same."

Here are the seven remaining meetings, with most of them on GX94.

Wed/Jan/4: WAY @ SV (GX)
Sat/Jan/14: WAY @ SV
Sun/Jan/15: SV @ WAY (GX)
Tue/Feb/7: SV @ WAY (GX)
Tue/Feb/14: SV @ WAY (GX)
Sat/Feb/18: WAY @ SV
Mon/Feb/20: SV @ WAY (GX)

This is both teams' first games since the break, and both breaks were long. The Wolverines haven't played since December 18th (17 days), while the Stamps have been off since December 17th (18 days).

The Stampeders lost their last 2 games before the break, but still went 4-3-0-1 in December, after a 2-8-1-1 November.

The Wolverines were 2-4-0-1 in December.

Wayway also played the whole month of December without Shane Goodrunning. Their leading scorer went home to Alberta on December 1st, although Barry Butler said on his Coach's Show this week, "Shane had some matters to attend to back home, but we've had information that he should be returning, but we'll know more in the next few days." Goodrunning still leads the Wolverines with 37 points in 30 games played.

- The Wolverines have been getting a lot of their offense from their defense. None of the following guys are carrying long point streaks into tonight's game, but they all recently had streaks snapped:

Bobby Janzen: Points in 9 of his last 12 games (5g-8a-13).
Pierre Landry: Points in 10 of his last 12 (2g-9a-11p). Had a 7 game streak snapped vs Portage in final game before Christmas.
Stephane Robidoux: Points in 9 of his last 11 games (1g-11a-12p). Just had a 5 game streak snapped.

There's not a more consistent Wolverine of late than second year forward Curtis Veitch. The Langenburg product has hit the scoresheet in 13 of his last 17 games, and during that time has 10-goals and 21-points.

- As for Special Teams, the Stampeders rank 6th in the league in both powerplay (17.2%) and penalty kill (80.2%). The Wolverines' powerplay is 2nd best in the league at 23.8%, but that drops to 19.6% on the road. Their PK is 9th at 78.9%.

- Neither the Stampeders or Wolverines have scored a short-handed goal this season. They're the MJHL's only two teams to have that distiction.

- The Wolverines have played the fewest number of games of any team in the league, with 37 under their belts, 25 remaining. Swan's played 38 with 24 to go. The Winnipeg Blues lead the league with 42 played.

- With Shane Goodrunning not in the lineup, neither of these teams have a player at a point-per-game. T.J. Fairall (SV) is close, with 36 in 38, Justin Valentino has 33 in 38. Brett Pinkerton (WAY) has 30 in 36, while Curtis Veitch (WAY) has 30 in 37.

7:20 Pre Game Show tonight on GX94... all the action at 7:30!

www.gx94radio.com

MILS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT

2012-01-04T08:49:00.001-06:00

The Melville Millionaires are still perfect since the holiday break, after winning their third straight game, 6-2 over the Sherwood Conferenence leading Weyburn Red Wings last night.

Jesse Mireau had 4 points, with 2 goals and 2 assists, while his linemates Ian McNulty and Russell Trudeau each scored.

Alex Elliot scored his first goal as a Millionaire, and added one assist, while Dustin Eberle rounded out the scoring.

Blake Voth made 22/24 saves for his 3rd straight win.

The victory puts the Mils into a 2nd place tie with Estevan, with 3 games in the hand.

Melville's now off for a week before hosting Flin Flon next Wednesday, which means they don't play again before Tuesday's trade deadline.

TERRIER F NATHAN MURRAY AT THE WORLD JUNIORS

2012-01-03T09:00:00.005-06:00

Yorkton Terrier forward Nathan Murray and the rest of the Murray family is getting set to watch brother Ryan go for gold. Ryan's a defenseman for Canada's National Junior team, that's undefeated after round robin play, and looking for a semi-final win over Russia to secure a berth in the Gold Medal game.

Not only are the Murray's getting a chance to watch Ryan, they also saw their sister Melissa and the Regina Rebels win the championship at the Female Mac's Tournament in Calgary.

Nathan talks about what's been a busy holiday season for the Murray's.
Nathan-murray by cstein14

**Ya, I said Canada would play the winner of Finland/Slovakia... I misread... obviously they play Russia.

MILS 3 @ TERRIERS 2 (SO)

2012-01-01T16:18:00.003-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers out-shot the Melville Millionaires 49-26 on New Years Day, but just like on Friday, the best player on the ice was Melville goalie Blake Voth.

Voth stopped 47/49 shots on Sunday, as the Mils won 3-2 in a shootout, which pulls them into a tie with Yorkton for 3rd place in the Sherwood Conference. Voth stopped 92/95 shots (.968) over the weekend.

Melville never trailed on Sunday. Russell Trudeau opened the scoring late in the first period, Tayler Thompson tied it early in the 2nd, and Michael Desjarlais but the Mils back in front last in the middle frame.

Shortly after, Mils' defenseman Tyler Bird clipped Terrier forward with a knee-on-knee hit right at centre ice, and Oliver had to be helped off the ice. Devon McMullen took exception and dropped the mitts with Bird. Bird was given 2 for roughing, and 5 and a game for kneeing. McMullen received 2 for instigating, 5 for figthing and a 10 minute misconduct, so it was evened up and the Terriers didn't get a powerplay. That part was surprising, but Bird must not have dropped his gloves (he'd already fought Zak Majkowski earlier in the game and likely didn't want to add another scrap to his season total because of suspension reasons).

Hopefully Oliver's not out for an extended period... I saw him after the game at Boston Pizza and wished him well. He's had a heckuva rookie season. Knee-on-knee hits often aren't intentional, it's usually a matter of only catching half of the guy instead of all of him, and Bird and Oliver were both at full speed in opposite directions and it was a big collision, and I think the right call was made.

After McMullen spent most of the third period in the box, he returned to poke home a Brent Struble rebound with 3:09 remaining and force overtime.

That was easily the most exciting game to call this season, and maybe the best Yorkton/Melville regular season game in the last few years. It's the only one of this season decided by less than three goals, and this one went to a shootout.

Had Estevan lost today, there would have been a three way tie for 2nd place, but they kept sole possession with a 3-2 win over Weyburn.

Our two teams are busy coming up this month, as they both have four games in hand on Estevan, and will start making those games up. The Millionaires have a four game homestand (Weyburn on Tuesday, then Flin Flon, Melfort, Nipawin). The Weyburn game on Tuesday is already their last game before the January 10th deadline, as they have 8 days before their next game.

The Terriers are on the road for three games this week, in Melfort Wednesday, Humboldt Friday (on GX94) and Kindersley on Saturday.

Yorkton and Melville play another home and home this month, on January 20th and 21st, and that will wrap up their season series, in which the Mils are now 4-2, and Yorkton's 2-3-0-1. The Terriers hope the pattern stays the same, and they grab two wins in three weeks time.

Happy New Year! I'm going to enjoy my Monday off, and continue a busy January after that. Next broadcast is Wednesday in Swan between the Stamps and Wayway, before I head to Humboldt with the Terriers on Friday.

HEATING UP

2012-01-01T15:28:00.001-06:00

Tyler Bird just received 5 and a game for a knee-on-knee hit on Curtis Oliver. Devon McMullen came to Oliver's defense and the officials evened up the PIM's. This has been one of the best Mils/Terriers regular season game I've seen in a while. Shots 31-15 Yorkton, score is 2-1 Melville.

TERRIERS 1 @ MILLIONAIRES 4

2011-12-30T23:11:00.004-06:00

Blake Voth was the story, making 45 saves, many of them spectacular, as the Melville Millionaires beat the visiting Yorkton Terriers 4-1 on Friday.

The Mils were out-shot 18-12 in the first period, but led 1-0 after 20 minutes, on a Tyson Newell powerplay goal.

Newell added his second of the night into an empty net with a minute to play to seal it. Michael Sagen and John Stechyshyn also scored, as three of Melville's four goals came from defensemen. Newell leap-frogs Brody Luhning for most points by a defenseman in the SJHL, now with 32 (8g-24a) in 35 games.

Jeremy Johnson spoiled Voth's shutout bid with 4:15 remaining, on Yorkton's 40th shot of the night.

1484 fans packed into Horizon Credit Union Centre, the biggest crowd that rink has seen to date.

The Mils winning, and Estevan losing 6-1 in Weyburn, makes the middle of the Sherwood Conference even more of a cluster. The Bruins remain in 2nd with 41 points, while Yorkton stays 3rd with 40, and Melville creeps closer, with 39.

The Terriers welcome the Millionares on New Years Day, Sunday at 2:00.

CHESNEY/LAMBERTY FROM ROBIN'S ROUNDTABLE

2011-12-30T07:09:00.001-06:00

Chez-Neil-Roundtable-Dec29 by cstein14

VOTH WINS LATEST BEST-OF-FIVE TRIVIA CHALLENGE

2011-12-30T06:44:00.002-06:00

Millionaires' goaltender Blake Voth won the Best-of-Five Trivia Challenge 4-3 (in overtime) over Lee Christensen at last night's Robin's Roundtable in Melville. The Mils host the Terriers tonight at 7:30.
Voth-lee-trivia by cstein14

A CHAT WITH FORMER TERRIER COACH WADE KLIPPENSTEIN

2011-12-29T11:49:00.001-06:00

Wade-klippenstein by cstein14

FORMER STAMP LOWE JUMPS TO AHL

2011-12-29T11:47:00.000-06:00

From (www.texasstarshockey.com)

The Texas Stars announced on Tuesday the team has signed center Ian Lowe to a PTO (professional tryout agreement).

Lowe played the first 30 games of his pro career with the Idaho Steelheads, Texas’ ECHL affiliate. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound center was third on the team with 12 assists and 19 points. The 24-year-old rookie played the last four years at Bemidji State University. In 142 WCHA games, Lowe netted 37 goals and set up 42 for 79 collegiate points.

Texas is at home on Tuesday, December 27th for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff against San Antonio. Tuesday is an H-E-B night. Fans are encouraged to bring any H-E-B non-perishable food item to the game and receive $5 off their ticket price. The Stars will then head to Abbotsford for a pair of games on December 29th and 30th. The team will play in San Antonio on January 6th, prior to returning home on Saturday, January 7th to host Rockford at 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

2011-12-28T23:14:00.000-06:00

FIIIINALLY a blog post! After a week off, I'm back at it, and up way too late with the alarm going off at 4:00AM this week, as I fill in doing morning news on GX94 until Friday.

A few tidbits for your late Wednesday night/Thursday morning.

- Team West lost 5-4 in overtime to Germany at the World Under-17's in Windsor on Wednesday night. Alex Forsberg led Team West with a pair of assists. Jamie Fiesel's the Head Coach, and they'll take on Team Pacific (BC/Alberta) in their first round robin game Thursday night.

- John Odgers is up with the Prince George Cougars in the WHL, and wasted no time scoring his first Western Hockey League goal, doing so in his first WHL game, a 3-1 win over Calgary on Wednesday.

- I'll be speaking with PG Cougars' Assistant GM and former Yorkton Terrier Coach Wade Klippenstein this morning, and running his interview during one or both of our Yorkton/Melville broadcasts this weekend.

- The 3rd Robin's Roundtable show of the season goes tonight in Melville. Neil Lamberty will fill in for Jamie Fiesel, Don Chesney will also be there, while Neil will bring captain Lee Christensen and goaltender Blake Voth with him. 6:30 - 7:00 from Robin's in Melville, and on GX94.

- Nathan Murray's brother Ryan and the rest of Team Canada are 2-0 (soon to be 3-0) at the World Juniors, after a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic. Canada meets Denmark Thursday night, after out-scoring Finland and the Czechs 13-1. The States also lost 4-1 to Finland, which gives Canada the inside track on top spot in their pool. They're a deep team without a true "superstar", but they're fun to watch.

- I'm excited to get the post-Christmas broadcast schedule underway! Yorkton @ Melville 7:30 on Friday... Melville @ Yorkton 2:00 on Sunday. After that it's Wayway @ Swan on Wednesday, Yorkton in Humboldt next Friday. Trade deadline's coming up quick!

- Gotta hit the hay. Talk to you from Robin's at 6:30!

Injuries, Losses Pile Up As Mils Hit Holidays

2011-12-21T01:00:00.002-06:00

(It's been that kind of year so far for Coach Fiesel and the Millionaires. Picture courtesy Darcy Gross and The Melville Advance)

In the last week or so,I've been getting blog comments, and hearing comments second hand, that the Melville Millionaires are under-acheiving, not playing for their coach, and that a change needs to be made.

The Millionaires are 16-14-2-3... 4th place in the Sherwood Division at the Christmas Break. Is that where they thought they'd be? No.

But, let's take a look at what key players have missed how much time.

Jesse Mireau (arguably their best player): 8 games
Lee Christensen (Captain, one of the league's top defensemen): 12 games
Bob Pond (another 20 year old defenseman): 9 games
Brett Kipling (yep, another 20 year old defenseman): 8 games
Lucas Froese (one of their top returning forwards from last year): 12 games
TJ Reeve (maybe their best rookie): 9 games, and not coming back anytime soon.
Colin Mospanchuk (Power Forward, promising 18-year-old): 10 games

Those 7 names alone, which includes four 20-year-olds, have combined to miss 68 man games due to injury, and the season's only 35 games old.

It's also worth noting, the three players the Mils received from Melfort for Metz/Hanson (Christensen, Mireau, Aschim) have combined to play 50 games (of a possible 105). Mireau and Christensen have missed 20 games between them, while Aschim, penciled in for the top line centre role before cracking the WHL and sticking, remains in Seattle and all indications are he'll stay.

The Mils are in a rut right now, going 2-8 in thier last 10 games, with all the injuries, and they started the season on the road with their rink still under construction, and won just one of their first 6 games.

But in the middle, with close to a full lineup, a span of 19 games from October 5th to November 22nd, the Millionaires picked up points in 16 of those games, going 13-3-1-2.

They ARE a top end team in this league, when they've got everyone in the lineup, or at least close.

To say Jamie Fiesel's the problem is way off the mark. Yes, it's his job to provide depth and get the 20 players (or 18 or 19 in some cases lately) who are healthy to battle through the adversity, but take 5 regulars off any team at any level, and I can assure you they'll under-achieve.

FORMER STAMP WELLS GOING DIV 1

2011-12-20T07:27:00.003-06:00

(Story from www.ajhl.ca)

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce that 20-year-old goaltender; Dylan Wells of Nashville, Tennessee has verbally committed to attend Providence College beginning the fall of 2012.

Wells, a 6'1" 180 pound goalie, was acquired by the Pontiacs on Sept. 2nd, 2011 from the Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL). Wells has appeared in 22 games since joining the Pontiacs, recording an impressive 14-5-3 record, 2.47 goals against average and 91.47% save percentage to place among league leaders. He has also registered two shutouts.

Based in Providence, Rhode Island the Providence College Friars play in NCAA Division I Hockey East. The Friars roster currently includes two former Bonnyville Pontiacs in freshmen Matt Montesano and Julien Laplante.

The Pontiacs would like to congratulate Dylan and his family, and look forward to continued success this season as well as in his future at Providence College.

TWO FIRSTS FOR TERRIER ROOKIES

2011-12-19T00:27:00.003-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers are our only local Junior 'A' team to head into the Christmas Break on the winning note, and they've won their last two, most recently a 5-0 win over Notre Dame on Saturday.

A pair of rookies had some big 'firsts' on Saturday night, as John Odgers scored his first SJHL goal, and Kale Thomson made 22 saves for his first SJHL shutout. I had a quick chat with each of them after Saturday's game.

Odgers-firstG by cstein14

Thomson-FirstSO by cstein14

MILS 2 @ WEYBURN 4 (Aaaand, a little controversy)

2011-12-18T23:50:00.004-06:00

With 5 regulars out of the lineup, including three 20 year olds, the Melville Millionaires hung with the Sherwood Conference leaders for most of the game, but went on to lose their final game before the break, 4-2 to Weyburn.

After a scoreless first, the two teams traded goals twice in the second, before the Wings added two more in the third, including an empty-netter.

Michael Sagen (11) and Russell Trudeau (17) scored second period goals for the Millionaires, while Blake Voth stopped 26/29 shots.

The controversy.....

I didn't see the spear, but I saw Mils' defenseman Lee Christensen on all fours infront of the Melville net, and a few seconds later, Weyburn's Sam Williams scored on a backhand. Christensen immediately pleaded his case, and the referee went and talked to his linsemen, at least one of which must have seen Williams spear Christensen.

The ref then gave Williams (the same guy who scored) 4 minutes for spearing, but let the goal stand.

My first instinct was that since the spear was clearly before the goal, that the goal would be wiped out, but having never encoutered a play like that, with the penalty coming after the fact, just figured I didn't know the rule..... and that the goal stood, since the actual call wasn't made until after.

After the game, Mils' Coach/GM Jamie Fiesel says they clearly got it wrong. During Post Game Meal, Fiesel said the reason he didn't go ballistic at the time, was because he assumed the goal would be disallowed, and that they just hadn't taken it off the board.

Here's what he had to say...

Fiesel-Post-Wey-Dec18 by cstein14

There's nothing saying the Mils would have won if not for that call, but the fact is it was a one-goal game until they pulled their goalie. But, while they didn't score on Williams' double-minor, they did score shortly after on an ensuing powerplay, and the spearing call started a parade of Weyburn penalties.

When the race is so tight in the middle of the Sherwood, one can't help but ask 'what if.'

But, 'what is', is that the Mils hit the Christmas break at 16-14-3-2, 37 points, 3 back of Yorkton, 4 behind Estevan, as they take some time off before taking on the Terriers December 30th and January 1st.

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

A tough way to head into the break for the Wayway Wolverines, who were up 4-1 in Portage, before surrendering 6 straight goals, in a 7-4 loss.

Ashley Howie scored a hat trick while Jean-Michel Naud had their other goal.

Andrew Wiebe led the Portage comeback, as the reigning MJHL Player of the Week scored 4 times.

Wayway hits the Christmas break in third spot in the MJHL Sherwood, but a game below .500, at 16-17-4. Their next action isn't until Wednesday, January 4th when they head to Swan Valley.

Mils @ Weyburn

2011-12-18T17:52:00.001-06:00

Listen live online at www.gx94radio.com

STAMPS 3 @ DAUPHIN 10

2011-12-17T01:43:00.002-06:00

If the Dauphin Kings didn't score another goal after the 10 minute mark of the first period, it would have been enough.

The Kings were up 4-0 just after the 9 minute mark, scored 5 in the third, two in the second, and three straight in the third, for a 10-3 win over Swan Valley.

Jeff Archibald and Jesse Sinatynski (37 goals in 36 games) both had 2g-1a for Dauphin.

The Stamps got their goals from Derek Falloon, T.J. Fairall and Sam Briscoe.

Alcide Grenier got the start in goal, after Jayson Argue played 9 straight.

Swan Valley closes out their Pre-Christmas schedule Saturday when they host Portage.

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

The Yorkton Terriers trailed, or were tied for most of Friday night's game against Nipawin, but they had the lead when it counted.

Curtis Oliver scored with just over 6 minutes remaining, and it stood up as the winner in a 3-2 win over the Hawks.

Jeremy Johnson added his 12th goal of the season, while Riley Paterson notched his 11th. Kyle McLeod chipped in a pair of assists, while Warren Shymko made 26 saves.

The Terriers are still a point out of second spot, with Estevan also winning on Friday. The Terriers do pull 3 points ahead of Melville, who had Friday off.

Yorkton's home to Notre Dame tonight, while Melville entertains Nipawin, and travels to Weyburn tomorrow (SUN).

FAST FACTS: Stamps @ Kings on GX94

2011-12-16T11:32:00.006-06:00

- The Kings have the big edge in the season series, winning all of the first five meetings, including one in OT and one in a SO. That makes the Stamps 0-3-1-1 against the Division leaders, and they'll meet three more times after tonight, ALL in the month of February, including Swan's last game of the year, in Dauphin on Feb/24.

- Swan Valley's 5-1-1 in their last 7, and are easily playing their best hockey of the season. The Stamps still remain 4th in the Sherwood, and out of a playoff spot as of now, due to the crossover, as they try to dig out from an early season hole. They're 6 points back of third place Wayway, while they're 11 points shy of Selkirk, the 5th place team in the Addison.

- Dauphin's 1st in the Sherwood, have been all year, and I don't see anyone catching them. BUT, they are on a rare 'slide', by their standards. They've lost their last 2 games in regulation, and have one win in their last 5 games (1-2-1-1). All 5 of those games were one-goal games, however. They've only lost 2 in a row in regulation three times, and they've never lost 3 straight.

- During Swan Valley's last seven games, they've given up just 2 powerplay goals. They're 32-for-34 on the penalty during that time, or 94.1%. Their powerplay's been good too, scoring in 5 of those games, going 7-for-28 (25%). Those numbers will get a good test tonight, although it blows my mind that with Dauphin's skill up front, and Brenden Kotyk on the backend, that their PP is at 17.4% on the season. Their PK is an impressive 84.9%. I almost wonder if the special teams' stats are a bit wonky. It seems like too many PP's are low and PK's are high than what is "normal" for this time of year. Usually a middle-of-the-pack PP will run around 18%. Seven of the MJ teams are between 10-17%. Just seems low.

- Two teams in the league don't have a short-handed goal. Who are they? GX94's own Swan Valley Stampeders and Wayway Wolverines! The Yorkton Terriers were the last team in the SJHL to get one too. Melville though, leads the league with 8.

- T.J. Fairall leads the Stampeders in scoring with 18 goals and 35 points in 36 games. Fairall's riding a 4 game point streak, and has 4g-2a during that stretch.

- Jesse Sinatynski has 35 goals in 35 games for Dauphin. The next highest goal total in the league is 26. Sinatynski's 51 points ranks him 2nd in the MJHL, behind Saints forward Brett Chartier (the guy with 26 goals).

- Sinatynski's linemates both carry large streaks into this one. Neil Tarnasky has a consistent 10 game streak going (3g-8a-11p), where he has one point in 9 of those games, and 2 in one. Mitch Van Teeling's on a 9 game streak (5g-8a-13)... he's been red-hot in the last month or so.

- This will be my first chance to see Mark Owen wearing a jersey other than one that says Melville Millionaires. Owen spent 2.5 seasons with the Mils, before being traded, along with Zach Rakochy to Steinbach in early November. He played 10 games there, and put up 8 points, then was moved to Dauphin along with fellow 20-year-old Cole Brunet a week ago.

- Swan Valley goaltender Jayson Argue faces an average of 35.2 shots per game. He's only faced under 30 five times in 23 starts. He's seen 40 or more 7 times. If Argue plays tonight (and I assume he will), it will be his 10th straight start.

- After tonight, the Stampeders don't go on the road again for about a month. 4 weeks to be exact. January 13th when they head to Neepawa. They finish their Pre-Christmas schedule tomorrow (SAT) at home against Portage, then have 2 and a half weeks off, and play their first 3 games after the break at home.

- Dauphin finishes their 2011 schedule tomorrow (SAT) in Wayway.

- 7:20 Pre Game Show... Play-by-Play at 7:30 tonight from Credit Union Place. www.gx94radio.com

WEDNESDAY RECAP

2011-12-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

Ian McNulty scored his 20th goal of the season on a first period powerplay, but the Melville Millionaires could not beat Notre Dame Matt Smidt the rest of the way, as they dropped their 7th game in their last 8, 2-1 to Hounds.

Smidt made 38 saves on 39 shots, and one night after he stoned the Yorkton Terriers, he did the same to the Millionaires.

Our two local teams managed just 3 goals against the Hounds in the last two nights, none of them at even strength.

That brings Notre Dame just six points back of the Mils for fourth place in the Sherwood.

The Mils are home to Nipawin Saturday, and head to Weyburn on Sunday.

Flin Flon Bombers 1 @ Nipawin Hawks 5

The Yorkton Terriers host Nipawin tomorrow night, and Notre Dame on Saturday to close out their Pre-Christmas schedule.

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

In the MJHL... rookie defenseman Riley Hiebert had a goal and two assists, and the Swan Valley Stampeders picked up a 5-4 win over the Neepawa Natives.

The Stamps were out-shot 41-35, but Jayson Argue made 37 stops.

TJ Fairall also had a goal and an assist for Swan.

The Wayway Wolverines also got back in the win column, thanks to Cory Simons' third shutout of the season. Simons stopped all 23 shots he faced in a 5-0 win over OCN.

Connor Pennell had two goals and an assist, while Curtis Veitch also scored a pair. Steven Duda scored once and added two assists.

OCN sits second, with 42 points, Wayway's third with 36, and 3 games in hand. Swan Valley's 6 back of Wayway with 30 points.

SCHWARTZ / MURRAY MAKE TEAM CANADA

2011-12-14T11:10:00.004-06:00

Jaden Schwartz gets another chance at gold, while Ryan Murray's going to the World Juniors for the first time.

Schwartz, who's family's originally from Kamsack, made the club last year, but suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of most of the tournament, including the loss to Russia in the gold medal game one year ago.

The 19-year-old is in his 2nd season with the Colorado College Tigers, playing with his older brother Rylan. After putting up 76 points in 46 games (34g-42a) as a 16-year-old with the SJHL's Notre Dame Hounds, Jaden led the USHL in scoring as a 17-year-old, with 83 points (33g-50a) in 60 games with the Tri-City Storm. That led to a first round, 14th overall draft selection by the St. Louis Blues, and, despite playing in just 30 of his team's 45 games, Schwartz led Colorado College in scoring as a freshman, with 47 points (17g-30a). This season, brother Rylan has a one-point edge for the team scoring lead (14g-5a-19p), while Jaden's been the set-up man with 5g-13a-18p.

Murray is the younger brother of Yorkton Terrier forward Nathan Murray.

Ryan's in his third season with the Everett Silvertips (WHL), and has spent most of this season out of the lineup with injury. The defenseman has 7 points in 11 games in his 18-year-old season. Murray's eligible for the upcoming NHL draft, and is pegged as a sure-fire first rounder, with many predicting he could go in the top five.

He had 46 points (6g-40a) in 70 games last season, and was among the last cuts to make Canada's Junior team as a 17-year-old. His 16-year-old campaign in Everett saw him play in 52 games, where he put up 27 points (5g-22a), while posting a remarkable +33 rating.

Murray and Schwartz are the only two Saskatchewan-born players to crack this year's World Junior Roster.

TERRIERS 2 @ NOTRE DAME 4

2011-12-14T02:05:00.002-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers saw another lead slip away, as they fell 4-2 to the Notre Dame Hounds.

After a scoreless first period, Tyler Giebel scored on two straight powerplays to give the Terriers a 2-0 lead. Brent Struble and Zak Majkowski assisted on both goals.

Carson Grolla scored his 11th of the season, to lead all SJHL defensemen, shortly after the Terriers scored their two quick ones, and it was 2-1 Terriers after two.

The Hounds were the better team in third period, scoring three times for the 4-2 win.

That was Yorkton's final road game before the Christmas break. They'll host the Nipawin Hawks on Friday, and Notre Dame again on Saturday.

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

The Wayway Wolverines gave up three first period goals, and despite out-shooting the OCN Blizzard 40-24, they fell 4-3.

For a second straight game, the Wolverines ran into a hot goaltender, as Matt Krahn made 37 saves for the win.

Connor Pennell, Tyler Posch and Curtis Veitch scored for the Wolverines, who host OCN again on Wednesday.

Fast Facts: Terriers @ Hounds on GX94

2011-12-13T12:44:00.003-06:00

- By Saturday, these two teams will have met 3 times in 8 nights. The Terriers won 8-5 on Saturday, travel to ND for the first time this season tonight, and then host the Hounds again this Saturday.

- The Hounds have scored the fewest goals in the Sherwood Conference (96) but they have 10 against the Terriers in two games (5-1 W, 8-5L). They also have 5 players with 10 goals or more. Todd Christian leads the way with 17, and 35 points. Rookie Brandon Millin's been a pleasant surprise, chipping in 13 goals so far.

- Carson Grolla (ND) leads all SJHL defensemen with 10 goals. He's third in points with 23.

- Another Hounds' defesnseman, Troy Murray, has 5 goals and 9 points on the season. 3 goals and 4 points came in the two games vs the Terriers.

- The Hounds have given up 5 goals or more 14 times in 33 games. They've given up the most goals in the league (145), while their team GAA of 4.39, is also last in the SJHL. The Terriers have given up 5 or more 6 times (and won 2 of them).

- Hounds' rookie goalie Ty Reichenbach has been leaned on heavily all season. He's played 6 games in a row twice, and started 7 straight at one point. Overall, he's played 25 of his team's 33 games. He started Saturday in Yorkton, and he's only NOT gotten the nod in back to back games once, after a 7-2 loss to Estevan in November. His numbers were incredible though the first month of the season, but have dipped lately (3.85 GAA, .878%). Their other option is 20-year-old, and third year Hound Matt Smith (5.26/.843). Smidt played 3 straight games earlier this month, which included back to back wins.

- For the Terriers, Tyler Giebel takes a 3 game goal scoring streak (3g-1a-4p) and a 6 game point streak (3g-4a-7p) into tonight. That 6 game streak is the second longest active streak in the SJHL right now, next to Jordan Either's 8-gamer with La Ronge. Giebel also scored a WHL goal in the middle of this streak, in his only game with the Red Deer Rebels.

- As for Terrier goalies, one guy has played four games in a row just once. Warren Shymko did it in late Oct - early Nov. Kale Thomson started the last two. He's 6-2 on the season. Shymko's 9-6-1, and their GAA's and SV%'s are almost identical now. Dawson MacAuley remains with Medicine Hat while Tyler Bunz is at WJHC Camp, and possibly the tournament.

- Ryon Soorko is tied for the SJHL lead in rookie goals with 15 (tied with Tad Kozun). Sookro's a 20-year-old, but is in his first Junior 'A' season, after suiting up in Junior 'B' in BC. He had 60 points in 50 games at that level last season.

- Not counting the Showcase (where they went 0-2), the Terriers are 9-5-1-1 away from home, and haven't lost on the road in regualation since November 15th in Weyburn. The last time before that was October 8th in Melville. Four of their five reg losses on the road game in their first five road games. They're 8-1-1-1 on the road since then.

- 7:50 Pre Game Show tonight, 8:00 face-off on GX94, and www.gx94radio.com with myself and Brendan Pawliw.

OWEN ON THE MOVE AGAIN

2011-12-11T00:05:00.003-06:00

Former Melville Millionaire Mark Owen's stay in Steinbach was a short one, and he'll now be re-joining his original Junior 'A' team, the Dauphin Kings.

Owen, who had 8 points in 10 games in Steinbach, is heading to the Kings, along with his longtime friend Cole Brunet. Both are 20-year-olds, and will add to an already deep Dauphin team, which leads the Sherwood Division.

The Kings send Richard Olson and futures to the Pistons.

MILS SLIDE SNAPPED AT SIX

2011-12-10T22:55:00.002-06:00

Seven's supposed to be a lucky number, but a loss Saturday night WOULD HAVE given the Melville Millionaires SEVEN straight, and a SEVEN hour bus ride from La Ronge to think about it.

Fortunately, they bounced back from a 7-1 drubbing to La Ronge, and beat a scorching-hot Ice Wolves team 3-2.

Michael Sagen hit double digits in goals, scoring twice to give him 10 on the season, while Lucas Froese scored the winner on an early third period powerplay.

And, after Blake Voth allowed 7 goals on Friday, Coach Jamie Fiesel stuck with him, and the hunch paid off, as Voth stopped 35/37 shots on Saturday.

The Mils return home to face the Notre Dame Hounds on Wednesday.

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

Curtis Oliver sent the Teddy Bears onto the ice on Teddy Bear Toss night, opening the scoring for the Terriers just over three minutes in, and it also opened the flood gates for goals.

The Terriers built a 5-1 lead in the second period, but the Notre Dame Hounds eventually trimmed the margin to 6-5, before the Terriers added two in the third for an 8-5 win.

Zak Majkowski padded his team lead in points with 2 goals and an assist. Ryon Sookro also scored twice. Kyle McLeod and Riley Paterson both had a goal and an assist, while Tyler Giebel scored for a third straight game (four if you count his goal with Red Deer!).

Brent Struble picked up three assists, while Jeremy Johnson and Kelly Leismeister assisted two each.

Kale Thomson stopped 26/31 shots in his second straight start. Yorkton and Notre Dame meet again Tuesday night in Wilcox (8:00 on GX94).

The Terriers are still one point up on Melville for 3rd place, and they trail 2nd place Estevan by one point. Both the Terriers and Mils have four games in hand on the Bruins, who lost in Flin Flon on Saturday. It'll be five games in hand after Sunday, when the Bruins finish a weekend swing in Nipawin.

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

While our two SJ teams both picked up wins, our Manitoba teams were so lucky.

The Wayway Wolverines did pick up a point, in a 3-2 shootout loss to the visiting Steinbach Pistons.

The Wolverines out-shot the Pistons 42-22, but former Melville Millionaire Zach Rakochy stole one, making 40 saves for Steinbach.

Ashley Howie and Russell Turner scored for the Wolverines.

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

The Swan Valley Stampeders had a nice streak snapped against the Selkirk Steelers, as they fell 6-4 on home ice.

That's the Stamps' first regulation loss in 6 games, as they were 4-0-1 in their previous five.

T.J. Fairall scored two, while Ryan Wigner notched his 1st of the season, and rookie Jagger Thomas had the other.

CAN'T ARGUE WITH PERFECTION

2011-12-10T00:01:00.002-06:00

Jayson Argue stopped all 35 shots he faced as the Swan Valley Stampeders blanked the Winkler Flyers 3-0 on Friday.

The Stamps are now 4-0-1 in their last 5 games.

Kyle Smart had a goal and an assist, giving him 12 points in 8 games as a Stampeder. T.J. Fairall and Dylan Reimer had the others, while Tony Partridge had two assists.

The Stamps host Selkirk on Saturday night.

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

Ashley Howie scored twice, as the Wayway Wolverines down the Neepawa Natives 3-1.

Curtis Veitch and Stephane Robidoux both had a pair of assists, and Pierre Landry added a goal.

Cory Simons got the win, stopping 25/26 shots. The win gets the Wolverines back above .500.

Unfortunately, neither the Stamps or Wolverines gained any ground with their wins on Wednesday, as Dauphin and OCN also picked up victories.

Wayway returns home to host Steinbach on Saturday.

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

The Melville Millionaires' losing streak hit 6, with an exclamation point Friday, as they fell 7-1 in La Ronge.

Micahel Desjarlais scored their only goal, his 9th of the season.

Blake Voth, after winning his first 5 starts, has now dropped his last 4, and made 38/45 saves on Friday.

The Mils get another crack at the Ice Wolves on Saturday.

TERRIER TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT SATURDAY!

2011-12-09T12:00:00.001-06:00

You've all seen Teddy Bear Toss night somewhere before... well, the Yorkton Terriers are doing it for the first time tomorrow (SAT) night when they host the Notre Dame Hounds. Bring a new or gently-used teddy bear to the game, and chuck it on the ice when the Terriers score their first goal.

They'll be given out to less fortunate kids in the community for Christmas.

It's a great cause, so litter the ice with bears! You know, something like THIS:

Okay, that's the Calgary Hitmen, and the Saddledome, a 20,000 seat facility... but give them a run for their money at least!

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 9 - HOME SWEET HOME

2011-12-09T03:49:00.002-06:00

Well, it's 3:50 AM and I'm at my desk, and will be for the next hour-ish. Just dumping some audio from the weekend, typing up Friday's local sports schedule, and writing/voicing a morning editorial (topic still to be determined).

But, doing all that now means I get to sleep in Friday morning, before heading to Fort Qu'Appelle for one more broadcast this week.

Saturday, my wife and I are hosting a small Christmas party, during the day with lots of little ones, and the Terriers host Notre Dame Saturday night... and it's TEDDY BEAR TOSS NIGHT.

Check out the Terrier website for more details on that.

Traveling with junior hockey, whether you're playing, coaching, or broadcasting, is a grind when you're rolling in at these hours, when it's freezing cold, but none of us would do it if we didn't love it. Hope you enjoyed the 9 part series "Terrier Travels!"

I'm back on the Terrier bus on Tuesday when they head to Notre Dame.

I'll leave you with Trent Cassan's Post Game Interview from North Battleford, a 4-3 OT loss.

Trent-post-bat by cstein14

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 8 - TOUGH FINISH

2011-12-08T23:03:00.002-06:00

For 40 minutes, it looked like the Yorkton Terriers would become the first Sherwood Conference team to beat the Battlefords North Stars in regulation since Kindersley did it on opening night (Sep/16), but the Stars erased a 3-1 deficit and won 4-3 in overtime, running their winning streak to 12 games.

The Terriers got first period goals from Tyler Giebel (3) and Brent Struble (10) and took a 2-1 lead into the room. Tayler Thompson (4) scored on an early second period powerplay and it stayed 3-1 after 40.

The Terriers appeared to pull back in the third, while the North Stars kept coming. Former Millionaire Roger Tagonna cut it to 3-2, and Boyd Wakelin tied it with 7:50 to play.

Yorkton had a late regulation powerplay, and one in overtime, when Nathan Murray drew a slashing call on a breakaway.

On that powerplay, Blake Tatchell stole a bouncing puck at the North Stars' line, and would score on a short-handed breakaway, his 2nd of the game, and his SJHL-leading 31st goal and 60th point of the season.

The hardest part about the Terriers losing by a goal, is that they scored twice on a first period powerplay, but early whistles took both off the board. The first one was iffy, and the second one wasn't close. Connor Creech made a blocker save (tough to freeze the puck with your blocker), and the whistle was blown immediately, with the puck no less than 3 feet from Creech. The Terriers (Majkowski I think) put the rebound home, but not before referee Jarett Gelowitz (from the far corner instead of at the post) blew the play down.

All in all, 3 points on a tough two night swing, but they had a chance for 4, and to end the Stars streak. A better third period, and the disallowed goal's not a factor.

Now to see if I can get some shuteye. Usually get little if any on the bus.

Ochapowace @ Fort Knox is on the air Friday. 8:00 puck drop in Fort Qu'Appelle.

Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Virgin Mobile.

TERRIER TRAVELS PART 7 - PRE-GAME IN BATTLEFORD

2011-12-08T18:56:00.001-06:00

Just a quick one as warm-ups are abot to get rollin.

The picture is taken from the side of the rink opposite the booth, while I was shootin the breeze with Pat McKay, formerly of CTV Yorkton. He's now at CTV Saskatoon, and is shooting tonight's game for highlights.

Again, the Terriers got to the rink nice and early, just after 5:00.

Battleford Coach Kevin Hasselberg gave me the 'go-ahead' to chat with Stars' forward Blake Tatchell, and I happened to see him just as he walked in. I didn't feel guilty talking to him now that he's no longer on his 21 game point streak! Tatchell leads the league in goals (29) and points (58), and was a great interview. Hear it during the 2nd intermission of tonight's game, and on the SJHL website.

After that, I waited for Terrier rookie Curtis Oliver to lose out of sewer ball, and talked to him, for my 1st intermission show.

Had my usual Pre Game chat with Trent Cassan. Kale Thomson will get the start tonight against the league-leading Stars.

Voice of the North Stars Mike Feeney was nice enough to print off stats for me, and it's all systems go!

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 6 - TRYING TO STOP A PERFECT DOZEN

2011-12-08T16:21:00.001-06:00

I know, different highway, but every bus picture in Sask looks the same.

The Terriers are between Rosetown and North Battleford, as I type. My thumbs haven't been this blistered since I sold my first bottle-fed calf when I was 12 and spent all the money on a Sony PlayStation and NHL 98.

The Battlefords North Stars are rolling at a pace I'm not sure I've seen in my almost 5 seasons in the SJ. There have been some good teams. Melville started 11-0 in my first season, 17-2 the following year, while Humboldt won close to 50 games in my first season.

The Terriers beat the Stars 5-4 in a shootout four weeks ago in NB, and Ryon Sookro and Ryley Stefanyshyn had two goals each. Sookro also scored the shootout winner. Neither of them are in the lineup tonight. Sookro has a minor injury and will sit this one out, while Stefanyshyn will suit up for Ochapowace tomorrow in Fort Knox, a game that'll also be on the air.

But since that SO loss to the Terriers, the Stars haven't lost again. 11 straight wins, and a 9 game streak before that now has them 20-1-0-1 in their last 22. Points in 21 of their last 22. Whichever sounds more impressive.

The scariest part of their streak, is that it seemed to be largely Blake Tatchell and his line doing the damage a few weeks ago, but now, other guys, like Kyle Hall, Roger Tagoona, and Tanner Schwab are picking it up. Brody Luhning, the league's top-scoring defenseman, has crept in the top 20 scorers overall. Woody Klassen, another D-man, is scoring at a pace better than most forwards. He has 3 goals and 4 points in 2 games against the Terriers. And of course, goaltending. Graham Hildebrand leads the league in every stat, while Connor Creech is 2nd in most.

Win-loss record, goals for, and goals against are all very impressive for the Stars. But two have arguably the top two goalies in the league, and play team defense in front of them that is smothering, is a combination that's tough to beat.

My previous post was called "killing time." So here's what I did. Pulled up the Stars schedule, clicked on each of their 33 games, because I was curious if their shots against have always been so low. It hasn't, actually. They routinely gave up 30+ for most of the first half of the season, but lately, that number's been going way, way down.
They've given up LESS THAN 20 shots 5 times this season, 22 or less 10 times, and less than 30 18 times in 33 games. Their average for the season is 27.6, which isn't THAT ridiculous, but I would guess it would rank tops. In their last 10 games, the Stars have allowed less than 25 shots 8 times.

Their last 5 games, is where it gets almost silly. 17 against Notre Dame, 16 against Estevan, 22 against Melville, 21 against Yorkton, and 17 against Melfort. 93 total, or 18.6 per game.

So a couple quick keys:
- Shoot the puck!
- Stay the heck out of the box. When Luhning and Klassen get on their off wings on the point, it's lethal. I haven't seen a duo like them since Wacker/Vandesype in Humboldt in 07-08 and 08-09. They can crank pucks, and if goaltenders are fortunate (or unfortunate) enough that they get hit, they've got the forwards to clean up the garbage.

Time to look at some stats other than shots on goal. Talk to you from the rink in NB!

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 5 - KILLIN' TIME

2011-12-08T11:03:00.002-06:00

For someone who's used to an alarm going off at 5:30, I can handle setting an alarm for 9:45 to make sure I'm at breakfast by 10:00.

While I probably won't sleep a wink on the bus tonight and get home at around 4:00 AM, this is the part of road trips where you bank some sleep.

I DID sleep until 9:45, had the usual breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns AND pancakes), and now you sit around and wait. It's the longest part of the day... sitting in a hotel, waiting for a night game. This is also where it helps being in Rosetown.... as the Terriers kill an hour and a half, or so, driving from here to North Battleford.

Last time the Terriers were here, they had a football game in the hotel parking lot. Today, it's pretty cold, so I don't think that's in a cards... but it sounds like a short walk around noon is the plan.

I think Pre Game meal is at 2:30 at the hotel, and shortly after that we'll be on our way, and the Terriers will take another crack at the league-leading North Stars.

They beat them 5-4 in shootout last time they were there, but lost to them 3-0 at home on Saturday.

The Stars have won 11 straight games, and my next post will focus on them.

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 4 - A WIN IS A WIN

2011-12-07T23:34:00.003-06:00

The Terriers kicked off the road trip with a win, 5-3 over the Klippers.

They were up 4-1 and had chances to put the game away, but Brandon Stone kept the Klippers in it, and they added two third period goals to cut it to 4-3, and got a powerplay in the final minute+. But, with the goalie out, and on the PK, the Terriers' Nathan Murray wristed it from his own blue line, wide of the Klippers' goal, but it bounced right to Tayler Thompson, and the Klippers' defensemen seemed to quit on the play, thinking that icing was coming. Thompson appeared to almost stop too, just for a split second, and then promptly took a couple strides and slid it into the empty net to ice it.

Chase Norrish scored one of the prettiest goals of the season, going end to end, through the Klippers' team, and made it 4-1 at the time. His twin brother Brady was in the booth, and said (on the air) that Chase's goal was even a little nicer than his (Brady's) first SJHL goal, where he also went coast to coast and went upstairs.

Nathan Murray and Tyler Giebel scored twice each and captain Riley Paterson opened the scoring.

The Terriers appeared to have the game in control, up 4-1, and credit the Klippers for battling back, but it's safe to say they'll have to be better against the league-leading Battlefords North Stars on Thursday night.

Trent Cassan said on the post game show they "got too cute at times." Woody Klassen, Travis Sparrow and company likely won't allow dangles and toe-drags in their house.

The Stars have won 11 straight games, while the Terriers are now tied for 3rd with Melville, both with 33 points in 30 games played.

Check back tomorrow!

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 3 - PRE GAME IN KINDERSLEY

2011-12-07T17:47:00.003-06:00

The Terrier bus pulled up to the West Central Events Centre at about 5:10pm.

From there, rookies unload the bus, and scratches set up the video equipment in the booth (which I just moved over a few feet, heh heh heh).

The guys shake out the cobwebs from the ride over, tape sticks, and eventually break into a game of sewer ball (kicking a soccer in a circle in an elimination-style tournament, where whoever lets the fall hit the ground is out).

I had planned to interview Tayler Thompson for my first intermission player profile, and got that done shortly after the bus was unloaded. The former Prince George Cougar put up 6 points in his first 4 games as a Terrier, and tonight's game will be his 7th of the season.

Ah, thanks for the coffee Casey!

To talk to a player, it pretty much has to be done as soon as they get to the rink, 2 hours before puck drop. They get into their pre game routines and I hate to break it up. Depending on the team or coach, some teams' players are off limits at the rink before the game. Fortunately, all four of our 'home teams' are all extremely accommodating when it comes to interviews. It's free promotion the way I see it! I typically don't talk to the other teams' players at the rink (although I'm hoping to tomorrow). The broadcast is for our team and their fans and players' families, etc. I rarely even interview the other teams' coaches on regular season broadcasts. For playoffs, I add five minutes to the Pre Game Show and get them both on.

Really, it wouldn't be a bad thing to get both on all season (and it's good to build relationships with other coaches), but everyone's got different routines, etc. And I'm usually okay for content sticking with whoever I'm covering that night.

For Trent Cassan's Pre Game Interview, we always do our chat at about 6:15, right after their team meeting... so that's next on my agenda. I'll have Trent on the Pre Game, Thompson first intermission, and I'll run my Darrell Spelay Hall of Fame interview after the 2nd period. In the regular season, you don't need anything on standby for overtime.

Setting up my gear takes about 3 minutes. It's basically a box with a phone built into it, and room for three headsets. I use two of them for headsets and the other for my recorder/laptop.

Just had a good chat (off the mic) with Kindersley's Taylor Wasden. Went to school with GX94's own Clayton Kroeker and played AAA with Warren Shymko with the Saskatoon Contacts. Seems like a good kid... and he's the only remaining 20 year old on this Klipper team. He's out of the lineup tonight with injury.

Alright... time to talk to the coach.

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 2

2011-12-07T16:55:00.000-06:00

This one comes your way somewhere between Rosetown and Kindersley. The sign says 83km so I better get punchin away.

Well, I think my lunch count is at 3 for today. Had a sandwich in Dafoe, a Panini at Tim Horton's Saskatoon (Yorkton Timmies should probably get these, they're phenomenal), and then Pre Game in Rosetown. Lasagna, chicken fingers and salads.

I eat way too much on the road, and unlike the players, I don't burn off the mountains of spaghetti and fettucini and any other shapes of noodles. But, gotta stock up during the day because supper's not till 10!

There was about an hour at the hotel between our meal, and leaving Rosetown at 4:15. I'm rooming with Assistant Coach Casey O'Brien. We've got two double beds this time. Before you draw your own conclusions, last time we stayed at that hotel, we had one double bed AND one pull-out coach. Guess who got the hide-a-bed.

Anyway, I didn't sleep or play Madden. Pulled out the stats and started highlighting.

A few nuggets I pulled out, that'll hopefully make the air tonight:

- The Terriers are 8-5-0-1 in road games (I exclude showcase games from home/away records), which is better than the pace they're on at home (7-6-0).

- At the West Central Events Centre, the Klippers are 5-7-1-1. Their trouble has come on the road, where they have 2 wins in 17 tries. Their last road win was Oct/30 in Melfort. Their last one before that? Opening night in Battleford, Sep/16.

- Tonight marks the first of 8 straight at home for the Klippers, and they open and close that stretch, both against the Terriers (Jan/7).

- The Klippers have a lot of 'home stands' and 'road swings.' Starting Oct/19 they had 4 at home, then 3 on the road, 4 at home, 6 on the road, 2 at home, 3 on the road, now 8 at home.

- The Klippers have lost 3 straight, but they've won their last 2 at home. Those 2 followed a 10 game slide, and has them with two wins in their last 15.

- Kindersley dealt their entire top line of 20 year olds, leading up to December 1st. They started by moving Jesse Mysiorek to Flin Flon, then shipped Jordon Hoffmann to Weyburn, and Taylor Duzan to Humboldt. All 3 were in the lineup the first two times the two teams met, a 4-3 Terriers OT win 4 weeks ago exactly, and a 6-3 Terrier win back in Yorkton. The only current roster player the Klippers got back in those deals was Trent Hermary, an year old forward from Weyburn.

- The Klippers also brought in G Brandon Stone from Estevan and he's helped bring their GAA down.

- The Terriers will become the league's final team to play their 30th game, and start the second half of the season tonight.

- In their first 29, they played 13 at home, 14 on the road, and 2 at the Showcase. As mentioned earlier, they went 7-6 at home, 8-5-0-1 on the road, and 0-2 at the SC.

- They were 10-7-0 against Sherwood Conference opponents, while they went 5-6-1 against the Bauer.

- In their remaining 29, they'll play 15 at home, 14 away. 16 against their own Conference, 13 against the other.
- 9 of those 16 against the Sherwood are against the two teams below .500 on the season, 5 against Notre Dame, 4 against Kindersley. Only 3 remaining games are against the top two teams, with Weyburn (2) and Estevan (1). They also have 4 remaining with Melville.

- Who leads the Terriers in powerplay assists? Keven Cann, with 7. Ryon Sookro has 7 Pp goals. No other Terrier has more than 3.

Wow, not even 5:00 and the sun's almost gone. Talk to you from Kindersley!

Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Virgin Mobile.

TERRIER TRAVELS - PART 1

2011-12-07T10:03:00.002-06:00

Well last I looked, about 88% of those who voted wanted a road trip blog, and that's more than enough for me!

- As I start this post, it's just after 9:00 am on Wednesday, and the bus is pulling out of Yorkton, and on to Highway 16. The Melville Millionaires and the Terriers do their Kindersley/Battleford swings different. The Mils usually leave at around 11:00, have Pre Game in Saskatoon, then go straight to Kindersley in time to play. Then after the game, head straight to North Battleford and check in there, usually no earlier than 1:00 am. The Terriers make Rosetown their base for these trips, and leave Yorkton about 9:00, usually with pit stops in Dafoe (coffee for the driver) and Tim Horton's in Saskatoon, just for a quick break/snack/coffee. Then staright to Rosetown to check in, and have a Pre Game pasta meal. After that, there's usually still an hour or two to kill at the hotel, before making the short commute to Kindersley. They stay the night in Rosetown, have Pre Game there again the next day, and then head to The Battlefords. So, in a nutshell, that's a sneak peak of what will happen over the next couple days.

- These trips are great for me, because with them leaving mid-morning, I'm not in at the station for my usual morning run, which usually means a nice sleep-in. But, my 18-month-old alarm had me up just after 6:00. I didn't complain, gave me some time with her, and I likely won't see her again until after Day Care on Friday. My wife drops her off at 7:30 and then heads to Melville where she teaches Grade 8 (Camden Fiesel and company!).

- I made a Tim Horton's breakfast run and popped by the station just after 8:00 to do a little typing and print off my stats package for tonight's game in Kindersley.

- Bus left a little after 9:00, and I think we're somewhere between Springside and Theodore. Me and Trainer Riley Rice switched seats for this trip, not sure why, after the Terriers went 2-0 on their last Kin-Bat trip! I'm behind coach Trent Cassan. "Badger" Bob is at the wheel, and always gets us from point A to B safe and sound. Bus Drivers are the most underrated members of any sports team. They have to be wide awake in the wee hours, while everyone else sleeps, watches movies, texts, etc.

- You know December 1st has come and gone. There are TWO empty seats. Although, Dylan Baer and Ryley Stefanyshyn are doubling. NOW we're in Theodore. Stefanyshyn is now on a Jr B card with Ochapowace, but can still play 10 games with the Terriers before Ochap's season is over, at which point the Terriers could call him up full time. He scored 3 goals and an assist in his last game in Ochap, and he scored twice last time the Terriers were in Battleford.

- Tyler Giebel IS back with the Terriers, after one game (and one goal) with Red Deer in the Western League, while Dawson MacAuley's NOT on the bus. He's normally right behind me, but he's back in the Dub with Medicine Hat now. Tigers' goalie Tyler Bunz is one of four goalies trying out for Team Canada's World Junior squad, and if he makes it, MacAuley would likely be with Med Hat until early January (tournament ends Jan 5). Even if Bunz doesn't make it, MacAuley probably isn't back in Terrier colours before Christmas, because of the WJHC camp.

- It's a quiet bus so far. No movie, and the bulk of the guys are back asleep.

- My checklist (not actually a list on paper but what I try to bring):

- Two dress shirts/ties (I'm not a suit guy, but wear a tie most of the time)
- One pair of dress pants that goes with both (I pack light, and I only wear them a couple hours before until just after the games, so it's not that gross right??)
- Because we're not going straight to the rink, I'm scrubbin' it with a hat, T-shirt, hoodie, jeans.
- Shaving kit with all the essentials. Normally just use the garbage soap/shampoo at the hotel, again, to pack as light as possible.
- CELL PHONE CHARGER! I now have one that I keep only in my work bag. My BlackBerry only holds a charge for 6-8 hours lately for some reason (even after buying a new battery). So I charge it every night, and during entire games.
- Laptop. Good for typing on the bus, at the hotel, emailing audio back to the station, and for my out of town scoreboard during games.
- PSP. My wife got it for me 2 or 3 Christmas's ago, and wishes she didn't. I go in spurts where I won't play for a while, but then I'll get hooked again and never put it down. Lately, I limit it to bus trips, which was the intent of the gift! Even then, I don't play as much as I used to, but I remember crushing most of a Madden season on a Nipawin/Melfort trip a couple seasons ago.
- Magazines. I have a Hockey News subscription, both at home, and the radio station. But I ALWAYS forget to bring one. I do have a couple old ones in my laptop bag from the last overnighter I did with Wayway.
- I. Almost always forget something (aside from Hockey News). In the past those things have included: hair gel, ties, belt, non-dress shoes, toothpaste, PSP, pillow. And on my first ever road trip with GX, on my second day working here, in mid-October 2007, my ENTIRE overnight bag. Yup, left it in my vehicle at the station. Blaine Weyland will remember. The Terriers went up the day before to Battleford that time, which was my FIRST day of work, so Blaine and I took a station vehicle. Had to make a Wal-Mart trip early the next morning.

- That'll do for now, I think we're around Foam Lake. Typing is much slower when you can only use your thumbs. I might just join in on this mass morning nap, or fire up some Madden 12. Thanks for reading, and check back soon!

HALFWAY REPORT: WAYWAY WOLVERINES

2011-12-06T23:11:00.001-06:00

Record: 14-14-3 (31 points, .500%) 3rd in Sherwood

On Pace: 28-28-6 (62 points)

In Summary:
The Wolverines haven't been a lot above, or below .500, and they hit the midway point of the season, at exactly even. 3rd place is probably close to expectations, but I think they would like their record to be better. The Wolverines have played some of their best games against some of the league's top teams. They've had some great games with Dauphin, the Blues, and Portage, while they've left some points on the table against teams lower in the standings, like in their last game, when they let Neepawa come back from down 3-1. The Wolverines surprised some people when they traded Thomas Ward-Cardinal to the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) on December 1st, but a top four of Steph Robidoux, Steven Duda, Bobby Janzen & Pierre Landry, all 20-year-olds, have all provided solid all-around play, which made the move possible, and the "futures" could allow the Wolverines to make an upgrade elsewhere. That area would likely be up front, with Cory Simons and James Davison shoring up the goaltending since their arrivals.

What they have left: 31 games
16 Home
15 Away

Sherwood Division: 21 games (11H, 10A)
Swan Valley: 7 (4H, 3A)
Dauphin: 5 (3H, 2A)
Neepawa: 5 (2H, 3A)
OCN: 4 (2H, 2A)

Addison Division: 10 games (5H, 5A)
Portage: 2 (1H, 1A)
Wpg Saints: 2 (1H, 1A)
Selkirk: 2 (1H, 1A)
Steinbach: 2 (1H, 1A)
Winkler: 1 (1H)
Wpg Blues: 1 (1A)

What to expect?
21 of Wayway's final 31 games are against divisional opponents, so a lot can change in the second half. Home ice advantage in the first round of playoffs is a realistic goal, but the playoffs period aren't a slam dunk, with how close the standings are, and with an above-average chance of an Addison cross-over, which would mean only three Sherwood teams would get in. Coach/GM Barry Butler has said on the air that he believes this is a special group, and a group they'd like to add to. The question is, who can they add? In both the SJHL and MJHL, most teams are in the race, and the few that aren't, have already moved the few 20-years-olds (or most) that they add (ex: Neepawa, Kindersley, Melfort). Also, with the recent addition of Connor Pennell, the Wolverines are at the max of nine 20-year-olds. If they can add a piece, I would think it would be someone to add some punch to a second line (like the Josh Daley deal at last year's deadline), or a left winger to play with Goodrunning and Pinkerton on the top line (although Richard Little just came back and had success there before his injury). This team has yet to taste Round 2 of the playoffs in its now 13th season of existence, and with a full compliment of 20-year-olds, including four on the blue line, this is a year to get it done, and if they can improve their roster in the next month, they'll do it.

HALFWAY HARDWARE

Most Valuable Player
Shane Goodrunning, F

He's the only Wolverine at over a point per game, and is on pace to hit 30-goals for a second straight season, and over 70 points. Goodrunning was also one of Wayway's top performers in last year's playoff series with Winkler, and there's no question he wants to finish his junior career by taking the next step, and leading this team to a playoff round victory. Goodrunning is one of the top centres in the league, and has formed a nice duo with sophomore winger Brett Pinkerton. 9 of Goodrunning's 15 goals have come on the powerplay, and he's a major reason why Wayway's powerplay has been top three in the league for much of the season.

Runners-Up: Cory Simons, G; Brett Pinkerton, F; Bobby Janzen, D

Most Underrated
Bobby Janzen/Pierre Landry, D

They've got 37 points between them, but get little if any publicity around the league. Janzen and Landry have always taken care of their own end, and this season, especially in the last month or so, have vaulted up their totals offensively. They make up a real balanced, physical, offensive, and most importantly, responsible pairing. Janzen takes a 6 game point streak into the second half, and would have to be one of the most improved players in the league.

Runners-Up: Curtis Veitch, F; Ashley Howie, F; Zaine Walker, F

Top Rookie
Cody Koskimaki, F

The Wolverines don't have a lot of rookies. Infact, Koskimaki's 17th on the team in points, with 2g-4a-6p, and all 16 guys ahead of him were playing Junior last season. But the recent road trip to OCN I did with the Wolverines, I thought Koskimaki was their best player the first night, and had another solid effort the next day. When I asked Barry during training camp if there was one rookie he was really excited about, he said it was Koskimaki, and compared said he saw some Sean Collins in him. Koskimaki will be a key depth player the rest of the way, will likely be leaned on a lot in the next couple years.

ARGUE WITH ANOTHER MJHL POW HONOUR

2011-12-06T10:21:00.002-06:00

Jayson Argue has been named the MJHL's Player of the Week. He started all four of Swan Valley's games last week, going 3-0-1.

TRUDEAU-VEMBER? MIREAU-VEMBER?

2011-12-06T09:24:00.002-06:00

The Melville Millionaires' top line were all recognized in the SJHL's Monthly Awards.

Russell Trudeau was named Player of the Month, after scoring 14g-9a-23p in just 11 games.

His linemates were both named runners-up, after Ian McNulty tied Trudeau in points, with 23 (6g-17a), and Jesse Mireau 7g-14a-21p.

BUS BLOGGIN'

2011-12-06T07:22:00.003-06:00

Part of my plan for the Yorkton Terriers' Kindersley/Battleford swing this Wednesday/Thursday is to include a detailed... (I don't wanna say diary because that's a girly word... Journal?) of the trip.

Former Battlefords North Stars Voice Dan O'Connor did it a couple times, and I know it had good reviews. I've planed to do it, but never have!

Click here for an example of what Dan did.

It'll just be a one time thing... I might appear as a stalker if I did it every trip!

I thought it'd be neat for fans/parents who don't travel with the team, to see what a road trip's like, where/when/what the guys eat, what game day routines are like before the rink and at the rink, etc. Probably complete with pictures.

And, I'll only do it if you're interested (and so far it looks like you are). Cast your vote in the top right corner!

TWITTER SAYS: Giebel's Coming Back

2011-12-05T11:46:00.007-06:00

Rebelshockey
Red Deer Rebels

"Tyler Giebel has chosen to return to Yorkton of the SJHL. Rebels practice in Regina this morning, then off to Moose Jaw."

Giebel's no longer listed on the Rebels' roster on the WHL website. He scored in his only game with Red Deer, Saturday night in Regina.

He had 1g-11a-12p in 11 games as a Terrier prior to that.

HALFWAY REPORT: YORKTON TERRIERS

2011-12-05T09:20:00.001-06:00

Record: 15-13-0-1 (31 points, .534%) 4th in Sherwood

On Pace: 30-26-0-2

In Summary
The Terriers became the SJHL's final team to hit the halfway pole, when they fell 4-3 to Estevan on Sunday. I expected the Terriers to hover around .500 and be somewhere in the middle of the pack, and be a hard team to play against come playoff time. They haven't had any extended losing streaks, and during a 6 game road swing, went 4-1-1. They also just had a 4 game winning streak snapped by Battleford over the weekend. The Terriers have a handful of core guys who've been to the SJHL final twice, like Brent Struble (injured in last year's playoffs), Riley Paterson and Nathan Murray up front, along with Kelly Leismeister on the backend, and Warren Shymko (backup for both finals appearances) in goal. The offense got a big boost with the additions of Tayler Thompson and Tyler Giebel from the WHL, although Giebel recently found a new WHL home in Red Deer, and scored in his first game in Regina on Friday. At times, the Terriers had as few as one 20-year-old on defense, and regularly have 4 defensemen dressed who are 18 or younger. With only three 20-year-olds up front, this team's young, but they're hangin' in there, and have every opportunity to grab a top-three spot.

What they have left: 29 games
15 Home
14 Away

Sherwood Conference: 16 games (7H, 9A)
Notre Dame: 5 (2H, 3A)
Melville: 4 (2H, 2A)
Kindersley: 4 (2H, 2A)
Weyburn: 2 (1H, 1A)
Estevan: 1 (1A)

Bauer Conference: 13 games (8H, 5A)
Nipawin: 3 (2H, 1A)
Melfort: 3 (2H, 1A)
Battlefords: 2 (1H, 1A)
La Ronge: 2 (2H)
Flin Flon: 2 (1H, 1A)
Humboldt: 1 (1A)

What To Expect?
After back to back trips to the league finals, and a lot of turnover... as much as the Terriers would love to be back there, there isn't near as much pressure on them to get there this year as there was last season. I do think they're a perfect dark horse, and they remind me a lot of the team they had 2 seasons ago, that upset three teams enroute to a Conference Championship, especially their forwards. They don't have one dominant line, but they've got four lines they can roll in almost any situation, including powerplay. Trent Cassan plays everyone, and that's why there's not a true 'fourth line.' Everyone gets equal 5-on-5 minutes, and that makes everyone better, in a long season. As far as the trade deadline, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Terriers do very little. With the makeup and youth of this team, they're already set up pretty well for the next couple years, but they've shown they can play with Weyburn, Estevan, and Melville, teams who are above them in the standings right now. They could certainly knock off any of those teams, regardless where they finish, even if they have to go the long way (Survivor Series) like they did two years ago. Because they're right in the pack, I don't see them dealing impact 20-year-olds to build for the future, but at the same time, I can't see them trading any of their youth FOR an impact 20-year-old. In my opinion, they could use one more defeseman with some size and some offensive ability, who can play the PP. If they can pull off a cash deal, or send a prospect for a veteran D, they might, but again... probably not if it means trading a key 92 or 93.

HALFWAY HARDWARE

Most Valuable Player
Zak Majkowski, F

The second year forward leads the Terriers in points, assists, and continues to be one of their grittiest forwards, who's not afraid to get down in front of a slap shot (even if it means taking a puck where the sun don't shine). He's on pace to surpass the 36 points he put up in his rookie season, but his seven goals have him behind the pace of 21 that he scored last year. Talking to Zak a couple weeks ago, he said he felt snake-bitten, and almost immediately after that, he erupted for 7 points in 3 games to be named SJHL Player of the Week. I wouldn't be surprised to see him give last year's goal total a run in the second half.

Runners-Up: Riley Paterson, F; Ryon Sookro, F; Brent Struble

Most Underrated
Jeremy Johnson, F

I left him off the Pre Season poll on the Terrier website about who would lead the Terriers in scoring this season (sorry Darin Lanigan!), and Jeremy Johnson, at one point did lead the Terriers in goals and points. He's still up there, 2nd in goals, 3rd and points, continues to prove that you don't have to play 'AAA' Midget to have a successful run in Junior. Johnson didn't even play 'AA', he played house league midget as a 17-year-old so he could also play Quarterback for the Sacred Heart Saints, and be a star in most other high school sports. A year after leading the Ochapowace Thunder in scoring, Johnson's fitting in seamlessly in his first full season of Junior 'A', and might pot 25 goals.

Runners-Up: Riley Paterson, F; Devon McMullen, D; Keven Cann, D

Top Rookie
Curtis Oliver, F

This is a tough one, because the Terriers have a 19-year-old rookie in Johnson, and a 20-year-old Junior 'A' Rookie in Ryon Sookro, who's leading the Terriers in goals. But, I try to keep rookies to 18-and-under, guys in their first season of Junior eligibility. Regardless of age, Curtis Oliver's had a strong first half of his rookie season, with 7-goals and 14-points in 24 games. He's fitting in nicely on the wing with Riley Paterson and Nathan Murray of late, and for a smaller forward, isn't afraid to get his nose dirty.

Runners-Up: Ryon Sookro*, F; Jeremy Johnson*, F; Jamie Vlanich, F; The Norrish's, D

STAMPS EARN 5 OF 6 / TERRIERS LOSE A TOUGH ONE

2011-12-04T22:21:00.003-06:00

Losing an 8 round shootout was all that stood in the way of a perfect weekend for the Swan Valley Stampeders, who grabbed 5 of a possible 6 points on a weekend swing to the city, capped off by a 3-2 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Saints on Sunday afternoon.

The tough part is, the Stamps let a 2-0 lead slip away on Sunday, but I think they'd pretty more than satisfied with the weekend as a whole, as they're all of a sudden just 5 points back of the Wayway Wolverines (who had the weekend off) for third place in the Sherwood Division.

The Stamps only have two healthy 20-year-olds right now, and they both scored, with Beau Taylor notching his 14th of the season, and captain Tony Partridge adding his 7th.

Jayson Argue played all three games on the weekend, and 28/30 shots, and 6/8 in the shootout. Derek Falloon scored the Stamps' only goal of the shootout, after he scored the shootout winner the night before against the Blues.

The Stamps now have three straight home games, starting Friday against the Winkler Flyers.

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

A late Yorkton Terrier comeback was spoiled by Estevan's Cole Olson, who scored the winner on a powerplay with 16 seconds remaining, as the Bruins beat the Terriers 4-3.

The Terriers were down 3-1 in the third, before Brenden Poncelet scored on a powerplay, and Nathan Murray buried the equalizer with just over 2 minutes remaining.

Then, Chase Norrish almost had his head put through the glass from behind. That wasn't called, but Chase's retaliatory cross-check was (okay, it wasn't THAT vicious, but if the cross-check was a penalty, so was the hit). That was with 50 seconds left in regulation, and the Bruins converted on the powerplay for a third time, to round out the scoring.

The Terriers came inches away from tying it again, when off the ensuing faceoff, Tayler Thompson and Brent Struble broke in on a 2-on-1. Thompson fed Struble, who had a great shooting angle, but he fooled everyone, by sliding it back to Thompson. From my angle it looked like a wide open net... not sure if he fanned on it, hit the side of the net, or if Steven Glass got a skate on it... but it stayed out, and the Terriers dropped their second straight, and now get ready to travel to Kindersley on Wednesday and Battleford on Thursday (both on GX94).

A regulation win would have left the Terriers in a three-way tie for 2nd with Estevan and Melville, but the loss leaves them alone in 4th, 2 back of Melville, 4 behind Estevan. The Terriers and Mils both have 4 games in hand on the Bruins.

The Terriers became the SJHL's last team to hit the midway point of their schedule... and I'll have my Terriers' "Halfway Report" up tomorrow. It's half done now, but I'll finish it up in the morning. Our four teams all hit the midway point in consecutive nights. Wayway Thursday, Swan Friday, Melville Saturday, Yorkton Sunday. The Wolverines don't play again until Friday, so I've got some time to get that one done!

HALFWAY REPORT: MELVILLE MILLIONAIRES

2011-12-03T22:18:00.009-06:00

Record: 14-10-2-3 (33 points, .569%) T-2nd in Sherwood

On Pace: 28-20-10 (66 points)

In Summary:
A slow start. The Millionaires were rarely in their new rink early in the season, and they managed just one win in their first 6 games. In early November, Jamie Fiesel wasn't happy with a team that had high expectations, and just flirted with .500. So, he shook up the room, moving veterans Mark Owen and Zach Rakochy to Steinbach, and Roger Tagoona to Battleford. The return paid off immediately, with Russell Trudeau scoring over a goal a game, and roughly 2 points per game, while Blake Voth won his first five starts. After the deals, the Millionaires went through a stretch of 9 games where they went 8-0-1. Then, they lost to the Yorkton Terriers on back-to-back nights, and as I type this, that streak is now 4, as they just finished losing in Notre Dame, in Game #29 of the season, the halfway point. In stretches, they've shown glimpes of a team that could come out of the Sherwood and contend for their first ever championship, but they've been average at times too.

What they have left: 29 Games
17 Home
12 Away

Sherwood Conference: 13 Games (7H, 6A)
Yorkton: 4 (2H, 2A)
Weyburn: 3 (1H, 2A)
Notre Dame: 3 (2H, 1A)
Kindersley: 2 (1H, 1A)
Estevan: 1 (1H)

Bauer Conference: 16 Games (10H, 6A)
La Ronge: 4 (2H, 2A)
Melfort: 3 (2H, 1A)
Nipawin: 3 (2H, 1A)
Flin Flon: 2 (2H)
Battlefords: 2 (1H, 1A)
Humboldt: 2 (1H, 1A)

The Millionaires played 20 divisional games in the first half, compared to just 9 out-of-conference. In the second half, they actually play Bauer teams MORE than familiar Sherwood opponents (16-13).

What to Expect?
I believe the Mils want to win now. Although they've got just two 20-year-old forwards, they've got four on the backend, and one in goal. Their roster is set up to challenge for a championship this season, and, maybe next, but expectations are high this year, after back-to-back Survivor Series losses the last two seasons. Jamie Fiesel's teams aren't accustomed to that, and I think there's urgency to get back to the top of the heap. For that reason, I get the sense the Mils would like to add at least one more piece up front. They've relied a little too much on the Mireau-McNulty-Trudeau trio, and could use some help behind them. That said, maybe Alex Elliot can be that guy. They acquired the former Saskatoon Blade from Brooks on December 1st. It was all but certain they'd be getting Sean Aschim back from the Western League, but that chance looks slim to none now. Rarely does a guy who played Junior 'A' at 18 stick in the 'Dub at 19. But he's doing it, and give him credit. So if they don't get at least one WHLer back upfront, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Mils active on January 10th. Chances are, a good team with an above-.500 record is going to finish 4th and have to play in the Survivor Series. The Millionaires don't want to be in it for a third straight year, and they've got the talent that they really shouldn't be.

HALFWAY HARDWARE

Most Valuable Player / Most Improved
Ian McNulty, F

Leads the Mils in goals, assists, points, powerplay goals... anything else? The guy's on pace for 100 points (exactly, he's got 50 now), which is pretty remarkable after he put up 19 as a rookie last season. With the possibility of Sean Aschim joining the team after training camp, and a third year guy in Mike Desjarlais coming back, McNulty wasn't likely penciled in as the #1 centre, but he took that role immediately, with Jesse Mireau and Mark Owen off the start, and now Mireau and Russell Trudeau. He's also money at the face-off dot.

Runners-Up: Alex Wakaluk, G; Tyson Newell, D; Russell Trudeau, F

Top Rookie
Alex Wakaluk, G

It took the Mils a little while to iron out their goaltending, but when Alex Wakaluk arrived from Alberta, they suddenly had consistent goaltending night in, night out. If Wakaluk didn't win, he gave the Millionaires a chance to. I don't recall seeing a 'bad goal', or a 'back-breaker' on Wakaluk, and for a rookie, he seems so calm and unphased, not unlike Travis Bosch, the Mils' goalie who took them to their last league final appearance back in 2008-09. While 20-year-old Blake Voth has been brought in, and been fantastic, Wakaluk hasn't simply handed over the reigns, and gives the Mils two solid options between the pipes.

Runners-Up: T.J. Reeve, F; Allen Kilback, F; John Stechyshyn, D

Most Underrated
Connor Lowe-Wylde, F

I'm noticing a real Alberta trend with these awards! The second year forward finds himself in a depth role, but during the Mils' 9 game unbeaten stretch, Lowe-Wylde was scoring some timely goals. He kills penalties, blocks shots, and does a lot of little things that the average fan might not appreciate, but his coach and teammates sure do.

Runners-Up: Dustin Eberle, F; Adam Dibella, D; Bob Pond, D

SATURDAY RECAPS

2011-12-03T22:01:00.003-06:00

Just a quick one as I want to get working on Melville's halfway report. Let's start with the positive:

The Swan Valley Stampeders have now won 4 of their last 5 games, and they're 2-and-0 on a tough 3 game road trip, after a 3-2 shootout win over the Winnipeg Blues. The Stamps were down 2-0 in the second period, but chipped their way back, with goals from Justin Valentino and Riley Hiebert.

Beau Taylor assisted on both regulation goals, while Derek Falloon scored the shootout winner.

Jayson Argue stopped all three Blues he faced in the shootout, and 24 of 26 shots the rest of the way.

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The Yorkton Terriers' 4 game win streak is over, while the Battlefords North Stars saw theirs reach 10, as they blanked the Terriers 3-0.

The Terriers managed just 21 shots, and Dawson MacAuley, who's started all three meetings against the Stars so far this season, stopped 25/28 shots.

The Dogs were without forward Tyler Giebel, who was picked up by the WHL's Red Deer Rebels. He scored in his debut in Regina on Saturday.

Yorkton's back at it Sunday at 6:00 against Estevan.

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Melville's now lost 4 straight, as they watched 2-0 and 3-2 leads slip away in Notre Dame, and lost 5-3 to the Hounds.

Shots were 35-18 for Notre Dame. Ian McNulty, Colin Mospanchuk and Tyson Newell scored for Melville, while Alex Wakaluk got the start in goal, making 30 saves.

The Mils and Terriers didn't lose any ground in the middle of the pack, as Estevan also lost to Nipawin.

GIEBEL PICKED UP BY RED DEER

2011-12-03T19:27:00.003-06:00

Yorkton Terrier forward Tyler Giebel put up 1g-10-11p in 10 games since being released by the Everett Silvetips, and the Red Deer Rebels took notice.

The Rebels have added the 18-year-old forward, and he's in the lineup in Regina as I type this.

*UPDATE* Giebel scored in the first period for the Rebels. His first goal and point in the WHL this season. He was held off the sheet in 8 games with the Silvertips.**

How long is he gone? Well, Carter Smith was called up by Red Deer four seasons ago, and the Terriers never saw him again. Could be a week, could be three years. I'm sure it depends how he plays.

HALFWAY REPORT: SWAN VALLEY STAMPEDERS

2011-12-03T15:37:00.007-06:00

Record: 9-17-5 (23 points, .317%) 4th in Sherwood

On Pace: 18-35-10 (46 points)

In Summary:
The Stampeders started strong with a 3-1 record out of the gate, had some peaks and valleys since, but a month of November that saw them go 2-8-2 leaves them with a lot of ground to make up in the second half if they want to taste the post season for a third consecutive season under Head Coach Dwayne Kirkup. Although, with Wayway dropping their last couple, and the Stamps winning three of their last four (as of Dec/2), they're now 8 points back of the Wolverines for third, and it looks like third is likely where a Sherwood team will have to finish to make this year's playoffs. The Stamps are 11 points back of preventing the (now) 5th place Saints from taking crossover spot into the Sherwood. The struggles were highlighted by goaltender Jayson Argue getting injured at World Junior 'A' Challenge camp, and missing a month, and when backup Alcide Grenier was standing on his head, the Stamps had trouble scoring. GM Guy Vestby resigned in late Novmeber, after having a role with the team since their inaugural 1999-2000 campaign. The team didn't officially name replacement as "GM," but Jerry Mosiondz has taken on the title as Director of Player Personnel, and, while Coach Dwayne Kirkup's title remains Head Coach, I think it's safe to say there'll be more on his plate.

What they have left: 31 Games
15 Home
16 Away
(As I'm typing this, they're 3 hours away from playing in Winnipeg, and they play the Saints Sunday afternoon, so shortly, they'll have more home games than road)

Sherwood Division: 19 Games (8H, 11A)
Wayway: 7 (3H, 4A)
Neepawa: 4 (1H, 3A)
Dauphin: 4 (2H, 2A)
OCN: 4 (2G, 2A)

Addison Division: 12 Games (7H, 5A)
Wpg Blues: 3 (1H, 2A)
Steinbach: 2 (1H, 1A)
Wpg Saints: 2 (1H, 1A)
Winkler: 2 (1H, 1A)
Portage: 2 (2H)
Selkirk: 1 (1H)

What to expect:
If I was writing this in late November, when the Stamps were winless in 9 games in the calendar month, I'd be more or less saying "sell the farm." They're already partway there, after moving 20-year-olds Anthony Nobili and Jesse Enns, but back to back convincing road wins in OCN and Selkirk have me saying "wait and see." I'm interested to see how this young team responds, and how much a roll they can get on. I don't see them adding veterans to try to push for a playoff spot. I think they'll stick with what they have, see if it's enough to get them playoff bound, and if it's not, the three remaining 20-year-olds, Tony Partridge, Beau Taylor and Jeff Riddell could very well find new homes. And before anyone says "the Stamps are turning it around because Vestby's gone," keep in mind who traded for Kyle Smart, Derek Falloon, Ryan Elliot, Brett Charette, etc. Smart's torn it up since coming over from Dauphin, with increased minutes leading to 5g-5a-10p in 5 games. At this time last year, I think I more or less wrote off the Wayway Wolverines' chances of making the playoffs, and they went on to be the hottest team in the league the rest of the way, got a crossover spot, and almost upset Winkler. It worked so well, maybe I should say the same about Swan! All I'll predict is that five Addison teams WILL make the playoffs, so staying in 4th in the Sherwood won't be good enough for the Stampeders. They play Wayway a lot near the end of the season too. I think one safe bet is that BOTH of our local MJ teams won't be in the playoffs this year, like they were last year... and Wayway's got the scoring punch and experience that realistically they shouldn't be caught... but the Stamps' young guns are pickin' up steam. And, they've got a schedule that could allow them to make up ground. Their last 11 games- all against Sherwood opponents.

HALFWAY HARDWARE

Most Valuable Player
Jayson Argue, G

In 13 games without Jayson Argue in net, the Stamps won once, and it was in overtime in Neepawa. When Argue's healthy, he's got the stamina to play almost every night, and be one of the best tenders in the MJHL. If the Stamps can close the gap on a playoff position, Jayson Argue will be a major reason why.

Runners-Up: Justin Valentino, F; TJ Fairall, F; Brendan Mitchell, D

Most Underrated
Beau Taylor, F

13 goals in half a season, but no one really talks about Beau Taylor as being a top end scorer in the league. Taylor had a 7 game streak where he scored one goal in each game, and he provides a consistent, hard-work effort every night. The Auzzie product would be a great addition to a playoff-bound team, if the Stamps end up out of the race.

Runners-Up: Brendan Mitchell, D; Colton Magwood, D

Top Rookie
Justin Valentino, F

Tied for the team-lead in points at the midway point, Valentino has 10g-19a-29p in 31 games. Valentino was second in Manitoba 'AAA' Midget League in scoring last season, and the Stamps knew they had a star in the making. He even had a goal and an assist in his first game as an AP last season. Eligible to play another two seasons after this one, Valentino will be a big part as the Stamps look to build their roster up to what it was two seasons ago in the Stevens, Marshall, Reimer, Gray days.

Runners-Up: Sam Briscoe, F; Riley Hiebert, D

WOLVERINES MOVE WARD-CARDINAL

2011-12-02T07:46:00.003-06:00

The Wayway Wolverines have traded their highest-scoring defenseman.

Thomas Ward-Cardinal is heading back to the AJHL, joining the Grande Prairie Storm.

Ward-Cardinal had 23 points in 25 games.

In return, the Wolverines get 1993 D Sean Flynn.

STAMPS BRING IN A THIRD D-MAN

2011-12-02T07:44:00.001-06:00

The revamping of the Swan Valley Stampeders' blueline continues, as the Stamps have acquired 1993 D Andrew Clark from the Selkirk Steelers.

MILS LAND FORMER BLADE ELLIOT

2011-12-01T21:58:00.005-06:00

The Melville Millionaires have added 1993 forward Alex Elliot.

Elliot comes from the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, but he began the year with the Saskatoon Blades, and spent all of his 17-year-old campaign with the Blades last season.

Last year he had 7 points and 41 PIMs in 49 games.

This season, he was held pointless through 10 games with the Blades, and had 2 goals in 6 games with Brooks.

The Mils also assigned 1993 F Spencer Crow to Fort Knox (PJHL).

ANOTHER D-MAN HEADING TO SWAN

2011-12-01T18:12:00.003-06:00

The Stampeders have acquired 1993 D Graham Zagrodney.

He comes from the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons, via the Winkler Flyers, as part of the futures for Anthony Nobili.

STAMPS ADD BARTEL TO BLUELINE

2011-12-01T16:45:00.001-06:00

The Swan Valley Stampeders have acquired 1992 D Jeff Bartel from the Estevan Bruins for future considerations. The Steinbach product had 5 assists in 28 games with Estevan.

JERRY MOSIONDZ- STAMPS' DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

2011-12-01T11:41:00.001-06:00

Mosiondz by cstein14

DECEMBER 1st: Terriers Release Lamontagne, Assign Stefanyshyn

2011-12-01T11:17:00.002-06:00

The Yorkton Terriers are now down to 23 Junior 'A' carded players, after releasing 20-year-old forward Justin Lamontagne, and assigning 18-year-old forward Ryley Stefanyshyn to the PJHL's Ochapowace Thunder.

Lamontagne had 4g-4a-8p in 24 games with the Terriers this season, and in 96 career games, he put up 10g-10a-20p.

In 12 games with the Terriers, Stefanyshyn had 2g-2a-4p, and played his first game with the Thunder on Wednesday night.

STAMPEDERS 7 @ OCN 3

2011-11-30T22:51:00.001-06:00

The OCN Blizzard scored the first goal, and the last two of the game, but the Swan Valley Stampeders wedged seven unanswered markers in the middle, as they beat the Blizzard 7-3.

The Stamps scored four times during a 3:08 span late in the first period, to take a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes. It was 5-1 after two periods and 7-1 early in the third.

Kyle Smart and Dylan Reimer scored twice each, and both had 3 point nights. So did Sam Briscoe and Ryan Elliot (1g-2a). Beau Taylor also scored for Swan, while defenseman Riley Hiebert had 2 assists.

Jayson Argue stopped 27/30 shots, as the Stampeders ended a difficult month of November on a high note.

The Stamps have a 3 game road trip this weekend, against Selkirk, the Blues and the Saints.

Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Virgin Mobile.

MOSIONDZ NAMED STAMPS' DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

2011-11-30T12:21:00.001-06:00

The Swan Valley Stampeders have yet to officially announce their replacement for General Manager Guy Vestby... but GX94 has learned that Jerry Mosiondz will serve as the team's Director of Player Personnel, and handle all trades and other transactions.

Mosiondz had served as Assistant Coach for the STampeders, and also helped build the OCN Blizzard dynasty in the early 2000's... as their Director of Player Personnel.