Halifax 7 Portland 4

The Portland Winterhawks fell 7-4 as they opened the 2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup against the Halifax Mooseheads, the champions of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

 

The Winterhawks outshot Halifax 16-7 in the first period, but it was the Mooseheads opening the scoring at the 15:46 mark on a goal by Martin Frk. The Hawks got that one back 55 seconds later when Seth Jones scored off the rush to make it 1-1 going into the second period.

 

Portland took a 2-1 lead just 39 seconds into the second period when Troy Rutkowski fired the puck past Halifax goaltender Zachary Furcale, then just 32 seconds later Ty Rattie made a great individual effort to score his first of the tournament and put Portland up 3-1.

 

Halifax tied it up minutes later when Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon scored 1:20apart to even the game at 3-3. The Mooseheads took a 4-3 lead later in the period when Luca Ciampini scored a power play goal at the 11:17 mark, then made it 5-3 on a power play goal by MacKinnon at the14:03 mark. MacKinnon added a shorthanded goal late in the frame for a hat trick and a 6-3 Halifax lead after 40 minutes.

 

The Hawks got back within two just 1:09 into the third when Rutkowski scored on a power play for his second of the game to cut it to 6-4. The Mooseheads made it 7-4 at the 5:33mark on a goal by Stephen MacAulay, which stood as the final.

 

The Hawks’ next game is Monday at 5 p.m. Pacific time when they take on the London Knights, champions of the Ontario Hockey League.

Raiders Unveil New Look

Reid Gardiner, Sawyer Lange and Tim Vanstone show off the new look

 

Prince Albert SK- The Prince Albert Raiders unveiled their new uniforms and logoThursday afternoon in the Ches Leach Lounge, kicking off the “Green Movement” for the upcoming 2013-2013 season.

 

The new uniform and logo have evolved the Raiders look starting in September, marking the third uniform change in the 43-year history of the hockey club.

 

The franchise’s first jersey was worn in the SJHL years, from 1971-1982, consisted of a green jersey with the team name written in a half-moon on the chest. The junior “A” jersey was worn by many famous Raiders such as Theran Welsh, Alvin Moore, James Patrick, Dave Tippet, Brad McCrimmon and Mark Odnokon.

 

When the franchise was accepted into the Western Hockey League in 1982, the uniform changed to feature the Raider man logo and was the mark of the team that won the Memorial Cup in 1985. Among the legendary Raiders to wear the “Raider man” were Mike Modano, Dave Manson, Ken Baumgartner, Dave Hodgson Rich Pilon and Dean McAmmond among many others from 1982 until 1996.

 

After 14 years, the team needed to transform once again to keep up with the changes in junior hockey that saw  merchandising and licensing become a main revenue stream for teams, as the franchise adopted the Raider head logo that has been with the team from 1996-2013. Among those to wear the most recent Raider uniform are players such as Scott Hartnell, Chris Phillips, Nick Schultz, Kyle Chipchura, Dane Byers, Mark McNeill and Harrison Ruopp.

 

After documenting the logo and uniform changes adopted by Western Hockey League teams in the recent years, the franchise decided to upgrade and modernize their uniform, while returning to the team’s roots of using a primarily green jersey.

Courtesy Evan Poitras

 

                                

Dave Hunchak named Blazers Head Coach

Kamloops, BC - The Kamloops Blazers have announced that Dave Hunchak has signed a multi-year contract as the new Head Coach of the Kamloops Blazers. Guy Charron, who was named Head Coach in November 2009, has chosen to scale back his duties. Charron will move into a new role as the Advisor to Hockey Operations.

Charron's new role with the hockey club will include attending practices and home games while assisting the General Manager, coaching and scouting staff on all hockey related matters. Charron will also aid in on-ice skill development and represent the Blazers at local community events.

"Guy has done an outstanding job in helping this franchise turn a corner over the past three and a half seasons," commented General Manager Craig Bonner. "His commitment, dedication and leadership during a transition period were essential in moving our club in a positive direction. When Guy decided it was time to take a lesser role, it was important to us that he remain with the Blazers organization. He loves the city of Kamloops and is retiring here."

During three and a half seasons at the helm of the Blazers, Charron compiled a 144-97-7-13 record. He is tied with Don Hay for second in franchise history with 144 victories, trailing only Ken Hitchcock's 291 wins as the Kamloops Blazers Head Coach.

Governor and President Tom Gaglardi commented, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Guy Charron and the job he has done with the Kamloops Blazers. I don't think you can overemphasize how important his leadership has been to the future of our franchise. He has been a key part in reclaiming our identity as one of the elite teams in the Western Hockey League.

Gaglardi added, "Guy and Dave have worked well together and we have the utmost confidence in Dave taking over as Head Coach of the hockey club."

With Charron stepping aside, Dave Hunchak has been named the new Head Coach of the Kamloops Blazers. Hunchak has spent the past two seasons as an Associate Coach helping the Blazers compile a record of 94-40-4-6 over that time.

Prior to joining the Blazers in June of 2011, Hunchak was the Head Coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors for four seasons and an Assistant Coach with the Swift Current Broncos for three seasons.

"When Guy made it known he was ready to take a step back, we knew that Dave was the right person to step in as Head Coach," commented Bonner. "The transition will be smooth as he has already helped this franchise take positive steps on and off the ice over the past two seasons."

The Blazers have also re-signed Athletic Trainer / Equipment Manager Colin Robinson to a multi-year contract extension. Robinson has been the Athletic Trainer / Equipment Manager with the Blazers since the 2005-06. He is one of the WHL's longest serving trainers entering his 18th season in the league after previously spending time with the Vancouver Giants and Swift Current Broncos.

"Colin is known around the league as one of the best," commented Bonner. "He is a major part of our hockey staff and has earned this extension."
The Blazers are now actively seeking a full-time Assistant Coach.

To purchase your 2013-2014 season tickets contact Ticketing & Promotions Coordinator, Missy Cederholm by phone at 778-471-8068or by email atmcederholm@blazerhockey.com<mailto:mcederholm@blazerhockey.com>. For pricing information, follow this link.<http://blazerhockey.com/season-tickets>

Tim O'Donovan, Communications & Media Co-ordinator                                      

Vigr Lifestyles Wednesday Thriller

 

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Talk about an interesting week. Lets get right to it.

Since the last Wednesday column a lot has happened, Pat Conacher resigns as head coach of the Regina Pats... Malcolm Cameron is named his replacement. Then yesterday Brent Parker resigns as President and Governor and GM Chad Lang is named his replacement.

Here are my thoughts starting with Conacher. I will miss Pat a lot, he was a great man not only as a coach but off the ice as well. I have so much respect for him as a person and I will miss our talks. That being said I think that Malcolm Cameron is a great coach as well and also one of the best guys around. Malcolm brings a ton of experience, 400 wins as a coach in the pro ranks is nothing to shake your stick at... basically I would say this team is in good hands. I do wonder if the club will hire a new assistant to work alongside Josh Dixon who is heading into his 3rd season... also a great dude.

As for Brent stepping down. I’ve always said to anyone who asked that I am a fan of Brent. The guy has done nothing but been good to me, whether it was giving me a chance to be his play by play guy with next to no experience or just the everyday comings and goings, he was always good to me. I understand why he’s leaving, I wouldn’t want to be subject to the criticism he has been under... One thing is for sure and that is that Brent did everything with the intentions of making this team better. As for Chad Lang taking over well I think it’s a good move. Lang in my mind has proven that he can be successful in this league and after two straight successful drafts I think this team is on the right track to becoming much better on the ice. My assessment is that things are going the right way but we will never know until the games are played. Brent I wish you all the best!

I still have a pit in my stomach after Mondays game 7 between the Bruins and my beloved Maple Leafs. I would compare it to the feeling I had when the Riders lost to Montreal in the 2009 Grey Cup. It hurts. The question was posed to me. Would you rather lose 5-0 or like that in OT. My answer was the latter because at least they were competitive, even though that was one of the worst collapses I’ve ever seen. It will take a while to get over that one for sure.

Congrats to the Portland Winterhawks who won the Ed Chynoweth Cup and are headed to the Memorial Cup. I read somewhere that a mother-to-be in Portland delayed being induced so she could watch Game 5 of the Western Hockey League finals Friday night. The hawks didn’t win that game but talk about being a super fan. We need more of those in junior hockey.

The Sportscage is making the trip up to my hometown Saskatoon for the Memorial Cup and I will be tagging along. It will be my first time experiencing the tournament and to say I'm excited is an understatement. On Saturday night the top 3 prospects in the upcoming NHL Draft will play in one game in Seth Jones for Portland and then Halifax’s Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin. The Blades and London Knights will also be great to watch.

The Regina Thunder are hosting a wing night tonight at the Tap for the upcoming Can-Am Challenge at Leibel Field on Saturday in Regina. The Thunder are taking on the Saint John Johnnies who are the all time winningest team in the NCAA third division. I will be on stage tonight starting at 7 to interview a number of guests which include current Riders Paul Woldu and Christ Getzlaf. Should be a good time, tickets are all but sold out so get on it if you want to come.

 

Hey! The Blue Jays are playing better baseball. Not that I've been watching. I'll tune in once they get closer to .500.

 

have a great week everybody!

 

 

 

Pats Parker Steps Down

Eighteen year run comes to an end

 

Regina, Saskatchewan – After spending the past eighteen years in the capacity of General Manager and/or President of the Regina Pats, Brent Parker announced today he is resigning from the team and will leave the organization at the end of the month.  Parker was originally named as the club’s General Manager in the summer of 1995 shortly after the Regina Pats franchise was purchased by the Parker family from Ted Knight, Bill Hicke and Morley Gusway.

“I am honored and humbled to have been a part of this storied franchise,” commented Brent Parker. “While we did not achieve all our goals over the past 18 years, we have done a lot of good things in this community and I am proud of our many accomplishments.”

This is the third time Parker has made a major announcement in the month of May.  In 2008 it was revealed Brent had been diagnosed with Fibro Sarcoma Cancer and in 2010 he handed over the General Manager’s reins to Chad Lang while Parker remained with the team in the role of team President and Governor.

“I regret we were not able to win the championship that the hockey fans of Regina so desperately want and deserve, but it was not for lack of trying,” continued Parker.  “I leave knowing that while not all my decisions were correct, every decision I made regarding this franchise was done with sole purpose of doing what I felt was going to give us the best chance to succeed on and off the ice.”

“No one has worked harder than Brent in an effort to make this franchise successful on and off the ice,” said Pats Owner Russ Parker.  “We thank him and wish Brent much happiness and success going forward.”

Parker will assist in the transition with respect to organizational structure over the next few weeks with an anticipated full departure from the organization being early in June.

Daniel Fink
Media and Communications Manager
Regina Pats Hockey Club

Pats GM Chad Lang Role Increases

Regina, Saskatchewan – As a part of the Regina Pats Hockey Club’s current restructuring, the team has announced that General Manager Chad Lang will be stepping into a larger role with the team as the Senior Vice-President and Governor.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Russ and Diane Parker for the confidence they have shown in trusting me with the operation of their family’s business,” said Lang.  “I’m thankful to Brent for the opportunity to join this organization and appreciate his cooperation and support during my three years with the team.  I’m very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead in the future for this franchise.”

Lang joined the Pats as General Manager prior to the 2010-11 WHL Season and set about rebuilding the team as the Pats look to challenge for a Memorial Cup Championship.  In recent years the Pats sent numerous players to the professional ranks including Martin Marincin, Brandon Davidson, Jordan Weal, Lane Scheidl and Colton Jobke.

“Chad is considered a young star among WHL general managers,” commented Pats Owner Russ Parker.  “He has past experience in all facets of a WHL franchise and we are confident he has the wherewithal to oversee the Regina Pats organization going forward.”

With his increased role, Lang will take on additional responsibilities involving both the hockey and business operations of the organization.

“I believe a major key to success is surrounding yourself with good people,” continued Lang.  “I believe we have a great staff in place and with my enhanced role I look forward to having the opportunity to work more closely with the business staff while still maintaining my focus on the hockey operations.”

“I feel more than comfortable handing the keys over to Chad,” added former President and Governor Brent Parker.  “He is a committed and hard working individual who has a plan and the drive to carry it through.  This is an opportunity Chad has earned and the Regina Pats are in good hands going forward.”

Next up for Lang and the Pats is the annual Pats Spring Camp held at the Cooperators Centre May 31^st – June 2^nd. 

Raiders Re-Sign Campese and Derkatch

Prince Albert SK- The Prince Albert Raiders announced that General Manager Bruno Campese and Director of Player Personnel Dale Derkatch have signed new contracts with the organization. 

Both Campese and Derkatch have signed 2-year contract, with an option year, that keeps them with the organization through the 2015-2016 season. 

Campese joined the organization in 2007 as the Head Coach, and was promoted
to Head Coach and General Manager early in 2008. Since taking over the
General Manager role, Campese has brought high profile players to the
organization such as Mark McNeill, Mike Winther and Harrison Ruopp, who were
drafted in the first, second and third rounds of the NHL Drafts of the past
2 years, respectively. In addition, Campese was able to recruit Josh
Morrissey, this year's WHL Scholastic Player of the Year and a top 2013 NHL
Draft prospect, as well as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year, German
import Leon Draisaitl. 

Under Campese's guidance, the team has also improved off the ice, raising
the average attendance at Raiders home games from 2,119 in 2007-2008 to a
franchise high 2,674 this past season. The business model Campese has
implemented has brought the Raiders back to financial stability despite the
ever-increasing costs of operating in the Western Hockey League. 

"The Raiders Board is very happy with the progress Bruno has realized in the
General Manager position in our organization," said Raiders President Dale McFee. "As a hockey club we continue to progress and the board was unanimous in their approval of the contract for Bruno."

Dale Derkatch has been instrumental in building the Raiders organization
through the WHL Bantam Draft over the past 3 seasons. Derkatch's impact on
the team can be seen through the likes of the 17-year-old Morrissey and
16-year-olds Reid Gardiner and Tim Vanstone. Furthermore, the Raiders called up top prospects Brendan Guhle, Nick McBride, Matteo Gennaro, Dylan Stewart, Spencer Meyer and Rylan Parenteau to fill in for injuries and players at international tournaments this season, all of whom were enlisted on
Derkatch's watch. 

"We are pleased to have Dale remain with the organization," said Raiders
General Manager Bruno Campese. "Dale and our scouting staff have done a very
good job with the WHL Bantam Draft and have made significant progress with
our protected list." 

Courtesy Evan Poitras