The Wing's World

NEW BLOG READY

2008-05-17T14:07:00.002-06:00

For the next season we will be using the new blog located at www.redwingsblog.ca.

All new postings will be found on the new blog. The links have also been changed on the Red Wings homepage. This site will remain open until the start of the season.

I am still working on a few things but with the new domain being purchased it was time to get everyone ready for the change.

Thanks.

- Troy K

Red Wings come back home Champions

2008-05-15T14:39:00.006-06:00

Six Weyburn Red Wings took part in the 52 team Pro AM Tournament last weekend, which they won.

Torrey Lindsay, Preston Shupe, Rhett Bly, Connor Krukowski, Stephen Simms and AJ Whiffen were all a part of Team Kayden Canada West. More information is located at www.proamhockey.com.

A story has also been posted online at www.weyburnredwings.ca. We may have some pictures posted next week thanks to the Bly family, so make sure to check back soon.

- Troy K

Construction behind schedule

2008-05-13T14:18:00.004-06:00

Surprise surprise, the renovations for the Weyburn Colosseum are falling further behind schedule. I know it is hard to get these things underway but let's move already.

Last night at City Council, it was stated that the current time line for construction is 'at least' two months behind schedule. During the meeting, Council approved the option for Cardinal Construction to do a cost estimate on the South Dressing Room addition and corresponding second floor.

Cardinal Construction will provide the City of Weyburn up to date costing of the project (no tendering), breakdown of labor, materials and subcontractors for a fee of $5,750. Hopefully now the construction can get underway with this decision.

*Also they would like to let everyone know that the 'Take A Seat' campaign is still underway. 150 seats have been sold right now to people and businesses around the community If you are interested in purchasing a seat you can call City Hall.

That's all for now....

- Troy K

Let's get Dwight in The Hockey News!

2008-05-12T15:13:00.004-06:00

Well last week I got a return email from Edward Fraser, editor of ‘The Hockey News’. Unfortuantely it wasn’t good news. I suggested that someone on the staff think about doing up an article on Dwight McMillan and all the years he has put in with the Weyburn Red Wings and Junior Hockey in general.

I said I can get all the contact information they would need as well as former player contacts as well but they kindly said they would pass for now, but they would keep the story in mind.... so I think some of the fans should contact Edward and kindly tell him all of the things Dwight has done for the team, the league and the community. THN would be great exposure for the Junior A Ranks, Dwight McMillan and the Weyburn Red Wings

To contact Edward you can email him at efraser@thehockeynews.com or call 416-227-8244

- Troy K

RBC link..

2008-05-08T19:45:00.003-06:00

Hey guys, sorry I haven't been updating the blog with stories regarding the Broncos in the RBC, been busy packing up stuff for the big move.

If you want to keep up to date just follow this link. It has everything you will need!

- Troy K

* the following article is courtesy of hockey canada

BRONCOS INTO SEMI-FINAL AFTER DOMINANT WIN OVER CRUSHERS

After a rougher road than expected, the Humboldt Broncos are right where everyone thought they would be – into the semi-finals at the 2008 RBC Cup.

The Schroeder brothers – Scott and Steven – combined for five points as the Broncos clinched a spot in the final four of the National Junior A Championship with a 4-1 win over the Weeks Crushers on Thursday afternoon in the final round robin game for both.

Needing a win over the winless Oakville Blades to wrap up a spot on Wednesday, the Broncos turned in an uncharacteristically poor defensive performance, falling 7-6 to the Central Region champions.

They made sure there would be no repeat on Thursday, holding the Crushers to just 26 shots on goal, while they directed 46 towards Weeks goaltender Alexandre Quessy.

After spending much of the opening 10 minutes in the Weeks zone, the Broncos were finally rewarded when Steven Schroeder – Humboldt’s player of the game – picked up a loose puck off the end boards and snuck a shot past Quessy.

Knowing that a win would clinch a semi-final spot for them, and eliminate the Broncos, the Crushers fought back, and pulled even on the powerplay less than five minutes later, as a point shot from captain Scott Lavigne – Weeks’ player of the game – hit a Humboldt defender on the way in and deflected past netminder Taylor Nelson.

Quessy stood tall in the first period, stopping 19 of the 20 shots he faced to keep the game close, but the floodgates opened in the middle frame.

Mitchell Stretch gave the Broncos the lead for good just 37 seconds after the period’s opening face-off, rifling a point shot over the shoulder of Quessy, and Steven Schroeder and Matthew Kirzinger added goals in a period dominated by the West Region champions, who outshot Weeks 18-4 in the period.

Weeks pressured the Broncos in the final 20 minutes, outshooting Humboldt 12-8, but could not get a puck past Nelson, and now must wait for the outcome of tonight’s Camrose/Oakville game to determine their playoff fate.

If Oakville wins, the Crushers will watch the remainder of the tournament from the sidelines – but a Camrose win puts Weeks into the semi-finals by virtue of their overtime win over the Blades on Monday night.

New link...

2008-05-05T19:03:00.002-06:00

If you want to keep up to date on Stephen Simms and Kyle Haines next season, I have added a link the the Lake Superior State University Blog!

It is on the link list and should be at the bottom right hand side of the blog if you are using something other than Internet Explorer (which you should be). For some reason the blog shows up in two columns in Internet Explorer so if you are using it, the link should be near the very bottom of the left side.

- Troy K

McMillan to be a part of 2008 World Junior A Challenge

2008-05-01T12:43:00.004-06:00

Red Wings head coach Dwight McMillan has been named an assistant coach for Team Canada West at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge. Dwight has been named to the coaching staff for three years in a row.

For more information click here

- Troy K

Bantam Draft Updates!

2008-05-01T09:11:00.001-06:00

Brent Benson of Weyburn goes to Saskatoon - 6th overall

Ryan Murray of White City goes to Everett - 9th overall

Reid Jackson of Weyburn goes to Lethbridge - second round 28th overall

* At the conclusion of the draft, two Weyburn boys were selected. For all of the picks click here

WHL Bantam Draft is almost here!

2008-04-28T16:04:00.008-06:00

<----- Weyburn's Brent Benson has been featured in The Hockey News and is expected to go in the top 5 during the WHL Bantam Draft.

The WHL Bantam Draft is on Thursday, May 1. A number of Weyburn Crescent Point Wings have a chance to get selected in this year's draft. They are Brent Benson, Nate Ferris(former Milestone resident..thatta boy), Reid Jackson, Carter Struthers and Garett Walbaum.

Benson is expected to be one of the top five picks and could be taken first overall, but just being selected will be huge for any of these boys.

Other names of interest around the area are Blaine Thomson of Assiniboia who played in Notre Dame, Ryan Murray of White City who played Pee Wee Hockey in Weyburn, Codi Sjostrand of Midale and Brandon McClarty of Ceylon.

Best of luck to all of the boys in the draft.

- Troy K

So long Weyburn

2008-04-25T13:53:00.000-06:00

I will be leaving my position at Weyburn This Week as reporter/photographer but will still continue to be writing for the Weyburn Red Wings as much as I can next season.

My last day in Weyburn will be May 31 before heading to Moose Jaw. I still don’t officially have a job as of yet but there are plenty of them in the works, I am just waiting to see who gets back to me first!

If anyone is interested in taking over my position at Weyburn This Week you can contact Teresa Howie at 634-5112. If there are any questions regarding the job you can email me at troy_kramm@yahoo.com

- Troy K

The sweep is complete

2008-04-24T05:19:00.006-06:00

The Humboldt Broncos made it look easy last night as they finished off Portage by a score of 5-0. The Broncos special teams once again were unstoppable as they scored four powerplay goals.

The first came at 5:28 in the opening period by Scott Schroeder. Then later in the period it was Matthew Kirzinger who scored on the powerplay to make it 2-0 after one period of play.

The Broncos added two more goals in the second and one in the third to finally make it 5-0.

Taylor Nelson picked up his second shutout in a row. He didn't have a busy night as he only had to stop 15 shots. Rintoul, Steven Schroeder and Nielsen all had three points in game four. Next for the Broncos is the RBC.

- Troy K

Bronco's prepare for the sweep

2008-04-23T17:23:00.002-06:00

Well can the Broncos sweep the Portage Terriers? Tonight is the night that the Broncos do battle with the MJHL champs in game four. The Bronco’s have proven that they weren’t joking around after coming back from a 3-1 series deficit in the SJHL Finals versus Kindersley.

Humboldt took game one by a score of 5-3 despite being down by a score of 3-1 early in the third period. The Broncos answered with 4 straight goals in the third to steal the win. Schindel and Benjamin both picked up three points in the first game.

Game two was much closer as neither team could pull away from each other as they traded goals throughout the game. The turning point was the special team play of the Broncos who scored four powerplay goals and outshot the Terriers 54-22.

Following two victories on home ice, the Broncos then had to travel to Portage for game three. This time it was Taylor Nelson’s time to shine as he picked up a 30 save shutout in the 3-0 victory. The first and only goal the Broncos would need came at 11:48 of the second period on a shorthanded goal by Steven Schroeder. Tanner Vandesype and Matthew Kirzinger then added two more goals to put the game out of reach.

The Broncos will try and sweep the Terriers tonight to bring the SJHL’s total Anavet Cup victories to 28 compared to the 10 for MJHL teams.

- Troy K

Broncos repeat as Credential Cup Champs!

2008-04-15T21:45:00.003-06:00

The Humboldt Broncos capped off their incredible SJHL season tonight with a game seven victory over the Kindersley Klippers.

The Klippers gave the CJAHL’s number one ranked team a scare as they once held a 3-1 series lead. Unfortunately for them they just couldn’t finish the Broncos off. The defending Credential Cup Champs were just too strong for the Klippers in the end.

Humboldt opened the scoring with a powerplay goal by Brady Wacker at just 2:17 into the period. They grabbed a two goal lead with under a minute to go in the first as Steven Schroeder fired the puck past Klippers goalie Ryan Nieszner who faced 17 shots in the first period alone, while the Broncos defence held Kindersley to just five shots in the first.

The Broncos began to dash all hopes of a Klippers comeback in the second period as they grabbed a three goal lead at 4:16. Jordan Schindel scored with the assists going to Laurent Benajmin and Radville native, Tanner Vandesype. Despite being down, the Klippers still showed some fight and got on the board at 16:15 on a goal by Kirk Pearce. Nearly 30 seconds later though, the Broncos regained their three goal lead on a goal by Josh Garneau. Then just as the period was expiring, Brett Leedahl scored for the Klippers to cut the lead in half with just one period remaining.

The Broncos padded their lead early on in the third on a goal by Brayden Klimosko at 4:37 with the assists going to the Schroeder boys who had a heck of a night. Scott picked up a goal and two assists while Steven had a goal and three assists. The Broncos went on to add three more goals(2 empty net goals) to win the game by a score of 8-2.

The Broncos certainly looked like the team that everyone was expecting to see throughout the entire series and they couldn't have picked a better time to put plenty of pucks in the net. Congrats to the Broncos for winning their second straight Credential Cup and you have to give credit to the Kindersley Klippers who gave them all they could handle.

- Troy K

Game 7!!!

2008-04-14T20:54:00.004-06:00

The Broncos fought back to force game seven and now we really see what they are made of. Not many gave the Klippers a chance in this series, including myself. I said Humboldt would win in five but now that the Broncos have fought back I think the Klippers are done.

The Klippers couldn't finish them off and now it looks like they are finished.

Prediction time..... I say Humboldt wins game seven by a score of 4-1.

I guess we will know who takes home the Cup tomorrow.

- Troy K

Haines headed to Lake Superior State University

2008-04-10T17:45:00.006-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings have announced SJHL Defenseman of the Year finalist Kyle Haines has accepted a scholarship to Lake Superior State University.

The 1987 born Haines joins fellow Wing defenseman Stephen Simms as a Freshman at LSSU at a school that also used a number of other former SJHLers last season. Chad Nehring (Yorkton), Troy Schwab (Kindersley),

Josh Sim (Kindersley), Dillin Stonehouse (Melfort), and Tyson Hobbins (Nipawin) were members of the Lakers this past season.
Haines, who played for Canada West at the World Junior ‘A’ Hockey Challenge in November 2006. A native of Weyburn, Haines had 4-goals and 23-assists in 57-games this past season. For his three year career, Haines played 145-games and scored 13-goals and 47-assists.

2008-09 AMERICAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE: Taylor Nelson (Humboldt) Ferris State; Jordie Johnston (La Ronge) Ferris State; Riley Clark (Melfort) RIT; Tommy Brown (Melfort) Michigan Tech for 09-10; Rylan Schwartz (Notre Dame) Colorado College; Stephen Simms (Weyburn) Lake Superior State; Kyle Haines (Weyburn) Lake Superior State; Luke Johnson (Weyburn) Nebraska-Omaha for 09-10; and Michael Trebish (Yorkton) Ferris State.

We will have comments from Kyle Haines regarding the signing tomorrow on www.weyburnredwings.ca

- Troy K

Men's Night is Cancelled!

2008-04-10T16:41:00.002-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings regret to inform you that the Men's Night planned for Friday, April 11 has been cancelled due to the low number of tickets sold.

The timing of the event didn't seem to work out for many. This weekend has an abundance of events going on such as the Youngfellows TV Auction and the Big Bros/Big Sisters Bowl For Kids Sake.

- Troy K

Humboldt gets back in the series with 4-2 win

2008-04-09T05:16:00.003-06:00

Things looked a little sketchy for the Broncos as they fell behind by a score of 2-0 in the second period on goals by Kirk Pearce. The Broncos finally woke up at 16:02 of the period when Matt Kirzinger scored Humboldt's first goal of the night.

With the score 2-1 with one period to play the Broncos came out firing in the third (literally). The shots where 17-4 in the period for the Broncos and it paid off as they scored three unanswered goals to win the game by a score of 4-2.

Scoring for the Broncos was Voldy Dashko, Laurent Benjamin and Matt Kirzinger with his second of the night. The Broncos defence held the Klippers to just 17 shots all night.

The Klippers lead the series 2-1 with the next game going on April 10 in Kindersley.

- Troy K

Hockeyville title goes to Quebec

2008-04-08T19:11:00.004-06:00

Booooooo Quebec!!!!

* courtesy of cbc.ca/hockeyville

It’s official; 2008 goes down in hockey history as the most successful year for Kraft Hockeyville to date. Thanks to all the spirited communities who participated and the passionate hockey fans who voted. Kraft Hockeyville owes its outstanding success to your dedicated involvement.

The battle for the Kraft Hockeyville 2008 title was a fierce one. Each community displayed exceptional spirit, originality and passion for hockey but only one can be named Kraft Hockeyville 2008.

This year, the title goes to Village sur Glace de Roberval, Quebec!

As the ultimate hockey community, Village sur Glace de Roberval wins the prestige that comes with the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2008. They’re also awarded:

$100,000 from Kraft to upgrade their home arena
An NHL® pre-season game hosted in the arena*
A CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast special from their community
The four remaining finalists win $20,000 from Kraft to upgrade their home arenas and they have already received a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community.

Final voting results from KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 have once again shattered all previous records receiving a total of 5,542,716 votes. The final voting results are as follows (telephone and online):

Roberval, Quebec 2,198,665
Kingsville, Ontario 1,491,787
Port aux Basques, Newfoundland 959,312
Pilot Mound, Manitoba 558,322
Wilcox, Saskatchewan 334,630

2008 Kraft Hockeyville to be announced tonight!

2008-04-08T16:43:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. local, Ron MacLean sets the stage for the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Playoff Preview 2008, a one-hour, comprehensive playoff preview special. Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, and Kelly Hrudey will join MacLean in studio at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto to breakdown all eight playoff series and provide detailed analysis. The grand prize winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2008 will also be announced during the broadcast.

Tonight we all get to see if Wilcox can pull this thing off. Even if they don't win the title of Hockeyville, they sure made one heck of an effort.

I am looking forward to seeing the final votes in this round compared to the last round. I know they will blow those first 90,000 votes away.

Best of luck Wilcox!!

- Troy K

Non-Hockey related news

2008-04-07T22:53:00.003-06:00

I know you have all heard about this but just wanted to share the story as Red Wing director Jerry Cugnet is quoted in this National Post story. As many of you know, the derailment occurred just southeast of Jerry's farmyard.

Three-train derailment sparks blaze in southern Sask.
Heather Polischuk, Canwest News Service
Published: Monday, April 07, 2008

RALPH, Sask. -- Black smoke was visible for several kilometres Monday after a derailment in southeastern Saskatchewan that involved three Canadian Pacific Railway trains -- some of which contained potentially hazardous materials.

Weyburn Fire Department Chief Denis Pilon -- who took over command of the response effort shortly after the early morning derailment -- said operator error was believed to be behind the incident.

The derailment happened between the small Saskatchewan communities of Halbrite and Ralph -- about 150 kilometres southeast of Regina.

"One train had stopped to allow an oncoming train to pass on the siding," Pilon said.

"There was a third train coming up behind at the stop point, and they misjudged their distance and hit the back of that train as the second one was passing.

"So it derailed its cars and a few more cars went over with it from the passing train. So we have three trains involved in the accident, which makes it really difficult for us to know what, where, when, why and so on."

No one was seriously injured, although Pilon said some members of the train crews -- with two believed to have been on each train -- suffered some shock and were taken to hospital to get checked out.

No one else, including those in the nearby area, was reported injured.

An estimated six to eight cars jumped the tracks, he said, although a CPR spokesman put the number between 12 and 14.

One car initially caught fire and a grass fire broke out shortly after.

"It wasn't an immediate explosion," Pilon said.

"[The train crews] did see some liquid pouring out and then it ignited ... What's in it, we believe, is ethylene glycol, but there are some other cars that have liquid propane gas ... they could be dangerous, too."

Ethylene glycol's major use is for antifreeze.

RCMP have said some cars contained dinitrogen tetroxide -- which is used as a rocket propellant -- and nitric oxide, a naturally occurring gas found in smog. Both can be environmentally toxic.

Due to the nature of the materials on the train and the overall situation, Pilon said fire crews decided not to attempt to fight the fire.

"There are some cars in there that could explode, so our policy is not to risk life and limb over that," he said, adding that crews were prepared to be on the scene for at least 24 hours.

An estimated 10 to 20 people from a number of area farms within two kilometres downwind from the fire were forced to leave the area, while residents further out were advised to be ready to evacuate should the situation change.

"They've come and warned us that we could be out of here in 15 minutes to be evacuated," said Jerry Cugnet on Monday afternoon from his farm, about five kilometres from the site.

"But as long as they get me a good hotel room, I don't care."

CPR spokesman Mike Lovecchio said two train cars were believed to have caught fire -- the one containing antifreeze, and another carrying vinyl acetate, which is used in wood glue and to make hoses.

The car carrying vinyl acetate and a third car near the fire that had previously been carrying butane were both empty at the time of the derailment.

However, Lovecchio said it is possible some residual fumes are present in them.

Highway traffic had to be rerouted around the location.

The Transportation Safety Board was expected to investigate.

The fire was still burning Monday night.

Regina Leader-Post

- Brad M.

Klippers flying high after game one victory

2008-04-04T23:59:00.003-06:00

The Kindersley Klippers scored two goals in the third period to send game one of the Credential Cup Finals to overtime where they then finished of the Humboldt Broncos by a score of 4-3.

Kirk Pearce was the hero for the Klippers as he put one past Taylor Nelson at 13:34 of the first overtime. Also scoring for the Klippers was Milo Miller, Casey Rempel and Jayde Dunser. The trio of Leedahl, Redlick and Sawka were held off the scoresheet tonight but the Klippers showed their depth as the rest of team really stepped up.

Broncos goal scorers were Shawn Hunter, Josh Garneau and Matt Kirzinger. Taylor Nelson stopped 26 of 30 shots during the night while Ryan Nieszner was pulled at 12:24 of the second after allowing three goals on 20 shots. Matt Weninger then came in and stonewalled the Broncos as he stepped up and stopped all 14 shots he faced.

- Troy K

Spring training

2008-04-04T23:25:00.006-06:00

As you might know the Red Wings Spring Camp is going on this weekend. I asked Ron Rumball how things were looking and he was impressed with the turnout. They were expecting around 80 skaters and he said they were probably closer to 110 this year.

Here is a schedule of the weekends events:

Saturday there are team vs team scrimages from:
9:00 - 10:30
11:00 - 12:30
1:00 - 2:30

4:30 - 5:45
6:15 - 7:30
8:00 - 9:15

Sunday there are scrimages team vs team
9:00 - 10:15
11:00 - 12:15
1:00 - 2:15

- Troy K

Construction has begun!

2008-04-03T23:49:00.012-06:00

The staff at the Weyburn Colosseum have been busy these past few days. For three days they have been tearing out the old benches in the rink to make way for the brand new seats that are expected to be on their way.

I stopped in tonight after work to get a few pictures and see how things are progressing. I think they only have about nine more seats to go until they are completely done. It sure looks different in there now. Actually those concrete slabs look comfy compared to the old benches that used to be there.

* The only sections that will not be getting new seats are C and F.

- Troy K

Bombers jerseys are stylish!

2008-04-03T16:33:00.007-06:00

Well, you know it's been slow around here when I have nothing better to talk about except for the Flin Flon Bombers.

Check out the picture posted, I grabbed it from Youtube. It is a screen shot of the horror movie called Santa's Slay(what a clever title). I watched that monstrosity of a movie months ago and noticed that the main character was wearing a Flin Flon Bombers jersey during most of the movie.

I just wonder if the other three people out there who watched this movie even knew it was an SJHL jersey. Personally I am a fan of Flin Flon's jersey they do have a nice, if not the nicest looking jersey in the SJHL. Too bad Weyburn didn't have their jersey in a movie like this,,, haha actually there is no need for them to be associated with this hideous movie.

The movie was made in Alberta so I was wondering why they chose the Flin Flon jersey, but anyway if you are in for a good laugh, check out the movie, it stars Bill Goldberg, the former wrestler, yah I know that says it all right there. The Movie Factory here in Weyburn has a copy so check them out and you will help out a locally owned Weyburn business too.

Thank god hockey starts again tomorrow. Seeing as Weyburn isn't there, I say it's Humboldt in 5.

- Troy K

Red Wings to hold first Men's Night fundraiser

2008-04-02T12:13:00.002-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings will be hosting their first and hopefully annual Men’s Night at the McKenna Hall on Friday April 11.
The cost to attend is 35$, just coming to the night gets you entered in a cash draw for $500. You will also be treated to a roast beef supper and be given 10 gambling tokens for wagering on Men’s Night events.

These events include Celebrity Survivor, high/low Texas Hold ‘Em, simulated horse races, crib, Guitar Hero Championships etc. You can also group up with your friends and play whatever wagering games you want. The idea is to exchange the chips through competitive wagering so that at cash out time, the top thirty chip holders can be determined. Those thirty
are then able to take part in the ‘Calcutta Auction’, since they will be the only ones in possession of the recognized currency.

Up for sale in this auction are the 16 NHL playoff teams. The gentleman bidder who owns the team that ultimately wins the Stanley Cup will be crowned Men’s Night Champion, which earns him the privilege of deciding which charity receives half of the profits acquired through tickets sales to the Men’s Night Fundraiser. A champ will be crowned when the playoffs are over and when he is named it will be announced on the Glenn Rogers Morning Show on AM 1190.

For those of you who can’t give up a night to miss some playoff hockey, Men’s Night has you covered. Games will be played on big screen tv’s during the night so you can keep up to date on all the action. You will also have the opportunity to participate in several different kinds of hockey pools during the early rounds of the NHL’s playoffs.

Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and supper will be at 7 p.m. Men’s Night events take place from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Cash out begins at 11 p.m. with the Calcutta Auction taking place at 11:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Following the auction the $500 cash draw will end the evening.

- Troy K

2008-03-31T17:20:00.004-06:00

* Press Release

KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 TO ANNOUNCE WINNER APRIL 8;
VOTE NOW FOR FAVOURITE FINALIST

winner to be revealed live, on-air during CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA playoff preview

The search for Canada ’s most spirited hockey community is back in the hands of hockey-crazed Canadians as KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 gets ready to crown this year’s winner. The first place community will receive a prize package that includes a 2008/09 NHL pre-season game played at their community arena, a visit from CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA and $100,000 towards arena upgrades from Kraft Canada. The four runner-up communities will also be awarded $20,000 towards arena upgrades from Kraft. The crowning achievement will be shown, on April 8 at 7:00 p.m. local during CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA : Playoff Preview 2008, a special presentation of the 2008 NHL Playoffs.

Canadians are encouraged to vote online (www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville) or via telephone (1-888-843-5604) for their favourite KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 finalist, even if their hometown isn’t in the running. Voting began Saturday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Online voters have until Friday, April 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Telephone voters have until Sunday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Audience voters may select one community per on-line session or per telephone call. Voting is unlimited.

The final five contenders for KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 are:
· Port aux Basques, NL (representing Atlantic region)
· Roberval, QC (representing Québec region)
· Kingsville, ON (representing Ontario region)
· Wilcox, SK (representing Western region)
· Pilot Mound, MB (wild card)

“As we enter the final stage of this year’s competition, it’s vital that members from each of the top five communities encourage as many people as they can to vote for their submission,” said Dino Bianco, President, Kraft Canada. “Tell your neighbours, friends and family and get all of them to vote and support your entry.”

Since the competition began on December 1, 2007, over 1,100 submissions poured in from coast-to-coast-to-coast, smashing previous records and making KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 the most successful competition to date.

Over 1.7 million people voted to select the top five communities from a list of top 10 communities during the initial selection phase of KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 - once again breaking previous records. Please visit www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville to see the Top Ten voting results.

For more information on the KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE 2008 competition please visit www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville

Klippers headed to the Cup Finals

2008-03-31T06:05:00.000-06:00

* Article courtesy of sjhl.ca

Kirk Pearce played the role of hero in game six as he scored at 4:27 of the second overtime as the Klippers defeated Melville 3-2 to win the series 4-games-to-2.

The Klippers took advantage of quick strikes all series long and they did that again late in the second period to go ahead 2-0 as Ryan Sawka, quiet all series long, scored twice in a span of 1:16. It was Sawka’s first two goals of the series as it was his turn to shine during a time in which linemates Brett Leedahl and Jonathan Redlick had a field day at Melville’s expense. Leedahl, who leads all SJHLers with 24-points in 14-playoff games, finished the series with five goals and nine points. Redlick had three goals and nine points. Sawka still battled and finished with seven points as Melville’s failure to contain the best line in the league was their undoing.

Ryan Nieszner was within 3:43 of a shutout, but the Mils showed how they can be gutsy in their own right by scoring two quick late third period markers courtesy of Matt Kinnunen and Kale Dolinski.

The Klippers outscored Melville 11-4 during the third period and overtime, winning twice in OT in the series. This, despite being outshot by the Millionaires in every single contest (final shots in game six still pending Sunday night).

Nieszner, who took over from Matt Weninger in the first period of game one, was a standout in the series as well as he posted a 2.13-GAA and a .940-SPCT.

The Klippers were also able to do something the rest of the SJHL hadn’t been able to do since late January, and that was get to Joe Rodwell. Rodwell, who was apparently injured, ended the series with a 2.75-GAA and a .904-SPCT, which was well below his overall numbers of 1.81 and .932 in the playoffs.

Playoff dates for Kindersley and Humboldt will be posted on the SJHL website as soon as they are finalized.

Broncos sweep the Bombers, Nelson re-writes the record books again

2008-03-28T00:24:00.004-06:00

The Humboldt Broncos are headed to the Credential Cup Finals once again thanks to a solid 3-0 victory of the Flin Flon Bombers. The Bombers couldn't be blamed for a lack of effort in this game as they came out firing in the first period. 16 shots made there way to Taylor Nelson who has been a freak in the Bronco's net during these entire playoffs and season (more on him later).

After weathering the storm it was Radville, SK native, Tanner Vandesype who would score the only goal the Broncos would need at 6:22 of the second period. Laurent Benjamin would add another goal late in the period to make it 2-0 heading into the final frame.

Humboldt didn't give the Bombers much room for a comeback as they controlled the majority of play in the third before Benjamin would add an empty net goal (2nd of the night) to seal the deal and end Flin Flon's season.

Taylor Nelson of the Humboldt Broncos finished with 38-saves in all as he blanks the Bombers for the third game in a row and has reached an SJHL record with a shutout streak of two hundred, twenty-four minutes, and fourteen seconds (224:14) and has lowered his miniscule playoff GAA to 1.35 and his SPCT now increases to .947.

Nelson breaks former Yorkton goalie Kevin Dziaduck's playoff standard, which was set in 2004-05 at 203:51.

Nelson already owns SJHL records for most career shutouts, most shutouts in a season, and lowest goals against average in a season.

For an in depth look at Taylor Nelson's stats you can find an article located at www.sjhl.ca

- Troy K

Mils Regain Home Ice Advantage With Win!

2008-03-26T23:26:00.002-06:00

The Melville Millionaires have tied up their best of seven series with the Kindersley Klippers at two games apiece after posting a 4-1 beating on the Klippers on Wednesday night.

The Millionaires changed up goaltenders tonight as Travis Bosch got the start and he did not disappoint turning aside 21 of 22 Kindersley shots. Joe Rodwell had started all of Melville's playoff games before tonight. Derek Edwards got Melville on the board with an unassisted marker just 55 seconds into the game to give the Mils an early jump. Brett Leedahl would answer on the power play for the Klippers just under three minutes later from Jonathan Redlick and Justin Perreaux. Dion Campbell would give Melville a 2-1 lead at the 9:08 mark of the second period from Edwards and Kale Dolinski. Jordan Wilson would add a power play goal four minutes later to make it 3-1 Mils through two periods of play. Daniel Hope would add a late third period power play goal from Levi Lind and Chris Shudo to put an exclamanation mark on the win.

In Flin Flon, home ice did not provide a cure what ails the Bombers as they were shutout 4-0 by the Humboldt Broncos. The Broncos take a commanding 3-0 series lead and have outscored the Bombers 13-1 through three games. Jordan Schindel had three assists for the Broncos to lead the way offensively. Brayden Klimosko added a goal and an assist with goals also going to Shawn Hunter, Laurent Benjamin and Steven Schroeder. Brady Wacker added two assists in the big Broncos win. Taylor Nelson picked up his second consecutive shutout and has a shutout string that goes back to early in the first period of Game 1. Nelson made 26 saves. Carsen Chubak got the start again for the Bombers, making 29 saves. Humboldt can wrap up the series tomorrow night in Flin Flon.

- Brad M.

Klippers Take Over Lead in Series!

2008-03-25T23:56:00.002-06:00

The Melville Millionaires jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead but could not hold on as they fell 4-2 to the Kindersley Klippers in Kindersley on Tuesday night.

Levi Lind scored on the power play less than four minutes into period one from Daniel Hope and Scott Hennings to give the Mils a 1-0 lead. The Mils would go up 2-0 on another power play just under 10 minutes later as Kale Dolinski picked up the goal from Brad Johnston and Chris Shudo. The Klippers would then get on the board with just 16 seconds remaining in period one as Casey Rempel scored from Ryan Sawka, again a power play goal, to cut the Melville lead to 2-1. Following a scoreless second, the Klippers came to play in the third period. Brett Leedahl would score his third of the playoffs to tie the game at 5:41 of the third (another power play goal). Jonathan Redlick and Jayde Dunser assisted on the goal. The Klippers would then take the lead with 5:46 remaining in regulation as Jeremy Beller picked up the game's first even-strength goal from Jordan Braid and Ben Ritchie. The Millionaires trailing by one, would take an untimely too many men penalty with just 1:07 to play, to take the wind out of their sails. Beller would score into the empty net with 25 seconds remaining from Matt Sawa and Scott Linnell to seal the victory. The Millionaires through everything but the kitchen sink at Ryan Niesnzer as he made an unbelievable 47 saves. Joe Rodwell took the loss despite making 33 saves in the Melville goal. The Klippers now take a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 in Kindersley tomorrow night. The Itech Conference final will resume action again tomorrow night as Game Three will take place in Flin Flon as the Humboldt Broncos come in with a 2-0 series lead.

- Brad M.

Broncos Take Commanding 2-0 Series lead!

2008-03-23T20:05:00.002-06:00

The Flin Flon Bombers provided a much tougher opposition on Easter Sunday night in Humboldt but could not find a way to beat Broncos goaltender Taylor Nelson as Humboldt won by a score of 2-0.

Nelson made 22 saves for the shutout. Shawn Hunter scored 8:07 into the first period and that was the only goal the Broncos would need on their way to victory. Scott Schroeder and Tanner Vandesype assisted on the goal. Eddie Gale added an empty netter from Brayden Klimosko with two seconds remaining to seal the win. Carsen Chubak was spectacular in defeat as he made 38 saves in the Flin Flon goal. The Bombers are leaning on Chubak now as Calvin Bartel was injured in the series versus Melfort. The series shifts to Flin Flon now for games three and four on Wednesday and Thursday night. The Bombers will most likely be a much tougher team to play at the Whitney Forum.

- Brad M.

Wilcox is Hockeyville

2008-03-23T19:32:00.012-06:00

Wilcox, SK was the place to be this weekend. Kraft Hockeyville reps as well as CBC personalities Kelly Hrudey and Scott Oake gave the residents plenty to get excited about as they filmed live in Wilcox on Saturday.

It was red and white as far as the eye could see in Duncan McNeil Arena for the majority of the afternoon as well as late into the evening. The fans were treated to two great games as the SFMAAAHL Notre Dame Hound girls defeated the Swift Current Wildcats by a score of 3-2 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead while the SMAAAHL Notre Dame Hounds lost by a score of 2-1 versus the Saskatoon Blazers.

The loss didn't get their spirits down for long as they were then treated to an Alumni game before they all got to hit the ice for the After Hours broadcast.

This was definitely the story of the night was having the opportunity to host the CBC crew and have the chance to show off their hockey and community spirit in hopes of winning the 2008 Kraft Hockeyville contest. Being named in the top five has already secured them a price of $20,000 but if they win. A grand prize of $100,000 will be awarded to upgrade their arena….But wait, that’s not all. They will also host a pre-season NHL game in their home arena.

Voting for the top five finalists starts in six days, so remember to do it as often as you can. You are not limited to just one vote. You can vote as many times as you want!

To place your votes you can log on to www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville or call 1-888-843-5604.

Also,, a full photo gallery from this weekend will be made available ASAP.

...I am well aware that this isn't Weyburn Red Wing related but this is huge for SK and they need each and everyone's support. So put all your grudges aside and give a vote for Wilcox!

- Troy K

Klippers Even Up Series, Broncos Win Game 1!

2008-03-22T22:03:00.003-06:00

The Kindersley Klippers earned a split on the road as they got by the Melville Millionaires 3-2 in oT on Saturday night in Melville.

Brett Leedahl scored his first of the playoffs 14:54 into the first period to give the Klippers a 1-0 lead. Ryan Sawka and Justin Perreaux assisted on the goal. The Klippers took a 2-0 lead at 7:57 of the second period when Jonathan Redlick scored his third goal of the series from Sawka and Leedahl. Kale Dolinski brought the Millionaires within one before the end of the second period as he also scored his third of the series from Dion Campbell and Brad Johnston. With the net empty and on the power play, the Millionaires tied the game with 56 seconds remaining in regulation as Dion Campbell took the shot from the point which was tipped by Daniel Hope to make it 2-2. Bryant Dyke also assisted on the goal. Leedahl would be the overtime hero with just one second remaining in the overtime period as he would pick up his second goal of the game from Milo Miller and Redlick to even up the series. Ryan Nieszner got his first start of the playoffs and the SJHL all star did not disappoint as he made 41 saves for the win. Joe Rodwell took the loss despite making stopping 29 of the 32 shots he faced. The series shifts to Kindersley now for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

In Humboldt, the Broncos scored 7 unanswered goals on there way to a 7-1 blowout victory over the visiting Flin Flon Bombers. Voldy Dashko and Matthew Kirzinger each had a goal and an assist for the Broncos. Edward Gale, Justin Stoski, Tory Allan, Tanner Vandesype and Shawn Hunter also scored for Humboldt. Steven Schroeder added two assists for the Broncos who also got helpers from Jordan Schindel, Matt Rintoul, Russell Nielsen, Brady Wacker and Scott Schroeder. Matt Dyck scored the lone Bombers goal from Barrett Penner and Harley Garrioch. The Bombers had to play much of the game without two defensemen as Jean-Sebastien Bergeron was ejected for a checking from behind infraction and Michael Young was ejected after receiving a boarding major and game misconduct. Taylor Nelson made 34 saves through 57 plus minutes of work and Andrew Bodnarchuk came in for the final couple of minutes of the game. Carsen Chubak got the start for the Bombers stopping 36 shots.

- Brad M.

Mils Draw First Blood!

2008-03-21T22:55:00.002-06:00

After what seemed like an eternity, the SJHL Sherwood conference final got under way this evening in Melville as the Millionaires hosted the Kindersley Klippers in Game 1.

Melville would open up a 3-0 lead through the first period on the the strength of two goals from Kale Dolinski as well as a goal from Levi Lind. The Klippers would get on the board 4:48 into the second period as Kirk Pearce buried his third goal of the playoffs from Matt Sawa and Casey Rempel. Exactly one minute later, Chris Shudo would regain the three goal lead for the Mils as he notched an unassisted marker to make it 4-1. The Millionaires would then take a commanding 5-1 lead as Dion Campbell scored a short-handed goal with assists going to Austin Krahenbil and Derek Edwards. That goal would prove huge for the Millionaires as the Klippers would score three unanswered goals in third, the last with only two seconds remaining to make things interesting. Jonathan Redlick scored two of the third period goals for the Klippers while Ryan Sawka also added a goal. Jordan Wilson, Michael Jordan, Scott Hennings and Campbell all added assists for Melville. Matt Sawa ended the night with three assists for the Klippers. Joe Rodwell picked up the win in the Melville goal where final shots were not immediately known. Matt Weninger, who was arguably Kindersley's best player in the Weyburn series, was chased from the net early tonight as he allowed three goals on 13 shots in the first 10 minutes of the game. Ryan Nieszner came in relief and allowed two goals the rest of the way. Hockey fever is strong in Melville as over 1100 fans were crammed into the old barn. The series resumes with Game 2 in Melville tomorrow night.

The Itech Conference final will get underway tomorrow night in Humboldt as the Broncos pay host to the Flin Flon Bombers.

- Brad M.

Separated at birth?

2008-03-21T20:10:00.011-06:00

There was some discussion last night when goalie AJ Whiffen walked up to accept his awards last night. It looked like Alexander Ovechkin was up on the stage.

You be the judge!

- Troy K

Red Wings Award Night

2008-03-21T09:56:00.005-06:00

The 2007/08 Weyburn Red Wings gathered for the last time this year during their annual awards night held at the McKenna Hall last night.

Here are the award winners from the evening:

Weyburn Security Award, Gentlemanly Conduct - Torrey Lindsay

Nimegeers, Schuck, Wormsbecker & Bobbit Community Service Award - Carter Selinger

Lloyd Reiser Memorial Award, Most Points Scored in The Playoffs - Stephen Simms/Rhett Bly

Harold (Bud) Rodine Memorial Award, Most Valuable Defenceman - Kyle Haines

York Jewellers Award, Most Improved Red Wing Player - Brayden Nargang

Barber Motors Award, Most Valuable Forward - Preston Shupe

Weyburn Co-op Award, Top Red Wing Scorer - Josh Bray

Royal Canadian Legion Award, Best Player During The Playoffs - Kyle Haines

Dee Jay's Kentucky Fried Chicken Award, Most Popular Player(selected by the fans) - Rhett Bly

Weimer's Hometown Award, Best Defensive Forward - Eric Calibaba

Nick Elchuk Memorial Award, Most Popular Player(selected by the team) - Andrew Perrault and Adam Feniak

Unsung Hero Award: Sponsored by Altus Geomatics - Michael Seib

Marcel Labelle Memorial Award, Red Wing Displaying the Most Dedication and Ability - Nick Needham

Fellner Farms Award, Rock'em Sock'em Award - Michael Seib

Graham Christie Memorial Award, Most Inspirational Red Wing - Connor Krukowski

Mel's on Third Rookie of the Year Award - AJ Whiffen

Hoium's M.V.P. Sports Award, Most Valuable Player - AJ Whiffen

To see some pictures from the evening just click on the following link. Click here!

- Troy K

I got the call

2008-03-20T10:34:00.000-06:00

This morning I got a call from the reps at Kraft Hockeyville giving me an all access pass for the weekend in Wilcox. Needless to say I am looking forward to it.

I am looking to set up interviews with Wendel Clark, Kelly Hrudey and Scott Oake during my time in Wilcox this weekend. I will have plenty of pictures to take as well so I hope to see some Weyburnites make the trip down to Wilcox this weekend to show their support. It should be a great weekend to come out and enjoy the festivities.

....On tonight’s agenda is the Red Wings Awards Night at McKenna Hall. We hope to see plenty of people out to support the boys for another hard fought season. Just a quick reminder, drinks start at 6:00 with the supper at 7:00 p.m.

Pictures from the evening will be posted shortly after.

- Troy K

Wilcox Hockeyville Schedule

2008-03-19T11:34:00.000-06:00

* I pulled this info from the Notre Dame website (www.notredame.sk.ca) for those of you who are interested in heading out to Wilcox this weekend to see some of events taking place, I hope to head out there myself and get some pictures if I have time....

Wilcox will have the opportunity to host Scott Oake and Kelly Hrudey of Hockey Night in Canada live on Saturday March 22, 2008. Events will begin in the morning and run all day, capping off the day with a Notre Dame Hounds Alumni game featuring former Hounds such as Gord Sherven, Dale Derkatch and Wendel Clark.

Kraft Canada and CBC have been challenging communities from coast to coast to demonstrate their passion for the game and earn the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2008. Whether your community is a small rural town or in a big urban city, Canada's fiercest competition, Kraft Hockeyville, is back! Along with the hometown pride that comes along with being crowned Kraft Hockeyville 2008, the ultimate hockey community wins $100 000 to remodel their local arena and the opportunity to host a Pre-Season NHL Game at their community arena.

Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Canada is situated midway between Moose Jaw and Weyburn on the Soo Line and Highway 39. The population of the Village is 275 people. Wilcox is also home to the world renowned Athol Murray College Of Notre Dame which is an international Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory boarding school for students in grades 9 to 12.

Notre Dame Hounds are known internationally for their athletic achievements. Countless Hounds have advanced to post-secondary, amateur and pro-ranks over the years, thanks largely to the College's commitment to developing the whole athlete - on and off the ice/court/playing field. In 2006 alone, Notre Dame Hounds were awarded more than $1.6 million in athletic and academic scholarships to U.S. and Canadian universities.

For more information regarding this event please feel free to contact Dawn Froats at (306)732-2080 ext: 339 or by email at d.froats@notredame.sk.ca

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

12:30PM
Don Cherry & Ron McLean Contest & Kraft Contest (Gym)

1:00PM
Mini Sticks Tournament (Gym)

3:00PM
Mass

5:45PM
Staff vs. Student Game

7:00PM
Movie in Gymnasium for all students Sponsored by Kraft

7:30PM
Meet & Greet Social in Archives (invitation only)

SATURDAY

9:00 AM
Pancake Breakfast (at Town Rink)

10:30-11:30AM
Wilcox 3 on 3 Youth All Stars

1:00 - 4:00PM
Road Hockey Tournament

1:30 - 3:30PM
Potential Game (waiting to find out BANTAM AAA)

2:00 - 4:00PM
Autograph Session

4:30PM- 6:30PM
Midget AAA Girls vs. Swift Current

4:00PM- 6:00PM
Burger Night -- Gymnasium

7:00PM
Red & White Night Warm UP

7:30PM
Midget AAA Hounds vs.??

9:50PM - 10:30PM
Notre Dame Hounds Alumni Game Featuring: Dale Derkatch, Gord Sherven, Wendel Clark, Guest Coaches Terry O'Malley & Barry McKenzie

10:45PM
After Hours Show... Open Ice Skating on Ice

From CBC:

This information below applies to the public vote for the winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2008 and form part of the Official Rules for Kraft Hockeyville 2008.

Audiences can vote for their favourite Community within the Top Five (regardless of Region). The public voting period will be from March 29, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. EDT (after the fifth and final Top Five Community broadcast on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada Game #2) to April 4, 2008 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT (the "Voting Period").

Audiences can vote online at www.cbcsports.ca/hockeyville or via toll free telephone 1-888-843-5604. Audience voters may select one Community per on-line session or per telephone call. Voting is unlimited.

Votes received via online and telephone will be accumulated. The Community that receives the highest number of votes during the "Voting Period" will be named Kraft Hockeyville 2008. The Grand Prize Community will be announced live on Hockey Night in Canada on CBC April 5, 2008.

Conference Finals Schedule

2008-03-18T13:12:00.000-06:00

*Courtesy of sjhl.ca

Conference Championship – March 21 –April 1, 2008

Winner vs Winner of Semi Finals will play a Best of Seven series

Winners advance to Credential Cup Championship

SHERWOOD CONFERENCE
2) Melville vs. 3) Kindersley

March 21 Kindersley at Melville, 7:30pm
March 22 Kindersley at Melville, 7:30pm
March 25 Melville at Kindersley, 7pm
March 26 Melville at Kindersley, 7pm
March 28 Kindersley at Melville, 7:30pm *
March 30 Melville at Kindersley, 7pm *
April 1 Kindersley at Melville, 7:30pm *

ITECH CONFERENCE
1) Humboldt vs. 3) Flin Flon

March 22 Flin Flon at Humboldt, 7:30pm
March 23 Flin Flon at Humboldt, 6:30pm
March 26 Humboldt at Flin Flon, 7:30pm (Mba)
March 27 Humboldt at Flin Flon, 7:30pm (Mba)
March 29 Flin Flon at Humboldt, 7:30pm
March 30 Humboldt at Flin Flon, 7:30pm (Mba)
April 1 Flin Flon at Humboldt, 7:30pm

Flin Flon shuts out Melfort and head to the Itech Finals

2008-03-16T23:43:00.003-06:00

The Finals are set thanks the an upset in the Itech Conference. The Flin Flon Bombers once again shut out the Melfort Mustangs to win the series 4-2.

Barrett Penner scored what would eventually be the game winning goal at 5:37 of the first period while Dennis Kubat added another at 17:52 of the second to make it 2-0 after two periods of play. That is all the offence the Bombers would need as goaltender Carsen Chubak turned aside 13 shots in the third period and 27 in total for the shutout. Chubak has been playing some great hockey since stepping in for Calvin Bartel but will be in for a huge test when they take on the Humboldt Broncos.

Itech Conference Finals:
Flin Flon VS Humboldt

Sherwood Conference Finals:
Melville VS Kindersley

Schedules will be posted when they are available.

- Troy K

More pics

2008-03-16T18:26:00.012-06:00

Randy Mazenc e-mailed me some pictures he took during the Red Wings final game. If you want to take a look at them just click here.

Once again a big thanks goes out to Randy for the shots. They look great!

- Troy K

Double OT victory sends the Klippers to the Sherwood Finals!

2008-03-15T14:49:00.002-06:00

I am sure everyone already knows by now but it’s my job to put it up on here. The Kindersley Klippers finished off our Weyburn Red Wings by a score of 3-2 in double overtime last night.

Despite firing over 50 shots on Klippers goalie Matt Weninger the Red Wings just couldn’t get one past the netminder in the extra periods. Kindersley rewarded their goaltender for a fantastic performance at 5:29 of double OT when Jonathan Redlick scored on the powerplay to end the game and the series.

The Kindersley Klippers now move on to face the Melville Millionaires in the Sherwood Conference Finals while Weyburn prepare for their year end banquet which will be scheduled at a later date.

On tonight’s SJHL schedule is two games. Nipawin will try to stay alive versus Humboldt who have a 3-1 series lead and the Flin Flon Bombers look to take out the Melfort Mustangs who are also down 3-1.

I am sure people will be busy looking back on what the boys did or didn’t do right, but for now let’s just give them a great big thanks for one heck of a season!

Good job boys, I know we didn’t want it to end this early but that’s how it goes sometimes.

- Troy K

Melville on to Sherwood Final!

2008-03-13T22:49:00.002-06:00

The Melville Millionaires have yet to lose a game in the playoffs as they completed the sweep of the rival Yorkton Terriers by a score of 2-0 in enemy terrritory on Thursday night.

Joe Rodwell made 20 saves for his second shutout of the postseason and the Millionaires got goals from Chris Shudo and Kale Dolinski in the win. Dion Campbell added two assists with Jeremie Houde also picking up a helper. Lynden Sammartino did all he could in the Yorkton goal as he made 35 saves in his final SJHL game. Along with Sammartino, the Terriers also graduate Kyle Block, Chris Cook, Ken Petkau, and Jordan Pawelec. It is also believed that Michael Trebish will be off to an NCAA Division 1 school but please correct me if I am wrong. Best of luck to all of the graduating Terriers as they move on and congratulations to the Millionaires and head coach Jamie Fiesel for advancing on to the division final.

Elsewhere tonight....

The Flin Flon Bombers took a strangehold over the Melfort Mustangs as they won 6-5 in overtime on home ice to take a 3-1 series lead. Game Five goes Saturday night in Melfort. David Linsley was the hero for the Bombers as he scored 1:28 into the extra period. Linsley and Dennis Kubat each had two goals and an assist for the Bombers. Brennan Cox and Tommy Castonguay also scored for Flin Flon. Dominic Martel added two assists including one on the game winner. Nick Kalnicki scored twice for the Mustangs who also got goals from Jordan Morgan, Kyle Fraser and Jason Walker. Calvin Bartel made 31 saves in the Bombers goal. Ilia Ejov allowed six goals on 34 shots in the Melfort goal. The Mustangs forced overtime with just nine seconds remaining in regulation on Walker's goal.

The Nipawin Hawks live to see another day as they downed the Humboldt Broncos 4-3 on home ice. The Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead before allowing three goals in the final 4 minutes of the game to make things very interesting. Mike Rey, who has had a superb playoffs, had the game winner for the Hawks and added an assist. Kenton Miller, Brent Ottmann and Taylor Thiessen also scored for Nipawin. Eddie Gale and Jordan Schindel each had a goal and an assist for the Broncos while Matt Kirzinger also scored. Daniel DiCamillo picked up the win in goal while Taylor Nelson suffered the loss. Game 5 goes Saturday night back at the EPA in Humboldt.

Just a reminder ..... get behind the Wings and lets help them rally back as they host the Kindersley Klippers tomorrow night. The guys feed off of a loud and boisterous crowd. Let's help create a true playoff atmosphere for the guys as they begin there quest for three straight wins.

- Brad M.

Check this out!

2008-03-13T14:52:00.016-06:00

Randy Mazenc of Radville emailed some action shots to Tanya at the Red Wing office just last week which she forwarded to me. He took some great shots while he was at the opening game versus Kindersley that I wanted to show you.

He also took some pictures of the guys this year for their parents and made some posters for all the boys. After seeing some of the stuff he did I wanted to get a hold of him and see if we could get him some more business around here. I mean why hire Regina businesses when you can have someone around here do it.

Randy has been taking professional pics for the last five years and he has been shooting a lot of weddings but lately he has been getting more and more interested in shooting sports shots. Earlier this year he did some work for the 1190 Atoms hockey team which he had a blast with but when he got the call from the Red Wings he wanted to be even better prepared. He went and purchased the Nikon D3 (This thing is worth 5x my car, needless to say I drive a crappy car but that's beside the point).

“It’s supposed to be the low light champ for sports shots and I have to say, it doesn’t seem to disappoint,” he said.

As you can see the results speak for them self. If you want to see some more of Randy’s work then you can head on over to his website at www.clikpic.com/impact. There is contact information on the site but if you wish to call him to set up an appointment you can find him under Impact Images in the Weyburn Yellow Pages.

Click here to check out Randy's action shots!

- Troy K

It's crunch time for the Wings, Klippers lead series 3-1

2008-03-12T22:03:00.002-06:00

The Red Wings go from a major high to a major low in less than 24 hours as the Kindersley Klippers took a 3-1 series lead tonight with a 5-2 victory.

I got an email from co-writer Brad McNeil tonight asking if I would do the post game write up because he might not have been to friendly to the referees tonight. I didn’t have a chance to listen to the game tonight but just by looking at the stats you can tell the Red Wings were in tough.

The Klippers took advantage by scoring three powerplay goals tonight while the Red Wings fired one powerplay goal home in the third period to make the game interesting. Torrey Lindsay scored at 11:07 in the final frame to cut the Klippers lead to just one goal to give the boys some hope, but that is as close as they would come.

The super line of Sawka, Leedahl and Redlick then took over. At 16:03 Sawka scored to give the Klippers another two goal lead. Then it was Redlick who would end all hope for the Red Wings as he scored at 18:25 with assists going to Sawka and Leedahl.

The Red Wings will now try to hold off the Klippers in game five at the Colosseum on Friday night. Game time is 7:30.

It would be great if we could get some more fans out to this next game to cheer on the boys. We haven’t been seeing a huge turnout in these playoffs and it would be great to have some fans cheer them on when they need it the most.

- Troy K

This one has to be the winner!

2008-03-12T18:03:00.005-06:00

Well I swung by the Heritage Fair at Assinaboia Park Elementary School for work today and took a picture specifically for the blog. It was Brooke Erickson's(Tanner's sister) project which was on the one, the only, Dwight McMillan!

She has some stiff competition at the Hertiage Fair but with Red Wings fans, I am sure she wins hands down!

She even got to borrow a few things from Dwight such as medals, trophies and a RBC Championship ring that you can see her wearing in the picture. She also had a nice picture of Dwight wayyyy back in his rookie season as a player with the Weyburn Red Wings.

Anyway, I thought I would show you all and just wish her good luck!

- Troy K

Quotes from coach McMillan

2008-03-12T11:16:00.000-06:00

This morning I gave Dwight a quick phone call to get some comments from him regarding the game last night, so here they are.

TK: You finally got a one goal game to go in your favour, are you excited to extend the series and get another game back on home ice?

McMillan: Yah we are. You have to get that first win out of the way to get your second one and we finally did that. We really got our powerplay going for us last night and it made a world of difference for us.

TK: A couple guys busted out of a scoring slump last night, especially Preston Shupe. How huge is that for the team?

McMillan: Oh that is real huge for us. When he scores on the powerplay he turns the game around for us. When that line is scoring, it makes the difference and they weren’t doing that until last night when they got all four goals for us.

TK: Redlick, Sawka and Leedahl terrorized the team all night and racked up nine points. How are you going to shut down that top line tonight?

McMillan: Well that’s a good question. They are a powerful line and I don’t think you can shut them down but you can defenitly slow them down.

TK: Finally, how is Josh Bray looking for tonight? Will he be playing after coming out of the game with an injury last night?

McMillan: No, he will be out of the line-up for tonight.

We are back in this thing!

2008-03-11T22:36:00.003-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings managed to take down the Klippers tonight by a score of 4-3. It took and extra period to get the job done but the hero of the night was Preston Shupe (4 point night) as he scored nearly halfway through overtime to end it.

Things got started in the first period as the line of Sawka, Leedahl and Redlick opened the scoring at 10:03. Sawka put the first one past Whiffen but Weyburn stormed back as Shupe and Doody scored one a piece to grab a 2-1 lead heading into the second period.

It was once again Kindersley’s top line who came out firing in the second as Redlick scored at 8:42, assists went to Sawka and Leedahl. Then it was Sawka scoring his second of the night at 11:29, assists went to Redlick and Leehdahl. The Red Wings didn’t let the Klippers hold the lead for long. Torrey Lindsay scored at 13:35 to tie it up at three a piece. Assisting on the goal was Bly and Shupe.

With a scoreless third period the boys headed to overtime. Overtime was delayed by over 40 minutes due to some ice problems near the Kindersley net. Finally when it got started it was Preston Shupe who ended it on the powerplay it to cut the Klippers series lead 2-1.

In other news around the league.

Melville won by a score of 7-4 over the Yorkton Terriers to take a 3-0 series lead. Melfort grabbed a 3-0 win over the Flin Flon Bombers to cut their series lead to 2-1. Humboldt also won by a score of 5-2 over Nipawin to grab a 3-0 lead in their series.

The Weyburn Red Wings will again take on the Kindersley Klippers tomorrow night in Kindersley. They are hoping to tie the series at two games a piece before heading back home to Weyburn on Friday, March 14 for game number five.

- Troy K

Beer has been good to the Wings!

2008-03-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

Last night at the City Council meeting, Council members discussed the Weyburn Red Wings. It was regarding the beer in the stands. They had planned on taking a look back at the policy following a two month period in September and October of 2007 but have held off until now.

The Councillors basically said how impressed they were with everyone who has made this a success. They haven’t heard any complaints from the fans or the rink staff regarding the alcohol and they will review it once again at the end of the season to see if the organization is as happy with it as they are.

I have had the opportunity to clean up the stands following a few Red Wing games and it hasn’t been a problem for me or the other staff. It might add a few extra cups to sweep but I think we usually sweep up more ice cream cups than anything else. The only thing we should get rid of is the people who chew and spit in the stands, it's just gross and nasty to clean.

Personally I think the beer has been a nice touch to the games and actually it has been bringing in a nice little piece of revenue to the team. Tanya at the Red Wing office mentioned that this year their gross total is $15,779.32. After expenses they have probably brought in about $8500. This is nearly triple what they made last year. The Red Wings gross total last season was just $3100, add on the expenses and you can cut that number in half.

Good job on making this work everyone!

- Troy K

Klippers Take Stranglehold on Slumping Wings!

2008-03-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

The Kindersley Klippers did the unthinkable and won two games in two nights in Weyburn to take a commanding 2-0 series lead after skating away with a 3-2 victory on Saturday night.

Kirk Pearce, who has been a Red Wing killer all season, scored his first of the night at 15:27 of the first period from Brett Leedahl and Ryan Sawka to put the Klippers up 1-0. That lead would be short lived as Rhett Bly would tie things up as he did a beautiful deke on Klippers goaltender Matt Weninger and just 36 seconds after Pearce's goal. Torrey Lindsay had the lone assist on the goal. The Klippers would regain the lead with a power play marker at the 13:47 mark of the second period as Sawka picked up his first goal of the playoffs from Jonathan Redlick and Leedahl. Pearce would then score his second of the night and the eventual game winner just under three minutes later as he picked up the puck in a goal mouth scramble and beat Whiffen to make it 3-1. Matt Sawa and Steven Turner assisted on the goal. Josh Bray would make things interesting with just over six minutes to play in the third as he scored his first goal of the playoffs on a nice feed from Brayden Nargang. Matt Weninger had another strong start for the Klippers as he made 34 saves enroute to victory. AJ Whiffen made 27 saves in the Weyburn goal.

There was a bit of a melee in section A after some mouthy Kindersley fans egged on some Weyburn fans who were leaving the rink. Not sure exactly what came out of it but hopefully the guys from Weyburn kicked some you know what so that we could say we won something tonight.

Games 3 and 4 go back in Kindersley on Tuesday and Wednesday night and please note they are 7:00 starts. Kevin Smith will have the play by play for you both nights from the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley. You can listen online at www.discoverweyburn.com or on the radio dial AM1190. I wish I could go along for the trip but with my busy season at work I will not be able to go along.

- Brad M.

Congratulations Stephen Simms!

2008-03-08T01:24:00.001-06:00

Stephen Simms

Weyburn Red Wings

1988 born defenseman Stephen Simms has accepted a scholarship to Lake Superior State, an NCAA school that is no stranger to recruiting out of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Simms had 9-goals and 31-assists in 58-games this past season and scored 10-goals and 27-assists in 56-games as a rookie in 2006-07. The Reidville NF product also played in the CJAHL Prospects Game in 2006-07 and in 2007-08, he was the third highest scoring blueliner in the SJHL. LSSU has former SJHLers Troy Schwab, Josh Sim, Chad Nehring, Dillin Stonehouse, and Tyson Hobbins on its roster this season.

Klippers Steal Game One in OT!

2008-03-07T23:49:00.002-06:00

The Kindersley Klippers got the start they were looking for on the road as they skated to a 4-3 overtime victory over the Weyburn Red Wings at the Colosseum in front of a disappointingly small and quiet crowd (other than a few of you and you know who you are).
The game started off with a bang as the two captains - Kyle Haines and Matt Sawa dropped the gloves just 12 seconds into the game to set an early tone for the series.
Brayden Nargang got the Wings going on the power play as he picked up the rebound and put the puck into an empty net past a sprawling Matt Weninger to make it 1-0 at the 8:38 mark of the opening period. Josh Bray and Stephen Simms assisted on the goal. The Klippers would get things going early in the second period as Matt Sawa scored his first of two on the night with the lone assist going to Kirk Pearce (who I thought may have been the Klippers best player tonight). Rhett Bly would give the Wings the lead back at 6:58 as he snuck a shot through the five hole of Weninger to make it 2-1. Simms and Preston Shupe assisted on the goal. The Klippers tied things up again at the 15:16 mark of the second as Jonathan Redlick picked up his first of the playoffs with a power play marker. Brett Leedahl and Casey Rempel assisted. The Klippers would take there first lead of the game at the 5:08 mark of the third as Mat Olson beat AJ Whiffen with a weak wrister from the slot to make it 3-2. Ryan Sawka and Leedahl assisted on the goal. Luke Johnson forced the extra frame with 4:44 to play in the third period as he snuck a wrist shot on the short side of Weninger to make it 3-3. Mick Pawlyshyn and Simms (with his third point of the night), picked up the assists. The Wings would get a power play opportunity in the overtime after Scott Linnell was called for hooking but could not capitalize. The Klippers would then get a power play of there own nine minutes into the overtime period after AJ Whiffen intentionally took his mask off to get a whistle and was tagged with a delay of game penalty. The Klippers would make the Wings pay as Sawa picked up his second of the night to give Kindersley the win. Jayde Dunser and Pearce assisted on the game winner. Matt Weninger made 35 saves to pick up the win while Whiffen made 36 saves in the Weyburn goal. Game 2 will go tomorrow night at the Colosseum at 7:30. Hope to see a lot more people tomorrow night. Hopefully the idiots that threw pop bottles and other things at the Klippers and referees at the end of the game decide to stay home though.

In the other Sherwood conference semi-final the Yorkton Terriers and Melville Millionaires also did extra time with the Millionaires coming out with a 2-1 OT victory on home ice. The Terriers would open the scoring 11:25 into the first period as Evan Neibrandt would score on the breakaway from Jordan Pawelec and Jock Sutter. The Millionaires would respond just over six minutes later on the power play as Kale Dolinski tipped the Dion Campbell point shot. Brad Johnston also assisted on the goal. The two teams would then play two scoreless period before Dolinski picked up his second of the might just 1:37 into overtime from Bryant Dyke and Jordan Wilson to send the Mils faithful home happy. Joe Rodwell was not overly busy in the Melville goal but stopped 15 of 16 shots to pick up the win. Lynden Sammartino was much busier as he stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced. The teams will play Game 2 in Yorkton on Sunday night.

Moving to the Itech conference, the Humboldt Broncos drew first blood in their series with the Nipawin Hawks as they defeated the visiting Hawks 3-1. Matthew Kirzinger, Josh Garneau and Jordan Schindel scored for the Broncos. Tanner Vandesype added two assists for the Broncos who also got helpers from Matt Rintoul and Brady Wacker. Mike Rey picked up the Hawks lone goal from Torrie Dyck. According to the game sheet, Hawks goaltender Derek Kleinsteuber left the game just over seven minutes into the first period without allowing a goal. I am assuming Kleinsteuber was either injured or became ill but have no confirmation at the time of writing. Daniel DiCamillo came in to replace Kleinsteuber and made 24 saves on the night. Taylor Nelson picked up the win for the Broncos as the stopped 18 Nipawin shots. The two teams will play Game 2 in Nipawin on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, in Melfort, the Flin Flon Bombers proved that they can win on the road as they shutout the host Mustangs 4-0. Reid MacLeod paced the Bombers with a goal and an assist. Pierre-Luc Boucher, David Dykstra and Dominic Martel, with an empty netter, also scored for the Bombers. Myles Masse, Dennis Kubat, Calvin Bartel, Cameron MacKinnon, Scott Day and Matt Restoule all added assists. Bartel was sensational in the Bombers goal as he made 35 saves to pick up the shutout. Ilia Ejov had an off night as he only made 15 saves on the night. Game 2 goes in Flin Flon on Sunday night.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Kale Dolinski - Melville Millionaires (2 goal including winner as Mils down Terriers
** Calvin Bartel - Flin Flon Bombers (35 saves in shutout win over Mustangs)
*** Matt Sawa - Kindersley Klippers (2 goals including OT winner in win over Wings.

- Brad M.

Test test....

2008-03-06T23:18:00.004-06:00

I have been working on a new blog for the next season and we are looking at getting a new host. Wordpress will be our host. They have many more options for us to use which means the blog should be bigger and better for the next season.

Currently you can check out the basic layout (not a finished copy), it just doesn't have all the links, pics or schedules. Those will be posted next season.

The reason for the switch is basically a safety reason. Wordpress automatically backs up the data and ip addresses are easy to track if inappropriate comments are made.

I was hoping to have the fans look before the season ends so we can get some comments from them before we do a full on switch. I figured the playoffs would be a good time to get comments since our hits our up. So, I just want to know what you would like to see on the blog for next year.

Anyway,,, Take a look at it and post some comments.

www.weyburnwings.wordpress.com

Thanks

- Troy K

Just a preview....

2008-03-06T19:45:00.009-06:00

Corey Morrissette, producer at Access Communications and myself went filming some Red Wings stuff for a dvd project that we will be working on over the next couple of months or so.

I just wanted to show you some clips of what we captured during yesterday’s filming. Corey gave me a dvd with the footage which I captured with DVDxDV trial version as you will be able to see. It is a shameless plug for them.

The program is only $25 and is great for people who need something taken off of a dvd and placed on your computers hard drive. I do not condone the burning of copyrighted dvds but if you chose to do something like that, this program is probably pretty good at it!! For those of you who are interested in the program you can click here for instructions how to use it and purchase online.

As for the video clips, they are just some of the things that will be going into the video, this is no where near a finished cut or how any of it is going to look, Corey will be doing the cutting because he is the pro, I just slapped something together. It has just been a slow week around here and I wanted to show you what is in the works. I didn't have much time to put something up but when we have the entire dvd project done, it will be available online.

The background music was Sometimes When You Lose, You Win, By Karate High School. For more music by them just follow this link

- Troy K

Back at work!

2008-03-03T17:53:00.002-06:00

I swung by the Weyburn Red Wings afternoon practice today to get some comments from Dwight and take a couple pics while I was there.

Almost all of the boys took in the practice. Plenty of Red Wings have been fighting some injuries but most of them look to be rested up and ready for Friday's game versus the Kindersley Klippers.

I am sure the fans are just as excited as the team. Make sure you come down to the Colosseum to cheer on the Wings.

Click here to see some of the practice pictures.

Make sure to check www.weyburnredwings.ca tomorrow for a new article.

- Troy K

Conference Semi Final Dates

2008-03-03T17:35:00.001-06:00

ITECH CONFERENCE

1) Humboldt vs. 5) Nipawin

March 7 Nipawin at Humboldt, 7:30pm
March 9 Humboldt at Nipawin, 7:30pm
March 11 Nipawin at Humboldt, 7:30pm
March 13 Humboldt at Nipawin, 7:30pm
March 15 Nipawin at Humboldt, 7:30pm *
March 16 Humboldt at Nipawin, 7:30pm *
March 18 Nipawin at Humboldt, 7:30pm *

* if necessary

2) Melfort vs. 3) Flin Flon

March 7 Flin Flon at Melfort, 7:30pm
March 9 Melfort at Flin Flon, 7:30pm
March 11 Flin Flon at Melfort, 7:30pm
March 13 Melfort at Flin Flon, 7:30pm
March 15 Flin Flon at Melfort, 7:30pm *
March 16 Melfort at Flin Flon, 7:30pm *
March 18 Flin Flon at Melfort, 7:30pm *

* if necessary

SHERWOOD CONFERENCE

2) Melville vs. 5) Yorkton

March 7 Yorkton at Melville, 7:30pm
March 9 Melville at Yorkton, 7:30pm
March 11 Yorkton at Melville, 7:30pm
March 13 Melville at Yorkton, 7:30pm
March 15 Yorkton at Melville, 7:30pm *
March 16 Melville at Yorkton, 7:30pm *
March 18 Yorkton at Melville, 7:30pm *

* if necessary

1) Weyburn vs. 3) Kindersley

March 7 Kindersley at Weyburn, 7:30pm
March 8 Kindersley at Weyburn, 7:30pm
March 11 Weyburn at Kindersley, 7pm
March 12 Weyburn at Kindersley, 7pm
March 14 Kindersley at Weyburn, 7:30pm *
March 16 Weyburn at Kindersley, 7pm *
March 18 Kindersley at Weyburn, 7:30pm *

* if necessary

posted by - Troy K

Terriers, Hawks Advance!

2008-03-02T21:26:00.002-06:00

It was a devastating loss for the Estevan Bruins as they blew an early 2-0 lead and fell 4-3 to the Yorkton Terriers. The Bruins scored twice in the first four minutes of the hockey game but the Terriers were resillient and fought back for the 4-3 victory, dominating the play in the third period on their way to victory. Cody Zubko would be the hero for the Terriers as he scored the game winner with just over ten minutes to play with Kyle Block picking up the lone assist. Corey Silverson tied the game up for the Terriers earlier in the third. Unfortunately the online scoring was not working from Yorkton tonight so as of now I cannot give you any further scoring details. I do know that Lynden Sammartino picked up the win for the Terriers making 22 saves. Karsten Felske was in goal for the Bruins and made 31 saves. The Bruins loss means that Payden Benning, Kyle Ermel, Nick Colliton, Riley Hughes, Kealin Wong and David Ritz have all played their final SJHL games. Best of luck to all of them in their future endeavours.

Meanwhile, the Nipawin Hawks went 4/10 on the power play as they got by the La Ronge Ice Wolves 4-3. Taylor Thiessen had a goal and two assists for the Hawks. Torrie Dyck and Brent Ottmann each added a goal and an assist. Mike Rey also scored for Nipawin. Steve Mason chipped in with two assists. Blair Toms also added his 7th assist of the series on Rey's goal. Jordie Johnston and Everette Lerner each had a goal and an assist for the Ice Wolves. David Lawrence also scored. Tyler Karst added two assists while Dustin Stevenson and Codie Pederson also got assists. Derek Kleinsteuber made 27 saves for the win while Jonathan Jobin made 24 saves in the La Ronge goal. Referee Adam Byblow was not in the good books of La Ronge coach Bob Beatty at the end of the game. The loss by the Ice Wolves brings an end to the junior careers of Jordie Johnston, Jeff Ratt, Jarrid Dowhay, Codie Pederson, Ryan Desjarlais, Calvin Fiddler, Kenny Neufeld, and Tyler Karst. Best of luck to all of those players in their future whether it be in hockey or outside of hockey.

It is widely expected that all of the division semis will start on Friday March 7th. If I was a betting man, the series will look like this.

Sherwood:

Weyburn versus Kindersley
Melville versus Yorkton

Itech:

Humboldt versus Nipawin
Melfort versus Flin Flon

- Brad M.

Bruins Stave off Eliminations in Game 5!

2008-03-01T21:50:00.002-06:00

The Estevan Bruins will live to see another day as they posted a big 4-1 home ice victory over the Yorkton Terriers on Saturday night. The Bruins led 1-0 after a period of play as Kyle Stroh picked up the goal from Kealin Wong and Payden Benning. Benning would put the Bruins up 2-0 just 2:22 into the second period with assists going to Colton MacPherson and Nick Colliton. The Terriers would get on the board next as Michael Trebish scored on the power play from Bryan Hull and Kurtis Decker to cut the Bruins lead in half. Stroh would put the Bruins up 3-1 just over a minute into the third period with a power play goal assisted on by Chad Filteau. Brant Harris would then put the nail in the coffin at the 4:00 mark of the third from Brennan Wrigley and Filteau. Karsten Felske picked up the win in goal for the Bruins as he made 34 saves, while Lynden Sammartino took the loss for the Terriers allowing four goals on 27 shots. Referee Todd Sharpe was injured in the first period but stayed in the game. The teams get right back at it tomorrow night in Yorkton with Game 6. The Terriers no doubt would like to win this game so that they don't have to return to Estevan for a Game 7 on Tuesday night. Game time in Yorkton on Sunday night is 7:30. For those interested in listening on-line you can catch the Yorkton broadcast on GX94 with Craig Stein and Blaine Weyland or the Estevan broadcast at discoverestevan.com with Darryl Russell.

In La Ronge, the Nipawin Hawks won a huge game on the road, 7-2, to take a 3-2 lead in the series over the La Ronge Ice Wolves. Brent Ottmann scored twice and added an assist to lead the way for the Hawks. Youngster Kenton Miller, a Redvers product, also scored twice for Nipawin. Taylor Thiessen added a goal and an assist for the Hawks. Todd Panchyson and Jordon Miller also scored for Nipawin. Cody Wutzke added three assists for the Hawks. Steve Mason, Keldon Sanderson, Blair Toms and Trent Rumpel all added assists. Everette Lerner has really picked up his play in the playoffs as he had a goal and an assist for the Ice Wolves to take over the SJHL playoff scoring lead. Jules Boucher also scored for La Ronge who got single assists from Dustin Stevenson, Tyler Karst and Adam Moar. Derek Kleinsteuber picked up the win for the Hawks while Jonathan Jobin was off his game tonight being pulled after allowing six goals through two periods of play. Brian Kaval allowed one goal in the third period in relief of Jobin. The teams will play Game 6 in Nipawin at 6:30. Game 7 if necessary would go back in La Ronge on Tuesday night. Game 6 will be available on CK750 online with Kenny Trenton or La Ronge's MBC radio with Dallas Hicks.

The Humboldt Broncos scored the game tying goal with six seconds left as they tied the Melfort Mustangs 2-2. The game tying goal by Jordan Schindel clinched the Itech conference selection series for Humboldt and saves a trip to Flin Flon on Monday night. The Mustangs got goals from Riley Clark(assisted from Jason Walker and Cameron Larson) and Nick Kalnicki (unassisted) to take a 2-0 lead after two periods of play. Russ Nielsen cut the lead to 2-1 just 3:25 into the third period from Voldy Dashko and Taylor Pillar. This set up the game tying heroics from Schindel as Laurent Benjamin and Brayden Klimosko assisted on the goal. Ilia Ejov made 26 saves in the Melfort goal. His counterpart, Taylor Nelson, stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced. Although it is a no-brainer in the Sherwood Conference as to who the Melville Millionaires will pick (the winner of the elimination series between Estevan and Yorkton), it may not be as certain in the Itech. Humboldt may choose to face the Mustangs or Bombers rather than the Hawks or Ice Wolves. I guess we will all know soon enough.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Brent Ottmann - Nipawin Hawks (three point night in big Hawks victory)
** Kyle Stroh - Estevan Bruins (two big goals in win over Yorkton)
*** Karsten Felske - Estevan Bruins (34 save performance in win over Terriers)

- Brad M.

SJHL players of the month!

2008-03-01T17:55:00.000-06:00

* Courtesy of www.sjhl.ca

Saturday, March 01, 2008

SJHL FORWARD OF THE MONTH
Winner: Torrie Dyck, Nipawin Hawks
Highlights: Dyck finished the regular season with 8-points in 8-games, but he has earned this nod with his dominating effort in the Itech Conference Elimination Series that has seen him rack up 9-points in 4-games, including 5-goals and 4-assists. Of his 5-playoff goals so far, Dyck has one game winner, which came in overtime of game four. He has had two multiple goal games in the playoffs and three multiple point games.
Runners-up: Josh Bray, Weyburn Red Wings; Daniel Hope, Melville Millionaires, Reid MacLeod, Flin Flon Bombers; Bryan Hull, Yorkton Terriers.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH
Winner: Brady Wacker, Humboldt Broncos
Highlights: The Broncos have had a smooth sailing regular season and they have many players on their roster to thank for that as several has stepped up at different points in the season. During the month of February, Wacker re-emerged on defense with 2-goals and 4-assists in his final 7-regular season games. He also picked up a goal and an assist in the first Itech Conference Selection Series game that he played against the Flin Flon Bombers. Wacker is part of a star studded cast on the back end in Humboldt and during the month of February, it was his turn to shine.
Runners-up: Taylor Thiessen, Nipawin Hawks; Jordan Pawelec, Yorkton Terriers; Myles Masse, Nipawin Hawks; Tyler Karst, La Ronge Ice Wolves.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH
Winner: Taylor Nelson, Humboldt Broncos
Highlights: Nelson has been tremendous all season and it is starting to get difficult to determine an ‘average’ month as compared to a stand-out month for him as sometimes even the ‘average’ stretches work out to something much better for others at the position. But, Nelson was fabulous anyway you cut it in February. He finished the regular season with four straight wins in the month, a .961-SPCT, a 1.00 GAA, and 1-shutout. He upped that in the playoffs by going 2-and-0, 0.50, .983 in the two Selection Series home games against Flin Flon and Melfort.
Runners-up: Derek Kleinsteuber, Nipawin Hawks; Joe Rodwell, Melville Millionaires; Carsen Chubak, Flin Flon Bombers; Ilia Ejov, Melfort Mustangs.

SJHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Winner: Aaron DeCorby, Melville Millionaires
Highlights: DeCorby has formed 1/3 of Melville’s most dangerous line down the stretch with Daniel Hope and Levi Lind. DeCorby did more than hold his own as he fired three goals and six assists in nine games in the regular season. He also has one goal in two playoff games during the Sherwood Conference Selection Series. After a slow start because of a shoulder injury, DeCorby rallied to finish with 12-goals and 12-assists in 41-games for the regular season and he figures to be a top performer in Melville for the next couple of seasons.
Runners-up: Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds; Adam Moar, La Ronge Ice Wolves; Brant Harris, Estevan Bruins; Rhett Bly, Weyburn Red Wings.

Brockman Awarded for FIne Job With Broncos!

2008-02-29T23:00:00.000-06:00

SJHL COACH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Dean Brockman, Humboldt Broncos

Brockman is the first SJHL coach ever to win the award, outright, in back to back years. Bob Beatty won in 2002-03 and in 2003-04, but he had to share it in ’02-03 with Don Chesney. Brockman led the 2007-08 Broncos to an unbelievable 48-9-0-and-1 record, besting last year’s 41-14-0-and-3. Humboldt enters the SJHL playoffs ranked number one in the CJAHL. This season, the Broncos finished first overall in the SJHL for the second year in a row despite losing their two top scoring forwards (Brady Heintz and Tyler Feakes), MVP netminder (Nathan Heinen), and top defenseman (Blair Wourms) from a year ago. The Broncos have also had to find a way to replace their heart and soul player from last season (Colin Wilson). This year’s version of the Broncos has been unstoppable since Brockman identified areas of need on December 1st and added defenseman Tanner Vandesype and forward Ed Gale from the Notre Dame Hounds as well as getting 1989 born forward Shawn Hunter in a steal from Alberta a few days later. Humboldt has had an SJHL season long winning streak of 16 games earlier in the year and just like last season, Brockman has managed to integrate a significant amount of youth into the program, hopefully ensuring a competitive club for years to come (goalie Andrew Bodnarchuk, defensemen Mitchell Peeke and Mitchell Stretch, forwards Hunter, Dane Lindskog, and Taylor Pillar to name a few). While votes for SJHL Coach Of The Year tend to be based on where a team finishes when compared to what the expectation level is at the beginning of the hockey season, consider that while the Broncos were expected to contend for the SJHL championship, they were hardly a shoe-in to run away with the Itech Conference and possibly approach 50 wins. In a league dominated by parity, the 2007-08 Humboldt Broncos are a special group. Brockman’s career coaching record in Humboldt is 132-73-5-and-13, including an incredible 89-23-0-and-4 record in the last two years.

Runners-up: Dwight McMillan, Weyburn Red Wings; Darrell Mann, Melfort Mustangs.

Millionaires Claim Selection Series; Wings likely to play Klippers!

2008-02-28T23:24:00.003-06:00

The Melville Millionaires went into Kindersley tonight and came away with a huge 3-2 road victory over the host Klippers. The teams were scoreless after one, but Scott Hennings got things going for Melville just over a minute into period number two. Dion Campbell and Austin Krahenbil assisted on the goal. Kale Dolinski would put the Mils up by two just under four minutes later as he received a pass from Jordan Wilson. Matt Sawa would cut the lead in half before the period ended as he picked up the goal from Kirk Pearce and Casey Rempel. Matt Kinnunen would restore the two goal lead for the Millionaires just 2:08 into the third with an unassisted marker. The Klippers never gave up as Sawa would get his second of the game just over two minutes later from Ryan Sawka and Justin Perreaux. Both teams had some good chances down the stretch but could not beat the goaltenders. Joe Rodwell continued his hot play in the playoffs so far as he made 29 saves for the win. Matt Weninger took the loss despite making 32 saves for the Klippers. With the Millionaires win, they now have the right to choose their next opponent and all signs point to the winner of the Estevan/Yorkton series. It is quite likely that the fans in the Parkland will get another Terriers/Millionaires matchup this year which is always fun for the two cities separted by about a 25 minute drive. The Wings and Klippers, if that is the way the stars align would likely play Game 1 in Weyburn on Friday March 7, but we will let you know once we know.

Elsewhere tonight, the Yorkton Terriers have taken a stranglehold in the Sherwood conference elimination series as they snuck by the Estevan Bruins 2-1. Evan Neibrandt scored the winner on a breakaway with less than three minutes to play in the third period. Kyle Block assisted on the goal. Bryan Hull also scored for the Terriers. Chad Filteau had the lone Bruins goal with assists going to Brant Harris and Brennan Wrigley. Lynden Sammartino picked up the win as he made 21 saves. Karsten Felske got the start for the Bruins and stopped 29 of 31 shots he faced. The Terriers lead the series 3-1 with Game 5 going Saturday night in Estevan. Game six if necessary would go the following night in Yorkton.

The most exciting series is turning out to be the Itech conference elimination series as the Nipawin Hawks got back on even ground tonight with a 3-2 overtime win over the Ice Wolves. So far, the home team has won every game in this series. Torrie Dyck was the star of the night for the Hawks as he scored twice, including the overtime winner, and added an assist. Dean Prpick also scored for the Hawks. Taylor Thiessen, Brent Ottmann, Jordan Bourgonje and Blair Toms added assists. Everette Lerner continues his hot play for the Ice Wolves as he scored both of their goals tonight. Sterling Bear and Tyler Karst added assists. Derek Kleinsteuber got the win for the Hawks as he made 28 saves Jonathan Jobin was much busier stopping 51 of 54 shots he faced. The series is now tied at 2-2 with game five going Saturday night in La Ronge. Game six will be on Sunday night in Nipawin.

In the Itech conference selection series, the Flin Flon Bombers doubled up the Melfort Mustangs 4-2. With the Bombers win, the Humboldt Broncos will clinch the selection series with a win over Melfort on Saturday. Jordan Crone, Matt Dyck, Michael Young and Scott Day scored for the Bombers. Matt Restoule, Darcy Holfeld and Cole Wilson all added assists. Jordan Morgan and Harrison Tribble replied for the Mustangs with assists going to Tommy Brown and Matt Hill. Carsen Chubak got his first playoff start for the Bombers as he made 23 saves. Ilia Ejov stopped 27 shots in the Melfort goal. As mentioned earlier, the Mustangs host the Broncos on Saturday night. If necessary, Humboldt will travel to Flin Flon on Monday.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Torrie Dyck - Nipawin Hawks (3 points, OT winner)
** Evan Neibrandt - Yorkton Terriers (huge goal to give Terriers the win over Bruins)
*** Jonathan Jobin - La Ronge Ice Wolves (51 saves in OT loss to Nipawin)

- Brad M.

The President speaks up

2008-02-28T17:40:00.005-06:00

I asked some questions (via email) to SJHL President Laury Ryan this afternoon to see if he could clear up some questions people have had regarding the suspensions/fines to the Weyburn Red Wings. These were his answers.

1. Why didn’t Curtis Beech get suspended for leaving the penalty box as well? Shawn Courtney’s action earned him some heavy discipline while Beech got away with nothing.

Laury Ryan: A Quick Lesson,
leaving peanalty box - penalize the first one to leave, in fact Courtney phsyically handled the gate attendent to get out. Weyburn had 2 players leave the penalty box, like Beech no discipline to 2nd wing.

2. Needham, Krukowski and Calibaba weren’t fighting themselves so once again why was Melville not disciplined?

Laury Ryan: If an instigator of the situation is identified the other team is not penalized by our constitution.

3. Although fines were issued to the Millionaires they were meant to look like they did nothing in this brawl? Can you justify something like this? What did you base your final decisions on?

Laury Ryan: Weyburn (was the) instigator, they get fined as per constitution. I added the Melville fine because I did not like the actions there.

4. Is there a chance that the fines/suspensions may get looked at again to see if more discipine should be handed down upon either team?

Laury Ryan: No, investigation complete. If either team is involved in a situation in future, fines/suspensions will reflect that it is not the first time it has happened.

***** This final answer showed up in my junk mail box, I didn't notice it until now.

My Question: What about the trip on Krukowski? It started the second brawl, so why no instigator punishment taken towards them?

Laury Ryan: Instigator was deemed to be the leaving the penalty box.

- posted by: Troy K

Thoughtful donation to The Family Place

2008-02-28T12:12:00.006-06:00

We have a winner for the final "Who am I" contest. It was Wendy Soare (Mick Pawlyshyn's Mom). She knew that the mystery Red Wing was Michael Seib.

Rather than keep the tickets for herself she told me that she would like to donate them to The Family Place as Mick has been working there this year.

I called Mick this morning to see if he was available to come down to the Family Place and he said no problem even after I had woke him up (sorry Mick). We then made our way down to the Family Place and presented ticket vouchers to Helen Stepp of the Family Place.

Thanks for the great donation Wendy and Mick.

- Troy K

The fines have come in!

2008-02-27T20:58:00.004-06:00

* courtesy of SJHL.ca

FINES/SUSPENSIONS

February 27/08

The SJHL suspends Weyburn D Shawn Courtney for the balance of the Selection Series as well as Game 1 and Game 2 of the Sherwood Conference Semi-Final for leaving the penalty bench to participate in a multiple fight.

Weyburn players Connor Krukowski, Eric Calibaba, and Nick Needham are suspended for the balance of the Selection Series for participating in a multiple fight.

The Red Wings are fined $600 for being deemed instigators of the multiple fight by having a player leave the penalty box to participate in a fight. The Melville Millionaires are fined $400 for inappropriate team/player conduct on the bench during a multiple fight.

-posted by Troy K

At least we got some awards!

2008-02-27T08:25:00.008-06:00

Wow, it was a rough night for the Weyburn Red Wings. On a night where numerous players and coach McMillan were awarded for their hard work during the regular season the Melville Millionaires took it to the Red Wings by beating them 6-0.

The game was close after the first period. The Millionaires grabbed a 1-0 lead on the powerplay. at 8:12, Jordan Wilson fired one from the point through a screened Whiffen to give them the early lead.

Things then opened up in the second period when the Millionaires scored two more goals in the period to make it 3-0. The Red Wings did put up 13 shots compared to their 5 shots in the first period, they just weren't burying their chances.

Finally the third period got underway and this is where things got interesting,,,, very interesting. Bryant Dyke opened things up at only 1:50 into the third with a shorthanded goal, unfortunately they weren't done. The Millionaires fired home two more goals before all hell broke loose. at 16:19 both teams got into things and let the fists fly. A Brawl broke out on the ice with Courtney(Weyburn) and Beech(Melville) leaving the bench to get into things. I will leave it at that because it looks like the Red Wings have some things to work out if they want to get back on track, and this is something they do not need right now!

- Troy K

Former ND Hound traded to Dallas Stars

2008-02-26T12:07:00.002-06:00

* Article courtesy of cbc.ca

The Dallas Stars answered Colorado's acquisition of Peter Forsberg, picking up centre Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning before Tuesday's NHL trade deadline.

Richards, 27, waived his no-trade clause to complete the deal, which also involves goaltender Johan Holmqvist and a fourth-round draft pick going to Dallas. The Stars lead the Pacific Division with 83 points.

Heading to Tampa Bay is backup goalie Mike Smith, left-winger Jussi Jokinen and veteran centre Jeff Halpern.

The Stars, who lead the Pacific Division with 83 points, will assume Richards's contract, which has three years left at $7.8 million US annually.

"Dallas is a really good organization," Richards, a native of Murray Harbour, P.E.I., told cable sports network TSN. "They have a chance to win [the Stanley Cup] now. They have some great players that I'll be able to play with and learn a lot from."

The most valuable player of the 2004 playoffs, when Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup, Richards was fourth in Lightning scoring this season with 51 points in 62 games, but has a minus-25 rating.

After scoring 91 points in the 2005-06 season, Richards dropped to 70 last season.

"It's been a great spot to play [in Tampa Bay] and I have a lot of great memories, but I'm also very excited," said Richards. "I think I need a new beginning.

"For whatever reason, this [Lightning] organization, I've seen it go from being so good to spiralling. I just don't want to be in another situation like that. I think there's a lot of stability in that [Dallas] organization."

In 552 career NHL regular-season games with the Lightning, Richards had 489 points (150 goals, 339 assists).

It's believed the Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets also submitted trade offers to Lightning general manager Jay Feaster.

Holmqvist has a 20-16-6 record this season with a 3.01 goals-against average and .890 save percentage.

Smith, now considered Tampa Bay's goalie of the future, is 12-9-0 with a 2.46 GAA and a .906 save percentage.

Jokinen has 28 points (14-14) in 52 games this season, while Halpern has 24 points (10-14) in 64 games.

Thanks!

2008-02-26T08:38:00.003-06:00

I would just like to extend my thanks to the Weyburn Red Wings organization for nominating me for the Media of the Year Award. I had no idea they nominated me for this until receiving a call form Dwight McMillan yesterday morning.

It is a great honour to win this award especially since I have been doing this just for the fun of it and was only hoping to get some more references and work experience to put on my resume.

I couldn't have got this award without the help of all the Red Wings players who have always been more than helpful during pictures as well as interviews. A huge thank you goes out to Tanya Pohl at the Red Wing office as she pretty much sets up anything I ask for. Also I can't forget the coaching staff especially Dwight McMillan who put his trust in me to get things going this year. I would also like to thank the board of directors and last but not least, I must say thank you to Brad McNeil. I have learned so much from him and he is always there if I need a hand with something. Next year we are getting Brad that award!

Anyway, that is enough from me. I will be posting some comments from the other award winners later today and will be at the game tonight to get some pictures of Dwight and the players with their awards. Hopefully we can get some casual pics the next day with the guys and their awards.

- Troy K

SJHL Award Winners Announced!

2008-02-25T22:25:00.018-06:00

- Courtesy of sjhl.ca

SJHL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jordie Johnston, La Ronge Ice Wolves (58-35-53-88)

Johnston is finishing up his third and final SJHL season with the Ice Wolves, having been a point per game performer for each of the last two. Coming up just shy of an SJHL scoring championship, Johnston is one of the SJHL’s most dangerous offensive performers as he has followed up a year in which he had 63-points in 53-games with one that has seen him compile 88-points in 58-games. La Ronge’s team captain, Johnston has excellent character that often has him as the comic relief in the dressing room when the chips are down, yet he also knows when to get serious and can be one of the most gritty players on the ice. Head Coach Bob Beatty says Johnston is a nightly competitor, who has an edge to his game. He plays in all situations and unlike other high scorers, his play without the puck is also exceptional. If you are searching for a player that demands the team come first, it is Jordie Johnston. Johnston is expected to play in the NCAA with Ferris State this upcoming Fall.

Runners-up: Ilia Ejov, Melfort Mustangs; AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Winner: Ilia Ejov, Melfort Mustangs (28-8-2-2, 4SO, 2.01, .925)

If there was ever a player that arrived in the SJHL and immediately turned around his team’s fortunes, it might be Ejov. When the Mustangs secured his Junior ‘A’ rights, they were 5-and-8 and on the brink of languishing in the 4th and 5th spot in the Itech Conference. As soon as Ejov took over the crease, the Mustangs embarked on a streak of 17 straight games in which they picked up a point. Since
arriving, Ejov has appeared in 40 of 44 games, seldom showing signs of fatigue. He has racked up a 27-7-2-and-2 record with a 2.01-GAA and a .925-SPCT. Ejov also has four shutouts. He joined Humboldt’s Taylor Nelson in establishing a new SJHL single season GAA mark at 2.01, breaking the old mark held by former Weyburn goalie Russell Monette (2.25). Ejov’s future aspirations likely lie in the minor pro ranks or the CIS. He played 91-games in the QMJHL in the two years leading up to his tenure in Melfort.

Runners-up: Jordie Johnston, La Ronge Ice Wolves; AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR:

Winner: Blair Toms, Nipawin Hawks (58-8-21-29)

Toms, a 1987 born product from Redvers, continues to excel and improve with each passing game. Toms is an ice time eater, recently being clocked at almost 36:30 in one particular 60-minute game. Toms is the first on the ice for powerplay time, first out on the penalty kill, always assigned to shut down opposing teams in the final minute of a close game, leads the Hawks in blocked shots, and is the top +/- player on the team. Toms gets high praise from Head Coach Dave Hyrsky, who marveled at the respect his captain has from the rest of the dressing room. Hyrsky, who has considerable experience coaching men, calls Toms the best captain he’s ever had. A dedicated athlete who hits the gym as early as 7:30 in the morning, Toms has pro potential and a couple of NCAA schools scouting him for possible enrollment in the Fall of 2008. In three SJHL seasons, Toms has never missed a game.

Runners-up: Kyle Haines, Weyburn Red Wings; Kealin Wong, Estevan Bruins.

SJHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Winner: AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings (26-7-2-4, 6SO, 2.34, .931)

It’s not often that rookie goaltenders step into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and dominate the way Whiffen has this year. All he’s done is tie Terry Denike and Taylor Nelson for the single season shutout record with six. He also has posted a league best save percentage of .932. On a Red Wing team that is rich in tradition, Whiffen is the first ever rookie Red Wing netminder to be handed a starting assignment pretty much from the beginning of the regular season right through to the end, all the while playing on a team that should be a Credential Cup contender. General Manager Ron Rumball credits Whiffen’s abundance of success to his veteran mentality. A hard worker with an unflappable personality, Whiffen didn’t even turn 18 until November 30th. Although he has two more years of junior eligibility, Whiffen is surely drawing NCAA interest already.

Runners-up: Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds; Tommy Brown, Melfort Mustangs.

WILLIAM SHINSKE AWARD (Builder Of The Year)

Winner: Dwight McMillan, Weyburn Red Wings

McMillan has been associated with the Red Wings for 35-years and recently won his 1000th career regular season game. McMillan’s tenure has resulted in the Red Wings becoming a model franchise, not only in the SJHL, but in the CJAHL as a whole. McMillan has a tremendous amount of respect amongst his peers and currently serves as the SJHL Coach’s Advocate. His opinions and ideas carry a great deal of weight around the league boardroom and his longevity and tremendous amount of success has helped punctuate the SJHL’s place on the hockey map. He has also represented the SJHL on a national level in each of the last two years at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. He has promoted countless players on to various careers, not only in hockey but in all walks of life.

KRESSE KRUGER MANTYKA AWARD (Hockey & Academic Excellence)

Winner: Preston Shupe, Weyburn Red Wings

Shupe’s on-ice skills are evident to, even, the casual SJHL fan. He was Weyburn’s Rookie Of The Year in 2006-07 and played in the CJAHL Prospects Game. He was named to the Sherwood Conference All-Star Team and wears a letter with the Wings, further showing what his leadership means to the club. Off the ice, Shupe attained a 95% average in high school and received the Weyburn Comprehensive School Douglas Medal for academics and was named one of the Greystone Scholar--U of S academic awards. He scored 1690 on his SAT and is focused on pursuing a career in hockey at the university level.

GRAHAM CHRISTIE MEMORIAL AWARD (Leadership)

Winner: Russell Nielsen, Humboldt Broncos

Nielsen is a four year Bronco, who has a natural ability to compete at a high level and showcases a ‘win at all costs’ mentality/approach. This year’s captain of the Broncos; Nielsen led by example through playing despite injuries and not relenting in practice with a tremendous work ethic. Named to the SJHL All-Star Game, Nielsen was also an SJHL 2nd Team All-Star this season. A tireless worker, who can usually be found in the gym when not at the rink, Nielsen maintains a job, school, and numerous volunteer hours for the Broncos.

MEDIA OF THE YEAR: Troy Kramm, Weyburn This Week

A native of Milestone SK, Kramm does numerous articles each week—often accompanied by photos. He seldom misses a home game and attends numerous road games as well. The Red Wing website has been overhauled recently and Kramm deserves a lot of the credit for its new, highly interesting content. In fact, other junior teams have contacted Troy about specialty services for their websites. Troy is also the official webmaster, co-writer, and founder of the Weyburn Red Wing Blog. Troy goes about his tasks with high quality, high efficiency, and a great deal of enthusiasm. He also had an article on Wing Head Coach Dwight McMillan appear in the SJHL All-Star Game Program.

SJHL 1ST TEAM ALL-STARS

Goal - Ilia Ejov - Melfort Mustangs

Defense - Blair Toms, Nipawin Hawks
Defense - Kyle Haines, Weyburn Red Wings

Center - Jordie Johnston, La Ronge Ice Wolves
Right wing - Ryan Sawka, Kindersley Klippers
Left wing - Brett Leedahl, Kindersley Klippers

SJHL 2ND TEAM ALL-STARS

Goal - Taylor Nelson, Humboldt Broncos

Defense - Kealin Wong, Estevan Bruins
Defense - Russell Nielsen, Humboldt Broncos

Center - Jordan Schindel, Humboldt Broncos
Right wing - Reid MacLeod, Flin Flon Bombers
Left wing - Torrie Dyck, Nipawin Hawks

SJHL ALL ROOKIE TEAM

Goal - AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings

Defense - Tommy Brown, Melfort Mustangs
Defense - Jesse Lebreton, Battlefords North Stars

Center - Brody Haygarth, Estevan Bruins
Right Wing - Travis Janke, Notre Dame Hounds
Left wing - Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds

SJHL Coach of the Year will be announced on Friday.

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all winners and nominees and in particular those people involved with the Weyburn Red Wings organization - Dwight McMillan, AJ Whiffen, Kyle Haines, Preston Shupe and Troy Kramm - Congrats to you all on well deserved honors.

I would like to personally thank Troy for all his hard work with the Red Wings website, this blog and his top notch coverage in Weyburn This Week. (no he did not pay me to say this Ha Ha).

- Brad M.

Unmoderated comments to be brought back!

2008-02-25T20:03:00.002-06:00

In order to get some good discussion going on the blog, we are going to bring back the option to leave comments without logging in. We just ask that you please be courteous of fellow posters and please be considerate of other posters and readers when posting. I feel this change will allow for some more interesting banter during the playoff run. Thanks everyone and lets make this work this time. I would still appreciate that you leave some kind of username or common sign off with your posts. Please try to refrain from anonymous posts.

- Brad M.

Coaches Corner!

2008-02-25T19:28:00.004-06:00

TK: The selection series didn’t start out so well last week versus Kindersley. The boys looked flat in the first period and were getting hit hard, what happened out there?

McMillan: Honestly, I don’t know. We sure did come out flat for 40 or 50 minutes of the game. We played alright but not good enough to compete with them that night. I think we really outplayed them in the last ten minutes of the game but we just couldn’t capitalize on our chances and their goalie made some incredible saves during the game too. I give all the credit to Kindersley. They played an outstanding defensive game and shut us down.

TK: Was there any part of the team’s game that you felt was rather disappointing versus the Klippers?

McMillan: I was disappointed in our work ethic. It just wasn’t there that night. We had a good effort but good wasn’t going to cut it.

TK: How will you fix something like that?

McMillan: Well that is something we had to talk about. The boys do realize that they didn’t come out strong and they are learning from it. Something like that is a good learning experience for some of the boys. They know they played excellent during the last ten minutes of the game and now they realize that they have to play at that level all game if they want to win in the playoffs.

TK: You take on Melville tomorrow, so how do you prepare for a team like that compared to the Klippers?

McMIllan: They are very similar, they have speed and offence. Again we are going to have to work hard and check hard to beat them. We aren’t going to get any easy goals unless we work hard and create offence. We have to make things happen and when in our own end we have to bare down and be strong positionally.

TK: We know the team would love to win the selection series and get to choose their next opponent but, would you feel comfortable if you didn’t end up picking your team and ended up taking on a team who had to battle hard to get to their next round?

McMillan: It doesn’t matter who we face. We know that to get to the finals we have to take out whoever is in front of us so it really doesn’t matter. Any team that we face at this point is going to be playing at the top of their game and we have to as well.

Terriers, Hawks Take Game 2's on Home Ice!

2008-02-24T22:20:00.002-06:00

The Estevan Bruins were looking to avenge a 7-1 defeat on Friday night with a better effort tonight in Yorkton. Although the effort may have been a bit better, it was not enough as the Yorkton Terriers took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-2 victory.

The Terriers would score just 5:35 into the opening frame as Chris Cook would beat Bruins goaltender Karsten Felske. Corey Silverson assisted on the goal. Ken Petkau, the former Chilliwack Bruin and Red Deer Rebel, gave the Terriers a 2-0 lead just under eight minutes later with Silverson and Cody Zubko getting the assists. The Bruins would cut the deficit in half before the end of the period as Kyle Stroh would score his first of the playoffs on a wraparound goal which eluded Lynden Sammartino. Payden Benning and Kyle Ermel picked up the assists. The Terriers would restore their two goal advantage at the 11:21 mark of the second period as Bryan Hull, the former Notre Dame Hound, made it 3-1. Kevin Stringfellow and Derek Serdachny notched assists on the goal. The Bruins would score at the 2:44 mark of the third to get back within one as Chad Filteau used his blazing speed to create the scoring play after being the recipient of a long stretch pass from Kealin Wong. However, Zubko would salt things away for the Terriers with a late unassisted goal with just 1:34 to play to make the final 4-2 Terriers. Sammartino was stellar for the second straight night but not as busy tonight as he was called upon to stop 27 of 29 shots (this after a 61 save performance on Friday night). Felske made 32 saves in the Estevan goal. Both teams suffered some injuries in the game as Bruins forward Nick Colliton did not finish the game and was seen limping off at the end of play. Terriers forward Derek Serdachny appeared to injure his left wrist in the game and did not return. Their was a late dustup after Bruins coach Karry Biette decided to put his tough guys on the ice for the last couple of shifts. A scrap ensued between Vincein Scott of the Bruins and Michael Trebish of the Terriers. No doubt Terriers coach Ed Zawatsky will not be to happy about that and I am sure there will be no love loss when the teams meet for Game Three on Tuesday night in Estevan.

Meanwhile, after a loss in double overtime on Friday night in La Ronge, the Nipawin Hawks rebounded quite well with a convincing 5-0 shutout win over the visiting Ice Wolves. After a scoreless first period, the Hawks turned it on in the second period with three goals. Brent Ottmann got things going at the 6:37 mark from Steve Mason. Mike Rey would make it 2-0 Hawks at 15:09 of the period from Cody Wutzke and Kenton Miller. The Hawks would go up 3-0 just a 1:11 later as Torrie Dyck scored his first of two on the night notching a short-handed goal with Jordon Miller getting the lone assist. The Hawks continued to keep the pedal to the metal in the third as Dyck would score his second of the game at 2:10 from Keldon Sanderson. Ottmann would then finish off the scoring with his second of the game with just under two minutes to play in the third to make it 5-0. Blair Toms assisted on the goal. Derek Kleinsteuber picked up the shutout for the Hawks as he made 29 saves. Jonathan Jobin started for the Ice Wolves and allowed 4 goals on 45 shots in just over 53 minutes of play. Brian Kaval came in for mop up duties and allowed one goal on six shots. The Hawks tie the series up at one a piece. The line of Jordie Johnston, Jarrid Dowhay and Bruno-Pier Gosselin has been kept off the scoreboard so far by the Hawks in the series. The teams return to action Tuesday night in La Ronge.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Derek Kleinsteuber - Nipawin Hawks (29 saves for shutout)
** Cody Zubko - Yorkton Terriers (2 point night and solid game for young Terrier)
*** Brent Ottmann - Nipawin Hawks (2 goal performance)

There will be no games tomorrow night in the SJHL playoffs but things will get back at it with four games on Tuesday night. In the Sherwood conference selection series the Weyburn Red Wings will host the Melville Millionaires while in the Itech conference selection series will feature the Melfort Mustangs visiting the Humboldt Broncos. Meanwhile the two elimination series will also continue as the Bruins host the Terriers and the Ice Wolves will host the Hawks.

- Brad M.

Mils - Klippers Fit to be Tied!

2008-02-23T22:28:00.002-06:00

The Kindersley Klippers looked to continue their good start to the selection series on the road as they headed to Melville to face the Millionaires.

After a scoreless first period, Jayde Dunser, with his second goal in consecutive nights, scored on the power play just 49 seconds into the second period. Justin Perreaux and Brett Leedahl would assist on the goal. Dion Campbell would tie things up for Melville just over six minutes later from Curtis Beech to make it 1-1. It would be Matt Weninger and Joe Rodwell taking things over from there as neither team would score again as the game goes into the books as a tie. Weninger made 27 saves for the win and definitely appears to be the Klippers starting goaltender for the playoff run. Joe Rodwell made 25 saves in the Melville goal. The Klippers lead the Sherwood conference standings with a record of 1-0-1. Melville has one point now while the Red Wings have 0 points. Melville returns to action on Tuesday night when they are here in Weyburn, pretty much a much win for the Red Wings if they want to win the selection series. The Klippers will host the Millionaires on Thursday.

In the Itech conference selection series a miserable weekend on the road ended for the Flin Flon Bombers as they were shutout for the second consecutive night, this time 4-0 by the Melfort Mustangs. The Bombers were outscored 10-0 in two games and will need to get things figured out before the real playoffs begin. Jason Walker opened up the scoring for Melfort at 12:53 of the first period from Nick Kalnicki and Matt Hill. The Mustangs would go up 2-0 at 1:51 of the second period as rookie John Payne scored his first SJHL playoff goal. Kalnicki and Mike Kirby picked up the assists. Hill would then score a power play goal at the 4:09 mark of the second from Walker to make it 3-0. This goal chased Bombers starter Calvin Bartel from the goal as he allowed three goals on only 13 shots in 24:09 of playing time. The Mustangs would make it 4-0 with just over 5 minutes left to play in the game as Brady Gordon scored his first of the playoffs from Tommy Brown on the power play. Ilia Ejov made 20 saves for the shutout. Carsen Chubak stopped 22 of 23 shots after coming in for relief of Bartel. The Mustangs tie the Humboldt Broncos for first in the selection series standings while the Bombers will have to have some miracles happen to have a chance of winning the selection series. The Mustangs will be in Humboldt on Tuesday and Flin Flon on Thursday night.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Ilia Ejov - Melfort Mustangs (20 saves for shutout)
** Jason Walker - Melfort Mustangs (2 points, game winner)
*** Matt Weninger - Kindersley Klippers (27 saves performance to preserve tie on road)

Sunday night in SJHL:

The elimination series continue as the Yorkton Terriers will host the Estevan Bruins while the La Ronge Ice Wolves head to Nipawin to battle the Hawks.

- Brad M.

Vote Wilcox for Hockeyville 2008!

2008-02-23T10:45:00.003-06:00

Wilcox - as all of you know is the home of the Notre Dame Hounds - and is one of 10 Canadian communities that is nominated for Kraft's Hockeyville 2008 on CBC. As Wilcox is the only Saskatchewan community in the Top 10 I encourage everyone to join other SJHL fans and vote for Wilcox. I know we don't cheer for the Hounds very often in Weyburn but this would be a good time to pull for a rival.
You can vote at www.cbc.ca/hockeyville.

Houndsville is Hockeyville!
Submitted by Del Pedrick, 2008-01-04

If you are a true hockey fanatic, then you haven't seen it all until you witness hockey in Wilcox at the Duncan MacNeill Arena. Home of the renowned Notre Dame Hounds, hockey is woven into the fabric of everyday life in Wilcox.

The Duncan MacNeill Arena is not only the biggest building in town, it is the hub of our community and a pillar of the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame. The Olympic size ice surface is home to 11 male and female teams from the bantam level right up to Junior A. As a result the rink runs from dawn past dusk for close to 10 months every year with kids jumping at every spare minute of ice that is available. There is always a buzz of excitement around this rink, whether it's a Hounds team working hard to impress their peers, or 300 screaming students all decked out in red & white with their faces painted showing their spirit during the famous "red & white" nights, the Duncan MacNeill is a sight to see!

Founded in 1927 by Father Athol Murray, Notre Dame has developed a legacy toward a commitment to excellence in athletics, academics and spirituality. Every year, close to 300 students from around world come to Notre Dame to further their development. One doesn't have to look far to see the success stories of Notre Dame - Hockey Night in Canada frequently mentions Notre Dame in relation to alumni such as Vincent Lecavalier, Curtis Joseph, Rod Brind'Amour, Brad Richards, Wendel Clark and more! The Wall of Fame in the Duncan MacNeill highlights hundreds of former Hounds who have made impressionable marks in their careers both on and off the ice. Everywhere our teams or staff travel we are constantly running into a number of former Hounds around the world who share their found & proud memories of Notre Dame.

It has been our pleasure as a family to be a part of the rich "Hound" tradition and experience the legacy Pere Murray has left in this Saskatchewan village. In my 30 plus years of association with the game, I have yet to come across a place that eats, sleeps and breathes hockey like Wilcox does. If there is a community who fully embodies the spirit of hockey and hometown pride, then "Houndsville is Hockeyville"!

- Submitted by Brad M.

Wings Pressure late but drop Selection Series Opener to Klippers!

2008-02-22T23:39:00.002-06:00

Bus legs were not an issue for the Kindersley Klippers on Friday night as they opened up the Sherwood Conference selection series with a 3-2 win over the Red Wings.

The Klippers would score first as Brett Leedahl and Casey Rempel sneaking in behind the Red Wings defense for a 2 on 0 breakaway which saw Leedahl feather over a beauty pass to Rempel for the goal. Scott Linnell also assisted on the marker. Rempel would pick up his second of the night with a power play marker at the 16:37 mark of the first to put the Klippers up 2-0. Kirk Pearce and Mat Olson assisted on the goal.

The Klipper would take a 3-0 lead just under 5 minutes into the second period after Jayde Dunser took a harmless looking shot which seemed to change directions and fool Wings goaltender AJ Whiffen. Leedahl and Justin Perreaux assisted on the goal. The Wings however would capitalize on the power play just under 10 minutes later as Stephen Simms wound up his great shot from the point to put the Wings on the board. Rhett Bly and Preston Shupe picked up the assists. The Wings would cut the lead to one with a shorthanded goal at the 7:41 mark of the third. Brayden Nargang came streaking into the Kindersley zone and used great patience as he feathered a pinching Simms with a beautiful pass to make it 3-2. Josh Bray also assisted on Simms' second goal of the game. The Wings would get some pressure late but Kindersley goaltender Matt Weninger stood solid in the Klippers goal to preserve the win for Kindersley. Weninger would finish the night with 27 saves. Whiffen had some spectacular saves and kept his team in the game as he had 34 saves. There was a spirited second period scrap which featured Michael Seib of the Wings and Justin Wilkinson of the Klippers. Kyle Haines left the game late in the second period after going awkwardly into the board as he was tied up with the Klippers Ben Ritchie. Haines did not return and his immediate status was not known at the end of the game. The Wings look to get back on track when they host the Melville Millionaires on Tuesday night at the Colosseum. The Klippers will be in Melville tomorrow night as they look to take a stranglehold on the selection series.

In Estevan, the Yorkton Terriers got a dynamite performance from Lynden Sammartino and re-discovered their offense as they pounded the Bruins 7-1. The true star of the game was Sammartino who made an unbelievable 61 saves. Kevin Stringfellow scored twice for the Terriers. Ken Petkau and Bryan Hull each had a goal and an assist. Corey Silverson, Chris Cook and Kyle Block also scored for the Terriers. Defenseman Jordan Pawelec had a big night as he chipped in with four assists. Derek Serdachny added two assists with single helpers going to Kirk Byczynski and Rylan McDonell. Brody Haygarth scored the lone goal for the Bruins with assists going to Brant Harris and Riley Hughes. Karsten Felske was chased from the Bruins goal after allowing six goals on 36 shots in just over two periods of play. David Ritz came in for relief and stopped 9 of 10 shots. The Terriers take a 1-0 lead in the series as the series shifts to Yorkton for Game 2 on Sunday night.

The game of the night was in La Ronge tonight as the host Ice Wolves got by the visiting Nipawin Hawks 3-2 in double overtime. There were less than three minutes to play in the fifth period as Everette Lerner ended the game with a weird angle shot that alluded Hawks goaltender Derek Kleinsteuber. Lerner and Adam Moar would each get a goal and two assists for the Ice Wolves. Ryan Desjarlais added a goal and an assist for the Ice Wolves. Chris Jungwirth also scored for La Ronge. Ken Neufeld, Calvin Fiddler and Joel Belair all added assists. Torrie Dyck paced the Hawks with a goal and two assists. Jordan Bourgonje and Brent Ottmann also scored for Nipawin. Blair Toms added two assists for the Hawks who also got an assist from Jordon Miller. Jonathan Jobin made 50 saves for the win. Kleinsteuber was just as impressive as he stopped 62 of 66 shots he faced in almost five periods of hockey. The Ice Wolves take a 1-0 series lead as the series moves to Nipawin for Game 2 on Sunday night.

In the Itech selection series the Flin Flon Bombers paid a visit to the Humboldt Broncos but were no match for the #1 ranked team in the CJAHL as Humboldt cruised to a 6-0 victory. Jordan Schindel had a goal and two assists to lead the way for the Broncos. Laurent Benjamin and Brady Wacker each had a goal and an assist. Matthew Kirzinger, Tanner Vandesype and Shawn Hunter also scored for Humboldt. Russ Nielsen added two assists for the Broncos. Tory Allan, Josh Garneau and Brayden Klimosko also had assists for Humboldt. Taylor Nelson started the playoffs where he left off the regular season as he made 29 saves for the shutout. Calvin Bartel made 44 saves in the Bombers goal. The Bombers get right back at it tomorrow as they will be in Melfort to battle the Mustangs.

Tonight's Three Stars:

* Lynden Sammartino - Yorkton Terriers (61 save performance leading Terriers to game one victory)
** Everette Lerner - La Ronge Ice Wolves (Three point night, winner in double overtime)
*** Derek Kleinsteuber - Nipawin Hawks (62 saves in OT loss to La Ronge)

- Brad M.

Check this out! (the link works)

2008-02-21T10:47:00.003-06:00

For all you goons out there. You might want to check out this site CLICK HERE. It is called Drop Your Gloves.

This site keeps track of fights that players have been in. It also keeps track of weekly stats such as wins or losses. You can also comment on the fights if you sign up. Once you sign up you can also add players to your favourite list.

It is just a fun little site that will take up some of your free time and give you a look at players across various leagues as well as the SJHL.

Enjoy.

- Troy K

Catching Up With Crockatt

2008-02-20T18:44:00.002-06:00

I sat down with fan favourite Justin “don’t call me Davy” Crockatt before the team’s afternoon skate today to hear his thoughts on the upcoming playoffs among a couple of other things.

TK: When you first arrived we heard that you were going to be the guy to handle all of the ‘meatballs’ on the other teams, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for the impact you would truly have. With only 12 games played you have racked up 135 penalty minutes (3rd on the team). I want to know, what goes through your head on the ice? Does Justin Crockatt look for a fight or do you just let things happen?

Crockatt: I just go out there and use my size and I don’t let anyone go after our guys. I don’t think I am just out there to handle the ‘meatballs’. I create space for the smaller speedy players so they can have some room to go do their thing.

TK: Are you looking forward to the SJHL playoffs? They have reputation for being some long physical series that can really drain a team in a hurry are you prepared for it?

Crockatt: I am really looking forward to some long solid rounds. It should be a little different from SIJHL when it comes to the length of a series. It should be exciting with plenty of physical play that we all look forward to.

TK: This next question is from a fan who e-mailed me. They wanted to ask you who your toughest fight in the SJHL was so far?

Crockatt: Well Tony Oak(Battlefords) was pretty good. I thought that Beech(Melville) character was going to be a fun one but he was just too big to really get at. I also expected a lot more from that Thunder Chief(Kindersley) guy but he turned into a sponge when we got into it.

TK: How have you reacted to the fans that have quickly embraced you around Weyburn?

Crockatt: It has been great. I love the support and love to hear the fans making noise. That is what we need around here. We want people to come out and fill that barn for the playoffs.

TK: Is the team going to be well prepared for their first game versus Kindersley on Friday night?

Crockatt: We are all gonna be right ready to go. Some of the boys have been busy getting their injuries looked after while the others are ready and rested to go for the series.

Final Selection Series dates

2008-02-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

* Courtesy of www.sjhl.ca

Itech and Sherwood Playoff Selection Series- February 22 – March 4- 2008

Itech Conference
Feb 22 Flin Flon at Humboldt, 7:30pm
Feb 23 Flin Flon at Melfort, 7:30pm
Feb 26 Melfort at Humboldt, 7:30pm
Feb 28 Melfort at Flin Flon, 7:30pm
Mar 1 Humboldt at Melfort, 7:30pm
Mar 3 Humboldt at Flin Flon, 7:30pm

Sherwood Conference
Feb 22 Kindersley at Weyburn, 7:30pm
Feb 23 Kindersley at Melville, 7:30pm
Feb 26 Melville at Weyburn, 7:30pm
Feb 28 Melville at Kindersley, 7pm
Mar 1 Weyburn at Melville, 7:30pm
Mar 3 Weyburn at Kindersley, 7pm

(All Klipper playoff home starts will be at 7pm)

The top 3 teams in each conference will play a home and home Playoff Selection Series for the right to pick their opposition in the Conference Semi Finals. The Playoff Selection Series will only be played until a series winner is decided and no games will be played if they do not impact on deciding the winner. Ties will stand in the Play-off Selection Round and no overtime will be played. Ties in the Playoff Selection Series Standings will be decided by the SHA Tie Breaking Regulation.

Conference Quarter Finals –February 22- March 4 -2008

Itech Conference
Feb 22 Nipawin at La Ronge, 7:30pm
Feb 24 La Ronge at Nipawin, 6:30pm
Feb 26 Nipawin at La Ronge, 7:30pm
Feb 28 La Ronge at Nipawin, 7:30pm
Mar 1    Nipawin at La Ronge, 7:30pm **
Mar 2    La Ronge at Nipawin, 6:30pm **
Mar 4    Nipawin at La Ronge, 7:30pm **

Sherwood Conference
Feb 22 Yorkton at Estevan, 7:30pm
Feb 24 Estevan at Yorkton, 7:30pm
Feb 26 Yorkton at Estevan, 7:30pm
Feb 28 Estevan at Yorkton, 7:30pm
Mar 1    Yorkton at Estevan, 7:30pm **
Mar 2    Estevan at Yorkton, 7:30pm **
Mar 4    Yorkton at Estevan, 7:30pm **

** denotes if necessary

Questions to be Answered - Part 2

2008-02-18T18:36:00.002-06:00

At the beginning of the season, I made a post entitled "Questions To Be Answered." Now that the regular season is pretty much wound down I thought it would be fun to look back at that post and see what the actual answers should be to the questions.

Weyburn Red Wings - Is Kyle McConnell capable of handling a bulk of the work between the pipes this season?

As it turned out, McConnell would not be the answer. The play of rookie AJ Whiffen, who is now a nominee for SJHL goaltender of the year and the emergence of Tanner Erickson as a reliable backup, made McConnell expendable. McConnell was shipped to the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL and is now no longer playing junior hockey as he left Merritt back in January.

Estevan Bruins - Rumors from Estevan are that Guillaume Perusse will not be back in the black and gold this year. If that is the truth, will newly acquired Karsten Felske be able to handle the work?

It turned out that Perusse did start the season in Estevan, however he would later be moved to the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL. Perusse was not happy playing in a situation where he had to split his time with Felske and with Felske having the better numbers, Perusse was dealt. The Bruins ended up going the season with Felske and 20 year old David Ritz as the backup.

Notre Dame Hounds - Will the youth movement in Notre Dame allow them to qualify for the postseason in 2007-08?

It is now clear that the Hounds would not quite have enough to qualify for the postseason. That being said, the team should tremendous improvement as the season went on and have a good nucleus to start with in the 2008-09 season.

Melville Millionaires - Will the Mils be able to overcome the loss of MVP goaltender Anthony Heuer and last year's leading scorer Daniel Moriarty?

With the Mils starting the season 11-0, it looked like they would be fine. New goaltender Kyle Cantlon was playing great and the Millionaires were getting a lot of scoring from a variety of players such as Dion Campbell and Brad Johnston. The team did however show some adversity throughout the season with Cantlon having numerous injuries. Going into the playoffs, the Millionaires appear to be moving ahead without Cantlon as they now have Travis Bosch and Joe Rodwell as the goaltenders.

Yorkton Terriers - Will Carter Smith return to the Terriers?

Well, Smith did eventually return from Everett where he started the season and things looked promising in Yorkton as the Terriers acquired Bryan Hull from the Notre Dame Hounds to play with Smith. However, Smith got a call from the Red Deer Rebels back in November and decided to give the WHL another shot. Smith will be finishing the season with the Rebels.

Kindersley Klippers - Will goaltender Ryan Nieszner take his game to the next level?

Quite frankly, Nieszner seems to have had his game tail off as he gets older. Although he did make the Sherwood conference all star team, his numbers at the time did not really warrant an all star appearance and they have continued to fall since that time. He has lost a lot of playing time to rookie Matt Weninger. However, Nieszer will likely get a chance by coach Larry Wintoneak to make some starts in the playoffs and if he can play to his potential, the Klippers could have a good playoff run.

Battlefords Stars - Is this a rebuilding season in Battlefords?

All one has to do is look at the Stars final record and realize that yes, it was a rebuilding year. Gary Clark was fired as head coach late in the season and Blair Atcheynum took over on an interim basis. The Stars do have some decent young prospects in the system but they may be at least two seasons away from being a serious contender again.

La Ronge Ice Wolves - Will this team be able to take the next step in the postseason?

Although this question cannot really be answered yet, I would think it has to be somewhat disappointing in La Ronge that this team only finished fourth in the Itech. I really thought they would be in the top three and not have to play in the elimination series. If the Ice Wolves can get by the Hawks I still think they are capable of making some noise this season. They have a great goaltender in Jonathan Jobin and clearly one of the league's most exciting players in Jordie Johnston.

Nipawin Hawks - How will the Hawks fare under new head coach Dave Hrysky?

It has been up and down of sorts for coach Hyrsky in Nipawin this year. They went through a stretch where they could not seem to catch any breaks and made some roster moves (ie. the trade of Adam Schwark). However, as of late they have been playing some of their better hockey of the season and Derek Kleinsteuber has been on fire in the Nipawin goal. If the Hawks could manage an upset over the La Ronge Ice Wolves in the elimination series, I think the season for Hyrsky could be considered a success.

Melfort Mustangs - Will the Stangs overcome the loss of high scoring forwards Kurtis Astle and Andrew Wasmuth, and the departure of defenseman Dillin Stonehouse?

The Mustangs most certainly did overcome these losses. The biggest reason would be the goaltending acquisition by the name of Ilia Ejov. Ejov is far and away the MVP of the Mustangs and may be the difference between them finishing second versus fourth of even fifth. Taylor Watt also had a tremendous season and the acquisition of Riley Clark from the Notre Dame Hounds and the emergence of rookie Tommy Brown more than made up for the loss of Stonehouse.

Humboldt Broncos - Can the Broncos repeat as SJHL champions?

Although we cannot answer this question yet, being ranked as the number one team in the country going into the playoffs is a good start to making this goal reality.

Flin Flon Bombers - How will the Bombers respond to young coach Mike Reagan?

There were a few bumps on the road, but how about a third place finish for the rookie head coach. The team has played well for Reagan, particularly on home ice and are capable of putting up some good offensive numbers. Reagan also made a couple of good moves along the way to improve his club. Some would argue that he maybe should have even been a candidate for coach of the year. I have a feeling that Reagan will win one of two of them before his coaching career is over.

Well there you have it, an answer to some of my own questions that I posed in the very first week we started this blog. Boy how the season has flown by so far. Now is time for the real fun to begin. Hope to see everyone at the rink during the playoffs.

- Brad M.

Feniak named Dman of the Week!

2008-02-18T13:49:00.005-06:00

* Courtesy of SJHL.ca

Monday, February 18, 2008

SJHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK
Winner: Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds
Highlights: Schwartz helped the Hounds stay in the playoff hunt right up until the final few games as he paced the Hounds last week with 4-goals and 3-assists in 4-games played. In three of those contests, the Hounds emerged victorious. He had 2-goals and 1-assist in a crucial win on Valentine's Day. He also had two goals on Saturday night when the Hounds defeated the Weyburn Red Wings. Schwartz now has 62-points and will finish as the SJHL's leading point getter amongst rookies.
Runners-up: Kyle Ireland, Notre Dame; Rhett Bly & Luke Johnson, Weyburn; Dustyn Clegg, Flin Flon.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK
Winner: Adam Feniak, Weyburn Red Wings
Highlights: Feniak, a midseason addition to the Red Wing blueline, is rounding into fine form just in time for the second season. Feniak scored one goal and set up two others in four games played last week as the Wings continued their tune-up for the playoffs. Feniak has contributed 3-goals and 5-assists in 28-games for the Wings since joining the team from the AJHL.
Runners-up: Kyle Haines, Weyburn; Michael Young, Flin Flon; Blair Toms, Nipawin.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
Winner: Derek Kleinsteuber, Nipawin Hawks
Highlights: For the second straight week, the 1988 born Kleinsteuber is the SJHL's best netminder. The Winnipeg MB native kicked out 79-of-81 shots in two starts, losing to Flin Flon 1-0 and beating Ilia Ejov and the Melfort Mustangs with 47-saves in a 3-1 decision on Saturday night. Kleinsteuber is 4-1, 1.39, .959 in the last two weeks.
Runners-up: Taylor Nelson & Andrew Bodnarchuk, Humboldt; Calvin Bartel, Flin Flon; Karsten Felske, Estevan.

Who am I?

2008-02-17T16:59:00.003-06:00

Well this is the last one of the regular season for yah!

All you have to do to win two tickets to any Red Wings home playoff game is guess who this Weyburn Red Wing player is.

Send your answers to troy_kramm@yahoo.com

Good Luck!

- Troy K

Hounds get by Wings

2008-02-17T00:06:00.002-06:00

The SJHL regular season came to an end on Saturday night in Notre Dame as the Hounds got by the Red Wings 6-4.
Kyle Ireland and Steven Robinson each had a goal and two assists to lead the Hounds. Rylan Schwartz scored two goals for the Hounds while Tommy Williams and Cody Mapes each had a goal and an assist. Travis Janke and Grayson Brown each added two assists for Notre Dame. The Hounds led 3-0 and 3-2 by periods. Michael Seib, Preston Shupe, Kyle Haines and Erick Ruud scored for the Wings. Eric Calibaba added two assists while also picking up assists were Brayden Nargang, Stephen Simms and Scott Doody. Andre Guay had a strong start in goal for the Hounds as he made 34 saves, many of them spectacular. AJ Whiffen got the start for the Wings as it was pre-determined before the game that he would play until a goal was scored by the Hounds. The reason for this was of course that Whiffen had a chance to set the SJHL single season shutout record. Tanner Erickson played from the 6:13 mark of the first period on as he made 24 saves on 28 shots. The Hounds will now face the Yorkton Terriers three times in three nights to close out the season. The Wings will have five or six days of preparation as they will open up the SJHL selection series next weekend with either the Melville Millionaires or Kindersley Klippers coming to town. We will let you know the schedule once it has been released to us.

Game notes: Justin Crockatt was handed 27 penalty minutes on one play in the second period as he received an elbowing minor, fighting major, misconduct and game misconduct. Crockatt was involved in a scrap with Kyle Ireland of the Hounds and then was ejected for throwing a towel in the direction of the referee. In 12 games as a Red Wing, Crockatt, an instant fan favorite, has amassed an incredible 135 penalty minutes. The game also featured Michael Seib annihalating Andrew Bzdel of the Hounds in a first period fight. Seib did most of the throwing and little of the receiving in that bout.

Elsewhere........

The Melville Millionaires clinched second place in the Sherwood without even having a game tonight as the Kindersley Klippers fell 4-2 to the Estevan Bruins. Chad Filteau scored twice for the Bruins who got a goal and an assist from Kyle Stroh and a goal from Kyle Ermel. Kealin Wong added two assists while also getting helpers were Colton MacPherson and Payden Benning. Steven Turner, a defenseman, scored both Klipper goals. Jonathan Redlick added two assists while Milo Miller and Scott Linnell also added assists. Karsten Felske made 30 saves for the Bruins in the win. Matt Weninger started for the Klippers and stopped 18 shots through two periods before making room for Ryan Nieszner who played the third period and allowed one goal on 5 shots. The Bruins now know they will face the Yorkton Terriers in the survivior series.

The Flin Flon Bombers clinched third in the Itech conference as they downed the visiting La Ronge Ice Wolves 3-2. Dustyn Clegg scored twice for the Bombers while Reid MacLeod added a goal and an assist. Pierre - Luc Boucher added two assists while also getting assists were Harley Garrioch, Dennis Kubat and David Linsley. Adam Moar had a goal and an assist for the Ice Wolves. Dustin Stevenson also scored for La Ronge assisted by Bruno - Pier Gosselin. Calvin Bartel had another fine start as he made 29 saves for the win. Jonathan Jobin stopped 29 of 32 shots for the Ice Wolves. The Bombers will play in the Itech conference selection series with the Humboldt Broncos and Melfort Mustangs. The Ice Wolves will be forced to meet the Nipawin Hawks in a best of seven survivor series.

In Nipawin, the Hawks defeated the Melfort Mustangs 3-1 as Melfort ended their regular season. Dean Prpick had a goal and an assist for the Hawks who also got goals from Jordan Bourgonje and Todd Panchyson. Mike Rey added two assists for Nipawin who also got assists from Jordon Miller, Brent Ottmann and Trent Rumpel. Matt Hill scored the lone goal for the Mustangs from Taylor Watt and Clint Olson. Derek Kleinsteuber was sensational in goal as he made 47 saves. Ilia Ejov make 28 saves in the loss for Melfort. The Mustangs move on to the selection series while as mentioned above , the Hawks will meet the La Ronge Ice Wolves.

- Brad M.

Wings Edge Klippers in OT!

2008-02-16T02:21:00.004-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings continued the winning momentum into the playoffs with a 4-3 overtime victory over the visiting Kindersley Klippers on Friday night at the Colosseum.

Rhett Bly (pictured) had another big night for the Wings as he picked up two goals before adding an assist on Adam Feniak's overtime winner. Eric Calibaba also scored for the Red Wings. Torrey Lindsay added two assists with single helpers going to Andrew Perrault (his first SJHL point), Craig Cornelson, Scott Doody and Stephen Simms. Brett Leedahl, Jonathan Redlick, and Milo Miller scored for the Klippers who got assists from Jordan Braid, Matt Sawa, Steven Turner, Casey Rempel and Kirk Pearce.

The Red Wings Justin Crockatt (pictured left) and Klippers Kalib Thunderchief had a spirited first period heavyweight battle which started as a result of some jawing back and forth during the pre-game warmup. The two did not disappoint as the Weyburn crowd was treated to a good tilt. Crockatt landed some unbelievable uppercuts and no doubt Thunderchief slept with ice packs as pillows last night.

AJ Whiffen had another strong start for the Wings as he made 32 saves, many of the spectacular variety. Matt Weninger made 21 saves in the Kindersley goal.

Elsewhere on Friday night ......

In Melville, the Notre Dame Hounds were looking to extend their playoff hopes while the Millionaires were looking to gain some ground over third place Kindersley. It was Melville who would show up to play on this night as they pasted the Hounds 8-1. Dieter Gillanders actually got the Hounds on the scoreboard at 5:24 of the first period to take a 1-0 lead but it was all downhill from there as the Mils would score only nine seconds after that before going on a rampage for the big win. Aaron Decorby had a big night for the Mils as he scored twice and added an assist. Matt Kinnunen, Jordan Reeve, Kale Dolinski, Bryant Dyke and Daniel Hope each had a goal and an assist for the Mils. Chris Shudo also had a goal for Melville. Levi Lind and Jordan Wilson each chipped in with a pair of assists. Travis Bosch picked up the win in goal as he made 20 saves. Mark Currie played the first two periods in goal for the Hounds and he was peppered with 37 shots stopping 31 of them. Andre Guay played the third period and allowed 2 goals on 7 shots. The Millionaires will clinch second place with either a Kindersley loss in Estevan on Saturday night or at least one point in their final game versus the Bruins on Monday.

The most important game of the night in the SJHL occurred in La Ronge where the Ice Wolves were hosting the Flin Flon Bombers in a huge game. The teams were separated by one point going into the game in the battle for third in the Itech. Of course whoever finishes third clinches a spot in the selection series and avoids the first round elimination series versus the Nipawin Hawks. The Bombers would show up to play on this night as they put on a solid road effort outshooting the Ice Wolves 51-35 enroute to a 5-3 win.
Dennis Kubat led the way for the Bombers as he scored twice, his second of which was the game winner, and added an assist. Harley Garrioch also scored twice for the Bombers for his first ever multi-goal game. Dustyn Clegg added a goal and an assist for Flin Flon. Reid MacLeod, who is second in league scoring, added two assists.
Calvin Fiddler had a goal and an assist for La Ronge. Jordie Johnston and Bruno-Pier Gosselin also scored for the Ice Wolves. Tyler Karst added two assists. Calvin Bartel, looking to solidify the number one goaltending job going into the playoffs, made 32 saves for the win. Jonathan Jobin stopped 47 Flin Flon shots but that would not be enough on this night. The two teams meet again Saturday night in Flin Flon and a win by the Bombers would clinch them third place. If the Ice Wolves can pull off the win, it will make the game on Tuesday night very important. (Nipawin @ Flin Flon, La Ronge @ Kindersley)

In Humboldt, the Broncos, who are preparing for the playoffs, met the Battlefords North Stars, who are preparing for next year. Justin Stoski led the way for Humboldt with a pair of goals. Jordan Schindel and Kendrew Friesen, a rookie AP, also scored for Humboldt. In fact the goal for young Friesen would be the game winner. Steven Schroeder and Voldy Dashko each had two assists for the Broncos who also got assists from Josh Garneau, Shawn Hunter and Taylor Pillar.
Joel Budd, Rick Cey and John Midtdal scored for the Stars. Jesse Lebreton added two assists. Single assists went to Adrien Lemay, Brian Sydiaha and Alexandre Leclerc. Andrew Bodnarchuk picked up the win in goal as he made 26 saves on the evening. Lemay stopped 40 shots in the North Stars goal.

The other game tonight that also had no impact on the final standings was played in Melfort as the Mustangs skated to a 2-1 lead over their rival Nipawin Hawks. Ryan Gareau and Taylor Watt scored for the Mustangs who got an assist from Gary Childerhose. Steve Mason had the lone goal for the Hawks with assists going to Dean Prpick and Brent Ottmann. Ilia Ejov was not busy on the night as he only faced 15 shots, stopping 14 of them. Daniel DiCamillo got the start for the Hawks and made 25 saves.

The SJHL Saturday night schedule sees two games of importance as Kindersley will be in Estevan to face the Bruins where the Klippers will be looking to gain some ground on the third place Melville Millionaires. Meanwhile the other huge game is in Flin Flon where the Bombers will be hosting the La Ronge Ice Wolves. A win by the Bombers would clinch them third in the Itech. Tonight's other games are less significant but allows teams to prepare for the playoff runs. Of course the Red Wings are in Notre Dame to battle the Hounds. The Wings will more than likely rest some guys tonight. Tanner Erickson is slated to get the start in goal. You can catch all the action on AM1190 tonight with the pre-game show at 7:20 with Kevin Smith and yours truly. The other game on the schedule tonight as the Nipawin Hawks hosting the Melfort Mustangs in the second game of a home and home.

We will let you know once the playoff schedule is available. In all likelihood the Red Wings will open up the selection series at home either on Friday the 22nd or Saturday the 23rd. They of course know it will be against either the Melville Millionaires or the Kindersley Klippers.

- Brad M.

Hounds Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive!

2008-02-14T22:03:00.002-06:00

The Notre Dame Hounds have been hanging on by a thread but they continue to fight after doubling up the visiting Kindersley Klippers 4-2 on Thursday night at the Duncan McNeill Arena in Wilcox.
Super rookie Rylan Schwartz led the way for the Hounds with two goals and one assist including both the game winner and insurance marker. Marc-Andre Nadeau and Blake Peake also scored for the Hounds. Tommy Williams and Kyle Ireland each had a pair of assists for the Hounds who also got assists from Shane Gray, TJ Ahvenniemi and Blayne Stevenson. Kirk Pearce and Casey Rempel replied for the Klippers with assists going to Jeremy Beller, Scott Linnell, Jonathan Redlick and Mat Olson. Mark Currie was strong in goal for Notre Dame as he made 35 saves on the night. Ryan Nieszner suffered the loss as he stopped 22 of 26 shots. The Klippers remain two points back of Melville but still have a game in hand on the Mils. The Klippers are in Weyburn tomorrow night to face the Wings.

Looking at the remaining playoff races in the SJHL:

2nd place in Sherwood:

Melville Millionaires (56 GP - 32-22-2-0 -66 points)

The Millionaires have two games remaining, both at home, as they host Notre Dame on Friday and Estevan on Monday. (make up game). If the Millionaires win their two remaining games they will clinch second place as although the Klippers could go 3-0 and tie Melville in points, the Millionaires won the season series with 4 wins in six matchups.

Kindersley Klippers (55 GP - 30-21-1-3 - 64 points)

The Klippers have three games remaining. They are in Weyburn tomorrow night (Friday), Estevan on Saturday and then finish up at home on Tuesday versus the La Ronge Ice Wolves. The Klippers at a minimum would need at least three points in their final three games (combined with two Melville losses) to clinch second.

Sherwood Conference Race for Third:

Kindersley Klippers (see record above)
Estevan Bruins (56 GP - 28-24-2-2- 60 points)

The Klippers are not assured of finishing in the top three. If they were to lose there final three games combined with two Estevan wins, the Bruins could move into third and drop the Klippers to fourth. If this scenario was to occur, the teams would have the split in head to head wins, would be tied with 30 wins each which means the next criteria would be best goals against average which right now would belong to the Klippers. Although the Bruins chances of third is slim, they say a slim chance is better than none.

Fifth and Final Playoff spot in Sherwood:

Yorkton Terriers (55 GP -21-27-3-4 - 49 points)
Notre Dame Hounds (53 GP - 18-32-1-2 - 39 points)

If there were another month to go in the season I would say the Notre Dame Hounds would have a very good chance of catching the Terriers but with the schedule winding down the chances are virtually impossible. The Hounds will have to win five games in what will likely be six nights in order to clinch the final playoff spot. The Terriers only have three games remaining which ironically are all against the Hounds. Unfortunately for the Hounds they have to win games against the Melville Millionaires (Friday in Melville) and the Weyburn Red Wings (Saturday in Wilcox) before even having a chance coming into the games with the Hounds. If the Hounds are able to get all 12 of their remaining possible points, they would surpass the Terriers for the final playoff spot. Friday night will be one of those very rare times where you will see people from Yorkton cheering for the Melville Millionaires but that is exactly what they will do when the Mils host the Notre Dame Hounds.

The race for third in the Itech is also going strong as the La Ronge Ice Wolves and Flin Flon Bombers are fighting it out to try and avoid the survivor series versus Nipawin and get into the top three. The Ice Wolves have a one point lead over the Bombers going into the weekend with both teams having three games remaining. They will go to battle in a home and home series on Friday and Saturday night. If the Ice Wolves can manage to win both games this weekend they will clinch third in the Itech. The Ice Wolves finish up on Tuesday in Kindersley while the Bombers host the Nipawin Hawks the same night.

- Brad M.

Wings beat Yorkton 5-2. Erickson provides some stellar goaltending in place of Whiffen

2008-02-13T10:15:00.000-06:00

With some of the regulars out due to injury or getting some needed rest for the playoffs, it was up to the entire team to step it up a notch. The boys looked good early on as Craig Cornelson scored at 5:32 on the powerplay to give the Red Wings a one goal lead. At 7:51 it was then the Terriers turn to strike on the powerplay. Jordan Pawelec fired a high blocker side shot past Tanner Erickson to tie the game at one a piece.

At 6:46 of the second period, the Terriers took a 2-1 lead on their second powerplay goal, scored by Jordan Menke. The Red Wings didn’t let them hold on to the lead for long. It was Craig Cornelson who scored his second powerplay goal of the night at 14:42 to tie things up at two with one period to go.

The Red Wings really opened the game up in the third. Josh Bray scored only 52 seconds into the period to regain one goal lead. Brayden Nargang would then score at 8:34 with the assists going to Bray and Johnson. That goal would chase Lynden Sammartino out of the net as he was replaced by Joel Danyluk. With the score 4-2, the Red Wings added one final empty net goal by Luke Johnson who along with Bray and Nargang finished the night with three points. Tanner Erickson stopped 27 of 29 shots for his second win in a row. His play as of late has helped coach McMillan give AJ Whiffen a rest for the playoffs as well as help the team feel even more confident in both goalies.

* I didn't stay for the whole game, sorry if I wasn't too in depth.

The next action for the Red Wings is on Friday, February 15 when they take on the Kindersley Klippers. The following night, they then travel to Wilcox to play their final game of the regular season versus the Notre Dame Hounds.

- Troy K

SJHL Major Awards Finalists!

2008-02-11T22:46:00.000-06:00

* Courtesy of SJHL.ca

Monday, February 11, 20008
SJHL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES

Dean Brockman, Humboldt Broncos

Brockman is the 2006-07 winner of this award and is completing his fourth season as Head Coach of the defending Credential Cup champions. While last season’s 41-14-0-and-3 record is hard to top, it appears as though Brockman’s 2007-08 team is going to do exactly that (44-9-0-and-1). This season, the Broncos will finish first overall in the SJHL for the second year in a row despite losing their two top scoring forwards (Brady Heintz and Tyler Feakes), MVP netminder (Nathan Heinen), and top defenseman (Blair Wourms) from a year ago. The Broncos have also had to find a way to replace their heart and soul player from last season (Colin Wilson). This year’s version of the Broncos has been unstoppable since Brockman identified areas of need on December 1st and added defenseman Tanner Vandesype and forward Ed Gale from the Notre Dame Hounds as well as getting 1989 born forward Shawn Hunter in a steal from Alberta a few days later. Humboldt has had an SJHL season long winning streak of 16 games earlier in the year and just like last season, Brockman has managed to integrate a significant amount of youth into the program, hopefully ensuring a competitive club for years to come (goalie Andrew Bodnarchuk, defensemen Mitchell Peeke and Mitchell Stretch, forwards Hunter, Dane Lindskog, and Taylor Pillar to name a few). While votes for SJHL Coach Of The Year tend to be based on where a team finishes when compared to what the expectation level is at the beginning of the hockey season, consider that while the Broncos were expected to contend for the SJHL championship, they were hardly a shoe-in to run away with the Itech Conference and possibly approach 50 wins. In a league dominated by parity, the 2007-08 Humboldt Broncos are a special group. Brockman’s career coaching record in Humboldt is 128-73-5-and-13.

Dwight McMillan, Weyburn Red Wings

Dwight McMillan once joked the big difference between he and fellow coaching legends Scotty Bowman and Brian Kilrea is that Bowman and Kilrea likely have no idea who he is. That is not likely the case if either of the other two long-time winning coaches have ever checked to see if there is a long serving bench boss who may eclipse (and then some) their winning standards. This past season, McMillan won his 1000th career regular season game and while that accomplishment alone may have gotten him a boat load of consideration for SJHL Coach Of The Year, there are plenty of other reasons to look at the modest McMillan for this honor in 2007-08 even if you were to, somehow, disregard his monumental milestone accomplishment. In McMillan’s 35+ years with the Red Wings, the team has never gone to war for a full season with a rookie netminder getting the lion’s share of the work. That changed this year when AJ Whiffen was handed the reins early on. The Wings, who usually load up with 20-year-olds in a contending year, have only five in the 2007-08 season that has seen them own first place in the Sherwood Conference for most of the year. Up until a couple of weeks ago, the Wings also iced a line-up that was failing to produce a player had a point per game clip. Last year, the Wings were within one point of missing the playoffs entirely. This year, they have jumped all the way to first while employing a great deal of players who were also on last year’s struggling club. Some of McMillan’s past accomplishments include SJHL Coach Of The Year Awards in 1984-85, 1989-90, and 1996-97. His teams have won six SJHL championships, five ANAVET Cups, two national championships, and he’s served as an Assistant Coach in each of the last two years for the two-time gold medal winning Canada West team from the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge.

Darrell Mann, Melfort Mustangs

43-year-old Darrell Mann is finishing his fourth season with the Mustangs, having taken the mantle in late October 2004. At the time, the Mustangs were 1-and-10, but went 17-21-2-and-4 the rest of the way under Mann’s guidance. In each season with Mann behind the bench, the Mustangs have improved as they went from 5th in 2004-05, to 4th in 2005-06, to 3rd in 2006-07 and into 2nd in 2007-08. Not coincidentally, the win totals have also gotten better with each passing year, going from 18 to 30 to 37 and this season they have 36 wins with two games remaining. Mann previously spent 10 years in the Saskatchewan Midget ‘AAA’ Hockey League with his hometown Tisdale Trojans. They won four provincial titles in those ten years and during the last four years when Mann was the Head Coach, the club won two provincial crowns and one national championship. An intense bench boss, Mann is often very animated when performing his craft and he also likes to use players who are most familiar with him. In the past, he has consummated trades that landed him the likes of Brady Gordon, Matt Hill, and Tommy Brown (all former Mann protégés in Tisdale). Former Trojan Taylor Watt left the ‘AAA’ Trojans, as a 17-year-old, the same time Mann did and joined the Mustangs with his coach. Never one shy to make a major trade to address major areas of need, Mann’s biggest move this season was to bring in Ilia Ejov, a 20-year-old puckstopper. The transaction turned the Mustangs from a sub-.500 team into a serious league championship contender. Mann’s career SJHL coaching record is 121-89-5-and-9.

These three individuals (listed above) were chosen as finalists based on a vote amongst all SJHL coaches.

SJHL Media will select the overall winner. Ballots will be sent in the coming days.

SJHL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES
SJHL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER NOMINEES

(The same three players are nominated for both of the above trophies)

Ilia Ejov, Melfort Mustangs

If there was ever a player that arrived in the SJHL and immediately turned around his team’s fortunes, it might be Ejov. When the Mustangs secured his Junior ‘A’ rights, they were 5-and-8 and on the brink of languishing in the 4th and 5th spot in the Itech Conference. As soon as Ejov took over the crease, the Mustangs embarked on a streak of 17 straight games in which they picked up a point. Since arriving, Ejov has appeared in 38 of 41 games, seldom showing signs of fatigue. He has racked up a 27-7-2-and-2 record with a 2.01-GAA and a .925-SPCT. Ejov also has four shutouts. He is likely to join Humboldt’s Taylor Nelson in establishing a new SJHL single season GAA mark, which is currently held by former Weyburn goalie Russell Monette (2.24). Ejov’s future aspirations likely lie in the minor pro ranks or the CIS. He played 91-games in the QMJHL in the two years leading up to his tenure in Melfort.

Jordie Johnston, La Ronge Ice Wolves

Johnston is finishing up his third and final SJHL season with the Ice Wolves, having been a point per game performer for each of the last two. On the brink of an SJHL scoring championship, Johnston is one of the SJHL’s most dangerous offensive performers as he has followed up a year in which he had 63-points in 53-games with one that has seen him compile 32-goals and 50-assists in 54-games. La Ronge’s team captain, Johnston has excellent character that often has him as the comic relief in the dressing room when the chips are down, yet he also knows when to get serious and can be one of the most gritty players on the ice. Head Coach Bob Beatty says Johnston is a nightly competitor, who has an edge to his game. He plays in all situations and unlike other high scorers, his play without the puck is also exceptional. Johnston is expected to play in the NCAA with Ferris State this upcoming Fall.

AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings

It’s not often that rookie goaltenders step into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and dominate the way Whiffen has this year. All he’s done is tie Terry Denike and Taylor Nelson for the single season shutout record with six. He also has posted a league best save percentage of .932. On a Red Wing team that is rich in tradition, Whiffen is the first ever rookie Red Wing netminder to be handed a starting assignment pretty much from the beginning of the regular season right through to the end, all the while playing on a team that should be a Credential Cup contender. General Manager Ron Rumball credits Whiffen’s abundance of success to his veteran mentality. A hard worker with an unflappable personality, Whiffen didn’t even turn 18 until November 30th. Although he has two more years of junior eligibility, Whiffen is surely drawing NCAA interest already.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Kyle Haines, Weyburn Red Wings

The 1987 born Weyburn SK native is the Red Wings’ captain and contributes to his team’s success in ways far beyond his statistics would indicate. While his 3-goals and 22-assists in 55-games are decent for a player who splits time quarterbacking a powerplay with three other players, Haines is a player that can, often, be found matched up late in a close hockey game against the opposition’s top forward line. And, with Weyburn sitting firmly in first place in the Sherwood Conference, it should be noted that Haines’ pairing often emerges as the winner of this in-game chess match. Haines sets a great example on the ice and has high team values. He is dependable in a number of different facets and is a quality role model. Haines is also hopeful of landing an NCAA scholarship.

Blair Toms, Nipawin Hawks

Toms, a 1987 born product from Redvers, continues to excel and improve with each passing game. Toms is an ice time eater, recently being clocked at almost 36:30 in one particular 60-minute game. Toms is the first on the ice for powerplay time, first out on the penalty kill, always assigned to shut down opposing teams in the final minute of a close game, leads the Hawks in blocked shots, and is the top +/- player on the team. Toms gets high praise from Head Coach Dave Hyrsky, who marveled at the respect his captain has from the rest of the dressing room. Hyrsky, who has considerable experience coaching men, calls Toms the best captain he’s ever had. A dedicated athlete who hits the gym as early as 7:30 in the morning, Toms has pro potential and a couple of NCAA schools scouting him for possible enrollment in the Fall of 2008.

Kealin Wong, Estevan Bruins

1987 born Wong is a model of consistency on the blueline for the Bruins and a fantastic leader by his on-ice and off-ice performances. On the ice, Wong is the first defenseman tapped for powerplay duty and one of the first to head out on the penalty kill. Head Coach Karry Biette says Wong is extremely mature and may be a couple of years ahead of his time. He spends a significant amount of time at the gym, sometimes attending more than once a day. He doesn’t rest on past laurels either as he is often one of the better players at practice. With 14-goals and 21-assists in 55-games, the Regina native ranks amongst the top ten in SJHL defensemen scoring. An Ivy League student, Wong has attracted interest from several NCAA schools.

SJHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Tommy Brown, Melfort Mustangs

Brown is a hockey marvel. The 5’9” 175 lbs native of Prince Albert SK is likely to finish in the top three in the SJHL rookie scoring parade. He may also be in the top three amongst all SJHL defensemen. Despite his rookie status, Brown was the lone SJHLer selected to play in the World Junior ‘A’ Hockey Challenge back in November. With 14-goals and 25-assists in 48-games, Brown has had no trouble adapting from the Midget ‘AAA’ ranks to the Junior ‘A’ game. His numbers are all the more impressive when you consider Melfort’s defense has four capable puck movers who all see significant powerplay time. Brown is the type of player who makes others around become better performers and with his recent scholarship announcement to Michigan Tech for the Fall of 2009, it is highly likely Brown will be back for one more tour of duty with the Mustangs. And, although he is a defenseman, he has to be considered an early contender for an overall SJHL scoring crown.

Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds

Schwartz is an SJHL scoring rarity in that midget aged players do not walk into the best Junior ‘A’ hockey league in the country and become leading scorers. But, Schwartz has accepted his role with relative ease. He has been a point per game contributor right from the get go and is a shoe-in to lead the SJHL rookie scoring parade. In 49-games, Schwartz has 25-goals and 30-assists. The 1990 born native of Wilcox SK has a scholarship to Colorado College, which can begin as early as this Fall, but can also be deferred to the Fall of 2009. If his first, and possibly only, SJHL season is any indication, Schwartz may be ready to join the NCAA despite being the age of a first year junior ‘A’ player. Schwartz, who played in the CJAHL Top Prospects Game, got his first career hat trick last month and also had a 5-point game against Weyburn in October.

AJ Whiffen, Weyburn Red Wings

It’s not often that rookie goaltenders step into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and dominate the way Whiffen has this year. All he’s done is tie Terry Denike and Taylor Nelson for the single season shutout record with six. He also has posted a league best save percentage of .932. On a Red Wing team that is rich in tradition, Whiffen is the first ever rookie Red Wing netminder to be handed a starting assignment pretty much from the beginning of the regular season right through to the end, all the while playing on a team that should be a Credential Cup contender. General Manager Ron Rumball credits Whiffen’s abundance of success to his veteran mentality. A hard worker with an unflappable personality, Whiffen didn’t even turn 18 until November 30th. Although he has two more years of junior eligibility, Whiffen is surely drawing NCAA interest already.

All player award finalists were nominated and voted on by the SJHL member teams. Winners will be revealed in the weeks ahead as part of the Showcase of Awards.

One more for the good guys!

2008-02-11T22:36:00.000-06:00

You can rack up another win for the Weyburn Red Wings. Despite giving up two goals in the third period, the Weyburn Red Wings managed to pick up two points versus the Notre Dame Hounds tonight. Preston Shupe and Rhett Bly fired home two goals in the shootout while Tanner Erickson kept the Hounds from scoring on both chances to give the Wings a 4-3 win.

The Wings looked shaky early on as Notre Dame’s TJ Ahvenniemi scored at 1:57 of the first period to grab the early one goal lead which would hold up for the remainder of the period.

The second period saw the Weyburn Red Wings come out firing on all cylinders. At just 51 seconds into the period, Luke Johnson scored his first of the night with the assists going to Feniak and Nargang. Then at 9:20, Preston Shupe scored to give the Red Wings the lead. Finally, Luke Johnson put home his second of the night at 11:16 to grab a two goal lead heading into the third period.

Just as the Red Wings looked to have the game in the bag, the Notre Dame Hounds looked to take a bite out of the Wings. They scored once at 9:05 and again at 15:57 to tie the game up at three to send it to overtime.

Overtime solved nothing, so it was off to a shootout. Tanner Erickson stopped his first shot by Roy Farrer. Then Preston Shupe (Unstoppable as of late) was once again CLUTCH! He put one past Andre-Michel Guay to grab a 1-0 lead. Then Erickson again stopped Travis Janke to give Luke Johnson the chance to end the game. He made good on his chance as he put one past Guay to end the game and give the Red Wings the 4-3 win.

We hope you all come out to the Colosseum tomorrow night as the Red Wings take on the Yorkton Terriers. Game time is 7:30

- Troy K

SJHL Players of the Week

2008-02-11T07:01:00.000-06:00

Monday, February 11, 2008

SJHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK

Winner: Preston Shupe, Weyburn Red Wings

Highlights: Shupe led all SJHL scorers with 5-goals and 2-assists in 3-games played last week; which included a four goal game against Estevan on Friday night in what ended up being a shootout loss for the Wings. One night later, he set up two goals in a Weyburn win over the Bruins. He also had an assist earlier in the week and has moved into the top twenty in scoring for the season with 55-points in 54-games.

Runners-up: Daniel Hope, Levi Lind & Aaron DeCorby, Melville; Torrie Dyck, Nipawin.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK

Winner: Myles Masse, Flin Flon Bombers

Highlights: Masse had three assists in three games played last week as the Bombers collected five of a possible six points. On Tuesday night in Yorkton, Masse was dominating at both ends of the ice. One night later against the Millionaires, Masse and the rest of the Bomber defense bent but did not break in an overtime loss. On Saturday, Masse and company held the Melfort Mustangs to under-20 shots in a decisive win.

Runners-up: Taylor Thiessen & Blair Toms, Nipawin; Brady Wacker, Humboldt; Stephen Simms, Weyburn.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Winner: Derek Kleinsteuber, Nipawin Hawks

Highlights: The 1988 born Kleinsteuber has had an amazing run for the last three weeks, but last week he was especially impressive by going 3-and-0, 1.64, .945. In his last ten starts, Kleinsteuber has ripped off a 7-2-and-1 record, a 1.99-GAA and a .942-SPCT. For the season, Kleinsteuber has improved to 18-15-2-4, 3.17, .911.

Runners-up: Taylor Nelson, Humboldt; Calvin Bartel, Flin Flon; Ilia Ejov, Melfort.

Another Banner Will Grace the Rafters of the Weyburn Colosseum!

2008-02-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

In what will go down as a memorable weekend in Weyburn Red Wing history, the Weyburn Red Wings took 3 of 4 points versus the rival Estevan Bruins and after all was said and done clinched the Sherwood conference pennant as neither the Melville Millionaires or Kindersley Klippers can now catch the first place Wings.

On Friday night, the Red Wings got a remarkable four goal night (plus one in the shootout) from Preston Shupe but that would not be enough as they fell 5-4 in the shootout. Bruins goaltender David Ritz was phenomenal throughout the third period and overtime to allow the Bruins to pick up the two points. Josh Bray and Stephen Simms added two assists each on Friday night for the Wings.Payden Benning forced overtime with a third period goal while Colton MacPherson, who has no goals this season, managed to pick up the shootout winner.

The Wings rebounded on Saturday night with a 4-2 win over the Bruins in Estevan. It was a wild first period which saw the Wings and Bruins exchange goals with Weyburn leading 3-2 after the first. Rhett Bly scored two first period goals and added an assist on a goal by Stephen Simms, the eventual game winner to pick up the three point night. Eric Calibaba scored an insurance goal in the third period to seal the deal for the Wings. Preston Shupe added two assists for the Red Wings who got single assists from Josh Bray, Torrey Lindsay, Bly, Scott Doody and Kyle Haines. Chad Filteau had a goal and an assist to lead the Bruins. Davis Brown also scored for Estevan. Kealin Wong and Brant Harris also picked up assists for the Bruins. The game featured a good scrap between Wings tough guy Justin Crockatt and Bruins captain Kyle Garagan who for some reason thought he was a heavyweight champion after the bout as he taunted the Red Wing bench. AJ Whiffen made 29 saves for the win while David Ritz stopped 18 of 22 shots he faced in the Estevan goal. The Bruins were without regular starter Karsten Felske for the weekend as he had some dehydration issues. Riley Hengen was called in as an emergency backup for the weekend.

Other Saturday Action....

The other game the Red Wings were keeping a close tab on was the game in Kindersley between the Melville Millionaires and the host Klippers. The Millionaires moved into sole possession of second place in the Sherwood as they disposed of the Klippers 4-2. Levi Lind had two goals to pace the Millionaires. Michael Jordan and Dion Campbell also scored for Melville. Daniel Hope and Aaron Decorby each had two assists for Melville while Tyler Murray, Austin Krahenbil, and Curtis Beech also had assists. Jerrett Bicknell and Casey Rempel replied for the Klippers. Kendall Holmes, Jonathan Redlick and Brett Leedahl all picked up assists. Joe Rodwell had the win in goal for Melville while Matt Weninger made 25 saves in the losing effort for the Klippers. Melville has three games remaining, while the Klippers have four remaining. This should be an interesting race for second place down the stretch. The Millionaires conclude their season with a home and home against the Estevan Bruins followed by a home game against Notre Dame. The Klippers head out on a three game southern road trip to Notre Dame, Weyburn and Estevan before finishing up at home against La Ronge.

In Flin Flon, the Bombers picked up a big win on home ice to move within one point of the third place La Ronge Ice Wolves as they dumped Melfort 5-1. Cole Wilson scored twice to lead the way for the Bombers. Dennis Kubat, Scott Day and Dustyn Clegg also scored for Flin Flon. Reid MacLeod and Barrett Penner each had two assists for the Bombers. Myles Masse, Matt Dyck and Kory Gursky all added single assists. Ryan Gareau had the lone goal for the Mustangs. Calvin Bartel stopped 18 of 19 shots for the win. Jesse Trach got a rare start for the Mustangs and made 30 saves. The Bombers and Ice Wolves each have four games remaining including a home and home this coming weekend. Chances are if one of the teams can sweep the home and home, that team will finish third and avoid the elimination series versus Nipawin.

The Nipawin Hawks continue to play some impressive hockey as of late as they fired 63 shots at La Ronge goaltender Jonathan Jobin in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Ice Wolves. Steve Mason scored twice for the Hawks, including the overtime winner. Mike Rey had the other Nipawin goal. Brent Ottmann added two assists while also getting helpers were Trent Rumpel, Jordan Bourgonje, Keldon Sanderson and Taylor Thiessen. Bruno-Pier Gosselin and Chris Jungwirth scored for the Ice Wolves. Jordie Johnston and Ryan Desjarlais added assists. Jobin was the true hero for La Ronge as he made 60 saves. Derek Kleinsteuber had 30 saves for the Hawks as he picked up the win.

So with a week to go in the regular season a few things are left to be decided. Who will finish second in the Sherwood - Melville or Kindersley? Who will avoid the elimination series in the Itech - La Ronge or Flin Flon? Will Jordie Johnston hang on to win the scoring title? Will either Weyburn's AJ Whiffen or Humboldt's Taylor Nelson pick up shutout number 7 on the season to set an all time SJHL single season record. Should be an interesting week ahead.

Wings this week - Tomorrow night in Notre Dame, Tuesday home against Yorkton, Friday home versus Kindersley and Saturday back to Notre Dame to finish off the season.

- Brad M.

Quick interview with Nargang.

2008-02-07T11:43:00.000-06:00

TK: You had a great three point night versus Melville this week and you have been playing great since the All Star break. Has that been because you have personally stepped up your game or has the team been playing that much better?

Nargang: I think it is a little of both. We have all been producing more lately but as for myself, I have really been concentrating on working hard and goals have been coming with the hard work I have been putting in.

TK: Was the atmosphere different in the dressing room as you were approaching win number 1000 for Dwight?

Nargang: Dwight wanted us to be prepared for the play-offs and just told us that a win is a win, no matter what number it is. He stressed that win number 1001 is just as important as any win before that, so we went out every night and gave it our all.

TK: With the play-offs approaching, the Red Wings look like the team to beat in the Sherwood Conference. How far do you think the team can go this year?

Nargang: The team can go as far as we believe. Right now we are in first place and definitely are the team to beat in the Sherwood but all the teams that make it through to the second round after the survivor series are going to be tough. If we underestimate anyone then we won’t go very far at all.

TK:This weekend you get to take on the Estevan Bruins, a team that has faced it’s share of ups and downs during the season. What is the game plan versus a team like them?

Nargang: We just have to play our own game, work hard and finish our checks. They have some guys who can score goals so we have to be on top of our game if we want to win both of these games during the weekend.

Wings get help from Hawks!

2008-02-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

There were three games on the SJHL schedule tonight and Weyburn Red Wing fans had particular interest in the Kindersley - Nipawin result as the Wings lead the Klippers by 7 point for first going into the evening.

The Wings magic number to clinch first is now 2 as the Hawks downed the Klippers 4-3 in Kindersley. Torrie Dyck scored twice for the Hawks while Blair Toms and Matt Schneider added singles. Jordon Miller and Taylor Thiessen each had two assists for Nipawin. Jonathan Redlick, Ben Ritchie and Travis Eggum scored for the Klippers while Eggum also added an assist for the Klippers. Derek Kleinsteuber picked up the win in goal for Nipawin while Matt Weninger took the loss for the Klippers. Ryan Nieszner was not even in the Kindersley lineup tonight as Josh Thorimbert was dressed as the backup goaltender.

In Melville, the Millionaires moved within two points of the second place Klippers after defeating the Flin Flon Bombers 2-1 in overtime. Daniel Hope scored both goals for the Mils on the night as he tied the game early in the third before scoring the winner just over a minute into the extra frame. Levi Lind added two assists for Melville who also got an assist from Chris Shudo. David Linsley had the lone goal for the Bombers with Scott Day assisting on the marker. The Millionaires played without Scott Hennings who was injured last night in Weyburn. Joe Rodwell stopped 19 of 20 shots to pick up the win for Melville. Calvin Bartel had a good night for the Bombers as he stopped 37 Melville shots but that was not good enough as the Bombers could not muster much offense. Despite the overtime loss, the Bombers do gain a point on the third place La Ronge Ice Wolves in the Itech conference.

The Melfort Mustangs completed a home and home sweep of the La Ronge Ice Wolves tonight as they downed the Wolves 4-1 in Melfort. Mike Kirby, Riley Clark, Nick Kalnicki and Brady Gordon (empty netter) scored for the Mustangs. Kyle Fraser added two assists for Melfort. Jules Boucher had the lone La Ronge goal with Jarrid Dowhay getting the lone assist. Ilia Ejov kept up his impressive play as he made 22 saves in the Melfort goal. Jonathan Jobin stopped 32 Melfort shots in the loss.

- Brad M.

Wings Down Moneymen!

2008-02-05T23:47:00.000-06:00

The Weyburn Red Wings returned home after a weekend road trip to the far north and rebounded from Saturday's loss over Flin Flon with a 5-3 victory over the Melville Millionaires.

The Millionaires struck first as Chris Shudo used his speed to get in behind the Red Wing defense and put the back hand breakaway shot past AJ Whiffen to make it 1-0 Melville. Aaron Decorby assisted on the goal. The Wings would respond just over a minute later as some aggressive forechecking by Josh Bray would lead to Brayden Nargang find a streaking Adam Feniak for the goal to tie things at one. The Wings would take the lead at the 9:06 mark of the second as Nargang took a super pass from Connor Krukowski right up the middle and scored on the breakaway to make it 2-1. Feniak also assisted on the goal. The Wings would then score a pretty power play goal just under six minutes later to take a 3-1 lead. Torrey Lindsay and Rhett Bly used some pretty tic tac toe passing to set up Preston Shupe for his 17th of the season. The Wings would make it 4-1 with a shorthanded goal by Nargang just 1:47 into the third period as the Millionaires got sloppy in their own end and Josh Bray found Nargang with a pass to give the Wings the big lead. The Millionaires would make a game of it though as Matt Kinnunen cut the lead to 4-2 at the 3:28 mark of the final period from Shane Stanicky. The Millionaires would then cut the lead to one at 9:27 of the period as Levi Lind picked up his 7th goal of the season as he had a wide open net to shoot at. Decorby and Austin Krahenbil assisted on the goal. Erick Ruud rounded out the scoring for the Wings as he added an empty netter with 41 second to play with Scott Doody and Eric Calibaba getting the assists. AJ Whiffen picked up the win as he stopped 24 shots on the night. Joe Rodwell took the loss for Melville stopping 21 shots. The Wings lead over Kindersley remains at seven points as the Klippers downed Notre Dame tonight. The Millionaires are more than likely going to finish third in the Sherwood.

Other Boxscores from tonight:

Notre Dame 1 - Goal: Kyle Ireland; Assists: Rylan Schwartz, Andrew Bzdel
@
Kindersley 4 - Goals: Ryan Sawka, Jerrett Bicknell, Jonathan Redlick, Kendall Holmes; Assists: Travis Eggum (2), Matt Sawa, Jordan Braid, Mat Olson, Brett Leedahl, Sawka, Bicknell

Winning Goaltender: Ryan Nieszner (24/25)
Losing Goaltender: Mark Currie (41/45)

Flin Flon 4 - Goals: Pierre - Luc Boucher (2), Dennis Kubat, Dustyn Clegg; Assists: Cameron MacKinnon (2), Cole Wilson (2), Myles Masse, Boucher, David Linsley, Matt Dyck
@
Yorkton 1 - Goal: Cody Zubko; Assists: Greg Coburn, Kyle Block

Winning goaltender: Carsen Chubak (28/29)
Losing goaltender: Joel Danyluk (13/16 - 20MP), Lynden Sammartino (16/17 - 40:00)

Estevan 1 - Goal: Kyle Stroh; Assists: Payden Benning, Kyle Ermel
@
Humboldt 5 - Goals: Tory Allan (2), Scott Schroeder, Matt Rintoul, Matthew Kirzinger; Assists: Kirzinger (2), Brady Wacker (2), Steven Schroeder, Voldy Dashko, Shawn Hunter, Mitchell Stretch, Jordan Schindel, Cory Knaus

Winning goaltender: Taylor Nelson (29/30)
Losing goaltender: David Ritz (35/40)

Melfort 4 - Goals: Taylor Watt (2), Nick Kalnicki, Clint Olson; Assists: Olson (2), Kalnicki
@
La Ronge 2- Goals: Everette Lerner, Jarrid Dowhay; Assists: Joel Belair, Calvin Fiddler, Jordie Johnston

Winning goaltender: Ilia Ejov (30/32)
Losing goaltender: Jonathan Jobin (30/33)

Nipawin 4 - Goals: Brent Ottmann, Matt Schneider, Taylor Thiessen, Kyle Cowan; Assists: Torrie Dyck (3), Blair Toms (2), Thiessen, Schneider, Dean Prpick
@
Battlefords 0

Winning goaltender: Derek Kleinsteuber (shutout)
Losing goaltender: Adrien Lemay

- Brad M.

We need your help!

2008-02-05T18:39:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to vote for Dwight on the new SJHL poll. We all know Dwight is the coach of the year anyway, so lets just show everyone else.

Just head on over to www.sjhl.ca to place your vote.

-Troy K

Leader Post Article from Tuesday February 5

2008-02-05T07:27:00.000-06:00

Historic milestone celebrated

Tim Switzer
The Leader-Post

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Make it 1,000 wins and no ties for Weyburn Red Wings head coach Dwight McMillan.

McMillan, who won his 1,000th game with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team on Friday, was stripped of his neck tie following the win for it to head east to Toronto and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

McMillan's game notes, pen, the game puck and the game sheet were also snapped up by team president Ken Ferguson to head to the Hall of Fame to commemorate the historic victory.

McMillan is also to be celebrated on Friday at the Weyburn Colosseum during the first intermission of the Wings' game versus the Estevan Bruins.

"You hate to make too big a deal about it, but in this situation I don't think you can say or do enough -- it's really historic," said league president Laury Ryan.

That won't be the first such ceremony, however. After McMillan got win No. 1,000 on Friday, the host La Ronge Ice Wolves honoured the long time bench boss. The next night in Flin Flon, the Bombers made an on-ice presentation to McMillan and their players lined up to shake his hand.

McMillan has long said that he wants to think of it as just a win for the Red Wings, but he is about the only one willing to think that way.

"I don't think it will ever be matched," said Ryan. "How many people are going to have the passion to do it for 35-plus years?"

Looking back, Ryan is particularly impressed with the way McMillan has reached 1,000 wins and the way he has handled himself through more than three decades of junior A hockey.

"We've made some fairly significant changes over the past few years to secure our place within the hockey world," said Ryan. "A lot of times, when you ask people to change or move forward, you get a lot of resistance. The changes we have made have not been easy. We've had coaches or other people fighting change for one reason or another, but the one thing I've always found with Dwight is he has always embraced change. Who's the first one to step up and say, 'Hey, I want to be part of the World Junior A Challenge?' McMillan. Who's the first to say, 'Is there any way I can be a part of this Junior A Prospects Game?' Dwight McMillan. That's how he's maintained his passion so much. He wants to see the game get better."

McMillan has also done that without fanfare, much like he would prefer to handle the aftermath of his 1,000th win.

"He's pretty embarrassed by it all," said Ferguson. "He's a pretty humble man. He wishes the fanfare wasn't all there and that it was just another win. He's more worried about coming in first and having a good playoff run.

"We couldn't let it pass, though. It's something pretty special."

- - -

Players-of-the-week: It has been a good week for Melfort Mustangs rookie defenceman Tommy Brown.

On Sunday, it was announced that Brown verbally committed to join the NCAA's Michigan Tech Huskies for the start of the 2009-10 season. On Monday, Brown was named the league's top blueliner for the week.

The Prince Albert product had a goal and three assists in three games last week to help Melfort to a 2-1 record. He is second among defencemen with 39 points on the season.

Regina native Taylor Nelson is the goaltender-of-the-week. Nelson went 2-0 for the Humboldt Broncos during the week, including a shutout of Melfort on Wednesday.

The Melville Millionaires' Daniel Hope is the forward-of-the-week. He had three goals and three assists in three games and has registered at least one point in his last seven games.

- - -

Broncos on top of the heap: Humboldt is the new No. 1 team in the Canadian Junior A Hockey League rankings.

The Broncos won three road games during the week to move to 42-9-0-1 on the season and push past the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the No. 1 ranking.

Humboldt has been led this season by Nelson, who sports an incredible 1.82 goals-against average, and by Laurent Benjamin and Jordan Schindel, who each have 59 points.

- - -

Stat-of-the-week: You can't say enough about this stat -- 1,000 wins.

McMillan reached 1,000 wins with a 4-1 win over the Wolves on Friday and joins Ottawa 67s great Brian Kilrea and NHL legend Scotty Bowman as the only coaches with 1,000 wins at one level of hockey.

With such a feat, hopefully more than McMillan's tie ends up in the Hall of Fame. The man who wore it should have his image adorned on the wall there, too.

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

We Have A Winner!

2008-02-04T21:29:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Savannah & Abby Pohl. They knew that our mystery Red Wing player was Carter Selinger!

For knowing that, they win two tickets to any Weyburn Red Wings home game.

Thanks for all the entries. Check back soon for another player to be featured.

- Troy K

SJHL Players of the Week

2008-02-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

SJHL FORWARD OF THE WEEK

Winner: Daniel Hope, Melville Millionaires

Highlights: Hope led all SJHLers with three goals and three assists in three games played last week. His big game was Wednesday when he had a goal and three assists against Notre Dame. But, he also scored against Humboldt on Friday and Nipawin on Saturday. He’s red hot over his last seven games (4-9-13) and he has a point scoring streak sitting at seven as we enter a new week.

Runners-up: Taylor Watt, Melfort; Laurent Benjamin, Humboldt; Steve Mason & Torrie Dyck, Nipawin; Josh Bray, Weyburn.

SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE WEEK

Winner: Tommy Brown, Melfort Mustangs

Highlights: Brown, a 1989 born rookie, has a shot at winning the overall league award for the loop’s best blueliner. He has been that good. Last week, Brown had a goal and three assists in three games played as the Mustangs snapped out of a three game funk by winning two straight and allowing only one goal in each of those wins. For the year, Brown is second amongst SJHL defensemen in scoring with 39-points in 44-games.

Runners-up: Taylor Thiessen, Nipawin; Kealin Wong, Estevan; Brady Wacker, Humboldt.

SJHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Winner: Taylor Nelson, Humboldt Broncos

Highlights: It can be suggested Nelson doesn’t come up with game changing saves very often (namely because he doesn’t need to), but last week there was one game in particular in which Nelson was the difference. It came Wednesday night when he made 28-saves to shutout the Melfort Mustangs. He also stopped 26-shots in a road win against Melville on Friday. For the season, Nelson is well on his way to smashing the SJHL record for GAA, he’s currently at 1.82, and his SPCT of .926 is further evidence that if you penetrate the Broncos’ defense; Nelson is more than game to bail out his teammates.

Runners-up: Ilia Ejov, Melfort; AJ Whiffen, Weyburn; Matt Weninger, Kindersley; Karsten Felske, Estevan.

CJAHL Rankings for week ended Feb. 2

2008-02-04T15:09:00.000-06:00

The Canadian Junior A Hockey League announced today its Top 15 rankings for the week of January 27th to February 2nd. Last week’s rankings and the leagues in which the teams belong to are in parenthesis.

The CJAHL Top 15 as of Saturday, February 2nd:

1. (2) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
2. (1) Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
3. (4) Pembroke Lumber Kings (CJHL)
4. (3) Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL)
5. (5) St. Michael’s Buzzers (OPJHL)
6. (6) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
7. (7) L’Action de Joliette (LHJAAAQ)
8. (9) Yarmouth Mariners (MJAHL)
9. (8) Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL)
10. (10) Portage Terriers (MJHL)
11. (14) Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)
12. (15) Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
13. (12) Dryden Ice Dogs (SIJHL)
14. (13) Winnipeg Saints (MJHL)
15. (NR) Vaughan Vipers (OPJHL)

Honorable mention goes to the:

Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL), Westside Warriors (BCHL), Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL), Selkirk Steelers (MJHL), Fort William North Stars (SIJHL), North Bay Skyhawks (NOJHL), Oakville Blades (OPJHL), Huntsville Otters (OPJHL), Newmarket Hurricanes (OPJHL), Brockville Braves (CJHL), Les Cougars du Collège Champlain Sherbrooke (LHJAAAQ), Miramichi Timberwolves (MJAHL), and the Truro Bearcats (MJAHL).

The rankings are based upon a variety of factors which includes the league in which the teams belong to, their winning percentage, their win-loss record, total points accumulated, their goals-for versus goals-against ratio, amongst other factors.

The CJAHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJAHL can be found by clicking on the league website. www.cjahl.com

Wings come up short in Flin Flon

2008-02-02T22:09:00.000-06:00

It will go down as the weekend Dwight McMillan earned his 1000th victory but the Wings could not carryover their momentum from the prior night in La Ronge as they were doubled up by the Bombers 4-2. Barrett Penner opened up the scoring for Flin Flon at the 2:42 mark of the first period after re-directing a point shot by defenseman Harley Garrioch. Cole Wilson also assisted on the goal. The Wings would respond just 36 seconds into the second period as Luke Johnson picked up his 13th goal of the season from Josh Bray and Brayden Nargang. The Bombers would regain the lead just under six minutes later as Matt Dyck scored from Wilson and Penner. The goal was not without controversy as both play by play man Kevin Smith and other people at the game thought the whistle had blown before the puck entered the net. The Wings would run into some penalty trouble in the second period as Josh Bray received six mintues in penalties, including a double minor for spearing all on the same play. The Wings penalty killers were able to kill off the six minute Flin Flon power play and then Bray atoned for his penalties with his 25th goal of the season just minutes after stepping out of the penalty box to tie the game at 2. The Bombers would regain the lead however before the end of the period as Penner would pick up his second goal of the night from Garrioch and Tommy Castonguay. Despite some third period pressure the Wings could not get the equalizer has Dustyn Clegg scored the empty netter with 53 seconds to go the seal the deal for Flin Flon. AJ Whiffen (pictured above) was incredible despite the loss as he stopped 43 Flin Flon shots. Carsen Chubak got the win for Flin Flon as he made 21 saves on the evening. Smith described a save that Whiffen made in the third period as grand larceny and by far the save of the year. The Wings will return to action on Tuesday night when the Melville Millionaires come to town.

At this time I would like to just mention how classy both the La Ronge Ice Wolves and Flin Flon Bombers organizations are. Both organizations made presentations to coach McMillan in honor of his 1000th win and players from both teams shook hands with Dwight. Congratulations again to Dwight and a special thank you to both the Ice Wolves and Bombers for the class displayed. I should also mention that many fans from other teams are leaving congratulatory messages for Mac on the SJHL fan forum. Good on all of you.

Despite the loss tonight, the Red Wings maintain a seven point lead over the second place Kindersley Klippers as Kindersley was defeated 2-1 by the visiting Melfort Mustangs. Ryan Gareau got the winning goal for the Mustangs just over the halfway point of the second period. Clint Olson also scored for the Mustangs who got assists from Taylor Watt, Tommy Brown, Cam Oliphant and Kyle Fraser. Brett Leedahl scored the lone Klippers goal from Jeremy Beller and Scott Linnell short-handed in the second period. Ilia Ejov (pictured) had another fine outing for the Mustangs as he made 30 saves. Matt Weninger who appears to be moving into the starting role down the stretch in Kindersley made 27 saves.

In Yorkton, the Humboldt Broncos completed a good weekend in east central Saskatchewan as they downed the Yorkton Terriers 6-2. The Broncos broke the game open in the second period as they scored four goals to take a big lead into the third period. Josh Garneau (pictured) scored twice for the Broncos who got singles from Brady Wacker, Tanner Vandesype, Matthew Kirzinger and Jordan Schindel. Mitchell Peeke added three assists for the Broncos. Jordan Pawelec and Travis Coghill scored for the Terriers in the third but it was too little too late on this night. Backup goaltender Andrew Bodnarchuk got the start for the Broncos and had a solid outing as he made 31 saves. Joel Danyluk got the start for the Terriers and allowed 4 goals on 26 shots through two period. Lynden Sammartino came in for the third but the Terriers fared no better as he allowed two goals on only six shots.

Finally in Nipawin, the Melville Millionaires skated away with a 4-2 win over the host Hawks. Kirk Mastad, Jordan Wilson, Scott Hennings and Kale Dolinski (pictured) all scored for Melville. Bryant Dyke, Dolinski, Jordan Reeve and Levi Lind all added assists. Taylor Thiessen and Torrie Dyck replied for Nipawin. Dyck and Brent Ottmann added assists for the Hawks. Joe Rodwell picked up the win for the Mils while Derek Kleinsteuber suffered the loss.

Tonight's SJHL Three Stars:

1. Barrett Penner - Flin Flon Bombers (3 point night to lead Bombers to victory.
2. AJ Whiffen - Weyburn Red Wings (not very often I pick a losing goaltender but tonight it was a well earned star as if not for Whiffen it would have likely been a much worse result)
3. Mitchell Peeke - Humboldt Broncos (offensive explosion as Bronco rookie has a three point night)

- Brad M.

He did it, 1000 wins for Mac!

2008-02-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

With four games on the SJHL schedule last night, the only one on everyone's mind was Weyburn versus the La Ronge Ice Wolves as head coach Dwight McMillan was just one win away from capturing his 1000th regular season win.

After a scoreless first period,the Ice Wolves opened the scoring just 22 seconds into the second when Jarrid Dowhay scored on the powerplay to make it 1-0. That seemed to spark the Red Wings and they roared back with a goal from Erick Ruud at 2:19 with the assists going to Doody and Calibaba. Then just over a minute later Luke Johnson scored to give the Wings a one goal lead heading into the third period.

The Red Wings added two more goals in the third, the first by Nick Needham at 4:40. Then Josh Bray finished things off by scoring a powerplay goal at 7:36 to give the Red Wings a 4-1 lead that they would never relinquish, as well as helping coach McMillan pick up win number 1000.

AJ Whiffen held down the fort as he saved 42 of 43 shots while Jonathan Jobin of the Ice Wolves had a tough night saving 24 of 28 shots.

The Weyburn Red Wings will take on the Flin Flon Bombers tonight in hopes of getting win number 1001 for Dwight.

In other SJHL news, Humboldt defeats Melville by a score of 4-2, Estevan defeats Yorkton by a score of 4-3, Melfort defeats Battlefords by a score of 5-1.

- Troy K

Another Article from Today's Leader Post!

2008-01-31T17:23:00.000-06:00

Coaches can't fathom so many wins

Tim Switzer
The Leader-Post
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Just 973 more wins for Flin Flon Bombers head coach Mike Reagan and he will be right there with Dwight McMillan.
McMillan, the long-time head coach of the Weyburn Red Wings, is sitting on 999 wins in his Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League career, a number that his contemporaries have a tough time fathoming.
"It's just incredible to think about 1,000 wins," said Reagan, the 28-year-old first-year bench boss with the Bombers (26-20-1-2). "You go and do the math and you realize how many wins it takes per year to do that. It's a pretty remarkable feat."
McMillan, coincidentally, was 28 when he became the Red Wings head coach in 1972.
"Everybody has been joking around that that will be me in 35 years," Reagan said with a chuckle.
Most coaches, however, aren't thinking about eventually making it to 1,000 wins even for a second. Most won't be able to stay in one league long enough to reach that level. They may find more lucrative opportunities outside hockey or they may move up the coaching ranks to the major junior level or beyond.
With so many coaching changes these days in all levels of sport, it's nice just to get a few years in, said Estevan Bruins head coach Karry Biette.
"When you first get into it, no matter who you are or where you start, you're just trying to hang on with both hands and make it through the first couple years," said Biette. "It's an accomplishment that a handful of people in the history of junior hockey are going to achieve."
Look around the SJHL and only Larry Wintoneak of the Kindersley Klippers and Bob Beatty of the La Ronge Ice Wolves who have more than a decade of experience as a head coach in the SJHL. Both coaches started as head coaches in the mid 1990s and -- save for Wintoneak's two seasons in Ontario -- have been in the SJHL since.
"You're basically preparing for every game and if you worry about statistics, it takes away from that," said Beatty. "I'm sure Dwight wouldn't have been counting it down unless the league and the media were providing a lot of attention to it -- which I think is only common sense. It's a tremendous accomplishment."
Even Beatty and Wintoneak haven't be able to fully process McMillan's win total.
"Talking to him, he says, 'A win is a win. I don't know if it's my 700th or my 1,000th.' That is Mac, it's never been about him," Wintoneak said. "When you coach that long, you have to adapt. Kids have changed over the years, coaching styles have changed over the years."
McMillan's first shot at reaching 1,000 wins is to come Friday in La Ronge. Beatty said he doesn't mind being involved in a potentially historic game, but that doesn't mean he wants to see McMillan reach the milestone against the Ice Wolves.
"Dwight wants to win it not just because it his 1,000th win," said Beatty. "He wants to win it and so do I."
But will Beatty ever have the chance to reach the same total?
"I have absolutely no idea how many I have now," he said chuckling. "Part of the accomplishment is the patience and perseverance he's had in being able to stay with the team year after year. A tip of the hat to Dwight for that success.
"To do another 20 years? I don't think I'm going to make it."
© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

- Posted by Brad M.

From Today's Regina Leader Post!

2008-01-31T07:52:00.000-06:00

Making the playoffs is good, but 1,000 wins -- priceless

Tim Switzer
The Leader-Post

Thursday, January 31, 2008

CREDIT: Joshua Sawka, The Leader-Post
Weyburn Red Wings head coach Dwight McMillan is one win shy of 1,000 with the Red Wings.

Today will be like any other day for Dwight McMillan.

The Weyburn Red Wings head coach expects the same will be said for Friday, Saturday and for the rest of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season.

He will get up in the morning, head to the rink and try to keep his team on the winning track as it heads toward the SJHL postseason.

But for many around McMillan and the Red Wings, these days are anything but typical and games the team plays will follow suit.

The next one the Red Wings win will be the 1,000th in McMillan's career with Weyburn.

"It's one of those MasterCard situations -- you can buy a lot of things, but can you ever put a true value on this?" said Red Wings general manager Ron Rumball.

Though Rumball has been with the Red Wings in one capacity or another since McMillan took the head-coaching job in 1972, the GM still marvels at what his friend has accomplished.

"A coach who has attained 1,000-win status with one team is about as few and far between as the come," said Rumball. "There may be other coaches that win 1,000 games -- and hopefully there will be -- but to do it with one franchise is really remarkable."

But as much as folks like Rumball will sing McMillan's praises, the head coach will never do the same.

He is the first to pass credit off to his family, to players, assistant coaches and boards of directors over the years for allowing him to get to the point where he is among a very select group.

It is believed the only coaches to accumulate 1,000 wins at one level of hockey are legendary NHL head coach Scott Bowman and equally legendary Ottawa 67s bench boss Brian Kilrea.

But through all his years of coaching, the only win that mattered to McMillan was the next one.

"As a coach, you're just trying to get ready for the next shift or the next game," said McMillan. "It doesn't matter if it's the 10th or the 1,000th, you're trying to win it. If I stopped and thought about it, I guess it would just mean that this franchise has been successful."

That has long been the style of the Lashburn product. He came to Weyburn to join the Red Wings as a player in their inaugural year in 1960. He eventually spent a little time in the minor pro leagues and had shots with the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, but then got some good advice from a veteran player.

"He was coming down from the majors and said, 'If you're not going to play regularly with the top six and make good money, get out of here.' I was happy to get that," said McMillan, who retired in 2005 after 38 years at EnCana Energy. "I can't remember who he was but he had a wife, two kids and nice clothes. He said, 'This is all I own and I'm on my way down.' "

In 1966, McMillan married his wife, Diane, and started coaching Weyburn's junior B team. After seven seasons with that club, McMillan got the call to lead the Red Wings in 1972. Save for a few years in the early 1980s, he has been there ever since.

He and Diane raised two sons, Wade and Tyler, who played for the Red Wings and earned NCAA scholarships. Wade now lives in Franklin, Mass., while Tyler returned to Weyburn and is now an assistant coach to his dad.

His sons, like many other boys in and around Weyburn grew up wanting to play for McMillan. Kyle Haines, the Red Wings captain, moved to Weyburn when he was 13 and immediately understood what McMillan meant to young hockey players in the area.

"Coming through minor hockey, you hear a lot of stories and you see him on the ice and on the bench and someday you want to be there with him," said Haines. "He's an icon for the Weyburn Red Wings and he's a familiar face around town. Everyone knows him and he's well-respected around town."

Over the years, McMillan was named the SJHL coach-of-the-year three times, won six league titles and five Saskatchewan-Manitoba championships. He also led the Wings to national championships in 1984 and 2005 and has been an assistant coach for Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge the past two seasons.

The latest milestone on that resume -- win No. 1,000 -- could come as early as Friday night when the Wings visit the La Ronge Ice Wolves.

If that win comes Friday or in another game, most people in his life know exactly how McMillan will react.

"He'll probably celebrate just a win for the team," said Diane McMillan. "If you asked him right now, he'd probably have to ask, 'Where are we now? Nine hundred and ninety-what?' He's not that kind of person. Maybe the night of it would get him a little excited. But that's a personal (achievement). Its not as big as a win for his team."

The celebration may be quiet among the McMillan family and the Red Wings team, but it may expand within the city of Weyburn.

Mayor Debra Button, a lifelong Weyburn resident, said something so rare is a big deal for Weyburn and that McMillan represents everything that is good about the town.

"He coaches not just a team, but coaches men to turn into real gentlemen," said Button, whose husband, Greg, played for the Red Wings in the early 1980s. "The things that I hear about Dwight is the guys are not just good on the ice, but they're good ambassadors off the ice as well. Dwight turns boys into men and goes a step beyond just coaching."

While residents of Weyburn want to celebrate the 1,000th victory with McMillan, they may not get a chance to do so immediately. If the Wings lose on Friday, the team has another chance to get No. 1,000 on Saturday against the host Flin Flon Bombers. From there it is back home for a Tuesday game with the Melville Millionaires and one on Feb. 8 with the Estevan Bruins.

McMillan, however, hopes to have the big one over with well before the Red Wings return to Weyburn on Sunday.

"I'm not going to make a big deal out of it with the kids, I just want them to play the best the can," said McMillan. "Somebody can do something (to commemorate it) and that's great.

"But I feel it's just another game in the history of the Weyburn Red Wings."

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

- Brad M.