Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday
(Tessa Lowry, Adam's little sister made the trip to support her big bro in Cranbrook)A few thoughts on the weekend....
- Cody Eakin added to his league leading goal total now at 24 as he scored two more in the 6-2 win over the Kootenay Ice. He equals his goal total from last season just 26 games into the season.
Eakin's 1st goal is POW worthy. Michael Stickland tossed a saucer pass that Eakin knocked down and controlled with his glove at waist level. He settled it down to his stick all in full flight before snapping it by G Todd Mathews.
- D Reece Scarlett joined the team post-game after visiting the hospital after a fight. He had his nose broken but was in good spirits and was fine. Reece won't forget his first WHL fight. He later joked that his gloves would be strapped on for awhile.
- Stepan Novotny scored his first goal as a Bronco. It would turn out to be the game-winner. He finished off a scramble in front of the Ice goal late in the first period.
- The bus ride home was a bit a longer one. There was some snow through the mountains which slowed the pace down somewhat. The team arrived around 7:30am Saskatchewan time.
- The Ice have great fans. Always in a good mood. A few though left early when the Broncos made it 5-2 in the third.
- The usher who stands right beside the visiting broadcast booth (and who was the subject of a WHL broadcasters email for getting involved verbally with visiting broadcasters) had a warning for me pre-game "Call a good game... there's two teams out there". Later, he was tapping me on the shoulder to inform me the Ice goaltender switch in the 1st period.
- Bert from Kurt's KFC will be handing out gift cards for the guys following the road win. By my count it's $167 KFC bucks! That's a lot of chicken. Whatever works.
- The Broncos won't play until Friday night in Brandon. Good Luck to Justin Dowling and Cody Eakin who will represent Team WHL this week at the Subway Super Series.
Jon
Road Win
I'll post some of my own thoughts later but if you're looking for a game recap, Jeff Bromley from Cranbrook has an accurate description on his blog here.
I should have something up this afternoon.
Enjoy your Sunday and GO RIDERS!
Jon
I should have something up this afternoon.
Enjoy your Sunday and GO RIDERS!
Jon
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Game Day in Cranbrook
Just getting back into the hotel after a morning skate/practice and a quick jaunt around town. Here's some pics from last night/today.
Smilin' Stepan. New Bronco Stepan Novotny is happy practice is over. He'll play tonight with Eakin and Stickland. You would be hard pressed to find a faster three man unit in the WHL.
Matt Tassone (left), Cody Eakin (right) run into the staff at Starbucks. Tassone is on the trip but won't play until early next month.
Arrived last night to catch the third period/ot between the Ice and the Regina Pats. Matt Strueby scored the shootout winner. The fans were into this one. Former Broncos Ryan Molle and James Martin played a lot down the stretch.
Smilin' Stepan. New Bronco Stepan Novotny is happy practice is over. He'll play tonight with Eakin and Stickland. You would be hard pressed to find a faster three man unit in the WHL.
Matt Tassone (left), Cody Eakin (right) run into the staff at Starbucks. Tassone is on the trip but won't play until early next month. The Broncos need the road win tonight against a Kootenay Ice team that's playing better hockey. Got a message passed to me from a Bronco fan / sponsor. He wants to see the guys get the first road win.
Bert from Kurt's KFC is offering up some gift cards for the guys if they can pull this one off. This applies only for a win though.....
A $10 gift card for every + on the scoresheet (+3 at the end of the night would be $30 gift card), The winning goalie will get $1 a save. There you go.
We're on the air tonight at 7:30pm with the pre-game show. Play-by-play at 8pm on the Eagle 94.1 FM.
Have a good weekend,
Jon
Friday, November 20, 2009
On the Road....
The team is off to Cranbrook this afternoon for one of those schedule head-scratchers....
The team will play a single road game against the Kootenay Ice Saturday night and then return home for their only game this weekend.
Usually, this game would be part of a weekend set like Lethbridge/Kootenay or Calgary/Kootenay. Or sometimes it's the kick-off game to a U.S. or B.C. road swing.
Not this time. There and back.
We're on the air tomorrow night at 7:30pm with the pre-game show, play-by-play at 8pm.
More from Cranbrook............
Jon
The team will play a single road game against the Kootenay Ice Saturday night and then return home for their only game this weekend.
Usually, this game would be part of a weekend set like Lethbridge/Kootenay or Calgary/Kootenay. Or sometimes it's the kick-off game to a U.S. or B.C. road swing.
Not this time. There and back.
We're on the air tomorrow night at 7:30pm with the pre-game show, play-by-play at 8pm.
More from Cranbrook............
Jon
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Broncos Can't Solve Brandon
It was one of those nights...
The Broncos fell short in a 5-4 loss to Brandon in a game where over 2300 jeered the officiating most of the night.
The Broncos had to kill off two lengthy 5-on-3's and eight penalties much to the ire of the local fans. Still, when you sum it up, the Broncos didn't help their cause all that much.
Giving up a shorthanded goal to Scott Glennie to open the scoring didn't help. Neither did the loose pucks and 2nd and 3rd opportunities in the Bronco crease.
Everytime the Broncos built some momentum with a goal, Brandon answered right back. Justin Dowling cut Brandon's lead to 2-1 in the 1st. 59 seconds later, Brendan Walker restored the two-goal lead.
Dowling scored his 2nd goal of the night to tie the game 4-4 in the second. 43 seconds later Mark Schneider banked one home to give Brandon the lead right back.
The Broncos will never really able to carry momentum in the game.
Newcomer Stepan Novotny made his Bronco debut playing with Cody Eakin and Michael Stickland. The line generated a couple of chances but misfired on a couple of opportunities. It may take some time playing together to see what they're capable of.
Novotny showed his speed a couple times and I think did a good job of playing through a physical Brandon team.
The Broncos depart Friday afternoon for Cranbrook for their game Saturday night against the Kootenay Ice.
Jon
The Broncos fell short in a 5-4 loss to Brandon in a game where over 2300 jeered the officiating most of the night.
The Broncos had to kill off two lengthy 5-on-3's and eight penalties much to the ire of the local fans. Still, when you sum it up, the Broncos didn't help their cause all that much.
Giving up a shorthanded goal to Scott Glennie to open the scoring didn't help. Neither did the loose pucks and 2nd and 3rd opportunities in the Bronco crease.
Everytime the Broncos built some momentum with a goal, Brandon answered right back. Justin Dowling cut Brandon's lead to 2-1 in the 1st. 59 seconds later, Brendan Walker restored the two-goal lead.
Dowling scored his 2nd goal of the night to tie the game 4-4 in the second. 43 seconds later Mark Schneider banked one home to give Brandon the lead right back.
The Broncos will never really able to carry momentum in the game.
Newcomer Stepan Novotny made his Bronco debut playing with Cody Eakin and Michael Stickland. The line generated a couple of chances but misfired on a couple of opportunities. It may take some time playing together to see what they're capable of.
Novotny showed his speed a couple times and I think did a good job of playing through a physical Brandon team.
The Broncos depart Friday afternoon for Cranbrook for their game Saturday night against the Kootenay Ice.
Jon
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lowry and Scarlett Crack Team Pacific U-17 Roster
Swift Current, SK – Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey have announced their 22 man roster for the upcoming World Under 17 Challenge and it includes Broncos’ Adam Lowry and Reece Scarlett.
Lowry, from Calgary and Scarlett, from Sherwood Park are among the top 16 year olds representing Alberta and BC for Team Pacific. The Under 17 Challenge will take place in Timmins, Ontario from December 28th until January 4th. The Tournament features 4 teams from Canada (Pacific, West, Ontario and Atlantic) and the national teams from: Finland, USA, Sweden, Czech and Russia.
Scarlett was a first round bantam pick of the Broncos, selected 13th over-all while Lowry was a 4th round pick going 78th in 2008.
Broncos’ athletic trainer Jamie LeBlanc will also take part in the event as the equipment manager for Team West which is represented by players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Broncos’ assistant coach Tim Kehler coached Team Pacific to silver last year in Port Alberni, BC
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That's quite the honour for these two. Well deserved Adam and Reece. Congratulations.
I'll fire a recap of tonight's 5-4 loss to Brandon in the morning. The debut of Stepan Novotny featured a couple of shots on goal and some chances. I think he showcased some of his skating tonight. Hopefully he clicks a little better with his linemates in the coming games.
Lowry, from Calgary and Scarlett, from Sherwood Park are among the top 16 year olds representing Alberta and BC for Team Pacific. The Under 17 Challenge will take place in Timmins, Ontario from December 28th until January 4th. The Tournament features 4 teams from Canada (Pacific, West, Ontario and Atlantic) and the national teams from: Finland, USA, Sweden, Czech and Russia.
Scarlett was a first round bantam pick of the Broncos, selected 13th over-all while Lowry was a 4th round pick going 78th in 2008.
Broncos’ athletic trainer Jamie LeBlanc will also take part in the event as the equipment manager for Team West which is represented by players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Broncos’ assistant coach Tim Kehler coached Team Pacific to silver last year in Port Alberni, BC
-----------
That's quite the honour for these two. Well deserved Adam and Reece. Congratulations.
I'll fire a recap of tonight's 5-4 loss to Brandon in the morning. The debut of Stepan Novotny featured a couple of shots on goal and some chances. I think he showcased some of his skating tonight. Hopefully he clicks a little better with his linemates in the coming games.
Lowry and Scarlett Crack Team Pacific U-17 Roster
Swift Current, SK – Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey have announced their 22 man roster for the upcoming World Under 17 Challenge and it includes Broncos’ Adam Lowry and Reece Scarlett.
Lowry, from Calgary and Scarlett, from Sherwood Park are among the top 16 year olds representing Alberta and BC for Team Pacific. The Under 17 Challenge will take place in Timmins, Ontario from December 28th until January 4th. The Tournament features 4 teams from Canada (Pacific, West, Ontario and Atlantic) and the national teams from: Finland, USA, Sweden, Czech and Russia.
Scarlett was a first round bantam pick of the Broncos, selected 13th over-all while Lowry was a 4th round pick going 78th in 2008.
Broncos’ athletic trainer Jamie LeBlanc will also take part in the event as the equipment manager for Team West which is represented by players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Broncos’ assistant coach Tim Kehler coached Team Pacific to silver last year in Port Alberni, BC
Lowry, from Calgary and Scarlett, from Sherwood Park are among the top 16 year olds representing Alberta and BC for Team Pacific. The Under 17 Challenge will take place in Timmins, Ontario from December 28th until January 4th. The Tournament features 4 teams from Canada (Pacific, West, Ontario and Atlantic) and the national teams from: Finland, USA, Sweden, Czech and Russia.
Scarlett was a first round bantam pick of the Broncos, selected 13th over-all while Lowry was a 4th round pick going 78th in 2008.
Broncos’ athletic trainer Jamie LeBlanc will also take part in the event as the equipment manager for Team West which is represented by players from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Broncos’ assistant coach Tim Kehler coached Team Pacific to silver last year in Port Alberni, BC
Novotny Set for Broncos Debut / Broncos Host Brandon
It was expected that newly acquired forward Stepan Novotny will make his Broncos debut tonight as they host the Brandon Wheat Kings. Novotny was to arrive last night in city around 7pm. He will wear #44 for the Broncos.
Bronco fans won't have much of a chance to see Novotny in action. He will play in only a handful of home games before likely playing for the Czech Republic in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatoon and Regina.
The Broncos and the Wheat Kings will get to know each other pretty well over the next 10 days as they meet three times. Three of the Broncos next four are against Brandon - a team that has given them trouble over the last couple seasons. Brandon was 7-1 against the Broncos in the season series last year.
"I think we need to lose a little bit of that respect factor that I think is automatic or just too common with our group when we play a high-end team (like Brandon). We have to be a little bit reckless, we need to be a bit cocky and arrogant and play the game with that kind of approach." - Assistant Coach Tim Kehler
Brandon is in a stretch of playing five games in seven night. Last night they lost in Medicine Hat 4-3.
Tongiht on the pre-game show we will break-down the trade made earlier this week in detail. Geordie Wudrick practiced with the Kelowna Rockets yesterday after arriving there in the early afternoon. Regan Bartel has a picture and a quick video of Wudrick in Rockets' garb. Check out his blog link "Regan's Rant" over on the right.
Jon
Bronco fans won't have much of a chance to see Novotny in action. He will play in only a handful of home games before likely playing for the Czech Republic in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatoon and Regina.
The Broncos and the Wheat Kings will get to know each other pretty well over the next 10 days as they meet three times. Three of the Broncos next four are against Brandon - a team that has given them trouble over the last couple seasons. Brandon was 7-1 against the Broncos in the season series last year.
"I think we need to lose a little bit of that respect factor that I think is automatic or just too common with our group when we play a high-end team (like Brandon). We have to be a little bit reckless, we need to be a bit cocky and arrogant and play the game with that kind of approach." - Assistant Coach Tim Kehler
Brandon is in a stretch of playing five games in seven night. Last night they lost in Medicine Hat 4-3.
Tongiht on the pre-game show we will break-down the trade made earlier this week in detail. Geordie Wudrick practiced with the Kelowna Rockets yesterday after arriving there in the early afternoon. Regan Bartel has a picture and a quick video of Wudrick in Rockets' garb. Check out his blog link "Regan's Rant" over on the right.
Jon
Monday, November 16, 2009
Wudrick on Trade
I spoke to Geordie a couple hours after hearing the news he was headed to the Kelowna Rockets.Your reaction to the trade...
It was mixed emotions. Obviously I'm pretty excited but a little upset and a little nervous at the same time. There's some players on the Broncos that will be friends for life. I'm really going to miss those guys.
On going to Kelowna....
Absolutely, I'm really excited to go there. It's an organization I've followed since I was a kid. The main thing is I'm going to an organization that really wants me there.
On your time in Swift Current.....
I spent parts of five different seasons here, it's been a long time. I enjoyed my time playing here and have met a lot of good guys and friends. It's a great place to play. I'm a little upset to leave but at the same time I'm excited.
On being under the microscope here.....
Being a high draft pick there's going to be pressure and expectations and hype you have to live up to. Being in a small market there's a lot of pressure. The fans are intense here...that won't change. I thought I handled it well for the most part but there was ups and downs in my time with the Broncos. I'm happy to get a fresh start....
A comment on your play being hot and cold and streaky at times....
(no comment). (Didn't want to discuss in detail)
Final words....
I enjoyed my time here, my family has made it home and there's a lot of guys I'm going to miss.
Lamb on Trade
On acquiring Stepan Novotny....
We've been watching him for awhile, we've done a lot of research on him. He's a dynamic player that scores goals. He must be out of favor in the coaches eyes over there for different reasons. He can skate and he can shoot. He could be a really good player for us.
On Geordie Wudrick.....
He played a lot of good hockey for the Swift Current Broncos at times. I talked to Wuddy earlier and he was looking for a change and I was looking for the right team and opportunity to help him out there. Things weren't really bad here but (his play) wasn't the direction I wanted to go and he understood that. He's going to a good spot, and I wish him the best. It's about getting better and hopefully he can get better there.
On the high expectations put on Wudrick because of his draft spot and some inconsistent play:
That's what happens to those (high picks). The expectations are so high and any little thing they do or don't do the people in Swift Current see it, we see it as a coaching staff. It's easy for us to sit back and say you should be tougher, you should get the puck out along the boards more. I never saw him not trying. When you're a player like that you're under the microscope. Wuddy was struggling here, he's a streaky player. It's been going on for awhile now. We thought the move was necessary.
On trading him to Kelowna...
There was no way I was going to trade Woody unless I got good value back and there's other teams that phoned and had interest. I think it's going to be a good deal for both teams.
On his parting words.....
Some players think it's the situation that will make them a good player. It's not the situation, it's them. That's the advice I gave him. He has to turn himself into a really good player.
On his first chat with Stepan Novotny.....
When I talked to him on the phone he was really excited. He speaks great English and he was really happy. Once players get here they love it. I always compare Swift Current to Edmonton in the NHL. From the outside sometimes players don't want to go there... but when they get there they never want to leave.
We've been watching him for awhile, we've done a lot of research on him. He's a dynamic player that scores goals. He must be out of favor in the coaches eyes over there for different reasons. He can skate and he can shoot. He could be a really good player for us.
On Geordie Wudrick.....
He played a lot of good hockey for the Swift Current Broncos at times. I talked to Wuddy earlier and he was looking for a change and I was looking for the right team and opportunity to help him out there. Things weren't really bad here but (his play) wasn't the direction I wanted to go and he understood that. He's going to a good spot, and I wish him the best. It's about getting better and hopefully he can get better there.
On the high expectations put on Wudrick because of his draft spot and some inconsistent play:
That's what happens to those (high picks). The expectations are so high and any little thing they do or don't do the people in Swift Current see it, we see it as a coaching staff. It's easy for us to sit back and say you should be tougher, you should get the puck out along the boards more. I never saw him not trying. When you're a player like that you're under the microscope. Wuddy was struggling here, he's a streaky player. It's been going on for awhile now. We thought the move was necessary.
On trading him to Kelowna...
There was no way I was going to trade Woody unless I got good value back and there's other teams that phoned and had interest. I think it's going to be a good deal for both teams.
On his parting words.....
Some players think it's the situation that will make them a good player. It's not the situation, it's them. That's the advice I gave him. He has to turn himself into a really good player.
On his first chat with Stepan Novotny.....
When I talked to him on the phone he was really excited. He speaks great English and he was really happy. Once players get here they love it. I always compare Swift Current to Edmonton in the NHL. From the outside sometimes players don't want to go there... but when they get there they never want to leave.
Trade Update
I've spoken with both Broncos Head Coach / GM Mark Lamb and Geordie Wudrick this afternoon. I'll blog some of their thoughts later tonight..........
For details on the trade today with the Kelowna Rockets see below:
Jon
For details on the trade today with the Kelowna Rockets see below:
Jon
Broncos Trade Wudrick
Swift Current, SK---Swift Current Broncos General Manager Mark Lamb has announced the club has acquired forward Stepan Novotny and prospect Tanner Clark from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for forward Geordie Wudrick.Novotny, 19 years old, from Prague, Czech Republic is currently leading the Rockets in scoring with 14 goals and 25 points in 23 games. Last season he had 41 points in 65 games in his first WHL season. He is 6’2 and 194 pounds. Prior to last season Novotny played for the Indiana Ice of the USHL.
Clark, hails from Rosetown, SK and is a 5’11" and 160 pounds defenseman. Last season he played with the Moose Jaw Warriors AAA midget team, he has recently joined the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL. The Rockets selected Clark in the 3rd round of the 2008 bantam draft, 54th over-all.
“We are excited to be able to obtain a player of Novoty’s caliber,” comments Mark Lamb, “he has had a good first quarter of the season in Kelowna and we look for him to continue his strong play here. We are also pleased to add Tanner Clark into our prospect system.”
Wudrick departs Swift Current after 4 seasons with the Broncos, he was the club’s highest ever draft pick, selected # 2 over-all in 2005. He has 14 points in 23 games this season.
Lamb adds: “We would like to thank Geordie for the contributions he has made to the hockey club and wish him the best of luck in Kelowna.”
I'll weigh in with my take later, obviously this deal was a long time coming. Trade talk around Geordie dates back to early last season when Broncos Head Coach/GM Dean Chynoweth was at the helm.
It sounds like two players just needing a change of scenery.
More later.
Jon
Brand New Week....
Here we go. Re-load and do it all again for a Monday morning.
Last night the Broncos hosted the first shootout of the season at the Credit Union i-plex as the Broncos and Edmonton Oil Kings were tied 4-4 through 65 minutes.
Justin Dowling scored the only goal in the three round event while Morgan Clark stood tall in the crease denying Brett Breitkreuz, Tomas Vincour and Robin Soudek.
It was the only game of the weekend, and it was good for the Broncos to pick up points. In case you didn't notice, every Eastern Conference team picked up points that played last night. Brandon beat Regina 8-7 in OT in what must have been a wild one. Kootenay knocked off Lethbridge 3-2 in OT.
Cody Eakin added his league leading 22nd goal and chipped in with three assists. Eaks is also 7th overall in league scoring.
The Broncos PP went 3/4 but Edmonton refused to go away. Every time the Broncos scored to take the lead, the Oil Kings answered right back. They should be pleased with their weekend after getting 3 out of 4 points.
----------
I know people don't really come here for the game recaps here...for the most part they come for opinions and Bronco news - especially the out-of-town folk.
The Broncos staff has been out and about lately, something is brewing and the hammer may drop at some point this week.
Every team is always looking to get better. The Broncos are no different. Will GM/Head Coach Mark Lamb pull the trigger on something big? Time will tell.
For the most part the team is playing hard and getting results - especially on home ice.
The thing is, as a staff you're always quick to see your own weaknesses and faults yet not realize the talent in front of you. The case can be made across the league. You always see your faults yet see the other team's strengths.
Something to ponder.....
----------
I really enjoy the coaches from other teams when I get a chance to talk hockey. Steve Pleau and Rocky Thompson are two of my favorites when it comes to this. They are a pleasure to deal with. In fact, most are. Sure I've had some run-ins but this is a competitive league and everyone is in it to win.
Hats off to Steve and Rock.
While I'm on the subject let's do a little tour around the league.....
Lorne Molleken Saskatoon - The godfather. Has always been accommodating. Calls me "young fella" all the time. At 30 I'll take what I can get!
Kelly McCrimmon - Brandon - this has taken awhile to develop but now I'm real comfortable with Kelly Mac. I know he reads the blog from time-to-time and busts me on it the odd time. We've had some good pre-game interviews over the years. He's sharp. Bring your "A" game to the table.
Curtis Hunt - Regina - "Hey let's have a good year Jon, I know you're gonna piss me off and I'm gonna piss you off but that's part of it right?" Thats the first thing Curtis said to me before the first Broncos/Pats meeting this season. I laughed about it. I'll no-doubt remember that one.
Dave Hunchak - Moose Jaw - Former Bronco Assistant Coach. It's still strange to see Hunch on the Warriors side After three years of being on the road together, going through the lows of a loss and the highs of a win you develop a bond and a level of comort. Maybe it's been too comfortable at times and I've viewed him as "Hunch"rather than the "Head Coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors" I've probably said some things I regret in some of those heated games. I wish him well, I want to see him do well. He's a good man.
Bruno Campese - Prince Albert - Nice guy. Very respectful of the media's role and a pleasure to deal with. The newest Coach/GM in the division (not counting Curtis Hunt who came back).
That's just a sample from around the division... there's a lot of good folks around the league. I've learned a lot over the years.... maybe enough to coach a pee wee hockey team one of these years.
I'll leave you with a story of one of my "run-ins" from my early days in the WHL. We're headed back to 2001 or so here.....this is usually a story I'll share after a couple beers but today I'll blog it.
Overheard in the media/scouts room before the game:
Prince Albert Raiders G.M. Donn Clark talking to a scout: "Hey, did you see this... (former Bronco defenseman) Ian White fought (insert player) last night here. What the $%*$ was HE thinking?"
Scout: (laughing, could be the funniest thing he's heard in awhile)
Clark: "He's out there, 5 foot &*$# all and he's going after that guy? That's unbelievable."
Young Jon Keen: (overhearing the conversation). "Well, if you would have been here and not just read the game summary in the paper you would have seen his d-partner get crushed in the corner from behind... he was just getting in there for a teammate."
Clark: (disgusted look on his face). "Hey...kid. How many WHL fights have YOU been in?? He got a good laugh from a couple of scouts... Harold Snepts being one of them leading the charge."
I had no response.... I never played at this level. Maybe my answer was deserved.
Later, I came back between periods. An unnamed scout says "hey kid, don't worry about Donny. You may have never been in a fight, but the two of you still won the same amount."
Jon
Last night the Broncos hosted the first shootout of the season at the Credit Union i-plex as the Broncos and Edmonton Oil Kings were tied 4-4 through 65 minutes.
Justin Dowling scored the only goal in the three round event while Morgan Clark stood tall in the crease denying Brett Breitkreuz, Tomas Vincour and Robin Soudek.
It was the only game of the weekend, and it was good for the Broncos to pick up points. In case you didn't notice, every Eastern Conference team picked up points that played last night. Brandon beat Regina 8-7 in OT in what must have been a wild one. Kootenay knocked off Lethbridge 3-2 in OT.
Cody Eakin added his league leading 22nd goal and chipped in with three assists. Eaks is also 7th overall in league scoring.
The Broncos PP went 3/4 but Edmonton refused to go away. Every time the Broncos scored to take the lead, the Oil Kings answered right back. They should be pleased with their weekend after getting 3 out of 4 points.
----------
I know people don't really come here for the game recaps here...for the most part they come for opinions and Bronco news - especially the out-of-town folk.
The Broncos staff has been out and about lately, something is brewing and the hammer may drop at some point this week.
Every team is always looking to get better. The Broncos are no different. Will GM/Head Coach Mark Lamb pull the trigger on something big? Time will tell.
For the most part the team is playing hard and getting results - especially on home ice.
The thing is, as a staff you're always quick to see your own weaknesses and faults yet not realize the talent in front of you. The case can be made across the league. You always see your faults yet see the other team's strengths.
Something to ponder.....
----------
I really enjoy the coaches from other teams when I get a chance to talk hockey. Steve Pleau and Rocky Thompson are two of my favorites when it comes to this. They are a pleasure to deal with. In fact, most are. Sure I've had some run-ins but this is a competitive league and everyone is in it to win.
Hats off to Steve and Rock.
While I'm on the subject let's do a little tour around the league.....
Lorne Molleken Saskatoon - The godfather. Has always been accommodating. Calls me "young fella" all the time. At 30 I'll take what I can get!
Kelly McCrimmon - Brandon - this has taken awhile to develop but now I'm real comfortable with Kelly Mac. I know he reads the blog from time-to-time and busts me on it the odd time. We've had some good pre-game interviews over the years. He's sharp. Bring your "A" game to the table.
Curtis Hunt - Regina - "Hey let's have a good year Jon, I know you're gonna piss me off and I'm gonna piss you off but that's part of it right?" Thats the first thing Curtis said to me before the first Broncos/Pats meeting this season. I laughed about it. I'll no-doubt remember that one.
Dave Hunchak - Moose Jaw - Former Bronco Assistant Coach. It's still strange to see Hunch on the Warriors side After three years of being on the road together, going through the lows of a loss and the highs of a win you develop a bond and a level of comort. Maybe it's been too comfortable at times and I've viewed him as "Hunch"rather than the "Head Coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors" I've probably said some things I regret in some of those heated games. I wish him well, I want to see him do well. He's a good man.
Bruno Campese - Prince Albert - Nice guy. Very respectful of the media's role and a pleasure to deal with. The newest Coach/GM in the division (not counting Curtis Hunt who came back).
That's just a sample from around the division... there's a lot of good folks around the league. I've learned a lot over the years.... maybe enough to coach a pee wee hockey team one of these years.
I'll leave you with a story of one of my "run-ins" from my early days in the WHL. We're headed back to 2001 or so here.....this is usually a story I'll share after a couple beers but today I'll blog it.
Overheard in the media/scouts room before the game:
Prince Albert Raiders G.M. Donn Clark talking to a scout: "Hey, did you see this... (former Bronco defenseman) Ian White fought (insert player) last night here. What the $%*$ was HE thinking?"
Scout: (laughing, could be the funniest thing he's heard in awhile)
Clark: "He's out there, 5 foot &*$# all and he's going after that guy? That's unbelievable."
Young Jon Keen: (overhearing the conversation). "Well, if you would have been here and not just read the game summary in the paper you would have seen his d-partner get crushed in the corner from behind... he was just getting in there for a teammate."
Clark: (disgusted look on his face). "Hey...kid. How many WHL fights have YOU been in?? He got a good laugh from a couple of scouts... Harold Snepts being one of them leading the charge."
I had no response.... I never played at this level. Maybe my answer was deserved.
Later, I came back between periods. An unnamed scout says "hey kid, don't worry about Donny. You may have never been in a fight, but the two of you still won the same amount."
Jon
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Schedule Follies / Good Hunch Quote
No game last night.... no game tonight, a strange weekend for the Broncos.
Since I've been calling games for the Broncos they have never had a Fri/Sat off except at Christmas.
No update this weekend.
I do know trade talk around the WHL is heating up and several teams continue to inquire about the Broncos 20 year-old situation. A lot of WHL personnel have been in our building the last while and the Bronco staff is putting on some "scouting" miles as well.
Edmonton is here tomorrow night for the third meeting of the season between the teams.
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After being outshot in Regina last night, Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak made a quick comment to the Leaderpost's Greg Harder post-game:
“I’m not sure who was counting shots tonight but I think he ran out of fingers and toes and just kept pushing the button"
This is a problem in some WHL rinks.
Homer shot clock counters drive me nuts. It drove me to the point in one WHL rink a couple years ago to seek out the guy and ask him what the deal was.
Medicine Hat was a huge offender of this in years past but have been pretty good the last couple years.
Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Brandon, Lethbridge all do a pretty good job. But there is a couple of blatant offenders out there. Not much you can do... it doesn't affect the outcome of the game but it can significantly skew the game story.
Jon
Since I've been calling games for the Broncos they have never had a Fri/Sat off except at Christmas.
No update this weekend.
I do know trade talk around the WHL is heating up and several teams continue to inquire about the Broncos 20 year-old situation. A lot of WHL personnel have been in our building the last while and the Bronco staff is putting on some "scouting" miles as well.
Edmonton is here tomorrow night for the third meeting of the season between the teams.
-----------
After being outshot in Regina last night, Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak made a quick comment to the Leaderpost's Greg Harder post-game:
“I’m not sure who was counting shots tonight but I think he ran out of fingers and toes and just kept pushing the button"
This is a problem in some WHL rinks.
Homer shot clock counters drive me nuts. It drove me to the point in one WHL rink a couple years ago to seek out the guy and ask him what the deal was.
Medicine Hat was a huge offender of this in years past but have been pretty good the last couple years.
Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Brandon, Lethbridge all do a pretty good job. But there is a couple of blatant offenders out there. Not much you can do... it doesn't affect the outcome of the game but it can significantly skew the game story.
Jon
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