canucks spoil brown's retirement party - 29 april 2022

Story by Steve Erickson

Retirement for some comes easy, while others take the time to ponder the question or should I or shouldn’t I?  Sports can be no different and while it is easy for those in the business world, for those having played any sport it’s not the easiest call to make.  Recently at the last home game for the Vancouver Canucks this season while some were wondering what the line-up would be it was LA that made the sporting news in Vancouver.  LA forward Dustin Brown (37) had never given any hint of stepping back from hockey and when he mentioned this it caught everyone by surprise.  Some say it caught his team-mates off guard, but in conversation with a couple of reporters from LA, that was all they could talk about.  Hearing the news, LA Kings Captain Anze Kopitar showed class by allowing him (Brown) to wear the C for the game so he could retire as the Kings Captain.   Brown was drafted by the Kings in the first round of the 2003 NHL entry draft, 13th overall.   He managed to score 325 goals, 387 assists for 712 points in 1296 regular season games all of which were with the Kings.  He also helped captain the Kings to two Stanley cups in 2012 and also in 2014 as well as being a member of Team USA hockey during his career.  On the night that some thought was his night it was the Canucks who played spoiler winning by a narrow 3-2 in a shootout.    The fact that it was the final home game of the season, the Canucks showed much class paying their respect after the game with the entire Vancouver Canucks roster shaking hands with Brown.  Also remaining on the ice to shake hands with Brown were all four of the game officials, which shows the league emulates class in all areas.  Enjoy your retirement and no doubt he’ll stay involved with the Kings in some capacity.  

Entering the game the Abbotsford Canucks have three games remaining with the last two on the road in Winnipeg against the Manitoba Moose.  The “baby” Canucks are currently in third place in the Pacific Division (39-21-5-1) with 82 points while Bakersfield (36-20-5) also with 82 points managing a 4-2 win.  Walking around the concourse I had a chance to talk with many of the local fans including Gary McCaskill who is the Senior Consultant at Magnuson Ford.   He is one of the many who bought season tickets on a five year package when they first went on sale after the announcement they were coming to Abbotsford.

The final regular season home game saw them treat the fans to a 4-2 win over the Condors on home ice that saw the visitors Seth Griffiths open the scoring at 6:15.  Not to be outdone, Canucks forward Sheldon Rempal got them even scoring his 32nd of the season that saw Bowey and Dowling grab assists on the goal making the game even with Abby outshooting the visitors 12-8 after 20 minutes.  The Canucks started strong in the second scoring first at 2:19 with Alfaro (11) while Jett Woo get the only assist on the goal.  Canucks’ coach Trent Cull, Georgetown, Ontario and staff. Condors’ coach Colin Chaulk, Toronto, Ontario and his crew. The second was entertaining that saw Bowey give them a comfortable 3-1 lead notching his 8th of the season with the second coming to a close with the Canucks again outshooting the Condors 13-6 after 20 minutes.   The Canucks continued to press with Rempal getting his second of the game at 15:57 putting the home team up 4-1 while Dowling got the lone assist.  With the net empty the Condors pulled their tender for the extra attacker that saw Adam Cracknell (21) pull them within two at 17:41 with former Giant Tyler benson and Philip Broberg  collecting assists.  Abbotsford now extends their winning streak to a league high nine games for 84 points with two games remaining sittig third in the Pacific Division, while the Condors sit fifth.

Canucks’ goaltender #65 Michael DiPietro Windsor, Ontario stopped 20/22 shots for the win. Named games second star. The win has them one point away from securing home-ice in the first round with the final shot tally for the game saw Abby outshoot the Condors 32-22. 

 GAME NOTES  

Abbotsford goaltender Michael DiPietro made 13 saves in his 15th win of the season. That extended his win streak to a franchise high of six games as well. Abbotsford signed goaltender Rylan Toth to an amateur tryout agreement on Tuesday. He has a 2.34 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 17 games with U Sports’ University of British Columbia Thunderbirds this season. He served as the backup. The Vancouver Canucks recalled goaltender Arturs Silovs from Abbotsford on Tuesday. Sheldon Dries, who is No. 2 in Abbotsford’s team scoring with 62 points, is currently with the Vancouver Canucks.  Dries netted his second goal of the season with the team when they defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2 on Tuesday. Forward Nic Petan, who is No. 3 in Abbotsford’s team scoring with 44 points which includes 32 assists, is currently with the Vancouver Canucks notched his second assist of the season with the team when they defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2 on Tuesday. Abbotsford defenceman Noah Juulsen played in his 100th AHL-career game.

Three Stars: 

1st)  — Sheldon Rempal (2 goals)  

2nd) — Michael DiPietro (13 saves)

3rd) — Madison Bowey (1goal/1assist) 

Story by Steve Erickson

In most cases it takes a lot for a volunteer to be removed from various sporting events, but never say never.  Normally the conversation revolves around a colour commentator making remarks about a penalty call that the referee has made showing their lack of knowledge of the rules.  Leagues allow these sort of remarks to go unblemished as I am told “It’s part of the game” but in actuality it’s their lack of knowledge that shines through.  This isn’t only for pro leagues, but filters down to junior leagues in various areas of both Canada as well as the US as well.  The sign for a colour person is if they don’t know what or why a call was made they should not show their ignorance, but rather refer to their partner or not mention it in the first place.  In a BCHL playoff game April 22nd the hometown Alberni Bulldogs were playing host to the Langley Rivermen where broadcast quickly changed from the game to the broadcast.   Alberni’s colour commentator, Bruce MacDonald was quickly and abruptly removed not just from the game but also the rink following the second period of the game.  He was directing the comment at North Van’s Owen Kim who plays for the Rivermen by stating “Does he speak English? Maybe that’s the problem.”  To no surprise and while showing class the league quickly apologized to Kim, his family, and those listening in and heard the comments.   The BCHL released a statement saying “The Bulldogs were immediately informed of the comments and removed Mr. MacDonald from the broadcast. 

“The BCHL and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs would like to apologize to Owen Kim and his family, as well as anyone else who may have heard the comment. We have a zero tolerance for this type of behavior, and Mr. MacDonald is banned from any future broadcast involving the Bulldogs or any other BCHL team.”  The radio station 93.3 The Peak also carries the games live in which broadcast the game, also issued a statement.   “Racism has no place in hockey,” the station started. “Racism has no place on our radio stations nor in our country.   Full credit to play by play, Evan Hammond who has been working with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs since 2003-04 for taking control of the situation when it happened.  This situation took an ugly turn for sport and while this was quickly curbed the next step is for all leagues to quash those who make remarks toward the officials regarding rules, which they clearly know nothing about.  It’s not just junior hockey that this is an issue, but in all leagues and regardless of the league it’s time to put disrespect in the “sin bin” and be taken out of the game.  Professionalism needs to take centre stage in all levels of sport!!!  

Story by Steve Erickson

For those who are not in the know officiating can and is rewarding to only a select few who are fortunate to enjoy the game they love.  Having the chance to become a “top” official in any league takes more than a strong skating ability, but more so having what I call the  “PHD” of sport.  Simply put it stands for Pride, Hustle and Desire which is something that not everyone either has or can achieve in any level of any game.  Over the course of time I have had the privilege to meet and become friends with various individuals; again in all sports.  Officiating in all sports at times can be more of who you know, rather than what you know which I am sad for me to state.  This is quite possibly at the higher levels of the game and speaking on behalf of myself and no one else, I know that politics does not exist with supervision for BC Hockey.  Making that level of the game is only for a select few who have the talent to reach that level of the game, then it takes the passion to give back to the lower levels of the sport.

One such individual is Vaughan Rody (53) who was initially from Winnipeg but has adopted Seattle as his home for the past 29 years.  He played at a young age but that would end at age 17, then turned to officite young six and seven year old players, a memory which stays with all officials.  As with most young officials they learn quickly that this isn’t a bad part time job earning extra money while staying involved in the game while advancing the ranks with the MAHA based in Winnipeg.  His officiated his last game in Vancouver saw the Canucks pull out a 6-2 win over the Dallas Stars in a game that had fans sitting on their hands at times.  He would work his final game two nights later in Seattle after an impressive 22 year career with his Family on hand cheering for the one they call Dad and Husband  As per a statement from the NHL.com he mentioned “I was like everybody else when the National Hockey League had talked previously about coming to Seattle.”   He continued “It’s the greatest league in the world, and I was excited for my friends and my family and people in this area to get an opportunity to see what I’ve watched for 20-plus years. So, for me to do this game, and have an opportunity to wrap it up here in my second home, it really is tremendous.”  As with all officials who are either stepping away from the game they have what they call “farewell tour” and has been underway for a few weeks, with teams lining up to shake his hand after their final game with him manning the lines.  When all is said and done you don’t last over 20 years if you’re a mediocre official, which is is not.  He had a unique skating style unlike no other that stood out when he was returning the puck to his partner on an icing or an  offside play.  Rody will wrap up his career having officiated 1,229 regular season games, along with 19 postseason appearances.   

This season, though, he’ll be watching the playoffs from home, cheering for who else – the guys in stripes.  The only down-side for me personally after the Canuck game was that no one on the Dallas  Stars remained on the ice to show class and shake his hand offering “congratulations” to him on his career.  The Canucks on the other hand all remained on the ice and one by one skated to him thanking and congratulating him on his remarkable career.  Class act by the Canucks and extremely poor sportsmanship by the Stars which was worth much more than  a minor and more of a Major embarrassment for the Stars  On behalf of my “team” at Sportswave we offer not only a thanks for his time, but wish him all the best on his retirement.  While he is stepping aside Justin Johnson made his officiating debut last September 26th when the Jets hosted the Ottawa Senators in their pre-season home opener. 

Just making it would be a huge win for the team that has been on a roller coaster ride for the past while given the coaching change that saw Bruce work with the kids.  With the season slowly coming to a close for the Canucks the push is still on in hopes of advancing to post-season play and to many it doesn’t matter who they  play.  It should be more like new coach on the block given his past coaching experience  now working with players who could be more like his grandkids than young men.\Speaking of young men I want to pay tribute to NHL veteran linesman Vaughan Rody.    NHL Officials Association He is working his second to last game tonight as he is retiring after a long career which all started at the early age of 14 in Winnipeg, but more on this in a later article.  The Canucks currently sit 4th in the wild card spot with a record of 37-28-10 for 74 points in 75 games, while Dallas is first in the wild card with a record of 43-27-5 with 91 points also in 75 games.  To no surprise Vancouver will start Thatcher Demko who has played 60 games (32-20-0-6) with a SV% of 0.918 and a GAA of 2.64 managing 1 SO.  Dallas on the other hand started Jake Ottinger who has a record of 27-13-0-1 through 43 games with a sV% of .915 and a GAA of 2.49.  Following the  win against the Coyotes he is at press time tied with Gary Smith for 10th-most wins (32) by a Canucks “tender” in a single season.   As if that’s not enough he looks to remain undefeated against the Stars (2-0-0), having a SV% of .938 and a GAA of  2.00.   Surpassing the 90-point mark on Thursday. Miller (29-62-91). set career highs in both assists with 5 and points, also with 5 in a game and now leads the Canucks with 91 points this season   Given the record of late and despite the slow start with others at the helm the  new regime isn’t only playing better, but also having fun at the same time, which is a relief for everyone.  The chant for bench boss Bruce has embraced the city as well as Canuck nation and only continues to grow day by day with it being sung every game.  With the season coming to an end no one on the Canucks team wants to be hitting the links earlier than some of the other clubs, at least till the end of June.

There is no question that Captain Horvat would rather be in the line-up given his recent 12 points (9-3) in his past few games, but his loss means that the pressure is on everyone else to perform.  Having Boeser return to the line-up who was recently out with what was disclosed as a hyperextended elbow for five games keeps Delta’s Nic Petan in the line-up.   Recently of late there have been some naysayers questioning the production level and  the slow start of Pettersson, but maybe his improved play might quash the “so called” hockey fans.  After receiving a cross-ice pass from Sheldon Dries saw him collect his 28th goal of the season, managing to break the 1-1 deadlock, which matched his career high total.  As if he was done for the night he received a stretch pass at the blue-line managing to spin, staying onside sending a cross-ice pass to Boeser who collected his 20th of the season.  Not to be outdone after returning to the ice he made a spin move at the blue-line making an impressive pass to Hintz sending him in for the Canucks third of the game. 

In the post game press conference bench boss Bordreau told the media “We did a lot of really good things and our energy with all four lines was good and we played the right way and we took them out of it. They looked pretty frustrated to me, which is the way we have to play. We have to work and get a few goals and that’s how you have success.”  He continued “If we want to have anything (playoffs) in our hands, we have to win the rest of our games, but if we do, we’re in no matter what. It’s a good feeling knowing your destiny is in your hands.”  Rick Bowness, Stars Coach, mentioned in post game “Half our guys did, the other half didn’t, as simple as that,” said Bowness. “Puck management was terrible, guys couldn’t handle the puck, bad decisions and kept turning over pucks at the wrong time and the wrong places and it cost us.”  Vancouver are now set to play host to Ottawa (28-41-7) who have 63 points to the Canucks who have 86 points and are currently in a wild card race to make post-season play.

As quick as it came, this time the anticipation is officially over as the PJHL Langley Trappers were crowned the 2022 Cyclone Taylor Cup Champions.  To the surprise of some, the Ice Hawks were in the final after entering as the host team and not the league champions, considering that they haven’t played a game since being ousted by the White Rock Whalers.  While some might question the overall success of the event; I for one must give full credit to Eduard Epstein and his committee on a remarkable job.  It wasn’t without issues that had some hockey scouts being “drilled” over the usage of their accreditation on the first day not having them return on any of the following three days.   Various individuals asked me where any of the local media was, other than Eastlink TV who did the final two championship games with thanks to Ian Wilson assisting for color commentator while Brady Lynn was the roving reporter.   Bronze Game  The first game of Bronze game Sunday at noon featured the Revelstoke Grizzlies take on the VIJHL Peninsula Panthers pulling out a late surge with a 3-2 win with the winning goal scored at 14:02 of the third.  Both Ashton Lukan of the Panthers faced 31 shots turning aside 28 while Brendan Weare some 190 feet down ice faced 13 shots turning aside 11.  BC Hockey officials Connor Simons and Brad Lebus assessed three minors to Revelstoke, while Panthers were handed seven minors, all of which were obvious except to some supporters of each club.  Gold Game  The second game of the afternoon saw PJHL Champion Langley Trappers face hometown favorite Delta |Ice Hawks in more of a battle of bragging rights for the league.  The Ice Hawks started hometown “tender” Bradey Euerby played three of the four games having a 1-1 record for a SV% of 0.938 splitting duties with Merik Erickson who allowed nine goals while not getting much if any help from his “D” core.  Delta’s Bready Euerby Trapper Taje Gill The Trappers started Taje Gill who allowed three goals in his two games played finishing with a SV % of 0.946 while Caedon Bellmann had a SV% of 0.908 over the weekend.  Once again penalties proved costly to Delta giving the Trappers their first PP chance of the game with Scouras in the box for tripping allowing Astles to give the Trappers the early lead at 16:06 taking a 1-0 lead after twenty minutes.  The Trappers were handed a pair of minors at different times; it was Delta’s talented speedy brother combination of Carson and Connor Merriman that gave Delta a 2-1 at the 12:25 mark.  Holding and maintaining a lead is difficult at any level of the game and with the period winding down Langley’s Cody Bathgate pulled them even at 19:15 of the second.  Langley controlled the shots in the first two outshooting Delta by a narrow 17-13 margin, but Delta would rebound in the third outshooting the Trappers by a 18-10 total.   50/50 proceeds going to Ukranian relief fund. Stripes had a great game. With many talking about the possibility of O/T both teams had solid chances from various areas of the ice only to be turned aside by both tenders but that was short lived until the 9:30 mark.  Langley’s Benjamin Weys pounced on a loose puck putting one past Euerby at 9:30 of the third that forced Delta to play catch-up.  The later part of the period saw a scramble in front of Delta’s Braedy Euerby that saw one of the Trapper players fall on the back of Euerby’s head while he was face down which could have been more serious.  After a lengthy delay with Delta’s trainer on the ice attending to Euerby he returned to the crease taking his position again in the crease.  Langley goalies with their goalie coach. Championship trophy and banner presentation. a future star, Holly, Revelstoke, BC With the play in Langley’s zone Delta bench boss Steve Robinson pulled Euerby for an extra attacker that saw Hyland jump on a loose puck and send one between the pipes which solidified the win and the championship for the PJHL Langley Trappers.  Following the game it was time for the championship presentation of medals as well as the trophy as well as game star awards to Trappers Jeff Astles (1 G/1A) while Delta’s Connor Merriman (1 G/0A0 was the home town game star.   Special thanks to Ernie “Punch” McLean and wife Fran for coming over to take in the game which graced me with an interview offering up his insights to what makes a play a pro.  The game was shown “live” on Eastlink TV that saw students from BCIT assist with the overall production of the broadcast.  Sportswave photographer Laird Allan was on hand for game photo’s while being assisted by both Annette and Scott Lebus as assistants.    The Cyclone Taylor Cup. Joining me in the broadcast booth was Ian Wilson who works with me for Richmond Sockeye games while Brady Lynn handled side-line interviews.  It was nice to see fans coming in to support the championship with fans from all areas of the province cheering for the hometown team.  It was listed that the first game saw 340 fans, while the championship game saw 630 boisterous fans on hand.   winning goal Thanks again to Eduard Epstein owner for the Delta Ice Hawks for putting this event on as well as the City of Delta and their respective user groups for backing up their spring sport league and programs.  Thanks also to everyone who came over to chat at the broadcast booth thanking us for doing Tuesday night hockey on Eastlink TV.  Enjoy your summer and thanks to PJHL League Commissioner Trevor Alto and league office staff for all their work over the season which wasn’t without issues due to road closures caused by mother nature.  Before you know the PJHL will again be hitting the ice for the 2022-23 season.  Thanks to Sportswave reporters for their coverage of the event!  

                                                           Story by Steve Erickson

No different than The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles released May 11, 1970 which was their final and 20th number one single written by McCartney based on tensions within the band.  In order to host the championship, first Ice Hawks owner Eduard Epstein approached Delta Mayor George Harvie who made plans to host a meeting with the user groups..  At least the groups who use the facility once the ice is removed, such as Delta Lacrosse, Delta Islanders, Ladner Pioneers, Richmond/Delta Minor Ball Hockey and the Vancouver Giants..  All groups had to first agree as well as bump the start of their season back, while the Vancouver Giants had to push back their training camp in August..  To the surprise of some, everyone was in agreement but one thing that came out of the meeting was that the Pioneers  requested to hold putting the ice in for the fall of 2023.  So from here the long wait began and to say the least Covid-19 wasn’t the best friend for the Ice Hawks pushing the event back two years.  Last fall (2021) was when the Ice Hawks journey began for the four day tournament that featured the league champions from the KIJHL, VIJHL, PJHL as well as host Delta Ice Hawks.  Delta are excited to be hosting for the history of their franchise the 54th Cyclone Taylor Cup and have their sights set to win for only their second time in their 25 year history.   While the opening day was Thursday the banquet was held Wednesday night in Tsawwassen at Mario’s Restaurant which I must say was exceptionally catered with professional staff.  The first day began at 3:30 that featured the PJHL Langley Trappers take on the VIJHL Peninsula Panthers that saw Langley pull out a 6-2 win to the delight of their loyal fans.  The Hawks are coming off a 23-day vacation after being eliminated in game six of the league semi-finals by the Whalers but if they were playing one of the other two visiting clubs their trek might have been a struggle.  The other series looking at the KIJHL first saw Revelstoke shock other opponents winning 16 and dropping 3 while Langley won 12 and lost 2) putting the teams on ice in their playoff run.  Delta GM/Coach Steve Robinson mentioned “It’s just like playing game seven of a series. It’s the old adage that anything can happen in one game between bounces, injuries, goaltending and officiating.”  He continued “The better team doesn’t always win in a single game. You give yourself the best chance by doing all the little things, as far as the clichés of staying out of the box, being smart and playing our game. I think it’ll be competitive. I think all four teams are good.  “One of the silver linings to the fact that we’ve had extended practice since that last game is we were able to bring our gear (into the LLC) and we haven’t left. That’s something we normally don’t get the luxury of having, so it’s been really nice to kind of settle into our home base. I do think that the consistency of being here and in your surroundings is going to help.”  The evening game saw the hometown Delta |Ice Hawks play the KIJHL champion Revelstoke Grizzlies in a game that saw Delta get a jump on them managing to secure a 2-0 win to the delight of their loyal supporters.  Games begin at 3:30 each day while the second game of the day has the official puck drop at 7:30 pm with the exception of Sunday with the Bronze game semi final starting at 12:05 and the championship game starting at 4:05.  Both final games are being televised on Eastlink Community TV that will offer interviews from Darcy Rota, John Grisdale, Delta Mayor George Harvie as well as many others.  Tune in and catch the action and join yours truly in the broadcast booth with Ian Wilson and Brady Lynn working sideline interviews  If you live in the Delta area or in the Eastlink community broadcast channel tune in and don’t miss a minute of exciting PJHL Cyclone Taylor Championship hockey.  The owner of the Delta Ice Hawks asked me to thank the sponsors who helped make this possible, so please support the sponsors who supported the tournament and the Delta Ice Hawks.  

                                                      Story by Steve Erickson

Playing on home ice for the Abbotsford Canuck (31-21-5-1) gave the team more of a chance to have a “jump start” the first weekend of April, who were cheering the (31-22-3-2) Laval Rockets.  Hype means everything in sport and for many living in the Fraser Valley the theme for the game was Country Night and the third game of a six game home stand for the Canucks.  Saturday’s game had a record number of 6,017 on hand to take in the game that saw them fight for not just a playoff  spot, but home ice advantage in the first round.  With the playoffs getting close teams welcome injured players back to their line-up so they can get the past chemistry once again rolling or hitting peak form as playoffs loom.  The “baby” Canucks are no different and welcome the return of Jack Rathbone was injured February 16th while taking on Bakersfield and returned the previous night grabbing three assists in the 6-1 win.  Sunday’s  game theme focused on “Women in Sport” that reflected such with four young women who referee minor hockey, while the game featured one official as a linesperson and held her own in various situations.  At times the game was somewhat “heated” but with home ice on the line for the playoff, Abby could ill afford any foolish penalties and/or suspensions.  The win isn’t just huge but instrumental to the success of the franchise that will see fans make their way through the turnstiles for playoff games.  Following the game Head Coach Trent Cull (22) told the media “It was great and we just had a little chit-chat in the locker room and said how proud I am and what we’ve done and how many guys have been part of us making the playoffs.”  He continued “Whether they were here now or weren’t here to start with but have come and joined us… just that next man up. We talked about the opportunity. It’s not easy getting into the playoffs. I’m ecstatic that we gave ourselves a chance to play in the postseason.”  Those attending the game were entertained with some sporting red Montreal sweaters and wearing them very proud throughout the concourse.  Retro Names Of Yesteryear  If you’re a hockey fanatic of years past you’ll be able to relate to the following names who were on the bench for Laval, such as Head Coach Jean-Francois Houle and Kelly Buchberger and Martin Laperriere as assistant coaches.  For those who are familiar with the game, ponder the names above as Jean-François Houle is the son of Rejean Houle, former player with Montreal who won five Stanley Cup’s while with them going on to serve as their GM.  Kelly Buchberger is also a retired NHLer who played Major Junior with Moose Jaw in the WHL and went on to play with Edmonton in the NHL, while Martin Laperriere has been working in the QMJHL with the Remparts since 2005-06.  In the post game with Rathbone he was asked about the win and stated “It’s huge and that’s been our goal ever since we started here and I know Trent was happy with the win.”  Future Canuck “tender” Michael DiPietro played solid stopping shots from various angles despite being outshot 33-24.  Game Stars:  

1st Jack Rathbone (1 goal/1 assist)

2nd Michael Dipietro (32 saves) 

3rd Xavier Oullet (1 goal)