The Vancouver Giants were unable to outscore their Island rivals who had somewhat of a depleted roster and failed to take advantage of an opponent with a depleted roster.
The Royals were only able to dress 14 skaters compared to the Giants 18, but managed to make it four straight wins over their Division rivals.
The Giants started strong in the opening first 10 minutes of the game following the return after their Christmas break that saw Kaden Kohle redirect an Alex Cotton pass at 3:23 for the first goal of the game.
The Giants had a strong start managing to throw 12 of the first 13 shots on goal with Giants Associate Coach Keith McCambridge mention. “I liked the jump we had; I liked the amount of pucks we were putting to the net. Obviously the second and third chances were there.”
He continued “I thought their goaltender did a really good job of giving them a chance to get their feet under them.”
Brayden Schuurman tied the score with just over six minutes to go in the opening frame and then gave the Victoria visitors the lead for good, scoring on his own rebound on a power play in the final minute of the period.
“There are times with our game where one goal goes in and we become a little fragile, we get on our heels and the momentum shifts.
The gameIt was a one-goal game at the halfway point of the game only until 11:16 when Bailey Peach extended the lead to 3-1 that saw the PP goal enter the net one second after the first of two Vancouver penalties had expired.
The Giants were given a five minute PP after Victoria’s Nate Misskey was dealt a major that only turned into a three-minute Vancouver PP after Cotton picked up an undisciplined minor for unsportsmanlike conduct in the mix-up.
Notes:
The Giants have now lost seven of their past eight games to see their record fall to .500 at 14-14-1-0.
The Royals, on the other hand, have points in a dozen of their past 14 games (9-2-3-0) and they now sit at 10-13-4-0.
Photo Credit IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship
Story by Steve Erickson
Given this crazy Pandemic we have been going through the past couple of years which has put a “damper’ on the holiday season, it’s nice to sit back and watch some exciting IIHF World Junior Hockey.
Equal to the song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Michael Buble truer words haven’t been spoken for a while in the lower mainland so stay in and relax if it’s at all possible?
Opening day for the World Juniors saw four games on tap but the one many or most were focused on watching was Canada playing host to Czechia in the Boxing Day opener.
The Canadians managed to rally from a 3-1 first-period deficit going on to double up on Czechia by a 6-3 margin in their Boxing Day opener.
If the team was focused on utilizing their power, indeed they did but it was appropriately named Owen Power (19) who was the number one overall pick of the Sabres in 2021 as he became the first “D-man” in Canadian World Junior history to record a hat trick.
The line up front saw Jets forward Cole Perfetti who was selected in the first round, 10th overall helped by adding three assists noting that both Power and Perfetti won men’s Gold at the 2021 IIHF World Championship in Latvia.
Head Coach Dave Cameron, has his sights set for Team Canada to bounce back from last year’s Silver and win Gold for the first time since 2020 in Ostrava, a Czech City.
Cameron mentioned “One of the things we discussed all week prior to the game as a coaching staff was that we didn’t know what the hell to expect in the first 10 minutes and we knew it was going to be a bit of an adventure. It was junior hockey at its finest.”
Mason McTavish had a goal and an assist and Donovan Sebrango and Olen Zellweger also scored for Canada.
Michal Gut, Czech forward, managed to get a goal and an assist, while both Pavel Novak and Stanislav Svozil also tallied markers.
The Czech team, now known as Czechia, hasn’t won this tournament since grabbing back-to-back Gold medals in 2000 and 2001.
The last Czech medal was in 2005’s taking home Bronze, fully knowing that they finished seventh at the last three World Juniors.
Canada dominated in the shot department by outshooting the Czechs with 37-17 while Victoria native and Kamloop Blazer “tender” Dylan Garand won his first World Junior start.
It’s interesting to note that Garland was selected by the Rangers in the 2020 Entry Draft and was selected 103rd overall recently signing his entry-level NHL contract with the New York Rangers.
McTavish (18) opened the scoring for Canada who has managed two goals and an assist in nine games for the Anaheim Ducks, put one past Novak in the right faceoff circle.
Scoring is one thing, but video review is another and cheering put the goal on the back-burner midway through the first at 7:42 on a give-and-go, but they had to continue with a 1-1 tie.
They did however take a 2-1 lead on its first PP at 11:32 following a faceoff win in the Canadian end, when Jiricek sent the puck crossice to Novak, who hammered it past a surprised Garand.
Just 51 seconds later, Svozil (18) notched one in a short 51 seconds later with Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard working magic that popped one high to the short side, bringing the crowd to their feet.
Given the fact that Canada fell behind it wasn’t in their game play and that was when Cameron called his T/O to recharge the team focussing on nothing less than a win.
The Canadians threw everything at Malek’s crease that saw Power shock the Czech goalie, in a kneeling position allowing him to pepper a wrister at 12:46 from the edge of the faceoff circle.
Canada owned the second by outshooting the Czech by a 15-2 romp which seemed to be the way the game was changing for Canada.
It was apparent that discipline wasn’t in the game plan for the Czechs as the second saw them manage far too many penalties, which included Michal Hradek’s repeated cross-checking of Kent Johnson at the side of the net, with the ref not more than 5 feet away.
Putting his team down by two and giving Canada a 5-on-3 PP, Canada popped in a one-timed putting Canada up 4-3 go-ahead goal at 8:50.
This pretty much summed up the game for the Czech, but they do get a second chance to add points in the standing in Group A playing Germany, while Canada’s next opponent is Austrai Tuesday
If you live on the West Coast you can’t forget that Connor Bedard, touted as a prospective #1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
world jrs. - Day one - December 26 2021
Photo Credit IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship
Story by Bruce Nolte and Steve Erickson
Given this crazy Pandemic we have been going through the past couple of years which has put a “damper’ on the holiday season, it’s nice to sit back and watch some exciting IIHF World Junior Hockey.
Equal to the song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Michael Buble truer words haven’t been spoken for a while in the lower mainland so stay in and relax if it’s at all possible?
Opening day for the World Juniors saw four games on tap but the one many or most were focused on watching was Canada playing host to Czechia in the Boxing Day opener.
The Canadians managed to rally from a 3-1 first-period deficit going on to double up on Czechia by a 6-3 margin in their Boxing Day opener.
If the team was focused on utilizing their power, indeed they did but it was appropriately named Owen Power (19) who was the number one overall pick of the Sabres in 2021 as he became the first “D-man” in Canadian World Junior history to record a hat trick.
The line up front saw Jets forward Cole Perfetti who was selected in the first round, 10th overall helped by adding three assists noting that both Power and Perfetti won men’s Gold at the 2021 IIHF World Championship in Latvia.
Head Coach Dave Cameron, has his sights set for Team Canada to bounce back from last year’s Silver and win Gold for the first time since 2020 in Ostrava, a Czech City.
Cameron mentioned “One of the things we discussed all week prior to the game as a coaching staff was that we didn’t know what the hell to expect in the first 10 minutes and we knew it was going to be a bit of an adventure. It was junior hockey at its finest.”
Mason McTavish had a goal and an assist and Donovan Sebrango and Olen Zellweger also scored for Canada.
Michal Gut, Czech forward, managed to get a goal and an assist, while both Pavel Novak and Stanislav Svozil also tallied markers.
The Czech team, now known as Czechia, hasn’t won this tournament since grabbing back-to-back Gold medals in 2000 and 2001.
The last Czech medal was in 2005’s taking home Bronze, fully knowing that they finished seventh at the last three World Juniors.
Canada dominated in the shot department by outshooting the Czechs with 37-17 while Victoria native and Kamloop Blazer “tender” Dylan Garand won his first World Junior start.
It’s interesting to note that Garland was selected by the Rangers in the 2020 Entry Draft and was selected 103rd overall recently signing his entry-level NHL contract with the New York Rangers.
McTavish (18) opened the scoring for Canada who has managed two goals and an assist in nine games for the Anaheim Ducks, put one past Novak in the right faceoff circle.
Scoring is one thing, but video review is another and cheering put the goal on the back-burner midway through the first at 7:42 on a give-and-go, but they had to continue with a 1-1 tie.
They did however take a 2-1 lead on its first PP at 11:32 following a faceoff win in the Canadian end, when Jiricek sent the puck crossice to Novak, who hammered it past a surprised Garand.
Just 51 seconds later, Svozil (18) notched one in a short 51 seconds later with Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard working magic that popped one high to the short side, bringing the crowd to their feet.
Given the fact that Canada fell behind it wasn’t in their game play and that was when Cameron called his T/O to recharge the team focussing on nothing less than a win.
The Canadians threw everything at Malek’s crease that saw Power shock the Czech goalie, in a kneeling position allowing him to pepper a wrister at 12:46 from the edge of the faceoff circle.
Canada owned the second by outshooting the Czech by a 15-2 romp which seemed to be the way the game was changing for Canada.
It was apparent that discipline wasn’t in the game plan for the Czechs as the second saw them manage far too many penalties, which included Michal Hradek’s repeated cross-checking of Kent Johnson at the side of the net, with the ref not more than 5 feet away.
Putting his team down by two and giving Canada a 5-on-3 PP, Canada popped in a one-timed putting Canada up 4-3 go-ahead goal at 8:50.
This pretty much summed up the game for the Czech, but they do get a second chance to add points in the standing in Group A playing Germany, while Canada’s next opponent is Austrai Tuesday
If you live on the West Coast you can’t forget that Connor Bedard, touted as a prospective #1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Replacement coaches - Beijing - December 26 2021
Photo Credit Hockey Canada
Story by Steve Erickson
With the withdrawal of the NHL from the 2022 Olympics it’s fair to say that we’ll see a different group of players attend this year’s event in Beijing.
As we can or should expect they will all have their focus on winning the championship for their country and finally the games can possibly get back to having amateurs playing rather than pro’s.
Canada’s selection for the Men’s Olympic Coaching staff was to be led by Prince George’s Jon Cooper who will be working alongside Barry Trotz, Bruce Cassidy and Peter DeBoer along with a management team led by Doug Armstrong (GM), Ken Holland (Associate GM), Ron Francis, Roberto Luongo and Don Sweeney as Assistant GM’s.
Cooper is currently the longest serving GM in the NHL and coached at the 2018 & 2019 All-Star games, but won’t be heading to Beijing; all due to the surge of COVID-19 and the withdrawal of the NHL.
The US Olympic team was to be Minnesota Wild GM, Bill Guerin after Stan Bowman’s resignation, but again this position was also short-lived.
His promotion was initially made two months prior to the Beijing Winter Games in February and along with Rangers GM Chris Drury, the team’s assistant general manager, but again this was to be the initial plan, but again put on hold.
Now both Canada and the USA are forced to make alternative plans due to the withdrawal of the NHL from attending the Beijing games which is welcomed by for many for the safety of everyone with the league.
Hearing that the USA are planning to fill the roles of GM, Assistant GM and Coach by the mid-part of January, which might be pushing it a “tad” but somehow they’ll make it work.
We are now hearing that the NHL will not participate in the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing and below is the statement released from Hockey Canada.
The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey Players’ Association (NHLPA) decision to not participate in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China:
USA Hockey Statement
While USA Hockey is disappointed, we certainly respect the decision of the NHL and NHLPA. Regardless, we remain excited about the upcoming Olympic Winter Games and look forward to putting a team together that gives us the best chance to win a gold medal in Beijing.
With the NHL personnel we previously announced as part of our management team and coaching staff no longer available, we’ll shortly be announcing new people to fill those roles. Further, we expect to name our final roster by mid-January.
While many question the “why” this move was made simply put it was for the betterment of the league and it’s players which is or should be understood by everyone.
The overall safety of the players and coaches is most important for everyone: but one area everyone fails to look at are the officials.
One question yet answered is “Will NHL Officials be attending the Olympics or will they be those in the system?”
Women's under 18 championships cancelled - 26 December 2021
Photo Credit - IIHF
Story by Steve Erickson
With all the cancellations we are hearing about are we to be shocked to hear that the Women’s Under-18 World Hockey Championship that was also cancelled by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
I am hearing from some that they feel this is wrong and becoming somewhat of a chauvinistic move rather than a move to reflect on the safety of the world.
Those who are thinking this way are only focused on their own well being rather than society in general and while everyone has their own ideas on Covid, first lets all get safe and they reflect back.
Naturally these thoughts are focused on the fact that the IIHF World Juniors are being played in both Edmonton and Red Deer, both in a Province displaying high Covid numbers.
There was one pre-tournament game between Sweden and the Czech Republic that was cancelled all due to COVID-19 protocol, but the tournament will run as scheduled.
Prior to Christmas the IIHF officially announced that all events scheduled to begin in January were called off after being given advice by medical experts due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
IIHF president Luc Tardif, mentioned “These are hard facts to have to face, and as with last year we must take the difficult decision to cancel men’s and women’s IIHF events, including the women’s U18 top division now for the second year in a row.”
Communications Manager Adam Steiss for the IIHF stated “The men’s world juniors are going ahead while the January tournaments have been cancelled because the epidemiological situation changed drastically only after the [men’s] U20 players entered quarantine.”
In an e-mail sent to the Canadian Press he stated “The medical committee’s recommendation took into account the travel risks that the teams playing in the January tournaments would have faced, and the belief that the tournament organizers would not have been able to safely manage an outbreak.”
This is the second consecutive year that the tournament has been cancelled due to Covid and reportedly we are hearing that the IIHF could not postpone the women’s U18 tournament starting January 8th in Linköping and Mjölby, Sweden.
Those games are permitted to be played obtaining a press release with the following:
“Our entire team has worked hard both on and off the ice to be ready to compete next month in Linköping and Mjölby, Sweden, even going so far as to cancel our selection camp out of an abundance of caution and to ensure our players and staff would be able to represent Canada on the world stage.”
As one might expect some of the players have spoken out on social media regarding concerns of gender imbalance within the IIHF
Players speak out
Hayley Wickenheiser, Canada’s most regarded player and Hockey Hall of Famer mentioned via Twitter that she questions the IIHF’s stated reason for cancelling the women’s U18 tournament.
“Nothing to do with safety, if they can pull off the [men’s tournament],” she wrote, noting that event is a much bigger source of revenue for the IIHF. “Where there is a will, there is always a way. I question the ‘will’ part.”
The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association on Twitter “Disappointed. Nope. OUTRAGED! adding “These women deserve better. Yet again.”
American star Kendall Coyne Schofield also took to social media “The IIHF has prioritized & held top division men’s events during the pandemic but the top division women’s events – cancelled – again. UNACCEPTABLE. Figure out how to safely play the U18 Worlds this season, just like the U18 men & #WorldJuniors – These players DESERVE to play too.”
Canada’s Erin Ambrose also joined the chorus.
“Why is it automatically a cancellation? We understand the concerns regarding health and safety but why is a postponement not considered for these women as the men’s tournaments continue without hesitation? #equalityinsport
Thoughts???
ice hawks reschedule games - 21 december 2021
Photo Credit - PJHL
Story by Steve Erickson
On any given Tuesday evening you have the luxury to watch exciting PJHL hockey action as the Delta Ice Hawks showcase their talents at the Ladner Leisure Center.
The Delta Ice Hawks are one of 13 teams in the PJHL all of which are based out the lower mainland which allows the players to live at home rather than be billeted out.
This season was more of a welcome back for not only the players and coaches but more so to the fans who continue to come out and support local Junior hockey.
Number wise those attending have been far and few only due to restrictions put in place by the Provincial Government all of which are due to Covid-19.
With the opening of the facilities it was hoped that teams would soon be allowed to have sell-out crowds on hand, but as much as this was more of a Christmas wish, it wasn’t to be.
Recently games have been postponed and forced the league to reschedule them due to the recent flooding in the Valley that prevented players from traveling to Delta.
With the recent surge of Covid in various pro leagues such as the NBA, NFL and the NHL it was hoped that the season would continue without any issues.
Such wasn’t the case as the Delta Ice Hawks were forced to postpone two home games on Monday and Tuesday this all due to taking precautionary measures so the team could deal with a COVID-19 outbreak.
I’m hearing that two players as well as their trainer tested positive in addition to Ice Hawks GM/Coach Steve Robinson is currently recovering from Covid.
It was mentioned to me that Steve and his Family had been dealing with what some call a severe cold and flu like symptoms for a few days over the past while and hopefully on the road to a full recovery.
Steve recently cleared his 7th day for testing positive and while the team had players who were healthy and could dress and play they felt it necessary to postpone and reschedule both games.
In conversation earlier today I was told “It was a league decision all based upon cases within the team and the potential increased risks that were avoidable.”
Monday’s game had Delta playing Mission and Tuesday’s game would have seen them play the newest expansion team in the PJHL based out of Chilliwack called the Jets, which is a name used well back in the Chilliwack area.
With the pair of games being canceled the Ice Hawks enter the Christmas break and are set to resume to the ice for the PJHL Winter Classic being played at Richmond’s Minoru Arena from December 30th to January 2nd.
All 13 PJHL teams are playing in a two games series over four days at Minoru Arena as the kick-off to the second half of the season.
The Mission game was a make-up date for an earlier postponement related to travel issues caused by the Atmospheric River storm b
ack in late November. There is no word yet on when the league will reschedule the games.
As of press time Delta sits in second place in the Tom Shaw Conference with a record of 19-7-1-1.
While we are on the topic of the Delta Ice Hawks please mark down the dates of Thursday April 7th to Sunday April 10th as they are hosting the Cyclone Taylor Cup, which is BC Hockey’s Provincial Junior “B” Championships.
Hockey canada withdraws from spengler cup - 20 December 2021
Photo Credit - Hockey Canada
Story by Rocky Rhodes
The world is still in a state of confusion dealing with Covid-19 and now the new variant that is hitting various areas of the globe which shows how the world is in such a sad state.
True it’s your choice, but like it or not the outcome we (you) are leaving for future generations of the world is in your hands.
With so many events again being canceled in BC and around the world are we really surprised that sporting events are being put on hold?
Like it or not those in charge of various leagues, teams and organizations are being faced with the daunting task of pondering what to do and how to move forward.
Do we or don’t we is probably one of the hardest decisions all organizations face and like it or not they are doing their best to keep today’s youth safe and it’s not easy!!
Locally in the lower mainland tournaments, group events are or rather have been canceled at least until the end of January 2022, and after that simply put “it’s a crap shoot” for anyone.
I received the following from Hockey Canada and wanted to share it with everyone as to how the recent variant has a hold on the world.
Simply put this new variant has put everyone in the “Sin-Bin” and it’s not for a minor but rather a MAJOR INFRACTIONS
You make the call!!
Note:
The record 16 time Spengler Cup winners have been invited every year since 1984 and have only failed to reach the final twice.
Enjoy the read:
The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer, on the 2021 Spengler Cup:
“After careful consideration and following discussion with our chief medical officer about the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hockey Canada has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2021 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland.
We have a long-standing tradition of participating in the Spengler Cup, and it is disappointing that we are unable to attend the prestigious event this year. However, we strongly believe this is the right decision to maintain the health and safety of our players, coaches and support staff that were set to represent Canada.
Hockey Canada looks forward to continuing our relationship with the Spengler Cup organizing committee and participating in the event for years to come.”
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks to Hockey Canada for the press release.
rutherford embraces new position - 14 December 2021
The Canucks enter tonights game in a three game win streak albeit the most recent was in a shootout win over the Jets, which gives them more momentum heading into the contest against second place Carolina in the Eastern Division
Carolina comes to town with Campbell River’s Rod Brind’Amour behind the bench while Bruce Boudreau runs his new charges through the paces.
Also in attendance at the game tonight’s Canuicks new President Jim Rutherford who focuses on the overall operation from high above the ice surface.
While many questioned the timing of the change, which was welcomed by everyone in the area, it’s fair to ask “why did it take so long to make the change” when it was apparent that the overall chemistry was simply not working.
Change brings results, some positive others not so, but in this case it was welcomed and embraced by not just the fans, but mainly the players as well as the organization.
The past while, well more than a “little while” for whatever reason the Canucks have simply looked lost and unable to manage any aggressive forecheck let alone having any finish for their attack.
Under the “new look” Canucks it’s fair to mention that the team is having more fun playing now than they did in the past and it’s fair to question why?
It is simply the fact that bringing in the new coach offers less stress than the past coaching staff and if so why would the previous coaching staff take so long to understand that change was indeed needed?
It’s easy to second guess anyone, but in this case it’s all about putting a winning product on the ice to attract the paying customer and in this case – it’s the fans who demanded change.
Four wins in a week and grabbing eight points is something new and unique to this group and let’s not forget that Brodreau is the first Canuck Coach to win four games when taking over.
Prior to the game the talk in the press box was about changes made by ownership and what would be the next chapter considering that they would be introducing Rutherford the next morning.
Regardless, it’s a welcome addition to the past couple of months and any change is a welcome addition for the players and fans alike.
As a former NHL executive he (Rutherford) knows he has a daunting task and being named as the Canucks President proves extra special for him, but at the age of 72 one might think that stress comes natural.
Prior to his role off the ice he was a former goalie, so he’s had lots of stuff thrown at him and considering he was the GM of the Penguins from 2014-2021 he guided them to back to back championship wins in 2016 and 17.
Prior to his stint with the Pen’s he was the GM for the Hurricanes for 20 years managing to win the Cup in 2006, which isn’t too bad for someone from Beeton Ontario which is a small community in southeastern Ontario and started his career as a goaltender. He played with the Aurora Tigers playing Junior B and C then played in the OHA for the Hamilton Red Wings (1968-69) then went on to play with the Jr. Canadiens winning the Memorial Cup in 1969 then being selected as their first choice (10th overall) in the 69 NHL Entry Draft.
Monday was his first media event with various questions being thrown his way about what he is focused on and according to Aquiline his job “Is to bring a winning team, bring a winning culture to build a leadership team that can bring a Stanley Cup to Vancouver.”
The Canucks start wasn’t all that great and in fact it was downright dismal managing a record of 6-14-2 in the first 22 games that saw the stars struggle, namly Pettersson and boeser.
According to Aquilini who mentioned “It’s a winning attitude. Culture is a collective belief. It’s a standard. It’s a bar that you set, and you say everybody has to meet this standard and I just felt we just didn’t have that,” while adding he wanted to “clean the slate” so as to have a fresh start.
I’m hearing that he has a list of some 40 candidates and apparently put them in different categories such as possible GM and maybe possible GM also hoping to hire an assistant GM this week.
While many are eagerly waiting for the next move made by Rutherford or another yet to be move by Aquiline the team are currently 4-0 under Boudreau and it’s a like a breath of fresh air for everyone, which couldn’t come soon enough.
It’ll be interesting to see if any player moves are made as during his time in Pittsburg he was one who like to make trades and apparently to date he has received calls from some who have expressed interest in some Canuck players.
Time marches on, but so far no one is watching the clock as it’s no longer at a stand-still.
Welcome to the City and the Canucks Jim!!
Giants' teddy bear toss a huge success - 13 December 2021
Photo Credit D. Laird Allan/Sportswave
Story by Steve Erickson
Each year teams hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss that brings delight to thousands of youngsters around the area and the Vancouver Giants are no exception to this tradition.
Prior to the latest phenomenon there was no real Christmas event to bring fans to not only cheer on their home team, but also put them in a festive spirit of giving – until recently.
Years back the San Diego Gulls were trailing the Stockton Heat by a 3-0 margin and were desperately in need of anything to bring their almost 10,000 fans to literally “shower” the ice with 16,000 Teddy Bears. Time was working against them and hearing that the Gulls President of Business Operations, Matt Savant was worried about their promotion, but worry would be set aside.
With time working against them they were given a power play The birth of the teddy bear toss might be in dispute, but there was little mystery in the end for the Gulls.
With the game’s outcome at risk of being a “dud” the Gulls were unable to cash in on the PP, but all was not lost as at the next TV timeout the scoreboard instructed fans in to let the fur fly – and fly they did!
Eventually bears showered the ice and from here it grew so much that in 2015 the WHL Calgary Hitmen saw 19,289 fans fill the ice with 28,815 bears on the ice, which possibly is the teddy-bear toss record to this day.
This caught on by all hockey teams not only in BC, but around the hockey world and in the lower mainland we see the Vancouver Giants continue this tradition which took place at the recent WHL game against the Victoria Royals.
The event was again covered by Sportswave Photographer Laird Allan to capture the event in full as he continues to do each hockey season.
For some the highlight of the night was having Michael Bublé in attendance at the game with his Family taking part in the opening ceremony.
The event was again a huge success with over 4,000 fans in attendance who managed to throw over 6,000 stuffed Bears on the ice that were donated to the Langley Christmas Bureau.
The event was again a huge success and on behalf of Laird, Bruce and myself – Thanks for making this again a huge success.
Make note that the Richmond Sockeyes of the PJHL are hosting their annual Teddy Bear Toss Thursday December 16th at the Minoru Arena.
Seasons Greetings to you and your Family over the holiday season.
WHL players named for world jr. - 12 december 2021
Photo Credit - WHL
Story by Steve Erickson
While many in the lower mainland are focused on the Canucks to see if they are able to pull out win number four under new bench boss Bruce Boudreau it’s only fitting that Hockey Canada releases the names of 12 WHL players to play for Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The event is scheduled to be played over the Christmans holidays as we have come to know that normally allows everyone or at least the hockey fans to relax in style from December 26 to January 5, 2022 with games played in both Edmonton and Red Deer.
Enjoy the read and congrats to those selected!!
The following is the press release from the WHL naming the 25 players who were named to Canada’s roster, including three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.
Canada’s roster was selected by Alan Millar, director of player personnel, formerly of the Moose Jaw Warriors. Other WHL personnel contributing to the roster decisions were assistant coaches Michael Dyck (Vancouver Giants / Lethbridge, Alta.) and Dennis Williams (Everett Silvertips / Stratford, Ont.)
Two WHL players return to Canada’s roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship – defenceman Kaiden Guhle (Edmonton Oil Kings / Sherwood Park, Alta.) and goaltender Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers / Victoria, B.C.).
The Edmonton Oil Kings boast four players on the roster, with the Everett Silvertips and Kamloops Blazers represented by two players each.
The Regina Pats will be represented by 16-year-old forward Connor Bedard. The Brandon Wheat Kings, Vancouver Giants, and Winnipeg ICE will also be represented by one player each.
Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Daemon Hunt, who was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp, is unable to participate in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship due to injury.
Also representing the WHL on Team Canada will be athletic therapist Mike Burnstein (Vancouver Giants) and team physician Dr. Barry Wiens (Red Deer Rebels).
“We are excited to unveil the 25 players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, as we believe this group will give us the best chance to win a gold medal on home ice,” Millar said. “We were impressed with the level of competition at camp, and we knew we were going to have to make difficult decisions when it came time to name a final roster. Our players and staff look forward to the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans again, and we know this team will embrace the opportunity of wearing the Maple Leaf as we continue to build towards our goal of winning gold.”
Canada’s National Junior Team will head to Banff, Alta., for a training camp at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre from December 14-19. It will then travel to Red Deer for a pair of pre-tournament games on December 19 and 20 against Switzerland and Sweden, respectively, before moving on to Edmonton for its final pre-tournament match-up on December 22 against Russia as part of the Lordco Road to the World Juniors.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on Boxing Day with Canada kicking off its tournament against the Czech Republic. In addition to its opening-night match-up, Canada will also play Austria on December 28, Germany on December 29, and Finland on December 31 to wrap up preliminary-round action. All Team Canada games will be played at 5 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. ET.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada will carry extensive game coverage and analysis throughout the World Juniors.
TSN will broadcast all 31 tournament games and five pre-tournament games, while RDS will broadcast all 31 tournament games and three pre-tournament games. TSN Radio will also provide comprehensive coverage.
For more information from the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit the official tournament website at 2022.worldjuniors.hockey.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #OurGameIsBack.
While many in the lower mainland are focused on the Canucks to see if they are able to pull out win number four under new bench boss Bruce Boudreau it’s only fitting that Hockey Canada releases the names of 12 WHL players to play for Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The event is scheduled to be played over the Christmans holidays as we have come to know that normally allows everyone or at least the hockey fans to relax in style from December 26 to January 5, 2022 with games played in both Edmonton and Red Deer.
Enjoy the read and congrats to those selected!!
The following is the press release from the WHL naming the 25 players who were named to Canada’s roster, including three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.
Canada’s roster was selected by Alan Millar, director of player personnel, formerly of the Moose Jaw Warriors. Other WHL personnel contributing to the roster decisions were assistant coaches Michael Dyck (Vancouver Giants / Lethbridge, Alta.) and Dennis Williams (Everett Silvertips / Stratford, Ont.)
Two WHL players return to Canada’s roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship – defenceman Kaiden Guhle (Edmonton Oil Kings / Sherwood Park, Alta.) and goaltender Dylan Garand (Kamloops Blazers / Victoria, B.C.).
The Edmonton Oil Kings boast four players on the roster, with the Everett Silvertips and Kamloops Blazers represented by two players each.
The Regina Pats will be represented by 16-year-old forward Connor Bedard. The Brandon Wheat Kings, Vancouver Giants, and Winnipeg ICE will also be represented by one player each.
Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Daemon Hunt, who was invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp, is unable to participate in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship due to injury.
Also representing the WHL on Team Canada will be athletic therapist Mike Burnstein (Vancouver Giants) and team physician Dr. Barry Wiens (Red Deer Rebels).
“We are excited to unveil the 25 players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, as we believe this group will give us the best chance to win a gold medal on home ice,” Millar said. “We were impressed with the level of competition at camp, and we knew we were going to have to make difficult decisions when it came time to name a final roster. Our players and staff look forward to the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans again, and we know this team will embrace the opportunity of wearing the Maple Leaf as we continue to build towards our goal of winning gold.”
Canada’s National Junior Team will head to Banff, Alta., for a training camp at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre from December 14-19. It will then travel to Red Deer for a pair of pre-tournament games on December 19 and 20 against Switzerland and Sweden, respectively, before moving on to Edmonton for its final pre-tournament match-up on December 22 against Russia as part of the Lordco Road to the World Juniors.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on Boxing Day with Canada kicking off its tournament against the Czech Republic. In addition to its opening-night match-up, Canada will also play Austria on December 28, Germany on December 29, and Finland on December 31 to wrap up preliminary-round action. All Team Canada games will be played at 5 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. ET.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada will carry extensive game coverage and analysis throughout the World Juniors.
TSN will broadcast all 31 tournament games and five pre-tournament games, while RDS will broadcast all 31 tournament games and three pre-tournament games. TSN Radio will also provide comprehensive coverage.
For more information from the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit the official tournament website at 2022.worldjuniors.hockey.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and by using #OurGameIsBack.
Sebastian Cossa, Edmonton Oil Kings, Ft. McMurray, Ab., 6.7", 203 lbs, G
Dylan Garand, Kamloops Blazers, Victoria, BC, 6'1", 179 lbs., G
Kaiden Guhle, Edmonton Oil Kings, Sherwood Park, Ab., 6'3", 203 lbs, D
Carson Lambos, Winnipeg Ice, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 6"1", 195 lbs, D
Ronan Seeley, Everett Silvertips, Olds, Ab., 6'1", 192 lbs, D
Olen Zellweger, Everett Silvertips, Ft. Saskatchewan, Ab., 5'10", 176 lbs, D
Connor Bedard, Regina Pats, North Vancouver, BC, 5'9", 180 lbs, F
Justin Sourdif, Vancouver Giants, Surrey, BC, 5'11", 182 lbs, F
Logan Stankoven, Kamloops Blazers, Kamloops, BC, 5'8", 170 lbs, F
rutherford named president of hockey operations - 9 December 2021
Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks
Story by Steve Erickson
Given the recent upheaval within the Canucks group and the recent changes, it was only a matter of time that they announced who would be named as the new President of Hockey Operations.
Wasting no time as the week went on following their impressive 2-1 shootout win over the Bruins we hear that Francesco Aquilini, Chairman and Governor NHL made it official by announcing that Jim Rutherford (72) was been named President, Hockey Operations and will assume GM duties on an interim basis while the search continues for their GM continues.
Aquilini mentioned “It is time for a new vision and a new leader who will set a path forward for this team and he (Jim) has tremendous experience building and leading winning organizations and I believe he will help build the Vancouver Canucks into a team that can compete for championships again.”
Given his impressive resume with some skeptics still in “thinking mode” as to why they would get Jim, forgetting that he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders’ category as well as having experienced at a high level as well as being respected in the league.
From 2014-2021 he was the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins that guided them to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 as well as the GM for the Hurricanes for 20 years, which saw them win the Stanley Cup in 2006.
The Hurricanes had two runs at the Stanley Cup final and won the Eastern Conference championship (2002 and 2006) reaching the conference finals (2009) also winning three Division titles.
His resume includes winning the GM Manager of the year (June 23, 2016) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.
Rutherford mentioned “It is an honor to join the Vancouver Canucks and to lead an NHL team in Canada and I would like to thank Francesco and the Aquilini family for the opportunity. The Canucks have an exciting young group of players, and I look forward to building a plan that will take this team to the next level and excite Canucks fans everywhere.”
He starts his role immediately and will be assessing rosters, the Hockey Operations Department, and the overall operation of the franchise.
It takes strong leadership to build a winning franchise and he is no stranger to hard work and was recognized by The Hockey News (2002 & 2006) being named the NHL’s Executive of the Year.
For those who question his age and the hiring, age is far more than a number – it’s experience!!
Thanks to the Vancouver Canucks Media Department for the press release.
poor coaching or management - or both - 6 December 2021
File Photo
Story by Steve Erickson
Is anyone really surprised to hear that the Canucks finally made the move to release Travis Green from Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks considering that they are 8-15-2 and last in the Pacific Division.
Given the frustration from the fans due to an overall lack of performance by the Canucks of late his release comes after the 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh ironically the 10th loss in 13 games.
After the game last evening the chant in the crowd was “Fire Benning” which was obviously directed toward GM Jim Benning and no doubt was built up frustration from fans who spend their hard earned money – but for what?
Showing their frustration one fan threw a Canucks jersey on the ice which was quickly picked up by one of the Penguins and tossed in the stands.
Let’s not forget that earlier in the week on a recent road swing they managed wins over two of the weaker teams, namely Ottawa and Montreal.
So releasing him is one move but who takes over as their bench boss and for how long?
We have heard the Canucks were in talks with various individuals regarding the position and one such individual was Bruce Boudreau (66) has coached 984 games managing 567 wins, 302 losses as well as 115 O/T losses.
He was also selected in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft in the first round 14th overall by the Minnesota Fighting Saints playing on the same team as John Garrett who also calls Trenton Ontario home.
In 2007-08 he (Boudreau) won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s top coach but was later released November 28th/ 2011 after the team failed to advance further in the playoffs.
His retirement was short-lived as he was hired two days later when Anaheim hired him replacing Randy Carlyle, which does in the record books as being the shortest fired then rehired coach.
He went on to coach the Ducks to four consecutive division titles but failed to take his squad deep in the playoffs, which he was fired on April 29, 2016.
His next job would take somewhat longer to get (two weeks) later and was hired by the Wild May 7, 2016,
Again, good things must come to an end considering he was fired February 14th/2020 making his Valentine’s day not so sweet.
Reflecting back on his 14 seasons (total) behind the bench he has never had a losing season and never coached a team to the Stanley Cup Final, but managing to get to the conference finals only once.
He has played for his hometown Toronto Marlies and Leaf’s as well as his playing days were mainly spent playing in the minor’s in addition to playing a total of 779 games ranging from 1972 and 1992 in the CHL, IHL and the AHL.
In 141 NHL games, all but seven were with the Leaf’s (he also played for the Blackhawks), he had 28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points.
Green is from Castlegar and became only the second head coach fired this season after Chicago’s Jeremy Colliton, who began his Junior career in the AJHL with the Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves.
In addition to Panthers bench boss Joel Quenneville who began his career with the Windsor Spitfires stepped aside amid the Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal..
Green replaced Willie Desjardins following the 2017 season, missing the playoffs in three of four full seasons, which never went over well with Canuck fans.
It’s sad to think that the single playoff appearance was in 2019-20 when to the surprise of many made the deepest run of all Canadian teams, sadly losing in the second round against Vegas.
But the Canucks followed that up by finishing last in the all-Canadian division last year following a COVID-19 outbreak that created a hectic late schedule and as strange as it sounds Green signed a two-year extension with the Canucks in May.
Green was hired by the Canucks after he coached the team’s AHL affiliate in Utica for four years, highlighted by a run to the Calder Cup final in 2015.
Previously, Green guided the Portland Winterhawks to the Memorial Cup final in 2013.
As the Canucks hit the ice in Canada’s Capital they are looking at pulling out the second win in two consecutive games, which for fans in the area it’ll be like Christmas come early.
Green comes from Castlegar and was drafted by the Islanders in 1989 in the 2nd round being the 2nd pick (23rd overall) has since then has had an impressive career in the league as a player
It’s easy to “pass the buck” on to someone else, but they were given the task to turn the team around and to date it’s been the same old thing, which is sad to see night in and night out.
Chemistry plays a key role in the world of sport and if the mix doesn’t work it’s time for change.
Fans in the area have seen this in the past mainly with the Vancouver Whitecaps when they eventually removed Marc Dos Santos August 28th following a 4-3 loss to Canadian Premier League Pacific FC.
So given the word on the street from those who pay “top dollar” for tickets, who is next in the firing line to replace either Jim or Travis?
Currently the Canucks are in the cellar of the Pacific Division after 23 games
We continue to hear that Francesco Aquilini Team chairman continues to preach patience to the fans, one must be getting “tired” of hearing the same thing over and over.
It was back in 2019 that we heard Aquilini mentioning “I have full confidence in Jim, Travis, and this group. I have no plans to make changes.”
One has to think that the team has to be not just frustrated, but more frustrated than the fans who continue to support them on a nightly basis.
The recent winless road trip saw them outscored 19-6, but let’s not forget that they did manage a win over Montreal who recently made changes, which were also long overdue.
Despite the recent meeting between Aquilini and Benning the Canucks have won two games and on the losing end of five managing a record of 7-14-2 scoring 53 goals allowing 74.
Benning was hired in 2014 and since then many in the area don’t feel overly confident with him being at the helm letting the season slowly slip away as everyone patiently waits for another run for the Stanley Cup.
Vancouver currently sits 28th overall in league standings with a historically bad penalty kill that ranks dead last in the NHL at 63.4 percent.
J.T. Miller who was drafted by the Rangers in 2011, 1st round 15th overall currently sits first in team scoring with the Canucks has a record of 7 goals and 13 assists managing 2 PPG followed by Garland and Hughes
Say what you will frustration has to be setting in and at a recent practice Miller was heard yelling “We don’t know what we are doing!”
During his four seasons in Vancouver, Travis Green’s four years in Vancouver see’s him with a coaching record of 125-132-32 and only one playoff appearance, ironically during the 2020 return-to-play bubble.
So if changes are indeed on the horizon who takes over, but regardless changes will be a welcome addition for the fans.
While names are being tossed around for a replacement it’s a waiting game, but realistically speaking Christmas might come early!!
sourdif invited to National Jr. Selection Camp -1 December 2021
Photos by: Rob Wilton
Graphic by: Jamison Derksen
Story by Rocky Rhodes
The Vancouver Giants in conjunction with Hockey Canada are thrilled to announce that Surrey BC’s Justin Sourdif has been invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Selection Camp which begins on December 9th in Calgary, AB.
This is ahead of the 2022 IIHF World Juniors being held in Edmonton and Red Deer Alberta.
Giants GM, Barclay Parneta mentioned “Justin Sourdif is fully deserving of the opportunity to attend Canada’s World Junior selection camp and on behalf of the entire organization, we wish him the best and we know that he’ll be a first class representative of the Western Hockey League and the Vancouver Giants.”
Sourdif, a signed prospect of the Florida Panthers currently leads the Vancouver Giants in scoring with 24 points (8G, 16A) and currently leads the Giants with a +13 rating in addition to his nine multi-point games including three game-winning goals.
Over the course of his current five-game point streak, Sourdif has produced three goals and four assists for seven points.
Last year in 22 games, he led all B.C. Division skaters with 34 points (11G, 23A) and was named the B.C. Division’s Player of the Year.
In 164 career regular season WHL games (all with Vancouver) Sourdif has registered 68 goals and 90 assists for 158 points along with a +79 rating.
On the International stage he has represented Canada and earned a Silver Medal at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
He was also an alternate captain with Team Canada Red at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Justin Sourdif will be joined at the Selection Camp by Giants head coach Michael Dyck and Athletic Therapist Mike Burnstein, both of whom will be representing Canada on the World Junior team’s staff as an assistant coach and athletic therapist respectively.
Millar mentioned “We are excited to unveil the 35 players who will compete for a spot on Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, and to continue working towards winning a gold medal on home ice and we know our athletes and staff are ready for a highly-competitive selection camp, and we look forward to assembling a group that will wear the Maple Leaf with pride and embrace the opportunity to once again compete in front of fans in Alberta.”
The roster was selected by Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont.), director of player personnel, and James Boyd (Midland, Ont./Ottawa, OHL), the U20 lead for the Program of Excellence management group, with support from Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), senior vice-president of national teams.
Head coach Dave Cameron (Kinkora, P.E.I./Ottawa, OHL), and assistant coaches Michael Dyck (Lethbridge, Alta./Vancouver, WHL), Louis Robitaille (Montreal, Que./Gatineau, QMJHL) and Dennis Williams (Stratford, Ont./Everett, WHL), as well as goaltending consultant Olivier Michaud (Beloeil, Que./Drummondville, QMJHL), also provided input, along with coaches and general managers across the CHL.
The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship begins (as expected) December 26th with Canada playing the Czech Republic.
In addition to its opening-night match-up, Canada plays Austria Dec. 28, Germany Dec. 29 and Finland Dec. 31st wrap[ping up preliminary-round action. All Team Canada games will be played at 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET and 3 pm Pacific time.
Sourdif is one of 35 players, 21 forwards and 15 WHL players that were invited to attend the camp.
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