Gretzky resigns from oilers, new broadcasting gig with tnt - May 25/26, 2021

Photo Credit - Christopher Katsarov/Canadian Press

Story by Steve Erickson

Not only did the Oilers lose the  series against the Jets in four straight games in the first round, we are hearing that Wayne Gretzky “The Great One” has resigned or left his position with the Oilers as the team’s Vice Chairman.

It’s been reported for a while changes were in the making given the broadcast rights for the NHL as they look at moving forward for the upcoming season.

In a statement that was posted to social media, Gretzky cited an inability to give the role the attention it requires, which by all intent and purposes makes sense to those in the hockey circles. 

Gretzky (60) wrote “The Oilers, their fans, and the city of Edmonton have meant the world to me and my family for over four decades — and that will never end.” 

He continued “Given the pandemic and other life changes, I realize I will not be able to dedicate the time nor effort needed to support this world-class organization.”

The NHL and Turner Sports on Tuesday formally announced a seven-year agreement that begins next season and will put three Stanley Cup finals on the TNT cable network.

Gretzky has signed a multi-year contract to provide studio analysis during the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs and will be working with legendary broadcaster Kenny Albert and retired NHLer Eddie Olczyk who has played NHL 1031 scoring 324 goals along with 452 assists will call the games on TNT and TBS.  

Olczyk played for 16 seasons in the NHL, winning a Stanley Cup in 1994 with the New York Rangers and was also the coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2003 to 2005.

LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 13: Kenny Albert attends the Fox Sports and Premier Boxing Championships press event on November 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Fox/PictureGroup)

https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-rangers/former-new-york-ranger-eddie-olczyk-talks-hockey-and-cancer/

Gretzky spent 21 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers from 1979 to 1999.

In addition, Gretzky is a 15-time All-Star, four-time Stanley Cup winner, 10-time Art Ross Trophy winner nine times as the NHL’s leading scorer (first awarded in 1947-48 to Elmer Lach) as well as Gretzky winning the Hart Trophy winner eight times as league MVP and two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame told the media “From our standpoint, we looked at the strength of the Turner Sports portfolio, which is outstanding and they put a fun and innovative factor into all of what they do, and we’re excited to have that same treatment for our sports, and for our fans.”

The news comes as Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Gretzky would join TNT as a lead analyst on the network’s studio show after agreeing to a deal that will pay him around $3 million per season. 

This will be Gretzky’s first move into the TV analyst world and no doubt he will offer new insight into the game where others have failed miserably at doing.

In the past he has appeared on several television shows, which included The Young and the Restless, Saturday Night Live and the Simpsons.

Gretzky rejoined the Oilers in 2016 after previously spending 10 seasons with the team from 1978-1988.

We wish him all the best moving forward and welcome his insight which can possibly make some other broadcasters better, which is drastically needed in the world of broadcasting.

Photo Credits - NHL

Story by Steve Erickson

The season of glory for the Oilers who finished with a record of 35-19-2 managing 72 points in 2nd place saw the Jets finish sporting a record of 30-23-3 with 63 points sitting third in North division. 

http://gettingpucksdeep.blogspot.com/2011/05/former-atlanta-flames-goalie-dan.html

Both teams had never faced each other in the history of the NHL and this is the first time in their history since the Flames moved from Atlanta in 1980 when they were known as the Atlanta Flames and former London Knight Dan Bouchard was their tender.

The Atlanta Flames were founded in 1972 and upon arriving in Calgary saw them play their first three seasons at the Stampede Corral then moving to Scotiabank Saddledome, which was originally known as the Olympic Saddledome.

The history of the Jets dates back to 1972 in the WHA when 54-year old owner Ben Hatskins signed Blackhawks superstar Bobby Hull who received a check from the WHA in St. Paul for $1‐million as a signing bonus..

The signing in Winnipeg was made official at the corner of Portage and Main (June 27th, 1972) for almost $2.8 million over 10 years that saw him receive $1 million up front, making him the first player to sign a million-dollar contract.

Canada’s season in the Scotia North Division was unique and like no other especially for the Canucks who were hit with COVID-19 that forced a stoppage of play which forced them to play a condensed schedule.

The 2021 NHL season was the most unique, yet strange campaign that any of us will remember going down in history having no fans in the building due to the numbers on the rise in all Canadian Provinces as well as the US-Canada border being closed, 

The top four teams squared off facing each other in a best of seven and it’s fair to say that we have been entertained with some exciting hockey making all else sort of mundane.

Game four for the Jets and Oilers required O/T to settle the outcome that saw the NHL’s top two scoring leaders Connor McDavid (23) and Leon Draisaitl (25) eliminated from further playoff action.

One could say that this series was posthumously named the “Battle of the Two Connors” which was named after both Connor McDavid and Hellebuyck who played exceptional in the four games that he faced the Oilers. 

Its fair to say both teams were much closer than it seemed, having many one-goal games which saw game one that was mainly a 2-1 game with two empty-netters, while game two saw Paul Stastny grab the O/T winner.

Game three saw Oilers Draisaitl and McDavid take a 2-0 lead over the Jets before allowing the Jets to pull within one in the second, but as we know a lead in sports can be short lived where it took the Oilers a minute and four seconds to restore their two-goal lead.

The Oilers made it 4-1 looking like a convincing win but the Jets turned on the afterburners scoring three and in a span of just over three minutes clawing their way back which was like watching Nightmare on Elm Street. 

Talk about a momentum shift that not only shocked the team but everyone watching forcing O/T in what best described as a third-period surge going from 4-2 to 4-4 in a shocking span of 16-seconds which had me reflecting back to 2017 when the Oilers dropped three straight goals against the Ducks before losing in OT,  

Game four saw both teams play a seesaw battle with Mark Scheifele putting the Jets up at 6:16 followed by an even-up goal by McDavid at 7:33 proving to be a motivation marker for the Oilers.

The lead was short lived that saw Mark Appleton give the Jets a 2-1 lead at 15:55  heading to the dressing room after 20 while the Jets managed 12 shots to the Oilers 5 while the Oilers took three undisciplined consecutive minors.

Burnaby’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins got the Oilers even on the board at 3:44 with Larsson and Kassian did the dirty work heading up ice, which proved to be short lived.

The end to end battle continued with both teams getting several chances only to be turned aside by both tenders who were forced to make some impressive game saving stops.

The Jets turned the puck over in the neutral zone allowing Oilers forward Alex Chiasson to put them up 3-2 at 16:55 allowing them to take the one goal lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes.

With the game on the line the second saw a reversal in the shot department as the Oilers out-shot the Jets 12-6 with the shots being 18-17 after two for the Jets.

Entering the third the Jets were looking at finishing the series off while the Oilers were in a do or die game that saw both coaches shorten the lines the longer the game went.

The Jets pressed while the Oilers defended only to have Kitchener native Mark Shceifle get his 2nd of the game with helpers going to Wheeler and Connor getting helpers tying the game at three.

The Oilers managed only five shots in the third; while the Jets got a modest four shots on goal (SOG) in the third.

Both teams were in “game mode” to end the game in 60 minutes but for the hockey fanatics they were in for more playoff O/T keeping Manitoba residents up until the late hours.

The first O/T and prior to double O/T, McDavid and Draisaitl looked dangerous but Winnipeg produced some of the best chances.

In what many on social media were describing as the battle of the West this game had what every hockey fan wanted which was aggressive play, fast skating, heavy hits and never giving up.

The O/T featured not one, not two but three O/T periods that saw a clearing dump out play by the Oilers on the left side only to be intercepted by Kyle Connor who managed to get a low shot stick side past Smith giving the Jets the O/T win eliminating the Oilers. 

The Jets did manage to produce some quality chances and did received the only PP and almost a 5-on-3, but after the officials had a meeting of the minds no penalty was assessed to Oilers Darnell Nurse in the first OT. 

Not being outdone, Jets speedster Nikolaj Ehlers got an impressive OT chance, only Mike Smithmade the save.

Montreal and the Leafs play (at least) two more games, with Toronto taking a 2-1 series lead. 

JETS – OILERS PLAYOFF SERIES RECAP: Winnipeg wins in sweep

Game 1: Jets 4, Oilers 1

Game 2: Jets 1, Oilers 0 (OT)

Game 3: Jets 5, Oilers 4 (OT)

Game 4: Jets 4, Oilers 3 (triple OT)

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/

Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks

Story by Steve Erickson

The Canuck season for the most part was one that can go down in the history books as one to forget, given all the adversity the franchise has undergone.

With the season officially over following the loss to the Flames May 19th several players were given the opportunity to speak to the media reflecting on their views of not only their season, but the team as well.

Canuck Captain Bo Horvat spoke about his love for the city, the franchise and how much he wants to be a part of a winning culture for the organization as they move forward.

Uncertainty surrounds the signings of both Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, both of whom missed several games due to injury in addition to the team being put on hold due to Covid.

Hughes finished the season with 3 goals, 38 assists for 41 points through 56 games, while Elias Pettersson was hit with what he described as a wrist injury and was forced out of the line up having only played 26 managing 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points.

Photo Credit -  Vancouver Canucks

Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks

One contract now having been put on ice was that of Thatcher Demko who recently signed a five-year extension reportedly to have an average dollar value of $5 million, which for the Canucks was imperative to get done.

I mention this only due to the fact that sheer speculation is that Braden Holtby could be left open for the NHL Expansion Draft and available for the Seattle Kraken to sign, which is only speculation at this point.

While the player interview was the day after the final game, the Canucks hosted a “presser” with GM Jim Benning and re-signed Travis Green to a two-year extension.

This shocked many in the sporting world as word on the street as well as AM 650 was that Green would not be returning to the city for an extension, considering that he first took over behind the bench for the start for the 2017-18 season.

After questions of sheer speculation that he would not be returning that story is old news with him as the press conference was to officially announce that he (Travis) had re-signed with the team with a two-year extension.

In a media release Canucks GM Jim Benning mentioned “Our plan has always been to draft and develop a young core and surround them with supporting players who can help us win. We have some of the best young players in the NHL, and I believe Travis is the right coach to help us achieve team success and a return to the playoffs.”

It should be known that Green is a Castlegar native and just finished his fourth season behind the bench and extremely well respected around the league. 

This fact has been noted by several  players in the past few days, which goes a long way for respect and the job he has done.to which Green mentioned “Coaching the Vancouver Canucks has been a privilege, and I am excited at the opportunity to continue behind the bench with this team.”

He (Green) continued by saying “I believe this young team and organization is on the rise. They have shown character, a strong will to win, and we expect big things in the years ahead. Thank you to Jim, Francesco and the Aquilini family for the opportunity to continue as the coach of the Vancouver Canucks.”

While this past season has been a “Season from Hell” it’s fair to say that the Canucks are committed to focus and rebuild to bring a winning franchise to the City and for the nay-sayers all we can say is “patience is a virtue.”

At this current time according to the press conference it is still uncertain if some or any of the remaining of the coaching staff, including assistant coaches Nolan Baumgartner, Newell Brown, and Jason King. Goaltending coach Ian Clark is also without a contract beyond this season.

The season draws to an end I want to personally thank the Canucks media department for working tireless hours in what was indeed a “SEASON FROM HELL"

Photo Credit - Vancouver Giants

Story by Steve Erickson

While the BCHL announced the winners in their POD we want to pass on the winners announced for the Vancouver Giants who are based out of the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Congrats to the recent winners who fought hard in what was such a frustrating and aggravating season for not only the league but also for those moving on in their career’s and we wish them all the best in their career..

Enjoy the read sent over by Dan O’Connor.

The  Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce their 2020-21 Individual Award winners. The Giants will be announcing award winners today, tomorrow and Friday.

Unsung Hero Award: Tanner Brown

Tanner Brown (2002-born D-man) 

The Kelowna, B.C. product suited up in all 22 games for the Giants and posted two goals and eight assists for 10 points. He added a team-leading +11 rating and 18 penalty minutes. 

Originally selected by the G-Men in Round 2 of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, Brown has established himself as a reliable, versatile defenceman who logged big minutes in all situations for the Giants.

Most Sportsmanlike Player: 

Eric Florchuk (2000-born forward) final WHL season proved to be a successful one at both ends of the ice. 

The product of Fort Saskatchewan, AB finished third in team scoring with 20 points (4G, 16A) and did so while only accumulating eight penalty minutes. 

Florchuk’s eight power play assists were tops on the team, as were his 432 faceoff attempts.

Three Star Awards: Justin Sourdif, Tristen Nielsen, Trent Miner

Justin Sourdif finished the season with 34 points (11G, 23A) which led the Giants where he was ranked tied for third in league scoring in 22 games he recorded at least one point in 17 of them.

Tristen Nielsen finished the season with 32 points (15G, 17A) where his 15 goals were tops on the team and tops in the B.C. Division. 

He also led the Giants with six power play goals and 12 power play points.

Trent Miner finished the season with a 7-8 record with a 2.16 GAA and a .915 SV%. 

His four shutouts were tied for the most in the WHL that saw him start the season with a shutout minutes streak of 234 minutes and 31 seconds, which is a new franchise record.

Player of the Year: Zack Ostapchuk

“Zack has shown commitment and resilience in his studies, even as the COVID pandemic has forced dramatic changes in learning. 

He is a dedicated student, striving for his personal best as he completes High School.” – Gatlin Saip, Giants Academic Advisor.

Trent Miner Post-Secondary Academic Player of the Year:

“Trent has once again demonstrated academic excellence this year, and continues to set the tone for his teammates in his commitment to his studies.” – Gatlin Saip, Giants Academic Advisor.

More awards will be announced tomorrow, including: 

–       The Players Choice Award.

–       The Bublé Iron Man Award.

–       The Milan Ilich Rookie of the Year Award.

–       The Most Improved Player Award.

–       The Bruce Allen Inspirational Leader Award.

All photos -BCHL

Story by Steve Erickson

Junior hockey in the area (BCHL & WHL) as well as the Vancouver Canucks have wrapped up their seasons which to say the least was like watching “Freddy Kruger” all over not knowing the ending until they rolled the credits.

There were areas of concern for all leagues, but in the end the results seemed to be positive for everyone that was involved.

All leagues treated took the testing structure very proactive which for the most part put the onus on those attending the games in any facility.

By far the best one to deal with was the Vancouver Canucks, which goes without saying with the BCHL also taking the approach that put the onus on the individual attending the game.

I can mention that we did not attend the Vancouver Giant games in  Kamloops or Kelowna only due to Provincial Ministerial orders.

In conversation with several scouts we were told that “this season the draft will be so extremely different and unlike they have ever seen” which is only understandable to those in the hockey circles.

I received the following from both the BCHL regarding the Chilliwack Pod as well as Dan O’Connor Play by Play for the Vancouver Giants and want to share the media press release with everyone.

Enjoy the read:

Chilliwack Pod Awards.

MVP

Christian Buono (PG Spruce Kings) – 20GP – 14G – 13A – 27PTS

This year was Buono’s final year of junior eligibility and the Burnaby, B.C. native took full advantage of the opportunity, finishing his career in style scoring a team-high 14 goals and leading the Spruce Kings with 27 points on the year, tying him for seventh overall in the BCHL. 

Buono’s season was full of big performances, including two separate hat tricks and a three-point night on the final day of the season in a win over the Chilliwack Chiefs that clinched top spot in the pod for his team. 

The 20-year-old wraps up an impressive BCHL career with 102 points in 168 regular-season games.

Top Goalie

Aaron Trotter (Prince George Spruce Kings) – 11GP – 7-3-1 – .934 SV% – 1.63 GAA – 2 SO

Although technically not considered a rookie due to his 2001 birthday, Trotter made a huge impact in his first year of junior hockey. 

The 20-year-old from Victoria, B.C. won seven of his 11 starts in the pod and finished second in the league in both save percentage (.934) and goals-against average (1.63), backstopping the Spruce Kings to first place in the Chilliwack Pod. 

His two shutouts put him in a tie for third-most in the BCHL. Trotter, along with his Spruce Kings crease mates Jordan Fairlie and Kobe Grant, combined to allow the second-fewest goals in the league with 37 against, an average of 1.85 per game.

Top Defenceman

Jackson Munro (Chilliwack Chiefs) – 20GP – 4G – 8A – 12PTS

Munro is another player who took full advantage of his last season of junior hockey. 

The four-year BCHL veteran finished second in Chiefs scoring among defencemen with 12 points, while being a constant steadying presence in his own end and suiting up for all 20 of his team’s games. 

Munro’s seven power-play points were most among Chiefs defencemen and third overall on the team. 

After spending time with the Merritt Centennials and Alberni Valley Bulldogs, the 21-year-old from Vancouver, B.C. wraps up his junior career with the Chiefs having played 164 career regular-season games and amassed 77 points. He is committed to Brown University next year.

Top Rookie

Sasha Teleguine (Chilliwack Chiefs) – 20GP – 4G – 14A – 18PTS

Teleguine was a unanimous choice for Top Rookie in his pod, the only unanimous choice out of all the pod award winners. 

The first-year man from North Attleboro, Mass. led all rookies in the Chilliwack Pod with 18 points in 20 games. 

Teleguine was mostly a setup man for the Chiefs this year with 14 of his 18 points coming via assists. The 18-year-old was consistent all year, but really caught fire in the back half of the season, registering at least one point in eight of the Chiefs final nine contests. Teleguine is a prospect for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft in July.

Non-Voting Awards

Chilliwack Pod Leading Scorer: Christian Buono (Prince George Spruce Kings) – 27 points

Chilliwack Pod Champion: PG Spruce Kings – 29 points (14-5-1)

Photo Credit - Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press

Story by Steve Erickson

While the rest of the league are enjoying playoff action the Canadian division Canucks, Flames and Senators are set to hit the links for 18 holes, which wasn’t what they initially ordered.

Entering tonight’s game the Canucks have a record of 22-28-4 for 47 points through 53 games while the Flames have a record of 25-26-3 through 51 games sitting with 53 pints.

The Canucks have games in hand and are looking at wrapping up this horrendous season on a winning note in anything but to win back their fans.

Far too long we have heard nothing but the naysayers complain about the lack or performance by the team and how management has handled it.

With three games remaining Vancouver enter’s tonight’s game with questions that still remain unanswered about Head Coach Travis Green and GM Jim Benning.

Photo Credit - Vancouver Canucks

Apparently we’ll know in the next couple of days considering that we are hearing that ownership is in conversation with former Canuck Geoff Courtnalll as rumor has it.

If changes are coming will be welcome news to the ticket buyers considering that they have been waiting for a winning team that can be a contender for years.

Prior to the start of the game the conversation mainly was around Travis Green and if he would return and how the team would approach the remaining three games.

Pro players in any sport simply don’t quit but the normal fan won’t understand this as they mainly only care if their home team wins.

Understanding the Canuck season is like going to bingo with your Grandmother mainly cause you never know what to expect from one call to another.

Both teams were showcasing a new player who took the traditional single skate around the rink prior to the remaining players hitting the ice, which is always nice to watch and a good way to introduce them to the public.

For the Canucks it was like taking a trip through the “House of Horrors” forcing them to overcome a 4-0 deficit in the third that shocked the Flames by forcing O/T after 60 minutes.

Heading into the contest both teams knew that they were eliminated from Lord Stanley’s Cup run having to wait until next season to see what the future holds for both.

The third saw the Canucks throw 18 shots at Markstrom scoring 4 times to which J.T. Miller mentioned “Any team going into a situation like that, you have to show character and some pride not leaving your goalie out to dry any more than we had.” 

After trailing by a 5-1 margin the Canucks managed to get back to back goals Graovac scored at 2:30 followed up when Boeser made it 5-3 scoring at 7:47.

Having the sense that they were able to rebound Miller got a shorthanded goal at 11:28 that put the pressure on Calgary who appeared to be in disarray.

Boeser got the tying goal with 2:02 left in regulation which Flames Head Coach Darryl Sutter mentioned “It was just a special teams third period, our PK wasn’t very good in the third and our PP was not very good all night.?

In OT it was Boeser who almost got his third of the game to win it for the Canucks only to have his shot go off the post forcing a turnover for the Flames.

It was Liindholm who threw a cross-ice pass that deflected off Edler at 3:24 giving the Flames the win with two games remaining in the regular season.

Calgary improved to 19-5-2 when scoring first and scored three goals in a span of 2:17 which is only a stat for their record book.

As strange as it seems there have been several post-season match-ups that have currently taken place, knowing that the Canucks season was put on ice for three weeks when COVID-19 put the Canucks in the sin-bin.

Game Notes:

Flames tender Jacob Markstrom made 30 saves for his 21st win, while Holtby stopped 30 shots in the loss.

Canucks rookie Jonah Gadjovich played just 4:55 in his debut; while Flames Adam Ruzicka made his NHL debut with both watching Canucks Captain Bo Horvat play in his 500th game.

Vancouver’s next game is May 25th with the face-off set for May 25th.

Photo Credit - Fanduel.com

Story by Steve Erickson

The NHL kicks off the playoffs which is the first time in history that the playoffs have began while teams are still playing regulation league games.

Both Calgary and Vancouver have three regular season games remaining in Vancouver, Sunday (7:30 pm) and Tuesday (1:00 pm) and the league final Wednesday at 12:30 in Calgary.

Who  would have ever thought that this would happen in professional sport but this one goes down in the history books and might never happen again, so we are watching history in the making.

The NHL kicked playoff action with the Bruins renewing their rivalry with the Capitals Saturday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC.

This marks the 9th time they have faced each other in post season play in their history with their first meeting dating back to the 2012-13 season. 

Game one saw the Caspital’s Nic Dowd score the OT winner at 4:41 giving Washington the 3-2 win that saw Dowd redirect Oshie‘s shot from the point for the win.

Craig Anderson entered the game making 21 saves for Washington in relief of Vitek Vanecek, who was forced to leave with what was described as a lower-body injury after attempting a Jake DeBrusk‘s shot at 6:50 that tied the game at one in the first.

Dowd mentioned about Anderson “I think the biggest thing is, he just was so calm and poised in what he did, and he moved so well and I mean, it has to be really challenging for any player to come off the bench like that and be forced into that situation there’s a lot of things that go into it.”

It’s interesting to know that he (Anderson) is the 15th-oldest goalie to play an NHL playoff game, and also the oldest since Tim Thomas at 40 years  

Anderson is the oldest goalie to win a playoff game for the Capitals while Mike Liut had been the oldest at 34 years, 110 days (2-1 overtime win against New York Rangers in Game 5 of 1990 Patrick Division Final).

Capitals “D-man” Zdeno Chara became the seventh player in NHL history to play a postseason game at age 44 or older, and the first since forward Jaromir Jagr with the Florida Panthers at age 44 in the 2016 Eastern Conference First Round. …

Patrice Bergeron played his 150th playoff game for the Bruins, tying Chara for second in their history. Defenseman Ray Bourque is first at 180. … 

Oshie returned after leaving the win against the Flyers on May 8 with a lower-body injury and missing a 2-1 victory against the Bruins on Tuesday. … 

Capitals forwards Daniel Sprong and Anthony Mantha each had an assist in his NHL playoff debut.

For a preview visit  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nhl-playoffs-bruins-vs-154856566.html

The best of seven series are scheduled as followed:

• May 17th Boston at Washington 4:30 pm PST 
• May 19th Washington at Boston 3:30 pm PST 
• May 21st Washington at Boston 3:30 pm PST 
• May 23rd Boston at Washington TBA 
• May 25th Washington at Boston TBA 
• May 27th Boston at Washington TBA

Photo Credit - Seattle Kraken

Story by Steve Erickson

If you’re excited about the addition of the Seattle Kraken as some in the Vancouver area are, you’ll be interested to know that they have the first milestone for the expansion franchise.

Earlier the club announced that they marked a milestone for both the franchise and 21-year-old center Luke Henman. 

As team captain and leading scorer, he is in a overtime-heavy playoff series for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Major Juniors Hockey League.

He mentioned by phone after scoring two game-tying goals earlier in the day, before an eventual overtime loss to Victoriaville knotting the second-round QMJHL series at one game apiece. “I have a belief in my game. My main focus will be to put in the work to get better and I’m super-excited and honored,” 

Photo Credit (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)

Henman first realized agreeing to terms as the Kraken’s first player and prospect was looking possible following his team’s victory in the opening game of the series Saturday.

Henman told the media “I immediately face-timed my parents and I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents [Melanie and Anthony].” 

He continued “Then I called my siblings [two sisters, 25 and 15, and a brother, 17; all hockey players]. We had the nice overtime win and then I got the news. It was a pretty cool day.”

His contract is the standard NHL two-way, three-year entry-level contract with salaries pre-determined for both the American Hockey League and NHL which depending on his progress as a prospect in their development system.

Ron Francis, Kraken GM mentioned “Our scouts have been watching players all year and in this case, [scout] Mike Dawson has been a strong supporter for Luke.”

Francis continued “Luke has put up the numbers in the ‘Q’ and he is team captain. He has solid character. We do think he needs to get stronger we are excited to sign him as our first player.”

He played his last five seasons in the QMJHL and calls Cow Bay home, which is just outside Halifax. 

As a rookie 16-year-old he stood six-foot weighing in the 140 lbs for his QMJHL finishing off  his second season as Captain (172 lbs) 10 pounds heavier from the previous season.  

Francis continued “He’s still a little bit light but he thinks the game well and has the skating and hockey skills we like when scouting players.”

He was Captain in the 2019-20 season and managed to set career highs in all offensive categories (25 goals, 49 assists, 74 points in 63 games) leading his team to first place in the West Division. 

The QMJHL 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 and following Tuesday’s 6-4 loss, he has six goals and two assists in seven postseason games.

He won 57.1% of face-offs on Monday (taking twice more face-offs than any teammate) with four shots, three of which hockey analytics experts categorize as “dangerous.”

Henman will attend Seattle’s first rookie camp leading into the club’s inaugural training camp at the Kraken Training Center later this year which all dates and details pending league scheduling

Another first professional season option would be playing in the American Hockey League as a Kraken prospect.  

He was selected in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Francis was no longer GM – though no one can deny this season’s high-powered Carolina roster is bursting with players Francis drafted, signed or acquired in trades.

“I can’t thank them enough for believing in me,” said Henman. “Now it’s up to me to prove I belong.”

Photo Credit - Coquitlam Express

Story by Steve Erickson

Following the BCHL Pod series that went off without a “hitch” according to some connected with the games played at various locations.

We covered games played in Burnaby that began May 5th with Adam Nugent-Hopkins listed as the interim head coach and for the most part most of the games were entertaining, but unfortunately some games turned chippy. 

We noted that some players were “call-up” and as we were told it was mainly due to the number that were unable to compete; whatever that means?

The word around the rink was that the Express had hired a new Head Coach but no one would let anyone know his name until the Pod was finished, which made sense.

Now we are hearing that the Express officially introduced Brandon Shaw as their new Head Coach and Assistant General Manager which is effective immediately..

He has been involved in the BCHL as he spent the last five (5) seasons as Assistant Coach with the Centennials and two as the Associate Coach with the Alberni Valley.

Express GM Tali Campbell mentioned “We are really excited to welcome Brandon to the Express organization as our new Head Coach and after an in depth search, we were impressed with his experience in recruiting, his connections with NCAA schools and his detailed approach to making a team successful.”

Shaw mentioned “I am extremely excited to join the Express and I would like to take a moment and thank team Governor Fayaz Manji and GM Tali Campbell for this opportunity.

Shaw begins immediately and will focus on the upcoming BCHL season set to mark the 60th anniversary for the

BCHL as well as the 20th anniversary for the Express. 

This also marks the 20th anniversary for the Express and we wish him the best of luck moving forward putting together a new and improved roster for the upcoming season.

Photo Credit - Surrey Eagles

Story By Steve Erickson

The BCHL lower mainland Pod played it’s final game on Mothers Day at Burnaby 8-rinks as many know it that saw the Surrey Eagles defeat the Coquitlam Express by a commanding 5-1 win.

The game started out with lots of tape to tape passes in what many called a no-nothing game for the Eagles considering that they had first place wrapped-up in the shortened Covid season.

Entering the game the Eagles were 16-2-0-1 while the Express were 6-10-3-0 finishing third behind Powell River Kings who had left for the Island the day prior.

Both teams had graduating players on the roster that saw a pre-game ceremony recognizing them for their time spend in the BCHL developing their skills in hopes of taking them to a new level of the game.

The Eagles put in solid work in the opening twenty minutes managing to pressure the Express forcing their “D” to be contained in their zone with several chances testing Express “keeper” Dylan Kruss.

The game remained scoreless until the final 7 minutes of the opening period that saw Eagles Jimmy Darby open the scoring after taking a three-way passing play from Schovanek and Santa Jauna at 13:32. 

Christian Fitzgerald took a cross ice pass from Holden Cardinal a short 32 seconds later beating Kruss giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead as the teams went to intermission. 

Shots after one saw the Eagles outshoot the Express by a 9-4 advantage with the officials forced to assess one minor to Express ”tender” Dylan Kruss for tripping.

The Eagles continued to pressure the Express throwing 16 shots at Kruss that saw  Kushniryk give the Eagles their third of the game at 9:37 while on the PP.

As if three wasn’t enough the Eagles Bliss got his third of the season also on the PP at 17:25 with Fitzgerald (20) and Katzalay (19) taking a 4-0 lead to the third. 

The second was a penalty filled period that saw the Express  take five minors, a Major, one Misconduct and the Game Misconduct which is automatic with a Fighting Major.

The second saw the Eagles assessed two minors, one double minor for Spearing, one Major plus the automatic Game Misconduct through 40 minutes.

The fisticuffs continued only due to the fact that the Express were getting hammered in all areas of the ice that allowed Santa Juana (9) to get a shorthanded goal at 5:08 putting Surrey in full control of a sure fire victory.

The third was not just testy, it was what one could call foolish hockey which is something that the BCHL simply does not tolerate.

As one might with the Express finishing third overall in a three series Pod it was clear that losing was getting the better of them forcing the officials to earn their pay.

The Eagles were assessed one Major, two Fights and three Game Misconducts while the Express were assessed two Majors, two Misconducts and three Game Misconducts,

The Express finally got on the scoreboard with 5:33 left in regulation time that saw Fraser (4) take a cross-ice pass from Oakley (13) breaking the goose-egg frustrating the Eagles “tender” Thomas Scarfone.

Final shots saw the Eagles outshoot the Express by a 32-18 tally that saw a class move by the Express who replaced Dylan Kruss with Jaden Little who was playing in his last BCHL game.

If you look in the standings this is not indicated on the stats page also failing to mention that he started with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in the KIJHL.

Graduating Players recognized at the start are as follows:

Coquitlam

• Colton Kovich 
• Will Dow-Kenny 
• Jaden Little
• Danny Pearson
• Sam Marit. 

Surrey Eagles 

• Will Kushniryk 
• Holden Katzalay 
• Tyson McLean 
• Jacob Piller
• Kieran O’Hearn 
• Brett Bliss

D. Laird Allan/SW file photo.

Story by www.theHockeyGrandDad.ca

for www.Sportswave.ca, www.SWHockey.ca.

Congratulations to Team Canada for their 5-3 victory over Team Russia for the IIHF U18 Championship and winning the trophy   and Gold Medals.

Don't forget to join the team and get vaccinated.

Photo Credit - Seattle Thunderbirds

Story by Steve Erickson

Given the state of minor hockey these day’s one has to wonder how various minor associations are managing given that I am hearing that registration is down.

Other areas continue to grow and attract various young players who have their sights set on making the pro ranks.

The number that make it to the pro level is slim but parents continue to dream with some hoping to live comfortable off what their Son makes giving them a relaxing life style.

That is what many including yours truly calls a “pipe dream” and seldom does it come true, but nonetheless they still dream.

We recently received the following from south of the 49th and wanted to share it with everyone in the great white north.

It’s interesting to hear from Seattle Thunderbirds owners Dan and Lindsey Leckelt that former Surrey Eagle Colin Campbell has been promoted to President after serving as the team’s VP of Business Operations for the previous 19 seasons. 

Campbell will now oversee all hockey and business operations of the team and we wish him well.

Lindsey Leckelt told the media “Colin shares our passion for continuous improvement and winning both on and off the ice and Colin’s combination of business acumen and hockey expertise is a rare mix in this sport and the promotion to President of the Thunderbirds demonstrates our long-term commitment to growing the game of hockey across the Seattle region.”

Campbell mentioned “We are extremely fortunate for our owners Dan and Lindsey Leckelt’s guidance and passion for the game. I am extremely honored they have put me in this position.” 

Campbell first put on skates at the age of three and grew up playing hockey developing a passion and a love for the game. 

During his formative years and while in university Campbell worked at Northlands Coliseum, the former home of the Edmonton Oilers, on the operations side of the building, where he learned about all aspects of running a hockey building. 

During his time at Northlands Coliseum Campbell worked with his father, Neil, who later went on to become the Director of Stadium Administration for the Kingdome and Vice President of Stadium Operations for Safeco Field before retiring in 2006.

“I would not be in this position if it wasn’t for my father, whose guidance and support has been instrumental in my hockey career,” continued Campbell.

Campbell joined the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL as General Manager in 1992.

He was with the Eagles for two seasons and was heavily involved in the opening of their current home, the South Surrey Arena, while with the organization. 

When the T-Birds hosted the Memorial Cup in 1992, Campbell came down to Seattle to help the T-Birds Memorial Cup Organizing Committee run the tournament.

In 1994, the T-Birds last season at the Mercer Arena, Campbell joined the team as Assistant General Manager and Director of Marketing. He oversaw the team’s transition from the Mercer Arena to the newly remodeled KeyArena at Seattle Center prior to the 1995-96 season.

In 2002 Campbell organized a local ownership group that purchased the T-Birds and served as the team’s Alternate Governor for 15 seasons before the Leckelts became the team owners in 2017.

Campbell was instrumental in the team’s move to the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent for the 2008-09 season. 

Campbell’s diligent work with the City of Kent, corporate partners, and fans over several years saw the successful construction of the T-Birds new home.

“Colin has been instrumental in the growth of the Seattle Thunderbirds across all facets of the team,” said Dan Leckelt. “His leadership in the community and dedication to our corporate partners and fans has been the catalyst for building the Thunderbirds into the premier hockey brand in the WHL.”

Campbell was very involved in making the WHL Return To Play this season possible. He collaborated with our corporate partners as we both faced the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Campbell led the team’s efforts to get more games broadcast on TV to connect our fans with the team during these unprecedented times. 

We are very grateful for the relationships with our corporate partners and fans during this time and thank them for their support.

“I am looking forward to working with Dan and Lindsey and the entire T-Birds staff to bring another championship to our fans,” said Campbell.