Centre Ice January 2014 by Great River Media inc.

LIAM MAGUIRE 7 | FINN A FINE FIT IN CAPITAL 20 | CATCHING UP WITH SERGE SAVARD 24

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

THE TRADITION CONTINUES BELL CAPITAL CUP HOSTS THOUSANDS OF PLAYERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WILL TO WIN JR. 67’S STAR MAKING HIS CASE TO BE TOP OHL PICK

U18 NATIONALS MVP

REBECCA LESLIE Q&A

WITH FORMER SENATORS CAPTAIN LAURIE BOSCHMAN

THE OFFICIAL HOCKEY MAGAZINE OF THE OTTAWA 67’s

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and you or one of your teammates could compete with the Senators in Sens Skills presented by Sport Chek on March 12th!

Senators 2013 5th round Draft pick

VINCENT DUNN

2008 Junior Skills Challenge Champion

12 minor hockey players selected through the Senators Junior Skills Challenge presented by Canadian Tire will compete with the Senators in the annual skills competition just like Senators prospects Cody Ceci and Vincent Dunn.

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IN THE LINEUP PUBLISHER MARK SUTCLIFFE mark@greatriver.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DONNA NEIL donna@greatriver.ca CHIEF STICKHANDLER & ADVERTISING LIAM MAGUIRE liam@greatriver.ca EDITOR DAVID SALI david@greatriver.ca

8 FIRST PERIOD

CONTRIBUTORS DEREK ABMA, SARAH JEAN MAHER, RANDY RAY

7 LIAM MAGUIRE 8 STARTING LINEUP

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TANYA CONNOLLY-HOLMES

DESIGN & PRODUCTION SARAH ELLIS

Ottawa Jr. 67’s minor midget forward William Bitten is making a case to be a top OHL pick

9 COVER STORY MVP CALIBRE

ADVERTISING KAREN MCNAMARA 613 238-1818 ext. 259 karenm@greatriver.ca

Scoring goals — and setting them — comes naturally to Rebecca Leslie

SECOND PERIOD

CENTRE ICE IS PUBLISHED BY

10 Q&A

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARK SUTCLIFFE

PRESIDENT MICHAEL CURRAN

Former Ottawa Senators captain Laurie Boschman talks about his unique place in the team’s history

12 WORLD OF EXCITEMENT

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DONNA NEIL

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES TERRY TYO

Organizers of the Bell Capital Cup thrilled to host thousands of players from across the globe

16 HOCKEYFEST FUN

OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE, SUITE 500, OTTAWA 613 238-1818

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O BOX 3814, STATION C OTTAWA, ON K1Y 4J8

From skill-testing games to thought-provoking debates, event had something for everyone

THIRD PERIOD 20 FINE FINNISH

COVER PHOTO : MARK HOLLERON

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Rookie 67’s defenceman Alex Lintuniemi is finding his footing on North American ice

24 CATCHING UP WITH...

Montreal Canadiens legend Serge Savard

27 PROUDEST MOMENT

Peyton Carle shares her story

Sign up for the CENTRE ICE e-newsletter to be entered into a draw to win a pair of 100-level tickets for the Ottawa Senators game against Buffalo on Thursday, Feb. 6. Sign up on or before Jan. 31, 2014 Winner will be notified by e-mail Feb. 3, 2014

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

LIAM MAGUIRE

Hockeyfest offers lots of fun – and food for thought

s a first-year event, the Ottawa Senators Hockeyfest was not unlike your typical NHL rookie – that is, it showed plenty of promise to go along with the inevitable growing pains. Although attendance at the two-day hockey extravaganza at the Ernst and Young Centre on Nov. 23 and 24 fell a bit short of expectations, those who did come out on a chilly, snowy weekend more than made up for in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers. All in all, the event hosted by Centre Ice was a solid first effort, made possible largely by a dedicated group of Great River Media staff and volunteers led by the event’s indefatigable chief organizer, Krystal Walters. With impressive displays from the likes of the Hockey Hall

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

of Fame, which brought out the Art Ross, Conn Smythe and Jack Adams trophies for dazzled fans to admire, phenomenal interactive booths, plenty of main stage entertainment and informative seminars, there truly was something for hockey fans of all ages, especially kids. For players up to the ages of 12-13, there was a month’s worth of activities available. Of course, none of it would have been possible without the participation of our sponsors and the many businesses who had booths and exhibits on display. Their involvement added immensely to the ambiance, and we thank them wholeheartedly for their support. My involvement was 25 per cent business and 75 per cent entertainment. I hosted NHL trivia sessions, conducted hot stove interviews with Ottawa Senator alumni including Todd White and Shaun Van Allen and moderated a symposium on minor hockey issues. Among those who took part were former NHLer Fred Barrett; Hockey Eastern Ontario’s director of coaching Richard Bercuson; Gregg Kennedy, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience at the minor and junior levels; CTV Ottawa sports director Terry Marcotte; and TSN 1200 radio host Shawn Simpson, a former pro goaltender and executive in the NHL and KHL. The panel unanimously agreed the number of games in minor hockey, specifically at the younger age levels, needs

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

The panel unanimously agreed the number of games in minor hockey, specifically at the younger age levels, needs to be reduced. to be reduced. More practice time is required, along with more of a concerted effort to educate parents that skill development is vital. The group also stressed the need to streamline IP programs and send a much stronger message to potential players that hockey is great exercise, a great team game with a tremendous skill set required and, most importantly, plenty of fun. Many of the panelists pointed to Sweden as the model country for how to coach and develop young players. More on that in a later issue of CI.

Naturally, we didn’t agree on everything. I’ve made my opposition to new rules banning bodychecking below bantam clear, putting me at odds with supporters of the ban such as Bercuson and Kennedy. Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share on the bodychecking debate or other hockey issues? Please let us know. We’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, have a safe and happy hockey holiday and a Merry Christmas. Have a comment? Send us an e-mail at liam@greatriver.ca. Keep your stick on the ice! 7

STARTING LINEUP

Jr. 67’s star off to red-hot start

William Bitten making his case to be a top OHL draft pick BY DAVID SALI

From his uncanny hockey sense to his bright red neck guard, William Bitten knows how to stand out on the ice. The slick centre with the Ottawa Jr. 67’s minor midget AAA team continued his dominant season in late November at the elite Silver Stick tournament in Whitby. Though the 67’s failed to make the playoff round, William, a Grade 10 student at Franco Cite, had two goals and an assist in Ottawa’s 3-0 roundrobin victory over top-ranked Detroit Honeybaked. “It was quite the upset,” says William’s father Mike, a former member of the Canadian national badminton team. “Beating Honeybaked, for most of the kids, that’s going to be the highlight of their career.” Ottawa assistant coach Joe Clark, who has coached William for two of his three years at the AAA level, says the 15-year-old’s three-point effort against the eventual champions from Detroit was his best game of what has been a spectacular season so far.

“Will had another exceptional tournament,” Clark says in a tone of voice that suggests that’s not exactly front-page news to him. He says William’s first three strides “are probably right up there with the best,” adding the youngster’s ability to see the ice is his greatest asset. “His eye-puck co-ordination is unbelievable,” Clark says of his 5-foot81/2, 151-pound star, who leads the Ontario East minor midget AAA league in scoring with 21 goals and 20 assists in 18 games. William is eligible for the 2014 OHL draft, and he’s made it no secret that he hopes to be playing major junior hockey regularly next season. “I’d be awfully surprised if he doesn’t go in the first round,” Clark says. “Will he stay there as a 16-year-old? Yes.” If the talented teen gets his wish, he won’t even have to change uniforms. William has become a big fan of Ottawa’s rookie scoring sensation Travis Konecny, and would love

WE ASKED:

Cameron Brown Age: 8 West End Wolfpack “Sidney Crosby” 8

PHOTO BY FRANCE BILODEAU

nothing more than to join him on the 67’s next season. “It’s a goal of mine to stay in Ottawa and play for my home town,” he says. “It would be pretty cool.” Clark credits William’s parents for instilling in their son a strong work ethic and a first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be an elite athlete. William’s mom, Doris Piche, was also a highly accomplished badminton player, competing in two Olympics. “They’ve been there before at a high level,” says William, who plays badminton as well and says the lightning-quick racquet sport has helped his footwork and hand-eye co-ordination on the ice. “They know what it takes to get there. It really helps.” As for the crimson neck guard, it’s now a Bitten trademark. Mike, who never learned to skate and knew next to nothing about hockey equipment when William started playing, bought the flashy protective guard on sale. It’s become something of a superstition for William to wear the same red model ever since. Not that he needs fancy equipment to get noticed. Just ask the guys from Detroit.

Who’s your favourite NHL player?

Dominick Martin Age: 8 West End Wolfpack “Erik Karlsson”

Nicholas Lamberti Age: 8 West End Wolfpack “Erik Karlsson”

Evan Shibata Age: 8 West End Wolfpack “Tomas Hertl”

Zachery Wilson Age: 8 West End Wolfpack “P.K. Subban”

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

HALL OF AN HONOUR FOR OTTAWA TEEN

Rebecca Leslie’s standout play at U18 nationals turns heads Although she’s just 17 years old, Rebecca Leslie’s play has already made the Hockey Hall of Fame take notice. The high-scoring forward for the Ottawa Senators of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League has shown a flair for the dramatic throughout her young career, and the Canadian under-18 women’s championship last month was no different. With Leslie’s Ontario Red team locked in a 3-3 tie with Quebec in the semi-final and time running out in the third period, the game appeared headed for overtime. At the end of a long shift, Leslie found herself with an open lane down the right side. Rather than dump the puck in and head off the ice, she skated in deep and fired a shot worthy of Mike Bossy over Quebec goaltender Alyson Matteau’s shoulder for the game-winning goal. In the final against the rival Ontario Blue squad, Leslie added another goal in what turned out to be an 8-1 rout for Ontario Red. Leslie was named the tournament’s MVP for her dominating performance. That led to a call from the Hall of Fame, requesting her stick and sweater. It was heady stuff for the Ottawa native. The championship marked back-to-back titles on the national stage for Leslie, who was also on the winning side with the Ontario Blue team in 2012. In both tournaments, she was among the scoring leaders. Diminutive in stature at 5-foot-5 and 118 pounds, the Grade 12 student at Sacred Heart High School is head and shoulders above many of her peers when it comes to talent and determination. With her piercing eyes and quiet confidence, she’s made a name for herself at every level. Leslie’s next challenge is to crack the roster of the Canadian women’s national CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

under-18 team that will compete at the world championship in Budapest in late March. Given that she was part of the preliminary squad that played a three-game exhibition set against its archrivals from the United States in Lake Placid in August, her chances look good – especially considering the way she took to wearing the Maple Leaf. Leslie’s goal and assist helped propel Canada to a 3-2 victory in Game 2 and a series win. “It was the most amazing hockey feeling I’ve ever had, to be able to put on a Team Canada sweater,” she says. “All of the girls who made the team, we were in the room and we all

“It was the most amazing hockey feeling I’ve ever had, to be able to put on a Team Canada sweater.” – OTTAWA LADY SENATORS FORWARD REBECCA LESLIE

put the sweater on at the same time.” Leslie, who has committed to playing NCAA hockey at Boston University next fall, is ripping it up in the PWHL, considered by many experts to be the best women’s league in the world. She had a team-leading nine goals and 22 points in the Senators’ first 15 games, good for a tie for fifth in overall scoring in the 20-team circuit. Considering her background, Leslie’s

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

BY LIAM MAGUIRE

passion for hockey is really no surprise. Her older brother Zac, now a star defenceman for the OHL’s Guelph Storm and an L.A. Kings draft pick, would fire shots at her on the family’s outdoor rink when she was just a kid. Her brother also plays in the only junior league in the world where you’re allowed to drop the gloves and stay in the game. In light of the rough stuff in a recent game between the Canadian and U.S. women’s national teams, Leslie was asked if fighting has a place in hockey. “I think fighting is a part of the game,” she says. “It’s instinctive to protect your teammates. You get emotional out there. I don’t think the women’s game would ever see a full-scale line brawl, but I do feel fighting is part of the game of hockey.” That type of passion shows through in Leslie’s work ethic, which stands out as much as her heavy shot. In addition to three practices and 2-3 league games every week, she also spends plenty of time in the gym. Leslie continues to work on the defensive side of her game with her coaches, and her ultimate goal is to play for the women’s national team. Given her track record, the Hall of Fame might want to keep her on speed dial. 9

Q+A

LAURIE BOSCHMAN SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS FOR HIS YOUNG FANS. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Q&A As the franchise’s first player to wear the ‘C’ in the 1992-93 season, Laurie Boschman holds an esteemed place in modern Ottawa Senators history. A first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1979 after a standout junior career with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, Boschman played 14 seasons in the NHL with Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, New Jersey and Ottawa. The 53-yearold native of Major, Sask., who now makes his home in Stittsville, spoke to Centre Ice during an appearance at Hockeyfest in late November. Q: A lot of our readers are probably curious – what have you been up to since you retired? A: I’ve been involved with a Christian organization called Hockey Ministries International. It’s an organization I’ve been involved with since I was 25 years 10

old, and we run hockey camps in schools in 35 different cities in six countries. We’re in Canada, the U.S., Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. We have camps for boys and girls aged nine through 17, and we work on techniques that have helped us as hockey players, and

we also talk about faith and how to incorporate faith and hockey – players such as myself and Mike Gartner and Mark Osborne and Ryan Walter and some of the current crop of guys like Mike Fisher and David Booth. As well, in the summertime we run camps and clinics in Canada and the U.S., and we also run chapel programs. If players are interested in exploring some issues of faith, then we bring that to the arenas. We have chapel programs in over 250 different locations in 35 different leagues, right from the National Hockey League all the way to the Saskatchewan junior league, the Western Hockey League, the OHL and the Quebec major junior league. Q: What’s it feel like to be able to help mould younger players like that? A: It’s wonderful to be able to do that because it’s something we think is very important – our love for the Lord and our love for hockey. You get to combine those two passions and it’s really nice.

Q: There’s been a lot of talk here at Hockeyfest and arenas all over the country about bodychecking and its role in head injuries. What’s your stance on the new rules banning checking below bantam? A: (Bodychecking) has gotten a lot of attention. It’s something that’s been in the news at the NHL level all the way down to minor hockey. I think as a parent, you’re concerned about it. I have three boys. They’ve all gone through the minor hockey system. Hockey is a physical sport. Should it not have bodychecking? I don’t think that’s the (answer). I think hockey is a beautiful game because it’s fast and it’s physical. Body contact is a part of it. If anything, a little bit more respect for (players)

needs to be had. I don’t know how we’re going to get that other than continued education in minor hockey and all the way up. And having good coaches who will be on some of the players who maybe abuse those (checking) rules or take advantage of the fact that they’re bigger than other kids. Q: One of the other concerns often expressed is that kids aren’t having as much fun playing hockey as they used to. Do you think kids are being overcoached? A: I would say in some aspects, there’s no question that’s the case. You have some very passionate people in coaching who love hockey. I coached and took time off work like all minor hockey parents because I wanted to help the kids on the ice. I was there for the right reasons – I wanted to talk to them about technique and breakouts and what to do and what not to do. But I have seen at the competitive level some people who shouldn’t have been coaching. I don’t know how they ever got in as coaches. They weren’t good with people, let alone young people, and they didn’t really know the game. That’s the sad part about it. But I have seen some very good coaches and some passionate coaches. Sometimes passion doesn’t always lead to doing things correctly. People can go a little bit overboard and I’ve seen that far too often in minor hockey as well. Q: How would you assess the state of minor hockey right now in this country? A: I don’t know. I’m not a rep from Hockey Canada. I would say the state of hockey in Canada is something obviously people are very passionate about. My understanding is the (registration) numbers are slowly dwindling (in minor hockey).

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

It’s a lot easier to put your kid into soccer than it would be for hockey because of cost. We have a lot of immigrants in our country, and soccer might be their first passion. My observation is hockey is very popular in our country. It’s still at the heartbeat of who we are as a nation, but statistics tell us there are fewer and fewer boys and girls playing it (as a percentage of the overall youth population). I don’t know what the reason is. I would say from talking to many other players and coaches in the Ottawa region, I think sometimes you get mixed reviews as to the quality of coaching kids are getting. But I think generally hockey is in good shape. We’re still producing some very good players in this country. We do hockey camps across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, so we talk to lots of hockey people. I think Canada is still the envy of most countries when it comes to hockey. But internally, I hear some concerns from coaches, from people who have kids in the game, from ex-players about some things that are concerning to them.

Q: Are there things we can learn from other countries? A: Absolutely. For example, at our hockey camps we incorporate training techniques from Canada, from the United States, from Switzerland, Sweden, the Czechs and Slovaks. There are techniques they use that are a little different. For the most part, they train on the larger ice surface (in Europe), so sometimes we can’t use some of their techniques on a regular basis, but they use some skills and techniques that we can sort of shrink down and use that are very, very good – puckhandling skills and some skating things. I think hockeyplaying countries do that – they learn from each other. I think you see that in the women’s sport. Canada has dominated the sport, but now the United States is on par with them. The rest of the other hockeyplaying nations are a distant third, but as they incorporate some of those techniques and training skills, and as they get the word out in their countries and they allot ice time for young women to play, the popularity of the sport … the training techniques and the calibre of coaching are going to increase. They’ll produce a better CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

product at the international level and therefore it’ll fuel more growth internally.

Q: If you were commissioner of hockey for a day and there was one thing you could change about the sport, what would it be? A: If there was some way to address the price of the sport, I think that would be the biggest thing. We had three boys who played competitive. The costs can be quite prohibitive for some families. If there’s some way that costs could be addressed – I don’t know how that would happen – I think you’d find more people playing this great game.

Q: You had the honour of being the first captain in the history of the modern Ottawa Senators. What are your fondest memories of that time? A: I think it’s always an honour when you’re given a letter, whether it’s to be a captain or an assistant captain, of any hockey team. I have to say it was my most difficult year out of the 14 years I played pro hockey. It was no fun being on an expansion team and winning only 10 or 11 games all year (actually, 10). It was hard to know what to say (to the media) because we just didn’t have the talent. The good thing was it helped challenge your character. We had some veteran guys on the team and I think we did a good job of sticking together, all of us. That part was something I look back on quite fondly. Of course, it was nice to play in the first game back in Ottawa (a 5-3 win over Montreal at the Civic Centre on Oct. 8, 1992). That was very memorable because the whole community was excited to have NHL hockey back in Ottawa. But it wasn’t a lot of fun to be a player on a team that didn’t win that often. Q: What was the highlight of your overall NHL career? A: Unfortunately, I didn’t win a Stanley Cup, but I have fond memories from every place I played. Each step of the way, there were some great players and some great experiences. I feel quite privileged to have been able to play in the National Hockey League, to do something I absolutely loved. That is something I’ll be forever grateful for.

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RING IN THE NEW YEAR CITY PLAYING HOST TO HUNDREDS OF WORLD’S BEST ATOM AND PEEWEE TEAMS AT BELL CAPITAL CUP

BY SARAH JEAN MAHER AND DAVID SALI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

or the 15th year in a row, Ottawa is hosting the best young hockey talent from around the world. The annual Bell Capital Cup takes place at arenas throughout the capital at the end of December. Billed as the “world’s premier atom and peewee hockey tournament,” the event features players from across the globe in the 9-12 age bracket. This year’s tournament is expected to include more than 300 teams and will showcase international talent that includes six teams from Finland, two from Japan, one from Vienna, one from Beijing and one from Germany. While some teams, such as those from Germany and Finland, are annual participants,

the event also attracts an everchanging roster of new entries. Last year, a team from Hong Kong took part for the first time. “For a lot of these players, it’s kind of their first-ever international tournament,” said Scott Lawryk, the event’s general manager. “It’s their first taste of that style of hockey.” Orleans Minor Hockey Association president Paul MacInnis, a volunteer at the Bell Capital Cup for most of the past decade, agreed the event’s international flavour makes it unique. “There are too many sixteam tournaments and eightteam tournaments out there where you play a lot of the same teams you play in the regular season, so there’s no real excitement beyond the fact that it’s a tournament,” he said. “I think something like this where you can play these international teams and have a chance to play teams from all over Canada is a good experience for these kids.”

The tournament is held at rinks across Ottawa, including the Bell Sensplex, the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre and the Nepean Sportsplex. The championship games in 19 divisions will take place at the Canadian Tire Centre, offering many players a once-in-alifetime experience – the chance to play on the same ice as their NHL heroes.

Tavares, former Ottawa Senator and current Florida Panthers forward Jesse Winchester and former 67’s defenceman Cody Ceci, the Senators’ first-round pick in the 2012 draft. The event, which has featured up to 510 entries in the past, was declared the “world’s largest hockey tournament” by Guinness World Records in 2007, when it had more than

“For a lot of these players, it’s kind of their first-ever international tournament. It’s their first taste of that style of hockey.” – BELL CAPITAL CUP GENERAL MANAGER SCOTT LAWRYK

The tournament runs from Dec. 28-Jan. 1, with the championship games starting Dec. 30. Notable alumni include New York Islanders star John

8,000 registered players. Besides the opportunity to compete in a world-class tournament, additional perks include the chance to see the Senators live – the team hosts a CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

game during the tournament with discounted tickets. Participants also get exclusive access to watch the NHL team practise. “Players from outside North America that really excel and make it to the NHL level will have to come over here to play NHL hockey anyway. This is their first little taste of that,” said Lawryk. It works the other way as well. For kids already playing in North America, whether they are from Canada or the United States, this tournament is often the first time they get to face an international opponent. The event’s more than 1,000 volunteers also get caught up in the spirit. “There’s a sense of teamwork. We get a very large crew that has to be involved in a tournament like this,” said MacInnis, who is in charge “of making sure that everything runs” at the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex, one of the host venues. “There’s just a sense of community. At the end of the day, when it’s all done well and you get compliments from team staff and the players … it’s a great feeling that you’ve done something good.” Not only does the event provide the chance of a lifetime for budding hockey stars of tomorrow, it gives even more players an opportunity to enjoy the game they love. The Bell Capital Cup donates money to local hockey associations across Ontario and Quebec. “The tournament really does offer a lot in terms of just playing the actual game of hockey,” said Lawryk. It also creates spinoff benefits, including a major boost to local businesses. Organizers estimate the event will pump about $12 million into the city’s economy. “Any restaurant around one of these (host) rinks, it’s a busy spot,” Lawryk said. “It definitely generates a lot of income for the local community.” What better way to celebrate the New Year? CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

#9 Andrew Abou-Assaly POS LW SHOOTS L HT 6’ WT 190 DOB 18/06/1996 Ottawa, ON

#10

OTTAWA 67’s 2013-14 PLAYER ROSTER #1

#11

#12

#16

Jacob Blair POS G SHOOTS L HT 6’2” WT 176 DOB 16/03/1995 Kanata, ON

Troy Henley POS RD SHOOTS R HT 5’11” WT 192 DOB 07/01/1997 Paulsboro, N.J.

Owen Stewart POS D SHOOTS R HT 6’3” WT 194 DOB 03/12/1995 Greely, ON

Trevor Dulong POS C SHOOTS L HT 5’11” WT 193 DOB 09/07/1996 London, ON

Adrian Sloboda POS LD SHOOTS L HT 6’ WT 182 DOB 20/08/1996 Skalica, Slovakia

Jonathan Duchesne POS D SHOOTS L HT 6’ WT 204 DOB 12/02/1996 Brampton, ON

Ryan Van Stralen POS LW SHOOTS L HT 6’3” WT 207 DOB 10/11/1993 Prescott, ON

Mike Vlajkov POS D SHOOTS L HT 6’2” WT 189 DOB 03/02/1995 Grimsby, ON

Tyler Hill POS LW SHOOTS L HT 6’6” WT 236 DOB 13/04/1995 Hagersville, ON

Connor Graham POS C SHOOTS L HT 5’11” WT 186 DOB 02/01/1996 Woodbridge, ON

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

#17

#23

#28

#18

#24

#29

#19

#25

#33

#21

#26

#36

#22

#27

#40

Travis Konecny POS C SHOOTS R HT 5’10” WT 166 DOB 11/03/1997 Clachan, ON

Taylor Davis POS D SHOOTS R HT 5’10” WT 210 DOB 24/05/1995 Trenton, N.J.

Joseph Blandisi POS RW SHOOTS L HT 6’ WT 205 DOB 18/08/1994 Markham, ON

Jacob Middleton POS D SHOOTS L HT 6’2” WT 208 DOB 02/01/1996 Stratford, ON

John Urbanic POS RW SHOOTS R HT 5’11” WT 204 DOB 24/04/1995 Overland Park, Kan.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Sam Studnicka POS RW SHOOTS R HT 6’1” WT 196 DOB 15/01/1995 Tecumseh, ON

Nevin Guy POS D SHOOTS L HT 5’11” WT 173 DOB 11/07/1995 Mountain, ON

Brett Gustavsen POS LW SHOOTS L HT 5’7” WT 177 DOB 13/03/1994 Scarborough, ON

Dante Salituro POS C SHOOTS R HT 5’8” WT 185 DOB 15/11/1996 Willowdale, ON

Brendan Bell POS LW SHOOTS L HT 6’2” WT 202 DOB 17/03/1994 Uxbridge, ON

Connor Brown POS LW SHOOTS L HT 5’11” WT 187 DOB 22/08/1995 Georgetown, ON

Philippe Trudeau POS G SHOOTS L HT 6’6” WT 209 DOB 28/09/1993 Blainville, Que.

Ryan Duhaime POS D SHOOTS L HT 5’11” WT 195 DOB 19/02/1994 Stittsville, ON

Taylor Fielding POS RW SHOOTS R HT 6’2” WT 207 DOB 01/01/1994 Hampton, ON

Alex Lintuniemi POS LD SHOOTS L HT 6’3” WT 227 DOB 23/09/1995 Helsinki, Finland

Something for everyone at

HOCKEYFEST Inaugural event draws cheers from players, fans of all ages BY DAVID SALI

ERON BY MARK HOLL PHOTOGRAPHY

The first Ottawa Senators Hockeyfest was a hit with kids and adults alike – and not just because topics such as bodychecking were at the top of the agenda. The two-day event at the Ernst and Young Centre on Nov. 23 and 24 offered plenty of fun for everyone in addition to thoughtprovoking seminars and debates on topics such as checking, head injuries and nutrition. Hosted by Centre Ice, the hockey extravaganza included exhibits from the Hockey Hall of Fame, games such as bubble hockey, autograph sessions with the likes of former Ottawa Senator greats Ron Tugnutt and Todd White and booths from a variety of hockey-related businesses. “I think it’s great,” Marcus Stepto, 13, a forward with the Ottawa Jr. 67’s AAA minor bantam club, said after checking out the exhibits. “The opportunity to see the Conn Smythe, the Art Ross and the Jack Adams awards up close is pretty cool. The exhibits are neat, and the talk they had (on bodychecking and head injuries) was quite interesting. The games are different, fun … I like it. There’s a lot to do.” James McLeman, who attended the event with his nine-year-old son Cole, a goalie for the Nepean Gladiators, agreed the panel discussion on bodychecking and head injuries was a highlight. 16

“Contact is one of the big things that’s being talked about by a lot of parents around the rink,” he said. “I think one of the main points that was addressed up there (during the symposium) was that there’s a difference between contact and bodychecking. I think kids have to know how to contact another player. I think it’s something that needs to be taught. I’ve got no illusions that my son’s going to do anything further than playing house league, but I want him to be able to protect himself and still enjoy the game at the same time. Body contact’s OK, as long as it’s being done in the proper way.” Cole appeared more excited about the skill-testing interactive games on hand, such as the hardest shot competition.

“I think it’s great. The opportunity to see the Conn Smythe, the Art Ross and the Jack Adams awards up close is pretty cool.” – MARCUS STEPTO, FORWARD WITH THE OTTAWA JR. 67’S AAA MINOR BANTAM CLUB

were well-discussed. I thought it was really worthwhile. “It’s a done deal (the bodychecking ban for players below the bantam level). Debating it is interesting, but I think now we have to focus on how we’re going to do it, how we’re going to implement it. I see both sides of it. Skill development without the fear of injury, but yet I think it’s just delaying the injury factor until later.” McCrank also gave the event’s organizers kudos for the easy-tonavigate floor layout and the wide variety of exhibitors they attracted to Hockeyfest. “I’m really impressed … at how the industry has stepped up,” he said. “There’s a lot of representation here.” Dave Brown, who stopped by with his six-year-old son Aidan, said he enjoyed getting an up-close look at trophies like the Conn Smythe and other items from the Hall of Fame. He and his son also collected autographs from Tugnutt and original Senators captain Laurie Boschman. “I honestly think it’s something that could grow,” Brown said of Hockeyfest. “I’m looking forward to future years.” Luca Patti of Nepean, who brought his 10-year-old son Gianluca, echoed that feeling. “There’s lots to do,” he said. “We’re having a blast. I’d come back, for sure.”

“I think it’s really cool,” he said, adding he did “pretty bad.” “That’s why he’s a goalie,” his dad quipped. The bodychecking symposium also drew raves from Peter McCrank, VP of development for the Jr. 67’s. “I’d kind of like to see (TSN Radio 1200 host and panelist) Shawn Simpson and (moderator) Liam (Maguire) go 1-on-1 on the radio because it was a pretty good conversation going on between them,” he said. “They’ve got quite the rapport. I thought the topics were current and CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

PLAYER PROFILE

FINNISH ROOKIE LIVING THE DREAM WITH THE 67’S BY SARAH JEAN MAHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

rowing up in the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Alex Lintuniemi knew what it was like to live in a hockey-crazed country. But he always had a bigger dream: to play in the No. 1 hockey nation in the world. The chance came when the Ottawa 67’s picked him second overall in the CHL import draft in July. “Hockey here is such a bigger deal,” the 18-year-old defenceman says. The crowds weren’t as loud and the game wasn’t as fast in Finland, but getting used to a new

league in a new country has been no sweat for the talented teen. “He’s a really easy player to play with,” says his defensive partner, Nevin Guy. “He plays in all situations, so he’s obviously adapting to it and he’s playing really well.” Lintuniemi played with the Jokerit under-20 team last

season and represented Finland at the under-18 world junior championship. He picked up his first OHL point in a 7-4 loss to the Eastern rival Niagara IceDogs on Oct. 17. “It took me a little while to get my first point and first goal, but now I feel really good and I think my game is just getting better and better,” he says. Jacob Middleton, who, like Lintuniemi, is eligible for the NHL draft in 2014, used one word to describe his teammate’s play: consistent. “He plays a huge role on defence. The coach is always throwing him out there in any kind of situation: power play, penalty kill, playing against the top line. He’s great for that,” Middleton says. Hovering near the .500 mark, the 67’s are in playoff contention, but it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride. The team endured a seven-game losing streak in November. Still, Lintuniemi maintains a positive attitude about the season ahead and the group of guys who have made him feel welcome in a new country. “I feel pretty good,” he says. “We have a good team. We had a couple losing streaks, but I think we handled it well.” Lintuniemi says there are a few notable differences in the style of play in his new home. “In Europe, we don’t dump the puck as much as they do here,” he says. “I feel like I’ve brought in some nice plays in the defensive zone and maybe some points and big hits.” His first goal opened the scoring against the Kitchener Rangers at home on Nov. 10. The

PLAYER STATS

game resulted in a 4-3 shootout heartbreaker for Ottawa, but getting his first goal out of the way was a relief for Lintuniemi. “I know his confidence definitely boosted after that one,” says 67’s assistant captain Taylor Fielding. Like any rookie, Lintuniemi has sought the advice of veteran players like Fielding and Joseph Blandisi. “Lintu’s a good guy. He’s playing a good, hard game right now. He’s a big defenceman and we’ve gotten to know him pretty well,” says Fielding. “We really can’t complain with what he’s doing right now. He’s drawing defensively for us, keeping pucks out of the net and making easy plays.” Lintuniemi lives with his teammate and fellow import draftee Adrian Sloboda, who only recently returned to the 67’s lineup after missing more than 10 games with an ankle sprain. Having a roommate going through the same transition in adapting to a new league in a new country has made the experience that much easier for Lintuniemi. “He’s my brother and we take care of each other,” he says. The two started the season as defensive partners, but with Sloboda out of the lineup, Lintuniemi was mostly paired with Guy. Fellow defencemen Mike Vlajkov and Taylor Davis are also out with injuries, leaving head coach and GM Chris Byrne with a lot of tough decisions to make. The Lintuniemi and Guy pairing seems to be one thing he hasn’t had to worry too much about. “They’ve been a good pair,” says Byrne. “They’ve been fairly

ALEX LINTUNIEMI’S NUMBERS: 2012-2013: Jokerit U20: 38 GP, 4 G, 10 A Finland U18 (WJC): 7 GP, 0 G, 2 A Finland U18 (Ivan Hlinka): 4 GP: 0 G, 1 A 20

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

solid for us.” The boisterous crowds at Canadian Tire Centre are bringing Lintuniemi positive vibes as well. “It’s fun skating out of the tunnel before the game as the second guy with all the fans cheering,” he says. Being eligible for the NHL draft next spring, Lintuniemi knows this is an important season for him. But he says there’s no point in worrying about his draft potential. Instead, he’s channelling his energy into becoming the best player he can. “We’re only three months in,” he says. “I’m just focusing on my games. The NHL rankings come beside it.”

“It took me a little while to get my first point and first goal, but now I feel really good and I think my game is just getting better and better.”

– 67’S DEFENCEMAN ALEX LINTUNIEMI

A diehard Detroit Red Wings fan, Lintuniemi grew up admiring the legendary Nikolas Lidstrom and says he tries to model his game after current Red Wings defenceman Nikolas Kronwall. In many ways, he’s your typical teenager. He credits playing a lot of video games with helping him improve his English. He enjoys going to the movies with the boys on Tuesday nights and has developed a close friendship with Sloboda. Through Ottawa’s first 26 games, Lintuniemi had seven points and a minus-six rating. His teammates say he’s proven he belongs in arguably the best junior league in the best hockey country in the world, just like he dreamed. “He’s getting used to the league,” says Fielding. “I know it’s tough, but he’s doing it really well.” Today, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind he has earned that spot in the lineup. CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Even in the community, we know a good investment when we see one. Proud sponsor of Minor Hockey in Ottawa TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice* is a strong supporter of athletics in Canada. The lessons that sport imparts live on, long after the game is over. We thank the hard-working coaches, officials and volunteers who make sure the lessons learned are the right one. For more information call (613) 783-3375 Chris Vickers, Branch Manager

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CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

CATCHING UP

SERGE SAVARD BY RANDY RAY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SERGE SAVARD

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

VITAL STATS: Serge Savard was born in Montreal on Jan. 22, 1946 and grew up in Landrienne, a village 640 kilometres northwest of Montreal. At age 15, he moved to Montreal to attend boarding school and later moved to Rouyn (now RouynNoranda) to attend college. Savard played much of his early hockey on ponds and backyard rinks and did not get into organized hockey until he was attending college. His big break came in 1961 when a Montreal Canadiens scout saw him playing in Rouyn and invited the 6-foot-3 Savard to the Montreal Jr. Canadiens training camp, where his teammates included Jacques Lemaire, Carol Vadnais, Andre Boudrias and Yvan Cournoyer, all future Montreal Canadiens. Savard played for the Jr. Canadiens in 1963-64, 1964-65 and 1965-66 and had his first taste of NHL action in two games with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1966-67 season. After one season with the Houston Apollos of the Central Hockey League, where he amassed 32 points, Savard graduated to the Canadiens in 1967-68, notching two goals and 13 assists in his first full season with the Habs.

CLAIMS TO FAME: While playing for Houston, Savard was named the league’s rookie of the year, the first of many honours he would earn during his pro career. He played in 1,040 regular-season NHL games with Montreal and the Winnipeg Jets, scoring 106 goals and 439 assists. In the playoffs, he added another 19 goals and 49 assists. His most productive points-producing season was 197475 when he reached the 20-goal plateau and added 40 assists. Top highlights of his lengthy pro career are his first Stanley Cup win with Montreal in 1968, Team Canada’s victory in the 1972 Summit Series and playing defence for the Canadiens with a handful of CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

star defencemen, including Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe and Pierre Bouchard. In 1968-69, Savard became the first defenceman to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the top playoff performer and played in four NHL all-star games. He won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1979 and in 1986 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

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STYLE: The 215-pound, left-shooting defender’s priority was nullifying opponents in his own zone, but Savard was also a capable rushing defenceman.

WHERE IS HE NOW? After two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Savard retired in 1983 at age 37 when he was appointed GM of the Canadiens, a job he held for 12-and-a-half years. In 1995, he went full-time into the real estate firm he and three partners launched while he was GM of the Habs. The company bought and sold hotels, including the Marriott Chateau Champlain in Montreal, and also built vacation properties in Cuba. Now semi-retired, Savard continues to work for the firm, which these days is building condos in Florida. He also buys, sells and races pacers. He lives on Montreal’s South Shore and owns a house in South Carolina, where he spends three to four months a year. He and his son Serge Jr. co-owned the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s P.E.I. Rocket for several years before selling the team in June 2013. Serge Savard has five grandchildren.

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QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The Summit Series was more than a hockey series. The team and hockey were caught in the politics between the two countries.’’

FABULOUS FACT: In the ’72 Summit Series, Savard was the only member of Team Canada to win every game he played in. 25

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PEYTON CARLE AGE: 10 POSITION: Defence TEAM: Nepean Wildcats Atom AA MY PROUDEST MOMENT: I have had many great moments in hockey, but there are three that have made me the proudest to be a player. The first was when I tried out for competitive hockey and got my first acceptance letter. I thought there would be no better feeling than that, until I finally got to play defence. For the longest time, I wanted to play defence, but everyone said, “No, you have to be a forward.” Halfway through my novice season, the switch was made, and I have been smiling ever since. I didn’t think that feeling could get better until this year when I scored my first goal from the blue line! When I looked up in the stands and my Papa was watching, that had to be the “best ever” moment. I hope there are many more moments to come!

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Junior Hockey Coverage.

There’s no stickhandling here... he tells it the way he sees it! Follow your 67’s with gameby-game coverage from the SUN’s Aeden Helmer all season long, in print and online at ottawasun.com.

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LIAM MAGUIRE’S HOCKEY TRIVIA

THIS DAY IN

HOCKEY Dec. 5 ON THIS DAY IN 1991 Three goalies saw action for the expansion San Jose Sharks when starter Jeff Hackett and backup Arturs Irbe both were injured during the game. Brian Hayward came out of the stands to finish an 8-0 loss to Pittsburgh. It’s only the third time since 1968 that three goalies played in a game for one team.

Dec. 7 ON THIS DAY IN 2003 Calgary’s Shean Donovan scored his first career hat trick and added an assist against his former Pittsburgh teammates in the Flames’ 6-1 win over the visiting Penguins. Donovan, who lived in Carleton Place for a number of years while growing up, is a former Ottawa 67 and Ottawa Senator. He was also part of Canada’s gold medallists at the world junior championship in 1995 and

the world championship in 1997. He’s now an assistant coach with the 67’s.

Dec. 9 ON THIS DAY IN 1998 Ottawa rookie Marian Hossa scored his first career NHL goal and picked up two assists in the Senators’ 6-5 road loss to Florida. Alexei Yashin and Patrick Traverse assisted on Hossa’s goal.

Dec. 11 ON THIS DAY IN 1977 Tom Bladon set an NHL record for most points in a game by a defenceman. His eight points (four goals and four assists) led Philadelphia to an 11-1 win over the Cleveland Barons. Bladon, who also set a league record by going plus-10, was named all three stars in the game, becoming only the second player to achieve this honour. Rocket Richard was the first. And an honourable mention for Dec. 11 – it’s Daniel Alfredsson’s 41st birthday.

Dec. 13 ON THIS DAY IN 2001 Patrick Lalime became the Ottawa Senators’ all-time leader in shutouts with his 14th for the franchise in a 6-0 win against Phoenix. Lalime broke the mark of 13 held by Ron VAN NO Tugnutt. Martin DO N EA SH Havlat had a hat trick for the Sens. CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

Dec. 15 ON THIS DAY IN 1984 Former Ottawa 67 Doug Wilson recorded three assists to lead Chicago to a 5-3 win over the North Stars in Minnesota. One of Wilson’s teammates on the 67’s, Steve Payne, scored two goals for the North Stars.

Dec. 19 ON THIS DAY IN 1985 Montreal Canadiens defenceman Larry Robinson scored the only hat trick of his 20-year NHL career in a 5-4 Canadiens’ loss to the Quebec Nordiques. Robinson, a native of Marvelville, is a former member of the Metcalfe Jets Jr. B team.

Dec. 21 ON THIS DAY IN 1972 Boston’s Bobby Orr had two assists to set a new NHL record for career points by a defenceman with 541. It came in Orr’s 423rd career NHL game, an 8-1 win over Detroit. Former Habs great Doug Harvey held the previous record for points by a blueliner with 540 in 1,113 games. The Bruin goals were scored by Garnet “Ace” Bailey and Johnny Bucyk.

Dec. 23 ON THIS DAY IN 1897 Hall of Famer Cy Denneny was born in Farran’s Point, Ont. Denneny played in the NHL from 1917 through 1929 with Ottawa and Boston. Farran’s Point no longer exists. It was one of the lost villages of Ontario that were flooded with the creation of the

PATRICK LALIM

St. Lawrence Seaway. Denneny scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal the last time the Senators won the trophy in 1927.

Dec. 27 ON THIS DAY IN 2000 Mario Lemieux returned from a three-and-a-half year layoff and picked up a point on his first shift, finishing the night with a goal and two assists in the Penguins’ 5-0 win against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. Garth Snow got the shutout.

Dec. 29

Dec. 31 ON THIS DAY IN 1975 In one of the most anticipated games in hockey history, the Soviet Red Army tied the Montreal Canadiens 3-3 at the Montreal Forum. Steve Shutt, Yvon Lambert and Yvan Cournoyer scored for the Habs, who outshot the Soviets 38-13 in a one-sided contest that featured Soviet goalie Vladislav Tretiak at his best. Boris Mikhailov, Valeri Kharlamov and Boris Alexandrov scored for the Soviets.

ON THIS DAY IN 1991 Bryan Murray became the ninth coach in NHL history to record 400 career wins, thanks to the Detroit Red Wings’ 6-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The win gave Murray a record of 400BRYAN MURRAY 294-95 for his career. Pembroke native Ray Sheppard scored two goals, including the game-winner. 29

PUCK DROP

NUMBERS ON ICE In light of Rogers’ new deal for the rights to broadcast all national Canadian NHL games, here are some key numbers about NHL broadcasts in Canada:

THE NUMBER OF NIGHTS THERE WILL NOW BE NATIONAL COAST-TO-COAST BROADCASTS OF NHL HOCKEY – WED, SAT & SUN.

ars The number of ye ast dc Rogers’ new broa HL will deal with the N 2014. last, starting in

61 THE NUMBER OF YEARS CBC HAS BROADCAST HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA.

5.2

The amount in billions of dollars Rogers is paying the NHL for broadcast rights under the new deal. By way of comparison, NBC’s deal with the NHL, which started two years ago, was for $2 billion over 10 years. The Rogers deal dwarfs it for basically the national rights for seven NHL teams. 30

The number of different Rogers-run stations that could potentially show NHL games nationally starting next fall.

The number of years since the first broadcast of a hockey game on radio. Norman Albert called the inaugural game on Feb. 8, 1923 on Toronto radio station CFCA. Foster Hewitt began doing play-byplay shortly after.

THE NUMBER OF NATIONAL BROADCASTERS OF HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA STARTING IN THE FALL OF 2014 – ROGERS & CBC. ROGERS IS SUBLEASING HNIC TO CBC FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

DON CHERRY’S AGE AS OF FEB. 5, 2014.

The number of seasons Cherry has been hosting Coach’s Corner.

CENTRE ICE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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