Sibling Dynasties: January 16, 2016

HOCKEY MOM'S CORNER PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT HAPPY NEW YEAR! A HOCKEY MOM'S ANTI-NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION LIST

DAVID QUENNEVILLE MEDICINE HAT TIGERS

FEATURING TODAYS TOP DRAFT ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS FROM THE WHL

FOR SOME, HOCKEY'S IN THE BLOOD.

THE RIGHT STUFF

HOCKEYNOW MINOR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR IMPRESS AT WJC

MAC'S MIDGET GOLDEN GIRLS

FIRST B.C. SQUAD CAPTURES FEMALE DIVISION AT MAC'S

THE AUSTRIANS ARE COMING

BCHL SET TO HOST FOUR INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

PETER QUENNEVILLE BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

JOHN QUENNEVILLE BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

January 16, 2016

HockeyNow.ca

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HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

EDITOR'S NOTE

HAPPY NEW YEAR! J

ANUARY IS OFTEN DESCRIBED as a time of reflection. It’s a time of year when many look back and take stock of the year that was and look forward to new opportunities the new year to come may bring.

Last year was a great year at HockeyNow and as always, it is our dedicated readers who deserve most of the credit for that. Without you, there would be no HockeyNow and I would like to take this opportunity thank everyone for a great year and your continuing support in 2016. We truly have the best fans in the business!

We were able to get many programs and initiatives off the ground in 2015 including a massive increase in our online content, our new It’s HockeyNow podcast and a new crowdsourcing feature called Hometown Rink Report, which gives our readers the opportunity to tell their own stories from the local rink and have them published in a special section on our website. The reception has been positive thus far and we look forward to reading more about what our readers are up to this year. For more information and to access the Rink Report, visit our website at HockeyNow.ca and click the “Write for HockeyNow” link at the top of the site.

For most Canadian hockey fans, the New Year didn’t start off so great and I’m sure many are left wondering what exactly went wrong for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland just a few short weeks ago.

For those who missed it, Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion and host Finland after what can only be described as a lackluster round-robin phase.

The team never seemed to gel on the ice and often looked outmatched by their European counterparts. After seeing five different countries take home gold in five years leading up to Canada’s win on home turf last year, it should probably come as no surprise that the days of Canada dominating the tournament have long since passed. Perhaps the best explanation is that the rest of the world has finally caught up to us and are producing talent that is more than capable of giving us a run in our national game. Whatever the case, Canadian hockey fans are left to lick our wounds until a chance at redemption in 2017.

Also on the junior front, the WHL trade deadline passed a few days ago and many teams added pieces for the stretch run toward the playoffs. Some teams, such as the Regina

Rebels and Memorial Cup host Red Deer Rebels improved drastically, while others made it clear that their eyes are already firmly fixed on the future.

Red Deer added a trio of big names ahead of the deadline in Jake DeBrusk, Adam Helewka and Luke Philp in three separate deals and look solid heading into the playoffs and Memorial Cup as hosts. Meanwhile, the Pats pulled off the last trade of the season, landing Cole Sanford in a deal with Medicine Hat as they look to makes some waves as the playoffs approach.

While the holidays weren’t much fun on the World Junior stage, minor hockey had yet another banner year, culminating in another successful Christmas tournament schedule. Thousands of youngsters across the province laced them up in numerous events and by all accounts the minor game is strong across B.C. Of note, the newly branded Pat Quinn Classic (formerly the Burnaby Bantam Classic) had a great inaugural event with dozens of teams from different age groups and parts of the country taking part. The tournament is one of the longest running in the province and the future looks bright. I’m sure the late B.C. hockey legend would have been proud to have his name and memory attached to the prestigious event.

Looking to the year ahead, the HockeyNow team has a number of things we are working on that we’ll be rolling out as we move through the second half of the hockey season and beyond. Pick up our issues at the local rink and stay tuned to HockeyNow.ca for these announcements and more.

So from everyone here at HockeyNow, Happy New Year and I look forward to talking to you again next issue!

B.C. EDITION Vol. 18, No. 1, Issue 650 - January 1, 2016

PUBLISHER Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

EDITOR Graeme Frisque graeme@hockeynow.ca

ART + PRODUCTION Stacey Coleman stacey@hockeynow.ca

DISTRIBUTION office@hockeynow.ca

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Iain Colpitts, Leah Dyck, Astra Groskaufmanis, Neil Hilts, Randy Lucenti, Marshall Mackinder, Ryan McCracken, Kristi Patton, Michael Potestio

COVER IMAGES Peter Quenneville Photo by Milana Paddock David Quenneville Photo by Eugene Erick

GRAEME FRISQUE, Editor

John Quenneville Photo by Tim Smith

On Twitter: @GraemeFrisque

NEXT EDITION: January 30, 2016 CONTACT THE EDITOR: graeme@hockeynow.ca

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Contents copyright 2016 by HockeyNow. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or duplicated in print or on websites without the written permission of HockeyNow. The opinions conveyed by contributors to HockeyNow may not be indicative of the views of HockeyNow or Metroland Media Group Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, neither HockeyNow nor Metroland Media Group Ltd. assume any responsibility or liability for errors or omissions.

Visit hockeynow.ca/contests or scan the above QR code after you find Billy Blueliner hidden in an image somewhere this issue, then upload a picture of where you found him for your chance to win a WINNWELL HOCKEY BAG! January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

3 19 11

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BURNABY WINTER CLUB PEEWEE SQUAD SHOWS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT The Burnaby Winter Club and its PW A3 team made this past Holiday Season a very special one for one local family.

Head coach Ernie Bone and his squad decided to get into the Christmas spirit and adopt a needy family in the area.

“The Burnaby Winter Club prides itself on developing excellent hockey players but more importantly they try to produce good, caring young people,” said Bone. “Adopting a family in need gave the kids a great opportunity to work together and help someone out that truly would benefit from their efforts.”

The Bantam and Midget teams within the Winter Club have been adopting families at Christmas time for the last couple of years and Bone thought it would be a great idea if his team gave up their time for the cause.

The BWC supports the idea and likes any initiative that will develop the player’s character and benefit the Burnaby community.

“I approached the parent group about the idea of adopting a family and they were very receptive and positive about their children helping others who were less fortunate,” Bone explained.

Once the parents and kids were on board there was no stopping the budding hockey players.

They raised funds, bought food and presents for a Burnaby single mom with twin 18-month-old boys.

Similar to the ice, the fundraising was a full team effort and provided the youngsters with a fantastic learning opportunity.

They had to learn how to calculate how much things cost and generate enough money to be able to pay for these items. Once enough money was raised the boys went to the store and made the purchases.

“The look on the mother’s face when we showed up at her door with food and presents was so rewarding to the players, I was very proud of my players for completing this very impressive display of charity,” Bone said.

“Watching the little boys open their presents was also a special moment for my players. Adopting a family is something I would definitely do again with any other team I coach. The reward is so high,” he added.

On the ice, Bone is in his first full season with the PW A3 team after serving as an assistant coach with the Peewee 2 team last year.

His newly inherited squad ended up with a trip to the provincials in 201415 and is looking for a repeat with him behind the bench.

“I’m expecting us to have a really good second half, we seem to be peaking at the right time,” said Bone.

The Burnaby Winter Club's PW A3 squad helped brighten Christmas for a family in need this past holiday season.

(Submitted photo)

The PW A3 team will be participating at a spring break tournament in Richmond, B.C. with the season-long goal of attending the Provincials in West Vancouver, B.C. in March.

BURNABY WINTER CLUB NEWS & NOTES The BWC Bruins have to consider their recent participation at the Pat Quinn Classic to be a success.

Three teams, Peewee AAA Elite, Bantam AAA Elite and Bantam AAA competed at the four-day tournament, which was held in Burnaby, B.C. from Dec. 27-30.

This year, one of the oldest bantam tournaments in the province was rejuvenated with a major rebranding and refocusing.

Formerly known as the Burnaby Bantam Classic, the tournament is now named The Pat Quinn Classic, a tribute to the legacy of the former Vancouver Canucks defenceman, coach, general manager and president, who passed away just over a year ago.

The long running tournament was still hosted by the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association, with the majority of the games played at the Bill Copeland Arena in Burnaby and a few at the Burnaby Winter Club and North Shore Winter Club.

Burnaby native and BWC Alumnus Cliff Ronning, who played under Quinn with the Canucks, was this year’s honorary chairman of the tourney.

In the Peewee AAA Elite division, the BWC Bruins came out of the tournament victorious with a 2-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers in that division’s final game.

BWC qualified for the playoff round after finishing with a 2-1 record in the round robin. The Bruins started off with a 10-1 victory over the Cowichan Valley Capitals in Game 1.

In Game 2 they knocked off Japan Samurai, 6-3. This touring team which is based out of Tokyo, Japan flew over 7,000 kilometres to attend the event.

In their final game of the preliminary round, BWC suffered their only defeat with a 3-1 loss to the North Shore Winterhawks.

In quarterfinal action, BWC beat the Juan De Fuca Capitals 4-1.

The Bruins met up with Japan Samurai one more time in the semifinals, winning 8-0.

In Bantam AAA action, the BWC Bruins made it to the quarter finals before bowing out to the Kelowna Rockets 7-4. The team had a decent round robin and finished with a 3-1 record. The Bruins defeated the Seafair Islanders 5-3, Ridge Meadows 5-0 and Anaheim Jr. Ducks 8-0.

Their only loss in the opening round was to the Langley Eagles in a close 6-5 battle.

Their attempt to qualify for the consolation final was squashed with a 6-4 loss to the Burnaby Minor Bulldogs.

At the Bantam AAA Elite level, BWC went 3-0 in their division with wins against Shawinigan Lake Academy (5-1), Notre Dame Hounds (3-2) and LA Jr. Kings (5-1).

The Bruins then fell 2-1 to those same Jr. Kings in quarterfinal action.

BWC went on to defeat Notre Dame 4-1 to qualify for the consolation final, which ended up being cancelled.

For more information about the Burnaby Winter Club visit burnabywinterclub.com

EVERY ISSUE

8

6 | WHL

6

Red Deer stocks up at WHL trade deadline for Memorial Cup push

8 | BCHL BCHL to host international team for first time in five seasons

9 | MINOR Homebred NHL talent from small B.C. towns diminishing with sport academies on the rise

19

12 | ON THE COVER SIBLING DYNASTIES: FOR SOME, HOCKEY'S IN THE BLOOD. 18 | WOMEN'S NATIONAL HockeyNow sits down with Canadian hockey legends Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin

19 | FEMALE Northern Capitals first ever B.C. team to win female tournament

21 | CIS

21

University Hockey Showcase planned for Jan. 15 to 17

22 | NCAA Defending NCAA champion Providence Friars dropped from top spot in national rankings as undefeated streak ends

FEATURES 7 | PROSPECT PROFILE

9

Featuring the nation’s top draft eligible prospects from across the junior ranks

7 | WHL TRADE DEADLINE Reviewing the WHL trade deadline transactions

16 | WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP HockeyNow Minor Players of the Year impress at WJC

17 | HOCKEY MOMS CORNER

ENTER AT hockeynow.ca/contests

A Hockey Mom's Anti-New Year's Resolution List

Congratulations to our Caden from De Winto, Alberta for winning a HockeyShot Radar and Dryland Puck in our Decmber contest.

HockeyNow.ca TOURNAMENTS

HOTELS

SCHOOLS

/tournaments

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/hockey-schools

Check out our tournaments page for the latest info on upcoming tourneys for all ages in your area.

Heading to a tournament and need a place to stay? Visit our hotels page to find great hotels close to rinks all over the country.

Hockey season here! It’s never too late to work on your skills.

Visit our hockey schools page to find one near you.

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

5 19 11

WHL PHOTO BY ROB WALLATOR

PHOTO BY ROB WALLATOR

PHOTO BY CHRIS PULLEN

MAJOR JUNIOR

REBEL EMPIRE Red Deer stocks up at WHL trade deadline for Memorial Cup push STORY | Ryan McCracken

A

FTER LOCKING UP the right to host the 2016 Memorial Cup this May, Rebels owner, general manager and head coach Brent Sutter went to work at the trade table and capitalized on three blockbuster deals in the weeks prior to the Jan. 10 trade deadline.

“We certainly have added to our team,” said Sutter.

“Now we’ve got to go out and play like it and prove it.”

Joining the ranks of the Memorial Cup-bound Rebels are 20-year-old forwards Adam Helewka, Luke Philp and 18-year-old Jake DeBrusk, a recent 14th overall draft pick of the Boston Bruins. But as Sutter points out, landing three of the league’s more prolific scorers doesn’t come without its homework.

“It’s something that you work on for a while. There has been continuous communication for some time with different teams we’ve been dealing with, and we’ve been talking with other teams too,” said Sutter. “It’s all about timing and what works best for everybody involved whether it’s the players or the organization.”

The off-ice action started Dec. 27 when Sutter made the move that turned former Swift Current Broncos sensation DeBrusk into a Memorial Cup contender. Sutter sent back 18-year-old forward Lane Pederson — who had six goals and 15 assists with the Rebels this season — a first round pick in 2017 and a third round selection in 2016. DeBrusk was one of the biggest names on the block this season and the move kick-started a trading frenzy under Sutter.

“It was surprising, but it’s a Memorial Cup year so it’s not as surprising, I guess,” said DeBrusk. “I thought we might make some moves and we brought in some really great guys. We’re really going for it now and as a player it’s really exciting. “ Five days after acquiring DeBrusk, Sutter rang in the New Year by sending captain Wyatt Johnson to the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for another productive forward in Helewka. The 20-year-old Burnaby, B.C. native has been averaging nearly a point per game in his four seasons of major junior, and his inclusion on Red Deer’s top line with DeBrusk and Nikolishin makes for perhaps the most

6

HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

offensively threatening trio the WHL has to offer.

Helewka and DeBrusk suited up together alongside Nikolishin for the first time on Jan. 2 against the reigning The Red Deer Rebels made a splash after Eastern Conference champion Brandon Wheat Kings, acquiring Jake DeBrusk (Left) Luke Philp and immediately began building chemistry en route to a (Centre) and Adam Helewka (Right) in trades momentous 10-0 win. The trio combined for 13 points ahead of the WHL trade deadline. in their debut as a line — with DeBrusk notching a hat Together, Philp (13G, 16A), Helewka (17G, 16A) and trick and two assists, while Helewka and Nikolishin posted DeBrusk (14G, 22A) have combined for 98 points in 70 a goal and three assists each — and this was all before Philp joined the ranks. games though Jan. 4. In Kopeck, Johnson, Pederson and “I’ve never been a part of something like that,” he said.

Pouliot, the Rebels parted with just 67 points across 124 “On our line, I felt the chemistry. I’ve played a couple games played along with a fistful of draft picks.

Behind the string of scorers, the Rebels boast one of games with Nikolishin now and I feel like he and I work the league’s sturdiest blue lines — highlighted by 6-foot-3, the puck really well. Adding Helewka — I had never 207-pound Haydn Fleury and 6-foot-2, 196-pound played against him so I’d never seen him play, but there Colton Bobyk — but Sutter says he hopes to see more was instant chemistry.” out of 19-year-old netminder Rylan Toth.

“They’re a couple of great players. They made it very “He’s had an inconsistent first half and it’s going to be easy for me to transition,” said Helewka of his new lineimportant for him to get going here and be a consistent mates, adding he’s truly honoured to have a shot at the goalie,” said Sutter. “We know he’s a good goalie, he’s just Memorial Cup in his overage year. “It’s huge. I know I’m got to play at that level on a consistent basis.” a very lucky guy. It’s a great opportunity to try and develop Red Deer’s Memorial Cup will be the first on Alberta and head forward in my career.” soil since 1974, and Sutter says its significance will be After the rousing double-digit blowout, it seemed the Rebels shared across the province as thousands flock to the Enmax were on top of the world. But Sutter still wasn’t satisfied, and Centrium this May for the hottest tournament in major the following morning he went back to the trade table. junior hockey.

It took a trio of players and a pair of picks in the up“It’s not just (big) for the franchise, but for central coming bantam draft to lock up Kootenay Ice captain Alberta and Alberta in general,” said Sutter. “By the time Philp. The Rebels parted ways with 20-year-old forward it gets here, it’s 42 years. When you look at it, it’s almost Presten Kopeck, 17-year-old blueliner Ryan Pouliot and 16-year-old forward Tanner Sidaway for Philp — who is insane to see it happen but it is what it is. We’re honoured sidelined with a broken ankle until mid-to-late January, and privileged to be the host of it and hopefully we can but his inclusion with DeBrusk and Helewka brings about have the product we need to have on the ice.” more than just another hot set of hands.

“It’s an unbelievable honor,” added DeBrusk on the The Rebels had been steadily maintaining a winning chance to represent Red Deer at the Memorial Cup. “Ever percentage of around .600 through the first half of the since I’ve been in this league that’s what you want to play season, but after a stumble in December Sutter says the for. To get the chance to do that, and to host, it just works new blood should bring about a stronger out perfectly.” passion among players.

But just being there isn’t enough for “They’re all very top-end players. It’s not DeBrusk or the Rebels franchise. The just the chemistry they have amongst themyoung standout says the team has set its selves, it’s the level of play that the rest of sights on a Chynoweth Cup, and would guys have to rise to. That’s what good playbe happy to hand the second WHL berth ers and strong leadership does, it brings to another club.

Number of WHL trade everyone else’s level up,” said Sutter.

“That’s the No. 1 goal that we’re going deadline day deals over “We were a .500 team in the month for right now,” said DeBrusk. “The Melast five seasons: of December and yet we’re still knocking morial Cup is in the back of our heads 2011-12: 9 on the door to be first in our division and there’s that pressure and all that stuff.

2012-13: 8 and we’re pushing to be first overall. It’s But right now we’re focusing on getting 2013-14: 8 a situation where we need to improve,” first in our division and then we’re focus2014-15: 7 he added. ing on getting the championship.”

2015-16: 9

TRADE DEADLINE TRANSACTIONS

PHOTO BY CHRIS MAST

BY Marshall Mackinder

CARTER HART

G – EVERETT SILVERTIPS

Height: 6’0" Weight: 165 lbs.

Catches: Left Born: August 13, 1998 – Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada Hart has quickly established himself as one of the top young goalies in the WHL this season. His lightning quick glove hand and quick side-to-side movements frustrate his opponents. He steps up in big situations and doesn't just makes that one big save but shifts the momentum in his teams favor with his confidence. He is a confident butterfly goalie who gets real low to cut off more of an angle while keeping himself looking big.

GRADE: Hart currently leads the WHL in many goalie categories. A

Cole Sanford

ÅÆ

REGINA

Colton Kroeker

3rd Rnd ‘16

LETHBRIDGE

VANCOUVER

Kaeden Taphorn

2nd Rnd ‘16

KOOTENAY

EDMONTON

Garan Magnes

ÅÆ ÅÆ ÅÆ

7th Rnd ‘17

SEATTLE

Jaeger White

ÅÆ

6th Rnd ‘17 Cond.

BRANDON

RED DEER

Austin Adamson

8th Rnd ‘17 SWIFT CURRENT

LETHBRIDGE

Scott Allan

ÅÆ ÅÆ

CALGARY

Layne Bensmiller Loch Morrison

MOOSE JAW

JAN 10 EVERETT

7th Rnd ‘17

CALGARY

ÅÆ

Matteo Gennaro Ty Prefontaine 6th Rnd ‘16

PRINCE ALBERT

Jiri Smejkal

ÅÆ

Patrik Maier 5th Rnd ‘17

KAMLOOPS

Josh Thrower 5th Rnd ‘17

ÅÆ

Tyler Brown Marcus Kichton 2nd Rnd ‘17

MOOSE JAW

ÅÆ

Taz Burman Jamal Watson

SEATTLE

Schael Higson Mitch Wheaton 2nd Rnd ‘17

SASKATOON

5th Rnd ‘17

SEATTLE

PHOTO BY KELVIN HARRISON

JAN SWIFT CURRENT Landon Bow 5

LW – KAMLOOPS BLAZERS Height: 5'11" Weight: 175 lbs.

Shoots: Left Born: March 8, 1998 – Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

Kryski always seems to be on loose pucks in front of the net and knocking home rebounds. Kryski takes what he is given and uses it with patience. A pass-first type of player, he is a good puck mover and has a quick first stride that gives him the edge on the breakout. A sustained work ethic that lasts the whole season and consistent point production will help his stock. A real good two-way defensive forward who is good on the forecheck and pressures the puck well.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN SIMON

GRADE: Won’t score a ton of points, but makes up for it with hard work and dedication to defense and setting up his linemates. B

ZACH SAWCHENKO

REGINA

MEDICINE HAT

JAN VANCOUVER 8

JAKE KRYSKI

Gary Haden Brian Williams 3rd Rnd ‘16 5th Rnd ‘17 2nd Rnd ‘18

BRANDON

Braylon Shymr Colton Waltz

ÅÆ

KOOTENAY

Bryan Allbee

ÅÆ ÅÆ

JAN SEATTLE 4

Sahvan Khaira

Cavin Leth SWIFT CURRENT

KOOTENAY

Presten Kopeck

ÅÆ Riley Whittingham 4th Rnd ‘17

SPOKANE

MOOSE JAW

Dustin Perillat

ÅÆ

Dean Stewart 5th Rnd ‘16 2nd Rnd ‘17

SASKATOON

ÅÆ

Presten Kopeck Ryan Pouliot Tanner Sidaway 2nd Rnd ‘16 3rd Rnd ‘16

RED DEER

RED DEER

JAN KOOTENAY 3

Luke Philp

JAN SPOKANE 1

Adam Helewka

ÅÆ

Wyatt Johnson Eli Zummack 2nd Rnd ‘16 5th Rnd ‘17

DEC PORTLAND 28

Taden Rattie

ÅÆ

4th Rnd ‘16

RED DEER

DEC SWIFT CURRENT Jake DeBrusk 27

ÅÆ

Lane Pederson 1st Rnd ‘17 3rd Rnd ‘16

RED DEER

DEC PRINCE ALBERT 26

ÅÆ

Mark Drohan 5th Rnd ‘17 Cond.

TRI-CITY

Mackenze Stewart

G – MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

Height: 6’1" Weight: 180 lbs.

Catches: Left Born: December 30, 1997 – Calgary, Alberta Canada A real minutes-eating goaltender who has seen a lot of rubber over his two plus seasons in the WHL. Stays calm and plays consistently each time between the pipes. Lets pucks hit him and clears rebounds away with quickness. Good glove hand and keeps it up when shot is coming rather than dropping it to make the difficult save. Always seems to know where puck is going and reacts to it. He does a good job of closing off the five hole and stays low to close the bottom corners of the net.

GRADE: Entering his draft year, Sawchekno is in his third WHL season and with a bit more mobility and flexibility, could be a top WHL Goaltending prospect. A-

HAVE YOU FOUND ME YET? Keep looking for your chance to win a WINNWELL HOCKEY BAG More info on PAGE 3

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

7 19 11

JUNIOR

BCHL

(GARRETT JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY)

West Kelowna Warriors' forward Liam Blackburn will take part in the BCHL's first international series in five years when Red Bull Salzburg travels across the pond from Austria for friendlies against the Warriors and three other BCHL squads.

born between 1995 and 1999, most of whom are from Austria and Germany.

The team is coached by former Boston College player and Carolina Hurricanes draft pick J.D. Forrest and former Clarkson University defenceman and Bentley University assistant coach Matt Curley.

“We hope to give each team and their fans a great hockey game as our team is looking forward to the challenge,” said Curley.

“We very much look forward to hosting Red Bull Salzburg in January,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “This is a first-rate organization and I know the club they’re sending will provide a true test for our teams and great entertainment for our fans.”

BCHL Communications director Brent Mutis said that while it is difficult to fit these kinds of games into to play against a team from Austria, I think will be pretty the middle of a 58-game regular season, it's exciting for neat," Ferster said. these four BCHL teams to host a new kind of Ferster said that he thinks his players will get a lot out opponent. of playing against a team that plays a different style of He echoed Ferster's sentiment that for the players, it's hockey that likely differs from the grinding play of the a chance to be exposed to others with different skill sets BCHL. and teams with different styles of play.

Preparation for such a game won't entail things such The Warriors are the first of four teams to take a detour as going over video as regular season pre-game prep from their season — a season in which they are currently might entail. fighting for a playoff spot.

"It'll be nice for (the) kids to experience something "We're in the thick of a tight Interior Division again. different," he said.

We know it's a battle every year. I think it's one of the Ferster has coached the Warriors for the past five seabest divisions in junior hockey of course, and sons, and this will be the first time he's coached this year is no different than any other, this team in this type of game. so I'm assuming it's going to go right Red Bull Salzburg is the first team down to the wire here," he said, in five seasons to come across the adding that teams will be jockpond from Europe to play WRITE FOR HockeyNow eying for playoff spots to the against BCHL teams. In IN OUR NEW SECTION end.

2009-10, the Malmo He added that he's not Redhawks from Sweden concerned about possible played games against injuries arising from this the Nanaimo Clippers, exhibition game.

Powell River Kings FOR YOUR CHACNE TO WIN A "You just hope your and the Alberni Valley EA SPORTS NHL 16 FOR PS4 OR XBOX ONE kids have fun," Ferster Bulldogs. said. "Hopefully we can The Red Bull SalzVisit Hockeynow.ca/hometown-rink-report put a good show for burg team consists of to submitt a story or for more details. them."

BCHL-aged players

THE AUSTRIANS ARE COMING

BCHL to host international team for first time in five seasons STORY | Michael Potestio

W

ITH THE ATMOSPHERE of international junior hockey still in the air post IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and World Junior A Challenge, more worldly games are still to come.

Later this month, four teams from around the BCHL will match up against the U-20 hockey club Red Bull Salzburg from Austria.

It all gets started Jan. 18 when the team faces off in West Kelowna against the Warriors.

Red Bull Salzburg will then travel to Penticton to take on the Vees on Jan. 20 before playing the Vipers in Vernon on Jan. 25.

Salzburg wraps up its BCHL tour in the provincial capital on Jan.27, where they’ll play the Victoria Grizzlies.

Warriors Head coach Rylan Ferster said that as an exhibition game, the main goal is for his players to have fun while experiencing the international style of hockey.

"A lot of these guys (only) get to see the international stuff that's on T.V., so to say that at one point in your career, however long or short (it) might be, that you got

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(PHOTO BY JASON DE FRIAS)

MINOR

SMALL TOWN EXODUS Home-bred NHL talent from small B.C. towns diminishing with sport academies on the rise STORY | Neil Hilts

S

O YOU LIVE in a small town in British Columbia and want to get drafted into the National Hockey League?

Years ago, this wouldn't have been that much of a stretch if you worked hard enough and got the right opportunities.

But now, especially in B.C., sport academies appear to be the best route to the big leagues if you don’t live in a highly populated area such as the Lower Mainland.

Consider the past three NHL drafts. In 2015, there were 13 players from BC selected, nine in 2014 and another 13 players taken in 2013.

Of these 35 total players, five come from a town with a population of less than 50,000.

These five are Tanner Faith (Terrace), Jedd Soleway (Vernon), Dane Birks (Merritt), Ben Betker (Cranbrook) and Curtis Lazar (Salmon Arm). Both Lazar and Faith joined hockey academies, while Betker, Soleway and Birks played minor hockey in their towns before playing junior hockey and getting drafted.

Expanding to cities with populations of 100,000 or less, Brad Morrison (Prince George), Deven Sideroff (Kamloops), Ryan Gropp (Kamloops), Dysin Mayo (Victoria), Wade Murphy (Victoria), Nolan De Jong (Victoria), Alec Dillon (Nanaimo), and Chase Lang (Nanaimo) are included.

Of those eight, only De Jong, Murphy and Dillon did not attend an academy. That makes six out of the last 35 drafted players, or 17 per cent who played local minor hockey en route to the juniors.

Living in the Lower Mainland provides year-round potential training, higher and more frequent competition, and better resources.

Andy Oakes, president of the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA), grew up in Princeton, B.C. and said when he was playing minor hockey, teams consisted of around 12-14 players, but now, there aren’t enough kids to make a team.

“The regular hockey stream system has not allowed for the changing demographics in our country … Now in that community in those age brackets, they have seven or eight,” Oakes said. “They can’t even make teams. Those kids get stuck, ‘do we move out of town, do we not move out of town?’ Do we go to a neighboring association if they’ll accept us?”

As of Jan. 3, 50 players from/born in B.C. have appeared in the NHL this year. Of that group, 13 never played in an academy or minor hockey in the Lower

Trail, B.C. has one of the province's richest hockey histories. However, Mainland. Moving forsmall town players are moving to bigger cities or joining hockey ward, that number will academies, decreasing the number of small town players in the NHL. likely decrease.

B.C. hit its peak for Oakes also stated about the importance of schooling in most players in the NHL when they had 61 during the academies, and how it shouldn’t get lost. While hockey and 1995-96 campaign. Typically, the province has anywhere athletics is a major focus, the players are students first. from 50-60 representatives each year.

Examining B.C. minor hockey players who plied their As the sport becomes more costly, stories of players trade in the NHL during the 90s, smaller towns dot the from middle-class families going to the show will become chart just as they do now, but there were no hockey less common. academies to play in, and Greater Vancouver’s edge wasn’t Recalling his minor hockey days in Port Moody years as huge as it is now. ago, Balkovec definitely notices a difference.

“It was a very blue-collar game and it didn’t costs thouLook at Trail, B.C. – the town has had a represensands and thousands of dollars,” he said. tative in the NHL since 1961 starting with Cesare Maniago, with guys like Ray Ferraro, Steve Tambellini and Shawn Horcoff afterwards. Fifty-five years later, 'TIS THE SEASON there has been a player in the league with ties to Trail FOR TOURNAMENTS each year.

Currently, Barret Jackman and Horcoff, in the twilight The holiday tournament season has come to a of their careers, represent the current group, while Craig close, but teams across B.C. showed well in Cunningham pushes for a spot in Arizona to keep the number of tourneys around Western Canada. streak alive. Landon Ferraro was born in Trail, but played his minor hockey in Vancouver.

At the Mac’s Midget AAA Tournament in Calgary, If a youngster playing minor hockey in B.C. wants to the Northern Capitals were crowned champions make the highest level, the answer is likely join an academy with a 4-1 win over Rocky Mountain. They beor move to a larger city like Calgary or Vancouver. Sure, came the first team from B.C. to win the Mac’s it can be done the hard way, but to actually get drafted, Female Division and followed up their male counthe odds are better with increased playing time. terpart, the Cariboo Cougars, who won the Men’s Maco Balkovec, the Burnaby Winter Club’s (BWC) HockDivision in 2014. ey Director, said he agreed this is a trend for players.

“I think as we continue forward we’re going to see B.C. couldn’t get the clean sweep at the Pat Quinn that’s the way that players look for their development,” Classic in Burnaby as the Kelowna Rockets (BanBalkovec said. “The year-round model has really become tam AAA) and Burnaby Winter Club (Peewee AAA really popular. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing, I Elite) were victorious in their divisions, but the think it’s debatable. We’ll probably see over the next 10 Chicago Mission beat Delta in the Bantam AAA years whether it’s something we should be doing or Elite final. shouldn't be doing.”

Academy players have to sacrifice a lot, moving away The Richmond International Bantam Midget from family and skating hours a day, but they’ve identified Hockey Tournament was one of the largest what is needed to make the next level. post-holiday events, with 64 teams across five One of the biggest barriers is cost of the sport. Even divisions. Prince George defeated OHA 3-0 (Major with bursaries and endowments, reaching the pinnacle Midget), North Shore bested Cloverdale 6-2 of hockey – or any sport for that matter – requires an (Midget Tier 1), Semiahmoo beat Alaska 2-1 open wallet.

(Midget Tier 2), Golden State won a close one “Price is a barrier for all of it,” Oakes said. “Whether over Delta by a 4-3 score (Bantam Tier 1), and you’re playing minor hockey or sports school, the barrier Alaska won the American showdown over Golden of entry is the cost. The cost of sticks, the cost of skates, State (Bantam Tier 2), giving B.C. teams three the cost of ice time.” wins in five divisions.

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

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PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

BROTHERLY LOVE

Sibling duo guide red hot Pilots at Winter Classic The Methorst brothers (Cole and Alex) each played a starring role for the Abbotsford Pilots at the inaugural PJHL Winter Classic from Jan. 1-3 at the Minoru Arena in Richmond.

Older brother Cole scored two goals and six assists over two games while Alex notched three goals and two assists as Abbotsford (21-10-1-1) won both games and overtook the slumping Mission City Outlaws for first place in the Harold Brittain Conference.

Not to be outdone, teammate Hayden Guilderson collected two goals and five assists at the showcase.

The Pilots, winners of seven out of their last nine games, started out the event with a 5-4 win over the Delta Ice Hawks on New Year’s Day and followed with an 8-5 victory over the Ridge Meadows Flames.

Cole and Guilderson each had two goals and two assists against Delta and multi-assist nights against Ridge Meadows, a game in which Alex recorded a hat trick.

DOUG ABBOTT PHOTO

It’s worth pointing out Cole has points in eight straight games with five goals and 11 assists over that span.

Alex Methorst drives the net while brother Cole looks on during their game against the Ridge Meadows Flames at the inaugural PJHL Winter Classic. The brothers were lights out as their Abbotsford Pilots went undefeated over two games.

The Aldergrove Kodiaks and Grandview Steelers also went undefeated at the Winter Classic, created with the intention of giving players more exposure to scouts from various leagues, including the British Columbia Hockey League and NCAA. Aldergrove (17-12-0-2) won 5-1 over the

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

Langley Knights and 6-3 against the Ridge Meadows Flames while Grandview won a pair of 4-3 games, one in which they came back from a 3-0 deficit, to beat the Richmond Sockeyes in overtime to go along with a victory against Delta.

Spencer Unger was the catalyst for Aldergrove with a goal and two assists against Langley and four assists against Ridget Meadows.

For Grandview, Brandon Volpe had three goals, two of them game winners and Timothy Chow finished with a goal and four assists.

There were great individual efforts from other teams as well with Mitchell Cobby and Nyshan Basra each recording four points for the Tom Shaw Conference-leading North Vancouver Wolf Pack. Richmond’s Nick Wicks matched that output.

Even though Ridge Meadows and Langley each went undefeated, they each boasted some star power over the weekend too.

Jake Holland (three goals and two assists) and Nicholas Maydaniuk (two goals and two assists) led the Flames. Noah Giesbrecht from Langley stopped 60 out of 64 shots over two games, including 56 against Richmond.

NOTABLE GAMES FROM THE WINTER CLASSIC uFriday, Jan 1 North Vancouver 7, Mission City 2 In the showcase opener, a rematch of last year’s league final, the Wolf Pack extended its winning streak to eight games while stretching the Outlaws’ losing streak to six. uSaturday, Jan 2 Abbostord 8, Ridge Meadows 5 This game featured a hat trick from Alex Methorst, four assists from brother Cole, three assists from Hayden Guilderson and two goals each from Phil Gauthier and Dryden Michaud. uSunday, Jan 3 Port Moody 4, North Vancouver 2 It’s been a tough season for the Panthers with a

number of lengthy losing streaks, but Port Moody managed to finsih up the Winter Classic by putting an end to its eight-game losing streak.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: uHarold Brittain Conference standings 1. Abbotsford Pilots (21-10-1-1), 44 points 2. Mission City Outlaws (21-11-0-1), 43 points 3. Aldergrove Kodiaks (17-12-0-2), 36 points 4. Ridge Meadows Flames (12-14-2-3), 29 points 5. Langley Knights (4-27-0-2), 10 points uTom Shaw Conference standings 1. North Vancouver Wolfpack (23-8-0-1), 47 points 2. Grandview Steelers (20-8-1-2), 43 points 3. Richmond Sockeyes (17-10-2-3), 39 points 4. Delta Ice Hawks (15-13-1-3), 34 points 5. Port Moody Panthers (6-23-1-2), 15 points uPJHL leading scorers (Goals/Assists/Points) 1. David McGowan, Mission (12-53-65) 2. Bryce Pisiak, Mission (38-24-62) 3. Mitchell Cobby, North Vancouver (14-30-44) 4. Ryan Sharma, Mission (12-30-42) 5. Cole Methorst, Abbotsford (14-27-41) 6. Adam Rota, Grandview (14-26-40) 7. Jake Holland, Ridge Meadows (16-23-39 8. Nyshran Basra, North Vancouver (18-20-38) 9. Michael Rand, Delta (14-24-38) 10. Ram Brar, North Vancouver (14-23-37)

THE ALL-STARS HAVE ARRIVED The Winter Classic paved the way for the annual PJHL All-Star Game, held at the Mission Leisure Centre on Jan. 11. Congratulations to the following players chosen to represent their respective conference in this year’s event. uShaw All-Stars Forwards: Mitchell Cobby (North Vancouver), Ram Brar (North Vancouver), Adam Rota (Grandview), Nyshan Basra (North Vancouver), Michael Rand (Delta), Timothy Chow (Grandview), Arjun Badh (Richmond), Brett Gelz (Richmond), Mitchell Ledyard (North Vancouver), Jack Tadey (North Vancouver), Braeden Gurney (Grandview), Daniel Obcena (Port Moody) Defence: Shane Kumar (North Vancouver), Connor Pasco (North Vancouver), Cam Cuthbert (Delta), Jordan Andrews (Richmond), Lucas Mercer (Grandview), Scott Munro (North Vancouver) Goalies: Cole MacInnes (Grandview), Kurt Russell (Richmond) uBrittain All-Stars Forwards: Bryce Pisiak (Mission City), David McGowan (Mission City), Ryan Sharma (Mission City), Hayden Guilderson (Abbotsford), Cole Methorst (Abbotsford), Eric Callegari (Aldergrove), Brandon Dolby (Aldergrove), Cameron Davitt (Aldergrove), Dale Howell (Ridge Meadows), Jake Holland (Ridge Meadows), Kolby Steen (Mission), Boston Colley (Ridge Meadows) Defence: Brock Padgham (Mission), Tristan Dundas (Mission), Kellan Lavallee (Abbotsford), Devon Becker (Abbotsford), Brendan Campbell (Langley), Wyatt Versluis (Aldergrove) Goalies: Jacob Crawford (Abbotsford), Jeff Vetich (Mission)

SEEING DOUBLE

With the prevalence of hockey bloodlines, it’s clear that genetics plays a role in the makeup of a talented hockey player, so it should be no surprise that twins who share the exact same DNA have laced them up at hockey’s highest levels. No story about siblings in hockey would be complete without taking a look some of the game’s most well-known doppelgangers.

SEDIN TWINS BORN SEPTEMBER 26, 1980 – ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN

DANIEL

HENRIK

VANCVOUVER CUNUCKS (1999) 1ST ROUND, 2ND OVERALL

VANCVOUVER CUNUCKS (1999) 1ST ROUND, 3RD OVERALL

WON THE ART ROSS TROPHY AS THE NHL’S TOP SCORER IN 2011

WON THE ART ROSS TROPHY AS THE NHL’S TOP SCORER IN 2010

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 1102

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 1131

LEFT WING

g

344

a

575

CENTER

pim

460

g

220

a

729

pim

608

LUNDQVIST TWINS BORN MARCH 2, 1982 – ÅRE, SWEDEN

HENRIK

JOEL

NEW YORK RANGERS (2000) 7TH ROUND 205TH OVERALL

DALLAS STARS (2000) 3RD ROUND, 68TH OVERALL

THREE-TIME NHL ALL-STAR AND 2012 VEZINA TROPHY WINNER

WON TWO GOLD MEDALS PLAYING FOR SWEDEN AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 653

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 134

GOALTENDER

w

357

l

219

CENTRE

so

57

g

7

a

19

pim

56

SUTTER TWINS BORN DECEMBER 2, 1963 – VIKING, ALBERTA

RICH

RON

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (1982) 1ST ROUND, 10TH OVERALL

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (1982) 1ST ROUND, 4TH OVERALL

PLAYED FOR SEVEN TEAMS OVER A 13-YEAR NHL CAREER

RETIRED IN 2001 HAVING PLAYED FOR SEVEN NHL FRANCHISES

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 874

GAMES PLAYED IN THE NHL: 1093

RIGHT WINGER

g

149

a

166

pim

CENTER

1411

g

205

a

328

pim

1352

THE NEXT WAVE

Among the next wave of hockey twins are the Sanheim brothers from Elkhorn, Manitoba. Despite being twins, Travis is a year ahead of Taylor in his hockey career. Travis was drafted by the Calgary Hitmen in the 9th round (177th overall) in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. Taylor went undrafted but eventually joined his brother in Calgary for the 2014-15 season. Travis, who played for Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championship, was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2014 and made his NHL debut this season before being returned to Calgary for one more year of seasoning in the major junior ranks. It remains to be seen whether Taylor will one day get the opportunity to join his brother in the big leagues, but for the time being, they are one of just a few sets of twins playing in the CHL.

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HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

STORY | Ryan McCracken

FOR SOME, HOCKEY'S IN THE BLOOD.

B

ROTHERLY LOVE AND SIBLING RIVALRIES have always been a part of hockey, but only a fortunate few get to experience those highs and lows on a stage as big as the Canadian Hockey League.

The Western Hockey League has been the host of many family duos and trios over the decades, and whether they play on the same side of the puck or not, there seems to be a collective understanding of how privileged they are to hit the ice with family.

“It’s always nice playing with your brother,” said 19-yearold Calgary Hitmen left winger Taylor Sanheim, adding growing up on the roads and in the rinks with his twin brother Travis, defenceman for the Hitmen, came with its share of rewards. “Growing up you get used to playing with him so you definitely build chemistry.”

The Hitmen selected Travis 177th overall in the 2011 WHL bantam draft, but ever since he has drastically improved his stock. The 6-foot-4, 199-pound blueliner cracked the league in 2013-14 and went on to earn himself a first round selection by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2014 NHL draft.

While it took Taylor an extra season to reach the roster, the two Elkhorn, Man. natives have certainly made their name known in households across southern Alberta.

Entering the WHL at a young age can be a daunting experience, but Taylor says one of the many rewards that

(PHOTOS BY CANDICE WARD)

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

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come with playing alongside a brother is a familiar living environment in a somewhat overwhelming chapter in his adolescent life.

“It’s definitely more comfortable living in the city of Calgary with (Travis),” he said.

“It makes it easier on our parents too, so it’s definitely nice to be on the same team.”

Travis — who put up eight goals and 23 assists from the back end in his first 24 games with the Hitmen this season — recently competed with Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, while Taylor posted four goals and nine helpers through the first half of the WHL season.

Taylor added there was a time when the fraternal twin brothers battled it out for sibling supremacy, but that period ended as soon as they entered the WHL as teammates.

“We’re more friendly about it now. When we were younger we’d play for bragging rights but not now that we play on the same team. We’re looking out for the best for both of us,” he said. “We’re pretty good at competing with each other. We like to compete, we don’t really brag too much with each other.”

There’s a long history of brotherhood in the WHL — and the Canadian Hockey League at large — with some big NHL names starting out their careers in the WHL, OHL or QMJHL. Most notable NHL among sibling dynasties in recent memory are the Staal brothers — Eric, Marc, Jordan and Jared. All four played in the OHL before being drafted into the NHL and all but Jared have found regular NHL homes.

"WE’RE MORE FRIENDLY ABOUT IT NOW. WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER WE’D PLAY FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS BUT NOT NOW THAT WE PLAY ON THE SAME TEAM." - Taylor Sanheim Calgary Hitmen

(ROB BEINTEMA, MISSISSAUGA NEWS)

Currently making waves on the international circuits are the Strome brothers of Mississauga, Ont. Ryan Strome — a 22-year-old Niagara Ice Dogs alumnus with 105 goals and 190 assists in 225 career Ontario Hockey League games — has been creating a household name in the Big Apple and beyond as a forward with the New York Islanders with 80 points in his first 143 contests. His younger brother Dylan — an 18-year-old Erie Otters centre with 16 goals and 37 assists in his first 25 games this season — had his name heard across the nation as a key member of Team Canada at the 2016 World Junior Championship. Dylan is destined to join Ryan in the NHL after being drafted third overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 NHL draft. Matthew, the youngest of the trio, just began his OHL career with the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs this season.

One of the most memorable moments in WHL brotherly history came in the 2002-03 season, when the Spokane Chiefs made a trade that united all four Lynch brothers in the same uniform. Scott, Doug and Jeff Lynch played the season together after a trade with the Prince George Cougars shipped Scott south of the border, and while the youngest Lynch brother, Jason, had just been drafted

by the Chiefs in 2002, he was lucky enough to play a single game alongside his older brothers.

As for the up and coming fraternal phenoms, look no further than Gabriel and Francesco Vilardi of Kingston, Ont. Francesco, the eldest of the two at 19, has spent time in the OHL with the Flint Firebirds franchise and now the Sudbury Wolves — racking up 24 goals and 41 assists in his first 170 career games. His younger brother Gabriel is the real standout however. The recipient of last season’s HockeyNow Ontario Minor Hockey Player of the Year Award, Gabriel has already broken into the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires at the age of 16, and he’s making his mark early. The 6foot-2, 185-pound centre boasts a strong nose for the net, and even at 16-yearsold he’s on pace for a 20-plus goal season with 10 markers and six helpers in his first 28 OHL contests.

So how do parents negotiate the awkward situation of watching their sons line up against eachother on the ice?

“I don’t care who’s going to win when they play against eachother. I just want them to have a great game. Scoring goals and getting assists, that’s all I want because I would never cheer for one over the other,” said Lino Vilardi of his two talented sons.

Players like the Sanheim and the Lynch brothers had the luck of ending up on the same franchise in one way or another, but the majority of the CHL’s brotherly groupings don’t experience the luxury of sharing the same jersey. As a result, the ice time they share is limited and highly competitive, but that doesn’t make the minutes any less memorable.

Fifteen-year-old Medicine Hat Tigers prospect and Kamloops B.C. native Ryan Chyzowski grew up hearing stories about his father Dave’s escapades as a Kamloops Blazer — now director of sales and marketing for the Blazers — and watching his older brother Nick play for his hometown WHL squad. Playing on the same level as his family members was something Ryan had always dreamed about. On May 7, 2015, the young forward got the call to the major midget level, but it wasn’t Kamloops who came knocking. It was the Medicine Hat Tigers.

The 18th overall bantam draft pick quickly made his mark on Tigers’ brass, and when Medicine Hat made the trip out west to take on the Blazers, they brought a Chyzowski jersey along, allowing Ryan to suit up against his brother as an affiliate player.

“It was pretty special,” said Ryan, who has a minus-2 rating in five games with the Tigers, while Nick has 19 goals and 17 assists through two and a half seasons with the Blazers. “I was out on the ice against him and faced off against him quite a few times. It was a pretty cool experience and it’s something I probably won’t ever forget.”

Ryan added the experience continues to bring about conversation in the Chyzowski household, as the 6-foot, 175-pound skater remains at his home in Kamloops with Nick while playing midget hockey.

The brothers Strome, Ryan, Dylan and Matthew of Mississauga, Ontario, shown here as youngsters, have all suited in the OHL and look to be on track to become one of hockey's next great sibling dynasties. Ryan plays for the NHL's New York Islanders, Dylan is finishing up his junior career with the OHL's Erie Otters and is destined for the big leagues after being drafted third overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2015, while the youngest, Matthew, is starting out his OHL career with the Hamilton Bulldogs this season.

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HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

(ROB BEINTEMA, MISSISSAUGA NEWS)

From Left: Matthew, Michael and Ryan McLeod are another set of siblings who seem poised to take the hockey world by storm. Ryan and Mikey are teammates with the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL, while Matthew plays for Canisius College in the NCAA.

“Right after the game we went home and talked about it for a couple of hours,” said Ryan. “Ever since then we joke around about it every once in a while. It’s been a pretty cool experience and we’ve had some good laughs.”

Some homes just seem to breed success, like that of Edmonton’s Quenneville family. Peter, John and David have all shared ice in the ‘Dub over the past four seasons, and with David — the youngest of the three — sitting in the middle of the pack in the International Scouting Services’ midterm rankings, all three may see each other in the NHL one day as well. But unlike the Sanheims, who skate with the same logo on their chests, or the Chyzowskis, who battle it out on opposite sides of the puck, the Quennevilles know what it’s like to play both with and against one another.

“It’s been remarkable for me and it’s just been quite the story,” said David, adding the rivalry amongst brothers is alive and well. “Around the household (the games are) always something you can chirp about. There’s always a shot here and there.”

David — who was selected 10th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft — was the highest drafted of the Quenneville trio, but the first not to call Brandon’s Keystone Centre home. While it kept David from calling Peter and John his teammates, it gave him the opportunity to hit the ice as a 16-year-old in Medicine Hat and compete against his eldest brother, Peter, in his overage season.

“Going in, I thought I was going to be a first round pick at the time and I was excited to go anywhere. I wasn’t really sure where I was going to go. It ended up being Medicine Hat and it’s just been so great for me being here at 16 and 17. I’ve learned a lot in my two years. It’s been pretty special. Especially being able to play against Peter and John at 16, and John this year at 17.”

Peter, 21, closed out his WHL career with an Eastern Conference title as a Brandon Wheat King alongside 19-year-old brother John last season. The seventh round New Jersey Devils draft pick and former Wheat Kings captain is currently lacing up his skates with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones — where he posted four goals and 12 assists in his first 24 games — but he got the chance to return home with David for the holidays this December, “It was nice to have (Peter) home,” said David. “He’s back there in the pros so it’s nice to be home with family for a couple of days.”

While the three brothers weren’t re-united around the Christmas tree, it was for an unforgettable reason. John became the first of his namesake to don a maple leaf on his chest for the World Junior Championship, joining Travis Sanheim in Helsinki, Finland as a member of Team Canada.

“He said he’s really excited to get into the tournament and he’s been having a lot of fun over there,” said David. “I think the most important thing is to have fun. That’s a world-class stage and the players are so good. I just said, ‘Go have fun and play how you play. You’re going to have a blast. It’s a once in a lifetime experience so just enjoy it.’”

While the Quennevilles often trade competitive chatter around the table, after a life of dreaming about the world juniors, David says the excitement of seeing the family name on Canada’s roster resonated through the family.

“It’s crazy. It’s insane,” he said. “I’ve been watching that since I was a kid and watching him is awesome. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

THE SUTTER CLAN Perhaps the most famous of hockey sibling dynasties is the Sutter brothers from Viking, Alta.

In all, six of seven brothers would go on to play professionally in the NHL. All six, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Brent, Rich and Ron, played for the for the now-defunct Lethbridge Broncos in the WHL in the 1970s and 80s before moving on to their NHL careers. The Sutter name is still a big one in hockey circles, with four of the brothers going on to NHL head coaching or front office positions. A seventh brother, Gary – the eldest – is famously said by his brothers to have been the most talented among the group when they were youngsters, but ultimately decided not to pursue a hockey career.

Brent Sutter, along with twin brothers Rich and Ron were teammates with the WHL's Lethbridge Broncos in the early 1980s. Six of the seven brothers eventually suited up for the Broncos and all six eventualy went on to NHL careers.

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MEN'S NATIONAL

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

(JAMES EMERY, HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES)

BY THE

NUMBERS

1,420,284 PEOPLE LIVING IN HELSINKI, FINALAND, HOST OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

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13,506 HOCKEYNOW MINOR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR IMPRESS AT WJC Hicketts and Barzal hope World Junior success carries them into playoffs

were impressive from the WHL as well, even though the stats may not show.

John Quenneville from the Brandon Wheat Kings had his moments throughout the tournament, finishing with a goal and an assist and earned some time on the top line with Strome and Mitch Marner early in the tournament.

A lot was expected from team captain Brayden Point, STORY | Iain Colpitts who has averaged more than two points per game this year with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

He only registered four assists with Team Canada, but ANADA’S PERFORMANCE at the World three of them were on the power play and he was effective Juniors was one the country would like to forget, as the best face off man in the tournament. All of this but Joe Hicketts and Matt Barzal were among the Western came after many questioned how well he would do coming League players who excelled. off a shoulder injury.

Both undersized players were voted among Canada’s On the other hand, Calgary Hitmen grad Jake Virtanen, top three players of the tournament along with leading loaned to Team Canada by the Vancouver Canucks, took scorer Dylan Strome. a lot of flack for his undisciplined play as well as his lack Best case scenario, they each use the experience to their of production. advantage and return to their WHL clubs with a new Expected to lead the way for the Canadians as a resense of momentum that will rub off on their teammates turning player, he recorded only one assist and committed as they prepare for a playoff run. a number of bad penalties that led to goals.

Hickett’s Victoria Royals are ranked second in the B.C. Most notably, he committed the infamous double Division and Barzal’s Seattle Thunderbirds are second in minor in the third period against the Finns and another the U.S. Division. penalty earlier in the game that cancelled out what could Since both teams are doing so well, neither player is have been a 5-on-3 opportunity. likely to move before the trade deadline.

Three more WHL players, Travis Sanheim from CalAlthough the core of Canada’s team was younger than gary, Haydn Fleury from the Red Deer Rebels and Rourke most years, there was no shortage of individual talent, but Chartier from the Kelowna Rockets, played for Team they clearly had trouble gelling through the tournament.

Canada, but were non-existent for the most part.

Canada didn’t get much offensive production from the This year, every WHL player who was selected for Team back end.

Canada is on a WHL team that currently has a spot in the Hickett was the only defenceman to score for the red playoffs, so it will be interesting to see if their experiences and white while contributing with two assists as well, but at the World Juniors has any carry over effect into the he contributed in other ways and partnered with Thomas second half of the season.

Chabot to form Canada’s best defensive pairing.

In the end, Canada’s lack of discipline, not just in the Unfortunately, Hicketts was stricken by bad luck in quarterfinal, but leading up to the 6-5 quarterfinal loss to Finit proved costly. land as he lobbed the puck over WHL LEADING SCORERS AT WJC Coach Dave Lowry didn’t want the glass from the other side of (GOALS - ASSISTS - POINTS) his team to allow any more than the ice, resulting in a penalty that BRAYDEN POINT................ (0-4-4) three power plays against the led to the game-winning goal.

JOE HICKETTS.................... (1-2-3) Finns, who boasted the best powBarzal started the tournament MATT BARZAL ................... (2-1-3) er play in the tournament largely strong and was one of Canada’s JOHN QUENNEVILLE ......... (1-1-2) because of 2016 NHL Draft elimost reliable forwards, recording ROURKE CHARTIER .......... (0-2-2) gible stars Jesse Puljujarvi, Patrick two goals and an assist as well as TRAVIS SANHEIM .............. (0-1-1) Laine and Olli Juolevi. the winner in the preliminary HAYDN FLEURY ................. (0-1-1) Instead, the Canadians comround shootout victory over *JAKE VIRTANEN ............... (0-1-1) mitted eight infractions that led Switzerland. *Now playing in the NHL to power plays, two of which the There were other players who

C

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HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

CAPACITY OF HELSINKI’S HARTWALL ARENA, HOST OF THE 2016 WJC GOLD MEDAL GAME.

23

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CHL PLAYERS COMPETED AT THE EVENT ACROSS ALL 10 COUNTRIES.

WHL PLAYERS COMPETED FOR SEVEN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. PLAYERS RETURNED TO SWEDEN’S ROSTER AFTER A DISAPPOINTING FOURTH PLACE FINISH LAST YEAR IN TORONTO, THOUGH NONE PLAY IN THE WHL.

WHL PLAYERS RETURNED TO TEAM CANADA (BRAYDEN POINT AND JOE HICKETTS) AFTER CLINCHING GOLD IN TORONTO LAST YEAR. WHL PLAYERS REPRESENTED TEAM RUSSIA (IVAN PROVOROV AND RADEL FAZLEEV), WITH PROVOROV RETURNING AFTER LAST YEAR’S SILVER CAMPAIGN WITH THE BIG RED MACHINE.

WHL PLAYERS (DAVID QUENNEVILLE, AND TAYLOR SANHEIM) SPENT THE HOLIDAY SEASON WATCHING THEIR BROTHERS COMPETE FOR TEAM CANADA.

2

WHL PLAYERS REPRESENTED TEAM SLOVAKIA (PATRIK MAIER AND RADOVAN BONDRA).

BONDRA HELPED SLOVAKIA TO THEIR BEST PERFORMANCE AT THE WORLD JUNIORS LAST SEASON WITH A BRONZE MEDAL.

Finns capitalized on.

It was the same case in Canada’s final round-robin game against Sweden, where Canada was shorthanded seven times, leading to three power play goals in a 5-2 loss.

Prior to that, Canada was shorthanded only six times through its first three games.

Unlike last year when Connor McDavid and Max Domi were standouts, Canada didn’t boast a superstar in this year’s event.

The WHL wasn’t as well represented in this year’s tournament as last year’s, where 11 players, including Edmonton Oil Kings grad Curtis Lazar, helped guide Canada to its first gold medal since 2009.

As well, there hasn’t been a clear-cut star from the Western League who stood out at the World Juniors since Brayden Schenn (2010, ‘11) and before him Jordan Eberle (2009, ‘10), each of whom put forth memorable performances for the Canadians.

Perhaps that will change next year.

HOCKEY MOMS CORNER

A HOCKEY MOM'S ANTI-NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION LIST J

ANUARY IS A VERY TYPICAL TIME for people to reflect on their accomplishments over the previous year and make plans for the new one ahead. You can barely open the paper, turn on the TV, peruse your inbox or flip through a magazine without being flooded with media relating to making that fresh start for 2016 and the best tactics for keeping your New Year’s resolutions.

There are no tactics for me. I’m done with New Year’s resolutions. By the second week of January, my list is a crumpled mess of frustration and tossed into the fire with the kindling (where the list might actually be useful). I’m sure many hockey moms are on my team! Instead, I’ve decided to make an Anti-List: a very useful list of things I will NOT do in 2016: 1. I will NOT worry about the hockey smell emanating from my garage anymore…

(It repels wildlife – and most of humanity.)

2. I will NOT sweat the small stuff … (Except that coach who gave player of the game to a player who racked up five penalties in one game – grrrrrr!)

3. I will NOT share my hockey blanket … (I know it’s immature and selfish, but get your own!)

4. I will NOT feel bad if – because we’re busy - my kids have both a pre and post-game meal … (Sit-down family meals might score all the goals but snacks are the hardest working line in hockey.)

5. I will NOT complain about the hockey schedule anymore … (There are hockey moms out there who have it waaaaaaay worse than me!)

6. I will NOT bother learning referee hand signals (As my husband rolls his eyes at me yet again while I mistake an offside whistle for a penalty whistle. I figure I’m a lost cause and I am NOT going to sweat it - see #2.)

7. I will NOT bother sewing the namebars onto the jerseys and I will NOT feel guilty about it … (It’s halfway through the season after all … if they want to know who #12 is, check the game sheet!)

8. I will NOT over pack healthy food for tournament weekends. (Some people think I should be embarrassed that drive-through clerks in many eastern Ontario fast food restaurants know me by name. They may be right but I am NOT going to sweat it – again, see #2!)

9. I am NOT going to bother trying to go to bed early on tournament weekends… (‘There is no ‘try’, there is only ‘make-fun-of-her-in-the-morning’ – I’m sure that’s what Yoda meant.)

10. I will NOT sit with any parent who complains yet doesn’t help out on the team! (Unless they beat me to the only functioning heater in the arena – then I might tolerate them for an hour!)

Whether or not you make resolutions or anti-resolutions, the good news is that hockey season will be over by March, at which point many of these “resolutions” will no longer be acknowledged anyway!

Happy New Year to the whole HockeyNow community – especially the hockey moms holding out false hope on any of their own hockey mom resolutions!

ASTRA GROSKAUFMANIS

Ottawa mom of 3 poking fun at motherhood, middle age and minor hockey! Author of Offside by a Mile – Confessions of a Hockey Mom WEBSITE: astragroskaufmanis.com TWITTER: @mydustbunnies

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

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FEMALE

NATIONAL

(PHOTO COURTESY OF PRAXIS)

HockeyNow had the opportunity to sit down with Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin recently at the Mastercard Centre in Toronto after the two Canadian hockey heroes were announced as brand ambassadors for Gatorade.

“I like to lead through example”, says Wickenheiser.

“I think just the passion, which is something that people can’t pretend. It’s either there or it’s not”.

After the Press Conference, Wickenheiser and Poulin led some fun drills and a scrimmage with some players from the Brampton Canadettes Bantam AA girls’ hockey team, the Markham-Stouffville Stars and the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins.

“It’s good to see the girls coming out to our games”, said Poulin. “It’s being able to share that passion. I’ve had this passion since I was 18 and being able to have role models is huge and I think you can see that now. You can see that there are women’s teams and I didn’t have that when I was a kid”, she continued.

Women’s hockey has gone through a lot of changes this year and as a result, there’s been a lot of hype about it in the media. One of these new changes includes the introduction of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and the fact that they pay their players to play.

Wickenheiser didn’t mince words when asked about the new league and the significance of women being paid for the first time to play the game they love. While it’s a start, she still sees a lot of room to grow. “It’s not enough to make a dramatic difference,” she said.

Poulin approaches the issue from a bit of a different perspective. said Wickenheiser.

“If you have a dream, training is a sacrifice. If you love Poulin currently plays for the CWHL’s Montreal Cawhat you do, it should be easy for them to do whatever nadiennes and has won Olympic Gold with Canada’s they want,” said Poulin. “Being surrounded by great people National Women’s Team serving as team captain twice, is also something that can help training. Having great partfirst in 2010 and again in 2014. ners and great teammates, I think that’s “I have a dream again”, says Poulin. something that makes it easier for sure”.

HAYLEY “To be part of another Olympics. It’s the Eventually, girls will reach a point WICKENHEISER passion behind what I love to do is somewhere they’re realizing that training isn’t Centre thing that I want to be remembered for”. the most fun thing to do with their time.

Shoots: Height: Weight: When it was Wickenheiser’s turn to “It’s the teenage years that a lot of girls Right 5'10 180 speak at the presser, she spoke with conwill drop out of a sport. I think it’s imfidence about future opportunities in portant for girls to find a sport they like BIRTHDATE: women’s hockey, saying one of the things and that they’re good at. It’s where you AUGUST 12, 1978 she would like to see happen is, “Obvican get confidence from,” said Wickenously, a real professional league”. heiser. “The reality is that anything you’re HOMETOWN: SHAUNAVON, SK This is the next step for women’s hockgoing to do in life is going to be hard. I ey to grow. Opportunities like these are think it’s a disservice to our kids if we OLYMPIC GAMES: moments that impact the lives of others look at things that are going to be easy.

4 Gold medals and it’s this impact that matters in the We know things are going to be hard. It’s (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) world of hockey entertainment. just a part of life”.

“Part of our role at Hockey Canada is The popularity of women’s hockey has to ensure that all our athletes have everyreached an all-time high and this trend is thing they need to be successful on the only expected to grow in the new year.

MARIE-PHILIP ice and as individuals and Gatorade is a As the feminization of the sport continues POULIN big part of that for us”, says Mike Ross, to flourish, we’re beginning to see more Forward Hockey Canada’s Chief Business Officer. media coverage examining hockey’s Shoots: Height: Weight: “They also supply product to all our naemerging female influcences.

Left 5'6 159 tional championships throughout the Wickenheiser is a leader and legend in year. That includes the Esso Cup, which women’s hockey, there’s no doubt about BIRTHDATE: is the Midget women’s championship and that. Everything about her stands out, MARCH 28, 1991 really, a lot of future Team Canada players from her passion for the game, to her love HOMETOWN: come from those events”. of the girls who play it.

BEAUCEVILLE, QC Sponsorships like these point the spotlight It’s all thanks to women like Wickenon Gatorade’s newest members of elite athheiser and Poulin that the women’s game OLYMPIC GAMES: letes, joining the brand’s other ambassadors, is growing and they will certainly be re2 Gold medals such as P.K. Subban and Sidney Crosby. membered as pioneers for that.

(2010, 2014)

ONE-ON-ONE HockeyNow sits down with Canadian hockey legends Hayley Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin STORY | Leah Dyck

G

OING AGAINST THE GRAIN is never an easy job, no matter how tough you are.

Even if your name is Hayley Wickenheiser and Sports Illustrated named you one of the Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World, having the ability to embrace change is a well-respected characteristic for any player to have.

Hockey Canada and Gatorade Canada hosted a press conference at the Mastercard Centre For Hockey Excellence in Toronto, Ont. on Dec.18, announcing the signing of Wickenheiser and Marie-Philip Poulin, as their newest brand ambassadors.

“Hayley and Marie-Philip are not only world-class athletes”, says Claudia Calderon, Marketing Director of Gatorade Canada at Friday’s press conference. “They truly embody the values the Gatorade brand stands for.”

Wickenheiser is a five-time Olympic medalist and has helped Team Canada to seven gold medals and five silver medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship.

On top of these impressive accomplishments, she was elected to the International Olympic Committee’s Athlete’s Commission in 2014, is recognized on Canada’s Walk of Fame and currently plays for the Canadian Women Hockey League’s (CWHL) Calgary Inferno.

“It’s an honor to be a part of such an iconic brand”,

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HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

FEMALE

MAC'S MIDGET GOLDEN GIRLS Northern Capitals first ever B.C. team to win female tournament STORY | Kristi Patton

Northern Capitals captain Sage Desjardins (left) and goaltender Kelsey Roberts, who earned three shutouts on the team's march to the Mac's Midget Tournament championship in Calgary.

The goals came in bunches. Two minutes later Marissa Nichol picked the top corner to give the Capitals a 3-1 lead then Desjardins scored her second of the game just 32 seconds later. That tally, which made it 4-1, chased the Raiders netminder to the bench.

The Capitals came back just as strong in the third period. Cassey Norris dumped a puck from her own end that was misplayed by the Raiders and ended up in the back of their net, giving them a 5-1 lead.

It was just a matter of watching the clock tick down.

"Oh yes, definitely I was just watching the clock the last 10 minutes," said Roberts, who is from Kitimat. "It couldn't have gone by slower. Then everyone came charging off the bench and jumped on me and ended up squishing me and (Desjardins). It was great."

Back home in northern B.C., the news spread quickly. Both of the players were inundated with text messages of congratulations.

"My mom was back home grocery shopping and five people came up to her giving her hugs and were so excited for me," said Roberts.

The Prince George boys team won the tournament last year and with the Capitals winning this year the players said it has been the talk of the town.

"It's pretty cool. Normally hockey in northern B.C. doesn't get much recognition but we have been gaining momentum since we were all playing together in bantam. We basically have all grown up together on the ice and hopefully younger girls will see what we have done and it will get them into hockey," said Roberts.

With three weekends left in the the B.C. Female Midget AAA regular season, the second-place Capitals are looking to gain a good playoff draw with the ultimate goal of winning provincials, playdowns in Alberta and skating at the Esso Cup. The Kootenay Wild went 0-4 in their pool play, the Vancouver Island Seals went 1-2-1 and the Fraser Valley Rush 3-1-1.

The Rush and the Capitals faced off in the semifinal of the Mac's tournament with Roberts posting a shutout in the Capitals 4-0 win. Goals were scored by Desjardins, Kenna Lloyd, Sydney Jordan and Jordan Shanks.

P

ERFECTION – That's what was required to win the female division of the Mac's Midget Tournament in Calgary and exactly what the Northern Capitals executed.

After three years of learning the ins and outs of a long tournament grind, the Capitals finally translated those lessons into the honour of becoming the first team from B.C. to ever capture the female division at the long-running prestigious tourney.

"After our first two go's at this tournament we didn't come in thinking we would win the whole thing," said Capitals captain Sage Desjardins. "Winning that first game really changed the atmosphere for us."

The Capitals play was impeccable — three shutouts for goaltender Kelsey Roberts (allowing only four against with partner Tamara William), most sportsmanlike team award and a pristine 6-0 record throughout the tournament.

For Desjardins, reality sunk in that they could win the whole thing when they squeaked by the Calgary Fire, in their second game, 1-0 on a goal Caily Mellott knocked into the net in the first period.

"That was a huge game for us. Our coach even said to us if we can beat Calgary we have a pretty good chance of going all the way. When we beat Calgary it was like, wow we can do this," said Desjardins, who was awarded with a tournament female all-star selection.

Even down 1-0 early in the final against the Rocky Mountain Raiders, who leads the Alberta Female Midget AAA Hockey League in regular season play, the Capitals didn't waiver.

"We had this tournament host who has been volunteering for 10 years or so at the Mac's that came in the dressing room in between periods and told us that usually the first period of these games is a write-off because everyone is so nervous. And, it was very overwhelming playing in the (Saddledome) but we realized we still have a chance," said Desjardins.

Charging back into the second period down 1-0, Desjardins wired a wrist shot that found its way through the Raiders goalie equipment and trickled in to knot the game 1-1. Just 43 seconds later Capitals Helen Mosher took advantage of a two on one, shoveling the puck high stick side to give them the lead that they didn't lose for the rest of the way.

"We came out strong in that period and after that first goal, the momentum was all ours," said Desjardins.

January 16, 2016 HOCKEYNOW

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TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

JANUARY 2016 LAKE PLACID, NY Jan. 21 - 24. American Cup. Male & Female. Minor - Bantam. Selects. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CANAL FLATS, BC Jan. 22 - 24. Hockey in the Rockies Tournament.

Male. Peewee 2. joforbes@telus.net or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings BURTON, MI Jan. 22 - 24. OneHockey NAIHF Flint Forecheck.

Male. Tyke - High School. A info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY Jan. 28 - 31. American Cup. Male. Minor - Bantam. Selects. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com OTTAWA, ON Jan. 29 - 31. 36th Annual Nepean Girls Hockey Association Winter Tournament.

Female. Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. AA, A, B. tournaments@sensplex.ca or bellsensplex.ca BRAMPTON, ON Jan. 29 - 31. Brampton Weekend Hockey Tournament. Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels. info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com JASPER, AB Jan. 29 - 31. Jasper Pond Hockey Challenge.

Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com ESTERO, FL Jan. 19 - 31. OneHockey 2016 Florida Fever.

Male. Peewee, Bantam. A, B. info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com BANFF, AB Jan. 29 - 31. Trailswest Winter Classic.

Male. Atom 6. ddneff@yahoo.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings DETROIT, MI Jan. 29 - 31. Belle Tire/Victory Honda Mid Winter Classic.

Male. Minor Bantam - Major Midget.

AAA. sristic@legacyglobalsports.com or legacyglobalsports.com/midwinterclassic

FEBRUARY 2016 BRADFORD, ON Feb. 5 - 7. Bradford Blue & Gold Classic.

Male & Female. Tyke - Midget. House, selects. james@weekendhockey.com or www. weekendhockey.com TROCHU, AB Feb. 5 - 7. SW Cougars Div 4 Blue Tournament.

Male. Midget 4. bdfong@telus.net or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings MONTREAL, QC Feb. 12 - 14. Canadian Cup. Male. Novice - Major Midget. Selects. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com EVERETT, WA Feb. 12 - 15. Great Northwest Bantam C Challenge.

Male & Female. Bantam. House. ggusinsky@eyhbc.org or eyhbc.org/ tournaments GRAND RAPIDS, MI Feb. 12 - 15. OneHockey 2016 Grand Rapids House Hattrick.

Male. Peewee, Bantam, Midget. House. info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com TROY, MI Feb. 12 - 15. 2016 Troy Top Shelf - NAFPT Presented by OneHockey.

Male. Peewee, Bantam, Midget. AAA. info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com

20

HOCKEYNOW January 16, 2016

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX Feb. 12 - 15. OneHockey 2016 3rd Texas Longhorn Shootout.

Male. Peewee, Bantam, Midget. AA, A. info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com CANAL FLATS, BC Feb. 12 - 15. Face off On the Flats Atom 3 Annual Family Day Invitational.

Male. Atom 3. alayna@alaynachristie.com or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings CALGARY, AB Feb. 13 - 15. Timbit Winter Classic.

Male. Timbits Senior & Junior. twc@svha.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings OTTAWA, ON Feb. 15. Richmond Munster Minor Hockey Association Atom A. Male & Female. Atom. A, House. tournaments.rmmha@gmail.com or richmondmunsterhockey.ca VAUGHAN, ON Feb. 16 - 17. Cabernet Cup Championship 14U Intermediate.

Male & Female. Minor Bantam. All Levels. cabernetcup@yahoo.ca or cabernetcup.com LAKE PLACID, NY Feb. 19 - 21. American Cup. Male. Novice - Bantam. Selects. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com BANFF, AB Feb. 19 - 21. A2 Hockey in the Rockies.

Male. Atom 2, 3. lori.pilling@gmail.com or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings CANAL FLATS, BC Feb. 19 - 21. Canal Flats Atom 7 Tournament.

Male. Atom 7. loreecal@shaw.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings CANAL FLATS, BC Feb. 19 - 21. GHC Pee Wee B Tournament.

Female. Peewee B. loreecal@shaw.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings CALGARY, AB Feb. 21 - Mar. 1. Novice 4 Springbank Tournament. Male. Novice 2, 3. tournaments@springbankhockey.com or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings VAUGHAN, ON Feb. 25 - 26. Cabernet Cup Championship Girls.

Female. Major Midget, High School. AAA, AA, A, House. cabernetcup@yahoo.ca or cabernetcup.com

MARCH 2016 VAUGHAN, ON Mar. 1 - 2. Cabernet Cup Championship.

Male. Major Midget, High School. AAA, AA, A. cabernetcup@yahoo.ca or cabernetcup.com VAUGHAN, ON Mar. 3 - 4. Cabernet Cup Championship 16U Junior Boys.

Male. Minor Midget, Major Midget, High School. AAA, AA, A. cabernetcup@yahoo.ca or cabernetcup.com EVERETT, WA Mar. 4 - 6. Great Northwest Novice Cross Ice Challenge. Male & Female. Novice.

House. ggusinsky@eyhbc.org or eyhbc.org/ tournaments BOSTON, MA Mar. 4 - 6. Boston Weekend Hockey Tournament.

Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels. info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com BRADFORD, ON Mar. 4 - 6. Bradford Blue & Gold Classic.

Male & Female. Tyke - Midget. House, selects. james@weekendhockey.com or www. weekendhockey.com

CANAL FLATS, BC Are you a student interested in a Mar. 4 - 6. Canal Flats CAREER in the exciting and fast-paced Novice 1 Tournament .

Male. Novice 1. world of SPORTS JOURNALISM with a gkharvie@gmail.com or passion for the game of hockey? www.hockeycalgary.ca/ tournament/listings BANFF, AB VISIT HockeyNow.ca/internship Mar. 4 - 6. Calgary Dental House Tournament of Ice FOR MORE INFO! Warriors .

Male. Novice 2. lbryant@matcofinancial.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/ tournament/listings CALGARY, AB GOLDEN, BC Mar. 18 - 20. SVHA Kids Cancer Care Mar. 4 - 6. NW Warriors Golden Puck Foundation Classic Div 6 and 7.

Classic.

Male. Bantam 6.

Male & Female. Novice 1. kdemille@telus.net or lbryant@matcofinancial.ca or www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/ CALGARY, AB listings/season/2015-2016/category/novice Mar. 18 - 20. SVHA Kids Cancer Care CALGARY, AB Foundation Classic Div 4 and 5.

Mar. 6 - 8. Novice 5 Springbank Male. Bantam 4. kdemille@telus.net or Tournament. www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings Male. Novice 5.

EDMONTON, AB tournaments@springbankhockey.com or Mar. 18 - 20. West Edmonton Mall Ice www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings Breaker.

CALGARY, AB Male. Atom 7.

Mar. 6 - 8. Novice 4 Springbank swalshcann@shaw.ca or Tournament. www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings Male. Novice 4.

CALGARY, AB tournaments@springbankhockey.com or Mar. 18 - 20. SVHA Kids Cancer Care www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings Foundation Classic Div 2 and 3.

NIAGARA FALLS, ON Male. Bantam 2.

Mar. 11 - 13. Niagara Falls Weekend kdemille@telus.net or Hockey Tournament. Male. Adult Rec. www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings All Levels.

SALMON ARM, BC info@weekendhockey.com or weekendMar. 18 - 20. Shaw Challenge I. hockey.com Male. Adult Rec. MONTREAL, QU gord@habs1.ca or Mar. 11 - 13. Canadian Cup. salmonarmhockeyschool.com Male. Novice - Major Midget. Selects.

OTTAWA, ON goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com Mar. 25 - 27. 33rd Kanata Girls Hockey CHICAGO, IL Association House League Tournament.

Mar. 11 - 13. CHICAGO ST PATRICK’S Female. Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, SHOWDOWN. Midget. House. tournaments@sensplex.ca Male. Initiation, Novice, Tyke, Atom, Peewee, or bellsensplex.ca Bantam, Midget. AAA, AA, A, B. tournaSCARBOROUGH, ON ments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com Mar. 25 - 27. 45th Annual West Hill OTTAWA, ON Shamrock House League Select Mar. 12 -13. Richmond Munster Minor Tournament.

Hockey Association Atom B and Atom Male & Female. Tyke - Midget. House, C. selects.

Male & Female. Atom. B, House. james@weekendhockey.com or tournaments.rmmha@gmail.com or www.weekendhockey.com richmondmunsterhockey.ca BANFF, AB CALGARY, AB Mar. 26 - 27. Bruins Atom 7 Banff Spring Mar. 13 - 16. Novice 6 Springbank Break Classic. Male. Atom 8.

Tournament. bowrivertournaments@gmail.com or Male. Novice. 6. www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings tournaments@springbankhockey.com or BURNABY, BC www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings Mar. 25 - 27. BC KING OF THE RINGS. EVERETT, WA Male. IInitiation, Tyke, Atom, Peewee, Mar. 18 - 20. Great Northwest Atom C Bantam, Midget. AAA, AA , A. tournaChallenge. ments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com Male & Female. Atom. House. ggusinsky@eyhbc.org or eyhbc.org/tournaments VANCOUVER, BC Mar. 18 - 20. Vancouver Cup. TAMPA, FL Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels.

Apr. 1 - 3. Tampa Weekend Hockey goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com Tournament.

Male. Adult Rec. All Levels.

LONDON, ON info@weekendhockey.com or weekendMar. 18 - 20. London Cup. hockey.com Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com PITTSBURGH, PA Apr. 1 - 3. Pittsburgh Weekend Hockey OTTAWA, ON Tournament. Male. Adult Rec. All Levels.

Mar. 18 -20. Richmond Munster Minor info@weekendhockey.com or weekendHockey Association Peewee A, Peewee B hockey.com and Peewee C. Male & Female. Peewee. A, B, House.

BANFF, AB tournaments.rmmha@gmail.com or April 1 - 3. Banff Cup. richmondmunsterhockey.ca Male & Female. Adult Rec. All Levels. goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CALGARY, AB Mar. 18 - 20. SVHA Kids Cancer Care CHICAGO, IL Foundation Classic Div 1 and 2.

April 1 - 3. Chicago Cup. Male. Bantam 1.

Male. Adult Rec. All Levels. kdemille@telus.net or goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com www.hockeycalgary.ca/tournament/listings

APRIL 2016

CIS

COLLEGE

GARRETT JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Simon Fraser University won back-to-back BCIHL titles in 2010 and 2011 and is virtually assured a spot in this year's playoffs.

BCIHL MARKING 10TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SEASON University Hockey Showcase planned for Jan. 15 to 17 STORY | Randy Lucenti

T

HE BRITISH COLUMBIA Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) will mark its 10th anniversary of play later this month with a University Hockey Showcase weekend at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre in Burnaby, B.C. The event will take place from Friday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 17.

The BCIHL was launched in 2006 and now boasts five member clubs including Eastern Washington University, Selkirk College, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western University and the University of Victoria. All five will see action during the Showcase.

Former members include Okanagan College (200912), Thompson Rivers University (2009-14), the

University of Northern British Columbia (2006-07) and the University of the Fraser Valley (2006-2011).

Six regular season games will be played during the showcase weekend with a pair of contests slated for each day.

On the opening day (Jan. 15), Selkirk College will take on Trinity Western at 4 p.m. followed by Eastern Washington battling with Simon Fraser at 7 p.m. On Jan. 16, Eastern Washington will face the University of Victoria at 4 p.m. followed by Selkirk College tangling with Trinity Western at 7 p.m. The showcase will wrap up Jan. 17 with Selkirk College playing the University of Victoria at 2 p.m. and Eastern Washington meeting Trinity Western at 5 p.m.

Off the ice, the competing clubs will take part in a luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 16 where the BCIHL will unveil its All-Decade Team. There will also be a Q&A session featuring BCIHL coaches which will give prospects, parents and fans a chance to learn more about the league and the schools.

The Showcase is also partnering with Heroes Hockey

Challenge (heroeshockeychallenge.com), which is an organization that is owned and managed by the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Foundation. The Foundation hosts events across Canada to raise awareness and financial support “…For the Soldier, the Wounded, the Fallen and their Families.”

BCIHL teams play a 24-game regular season schedule with the top four clubs facing off in the playoffs in March.

Last season, Selkirk College became the first BCIHL team to earn a championship three-peat after entering the playoffs as the league's second-ranked team. The Saints beat third-seeded Victoria in the opening round of the playoffs before sweeping SFU in the finals for the second time in three years.

In 2013-14, Selkirk College became the first team to repeat as champions since Simon Fraser won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. The Saints swept fourth-seeded Thompson Rivers in the opening round of the playoffs before toppling a Trinity Western University squad that upset local rivals SFU to reach their first ever finals.

The league determined its champion using a traditional playoff format for the first time in 2013. Selkirk won their first league title after posting a 21-3 record in the regular season and then sweeping Victoria and SFU in the playoffs.

Heading into the second half of the current season, Selkirk (8-4-0-0) tops the field with 16 points, but is in a dog-fight with Trinity Western (7-2-0-1) and SFU (74-0-0) with 15 and 14 points, respectively, after dropping their final two games before the Christmas break.

Victoria (3-7-0-1) is fourth with seven points while Eastern Washington (2-8-0-0) rounds out the loop with four points.

Individually, a pair of Selkirk rookies are opening eyes heading into the final half. Forward Dallas Calvin tops the scoring charts with 12 goals and eight assists in 11 starts for a two point edged on teammate Jamie Vlanich (7G, 11A), while first-year netminder Brett Huber is 3-0 in four appearances with a 2.21 GAA and a save percentage of .931.

Through its first nine years of existence, Selkirk, Victoria and SFU have each won three BCIHL titles. Only time will tell if one of those three will break the deadlock or if Trinity Western can join the champions' club come March.

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COLLEGE

NCAA

(PHOTO FROM NORTH DAKOTA ATHLETICS)

UNBEATEN NO MORE Defending NCAA champion Providence Friars dropped from top spot in national rankings as undefeated streak ends STORY | Randy Lucenti

T

HE CHRISTMAS BREAK was not kind to the defending NCAA men’s hockey champion Providence Friars.

Prior to exams, the school break and holiday tournaments, the Friars were rolling right along as the country’s only unbeaten team at 12-0-3 and the consensus No. 1 team in the majority of polls.

At the Florida College Hockey Classic, Providence suffered its first setback of the season in a 2-1 overtime loss to No. 9 Cornell, before rebounding the following day with a 2-1 win over fourth-seeded Boston College.

Then, last weekend, the Friars dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to cross-city foe, the Brown University Bears (4-6-3).

Despite the fact the Friars (13-2-3) have not suffered a regulation defeat since last Feb. 13 at Notre Dame (a span of 30 games), Providence dropped from No. 1 to No. 3 in the latest national polls announced Jan. 4.

Dating back to Feb. 25, 2013, Providence has been ranked in the USCHO.com poll for 75 straight weeks and held the top ranking for the past six weeks.

Providence has concluded its non-conference record at 9-2-1 and will embark on a 16-game Hockey East trek to close out the regular season, beginning with a homeand-home series with No. 7 Boston College.

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High-flying North Dakota, with a record of 18-2-2, have taken over top spot in the USCHO.com national poll released last week, dropping defending NCAA champion Providence Friars to No. 3.

Taking over top spot in the USCHO.com national poll is high-flying North Dakota, who have improved their record to 18-2-2. Moving from the No.3 spot to No.2 is the Quinnipiac Bobcats, who have just a single regulation time loss and sport a 17-1-3 mark.

The remainder of the top 10 include: St. Cloud State (16-4-0) moving from No. 5 to No. 4; Harvard (8-1-3), moving from No. 7 to No. 5; Nebraska-Omaha (14-3-1), holding at No. 6; Boston College (13-4-1), dropping from No. 4 to No. 7; Michigan (11-3-3), moving to No. 8 from No. 10; Cornell (9-2-2), holding at No. 9; and Mass.-Lowell (11-4-4), dropping from No. 8 to No. 10.

Three one-loss teams top the NCAA Division III men’s hockey rankings heading into 2016.

St. Norbert (11-1-1) holds down top spot followed by Plattsburgh State (10-1-1) and Adrian (10-1-1).

The remainder of the top 10 includes No. 4 Babson (10-2-1), No. 5 Mass.-Boston (10-2-1), No. 6 Wisconsin-Stevens Point (8-3-1), No. 7 Trinity (7-2-1), No. 8 Geneseo (8-1-2), No. 9 Hobart (8-2-2) and No. 10 Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

The NCAA Division 1 women’s teams return to action after the break this week with everyone chasing No. 1 ranked Boston College who head into 2016 with a perfect record of 20-0-0.

Staying within reach is No. 2 ranked Wisconsin (181-1), No. 3 seeded Minnesota (15-3-0) and No. 4 ranked Quinnipiac (16-1-3).

The remainder of the top 10 includes No. 5 Clarkson (15-3-2), No. 6 Bemidji State (13-5-2), No. 7 North Dakota (11-6-3), No. 8 Northeastern (14-4-1), No. 9 Harvard (8-4-1) and No. 10 Colgate (10-3-5).

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