Showing newest 24 of 30 posts from February 2010. Show older posts
Showing newest 24 of 30 posts from February 2010. Show older posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Quick Sunday Morning Post
The Broncos put forth a courageous effort last night versus one of the top teams in the western conference and beat the Vancouver Giants 5-3. The win included the first goals of the year for D Joel Rogers and D Kyle Verdino. Jordan Peddle scored his second of the season in the third period while Brad Hoban and Cody Eakin added singles.
The Giants worked hard and had the lead for a lot of the game but perhaps showed some effects of being at the end of their long east division road trip. They uncharacteristically gave up two leads. In any case, the ride home will be a long one for the Giants who won three on their east division road swing and took losses in P.A., Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
The Broncos trailed in the third period of both games this weekend and managed to win both. That, especially versus Vancouver was something no one imagined them doing. The team needed some sort of momentous push here in the home stretch and they certainly got that the last couple of days. Hopefully the trend continues.
Swift Current lost two players to injury last night. Dillon Wagner (leg) left with the help of Trainer Jamie LeBlanc, and Adam Lowry (lower body) left in the third period. Matt Tassone and Reece Scarlett were not dressed due to injuries and should be back in about one week.
Regina is here again this Tuesday before the Broncos take off for Thursday/Friday games in Calgary/Red Deer.
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The Regina Rebels beat the Diamond Energy Wildcats 1-0 yesterday afternoon in a hard-fought game at Fairview West Arena.
The win means the Rebels now have a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five heading home to Regina for game four this Monday.
Hopefully the girls can open things up a bit and score some goals. Yesterday's game was very chippy and frustrating.
They'll have to dig deep come Monday.
The Giants worked hard and had the lead for a lot of the game but perhaps showed some effects of being at the end of their long east division road trip. They uncharacteristically gave up two leads. In any case, the ride home will be a long one for the Giants who won three on their east division road swing and took losses in P.A., Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
The Broncos trailed in the third period of both games this weekend and managed to win both. That, especially versus Vancouver was something no one imagined them doing. The team needed some sort of momentous push here in the home stretch and they certainly got that the last couple of days. Hopefully the trend continues.
Swift Current lost two players to injury last night. Dillon Wagner (leg) left with the help of Trainer Jamie LeBlanc, and Adam Lowry (lower body) left in the third period. Matt Tassone and Reece Scarlett were not dressed due to injuries and should be back in about one week.
Regina is here again this Tuesday before the Broncos take off for Thursday/Friday games in Calgary/Red Deer.
****
The Regina Rebels beat the Diamond Energy Wildcats 1-0 yesterday afternoon in a hard-fought game at Fairview West Arena.
The win means the Rebels now have a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five heading home to Regina for game four this Monday.
Hopefully the girls can open things up a bit and score some goals. Yesterday's game was very chippy and frustrating.
They'll have to dig deep come Monday.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Broncos Beat Pats Late
"The Pats found a way to lose this one."
That's what the person in front of me said after tonight's 6-4 Swift Current Broncos win over the visiting Regina Pats.
It couldn't be more true. The Bronco crowd was out of it when Jordan Eberle tallied his 43rd of the season to give the road team it's first lead early in the third. The goal followed what had been a great second half of the game for Regina which tied the game twice, once after trailing by two goals and once after trailing by one.
For the Broncos and the onlookers, the game had almost taken on that dead feel of another close home ice loss. That was until Regina's Myles Bell took a penalty for hooking with just over five minutes to go. The Broncos tied the game 4-4 on the ensuing power play with Cody Eakin's 42nd of the year. Not two minutes later a sagging Pats team allowed them to set up deep again and Travis Bobbee scored what would be the game winner for the Broncos. Taylor Vause salted it late with the empty netter.
To start the game, Swift Current came out with jump after a week off and lots of practice. They quickly defied their low power play odds by striking twice on the man advantage with goals from Michael Stickland (5-on-3) and Adam Lowry for an early 2-0 lead. Regina was really never in it during that first frame but Matt Strueby scored on a rush to cut the lead in half. In the second, the Pats tied it 2-2 with a 5-on-3 power play goal by Jordan Weal. Swift Current scored just minutes later, a hardworking goal by Michael Stickland to go up 3-2. The Pats though didn't go anywhere and tied the game again with a late one from Cass Mappin. The wild third period then proceeded.
With the win the Broncos moved up three points on the ninth-place P.A. Raiders who lost 5-0 in Saskatoon tonight. The Pats meanwhile took their third consecutive loss and now have nine points and the Prince Albert Raiders sitting between them and a playoff spot with seven games remaining.
The Broncos were still without F Matt Tassone (one more week?) and D Reece Scarlett. (wrist...approx. one more week) Rookie F Michael Hay was inserted tonight and played on the Blanke line. Otherwise, the Broncos shuffled their lines and tried some different combinations. Whatever the coaches did got them the win.
Final Power Play Numbers: Regina 1/6 Swift Current 3/7
Shots: Regina 29 Swift Current 37
*****
Yes, the Pats allowed them to creep back into it late but the Broncos also showed some resilience. Maybe it was the momentous push they needed to beat the hardworking Vancouver Giants team that'll be here tomorrow.
*****
Don't forget the Diamond Energy Wildcats and Regina Rebels resume their 1-1 series tomorrow!
Game time is 3:15 PM at Fairview West Arena.
*****
How about Team Canada? The Canadians almost blew a 3-0 lead but still won 3-2 over Slovakia tonight to advance to the gold medal showdown versus the United States this Sunday. Isn't it awesome that the three Saskatchewan boys on the team (Morrow, Marleau, Getzlaf) scored the goals in tonight's game?
GO CANADA GO!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Rebels Knot Series 1-1
The Regina Rebels used home ice to down the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats 5-2 and tied the first round series 1-1 in SFMAAAHL playoff action tonight.
The Wildcats, who won game one by a score of 1-0 on Tuesday, were in a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes and surrendered three goals in period three to take the road defeat. G Leanne Gerwing took the loss in goal making 19 saves. Shelby Nisbet and Jenna Smith scored for the Wildcats.
They'll try to redeem themselves this coming Saturday in game three of this best-of-five series. Game time is 3:15 PM at Fairview West Arena.
The Wildcats, who won game one by a score of 1-0 on Tuesday, were in a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes and surrendered three goals in period three to take the road defeat. G Leanne Gerwing took the loss in goal making 19 saves. Shelby Nisbet and Jenna Smith scored for the Wildcats.
They'll try to redeem themselves this coming Saturday in game three of this best-of-five series. Game time is 3:15 PM at Fairview West Arena.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wildcats Draw First Blood
Wildcats lead best-of-five series 1-0.
Win: G Leanne Gerwing 60 MP 18 SH 18 S
Loss: G Samantha Langford 59:30 MP 24 SH 23 S
********************
Another great story from the Wildcats......
The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats are proud to announce that five graduating players from the 2009-10 team have made commitments to attend the following schools next season:
Shelby Nisbet (Clarkson University)
Bailey Habscheid (St. Lawrence University)
Chelsie Lowe (SAIT)
Nikki Connor (Red Deer College)
Leanne Gerwing (University of Lethbridge)
 |  | |
| Regina Rebels | @ | Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats |
0 | 1 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SCORING SUMMARY |
| PERIOD 1 |
| No Scoring |
| PERIOD 2 |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 1:52 (PP) - Kali Jamieson from Karrah Newkirk and Carley Bertram |
| PERIOD 3 |
| No Scoring |
| PENALTY SUMMARY |
| PERIOD 1 |
| Regina Rebels at 19:24 - Brooklyn Moskowy for Tripping (2 Min.) |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 9:08 - Jenna Smith for Tripping (2 Min.) |
| PERIOD 2 |
| Regina Rebels at 17:57 - Tayler Kosloski for Hooking (2 Min.) |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 10:10 - Carley Bertram for Delay Of Game (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 5:34 - Tayler Kosloski for Interference (2 Min.) |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 3:26 - Kelsey Mastel for Roughing (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 3:26 - Nikki Watters-Matthes for Roughing (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 2:26 - Jenny MacKnight for Slashing (2 Min.) |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 1:40 - Leanne Gerwing for Slashing (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 0:19 - Andrea Ehrmantraut for Body Checking (2 Min.) |
| PERIOD 3 |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 13:22 - Shelby Nisbet for Body Checking (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 13:22 - Nikki Watters-Matthes for Interference (2 Min.) |
| Regina Rebels at 8:24 - Melissa Folk for Hooking (2 Min.) |
| Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 7:51 - Nikki Connor for Hooking (2 Min.) |
Win: G Leanne Gerwing 60 MP 18 SH 18 S
Loss: G Samantha Langford 59:30 MP 24 SH 23 S
********************
Another great story from the Wildcats......
The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats are proud to announce that five graduating players from the 2009-10 team have made commitments to attend the following schools next season:
Shelby Nisbet (Clarkson University)
Bailey Habscheid (St. Lawrence University)
Chelsie Lowe (SAIT)
Nikki Connor (Red Deer College)
Leanne Gerwing (University of Lethbridge)
Wildcats Start Playoffs
The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats will kick off their 2010 playoff run tonight. They'll face the Regina Rebels in round one.
The Wildcats finished the season third in the SFMAAHL with a record of 16-9-2-1, while Regina finished sixth with a 13-13-2-0 record.
Game time is 7:45 at Fairview West.
GO WILDCATS!!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Postma Nets Three Goals and One Helper
This just in....
Former Broncos/Hitmen defenseman Paul Postma, (left) who by the way is celebrating his 21st birthday today (Happy Birthday Paul!) scored three goals and one assist in the Chicago Wolves' 7-4 victory over San Antonio last night.
The Red Deer native is in his first year with the Atlanta Thrashers AHL farm club, the Chicago Wolves. In 41 games played he's scored nine goals and added eight assists.
Postma was part of a Calgary Hitmen squad last season that compiled a regular season record of 59-9-3-1 and went 12-0 in the first three rounds of playoffs before being beaten in the WHL final by the 2009 WHL champion Kelowna Rockets.
****
Scroll down for Sunday blogging and recaps of Bronco and Legionnaire games.
The Red Deer native is in his first year with the Atlanta Thrashers AHL farm club, the Chicago Wolves. In 41 games played he's scored nine goals and added eight assists.
Postma was part of a Calgary Hitmen squad last season that compiled a regular season record of 59-9-3-1 and went 12-0 in the first three rounds of playoffs before being beaten in the WHL final by the 2009 WHL champion Kelowna Rockets.
****
Scroll down for Sunday blogging and recaps of Bronco and Legionnaire games.
Broncos Dealt Frustrating Home Ice Loss
The Broncos lost 3-2 to the P.A. Raiders on home ice tonight. The loss was one of the most frustrating this season, given the fact that the Raiders were more determined and showed it with their play while for the most part, the Broncos did not. They opened the scoring on a first period goal from Michael Stickland and it went downhill from there. Cody Eakin played another spirited game and scored in the third to make it close at 3-2. The Broncos fourth line also generated some positive energy but was given little ice time.
Both sides got the puck to the net, and the result was a 47-40 shot total favoring the visitors. Broncos G Mark Friesen did everything possible to help his team win but the bad trend in the offensive zone continued for the Broncos. They were unable to connect on passes and win board battles.
P.A. deserves a lot of credit. They stuck to their abrasive game plan through thick and thin. It really frustrated the other side. The Raiders were a team coming off a momentous home ice victory over the Vancouver Giants last night. They could have used the fatigue excuse against a Bronco team with a day of rest but chose instead to come and give it all they had. They protected the front of their net exceptionally well and went to the dirty areas to chip the puck clear of danger. The Raiders scored two second period goals and took over the game that way.
The Broncos are now left in seventh place in the conference with P.A. one point behind (two games in hand) and Moose Jaw two points behind. (four games in hand)
Both sides got the puck to the net, and the result was a 47-40 shot total favoring the visitors. Broncos G Mark Friesen did everything possible to help his team win but the bad trend in the offensive zone continued for the Broncos. They were unable to connect on passes and win board battles.
P.A. deserves a lot of credit. They stuck to their abrasive game plan through thick and thin. It really frustrated the other side. The Raiders were a team coming off a momentous home ice victory over the Vancouver Giants last night. They could have used the fatigue excuse against a Bronco team with a day of rest but chose instead to come and give it all they had. They protected the front of their net exceptionally well and went to the dirty areas to chip the puck clear of danger. The Raiders scored two second period goals and took over the game that way.
The Broncos are now left in seventh place in the conference with P.A. one point behind (two games in hand) and Moose Jaw two points behind. (four games in hand)
Darby Speaks on Season
Swift Current Legionnaires head coach Regan Darby spoke today after the conclusion of his first full season as head coach.
Thanks to the Southwest Booster's sports guy, Steve Mah, who was kind enough to email the article.
*****
Thanks to the Southwest Booster's sports guy, Steve Mah, who was kind enough to email the article.
*****
Long after being eliminated from the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League’s playoff picture, the Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires’ season quietly came to an end over the weekend as they wrapped up their regular season schedule, taking three of four points from the playoff-bound Saskatoon Blazers.
Saturday the Legionnaires fell 4-3 in overtime after a too many men penalty in the extra period led to a Logan Sproule powerplay goal with 1:42 left.
Dayton Reinboldt and Dyson Stevenson both had a goal and an assist in the overtime loss, while Reiley Grose added a single marker.
Brett Penner, Tanner Froese, and Austin Connor all added assists.
Lukas MacDonald made 29 saves on 33 shots in 63:18 minutes.
Sunday the Legionnaires got two goals and two assists from Stevenson in a 4-2 win over the Blazers. Trent Winzer added a goal and an assist, followed by a single goal from Colton Heffley. Brett Penner had two helpers, followed by singles from Blake McMillen and Connor.
MacDonald made 37 saves for his eighth win of the season as he finished with a 4.75 goals against average and a .880 save percentage.
The win left the Legionnaires with a season record of 15-26-1-2, 10 points back of the Blazers (19-20-4-1) for the final playoff spot in the SMAAAHL as they missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
“The kids played really good this weekend. Ever since we have been out of the playoffs they have been playing great. They could have packed it in and called it a year but they showed a lot of character playing out the year like they did,” said head coach Regan Darby.
“We have a great bunch of guys and we will have a lot of guys moving on and playing junior being successful. It is great getting to know a bunch of guys every year and I wish them luck in the future,” said Darby after his first full season as the Legionnaires’ head coach.
The Legionnaires playoff ambitions were derailed by nine consecutive losses to open the season as well as injuries to key contributors throughout the campaign.
“Getting off the way we did it is tough to come back from that and then the injuries killed us. You can use every excuse in the book but the bottom line is you have to win games and we didn’t do that right away and it hurt us,” admitted Darby.
Darby, who hopes to back behind the bench next season, says that going with young local players remains a strong option next season. He should have talent on the way as the Swift Current Kabos AA Bantam Raiders, coached by former Legionnaires coach Kent Woods, are among the province’s top teams and are a talented and hard working group that could have as many as five or six players selected in the upcoming Western Hockey League Bantam Draft according to some scouts.
“For sure we are definitely thinking about that but everything depends on who you get back. We definitely want to get some young guys in here and start building something here. Things definitely have to change, this organization needs to start winning and we are committed to doing that,” said Darby.
Legionnaires Finish off Season With 4-2 Win
Dyson Stevenson scored four points and G Lukas MacDonald made 37 saves as the Swift Current Legionnaires downed the Saskatoon Blazers 4-2 at Credit Union i-Plex.
Stevenson scored two goals and two assists, while Trent Winzer and Colton Heffley added singles for the home team. Brett Penner had a very productive game too, scoring two assists.
****
The game put the finishing touches on a rather disappointing campaign for the Legionnaires, who finished the season 10th place in a 12-team SMAAAHL.
Tears, goodbyes, and exit meetings were all part of the equation post-game. For some of these kids the world comes to a crashing hault every time their hockey ends for another season. But that's normal. When one door closes, another opens.
It's safe to say that everyone involved learned a lot this year.
Personally, I had the opportunity to do something I thoroughly enjoy...play-by-play announcing and another season of music/public address announcing for Legionnaires home games. I can honestly say despite the win-loss record the team had, the chance to perform those duties made it the best winter I can remember. I'd like to thank the entire Legionnaires family for the opportunity. Also thanks to all the parents and great people involved. With involvement in hockey comes the chance to meet lots of new people year after year. It's part of what makes our game so great.
Thanks again.
****
I spoke with Steven Mah of the SW Booster. He did an interview with Legionnaires HC Regan Darby following the game and agreed to send me the transcript once it's finished. (Regan was busy with player exit meetings by the time I got around to interviewing him.) When the transcript arrives, it'll be posted here. Thanks Steve.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Legionnaires Awards Recap
1. Murray McGillvary Award (Top Scorer)
Dyson Stevenson / Dayton Reinboldt
2. Subway Scholastic Award
Grade 10 Blake McMillen
Grade 11 Matt Boha
Grade 12 Pavlo Zerebecky
3. Subway Player of the Game Award (most game stars all season)
Dayton Reinboldt
4. Most Improved Player Award
Matt Audette
5. Rookie of the Year
Colton Heffley / Mason Logan
6. Coaches Award
Matt Boha
7. Player's Choice Award / Unsung Hero
Dylan Balaski
8. Top Defenceman Award
Trent Winzer
9. MVP Reinhart Memorial Award
Brett Penner
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld
Dyson Stevenson / Dayton Reinboldt
2. Subway Scholastic Award
Grade 10 Blake McMillen
Grade 11 Matt Boha
Grade 12 Pavlo Zerebecky
3. Subway Player of the Game Award (most game stars all season)
Dayton Reinboldt
4. Most Improved Player Award
Matt Audette
5. Rookie of the Year
Colton Heffley / Mason Logan
6. Coaches Award
Matt Boha
7. Player's Choice Award / Unsung Hero
Dylan Balaski
8. Top Defenceman Award
Trent Winzer
9. MVP Reinhart Memorial Award
Brett Penner
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld
Friday, February 19, 2010
Broncos Blanked By Bruins
0/8 on the man advantage didn't get the job done for the home team. Throughout the game they had good speed and kept getting crazy chances in front of the Bruins' net. But nothing materialized offensively.
Chilliwack G Lucas Gore had other ideas and did his part and more to stop the Broncos with 31 saves for the shutout. Chilliwack got two goals from Jamie Crooks..both on the power play. Perhaps the goal of most importance was one from former SC Legionnaire Shane Neigum which made it 2-0 late in the second with just 0:47 to go. Given the scoring chances Swift Current had the Bruins were lucky to be in it, especially after one period. They were also kept to the outside pretty well with just 20 shots on goal. But the word on Marc Habscheid is that his teams have never been known to play fancy hockey. The Bruins did what it took, including a tonne of shot blocking....and got away with the 3-0 win.
The Broncos were without D Joel Rogers (concussion) F Matt Tassone (hernia) and D Reece Scarlett. (wrist)
They'll take on the P.A. Raiders in a HUGE home game this Sunday at 7 PM.
****
Tomorrow is a big day for the Swift Current Legionnaires. They'll kick off their final weekend of play this season with the annual awards banquet at Elmwood Golf Club starting at 2:30 PM.
The weekend hockey action will then follow with two games versus Randy Smith's Saskatoon Blazers.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Legionnaires 4 @ Blazers 1
The Swift Current Legionnaires closed off their 2009-10 road schedule in fine fashion, winning 4-1 in Saskatoon tonight.
-the Legionnaires dominated in the first period and got markers from Dayton Reinboldt and Colton Heffley to go up 2-0.
-in the second, the Blazers came out much harder and Logan Sproule scored to cut the Legionnaires' lead in half and give his team a push. However Legionnaires G Lukas MacDonald stood tall in the nets and kept Saskatoon out of it. He made two spectacular saves, one a breakaway and the other a 2 on 1 chance.
-the third was pretty evenly matched. Although the home team outshot the visitors, Legionnaires F Austin Connor got the important 3-1 goal on a gimme. Saskatoon G Stephen Klein left the net and played the puck to his defender and he found Connor with a blind pass.
-Tanner Froese added an empty netter late to seal the deal. Zac Mackay, whom the Legionnaires called up from the AA Bantam Raiders tonight, had two chances to score an empty netter for his second goal as a Legionnaire, but just missed both times. G Kade Behm was also called up from the Raiders and made the trip to Saskatoon. The plan was for him to back up Lukas MacDonald, but he could not dress for the game due to league rules regarding affiliated player allowance. The Legionnaires were not aware of this until they got to Saskatoon.
-F Dyson Stevenson scored two assists in the game and played what I thought was one of his best games this season. Kelowna Rockets draft choice Colton Heffley also played a very complete game.
-head coach Regan Darby and G Kyler Beckett were both absent due to family trips.
-it was the first game back for Gull Lake SK native and Legionnaire rookie Mason Logan, who sat out the past couple months or so with a torn MCL.
The team will close off the season with a two-game home set versus the Blazers this weekend.
****
Tonight was the last Legionnaire broadcast of the season.
I'd like to thank Legionnaires management for making this happen, especially former GM Jim Dekowny who got the ball rolling on this starting last season.
Also, thanks to the listeners. It's been tough at times this year and always is when your team has a tough go. Thanks for listening in.
I've enjoyed every minute of it.
-the Legionnaires dominated in the first period and got markers from Dayton Reinboldt and Colton Heffley to go up 2-0.
-in the second, the Blazers came out much harder and Logan Sproule scored to cut the Legionnaires' lead in half and give his team a push. However Legionnaires G Lukas MacDonald stood tall in the nets and kept Saskatoon out of it. He made two spectacular saves, one a breakaway and the other a 2 on 1 chance.
-the third was pretty evenly matched. Although the home team outshot the visitors, Legionnaires F Austin Connor got the important 3-1 goal on a gimme. Saskatoon G Stephen Klein left the net and played the puck to his defender and he found Connor with a blind pass.
-Tanner Froese added an empty netter late to seal the deal. Zac Mackay, whom the Legionnaires called up from the AA Bantam Raiders tonight, had two chances to score an empty netter for his second goal as a Legionnaire, but just missed both times. G Kade Behm was also called up from the Raiders and made the trip to Saskatoon. The plan was for him to back up Lukas MacDonald, but he could not dress for the game due to league rules regarding affiliated player allowance. The Legionnaires were not aware of this until they got to Saskatoon.
-F Dyson Stevenson scored two assists in the game and played what I thought was one of his best games this season. Kelowna Rockets draft choice Colton Heffley also played a very complete game.
-head coach Regan Darby and G Kyler Beckett were both absent due to family trips.
-it was the first game back for Gull Lake SK native and Legionnaire rookie Mason Logan, who sat out the past couple months or so with a torn MCL.
The team will close off the season with a two-game home set versus the Blazers this weekend.
****
Tonight was the last Legionnaire broadcast of the season.
I'd like to thank Legionnaires management for making this happen, especially former GM Jim Dekowny who got the ball rolling on this starting last season.
Also, thanks to the listeners. It's been tough at times this year and always is when your team has a tough go. Thanks for listening in.
I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Broncos Down 'Canes 4-1
The Broncos capped off a tremendous three games in four days with a 4-1 win over Rich Preston's Lethbridge Hurricanes tonight. In the process, they swept their two-game midweek road trip into BC/Alberta.
D Derek Claffey teed up the big slap shot to give his team it's first lead at 3:16 of the second period. The usually defensive minded captain followed up with two assists and ended up with a rare three-point game. Next, two goals by Stepan Novotny; one on a beautiful 2-on-1 setup from Justin Dowling and a weak goal on the power play that just squeaked through the pads of Lethbridge G Linden Rowat and found it's way home to make the score 3-1. In the third, the Broncos got outshot by a large margin of 14-3 but they got the only goal of the frame. Justin Dowling netted his 27th of the season to make it 4-1 late. The goal capped off a five-point performance by Dowling on this road trip.
In goal, the Broncos elected to go with Mark Friesen after G Morgan Clark had won the last two starts. Friesen didn't face any stretches of heavy pressure except maybe on the Lethbridge power plays (1 for 3) but was stellar and got the win with 29 saves.
16 shots on goal would be the glaring statistic tonight for the Broncos' coaching staff. In most cases you would need more to win. It gets hidden very well by the end result....a 4-1 victory. The 50% power play conversion (2 for 4) by the Broncos tonight was probably a saving grace. It hadn't operated at that percentage in a game for a very long time.
The final shots on goal were 30-16 in favour of Lethbridge. The Hurricanes truly deserved a better result but their goaltending was not where it needed to be. They also blew a chance to gain momentum after scoring their only goal....a second period power play marker by Dustin Donaghy to tie 1-1. The Broncos replied immediately after to retake the lead and that was the game's turning point.
The Broncos looked a little bit down and out in the playoff race a week ago but have gained some serious ground down the stretch here as P.A. and Moose Jaw have struggled. The big road wins become magnified in that situation and it's safe to say the last two wins have probably been their most critical two "W's" of the year. To keep the good results coming they'll have to push the pedal to the metal this coming weekend, facing Chilliwack and Prince Albert in two home games.
****
Don't forget to attend the Broncos Skills Challenge tomorrow night at Credit Union iPlex. It is a fun annual event sponsored by Tim Hortons. Contests will include fastest skater, shot velocity, etc. Admission is only $5. The on-ice goings-on will be hosted by Chance Duperreault and Jon Keen of the Eagle 94.1 FM's Breakfast Boys morning show.
I was asked to do the public address announcing for the event but have to be in Saskatoon tomorrow night to announce the Legionnaires/Blazers game. So SOMEONE please send me an email with the results..... :)
****
Speaking OF the Legionnaires..yes...they'll be in Saskatoon tomorrow for their final road game this season. The play-by-play starts at 7:45 and the brief pre-game show at 7:35. Details on how to listen will be right here.
G'night.
In goal, the Broncos elected to go with Mark Friesen after G Morgan Clark had won the last two starts. Friesen didn't face any stretches of heavy pressure except maybe on the Lethbridge power plays (1 for 3) but was stellar and got the win with 29 saves.
16 shots on goal would be the glaring statistic tonight for the Broncos' coaching staff. In most cases you would need more to win. It gets hidden very well by the end result....a 4-1 victory. The 50% power play conversion (2 for 4) by the Broncos tonight was probably a saving grace. It hadn't operated at that percentage in a game for a very long time.
The final shots on goal were 30-16 in favour of Lethbridge. The Hurricanes truly deserved a better result but their goaltending was not where it needed to be. They also blew a chance to gain momentum after scoring their only goal....a second period power play marker by Dustin Donaghy to tie 1-1. The Broncos replied immediately after to retake the lead and that was the game's turning point.
The Broncos looked a little bit down and out in the playoff race a week ago but have gained some serious ground down the stretch here as P.A. and Moose Jaw have struggled. The big road wins become magnified in that situation and it's safe to say the last two wins have probably been their most critical two "W's" of the year. To keep the good results coming they'll have to push the pedal to the metal this coming weekend, facing Chilliwack and Prince Albert in two home games.
****
Don't forget to attend the Broncos Skills Challenge tomorrow night at Credit Union iPlex. It is a fun annual event sponsored by Tim Hortons. Contests will include fastest skater, shot velocity, etc. Admission is only $5. The on-ice goings-on will be hosted by Chance Duperreault and Jon Keen of the Eagle 94.1 FM's Breakfast Boys morning show.
I was asked to do the public address announcing for the event but have to be in Saskatoon tomorrow night to announce the Legionnaires/Blazers game. So SOMEONE please send me an email with the results..... :)
****
Speaking OF the Legionnaires..yes...they'll be in Saskatoon tomorrow for their final road game this season. The play-by-play starts at 7:45 and the brief pre-game show at 7:35. Details on how to listen will be right here.
G'night.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Broncos 2 @ Ice 1
First and foremost....highlights are below....can you believe I missed the WINNING GOAL??!! That's ok...I got the audio! :) Video quality depends on the feed from each rink. Your best bet is not to view it full screen...it's even more distorted that way.
(Source: WHL Web TV)
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I second period power play goal by D Travis Bobbee was the difference in Cranbrook BC tonight as the Swift Current Broncos edged the Kootenay Ice 2-1. Bobbee fired from in close and scored his sixth of the season on a two-man advantage. The goal came after Swift Current GM/head coach Mark Lamb used his timeout to draw up a play on the 5 on 3.
Justin Dowling opened the scoring with a goal at 4:17 of the first, and also added an assist on the Bobbee goal later on. Former Bronco and Ice D James Martin replied for Kootenay to tie the game 1-1 at 3:38 of period two.
The visitors were dominated for parts of the game but played a very effective road game overall, especially after attaining the 2-1 lead. Playing a big part in the win was G Morgan Clark, who made 31 saves and stood on his head in the frantic waining minutes of the game with Kootenay pressuring.
The Broncos, who were without D Joel Rogers and F Matt Tassone for tonight's contest, moved into a tie for seventh place in the conference with the Moose Jaw Warriors and are now three points up on the ninth place P.A. Raiders who lost tonight on home ice.
With the win the Broncos capped off another successful season series with the Kootenay Ice...this year with a 3-1 record, after having swept Kootenay the two seasons prior.
Swift Current will continue their mid-week mini road trip as they make a stop in Lethbridge tomorrow night.
(Source: WHL Web TV)
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I second period power play goal by D Travis Bobbee was the difference in Cranbrook BC tonight as the Swift Current Broncos edged the Kootenay Ice 2-1. Bobbee fired from in close and scored his sixth of the season on a two-man advantage. The goal came after Swift Current GM/head coach Mark Lamb used his timeout to draw up a play on the 5 on 3.
Justin Dowling opened the scoring with a goal at 4:17 of the first, and also added an assist on the Bobbee goal later on. Former Bronco and Ice D James Martin replied for Kootenay to tie the game 1-1 at 3:38 of period two.
The visitors were dominated for parts of the game but played a very effective road game overall, especially after attaining the 2-1 lead. Playing a big part in the win was G Morgan Clark, who made 31 saves and stood on his head in the frantic waining minutes of the game with Kootenay pressuring.
The Broncos, who were without D Joel Rogers and F Matt Tassone for tonight's contest, moved into a tie for seventh place in the conference with the Moose Jaw Warriors and are now three points up on the ninth place P.A. Raiders who lost tonight on home ice.
With the win the Broncos capped off another successful season series with the Kootenay Ice...this year with a 3-1 record, after having swept Kootenay the two seasons prior.
Swift Current will continue their mid-week mini road trip as they make a stop in Lethbridge tomorrow night.
Tuesday Dose
Good day. Hopefully you're not bothered by fog. The weather is warm enough but foggy conditions have enveloped Swifty this morning.
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Canada plays Norway tonight to kick off men's hockey at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Game time I believe is 6:30 PM Saskatchewan.
Go Canada Go!
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The Broncos are in Cranbrook and ready for tonight's game versus the Kootenay Ice. Good thing the team travelled yesterday because today's poor visibility outside would have made things much more difficult.
For the past couple seasons the Broncos have dominated the Ice but last time the two teams met back on January 20 in Swift Current, Kootenay won 8-6. At the time it was their 13th win in a 14-game winning streak. They would go on to beat Saskatoon the next night and then lose in P.A. to break the trend. That lengthy winning streak came at a critical time. It catapulted the Ice and set them pretty comfortably among the top four in the conference where they currently still sit with 79 points.
The Broncos will have their hands full tonight missing D Joel Rogers (concussion) and possibly D Jordan Evans (injury?) on the back end. A win should be attainable in Kootenay and so should confidence, as they've had a lot of success there the last two years. The game will kick off another crazy stretch in the Broncos' schedule. They'll play in Lethbridge tomorrow, host Chilliwack Friday, and P.A. on Sunday. So the clubs they'll play in that stretch are teams they should beat but remember....those teams are pretty much all in the same boat and want the wins just as bad.
We'll see what shakes down.
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I bought some cool new software for my Mac. It enables me to copy anything on the screen and pull it out as a movie. So that's why below you see a couple of YouTube widgets with video highlights of two weekend Bronco games.
The highlights will be here as long as the opposing team has a highlight package on their website. (Tigers TV, Wheat Kings TV, Pats TV)
But wait! ...... I'm waiting on some more software that will enable me to put a highlight package together from WHL Web TV, even if the Broncos play a team which doesn't have a TV section on it's website. In fact I might find a roundabout way to do that for tonight's game. We'll see.
From the questions I've asked and from what I've heard, most people prefer video highlights as opposed to reading about what happened in the game. Of course I'll still post a written recap of every game when possible.
There will be more time to play around on the computer now that the Legionnaires' season is almost over.
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Speaking OF the Legionnaires, they'll be in Saskatoon this Thursday to play the Blazers. (Broadcast live starting at 7:35 PM) They'll then conclude their 2009/10 season with a banquet on Saturday and two weekend home games versus the Blazers.
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More tonight...enjoy the short week!
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Go Canada Go!
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The Broncos are in Cranbrook and ready for tonight's game versus the Kootenay Ice. Good thing the team travelled yesterday because today's poor visibility outside would have made things much more difficult.
For the past couple seasons the Broncos have dominated the Ice but last time the two teams met back on January 20 in Swift Current, Kootenay won 8-6. At the time it was their 13th win in a 14-game winning streak. They would go on to beat Saskatoon the next night and then lose in P.A. to break the trend. That lengthy winning streak came at a critical time. It catapulted the Ice and set them pretty comfortably among the top four in the conference where they currently still sit with 79 points.
The Broncos will have their hands full tonight missing D Joel Rogers (concussion) and possibly D Jordan Evans (injury?) on the back end. A win should be attainable in Kootenay and so should confidence, as they've had a lot of success there the last two years. The game will kick off another crazy stretch in the Broncos' schedule. They'll play in Lethbridge tomorrow, host Chilliwack Friday, and P.A. on Sunday. So the clubs they'll play in that stretch are teams they should beat but remember....those teams are pretty much all in the same boat and want the wins just as bad.
We'll see what shakes down.
****
The highlights will be here as long as the opposing team has a highlight package on their website. (Tigers TV, Wheat Kings TV, Pats TV)
But wait! ...... I'm waiting on some more software that will enable me to put a highlight package together from WHL Web TV, even if the Broncos play a team which doesn't have a TV section on it's website. In fact I might find a roundabout way to do that for tonight's game. We'll see.
From the questions I've asked and from what I've heard, most people prefer video highlights as opposed to reading about what happened in the game. Of course I'll still post a written recap of every game when possible.
There will be more time to play around on the computer now that the Legionnaires' season is almost over.
****
Speaking OF the Legionnaires, they'll be in Saskatoon this Thursday to play the Blazers. (Broadcast live starting at 7:35 PM) They'll then conclude their 2009/10 season with a banquet on Saturday and two weekend home games versus the Blazers.
****
More tonight...enjoy the short week!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday Musings / Rumpel Commits to Wisconsin
Happy Sunday!
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(Video courtesy TigersTV)
Have the Broncos performed consistently in every aspect of the game for any stretch this year? Probably not. But are they still capable of capitalizing when a chance presents itself? Yes they are.
That's what we saw last night in a 4-1 home ice win over the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Broncos, having gotten exceptional goaltending in recent weeks and some stellar defense the past few games, continued to struggle in another area....getting the puck to the net. It seemed like another one of those nights where few passes connected, shots were missed, and other obstacles were hard for the home team to overcome. There was no shortage of shot blocking either by the Medicine Hat Tigers so the Broncos had that to deal with as well. And of course Swift Current's power play continued to look like a bad dream.
The Tigers just kept playing their game....speed, speed, and MORE speed. They were also pretty rough in their own end, which is something you don't generally see from the Tigers. The Broncos dished out the rough stuff right back (Dillon Wagner, Matt Tassone) and escaped with a 1-0 (Cody Eakin) lead through 20 minutes, but Zdenek Okal finally tied things at 1-1 late in the second. The goal resulted from a beautiful tic-tac-toe play by the Tabbies.
In the third period however, during a 1-1 game the Tigers had a short lapse. The Broncos' Adam Lowry took advantage scoring the key go-ahead goal to put 'em up 2-1 midway through the third. Then Medicine Hat was overzealous trailing by one goal and it bit them again. The Broncos rushed the other way and went up 3-1 on a Michael Stickland tally. Lowry added a power play goal late to salt it away.
So the Broncos got through a extremely tough stretch in their schedule (Calgary, Saskatoon, Brandon, Med. Hat) with three points. That generally would not be satisfactory, but because P.A. and Moose Jaw played below average during the last week, the Broncos' playoff hopes were not diminished. They find themselves in seventh place after last night's game.
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The Bronco defense has been bitten by the injury bug a little bit the past few days with the loss of D Joel Rogers and D Jordan Evans. Rogers sustained a concussion versus Calgary last Tuesday. I had a brief conversation with Rog yesterday and it doesn't sound like he'll be back in the coming days. Hopefully the recovery is quick but a concussion is a tough situation. Calgary's MacKenzie Royer drew a three-game suspension for the hit from behind that put Joel out of commission. D Jordan Evans then left the game early in Brandon on Saturday and didn't return. I've not heard anything about that injury.
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Below is a story that has strong ties to the Home Hardware Legionnaires. Swift Current native and former Legionnaire G Joel Rumpel, (left) who was with the Legions for three years and broke pretty much every goalie record with the club, will be a Wisconsin Badger after committing to the college program in Madison, Wisconsin last weekend. Rumpel was there for a visit and checked out their outdoor hockey game, which was played in the football stadium.
In this his rookie season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, he's got an amazing record of 18-3.
Congrats to Joel. He's a down-to-earth person with a lot of heart.
Here's an article on the subject courtesy www.collegehockey247.com:
Penticton Vees (BCHL) goalie Joel Rumpel felt pretty strongly even before his weekend visit to Wisconsin he would pledge to the Badgers. But the weekend clinched it for the Class of 2012 prospect.
"I'd have to say, just everything blew me away," Rumpel told CollegeHockey247.com this afternoon. "The whole environment, the town was into its hockey ... I definitely felt like hockey was huge in Madison and that I would be a part of something special.
I saw their facilities too, and they were unbelievable. I've never seen anything like that."
Rumpel, 6-3, 175 pounds, sat among the 55,000 Badger fans that braved the elements to watch a UW 3-2 win over Michigan in an outdoor game played at the team's football stadium. He admitted sneaking into Heritage Hall to warm up a few times, but always returned to the stands.
"It was crazy," he said.
In 21 games this season, Rumpel is 16-3-0 with a 1.86 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. He will arrive in Madison the fall after current Badger starters Scott Gudmandson and Brett Bennett graduate.
For more on Rumpel, read this story from before his visit.
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The Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires will play three more games before their campaign comes to a merciful end. All three contests will be against Randy Smith's Saskatoon Blazers. The first one will go this Thursday night (broadcast live from Saskatoon at 7:35 PM) and then they'll finish things off by hosting the Blazers in a two-game home set next weekend.
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If I can get a hold of Wildcats coach Terry Pavely, I'll have an update on how they're doing in the U.S. sometime later today.
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Enjoy your holiday Monday!
****
(Video courtesy TigersTV)
Have the Broncos performed consistently in every aspect of the game for any stretch this year? Probably not. But are they still capable of capitalizing when a chance presents itself? Yes they are.
That's what we saw last night in a 4-1 home ice win over the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Broncos, having gotten exceptional goaltending in recent weeks and some stellar defense the past few games, continued to struggle in another area....getting the puck to the net. It seemed like another one of those nights where few passes connected, shots were missed, and other obstacles were hard for the home team to overcome. There was no shortage of shot blocking either by the Medicine Hat Tigers so the Broncos had that to deal with as well. And of course Swift Current's power play continued to look like a bad dream.
The Tigers just kept playing their game....speed, speed, and MORE speed. They were also pretty rough in their own end, which is something you don't generally see from the Tigers. The Broncos dished out the rough stuff right back (Dillon Wagner, Matt Tassone) and escaped with a 1-0 (Cody Eakin) lead through 20 minutes, but Zdenek Okal finally tied things at 1-1 late in the second. The goal resulted from a beautiful tic-tac-toe play by the Tabbies.
In the third period however, during a 1-1 game the Tigers had a short lapse. The Broncos' Adam Lowry took advantage scoring the key go-ahead goal to put 'em up 2-1 midway through the third. Then Medicine Hat was overzealous trailing by one goal and it bit them again. The Broncos rushed the other way and went up 3-1 on a Michael Stickland tally. Lowry added a power play goal late to salt it away.
So the Broncos got through a extremely tough stretch in their schedule (Calgary, Saskatoon, Brandon, Med. Hat) with three points. That generally would not be satisfactory, but because P.A. and Moose Jaw played below average during the last week, the Broncos' playoff hopes were not diminished. They find themselves in seventh place after last night's game.
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The Bronco defense has been bitten by the injury bug a little bit the past few days with the loss of D Joel Rogers and D Jordan Evans. Rogers sustained a concussion versus Calgary last Tuesday. I had a brief conversation with Rog yesterday and it doesn't sound like he'll be back in the coming days. Hopefully the recovery is quick but a concussion is a tough situation. Calgary's MacKenzie Royer drew a three-game suspension for the hit from behind that put Joel out of commission. D Jordan Evans then left the game early in Brandon on Saturday and didn't return. I've not heard anything about that injury.
****
In this his rookie season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, he's got an amazing record of 18-3.
Congrats to Joel. He's a down-to-earth person with a lot of heart.
Here's an article on the subject courtesy www.collegehockey247.com:
Penticton Vees (BCHL) goalie Joel Rumpel felt pretty strongly even before his weekend visit to Wisconsin he would pledge to the Badgers. But the weekend clinched it for the Class of 2012 prospect.
"I'd have to say, just everything blew me away," Rumpel told CollegeHockey247.com this afternoon. "The whole environment, the town was into its hockey ... I definitely felt like hockey was huge in Madison and that I would be a part of something special.
I saw their facilities too, and they were unbelievable. I've never seen anything like that."
Rumpel, 6-3, 175 pounds, sat among the 55,000 Badger fans that braved the elements to watch a UW 3-2 win over Michigan in an outdoor game played at the team's football stadium. He admitted sneaking into Heritage Hall to warm up a few times, but always returned to the stands.
"It was crazy," he said.
In 21 games this season, Rumpel is 16-3-0 with a 1.86 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. He will arrive in Madison the fall after current Badger starters Scott Gudmandson and Brett Bennett graduate.
For more on Rumpel, read this story from before his visit.
****
The Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires will play three more games before their campaign comes to a merciful end. All three contests will be against Randy Smith's Saskatoon Blazers. The first one will go this Thursday night (broadcast live from Saskatoon at 7:35 PM) and then they'll finish things off by hosting the Blazers in a two-game home set next weekend.
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If I can get a hold of Wildcats coach Terry Pavely, I'll have an update on how they're doing in the U.S. sometime later today.
****
Enjoy your holiday Monday!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Broncos Silenced By Wheaties
The Brandon Wheat Kings beat the Broncos 3-0 tonight in an exciting battle at Brandon's Westman Place.
-spectacular scoring chances, although more by Brandon, were exchanged throughout the game. Both teams showcased their skill at the forward position but both goalies were extremely tough to beat. In the Swift Current net G Mark Friesen made 40 saves, some of the miraculous variety. He was particularly strong in the second period when Brandon turned up the steam. At the opposite end, Brandon G Andrew Hayes shut out the Broncos for a second time this season by stopping a couple of breakaways and being very sharp in key situations, like a 5 on 3 power play for the Broncos early in the third. Hayes ended up with 30 saves for the goose egg.
-the turning point in the game WAS the 5 on 3 for the Broncos early in the third frame. Down just 1-0 they called a timeout, drew up a play, and deployed five forwards. It seemed like they moved the puck around very well but could not capitalize at a critical time.
-Brandon on the other hand scored on an early power play chance and managed to hang on to the one-goal lead. It then took them a while to beat Friesen again but just over halfway through the third period they added a timely insurance marker to go up 2-0. The empty netter sealed the deal late.
-with the win, the Wheaties won the season series 4-2 against the Broncos.
-Swift Current was missing D Joel Rogers who stayed home with a concussion. They also lost D Reece Scarlett for a while after he was hit from behind by Scott Glennie and sustained a cut to the forehead. He returned later in the game. D Jordan Evans left the early and did not return.
-the Broncos will take on Medicine Hat tomorrow and try to break a three-game losing skid.
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What a fabulous ceremony in Vancouver to open the 2010 Winter Olympics!
There was one malfunction: The temporary hydraulics at BC Place Stadium malfunctioned at the very end and failed to lift one of the four pillars that make up the cauldron. It was forgotten rather quickly...the entire display and performance was unreal.
Go Canada.
Web Trouble
I don't know about you but I'm having severe internet problems trying to watch the Bronco game.
I don't think the technical difficulties were entirely unexpected. The cause of the network disaster is likely the heavy traffic during the olympics.
Currently I'm listening on the radio. The score is 1-0 in the first on a Scott Glennie powerplay goal.
The Broncos are healthy except for Joel Rogers, who stayed home with a concussion.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld
I don't think the technical difficulties were entirely unexpected. The cause of the network disaster is likely the heavy traffic during the olympics.
Currently I'm listening on the radio. The score is 1-0 in the first on a Scott Glennie powerplay goal.
The Broncos are healthy except for Joel Rogers, who stayed home with a concussion.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday
The Broncos almost pulled out a win last night in Saskatoon, but not quite. The one point they did get though was huge, and ties them for the final playoff spot in the conference.
To tell you honestly, I have no idea how the game went because I was out of town on a "computer trip." It's become a little hobby for me.
Anyway, good on the guys to redeem themselves after a less than stellar showing here on Tuesday night.
Apparently, G Morgan Clark was amazing between the pipes again.
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In minor hockey news, the Swift Current Legionnaires will be in Notre Dame tonight to take on the Argos. Game time is 8 PM at Duncan McNeill Arena.
The Legionnaires with their record of 12-26-1-1 are out of the playoff picture with four games to play, but can almost feel good when they look at the the Argos' 4-30-4 record on the year. One of the Argos' wins and one tie have come versus Swift Current though. Tonight's contest will be for respect.
Listen in live..the pre-game show will kick off at 7:50 PM. A link to listen live will be posted here. You can also listen by phone. (long distance required) (724) 444-7444. Call ID number: 60891
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Jenna Smith scored in overtime last night as the Diamond Energy Wildcats beat P.A. on the road to close off their regular season.
The win had to feel really good, because P.A. has been a big nemesis for the Wildcats over the years.
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Talk to ya' tonight from the big city of Wilcox..... :)
To tell you honestly, I have no idea how the game went because I was out of town on a "computer trip." It's become a little hobby for me.
Anyway, good on the guys to redeem themselves after a less than stellar showing here on Tuesday night.
Apparently, G Morgan Clark was amazing between the pipes again.
****
In minor hockey news, the Swift Current Legionnaires will be in Notre Dame tonight to take on the Argos. Game time is 8 PM at Duncan McNeill Arena.
The Legionnaires with their record of 12-26-1-1 are out of the playoff picture with four games to play, but can almost feel good when they look at the the Argos' 4-30-4 record on the year. One of the Argos' wins and one tie have come versus Swift Current though. Tonight's contest will be for respect.
Listen in live..the pre-game show will kick off at 7:50 PM. A link to listen live will be posted here. You can also listen by phone. (long distance required) (724) 444-7444. Call ID number: 60891
****
Jenna Smith scored in overtime last night as the Diamond Energy Wildcats beat P.A. on the road to close off their regular season.
The win had to feel really good, because P.A. has been a big nemesis for the Wildcats over the years.
****
Talk to ya' tonight from the big city of Wilcox..... :)
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