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Kamloops Blazers

Kamloops Blazers Week in Review

March 11, 2013 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release


Week in Review:

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 vs. Victoria Royals - 6-0 Win

The Blazers had big nights from Kale Kessy, Colin Smith and Tim Bozon in a 6-0 win over the Victoria Royals. Kessy finished with two goals and two assists while Smith and Bozon each had a goal and two assists. JC Lipon and Sam Grist were the other Blazer goal scorers in the win. Cole Cheveldave earned the shutout with 14 saves in goal.

Friday, March 8th, 2013 vs. Kelowna Rockets - 3-2 Loss

The Blazers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Brendan Ranford and JC Lipon, but it wasn't enough in a 3-2 home ice loss to the Rockets. The Rockets chipped away tying the game up in the second period. Cole Linaker scored the winner midway through the third period. Cole Cheveldave took the loss in goal making 32 saves, while Rockets goaltender Jordon Cooke was terrific in making 35 stops.

Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at Kelowna Rockets - 2-1 Loss

These two teams met again in Kelowna with the Rockets squeaking past the Blazers 2-1. The Rockets jumped out to a 2-0 lead but the Blazers battled back with Brendan Ranford cutting the lead to 2-1. The Blazers had a ton of chances, especially in the third period, but couldn't tie the game up in a 2-1 loss. Cole Cheveldave made his third start of the week making 32 saves.

Ranford Reaches 350 Career Points

Blazers 20-year-old forward Brendan Ranford reached 350 career points over the weekend which moves him to sixth all-time on the Blazers scoring list. Ranford past Hnat Domenichelli over the weekend and now has 351 regular season points with two games left in the season. The 20-year-old recently set the Blazers record for regular season games played passing C.J. Stretch's previous record of 341. Ranford has played 346 WHL games and could potentially finish with 348 games with the Blazers two games remaining this season.

Blazers to Hand out Hardware Prior to Final Regular Season Game

The Kamloops Blazers will hand it out its team awards prior to the final home game this Friday, March 15th when the Blazers host the Prince George Cougars.

The Blazers will also be giving away prizes for Fan Appreciation night this Friday against the Cougars.

To purchase tickets for Friday's game, call the Box Office at 250-828-3339 or purchase online by following this link.

Cheveldave Nominated for CHL Goaltender of the Week

Goaltender Cole Cheveldave has been nominated by the WHL for the second straight week for the CHL Goaltender of the Week. Cheveldave finished this past week with a 1-2-0-0 record, one shut-out, stopping 76 of 81 shots faced for a 0.938 save-percentage and 1.68 goals-against average. Cheveldave is 35-16-1-1 this season with a .908 save percentage, 2.39 goals against average, and six shutouts.

Cheveldave is the first Blazer goaltender to win at least 30+ games in consecutive seasons since Daryl Reaugh in 1983-84 and 1984-85. The Calgary native also has ten career shutouts which is third all-time behind Devan Dubnyk (15) and Corey Hirsch (13).

Blazers to Face Royals in Round 1 of Playoffs

The Kamloops Blazers (45-20-2-3) will settle for second place in the B.C. Division and third overall in the Western Conference heading into the 2013 WHL playoffs.

The Blazers first round opponent has been determined as they will play the sixth seeded Victoria Royals (33-29-2-5) for the second consecutive season.

The first round series with the Victoria Royals will open in Kamloops for Games 1 and 2 on Friday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 23rd. The rest of the series schedule has yet to be determined.

Tickets for the playoffs are on sale now at the Blazers Box Office by calling 250-828-3339 or can be purchased online by following this link.

Kamloops Blazers Hockey School August 2013

The 2013 Kamloops Blazers Hockey School is open for registration! Hockey School will be held from August 12th - 16th with the Blazers coaching staff, current and former players instructing. Make sure to register quickly as Hockey School is filling up fast!

Download the registration form by following this link or pick up a form from the Blazers Office. If there are any questions pertaining to Hockey School give Ashley Neuls a call at the Kamloops Blazers office at 250-828-1144.

Blazers Ranked 8th in the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10

The Blazers are down to 10th in the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 with a 45-20-2-3 record. The hockey club has been in the rankings for almost the entire season. The Blazers have either been honourable mentions or as high as second in the rankings.

Edmundson Signs NHL Contract with the St. Louis Blues

19-year-old defenseman Joel Edmundson has signed his first NHL Contract with the St. Louis Blues this past week. Edmundson was originally drafted by St. Louis in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

General Paint Draw

Safeway Family Fun Day was this past Sunday at the Interior Savings Centre. Fans got to skate with the Blazers and get autographs from all of their favourite players. Thanks to Kamloops Safeway who supplied snacks, drinks and dessert for the event.

The Blazers Season Photo Books are sold out but fans who would like one can purchase them on a pre-buy basis this week until the end of the Blazers home game Friday night for delivery during the first round of playoffs. Small books are $16.95, large books are $29.95.

Injury Report:

Aspen Sterzer, Upper Body, week-to-week

Matt Needham, Upper Body, one week

Joe Kornelsen, Lower Body, one week

Team Leaders:

Goals - Colin Smith (41)

Assists - Colin Smith (62)

Points -Colin Smith (103)

+/- - JC Lipon (+34)

Rookies - Jordan Thomson (12)

PIM - Joel Edmundson (139)

GAA - Cole Cheveldave (2.39)

SV % - Taran Kozun (.908)

Check out the Kamloops Blazers Statistics

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