Battle of B.C. Begins
March 19, 2010 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release
When the 2010 WHL Playoffs get started this Friday, March 19th, the Kamloops Blazers will be the underdogs. And they are just fine with that. After a series of changes made throughout the season, the Blazers have a very young group of players. But they're not just young - they're talented and hard working, and led by a new coach who is most well known for his ability to teach.
Games three and four of the best of seven series will take place in Kamloops at Interior Savings Centre on Tuesday, March 23rd and Wednesday, March 24th. Start time for both games is 7:00pm.
The ties between the Vancouver Giants and Kamloops Blazers may seem endless at times. General Managers Scott and Craig Bonner, who are brothers, will go head to head in the postseason for the first time since Craig Bonner left his post in Vancouver for the VP/GM position in Kamloops. Blazers trainer Colin "Toledo" Robinson was also with the Giants before coming to Kamloops. The Head Coach of the Vancouver Giants, Don Hay, is a Kamloops product and coached the Blazers from 1986-1995. On the ice, the Kamloops Blazers' roster boasts three former Giants - Captain Ryan Funk and fellow defensemen Bronson Maschmeyer and Linden Saip. Linden Saip's uncle, Dale Saip, is the Vice President of Business Development for the Giants. As for former Blazers players on the Giants roster, there is one - Brett Lyon. Lyon was traded by the Blazers in November for Funk.
Blazers Captain Ryan Funk has gotten back to the ice after an injury in February caused him to miss 11 games - he made his return last Friday against the Cougars and now has the chance to take on his former team in the 2010 WHL Playoffs. Funk was traded to Vancouver in the summer of 2009 and then shipped to the Blazers in November. The team knows that it will be a tough task to upset the powerhouse Giants who won the BC Division yet again this season, but they've got the fire burning and they're anxiously awaiting Game One of the series which will get underway in Vancouver on Friday night.
For games 3 and 4 of the series (Home Playoff Games #1 and #2) taking place in Kamloops, fans are encouraged to wear white (or their Blazers attire!) to create a "Sea of White". Come on out and cheer the hometown team on in this great rivalry!
Blazers Hand Out Awards
Prior to the final home game of the regular season on Friday, March 12th, the Blazers handed out the year end hardware. Here is the list of winners:
2009-2010 Season Awards
M.J.B. Most Improved: Josh Caron
Fifth Avenue Jewellers Diamond in the Rough: Dylan Willick
Radio NL 3 Stars: Kurtis Mucha
Eldon Dever Trophy Best Defenseman: Bronson Maschmeyer
Williams Moving & Storage Most Dedicated: Ryan Funk & Jordan DePape
KB Booster Club Community Involvement: Bronson Maschmeyer
Bob Winters Memorial Trophy Grinder of the Year: Chase Schaber
George Stewart Sr Award Scholastic Player: Colin Smith
Andy & Molly Clovechok Rookie of the Year: Dylan Willick & Colin Smith
Rick Anderson Memorial Trophy Unsung Hero: Brendan Ranford
Kamloops This Week Plus/Minus: Josh Caron
Dean Evason Award Inspirational Leadership: Ryan Funk & Kurtis Mucha
Vern Seaman Memorial Trophy Top Scorer: CJ Stretch
CH Day Memorial Trophy MVP: CJ Stretch & Kurtis Mucha
Record Breaking Seasons iPod Touch Presentations: CJ Stretch & Kurtis Mucha
Congratulations to all the boys, and thank you to all the presenters!
2010 WHL PLAYOFFS ROUND ONE
VANCOUVER GIANTS (2) VS KAMLOOPS BLAZERS (7)
GAME 1: Friday, March 19th @ Vancouver 7:30pm
GAME 2: Saturday, March 20th @ Vancouver 7:00pm
GAME 3: Tuesday, March 23rd @ Kamloops 7:00pm
GAME 4: Wednesday, March 24th @ Kamloops 7:00pm
GAME 5: Friday, March 26th @ Vancouver 7:30pm **
GAME 6: Saturday, March 27th @ Kamloops 7:00pm **
GAME 7: Tuesday, March 30th @ Vancouver 7:00pm **
**If necessary (best-of-seven series)
Fan Appreciation Night!
Congratulations to all the winners from the Blazers Fan Appreciation Night Draw!
Some of the other great prizes included: a night in the Blazers Luxury Suite, Golf for Two at Talking Rock Resort, Accomodation at any Sandman Property and GC to Players Chophouse, Earl's Cocktail Party valued at $650, two spots in the Blazers Alumni Golf Tournament, signed sticks and gift certificates.
Player Autographs!
Fans young and old lined up following last Friday's game to get autographs from all the Blazers players, and of course Digger!
BLAZERS PLAYOFF TICKETS
Interior Savings Centre Box Office: 250.828.3339
Western Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2010
- Cougars Extend Heart-Felt Thank You to Everyone Involved In 2009-10 Season - Prince George Cougars
- Kelowna Food Bank Total Now over $44,000 - Kelowna Rockets
- Blades Playoff Hockey Beings Tomorrow Night - Saskatoon Blades
- WHL Playoff Hockey Live On SHAW Friday, March 19 - Kamloops Blazers at Vancouver Giants - WHL
- Battle of B.C. Begins - Kamloops Blazers
- Playoff Tickets On Sale Saturday & Sunday - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Bruins Take On Tri City Tonight - Chilliwack Bruins
- Wheat Kings Set For Broncos - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Calgary Hitmen Drop Game 1 Of Moose Jaw Series - Calgary Hitmen
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