Blazers Week In Review
January 27, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release
This week, the Blazers will continue their 5-game homestand on Wednesday versus Seattle and Saturday against Medicine Hat. The team's first-round bantam draft selection from 2008 - Colin Smith - will make his home regular season debut against the Thunderbirds. Smith has played one game for the Blazers already...in Edmonton against the Oil Kings. Both games start at 7:00pm at ISC with tickets available at the ISC Box Office by calling 250-828-3339.
The Kamloops Blazers went 1-2-0-0 over the past seven days to see their record sit at 23-24-1-4 which is good for a 3-point lead on the Everett Silvertips in the race for 5th place in the Western Conference. Here's a look back:
WEDNESDAY @ SEATTLE:
Justin Leclerc made 44 saves and Cole Grbavac's 4th goal of the season proved to be the game winner as the Blazers posted a 3-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Kent on Wednesday night. CJ Stretch and Shayne Wiebe - both with their 22nd goals of the year - also chipped in with goals as the Blazers built a 3-0 lead which stood up until the last 2 minutes when Jeremy Boyer knocked in a loose puck on a 6-on-4 powerplay the break Leclerc's shutout bid. Final shots were 45-26 T-Birds with Jacob DeSerres taking the loss. Both teams were 1-for-7 on the powerplay.
FRIDAY @ VANCOUVER:
The Giants scored three in the first period and two more in the second en route to a 5-1 win over the Blazers last night in Vancouver. CJ Stretch scored the lone Blazer goal in the opening minute of the third period to round out the scoring. Final shots were 50-17 in favour of the Giants with Tyson Sexsmith getting the win while Jon Groenheyde made 45 saves in defeat. The Blazers were 0-for-5 on the PP while the Giants were 2-for-7.
SATURDAY vs KELOWNA:
The Kelowna Rockets posted their 5th win in 5 tries against the Blazers this season in picking up a 5-2 win at Interior Savings Centre on Saturday night. The Rockets took a 3-1 lead in the first period on goals from Mickael Backlund, Ian Duval, and Brandon McMillan with Curtis Kulchar answering for the Blazers. Scott Wasden scored a 5-on-3 powerplay goal to cut the lead to 3-2 early in the second but Duval scored his second goal of the night for a 4-2 Kelowna lead after two with Colin Long putting the game away with a third-period powerplay goal. Final shots were 30-26 Rockets with Mark Guggenberger picking up the win while Justin Leclerc saw his personal 5-game win streak come to an end.. The Rockets were 3-for-3 on the powerplay while the Blazers were 1-for-8.
THE WEEK TO COME:
Monday: Practice, 2pm @ ISC
Tuesday: Practice, 2pm @ ISC
Wednesday: GAME DAY vs SEATTLE, 7:00pm @ ISC
Thursday: Practice, 2pm @ ISC
Friday: Practice, 2pm @ ISC
Saturday: GAME DAY vs MEDICINE HAT, 7:00pm @ ISC
Sunday: TBD
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Wednesday, January 28th - Wendy's Dreamlift Day, Sahali Wendy's
Thursday, January 29th - EDGE Presentation, Bert Edwards Elementary
Thursday, January 29th - School Visit, Summit Elementary
Monday, February 2nd - EDGE Presentation, Arthur Hatton Elementary
Thursday, February 5th - EDGE Presentation, South Sahali Elementary
Friday, February 6th - EDGE Presentation, Beattie Elementary
Friday, February 6th - School Visit, Stuart Wood Elementary (hosted at ISC)
SMITH NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM
Colin Smith, the Blazers' 1st round selection in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, has been chosen to take part in the 2009 Alberta Major Midget League All-Star Game set for Sunday in Edmonton. Smith leads all 15-year-olds in the AMHL in scoring with 21 goals and 50 points in 30 games. Smith will play for the Blazers this Wednesday at home against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
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Western Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2009
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- May Relieved of Duties - Chilliwack Bruins
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- Blazers Week In Review - Kamloops Blazers
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