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Published on September 1, 2005 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP - The Plymouth Whalers used the new National Hockey League rules for the first time Thursday in the opening scrimmages of training camp at the Compuware Sports Arena.

The Whalers' Learning Laboratory on ice proved that the game can be opened up, which should translate into fun and excitement for Ontario Hockey League fans. Among other changes, two-line passes are now allowed through the neutral zone, which definitely adds flow to the game.

Shootout goals were included in the final score as the White beat the Blues in the morning session, 7-6. John Armstrong scored twice in non-shootout situations to pace the Whites. Brett Valiquette and Jared Boll added even strength goals for the Whites, while Joe Gaynor, Kaine Geldart and Valiquette added shootout goals. Dan Collins (3rd round pick of the Florida Panthers) and Chris Terry scored even strength goals for the Blues, while Mike Letizia, Ondrej Otcenas (Carolina), Gino Pisellini (Philadelphia) and Terry scored shootout goals.

The White came back to win the afternoon scrimmage, 10-6, over the Blues. James Neal - a second round pick of the Dallas Stars in the NHL Entry Draft last summer - paced the White attack with four goals (one on a shootout). Nashville-draft Vaclav Meidl scored twice, while Joe Gaynor, Brett Bellemore, Zack Shepley and John Chayka added singles.

Andrew Fournier - returning this year after suffering a sliced Achilles Tendon midway through last season - scored three times (one in a shootout) for the Blues. Veterans John Vigilante (Dearborn) and Jake Helmick (shootout) and rookie Anthony Hayes (Canton) scored one goal apiece.

The Blue and White will scrimmage again Friday from 9:00 am-11:00 am and 3:30 pm-5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. Rosters will be provided on both dates.

Plymouth opens up the pre-season schedule this Saturday at 2:00 pm at the Compuware Sports Arena against the Windsor Spitfires. According to the Ontario Hockey League, fans will see a three-player shootout at the end of each preseason game, no matter what the score in regulation.

The preseason shootout is designed to give OHL coaches, players, off-ice officials and fans a chance to get acclimated to the shootouts.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 1, 2005


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