WHL Kamloops Blazers

Kamloops week in review

February 16, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release


The Blazers went 1-3-0-0 on their four-game swing through Alberta to remain in 5th place in the Western Conference with just 11 games remaining. Here's what happened over the last 7 days:

Tuesday @ Calgary - The Calgary Hitmen scored 5 second-period goals and rolled to an 8-1 win over the Blazers last night at the Saddledome. After a scoreless first, a period in which Jon Groenheyde made 23 saves, the Hitmen erupted for the 5-goal outburst before adding three more in the third to follow up Jimmy Bubnick's 22nd goal of the season early in the final frame. Shots were 59-17 Hitmen with Martin Jones picking up the win while Groenheyde finished the night with 51 stops. The Blazers were 0-for-4 on the PP while holding the number-one powerplay in the WHL to one PPG on six chances.

Wednesday @ Red Deer - Shayne Wiebe's 25th goal of the season in the opening minute of the third period broke a 1-1 draw and lifted the Blazers to a 2-1 win over the Rebels in Red Deer on Wednesday. Giffen Nyren opened the scoring with a first period powerplay goal before the Rebels answered with a powerplay goal of their own from Carter Smith 27 seconds into the middle period. Justin Leclerc made 38 saves for his 23rd win of the season while Darcy Kuemper took the loss for the Rebels. The Blazers were 2-for-6 on the PP and 5-for-6 on the PK.

Friday @ Lethbridge - Juha Metsola made 18 saves for his 5th shutout of the season as the Hurricanes got past the Blazers 2-0 on Friday night in Lethbridge. Carter Bancks opened the scoring with a goal at 19:51 of the first period then Ben Wright added some insurance with 1:37 to play in the second period with a powerplay goal. Final shots were 33-18 Hurricanes with Justin Leclerc getting named 3rd star for his effort in defeat. The Hurricanes were 1-for-5 on the powerplay while the Blazers were 0-for-2.

Saturday @ Medicine Hat - Colton Grant scored twice - once shorthanded and once into an empty net - as the Tigers fended off the Blazers 5-3 on Saturday night in Medicine Hat. Jake Trask, CJ Stretch, and Linden Saip scored for the Blazers with the game tied 1-1 after one and the Tigers up 3-2 after two. Final shots were 38-29 Tigers with Justin Leclerc taking the loss and Ryan Holfeld picking up the win. The Blazers scored once on just 2 powerplay chances while the Tigers went 1-for-7 with the man advantage.

Check out the Kamloops Blazers Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 16, 2009


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