WHL This Week, News Edition
March 12, 2005 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
RUSSELL STEPS UP FOR TIGERS - The Medicine Hat Tigers have enjoyed a successful 2004-05 Western Hockey League season and are looking like strong contenders to defend their 2004 WHL title heading into the 2005 playoffs.
Despite losing a few key players from last year's championship squad, the Tigers have remained a force to contend with in the Eastern conference. Much of the credit for the Tigers' continued success could be attributed to the team's younger players who have not only stepped into bigger roles on the team, they have taken those challenges and ran with them.
Take, for instance, sophomore defenceman Kris Russell. The 17-year-old product of Caroline, Alberta, has played a much larger role with the team this season than he did as a rookie last year. It's an opportunity Russell has used to become one of the league's top offensive defencemen.
"I came into the season with the mindset that I wasn't a rookie anymore," said Russell, who also won a Gold medal with Canada's national U-18 team at the Junior World Cup in Slovakia in August 2004.
"I trained and worked really hard in the off-season, knowing that I'd have to step up to another level this season," he said. "So far, it's come together for me,"
Things certainly have come together this season for the second-year Bengal. Russell leads all WHL defencemen with 24 goals this season, he's tied for second in the league with 17 power play goals, and has also scored 10 game-winning goals.
All this after scoring five times last season as a rookie.
Of course, it helps when you have the right teammates helping you along. In Russell's case, he has had the benefit of playing with Cam Barker, another of the league's outstanding offensive defencemen.
"He's helped me a lot," said Russell about the World Junior blueliner. "He's such a talented player.
"It's even better because we're defence partners, so I can always pick up little tips and tricks," he added.
In fact, Russell has also benefited from Barker's absence. When Barker was sidelined for two months for World Junior duties and a subsequent bout of Mononucleosis, it was Russell who stepped in and did an admirable job filling the void.
While he's certainly having a memorable campaign, the smooth-skating Tigers' rearguard isn't the only Russell sibling having a breakout WHL season. Kris' twin brother Ryan is also enjoying a fine sophomore campaign with the Kootenay Ice. Although not too competitive, Russell says the sibling rivalry has helped motivate them both.
"You're always competing with your brother, but it mostly just joking around and getting under the other's skin," he said. "But, when it comes down to it, we're not too concerned about points."
What does concern Russell is helping the Tigers finish strong heading into the playoffs. With a playoff spot already wrapped up and just over a week remaining in the regular season, the Tigers find themselves in a heated battle for the Central division title and top spot in the conference. It will, no doubt, be a tough battle for the Tigers down the stretch, but one that Russell welcomes.
"We're in the hunt for first place, and that's what we want is home-ice advantage," said Russell. "But it's a close division, and we've got some tough games coming up, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Jesse Watts whl.ca
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WHL KEY PERFORMERS
Lance Monych, Brandon Wheat Kings - Monych has scored six goals and eight points in his last four games, helping the Wheat Kings to a 3-1 record. He is currently riding an 11-game point streak. Click here to view scoring leaders.
Dan DaSilva, Portland Winter Hawks - DaSilva has scored three goals and five points in his last three games, helping the Hawks to a 2-0-0-1 record. He scored the game winning goal in wins over Vancouver last Friday, and Seattle on Sunday. Click here game-winning goal leaders.
Ladislav Scurko, Seattle Thunderbirds - Scurko has scored two goals and five points in his last three outings, helping the T-Birds to a 2-1 record. He currently leads all Seattle freshmen in scoring. Click here for rookie scoring leaders.
Dion Phaneuf, Red Deer Rebels - Phaneuf has scored two goals and four points in his last three outings, helping the Rebels to a 2-1 record. He is currently one of only three WHL defencemen to have 20 or more goals this season. Click here for defencemen leaders.
Jeff Glass, Kootenay Ice - Glass is 2-0 in his last two starts, posting two straight shutouts. He currently sits among the league's top three netminders in several statistical categories. Click here for goaltending leaders.
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THE PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE
The Portland Winter Hawks have enjoyed a successful second half of the 2004-05 Western Hockey League, boasting a 15-8-2-1 record since the start of January. A big reason for the team's resurgence has been the solid play of forward Cody McLeod.
McLeod, a 20-year-old product of Binscarth, Manitoba, has seen a dramatic increase in his production this season and has been one of Portland's most consistent contributors. The gritty left-winger has already scored 29 goals and 53 points this season after scoring 28 goals and 64 points in his last two seasons combined.
His physical presence, energy, and willingness to battle night in and night out has made McLeod a Winter Hawks' fan favorite. McLeod, a free agent who is in his fourth and final WHL season, will be a key player as the Winter Hawks head down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Cody McLeod's Perspective
On the Winter Hawks' turnaround... "After Christmas, all the guys really came together and started buying into the systems we wanted to play. Now, guys are coming to the rink and working hard every day. We're having fun winning, and we really want to make a push towards the playoffs."
On his breakout season... "I'd have to give a lot of credit to my line mates (Brandon Dubinsky and Dan DaSilva). They're playing good and I probably wouldn't be having this type of season without them. I've also gotten more of an offensive role, more power play time and more playing time in key situations. Pucks just seem to be going in for me, which is good to see."
On the prospect of playing Everett in the first round of the playoffs... "Everett's a solid team. They've played us really hard all year. We've got a big home-and-home series with them this weekend, so it's going to be like a playoff atmosphere. We're excited to play them, but we've got to stick to our game and our systems to be successful."
On the next wave of Winter Hawks' leaders... "I think Frazer McLaren has come a long way and started to show he'll be a player in this league. He's a big guy and he's not afraid to mix it up and get guys going. Cameron Cepek is a young 16-year-old who's shown a lot of promise as a young kid."
On raising his stock value with a breakout season... "I think (having a breakout season) has helped. If they ever get the NHL back on track and have a draft, then we'll see what happens. But, I've really tried not to think about it because I just want to help our team. Hopefully, something good happens and I can play hockey somewhere next year."
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LOCKED-OUT NHLers TO PLAY GAMES FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
The Ryan Smyth and Friends All Star Charity Tour is embarking on a four city 4-on-4 tournament featuring current NHL players in order to benefit local charities and provide entertainment for hockey fans. Along with Ryan Smyth, other players scheduled to participate include Eric Brewer, Sean Burke, Kris Draper, Wade Redden, Robyn Regehr, Roberto Luongo and many more hockey greats.
The Ryan Smyth and Friends All Star Charity Tour concept was conceived by Edmonton Oiler, Ryan Smyth, as a vehicle through which locked out NHLers could participate in a unique event and generate funds for local hockey programs and charities. The 4-on-4 hockey tournament will feature approximately 28 locked out NHLers will participate in 4 Western Canadian Cities to showcase their love of the game while giving back to the local communities.
Ryan Smyth and Friends All Star Charity Tour Schedule:
DATE CITY PROVINCE ARENA GAME TIME Tuesday, March 22nd Red Deer Alberta Centrium 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 23rd Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Civic Center 7:00 pm Thursday, March 24th Regina Saskatchewan Agridome 7:00 pm Friday, March 25th Winnipeg Manitoba MTS Centre 7:00 pm
"I'm thrilled to be able to take some of the best hockey players in the world to these four cities to benefit minor hockey and local cancer foundations, "stated Ryan Smyth, an NHL veteran of more than 600 games and member of the Gold Medal winning Team Canada at 2002 Olympic Games and first place Team Canada at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey Tournament. "It's going to be fun for the players and fans but the real winner on this tour will be the charities."
OBJECTIVES o To provide an opportunity for locked out NHL players to make a further contribution to community hockey programs and local charities. o to promote a new and highly entertaining format of recreational hockey featuring interactive opportunities with players. o By expanding the program on a 4 City basis, assist with the growth and development "for the love of the game"
Tickets for the Ryan Smyth and Friends All Star Charity Tour are on sale through Ticketmaster and Repeat Seat (in Regina). General admission tickets are available for $25.00 plus applicable taxes and charges. Tickets will also be available on game days at each respective arena.
*****All proceeds from the Ryan Smyth and Friends All Star Charity Tour will be donated to the Minor Hockey Association and the Canadian Cancer Foundation in each of the four cities.
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SILVERTIPS RAISE OVER $10,000 FOR CANCER
March 3, 2005: Silvertips VP/General Manager Doug Soetaert and Silvertips forward Mark Kress presented the final check of $10,487.50 to the Flynn Cancer Center at the Providence Medical Center in Everett. All of the money will be donated to the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund.
Back in November of 2004, Silvertips forward Mark Kress decided to cut his long hair for cancer if the Silvertips could raise over $10,000. By January of 2005 the goal was reached and during a Silvertips home game and on Sunday, January 16 when the Silvertips met the Spokane Chiefs, Mark Kress received the haircut on the ice at the Everett Events Center.
The Flynn Center at the Providence Medical Center is a state of the art facility with professionals from the various cancer treatment disciplines. As the certified cancer center serving the northwestern Puget Sound region, they are devoted to eliminating and controlling the growth of cancer. To accomplish this, they offer a full range of both inpatient and outpatient services. These services include early detection and screening, diagnostic evaluation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, nutrition therapy, rehabilitation services (occupational and physical therapy), home care and hospice support services.
The Silvertips would like to thank everyone at the Flynn Cancer and the Providence Medical Center for all of their help in the fundraiser and their wonderful work they do in fighting this terrible disease.
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WHEATIES ANNOUNCE PLAYOFF PLANS
Brandon, Manitoba - The Brandon Wheat Kings have announced tentative home dates for this year's Western Hockey League opening round playoff series.
The Wheat Kings, who have clinched first place in the WHL's Eastern Division, will face off against Moose Jaw or Regina, who are battling for the fourth and final playoff spot in the division.
Clinching home ice advantage allows the Wheat Kings to play three of their four first round playoff home games in the friendly confines of the Keystone Centre.
Game one of their best of seven Eastern Division semi-final series will be played on Friday, March 25th at 7:30 in the Keystone Centre. Game two will be played Sunday, March 27th at 2 p.m. at Winnipeg's MTS Centre due to a conflict with the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair at the Keystone Centre. The playoff ticket package will NOT include this game ticket.
Games three, four and five will be played on the road with games six and seven, if necessary, scheduled to be played in Brandon on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5th and 6th, with puck drop at seven.
Brandon will be making their 12th playoff appearance in the last thirteen seasons and will be hoping to advance to the Eastern Conference Championship Finals for the third time in the past four years.
Playoff tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12 Noon Friday, March 11th.
Ticket prices for round one at the Keystone Centre will be as follows;
Adults: $15.00 Gen X: $12.00 Seniors: $12.00 Youth: $10.00 Children: $7.00
Note: Season Ticket, Mini Pack holders purchasing 12-game playoff packages will not be subject to Ticketmaster agency fees
Season ticket and mini-pack holders can order their playoff tickets by mailing in their order form to the Wheat Kings' office (#2-1175 18th Street, R7A 7C5) or by emailing form to office@wheatkings.com.
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BLAZERS SPORTS FOUNDATION MAKES DONATIONS KAMLOOPS, BC â The Kamloops Blazers Sports Foundation is continuing its support of Greater Kamloops community and sporting groups. With its latest donations, the Blazer Sports Foundation has topped the $800,000 mark in funds returned to the community since its inception a decade ago.
This year, the Foundation is making a major contribution to the new skateboard park at MacArthur Island to the tune of $45,000. A cheque presentation will be made on Sunday prior to the Blazers' game against the Vancouver Giants.
"To be able to give money back to the community in this way is extremely gratifying," says Foundation President Ray Hemmett. "We'd like to thank Blazer fans for supporting us and, in turn, local sporting and community groups in our area."
Other major donations from the Foundation this year include $10,000 to PacificSport, $6,000 to Logan Lake Minor Hockey, $5,000 to the Kamloops Mini Rugby Club, and $4,000 to the Kamloops Midget AAA Riverdogs Baseball Club.
The Kamloops Blazers Sports Foundation began with a $1.5-million contribution from the Blazers Hockey Club about a decade ago and has been assisting community groups every year since. Groups wishing to apply for grants from the Blazers Sports Foundation can obtain information on doing so from the Blazer office.
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WHL THIS WEEK - Radio Edition
The 23rd episode of the """ THE WEEK THIS WEEK, RADIO EDITION"", is now available in the downloads section of the league media site at www.whl.ca/media or by clicking on "THE WEEK THIS WEEK, RADIO EDITION" icon on the right side of the www.whl.ca homepage.
"THE WHL THIS WEEK, RADIO EDITION" is a weekly look around the Western Hockey League with host Terry Doyle. The broadcast version is a CD quality .mp3 file that is roughly 3 MB.
On this week's show, Terry talks to Red Deer Rebel defenceman Dion Phaneuf on being named the CHL No. 1 player in the Canadian Hockey League by a panel put together by Prospects Hockey magazine for the second consecutive season. Terry also talks to Seattle Thunderbird goaltender Bryan Bridges about recording his 11th shutout of the season moving him to second all-time for most shutouts in a single season. The WHL single season record is 13 set by Kelly Guard of the Kelowna Rockets during the 2003-04 season. In our feature interview, Terry talks to Regina Pats' forward Kyle Ross about rubbing elbow with Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, during "Hockey Day in Regina."
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Western Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2005
- WHL This Week, News Edition - WHL
- Winter Hawks Take Step Back, Lose 4-1 - Portland Winterhawks
- Silvertips Pluck Thunderbirds 5-1 - Everett Silvertips
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