WHL This Week
Published on February 2, 2006 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
WHL THIS WEEK - News Edition (Issue #18)
BROUWER MAKING A BIG IMPACT IN FINAL WHL SEASON - Troy Brouwer is making sure his final season of Major Junior hockey is a memorable one.
Entering the final two months of the 2005-06 Western Hockey League regular season, the 20-year-old power forward from Delta, B.C., is not only leading the league in scoring, he's also been a major reason his team, the Moose Jaw Warriors, has managed a dramatic transformation from pushover to powerhouse.
After a tough 2004-05 campaign that saw the Warriors win just 14 games all season, the team has surged to a 29-15-3-3 record after 50 games this season and is currently embroiled in a heated battle with Saskatoon for the East Division lead.
"At the start of this season, we knew we didn't want to go through what we went through last year," said Brouwer, a veteran of 265 regular-season WHL contests - all with the Warriors.
"Guys worked so hard in the off-season to better themselves and to be able to come into this season ready to turn things around and show people we are a good team deserving of a chance to compete for a league championship," said the Chicago Blackhawks prospect.
What the Warriors have shown this year is they are one of the most exciting and offensively gifted teams in the WHL. And Brouwer has been front and center leading the Warriors' attack. Brouwer's 38 goals and 35 assists this season - both career highs - put him atop the WHL scoring race.
"It's something I knew I could do," said Brouwer, whose previous most productive campaign was in 2003-04 when he scored 23 goals and 49 points.
"I've always looked at myself as a power forward who can score, but not a pure goal scorer," he said. "This year, with going to Blackhawks camp for so long, it showed me what I need to do to get to the next level, and, coming back to Moose Jaw, I didn't want to give (the Blackhawks) a reason not to sign me or send me home next year.
"I wanted to come into this season and apply what I learned at NHL camp," he said. "When the season started, things started to roll for me and my confidence really went up, which has helped me find the success that I've had so far."
Personal success has been gratifying for Brouwer. But, the Warriors' captain says a lot of the credit for his success can also be attributed to his teammates - many of whom are also enjoying excellent offensive campaigns.
"All throughout our forward lines, we have guys that can score, and guys that play their roles really well," he said. "Dustin Boyd is one of the most talented guys in the league, Kenndal McArdle likes to grind it out and go to the net score greasy goals, but he can also score real pretty goals, too.
"(Blair) Jones has got a huge shot and likes to use it, and, for a smaller guy, Riley Holzapfel likes to grind it out, but can score some nice goals as well," said Brouwer, who doled out equal praise for role players like Brennan Wray, Steven Gillen and Carter Smith.
Still, for all his personal success this season, Brouwer says the most rewarding part of his final WHL campaign is the fact that the Warriors are winning games.
"This year has been a lot easier," said Brouwer of the team's turnaround. "When you know you have a good team and a good coach leading you, it makes it a lot easier to come to the rink and want to play, and also have fun playing.
"It's been really satisfying," he added.
While it certainly is a good feeling to be winning games and chasing a division title, Brouwer knows there is still a lot of hockey to be played, and he and his teammates can't afford to rest on their laurels.
"It's going to take everyone on our team to contribute, play their role, and believe we can do it," said Brouwer. "Right now, we're in first place...and we know we can play with any team, and win the games we need to win to finish first.
"As long as we're working hard and doing the things we can do, I'm sure we'll be right there at the end," he said.
Jesse Watts whl.ca
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WHL THIS WEEK - Key Performers
Blake Comeau, Kelowna Rockets - Comeau has scored one goal and five points in his last two game, helping the Rockets to back-to-back shutout victories. He is currently tied for third in the WHL in assists, and is tied for 16th in the WHL in points. Click here for WHL scoring leaders.
Reid Jorgensen, Kamloops Blazers - Jorgensen has scored five goals and seven points in his last four games, helping the Blazers to a 2-2 record on their Eastern road trip. He scored the game-winning goal in wins over Swift Current and Brandon. Click here for game-winning goal leaders.
Kevin Undershute, Medicine Hat Tigers - Undershute has scored three goals and four points in his last four games, helping the Tigers reclaim top spot in the WHL standings. He currently ranks fifth in the WHL in rookie scoring and is tied for fourth in the league in rookie plus-minus. Click here for rookie leaders.
Shaun Heshka, Everett Silvertips - Heshka has recorded six assists in his last three games, helping the 'Tips to a 2-1 record in that span. He currently leads all WHL defensemen in scoring and leads the league in assists. Click here for defensemen scoring leaders.
Derek Yeomans, Kelowna Rockets - Yeomans has recorded two shutouts in his last two starts for the Rockets, and has allowed just one goal in his last three appearances. He currently ranks in the top 10 in all goaltending categories. Click here for goaltending leaders.
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THE PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE
They say a change of scenery can do you good. And for Kyle Pess, it's a phrase that certainly rings true.
After spending the first three-and-a-half years of his WHL career playing close to home on the Alberta prairies with Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, the 19-year-old Red Deer, AB, native was shipped to the Seattle Thunderbirds in a six-player deal with the Hurricanes at the January 10th trade deadline.
Now, after a couple of weeks in his new surroundings and with a new team, Pess is getting used to life on the West Coast.
Not only has Pess benefited from the change of scenery, the T-Birds have benefited from having the speedy pivot in their line-up, winning six of nine games since his arrival and climbing to second in the U.S. Division.
Pess will be a key contributor for the Thunderbirds down the stretch as they try to reel in the first-placed Everett Silvertips in their quest for their second consecutive division title.
Kyle Pess' Perspective
On his new Seattle home...
"I've loved it so far. There has been lots of things to do since I got here. I went and visited the Space Needle and the Pike Place market. It's a lot different coming to a big city like Seattle after growing up in Red Deer and playing in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge...it takes some getting used to. The traffic is the only downer."
On the wet West Coast weather...
"Having 19 years of snow, I don't mind swapping for a couple of winters of rain. We got here during the last week of that stretch of 27 straight days of rain, so by the fifth day, it was a bit depressing. Since then, we've had a few days where it's been really nice and sunny."
On his new team...
"I think we've got a very good team. We've been playing well since the trade deadline and are trying to put some distance between us and the guys behind us. We've got a great group of guys here, and a good coaching staff."
On playing more U.S. Division teams...
"I've only played against these teams once a year, and I've only been out here twice in my career, so it's nice to play in some different rinks and see some teams that I didn't get to see too often before."
On the Seahawks' Super Bowl chances...
"I guess I might as well (pick them to win). Since I live here now, I'd better cheer for them. It'll be an exciting game to watch, and we'll all be rooting for them."
Jesse Watts whl.ca
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WHL THIS WEEK - News and Notes
The Prince George Cougars added 19-year-old F Jamison Orr from Williams Lake (BCHL)...Kootenay Ice 21-year-old F Dale Mahovsky played his 325th career WHL regular season game on January 28th versus Kelowna, tying him with Ice grad Colin Sinclair for the franchise record...Everett Silvertips 19-year-old F John Lammers notched his 26th goal of the season on Sunday versus Spokane, breaking the 'Tips franchise record for goals in a season...Red Deer Rebels 20-year-old G Josh Lepp has been named the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending January 29th...Vancouver Giants 21-year-old F Mitch Bartley has been names the CHL Player of the Week...The Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Hitmen remain No. 2 and 3 respectively in the CHL Mosaik MasterCard Top 10 rankings, while the Vancouver Giants and Moose Jaw Warriors are ranked 9th and 10th respectively...Medicine Hat Tigers 19-year-old G Matt Keetley has been named the Husky WHL Player of the Month for January.
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FEHR EARNS PROVINCIAL HONOUR
Winnipeg, Manitoba -- For the second time in less than a month, former Brandon Wheat Kings' right-winger Eric Fehr has received a prestigious provincial award.
Fehr, who is now playing for the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears and was recently chosen to play in this Wednesday's All Star Game at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, has been named Manitoba's Male Athlete of the year by the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.
A 20-year old from Winkler, Fehr won the Western Hockey League scoring title last season with 59 goals and 111 points. As well, he was named the WHL's Player of the Year and a first team all star.
Earlier this month, the former first round draft choice of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals was named the Brandon Sun's H.L. (Krug) Crawford Memorial Medal winner for sporting excellence in southwestern Manitoba after leading the Wheat Kings to their first league championship final in seven years.
In winning the award, Eric beat out Manitoba Bisons' star Paul Deniset, Winnipeg Rifles' quarterback Nathan Friesen, golfer Garth Collings and 10-pin bowler Michael Schmidt.
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WHEAT KINGS' MARKETING DIRECTOR EARNS HONOR
Brandon, MB -- The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings are pleased to announce that Rick Dillabough, the Director of Marketing for the Wheat Kings, has earned the 2005 Dallas Beck Memorial Award to be presented at the 50th Annual Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Dinner at the Delta Inn in Winnipeg on Sunday, February 29th.
The Dallas Beck "Good Guy" Award began in 1990 in memory of the popular writer. It is given to an individual that gives exceptional support to the media, and goes above and beyond the call of duty to sports media across the province.
Rick began his career in his role as broadcaster in the late 80's and play-by-play announcer for the Wheat Kings on CKLQ radio station. He joined the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1991, and has been a huge part of the Wheat Kings for the past 15 years as Marketing Director/Media Relations Coordinator for the WHL team. In 1993, Rick was recognized as the WHL Marketing Person of the Year.
The Brandon Wheat Kings are proud of Rick's accomplishments. "Rick works tremendously hard to accommodate media across the province and it is gratifying to see him recognized," said Kelly McCrimmon, Wheat Kings' Owner/General Manager.
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AMS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT
Kennewick, WA -- The Tri-City Americans, along with Kennewick General Hospital, KNDU-25 and the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, are proud to announce a combined effort to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.
The Americans game on Friday, February 3rd vs. the Everett Silvertips is "KGH Breast Cancer Awareness Night, presented by KNDU" and will integrate several activities to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and early detection. The Americans will be skating on pink ice, the players will play with pink shoelaces and will utilize pink tape and the first 1,000 fans will receive a complimentary pink Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon, courtesy of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
All fans that attend the game are encouraged to wear pink in honor of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. Game time is 7:05PM at the Toyota Center.
The game will serve as a fundraiser for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, with a portion of group ticket sales earmarked for breast cancer screening and education. Costco Wholesale has also stepped up and will provide an iPod Nano as a grand-prize for a special-edition of the popular Chuck-A-Puck promotion, with all the proceeds going to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center's breast cancer screening and education programs.
The Kennewick General Hospital staff will also be on hand on the concourse to speak with fans about women's health issues, including early detection of breast cancer and heart wellness as part of National Heart Month.
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Remember to sign up for the WHL Fantasy Hockey League for a chance to win some great prizes. Register and select your team by visiting www.whl.ca.
The Western Hockey League has introduced Webcasting of every WHL game for the 2005-06 season. Fans can now watch their favorite teams live from their computer. Visit www.whl.ca and look for the WHL Live Stream link.
Western Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2006
- WHL This Week - WHL
- Les Schwab Tires Coverage of Chiefs Hockey - Spokane Chiefs
- Keetley Named Player of the Month - WHL
- Brandon Hosts "Turn Back The Clock Night" - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Wheaties Host Swift Current on Friday - Brandon Wheat Kings
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