AHL Utica Comets

Young Talent Shines in Penticton

Published on September 11, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


A promising Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Classic finished up late Monday night in Penticton, BC, leaving Canucks and Comets fans alike excited and enthusiastic about the upcoming hockey season. Finishing with a record of 3-1, the Young Canucks boasted the best record in the annual tournament, which showcases some of the National Hockey League's most elite young prospects before official training camp begins later this week.

Vancouver played host to the young stars from the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers. The Canucks opened the tournament last Thursday with a 3-2 victory over the Sharks, with six different Canucks tallying points, including prospect Nicklas Jensen. Goaltender Joacim Eriksson recorded 38 saves in the win, finishing the game with a .950 save percentage. The Canucks dropped their second game on Friday, 4-1, against the Flames, yet went on to win back-to-back games against the Oilers and Jets to close out the tournament. The Canucks defeated the Oilers by a score of 5-2 on Sunday after rallying back from a 2-0 deficit. Comets signee Sacha Guimond scored with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period. Guimond, a defenseman, continued his impressive play into the final game of the tournament, where he tallied the first goal in a 2-1 win over the Jets. The Canuck's 24th overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft, winger Hunter Shinkaruk, netted the game-winner with less than seven minutes remaining in the third. Shinkaruk finished the tournament with four points, as did Guimond.

Guimond totaled an impressive two goals and two assists in four games, while prospect Ludwig Blomstrand proved to be a solid offensive threat, collecting three points. Joacim Eriksson stood strong between the pipes, finishing with two wins and a .931 save percentage. Comets signee, goaltender Mathieu Corbiel, allowed just two goals on 23 shots faced in his win over the Oilers on Sunday. "Our guys played extremely hard and I was impressed with how they stuck to our game plan of playing an up tempo game while trying to make plays, yet still manage the puck responsibly," said Travis Green, coach of the Young Stars as well as the Comets. "I like the way we played physically and stuck together as a group. It will be interesting to watch these young players progress, as they hopefully mature into future NHL players."

With official training camp set to begin this Wednesday, most of the young stars will continue their stay in Canada. The Canucks made only four cuts to their young stars roster, a testament to the level of talent competing in the organization. Following the conclusion of the Canucks training camp, remaining players will head to Utica for AHL training camp later on this month.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2013


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