Thunder Talk: February 26th

The Prairie Junior Hockey League announced it's Award Winners for the 2008-2009 season and our organization was represented well again this year.



Captain Matt Minshull was a Co-Runner Up for the Most Sportsmanlike Player award that went to Fort Knox's Jarrett Waldbauer. This distinction for Matt couldn't be more deserved. Matt's character and leadership both on the ice and off has been a tremendous example for his teammates as well as other captains throughout the league. Matt finished 8th in league scoring with 57 points and 5th in goals with 29 to go along with his minuscule 6 penalty minutes over 38 games..... seriously Matt, 6 minutes?? How is that possible in this league!!!



Rookie goaltender and local product Jay Hudon was named Runner-Up Rookie Of The Year behind Fort Knox's Dane Bonish. One of a handful of 16 year olds playing in the league this season and the leagues youngest goaltender Jay was 2nd behind PJHL MVP and Top Goaltender winner Curtis Timmerman of Fort Knox in Wins with 17 in 26 starts this season. That type of workload on a 16 year old is impressive in itself and when you factor in his 2.94 GAA, which made him one of only 3 goalies with an GAA under 3.00 and at least 20 starts this season, the other 2 being Timmerman(2.33) and Nathan Unrau(2.62) of the Quakers, it is obvious that Jay has proven himself to not only be one of the best rookies this season but one of the best goaltenders and players in the PJHL.

Lastly, I was fortunate enough to be honored with the Peter Dittmann Memorial Coach-of-the-year Award. This is the second straight year that a Thunder coach has won this award with Gavin Holcomb winning last season. I believe that the leadership exhibited by the board, in management and within the the dressing room is the reason for the organizations success in this regard. The Thunder organization's past successes and reputation as a stand out franchise in Jr hockey sets expectations high every season, and that was a major reason for me signing on this spring. I am very proud that our team has met these expectations through the regular season and look forward to meeting them in the post season beginning Friday night.

On behalf of the Thunder I'd like to extend our congratulations to all PJHL award winners and runner-ups for this season.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: February 25th

Every week Kenny Trenton from CK750/CJVR checks in with us to give us the insed track on the NorthEast Hockey scene.

Hey hockey fans:

Let me apologize for missing last week’s entry. As many of you can imagine, this is the busiest (and BEST) time of the year. I obviously want to talk about the Nipawin Hawks. First off, as some of you may have heard on the air, the series winning goal was scored by Battlefords North Stars captain Mitch Wall on a penalty shot. Torrie Dyck dove into Wall to try and prevent the breakaway. I was going on about how bad a call it was, but replays later showed in fact referee Curtis Howe made the correct call. Coaches, players, fans, and broadcasters are always hard on officials. Curtis Howe has always been one of the most consistent officials, so I apologize to him on a mistake I made.

As you know, the Hawks were swept in three, and although the penalty shot call was no doubt a big factor, we can’t ignore the first two games either. I didn’t make the trip to North Battleford for game 2, but in game one, the Hawks were outworked badly in a 7-4 loss. Goaltending was also a big factor. Kyle Birch made huge saves when he needed to, whereas Currie and Waselenchuk struggled. No matter how good your team is, you have to overcome adversity to be successful. However, the North Stars played better, and earned the right to move onto the semi finals and face the Humboldt Broncos. I expect the Broncos to win the series in 5 games. They’re a well rested bunch, and they play Friday in Humboldt.

Also starting on Friday is the Melfort-Flin Flon series. It’s the fourth time these teams are meeting in the post-season. Each time, the Mustangs had a better regular season record, but Flin Flon advanced, including last season. This year, the Mustangs are the underdogs, so could this represent a change? I’ll be covering this series, and am really excited. I haven’t seen the electricity in a Junior A rink as high as it is at the Whitney Forum. I cannot wait to be calling games in that environment again. As far as my predictions go in this series, I expect Melfort to win if they can earn a split this weekend in the Flon (or get both), but if they come home down 2-0, it’ll be very difficult.

Some other notes, I want to congradulate the Tisdale Trojans on finishing in fourth place. Well done for a team that was in a rebuilding mode. They’ll either face Prince Albert or Moose Jaw in round one (I expect it’ll be PA). They finish the regular season tonight in Delisle against the Saskatoon Blazers. I also want to give some love to Coach Kingwell’s Tri-Town Thunder. It came right down to the wire, but they got home ice advantage, which everyone knows is HUGE this time of the year. Good luck to them Friday night against the Royals.

Until next time, keep you head up.

Kenny

Thunder Talk: February 24th

Tuesday's are usually when Kenny Trenton from CK750/CJVR checks in with us with his NorthEast Hockey Wrap Up but we are still waiting on his installment for this week. So I decided to post Kenny's current favorite Viral Video from the web for us to enjoy while we wait. Enjoy!



I think she recovers quite nicely.

Thunder Talk: February 23rd

It's been a long and winding road, but we've finally reached the end of the regular season. After some well documented growing pains at the beginning of the season, we rebounded and passed the Royals for 2nd place in the North, home ice in at least the 1st round of playoffs and no worse then 3rd place overall in the PJHL.Things always seem to move slower when your not doing well and the last 4 months have been somewhat of a blur compared to the first 2. The fact that we followed a 3-6-0-1 start to finish 26-4-0-2 is a testament to the players on this team buying in early. Our leadership group is also responsible for the seamless integration of our new players who joined us in the midst of our run to 2nd place and although we have sputtered as of late with our consistency we have still been finding ways to win hockey games. I'm confident that we are ready for a long and successful playoff run.

A quick recap of our numbers throughout the season, broken down into 4 quarters:

Q1: 7 Pts (3-6-0-1)(PP:22%/ PK:79% = 101 STR)
Q2: 18 Pts (8-1-0-2) (PP:24%/ PK:80% = 104 STR)
Q3: 20 Pts (10-0-0-0) (PP:28%/ PK:86% = 114 STR)
Q4: 16 Pts (8-3-0-0) (PP:22%/ PK:89% = 111 STR)
-------------------------------------------------
Tot:61 Pts (29-10-0-3) (PP:24%/ PK:84% = 108 STR)

Thunder Talk: Febuary 20th

From Starred Photos

Our finished team picture. Feel free to download it. If you left click the image it will take you to our Thunder Pics folder. Download the photo through the Download tab. Feel free to browse the other pictures in the photo and download any you like.

Thunder Talk: Febuary 17th

With a week left in the season and home ice hanging in the balance, the Hockey Gods are not making life easy. 3 weeks ago we were, for the most part a healthy hockey club. Now, not so much. Tyler Bouey has been out since Feb 1st with a mild concussion. Joel Basson went down Feb 3rd with a bruised shoulder. Beau Purves bruised his hip on Feb 7th and as of this post is not ready to play. Mike Cross recently injured his back and neck on Feb 12th. Lain Ralph injured his collarbone this past Saturday and has been sent to Florida to rehab it at DisneyWorld for the week. Riley Hengen is down for 2 weeks after reinjuring his MCL in his left knee in Sunday's game in Delisle and Colton Leblanc, Brandyn Wasyliw, Mike Bzdel and Kale Hidlebaugh all have significant injuries that would probably keep them out of games if not for our short bench.

The good news for us is that we have another 10 days till the start of playoffs and said Hockey Gods have a way of smiling on those who work hard and battle through adversity. Faith in them may be our best strategy to date.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 16th

This weekend was what it was. We needed to pick up the four points over the Chiefs to continue to have an opportunity to pass the Saskatoon Royals for 2nd place in the North and gain home ice for the first round of playoffs. Going into the weekend with quite a few key players on the shelf with injuries, I knew it would be interesting to see how the remaining players would react to the increases in ice time. The line of Kendrew Friesen, Brett Derkach and Jody Blais were dominant to say the least, in combining for 15 points over the 2 games. Kale Hidlebaugh also chipped in with his first PJHL goal on the power play on Sunday Afternoon.

The injury list seems to be getting longer with Tyler Bouey, Joel Basson, Beau Purves and Mike Cross all on the sidelines this weekend. Lain Ralph missed Sundays game with discomfort with his collarbone from Saturday and Riley Hengen had to leave Sundays game after re aggravating his knee injury from earlier this month. All totaled we had 172 combined points and 5 of our Top 10 scorers sitting in the stands on Sunday. None of these players are expected back in the lineup for Tuesday nights game in Arborfield against PA.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 14th

We will be missing some key players for tonight's tilt against the Chiefs in Carrot River at 7:30. Tyler Bouey and Joel Basson are both still long term with concussion symptoms and a bruised shoulder respectively. Beau Purves, who skated on Thursday in Saskatoon, will be resting his briused hip and Defenseman Mike Cross, who crashed into the boards head first on Thursday, will be out indefinitely until his back and neck begin to loosen up enough for him to play. Nathan Howard returned home to Red Deer, AB earlier this week for personal reasons and has assured us he will be returning for the start of playoffs.

Two affiliate players will be joining the fold for a second time this weekend. Tyler Soucy and Paul Frecon are both playing with the Arborfield/ Zenon Park Midget Flyers for provincial playoffs and will get the opportunity to play up this weekend and throughout the week as the Flyers are on their February Break. Both players were very capable for us early in the regular season and we will be looking for them to do the same here at the end.

Keep Your Stick On the Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 13th

Last nights loss was a total team effort. If we want to all get credit for playing great, we need to be willing and ready to accept the credit for playing like crap. Not that we played like crap, although a 7-1 loss would suggest that. But there were a few glaring problems on Thursday night, and they all combined to make for a spectacular loss at a very bad time of the season.

The first problem was the complete lack of intensity at any point of the game. When you play without intensity you may as well play without a brain. This leads directly to 4 PP goals given up and 1 Short handed, the cardinal sin for any hockey team. This is unacceptable at this time of year.

The second was the fact that the guys who normally lead the way, didn't. Too many times last night our best players took short cuts and looked to be hoping to make something spectacular happen as oppose to allowing something simple to happen. These guys are our go to guys because they have stuck with the program this year and are proof that doing this will bring yourself and the team success. Last night should of been a wake up call for them.

The third, defensively we were suspect at best. From our goal out we were lack luster. Because we were picking and choosing our spots instead of making the hit first, every time and creating loose pucks we gave up too many quality scoring opportunities. Couple that with 7 of 29 shots hitting the back of the net and you have a completely unacceptable defensive effort from all involved. You won't win many games at any level, Pee Wee to Major Junior, with a save percentage of .758. We need to come to rink with an attitude that everyone contributes both ways, every shift.

Saturday and Sunday need to be a bounce back. Not just on the score board, but within the dressing room.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 11th

Every week Kenny Trenton from CJVR/CK750 will be touching base and sharing his insights on the NorthEast hockey scene.

Hey Hockey Fans:

First off, let me apologize for being late on my weekly post. It’s been a really busy week as we’re gearing up for the final drive for the playoffs.

I called what I feel was the best game I ever had the pleasure of calling. It was the Tisdale Trojan’s 2-1 win over the Saskatoon Contacts at the Schroh Arena. It was a real physical back and forth game, and the first time the Contacts lost at home in regulation this season. Kyle Hall had a goal and an assist, while Rylan McKinnon had a huge slapshot from the point for his second of the year. I thought McKinnon played an amazing game after captain Joey Leach was ejected early in the third. Tisdale had to overcome 17 Saskatoon power plays, and a few 5-3 opportunities (some of them 2 minutes or more). They beat the Battlefords 5-3 Saturday, but lost 2-1 Sunday. I saw Sunday’s game, and didn’t think Tisdale’s work ethic was there, while Coach Kingwell’s old team simply wanted it more. The Trojans are in Prince Albert tomorrow, and then go to Notre Dame to take on the Argos Sunday, and the first place Hounds Monday.

This weekend, I saw Melfort and Nipawin play their home and home Friday and Saturday. Melfort looked really good Friday in Nipawin in a 4-1 win, while Nipawin was outstanding Saturday in Melfort earning a 3-2 win. Nipawin has the tiebreaker should the teams finished tied in the standings for that third spot. The Hawks made things interesting playing a great game in Flin Flon Sunday winning 3-2 in overtime. Last night, things got really interesting as Melfort won 2-1 in Humboldt, while the Hawks lost their last road game of the season 4-3 in the Battlefords. Simply put, the Hawks were outworked by a hungry Northstars team that wanted it more. Coach Colin O’Hara said his team needs to be more desperate this time of the year. The Mustangs need three points to clinch third place (and a rematch against Flin Flon). They take on La Ronge tonight, Melville Friday for their last home game of the season, and head to Flin Flon Tuesday to finish the regular season. The Hawks are home to Humboldt Friday, and the Battlefords Tuesday. The Mustangs and Hawks could face the Bombers and Northstars respectively in the playoffs so both teams will be fired up for their games on Tuesday.

Good to see the Thunder respond with a win over the Royals last week. I think it’s really important for any hockey team to have close games heading into the post-season because lopsided wins against much weaker teams doesn’t get you into playoff mode. Hard hitting, physical games that are back and forth do get you ready. In my opinion, with teams in all leagues pushing for position, the playoffs have already began. See you at the rink.

Kenny

Thunder Talk: Febuary 9th

Saturday nights win was not only a huge confidence boost for us but also a huge boost in our goal of finishing first overall. With that win we put ourselves in a position to finish with 65 points if we can win our remaining 6 games. The Royals can only reach 64 points by winning there remaining 4 games and the Quakers can finish with 67 points by winning there remaining 4 games. Where it gets interesting is that the Royals and Quakers square off on Tuesday and we then play the Quakers on Thursday. This means that one or two of the three of us will lose significant ground in the chase for first overall and home ice through at least the first two rounds of the playoffs. We definitely hold our destiny in our own hands and give ourselves a legitimate shot at the league pennant if we can win our final 6 games. In the south Ft. Knox has lost there last two and can also only finish with 65 points in there last 5 games.



Home ice is hugely important to us as was evident on Saturday night in Carrot River. Once again we started slow against the Royals, but were able to stop the bleeding at 3. The momentum shift after our first goal was electric and it help carry us into a second period which was one of our best periods of hockey to date.

We will be out in all 3 communities this evening selling our 50/50 Lotto tickets. So don't try pretending your not home when you hear us at your door... we're trying to help you win up to $5000!!!

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 7th

I took in last nights Mustangs/ Hawks tilt at the Centennial Arena in Nipawin and was lucky enough to catch one of the best hockey games I've watched so far this season. I was meeting my Dad there, who was traveling in from North Battleford, for tonight's Thunder game and to visit for the weekend. The boys had a Captain's Practice in Arborfield to gear up for today's matchup with the Royals. Talking to Mat Minshull, I've been reassured that we are ready to go bell to bell tonight unlike last Friday.

Joel Basson will not be dressing tonight as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury that occurred at the end of the Ft. Knox game on Tuesday. Tyler Bouey should be a game time decision.

This week in practice we concentrated a lot on our defensive responsibilities and playing defensively as a 5 man unit. The Royals are a good puck moving team and have some skilled players that, if we don't play tight, can burn us. Look for forwards supporting up the middle of the ice on the back check, with D-Men stepping up and squeezing the neutral zone to slow up the Royals attack.

Tonight is going to be great hockey to watch, we're looking forward to packing the rink in Carrot River where we haven't played in quite awhile.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 4th

Last nights game against Ft. Knox at Le Collisee de Zenon Park, was a great example of playing 60 minutes of hockey. From start to finish our effort was there and although we didn't play a perfect game... we did play a committed game. We committed ourselves to moving our feet and making plays and when you do that you give yourself a chance to learn from each play you make. What works and what doesn't.

Mike Bzdel had a particularly strong game pulling double duty centering his own line with Brett Derkach and Mike Kochan, and filling in for Tyler Bouey on the left side with Captain Matt Minshull and Brandyn Wasyliw.

Also a big congratulations to Wasyliw as he tied and broke Dustin Hildebrand's single season scoring record with his 60th and 61st points of the season. When reached for comment Hildebrand stated, "Your rue the day you crossed me, Wasyliw...". The next time you see Wazzy make sure to shake his hand and congratulate him on a tremendous season so far.

With 3 practices remaining this week, we have some time to prepare and heal before our big game against the Royals on Saturday. To say that this is our biggest game to date, is a massive understatement.

On the injury front, Tyler Bouey did not play last night because of a mild concussion that he sustained sliding into the boards in Sunday's game against the Westleys. The Doc has sat him down for the week, so he is questionable for Saturday. We will see how he feels as the week goes on. Also, Joel Basson will be seeing his doctor today about his shoulder that he injured on a big hit at the end of last nights game. He was experiencing considerable pain and limited movement this morning and has headed home to The Pas to get it checked out.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell

Thunder Talk: Febuary 3rd

Every Tuesday Keeny Trenton of CJVR/CK750 will be filling us in on the all the action in the NE SK Hockey scene.

If anyone tuned into the hockey action on CJVR and CK750, you heard a little of everything this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, you heard the Nipawin Hawks go to the Battlefords and Kindersley and pick up three of a possible four points. On Saturday and Sunday, you heard some Long Lake Hockey action, and on Sunday, you heard the Tisdale Trojans take on Beardy’s in Waldheim.

Melfort is two points up on the Hawks, but Nipawin has a game in hand. They play La Ronge tonight, and Melfort gets the Ice Wolves tomorrow. The Credit Union Cup has been to different SJHL centres and goes to Melfort Wednesday so fans will have a chance to see the cup at The Palace that night. This home and home between Melfort and Nipawin could very well determine who gets a bye to the semis, and who has to play in the survivor series. They’re in Nipawin Friday, and Melfort Saturday, so when you come to the rinks, be sure to have your radios with you as Darryl Skender will have the call both nights.

I called the game between the Lanigan Pirates and Drake Canucks Saturday, and that was a lot of fun. Lanigan ended up winning 6-3 and swept the season series (4 games), to clinch 3rd place. Some SJHL fans may remember names like Brett McRuvie, Mike Holmes, Evan Bryksa, and Scott Odelein just to name a few. Drake has guys like, Evan Folden, all who play with Lanigan. Evan Folden, Dave Spooner, Brad Toews, and Kevin Shmyr are some names on Drake. There’s lots of talent in the Long Lake League, and all teams in provincials are off to good starts, but that’s another topic for another time.

I was really excited to be able to call some more Tisdale Trojans hockey Sunday. They downed Beardy’s 6-4 to take their 5th in a row. Blake Voth was sensational in goal for the Trojans. In January, he had a 1.25GAA, and a .953SP. He started off February making 38 saves against a lethal Beardy’s offense. He’s listed by the Melfort Mustangs, and Head Coach Darrell Mann told me Voth committed to the team last week. Their balanced attack saw six different players’ score, with all four lines getting involved. Beardy’s has a really dangerous first line with Dylan Wruck, Dylan Smith, and Spencer Baht. Wruck and Baht are both in the top 5 in league scoring so keeping them in check most of the game was quite a challenge. Wruck did score twice in the span of 19 seconds, but at 16, he’s an unreal talent. Both he and Baht are listed with Humboldt, but Wruck signed with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Nipawin prospects, Tyler Paslawski, Spencer Lindsay, and Wilson Dumais looked great for Tisdale, while Beardy’s netminder Brandon Thiessen (Nipawin prospect) struggled for the Blackhawks.

I’m back on the road with Tisdale Thursday when they visit the Saskatoon Contacts. I love the SMAAAHL because I get to see the SJHL and WHL stars of tomorrow. Barry Archibald and Colin Ruether are two great coaches, and the players are fun to be around. It keeps me young. It’s a 7:45 start on CK750 Thursday so hope you can tune in.

And finally, to weigh in on the Thunder, I haven’t seen a game in quite some time, but what a run of 12 straight (and 13 of 14). A loss to the Royals like that could be exactly what the Dr. ordered. It’s a lesson of the attention to detail needed to beat teams like the Royals or Quakers. Tonight against Fort Knox, and Saturday against the Royals will really tell how the Thunder stack up against the league’s elite. It just goes to show that no matter how much of a roll you are on, you MUST keep up good habits. It should be interesting.

Until next time, see you at the rink.

Kenny

Thunder Talk: Febuary 2nd

Yesterdays game against the Westley's in Arborfield had the outcome we were looking for, and for that it served it's purpose. However, playing an understaffed, under talented team like them wasn't necessarily what the doctor ordered following our loss to the Royals on Friday. Our problem on Friday was that we didn't come prepared to play a full 60 minutes of Thunder Hockey. In a lot of ways we had it very easy over the 4 games before the Royals. In all cases we took on teams that either weren't capable of playing a full game with us or, in the case of the Storm, gave us way too many opportunities to beat them. In retrospect, these four games did not prepare us to play our game vs the Royals because we did not have to be disciplined against those other teams. Now, I'm not talking discipline as in taking stupid penalties, we very rarely play an undisciplined game that regard. I'm talking about having the discipline to execute the game plan as a team, every time with no shortcuts or next times. When you play games like yesterday, it's very easy to get lazy because you know you will most likely be able to recover from any mistakes you make. But when you get lazy, you begin to play the game on your heals. And when you play on your heals, instead of on your toes, you begin to make more and more mistakes... reaching for pucks instead of skating through them... poke checking instead of taking the body... hesitating and getting caught instead of committing and making a play.... playing passive instead of playing aggressive. These are things that contributed to our terrible 1st period on Friday and unfortunately they were not things that we had to change on Sunday to beat the Westleys.They are things that we will need to change if we are to beat Fort Knox tomorrow.

Tyler Bouey will be seeing the Doc today to make sure everything is ok with his head. Tyler slid into the end boards and hit his head mid way through the 3rd period yesterday. We sent him off for the rest of the game as a precaution as he rang his bell on the play. We will see how he is feeling tonight at practice.

Watch tomorrow for Kenny Trenton weekly report on the NorthEast Hockey Scene.

Keep Your Stick On The Ice
Coach Kingwell