Driedger and Pickard Invited to Hockey Canada POE Goalie Camp
CALGARY, Alta. - Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced that 16 goaltenders will attend the sixth-annual Program of Excellence goaltending camp at Norma Bush Arena in Calgary from June 9-12.
Sixteen goaltenders - 10 in the under-20 age category (candidates for the National Junior Team) and six in the under-18 category (candidates for the National Men's Summer Under-18 Team) - will get the opportunity to work with a number of instructors during the four-day camp.
From Manitoba goaltenders Chris Driedger (Tri-City Americans, Under-18) and Calvin Pickard (Seattle Thunderbirds, Under-20) were selected to attend the annual camp in early June.
For more information on the camp Click Here.
For more information on the camp Click Here.
WHL Spring Training Camps
Over the end of May, leading into June, each team in the Western Hockey League will be holding their Spring Training Camps.
With the process being done to help each athlete become accustomed to the teams atmosphere and level of expectations, it is also a chance for many individuals to make a strong first impression and to get that first glimpse of what to expect heading into fall training camp.
With numerous goaltenders from GDI Prairies heading off to teams across Western Canada, we would like to wish each goaltender the best towards enjoying the experience and pushing themselves for their best.
Playing With a Smile
“I think some players do mature when they go through the WHL,” says head coach Kris Knoblauch, “and sometimes it never happens. But for [Lieuwen], I think this summer he wanted to take his game to another level.”Cardinal saw that other level in Kootenay’s 7-5 win over the Portland Winterhawks in Game 2 of the WHL final.
“We had a big lead and started to give up some goals, but he made about seven or eight big saves,” Cardinal says. “Sometimes there are goalies that will show body language that they’re down. He had a smile on his face.”
Lieuwen smiles because he is trying to live a different life than most junior hockey players. He does not dream of big contracts or Stanley Cups. The moment is more important than the destination.
“I’m told I’m always smiling and that’s because I’m enjoying it,” he says. “And I’m making sure that as serious as I am about my hockey I’m having fun with it and being who I am.”
For more on this article Click Here.
Kootney Heads to Memorial Cup
The Kootney Ice have captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup with a Game 5 win over the Portland Winterhawks.
GDI Prairies would like to congratulate goaltenders Nathan Lieuwen, who was named Playoff MVP, along with his partner Brett Tesky and 1994 born Mackenzie Skapski. Success comes from all angles and is made through small increments that all make a difference in how a team performs.
We would also like to notice all the hard work that Justin Cardinal (Kootney Ice Goaltending Coach - GDI Alberta Assistant Regional Manager) has put in to the team over the course of the last several year to help the team and goaltenders progress to where they are today. The teaching of technical and tactical aspects of the game always make a difference in preparation. The dedication to each goaltender and personal mentorship from a goaltending coach is what gives the impact of being success driven day in day out.The Kootney Ice head into the Memorial Cup starting May 20th.
Kootney Hits the Ice Hungry for Mem. Cup Birth
During the pre-game skate with the Kootney Ice Justin Cardinal provides mentorship to both goaltenders as the team heads into game 5. With a victory Kootney will become the 2011 WHL Champions and will have awarded a birth into the Memorial Cup.
GDI Prairies staff would like to wish GDI Alberta Assistant Regional Managers - Justin Cardinal the best of luck as he helps the Ice in their championship playoff run.
Lieuwy Takes Game 3 in OT; Awarded Games 1st Star
Nathan Lieuwen & the Kootenay Ice take Game 3 in overtime versus the Portland Winterhawks 3-2 to take a 2-1 series lead Lieuwy gets 1st star.
Game 4 of the series goes tonight. With two out of the past three games going into overtime, this one should be another barn burner as both teams fight to claw their way into the Memorial Cup.
Sporting a crested GDI logo on the back of his helmet, Nathan Lieuwen has evolved into a consistent stand-point within the team with aided help from GDI Alberta's Justin Cardinal. Reliable in the backend for his team, this has been evident as he shut down Portland with 38 stops in game 3.
For more on this series Click Here.
Boes Blanks Ice
WHEAT KINGS SHUT DOWN ICE – Rookie netminder Corbin Boes turned aside 40 shots to post his first WHL shutout as the Brandon Wheat Kings blanked the visiting Kootenay Ice 4-0 in Western Hockey League action on Wednesday.
For more on Wednesday's games Click Here.
2011 WHL Outdoor Classic Sets Record
The Regina Pats skated to a 3-2 win over the host Calgary Hitmen in front of a CHL record crowd of 20,888 fans who took in Monday’s WHL Outdoors game at McMahon Stadium.
Chandler Stephenson scored the back-breaking goal with 36.5 seconds left in the third period to lead the Pats (21-32-6-2) to a hard-fought victory.
“Steph had the magic stick tonight,” said Pats coach Curtis Hunt, who credited Regina goalie Damien Ketlo and Calgary netminder Mike Snider for playing well in the contest. “Both goaltenders made some terrific saves throughout it.”
The conditions for the first-ever outdoor CHL contest played in Canada were perfect with temperatures hovering around 0 °C for the afternoon affair, although the wind chill made if feel quite a bit colder.
The game set a new Canadian Hockey League attendance record as 20,888 fans took in the outdoor affair. It broke the CHL attendance record of 20,081 set on Dec. 20, 2004 during a game between the Ottawa 67’s and Kingston Frontenacs at Ottawa’s Corel Centre (now Scotiabank Place).
“We’ve got to walk away and know that we were part of something special,” Foucault said. “We set a record for fans and we've got to thank our fans for that. It was a special experience and we're happy to play in it.”
The attendance also surpassed the largest junior hockey crowd of 20,380 that took in the gold medal game at the 2009 world junior hockey championships between Canada and Sweden at the Corel Centre.
“It’s special to be part of it,” said Hunt. “The whole weekend was fantastic. I’m very appreciative that we had the opportunity as an organization. Just looking around at the tremendous amount of work that went into it really makes you feel humble. I’m just glad our guys were able to get the win.”
For more on the game Click Here.
Oswald Shuts the Door on 15
Tyler Oswald makes his WHL debut stopping 15 of 17 shots mid-way through the Saskatoon Blades defeat against the Brandon Wheat Kings. Replacing Saskatoon's starting goaltender Steven Stanford after Brandon's fourth goal at 10:10 of the 2nd period, Oswald saw a total of 29 minutes for his first feel of WHL season play.
As the Wheat Kings turned up the heat in the second period moving east to west behind the net and then feeding an open man in the slot Oswald was able to shut the door with a lightning quick flare of the glove on the far side shot against Winnipeg's David Toews. To view the game's video highlights Click Here.
The Wheat Kings out-shot Saskatoon 34-27 in solidifying their hold on an Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Blades didn’t take advantage of one of their three games-in-hand on Red Deer, whom they lead by six points atop the Conference standings.
For more on the game Click Here.
Fiebs Gets the Call to P.A
The Prince Albert Raiders have announced Monday that they will be recalling GDI trained goaltender Brendan Fiebelkorn.
19 year-old Jamie Tucker suffered a laceration to the thumb of his blocker hand during the Raiders game on Saturday in Regina and is week to week.
Fieb's was the Raiders 4th round selection, 78th overall in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. He has appeared in 18 games for the league leading Winnipeg Hawks this season with a 13-0-2 record, 2 shutouts and a 2.27 goals against average.
Chiefs Add Goaltender to Roster
The Spokane Chiefs have added 17-year-old goaltender Adam Iwan to their roster to serve as a back-up to Mac Engel this week. Twenty-year-old James Reid was injured on Sunday night and will miss Wednesday night's start against the Everett Silvertips. Reid is currently second in the WHL in goals against with a 2.48 average. Reid's status will be determined later this week.
Spokane will play three home games in four nights this week beginning on Wednesday night.
Ketlo Shuts the Door For All 47
Friday night Regina Pats goaltender Damien Ketlo turned aside all 47 shots he faced against the Swift Current Broncos. After the game Ketlo was named the games 1st Star.
The victory leads the Pats to a 6 - 0 record against the Broncos this season and pushed the club to within three points of a playoff spot within their conference. After a slow start to the season, the Pats have showed strong determination to improve, and battle for every inch.
Oswald Called Up to Sask
GDI trained - Tyler Oswald has been called up to the Saskatoon Blades. Heading into the weekend the Blades will meet the Calgary Hitmen Saturday night at home.
The Saskatoon Blades currently sit atop the Western Hockey League with 68 points.
Oswald was acquired to the Blades in 2008, being drafted in the 5th round, 96th overall.
Hewitt Stuns the Blades
On Wednesday evening the Saskatoon Blades traveled to Regina to take on the Pats.
As the Blades peppered the Regina Pats with 62 shots, Pats goaltender Matt Hewitt helped hold the Blades to just three goals - leading his team to a 4 - 3 shootout victory.
Hewitt allowed just one goal against seven powerplay chances, and shut down all four chances in overtime that he faced against the number one ranked WHL team.
The 1992 born rookie goaltender was named the deserving #1 star in the contest. Congrats on the win Matt. Keep up the hard work and constant drive in net!
For a full recap of the game Click Here.
Lieuwen Earns 2nd Star
Kootenay's Nathan Lieuwen earns 2nd star with 36 saves in a 5-2 win over Edmonton. Lieuwen stopped all four of Edmonton's powerplay chances and allowed both goals when he was peppered with 21 shots in the second period. Kootenay sits in second behind the Saskatoon Blades in the Eastern Conference. For the current standings Click Here.
Hewitt Takes Shootout Win
Goaltender of the Regina Pats, Matt Hewitt – 18 year old rookie goaltender - stopped 35 Rebels shots and won his third of the season with a 3-2 shootout win in Red Deer Saturday night.
Kuemper CHL Goalie of the Week
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that for the second time this season Darcy Kuemper of the Red Deer Rebels is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week. For the week ending December 5, Kuemper posted a 2-0-0-0 record with a shutout victory and a goals-against-average of 1.00 and save percentage of .967.
Kuemper recorded his CHL-best fifth shutout of the season when he blanked the Prince Albert Raiders 3-0 on Friday night. He earned second star honours with 33 saves in the contest. One night later he would make 25 saves as part of a 5-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday.
Kuemper, a 20-year-old from Saskatoon, SK, is a Minnesota Wild prospect selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Along with his five shutouts, Kuemper has the best record in the WHL at 20-4-1-1 and a league-best goals-against-average of 1.71 and save percentage of .937.
For more on this article click here.
Teskey Records 33 Save Shutout
Kootenay Ice goaltender Brett Teskey makes 33 saves to record the 5-0 shutout win over the P.A. Raiders tonight.
For more on Teskey click here.
Canada's World Junior Selection Camp Roster Announced
TORONTO, Ont. - Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced on Monday that 39 of Canada's top junior-aged hockey players (born in 1991 or later) have been invited to take part in Canada's National Junior Team selection camp, December 12-15, 2010 at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto, Ont.
Of the 39 players invited, three are returning players - Jared Cowen (Allan, Sask./Spokane, WHL), Calvin de Haan (Carp, Ont./Oshawa, OHL) and Ryan Ellis (Freelton, Ont./Windsor, OHL) helped Canada earn the silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship in Regina and Saskatoon, Sask. Ellis also won a gold medal with Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Ont. In addition, thirty-four of the players named to the selection camp roster were drafted in either the 2009 or 2010 NHL Entry Drafts, including eighteen first-round selections and four second-round picks.
For the full article click here.
The following goaltenders will attend the selection camp:
| Player | S/C | Ht | Wt | Birthdate | Hometown/Country | Team | NHL Draft | |
| Goaltender | ||||||||
| JP Anderson | R | 5'10 | 192 | 02/14/1992 | Toronto, Ont. | Mississauga (OHL) | SJ ’10 (FA) | |
| Calvin Pickard | L | 6'.5 | 203 | 04/15/1992 | Winnipeg, Man. | Seattle (WHL) | COL ’10 (2, 49) | |
| Olivier Roy | L | 5'11 | 186 | 07/12/1991 | Causapscal, Que. | Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) | EDM ’09 (5, 133) | |
| Mark Visentin | L | 6'1.5 | 198 | 08/07/1992 | Waterdown, Ont. | Niagara (OHL) | PHX ’10 (1, 27) | |
The countdown begins! Exhibition games start on December 20th and the first game of the round robin is set for the Boxing Day against Russia. For the full schedule click here.
Ketlo Records 1st Shutout For Pats
Damien Ketlo shut down the Broncos this past Friday night as he stopped all 29 shots he faced.
The Pats took the 2-0 victory at home in Regina, ending Swift Currents 5 game winning streak.
Traveling to Swift Current, the Pats look to sweep the home and home series tonight.
After a slow start to the season, the Pats specialty teams may be finding their stride. The power play has hit the back of the net in 3 straight games, while the penalty killers have stopped 8 of their opponents last 9 power plays.
Pickard Selected to 2010 WHL Super Series
Winnipeg born Calvin Pickard was recently selected for Team WHL that will compete against Team Russia in the 2010 Subway Super Series.
The 2010 SUBWAY® Super Series will take place November 8 – 18 and marks the eighth straight year that teams of CHL All-Stars have competed against Team Russia in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships. The SUBWAY® Super Series is an integral part of the evaluation process prior to Team Canada’s final selection camp in December. This season, Canada will be competing for their 13th straight medal at the 2011 tournament in Buffalo, NY.
The complete Team WHL roster consists of 32 players – two goalies, 10 defenceman and 20 forwards. Top NHL prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (RD) and Ty Rattie (POR) will compete in the series along with 2012 NHL Draft top prospect Ryan Murray (EVT). Team WHL also features four first round draft picks from the 2010 NHL Draft, Ryan Johansen (POR), Brett Connolly (PG), Mark Pysyk (EDM) and Quinton Howden (MJ). Defenceman Jared Cowen (SPO) is the sole returning player from Team Canada’s 2010 silver medal team and was selected in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
To view more on the Super Series Click Here.
Oswald & Iwan Compete for the Blades
The two 1993 Winnipeg born goaltenders have been competing for a spot on the Saskatoon Blades since they were both drafted in the same '08 Bantam Draft.
Tyler Oswald previously played with the Pembina Valley Hawks the past two seasons. This past year Oswald helped lead his team to win the Manitoba Midget AAA Championship. Along with a strong season, he was also selected for the Under-17 Team West, competing at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Adam Iwan brings a strong drive to training camp this year. After his season with the Winnipeg Thrashers, Iwan has quickly progressed to a goaltender who gains his position fast due to his increased playing time of 1538 plus minutes played. Iwan was called up to back-up the Saskatoon Blades during their playoff run last year due to an injury.
As both goaltenders bring a presence of dedication and past success, they both lead with an attitude of confidence driven to crack the Blades roster this season.
The strong preparation and drive leading into camp is definitely paying off! Best of luck to both GDI trained goaltenders!
In this years 2010 Bantam Draft, GDI trained Alex Moodie was selected to the Blades. Also recruited to the team after the draft was Ryan Miner. Both enjoyed the experience at training camp facing a new higher level competition at the Junior level.
To follow more on the Saskatoon Blades training camp click here for updated news.
Prospects Hockey Goaltender of the Year: Jake Allen
Recently announced at the 2010 CHL Awards was the Prospects Hockey Goaltender of the Year. Jake Allen of the Drummondville Voltigeurs took the award home with his strong performance throughout the year standing above the rest.
Allen, at the age of 19, also captured the Jacques-Plante trophy with the best goals against average in the QMJHL with a mark of 2.20. He also posted a save percentage of 9.22 and produced a 29-14 record in 45 games with the Valtigeurs and Montreal Juniors this season.
Allen also backstopped the Canadian National Juinor Team to a silver medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Campionship.
Also considered for the award was Martin Jones of the Calgary Hitmen, and Chris Carrozzi of the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors.
'Business as usual' for Jones
By Laurence Heinen
hitmenhockey.com
Calgary, AB. -
“The thing for me is when I’m playing with urgency and desperation is when I’m at my best,” said Jones, who paced all WHL goalies in the playoffs with a 2.36 goals-against average to go with a pair of shutouts and a .915 save percentage. “When I get to that mode where I’m not battling as hard as I should, that’s when I get into trouble. I’m just trying to stay sharp and when I’m with that urgency is when I’m at my best.”
Hitmen co-captain Ian Schultz also has confidence that Jones will continue to supply the Hitmen with the type of goaltending they need to win a national championship.
“He’s very calm, cool and collected no matter what situation he’s in,” Schultz said. “I’ve never seen him rattled. He gets a lot of credit for us winning. He keeps everybody calm in the dressing room. He says, “Calm down, I’ll shut the door. You guys just do the rest.” He slams that door shut almost every game. Rarely do you see a weak one go in on him.
To View the Full - Article Click Here.
GDI trained Jones is set to compete in the upcoming Memorial Cup in Brandon, MB.To View the Full - Article Click Here.
GDI Prairies is proud to announce 3 of their goaltenders have been drafted in the 2010 WHL Bantam draft.Alex Moodie:
Saskatoon Blades (5th round 109th overall)
Austin Lotz:
Everett Silvertips (7th round 151st overall)
Casey Parker:
Everett Silvertips (10th round 217th overall)
We would like to extend our congratulations to these goaltenders and their families and wish them the best of luck at their upcoming spring and summer camps.
Guhle Shuts Out Blades
This past weekend, The Reinga Pats rookie goaltender, Dawson Guhle, made 19 saves for his first career shutout with the Pats. Regina upset the number-one team in the WHL 3-0 Saturday night in Saskatoon.
Guhle earned the second star of the game as he made 19 saves on the night and shut down Saskatoon's powerplay four consecutive times.
The Pats visit the Swift Current Broncos next as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
For more information on the Pats, visit their main website, or for frequant updates, Rod Pedersen's Blog.
Silvertips Sign Andy Desautels to WHL Educational Contract
Everett, WA -- Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced Wednesday that the Silvertips have signed goaltender Andy Desautels of White City, Saskatchewan to a WHL Educational Contract. Desautels was selected by the Silvertips in the 5th round, 95th overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
The 1994-born goaltender stands 6’1 and weighs 180 pounds. He has appeared in 19 games with the Regina Pat Canadians Midget AAA squad this season, compiling a 7-8-2 record with a 3.59 goals against average and .884 save percentage.
“We’re pleased that Andy has decided to sign an educational contract to become a part of the Everett Silvertips organization,” Soetaert said. “Andy is a big goaltender who moves well and covers a lot of net, and after a solid performance at our training camp this year, we are excited for his continued development.”
Andy has been a long time student of GDI-Prairies and we would like to congratulate and wish him luck in his quest to play in the WHL
Jones Shuts the Door
Martin Jones turned aside 27 shots to record his second consecutive shutout and his WHL-leading seventh shutout of the season as the Calgary Hitmen blanked the visiting Swift Current Broncos 2-0 on Thursday.
Mark Friesen turned aside 31 of 33 shots he faced in a losing cause for the Broncos (34-30-0-4), who see their three-game winning streak come to an end and remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference – five points ahead of Prince Albert.
Jones a peice of the puzzle to Canada's World Junior Team
On December 16th Martin Jones was named to the 2010 Team Canada National Junior roster. Jones had a strong training camp, and finished his last pre-competition start with a 3-0 win against Finland.
With Jones part of Canada's 20 man squad he hopes to repeat his nations success as in the past they have medaled at eleven straight IIHF World Junior Championships including gold medal performances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, silver medals in 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and bronze medals in 2000 and 2001.
Jones trains with GDI, and over the past summers has helped instruct at several GDI National and Regional camps. Jones currently plays with the Calgary Hitmen, where they stand in first place with his personal record at 15-5-0 , with one shutout.
GDI Prairies would also like to congratulate Travis Hamonic, from St. Malo Manitoba, who was also named to the junior roster as a defensemen. While growing up in Manitoba, Hamonic played with the Winnipeg Warriors and Winnipeg Saints. He currently plays for the Moose Jaw Warriors and was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2008.
Pats hit the ice; Tendler Awarded Shutout
The Regina Pats training camp has now begun and after the end of Day 2, Pats hopeful Derek Tendler finished with a shutout during the evening intersquad game. Team Grey competed against Team Red Friday evening with a decision of a 4-1 lose. Tendler earned a shutout while playing half the game in net for Team Grey.Over the past two months Tendler had dedicated two weeks to GDI Prairie's Regional Camps. He was involved with the on and off ice development of the up and coming goaltenders. These camps resided in Saskatoon and Regina.
The North American Hockey League announced today that St. Louis Bandits goaltender Keith Kinkaid has been named the GDI Goaltender of the Month for February.
In six appearances, Kinkaid, a 19-year-old from Farmingville, N.Y., forged a 5-1 record, including a 26-save shutout performance over the U.S. Under-18 Team on Feb. 21, to compliment a 1.00 goals-against average and a .964 save percentage.
“Keith is giving us a chance to win every night,” said Bandits head coach Jeff Brown. “We’re pleased with his development thus far and fully expect him to continue his play down the stretch.”
For more info click here.
