Weblog » Archives » February 2008
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【ROOKIE WATCH】Johnson proves he's got the goods
Erik Johnson still doesn't feel the pressure to perform despite being the No. 1 pick in 2006. ( Watch Erik Johnson highlights) Just when Erik Johnson thought he had this game figured out, he skated into a professional ca… -
【WHL】WHL Alumni Spotlight - Brendan Mikkelson
Nine months ago, Brendan Mikkelson celebrated the end of his Western Hockey League career with a Memorial Cup championship with the Vancouver Giants.Now, the 20-year-old product of Regina, SK, is in the midst of his firs… -
【OHL】Staal finding his way as a sophomore with the Wolves
Jared Staal was used to playing - a lot.As the fourth brother in his family destined to play in the National Hockey League, Staal was a key member of the Thunder Bay Kings minor midgets two seasons ago. He played in all … -
【WHL】The Player's Perspective - Jason Reese
Last season, the Tri-City Americans posted a franchise-record 47 wins and 96 points.This year, the Americans have arguably been even better. The Ams currently lead the U.S. Division, the Western Conference and the overal… -
【OHL】Renaud remembered by friends, teammates and neighbours
It doesn't take long to understand how big of an impact Mickey Renaud had in the Windsor community.The Spitfires' 19-year-old captain grew up in the neighbouring town of Tecumseh and embodied the work ethic and character… -
【AHL】From 'D' to 'O' works just fine for Gragnani
Marc-Andre Gragnani was the Buffalo Sabres' third-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.Somewhere amidst the rubble that is the Rochester Americans' season, a possible jewel is emerging. It stands in the form of ro… -
【PROSPECTS】Auffrey's long, winding road paying off in Augusta
Augusta Lynx forward Matt Auffrey has 18 goals and 16 assists in 50 games so far this season. Augusta Lynx forward Matt Auffrey has bounced around quite a bit over the past six years.In 2002, he made his first step towar… -
【ROOKIE WATCH】Recall helps Comeau regain confidence
Blake Comeau has added a new dimension to the Islanders' offense. ( Watch Blake Comeau highlights)The moment Blake Comeau started wondering if he deserved another chance in the NHL, the Islanders came calling.Perfect opp… -
【BRUINS】Lucic Awarded B's 'Hardhat'
Last night, as he walked around wearing a construction worker's helmet, a spoked-B emblazoned proudly on the white plastic, Boston left winger Milan Lucic was even harder to miss than usual.The big rookie, who fought tw… -
【BRUINS】Kessel, Krejci Come Through
Phil KesselTwo young Bruins, Phil Kessel and David Krejci, proved the heroes of last night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, as they helped the team to a dramatic 3-2 win when last-second goals by the 'Canes in the… -
【DRAFT DANDIES】McRae is a chip off the old block
Philip McRae is the son of former NHL player Basil McRae, who also played for the London Knights.Philip McRae is taking up the family business.The 17-year-old from St. Louis already has followed in his father’s skate tra… -
【CANUCKS】Making His Point
Alexander Edler is making a point to the Vancouver Canucks organization that they should make him a staple on the point. On Feb 15, he scored two goals and added an assist, while his sound defensive play allowed him to f… -
【PROSPECTS】Setoguchi realizes consistency is the key
Devin Setoguchi has set aside disappointment and played better each time he’s been demoted. ( Watch Devin Setoguchi highlights)The deal looked like a winner to rookie Worcester winger Devin Setoguchi.He recently moved in… -
【FLAMES】Renaud will be missed, never forgotten
The Windsor Spitfires will mourn and grieve the loss of captain and Calgary Flames draft pick Mickey Renaud, who died suddenly Monday at his home in Ontario. And then they will continue the season in his honour."There w… -
【DIVISION NOTES】Central: Backes doesn't want to hear P-word (Peoria) again
In the 20 games since Jan. 2, David Backes had six goals and 10 assists. ( Watch David Backes highlights)David Backes remembers going to a lot of Minnesota Wild games with a buddy whose parents had season tickets. Sure, … -
【COLUMNS】Radulov not your stereotypical Russian
Alexander Radulov had his third his multi-goal performance of the season against Detroit on February 12. ( Radulov highlights)The conversation was getting a little playful after about 15 minutes. It was at this point tha… -
【DARFT DANDIES】Robak's tune climbing the charts in Brandon
Defenseman Colby Robak is currently ranked 8th among North American prospects for the 2008 Draft. The Brandon Wheat Kings' defenseman has shot up the draft rankings and is quickly becoming one of the most prized prospect… -
【PROSPECTS】Gunderson comfortable at Trenton
Trenton defenseman Ryan Gunderson leads the Devils in scoring, and made the ECHL All-Star team.While playing hockey at the University of Vermont, Ryan Gunderson's parents would have to get in the car and drive all the wa… -
【AHL】Phantoms' Ross enjoying role of scorer
Philadelphia Phantoms forward Jared Ross is on pace for his best season with 42 points in 43 games.Philadelphia Phantoms forward Jared Ross was just getting used to this whole concept of taking center stage on offense, a… -
【WHL】Young Defensemen Seize Key Roles
Chris de la LandeWith injuries on the back end forcing the Silvertips to make adjustments to their roster and defensive pairings, three Silvertip rookies have seized the opportunity to showcase their abilities while lead… -
【WHL】The Player's Perspective - Spencer Machacek
The Vancouver Giants have been a fixture at the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament for the past two years, and won the storied Canadian Hockey League championship trophy in 2007 as the tournament's host team.Yet, despite… -
【WHL】Doyle, Broncos All Smiles These Days
Eric Doyle of the Swift Current Broncos has been all smiles, lately.Then again, when your team is riding a double-digit winning streak - 10 straight games, to be exact - and is one of the hottest units in the Western Hoc… -
【OHL】Swiftest 'Dog of them all
Michael Swift felt a little twinge of nervousness in his stomach. The Niagara IceDogs' captain was in the Eastern Conference dressing room last Tuesday afternoon in Sault Ste. Marie when found out that he was going to co… -
【AHL】Korpikoski playing well-rounded game
Hartford Wolf Pack forward Lauri Korpikoski, now in his second full North American pro season, does not sport scoring numbers that would make you immediately notice him when you pick up the stat sheet.One thing that is a… -
【AHL】Szczechura gains confidence with new team
Winston Churchill once wrote, "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction." After only five points in 29 games with the Iowa Stars to start the 2007-08 season, perhaps a change was all that cente… -
【DRAFT DANDIES】The Colborne Identity
He may not have the celebrity status of Jason Bourne just yet, but he unquestionably has the ability to electrify his audience in more ways than one, and Joe Colborne is well on his way to establishing his own reputed id… -
【PROSPECTS】Taylor writing a story he hopes will have a happy ending
The Manchester Monarchs' Danny Taylor was named January's AHL goaltender of the month.When it comes to writing his own underdog story, Manchester Monarchs rookie goalie Danny Taylor prefers to go by the book. Not necessa… -
【ROOKIE WATCH】Lucic a budding power forward
Bruins' rookie forward Milan Lucic has 6 goals and 10 assists in 50 games since his call up to Boston. Milan Lucic video highlights Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins could never imagine being mentioned in the same breath… -
【ACROSS AMERICA】Kings trio proof positive of U.S. hockey development
Jack Johnson, along with Dustin Brown and Patrick O'Sullivan, have all played integral roles in USA Hockey's resurgence. If USA Hockey is looking to promote its success this decade, the executives should take their marke… -
【BRUINS】Krejci Keeps on Truckin'
Bruins center David Krejci may be a rookie in terms of NHL experience, but the label - and his comparatively little experience - doesn't faze him. After morning skate on Tuesday, the 21-year old was calm and composed whe… -
【PANTHERS】Brine Realizes NHL Dream
He couldn't make the first major junior team he tried out for, he was never drafted by an NHL team and he didn't get through "Making The Cut," but here he is in the NHL. David Brine is living the dream with the Florida P… -
【ACROSS THE POND】Brunnstrom heads Swedish free agents drawing NHL attention
Fabian Brunnstrom now has produced eight goals, 25 assists, 33 points and a plus-six rating in 42 games.Hockey history is filled with tales of late-bloomers and unheralded players who rose to the top after playing in ob… -
【OHL】MacLean is racking up the points in Oshawa
Brett MacLean expected to have a big year, but even he's surprised at just how productive he has been this season.The Oshawa Generals' veteran became the first Canadian Hockey League player to reach the 50 goal and 100 p… -
【WHL】The Player's Perspective - Brayden Schenn
It's not often that a 16-year-old Western Hockey League rookie establishes himself as a go-to guy for his team.However, that's exactly what Brayden Schenn has done in his first season in the WHL for the Brandon Wheat Kin… -
【WHL】The Road to the 2008 WHL Playoffs
With just six weeks remaining in the 2007-08 Western Hockey League regular season, the race for the post-season is heating up.Four teams have already assured themselves a playoff spot, while others are on the verge of gu… -
【DRAFT DANDIES】Niagara's Pietrangelo looks to be top Dog come June
Alex Pietrangelo has a plus-21 rating with 10 goals and 37 points.For now, Alex Pietrangelo is honored just to have the attention.The standout defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs is one of the gem… -
【PROSPECTS】Tejchma knocking on AHL's door
It took Jason Tejchma a long time to reach the ranks of professional hockey.If at first you don't succeed, try again.That was the mentality of Mississippi Sea Wolves coach Steffon Walby, who first tried to sign rookie ce… -
【JUNIOR REPORT】Stars shine spotlight on USHL's growth
Alex Tuckerman of the West Division scores a goal during the USHL All-Star Game.At the USHL All-Star Game this week, some of the league's best and brightest stars were on display. The league’s top scorers were there, as … -
【PROSPECTS】Dazzling Schremp works to make his game complete
Oilers' rookie center Rob Schremp was Edmonton's first-round choice (25th overall) in the 2004 Draft. Ever since he first put a puck on a string, second-year Springfield forward Rob Schremp's skills have cried out for at… -
【ROOKIE WATCH】Colin is the latest Stuart getting his NHL chance
Colin Stuart finished his four-year degree before making it in the NHL. As a teenager, Atlanta Thrashers left wing Colin Stuart rarely had to travel outside his home in Rochester, Minnesota, to seek advice. As the second… -
【CANUCKS】Gendur named WHL Player of the Month
When Dave Nonis stepped into office for the Vancouver Canucks, he pledged to initiate a new youth movement within the organization. Through strong draft selections and wise acquisitions, Nonis constructed the basis of a … -
【WHL】Schenn Brothers Taking WHL by Storm
It took just two laps around the ice before Luke Schenn got the reaction he was looking for.Schenn, who stood silently amongst the crowd behind the net while watching warm-up, felt an air of pride as he watched a prodigy… -
【WHL】Gendur Named WHL Player of the Month
The Western Hockey League today announced that forward Dan Gendur of the Everett Silvertips, has been named the Husky WHL Player of the Month for January.The twenty-year old forward out of Victoria, BC has strung togethe… -
【BLACKHAWKS】Prospect Q&A: Josh Unice
In his rookie season with Kitchener, 2007 3rd round pick Josh Unice has established himself as one of the top goalies in the Ontario Hockey League. Unice is 26-3-1-1 with 4 shutouts and a 2.41 goals against average. He r…
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