MONDAY - THE ENERFLEX CUP, WHL, UNIVERSITY HOCKEY ACTION

RACE TO THE CUP


Two combatants have entered the final leg in the race to the Enerflex Cup.

The Spruce Grove Saints will host on the Grande Prairie Storm on Wednesday for Game 1 of the best of 7 affair.

STATS CENTRAL

Head-to-Head Regular Season Records

Grande Prairie Storm @ Spruce Grove Saints 2 - 3 OT
Grande Prairie Storm @ Spruce Grove Saints 2 - 3
Spruce Grove Saints @ Grande Prairie Storm 4 - 2
Spruce Grove Saints @ Grande Prairie Storm 1 - 2
Spruce Grove Saints @ Grande Prairie Storm 5 - 1
Grande Prairie Storm @ Spruce Grove Saints 2 - 3

SO FAR ON THE JOURNEY
SAINTS
The Spruce Grove Saints entered the 2009 edition of the post-season later than most in the league - receiving the coveted 1st round North Division bye. In Round 2 the Saints made short work of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons - downing the last year's Enerflex Cup runners up in 5 games. With the series win the Saints also gained a measure of revenge over the MOB, who had downed Spruce Grove in last year's edition of the Semi-Finals. The Saints would then sweep the Olds Girzzlys out of their way into the finals - downing Olds in 4 straight games. In total Spruce Grove played only 9 games en route to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Finals.

STORM
The Grande Prairie Storm advanced to the 2009 League Final by eliminating the Lloydminster Bobcats, winning the first round best of five series 3 games 1. The Sherwood Park Crusaders would also put up a fight - forcing the Storm to 6 games while eliminating the Brooks Bandits in 5 games in the Semis. In total the Storm have played 15 games to get to the Finals.

THE BEST OF THE BEST
The Enerflex Cup Finals will feature two of the best teams in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season. The Grande Prairie Storm won 42 games this year, loosing in regulation 15 times while picking up a single point in a combine 5 ties and overtime defeats. The only team better - was the Spruce Grove Saints - with a 46-7-4-5 record.

GRIZZLY CONTENT
Konrad Becker started 2008-2009 with the Olds Grizzlys but was traded to the Spruce Grove Saints for 18 year old defenseman Frank Carbonaro mid-season. While former Grizzlys' Net-Minder Chad Carder was traded this past off-season for future considerations.

IN THE EYES OF THE CAPTAIN
After being eliminated by the Spruce Grove Saints, Olds Grizzlys Captain Curtis deBruyn didn't waste time describing the Saints team.

"They're a great team - big, fast, tough - you name, it they have it," he said, "Were looking forward to them going all the way."

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CENTRAL ALBERTA REPRESENTED IN CAVENDISH CUP FINAL

Ponoka's Kyle Bailey helped his University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds to a national championship over the weekend.

Baily picked up to assists for UNB in a 4-2 win over Western in Sunday's CIS Men's Hockey Championship Game.

The win marks the second time in 3 years that the Varsity Reds have hoisted the Cavendish Cup.

The heavily favored U of A Golden Bears posted a disappointing 1 and 1 record during this weekend's tournament.
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BEMIDJI STATE BEAVERS LAND A SPOT IN FROZEN FOUR

The future home of Grizzlys' Sniper Brance Orban is making a big name for itself south of the boarder.

The Beavers upset Cornell 4-1 to earn a spot in the Frozen Four of the NCAA men's Hockey Tournament.

Bemidji State not only pulled the upset over Cornell but were the lowest ranked team to enter the original field of 16.

Meantime Minnesota-Duluth, the future home of Grizzlys' Blue-Liner Wade Bergman, fell to Miami of Ohio 2-1.

Both Bergman and Orban will join their respective clubs next season.
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WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE

Didsbury's Bretton Cameron and his Medicine Hat Tigers will see another WHL post-season game in 2009.

The Tigers blanked the Swift Current Broncos 3-0 on Sunday - forcing a 7th and deciding game in their first round tilt.

So far, Cameron has 3 goals in 6 games in the post-season for the Tigers.

Meantime Sundre's Austin Fyten and the Lethbridge Hurricanes will try to books a date with the Calgary Hitmen in tonight's action.

The Canes are up 3 games to 2 on the Saskatoon Blades and have a chance to pull the upset on home ice.

Lethbridge was the 7th seed heading to post season while the Blades were 2nd and with a win the Canes would draw the Nation's Top Ranked Team in the Hitmen for Round 2.

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SUNDAY - THE AJHL'S NORTH & WHL STUFF

GRANDE PRAIRIE ADVANCES TO FINAL

It'll be an all North Final. The Grande Prairie Storm put the finishing touches on the Brooks Bandits last night on home ice, winning 3-2 and taking the semi-final series 4 games to 1 in the process. Former Olds Grizzly Goalie Chad Carter made 17 saves in the win, while his offense was story in Game 5 - launching 37 shots on Robb Gunderson in the Bandits net. The Storm will now advance to the Enerflex Cup Final to play the Spruce Grove Saints.


SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Brooks Bandits at 4:13 - John Stimson from Chris Markiewicz and Jarret Granberg

Grande Prairie Storm at 14:34 - Zahn Raubenheimer from Dennis Rix

PERIOD 2

Grande Prairie Storm at 8:22 (PP) - Carter Rowney from Adam Young

Brooks Bandits at 18:24 (PP) - Jarret Granberg from Cam Creighton and Chris Markiewicz

PERIOD 3

Grande Prairie Storm at 16:30 - Brenden Turnbull from Morgan MacLean

INTERESTING TO NOTE
Brooks did not win a single playoff game away from home ice this year. The Bandits were a great home team in the regular season and in the playoffs but for some reason couldn't transfer their home ice success to the road.

IN THIS BLOGGERS OPINION
This is why the AJHL's cross over shouldn't take place until the Finals. To me it makes so much more sense to have an actual Southern and Northern Champion and then to have them square off against each other. I'm not saying the results would have been any different, lets be honest Spruce Grove and Grande Prairie are both great teams, but it would at least offer some sense of closure for teams like the Brooks Bandits and Olds Grizzlys. To hold the cross-over off until the final would also, for the most part be more cost efficient for teams. Gas, Food, the number of nights spent in a Hotel - it all adds up, and for some teams in this league, every little bit matters. And finally it would be more of a rallying cry for fans from each division. To be honest, I've lost a lot of interest in the Finals. Keeping an eye on a team in finals that met up with the Grizzlys six times in the regular season and most likely a series in the playoffs just seems more appealing.
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THE WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE

There's only a pair of First Round Tilts left to go in the WHL's post-season - both of which have Central Alberta representation.

Sundre's Austin Fyten and the Lethbridge Hurricanes have a 3 games to 2 series lead over the Saskatoon Blades. The Hurricanes were the 7th seeded team in the East entering the playoffs while the Blades were the 2nd. Game 6 goes from Lethbridge on Monday.

Meantime Didsbury's Bretton Cameron and the Medicine Hat Tigers will try to avoid elimination tonight when they play host to the Swift Current Broncos in Game 6. The Broncos have a 3 games to 2 lead. Swift Current was the 4th seed in the East while the Tigers were the 5th.

CENTRAL ALBERTANS MOVING ON
Calgary Hitmen - The Hitmen swept the Oil Kings out of the playoffs in Round 1. Keep an eye on Chase Schaber and Paul Postma both out of Red Deer.

Vancouver Giants - The Giants downed the Prince George Cougars in 4 straight games to advance to Round 2. Keep an eye on former Olds Grizzly Tyson Sexsmith from Priddis and Lance Bouma out of Provost.

Tri-City Americans - The Americans are off to Round 2 after downing the Everit Silvertips 3 games to 1. Keep an eye on Justin Feser out of Red Deer.

Kelowna Rockets - The Rockets swept the Kamloops Blazers out of the playoff pictures. Keep an eye on Hanna's Ryley Grantham.

Spokane Chiefs - The Chiefs ousted the Seattle Thunderbirds in 5 Games. Keep an eye on former Olds Grizzly Steve Kuhn from Oyen along with Cochrane's Trevor Glass and Justin McCrae.

FRIDAY - WHAT A SEASON!

A HELL OF A RUN!

On Tuesday night the Olds Grizzlys' improbable and unpredicted run into the AJHL's Frozen Four came to grinding halt.

By now I'm sure you've read the stats and stories and have a pretty good handle of the game and the series - so I'll spare the details.

However, I will say this, the Grizzlys' poured their hearts and souls on to the ice in Game 4 of the Semi-Finals against the League's and the Nation's Top Ranked Spruce Grove Saints - and it was one of the best efforts I've seen from any team in a very long time.

I'll also give a genuine and heartfelt good luck to the Saints in their quest for the Enerflex, Doyle, and RBC cups.

There's no doubt in my mind they'll be in Victoria come may.

With all of that said, it's important to mention that the Olds Grizzlys weren't supposed to reach this Semi-Finals, in fact some thought they weren't supposed to reach the second round early on in the season.

But a team built on integrity, team chemistry and heart proved to be amongst the best in the league in the 2008-2009 season.

NOTEWORTHY
After Game 4 Grizzlys Coach Kevin Hasselberg talked glowingly about his team and in particular the leadership of Captain Curtis deBruyn.

"We were blessed with an extraordinary person in Curtis deBruyn. . . I'm going to miss that kid," said Hasselberg, "He was a hell of a captain and somebody you want your son to grow up to be like."

Hasselberg was equally impressed with the 08-09 Olds Grizzlys.

"They taught me as much as we could have taught them and they gave everything they had," he said, "Coach John Wooden defined success as your personal best and achieving what you could do and tonight and this season - this team was successful"

MOVING ON
For some the run to semi-finals was just a taste of what could potentially lie ahead for them in their Junior Hockey future - while for others it was a great way to cap off their AJHL careers.

Curtis deBruyn - A four year member of the Olds Grizzlys organization. A two year team Captain. In 2008-2009 deBruyn set career highs in goals (10), assists (38) , points (48) and Penalty Minutes (186). He was ranked 3rd in scoring amongst AJHL defensemen and was the highest scoring blue-liner the Grizzlys had seen in four seasons. His playoff numbers didn't fade down the stretch either, scoring 18 points, registering an average of 1.2 per game in the playoffs. deBruyn's leadership and motivational skills are beyond compare - he lead the team as if he was the oldest of 23 brothers, focusing on fun and leading by example both on and off the ice. (How this kid hasn't been committed to a school south of boarder yet, I'll never know)

Brance Orban - After joining the Grizzlys in 2006-2007 Orban is coming off his most memorable season in the AJHL. Scoring 37 goals (2nd in league) and 78 points (5th in league), Orban was a legitimate scoring threat night in and night out. One of three Alternate Captain's this season, he put up more points than any other Grizzly since way back in 2001-02 when Ryan Huddy scored 84. As if his regular season numbers weren't impressive enough - in his three post-season appearances with the Black and Gold, Orban was a point per game player in the playoffs. (Orban heads to Bemidji State University - a school rich in Grizzly success, every former member of the Black and Gold to head to Bemidji has put up 40 or more goals)


Shadoe Stoodley - Stoodley transformed his game in 2008-2009. Last season Stoodley put up 26 points in 47 games and was more an enforcer notching 216 PIM. This season he put up 21 goals and 25 helpers, earning more than a point per game. One can only imagine his offensive output should he have not missed a handful of games due to injury. Stoodley scored 8 goals and 12 points in the playoffs in '09 and as another Alternate Captain, his quiet leadership on and off the ice will be missed. (Though nothing has been confirmed, there's rumors Stoodley may head to Mount Royal next year.)

Wade Bergman - Bergman's size has never stymied the offensive defenseman. The 5'7'', 150 lbs Bergman was the 2007-2008 Rookie of the Year in the AJHL and averaged .7 points per game in his brief stint with the Black and Gold. His intensity and ability to breeze through the Neutral Zone will be missed next year. (Bergman heads to Minnesota-Duluth next season to join the Bulldogs - yes the same UMD that former NHLer Brett Hull and current Vancouver Canucks' standout Mason Raymond call their Alma Mater)

Matt Tanordi - An injury plagued season really hampered Tanordi in showing Olds what he could offer. That is, until the post-season. Not known for his offensive numbers, Tanordi's aggressive nature along the boards and behind the oppositions net was critical to the success of the Grizzlys in the playoffs. Tanordi finished the regular season with 5 goals and 5 points in 26 games. (Tanordi will attend RPI next season - so you know he's one smart kid. Joe Juneau went to RPI and not only did he go on to enjoy a great NHL career but he's also a rocket scientist.)

Carey Koroluk - Koroluk brought heart and intensity to every shift. After two seasons with the Calgary Royals, Koroluk joined the Olds Grizzlys in 2008-2009 and in my opinion really furthered the development of future grinders Cale Wright and Tanner Dion by leading the way on the ice. He could kill Penalties single handedly, using his speed to dance around the ice every so often would creating short-handed scoring chances because of it. (No word on what Koroluk has planned for next year.)

Ryan Cornforth - Cornforth joined the Grizzlys in December and really provided size on the blue-line. The 6'1'' 210 lbs defenseman also showed his flair for offense in the post-season, most notably in the Semi-Finals against Spruce Grove. (Cornforth started the season with the Augustana Vikings in the ACAC, no word if he plans to head back to school next year.)


ON A PERSONAL NOTE
During the broadcast sign off after Game 4 I said, "If I'm sad it's over, I can't imagine what the players feel like."

After the playoff run - I took a few days away from the blog - it was nice. I managed to eat a meal or two with my family for the first time since February and catch a few WHL and Calgary Flames games (since when do they suck?).

But all 2 of my regular readers will be thrilled to hear I'm now back at the Grind, after all, Spring Camp starts next week.

A LONG SEASON DESERVES A FEW THANK YOUS

1. First and foremost thank-you to the 2008-2009 Grizzlys who proved to me and the rest of the league that a teamed built on the values of hard work, team unity and having fun (you only need to catch their pre-game work out to see that those kids were having fun) can really do damage in the AJHL.
2. Thank You to Coach Kevin, Coach Bailer and Coach Olsen who never once treated Galen and I like "the media". I always felt welcome on the bus, during the pre and post game meals, and around the team in general. I can tell you from experience, that's not how all teams work and it made covering the team a real treat.
3. Thanks to Robb Hunter of the Robb Hunter.com - who when asked if he'd mind if I stole his blog idea replied by saying, "I don't mind at all, so long as you don't call it the Robb Hunter.com"
4. Thanks to Galen and 96.5 CKfm for allowing me to jump in mid-season.
5. Thanks to the parents of the players who read this blog. It's weird that they do but weirder still that they tell me they enjoy it.
6. And a big thanks to my wife and kids. They understand that following a team has always been my passion and come playoff time deal with a zombie who gets 4 hours of sleep a day. I think I saw them three times during the month of March and missed my son say "Hockey" for the first time.

TUESDAY - CUE THE COMEBACK, GRIZZLYS ALUMNI FINDING SUCCESS AND HOCKEY ALBERTA RESULTS

BAD LUCK, BAD BOUNCES & BAD BREAKS

The first three games of the AJHL's Semi-Final Series between the Olds Grizzlys and the Nation's Top Ranked Spruce Grove Saints will look reletively simple on the stats sheets.

Sure, it's easy to take a look at the scoring summary and see what some had already predicted - a Saints team up three games to none, a Saints team that has outscored their opposition 10-3 in those three games and a Saints team that's on the verge of eliminating the Olds Grizzlys in a sweep.

But those who have actually seen those three games will tell you - it's not that simple.

Game 3 is the perfect example.

Game 3 saw several quality scoring chance for the Grizzlys go by the way side thanks to nothing more than bad luck, bad bounces and bad breaks.

It was like something out of a comic book - not only is Spruce Grove a great hockey team but it's as if the Saints may truly be blessed; almost as if they have a Super Power that some how makes them immune the laws of gravity, physics and probability.

A wide open Grizzlys shooting lane would be thwarted by a bizarre block, the deflection of which would somehow always find the stick of Saint in the neutral zone - sending the play the other way.

A rebound, earmarked for a wide open Grizzly with nothing but cage to shoot at - would somehow jump over the stick.

And a dump-in destined for the corner, would see the puck catch an edge or bounce awkwardly of the boards and once again, go right to a Saint.

Now, before any Saints fans start ripping their hair out because they feel I'm not giving a good team it's due.

It's true. I'm not.

Whats that old saying, "You have to be good to be lucky."

Despite the bad bounces and luck for the Olds Grizzlys, you really do have to credit the Saints.

Their so positionally sound in their own end that maybe it's not all that freakish that the puck just seems to find them. They know where to be and when to be there on both sides of the ice and as someone once told me, "Sometimes you have to create your own luck."

Something the Olds Grizzlys will try desperately to do tonight, with the AJHL's season and for some, careers on the line.

GAME 3 SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Spruce Grove Saints at 1:42 - Curt Morrison (unassisted)

PERIOD 2

Spruce Grove Saints at 1:16 - Brett Switzer from Jordan Draper and Joshua Lazowski

Spruce Grove Saints at 5:50 - Nate Fleming (unassisted)

PERIOD 3

Spruce Grove Saints at 1:23 - Jordan Draper from Joshua Lazowski and Brett Switzer

Olds Grizzlys at 5:54 (PP) - Ryan Cornforth from Jordan Kwas and Curtis deBruyn

INTERESTING TO NOTE

CUE THE COMEBACK
Having to face elimination night in and night out while your team tries to cue the comeback is a daunting task. In fact some would say it's an impossible feat, but, it every so often it does happen.

1. In Round 1 of 2005-2006 the Canmore Eagles lost the first two games in a best of five series to the Drumheller Dragons. Facing elimination the Eagles would storm back winning the next three to advance to Round 2.
2. In the 1942 Stanley Cup Finals the Toronto Maple Leafs would over come a 3 game deficit - beating the Detroit Red Wings in 4 straight in win the series and the cup.
   
3. In the 2004 MLB Semi-Finals the Boston Red Sox would also do the impossible. In arguably the fiercest rivalry in sports - the Bo-Sox came back from 3 games down to beat the New York Yankees in four straight, winning the semis and eventually winning the World Series in the next round.
   
4. To me the most impressive comeback came in 1975 when the very young and inexperienced New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 7 of the Quarter Finals after trailing 3 games to none. The most impressive stat, and much like the Olds Grizzlys, is that the Islanders never lead on the scoreboard in any of the first three games, not even for a second. In fact of the 180 minutes (3 games) the Penguins held a lead for 153 minutes and 19 seconds - or about 83% of the time - the remain 17%, the game was tied.

PARTING SHOTS
The Olds Grizzlys will try to cue the comeback tonight from the Olds Sportscomplex. Listen to live coverage of tonight's game on 96.5 CKfm, starting at 7:30.
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GRIZZLYS FINDING SUCCESS OUTSIDE OF THE CAVE

A pair of Olds Grizzlys Alumni were on the SAIT Trojans Men's Hockey Team that captured the 2009 ACAC Championship on Sunday night in Calgary.

Former Grizzlys defenseman Kirk Deeg and forward Kyle Dorowicz were among 13 former AJHLer's on the roster.

The Trojans beat the Mount Royal Cougars 1-0 in game 5 of the best of 5 series.

Meantime another two players who used to throw on the Black and Gold will be in action tonight in the WHL's post-season.

Former Olds Blue-Liner Max Ross and the Lethbridge Hurricanes are up against the Saskatoon Blades in Game 3 of their best of 7 first round tilt.

Ross picked up an assist in Game 2 - helping the Hurricanes to a 5-2 win to tie the series at a game a piece.

While former Grizzly Net-Minder Tyson Sexsmith will most likely get the call between for the Vancouver Giants as they try to extend their series lead to 3 games to none of the Prince George Cougars.

Sexsmith has allowed three goals in 2 games, while the Giants offense has been the difference so far scoring 17 goals so far.


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OLDS WELL REPRESENTED AT PROVINCIALS

Teams from Olds fared well during Week Three of Hockey Alberta's Provincial Action.

The Olds Thunder once again found themselves in the medals - earning a silver at the Female Pee-Wee B Championships in Viking.

The Thunder downed Strathmore 4-3 in the semis before falling 4-1 in the Lloydminster Blazers in the finals.

Olds' Pee-Wee Girls won Gold last year.

Elsewhere the Olds Renegades lost 2-0 to Vauxhall in the Semi Finals at the Midget 'B' Female Championships in Edson.

MONDAY - GAMES 1,2 & NOW 3

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?

Let's be honest, the Olds Grizzlys' Coaching Staff probably wouldn't call Games 1 and 2 of their AJHL Semi-Final Series in Spruce Grove a complete success.

Yesterday the Grizzlys boarded the bus heading back to Olds down two games to none and having been outscored 6 to 2 in total so far in the best of 7 series.

That's the big picture.

But when you really break it down and a take good long look at the Games 1 and 2 - there really isn't much to be disappointed about.

In Game 1 the Grizzly's lost 4-1. Sure, that doesn't sound flattering, but factor this, one of the Saints' goals came after a weak shot from the blueline, which initially was sailing well wide, took a bizarre deflection off one of Grizzlys' sticks and in to the net while the fourth goal was an empty net marker.

Don't me wrong - a Saints' win is still a Grizzlys loss - but by no means was the score an accurate reflection of the intensity and competitiveness of the game.

Both teams fired 30 - plus shots on net and both teams had their fair share of chances, though I will says the Saints had more of each.

In Game 2 the score would prove to be a very accurate reflection of how this series could go.

The Saints pulled off a 2-1 win in a contest that saw great goalkeeping from either side, great defense, and a true back and forth affair that saw the Saints control the first half-hour of play - matched with an equally impressive second half controlled for the most part by the Grizzlys.

When all was said and done there were several aspects the Grizzlys could look back on and take pride in during two very well played road games:

Penalty Kill - The Olds Grizzlys have held the Saints to only 1 Power Play Goal one their 9 Chances - that's 11% efficiency, where prior to this series Spruce Grove was clicking at 29% in the regular season and 30% in the post-season.

Goaltending - Marc Boulanger continues to prove he deserved everything he didn't get during the regular season, most obviouse, an invitation to the AJHL's All-Star Game. For those who didn't see Period 2 of Game 2, I feel sorry for you. Boulanger has allowed only 4 goals on 62 shots earning a .935 Save Percentage while keeping the Saint to an average of just over 2 goals per game, when they entered this series scoring an average of 4.

Physical Play - The clear M-O right out of the gate for the Grizzlys was to hit. Though it was much better in Game 2 than it was the night before - you have to applaud the Grizzlys for hitting at all. Average Height for the Saints - 6'2'' (including a pair of players at 6'5"). Average Height for the Grizzlys - 5'11".

Looking back the Grizzlys skated, hit and competed with the Nation's top CJHL team. So mission accomplished? No. But it certainly wasn't and isn't going to be the "Mission: Impossible" some had dubbed this series for the Grizzlys.

SCORING SUMMARY
GAME 1

PERIOD 1

Spruce Grove Saints at 4:00 - Brett Switzer from Shane Lehman and David Glen

PERIOD 2

Spruce Grove Saints at 9:14 - Konrad Becker (unassisted)

Spruce Grove Saints at 14:26 - Curt Morrison from Tyler Barr

PERIOD 3

Olds Grizzlys at 3:42 (PP) - Wade Bergman from Shadoe Stoodley

Spruce Grove Saints at 18:53 (SH) (EN) - Scott Allen (unassisted)

GAME 2

PERIOD 1

Spruce Grove Saints at 3:41 - David Glen from Shane Lehman

PERIOD 2

Olds Grizzlys at 14:14 - Jordan Kwas from Nicholas Bourgeois and Matt Tinordi

PERIOD 3

Spruce Grove Saints at 7:28 (PP) - Brett Switzer from Curt Morrison and Brendan Lines

INTERESTING TO NOTE
Home Town advantage becomes critical during the North-South Cross Over. When you factor in the away from home eating and sleeping along with the travel. . .it wares a team down. (I did not play hockey and just staying and eating with the team this past weekend, was exhausting) But to me, the biggest factor, is the home town crowds. When any team, at any level, in any sport to gets to the Semi Finals - it creates a buzz in the community. People get excited and head down to games in droves. (Except for in Spruce Grove apparently, where the loudest thing in the Spruce Grove Arena was the Titanic Fog Horn - followed closely by the 20-some Grizzly fans who made the trip). The last game at the Olds Sportcomplex had over 1100 fans in attendance, and that was on a Monday!

5 and 1 = The Grizzlys record at the Olds Sportscomplex in the post season.

FRIDAY - ROUND 3

AND IT BEGINS

It's been five long years since the Olds Grizzlys advanced to Alberta Junior Hockey League's Semi-Finals - a stretch that ends tonight.

The Grizzlys' clinched a final-four spot for the first time since 2004 with a 4 games to 2, Second Round Series win over the Okotoks Oilers on Monday and are now gearing up and packing up for a weekend in Spruce Grove.

Dating back to 1989 Olds has made the final four 11 times (prior to tonight's series kick off) and have emerged victorious 4 times - the last time was over a decade ago in 1995.

FINAL FOUR HISTORY

1989	South Final	Lost 4-1 to Red Deer Rustlers
1990	South Final	Lost 4-1 to Calgary Canucks
1992	Semi Final	Won 4-1 over Fort Saskatchewan Traders
1993	Semi Final	Won 4-1 over Fort McMurray Oil Barons
1994	Semi Final	Won 4-0 over St. Albert Saints
1995	Semi Final	Won 4-0 over Sherwood Park Crusaders
1996	Semi Final	Lost 4-0 to St. Albert Saints
1999	Semi Final	Lost 4-1 to Calgary Canucks
2001	Semi Final	Lost 4-3 to Drayton Valley Thunder
2002	Semi Final	Lost 4-0 to Drayton Valley Thunder
2004	Semi Final	Lost 4-2 to Grande Prairie Storm

Safe to say - this team to due.

It won't be an easy task however.

Not only will the Grizzlys have to travel to the AJHL's North but, once there, they'll be up against this year's power-house Spruce Grove Saints.

First and foremost, the North.

Whether AJHL Players will admit it or not - it's a whole new ball game when teams travel from one division to another. It's not like traveling to play a team you'll face 6 times in a regular season. In fact, teams will only play other teams from opposition divisions twice in a year.

Here's how the Grizzlys fared against teams from the North this season.

OLDS RECORD Vs. NORTH OPPONENTS
9-8-0-1
AT HOME
5-2-0-1
AWAY
4-6-0-0
GOALS SCORED Vs. NORTH OPPONENTS
47 (Avg. 2.61 per Game)
GOALS ALLOWED
57 (Avg. 3.16 per Game)
SHOTS FOR Vs. NORTH OPPONENTS
579
SHOTS AGAINST
571
POWER PLAY GOALS Vs. NORTH OPPONENTS
17 for 106 (16%)
POWER PLAY GOALS ALLOWED
18 for 92 (19.6%)

Now, it's not so much as what Division the Grizzlys are playing but who the Grizzlys are playing.

The Spruce Grove Saints lead the league in almost every statistical category in the regular season:

In the overall standings with a 46-7-4-5 record, good for 101 points, 12 more than any other team in the league and 27 more than the Olds Grizzlys.

In Goals For with 274 - averaging 4.4 per game. (Grizzlys averaged 3.6)

In Goals Against Average with 2.2 per game. (Grizzlys allowed 3 per game)

In Power Play Percentage with a 29.79% conversion rate. (Grizzlys worked at 18.84)

In Penalty Kill, thwarting the opposition's Power Plays 87.90% of the time. (Grizzlys at 84%)

Scarier still, the Saints haven't lost 2 games in regulation in a row this season and of their 7 regulation losses and 5 overtime losses - 4 regulation loses and 3 overtime loses came in the first two months of the season.

This is nothing new to Grizzlys Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg, who made it clear earlier in the week that his team isn't taking anything or one for granted.

"They have a lot of skilled players, they've got the Co-MVP running the back end and some great goaltending," he said. "We're going to have to be at our best and the players in that dressing room know that."

REGULAR SEASON HISTORY
The Grizzlys and the Saints met up only twice in the regular season, the Saints winning both games and outscoring Olds 12-4 (41% of the Saints Goals came on the PP, Olds went 1 for 11).

KEYS TO THE SERIES
Playing disciplined hockey. Grizzlys Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg says keeping the series 5 on 5 will be critical.

INTERESTING TO NOTE
Keep an eye on Blue-Liner Frank Carbonaro. The former Spruce Grove Saint was traded to the Olds Grizzlys mid-season for power-forward Konrad Becker. Carbonaro, who's been a standout in the post-season for the Grizzlys, is excited to for this series to begin.

"It's exciting," according to 18 year old Carbonaro, "I was kind of hoping things would turn out this way." "To back and play in front of Spruce Grove is a chance to play in front of family and friends and it's a chance to play against guys who I played with last year and guys that I grew up with too"


IN THIS BLOGGERS OPINION
Despite the Mountain of a Team the Grizzlys face in the Saints - at the end of the day, it's Playoff Hockey. Anything can happen. I've seen some of the best hockey I've seen the Grizzlys play in this post-season run but with that said, I've seen some of the worst. If Olds can get off this roller-coaster of inconsistency and play that "Grizzlys', Keep Pushing Forward Hockey" game in and game out - I have all the faith in the world they can pull off what some have said would be a miracle upset.

LIVE FROM THE GRANT FUHR ARENA
Listen to 96.5 CKfm for a complete Semi-Final preview starting at 6:30, followed by live play by play at 7:00.

WEDNESDAY - EVERYBODY'S WATCHING CAMROSE VS BROOKS, THE RED DEER REBELS, & INNISFAIL INDIANS

SCOREBOARD WATCHERS

The Olds Grizzlys, the Spruce Grove Saints and the Grande Prairie Storm are all stuck in limbo - that is until about 10:30 PM tonight.

By then, barring a terrific stretch of overtime, all three teams should know who their 'Final Four' opponent will be.

It all hinges on tonight's Game 7 between the Camrose Kodiaks and the Brooks Bandits.

Here's how it breaks down, should Brooks win;

Olds Grizzlys @ Spruce Grove Saints

Brooks Bandits @ Grande Prairie Storm

And if it's Camrose that takes the win;

Olds Grizzlys @ Grande Prairie Storm

Camrose Kodiaks @ Spruce Grove Saints

Game time is 7:00 and live play by play can be heard by clicking either here for Camrose or here for Brooks.

This is one of those series where home ice really seems to be an advantage as each team has struggled to win away from their own barn;

Camrose Kodiaks	@	Brooks Bandits	2 - 7
Camrose Kodiaks	@	Brooks Bandits	2 - 6
Brooks Bandits	@	Camrose Kodiaks	3 - 5
Brooks Bandits	@	Camrose Kodiaks	1 - 2
Camrose Kodiaks	@	Brooks Bandits	1 - 3
Brooks Bandits	@	Camrose Kodiaks	2 - 5

___________________________
ANOTHER ROTTEN REBELS SEASON IN THE BOOKS

The Red Deer Rebels managed to win their last game of the season, a 2-1 triumph over the Edmonton Oil Kings, but the problem is that once again their last game of the season came earlier than that of 16 other teams in the Western Hockey League.

Just eight seasons removed from a Memorial Cup and six removed from three seasons of consecutive division and conference titles the Rebels have now missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons and three of the last four years.

Yes, it's safe to say the once feared Eastern Conference power house has seen it's fair share of struggles over the past few seasons.

But, to be fair the team has seen it's fair share of changes.

Mastermind GM and Coach Brent Sutter left the team he still owns to prove his worth in the NHL's Coaching Ranks (New Jersey Devils) in July of 2007, then his replacement, older brother Brian resigned after only a season - leaving the reins to former Calgary Flames defenceman and rookie coach Jesse Wallin.

Wallin did manage to improve the teams point totals from a year earlier, picking up 60 points as opposed to 43 the year before, but, even with the 17 point differential the Rebels still finished 6th in the Central Division for the second year in a row.

So what comes next for the Red Deer Rebels, where do they go from here and how can they return to their former glory?

I have no idea.

But, I am a glass half full kind of guy. . .so here are 3 things the Rebels can look forward to:

1) Coaching - Wallin may not have gotten the Rebels to the Post-Season, but there was an improvement over the man he replaced, and that's all you can ask of a rookie head coach.

2) Landon Ferraro - Though the Rebels' 18 year old M-V-P will likely be drafted to the NHL in the latter portion of the 1st round - it's not likely he'll be NHL ready. With that said, he could once again join the Rebels next season and that's good news for the Red Deer team considering he more than doubled his goal output from the year before and scored 22% of the teams total goals this season.

3) Alex Petrovic - this year's Rookie of the Year for the Rebels finished with 13 points and a -4 rating on the Blue-Line, but given his age and his 6'4" frame this kid is going to get nothing but better.
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SPRING TRAINING UNDERWAY

There may still be snow on the ground but the Innisfail Indians Baseball Team isn't waiting to get their spring training underway.

After only one disappointing but crucial loss last season, the Indians are hoping to get back to Parkland Baseball League glory.

Heading into 2007-08, the Indians were the defending champs but after an undefeated regular season in the P.B.L, the Tribe's first and only loss came in a semi final elimination game to the Rocky Red Dogs.

The Indians should see several returning faces which is a good thing because team officials say this year the primary goal is to bring the title back to Innisfail.

With that said, according to Ray Begeron, there will be a few open roster spots with the departure of Curtis Flewelling, Andy Willigar and Denver Wik and the Tribe hopes to have those filed by those interested in playing competitive ball this season.

The Indians will be practicing indoors until weather and field conditions allow the workouts to move outdoors.

Anyone interested in earning a spot on the Tribe's roster is asked to contact Ray at 403-227-6464.

The Parkland Baseball League is recognized by Baseball Alberta as 'AA' with a season that runs from mid-May into early August.

TUESDAY- GRIZZLYS HEADING TO SEMI'S

...W

For the first time since 2004, the Olds Grizzlys will be apart of the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Final Four.

The Grizzlys advanced to the league's semi finals after a dominant 7-1 Game 6 win over the Okotoks Oilers last night at the Olds Sports Complex, a win that clinched the Second Round Series for Olds 4 games to 2.

With 8 goals scored in the game - it's hard to belive none of them came in the first period.

Infact the first goal of the game would come just over a minute into the second period, when on the power play the Grizzlys' "Tic-Tac-Toe Trio", Kwas to deBruyn to Orban to the back of the net, would make it 1-0.

(AJHL's Scoring Summary does not list Kwas on the play - why, I have no idea)

Later at 17:25 Corey Campbell would use hard work and benifit from the great vision of deBruyn and Kwas on the Power Play to make it 2-0 Grizzlys - and thats how the score would stay heading into the third.

In the final frame - Marc Boulanger and the Grizzlys would have to weather an over five minute flurry from Okotoks, a flurry that was finally rewarded with a John McInnis goal to get Okotoks to within 1.

But not 30 seconds later Nic Bourgeois would score for Olds making it 3-1 - stomping out any of the new-found life in the Okotoks Oilers and switching the Grizzlys to rapid-fire.

At 11:46 and 14:20 of the 3rd Brance Orban would score a pair of goals to complete the hat-trick and make it 5-1, at 18:12 Shadoe Stoodley would score an empty net marker making it 6-1, then 19:34 Bourgeois would score his 2nd of the night short-handed to make it 7-1.

After the game Bourgeois, who now leads all active post-season rookies with 5 goals, talked about the goal he scored that quite literally halted Okotoks' hopes of a come-back, "I dont' really know," he said with a smirk, "I walked out there and saw five-hole and tried going five-hole and the next thing I know my stick was out of my hands and I didn't know what happened and all of a sudden I saw the ref. point it was in. . . I was pretty excited, I'm glad it went in."

Grizzlys Net-Minder Marc Boulanger, who, other than a 7-0 shutout over Drumheller in Game 3 of the 1st round, posted his highest save percentage of the post-season, was a cool as a cucumber when he talked about his tremendous performance in Game 6.

"It was just another game, other players to face in another rink" he said. "Tonight things were going my way, pucks were hitting me and sometimes that's just how it goes."

Over 1100 fans piled into the Sportsplex and Brance Orban, who lead the charge offensively with 3 goals, said the community support didn't go unnoticed.

"At home with our fans, I don't think anyone's going to beat us. . .that's incredible."

The Grizzlys will have to wait until games 3 and 4 of Round 3 before getting another chance to entertain the home town crowd as they now enter the Semis as one of the lowest seeds.

And speaking of waiting, they'll have to do just that before they even know who their "Final Four" opponent will be. . . depending on the winner of Wednesday's Game 7 between Camrose and Brooks - Olds will head to either Grande Prairie or Spruce Grove this weekend.

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Olds Grizzlys at 1:12 (PP) - Brance Orban from Curtis deBruyn

Olds Grizzlys at 17:25 (PP) - Corey Campbell from Curtis deBruyn and Jordan Kwas

PERIOD 3

Okotoks Oilers at 6:03 - John McInnis from Brandon Hoogenboom and Jeremy Roberts

Olds Grizzlys at 6:28 - Nicholas Bourgeois (unassisted)

Olds Grizzlys at 11:46 - Brance Orban from Corey Campbell and Frank Carbonaro

Olds Grizzlys at 14:20 - Brance Orban from Corbin Karl and Wade Bergman

Olds Grizzlys at 18:12 (EN) - Shadoe Stoodley from Matt Marantz and Wade Bergman

Olds Grizzlys at 19:34 (SH) - Nicholas Bourgeois (unassisted)

GAME NOTES
Grizzlys' Carey Koruluk missed his second consecutive game due to a lower body injury; Grizzlys' Blue-Liner Brendon Algeo was a healthy scratch for game 6; Okotoks out-shot Olds 38-30; Olds went 2 for 7 with the P-P (28.5%); Okotoks went 0 for 7 (0%); Marc Boulanger posted a .973 SV%; In 52 minutes of action Sean Cahill posted a 851 SV% while Steve Papciak in 7:22 minutes posted a .666 SV%.

SERIES SUMMARY
GAME 1 - Olds 5 Okotoks 2
GAME 2 - Okotoks 6 Olds 3
GAME 3 - Olds 6 Okotoks 5
GAME 4 - Olds 3 Okotoks 2
GAME 5 - Okotoks 6 Olds 2
GAME 6 - Olds 7 Okotoks 1

SERIES TOTALS

GOALS
OLDS - 26
OKOS - 22

SHOTS
OLDS - 190
OKOS - 168

POWER PLAY %
OLDS - 23%
OKOS - 15%

OLDS LEADING POINT GETTERS
GOALS - BRANCE ORBAN = 5

ASSISTS - CURTIS deBRUYN & FRANK CARBONARO (TIED) = 5

POINTS - JORDAN KWAS & BRANCE ORBAN (TIED) = 8

OKOTOKS LEADING POINT GETTERS
GOALS - CORBIN KNIGHT = 7

ASSISTS - KYLE REYNOLDS & CHRIS DUSZYNSKI (TIED) = 5

POINTS - CORBIN KNIGHT = 8

INTERESTING TO NOTE
The Olds Grizzlys scored by committee in the regular season and it hasn't stop in the playoffs - here's a list of the League Leading Scorers in the Post-Season (as of March 17th) - you'll see Olds is very well represented.

PLAYER # P TEAM GP G A PTS P/G PPG SHG PIM 1 Jordan Kwas 15 F Olds Grizzlys 11 7 10 17 1.5 3 1 4 2 Brance Orban 10 LW Olds Grizzlys 11 10 6 16 1.5 5 0 4 3 Zahn Raubenheimer 21 F Grande Prairie Storm 10 8 8 16 1.6 1 0 6 4 Reese Rolheiser 14 C Sherwood Park Crusaders 10 5 11 16 1.6 2 1 12 5 Curtis deBruyn 25 D Olds Grizzlys 11 2 14 16 1.5 1 0 14 6 Morgan MacLean 27 F Grande Prairie Storm 10 3 10 13 1.3 1 0 14 7 Nick Blair 20 LW Sherwood Park Crusaders 10 2 11 13 1.3 0 0 54 8 Corban Knight 9 F Okotoks Oilers 9 10 2 12 1.3 3 1 12 9 Kyle Reynolds 26 F Okotoks Oilers 9 4 8 12 1.3 0 0 20 10 Dennis Rix 9 F Grande Prairie Storm 10 3 9 12 1.2 3 0 4 11 Blake Clement 15 F Grande Prairie Storm 8 8 3 11 1.4 3 1 21 12 Shadoe Stoodley 9 F Olds Grizzlys 11 8 3 11 1.0 1 0 30 13 Carter Rowney 17 F Grande Prairie Storm 10 7 4 11 1.1 4 0 6 14 Nik Yaremchuk 7 LW Sherwood Park Crusaders 10 7 4 11 1.1 2 0 6 15 Frank Carbonaro 27 D Olds Grizzlys 11 0 11 11 1.0 0 0 4 16 Jarret Granberg 9 F Brooks Bandits 6 4 6 10 1.7 2 0 0 17 Branden Gracel 26 C Fort McMurray Oil Barons 9 4 6 10 1.1 1 0 4 18 Corey Campbell 14 C Olds Grizzlys 11 4 6 10 0.9 3 0 22 19 Shawn Ostrow 26 F Camrose Kodiaks 10 2 8 10 1.0 1 1 10 20 Rob Kleebaum 39 F Sherwood Park Crusaders 10 8 1 9 0.9 5 0 15 LEAGUE LEADING PLAYERS

NEXT 20 >

**6 of 20 = 30% of the League's Top Point Producers in the Post Season.

IN THIS BLOGGERS OPINION
Don't let the score of the last two games fool you - this series was much closer than they would make it seem. This was one hell of a series and to me Games 3 and 4 were the truest indicators of that.

After this series, to me anyway, the Grizzlys have proven the benefits of putting a team together based on character, grit, determination and chemistry. Though their dept chart may not show a team full of All-Stars, when push comes to shove, every player in that locker room knows their responsibility out on the ice, they know they're just one part of the body. They may be a hand, a foot, a finger, a toe, an arm or a leg - but so long as every part moves in sync with the other - there's no telling how far this body can run.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
After the series I had a chance to talk with a proud Grandfather of one of the Grizzlys. I won't say who, but I will say the conversation reminded me of why I, and the majority of people in this country, love this sport so much. He talked about how proud he was to be able to be part of his Grandson's development growing up and being able to see hours of hard work (my words - not his) paying off on the ice, right in front of him. He told me he used to give this practicular Grizzly a dollar for every goal and 2 dollars for every assist - and based on this players numbers in both the regular and the post season - I can say, job well done.