Wednesday, April 22, 2009

WEDNESDAY - LET ME GET YOU UP TO SPEED

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I'm in the midst of a move and as a first time "home-buyer" who has rented property for the better part of 6 years I did not expect the time, paper-work, appointments, ya da, ya da, ya da.

It's been a crazy few weeks and will remain that way for the foreseeable future.

Until things calm down Central Alberta Sports Report will feature, at the very least, a weekly edition as opposed to daily updates.

So with all of that said. Let me get you up to speed.

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DeBRUYN FINDS HIS NEXT HOCKEY HOME

The Olds Grizzlys are pleased to announce that 20-year-old defenseman Curtis deBruyn has committed to the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Curtis will join the Chargers (College Hockey America) for the 2009 season.

Curtis joined the Olds Grizzlys in the 2005/06 season as a 17 year old. During his four year campaign with the Olds Grizzlys Curtis has proven to everyone that perseverance, dedication, and will turned his dream into reality.

While suffering broken jaws, numerous roles and the pressure of leading a young team to the Final Four during his final year of Junior hockey, Curtis never stopped believing that hard work would pay off. Capping his junior career off as the leading scoring defenseman in the AJHL Playoffs with 18 points in 15 games was proof he was deserving of a Division 1 Scholarship.

Olds Coach Kevin Hasselberg on deBruyn's past with the Grizzlys and future with the Chargers.


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CENTRAL ALBERTA REPRESENTED IN AHL PLAYOFFS

A couple of Olds products are head to head in the American Hockey League's post-season.

Jason Jaffray's Manitoba Moose beat Jay Rosehill's Toronto Marlies 5-1 on Tuesday - tieing the series at 2 games a piece.

Jaffray scored a goal and added an assist for Manitoba, adding to his now 4 point post-season total.

Rosehill meantime was held pointless.

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CARTER AND COMPANY IN BIG HOLE AT DOYLE CUP

Former Olds Grizzlys Netminder Chad Carter and the rest of the Grande Prairie Storm are in big trouble.

The AJHL versus BCHL Championship series shifted back to Alberta on Tuesday but despite having home ice advantage the Storm lost 2-1, falling into a 3 games to none deficit to the Vernon Vipers.

Game 4 goes Wednesday, with the winner of the best of seven affair punching a ticket to the RBC Cup.
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SEXSMITH PICKS UP 30th WHL POSTSEASON WIN

Former Olds Grizzly Tyson Sexsmith picked up his 30th W-H-L post-season win in helping his Vancouver Giants regain home ice advantage in their WHL Western Conference Final on Tuesday night.

Lance Bouma scored the game winning goal and Sexsmith made 33 saves as the Giants beat the Kelowna Rockets 3-2 - taking a 2 games to 1 series lead in the process.

In the East, the Calgary Hitmen have yet to loose a post-season game.

The Hitmen, who swept their opposition in the first two rounds, beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 4-3 in Overtime and in doing so took a dominating 3 games to none series lead.

Monday, April 13, 2009

MONDAY - BACK TO THE BLOG

DOYLE CUP

The Grande Prairie Storm know who they'll be up against in the Doyle Cup.

The Vernon Vipers captured BCHL's Fred Page Cup with a 2-1 win over the Powell River Kings on home ice last night - winning the series 4 games to two.

The Storm and the Vipers will now clash to see who will represent the Pacific Region at the RBC Cup.

The Doyle Cup will kick off in Vernon this Friday.
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WHL STUFF

And then there were 3.

Three teams have advanced to the next round of the Western Hockey League Playoffs.

The Kelowna Rockets joined the ranks of Semi-Finalist after eliminating the Tri-City Americans last night with a 6-2 win, capturing the series 4 games to 2.

Calgary Flames prospect Mikael Backlund scored twice and added a helper in the win for Kelowna.

Elsewhere former Grizzly Tyson Sexsmith made 29 saves for the Vancouver Giants in a 3-2 double overtime win over the Spoke Chiefs.

The win sends the series to a 7th game in Vancouver.

Here in the East - both the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Calgary Hitmen have already advanced.
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GIVE IT UP FOR A FELLOW DRUMHELLION

A pair of AJHLers have been invited to attend the NHL's upcoming Scouting Combine.

Corbin Knight of the Okotoks Oilers and Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks will join more than 100 of the best draft eligible players from around the world for a series of physical, medical and psychological tests prior to the NHL's Draft.

A couple of Red Deer Rebels have also been invited to attend including Landon Ferraro and Cassidy Mappin of Drumheller.

The combine goes June 26th and 27th from Montreal.
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ALLAN CUP

The 2009 edition of the Allan Cup kicks off today in Steinbach, Manitoba.

The puck drops on the Nation's Senior Mens Hockey Championship Tournament when Manitoba's South East Prairie Thunder play Saskatchewan's Lloydminster Border Kings this afternoon.

While the Chinook Hockey League and Pacific Region champion Bentley Generals open the Tournament tomorrow against the likes of Former Calgary Theoren Fleury and the host Steinbach Northstars.

The Generals were runners up last year after loosing to the host Brantford Blast in Championship game.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

TUESDAY - ACAL ACTION


THE UPSET

The Olds College Lady Broncos were on the wrong side of an upset after this weekend's Alberta Colleges Athletic League's Basketball Championships were in the books.

The Number 1 ranked Lady Broncs fell to the Number 3 ranked Keyano Huskies of Fort McMurray 53-45 in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday.

As a result of a first round bye the only other game Olds played over the weekend was a convincing 76 to 57 win over the Number 4 Seed Rocky Mountain College Rams.

Meantime O.C.'s Mens Basketball team also fell victim to an upset when the 4th Ranked Ambrose University College Lions downed the 3rd Ranked Broncos 58-53 in the Bronze Medal Game.

Earlier in the Tourney the Broncs beat 6th Ranked 78-62 in the Quarter Finals but fell in the Semis to 2nd Ranked Keyano 85-79.

Monday, April 6, 2009

MONDAY - G.P. GRABS THE BROOMS & A WHOLE LOT MORE . . .

SAINTS SWEPT BY STORM

The Grande Prairie Storm have pulled off the upset - and have done so in dominating fashion.

The Storm completed a 4 game sweep over the Spruce Grove Saints last night.

Morgan MacLean scored his 2nd goal of the contest in double over time, in turn giving his team a 4-3 win and the title of 2008-2009 AJHL Champions.

Former Grizzly Netminder Chad Carder stopped 35 of 38 shots in the win for Grande Prairie while Vincenzo Marrozi made 45 saves in the loss for Canada's Number 1 Ranked Spruce Grove.

The Storm's AJHL Championship comes just 5 years apart from their last when in 2003-2004 G.P hoisted the then Rogers Wireless Cup.

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1
Grande Prairie Storm at 6:10 (PP) - Adam Young (unassisted)
Spruce Grove Saints at 11:30 - Scott Allen from Josh Keizer and Brendan Lines
PERIOD 2
Grande Prairie Storm at 7:45 (PP) - Morgan MacLean from Tanner Fritz and Dennis Rix
Grande Prairie Storm at 14:59 (SH) - Blake Clement from Zahn Raubenheimer
PERIOD 3
Spruce Grove Saints at 14:48 (PP) - Nate Fleming (unassisted)
Spruce Grove Saints at 19:39 - Curt Morrison from Brett Cameron
OVERTIME PERIOD 2
Grande Prairie Storm at 11:50 - Morgan MacLean from Blake Clement

ROWNEY NAMED MVP

Though he was held of the scoring sheet last night, Grande Prairie Carter Rowney was named the 2008-2009 Playoff MVP.

The 19 year-old Rowney from Sexsmith, Alberta scored 3 game winning goals, 7 power play goals adding to his 18 points in 19 post-season games.

While despite playing in only 15 games, Grizzlys forward Jordan Kwas finished in a tie for 3rd in post-season scoring with 20 points - good for a 1.3 points per game average.



THE LIST

With their Championship the Grande Prarie Storm join an exclusive club of teams to reach AJHL Glory.





AJHL Champions

2008-09 __ Grande Prairie Storm
2007-08 __ Camrose Kodiaks
2006-07 __ Camrose Kodiaks
2005-06 __ Fort McMurray Oil Barons
2004-05 __ Camrose Kodiaks
2003-04 __ Grande Prairie Storm
2002-03 __ Camrose Kodiaks
2001-02 __ Drayton Valley
2000-01 __ Camrose Kodiaks
1999-00 __ Fort McMurray Oil Barons
1998-99 __ Calgary Canucks
1997-98 __ St. Albert Saints
1996-97 __ Fort McMurray Oil Barons
1995-96 __ St. Albert Saints
1994-95 __ Calgary Canucks
1993-94 __ Olds Grizzlys
1992-93 __ Olds Grizzlys
1991-92 __ Olds Grizzlys

1999-91 __ Calgary Royals
1989-90 __ Calgary Canucks
1988-89 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1987-88 __ Calgary Canucks
1986-87 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1985-86 __ Calgary Canucks
1984-85 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1983-84 __ Fort Saskatchewan Traders
1982-83 __ Calgary Canucks
1981-82 __ St. Albert Saints
1980-81 __ St. Albert Saints
1979-80 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1978-79 __ Fort Saskatchewan Traders
1977-78 __ Calgary Canucks
1976-77 __ Calgary Canucks
1975-76 __ Spruce Grove Mets
1974-75 __ Spruce Grove Mets
1973-74 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1972-73 __ Calgary Canucks
1971-72 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1970-71 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1969-70 __ Red Deer Rustlers
1968-69 __ Lethbridge Sugar Kings
1967-68 __ Edmonton Western Movers
1966-67 __ Edmonton Western Movers
1965-66 __ Calgary Buffaloes
1964-65 __ Calgary Buffaloes

WHAT'S NEXT

The Grande Prairie Storm will now face off against the BCHL League Champion in the 2009 Edition of the Doyle Cup.

The Storm will face the winner of the Vernon Vipers - Powell River Kings BCHL Championship Series.

The Doyle Cup kicks off on April 17th in British Columbia with the winner qualifying for the 2009 RBC Cup National Junior 'A' Championships in Victoria.

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HASSELBERG OFF TO TIMMONS

Grizzly's Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg has been named an Assistant Coach for Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Hasselberg will work under Head Coach Micheal Dyck of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the upcoming tournament which is made up of 10 teams from the Atlantic Region, the Ontario Region, the Pacific Region, the Quebec Region and the West Region along with International teams from Germany, Russia, Finland, Slovakia, and the United States.

Hasselberg, who's been the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Olds Grizzlys for the past 4 years, says he looking forward to the opportunity.

"It's a possition I've been applying for for the past couple of season's now and I guess they felt I was ready," Hasselberg explained. "I'm very honored and proud to be apart of that program".

The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which bring together the worlds best players born in or later than 1993, will take place in Timmons, Ontario from December 28 to January 4th.

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GRIZZ SPRING CAMP WRAPS UP

The Olds Grizzlys wrapped up their annual spring camp on Sunday.

The team focused on skill development on Friday but for the rest of the weekend played a tournament style competition.

In the 'A' Final yesterday Team Grey coached by Grizzly Net-Minder Marc Boulanger and Defenseman Brendon Algeo blew out Team Black, coached by Grizzly Forwards Sean Neumier and Nic Bourgeois 8-0.

IN THIS BLOGGERS OPINION
Brendan Santini was a stand-out. The 6 foot 1 Winger scored two goals for Team Grey. Santini has actually already seen AJHL action, playing 1 game for the Grizzlys against the Calgary Royals last season where he notched an assist. The 15 year old was drafted in the 5th round by the Calgary Hitmen after an outstanding 2008 Campaign with the Calgary Northstar Sabers where he scored 20 goals and 38 points in 33 games played. This past season, with the Calgary 'AAA' Midget Northstars, Santini score 17 goals and 30 point in 33 games played.
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WHL RESULTS



EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Lethbridge Hurricanes 1 @ Calgary Hitmen 2
(Hitmen lead best-of-seven series 2 Games to none)
*Sundre's Austin Fyten was held pointless in Game 2


Medicine Hat Tigers 6 @ Brandon Wheat Kings 8
(Wheat Kings lead best of seven series 2 Games to none)
*Didsbury's Bretton Camerson scored a goal for the Tiger in Game 2

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BENTLEY PUNCHES TICKET TO STEINBACH

The Bentley Generals are off to the Allan Cup.

The Generals downed the Fort Saint John Flyers 3-2 last night at the Red Deer Arena to win the Best-of-Five Alberta/B.C. 'AAA' Mens Final 3 games to 1.

The 2009 Allan Cup will be played in Steinbach, Manitoba April 13th to the 18th while as the Pacific Representation the Generals will kick off the tournament against the Host Steinbach Northstars on April 14th.

RUMOR MILL
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Former Calgary Flames Great Theoren Fleury would suit up for the Northstars. Apparently Fleury, who's name is on the Roster, will wear number 74 during the Tournament.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

SUNDAY - GRIZZ CAMP, ENERFLEX CUP, WHL RESULTS, MacKENZIE CUP & JUNIOR 'B' PROVINCIALS

GRIZZ BACK IN THE CAVE

The Olds Grizzlys' Spring Camp continues today.

On Friday the Grizzlys and prospects alike focused on skill development while also playing in a tournament style play-down.

The 'A' Final of said play-down goes from the Sportscomplex today at 2:00 PM.

Galen Hartviksen (Play by Play Voice of the Grizzlys) took in yesterday's action and informed me that a team coached by Grizzlys Grinder Sean Neumier upset Jordan Kwas' and Frank Carbonaro's team.

All in all it sounds like the kids are having fun at the Camp and we'll have a full break down tomorrow.
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ONE WIN AWAY. . .

The Grande Prairie Storm are a single win away from pulling off a shocking upset over the Spruce Grove Saints.

Brett Cameron and Jordan Draper scored for the Saints in the first period but three third period goals scored by Matt Williams, Dennis Rix and Blake Clement for the Storm would give Grande Prairie a 3-2 win on home ice and a 3 games to none series lead over the Saints in the AJHL's final.

Former Grizzly Goalie Chad Carder made 24 saves in the win while after sitting in Game 2 of the series Travis Rolheiser made 35 saves in the loss.

Game 4 goes tonight.

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1
Spruce Grove Saints at 17:54 (PP) - Brett Cameron from Brett Switzer
Spruce Grove Saints at 19:06 - Jordan Draper from Joshua Lazowski and Nate Fleming
PERIOD 2
No Scoring
PERIOD 3
Grande Prairie Storm at 2:53 (PP) - Matt Williams from Zahn Raubenheimer and Bobby Tyson
Grande Prairie Storm at 15:05 - Dennis Rix from Doug Reid and Zahn Raubenheimer
Grande Prairie Storm at 16:43 - Blake Clement from Carter Rowney
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WHL RESULTS



EASTE
RN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Medicine Hat Tigers 3 @ Brandon Wheat Kings 6
-Didsbury's Bretton Cameron was held pointless for the Tigers
(Brandon leads best of Seven Series 1 Game to None)


WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Spokane Chiefs 1 @ Vancouver Giants 4

-Former Grizzly Netminder Tyson Sexsmith made 18 Saves in the Win for Vancouver
-Former G
rizzly Forward Steve Kuhn was held Pointless for the Chiefs
(Vancouver leads best of Seven Series 2 Games to None)

Kelowna Rockets 2 @ Tri City Americans 3
(Americans lead best of Seven Series 2 Games to None)
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BENTLEY BACK ON TOP

The Bentley Generals are once again on top of the MacKenzie Cup Series.

Curtis Austring scored 2 goals helping the Generals to a 3 to 1 win over the Fort Saint John Flyers.

With the win Bentley takes a 2 games to 1 lead in the best of 5 Alberta/B.C. 'AAA' Mens Hockey
Final.

Game 4 goes tonight from the Red Deer Arena.
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COCHRANE OUSTED FROM PROVINCIALS

The Cochrane Generals were eliminated from the Junior 'B' Provincials yesterday.

Cochrane fell 5-1 to the Lloydminster Bandits in the tournament's Semi Finals.

The Generals were the last team remaining from the Heritage Junior Hockey League in the Tournament.

The Finals go today and will feature the Whitecourt Wolverines up against the Bandits.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

SATURDAY - GRIZZ SPRING CAMP, ENERFLEX CUP, WHL RESULTS, MacKENZIE CUP, JUNIOR 'B' PROVINCIALS


GRIZZLYS SPRING CAMP UNDER WAY

The Olds Grizzlys Spring Camp kicked off on Friday.

The team is in the midst of a tournament style play-down at the Sportscomplex.

I'll be in attendance for the 'A' Final tomorrow afternoon and will have a camp break down for Monday.
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STORM LOOK FOR STRANGLE HOLD ON SAINTS

The Grande Prairie Storm can take the next step toward a very big upset tonight.

The Storm lead the Best-of-Seven Enerflex Cup Championship Series 2 games to none and will look to take a 3 game lead in Grande Prairie.

G-P beat the Saints in both games played in Spruce Grove earlier this week thanks in large part to former Grizzly Goalie Chad Carder.

Carder has allowed only 1 goal in the two games of the Championship tilt thus far, earning a .983 Save Percentage.
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FLYERS EARN A MEASURE OF REVENGE

The Fort Saint John Flyers have tied the Best-of-Five MacKenzie Cup Series.

Six different Flyers scored goals en route to a 6-3 win over the Bentley Generals last night.

Over 1800 fans took in Game 2 of the Alberta/B.C. 'AAA' Mens Final at the Red Deer Arena.

Game 3 goes tonight.
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WHL RESULTS


Calgary Hitmen 7
Lethbridge Hurricanes 1

(Himen lead best of Seven Series 1 Game to none)
*Sundre's Austin Fyten was held pointless for the Hurricanes


Vancouver Giants 3
Spokane Chiefs 1

(Giants lead best of Seven Series 1 Game to none)
*Former Grizzly Tyson Sexsmith made 18 Saves in the Giants net


Tri City Americans 4
Kelowna Rockets 3
(Americans lead best of Seven Series 1 Game to none)
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JUNIOR 'B' PROVINCIALS

The Cochrane Generals are through to the Semis at Hockey Alberta's Junior 'B' Provincial Tournament in Cold Lake.

The Generals finished the Round Robin with a 2 and 1 record and will now face the Lloydminster Bandits tomorrow for a chance at the finals.

The Stettler Lightning were eliminated from the tournament, finishing with a 1 and 2 record.

Both the Lightning and Generals advanced from the Heritage Junior Hockey League.

Friday, April 3, 2009

FRIDAY - ENERFLEX CUP, MacKENZIE CUP, WHL, U-18 HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS, JUNIOR 'B' PROVINCIALS





NO HOME ICE ADVANTAGE FOR SAINTS

Home ice wasn't much of an advantage for the Spruce Grove Saints.

The Grande Prairie Storm beat the Saints 2-1 last night in Spruce Grove and took a huge 2 games-to-none lead in the Best-of-Seven AJHL Championship Series in the process.

Former Olds Grizzly Chad Carder made 33 saves while Tanner Fritz and Matt Williams provided the offense for the Storm.

Spruce Grove now has a long road ahead of them - both literally and figuratively.

The Saints will make the 5 hour drive to G-P for Game 3 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1
No Scoring
PERIOD 2
Grande Prairie Storm at 6:11 (PP) - Matt Williams from Dennis Rix and Zahn Raubenheimer
Spruce Grove Saints at 13:37 - Connor Hardowa from Colton Yaremovich and Shane Lehman
Grande Prairie Storm at 16:49 (PP) - Tanner Fritz from Morgan MacLean
PERIOD 3
No Scoring

INTERESTING TO NOTE

The Saints Power Play continue to struggle. Going 0 for 4 last night. They're 2 for 32 in their last 6 games. That's a 6.25% conversion rate and that won't work for anybody in the playoffs.

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WH
L'S ROUND 2

The Western Hockey League's Second Round of Post-Season action gets underway tonight. Here's a list of the match-ups along with who to keep an eye on in Round 2:

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Calga
ry Hitmen (1) Vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes (7)

Hitmen: Chase Schaber & Paul Postma both out of Red Deer

Hurricanes: Sundre's Austin Fyten
& Former Olds Grizzly Max Ross

Brandon Wheat Kings (3) Vs. Medicine Hat Tigers (5)

Tigers: Didsbury's Bretton Cameron

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS

Vancouver Giants (1) Vs. Spokane Chiefs (4)

Giants: Former Olds Grizzly Tyson Sexsmith & Lance Bouma out of Provost

Chiefs: Former Olds Grizzly Steve Kuhn from Oyen & Cochrane's Trevor Glass and Justin McCrae


Tri-City Americans (2) Vs. Kelowna Rockets (3)

Americans: Justin Feser out of Red Deer

Rockets: Hanna's Ryley Grantham

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BENTLEY UP TO THEIR USUAL TRICKS

The Bentley Generals kicked off their attempt at a 3rd straight MacKenzie Cup with a big win last night.

Former Hartford Whaler Kevin Smyth scored twice for the Generals - helping them beat the Fort Saint John Flyers 5-2 at the Red Deer Arena.

With the win the Generals take a one game to none series lead - Game 2 goes tonight.

The winner of the best-of-5 Series is off to Steinbach, Manitoba for a crack at the Allen Cup.
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AJHL REPRESENTED ON U-18 ROSTER

Camrose Kodiaks Blue-Liner Dylan Olsen was named to Hockey Canada's and the Canadian Hockey League's roster for the upcoming IIHF World Under 18 Hockey Championships.

Olsen, who has 54 career points in 104 games with the Kodiaks, joins a list of 21 other players born in or before 1991 from Hockey Leagues from all over the country - including the likes of the WHL, OHL and QMJHL.

Red Deer Rebels stand out Landon Farraro also cracked the line-up.

The Championships will be played in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorehead, Minnesota from April 9th to the 19th.
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STETTLER AND COCHRANE AT PROVINCIALS

Alberta's Junior 'B' Provincials continue today.

Both the Stettler Lightning and the Cochrane Generals are in Cold Lake representing the Heritage Junior League.

Cochrane downed the Sheerwood Park Knights 6-4 last night and will face the host Cold Lake Ice in Game 2 of Round Robin action.

The Lightning meantime lost 4-2 to the Fort Saskatchewan Hawks while today Stettler is back faces the Lloydminster Bandits.

The Semis goes tomorrow while the finals will go Sunday.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

THURSDAY - GAME 1 GOES TO G.P., WHL'S CANES, 'AAA' IN RED DEER, AND ACAL B-BALL

CARDER AND STORM STEAL GAME 1

Former Olds Grizzly Chad Carder made 28 saves in helping the Grande Prairie Storm steal home ice advantage from the Spruce Grove Saints.

Offense proved to be just as vital for the Storm as Tanner Fritz, Carter Rowney and Dennis Rix each scored in the 3-0 Game 1 Enerflex Cup Championship Series win.

The Saints will try to rebound, once again on home ice, tonight for Game 2.

SCORING SUMMARY
PERIOD 1
No Scoring
PERIOD 2
Grande Prairie Storm at 3:52 - Tanner Fritz from Brooks Robinson
Grande Prairie Storm at 17:22 (PP) - Carter Rowney from Tanner Fritz and Adam Young
PERIOD 3
Grande Prairie Storm at 7:41 (PP) - Dennis Rix from Matt Williams

INTERESTING TO NOTE
Once the leagues most feared team on the Power Play, the Saints' offensive production with the man advantage has been non existent. Despite maintaining a 30% conversion rate on the PP during the regular season and into the first round of the playoffs - Spruce Grove's Power Play is clicking at just 7%, going 2 for 28 in their last 5 games.
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CANES PULL UPSET

The Lethbridge Hurricanes entered the Western Hockey League's post-season as the 7th seed, but that didn't stop them from ousting the number 2 seed Saskatoon Blades.

The Canes downed the Blades 4-3 in Game 7 last night, winning the Eastern Conference Quarter Final Series 4 Games to 3.

Lethbridge doesn't have much time to focus on Round 1's upset as they have an even bigger challenge waiting in Round 2.

The Hurricanes kick off their Eastern Conference Semi Final Series on Friday in Calgary against the Hitmen.

LOCAL CONTENT
Sundre's Austin Fyten finished the series with 1 goal, 2 points and a minus one rating in 7 games, while former Grizzly Blue-Liner Max Ross finished with 2 assists and a minus one rating.
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BENTLEY GOES FOR THREE-PEAT.

Winners of the last two MacKenzie Cup series - the Bentley Generals look to make it three-in-a-row starting tonight in Red Deer.

The Generals will once again face off with the Fort St. John Flyers in a 'AAA' Senior Men's Hockey battle - pitting the best from Alberta and British Columbia against each other in a best of 5 series, the winner of which will head to Steinbach, Manitoba as the Pacific representative at this year's Allan Cup tournament.

It won't be the first time these two teams have met up as Bentley beat the Flyers in both 2007 and 2008.

All games in the series will be played at the Red Deer Arena as in 2008 it was B.C.'s honor to host the Tourney.
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OLDS COLLEGE HEADS TO A.C.A.L. ACTION


Though the Olds College Broncos and the Lady Broncos finished the regular season with much different results - both head into this weekend's Alberta College Athletic League's Basketball Championships with the same goal - Gold.

The Lady Broncos finished the regular season tops in the league and by doing so have earned a first round bye when play begins tomorrow in Calgary.

Lady Broncs' Coach Greg Lendvoy says being the top seed will be key this weekend.

"There's three very competitive teams at the top that we've been juggling back and forth with all year." said Lendvoy. "The bye will allow us to let those two battle it out in the semi finals while we're quite confident going in with the fourth place team will be facing."

"We've beat them handily all year and were quite confident moving forward."

According to Lendvoy, Olds College will likely face either St. Mary's out of Calgary or Fort McMurray's Keyano in the Gold Medal game.

OC's men's team however, won't have such an easy road the Gold.

The Broncos finished the regular season in third spot and will have to play all of their games - and well - to make it to the Championship Contest.

Coach Bob Murray says despite the finish - they still want Gold.

"We wanted to make sure that we improved on the bronze medal that we won last year and I think that we have a group that can do it," explained Murray. "We have moments of brilliance to show what we can do as a group and I think if we can capture a few of those moments this weekend - we could have a shot at making that final and winning the A.C.A.L. championship."

The Broncos are up against Saskatchewan's Bethany College to tip of the Tourney in Calgary tomorrow morning.


INTERESTING TO NOTE

Olds College has yet to earn a Gold Medal in this Season's A.C.A.L action but that's not to say that haven't found success. Last month Olds' Womens Futsal team finished 3rd after beating St. Mary's 2-1 in the Bronze Medal Game, the Men finished 4th, falling to Taylor 6-3 in the Bronze bout. While earlier this Season OC's Womens Volleyball finished 2nd after falling to Number 1 ranked Augustana, the Men earned Bronze - beating Portage 3 sets to 2.