vees:blog

Vees Head Coach and General Manager Fred Harbinson released this statement today.

Over the past few days I have had time to reflect, and without being prompted from the BCHL or my own organization, I would like to apologize for my post game comments following our January 30th game vs. the Quesnel Millionaires.

Fred Harbinson

… The Vees ’91s and ’92s get better with age.

Last night in their 5-0 win in Merritt the Vees had some breakout performances among their young rookies and their interim Captain.

Let’s start between the pipes where Vees goalie of the future Sean Bonar (’91, rookie) recorded his 2nd shutout of the season, making a few huge saves in the early going, before seeing his workload lightened. Bonar is 9-6 on the season and has improved steadily from a bit of a rocky start to his Jr. ‘A’ career. The red-headed, blue-padded goalie is committed to Princeton.

On the back end Colton Jobke (’92, rookie) had another stellar game, moving and skating the puck with ease. Jobke’s hard work in the 2nd period directly led to the 4th goal of the game for the Vees, as he darted around a check in his own end and led the rush into the Merritt zone, before moving the puck to high slot, where a shot on net resulted in a lamp-lighter! Jobke has just 11 PIM this season (including a fight), using his head and his feet to neutralize opponents rather than taking penalties.

Up front Ryan Johansen (’92, rookie) made the most of his debut on the team’s top power-play grouping, notching 2 assists while sitting in Denver Manderson’s spot on the left wall. Johansen was also sprung on a partial break by Joey Holka, but was stymied in his attempt for his 2nd goal in as many games. Johansen has been the pivot of the Vees energy line with Holka and Johnston, as Mitch Lebreche recovers from injury. RJ is committed to Northeastern in Boston (who are in the Beanpot Final on Monday).

While Ryan Johansen was making his debut on the PP, Logan Johnston (’91,rookie) continues to log ice time as a penalty killer for the club. More known for his size, strength and his lack of fear, Logan has been getting dispatched while ‘a man down’ over the past few games. Logan seems to have picked up a stride (as Al Formo pointed out last night) in 2009, and continues to physically impose himself on the opposition. Logan’s rights are owned by the Portland Winter Hawks in the WHL, though he has expressed interest in NCAA hockey.

Garrett Milan (’91, rookie) is putting together quite a rookie campaign. After lighting up Major Midget last season, the pint-sized buzz saw has continued to ripple the mesh in Jr. ‘A’ with his blend of speed, tenacity and courage. Last Night Milan scored a goal, had and assist and was operating at full speed (much to the delight of his Aunt and Cousin in the stands). Milan has committed to St. Cloud State, and has 22 goals on the season one behind the team leader…

Speaking of which; Curtis McKenzie (’91) is having a 17-year-old season for the ages. leading the Vees in goal scoring, the interim Captain recorded his first BCHL hattrick last night and his 5th short handed goal of the season (2nd in the BCHL). C-Mac leads all ‘91 players in scoring, is ranked in the NHL Midterm Rankings for the NHL Entry Draft, was a member of Team Canada West at the World Jr. ‘A’ Challenge, played in the CJHL Prospects Game and was the youngest member of the BCHL All-Star Game. C-Mac is committed to Miami (Ohio), and the decision is up to him on when he’ll suit up as a Red Hawk, be it next year or in 2 seasons.

That’s 6 players 16 and 17-years-old making a huge impact for the Vees as they hit stride with just few weeks until the playoffs. Certainly the coming years for the Vees are bright with this stable of young talent, but the success of the club THIS post season will hinge on how productive the youngsters can under the heat, attrition and scrutiny of the playoffs.