vees:blog

More Vees banter courtesy the good folks at the Kettle Valley Station Pub and Cannery Brewing.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 27:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

COACH’S CORNER

Join Fred Harbinson, the local media and myself at Coach’s Corner at the Kettle Valley Station Pub tonight from 6 ’til 7. We’ll be yaking about the success the Vees have enjoyed on the ice through their first third of the season, also some clarification on Hayden Trupp’s ‘AP’ status with the club, and how it came to be. Also tonight, a preview of the Langley Chiefs who the Vees will play a home-and-home with this weekend starting in Penticton tomorrow.

A pair of tickets to Friday’s tilt with Langley are on the line for the best question from the audience.

WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE

Beau Bennett and Team USA are through to the WJAC Semi-Finals. A 3-1 win today over Sweden put the Yankees in against the Russians tomorrow for the right to play for the Gold Medal. For the first time in the tournament, Beau Bennett was held off the score sheet for Team USA. Both Goalies were named players of the game.

The winner of the Canada West and Belarus game today will face the host team - Team Canada East - on Friday for the other entry to the Championship match which goes Sunday.

More updates to come on Team Canada West:

* Puck just dropped and Sean Bonar is in the net for Canada West for the third straight game

**It’s 4-2 Canada West in the 2nd period. Cam Reid and Connor Jones have a pair each

*** 5-3 after 40 minutes with Madison Dias getting Canada West’s 5th. Bonar is 13/16, LaLeggia was initially given an assist on the Dias goal but has since had it removed.

**** ‘MAKE THE FINAL’ 7-3 Canada West with Cam Reid notching the hat trick and Joey LaLeggia chipping in with a pair of assists (they ended up giving him that assist on the Dias goal after all). Sean Bonar made 18 saves on 22 shots in the victory. Canada West will play Canada East tomorrow (awkward) with the fans backing the Eastern boys. The two teams have yet to play this tournament.

One third of the way into the 2009/2010 campaign, the Penticton Vees are on pace for their highest output since being renamed the Vees in 2004.

The Vees wait on the bench for another flood at practice

In fact since junior hockey arrived in Penticton in the 1961 no team has never eclipsed 100 points, though through a third of the season the Vees are ahead of that mystical century mark as 17-2-0-1 is a pace for a 105 point season. While that is just a projection, there are reasons to believe that maybe, just maybe, the Vees can continue to roll at their current pace.

For budding historians in the crowd 52 wins is the BCHL record set by the New Westminster Royals in 89-90 and the Vernon Vipers of 98-99. That New-West club also had 108 points, which stands as the BCHL record. The Royals beat Fred Harbinson (the player) and the Calgary Canucks that year in the Doyle Cup… Crazy.

Clearly this club is deep and talented. Clearly they are among the best teams in Junior ‘A’ in Canada. Clearly there are players who will be selected in the NHL Entry Draft this coming June in LA (Beau Bennett, Luke Curadi, Joey LaLeggia, Sean Bonar, and Isaac MacLeod are on scouting radars). The rest is still to be determined.

With the first 20 games in the history books, let’s pour a scotch, light the fireplace, and take a closer look at how the season has gone to this point. (more…)

Hayden Trupp has been designated an ‘Affiliated Player’ and has been assigned to the Penticton Lakers of the KIJHL (Jr. B).

With BC Hockey reversing their decision, and deeming Trupp an import, the Vees were forced to make a move with their roster already sitting at the league maximum of 8 imports. Trupp will play for the Vees this weekend, after which he will be allowed 10 games for the big club in the remainder of the regular season. Once the Lakers season has ended Trupp would be free to play with the Vees with no restriction. The Vees now have an open roster spot.

The 17-year-old forward has no shortage of skill but has been physically outmatched in his rookie season. Trupp has recorded a goal and an assist in 16 BCHL games after playing Midget hockey in Alaska last season.

Hayden was born in Penticton in 1992, his father and older brother both played their Junior hockey in Penticton.

I spoke with Vees HC/GM Fred Harbinson after Tuesday’s Practice…

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 7:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Amid the usual conversation at the KVS Pub regarding the week that was, the upcoming match-ups, and the storylines of the week in the BCHL was something that seemed to strike a nerve with the Vees Head Coach and GM.

On the heels of their recently released 2010 Watch List, Fred Harbinson was awfully vocal about his displeasure with NHL Central Scouting and their lack of exposure for the BCHL. Fred seemed particularly disappointed with Isaac MacLeod’s absence from the list, and I suppose you can see his point. If a 6′5 17-year-old defender who skates well isn’t a prospect, what is!?

Other topic broached include the team’s precautionary measures regarding the H1N1 flu epidemic (pandemic?!). Fred’s son Freddy (who lives in Wisconsin) is among the growing number of young athletes that have caught the Swine Flu.

Also, Fred walks us through the acquisition of Taylor Peters a big 17-year-old kid who played a full season with the Portland Winterhawks last year. The timing couldn’t be better as the Vees are facing short bench for the next two weeks with the World Jr. ‘A’ Challenge going on in PEI.

With the Burnaby Express in town featuring four former Vees, the home side missing four regulars, and the expected debut of newcomer Taylor Peters there are all sorts of reasons to be at the SOEC tomorrow.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 31:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Eddie Gregory joins us to preview Friday’s pending visit from the Burnaby Express (lots of former Vees on that squad). Also we hear from the Head Scout of the Vees, catch highlights of a successful 6-days on Vancouver Island, and pick Coach Fred Harbinson’s brain as we cornered him on the ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver last night.

Who’s leading the Vees in the 3 star standings?? Rock hard hits?? Hardest working honours? Yeah.. we’ve got that too!

‘Vees This Week’ is brought to you by Boston Pizza. Be sure to join us at BP’s on the 3rd of November as the whole team will be in attendance to sign autographs, and we’ll have prizes galore - including a spectacular Canucks prize package including two ticket to a ‘nucks game and a night’s stay in Vancouver. See you there!

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [55:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

As for the head honcho’s thoughts… I caught up with Fred Harbinson on the Ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver (that’s Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay for you ferry enthusiasts).

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 7:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

TOP LINE TERRIFIC

Another game, another 6 points from the top line of the Penticton Vees. The Vees top unit has piled up 19 points in the teams last three games and have combined for 34 goals and 55 assists this season through 16 games played (Holy Toledo!). Manderson leads the league in scoring, Bennett sits in third spot, and despite missing three games (suspension for a line brawl, and WJAC evaluation camp) Garrett Milan sits in 17th spot in league scoring (he’s 7th in points per game).

STIFLING DEFENSE

The Vees have been particularly scrooge-like in the month of October. While the club has been filling the net all season, the goals against have plummeted since the turn of the calendar. in seven games in October the Vees have allowed just seven goals. The goal against totals since their 5-4 loss in Merritt in late September: 2, 0 , 1, 2 (OT), 1, 1, 0. That’s airtight defense. Sean Bonar has been especially dialed in as he has allowed just four goals in his last five games, two of which were shutouts.

CLIPPERS VS. VEES

Bill Bestwick’s presence behind the bench for the Clippers is not a given tonight in Nanaimo. The long time GM & Head Coach was less than impressed with the officials in last night’s OT loss to his former assistant Nolan Graham’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs, and threw a waterbottle in an officials direction after the game winner was scored last night. The Clippers were issued a Game Misconduct at the conclusion of the match and Bestwick could be suspended. The Vees early successes aren’t lost on Coach Bestwick as the Nanaimo Bulletin discovered.

“We know they’re real good, we know they’re real deep, we know they’re real skilled… They have excellent puck possession and puck management.”

~ Bill Bestwick

MIDGET GIANTS

The Penticton Vees have in recent years been the Junior home some of the top talent to emerge from the Vancouver Major Midget Giants program. Burnaby Now takes a look at the recent captains of the oxymoronic lower mainland club (how can a Midget be a Giant?!) and their hockey futures.

NANAIMO MEMORIES

The last time the Vees were in Nanaimo, they hoisted the 2008 Fred Page Cup after a clean four game sweep of the Clippers. Just Denver Manderson remains from that championship roster. Fred Harbinson (Head Coach), David Small (Assistant Coach), Murray Maxwell (Asst. Equipment Manager), Al Formo (Broadcaster) , Tom Jones (Bus Driver) and I were there too. It’s incredible how quickly BCHLers move on.

Here’s a look at where the players that comprised that championship club of 2008 are today:

GOALIES:

ALEX EVIN - The Castlegar product is making a push for the starting job with the COLGATE RAIDERS (NCAA - ECAC) as a Sophomore, though a 5-3 loss last night won’t help the cause.

BRYAN MOUNTAIN - An accomplished martial artist, Mountain’s intense focus earned him a spot on the NORTHEASTERN HUSKIES (NCAA - HOCKEY EAST) roster after posting some impressive numbers in the MJHL last season. Mountain is yet step on the ice for the Huskies.

DEFENSE:

JAMES BETTAUER - A raw 16-year-old defender, ‘Bettsy’ didn’t play much in the post-season for the Vees, and elected to play in the WHL with the CHILLIWACK BRUINS (CHL - WHL) last season where he recorded seven points and was minus 25 on one of the weaker teams in Major Junior Hockey. Bettauer has yet to play a game this season after being dropped by the Bruins this off-season and suffering a broken jaw this Fall.

MICHAEL HENGEN - A four year Western League defender before arriving in Penticton Mike is now playing his second season in Germany, this year he’s in the third division with the HERN EV (GERMANY - OBERLIGA) where he is averaging about a point a game. Michael father Tom Hengen is a Lower Mainland scout for the Vees.

ZACK JOSEPHER - A cannon of a shot from the point, Josepher was a mainstay on PP in his two years with the Vees. Zack is a Freshman at MICHIGAN STATE (NCAA - CCHA) where he had 4 points in his first NCAA game two weeks ago.

NIC KNUDSEN - Affectionately know as ‘The Beast’, Nic played last season with the CONCORDIA STINGERS (CIS - OUA) in Montreal. The hulking defender known as much for his heavy hits as ear to ear grin, isn’t listed on the Stingers 09/10 roster.

DEVON KROGH - Devon Krogh is now a freshamn for OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA) and has a single assist in the early going. Krogh was known for his ‘flow’ (hockey hair), and his presence in the community with the SPCA dog walks and his role with the Read to Succeed program.

RYAN WAGNER - Ryan had all sorts of offers to continue to further his hockey career South of the border but the 20-year-old defender returned to Saskatchewan to work on the farm. Quiet, dependable, sturdy… he was voted the Vees top D-man in 2008.

NATHAN WESTOVER - ‘Westy’ was a well rounded defender with a knack for scoring against his former clubs (of which there were a few) and a love of blue sweat pants on the bus! Nathan spent most of the 08/09 season with the Burnaby Express. Much like his Junior eligibility, Westover’s hockey career appears to be over.

FORWARDS:

ZAC DALPE - MVP of the WJAC gold medal game, Dalpe was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes and is a current member of the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA). As a Sophomore ‘Z-D’ has 2 points in 3 games this season.

ELI GROSSMANN - Eli’s Junior career ended on a sour note (just YouTube ‘Grossmann loses it’) with the Grande Prairie Storm, as they got swept by the Vernon Vipers in the Doyle Cup, but his adventurous spirit lives on. The Alaskan suited up in the AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League) this summer (their Winter), and at last check was still enjoying life down-under.

MICHAEL GUZZO - One of Al Formo’s all-time penalty killers through the years, Guzzo is playing with CURRY COLLEGE COLONELS (NCAA DIV III - ECAC NORTHEAST) who still haven’t started their 09/10 season. Michael had 23 points in 27 games as a Freshman.

BRETT HEXTALL - One of the greatest captains I’ve seen lead a team, Hextall was drafted by Phoenix and now plays for the NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING SIOUX (NCAA - WCHA) where he has 2 points in 4 games as a Sophomore on the 2nd ranked team in the nation.

ERIC KROSHUS - A great hockey player and a better student (that’s saying something!) Kroshus is a Sophomore with the HARVARD CRIMSON (NCAA - ECAC) who have yet to start their season. Kroshus was selected an ECAC Hockey All Academic last season.

MITCH LEBRECHE - Traded after training camp this season (there was a glut of centres) Mitch is now playing for the POWELL RIVER KINGS who are off to a great start of the season. Mitch has 5 goals and 5 assists in 19 games with his new club.

DENVER MANDERSON - The lone member that remains from the 2008 squad, Denver is a reminder of how quickly BCHL rosters turnover. Head to the top of this post for more on Denver.

CURTIS McKENZIE - C-Mac is having a sensational start to his freshman season with the MIAMI REDHAWKS (NCAA - CCHA) as he recorded 5 points in his first two weekends. Just 16 in 2008 Curtis was in a fourth line role with the club and threw his fists and checks with surprising success for a rook.

KYLE McMURPHY - A special teams wizard for the 2008 club, ‘McPowerPlay’ scored 13 of his 22 goals on the man-advantage. Kyle was playing poker in Vancouver at last check, and hung up the blades after the 2008 Championship.

VINNY MUCHALLA - A trade deadline pick up, Vinny was a physical force on the 4th line, who is taking business classes at UNBC and at last check was mulling over the option of suiting up for the FORT ST. JOHN FLYERS (SR. ‘AAA’ - NPHL) who will host the Allan Cup this Spring (Canadian National Sr. AAA Championship).

TREVOR NILL - Trevor is playing hockey in his home state for the MiCHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (NCAA - CCHA). Nill has 8 PIM and 0 points in 4 games. Nill was used in a checking role on the 08 Championship squad.

ANTHONY PERDICARO - Fresh off his 4 game stint in the AHL, Perdicaro will be back in the line-up of the COWICHAN VALLEY CAPITALS on Sunday when the Caps host the Warriors. Peridicaro was given a Gross Misconduct in his first game back with the Caps.

CORY SCHNEIDER - Cory Schneider suffered a mid-season injury with the OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (NCAA - CCHA) last year and had a tough time cracking the line-up on his return to full health. This year Schneider has played 4 of 5 games in his Sophomore season.

AUSTIN SMITH - Smitty and his patented glass diving were at their finest during the Fred Page Cup Finals in 2008, where he scored the first goal of each of the 4 game sweep of the Clippers. Smith is a Dallas Stars draft pick playing his Sophomore season for the COLGATE RAIDERS (NCAA - ECAC). Austin had 31 points in 37 games as a Freshman.

I spoke with Fred Harbinson on Monday with the Vees one game away from the quarter mark of the season, and at the begining of a 10-day break.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 6:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player