Vees Head Coach and General Manager Fred Harbinson has traded Adam Zamec to the Wellington Dukes of the CCHL (Central Canadian Hockey League) for future considerations.
The second year, 20-year-old forward had a goal and two assists in 11 games this season after a late start due to off season surgery. Named an alternate captain last year, Zamec’s best year of junior was in ‘07/’08 when he scored 17 goals for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL after being traded from Kitchener.
TRUPP TERIFFIC
Evan Trupp has been named a WCHA Player of the Week after recording three goals in two weekend games.
SMITH NAMED TOP RAIDER
Austin Smith was named the Colgate Raiders Male Athlete of the Week after a three goal weekend. Smith was a member of the ‘07/’08 BCHL Champions, and is the only Dallas born hockey player to be drafted by the Stars.
Highlights from the weekend that was include a massive explosion of goals from Vees Alumni. Steve Cameron (Mercyhurst) , Travis Ouellette (Ferris State), and Evan Trupp (North Dakota) all had three goal weekends, while Austin Smith (Colgate) led the way with four points. Notching the first goals of their NCAA careers were former line-mates Eric Kroshus (Harvard) and Cory Schneider (Ohio State) from the 2008 Fred Page Champion Vees.
Vees Alums combined for 16 goals this weekend! Not too shabby.
Cory Schneider who is shown here jockeying for position with former member of the Vees TJ Miller.
Brennan Barker D (SR, Alabama-Huntsville) - 8GP 0-3-3 8PIM
Anthony Borelli G (FR, Brown) - Has Not Played
Steve Cameron F (JR, Mercyhurst) - 10GP 7-3-10 6PIM
Cody Collins F (SR, Mercyhurst) - 10GP 2-2-4 0PIM
Deron Cousens D (JR, Michigan Tech) - 8GP 1-1-2 6PIM
Zac Dalpe F (SO, Ohio State) - 9GP 3-4-7 0PIM
Alex Evin G (SO, Colgate) - 5GP (1-1-2) 3.45 .883
Brett Hextall F (SO, North Dakota) - 7GP 2-0-2 18PIM
Tanner House F (JR, Maine) - 4GP 2-1-3 2PIM
Zack Josepher D (FR, Michigan State) - 8GP 2-2-4 10PIM
Devon Krogh D (FR, Ohio State) - 7GP 0-2-2 2PIM
Eric Kroshus F (SO, Harvard) - 1 Goal - Stats unavailable?!
Justin Krueger D (SR, Cornell) - 3GP 0-0-0 4PIM
Brian Lebler F (SR, Michigan) - 8GP 1-3-4 10PIM
Alex MacLeod F (SO, Michigan Tech) - 7GP 2-2-4 10PIM
Bryant Molle D (JR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 8GP 0-1-1 4PIM
Curtis McKenzie F (FR, Miami-Ohio) - 10GP 3-5-8 24PIM
Cory Milan G (JR, Union) - 8GP (3-2-3) 2.63 .903
TJ Miller D (SR, Northern Michigan) - 6GP 0-1-1 4PIM
Trevor Nill F (SO, Michigan State) - 6GP 0-0-0 8PIM
Bryan Mountain G (FR, Northeastern) - Has Not Played
Kaare Odegard D (FR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 7GP 0-2-2 2PIM
Travis Ouellette F (FR, Ferris State) - 9GP 5-1-6 4PIM
Despite being just 4 points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand, the Williams Lake Timberwolves have fired Head Coach Dave Dupas. Working with what is essentially a Junior ‘B’ all-star team from last season (just 4 players are NOT rookies), Dupas had his club playing beyond expectations of many… Clearly not that of his ownership though.
In my opinion this team is out skilled, and wasn’t out worked… That’s not the fault of the coach.
VEES THIS WEEK
Join us tonight on Boston Pizza Vees This Week for feedback from the Vees three medalists from the WJAC in PEI. Also we’ll hear from Dave Sales from the league office Bruce Judd of Penticton Minor Hockey(better audio quality), catch up with some alumni who set accomplished some firsts in the NCAA, check in with the Interior Conferenece Power Rankings, hear highlights of the weekend home-and-home against Langley, and much more Vees yammering.
Join us from 6:05 to 7:00 on EZ Rock AM 800 or MyEZRock.com.
NATIONAL RANKINGS
The Vees and Vipers are back into the top three in the weekly CJHL National Rankings. Spruce Grove (AJHL) is #1, the Vipers #2, and the Vees are #3 as Dauphin and Kingston are dropped. Coastal leading Surrey Eagles are in at #9 and also garnering attention from the BCHL are Alberni Valley Bulldogs who beat Surrey in OT on Saturday.
Weekend NCAA highlights include Cory Schneider posting his first two-point NCAA game for Ohio State, Maine captain Tanner House notching a pair in his first weekend back from injury, Steve Cameron and Cody Collins leading Mercyhurst to a pair of wins, and a monster 3-point game from Alex MacLeod for Michigan Tech.
Tanner House crashes the net for the Maine Black Bears
Brennan Barker D (SR, Alabama-Huntsville) - 6GP 0-2-2 6PIM
Anthony Borelli G (FR, Brown) - Season Not Underway
Steve Cameron F (JR, Mercyhurst) - 6GP 3-1-4 2PIM
Cody Collins F (SR, Mercyhurst) - 6GP 1-1-2 0PIM
Deron Cousens D (JR, Michigan Tech) - 4GP 1-1-2 6PIM
Zac Dalpe F (SO, Ohio State) - 5GP 1-3-4 0PIM
Alex Evin G (SO, Colgate) - 3GP (1-1-1) 2.64 .911
Brett Hextall F (SO, North Dakota) - 6GP 2-0-2 18PIM
Tanner House F (JR, Maine) - 2GP 2-0-2 2PIM
Zack Josepher D (FR, Michigan State) - 6GP 2-2-4 2PIM
Devon Krogh D (FR, Ohio State) - 4GP 0-1-1 0PIM
Eric Kroshus F (SO, Harvard) - Season Not Underway
Justin Krueger D (SR, Cornell) - Season Not Underway
Brian Lebler F (SR, Michigan) - 4GP 1-1-2 6PIM
Alex MacLeod F (SO, Michigan Tech) - 4GP 1-2-3 2PIM
Bryant Molle D (JR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 4GP 0-1-1 2PIM
Curtis McKenzie F (FR, Miami-Ohio) - 6GP 2-3-5 12PIM
Cory Milan G (JR, Union) - 5GP (3-1-1) 2.29 .920
TJ Miller D (SR, Northern Michigan) - 4GP 0-0-0 2PIM
Trevor Nill F (SO, Michigan State) - 5GP 0-0-0 8PIM
Bryan Mountain G (FR, Northeastern) - NO STARTS
Kaare Odegard D (FR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 3GP 0-1-1 2PIM
Travis Ouellette F (FR, Ferris State) - 5GP 2-0-2 2PIM
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.
Made in Penticton but residing in Duncan, the Vees will see the world’s largest hockey stick tonight
* The Vees wrap up their 2-game season series with the Cowichan Valley Capitals today in Duncan. Penticton pumped Cowichan 6-1 on October the 7th as captain Denver Manderson record 3 assists.
* In NCAA action this weekend Curtis McKenzie’s hot start with the top ranked Miami Redhawks will see the freshman forward face two former teammates at Michigan State. Zack Joesepher and Trevor Nill currently play for the Spartans and both played with Curtis during the 2008 BCHL Championship season. Here’s a preview of the Division I clash.
* It appears the Clippers and Grizzlies have swung a deal. Hammer tells us the deal sees D - Jake Baker (91) go to Victoria for F - Teal Burns (92) and D - Todd Gebert (90). That’s the third team for Jake Baker and we are just at the quarter poll of the season.
* The Merritt Centennials have added a few bodies to their roster as F - Andrew MacMillan (90) is over his mono and Cameron Dagg is yanked up from Columbia Valley of the KIJHL (Jr. B). No idea why the Cents want another young goalie (they allready have two)… Nevermind one who is (1-7-0) in Jr. B.
* The Vipers have given D - Nils-Erik Soderlund (90) a full time roster spot… DieHardVipersFan has more.
Weekend highlights from south of the border included defenders Devon Krogh and Kaare Odegard each recording their first NCAA point. Curtis McKenzie continues to look sharp as a Redhawk with a four point weekend for Miami at New Hampshire. Also, 2008 Fred Page Cup winner Alex Evin continues to make a case for the starting job in net at Colgate.
Hextall mixes it up!
Brennan Barker D (SR, Alabama-Huntsville) - 4GP 0-2-2 4PIM
Anthony Borelli G (FR, Brown) - Season Not Underway
Steve Cameron F (JR, Mercyhurst) - 4GP 1-1-2 2PIM
Cody Collins F (SR, Mercyhurst) - 4GP 0-1-1 0PIM
Deron Cousens D (JR, Michigan Tech) - 2GP 0-1-1 0PIM
Zac Dalpe F (SO, Ohio State) - 4GP 1-1-2 0PIM
Alex Evin G (SO, Colgate) - 2GP (1-0-1) 1.44 .945
Brett Hextall F (SO, North Dakota) - 4GP 2-0-2 18PIM
Tanner House F (JR, Maine) - 0GP - INJURY
Zack Josepher D (FR, Michigan State) - 4GP 2-2-4 2PIM
Devon Krogh D (FR, Ohio State) - 3GP 0-1-1 0PIM
Eric Kroshus F (SO, Harvard) - Season Not Underway
Justin Krueger D (SR, Cornell) - Season Not Underway
Brian Lebler F (SR, Michigan) - 2GP 1-0-1 4PIM
Alex MacLeod F (SO, Michigan Tech) - 2GP 0-0-0 2PIM
Bryant Molle D (JR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 4GP 0-1-1 2PIM
Curtis McKenzie F (FR, Miami-Ohio) - 4GP 2-3-5 6PIM
Cory Milan G (JR, Union) - 3GP (2-0-1) 2.28 .925
TJ Miller D (SR, Northern Michigan) - 2GP 0-0-0 2PIM
Trevor Nill F (SO, Michigan State) - 4GP 0-0-0 2PIM
Bryan Mountain G (FR, Northeastern) - NO STARTS
Kaare Odegard D (FR, Alaska-Fairbanks) - 3GP 0-1-1 2PIM
Travis Ouellette F (FR, Ferris State) - 4GP 2-0-2 2PIM
I spoke with Miami Redhawks 18-year-old freshman Curtis McKenzie on Monday.
The new guy is fitting in quite nicely in Ohio as he potted his first goal in his first game against. Curtis is back to the books and getting used to his new club in the CCHA.
Curtis lead the Vees in Goals, Points, GWG, PPG, SHG and PIM last season as a 17-year-old. Curtis was a member of the Canada West World Jr. A Challenge silver medal team, Team West of the CJHL Prospects Game, a BCHL All-Star, was named Captain of the Vees when Denver Manderson was injured in January, and was drafted by the Dallas Stars in June.
