August 2013 – Page 2

Cornwall River Kings name Robert Desjardins as head coach

(For Immediate Release)

There’s a new King in town.

Wasting no time in finding a replacement for the surprising leave of Jean Francois Labbe, the Cornwall River Kings announced today that they hired Robert Desjardins as their new head coach. Labbe left the team following a job offer near his hometown in Quebec.

Robert Desjardins is no stranger to the hockey world and to Quebec hockey in general. When it comes to coaching, Robert “Bob” Desjardins will bring leadership, character and hard work to the team. He already brings coaching experience having been the bench boss for the Marquis de Jonquiere and the former Saint Hyacinthe Chiefs of the LNAH.

Desjardins is a hockey man who has been around rinks a long time. He knows the business inside and out and will be able to provide the players the leadership and spark to ignite the team on the ice. After the long summer months of controversy, this could just be the thing the River Kings need.

Even more big changes are in store for the Cornwall River Kings as they enter their second LNAH season this September. This season is proving to be one of change, speed, and aggression. Be ready to rock the Ed Lumley Arena fans because this wild ride is just starting.

Kingston Frontenacs acquire Corey Pawley from London Knights

The Kingston Frontenacs are not fooling around this season. General Manager Doug Gilmour announced today that the team has acquired intense forward Corey Pawley from the London Knights. In return the Knights will pick up the Frontenacs fourth round selection at the 2015 OHL Priority Selection draft.

The 18 year old Sarnia native suited up for 27 games with the Knights last season and earned himself 7 points with 3 goals and 4 assists. The low point score doesn’t phase Gilmour however. According to the Frontenacs media release, Gilmour is thrilled. “Corey plays with a lot of intensity in his game,” said Gilmour. “He’s competitive, with a lot of speed, and an offensively creative player. We’re excited to add him to our roster and can’t wait to see him at Training Camp.”

The Frontencs are bolstering their line up to help already famed players Roland McKeown, Spencer Watson and Sam Bennett. Other players to look out for is along with Pawley, is Finnish sensation Henri Ikonen. Ikonen was selected in the 6^th round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The upcoming exciting season for the Kingston Frontenacs will start next Thursday, August 29^th as training camps are set to open up. On-ice scrimmages will be open to the public on both Friday August 30^th and Saturday August 31^st.

Kingston open up their 2013-2014 OHL campaign on the road in Peterborough as they take on the Petes. That game is set on Thursday, September 19^th and puck drops at 7:30.

Undrafted Soo Greyhound Sergey Tolchinsky inks deal with Carolina Hurricanes

After going undrafted and not hearing his name be called in this year’s National Hockey League draft, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds superstar Sergey Tolchinsky has been locked up by the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canes announced today that they agreed to terms with the star caliber forward for a three year entry level contract. Tolchinsky impressed the Canes brass so much that the terms of the deal are as follows. According to NHL.com, the deal will pay Tolchinsky $550,000 at the NHL level or $55,000 at the American Hockey League level in the first year, $550,000 in the NHL or $67,500 in the AHL in the second year, and $575,000 in the NHL or $67,500 in the AHL in the third year. He will also receive a signing bonus of $150,000.

The Hurricanes weren’t the only team on Tolchinsky’s radar. Tolchinsky attended both Carolina and the New York Rangers’ prospect development camp back in July. It was Jim Rutherford who saw the spark on the ice and cemented the deal.

Rod Brind'Amour lifts the Stanley Cup for Carolina's first win. — Rod Brind’Amour lifts the Stanley Cup for Carolina’s first win.

Last season the 5’8” Russia native notched 51 points in 62 games and was an integral part of the Greyhounds playoff run. Sault Ste. Marie will be sad to see such a powerhouse go but at the same time they should be proud of what they developed.

Whether Tolchinsky starts this season off with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL or with the big club of the NHL is yet to be seen but one thing is for certain: Tolchinsky is a storm brewing in Carolina.

Brampton Beast announce AHL and NHL affiliates

The Brampton Beast are the newest addition to the Central Hockey League and today was monumental in the team’s newly constructed history. The city of Brampton is now affiliated with an American Hockey League and National Hockey League team.

The Beast announced that they signed a one year contract and will be the feeder team to the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman expressed his excitement in partnering with the Brampton Beast and knows the talent that will be developed will be extraordinary. A strong developmental system in place is the key to success.

The Central Hockey League is venturing into Canada for the first time this year. The city of Brampton is excited for the opportunity to showcase their hockey talent to one of the best leagues in North America. The Beast are now the fourth CHL team to be associated with an NHL team. The Allen American are affiliated with the Dallas Stars, the Arizona Sundogs are affiliated with the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Denver Cutthroats are with the Colorado Avalanche.

After Brampton’s OHL team, the Battalion took leave to North Bay earlier this year, the Powerade Centre was left empty. The Beast are looking to fill that arena with passionate fans across the GTA. This is another great opportunity for Canadian hockey fans to see the future of the NHL right in front of their very own eyes.

The Brampton Beast started off their inaugural CHL season October 18th where they host the Arizona Sundogs.

Red Devils lose coach to Kazakhstan days before Grand Final

(Photo: www.reddevils.co.nz) — (Photo: http://www.reddevils.co.nz)

In another piece of shocking news, the Cantebury Red Devils announced that this was will be coach Anatoly Khorozov’s last season with the team. Having already led the Red Devils to the Birgel Cup last year, Canterbury will be looking to send off Khorozov in style with a second Cup in the Grand Final this weekend.

Khorozov will be heading to HC Beibarys Atyrau of the Kazakhstan Hockey Championship league. The team was founded in 2009 and are winners of back to back championship titles in 2011 and 2012.

The Kazakhstan Hockey Championship is made up of 10 teams across the country not including the teams who play for the Koninental Hockey League. Although it is very similar to the KHL style of play in that it is very fast paced and highly skilled. This is a major step up from the NZIHL and I have no doubt

that Khorozov will flourish with his new team.

Although Khorozov will be coaching in Kazakhstan, his home base will still remain in New Zealand. He will attempt to act as a scout for the Red Devils and see if he can import some new talent for the team and NZIHL in general.

The New Zealand Ice Hockey League is a great league that should be given more credit. It houses many talented players that may not get the coverage they deserve. I urge every one of you to try and tune into the Grand Final this weekend. For those of us in the Eastern Time Zone, the puck will drop around 1:00am Saturday night on http://www.nzihl.tv

Fan Voice: Daniella West and the Guildford Flames, Guildford Lightning Women’s Team

Daniella West is a passionate fan of Guildford hockey. She supports both the men’s EPIHL team in the Flames and the Lightning, the Guildford women’s team. As the first person to give me a perspective on what women’s hockey is like outside of the Canadian and American national teams, I was eager to listen to what she had to say.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Daniella West: I am just outside Woking in the United Kingdom. Where I live is just a few minutes drive from my local ice rink. I got into it by games being advertised on my local radio station, 96.4 Eagle Radio.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of both the Guildford Flames and Guildford Lightning?

DW: I started watching the Flames in 2006 and then I heard about the Lightning about 2 and a half years ago after talking to someone who used to play for them. I support them all the time and like to know how they are doing when playing away from home.

MH: Who’s one player on the Flames to look out for and why?

DW: There’s a lot of good players on the team to choose from but I will go for captain David Longstaff as he is just as good as a non-British trained player. Plus he’s the only player to play for the Great Britain national team over 100 times.

Continue reading “Fan Voice: Daniella West and the Guildford Flames, Guildford Lightning Women’s Team”

Cornwall River Kings new coach, J.F. Labbe resigns

JF Labbe. (Photo credit: Jean Doyon, Sorel Tracy Magazine)

Already dealing with a blockbuster trade that sent one of their fan favourites in Mario Joly to the Valleyfield Braves, the Cornwall River Kings were dealt yet another blow today as it was announced that interim coach Jean Francois Labbe has resigned.

Labbe had signed on after original coach Al Wagar left the team earlier this year. After viewing his coaching abilities last year with Trois Rivieres, Cornwall felt he was the right fit to lead the team. In a phone interview with Jean Doyon of Sorel Tracy Magazine, Labbe made this statement:

“Last week, I received an offer I could not refuse. I am responsible for a Sport-Études du Triolet High School in Sherbrooke. I’ll take care of the Bantam AA team, in addition to courses in hockey concentration. This is a full time job that will allow me to work in my area.”

You can’t really blame the guy for leaving. Yes, he would’ve been an integral help to Cornwall’s second LNAH season but a pay raise and a chance to work close to family is an offer that nobody in their right mind would turn down. This has nothing to do with internal politics.

Labbe has had enough time in the spotlight with a very lengthy goaltending career. After completing his junior years in the QMJHL he went on star in the AHL with the Cornwall Aces, Hartford Wolf Pack and Syracuse Crunch among others. He even had minor stints with the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets. With no North American teams calling his name, he headed over to Europe and played in the German Elite League and in Austria. Last season, Labbe started his coaching career in the LNAH with Trois Rivieres.

The hunt is on for the next coach of the Cornwall River King. They better have a few in mind as training camp and exhibition games are slated to get started soon.

Fan Voice: Rudi Harrison and a brief look at the Sheffield Steelers

Drew Fata with Rudi (right) and her sister. (Twitter: @icehockey_gurl)

Rudi Harrison is one of the many young faithful followers of the Sheffield Steelers and she gives me a brief look at why she loves the game of hockey.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Rudi Harrison: England. I’ve always been a huge fan of hockey but never had the chance to go to a game till 2007 at Sheffield Arena. I fell in love with the sport!MH:What makes you a passionate fan of the Sheffield Steelers?

RH: The strength of the players and the team. They are always positive, and in my eyes one of the best teams in the EIHL.

MH: Who is one player to look for on the team and why?

RH: Drew Fata. Not only is he a good defenseman, he is a great fighter which makes the game a lot tougher!

MH: Do the Steelers do enough to keep fans interacted with the game?

RH: Yes!

MH:: Who is your favourite hockey player of all time?

RH: Milan Lucic and Zdeno Chara for sure!

MH: What would be your dream hockey game? Which two teams would
play?

RH: A game between two rivals, so there’d be alot more fights and a lot more shots and goals keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Probably the Bruins against the Steelers, now that would be an amazing game!

If you’re a passionate hockey fan who would like to feature your team or league, I want to hear from YOU! Find me on twitter @MarchHockey or drop me a line on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/MarchHockey

Cornwall River Kings: Examining the Joly trade

Late last Friday the Cornwall River Kings dealt fan favourite Mario Joly up the road to the new expansion team of the Valleyfield Braves.

Of course, there was immediate backlash and who’s to say is wasn’t warranted. However, when it comes down to reasoning in a trade, you may never find out the real reason. Maybe management decided it was time to move on; maybe it was the player. You can speculate all you want and come up with a million reasons. (Hell, when Rod Brind’Amour was with the Flyers, he was traded to Carolina because Eric Lindros was having an affair with his wife. But I digress.) The fact of the matter is, what’s done is done and it’s time to move forward.

The River Kings are entering their second LNAH season this year. While they bolstered their line up last year to make an impact, things can change in an instant. With a wild and bumpy road that’s been the past few months and as a second year team, its only right to work your way up the league with experience and determination. You’re not going to win the championship overnight. Let me repeat that for certain people.

YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP OVERNIGHT. But, what do I know. Anyway.

In return, the River Kings picked up Yvan Busque and Sebatien Payette. Busque was acquired by Valleyfield from St. Georges where he notched 26 points in 28 games. Compare that to Joly’s 16 in 31. (Yes I realize he was injured for the most part too.) Busque has put up solid numbers for his 4 years with St. Georges and a year long stint in Austria.

Payette just finished his junior career in the QMJHL with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. He’s a rugged defenseman who picked up 32 points in 54 games. A solid final year.

There’s more to a hockey team then just grit, strength and toughness. Case in point, Mario Joly. Joly was linked to the Coventry Blaze of the EIHL the past two seasons and it wasn’t because of his fists. Most leagues are trying to move away from that aspect. The game just isn’t the same anymore and it’s time people start realizing.

Whether you like it or not Cornwall won that trade. But what do I know right?

Fan Voice: Captain Oshawa and the Oshawa Generals

Captain Oshawa is a die hard Oshawa Generals fan who can be seen through out each and every home game cheering them on. He even has own cape for pete sakes! He’s the superhero the Generals need!

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Captain Oshawa: I was born and raised in Oshawa Ontario and got into hockey from playing road hockey like a lot of Canadian kids.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the Oshawa Generals?

CO: Oshawa being my hometown . I have a lot of pride for my Gens with all the great players and the history behind the team.

MH: What is your favourite Generals moment?

CO: My favourite Gens moment is when a Gens player gets drafted to the NHL. It’s bringing them close to their dream.

MH: Who is one player to look out for on the team and why?

CO: I’ve got 2 . Micheal Dal Colle is a very talented special player. Also Bradley LaTour I think will have a great year. He is gritty but will pop in some goals as well.

MH: How do you think the upcoming season will play out for Oshawa?

CO: We are losing a few players but I still know the boys will come out and play hard every night.

MH: Who’s your favourite hockey player of all time and why?

CO: Gretzky. He wasn’t the biggest or fastest, he was just awesome.

MH: Who would play in your dream hockey game? Team wise.

CO: My dream team game would be Oshawa Generals vs Peterborough Petes in the Memorial Cup in Oshawa.

If you’re a passionate fan and want your team of league featured, I want to hear from YOU! Find me on twitter @MarchHockey, or send me a message on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/MarchHockey