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Brampton Beast’s inaugural roster takes shape; add 4 more players

As the season inches closer for the Central Hockey League’s first Canadian franchise, the Brampton Beast brass are quickly shaping their roster. Last week they added 2 defencemen in the name of Eric Spady and Andrew Darrigo. Also signed on for the squad is right winger Mitchell Good and breakout goaltending sensation, Kris Westblom.

Westblom will be heading into his third CHL season with the Beast after spending an amazing season with the Fort Worth Brahmas. The 26 year old is a WHL Kelowna Rockets alumni who took them to the Memorial Cup back in 2005. In the same year he was drafted in the 3rd round by the Minnesota Wild.

Keeping an eye on the blue line is Westblom’s Brahmas teammate, Erik Spady. Spady spent four years with Northern Michigan University in the NCAA before turning pro. Last season saw him making a one game debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. The 24 year old B.C. native went undrafted.

Along with Spady is Andrew Darrigo. Darrigo is no stranger to the GTA area having played junior in the OJHL. The Oakville, Ontario native will begin his first CHL season with the Beast.

Right winger Mitchell Good is coming off an impressive year with the Pensecola Ice Flyers having won the 2013 SPHL championship. Before turning pro, Good suited up for Wilfred Laurier University. This will also be Good’s first CHL season.

The Brampton Beast are excited to usher in this historical first season. First game is October 18th when the Arizona Sun Dogs come to town. Puck drop is 7:30

EIHL Round up: First Steps for the Dundee Stars, Coventry Blaze, Fight Night in Nottingham

By Ed Kimberley
Coventry, England

We have had 2 weeks of games now in the EIHL and although teams are still finding their feet, one in particular has stood out, the Dundee Stars.

Usually one finds the Stars propping up the league but this year is another story altogether. In their first 4 games they have chalked up 4 wins. This itself is no mean feat but considering Dundee have half the budget of those they have beaten, (Sheffield, Coventry, Braehead and last years “grand slam” winners the Nottingham Panthers) necks are snapping to look at them as they skate by.

They are a team that stifles others really well and have a strong defensive core. Although they focus on protecting underrated netminder Dan Bakala, Dundee has defenceman Roy Rawlyk. In 4 games played, Rawlyk is tied for top points scorer on the team with 5 and has been extremely impressive at both ends of the ice. Bakala. also in 4 has posted a 1.75 with a .959 save percentage. Impressive for a goalie in only his 2nd year pro. Their offensive strength comes from counter attacking plays, often fed by a Rawlyk first pass. Incidentally Rawlyk won the Gardiner Conference player of the week last weekend. The Stars will almost certainly not finish the league without a loss or two, but they are certainly looking to upset Gardiner Conference favourites Braehead Clan and make a case for their first appearance in Nottingham at the playoff finals weekend. Continue reading “EIHL Round up: First Steps for the Dundee Stars, Coventry Blaze, Fight Night in Nottingham”

CONFIRMED: Cornwall’s Frederic Piche has been dealt to the Marquis de Jonquiere

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cornwall, Ontario

Earlier this afternoon, word sprang across social media that the Cornwall River Kings were in the midst of a trade. The fan page from the Marquis de Jonquiere let it slip that the River Kings were dealing goaltender Frederic Piche to the Marquis de Jonquiere in exchange for Bobby Mazerolle and Ahmed Mahfouz.

After speaking with owner David Small and coach Steve Simoes, it did turn out there was truth to the rumor. When asked about the talent that Cornwall was getting back in return, Simoes had nothing but good things to say.

“We are excited on having made this trade today. Bobby Mazerolle is a good gritty player that has a championship pedigree. He is a fierce competitor, team player and has good finish in the offensive zone. I’ve had the opportunity of playing with this guy and he fits into what we’re trying to build here. He has been integral parts of two winning franchises in the last few years.

Ahmed Mahfouz doesn’t need any introduction. He is a complete player that is rough around the edges and will add a little spice to our line-up down the road. We would only hope to have him come to Cornwall and hopefully we can welcome him someday.” – Coach, Steve Simoes

On the other hand, owner David Small was sad to let Piche go as he was a fan favourite and a valuable part of the River Kings inaugural season.

“We are excited for Fred Piche and thankful for his services with us. A great team player and helped us when we needed him. This move will allow him to get closer to home and play more. We wish him the best (just not against us!) He send everyone in Cornwall a special goodbye. The hockey staff is constantly working at trying to improve this team and this is the first step.”

The future is bright for the Cornwall River Kings as they finally head into training camp tomorrow, Sunday September 15th at the Cornwall Civic Complex. Camp will take place between 1 and 4pm.

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River Kings deal goaltender Frederic Piche to Marquis de Jonquiere in exchange for Ahmed Mahfouz

According to a facebook fan page that is being run by the Marquis de Jonquiere, the Cornwall River Kings have apparently solved their goaltending issue by dealing Frederic Piche.

Translated, this status says that Frederic Piche and a 4th round pick are being sent to Jonquiere in exchange for Bobby Mazerolle, Ahmed Mahfouz and a 10th round pick.

Bobby Mazerolle is a 26 year old Latvian who had plenty of success in the QMJHL suiting up for the Moncton Wildcats and Gatineau Olympiques before making the move to the LNAH. He has spent the past 6 years in the LNAH with the last two with the Marquis. His points have dwindled in recent years but maybe a change of scenery is all he needs.

Ahmed Mahfouz needs no introduction to Cornwall fans as he won an FHL championship with the Akwesasne Warriors back in 2011. A CCHL alumni of the Nepean Raiders, Mahfouz spent last year in Dayton, Ohio with the Dayton Demons of the FHL. Notching an astonishing 111 points in 46 games player, this will be a welcoming addition to the Cornwall River Kings lineup.

Of course, this is all speculation as it is on a fan page and it would only mean dealing the LNAH rights of the players. Will update when I have a more official confirmation.

Jason Spezza and the captaincy of the Ottawa Senators

Of course, who didn’t see this coming? Jason Spezza has been named the 8th captain in Ottawa Senators franchise history. He is more then fit to be able to handle the job. He was over a point a game player for the Brampton Battalion, Mississauga Ice Dogs, Windsor Spitfires and Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League before making the jump to the AHL and as history shows, the NHL.

What will Spezza have to live up too? There’s only been 7 captains before him and only one of which who has set the precedent. You can’t count the first 4 who did absolutely nothing. Laurie Boschman, Brad Shaw, Mark Lamb, and Gord Dineen who were given a brand new franchise with little tools and players to work with trying to make the team thrive.

Randy Cunneyworth, who is a major step up, lead the team for 4 seasons without breaking 50 points a season. Of course, he had more points then the past 4 captains combined but the mid-90’s were a strange time for hockey and the Ottawa Senators in general.

And then comes Alexi Yashin, who was marketed to take the Senators to the promised land. Well, as history shows, that didn’t happen. After being stripped of his captaincy for refusing to honor his contract, the Senators brass named Daniel Alfredsson captain for the 1999-2000 season.

Now this is where Spezza is going to have big shoes to fill. Alfredsson was the longest serving Senators captain at 13 years. He set a precedent of notching over 50 points a season consecutively. Yashin was the only one former who came close. Alfredsson was not only a leader on the ice but off the ice as well. He was the one players came too.

I have no doubt that Spezza has the ability to perform on the ice but he may need to step it up a little. With the addition of Bobby Ryan to the team, this will give the Senators a bit more fire power and maybe more for Spezza to work with. Becoming a leader is something he has already has been. With him, Chris Neil, and Chris Phillips, there is no shortage of veteran players who the younger ones can turn too.

This may be a learning experience year but there’s no doubt that you should keep a close eye on those Pesky Sens.

Cornwall Colts win streak comes to an end as they fall to Cumberland Grads, Smith Falls Bears

Last season’s powerhouse champions, Cornwall Colts started off this year victorious but saw their 3 game win streak come to an end. Thursday night saw them fall to the Cumberland Grads in a 3-2 shootout loss and last night the Smith Falls Bears took a 1-0 shutout win.

It’s nothing to have Cornwall fans worried about. It’s still very early in the season and a lot of new faces on the Colts need to have that time to gel. Despite the losses, Cornwall’s starting goaltender Jordan Piccolino is incredible in net. If it wasn’t for him and the Colts red hot defence, these games would be blown out of the water.

Scoring chances are still abundant for the Colts despite only registering 9 goals. However, they need to somehow find a way to turn those chances into pucks in the back of the net.

Cornwall’s other strong netminder, James Edwardson is expected to get the call this Sunday when the Colts visit the Nepean Sportsplex to take on the Nepean Raiders. Game time there is 2:30.

The Colts will be back in front of a hometown crowd next Thursday, September 19th. The Carleton Place Jr. Canadiens will invade the Ed Lumley Arena. Puck drop is 7:30.

Fan Voice: Mike Walls and the Milton Keynes Lightning

The Milton Keynes Lightning are a bright team in the English Premier League. One of their passionate fans, Mike Walls, took the time to answer some questions about the team and league for me! Their season gets underway this week.

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

Mike Walls: I am located in the new town of Milton Keynes, which is pretty much right in the middle between Birmingham and London. I got into hockey supporting the MK Kings and then the MK Lightning, after the Kings relocated to Solihull. A friend at school played junior hockey in MK, and his dad was involved with the team, and they took me to my first game, MK Kings v Telford. I don’t remember much about the game, except the Kings won. I went to a game a few years later (Kings v Basingstoke) with my dad, then the rink shut. Two years later it reopened and I spent most Saturday nights of my teenage life watching hockey.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the MK Lightning?

MW: Without wanting to sound too cheesy, being a MK Lightning fan is like being in a family. The players are great with the fans and always chat to supporters, they are also really appreciative of the support, the fans are close and home or away always get behind the team. The management are open and honest, and we have a fantastic supporters club that raises a massive amount of money for the team every season. The MK Barmy Army are known throughout UK hockey as a loud bunch, which suits me fine, as I normally found chanting and banging the drum. Also, as a MK born and bred lad, I can relate to this team made up of local players who love the town and team that started in Milton Keynes, rather than the MK Dons football team which moved to MK from Wimbledon. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Mike Walls and the Milton Keynes Lightning”

The Kings Have Conquered: River Kings to remain in Cornwall

It’s all over. All the drama of the past 6 months is finally swept under the rug. The Cornwall River Kings are staying in Cornwall.

An investors group comprised of David Small, Gokan Karakus and Cory Linthorne are your new River Kings owners. It was a hard fought battle to come up with a plan in less than 24 hours but these 3 gentleman pulled it off and wowed Michel Godin, the Commissioner of the LNAH.

“A marathon of negotiations and negotiations took place over the past 24 hours to complete this happy ending. Mr David Small, Gokan Karakus and Cory Linthorne (the new owners of River Kings) are welcome in the great family of the LNAH. Your efforts over the past few days will allow the City of Cornwall to continue this adventure in the LNAH. I hope that the entire region is behind you to show support.”

The new owners are also proud to bring back aboard a man who needs no introduction in Cornwall. Al Wagar will be back with the River Kings as the team’s General Manager. Also, captain Steve Simoes will be taking on the role of player/coach.

Adding to even more of the good news is the return of the logo from last year’s inaugural season. The River Kings came under fire when part way through this summer the decision was made to change the logo entirely. Ultimately this decision was scrapped with the new owners taking over.

More positive and exciting announcements within the River Kings front office (complete with some familiar faces) will be coming out in the next few days. The pressure isn’t over yet however. Cornwall now turns its attention over to their second LNAH training camp with only weeks to go before the start of the season.

Get our your horns Cornwall! GO KINGS GO!

Protect The Net: Cardiff Devils and Dan LaCosta

By Ed Kimberley
Coventry, England

When Cardiff signed 3rd round pick and former Columbus Blue Jacket Dan LaCosta, the EIHL world spat out whatever it was that they had in their mouths at the time in either: joy, disbelief, excitement or worry that he will be a bit good.

LaCosta with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.

In two consecutive games the star goalie was ran by two different teams, from two different countries, playing in two different leagues, leaving him with a concussion that will see him sit out 2-3 weeks. I don’t condone running of goalies at all. I find it a deplorable tactic that is an acknowledgement, intentional or not, that the goalie is causing you trouble and you need to try and throw him off his game. This might be quite important psychologically for LaCosta who said that he was strongly considering retiring before the season and being able to study for a Masters Degree led him to sign in Cardiff. I played a bit of hockey and I remember a Latvian goalie I played with got run in an incident that broke his helmet. He was fine but I never saw him ice again. He said “I have a wife and kids, I don’t need this shit.”

LaCosta is clearly thinking about his future. He sat a year out after a failed try-out in Austria and went from being on the cusp of playing in the NHL to going to the CIS to play and study. Now no doubt Dan has poise, you don’t keep an NHL shutout without having a calm head on your shoulders but at this point he might be worried and especially for a goalie who according to one scouting report that “lacks rebound control” this might not be good. Continue reading “Protect The Net: Cardiff Devils and Dan LaCosta”

The Cornwall River Kings Aren’t Dead Yet

I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect of the events that have transpired over the past week and refrained from commenting until now. In case you’re not aware, I’ll bring you up to speed.

The LNAH’s Cornwall River Kings is threatening to be put up for sale for anyone (including out of town buyers), as owner Bernie Villeneuve is no longer willing to finance the team. Reason being is the club is losing out on advertising rights from the Junior A Cornwall Colts who also share the ice inside the Ed Lumley Arena in the Cornwall Civic Complex.

Villeneuve held a press conference outside of city hall last Thursday detailing the ordeal and was actually going to sit outside of city hall until Monday night. If nothing is rectified, meaning an advertising deal or a new owner, the league will take over the team. The next day, Director of Hockey Operations, Rick Lapierre stepped down from his position. Many felt he was the one responsible for the players not willing to report to camp. Villeneuve has since vacated his spot.

Captain Steve Simoes ushered in the message for the fans:

“The players want to get back on the ice and start competing again. Many returning faces, a couple new faces, players drafted, players invited; everyone will have a fair shot to be seen, evaluated and fight for a spot on this team. The time has come to finally put all this “stuff” behind us and gel as a team. And by team, I mean everyone that is looking for hockey in Cornwall. I understand everyone’s hesitation and wanting to see the product first, but I do trust that we will have a competitive team, with a mix of skill and toughness, that is representative of the people of Cornwall. Due to the contractual agreements in place and certain situations, what will keep this team afloat are season ticket sales. With this certain revenue flow, potential owners will be able to gauge the risk of keeping this team here. Season tickets will average around $250 therefore, a commitment from the people of Cornwall is needed to get us back on track. If you know one person or a couple of people that would be interested in some season tickets, please do come forward and show your interest. It’s a guideline that is needed for future local investors. Thanks again, and the time has come to back each other up; on the ice and off the ice. So lets get this started and see you at training camp!!!”

This is not a city issue like some people are making it out to be. Mayor Kilger and the city of Cornwall have nothing to do with it. We all know Cornwall is a viable hockey market and teams can thrive. We’ve seen it with the Royals, the Aces, and the Comets. There is no doubt that the people of Cornwall can come together and be able to finance the team to intrigue investors. Hell, teams in the U.K. are funded solely on fans donations.