Ahead of the Curve: February 28, 2018 by HockeyNow

SERIES

NEW KID IN TOWN ROOKIE FORWARD ALEX NEWHOOK CARVING UP THE BCHL FAR FROM HOME

TOP 31 NHL PROSPECTS RASMUS DAHLIN

VASTRA FROLUNDA (SweE)

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV BARRIE (OHL)

BRADY TKACHUK

GOLD MEDAL FATE DECIDED IN SHOOTOUT WORLD WATCHES AS WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TEAM USA GETS UPPER HAND IN OLYMPIC FINAL

BOSTON UNIVERSITY (H. E)

FILIP ZADINA

HALIFAX (QMJHL)

ADAM BOQVIST BRYNAS IF JR. (SweJE)

+ Full List Inside

of the AHEAD CURVE CHL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SETS PLAYERS UP FOR LIFE AFTER HOCKEY

February 28, 2018

HockeyNow.ca

2 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 28, 2018

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

BACK TO REALITY W

E HAD TO SETTLE FOR BRONZE and silver this year, which hurts after Canada’s world domination on the hockey rink has pretty much become a staple of the Winter Olympics. Of course, no one knew what to expect from our men’s team this year. Their bronze could pretty much set the stage for the roster to be picked in the same fashion in coming years. But who knows what could happen between now and 2022. As for the women’s team, no one can question what an incredible pre-Olympic and Olympic run they had. And there is nothing more heartbreaking than losing it all in a shootout. But with the Canadians and Americans neck and neck all season, it seemed only fitting that the medal was decided that way – as truly painful as it was. As cliché as it is to say, it’s so true that Team Canada should be so proud of their performance even if they didn’t come home with the medal they wanted. They played their hearts out and left it all on the ice. It was thrilling to watch. On this side of the world, we have plenty of great hockey to look forward to as the playoff picture is really starting to taking shape. Minor and CSSHL teams are making their final push and Junior A teams are narrowing in on their hopefully long playoff runs with the elusive RBC Cup as the ultimate prize. On the major junior side, there have been some huge surprises in the last days of the regular season that should guarantee some great playoff games and Memorial Cup matchups. Of course, we also have some great spring tournaments just around the corner. If you’re looking for a tournament to join or watch this year, make sure to start on our website. And while you’re there, check out our Hockey Schools handbook, also available in this edition. Good luck to all the players making their final push of the season! It’s always sad to see the Olympics end but we’re so lucky as Canadians to have so much more to keep us cheering through to the summer months.

NATIONAL EDITION Vol. 20, No. 2, Issue 685 - February 28, 2018

Don't miss the WINNERS of our third annual FANS' CHOICE AWARDS. See our full list of winners online at: hockeynow.ca/events/fans-choice

PUBLISHER Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

CONTENT MANAGER Emily Whitemarsh emily@hockeynow.ca

In partnership with The Coaches Site, we’re helping you get the inside scoop from some of the biggest names in coaching. CATCH IT ONLINE AND IN PRINT.

DISTRIBUTION office@hockeynow.ca

Find the next tournament for you or your team in our TOURNAMENT GUIDE! Available in print at online at hockeynow.ca/tournaments

On Twitter: @HockeyNow

NEXT EDITION: March 21, 2018 CONTACT THE EDITOR: larry@hockeynow.ca

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

WRITERS Mike Beasley Iain Colpitts Neil Hilts Ryan McCracken Kristi Patton

SERIES

We're excited to be releasing the 20th EDITION of our HOCKEY SCHOOLS SERIES. Find it in this issue and online at: hockeynow.ca/hockey-schools

With NEW CONTESTS every month and GREAT HOCKEY PRIZES on the line, why wouldn’t you enter?

LARRY FEIST, Publisher

ART + PRODUCTION Stacey Rourke stacey@hockeynow.ca

Entry is EASY, and FUN, so drop by our website for your chance to win apparel, equipment, training devices and so much more: hockeynow.ca/contests

COVER PHOTO Vivid Eye Photogrpahy

HockeyNow Box 714 Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z4 Telephone: 1-877-990-0520 Contents copyright 2018 by HockeyNow. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or duplicated in print or online without the written permission of HockeyNow. The opinions conveyed by contributors to HockeyNow may not be indicative of the views of HockeyNow. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, HockeyNow does not assume any responsibility or liability for errors or omissions.

February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 3

4 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 28, 2018

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

14 | ON THE COVER

CHL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SETTING PLAYERS UP FOR LIFE AFTER HOCKEY

PAGE 21

SERIES

plus... 13 ISS

BARRETT HAYTON’S STOCK CONTINUES TO RISE IN FEBRUARY ISS RANKINGS

19 POY

FINALISTS IN SIGHT FOR OUR MINOR HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

in this issue... 6 WHL

NEW YEAR KICKS OFF WITH FIVE NEW ENTRIES IN THE RECORD BOOKS

9 FEMALE

CANADA WOMEN’S TEAM DRIVE FOR FIVE DASHED BY SHOOTOUT WIN

7 OHL

18 MINOR

8 QMJHL

25 CJHL

TEAMS EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AS BIG TRADES START TO PAY OFF

WINNING CHANGES EVERYTHING FOR DRUMMONDVILLE’S DUCHARME

PARITY REIGNS IN CSSHL FINAL PUSH + AFHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME RECAP

GRIZZLIES ROOKIE ALEX NEWHOOK CARVING UP BCHL FAR FROM HOME

6 February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 5

MAJOR JUNIOR

WHL

HISTORY IN THE MAKING 2018 kicks off with a bang and five new entries in the record books STORY Ryan McCracken

NHL, AHL and WHL — spending the 1996-97 season as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes and most of 200001 as the bench boss of the Calgary Flames — before returning to the Dub for good. After 10 years as the head coach of the Vancouver Giants, Hay returned to the Blazers in 2014 to surpass the WHL’s record for coaching wins in his hometown of Kamloops.

HART TIES SEXSMITH’S SHUTOUT RECORD

T’S BEEN A YEAR TO REMEMBER IN THE WESTERN Hockey League. Over the past six weeks, three players and two coaches have etched their names into franchise and league history books with unbeatable contributions either on the ice, between the pipes or behind the bench.

DON HAY BREAKS WHL COACHING VICTORIES RECORD On Jan. 27, longtime Kamloops Blazers head coach Don Hay entered unexplored territory. The 64-year-old Kamloops product set a new record for WHL career coaching victories at 743 and counting with a 4-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks. The victory pushed Hay past former Edmonton Oil Kings and Winterhawks head coach Ken Hodge’s mark of 742 — and he did it in 1,341 games, 70 fewer than Hodge. Hay joined the Blazers as an assistant coach in the 1986-87 season before taking over as head coach in 199293 and staying there for three years before making a trip up to the NHL. Hay spent the next nine years bouncing between the

CHRIS MAST/EVERETT SILVERTIPS

6 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

Carter Hart is 60 minutes away from completing another chapter in his storybook WHL career. The Everett Silvertips netminder stopped 23 shots in a 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Giants on Feb. 10 for the 26th shutout of his career, tying Giants alumnus Tyson Sexsmith for the league record with plenty of time left to lock up No. 27. Hart made his presence known as one of the league’s top tier goaltenders in the first game of his 16-year-old season. While it technically wasn’t the first game of his career, as the Sherwood Park product took in a pair of games as an affiliate the season before, Hart stopped 26 shots to lock up a fitting 1-0 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sept. 20, 2014 to set the tone for his career. The 19-year-old netminder went on to tie Sexsmith’s record in 178 games, one fewer than Sexsmith. In those 178 games, Hart has averaged an incredible .927 save percentage with a 2.03 goals against average.

CLOUSTON PASSES DESJARDINS WITH 324TH WIN On Dec. 30, Medicine Hat Tigers head coach Shaun Clouston set a record that will take the better part of a decade to ever break again. The 49-year-old bench boss collected his 324th victory behind the Tigers’ bench with a 4-3 overtime win over the Red Deer Rebels, passing former head coach Willie Desjardins in exactly as many games. The win put Clouston’s all-time coaching record with Medicine Hat at 324-201-34. Desjardins closed out his career in the Gas City at 323-176-60.

Clouston has brought the Tigers to the postseason for all but one of his seven complete seasons as head coach. While they did miss out in 2015-16, the Tigers still pushed their season past 72 games by forcing a tiebreaker against the Edmonton Oil Kings and falling 6-4. Clouston joined the Tigers as an assistant coach under Desjardins in the 2003-04 season. The pair went on to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2004 and 2007. Clouston and the Tigers are poised to return to the playoffs again this year after holding the top of the Central Division since September.

RONNING BREAKS GIANTS SINGLE SEASON SCORING RECORD Ty Ronning carved his name into history in epic fashion on Feb. 9. Sitting one goal behind Evander Kane’s franchise-best 48 in a single season, the 20-year-old Burnaby product scored both of his team’s goals to steal a 2-1 overtime victory from the hands of the Seattle Thunderbirds and write his name into history. Ronning went on to become the first player in Giants history to reach 50 goals in a season when he led his team to a 4-2 win over the Portland Winterhawks five days later to sit at 51. Ronning joined up with the Giants in the 2013-14 season. While he went on to play in two postseason games that year and has yet to return, Vancouver sits poised to make their return to the playoffs and Ronning has been a big factor in their recent success. With 51 goals on the year, Ronning has amassed a staggering 26.8 per cent of Vancouver’s 190 total goals on the season through 55 games.

QUENNEVILLE SETS NEW BAR FOR TIGERS DEFENCEMEN David Quenneville has spent four seasons wreaking havoc from the blue line with the Medicine Hat Tigers, and on Feb. 9 he put himself into a class of his own by pushing his career point total to 197 with two assists in a 4-0 victory over the Calgary Hitmen. The two-point night pushed Quenneville past Tigers alumnus Kris Russell for the 48-year-old franchise’s defensive scoring record in five fewer games than it took the now-Edmonton Oilers blueliner to do it in 2007. Known for his blistering slapshot, Quenneville collected 65 goals and 132 assists through the first 236 games of his career, and he’s well on pace to leave the record far higher when all is said and done.

CANDICE WARD/CALGARY HITMEN

OHL

MAJOR JUNIOR

TERRY WILSON/OHL IMAGES

Luke Burghardt and the North Bay Battalion are exceeding expectations with their fifth-place standing in the OHL Eastern Conference.

The Sudbury Wolves are dead last in the league and could end up drafting first overall in April if they don’t improve.

EAST DIVISION

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS North Bay Battalion making a surprising run in the OHL East STORY Iain Colpitts

OU CAN’T DISCOUNT ANYONE IN THE OHL, AS the North Bay Battalion are showing us posttrade deadline. When they traded arguably their two best players, Cam Dineen and Brett McKenzie, many figured they weren’t expecting to do much in the playoffs if they even qualified. They’ve done the opposite instead. With a month to go before the playoffs begin, they’re fifth in the Eastern Conference and sit just four points back of the struggling Niagara IceDogs. North Bay has gone 10-5 since finalizing their trade deadline strategy by shipping Dineen, one of the OHL’s top scoring defencemen, to the Sarnia Sting on Jan. 6. That 10-5 run began with a five-game winning streak right off the bat. While you won’t find any stars on the Battalion, Justin Brazeau and Luke Burghardt have been consistently strong all year and are North Bay’s leading scorers with 59 and 58 points respectively. Lately, the Battalion have gotten a lot of production out of Matthew Struthers, acquired along with two draft picks on Jan. 3 when McKenzie was traded to the Owen Sound Attack.

The Hamilton Bulldogs have a wide margin atop the Eastern Conference thanks to their aggressive approach towards the trade deadline. Top acquisition Robert Thomas has only played nine games in Hamilton, missing some time due to a five-game suspension, so perhaps we’ve only seen him scratch the surface of what he can do. The Kingston Frontenacs were just as aggressive when picking up talent at the trade deadline and they’re maintaining the number three spot in the conference. After missing half the season due to injury, Gabriel Vilardi has excelled in his new surroundings, recording two points per game with the Fronts. Further down the East, the Oshawa Generals and Ottawa 67’s are neck and neck, with Oshawa having a single-point advantage for sixth in the conference while the Peterborough Petes are outside the playoff picture and lost a lot of ground with a 10-game losing streak between Jan. 14 and Feb. 8.

WEST DIVISION

Struthers put up respectable, but not overwhelming numbers with the Attack but is two points shy of the point-per-game mark in a Battalion jersey. Coach/general manager may have gotten the best of both worlds with his trades. The deal for Dineen brought in seven early draft picks – five of which are guaranteed between 2019 and 2022 – and young defenceman Braden Henderson. Meanwhile, we’d all be mistaken to think that the Battalion are an easy out come playoff time. As the playoffs draw near, here’s how the various divisions are shaping up.

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Sarnia Sting have been the juggernauts of the OHL all season. The Soo’s 23-game winning streak earlier this year has given them a comfortable lead atop the standings and it’s a forgone conclusion that Sarnia will have the No. 3 playoff seed in the Western Conference. OHL top scorer Morgan Frost continues to lead the Hounds and is accompanied by a star-studded supporting cast that includes Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh. Sarnia’s Jordan Kyrou is only three points behind Frost and trade deadline pickups Jonathan Ang, Cam Dineen and Michael Pezzetta have made the Sting even more formidable. The Saginaw Sting and Windsor Spitfires have fallen a bit off track and sit sixth and eighth in the conference respectively while the Flint Firebirds are last in the conference and 17 points back of a playoff spot as of Feb. 13.

CENTRAL DIVISION

MIDWEST DIVISION

The Barrie Colts continue to hold down first place in the Central and second in the Eastern Conference. Since returning from the World Juniors, Andrei Svechnikov, the OHL’s top NHL Draft prospect, has been red hot with 27 points in 16 games. He has been held pointless only once in that span. Aaron Luchuk is only three points behind OHL leading scorer Morgan Frost and Dmitry Sokolov has 14 goals in as many games since he joined the Colts at the trade deadline. The Colts and IceDogs were jostling for the division lead in January, but Niagara has fallen off track with seven straight losses. North Bay has been strong while no one knows what to expect out of the Mississauga Steelheads. Last year’s Eastern Conference champions went 8-2 through January, but lost three of their first four games to start February and remain in eighth place in the conference.

Another big time buyer at the trade deadline, the Kitchener Rangers are atop the Midwest and will likely stay there. It took a few weeks for Logan Brown to make his Rangers debut as he was sidelined by injury, but he has taken off with 14 points (including five multi-point efforts) in his first six games. The London Knights are second in the division and fourth in the conference despite selling key players Cliff Pu, Max Jones and Robert Thomas. Defenceman Evan Bouchard has skyrocketed up the NHL Draft ranks because of his magnificence on London’s blue line. The Guelph Storm and Owen Sound Attack are fifth and seventh in the west. Both of them are within striking distance of the Knights. Finally, the Erie Otters are ninth in the conference and sit well back of a playoff spot, trailing the Spitfires by 13 points as of Feb. 13. February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 7

QMJHL

PERSONAL REDEMPTION Ducharme exorcises his World Junior Demons with victory in Buffalo STORY Mike Beasley

OMINIQUE DUCHARME HAS ADMITTED THAT HE has replayed the gold medal game at the 2017 U20 world junior championship over and over in his head countless times. Unfortunately for Team Canada’s bench boss the outcome is the same. Canada loses to the United States 5-4 in a shootout. As a result, for close to a year, Ducharme was living his own personal Groundhog Day, caught in a time loop, repeating the same game again and again, reliving moments from that contest and flashing back to the same emotions he felt during that exciting, classic matchup in Montreal. Fortunately for Ducharme, he can now extinguish the heartbreak of that loss and move forward with more pleasant memories. Exactly one year after falling one goal short against the Americans, Team Canada regained their spot at the top of world junior supremacy with a 3-1 gold medal performance over Sweden in Buffalo. N.Y. “It’s normal for coaches to look back and figure out what went wrong during a loss,” Ducharme said, prior to a game in Gatineau, Que. “It was a great game against the Americans in 2017 we fell a bit short in a few areas that ended up costing us the win. But we as a coaching staff used that experience

8 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

moving forward at this year’s world junior championship.” Ducharme along with assistant coach, Tim Hunter who was responsible for the defence were determined to take advantage of their second go around at the world juniors. The team management was also in great hands with Joel Bouchard, head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada who brought a calm, confident attitude to the team. When Bouchard spoke it was coming After helping lead Team Canada to gold at the World Juniors, Dominique Ducharme is hoping for another big from his experience as a former NHL win, this time with his Drummondville Voltigeurs. defencemen and two time world junior champion with Canada (93, 94). Ducharme and company drew up a calculated game head coach of the Halifax Mooseheads, guiding the franplan when it came to player selection and the variables/ chise to it’s first-ever MasterCard Memorial Cup chamcharacteristics they needed to bring to the team. pionship in 2013. “As a management and coaching staff we determined Now, one year after rewinding the disappointing 2017 that we needed to select players that could handle comWJC final, Ducharme can rest easy with a job well done peting against the best from other countries in the world with a World Junior Championship to his credit. and still play with an edge. There’s such a fine line at the When asked what the final two minutes of the final WJC between winning and losing. It takes special players game was like after Tyler Steenbergen scored with to be successful and I felt that we correctly identified 1.40 remaining to give Canada a 2-1 lead, Ducharme those characters in every one of our guys.” paused for a second and appeared to relive those exDucharme is no stranger to standing behind the Team citing moments. Canada bench, having been part of the 2015-16 National “On the spot you really don’t think about anything Junior Team coaching staff as an assistant coach first, else but which players you want next on the ice,” Duchabefore graduating to the head guy in 2016-2017. rme explained. He won gold with Canada’s National Men’s Summer “I was looking at the clock and before we scored I Under-18 Team at the 2013 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka thought the game was going to go to overtime.” tournament. Canada went on to score an empty net goal to seal the The Joliette, Que. native is no stranger when it comes victory and once that final buzzer went Ducharme, his to winning after being crowned CHL champion as the coaching staff and players could finally exhale and begin the celebration. “It was a big commitment for everybody involved, being away from family during the holidays along with the hard work. Our goal from the beginning was to win the gold medal and we did that. It was a lot of fun to see the smiles on everybody’s faces along with the satisfaction of coming together to win a world championship.” With one project completed, Ducharme now faces the challenge of winning another President’s Cup emblematic of QMJHL supremacy. His Drummondville Voltigeurs held the #8 spot among the CHL Top Ten Rankings during Week 21 and are trending in the right direction. Ducharme has built the Voltigeurs the same way he did with Halifax when they were the cream of the QMJHL crop earlier this decade. “I think we are in a good position with our young players and confident that we can compete with any team in the QMJHL,” explained the veteran coach. “I like our group in Drummondville we have the right ingredients. We will have to prove ourselves for the rest of the regular season and playoffs.” Only time will tell if he gets to celebrate another big win this season.

GHYSLAIN BERGERON

MAJOR JUNIOR

RIVALS CLASH IN PYEONGCHANG Shootout win ends U.S. women’s hockey Olympic gold drought, dashes Canada’s drive for five STORY Kristi Patton

ITHER WAY IT FINISHED, IT WAS GOING TO BE A STORYBOOK ENDING FOR ONE team and devastating for the other with a gold medal on the line at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Canada women’s hockey team was attempting a Winter Olympics record-breaking five gold medals in a row. The U.S. was looking to break a 20-year gold medal drought. “The stakes couldn’t be higher and it is going to be a lot of fun,” said two-time U.S. silver medallist Hilary Knight before the two teams faced off. Sixty minutes wasn’t enough to solve it. Neither was 80. Instead it came down to a shootout and then into extra shooters. But at the end it was a move by U.S. forward Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson who feigned a wrist shot, pulled the puck left then right and millimetres past the glove of sprawled out Canadian goalie Shannon Szabados’ (Edmonton, Alta./Hockey Canada) that gave them a 3-2 win and their first gold medal at the Olympics since women’s hockey was first introduced into the Games in 1998. “Right now, it’s really tough, obviously. When you play in the final, you want to win. It was a good game; both teams gave their all. It’s sad to lose in a shootout,” said Canada’s captain Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./Montreal, CWHL) of heading home with a silver medal. She remarked that the gold medal nail biter put the female game on display for the excitement it brings to fans. “Every four years we elevate the way we play; obviously, for women’s hockey, it’s great. We played great. It shows how much women’s hockey is growing.” It was a tumultuous year for the U.S. squad who almost boycotted the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship as they fought USA Hockey for equality in pay and youth development opportunities for the future generations. They had only been receiving a stipend of $1,000 a month from USA Hockey and that only came during the six months they were centralized to train for the Olympics. The other three and half years they were expected to train and play on what the players said was “virtually nothing.” In the days leading up to the championship, held on U.S. soil, a deal was struck. The specifics were never revealed, but players said it was on par with what the men’s team receives. The U.S. went on the win the world championship, their fourth in a row over Canada. However, in the six month lead up to the Olympics they lost seven out of 10 matches against their rival, including five in a row in an exhibition series. Finally the time came to meet on the Olympic stage in the preliminary round. Again, Canada came out on top winning 2-1. Knight had not contributed much offensively (one goal) during the tournament, neither had the other usual suspects for the U.S. That would change in the gold medal game. Knight put the U.S. on the board first, tipping a shot in front of the net past Szabados on the powerplay. Early in the second period Hayley Irwin (Thunder Bay, Ont./Calgary, CWHL) evened things up as teammate Blayre Turnbull chipped a pass over a laid out U.S. defenceman. The puck sailed to the front of the net where Irwin batted it out of the air and past the U.S. goalie Maddie Rooney. With just under seven minutes left, Marie-Philip Poulin gave Canada the 2-1 lead. The U.S. tied it up with 13:39 left in the third period with a goal from Monique Lamoureux-Morando. That score would stick through the four-on-four overtime period sending them to a shootout. Melodie Daoust, who was deservedly named the tournament most valuable player for her team-leading seven points, tucked in the go-ahead goal dekeing out Rooney. Amanda Kessel answered for the U.S. firing a shot past the glove side of Szabados. While her twin sister tied the game, it was Lamoureux-Davidson that would get the game-winner in the shootout.

FEMALE

VINCENT ETHIER/COC

TEAM CANADA

“This is a dream come true. I remember jumping up and down on the couch in ’98 and I wanted to be just like them and to be able to do it 20 years later, it is surreal,” said U.S. veteran Knight Canada forward Melodie Daoust (15) fights for position with United States defenceman Megan after the win. Keller (5) during the women’s ice hockey final Szabados was named between Canada and USA at PyeongChang 2018 the Top Goaltender, and at Gangneung Hockey Centre on Feb. 22, 2018. later sent out a message on social media showing her on crutches and with a walking boot. She thanked her teammates and the Canadian staff for pushing her through an injury. She had only played three full games before the Olympics. “It’s hard (to lose in the shootout). There are not a lot of words to describe how you feel, but you know it was a great game of hockey,” said Canadian head coach Laura Schuler (Scarborough, Ont.). “That was what we expected — back-and-forth hockey. It was a battle until the end. It’s always been back-and-forth hockey for the past 20 years. It was obviously a great game, but not the outcome we wanted.” Daoust and defenceman Laura Fortino (Hamilton, Ont./Markham, CWHL) also earned places on the media all-star team. Lamoureux-Davidson also was named to the all-star team.

February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 9

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

PJHL’S BEST BEGIN FINAL PURSUIT OF LEAGUE TITLE The PJHL playoffs are here and as always, there are powerhouses and underdogs to look out for all over the league. Look no further than the dominating season from the Delta Ice Hawks or the Langley Trappers making the playoffs in their expansion season. Here’s a look at each of the firstround match ups.

SHAW CONFERENCE Delta Ice Hawks (1) vs. Grandview Steelers (4) This is looking like the most lopsided series in the playoffs with the Ice Hawks holding down a 24-point edge in the standings.

Richmond Sockeyes (2) vs. North Vancouver Wolf Pack (3) The Sockeyes have a lot of momentum going into this series with a league-best 8-2 record to close out the regular season.

Delta has been the team to watch all year long, especially after an 18-1 start to the season.

They also took a 3-1 decision in their season series with their lone loss against North Van coming in overtime.

There’s plenty of offence to go around for the Ice Hawks, particularly from leading scorer Jordan Deyrmenjian. They’re stacked in goal too, with youngsters Jordan Naylor and Jordy Engelson splitting the workload relatively evenly to allow a league-low 77 goals against.

North Van is sure to have a tough time dealing with the PJHL’s second best offence and the league’s third leading scorer, Tyler Andrews.

Naylor continues to excel after backstopping the Ice Hawks to last year’s league final.

However, the Wolf Pack’s Alex Forster has been one of the league’s most stable goalies, and we all know strong goaltending can steal a game or two, maybe even a series if all the stars align.

Grandview has made it this far thanks in large part to defence as well. They’ve allowed the second fewest goals in the league (119) and goalie Cale Dolan has helped make up for a lack of star power up front.

The Sockeyes ended the regular season 12 points ahead of North Van in the standings, but that’s not to take anything away from the success the Wolf Pack has had this year.

Delta won the regular season series 3-1, but the Steelers claimed a 2-1 win when the teams last met on Feb. 4.

The 57 points North Van put up are one point ahead of the Brittain-leading Ridge Meadows Flames.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

DELTA Jordan Deyrmenjian – 69 points (31 goals and 38 assists) in 38 games Jordy Engelson – 1.42 goals-against average and .940 save percentage Jordan Naylor – 2.02 goals-against average and .914 save percentage

RICHMOND Tyler Andrews – 71 points (34 goals and 37 assists) in 38 games Arjun Badh – 49 points (21 goals and 28 assists) in 44 games Nicolas Bizzutto – 46 points (29 goals and 17 assists) in 41 games

GRANDVIEW Cale Dolan – 2.53 goals-against average and .908 save percentage Nico Bruno – 40 points (11 goals and 29 assists) in 42 games Mateo Coltellaro – 37 points (23 goals and 14 assists) in 35 games

NORTH VAN Alex Forster – 2.51 goals-against average and .922 save percentage Mitchell Ledyard – 47 points (18 goals and 29 assists) in 34 games Justin Lee – 45 points (25 goals and 20 assists) in 44 game

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

BRITTAIN CONFERENCE Ridge Meadows Flames (1) vs. Aldergrove Kodiaks (4) Thanks to some modest end-of-season success, the Kodiaks have a puncher’s chance of defending their PJHL title. Aldergrove won their last three games, including a 3-2 decision against the Mission City Outlaws, to surpass them for the final playoff spot. Standing in their way however are the topranked Ridge Meadows Flames, who finished 19 points ahead in the standings. The Flames took the season series three games to one and won a pair of those matchups by a three-goal margin. Along the way, they outscored the Kodiaks 18-12.

Abbotsford Pilots (2) vs. Langley Trappers (3) The Trappers enter the playoffs as this year’s Cinderella story. In just their first season of operation, they’ve managed to put up a respectable regular season and qualify for the playoffs. With a 6-3-1 record to end the season, they were able to maintain the number three spot in the conference. However, they’ll be in tough against the Pilots and their high-power offence.

The Richmond Sockeyes are riding momentum into the PJHL playoffs with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. (Doug Abbott photo)

Six players from Abbotsford have more points than Langley’s leading scorer, Nicholas Wagner.

Despite having a substantial advantage in the series, Aldergrove boasts more top scorers as far as the league is concerned.

That includes the league’s top scorer, Baylee Wright. Alexander Methorst and Mateo Toledo have been key to Abbotsford’s attack as well.

The Kodiaks are led by Matt Oliver, the league’s second leading scorer, while Kyle Bosko rounds out the league’s top five.

Still, the Trappers found a way to split their regular season series, with each team posting two wins, two losses and a tie.

Ridge Meadows makes up for it with its depth in scoring. Andrew Strelezki finished as the Flames’ leading scorer, followed by Halen Cordoni.

The Pilots finished just two points shy of the Flames for the conference lead.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

RIDGE MEADOWS Andrew Strelezki – 52 points (18 goals and 34 assists) in 43 games Halen Cordoni – 47 points (32 goals and 15 assists) in 34 games Cameron Kovesdi – 42 points (11 goals and 31 assists) in 38 games

ABBOTSFORD Baylee Wright – 81 points (36 goals and 45 assists) in 38 games Alexander Methorst – 57 points (25 goals and 32 assists) in 40 games Mateo Toledo – 45 points (18 goals and 27 assists) in 42 games

ALDERGROVE Matt Oliver – 73 points (38 goals and 35 assists) in 43 games Kyle Bosko – 65 points (29 goals and 36 assists) in 40 games David Padgham – 46 points (11 goals and 35 assists) in 43 games

LANGLEY Nicholas Wagner – 31 points (17 goals and 14 assists) in 44 games Colin Comrie – 29 points (11 goals and 18 assists) in 40 games Carter Graham – 25 points (11 goals and 14 assists) in 36 games

The Delta Ice Hawks were the PJHL's top team in the regular season with a record of 37-4-0-3. (Doug Abbott photo)

The Aldergrove Kodiaks could have a tough time defending their PJHL title as the number four seed in the Brittain Conference. (Doug Abbott photo)

SYNT HE T IC ICE S K A T I N G

PART 1 OF 3 - STRIDES

ELCOME TO THE SYNTHETIC ICE SKATING SERIES! HockeyShot’s Bench Boss, Jeremy Rupke is joined by Skating Sensei, Jim Vitale to create a multipart series to help you stay on your feet and beat the competition to the puck. The entire series was executed on HockeyShot’s industry leading, head turning, aweinspiring Synthetic Ice! While most of you already know “Mr. How to Hockey”, Jeremy Rupke some of you may be unfamiliar with the other man in these issues. Let us properly introduce you to a coach and skating instructor for 20 plus years,

12 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

Mr. Jim Vitale. He has put a tremendous amount of thought in the game and teaches players how to improve year after year. Vitale believes one of the most important skating drills is learning how to properly stride and maximizing the stride technique. Rupke asked what he thought is the most important thing for beginner players… Vitale responded, “It is just a matter of realizing that to go forward you have to go side to side”. Many coaches are teaching their players to go back-to-front for their stride, but Vitale believes a stride should be more horizontal. “Like an airplane not a helicopter”, he says. By using their stride back to front, it is minimizing the amount of time the blade contacts the ice, and that is going to stop a player from getting down the ice as quickly as possible. The more efficient you are at transferring muscle from hip to the ankle the better the stride is going to be. Starting your stride from the middle to the back of the blade, allows you to make your force better. Proper stride posture is very key to being able to skate properly and going somewhere in between 90 degrees and 180 degrees gives your leg the only option to push sideways to extend horizontal. Remember, as your extending your leg, finish your stride for maximum effect. Stay tuned next month for part 2 of the Synthetic Ice Skating Series, when Rupke and Vitale explain how to turn properly and manage “inertia”. For all the best hockey training products, including Synthetic Ice - Revolution Tiles and Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice visit: www.HOCKEYSHOT.com

RANKED 2018 PROSPECTS

SS HOCKEY RELEASES THEIR FEBRUARY TOP 31 RANKINGS FOR THE 2018 NHL Draft, with forward Barrett Hayton climbing up as he has steadily all season to land at 13. Hayton has helped the Greyhounds keep hold of their #1 spot in the Western Conference with his point-per-game pace. The Peterborough, Ont. native was the 9th overall selection at the 2016 OHL Draft and has been compared to versatile centres like Patrice Bergeron. POS

BIRTH

HT./WT.

TEAM

RASMUS DAHLIN

4/13/2000

6.02/181

Vastra Frolunda, SweE

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV

3/26/2000

6.02/186

Barrie, OHL

BRADY TKACHUK

9/16/1999

6.03.25/196

Boston University, H.E.

FILIP ZADINA

11/27/1999

6.00/196

Halifax, QMJHL

ADAM BOQVIST

8/15/2000

5.11/170

Brynas IF Jr., SweJE

EVAN BOUCHARD

10/20/1999

6.01.75/193

London, OHL

OLIVER WAHLSTROM

6/13/2000

6.00.75/205

USA U18, NTDP

QUINN HUGHES

10/14/1999

5.09.5/170

University of Michigan, Big Ten

JOSEPH VELENO

1/13/2000

6.01/195

Saint John, QMJHL

NOAH DOBSON

1/7/2000

6.02.75/180

Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL

RASMUS KUPARI

3/15/2000

6.01.25/183

Karpat Oulu, FinE

ISAC LUNDESTROM

11/6/1999

6.00.5/185

Lulea HF, SweE TERRY WILSON / OHL IMAGES

PLAYER

13 BARRETT HAYTON Sault Ste. Marie, OHL

BORN June 9, 2000 in Kitchener, ON, CAN POSITION Centre

SHOT HEIGHT WEIGHT Left 6.00.75 191

TY SMITH

3/24/2000

5.10.25/176

Spokane, WHL

JOEL FARABEE

2/25/2000

5.11.5/164

USA U18, NTDP

BODE WILDE

1/24/2000

6.02.25/195

USA U18, NTDP

JARED MCISAAC

3/27/2000

6.01/195

Halifax, QMJHL

GRIGORI DENISENKO

6/24/2000

5.11/163

Yaroslavl Loko, RusJr

RYAN MCLEOD

9/21/1999

6.02/200

Mississauga, OHL

ADAM SAMUELSSON

6/21/2000

6.05.75/240

USA U18, NTDP

AKIL THOMAS

1/2/2000

5.11.5/169

Niagara, OHL

MARTIN KAUT

10/2/1999

6.01.5/176

Pardubice, CzeE

ALEXANDER ALEXEYEV

11/15/1999

6.03/200

Red Deer, WHL

SERRON NOEL

8/8/2000

6.04.75/200

Oshawa, OHL

BENOIT-OLIVIER GROULX

2/6/2000

6.00.75/192

Halifax, QMJHL

JONATHAN TYCHONICK

3/3/2000

5.11.25/166

Penticton, BCHL

JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

7/6/2000

6.01.5/188

Assat, FinE

JACOB BERNARD-DOCKER

6/30/2000

6.00/181

Okotoks, AJHL

ADAM GINNING

1/13/2000

6.03/196

Linkoping HC, SweE

DOMINIK BOKK

2/3/2000

6.01/178

Vaxjo, SweJE

JACOB OLOFSSON

2/8/2000

6.01.75/192

Timra, SweAl

GOALIE

POS

BIRTH

HT.

TEAM

OLIVIER RODRIGUE

7/6/2000

6.00.25/159

Drummondville, QMJHL

JACOB INGHAM

6/10/2000

6.03.5/186

Mississauga, OHL

February 28, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HOCKEYNOW | 13

VIVID EYE PHOTOGRPAHY

1414

AHEAD OF THE C

| HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 28, 2018

THE CHL EXPERIENCE COULDN’T HAVE GONE ANY BETTER FOR GUYS LIKE GREG GARDNER AND DANIEL BROUSSARD. They never reached the NHL, but like many players right now, they were fortunate to play long enough to get their education paid for once they moved on from major junior. Gardner played the maximum five years in the WHL and then cashed in on a fiveyear education at the University of Alberta. Broussard was a four-year OHLer who earned a business degree from the University of Guelph, thanks to his time served in the O. They now hold key roles with their respective leagues when it comes to informing prospective players and their families about their leagues. Gardner is director of operations and education services for the WHL and Broussard is the OHL’s director of player recruitment.

“I know what these kids are going through when they’re drafted and then making that decision whether to go pro or access their scholarship,” said Gardner, U SPORTS West’s outstanding student athlete in his final season in 2012-13. “I just want to make sure they’re well informed and make the right decisions once they do leave the WHL.” The number one goal for any high-level hockey player is to reach the NHL and for decades, the CHL has prided itself on being the largest producer of NHL players. That’s what attracted Broussard to the league, even though he grew up in North Carolina and later Atlanta and his dad and grandfather both played NCAA basketball. In North America, CHL teams are in constant competition with the NCAA when it comes to recruiting talent. While many top players see the CHL as a fast track to the NHL, there are others

CURVE

CHL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SETS PLAYERS UP FOR LIFE AFTER HOCKEY STORY | IAIN COLPITTS

2016 OHL Scholastic Player of the Year and 2017 second round Vegas Golden Knights draft pick Nic Hague is studying part time at the University of Toronto Mississauga in between playing for the Steelheads.

Twenty former CHLers suited up for Team U SPORTS at the 2017 All-Star Series against Canada's National Junior Team Prospects prior to the World Juniors. AARON BELL/OHL IMAGES

VIVID EYE PHOTOGRPAHY

PLAYERS NOT WAITING UNTIL THE END TO TAKE ADVANTAGE

UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK

University of New Brunswick goaltender Jordon Cooke is a former CHL goaltender of the year, a two-time U SPORTS Goaltender of the year and two-time All-Canadian First Team member, but what he's most proud of is the university degree he's on track to obtaining.

who value the education the NCAA provides and knowing they’ll have more time to grow and develop through that route. “The proof is in the pudding. We as a staff try to show that [the CHL is] the number one development league in the world,” Broussard said. “It’s been consistent ever since I was recruited into the league. It’s about educating the top players that we are the destination.” Still, Broussard points out that even if you’re not drafted into the NHL, educational costs to a postsecondary institution, whether it’s a university, college or trade school, are paid for once a player has moved on. Scholarships from the CHL’s three umbrella leagues (OHL, WHL and QMJHL) provide players with a minimum of tuition, books and compulsory fees for every season they play in major junior. Many of those players continue playing in the U SPORTS loop. To help its players excel and make sure their educational needs are met, each CHL club has an academic advisor. “We’re unique in the west because we have four different provinces and two different states where our players can play, so there’s a very good chance that a kid from Alberta, Saskatchewan or wherever is going to be changing provinces, maybe even changing countries to do high school,” Gardner said. “It’s definitely a difficult task our educational advisors are tasked with, but that’s what they’re there for.” As well, education costs are covered if players opt to begin postsecondary education while still in the league, which many of them do nowadays.

The clock is ticking on Stephen Gibson’s time in the OHL and he hasn’t given up on his dream of playing pro. Nearing the end of his overage season with the Mississauga Steelheads, Gibson wasn’t drafted into the NHL, but did take part in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ training camp in 2016. When he returned to the Steelheads, he ended that season as the Roger Neilson Memorial Award winner for being the OHL’s top university player. “I value having multiple options in life because you never know what’s going to happen,” said Gibson, who earned a business management certificate from Ryerson University. “I take pride in school. If you work hard at it, you can be successful.” The Steelheads earned three out of the OHL’s six year-end academic awards over the last two seasons. Damian Bourne was the Roger Neilson winner in 2015-16 while Nic Hague was the Scholastic Player of the Year that same season. Drafted in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Draft, Hague appears to have a promising NHL career ahead of him, but he still continues to study part time at the University of Toronto Mississauga. “It’s a little bit different for me now that I’m not in high school, but (education isn’t) something we take lightly here in Mississauga,” Hague said. “They’re always on me and I’m always on myself. If you don’t perform well in school, they won’t be happy either.” Gibson has played parts of five seasons in the OHL and while he could potentially go on to study towards a degree at a postsecondary education without worrying about the financial burden, he hasn’t ruled out his chances of playing pro hockey. Like any graduating player in the league, he would have an 18-month window in which he could give the minor pro route a try before cashing in on his education package. Many players have taken that route, but realized they’re better off getting an education. “You’d be amazed how many players, within the first couple months of their pro careers, want to come back to school and use their education packages,” said Broussard, who had a full year of university studies under his belt while he was still in the OHL. “(The minor leagues) are a grind, especially in the ECHL where there’s lots of bus travel and there’s teams all over middle America.” Gardner went through that grind, playing in the ECHL for two years after his final year at the University of Alberta. “You realize once you’re in your late 20s, that’s pretty old in the hockey dressing room.”

Last season, the OHL Centrally Administered Scholarship Program facilitated scholarships for 301 OHL ALUMNI with a total scholarship payment in excess of $3.17M. A record 364 WHL ALUMNI accessed their scholarships for the 2017-18 fall academic semester. Each year, the QMJHL GRANTS MORE THAN $670,000 in scholarships to over a hundred of its graduates. FIVE RECIPIENTS of U SPORTS All-Canadian Awards, 92 PER CENT of the All-Canadian teams and 100 PER CENT of the U SPORTS AllRookie Team for the 2016-17 season are CHL graduates.

DID YOU

KNOW By the time his OHL career is done, Gibson hopes to have a full year worth of university credits under his belt. The opportunity to complete university courses while playing is something players seem much more cognizant of now. As an example, Gardner points to a recent member of the Everett Silvertips who had gone through two full years of university while he was still in the league and was able to earn a degree, followed by a Masters through the WHL scholarship program. You don’t have to be a star player in order to have a lot of options once your junior career is over. While the thought of juggling a postsecondary education with your hockey endeavours may sound daunting, Gibson assures his younger teammates that it isn’t. “Sometimes we kid ourselves and think we have less time than we actually do,” he said. “Maybe it just means not playing video games for an hour in the evening or whatever. Everyone can find some time.”

CSSHL PREPARES WESTERN PLAYERS FOR WHAT’S NEXT As they enter their respective major junior drafts, players have a lot to consider as it pertains to their future in hockey and life in general. There’s advantages and drawbacks with both the CHL and NCAA routes that players need to consider. With a strong foothold in Western Canada, the Canadian School Sports Hockey League tries to help players decipher all of that information while combining high-level hockey and education. “Every situation is different, so you need to get all the information to make an informed decision,” said Chief Operating Officer Kevin Goodwin. “We’re trying to give them that information before they’re bombarded by everyone else wanting them to go one way or the other.” Born in 2009, the league now operates with 19 programs and nearly 70 teams (boys and girls) from Victoria to Winnipeg. Most of the schools are based out of Alberta and BC and most of the games are scheduled over weekends in showcase formats to bring as many teams as possible to one location. The league’s graduates includes notable young NHLers Curtis Lazar and Matt Dumba while highly regarded NHL prospects like Jake Bean, Dennis Cholowski and Michael Rasmussen have come out of the CSSHL too. It’s pretty well scouted as Goodwin recalls being at a showcase in Saskatchewan one weekend and seeing representatives from every WHL team as well as several NCAA programs. More importantly, the league believes in education first. While most minor hockey players’ grades are only monitored by mom and dad, Goodwin says the CSSHL goes well beyond that.

“Every program needs to have an academic advisor and they inform coaches, parents and billets if necessary,” he said. “That’s four or five people with their finger on the pulse, which is great. It creates good habits for the kids.”

TAKING PRIDE IN THE SCHOLARSHIP Jordon Cooke is a former CHL goaltender of the year, a two-time U SPORTS Goaltender of the year and two-time All-Canadian First Team member. That’s a lot to be proud of for sure, but what he's most proud of is the university degree he's on track to obtaining. “I know back in the day when I was playing junior, the only thing I ever wanted was to play in the NHL, but some things don’t work out the way you want them to, so you have to have a plan,” said the former Kelowna Rocket, now in his fourth year at the University of Saskatchewan, studying towards an economics degree. “Looking back, this was probably the biggest and most critical decision I’ve made.” The 24-year-old has quite the hockey resumé. He and Queen’s defenceman Spencer Abraham were the only players who suited up for the U SPORTS All-Stars against Canada’s World JuDANIEL BROUSSARD, OHL DIRECTOR OF PLAYER RECRUITMENT nior hopefuls for a third straight year in December. Cooke was considering the NCAA route as a lot of his friends have taken it, but he found out that not all of those scholarships covered 100 per cent of tuition. “The biggest thing for me was I wanted to make sure I had all of my schooling paid for,” Cooke said. “That’s entirely why I went the Western Hockey League route. I don’t think there’s a better scholarship program than what the CHL has.” Cooke says the biggest adjustment for him in university was time management. Although the Canada West Conference only plays 28 games compared to the WHL’s 72, there’s still a lot of things to keep him busy and there’s not as much time to complete homework as he thought there might be. He has seen many players move on from U SPORTS to play professional hockey and he hopes to become one of them once he’s finished his education. “For a goalie who’s 5-foot-10, getting an opportunity is very tough,” he said. “I’m just trying to get a degree, play as well as I can and once that’s done, I’ll hopefully have a pro career after.”

YOU’D BE AMAZED HOW MANY PLAYERS, WITHIN THE FIRST COUPLE MONTHS OF THEIR PRO CAREERS, WANT TO COME BACK TO SCHOOL AND USE THEIR EDUCATION PACKAGES.

MINOR

CSSHL

PARITY IN FINAL PUSH Several CSSHL teams standing out as regular season wrapping up STORY Neil Hilts

N THE FINAL FEW MONTHS OF THE CANADIAN Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), playoffs are shaping up and several teams are standing out above the competition. In Bantam Varsity, St. George’s 1 is one game away from finishing their season undefeated, while the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) is just a few contests away from also staying perfect in the Elite 15 Division. The league boasts several future hockey stars in both the men’s and women’s ranks and has continued to draw top Western Canada players. Here’s a look at teams having spectacular seasons.

BANTAM PREP

FEMALE PREP

Okanagan could all be threats to knock off OHA Edmonton, with Burnaby not far behind. Playoffs will be fun to watch in Bantam Prep. Led by many top prospects for this spring’s WHL Draft, OHA Edmonton has nine players averaging at least a point per game. The other favourite in the division could be NAX who have the league’s top two scorers in Dylan Guenther (3.5 PPG) and ‘04 standout Matthew Savoie (3.4 PPG). NAX won the John Reid Memorial Tournament in January, one of the top Bantam tournaments in Western Canada.

With the league’s top three scorers way ahead of the rest of the competition, Pursuit of Excellence (POE) has relied on a heavy offence to lead the Female Prep Division. Dara Greig, who has a sensational 51 points in 14 games, along with teammates Anne Cherkowski and Danielle Serdachny at 35 apiece, sat above the next closest player who had 18. POE is 13-0-1, but Okanagan is hot on their tail at 123-1, just one win back. While their offence isn’t as prolific, goalie Cassie Shokar has turned in amazing starts this year, sitting at 8-1 with a 1.22 GAA and .944 save percentage.

BANTAM VARSITY

MIDGET PREP

The powerhouse St. George’s 1 have been steamrolling competition, averaging more than 11 goals per game while allowing just a shade over one against. Their largest victory was a 28-0 win back in October. As of Feb. 14, Trevor Wong, likely a top draft pick in this spring’s WHL draft, had a mind blowing 136 points in 29 games, 43 more than the next closest player, his teammate Dylan Fader. Starting goalie Eli Pulver is 23-0 with a 0.94 GAA, .928 save percentage and 11 shutouts. Second place Delta (20-4-1) has been the closest to knocking off St. George’s 1, losing 7-5 earlier in the year and will be the biggest threat in the playoffs, but they have scored 100 less goals and will be in tough to stop the high-powered offence.

At 30-1-1, Burnaby has locked up first ahead of Delta, their greatest challenger. Burnaby has scored nearly 70 more goals and allowed more than 10 fewer than the next closest team, plus they’ve won 20 straight games. With the league’s fourth to seventh top scorers, offence is no problem for the the team. They’ve got a few WHL draft picks including Kalen Szeto, Kent Johnson, Elan Bar-Lev-Wise and Ryan Helliwell. The league has a few future WHL stars with Connor McClennon (2017 second overall WHL draft pick) and Kyle Crnkovic (2017 tenth overall draft pick) sitting second and third, respectively, among leading point getters.

ELITE 15 NAX, like St. George’s 1 from Bantam Varsity, have been beyond impressive. With 31 straight wins, the Xtreme TWO POINT PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Having already locked up the No. 1 seed, Okanagan Hockey Academy Edmonton (OHA) has a few games remaining to build momentum entering the postseason. They’ve been beaten only handful of times this year at 24-2-2, have a superior goal differential and are well-balanced. Second through sixth are separated by just six points as of Feb. 14. NAX, Rink, Delta Green, Yale and

are five away from going undefeated. The difference between NAX and St. George’s 1 is the closeness of games. While NAX is far ahead in stats categories compared to their league counterparts, they’ve played several contests decided by a goal or two, including a shootout win over Edge School earlier in February. The postseason should be more interesting in this division. As of mid-February, Edge (45 points), Burnaby (43 points) and Delta (43 points) were battling for second, and each had played close games against NAX this year.

Cassie Shokar has been helping the Okanagan Hockey Academy female prep team climb the ranks all season and was sitting at 8-1 with a 1.22 GAA and .944 save percentage as of mid-February.

18 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

AFHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME At the beginning of February in Edmonton, the top Bantam and Midget players in the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) got the chance to play in a prospects game that was well-attended by postsecondary scouts. In the Midget Elite game, Madison Porter, the league leader in points, scored once in the win for Team North. Her teammates Brooklyn Schroeder and Reagan Korber also scored. Madison Black and Brooke Palin tallied for the South. Bantam Elite also saw a tight game, with Team South fighting out the win. Claire Hobbs, Megan Yakiwchuk, Hailey Wiltshire, and Sarah Gaiser found twine for the win. Jenna Goodwin, the division’s scoring leader by six goals, scored once in the loss, while teammate Ardyn Hawryshko added a pair. Rosters had a good league representation, as two forwards and one defender came from each team, while goalies were selected based off statistical performances.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MINOR

SEARCH RAMPING UP FOR 2018 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

O POWERED BY

NLY A FEW MONTHS REMAIN UNTIL THE WINNERS are announced. For the 19th year, HockeyNow will soon be awarding some of the best minor hockey talent in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario with the annual Player of the Year Award. The award has crowned some of the best young players in the country, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Morgan Rielly, Griffin Reinhart, Curtis Lazar, Karl Alzner, and Colin Fraser. February’s preliminary lists feature a slew of players

who have been the major difference makers in their teams’ final regular season and playoff push. But the Minor Hockey Player of the Year Award is about a lot more than performance. The selection committee also takes into careful consideration each player’s commitment to setting a strong example in their community, their schools and on their team. We’re in the home stretchw now. Soon we’ll be announcing the last round of finalists before the award presentation in July.

PRELIMINARY LIST BC 2003s, FEBRUARY 2018

PRELIMINARY LIST AB 2003s, FEBRUARY 2018

PRELIMINARY LIST ON 2002s, FEBRUARY 2018

BENTHAM, NOLAN - YALE BNTM PREP Rock solid defenseman who is very smart and plays his position well. Excellent edge use. When he gets the puck he has a very accurate outlet pass.

ARMSTRONG, CRAIG - AIRDRIE XTRM One of the best players at CCSHL Bantam Showcase. Had positive impact every game, and made things happen out there. His skating is his greatest asset.

CARMICHAEL, ELIAS - BWC BNTM PREP Big, all situations defender that continues to improve and is developing a more consistent offensive game. Good size and long body - long powerful skating stride.

CEULEMANS, CORSON - OHA EDM BNTM PREP One of the best players at CCSHL Bantam Showcase. Had positive impact every game, and made things happen out there. His skating is his greatest asset.

BYFIELD, QUINTON - YORK SIMCOE Big skilled offensive forward Showed great hands with an ability to control the puck. Ability to create plays out of nothing. Top line center at next level with Pro upside.

CHIASSON, JAKE - YALE BNTM PREP Has a work ethic that is hard to ignore, and looks to make things happen out there. Plays at a high speed and high energy. Has a fantastic shot when he is given time.

GRUBBE, JAYDEN - CAL. BISONS Big power forward that is a handful for defenders to contain in the OZ. Shields the puck very well and was great on the down low OZ cycle.

FUNK, ZACKARY - YALE BNTM PREP Solid forward at both ends who works hard every shift. Very good on the penalty kill - his combination of size and skill is difficult for opposing defenders to contain GALLOWAY, TYSON - YALE BNTM PREP Big, smooth skating defender continues to get better and better and plays a mature game - long reach makes him difficult to get around, good upside for this player. LATIMER, CARSON - DELTA BPREP GREEN Intriguing offensive skill set - breaks into the OZ with speed and is dangerous when give time/space. His speed caused issues for teams defence as they were always on their heels. STANKOVEN, LOGAN - YALE BNTM PREP Had a fantastic showcase including a 7 point game. Very productive forward with pure speed and the ability to consistently create scoring chances. SWARD, GRAHAM - YALE BNTM PREP Plays both ends of the ice very well, and was a consistent presence on the ice. Excellent skating, and uses it to his advantage defensively. VERBICKY, KOBE - YALE BNTM PREP Has a high energy game and pressures the puck hard on the forecheck. Has the ability to force turnovers. Reads the play well and makes good decisions with the puck. WONG, TREVOR - ST. GEORGES 1 Tiny dynamic offensive player who carries his team - tremendous anticipation and hockey sense - very good skater who is shifty and can change direction on a dime.

GUENTHER, DYLAN - N. ALB XTRM BNTM PREP Big goal scoring forward who is dangerous around the net. An opportunistic goal scorer and can really shoot the puck. Backcheck pressure could be stronger. HYLAND, BRETT - CAL. BISONS Just plays the game the right way, makes others around him better - finishes his checks and competes hard in all zones. Good penalty killer and an easy guy to play with. LAJOIE, MARC - N. ALB XTRM BNTM PREP Has a big time shot and can score from way out - plays a confident game and wants the puck on his stick - long reach and body and is tough to get around. OSTAPCHUK, ZACK - N. ALB XTRM BNTM PREP Impressed with his development curve. Excellent set of physical tools and continues to get better and better. Can really skate and is a handful when he drives the net. ROMANCHUK, JACOB - N. ALB XTRM BNTM PREP Smart d-man who is effective at both ends of the ice. Showing better offensive upside and really strong in his own end holds the offensive blueline well and has a good shot. STRINGER, ZACK - LETHBRIDGE Good two-way game, and is effective at both ends of the ice. Very unselfish player - long stride but lacks leg strength. Looks to create screens, and capitalize on rebounds. TSCHIGERL, SEAN - OHA EDM BNTM PREP Fantastic CCSHL Showcase was one of the best players out there consistently. Relentless work ethic, looks to make something happen every time he is on the ice

DRYSDALE, JAMIE - TOR MARLBORO Dynamic skater with excellent edge use and skating ability. Projects as a top pairing offensive defender with #1 defenceman upside. HALLIDAY, STEPHEN - TOR MARLBORO Has a big frame, that still has room to fill out. Uses his size okay, but not overly physical. Potential as a top line skilled winger at the OHL level. MOORE, LLYETON - TOR MARLBORO Can skate the puck out of trouble, needing only a few strides before he is at top speed. Calm under pressure, can make high risk plays look ordinary. O'ROURKE, RYAN - VAUGHAN Two-way defenseman with good size. Has the ability to contribute both on offense and defense. OHL top pairing upside. PERFETTI, COLE - VAUGHAN High end two way forward with ability to create on the rush or cycle - Strong playmaking skills. Projects as a first line center at the OHL level. PETERSON, DYLAN - CIH WHITE Dynamic offensive forward. All-around offensive threat, capable of creating offense out of very little. High-end puck skills with good vision. Top line OHL upside PORTOKALIS, WILLIAM - DON MILLS A factor in each viewing. Continues to impress with solid two-way game driving the play in the OZ and strong defensive play. Top line center potential at next level. POWER, OWEN - MISS. REPS Able to control the game from the backend - Hard to find anything wrong with his game. Has all the tools to be a number one defender at the OHL level. SEBRANGO, DONOVAN - CIH WHITE High end offensive confidence activating from blueline, used skills and smarts to create plays. Very smart defenseman with top 2 OHL upside.

February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 19

CAREER OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Job Summary: Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association(RMMHA) is searching for an Executive Director to oversee the operations, administration, staffing and strategic direction of the association. The Executive Director will represent Ridge Meadows Hockey in the community and is the key liaison between the members, the Association, and the Board of Directors. This is a full-time position with fluctuating and demanding work load that reflects the hockey season and requires flexibility in work hours. For the full job description please visit our website at www.ridgemeadowshockey.com Application Deadline: March 7, 2018

2018 GOALIE CAMPS

PREPARE LIKE A BEAR POWER EDGE PRO

YOU want to work hard to become a better hockey player and YOU want an advantage over your peers, YOU need to attend our Golden Bears Preparation Camp.

Spring All-Ages - March 27-29* Summer All-Stars - July 10-12** Summer Advanced - July 17-19** Champion Habits Female Elite - Aug 13/14* *Terwillegar **Clareveiw

pgiyeg.ca

Our Coaches and current Players will teach YOU the winning tradition and work ethic of the Golden Bears Hockey Program.

MIDGET/JUNIOR

July 31-Aug 2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30 15 Sessions - 7 to 9 PM

BANTAM

July 31, Aug 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 10 Sessions - 4:45 PM to 6:45 PM

PEE WEE

July 30, Aug 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

Including Skill Development using 10 Sessions - 4:45 PM to 6:45 PM the POWER EDGE PRO Training System that engages multiple motor - Cost of this Camp for Midget / Junior skills and small area game which is limited to 22 players is $900.00 performance. Individual Goal Tending Instruction from current Golden Bears Goaltender, and former Under 18 Team Canada and 2X WHL East, Goaltender of the Year Zack Sawchenko Details and Registration

- Cost of Camp for Pee Wee & Bantam which is limited to 22 players is $ 600.00 - Cost of this Camp for Goaltenders which is limited to 3 goaltenders is $300.00 - Each player will also receive a Prepare Like a Bear / PEP Training Jersey.

- Ice Time at Clare Drake Arena

https://www.ualberta.ca/athletics/teams/hockey-m/golden-bears-hockey:camps 20 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February 28, 2018

HOCKEY SCHOOLS HANDBOOK – 2018 –

A L B E RTA | BRI TI S H C O LU MBI A | O NTA RI O

SERIES

HockeyNow

HOCKEY SCHOOLS HANDBOOK

2018

CANLAN ICE SPORTS CAN | BRITISH COLUMBIA | SASKATCHEWAN ALBERTA | MANITOBA | QUEBEC | ONTARIO USA | ILLINOIS | INDIANA Breakaway from boredom and unleash your child’s inner athlete by adding some excitement to their vacation with a Canlan Hockey Camp. Our camps offer an action-packed week of hockey conditioning, skill development and off-ice games for children of all ages and skill levels. Let our qualified and friendly instructors improve your child’s hockey skills by focusing on progression and proper technique. Participants will learn new skills and drills in an environment that fosters sportsmanship, teamwork and most of all fun.

ELITE HOCKEY SCIENCE | Reston, VIRGINIA Our mission is to bring everyone more fun and enjoyment while playing hockey. We specialize in helping players of ALL ages and skill levels increase their scoring. We also specialize in helping players improve their offensive and defensive puck management and tactical skills.

ehockeysciencereston.com

icesports.com

GOLDEN BEARS PREPARATION CAMPS | Edmonton, ALBERTA

Canadian Hockey Enterprises is excited to be offering our world-class hockey camps for the 31st year. With programs running all over North America for boys, girls, men and women of all ages and skills who can pick the program and location that fits them best. Each summer we have more than 1600 camp participants from around the world improving their skills with instruction from professional players, coaches and our Just for Girls staff features female Olympic/National team players as instructors.

This Camp is for Elite Prospects. We will teach YOU the winning tradition and work ethic of the Golden Bears Hockey Program, with coaching provided by current Golden Bears Hockey Coaches and Players, including Edmonton Oil Kings Assistant Coach Michael Chan, as well as former Golden Bears Head Coach, and current Golden Bears General Manager – Stan Marple. Stan has been a professional Head Coach for 13 years of pro hockey in the United Kingdom, and has been with the Golden Bears as Assistant Coach, Head Coach or General Manager since 2010.

chehockey.com

ualberta.ca

22 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

2018

HOCKEY SCHOOLS HANDBOOK

HockeyNow

GOLD GOLD IN THE NET

JR HITMEN | Calgary, ALBERTA

| Victoria & Parksville, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Jr.Hitmen Hockey Development offers a variety of fun and professionally run Summer Camps for all levels of hockey.

The WILL to WIN is easy. The WILL to PREPARE to WIN is much more difficult. GITN will guide your game to the success it deserves. We train goalies from the BEGINNERS to the PROS for over 30 years. NHL Alumni consists of founder/ president GITN Perry Elderbroom, former franchise owner of GITN- Sweden Henrik Lundqvist. Robin Lehner of Buffalo, Kari Lehtonen of Dallas, Oscar Dansk & Dylan Ferguson of Vegas. Former NHL goalies David LeNeveu, Karri Ramo, Antero Niittymaki and Fredrik Norrena.

Full Day Camps for all ages, Powerskating with experienced Instructors, Putts & Pucks – a Full Day Hockey & Golf Camp, Snipe & Dangle Skills Camp to work on your hands or position specific sessions like the Dynamic Defenders Camp or Checking the Right Way! Join our 3 on 3 Pond Hockey League for a fast & fun weekly session!

goldinthenet.com

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY CAMPS | Victoria, Nanaimo, North Delta, BRITISH

COLUMBIA International Hockey Camps has been teaching players (around the world) for the past 35 years. The goal of the camp is to make players better hockey players and better people. This is achieved through expert coaching (experienced coaches only teach at IHC), a low student – coach ratio of 7 to 1, specialized camps focused on specifics, an on-ice teaching/learning system that has been perfected and upgraded yearly. Innovative seminars focus on hockey and mental training skills. Coach Enio Sacilotto, Assistant Coach of the Victoria Royals (WHL) has 35 years of experience coaching at all levels (including 20 years in Europe). He is an excellent teacher/communicator and with his enthusiasm and passion personally leads all the Camps. You will be a better player guaranteed!

coachenio.com

Jr.Hitmen has a camp for everyone! Affordable Payment Plans available!

jrhitmenhockey.com

PRECISION GOALIE INSTITUTE | Edmonton, ALBERTA Precision Goalie Institute, the #1 Hockey School in Alberta as voted by Hockey Now’s Fan’s Choice Awards offers year-round goalie development. Our coaches attend team practices and provide video review services. Our Winter, Spring and Summer camps are helping goalies in Alberta achieve new levels of goaltending. Register for camps at pgiyeg.ca or call 780-340-9205 for more information. Download our iTunes podcast, The PGI Crease Podcast for those hockey road trips!

pgiyeg.ca February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 23

HockeyNow

HOCKEY SCHOOLS HANDBOOK

PRO FORMANCE GOALIE SCHOOL

2018

TEEN RANCH

| Burnaby, BRITISH COLUMBIA

| Caledon, ONTARIO

Our camps are offered in session sets with each set consisting of 5 sessions, each session lasting either one or one and a half hours. We have many students who take advantage of our year-round training discount and will attend 35 sessions in a calendar year and others who opt for just one set. Each set starts with a skating and movement intensive portion to provide our qualified instructors an opportunity to place students in a training group with other goalies of equal ability. Once training groups are established, each student will progress through each station for the remainder of the set with the other members of their group. Summer camps available online.

Aiming higher to offer programs that suit you and your family!

progoal.com

SERDACHNY | Edmonton, ALBERTA The Steve Serdachny Skating & Hockey System teaches excellent technique, but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. It teaches students to break down their skating, stick handling, passing and shooting into crucial components. Students are shown how to strengthen weak areas so they can continue to develop their skills and move onto more advanced abilities. Programs include Accelerate and Elevate Powerskating, Defencemen Camps, Stickhandling & Moves skills series, Shooting & Scoring camps and much more.

Teen Ranch, located in the beautiful Caledon Hills, is home to an Olympic-sized Ice Corral. We offer year-round programs with top-notch instruction to meet all your needs. Weekly Skills & Skating classes, Pond Hockey, Adult Skills, Spring League, 3-on-3, Elite Summer Training, Public Skating, 35+ Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s League, Private lessons and our world renowned Summer Hockey Camps are available to boys and girls ages 6+ for any level of hockey player.

teenranch.com

WORLD CLASS HOCKEY | Mississauga, ONTARIO Camps consist of up to 20 Hours of on-ice instruction per week and 1 hour per day of dryland training in our off ice training centre.

Spring and Summer Development Programs run April - September in: Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Medicine Hat, Winnipeg, Stockholm (Sweden) and Helsinki (Finland).

Our program includes all of the essential skills of skating, (including proper technique & edge control), puck control and shooting. Each skill is broken down by our experienced staff and complimented with high tempo drills that force students to use the skills being taught. Students will be challenged to perform drills that involve a high degree of difficulty.

Programs are designed for players from Novice to Pro who want to Accelerate and Elevate all aspects of their skating and hockey skill development.

Off-ice training will be in our 2000 sq ft training centre. Hockey specific training will include balance & agility, overall strength, speed, mobility, power and flexibility.

elitepowerskating.com

worldclasshockey.com

CJHL

KYLE ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

AHEAD OF HIS TIME Rookie forward Alex Newhook carving up the BCHL far from home STORY Neil Hilts

OR JUNIOR A OPTIONS IN CANADA, ALEX NEWHOOK couldn’t have chosen a team much further from his home in St. John’s, N.L. than he did with Victoria. The 17-year-old is in his first season with the Victoria Grizzlies in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and has been one of the league’s top players. However, Newhook won’t be able to push for the scoring title as the forward broke his hand on Feb. 7 and likely won’t return until the first round of the playoffs. Through 45 games, Newhook ranked second in league scoring with 65 points. His points-per-game were above those of Kale Howarth, a 20-year-old drafted by Columbus last year. Newhook is the only player born in the new millennium that ranks among the top 25 scorers, ahead of a few prospects for this year’s NHL Draft. By comparison, Kyle Turris, the highest NHL draftee in BCHL history who went seventh to Phoenix in 2007, scored 72 points in his 16/17-year-old year, good for a 1.26 points per game. More recently, Tyson Jost, selected 10th by Colorado in 2016, had 45 points, just a shade under one point per game while skating with Penticton. Newhook’s coach, Craig Didmon, said the team had high expectations for the rookie, but he has shot past them. “About midseason, I spoke with him about the scoring title and how spending some time at Hockey Canada camps he might not have a chance at [it]” Didmon said. “He looked at me and I could tell he expected himself to be up there in scoring.” Didmon says the hand injury will keep Newhook out two to four weeks, which could see him boost the Grizzlies for playoffs at the end of February. “This year, I’m hoping for a big run with the Grizzlies in the playoffs and maybe reaching the RBC Cup,” Newhook said.

Earlier this year, Newhook was selected to attend the camp for Team Canada West ahead of the World Junior A Challenge. Newhook was one of six players born in 2001 to attend, but didn’t make the cut. “I was disappointed, but I used it as motivation moving forward and proving I can be consistent and will hopefully be back there next year,” Newhook said. He did get the chance to put on the maple leaf, playing for Canada Black at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. Alongside other top ’01 skaters, Newhook recorded four points in five games.

Alex Newhook from Newfoundland is in the midst of a dominant rookie season with the Victoria Grizzlies, looking like one of the BCHL’s next superstars. Although a broken hand will sideline him for the last month of the season, he should be back in time for playoffs.

STANDING OUT It was clear from young age that Newhook was above his peers in Newfoundland. He was the Bantam AAA rookie of the year plus leading scorer, notching 11 more goals than the next closest player. At the start of the 2015-16 season, Newhook headed west to Ontario to play at a higher level, joining with York Simcoe Express Bantam AAA in Newmarket, Ont. The next year as the captain of the Midget AAA Express, Newhook led the league in scoring and was named the OMHA ETA (Eastern Triple A) player of the year. He began looking for opportunities for his 16-year-old year, and with a family member in B.C.’s capital, it seemed like a good destination. “His family contacted us as he was ready and looking to play Junior A Hockey as they don’t have a league in Newfoundland, and having an aunt in Victoria, they talked with her about him coming in and living in Victoria. They felt comfortable with him having a relative here,” Didmon said. Didmon has coached in Victoria for more than 16 years and even had a young Jamie Benn on his roster for a few games. He said both players were clearly special. “Seeing Alex dominating games – there’s been several times he’s skated through entire teams for goals and lifted the bench from their seats. He’s a very good player that doesn’t come around so often,” Didmon said.

FUTURE Draft eligible next year, Newhook said the plan is to be back to Victoria. At the time of print, his team led the Island Division but were in a tight race with Powell River and Nanaimo hot on their tails. He’s drawn interest from other junior leagues – last

year he was drafted in the third round by the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL and the second round by the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. At the start of the 2019 season, Newhook said he’ll likely head back to the east coast to suit up for the Boston College Eagles, which will make it a little easier for his family to visit him. “When I went down there it felt right. Their campus as one of my favourites, it was a great meeting and I’m really looking forward to playing there,” Newhook said. It helps that Newhook’s younger sister, Abby, has committed to play at Boston College two years after her older brother. Next season is still up in the air, despite the assurance from Newhook and Didmon that he’ll return to the Grizzlies. Halifax will try to persuade Newhook to join them next season and they could get some help – the Mooseheads are a finalist to host the 2019 Mastercard Memorial Cup. Having a Memorial Cup team much closer to home with a proven track record of prospect success may be tough to turn down for Newhook. However, his mind is on the BCHL season at hand, and speaking of hands, as soon as his heals, he’ll be back on the ice terrorizing teams. “He has incredible speed, can carry the puck, and see the ice really well. His speed and vision are his greatest asset,” Didmon said. No matter his vision, Newhook can’t see into next year, but expect him to be a first round NHL Draft pick, whether he is on the east or west coast of Canada. February 28, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 25

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2018 LAS VEGAS, NV | FEB. 23 - 25 LAS VEGAS WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com OTTAWA, ON | FEB. 24 14TH ANNUAL OTTAWA SENATORS INITIATION FUN DAY PRESENTED BY THE KANATA MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION - SATURDAY. Male & Female. Divisions: Initiation. Contact: tournaments@sensplex.ca or sensplex.ca OTTAWA, ON | FEB. 25 14TH ANNUAL OTTAWA SENATORS INITIATION FUN DAY PRESENTED BY THE KANATA MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION - SUNDAY. Male & Female. Divisions: Initiation. Contact: tournaments@sensplex.ca or sensplex.ca OTTAWA, ON | FEB. 25 14TH ANNUAL OTTAWA SENATORS JR. FUNDAMENTALS GIRLS FUN DAY. Female. Divisions: Initiation. Contact: tournaments@sensplex.ca or sensplex.ca

MARCH 2018 OTTAWA, ON | MAR. 9 - 11 14TH ANNUAL CAPITAL HOUSE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS - WEEKEND 4 (ATOM) - PRESENTED BY THE KANATA MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION. Male & Female. Divisions: Atom. Levels: House. Contact: tournaments@sensplex.ca or sensplex.ca

NIAGARA FALLS, ON | MAR. 9 - 11 NIAGARA FALLS WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com NASHVILLE, TN | MAR. 9 - 11 NASHVILLE CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com TORONTO, ON | MAR. 9 - 11 ST PATRICK’S PRIMER. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com TAMPA, FL | MAR. 16 - 18 TAMPA WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com HALIFAX, NS | MAR. 16 - 18 MARITIME CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com VANCOUVER, BC | MAR. 16 - 18 VANCOUVER CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | MAR. 16 - 18 Divisions: Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. Levels: AA, A, B, Selects.

Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CHICAGO, IL | MAR. 16 - 18 CHICAGO ST PATRICK’S SHOWDOWN. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com OTTAWA, ON | MAR. 23 - 25 35TH KANATA GIRLS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION HOUSE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT. Female. Divisions: Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. Levels: House. Contact: tournaments@sensplex.ca or sensplex.ca NASHVILLE, TN | MAR.23 - 25 NASHVILLE WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com SALMON ARM, BC | MAR. 23 - 25 SHAW CENTRE CHALLENGE |. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: 19+ Contact: Gord@habs1.ca or salmonarmhockeytournaments.ca SCARBOROUGH, ON | MAR. 30 - APR. 1 47TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK SELECT HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Novice, Tyke, Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee, Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam, Minor Midget, Midget, Major Midget, Juvenile. Levels: Selects, All Levels. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com NEW YORK, NY | MAR. 30 - APR. 1 BIG APPLE CUP. Male. Divisions: Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, Squirt. Levels: AA, A, B, Selects. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com VANCOUVER, BC | MAR. 30 - APR. 1 BC KING OF THE RINGS. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com TORONTO, ON | MAR. 30 - APR. 1 3ON3 - PRESETED BY JAYS CARE . Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com

APRIL 2018 LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 5 - 8 GAMBLERS CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com BANFF, AB | APR. 6 - 8 BANFF CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 6 - 8 LAS VEGAS WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com PHOENIX, AZ | APR. 6 - 8 PHOENIX CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com NIAGARA FALLS, ON | APR. 6 - 8 NIAGARA CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com

26 | HOCKEYNOW – February 28, 2018

NASHVILLE, TN | APR. 6 - 8 NASHVILLE WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com OTTAWA, ON | APR. 6 - 8 OTTAWA CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com SALMON ARM, BC | APR. 6 - 8 SHAW CENTRE CHALLENGE ||. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: 19+ Contact: Gord@habs1.ca or salmonarmhockeytournaments.ca BELLEVILLE, ON | APR. 7 - 8 3ON3 BAY OF QUINTE BLAST. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 12 - 15 GAMBLERS CUP. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com BANFF, AB | APR. 13 - 15 BANFF CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com KELOWNA, BC | APR. 13 - 15 OKANAGAN CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com NIAGARA FALLS, ON | APR. 13 - 15 NIAGARA CUP. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com OAKVILLE, ON | APR. 13 - 15 SPRING CLASSIC - WEST. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com FORT LAUDERDALE, FL | APR. 19 - 22 FLORIDA CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 19 - 22 GAMBLERS CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com LAKE PLACID, NY | APR. 19 - 22 AMERICAN CUP. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CLEARWATER BEACH, FL | APR. 20 - 22 CLEARWATER BEACH WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com MONTREAL, QC | APR. 20 - 22 MONTREAL WEEKEND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels, Senior. Contact: info@weekendhockey.com or weekendhockey.com

February 28, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HOCKEYNOW | 27