Almost a Decade and Counting: March 31, 2018 by HockeyNow

TOP 31 NHL PROSPECTS RASMUS DAHLIN

VASTRA FROLUNDA (SweE)

ANDREI SVECHNIKOV BARRIE (OHL)

FILIP ZADINA

HALIFAX (QMJHL)

BRADY TKACHUK

BOSTON UNIVERSITY (H.E.)

OLIVER WAHLSTROM

USA U18 (NTDP)

+ Full List Inside

SERIES

GOODBYE WESTERN CANADA CUP NEW PLAYOFF FORMAT SPLITTING WESTERN TEAMS INTO JUNIOR A PLAY-INS FOR RBC CUP

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OVER 250 TEAMS LACING UP IN ALBERTA NATIVE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS’ SILVER ANNIVERSARY

LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY TIGERS FORWARD MASON SHAW SET TO RETURN TO GAME AFTER INJURY SIDELINED HIM IN PRESEASON

March 31, 2018

ALMOST A DECADE

and counting...

WE LOOK AT THE CSSHL’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AS CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY SPORT SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE HockeyNow.ca

2 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 31, 2018

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

TIME TO SHINE I

T'S A GREAT TIME TO BE A hockey fan right now. Playoffs are underway or wrapping up across the country, the excitement is palpable and minor hockey players are leaving it all on the ice for the chance for one more game. Here at HockeyNow, this is an especially exciting time as we get to witness most of our Player of the Year nominees come out in a big way for their teams. This year’s OHL Cup once again featured a ton of the Ontario players we’ve shortlisted throughout the year. Cole Perfetti, Stephen Halliday and Jamie Drysdale are all featured on this month’s preliminary POY list and all finished in the Top 10 in scoring at the OHL Cup. Out West, we’ve also seen some big plays from a lot of our nominees for B.C. and Alberta. POY nominee Craig Armstrong and his Airdrie XTreme claimed the provincial AMBHL championship by defeating the St. Albert Sabres after coming out on top of their regional matchup against the Calgary Bisons – a team that includes other March POY shortlisted players Jayden Grubbe, this year’s #1 AMBHL scorer, and Brett Hyland. On Alberta’s school side, POY nominee and expected Top 3 WHL Draft pick Sean Tschigerl led OHA Edmonton to the CSSHL Bantam Prep title with a hat trick in the team’s 6-1 win over Rink Hockey Academy. They may not have made it to the championship final, but fellow CSSHLers Ryan Guenther (Northern Alberta), Logan Stankoven (Yale), Jake Chiasson (Yale) and Zachary Funk (Yale) are all POY shortlisted players for March who finished alongside Tschigerl in the Top 10 scorers of the regular season. There’s no question that we’ll hear many of these names at the WHL Bantam Draft in May, which promises to be another huge showing for the CSSHL. Make sure to check out this month’s feature on the start of the CSSHL and how far it’s come in nine short years. We’ve seen some huge talent come out of the league and I can’t wait to see what’s still to come. Next month, we’ll be turning our attention to the rest of minor hockey and looking at some great new developments coming down the pipe. In the meantime, we’ll keep watching these POY prospects as we’re only a few short months away from naming winners in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. And of course, we’ll be bringing you lots of great hockey from all ranks as the season winds down and spring hockey gets on deck. As always, thanks for reading and we’ll see you at the rink!

LARRY FEIST, Publisher On Twitter: @HockeyNow

NEXT EDITION: April 28, 2018 CONTACT THE EDITOR: larry@hockeynow.ca

NATIONAL EDITION Vol. 20, No. 3, Issue 686 - March 31, 2018

PUBLISHER Larry Feist larry@hockeynow.ca

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

CONTENT MANAGER Emily Whitemarsh emily@hockeynow.ca

ART + PRODUCTION Stacey Rourke stacey@hockeynow.ca

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

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? 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 Sean Tschigerl Two Point Photography

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.

March 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 3

4 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 31, 2018

CONTENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

14 | ON THE COVER

THE CSSHL IS BIGGER THAN EVER, AND THEY'RE NOT DONE YET

PAGE 21

SERIES

plus... 13 ISS

ISS HOCKEY RELEASES MARCH LIST OF TOP 31 NHL PROSPECTS

19 POY

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

in this issue... 6 WHL

MASON SHAW FINALLY SEEING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF HIS RECOVERY TUNNEL

9 FEMALE

B.C TEAMS CLAIM BOTH TITLES IN CSSHL FEMALE CHAMPIONSHIPS

7 OHL

18 MINOR

8 QMJHL

25 CJHL

SOO GREYHOUNDS POISED TO WIN IT ALL AS OHL PLAYOFFS GET UNDERWAY

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING LOOKING TO STRIKE GOLD AGAIN IN QUEBEC

250+ TEAMS TO SUIT UP IN ALBERTA NATIVE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

WESTERN CANADA CUP NO MORE EN ROUTE TO 2018 RBC CUP

7 March 31, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HOCKEYNOW | 5

WHL

RANDY FEERE/MEDICINE HAT TIGERS

MAJOR JUNIOR

Ever since going his surgery in September, Mason Shaw has been working tirelessly to return to his previous form in the hopes of making it back onto the ice before the Tigers call it a season.

LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY

Mason Shaw is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after an ACL tear sidelined him in the preseason STORY Ryan McCracken

ASON SHAW LEARNED AT AN EARLY AGE THAT hard work pays off, and that lesson has led him to a chance at returning to the ice this year. The 19-year-old Medicine Hat Tigers centre missed all 72 games of the Western Hockey League’s regular season after tearing his right ACL during a prospects game with the Minnesota Wild in September, but after a gruelling road to recovery, a return is finally within reach. “I was raised to work hard, and I think with the way I play I have to work hard,” said Shaw, who grew up on a farm in Wainwright, Alta. “I’ve just translated that into the gym and my physio process and it’s definitely helped me out a lot.” While his Tigers open the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Brandon Wheat Kings for a second consecutive postseason, Shaw will make the trip to Minnesota for re-evaluation between Games 2 and 3, and says he

hopes to be back in action before the second round. “It’s feeling really good. I’ve put in a lot of work in the gym to get it as close as it’s going to get to ‘ready to go,’” said Shaw. “I think right now I’m just enjoying team practices. I’ve felt really confident and really good, probably a little bit ahead of where I thought I would be.” After recording 27 goals and 67 assists with the Tigers last season, Shaw made the trip to Chicago for the NHL entry and heard his name called by the Wild in the early fourth round at 97th overall. Within a matter of weeks, Shaw was bouncing around between Wild development camp and the IIHF World Junior Summer Showcase with Team Canada. When the pre-season rolled around, Shaw reported to his first NHL training camp, but it was while trying to make an impact with his big-league club that Shaw’s season came to an abrupt halt.

Taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, Shaw went into the corner to play the puck and felt something pop in his right knee. “The tournament got off to a pretty good start for us. Our first game we had a good game and I felt pretty good, then going into the second game I didn’t play in the first and it happened in the second period,” said Shaw. “I kind of just had an awkward play in the corner where I was cutting back and a heavier guy kind of fell on (my knee). I knew right away that something wasn’t right.” It's been a long road to recovery for Shaw, but it's one he's travelled before. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound centre had his 16-year-old season cut short due to planned surgery on his other knee after tearing that ACL as well. This time Shaw has access to some of the best medical care available through the Wild, but the playmaking power forward still opted to receive a good deal of his rehabilitation through Prairieview Physiotherapy’s Angela Leer, who helped Shaw recover from his previous ACL tear in Wainwright. “She’s been great. She’s been patient but she’s pushed me hard,” said Shaw, adding Leer, Tigers athletic trainer Mikki Lanuk and the Wild staff have been huge factors in his recovery. “I wouldn’t be where I am without those guys.” Ever since going under the knife in September, Shaw has been working tirelessly to return to his previous form in the hopes of making it back onto the ice before his Tigers call it a season. While it’s come with its fair share of demands, Shaw says the most difficult aspect of the rehabilitation was mentally adjusting to an entire 72-game schedule away from the ice. “It’s been really hard. It’s not something I’m used to doing, sitting out this long. I had a lot of highs the past summer and moving forward so it definitely felt like a setback, but mentally I’ve definitely gotten a lot stronger,” said Shaw. “There have been some darker days, but being able to be down here and getting closer to playing, it sure feels really rewarding. I’ve got to thank my parents and the people around me who have supported me because it definitely wasn’t easy sitting out a whole season.” Shaw was cleared to resume skating in early February and returned to practiced with the Tigers a few weeks later. While he still needs to get the green light from the Wild before he’ll be able to make his official return, making it back to the team before the end of their series against Brandon could provide a pivotal boost for the Central Division champions. The Tigers lost top line centre James Hamblin for the entirety of the playoffs earlier this week, leaving Shaw itching to return. “Hopefully things go well with my testing,” said Shaw, adding he feels ready to play. “I’m really happy with how it is on the ice and things are looking good.”

NORTH VANCOUVER MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION NVMHA is the largest hockey association on the North Shore with over fifty years of history. We are currently seeking enthusiastic and passionate people to fill roles of Head coach and assistant coach for our Rep and C teams. We offer a great opportunity for both experienced coaches and new coaches to teach, lead and mentor the youth of our community and will provide training and support including reimbursement of any required coaching certifications. Come join a community sports organization which supports its athletes and the people that are a part of it. For more information, please contact operations@nvmha.com or visit www.nvmha.com and click on our “TEAM” button and complete the coach application. Applicants will then be notified by email about the coach selection process. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN NVMHA. 6 | HOCKEYNOW – March 31, 2018

OHL

MAJOR JUNIOR

IN THE HOME STRETCH Greyhounds boast stacked lineup heading into OHL playoffs STORY Iain Colpitts

TERRY WILSON/OHL IMAGES

S THIS THE YEAR WE SEE ANOTHER OHL TEAM BREAK through that proverbial glass ceiling? The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds certainly hope so. Last year, it was the Erie Otters who won the OHL title and made it to the Memorial Cup final after they went through three years of having some powerful teams that fell just short in the playoffs. The Greyhounds are somewhat similar in that they’ve been a strong team ever since 2013-14 but haven’t been able to make it past the Western Conference final since. There’s a lot of reason to believe this year’s squad has what it takes to win it all. What really stands out is their 23-game winning streak earlier this season en route to a league-high 116-point campaign. Led by Morgan Frost, the OHL’s second-leading scorer and three members of Canada’s World Junior team (Boris Katchouk, Conor Timmins and Taylor Raddysh), they are definitely the most intimidating squad in the OHL. They’ll start the playoffs against the Saginaw Spirit, a middle of the pack team in the West until a 2-7-1 stretch to end the season knocked them down to eighth place. It’s one of eight playoff series to look out for as everyone starts their pursuit of the OHL title.

WESTERN CONFERENCE (1) SAULT STE. MARIE GREYHOUNDS VS ( ) 8 SAGINAW SPIRIT There’s no doubt the Greyhounds are heavy favourites in this series. The Canadian Hockey League’s topranked team finished 49 points ahead of the Spirit in the regular season. A lot has been said about players like Frost, Raddysh, Katchouk and Timmins, but there are seven Greyhounds who have recorded at least 60 points while Matthew Villalta is a highly coveted goalie. No one on Saginaw has reached 60 points, but they’re a resilient bunch and perhaps overage goalie Evan Cormier can help them steal some games.

(2) KITCHENER RANGERS VS ( ) 7 GUELPH STORM The Rangers were one of a few teams in the OHL to go all-in at the trade deadline. While their biggest acquisition, Logan Brown, was injured for a bit coming out of the World Junior Championships, he’s been a force to be reckoned with when he has played and more of the same can be expected for the playoffs. Forty-goal scorer Adam Mascherin has been dominant as well and will be looking for his first long playoff run. As strong as they are, the Rangers can’t afford to overlook the Storm, a team with a bright future led by youngsters Ryan Merkley and Cam Hillis. PREDICTION: RANGERS IN FIVE

Before the Greyhounds emerged as the top team in Canada this season, the Sting held that title. They jumped out to a 15-1 start and didn’t slow down very much en route to a 97-point season. Red Tilson Trophy candidate and World Junior gold medalist Jordan Kyrou has been their undisputed leader while Drake Rymsha and Adam Ruzicka are tough to contain. Although the Spitfires chose to be sellers at the trade deadline and don’t have a player who’s recorded at least 50 points this season, they do have Michael DiPietro, arguably the league’s best netminder. PREDICTION: STING IN FIVE

(4) OWEN SOUND ATTACK VS ( ) 5 LONDON KNIGHTS They may have lost a terrific goalie in Michael McNiven, but the Owen Sound Attack still have a lot of weapons left over from last year’s squad that made it to the Western Conference final. Nick Suzuki is one of four players in the league who have reached 100 points while Kevin Hancock and Aidan Dudas have been great contributors as well. The Knights invested more in youth with their trade deadline acquisitions, but they held on to Evan Bouchard, a 2018 NHL Draft top-10 prospect who led all OHL defencemen in scoring. PREDICTION: KNIGHTS IN SIX

(1) HAMILTON BULLDOGS (8) OTTAWA 67’S

The Bulldogs have stocked up with a bevy of talent, including former Knight Robert Thomas to add to an experienced team featuring Brandon Saigeon and Matt Strome among others. They may not blow teams out of the water offensively, but the Bulldogs have been built to win in the East this year. First up for them in the playoffs are the Ottawa 67’s, a relatively young squad that still has proven leaders such as Travis Barron, Tye Felhaber and Sasha Chmelevski. PREDICTION: BULLDOGS IN FIVE

PREDICTION: GREYHOUNDS IN FOUR

(3) SARNIA STING VS ( ) 6 WINDSOR SPITFIRES

Morgan Frost and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are the top seed in the Western Conference as they head into the OHL playoffs.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(2) BARRIE COLTS (7) MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS

With lots of firepower on both teams, this series has the potential to be the most exciting one in the first round. Top-3 NHL Draft prospect Andrei Svechnikov has delivered on expectations, scoring 40 goals in 44 games for Barrie, but it’s OHL leading scorer Aaron Luchuk and 50-goal man Dmitry Sokolov that are doing the most damage for the Colts. Mississauga, last year’s OHL finalists, have underachieved this year, but still have their share of weapons, including 35-goal scoring defender Nic Hague and Florida Panthers prospect Owen Tippett. PREDICTION: COLTS IN SEVEN

(3) KINGSTON FRONTENACS (6) NORTH BAY BATTALION

Perhaps realizing they would lose a great goalie like Jeremy Helvig next season, the Frontenacs took a chance and added four top-end players at the trade deadline, including former HockeyNow Player of the Year Gabriel Vilardi, who has averaged nearly two points per game since the move from Windsor. A combined 80 goals have come from holdovers Jason Robertson and Linus Nyman as well. Meanwhile, the Battalion may have flown under the radar for part of the season, but Justin Brazeau and Luke Burghardt are just two players who have stepped up this year, each scoring over 70 points. PREDICTION: FRONTENACS IN SIX

(4) NIAGARA ICEDOGS VS ( ) 5 OSHAWA GENERALS This could very well be a look ahead to next year’s Eastern Conference final as both teams are rich in terms of elite talent from the 1999 and 2000 age groups. Sam Miletic, acquired by Niagara in a mid-season deal with London, has been electric this year and could be in the playoffs as well. Jack Studnicka will be counted on to lead the Generals while four players in this series (Akil Thomas from Niagara and Allan McShane, Serron Noel and Nico Gross from Oshawa) played in this year’s CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. PREDICTION: ICEDOGS IN SIX

March 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 7

MAJOR JUNIOR

QMJHL

STEPPING UP Tampa Bay Lightning looking to strike gold once again in Quebec, this time with Blainville-Boisbriand’s Alex Barré-Boulet STORY Mike Beasley

I ANTOINE MEUNIER

T’S A LONG WAY FROM BLAINVILLE, QUEBEC TO Tampa Bay, Florida. Google Maps lists the trip as over 2,300 kilometres long. It’s even more challenging if you are trying to make that trek as a QMJHL player to a spot with one of the elite teams in the NHL. But that’s the journey Blainville-Boisbriand Armada F Alex Barré-Boulet is welcoming after the Tampa Bay

Lightning signed the 20-year-old forward to an entry level contract in early March. “I was very happy when Tampa Bay offered me a contract with their organization,” the 20-year-old said before a recent road game in Gatineau. “It’s an honour to be recognized by such a great team that has so many fantastic players. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to earn a spot and play for the Lightning one day.” The Lightning is known for their offence and exciting goal scoring ability with the likes of Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde and Tyler Johnson to name a few of their skilled point producers. Except for Stamkos, who stands 6’1” tall and weighs 194 pounds, not one of the other aforementioned players is over six feet. Those measurements are similar to Barré-Boulet who is listed at 5’10”, 165. After drafting QMJHLer Nikita Kucherov in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Tampa has returned to Quebec, this time to pick up Blainville-Boisbriand standout Alex Barré-Boulet.

8 | HOCKEYNOW – March 31, 2018

Tampa Bay found lightning in a bottle once before when they selected a smallish, Kucherov while playing in the KHL and a season in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The new NHL is all about foot speed, mobility and quickness, which defines Alex’s modus operandi. Since his minor hockey days, Alex has possessed the speed to wheel around the rink and put up serious numbers on the score-sheet. In his last season of Midget AAA with the Quebec City-based Levis Commandeurs, he finished with 40 points and 21 goals in 32 games. The Drummondville Voltigeurs liked what they saw and selected him in the 6th round (102nd overall) in the 2013 QMJHL Draft. Barré-Boulet paid immediate dividends for Drummondville in his rookie campaign with 23 goals and 51 points. In his second year, he cracked the Top 10 in league scoring during the regular season, with 89 points. Midway through 2016-17, the Armada acquired the diminutive speedster to help the team in its run to the President’s Cup final. The move was a success as Barré-Boulet finished the year with 81 points and picked up another 31 in the playoffs. He finished one point behind Saint John F Mathieu Joseph in the postseason as the Sea Dogs swept the Armada in the championship final. Joseph just happens to be the property of the Tampa Bay Lightning pick as well. Now in his overage year, Barré-Boulet picked up the league scoring title with 53-63-116 points and is one of the leaders with the Armada who, like Tampa Bay are known for their high-powered offence. Blainville-Boisbriand is back in the hunt for this season’s President’s Cup with Joel Bouchard at the helm of the Armada ship. He identified Barré-Boulet’s skills and did not hesitate in making a deal to bring him to the Armada through last season. “Alex has been a force for us on the ice with his play and leadership since trading for him at last year’s trade deadline,” said Bouchard. “He’s a large part of our success this season along with several other players who form the core of our team. We’re very happy that he signed with Tampa Bay it’s a great opportunity for him, down the road to give pro hockey a shot. I think he has a fair chance to achieve that.” Tampa Bay is a great destination for any hockey player with its sunny climate and the team’s penchant for playing the game at pace and catering to world class skills. Barré-Boulet has already experienced playing hockey in sun belts. The first time was in 2016 as an invite to the Los Angeles Kings camp, the second came this past fall when the Vegas Golden Knights reached out. “I’ve never been to Tampa Bay but I’m excited to attend their development camp,” said Alex. “I learned so much when I went down to L.A. and Vegas. Now it’s up to me to work hard over the summer to become stronger, faster and adjust to playing against bigger and stronger players. It’s never been easy as a small player but I have the determination and character to get to the next level.” Tampa Bay is counting on that and optimistic they found another player that will continue in their tradition of speed and skill.

CHAMPIONSHIPS

FEMALE

BEST IN THE WEST B.C. Teams take CSSHL Female Championship Titles STORY Kristi Patton

O REST FOR THE WEARY. It could be the motto that Okanagan Hockey Academy forward Sarah Paul (Kelowna, B.C.) lives by. After scoring the lone goal in the Canadian Sport School The Okanagan Hockey Academy defeated Delta The Pursuit of Excellence are the CSSHL female Hockey League female varsity championship game against Hockey Academy 1-0 for the Canadian Sport prep champions after completing a near perfect defending champions Delta Hockey Academy, Paul had just School Hockey League title. regular season, only losing one game. minutes to celebrate before heading back out on the ice in the semifinal with the OHA female prep team, where she opened scoring for that squad. goal and two assists, while Megan Wilson (Calgary, Alta.) and Kailee Skinner (Penticton, “I was pretty tired. I just changed colours and got right back out there,” said Paul. B.C.) each added a power play marker. Her championship winning goal in the varsity division came with 5:45 remaining in Pursuit had only lost one game during the regular season, which happened to be to the middle frame. OHA in overtime. “I just caught them on a bad change and they left me on the far side Taylor Catcher “We had faith that we could beat them, we all believed it, but the hockey gods weren’t passed it from our end and put me on a break away. I just shot it low right side, over on our side,” said OHA defenceman Lyndsy Acheson (Summerland, B.C.). her glove. It’s my favourite spot to shoot,” said the humble Paul. Pursuit also won the regular season banner with a record of 20-0-1. Her teammates, had much more to say. “We knew it was going to be a battle but we just had to stay on top of them. It was “It was mid-second period and it was on a breakaway. It was her second that game. just keeping the pressure on them because they are a tough team,” said Elizabeth Klimm She has such a hard shot and it went in,” said assistant captain Brooke Disher (Fort St. (West Kelowna, B.C.). John, B.C.). Pursuit of Excellence kicked off the tournament with a 10-0 win over Banff. They Andi Main, who will return to OHA for her final year, said it took a lot of work to then defeated Edge School 7-2 and poured on more offence against Northern Alberta, beating them 7-3 in the semifinal. get to the championship game. “We really pushed hard to get this and it feels really awesome to accomplish something this big. We have come a long way,” said Main. “I was on the bench for the final seconds. We are all holding hands and screaming just waiting for the buzzer to go.” Getting a chance to hoist the championship trophy was beyond anything Paul dreamed of. “I never thought when I was younger that I would be able to do something like that. Hockey was just for fun, I didn’t see this in my future at all. Playing with OHA is even more fun, but it is competitive too,” said Paul, who is in her second year with the sport school. “There is so much more here than just hockey. We have great teachers and support in the classroom. It really has made me a better person, holding me up to higher standards all-around — as a hockey player and student.” OHA got to the finals on the back of goaltender Selma Luggin, who posted two shutouts before stymieing shooters in the finals for her third shutout of the tournament. “The team in front of me does all the work,” said Luggin (Vienna, Austria), of her squad who also won the regular season banner. “I just have to save some shots. We fought the whole season.” Delta and OHA tangled the evening before with Delta, coming out on top 3-2. OHA opened the tournament with a 4-0 win over Pilot Mound and then had a 3-0 win over Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy. The following day, Paul found herself playing for the CSSHL female prep championship, this time it was on the losing side as the Pursuit of Excellence finished their dominating year with a 6-3 win over Okanagan Hockey Academy. Female Prep Freshman of the Year Anne Cherkowski (Coldstream, B.C.) added a goal and three assists for Pursuit of Excellence, while Dara Greig (Lethbridge, Alta.) chipped in with a goal and two helpers. Pursuit jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes and then held a 4-2 lead going in to the final frame. Ava Thewes (Clarkston, Mich.) made 23 saves to record the win between the pipes for Pursuit, while Danielle Serdachny (Edmonton, Alta.) and Jordan Mortlock (Medicine Hat, Alta.) rounded out the scoring. “I knew from the very start we had a really strong group of girls with lots of skill,” said Sydney Neustader (Lake Country, B.C.). “We came together as a team really early as a season and I think that transferred on to the ice. In this game we were just really ready to go, mentally prepared. We got a couple of quick goals and our powerplay was successful and our goalie was on the ball.” Reece Hunt (Nelson, B.C.) factored in on all three Okanagan goals, finishing with a March 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 9

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

ICE HAWKS AND FLAMES ARE THE PJHL’S LAST TWO TEAMS STANDING The Delta Ice Hawks and Ridge Meadows Flames are putting their best feet forward to see who will end the season as PJHL champions.

The Shaw conference champion Ice Hawks, owners of an outstanding 37-4-0-3 regular season record, are playing for their fourth league title after appearing in last year’s final.

Both teams came out on top in their conference in both the regular season and playoffs and are playing for a spot in BC’s junior B championship tournament, the Cyclone Taylor Cup, which is coming to Richmond from April 12-15.

On the other side of the ice, the Flames went 26-14-2-2 to edge out the Abbotsford Pilots for the Brittain conference regular season title before beating the Pilots in a five-game conference final. The Ice Hawks and Flames have definitely been formidable throughout the season and it’s fitting that the top teams in each conference duke it out for the ultimate prize. Here’s how each team got here so far:

DELTA ICE HAWKS Swept the Grandview Steelers in round one before knocking out the Richmond Sockeyes in a five-game Shaw conference final. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gary Dhaliwal – An overage forward and Delta’s captain, Dhaliwal finished seventh in league scoring over the regular season with 53 points (18 goals and 35 assists) to go along with six game-winning goals in 42 games. He’s leading the Ice Haws at over a point-per-game pace through the playoffs too.

The Delta Ice Hawks and Ridge Meadows Flames are facing off in this year’s PJHL final for the right to move on to the Cyclone Taylor Cup. (Doug Abbott photo)

Jonathan Rees Jr. – Led all PJHL first-year players with 50 points (20 goals and 30 assists) to earn rookie of the year honours. He managed to put up those totals while spending 104 minutes in the penalty box. Jordan Naylor – Second-year netminder was solid in sharing the workload with goalie of the year Jordy Engleson, but Naylor has taken over through the playoffs a year after he was a big reason why Delta was able to reach last season’s final. Jordan Deyrmenjian – Third-year Ice Hawk racked up nearly two points per game in the regular season, finishing fourth in league scoring with 69 points (31 goals and 38 assists) in 38 games. He was a force on special teams too with seven goals on the power play and three on the penalty kill. Aiden Hansen-Bukata – Rookie defenceman had a productive regular season with half a point per game over 40 matches and has upped that output to nearly a point-per game so far through the playoffs.

RIDGE MEADOWS Defeated the Aldergrove Flames four games to one in the Brittain semifinals before eliminating the Abbotsford Pilots in five games during the conference final. PLAYERS TO WATCH Andrew Strelezki – Overage forward led the Flames in scoring over the regular season with 52 points (18 goals and 34 assists) in 43 games to finish eighth overall. He’s been a force through

PACIFIC JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

the playoffs too as the league’s leading scorer. Halen Cordoni – Another overager, Cordoni showed the instincts of a pure goal scorer, posting 32 in 34 regular season games. He’s second behind Strelezki in playoff scoring as well. Ryan Wellburn – Veteran defenceman has done a solid job quarterbacking the Flames’ power play through the playoffs and is averaging more than a point per game. Paul Tucek – After a strong regular season, Tucek continues to be steady in goal throughout the playoffs. He very well could be carrying on from where he left off last year when he was the Flame’s go-to goalie on their run to the conference final. Ryley Lanthier – The PJHL’s most improved player was just shy of a point-per game this season with 38 (18 goals and 21 assists) in 41 games after averaging half a point per game last year. He also delivered when called upon with five game-winning goals. SOCKEYES ARE WEEKS AWAY FROM HOSTING CYCLONE TAYLOR CUP A spot in the Cyclone Taylor Cup awaits the winner. Whoever it is will see some familiar faces at the tournament as the Richmond

Sockeyes earned an automatic bid as tournament hosts. It turns out to be a well-deserved bid too as the Sockeyes, led by league MVP Tyler Andrews, posted the PJHL’s second-best record (33-8-1-2) and won 14 straight games earlier this year. Richmond and the PJHL champs will be joined by the representatives from the KIJHL and VIJHL in the four-day tournament. Two games will be played each day in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on April 15. For those wanting to see all the action live, tournament passes are available for $50 while single game tickets are available for adults ($12 round-robin, $15 bronze and gold medal games), seniors/students ($10 round-robin, $12 bronze and gold) and children ($8 round-robin, $10 bronze and gold). Tickets can be purchased at the door or by visiting cyclonetaylorcup.ca while games will be streamed over the web as well. Fans can also follow the tournament on their smart phone by visiting cyclonetaylorcup.ca.

2018 PJHL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

ROUND ROBIN THURSDAY APR. 12 3:30PM - PJHL vs KIJHL 7:30PM - VIJHL vs RICHMOND SOCKEYES FRIDAY APR. 13 3:30PM - PJHL vs VIJHL 7:30PM - KIJHL vs RICHMOND SOCKEYES SATURDAY APR. 14 3:30PM - VIJHL vs KIJHL 7:30PM - PJHL vs RICHMOND SOCKEYES

Another PJHL season is in the books and this year’s award winners have been recognized. Congratulations to the following individuals for all of their efforts this season.

BRONZE MEDAL GAME

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jonathan Rees Jr., Delta Ice Hawks MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Tyler Andrews, Richmond Sockeyes BEST DEFENCEMAN: Davin Padgham, Aldergrove Kodiaks MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Ryley Lanthier, Ridge Meadows Flames MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: Nico Bruno, Grandview Steelers SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Cameron Obcena, Abbotsford Pilots SCORING CHAMPION: Baylee Wright, Abbotsford Pilots BEST GOALTENDER: Jordy Engleson, Delta Ice Hawks COACH OF THE YEAR: Bayne Ryshak, Ridge Meadows Flames EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR: Eduard Epshtein, Delta Ice Hawks TRAINER OF THE YEAR: Wayne Hubbard, Delta Ice Hawks BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR: Gaetan Harris, Grandview Steelers

SUNDAY APR. 15 10:00AM

GOLD MEDAL GAME SUNDAY APR. 15 1:00PM

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

PART 2 OF 3 - TURNS

ELCOME BACK TO THE SYNTHETIC ICE SKATING SERIES! IN PART 2, JIM VITALE and Jeremy Rupke go over turning and more importantly, sharp turns! Vitale is an advocate for extreme edges on a turn. There is a fine line between stopping completely or having the right power to accelerate into a turn. Digging your skate into the ice enough to make you strong on your feet while still accelerating on a turn is key. The speed at which a player turns always depends on game situations. As a player you need to practice dynamic situations to understand how aggressive and intense you need to be making those turns. The scientific challenge behind this is called “inertia”, which is a mass of resistance that challenges you to change directions. When you change in motion (a turn for instance) your body/ mass begins to resist changing with that motion and wants to continue going straight. So, when you turn your skates at a high speed there is a moment where your body or mass wants to continue going the way it was initially (straight). Vitale shares the best tip to a good turn, “Dropping your weight by bending your knees during a turn.” This will help you accelerate during a turn and keep your balance at that high speed. You will not be able to control your turn by remaining stiff or standing straight up since your body will take that momentum and force to turn much more widely and slowly. Also, no matter where you turn you’re going to want to put your force on the outside edge of your inside leg. Vitale advises to “scissor out your outside leg” which means you want your outside leg wider rather than close to your turning/ inside leg. By doing that, it helps with stability and speed in the turn itself. Widening your base of support (legs) is key to a fast and strong turn. Having your legs too close together in a turn makes you wobbly and unstable so avoid that as much as possible. Amongst the debate between where to put your weight during a turn (outside or inside leg), Jim says “the inside leg where your pressure should be almost on your heels on your inside leg, so you don’t fall forward and just a little bit of pressure on the outside leg to keep you balanced”. It's important to “FALL AND FALL AGAIN”! If you’re careful, cautious and hesitant, these turns will never become natural. By falling and making mistakes, you can reflect on what does and does not work. So, for all your speedsters, take these turning tips and add them to your game!

12 | HOCKEYNOW – March 31, 2018

For all the best hockey training products, including Synthetic Ice - Revolution Tiles and Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice please visit: www.HOCKEYSHOT.com

RANKED 2018 PROSPECTS

ERRON NOEL HAS CLIMBED TO SPOT #21 ON THE LATEST ISS TOP 31 PROSPECTS list, since breaking the list at 31 in December. The Ottawa native has worked his way onto the A list in his sophomore year with the Oshawa Generals after helping Canada win gold at Ivan Hlinka. He’s sitting on 53 points in 62 regular season games, with several multi-point performances under his belt. 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

FILIP ZADINA

11/27/1999

6.00/196

Halifax, QMJHL

BRADY TKACHUK

9/16/1999

6.03.25/196

Boston University, H.E.

OLIVER WAHLSTROM

6/13/2000

6.00.75/205

USA U18, NTDP

EVAN BOUCHARD

10/20/1999

6.01.75/193

London, OHL

QUINN HUGHES

10/14/1999

5.09.5/170

University of Michigan, Big Ten

ADAM BOQVIST

8/15/2000

5.11/170

Brynas IF Jr., SweJE

JOSEPH VELENO

1/13/2000

6.01/195

Saint John, QMJHL

NOAH DOBSON

1/7/2000

6.02.75/180

Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL

TY SMITH

3/24/2000

5.10.25/176

Spokane, WHL

GRIGORI DENISENKO

6/24/2000

5.11/163

Yaroslavl Loko, RusJr

BARRETT HAYTON

6/9/2000

6.00.27/191

Sault Ste. Marie, OHL

RASMUS KUPARI

3/15/2000

6.01.25/183

Karpat Oulu, FinE

ISAC LUNDESTROM

11/6/1999

6.00.5/185

Lulea HF, SweE

JOEL FARABEE

2/25/2000

5.11.5/164

USA U18, NTDP

JESPERI KOTKANIEMI

7/6/2000

6.01.5/188

Assat, FinE

JARED MCISAAC

3/27/2000

6.01/195

Halifax, QMJHL

BODE WILDE

1/24/2000

6.02.25/195

USA U18, NTDP

RYAN MCLEOD

9/21/1999

6.02/200

Mississauga, OHL TERRY WILSON / OHL IMAGES

PLAYER

21 SERRON NOEL Oshawa, OHL

BORN August 8, 2000 in Ottawa, ON, CAN POSITION Right Wing

SHOT Right

HEIGHT 6.04.75

WEIGHT 200

ALEXANDER ALEXEYEV

11/15/1999

6.03/200

Red Deer, WHL

MARTIN KAUT

10/2/1999

6.01.5/176

Pardubice, CzeE

JACOB BERNARD-DOCKER

6/30/2000

6.00/181

Okotoks, AJHL

ADAM GINNING

1/13/2000

6.03/196

Linkoping HC, SweE

AKIL THOMAS

1/2/2000

5.11.5/169

Niagara, OHL

BENOIT-OLIVIER GROULX

2/6/2000

6.00.75/192

Halifax, QMJHL

DOMINIK BOKK

2/3/2000

6.01/178

Vaxjo, SweJE

JONATHAN TYCHONICK

3/3/2000

5.11.25/166

Penticton, BCHL

JACOB OLOFSSON

2/8/2000

6.01.75/192

Timra, SweAl

KIRILL MARCHENKO

7/21/2000

6.02/176

Khanty Mansiysk, RusJr

GOALIE

POS

BIRTH

HT.

TEAM

OLIVIER RODRIGUE

7/6/2000

6.00.25/159

Drummondville, QMJHL

KEVIN MANDOLESE

8/22/2000

6.03.75/180

Cape Breton, QMJHL

March 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 13

TWO POINT PHOTOGRAPHY

ON TOP OF TH Just nine short seasons ago, the CSSHL kicked off with only five sports schools. Now the league is made up of ALMOST 70 TEAMS IN 19 SCHOOLS – with plans to expand further east – as they prepare for another season STORYBOOK ENDING AT THE WHL BANTAM DRAFT. STORY Neil Hilts

In 2009, the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) was born, with five member schools in B.C. and Alberta taking on the task of developing elite players in a high-quality athletic and educational environment. Jump to today, and the CSSHL is now a massive 68-team league spanning Canada’s four Western provinces in 19 schools and seven divisions. Kevin Goodwin, the league’s chief operating officer, has been around since that first meeting that launched it all. Goodwin said it all came together rather easily, with the first five all wanting a common league in which their student-athletes could play. Banff, Edge, Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA), Pursuit of Excellence (POE) and the Swiss International Sports & Education Centre (now International Hockey Academy, or IHA), all registered sports schools with Hockey Canada, laid the foundation of the league.

EXPECT ANOTHER STRONG YEAR FOR CSSHL AT WHL BANTAM DRAFT Ahead of the WHL Draft in May, it looks like a good chance the first overall player will come from the CSSHL, along with much of the top 10. Carson Lambos from Rink Hockey Academy in Manitoba is ranked first on both draftgeek. ca as well as westernelitehockeyprospects.com. There’s some disparity afterwards, but both have seven total CSSHL players ranked in their top 10.

HE WORLD “At the time, every single one of these programs are playing in different leagues and different areas. It was all over the map so it just turned into a ‘let’s work together and get it done’. Once it got to that point, it was actually pretty smooth,” Goodwin said. Goodwin continued: “It’s our tenth year and it’s gone from eight teams, two divisions, 55 games and 150 student athletes to anywhere around 60 to 70 teams and around 1,300 student athletes. We had over 1,200 games this year. I never thought that would have happened in nine years to be honest with you.” And one of the reasons the first few years were so smooth because the league was filling a gap in Canada’s hockey landscape. “Hockey Canada had that summit in ’99, and coming out of that was the fact we need to develop a pathway for kids to do a sport in a dedicated environment in our country because there wasn’t

anything like it. Kids like Crosby going down to the States to do Shattuck. We had Notre Dame but that was pretty much it in Western Canada,” Goodwin said. From a national perspective, keeping the top players here is important, but at the school level, the focus is on giving student athletes the resources to succeed on the ice, in the classroom, and in the real world. And it’s because of this collective mindset that the league has increasingly been attracting top talent, most notably at the Bantam ranks. Last year, 11 of the first 12 WHL Bantam Draft choices played in the CSSHL, and this year, more than half of the first 10 picks are expected to be CSSHL players.

CSSHL CHAMPIONSHIPS For the fifth year in a row, the CSSHL held their championships for all divisions in one city, with

Lambos is a smooth-skating defenceman who ranked first in CSSHL scoring for blueliners and didn’t look out of place in games with the Prep team that featured older skaters. He was the Bantam Prep defenceman of the year. Dylan Guenther, no. 4 on both lists, led the CSSHL Bantam ranks in scoring and had a 3.43 points-per-game average. Logan Stankoven, another expected top pick, took the goal scoring crown from Guenther by one with 57 markers. Two players outside the CSSHL also make a strong case for first: Zack Stringer, who has played the year in the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL) and Aidan Hreschuk, a defenceman from Los Angeles who is less known in scouting circles due to his area of play. Last year, the first seven picks and 11 of the first 12 draft choices came from the CSSHL.

TWO POINT PHOTOGRAPHY

Rink Hockey Academy Academy Bantam Prep captain Carson Lambos is expected to go first at the WHL Bantam Draft. The defenceman earned 46 points in 37 regular season games.

"IT ALLOWED ME TO GROW, PLAY AGAINST SOME GOOD COMPETITION AND REALLY GET USED TO THE PROFESSIONAL LIFESTYLE. - CURTIS LAZAR

Penticton playing host for the third straight year from March 9 to 18. “All together between student-athletes, coaches and attendance, we would probably have about 4,000, maybe 4,200 come through the City of Penticton. It’s turned into a very big event which is great for the town,” said Goodwin. It’s a central location for WHL, college and Junior A scouts to watch the players and is a huge boost to the city. “Last year we had an economic impact of over $2.8 million, this year we’ve added 20 additional games and three extra days, so we’re expecting an impact of $3.2 million for the city of Penticton. Hotels are jammed, restaurants are jammed, busses are coming in and out of the complex the entire weekend,” Goodwin said. And the camaraderie amongst teams is a huge indicator of the event’s success as well. “We had all 68 teams in Penticton over a 10-day period, sometimes at the front half or back half. The reason we host it all at one spot is because it allows programs that have multiple teams to go out and support other teams within their school. It allows them to get together as a group and celebrate their season and end the year. We had four or five teams from one program sitting down for a meal together. That’s such a unique experience and creates that bond between the kids.”

FORMER CSSHL STARS

Two of the CSSHL’s most successful alumni, Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild and Curtis Lazar of the Calgary Flames, were part of the early days of the league. Dumba, a Calgary native, stayed at home to play at Edge School in the CSSHL’s inaugural year. “I had an awesome time in the league. They were fun games and we developed some rivalries, and I think we won it my year. It was a blast. We kind of started and built the foundation of what the league is,” he said. Dumba said he follows his alma mater and has noticed the incredible growth of the league.

“Today, I’ve heard it’s gotten a lot better, a lot of teams are showing good promise and developing good, young players.” Starting in an academy at a young age was also beneficial for Dumba in his career. “It really did help me develop my game. I was able to work out, play hockey and practice every day and use the facilities our school had in that league. I really took advantage of it and I think it helped my game a lot,” Dumba said. Lazar also stayed close to home, as the Salmon Arm native suited up at the nearby POE and OHA. “There was the big rivalry, I played on both sides and those were some of the most intense games I have been a part of. I know for myself, it allowed me to grow, play against some good competition and really get used to the professional lifestyle where you’re practicing everyday.” Like Dumba, he also still closely follows the league is amazed at what it has become since he moved on in 2011. “The growth in itself where you can have a full league with teams throughout all of B.C. and Alberta – it adds that other element where kids can work on their game and develop at a faster pace,” Lazar said.

FEMALE HOCKEY One evident area of growth in the league comes on the female side. In 2009, there were no female teams. 2010 saw the introduction of the Female Prep Division, with Banff, POE and OHA competing. This year, there were eight teams in Female Prep and four in Female Varsity, with many top players who are destined for postsecondary play. Goodwin said he’s been happy with the growth of the girls game, especially seeing them a part of the Championships at the end of each year. “Obviously female numbers aren’t as high for players as the males, but we understand that and at this point we don’t plan on expanding a whole bunch in Western Canada in our top Female Prep Division, maybe one more team.” With fewer players, there are less teams and

TWO POINT PHOTOGRAPHY

STRONG SHOWING FOR HOCKEYNOW PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Each year, HockeyNow selects a Minor Hockey Player of the Year in each B.C., Alberta and Ontario, and in recent years, the Alberta and B.C. winners have come out of the CSSHL. Curtis Lazar, the 2010 POY, played with Pursuit of Excellence in Bantam before jumping to OHA for his Midget year and CSSHL debut. Lazar is in his fourth season with the Calgary Flames, as one of a first players to come out of the CSSHL into the NHL. “I was always a reader of HockeyNow, it was impossible to miss the magazine around all the arenas in B.C. For myself, I saw the previous winners, and when I heard I got nominated, it was pretty cool. It’s something I hold very highly for myself and I certainly remember that weekend we had out in Penticton with the ceremony, induction and to be a part of it was a special moment,” Lazar said.

divisions, but as the CSSHL continues to grow, expect the opportunities for females to do so as well.

MOVING FORWARD In February, it was announced Saskatchewan will be getting their first sports school and entry into the CSSHL with Prairie Hockey Academy commencing operations. On March 21, the Okanagan Hockey Academy announced a new school for the 2018-19 season, located out east in Whitby, Ont. As Okanagan Hockey Group president Andy Oakes explained, “it’s important to provide talented student-athletes with all the resources they need to be successful, and this includes both physical training and quality education. "This model proves to be successful with the consistent expansion of the CSSHL from its inception, and the program only continues to become more refined and effective. The opening of the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Whitby will provide student athletes in Eastern Canada with the same opportunities to grow and develop into well-rounded hockey players.” Goodwin spoke about goals for the CSSHL, and expansion is something on the league’s mind. “Our mission statement is actually to be national leaders in education-based hockey. We would like to see it get national, we would like to be on the east coast. Obviously that’ll depend on programs wanting to become Hockey Canada sports schools and to even join our league,” Goodwin said. “We’re adding another six or seven this coming year and it’s new programs plus the Prairie program out in Caronport. As for expansion in the west, I’m going to say we might see two or three more programs and that’s it for Western Canada. Part of what we’re doing is we’re trying to allow people in different parts of the country to do a sports school model if they do so choose and stay close to home,” Goodwin said. The future is bright for the CSSHL, and for hockey in Canada. As Goodwin explained, “the league is not just about sports schools, it’s about growing the entire game.”

Joe Hicketts did not get drafted into the NHL, but starred in the WHL in Junior along with the Canadian World Junior squad. Prior to that, the Kamloops native scored at over a point-per-game pace with OHA of the CSSHL and followed Lazar for HockeyNow’s recognition. He signed a professional deal with Detroit, has had two strong AHL seasons and made his NHL debut this year. Josh Williams made the bold decision to play for Delta before transferring to Yale, which is one of the CSSHL’s biggest rivalries. With Yale in his draft year of 2016, Williams led the league in scoring by 15 goals en route to his POY honours in 2016. The fifth choice by Medicine Hat just completed his first year in the WHL. A dominant year in Bantam Prep led Surrey’s Justin Sourdif to the B.C. POY last season, along with being selected third overall by the Vancouver Giants. After leading the BC Major Midget League in scoring this past season, Sourdif should be a contender for the WHL’s Rookie of the Year honour next year. Alberta is newer to the Player of the Year awards, starting in 2014, but all four winners have spent time in the CSSHL. Jaret Anderson-Dolan, then a member of Edge, was a second round draft choice of the Los Angeles Kings this past spring and just finished an impressive year with the Spokane Chiefs. Teammates with Anderson-Dolan in Spokane, Ty Smith, played with Delta in his WHL draft year when he was the 2015 Alberta POY. Smith is expected to be a first round selection in the NHL Draft this spring. Last year’s POY, Kaiden Guhle, spent two years at OHA Edmonton and is expected to be an impact rookie for the Prince Albert Raiders next year. The previous year’s Alberta winner, Bowen Byram, played 20 games for Yale while also getting some games in with the Vancouver Giants, and was just named the WHL’s 2017-18 Western Conference Rookie of the Year.

Curtis Lazar was selected as the 2010 HockeyNow Minor Hockey Player of the Year after completing an incredible 115-point season with Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Prep and being selected second overall by Edmonton at the WHL Bantam Draft.

COURTESY OF THE CSSHL

Cassie Shokar has been garnering attention between the pipes with Okanagan Hockey Academy Prep and finished the season with a 1.77 GAA and .923 save percentage.

MINOR

CHAMPIONSHIPS

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS 250+ Alberta Native Hockey teams from 45 communities playing across four days in Edmonton STORY Neil Hilts

location and abundance of rinks is the perfect setting, and with the city getting more on board, it willl go a long way for the ANHC. According to the press release and Sparklingeyes, a study found the tournament had an economic impact of over $23 million to Edmonton last year. More than 14,000 fans flocked to ice rinks to watch the play, bringing plenty to restaurants, hotels and rinks. At the launch on March 14 in Edmonton, Mayor Don Iveson noted the city has not fully embraced or shared the tournament until now, something that was long overdue. “It’s an extraordinary honour for Edmonton to play host to the Alberta Native Hockey Provincial Tournament. Congratulations on 25 years. I encourage all Edmontonians to check out a game,” Iveson said at the press conference. Sparkingeyes says this tournament brings players together for a chance to play with their own family and friends, some outside of their regular season leagues, and go back to the more skill-focused play. “Aboriginal hockey players play a different style,” Sparklingeyes said. “It’s more free-flow, the coaches are as systems-oriented and the natural talent kind of goes in a more offensive type style. What we try to promote and keep is what we call the native hockey style.” “I go with the analogy of when the Russian players first came to North America,” he continued. “They were seen as a different style of hockey player and were made to play the North American game. I see the same thing in Aboriginal hockey. We play a different style of game and it always seems like we have to fit into the mould.” According albertanativehockeynet.com, notable alumni from the league include Rene Bourque, Sheldon Souray, Jordin Tootoo and Wacey Rabbit. There are also several players in the Junior ranks who have come through this tournament, plus Devin Buffalo, a nominee for this year’s Hobey Baker Award for the NCAA’s Top Player, who spent four years with Dartmouth in the NCAA.

FIRST NATIONS PLAYERS MAKING THEIR MARK IN HOCKEY THIS YEAR At the start of the 2017-18 season, five Indigenous NHL players were on opening night rosters. Brandon Montour (Anaheim), Jordan Nolan (Buffalo), Micheal Ferland (Calgary), TJ Oshie (Washington) and Carey Price (Montreal). Earlier in 2018, Ethan Bear made his NHL debut for the Edmonton Oilers, adding his name to the list. Jordin Tootoo, one of the most well-known native players in the pros, has been on the long term injury list all year. At the Olympics, a few First Nations players starred for Canada, notably Rene Bourque on the men’s side, plus Bridgette Lacquette for the women.

COURTESY OF THE ALBERTA NATIVE HOCKEY COUNCIL

OR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY, INDIGENOUS hockey players in Alberta have played in one of the province’s largest tournaments, but it hasn’t been welldocumented. The Alberta Native Hockey Championships (ANHC) have been growing each year, and for their 25th anniversary, the awareness surrounding the event is at an all-time high. Greg Sparklingeyes, the president of Alberta Native Hockey, said they are engaging with more groups and getting the word out to increase support. “This is the first time we’ve really had a media presence so creating awareness is more what we’re trying to do this year,” Sparklingeyes explained. The media coverage is evident. In addition to HockeyNow picking up this story, CTV has produced some spots surrounding it, plus the Edmonton Sun covered the March 14 press conference. TSN 1260 joined CTV for the multimedia sponsorship as well. This year, more than 250 teams from more than 45 communities across Alberta and the Northwest Territories will head to Edmonton at the start of April, bringing over 3,100 players and more than 450 coaches. Priscilla Swampy-Dion, the Treaty 6 rep and registrar, said the ANHC has grown from about 60 teams in the start to now over 250, and with an increase of close to 30 from last year, it’s by far the largest Championship to date. Each year, Edmonton has played host. The central

Earlier in March, the Little Native Hockey League, or Little NHL, was hosted by the Moose Cree First Nation in Ontario. Founded in 1971, the Little NHL brought out just over 200 teams this year and is a huge part of First Nations hockey in Ontario. However, it’s still not as large as this Alberta tournament. In May, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships will take place in Membertou, Nova Scotia. Each province sends a team to compete. Opportunities are growing for Aboriginal skaters in Canada, and with the growth of these tournaments that allow for a sharing and preservation of culture, it’s a good sign. Sparklingeyes noted the abundance of First Nations players in Edmonton for the weekend presents opportunity. “This is a good place to network and connect for people. Especially if you’re in the hockey business, or anything sports or something you want to promote to the Aboriginal community, it’s a great place to go and mingle,” The Alberta Native Hockey Championship runs from April 5 to 8 and has both male and female teams from the minor levels all the way up to Junior. To learn more, visit www.albertanativehockey.com.

At the start of April, the Alberta Native Hockey Championships will take over Edmonton, bringing in more than 3,000 players, 14,000 fans and driving more than $20-million to the city. It’s the first year the tournament has garnered media support.

18 | HOCKEYNOW – March 31, 2018

It’s been a big year for the achievements of these players, giving hope to young players with similar backgrounds. Lacquette was the first First Nations player for the Canadian women’s Olympic team and took that honour with pride, speaking in depth about her experiences in the sport. Last spring in the WHL Bantam Draft, Anson McMaster was chosen by the Kootenay Ice. What’s unique is that McMaster is from Siksika Nation in Alberta. He wasn’t a late pick, either, as the Ice chose him first in the second round, 23rd overall. In December of 2016, HockeyNow contributor Sam Laskaris noted there were 14 Indigenous players in the WHL, a number that will likely rise slowly year after year. With inspiring role models like these excelling in the sport, the future is bring for young First Nations players looking to achieve hockey greatness.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MINOR

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON O POWERED BY

NLY A FEW MONTHS REMAIN UNTIL THE WINNERS are announced. For the 19th year, HockeyNow will award 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. The playoffs are underway and our selection panel is watching closely to put together the preliminary lists for the award. The selection committee, headed by B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and Vancouver Canucks

alumnus Dave Babych and International Scouting Services founder and head scout Dennis MacInnis, features regional lists of the finalists on a monthly basis. March’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 stretch now. Soon we’ll be announcing the last round of finalists before the award presentation in July.

PRELIMINARY LIST BC 2003s, MARCH 2018

PRELIMINARY LIST AB 2003s, MARCH 2018

PRELIMINARY LIST ON 2002s, MARCH 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.

March 31, 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

Its great to win another Championship, and a big thank you to Coach Drake for giving us the blueprints and teaching some many of us what it takes to win. We are also very fortunate for the CHL, and in our case in particular, the WHL scholarship program. It is allowing every player that graduates from our program from the WHL, the opportunity to continue to develop their hockey skill to the point were all of our graduates are playing professional hockey, if they want to, either in North america or Europe.

2018 champions! 20 | HOCKEYNOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 31, 2018

The ones that wish not to play pro once they graduate are getting a big head start in life, often in their chosen field of study, as we have over 300 active Golden Bears Hockey Alumni helping our graduating players get jobs in the Edmonton and Calgary areas, once they graduate or return home from playing professional hockey in either North Americas or Europe.

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 – March 31, 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 March 31, 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

WESTERN CANADA

CJHL

COURTESY OF THE WESTERN CANADA CUP/CJHL

After five years, the Western Canada Cup, which saw the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL and MJHL plus a host compete for two spots in the RBC Cup, is no more. Now, the AJHL and BCHL champs will play for the Doyle Cup and an RBC Cup berth, while the MJHL and SJHL victors battle for the ANAVET Cup – just how it was prior to 2013.

It gives a fair chance for all teams to get a spot in the RBC Cup. On the other side, BC and Alberta are generally regarded as the top Junior A Leagues in the nation, so not having a team from both is a tough pill to swallow. This year, BC is aiming to have two, as the Chilliwack Chiefs are the RBC Cup host. They’ll have nearly two months off, after losing in the first round of the BCHL playoffs, giving them plenty of rest. In the WCC’s half-decade of existence, teams from BC have lifted the hardware three times, with Alberta and Saskatchewan each earning a victor. The runner-ups have included two from Alberta, two from Manitoba and BC getting the third.

FAVOURITES

WESTERN CANADA CUP NO MORE Revamped playoff format splits Junior A play-ins for RBC Cup STORY Neil Hilts

OR THE PAST FIVE SPRINGS, THE WESTERN CANADA Cup (WCC) has brought together the top teams from Junior A hockey in Western Canada. The BCHL, AJHL, SJHL and MJHL all sent their champions, who joined the host team, in hopes of making the finals and earning one of two spots in the Royal Bank Cup. However, after the WCC didn’t live up to expectations, the leagues are going back to their previous format. Kim Davis, the commissioner for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), spoke about the Western Canada Cup and its end. “One of the reasons we engaged in that revised format to the WCC was because we hoped and had an idea that it might be able to make it a big event that got a lot of attention, both in the media and minds of supporters in Junior A hockey. It didn’t get that. We tried it over five years and we didn’t see that was going to happen. Certainly, the financial performance of each of the events was not what we expected either,” Davis said.

“The structure of it was because there was four leagues involved, it was a four-year agreement. We expected it would be eight but towards the latter part, after the event in Alberta, we started have discussions about the longer term future of the event. As it turned out, we decided that BC at that time wanted an additional year, so we extended it for one more, understanding it would be the final year.” After Penticton hosted last year, rumblings came up it was the end, and after agreeing to go back to the initial series to get to the RBC Cup, the leagues quietly reverted back. So, the Western Canada Cup is gone and entering its spot are the Doyle Cup and ANAVET Cup, both rich with history. The Doyle Cup was the Pacific Centennial Cup from 1971-1984, before becoming the Doyle Cup. Meanwhile the ANAVET Cup, representing the Army, Navy and Air Force, has been around since 1971 as well. Out west, BC and Alberta will send their victors into a best-of-seven series for the Doyle Cup. Travel may still be abundant, especially if you pick the furthest teams from each league, Fort McMurray and Powell River, a long 20-hour drive away. Even the top seeds in each league, Okotoks and Penticton, are eight and half hours away. The ANAVET Cup will pit Manitoba against Saskatchewan, and they’ll see slightly less travel. The matchup that presents the greatest distance is Steinbach and Battlefords, with approximately 10 hours of road between them.

Each league boasts an impressive crop of teams who make a good case as to why they should be in Chilliwack. In Manitoba, the Steinbach Pistons went 48-8-2-2 for 100 points, 17 above the next closest team. The thirdranked team in the CJHL rankings could be threatened by the Virden Oil Capitals, the second-highest scoring team in the MJHL. Nipawin earned the regular season crown in Saskatchewan with their 43-8-3-4 record, but 2017 champs from Battlefords and the 2015 and 2016 winner, Melfort, had strong seasons as well. Battlefords’ Layne Young put up the highest-scoring season in the past seven seasons of the league and is a game-breaking talent. The CJHL’s No. 1 ranked team Okotoks lead the AJHL with an outstanding 56-6-2 mark, including a 24-game win streak to end the year. They’ll likely have to get by the Brooks Bandits, who have represented the South in the finals five of the past six seasons, have four championships in six years, and were second place in the South in the regular season. Up North, Spruce Grove has four league titles and seven finals appearances since 2009 and were the second best team in the regular season. In BC, Penticton and Vernon battled to the end as they always seem to do, but the Vees finished three points up on the Vipers to give Penticton home series advantage through the postseason. The BCHL playoffs have been very unpredictable, however.

TRAVEL According to Davis of the MJHL, the ANAVET will start with home ice advantage for his league, because in 2012 when it was last contested, Saskatchewan played host. Since there can be considerable travel – upwards of 10 hours between the furthest playoff teams for each, the series with be two games in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and the final two, if it goes beyond four games, back in Manitoba. The BCHL and AJHL are more spread out and have mountains and oceans getting in the way of their teams. There’s a chance travel between the Doyle Cup finalists could be around 20 hours if Fort McMurray and Victoria won their leagues, but even with closer teams, the drive will be considerable. It looks as though the BCHL will have home ice advantage this time around. Getting to the RBC Cup doesn’t get any easier with the WCC gone, as the number of games is still comparable. It’ll just allow for local fans to see more of their teams, and for familiarity among players to build a strong rivalry for the seven game series. March 31, 2018 – HOCKEYNOW | 25

TOURNAMENT CALENDAR

APRIL 2018 LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 5 - 8 GAMBLERS CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.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

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

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

NIAGARA FALLS, ON | APR. 6 - 8 NIAGARA CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com 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

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 BANFF, AB | APR. 20 - 22 BANFF CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels.

Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com KELOWNA, BC | APR. 20 - 22 OKANAGAN CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | APR. 20 - 22 CANADIAN CUP. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com MONTREAL, QC | APR. 20 - 22 MONTREAL SPRING SHOWDOWN. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com TORONTO, ON | APR. 20 - 22 TORONTO SPRING SHOWDOWN. Male. Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com OSHAWA, ON | APR. 20 - 22 SPRING CLASSIC - EAST. Male & Female. Divisions: Adult Rec Levels: AAA, AA, A, B, AE, MD Contact: tournaments@icesports.com or ccthockey.com LAS VEGAS, NV | APR. 26 - 29 GAMBLERS CUP. Male. Divisions: Adult Rec. Levels: All Levels. Contact: goals@chehockey.com or chehockey.com CHICAGO, IL | APR. 27 - 29 ONEHOCKEY CHICAGO - APRIL. Male. Divisions: Bantam, Midget. Levels: AAA. Contact: info@onehockey.com or onehockey.com

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS

Summer 4 on 4 –Youth Hockey– OUR LEAGUE OFFERS YOU: • Stats & schedules available on the internet • Competitive groupings at all age levels • 4 NHL size ice surfaces • Prices that will not be beat! • Enter a team for only $3100 plus hst • Enter as an individual for only $300 plus hst • League starts May 25, 2018 • Play hockey for fun in our 4-on-4 game format

905-738-7574 [2600 Rutherford Road East Of The 400 Highway] www.sportsvillage.ca email: leagues@sportsvillage.ca

26 | HOCKEYNOW – March 31, 2018

2018 GOALIE CAMPS

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

March 31, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HOCKEYNOW | 27