Well a bittersweet day today in the castle as the team learned of its punishment as a result of the events that played out in the first minute of Saturday's third period. The team also learned of another returning player from last year's squad.
Starting with the bad news, the British Columbia Hockey League has reviewed the game DVD from Saturday night that saw a near line brawl early in the third period. The league has long talked about minimizing fighting in the BCHL and has taken steps to bring in stricter penalties for offenders. One such rule revolves around multiple fights in the same stoppage in play.
There certainly were multiple fights following an incident that pitted Luke Curadi, the Penticton Vees enforcer, up against the Spruce Kings franchise player, Sam Muchalla. The ensuing melee saw a combined total of four fights on the ice at the same stoppage; the first fight was ruled to be that of Justin Fillion scrapping it out with Curadi. The players involved in the three other pairings were all assessed two game suspensions each.
That means that Josh Pineiro, Jeff Earnest and Sam Muchalla will all be scratched while serving their suspensions for Wednesday's game against the Quesnel Millionaires and also Friday's game in Merritt against the Centennials. On the other side of the ledger, the Penticton Vees will have to sit out Garrett Milan, Ben Sexton and Alex Szczechura for two games each. It should be noted that all three of the Vees players have already sat out one game, missing the Sunday game in Quesnel.
On a more upbeat note, the Spruce Kings announced the return of Spruce Kings veteran goaltender Alex Wright. Having spent a great deal of the summer preparing for the season, Alex started with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League and was there right to the bitter end before being the last cut before the start of WHL regular season.
Speaking with Alex, he is extremely excited and looking forward to getting back into the Junior 'A' game for his hometown team and to contribute to the success of the Spruce Kings any way he can. He sees this as an opportunity for himself to improve his play even that much more ... remember it was his play with the Chiefs that kept him on the preseason roster.
In his very first preseason game, Alex Wright earned a shutout as the Chiefs posted a 3-0 lead over the Seattle Thunderbirds. With a maturity that exceeds his years, Alex believes that his experiences with the Chiefs have made him that much better of a goaltender for the Spruce Kings and his goal is to improve on a very impressive rookie year.
In the backup role to Kevin Genoe last season, Alex Wright was still able to play over 1,000 minutes in 20 games and posted the team's second best ever goals against average for a single season and fifth best save percentage. A check of the Spruce Kings record book shows that Alex finished last season with a 2.52 GAA, second only to Michael-Lee Teslak's 2.47. His save percentage was also in the highly sought after better than 90 percent mark at 91.18 again only slightly behind the likes of Teslak and Brad Thiessen.
Watch for Alex to get the start in Quesnel on Wednesday night as the Spruce Kings head out on their first road trip of the season. The suspensions to Muchalla and Earnest will put a little more pressure on the offense to perform with a couple of key ingredients. The absence of Pineiro should also result in an opportunity for Chris Gularte to get into the game and show what he can do after being a scratch in both of the games last weekend.
It will be interesting to see how the Spruce Kings respond to their opening weekend results and the absence of their three suspended players, but also how they play in front of Alex Wright. The game will be broadcast on 93.1 CFIS-FM and simulcast online using the radio station's streaming audio player. The link to access the internet audio broadcast will be from the station's logo on the Spruce Kings website. If you would like to test your system's capability of playing the audio stream from the radio station, CLICK HERE.
Showing posts with label Chris Gularte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Gularte. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Taking a Closer Look - The Recruits
Okay so now the roster is down to the twenty three man list, leaving just eleven new players to look at. For these rookies, or perhaps more appropriately the first year guys, it should be noted that the definition of a rookie in the British Columbia Hockey League is less than 29 games played at the Junior 'A' level. One of the eleven players considered to be a first year guy does have more than 29 games at the Junior 'A' level, a few others were called up as affiliated players last year while the rest are truly new to the BCHL experience.
Jeff Datoff, '92 (D) - With his hometown listed as Nanaimo, Jeff Datoff is no stranger to Prince George having been born and raised until he was twelve here. Jeff is one of only the two 17 year old players on the roster heading into the season and does give up a little bit on size and weight, but seems to make up for it with a strong puck sense in his own end.
Jeff Earnest, '91 (F) - From Whittier Alaska, Jeff Earnest played for the San Jose Junior Sharks last season where he scored 17 goals and added 31 assists in 58 games. Jeff is an extremely hard working player that can win battles for the puck in the corners. There is an offensive spark here with grit that helps to add depth up front for the Spruce Kings.
Jonathan Gibson, '90 (D) - Now a resident of Prince George, Jonathan Gibson was playing Junior A hockey last year for the Burlington Cougars of the Central Canadian Hockey League (formerly part of the OPJAHL). Jonathan played in 37 games last season scoring twice including a powerplay goal and picking up 10 assists as well. His strength will be his physical play and using his bigger body to muscle other players off the puck and move the play in an offensive direction.
Chris Gularte, '91 (D) - Another graduate from the prestigious San Jose Jr. Sharks hockey program last season, Chris Gularte tallied 6 goals and 3 assists to go along with 60 penalty minutes in 49 games. Chris is a stay at home defenseman that can be dangerous with his big point shot. Technically an eighteen year old player, but not until late December, Chris has a quiet confidence about him and is looking forward to answering the challenge of playing in the BCHL.
Luke Hannas, '91 (F) - A big strong forward, Luke Hannas has a size and reach advantage and the ability to use it when necessary. An AP with the Quesnel Millionaires last season, Luke has had his introduction to the Junior 'A' game. During camp and the preseason, Luke fit right in and was as much a goal scoring threat as he was a physical presence in front of the net.
Stewart Lambert, '90 (F) - You can call Stewart Lambert a free agent after taking last season off to concentrate on his educational studies. A part of the 2007 BC Major Midget Championship team with the likes of RJay Berra, Nick DeSousa and Justin Fillion, Stewart hasn't looked like a player that has been away from the game for a whole season. With an accurate shot and a good skating stride, he already possesses the ability to show up on the game sheet most nights.
Kyle Manlow, '91 (F) - One of the five American born players on the roster to start the season, Kyle Manlow was second in team scoring last season with the San Diego Gulls of the Western States Hockey League. Kyle averaged 1.4 points a game as a rookie scoring 24 goals and adding 18 assists in 31 games making him a potent offensive player and perhaps the dark horse heading into the season.
Clayton McEwan, '91 (D) - The Spruce Kings had Clayton McEwan in their roster twice last season as an AP and were impressed with his play defensively. Last season Clayton scored one powerplay goal, added 13 assists and was assessed 154 minutes in penalties with the Aldergrove Kodiaks. Although he isn't afraid to look for the big hit to make a play, his edginess appears to have matured for this season and he hasn't been taking unnecessary penalties.
Jesse Scrimbit, '90 (D) - Another tough player, Jesse Scrimbit adds some more toughness on the blue line for the Spruce Kings. Having paid his dues for two years at the Junior 'B' level, desire to stay at the Junior 'A' level alone will see this defenseman playing a tough game intended to wear down the opposition.
Jeremy Wiebe, '91 (F) - A late cut last year from the Vernon Vipers training camp, Jeremy Wiebe took the first opportunity to come to the Spruce Kings and show off his tough style and hard work ethic. Through the training camp and preseason games, Jeremy moved from defence to forward and showed his ability to play both ends of the ice when called upon.
Tim Zwiers. '92 (G) - The only other true seventeen year old player on the roster, Tim Zwiers has looked good between the pipes for the team that AP'ed him last season. During his time in goal through the preseason Tim posted a 3.00 goals against average and really shone while playing in his hometown of Williams Lake where he faced a determined Timberwolves squad that hounded him in the crease but could not get through the door.
Remember that these assessments are mine and mine alone, you watch the newest players on the Spruce Kings roster and let me know what you think.
Jeff Datoff, '92 (D) - With his hometown listed as Nanaimo, Jeff Datoff is no stranger to Prince George having been born and raised until he was twelve here. Jeff is one of only the two 17 year old players on the roster heading into the season and does give up a little bit on size and weight, but seems to make up for it with a strong puck sense in his own end.
Jeff Earnest, '91 (F) - From Whittier Alaska, Jeff Earnest played for the San Jose Junior Sharks last season where he scored 17 goals and added 31 assists in 58 games. Jeff is an extremely hard working player that can win battles for the puck in the corners. There is an offensive spark here with grit that helps to add depth up front for the Spruce Kings.
Jonathan Gibson, '90 (D) - Now a resident of Prince George, Jonathan Gibson was playing Junior A hockey last year for the Burlington Cougars of the Central Canadian Hockey League (formerly part of the OPJAHL). Jonathan played in 37 games last season scoring twice including a powerplay goal and picking up 10 assists as well. His strength will be his physical play and using his bigger body to muscle other players off the puck and move the play in an offensive direction.
Chris Gularte, '91 (D) - Another graduate from the prestigious San Jose Jr. Sharks hockey program last season, Chris Gularte tallied 6 goals and 3 assists to go along with 60 penalty minutes in 49 games. Chris is a stay at home defenseman that can be dangerous with his big point shot. Technically an eighteen year old player, but not until late December, Chris has a quiet confidence about him and is looking forward to answering the challenge of playing in the BCHL.
Luke Hannas, '91 (F) - A big strong forward, Luke Hannas has a size and reach advantage and the ability to use it when necessary. An AP with the Quesnel Millionaires last season, Luke has had his introduction to the Junior 'A' game. During camp and the preseason, Luke fit right in and was as much a goal scoring threat as he was a physical presence in front of the net.
Stewart Lambert, '90 (F) - You can call Stewart Lambert a free agent after taking last season off to concentrate on his educational studies. A part of the 2007 BC Major Midget Championship team with the likes of RJay Berra, Nick DeSousa and Justin Fillion, Stewart hasn't looked like a player that has been away from the game for a whole season. With an accurate shot and a good skating stride, he already possesses the ability to show up on the game sheet most nights.
Kyle Manlow, '91 (F) - One of the five American born players on the roster to start the season, Kyle Manlow was second in team scoring last season with the San Diego Gulls of the Western States Hockey League. Kyle averaged 1.4 points a game as a rookie scoring 24 goals and adding 18 assists in 31 games making him a potent offensive player and perhaps the dark horse heading into the season.
Clayton McEwan, '91 (D) - The Spruce Kings had Clayton McEwan in their roster twice last season as an AP and were impressed with his play defensively. Last season Clayton scored one powerplay goal, added 13 assists and was assessed 154 minutes in penalties with the Aldergrove Kodiaks. Although he isn't afraid to look for the big hit to make a play, his edginess appears to have matured for this season and he hasn't been taking unnecessary penalties.
Jesse Scrimbit, '90 (D) - Another tough player, Jesse Scrimbit adds some more toughness on the blue line for the Spruce Kings. Having paid his dues for two years at the Junior 'B' level, desire to stay at the Junior 'A' level alone will see this defenseman playing a tough game intended to wear down the opposition.
Jeremy Wiebe, '91 (F) - A late cut last year from the Vernon Vipers training camp, Jeremy Wiebe took the first opportunity to come to the Spruce Kings and show off his tough style and hard work ethic. Through the training camp and preseason games, Jeremy moved from defence to forward and showed his ability to play both ends of the ice when called upon.
Tim Zwiers. '92 (G) - The only other true seventeen year old player on the roster, Tim Zwiers has looked good between the pipes for the team that AP'ed him last season. During his time in goal through the preseason Tim posted a 3.00 goals against average and really shone while playing in his hometown of Williams Lake where he faced a determined Timberwolves squad that hounded him in the crease but could not get through the door.
Remember that these assessments are mine and mine alone, you watch the newest players on the Spruce Kings roster and let me know what you think.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Four New Players
They say that the junior hockey season is done after the RBC Royal Bank Cup, that just isn't the case anymore as the sport has become a year round sport. More proof of that can be seen right now as teams around the league are finalizing their coveted recruits over the previous season (and sometimes seasons). Earlier this week the Spruce Kings announced the addition of four players; Jeff Earnest, Chris Gularte, Clayton McEwan and Luke Hannas signing with the team for the 2009/10.
Next week I hope to have been able to track down all four for a first introduction via an interview for the fans of the Spruce Kings.
Jeff Earnest has attended the two previous Spruce Kings Prospects Camps and this August will be in his second main camp, this time as committed player with the team. Earnest played last season with the San Jose Junior Sharks and earlier this week was also drafted by the North American Hockey League to his home state team, the Alaska Avalanche. Earnest showed off some of his speed at the Prospects Camp, a skill set that led to his 48 points (17 goals and 31 assists) with the Junior Sharks last season.
Another San Jose Jr Sharks player from last season was a stalwart on the blueline, Chris Gularte played in 49 games picking up 6 goals and 3 assists while serving 60 minutes in penalties. Gularte was also seen at the Spruce Kings Prospects Camp where he looked very comfortable playing with a couple of Junior Shark team mates - Daniel Senkbeil and Jared Melman.
Clayton McEwan is another defenceman that played two games last season as an affiliate player with the Prince George Spruce Kings. Playing with the Aldergrove Kodiaks of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League, McEwan picked up 14 points and racked up 154 penalty minutes.
Another player that played games in the Coliseum (albeit against the Spruce Kings) was Luke Hannas who was an affiliate player with the Quesnel Millionaires when not playing for the BC Major Midget Cariboo Cougars. Suiting up in 25 games for the Major Midgets, Hannas was able to tally 17 points (7 goals and 10 assists) and was assessed with 70 penalty minutes.
For these players I highly doubt that they will be taking the summer off as they realize that hockey is a year round sport. Not just for the decision makers sitting in their offices, but also for the players that will want to be in their best physical shape for main camp and the start of the 2009/10 season.
Next week I hope to have been able to track down all four for a first introduction via an interview for the fans of the Spruce Kings.
Jeff Earnest has attended the two previous Spruce Kings Prospects Camps and this August will be in his second main camp, this time as committed player with the team. Earnest played last season with the San Jose Junior Sharks and earlier this week was also drafted by the North American Hockey League to his home state team, the Alaska Avalanche. Earnest showed off some of his speed at the Prospects Camp, a skill set that led to his 48 points (17 goals and 31 assists) with the Junior Sharks last season.
Another San Jose Jr Sharks player from last season was a stalwart on the blueline, Chris Gularte played in 49 games picking up 6 goals and 3 assists while serving 60 minutes in penalties. Gularte was also seen at the Spruce Kings Prospects Camp where he looked very comfortable playing with a couple of Junior Shark team mates - Daniel Senkbeil and Jared Melman.
Clayton McEwan is another defenceman that played two games last season as an affiliate player with the Prince George Spruce Kings. Playing with the Aldergrove Kodiaks of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League, McEwan picked up 14 points and racked up 154 penalty minutes.
Another player that played games in the Coliseum (albeit against the Spruce Kings) was Luke Hannas who was an affiliate player with the Quesnel Millionaires when not playing for the BC Major Midget Cariboo Cougars. Suiting up in 25 games for the Major Midgets, Hannas was able to tally 17 points (7 goals and 10 assists) and was assessed with 70 penalty minutes.
For these players I highly doubt that they will be taking the summer off as they realize that hockey is a year round sport. Not just for the decision makers sitting in their offices, but also for the players that will want to be in their best physical shape for main camp and the start of the 2009/10 season.
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