Salmon Arm, here we come! The Spruce Kings are on the bus and heading down to face the Silverbacks as you read this. It''s another important game against a division rival, and one that the Spruce Kings will be favoured to win. But this game is anything but a gimme, it will be another long hard fought battle with one team moving up a spot in the interior conference standings. With that in mind, let's preview the match up between the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and your Prince George Spruce Kings
The Break Down:
As always, especially with the new playoff format, games against conference rivals are must win games. This year, instead of 7 of the 8 teams getting into the post season, only 4 teams will see extra action in March. With Penticton, Powell River and Westside separating themselves from the pack, these games against the other 4 Interior Conference teams become even more important than they already are. Prince George currently sits in 5th place, with Salmon Arm just behind them in 6th. The winner of tonight's match up will temporarily jump into the 4th spot in the standings, and help build on tie breakers for the end of the season. This will be the first of eight meetings between these two teams this season, with the next one happening on November 19th. These two squads faced off six times last season with the Spruce Kings losing four of them.
The Spruce Kings are coming off a 2 game split with the Penticton Vees, winning the second game in double overtime with .2 seconds left. It was the Spruce Kings first win since their season opener against Merritt, and their first win over Penticton in 4 years. Salmon Arm is also coming into tonight's contest on a high note having won their last two games. It was their first two wins of the season beating the Trails Smoke Eaters in a home and home match up. The Sunwave Center is always a tough place for an opponent to walk into as the Silverbacks have found a lot of success skating in front of fans. They were 22-7-1 last season and are 1-1-0-1 this season. The Spruce Kings are yet to win agame on the road this year, going 0-1-0-1 in Pentcton and Vernon. Can Prince George grab their first win away from the Castle? Only time will tell
News and Notes:
The Silverbacks leading scorer for the season is Morgan Zulinick who sits at 15th in league scoring with 10 points . The Spruce Kings leading scorer in this early season is Paul De Jersey who sits in 3rd in league scoring with 12 points, and 1st in goals scored with 9. It's not known who will start in goal for either team come time for puck drop tonight, but it's a safe bet to say Kurt Williams will start for the Silverbacks. Williams has started 6 of the 7 games this season accumulating a 2-4 record. The Spruce Kings have went back and forth this season between Kirk Thompson and Marcus Beesley. In talking with coach Dave Dupas after Saturday's game, he didn't want reveal who would start yet, but did say at the start of the season they would ride the hot hand and Beesley is the last goalie to scoop up a win for the Spruce Kings. Look for the rookie Beesley to start between the pipes
Scrapes and Bruises:
Joel Kipp is the only Silverback who is currently listed on the roster with an injury as he has a ruptured spleen. Kipp will not play. The Spruce Kings are continuing to rehab a few starters as Jarred Crossan, Connor Tiechko and Jeff Earnest will sit on the sideline. Tyson Witala didn't play on Saturday as he took a puck off of the foot on Friday night, it is unknown if he will play tonight
Game Time:
The Silverbakcs and the Spruce Kings will face off tonight at 7pm at the Sunwave Arena. You can find the live webcast for tonight’s match up here
Go Spruce Kings
Showing posts with label Jeff Earnest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Earnest. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Three Year Vet - Jeff Earnest
The season opener may still be a month away for the Prince George Spruce Kings, but the work has just begun. As of Wednesday a large number of returning players, recent acquisitions and prospects took to the ice for a pre-camp skate. This was still a high tempo session with assistant coach, Jason Garneau, putting the boys through their paces with a few complex drills that used the entire ice surface.
The boys seemed to eat it up and wanted more which is a good indication that the players have been working hard in the off-season to prepare for the Spruce Kings 40th Anniversary season. Although many of the players stood out and showed that they were ready to go, it was Jeff Earnest that caught my early attention and held it to the end scoring a pair of hard one-timers from the side of the net in the game scrimmage.
Jeff Earnest has his school papers in his back pocket for the University of Alaska Fairbanks to study and play with the Nanooks beginning next season. For Jeff, this is his twenty year old season, his third in a Spruce Kings jersey and really his fifth with the team. Jeff is one of those players that was scouted and recruited early on and has skated in a few Spring and Main Camps with the team.
From Anchorage Alaska, Jeff's hockey career includes playing for the the San Jose Jr. Sharks for two seasons before joining the Spruce Kings as an 18 year old rookie. In his rookie and sophomore years the fiesty, hard hitting yet offensively gifted right handed forward tallied 18 goals, setup 30 more and served 101 minutes in penalties in 108 games.
The interesting thing about Jeff was that he proved himself as a very versatile player that could play both an offensive role and a defensive role filling in on the back end when the Spruce Kings had some manpower issues on the blue line throughout the season. Jeff himself missed a few games last year and at times felt he could have been better.
This year, Jeff's focus will be to further develop his game especially in the offensive zone as he prepares to make the leap from Junior hockey to University hockey. After that first pre-camp skate, I was able to catch up with Jeff and talk to him a little bit about his thoughts heading in to his third and final season with the Spruce Kings.
"We have a lot of fresh faces and younger lineup," said Jeff Earnest via a Skype conversation. "But we are bigger and stronger especially on the back end and I see a lot of depth this year. I felt good out there, like I have purpose and I felt stronger as a player. It feels right coming back for another season with the Spruce Kings."
"I want a full complete season where I can put it all out there," continued Earnest. "I missed a few games because of being sick and I also spent some time on the back end as a defenceman which helped to round out my game. It improved my game by allowing me to recognize more things on the ice. My scholarship is as a forward and I want to put in a full season up front and become a player that will be ready to make the jump to university hockey. I want to end my junior career on a high note and help to push this team as far as it can go. I want to be a leader and show the younger guys what they need to be doing out there on and off the ice."
If what I saw from Jeff during his first skate back in Prince George is any indication, I can see this veteran player being a very productive one and causing a lot of grief for the opposition. Jeff will be that power forward that won't be afraid to put on his hard hard and get to work in the dirty areas and bury some goals through grit and skill.
The boys seemed to eat it up and wanted more which is a good indication that the players have been working hard in the off-season to prepare for the Spruce Kings 40th Anniversary season. Although many of the players stood out and showed that they were ready to go, it was Jeff Earnest that caught my early attention and held it to the end scoring a pair of hard one-timers from the side of the net in the game scrimmage.
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| Jeff Earnest picks up the puck with speed through the middle during a skate Wednesday night |
From Anchorage Alaska, Jeff's hockey career includes playing for the the San Jose Jr. Sharks for two seasons before joining the Spruce Kings as an 18 year old rookie. In his rookie and sophomore years the fiesty, hard hitting yet offensively gifted right handed forward tallied 18 goals, setup 30 more and served 101 minutes in penalties in 108 games.
The interesting thing about Jeff was that he proved himself as a very versatile player that could play both an offensive role and a defensive role filling in on the back end when the Spruce Kings had some manpower issues on the blue line throughout the season. Jeff himself missed a few games last year and at times felt he could have been better.
This year, Jeff's focus will be to further develop his game especially in the offensive zone as he prepares to make the leap from Junior hockey to University hockey. After that first pre-camp skate, I was able to catch up with Jeff and talk to him a little bit about his thoughts heading in to his third and final season with the Spruce Kings.
"We have a lot of fresh faces and younger lineup," said Jeff Earnest via a Skype conversation. "But we are bigger and stronger especially on the back end and I see a lot of depth this year. I felt good out there, like I have purpose and I felt stronger as a player. It feels right coming back for another season with the Spruce Kings."
"I want a full complete season where I can put it all out there," continued Earnest. "I missed a few games because of being sick and I also spent some time on the back end as a defenceman which helped to round out my game. It improved my game by allowing me to recognize more things on the ice. My scholarship is as a forward and I want to put in a full season up front and become a player that will be ready to make the jump to university hockey. I want to end my junior career on a high note and help to push this team as far as it can go. I want to be a leader and show the younger guys what they need to be doing out there on and off the ice."
If what I saw from Jeff during his first skate back in Prince George is any indication, I can see this veteran player being a very productive one and causing a lot of grief for the opposition. Jeff will be that power forward that won't be afraid to put on his hard hard and get to work in the dirty areas and bury some goals through grit and skill.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Intrasquad Game Notes
The Prince George Spruce Kings Intrasquad game saw 42 players don the Blue and White team jerseys for the opportunity to wear the crown for the 2010-11 season. The two teams consisted of three goaltenders, six defenceman and twelve forwards each. Nine vets played in the game alongside another ten that had been in at least one game in the BCHL last year. The bulk of the players were new to the Junior A game and wanted to leave a big enough impact on the scouts and coaching staff to earn another look at filling one of the 23 spots on the regular season roster.
After a series of practices, fitness testing and four scrimmages through the weekend, the players named to play in the Intrasquad game were still ready to go and didn't disappoint the fans and family members that came out to get a sneak peak at the 2010 edition of the team. With some skill and grit on display the teams skated to a 2-2 tie through forty minutes before Team White took over in the third period to win it 6-4 with an empty netter to seal the deal.
Team White opened the scoring when Faiz Khan was able to swat an errant puck out of the air from the side of the net. The thigh high shot was the only one to escape Prince George goaltender Bowman Rutledge during his stay between the pipes. At the other end of the ice, Cameron Large of Nanaimo was perfect on the ten shots directed his way and escaped unscathed after twenty minutes - the only goaltender to do so.
If the first period was a goaltender's duel, the second period was one highlighted by some physical play. Although new rules coming into affect for the 2010-11 season will see a marked reduction in fights, that didn't stop Scott Mackey and Trevor Esau from dropping the mitts at centre ice. Esau, who signed with the Spruce Kings in the off season after playing for the Revelstoke Grizzlies championship team, used his four inch height advantage to gain the decision and appreciation of the fans in attendance.
Team White took a two goal lead after an aggressive forecheck from Jordan Duncan on Justin Fillion that saw the three year vet take a spill and fall awkwardly into the end boards. Tanner Fjellstom was able to pick up the loose puck and deposit it into the net through Corey Koop of Squamish. At the other end of the ice Jeff Earnest banged in a rebound off a point shot from rearguard Isaac Davies. The younger brother of former Spruce Kings captain Zac Davies has been itching to follow in the skate blades of his older sibling since first giving it a try in the team's Spring Camp.
Earnest, who is a NCAA Division I committed player to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the 2011-12 season, was just getting started with that shot as he would add another before the end of the second period to tie the game at two. Between the pipes, Corey Koop allowed one goal on ten shots while his counterpart in the second period, Kirk Thompson from Surrey, was beaten by Earnest twice while stopping the other nine Team Blue shots.
The third period was highlighted by speed, finesse and goal scoring with a total of six goals scored in the final twenty minutes. It started early when the Spruce Kings highly touted recruit, Chris Bodo stole the puck in the defensive zone and carried it the length of the ice down the right side wall before cutting hard to the net. Bodo's shot was stopped by Chris Solecki but he couldn't contain the rebound that went straight over to Nicolas DeSousa, restoring Team White's lead just 1:20 into the third period.
Defenceman were active throughout this game getting in on half of the goals with four assists and one goal. That goal came off the stick of returning player Jeff Datoff's stick to give Team White a 4-2 lead. Again it was Jeff Earnest that stepped up for Team Blue and was able to get his stick on the puck two more times including one on the powerplay to tie the game at 4 with less than five minutes to go in regulation time. Like his predecessor, Hunter Wiebe of Chilliwack was burned twice by Earnest but able to stop the rest of Team Blue during his tour of duty between the pipes earning the win.
It was in the third period that Chris Bodo's internal clock finally clicked in on his new time zone with the high flying forward from Ontario showing off his speed, stick handling skills, play making abilities, defensive awareness and touch around the net. Unfortunately for Chris Solecki of Burns Lake, it was his turn to be in net when Bodo took over the game for Team White scoring the first of his two on the night and the eventual game winner. Bodo's second goal displayed the sportsmanlike character of this nineteen year old after he stole the puck in the defensive zone and took the length of the ice where he simply set it into the empty net and skated away with no celebration.
Top producers in the game were Jeff Earnest (4-0), Chris Bodo (2-1) and Nicolas DeSousa (1-2) with Faiz Khan, Tanner Fjellstrom and Jeff Datoff picking up a goal each. In Cameron Large was perfect while Bowman Rutledge and Corey Koop each allowed one goal against, Kirk Thompson and Hunter Wiebe were each beat twice and Chris Solecki had three get behind him. There was also an empty-netter for Team White. Ryan Benitez, who is expected to be the team’s number one, sat out the Intrasquad game.
With main camp now over, the focus shifts to getting the squad down to a manageable size for preseason play that starts on Tuesday and will feature five games in three rinks against three teams from three different leagues. First up will be the Quesnel Millionaires on Tuesday night at 7:00pm in the Prince George Coliseum. On the following night the two teams will play a neutral site game at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre in 100 Mile House. The Spruce Kings will then head north for a pair of games in the "Faceoff Fever II" weekend event at the Encana Events Centre in Dawson Creek.
On Friday September 3rd, the Spruce Kings are listed as the home team when they faceoff against the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in a 3:00pm matinee game. On Saturday night, the Spruce Kings will be up against one of the newest teams in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) as the Dawson Creek Rage prepare for their inaugural season. Prince George fans will get to see the Rage on Tuesday September 7th in the Spruce Kings final preseason primer at 7:00pm in the Coliseum.
The Spruce Kings are currently looking for volunteers to help out in all areas of game day operations as well as billet homes for out-of-town players. Criminal Record checks are required and the Spruce Kings provide financial compensation for those who open their home for a player during the 2010-11 season. For tickets and more information, please contact the Prince George Spruce Kings at 250.564.1747
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Good News, Bad News and Game Audio
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.
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.
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.
Monday, May 25, 2009
First Interview with Jeff Earnest
I was fortunate enough to be able to catch up with one of the four new players signed to the Spruce Kings roster. What might come as a surprise to some is that Jeff Earnest has actually skated for the past two years with the Spruce Kings.
Okay it is a bit of a twist on what is fact, but Jeff has been in the past two Prospects Camps and last season's main camp. This August he will be back for his second main camp and this time he isn't leaving afterwards.
I talked with Jeff about being on the Spruce Kings radar for the past two years, how those seasons have shaped his game and what fans can expect to see from him on the ice in 2009/10 and beyond.
download audio file
At 5'10" and 175 lbs, Jeff may not be the biggest player on paper, but don't let those numbers fool you as he is solid. Putting a few more pounds on will make it just that much harder for defenders to keep him away from the front of the net and off the score sheet.
Look (and listen) for more on the other three signings from last week as well as future signings, which of course more are sure to come.
Okay it is a bit of a twist on what is fact, but Jeff has been in the past two Prospects Camps and last season's main camp. This August he will be back for his second main camp and this time he isn't leaving afterwards.
I talked with Jeff about being on the Spruce Kings radar for the past two years, how those seasons have shaped his game and what fans can expect to see from him on the ice in 2009/10 and beyond.
download audio file
At 5'10" and 175 lbs, Jeff may not be the biggest player on paper, but don't let those numbers fool you as he is solid. Putting a few more pounds on will make it just that much harder for defenders to keep him away from the front of the net and off the score sheet.
Look (and listen) for more on the other three signings from last week as well as future signings, which of course more are sure to come.
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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