Week in Review:

Friday, October 9, 2009 vs. Prince George Cougars

It was a slow start for the Blazers, but they poured it on early in the second period and cruised to a 6-1 win over the Prince George Cougars. The Cougars started off the scoring early in the first period, before Prince George native Dylan Willick replied as the teams were tied at one after the first period. The Blazers got goals from Shayne Wiebe, Jake Trask and Bronson Maschmeyer in a span of less than 5 minutes at the start of the second period to lead 4-1. CJ Stretch and Jake Trask scored third period goals for the hockey club. The Blazers were 1-for-9 on the powerplay and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. Justin Leclerc was steady in net stopping 21 of 22 shots he faced. Final shots on goal were 37-22 in favour of the Blazers. The hockey club’s record improves to 6-1-2.

Saturday, October 10, 2009 vs. Chilliwack Bruins

The Blazers had trouble out of the gates Saturday night, but regained their composure and won 5-4 in a shootout over the Bruins. Jimmy Bubnick scored early in the first period, but that only ignited the Bruins as they potted three before period’s end to lead 3-1 after the first. Justin Leclerc replaced Jon Groenheyde to start the second period, as a mix of solid goaltending and hard work helped the Blazers send the game to a shootout. Giffen Nyren, Brendan Ranford and Jake Trask all scored to push the game to a shootout, and CJ Stretch scored the only goal in the shootout to ensure the two points. The Blazers were 1-for-5 on the powerplay and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill. Final shots on goal were 37-36 in favour of the Blazers; Justin Leclerc made 20 saves for the victory.

Monday, October 12, 2009 vs. Medicine Hat Tigers

The Blazers struggled in this one from start to finish and were routed by the Tigers 12-5. The Blazers scored early on as Dylan Willick, Shayne Wiebe with two, and Brendan Ranford all scored first period goals to help the Blazers to a 4-2 lead after the first. The Tigers would then score 9 straight goals, including 2 shorthanded, as they cruised to the victory. The Blazers powerplay was 2-for-3 and their penalty kill was 3-for-5 on the night. Justin Leclerc stopped 26 of 34 shots, while Jon Groenheyde came in relief and stopped 3 of 7 shots he faced. Final shots on goal in this one were 41-33 in favour of the Tigers.

Blazers on the Road

The hockey team is leaving Wednesday night as they embark on their 6 game eastern road swing. The first stop for the team is Friday, October 16th in Regina, and the trip concludes on Saturday, October 24th in Saskatoon. The Blazers were 0-6 on their last trip to Saskatchewan in February 2008. Go to blazerhockey.com or read the Kamloops Daily News as Blazers Captain Tyler Shattock will be doing a daily diary from the road!

Stampohar a Blazer!

The Kamloops Blazers acquired 19 year old forward John Stampohar from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for 18 year old forward Cole Grbavac. The 6’4” 215lb power forward will make his debut with the hockey club on Friday as the Blazers visit the Regina Pats.

Blazers ranked!

For the first time since February of 2007 the Kamloops Blazers were ranked in the BMO CHL Mastercard Top 10. The Blazers were ranked 7th in Week 4 along with other WHL clubs, the Calgary Hitmen (1) and the Brandon Wheatkings (6).

Team Leaders: 

Goals – Shayne Wiebe (7)

Assists – CJ Stretch, Bronson Maschmeyer (10)

Points – Tyler Shattock (15)

PIM – Zak Stebner (27)

GAA – Justin Leclerc (3.32)

SV % – Justin Leclerc (.915) 

Schedule: 

Tuesday, October 13th Practice 2:00-4pm ISC

Wednesday, October 14th Practice 2:00-4pm ISC (Leave at 8pm to Regina)

Thursday, October 15th Practice 10:00-11am Brandt Centre Regina

Friday, October 16th Blazers @ Pats 6pm PT Brandt Centre

Saturday, October 17th Blazers @ Wheatkings 5:30pm PT Westman Place Brandon