U-SPORTS/CIS BOOKMARKS

The Bisons are off to a much faster start with recruiting news than last year, so time to start the 2019-20 thread! Hopefully last years health issues are behind me so I can keep on top of my favourite hobby this season.

As usual, the opening post has the links needed to follow USports/CIS hockey. The next one will have the news.

League Sites:
USports Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/USports_Hockey
. https://www.facebook.com/USportsCanada/
. http://presto-en.usports....ce/2019-20/standings-conf
. http://presto-en.usports....rts/mice/2019-20/schedule
. http://presto-en.usports..../2019/playoffs/postseason
. http://presto-en.usports....ps/mice/2019/championship
Canada West Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/#!/cwuaa
. http://www.facebook.com/p...906574?rf=123960127648912
. https://www.canadawest.or...mice/2019-20/schedule-all
. http://www.canadawest.org...orts/mice/history_records
. http://www.leaguestat.com...index.php?step=4?=0]Media Stats
OUA Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/ouasport
. http://www.facebook.com/OntarioUniversityAthletics
. http://www.oua.ca/sports/mice/2019-20/schedule
AUS Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/#!/AUS_SUA
. http://www.facebook.com/p...e-lAtlantique/84309177175
. http://www.atlanticuniver...rts/mice/2019-20/schedule
ACAC Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/acacmens?lang=en
. https://www.facebook.com/...llegesAthleticConference/
. http://www.acac.ab.ca/spo...mice/2019-20/schedule-all
. http://ccaahockey.info/
. http://www.acachockey.info/index.php
BCIHL Site
... sub-links :
. https://twitter.com/bcihl
. https://www.facebook.com/BCIHL-24587534941/
. http://www.bcihl.ca/leagu...entID=3692&leagueID=11139

Canada West Team Sites:
Alberta Golden Bears - -
Calgary Dinos - -
Lethbridge Pronghorns - -
Manitoba Bisons - -
Mount Royal Cougars - -
Regina Cougars - -
Saskatchewan Huskies - -
UBC Thunderbirds - -

AUS Team Sites:
Acadia Axemen
Dalhousie Tigers
Moncton Aigles Bleus- Google Translate
New Brunswick Varsity Reds
UPEI Panthers
St. Francis-Xavier X-men
Saint Marys Huskies

OUA-West Team Sites:
Brock Badgers
Guelph Gryphons
Lakehead Thunderwolves
Laurier Golden Hawks
Ryerson Rams
Toronto Varsity Blues
Waterloo Warriors - -
Western Ontario Mustangs
Windsor Lancers
York Lions

OUA-East Team Sites:
Carleton Ravens
Laurentian Voyageurs
Nipissing Lakers
Ottawa Geegees
Queens Golden Gaels
RMC Palladins - Team Site
UOIT Ridgebacks

RSEQ (OUA-East) Team Sites:
Concordia Stingers
McGill Redmen
UQTR Patriotes - Google Translate - -

ACAC Team Sites:
Augustana Vikings
Briercrest Clippers
Concordia Thunder
MacEwan Griffins - joining the CW in 2020-21
NAIT Ooks
Portage Voyageurs
Red Deer Kings
SAIT Trojans

BCIHL Team Sites:
Eastern Washington Eagles - withdrew in 2018-19
Selkirk Saints
Simon Fraser Clan -
Trinity Western Spartans - joining the CW in 2020-21
Vancouver Island Mariners
Victoria Vikings

Media Sites/Blogs:
Canadian University Sports Network
Breakin News N Crackin Brews (online radio)
TSN CIS Page
SportsNet CIS Page - SNU
The Attacking Zone
CISblog.ca
ChrisD.ca
MyToba.ca
Winnipeg Hockey Talk
Boxscore News - CIS Hockey Page
Independent Sports News
Hockey Scene - AUS
UNBHockeyFans.com
AcadiaAxemenHockey.com
Ryerson Rams Hockey Alumni
Horns Hockey Alumni (Lethbridge)
RedmenHockey.com (McGill)
Bison Mens Hockey (Manitoba unofficial)
Golden Bears Hockey Alumni (Alberta)
Hockey Blog in Canada (includes Manitoba)
The Manitoban (student paper)
The Varsity (Toronto student paper)
Regina Cougar Hockey Alumni
Bison Mens Hockey Twitter (Manitoba unofficial)

Online video/audio:
CanadaWest.tv - YareTV link
sportscanada.tv
AUSTV.ca
OUA.tv
CITR.ca - UBC radio
Rock 94 FM - Lakehead away games
UMFM.com - all Bison home games
SSN Canada

Canada West stats and data:
CW LeagueStats - Media Stats
CW LeagueStats - Standings
CW LeagueStats - Daily Schedule
CW LeagueStats - Rosters
CW LeagueStats - Skaters Stats
CW LeagueStats - Goalies Stats
CW LeagueStats - Team Schedules
CW Website Season Schedule - links to summaries
CW Website Stats
CW Hockey Tech Daily Schedule
CW Hockey Tech Stats

Stats:
Elite Prospects - USports Page - individual player stats on everybody
Internet Hockey Data Base (IHDB) : CWUAA Page - like Elite Prospects
USports/CIS Stats - 2009-10 to 2019-20
USports/CIS Schedule/Results - 2009-10 to 2019-20
USports/CIS Standings - 2010 to 2020
USports/CIS Playoff Schedule/Results - 2010 to 2019
AUS Archive
OUA LeagueStat
ACAC LeagueStat (inactive link)
Bob Adams Archives - CIS hockey from 1995-96 to 2008-09
Wikia - U Sports
... sub-links : University Cup
Wikia - CWUAA
... sub-links : : :
Wikia - OUA/OUAA
... sub-links : : : OIAA : : CIAU Central
Wikia - AUS/AUAA/AIAA/MIAA
Wikia - North American Championship
Wikia - Universiade
Atlantic Canadian Hockey History

Old threads:
OHT34 2009-10
OHT34 2010-11
OHT34 2011-12
OHT35 2012-13
OHT36 2013-14
OHT36 2014-15
OHT36 2015-16
OHT36 2016-17
OHT35 2017-18
Manitoba Bisons 2007-08
Manitoba Bisons 2008-09
Manitoba Bisons 2009-10
Manitoba Bisons 2010-11
Manitoba Bisons 2011-12
Manitoba Bisons 2012-13
Manitoba Bisons 2013-14
Manitoba Bisons 2014-15
Manitoba Bisons 2015-16
Manitoba Bisons 2016-17
Manitoba Bisons 2017-18
Manitoba Bisons 2018-19
2018-19 Exhibition Schedule
2018-19 OHT35

Note: The 2019-20 links may not yet be active on some sites.

hollywood2, hello.

RECRUITS

The Bisons have announced five recruits who, when combined with last year's red shirt and post-Christmas acquisitions, cover most of the team's pressing needs for the upcoming season. Of the eight players profiled, seven are from every corner of Sunny Manitoba. One more solid major junior goal-scorer would be nice! Here are the details:

Brady Pouteau - D - Regina Pats (WHL)

Pouteau fits what was once the prototype for a Bison recruit: A local boy (from Oak Bank, BTW) who went off to play in the WHL, wore a letter, and is coming back home to go to school. He is 6'3" and 203 lbs and plays some physical D. That was one big item on the Bison shopping list. He played five years in the Dub, in Regina, Lethbridge, and back to Regina for their Memorial Cup run. Of great local interest is that the Pats gave him the Rick Rypien Memorial Award. Rypien was the captain of the Pats and, though undrafted, was recruited to the Manitoba Moose where he established himself as a legit prospect and was offered a 2-way deal by the Vancouver Canucks. When the Jets were revived, he was signed by the team but unfortunately took his own life whilst suffering from depression before training camp.

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Bisons recruit Oak Bluff native Brady Pouteau for the 2019-20 season
➤ ChrisD.ca: Bisons Sign Former Regina Pats Defenceman Brady Pouteau
➤ Regina Leader-Post: Pats playing for pride on final weekend of season
➤ Elite Prospects: Brady Pouteau Career Stats




Riley Lamb - G - Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

Lamb, from Rivers, is coming home. He finished his WHL career with Swift Current, but started with Red Deer. He had two years with Red Deer (2016-17 and 2017-18) before heading to the SJHL in 2018-19 for his "overage" year. After stints in Weyburn and Yorkton, he was added by Swift Current for their late-season drive. His numbers are solid (just over .900 save % the last three years). After the departure of the three goaltenders the Herd has had in recent years (Byron Spriggs, Justin Paulic, and Dasan Sydora) they needed somebody to partner with last year's redshirt, Tyler Brown (also a WHL grad). I expect them to add a local recruit from the MJHL or even MMJHL to act as a #3.

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Bisons add veteran goaltender Riley Lamb for the 2019-20 season
➤ WHL: Broncos clarify crease, sign overager Lamb to WHL Standard Player Agreement
➤ CHL: Rebels’ Riley Lamb named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week (2018)
➤ Swift Current: Page of Video Links
➤ Elite Prospects: Riley Lamb Career Stats




Matthew Stanley - D - Swift Current Broncos (WHL), Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL)

Stanley is from Balmoral and is another sizeable country boy on D, just what the Bisons need. In 2015-16 he started his career with Steinbach in the MJHL. He then spent three seasons in the WHL, from Swift Current to Lethbridge then back again. Last year was his "overage" year and Swift Current picked him up after Lethbridge let him go. He also had a cup-of-coffee with Jacksonville at the end of 2019. If only they had fighting in the CW! The Bisons have more than their share of capable pugilists.

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Bisons recruit WHL defenceman Matthew Stanley for the 2019-20 season
➤ YouTube: Matthew Stanley vs Tristyn DeRoose Mar 7, 2018
➤ Lethbridge: Hurricanes Waive Stanley
➤ Swift Current: Broncos welcome back pair of familiar faces
➤ Elite Prospects: Matthew Stanley Career Stats




Tony Apetagon - F - Winnipeg Blues / OCN Blizzard (MJHL)

Brian Harris - F - Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL) / Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

The Bisons had a joint press release for these two MJHL forwards.

Apetagon is a 6'2" forward from Norway House. It is tough to come up through the ranks up north. Distances are long and travel is rough. In 2016-17 he started with the OCN Storm (Junior B), then in 2017-18 he went to the OCN Blizzard (Junior A). Last year he was OCN's captain but was traded to the Blues late for their playoff run. He finished 3rd in league scoring (29-45-74 in 59 games) and was on the 1st all-star team. He was also OCN's captain.

Harris is a 6' 1" forward from Wawanesa. He helped lead Swan within a game of their first-ever MJHL title. Last year he was 16-36-52 in 59 regular season games, and 4-11-15 in 17 playoff games. The linked YouTube video shows he can throw 'em like a good old Manitoba boy!

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Bisons recruit local talent in Tony Apetagon and Brian Harris for 2019-20 season
➤ ChrisD.ca: Bisons Stay Local in Latest Pair of Hockey Recruits
➤ Elite Prospects: Tony Apetagon Career Stats : Brian Harris Career Stats
➤ Winnipeg Blues: Apetagon's Player Card
➤ MJHL: Apetagon expected to boost the Blues’ scoring attack
➤ Swan Valley: Former Stampeder Brian Harris Found A Home In The WHL
➤ YouTube: Brian Harris vs Ty Ettinger Jan 9, 2018






In addition to the five recruits, the Bisons have a redshirt and two post-Christmas recruits of note from 2018-19.

Tyler Brown - G - Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Last year Brown was a redshirt after having surgery in the off-season. Reports at the time had him coming to the team in the new year, but that never happened.

Links:
➤ Eliteprospects.com: Tyler Brown Career Stats
➤ WHL: Tyler Brown Player Page




Ryan Carlson - D - Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets (NCAA) / Steinbach Pistons (MJHL)

Carlson is a Minnesota boy but played three seasons for Steinbach in the MJHL from 2014-15 to 2016-17. He then played a season and a half down south before transferring at Christmas last year. He is 6'3" but not very physical. He does handle the puck well, though. He was one of those guys who was better than expected. He was on the NCAA Scholastic Honour (or Honor as they say) Roll!

Links:
➤ Eliteprospects.com: Ryan Carlson
➤ MJHL: Former Pistons Defender Carlson Commits to University of Wisconsin Superior




Colton Veloso - F - Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL)/Kootenay Ice (WHL)

Veloso is a Winnipeg boy who left Steinbach and went far west to play for the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL in 2015. He wound up his WHL career with the Kootenay Ice (now the Winnipeg Ice), where he scored 25 goals in 2017-18. He went to play for the Jacksonville Icemen at the end of the 2018 season and then in 2018-19 he played until Christmas. He then came to the Bisons so he could cash in his WHL scholarships. He posted stats of 2-5-7 in 12 games.

Links:
➤ Eliteprospects.com: Colton Veloso
➤ Game On: Winnipeg's Colton Veloso to Attend Manitoba Moose Camp (2018)
➤ WHL: Player Page
➤ Steinbach: Former Pistons forwards sign in ECHL (2018)
➤ Jacksonville: Pair of Rookie Forwards Join Icemen






RENOVATIONS

The Winnipeg Ice of the WHL will play their first two seasons at the Wayne Fleming Arena whilst their new arena is being built about a 15-20 minute drive from the U of M. We knew that renovations would be coming but the place is in for a massive face-lift. Highlights are:

- increased capacity from 1,400 to 1,600, with a balcony on the east side;
- party lounges are being installed;
- upgraded concessions;
- VIP lounge;
- video scoreboard;
- miscellaneous improvements to the media area, glass, boards, safety netting, dressing rooms, etc.

Here are some artist renderings:







To orient yourself on the pictures, the seating is in a "C" shape, going behind both nets and on one side (the one with the penalty box). The nets are at the north and south ends and the seats are on the west side. The player benches are on the east side. The new loges are going on the east side.

Links:
➤ WHL: 50 Below Sports + Entertainment announces upgrades to Wayne Fleming Arena
➤ ChrisD.ca: Winnipeg Ice Spending $1.2M on Upgrades to Wayne Fleming Arena
➤ Winnipeg Sun: FRIESEN: Ice pretty themselves up for Winnipeg debut
➤ CJOB/Global: Moore’s Morning Sports Briefing for Friday, May 10



EXPANSION

Two new teams will be joining the CW in 2020-21. The Trinity Western Spartans will join from the BCIHL and the MacEwan Griffins will join from the ACAC.

This will bring the CW up to 10 teams. However, the downside is that unless new schools join, the BCIHL will be down to four teams and the ACAC down to seven. So, seen globally, this would not improve the status of university/college hockey very much.


However, there are rumours of significance coming from UQAM, of all places. They have never had a team before. They have a million dollar donation from the Molson's! Maybe the other UQ's can also have teams. UQTR has a new logo. Maybe UQAC can come back!

TRINITY WESTERN

Holy Trinity was a founding member of the BCIHL in 2005, operating a team known as the "Titans". In 2010-11 the hockey team was elevated to varsity status, and adopted the "Spartans" moniker, as used for their other varsity teams. They have finished first and won the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. They last an exhibition game to UBC 6-2 last September. Jeff Gamache (AD) had this to say in the link:

“I could not be happier for (TWU men’s hockey head coach) Barret Kropf, as without his dedication to hockey in general at TWU and his leadership and ability to build a team of people around both our men’s and women’s programs, this day would not be possible. We can now say with great certainty that TWU will be home to the leading Christian hockey program in the world. I have no doubt we will have players from literally all over the globe who want to join Spartan hockey because it will provide elite hockey players a place to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a godly Christian leader. We understand how unique this opportunity is and we are excited to see many more young women and men use their God-given hockey talent on a team that loves each other and competes shoulder to shoulder in such a unique way within the hockey world.”

I suspect that TWU will be able to recruit on a continent-wide basis, which might compensate for them being at a disadvantage against UBC and other CW schools due to their strict code of conduct.

MACEWAN

The Peter Griffins had a prolonged period of mediocrity in the ACAC (5 straight seasons of quarter-final eliminations preceded by 3 straight years out of the playoffs), however they have now won three titles in a row. In all three seasons they finished second to NAIT in the regular season before rallying in the playoffs. MacEwan has only just begun to add non-conference games with the CW to their schedule. This contrasts to NAIT, who have loads of games every year against CW and NCAA teams, both inside and outside Alberta. Last year they were hammered twice by the Bedrock Dinosaurs, 6-2 and 9-0.

Links:
➤ CW: New sport applications approved for TWU, MacEwan, UFV
➤ TWU: SPARTANS JOIN CANADA WEST IN MEN’S & WOMEN’S HOCKEY
➤ UBC 6 TWU 2: SPARTANS LOSE TO UBC IN HARD-FOUGHT CAPTAINS CUP CONTEST (2018)
➤ MacEwan: MacEwan hockey programs accepted into Canada West conference, starting in 2020-21
➤ MacEwan: Three latest recruits - Gable, Miller and Harris - bring tons of championship, leadership experience
➤ MacEwan: Quickly back to work after third-straight title, Griffins add talented new recruits Taupert, Chalifoux
➤ UQAM: Towards the creation of a hockey team at UQAM
➤ Quartierlibre.ca (translated): One million dollars for hockey at UQAM



The CW is getting a Hall of Fame!

Links:
➤ CW: Canada West launches Hall of Fame
➤ UofM (rp): Canada West launches hall of fame

hollywood2, hello.
- kicksave856

Cheers.

Hoping for a bounceback season from my boys the Nipissing Lakers

May 26: Where's the News?

It has now been two weeks without news in the CW. The Bisons announced some recruits (per the last post) but no other team has an official announcement of recruits. So we need to look at news from other areas for now.



One of UBC's assistants is leaving the nest. Kelvin Cech is leaving to coach the Winkler Flyers in the MJHL. Believe it or not, this is the only new news on a CW team page, other than the Bisons. Last year UBC was laying on the announcements.

Links:
➤ UBC: Kelvin Cech joining the MJHL’s Winkler Flyers as new head coach




Perhaps you saw the just-ended IIHF World Championship. For me, one game of interest was at the end of the round-robin when Great Britain beat France for 7th place and the right to return next year. There were two USports grads on the Team GB roster - Tim Billingsley (from the Cartoon Ravens) and Mike Hammond (from the Lakehead Thundermutts). Both played from 2011-12 to 2014-15.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Billingsley: https://www.eliteprospect...yer/19151/tim-billingsley
Hammond: https://www.eliteprospect...player/48330/mike-hammond
Team GB: https://www.eliteprospect...m/team/1854/great-britain
➤ Ice Hockey UK: RUSSELL NAMES 25-MAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SQUAD




The AUS is the first conference to release a schedule. The story doesn't say too much about it. I do not see it uploaded as yet to the USports site. (Although the way that site is run, that may not happen until January anyhow.)

Links:
➤ AUS: 2019-20 AUS men's hockey schedule announced
Schedule link: http://www.atlanticuniver...19-20/schedule?confonly=1




MacEwan's shift from the ACAC to the CW was already posted. However there is additional discussion of the topic our in Saudi Alberta. The story at the Red Deer Adviocate claims that the ACAC will be down to 9 men's and 4 women's teams after the move. Did I miss two new men's programs being added to the ACAC?

Links:
➤ Red Deer Advocate: RDC set for new hockey reality with Griffins departing for USports
➤ Edmonton Sun: MacEwan University hockey programs heading to another level rp @ Sherwood Park News

May 26: Where's the News?

It has now been two weeks without news in the CW. The Bisons announced some recruits (per the last post) but no other team has an official announcement of recruits. So we need to look at news from other areas for now.



One of UBC's assistants is leaving the nest. Kelvin Cech is leaving to coach the Winkler Flyers in the MJHL. Believe it or not, this is the only new news on a CW team page, other than the Bisons. Last year UBC was laying on the announcements.

Links:
➤ UBC: Kelvin Cech joining the MJHL’s Winkler Flyers as new head coach




Perhaps you saw the just-ended IIHF World Championship. For me, one game of interest was at the end of the round-robin when Great Britain beat France for 7th place and the right to return next year. There were two USports grads on the Team GB roster - Tim Billingsley (from the Cartoon Ravens) and Mike Hammond (from the Lakehead Thundermutts). Both played from 2011-12 to 2014-15.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Billingsley: https://www.eliteprospect...yer/19151/tim-billingsley
Hammond: https://www.eliteprospect...player/48330/mike-hammond
Team GB: https://www.eliteprospect...m/team/1854/great-britain
➤ Ice Hockey UK: RUSSELL NAMES 25-MAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SQUAD




The AUS is the first conference to release a schedule. The story doesn't say too much about it. I do not see it uploaded as yet to the USports site. (Although the way that site is run, that may not happen until January anyhow.)

Links:
➤ AUS: 2019-20 AUS men's hockey schedule announced
Schedule link: http://www.atlanticuniver...19-20/schedule?confonly=1




MacEwan's shift from the ACAC to the CW was already posted. However there is additional discussion of the topic our in Saudi Alberta. The story at the Red Deer Adviocate claims that the ACAC will be down to 9 men's and 4 women's teams after the move. Did I miss two new men's programs being added to the ACAC?

Links:
➤ Red Deer Advocate: RDC set for new hockey reality with Griffins departing for USports
➤ Edmonton Sun: MacEwan University hockey programs heading to another level rp @ Sherwood Park News
- Hollywood2

ty, hollywood.

June 3: TV passes & odds and ends



The on-line product has been getting better but there is a steep price increase. All sports pass is $100. Early bird pricing exists and is now scaled in. Here's the price list:

ALL-ACCESS PASS - includes playoffs
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $79.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $84.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $89.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $99.99

SPORT PASS - for one of football, soccer, hockey, volleyball, or basketball, regular season only
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $31.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $33.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $35.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $39.99

SINGLE EVENT PASS: $6.99

Links:
➤ CW release: https://canada-west.prezl...a-west-tv-passes-on-sale#
➤ RP @UofM: https://gobisons.ca/news/...st-tv-passes-on-sale.aspx
➤ RP @UofL: https://gohorns.ca/news/2...st-tv-passes-on-sale.aspx



There are more stories about the on-going renovations of the Wayne Fleming Arena on the UofM Campus and about previously announced recruits.

The old scoreboard has been removed from centre ice as in this picture. The new one should be nice.



The CW schedule has not been released. However, at the UND site we see that the Herd will have an exhibition game there on October 6th.

Links:
➤ Winnipeg Sun: Paul Friesen: Ice pretty themselves up for Winnipeg debut
➤ The Manitoban: Jason Pchajek: Getting ready for opening day
➤ Chris D: Bisons Stay Local in Latest Pair of Hockey Recruits (re Apetagon & Harris)
➤ Chris D: Bisons Sign Former Regina Pats Defenceman Brady Pouteau
➤ Winnipeg Free Press: Sports briefs (re Pouteau)
➤ UND: Hockey Schedule

June 3: TV passes & odds and ends



The on-line product has been getting better but there is a steep price increase. All sports pass is $100. Early bird pricing exists and is now scaled in. Here's the price list:

ALL-ACCESS PASS - includes playoffs
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $79.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $84.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $89.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $99.99

SPORT PASS - for one of football, soccer, hockey, volleyball, or basketball, regular season only
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $31.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $33.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $35.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $39.99

SINGLE EVENT PASS: $6.99

Links:
➤ CW release: https://canada-west.prezl...a-west-tv-passes-on-sale#
➤ RP @UofM: https://gobisons.ca/news/...st-tv-passes-on-sale.aspx
➤ RP @UofL: https://gohorns.ca/news/2...st-tv-passes-on-sale.aspx



There are more stories about the on-going renovations of the Wayne Fleming Arena on the UofM Campus and about previously announced recruits.

The old scoreboard has been removed from centre ice as in this picture. The new one should be nice.



The CW schedule has not been released. However, at the UND site we see that the Herd will have an exhibition game there on October 6th.

Links:
➤ Winnipeg Sun: Paul Friesen: Ice pretty themselves up for Winnipeg debut
➤ The Manitoban: Jason Pchajek: Getting ready for opening day
➤ Chris D: Bisons Stay Local in Latest Pair of Hockey Recruits (re Apetagon & Harris)
➤ Chris D: Bisons Sign Former Regina Pats Defenceman Brady Pouteau
➤ Winnipeg Free Press: Sports briefs (re Pouteau)
➤ UND: Hockey Schedule
- Hollywood2

thank you, hollywood.

long live wayne fleming arena.

June 10: Odds & Ends




The CW is going to be using AI to generate highlights this year. Here's what they claim:

“REELY’s technology will allow our members to generate more highlights, and distribute them instantly, as we continue to put an increasing emphasis on shareable video content," said Evan Daum, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing for Canada West. "The automation of clipping will help our members engage more fans through social media, while enabling the conference to produce additional video content.”

If you need a part-time job, the U of M is looking for game day staff. Details are in the links.




Serge Lajoie is one ape headed for the Evil Monkeys' Wall of Fame. He won awards at every level:

In his time as a defenceman, assistant coach and head coach with the perennial powerhouse U of A program, Lajoie won a combined four Canadian university national championships, one as a player, two as an assistant coach and one as a head coach.

As a player, he also captured the Wilson Challenge Trophy as the U of A’s top male athlete, and the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as the Canadian university men’s hockey player of the year. He also won two provincial college championships as head coach and two Coach of the Year awards.

The BCIHL musings on the impact of Holy Trinity's shift to the CW in 2020-21 are in the linked story. They brought up that TWU may operate a varsity team in the CW and a club side in the BCIHL. Maybe UBC would follow suit!


Links:
➤ CW: Canada West partners with REELY for AI-powered highlights
➤ UofM: Bison Sports hosting a Game Day Job Fair on June 11
➤ UofA: Serge Lajoie added to Sports Wall of Fame
➤ BCIHL: BCIHL statement on TWU's successful bid to join Canada West conference

June 10: Bisons Land a Hat-Trick of Forwards



The Bisons announced the recruitment of three more players, all forwards who finished last season in the MJHL where they enjoyed all-star status.

Bradly Goethals - C - Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL) / Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

At 6'1" and only 170 lbs, I can't help but think that some bulking up would help Goethals find that next level. I am sure that he can locate many fine cooks in his home town of Île-des-Chênes.

He had just one full season in the WHL, where he scored 15 goals. The Blades replaced his overage spot with a defenceman early last year, so he came back to the MJHL, landing with Swan. In 50 games he went 34-45-79, which landed him on the first all-star team. He also racked up 12-13-25 in 17 playoff games.

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Bisons add scoring punch for 2019-20 season with three MJHL recruits
➤ Elite Prospects: Bradly Goethals Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Bradly Goethals Stats
➤ Stampeders: Bradly Goethals Named RBC Player of the Month
➤ Stampeders: Bradly Goethals Named MLLC Player of the Month
➤ Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: Blades add veteran D-man Schuldhaus, part ways with forward Goethals
➤ Winnipeg Free Press: Stampeders have title in sight




Josh Tripp - F - Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL)

At 5'9" and 165 lbs. Tripp will not be adding a physical presence to the line-up. However, this Swan River boy edged Goethals (his team-mate) for the MJHL scoring title, 36-48-84 in 57 games. Both were on the league's first all-star team. He was also 11-10-21 in 21 playoff games.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Joshua Tripp Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Joshua Tripp Stats
➤ MJHL: Stamps’ Tripp hoping scoring crown pays off in playoffs
➤ Stampeders: Josh Tripp Named Finalist For CJHL MVP Award
➤ Windspeaker: Tripp racking up the points in his hometown
➤ Winnipeg Free Press: Local star wants to see Swan Valley Stampeders become a 'championship team'
➤ Game On: Josh Tripp Collects Major MJHL Player of the Year Award




Chase Brakel - C - Cornell Big Red (NCAA) / Portage Terriers (MJHL)

Brakel's three full seasons with the Terriers ended in 2017-18, when he was the team captain. He started last season at Cornell, but left after just six games. He was a deadline addition to the Terriers' playoff roster. In 21 regular season games, his scoreline was 9-11-20 and in 20 playoff games he was 11-17-28. His peak season was in 2016-17, where he racked up numbers of 34-46-80 in 58 games. Also, he was an MJHL second team all-star in 2017 and 2018.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Chase Brakel Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Chase Brakel Stats
➤ Graphic Leader: Already surging Terriers add to arsenal
➤ Portage Terriers: 20 Questions with Captain Chase Brakel
➤ Winnipeg Sun: Portage Terriers snare fourth MJHL title in five years
➤ Portage Online: Brakel Declares For Cornell






Meanwhile, another Evil Monkey has turned pro. Jason Fram is off to the KHL to join Kunlun Red Star, based in China. He's been voted Canada's best USports defenceman in 2018 and 2019.

Links:
➤ UofA: Jason Fram signs with Kunlun Red Star of the KHL

June 12: Schedule Is Out



The schedule is out!

Most teams had announcements, with their team highlights, as linked. The league schedule link still goes to 2018-19. The 2019-20 schedule link brings up an XLS document.

One nice feature on the team schedules is a "history" link at which they post trivia and stats about the match-up going back to February 2008 (for Manitoba). This feature is on the Manitoba, Calgary, Sask, and UBC schedule pages.

The exhibition games should now be announced by bits and drabs. Regina's story contained this tidbit:

Warming Up
The U of R currently has four non-conference games scheduled to tune up before the regular season kicks off late in September. Regina will play Saskatchewan and Calgary in Saskatoon before visiting the Manitoba Bisons for a pair of pre-season games the following weekend.

The Bisons are not affected by the new WHL franchise. They have two Saturday night-Sunday afternoon series, two Friday night-Saturday night series, and three Friday night-Saturday afternoon series.

Links:
➤ CW story: https://canada-west.prezl...op-back-to-back-weekends#
➤ CW schedule: http://canadawest.org/x/g673o]XLS schedule
➤ Manitoba story: https://gobisons.ca/news/...n-sept-28-and-oct-12.aspx
➤ Manitoba schedule: https://gobisons.ca/schedule.aspx?path=mhockey
➤ Alberta story: https://www.ualberta.ca/a...hockey-schedule-announced
➤ Alberta schedule: https://www.ualberta.ca/a...s/teams/hockey-m/schedule
➤ Calgary schedule: https://godinos.com/schedule.aspx?path=mhockey
➤ Lethbridge: nothing yet
➤ MRU story: http://mrucougars.com/gen...9/releases/20190611qvn53q
➤ Regina story: https://www.reginacougars...19-20-season-at-home.aspx
➤ Sask story: https://huskies.usask.ca/...ce-in-late-september.aspx
➤ Sask schedule: https://huskies.usask.ca/...chedule.aspx?path=mhockey
➤ UBC story: https://gothunderbirds.ca...y-schedules-released.aspx
➤ UBC schedule: https://gothunderbirds.ca...chedule.aspx?path=mhockey

June 25: Catch-Up Time



The conference schedule has been out for two weeks. However, the CW site's schedule link still takes us to 2018-19. Regina has a full exhibition schedule posted, but nobody else does. Only Manitoba has posted any exhibition games, namely their home double-header against Regina on September 20-21.

I popped in at the Wayne Fleming Arena last weekend. The seating area is locked as a "hard hat" area. However, the window on the door by the visiting team's corner entrance was not covered and I caught a mediocre glimpse inside. The wall behind the team benches was covered, there appeared to be new boards with new ads installed, and the sign said public skating was opening in July. My inference is that this is where the renos to the change rooms, press box, lounge, etc. will take place. I was unable to get a glimpse of the scoreboard. It looks pretty big when it's on the ground. The first photo was posted on June 14th and the second on June 20th.







Last year there were reams of stories about players getting pro contracts, including several Bisons. The news has been slower this year. But at least Riley Guenther got a story from his alma matter, the University of British California. He's being joined by another former T-ird, Neil Manning. Both are defencemen. Manning's last season at UBC was 2015-16. He has since played in Europe, the AHL, and the ECHL.

Links:
➤ UBC: Riley Guenther inks pro deal in France’s top league
➤ Elite Prospects: Riley Guenther
➤ Elite Prospects: Neil Manning



The Mutts have an annual fundraiser with an NHL guest speaker. This year it's Chris Chelios. The event is in November. Past speakers include Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Wendel Clark, Brett Hull, Jeremy Roenick, Paul Coffey and Chris Pronger.

Links:
➤ Sask: Chelios highlights 2019 Off the Leash Luncheon

June 27: Stovin to Scotland Confirmed



Graduated Bison captain Brett Stovin is out kilt-shopping today. The Bisons officially announced his signing with the Dundee Stars of the EIHL. Dundee was 23-25-12 last season. Hopefully he'll do well over there. The Bisons toured the EIHL in 2017 and 2018, and went 4-3-1 overall.



Links:
➤ UofM: Bisons alum Brett Stovin signs professional deal with Dundee Stars
➤ Dundee: Stovin Signs with Stars
➤ EIHL: Stovin latest addition to Stars
➤ UofM: Sign up for the Bisons Newsletter!




Brandon Magee is off to join team-mate Jason Fram with Kunlun Red Star in the KHL. Magee only had two seasons with the Monkeys. He played in the ECHL in 2015-16 then had to red-shirt a year, during which he played for the Lacombe Generals in Senior AAA.

Links:
➤ UofA: Brandon Magee signs pro deal with Kunlun Red Star




The news from the Town of Bedrock has been slow. But now former coach George Kingston was awarded the Order of Hockey in Canada for 2019. He coached in the golden era of CW coaches which included Clare Drake (Alta.), Wayne Fleming (Man.), Dave King (Sask.), and Mike Babcock (Leth.). Check out his resume:

Assistant with Lithuania's national men's team since 2013-14
Assistant with EC Salzburg (Austria) in 2012-13
Assistant with Mexico's national men's team from 2010-13
Worked with the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation (men's, women's and sledge) from 2008-10
Assistant with the NHL's Florida Panthers from 2001-07
Assistant with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers from 1999-2001
Head coach of Germany's national men's team from 1994-98
Head coach of Team Canada at the 1994 IIHF World Championship (gold medal)
GM of Team Canada at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games (silver medal)
Head coach of the NHL's San Jose Sharks from 1991-93
Head coach of Norway's national men's team and national junior team from 1989-91
Assistant with the NHL's Minnesota North Stars in 1988-89
Chairman of the 1988 men's Olympic hockey tournament
Assistant with Team Canada at the 1984 Olympic Winter Games (fourth place)
Assistant with Team Canada at the 1983 IIHF World Championship (bronze medal)
Assistant with the NHL's Calgary Flames from 1980-82
Head coach of the University of Calgary men's hockey team (1968-76, 1978-83, 1984-88)
Won the Canada West championship with Calgary (1974, 1976, 1980, 1986, 1988)
Assistant with the University of Calgary men's hockey team in 1967-68

Links:
➤ UofC: Kingston receives the Order of Hockey in Canada




The ACAC released their schedule and that means the MacEwan Griffins are putting together their farewell season in college hockey. Next year, they finally join the CW in hockey. They currently have five pre-season games scheduled. On September 13 and 14 they face SAIT (away and home), on September 20 and 21 they visit UBC, and on October 4 they are at NAIT in a cross-town derby. Since the CW starts on September 27 and 28, any additional games would likely be against ACAC teams. Or possibly TWU!

Links:
➤ GMU: With memories of thrilling semifinal series fresh, Griffins will kick off last ACAC season against Kings

June 30: Last Day for Tier 1 Early Bird



Reminder that today is the last day for the lowest price on CanadaWest.tv subscriptions. I have signed up for the all-access pass.

ALL-ACCESS PASS - includes playoffs
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $79.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $84.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $89.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $99.99

SPORT PASS - for one of football, soccer, hockey, volleyball, or basketball, regular season only
Tier 1 (June 3-30) - $31.99
Tier 2 (July 1-31) - $33.99
Tier 3 (August 1-31) - $35.99
Full price (Sept. 1) - $39.99

SINGLE EVENT PASS: $6.99

Links:
➤ Press release: https://tinyurl.com/y6ennba2

July 3: ACAC Announces More Games



The ACAC conference schedule is thus far the best at adding pre-season games. I include their whole pre-season plus the individual schedules for the teams to have thus far posted theirs. Since last time, the games of note are regarding Portage College's trip to Castlegar, where they will face Selkirk College and Holy Trinity.

Neither the BCIHL nor any individual teams have a 2019-20 schedule up. However The Clown have announced their two games in the 3rd annual Captain's Cup series against UBC and TWU.

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Sep 13 MacEwan at SAIT
Sep 14 NAIT at Augustana
Sep 14 SAIT at MacEwan
Sep 14 Concordia at Portage
Sep 20 MacEwan at UBC
Sep 21 MacEwan at UBC
Sep 27 Portage v Trinity Western @ Castlegar
Sep 27 Augustana at NAIT
Sep 28 Augustana at Concordia
Sep 28 Portage v Selkirk College @ Castlegar
Oct 04 MacEwan at NAIT
Oct 04 SAIT at Augustana

2019-20 Vikings Hockey Schedule
Sep 14 NAIT at Augustana
Sep 27 Augustana at NAIT
Sep 28 Augustana at Concordia
Oct 04 SAIT at Augustana

Concordia Schedule
Sep 14 Concordia at Portage
Sep 28 Augustana at Concordia

2019-20 MacEwan Griffins Men's Hockey Schedule
Sep 13 MacEwan at SAIT
Sep 14 SAIT at MacEwan
Sep 20 MacEwan at UBC
Sep 21 MacEwan at UBC
Oct 04 MacEwan at NAIT

2019-20 Voyageurs Men's Ice Hockey Schedule
Sep 14 Concordia at Portage
Sep 27 Portage v Trinity Western @ Castlegar
Sep 28 Portage v Selkirk College @ Castlegar

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Sep 13 MacEwan at SAIT
Sep 14 SAIT at MacEwan
Oct 04 SAIT at Augustana

Captain's Cup Game 2: SFU vs TWU - Sept 18th - SFU Hockey
Sep 14 Simon Fraser at UBC
Sep 18 Simon Fraser at Trinity Western
TBD Trinity Western v UBC

July 6: News from Manitoba, Alberta, and UBC



Another photo of the renovations underway at the Wayne Fleming Arena has been tweeted by the Winnipeg Ice. The part behind the curtain is the part that will make the biggest difference. But I really like the new scoreboard. Can't wait to see it when it's done.



Links:
➤ Winnipeg Ice Twitter: July 3rd




Graeme Craig is leaving the Evil Monkeys to play for Manitoba next year! The Manitoba Moose of the AHL, that is. He played in the AHL and ECHL in 2014-15 and then in 2015-16 he played with the Bentley Generals whilst red-shirting. He has been an Ape for the past three seasons.

Links:
➤ UofA: Graeme Craig signs pro contract with Manitoba Moose
➤ Elite Prospects: Graeme Craig Stats




UBC has not added to their schedule their games against ACAC and BCIHL teams, which have been announced elsewhere. However, they have added a pair of home games on August 30th and September 1st against the Wisconsin Badgers. What makes these games unusual is that they are being played in British California, not the Excited States, and that they are being played more than a month before NCAA teams are "allowed" to play. In the past, many NCAA basketball teams have come north to play exhibition games. Now, hockey is getting into the act.

Links:
➤ UBC: 2019-20 Schedule
➤ GMU: 2019-20 Schedule
➤ SFU: Captain’s Cup Game 1: SFU @ UBC – Sept 14th

July 15: More Renos



I dropped in on the Wayne Fleming Arena on Sunday afternoon during public skating and took some pictures.


The centre ice logo is added. The new boards are not yet installed in front of the player benches.


The new scoreboard will have highlights to see! From the concourse it is basically at eye height.


This shows the new boards and logo. The glass was also fogged up due to the high humidity.


This is the major aspect of the renos in progress. This is a glimpse of the new row of seats being added on the east side of the building, above the player benches and below the press box. This picture shows the relative position of the scoreboard.


This one is a different angle of the previous picture. It really shows the new "hallway" being built behind the big white curtain.

Links:
➤ UofM: Video Tweet



The T-irds have two new stories. One is about veteran Adam Rossignol turning pro in Europe, and the other is about the previously announced exhibition games against the Wisconsin Badger-Bobs.

Links:
➤ UBC: Adam Rossignol inks pro deal with HK Budapest
➤ UBC: T-Birds to host Wisconsin Badgers for pair of exhibition contests

new: old:

The Selkirk College Saints of the BCIHL made a big to-do about a potential make-over. In the end, they somewhat altered their logo but the team name and colours stay the same.

Links:
➤ Castlegar Source: Selkirk College Maintains Connection to Athletics History, Unveils New Logo
➤ My Kootenay Now: Selkirk Saints unveil refreshed logo
➤ Castlegar News: Poll: Should Selkirk College change the name of their sports teams?

July 20: CW Recruit Summary

The Elite Prospects USports Page has a link to each team's page, and each team's page contains an updated list of transactions. Here are the screen shots. Click the team name to go to their page.

Alberta Golden Bears



Calgary Dinosaurs



Lethbridge Pronghorns



Manitoba Bisons



Mount Royal Cougars



Regina Cougars



Saskatchewan Huskies



UBC Thunderbirds

ty, hollywood.

Aug 4: Recruitment & Scheduling Recap

Around the CW news has been sparse. There is usually a team or two to start around Labour Day which exhibitions, with a mass join-in to follow. However, the only team to have posted what is likely to be their full pre-season is Regina, with Manitoba, Alberta, and UBC having what appears to be a partial schedule. Calgary, MRU, Saskatchewan, and Lethbridge have only posted regular season schedules.

As for roster news, the Bisons are the only team with substantial official announcements.

Going team-by-team, here's how it looks:

Note: Games marked * are confirmed on the team schedule page and games marked # are confirmed elsewhere.




> Manitoba Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Manitoba Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 20 Regina at Manitoba *
Sep 21 Regina at Manitoba *
Oct 05 Manitoba at North Dakota (NCAA) #
Oct 07 Manitoba at Omaha (NCAA) #

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-04-13 Brady Pouteau (D) Regina (WHL)
2019-04-19 Riley Lamb (G) Swift Current (WHL)
2019-05-02 Matt Stanley (D) Swift Current (WHL)
2019-05-07 Tony Apetagon (F) Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
2019-05-07 Brian Harris (F) Swan Valley (MJHL)/Edmonton (WHL)
2019-06-10 Bradly Goethals (F) Swan Valley (MJHL)/Saskatoon (WHL)
2019-06-11 Joshua Tripp (F) Swan Valley (MJHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-01-24 Kamerin Nault (F) Greenville (ECHL)
2019-02-13 Zach Franko (F) Idaho (ECHL)
2019-02-18 Liam Bilton (F) Orlando (ECHL)
2019-03-15 Byron Spriggs (G) Texas (AHL)
2019-03-22 Byron Spriggs (G) Manitoba (AHL)
2019-06-21 Brett Stovin (F) Dundee (EIHL)




> Alberta Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Alberta Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 06 UBC at Alberta *
Sep 07 UBC at Alberta *
Sep 20 Calgary at Alberta *
Oct 05 Alberta at Minnesota Duluth (NCAA) #
Oct 06 Alberta at St. Cloud State (NCAA) #

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-05-13 Noah Philp (F) Seattle (WHL)
2019-05-13 Ryan Jevne (F) Medicine Hat (WHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-03-19 Luke Philp (F) Calgary (NHL)
2019-03-20 Stephane Legault (F) South Carolina (ECHL)
2019-03-26 Zach Sawchenko (G) San Jose (AHL)
2019-04-03 Graeme Craig (D) Manitoba (AHL)
2019-05-31 Jason Fram (D) Kunlun Red Star (KHL)
2019-06-28 Brandon Magee (F) Kunlun Red Star (KHL)




> Calgary Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Calgary Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 06 Red Deer College (ACAC) at Calgary #
Sep 07 Calgary at Red Deer College (ACAC) #
Sep 13 Regina v Calgary (at Saskatoon) #
Sep 20 Calgary at Alberta #

PLAYERS JOINING
none

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-03-02 Matt Greenfield (G) Springfield (AHL)
2019-05-04 Dylan Busenius (D) Fehérvár AV19 (EBEL - Hungary)
2019-05-12 Cain Franson (F) Amiens (France)




> Lethbridge Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Lethbridge Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 14 Lethbridge at Red Deer College (ACAC) #
Sep 15 Lethbridge at Red Deer College (ACAC) #

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-05-14 Kyle Gordon (F) Okotoks (AJHL)
2019-05-22 Josh Borynec (F) Melville (SJHL)
2019-05-22 Michael Clarke (F) Humboldt (SJHL)
2019-05-22 Josh Patrician (D) Humboldt (SJHL)
2019-05-22 Owen Guenter (F) Humboldt (SJHL)
2019-06-10 Jared Janke (F) Campbellton (MJAHL)
2019-07-07 Nik Amundrud (G) Rosetown (SJHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-04-09 Blake Orbán (D) MAC Újbuda (Slovakia)
2019-05-24 Justin Valentino (F) Briançon (France)
2019-05-28 Clint Filbrandt (D) DEAC (Erste Liga - Hungary)
2019-06-01 Garret Hughson (G) Dunaújvárosi Acélbikák ((Erste Liga - Hungary)
2019-07-14 Logan Mick (F) Åmåls SK (Sweden Div 2)
2019-07-23 Artsiom Kalashnikov (F) Muik (Finland Div 2)




> Mount Royal Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Mount Royal Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Oct 05 Mount Royal at Minnesota State (NCAA) #
Oct 06 Mount Royal at Minnesota (NCAA) #

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-02-05 Nicholas Sicoly (F) Aberdeen (NAHL)
2019-05-08 Nolan Yaremko (F) Tri-City (WHL)
2019-05-14 Kurtis Chapman (G) Victoria (BCJHL)
2019-05-19 Riley Shamray (D) Dauphin (MJHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-06-17 Grant Baker (D) Dunaújvárosi Acélbikák (Erste Liga - Hungary)
2019-07-12 Colton Kroeker (F) Dundee (EIHL - UK)




> Regina Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Regina Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 12 Regina at Saskatchewan *
Sep 13 Regina v Calgary (at Saskatoon) *
Sep 20 Regina at Manitoba *
Sep 21 Regina at Manitoba *

PLAYERS JOINING
none

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-05-11 Zach McPhee (F) Trollhättans HC (Sweden Div 2)




> Saskatchewan Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects Sask Transfers

EXHIBITION GAMES
Sep 12 Regina at Saskatchewan #

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-05-13 Justin Ball (F) Melfort (SJHL)
2019-06-26 Cody Spagrud (D) Battlefords (SJHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-05-03 Parker Thomas (F) Melbourne Mustangs (AIHL - Oz)
2019-07-20 Jesse Forsberg (D) Belfast (EIHL - UK)




> UBC Team Schedule
> Elite Prospects UBC Transfers
> UBC: Nate Fleming returns home behind T-Birds’ bench

EXHIBITION GAMES
Aug 30 Wisconsin (NCAA) at UBC *
Sep 01 Wisconsin (NCAA) at UBC *
Sep 06 UBC at Alberta #
Sep 07 UBC at Alberta #
Sep 13 Trinity Western (BCIHL) v UBC *
Sep 14 Simon Fraser (BCIHL) at UBC #
Sep 20 MacEwan (ACAC) at UBC *
Sep 21 MacEwan (ACAC) at UBC *

PLAYERS JOINING
2019-08-02 James Orban (F) Drayton Valley (AJHL)

PLAYERS LEAVING
2019-02-26 Michael Stenerson (F) Fort Wayne (ECHL)
2019-06-13 Riley Guenther (D) Angers (France)
2019-07-07 Adam Rossignol (F) HK Budapest (Erst Liga - Hungary)
2019-07-30 Chase Clayton (F) EV Weiden (Germany 3)

ANNOUNCEMENT
The links include an announcement that a former T-ird, Nate Fleming, is returning to UBC to be an assistant coach.


Note: My expectation is that not all teams will want games on the weekend of September 7th, but all teams will want games on the weekends of September 14th and 21st, with the regular season starting September 27th. I infer that a mass weekend of games involving multiple teams will be in Saskatoon on the weekend of September 14th and another such schedule will be put together for Edmonton on September 21st.

Aug 10: Waterloo Warriors Trip to the Alps



This year the Bisons are not crossing the Atlantic to start the season. But the Waterloo Warriors are making a trek. I don't remember them doing so before.

The Warriors have qualified for the University Cup four times: 1974 (where the won gold), 1991, 1996, and 2013. They have finished 10th (and last) in the OUA in each of the last two seasons. However, their 25 points in 28 games was not such a bad record. The OUA West is tightly packed, so they were just 6 points removed from 3rd place.

They will play teams from Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, all in the German-speaking Alps extended region.

On August 30th they face Rittner Buam. The Bisons have played them on two prior trips when they were known as Ritten (or Renon) Sport. (Ritten is the city name in German, Renon is the city name in Italian.)

They are now in the Alps Hockey League, which has Austria's 2nd Tier teams and Slovenia's and Italy's top tier teams. Last season they were 5th out of 17 teams. They also won the Italian title.

This year's roster has a UNB grad (Randy Gazzola) and a Dalhousie grad (Dan Tudin).

Links:
> Team Website
> Sofascore Scoreboard
> YouTube Channel
> Elite Prospects - Randy Gazzola
> Elite Prospects - Dan Tudin
> Elite Prospects - Alps Hockey League

On September 1st they will face EHC Freiburg from the DEL2 (German 2nd Tier). Freiburg finished 13th out of 14 teams last year. They are unofficially called the "Wolves".

Many of the Bisons' opponents from this league have moved either up or down a league in the intervening years. I know that the leading teams from this league are tough opponents for USports teams.

Keeping the AUS theme going, former X-Man Nick Pageau plays for the Wolves.

Links:
> Team Website
> Elite Prospects - DEL2
> Elite Prospects - Nick Pageau

The tour ends on September 2nd with a 3rd game in 4 days against the EVZ Academy from Zug, Switzerland. They play in the Swiss 2nd Tier, called "NLB". They placed 8th out of 11 teams a year ago. The team is very young, with just only one player outside the 18-21 age group. Waterloo should fall mostly within the 20-23 age group.

Links:
> Team Website
> Elite Prospects - NLB
> Roster at Swiss Hockey News

Aug 24: Announcements Around the CW



There have been no announcements of new recruits for the Bisons since a flurry of activity in the spring. There has been a follow-up story on Brett Stovin's journey to Scotland. He was also contacted by teams in Italy, Poland, France, and elsewhere in the U.K.



Links:
➤ UofM: Versatile Stovin ready to begin pro hockey career in Scotland




The Evil Monkeys have added a zoo-full of banana-eating, armpit-scratching, vine-swinging recruits from the WHL. With 14 new players, there must be a load of departures. There just won't be enough bananas to go around.

Forwards:
Chad Butcher - Medicine Hat (WHL-2017), Wichita/Allen (ECHL)
Matt Fonteyne - Everett (WHL-2018), San Jose (AHL)
Ryan Jevne - Medicine Hat (WHL)
Josh Paterson - Saskatoon/Portland (WHL)
Noah Philp - Seattle (WHL)
Luc Smith - Kamloops/Spokane (WHL)
Nolan Volcan - Seattle (WHL)

Defense:
Braydyn Chizen - Kelowna/Brandon (WHL)
Dawson Davidson - Saskatoon (WHL)
Jared Freadrich - Portland (WHL)
Dalton Hamaliuk - Moose Jaw (WHL)
Joel Lakusta _ Prince George (WHL)

Goaltenders:
Matt Berlin - Kootenay (WHL-2018), Sherwood (AJHL)
Griffen Outhouse - Victoria (WHL)

This is a record large recruit class for the Apes. The previous high was 12. The linked story has career stats for each player. There were two players from British California and one from Sask, the rest being Alberta boys. So no recruits left for Calgary, MRU, and Lethbridge I guess.

Links:
➤ UofA: Bears Hockey announces record-breaking recruit class




Still nothing from Banjoland about recruits, but they do have a story on Dave Hardy being appointed the chief athletics officer (CAO). Whoop-dee-doo!

Links:
➤ UofS: Huskie Athletics announce chief athletics officer




The T-irds' 8 recruits would normally be quite an announcement. But coming in the shadow of the Evil Monkeys' announcements makes this not get the coverage it deserves.

Forwards:
Quinn Benjafield - Edmonton (WHL)
Jake Kryski - Calgary (WHL)
Brett Clayton - Tri-City/Regina (WHL)
James Orban - Drayton Valley (AJHL)
Dryden Michaud - Melfort (SJHL)

Defence:
Ryan Pouliot - Swift Current/Vancouver (WHL), Powell River (BCHL)
Jonathan Smart - Kootenay (WHL, Penticton (BCHL)
Jarret Tyszka - Seattle (WHL) - in January

The story talks about departures, but does not list them. Therefore its hard to tell if UBC is taking a step forward, or a step backward.

Links:
➤ UBC: Kryski, Benjafield, Tyszka highlight 2019 men’s hockey recruiting class




Ottawa's schedule for their German tour is at the bottom of their team schedule:

Aug 29 Ottawa at Deggendorfer SC
Aug 30 Ottawa at Dresdner Eislowen
Sep 01 Ottawa at Eispiraten Crimmitschau

All of Ottawa's opponents played in the DEL2 last year, Germany's 2nd tier league.

Deggendorfer SC (aka "The Fire") finished 14th and last. So this year they are relegated to the Oberliga, the 3rd tier league.

Meanwhile, Dresdner Eislöwen (Ice Lions) finished 9th of 14 and lost in the semi-finals. They have Nick Huard from the Guelph Gryphons in their line-up.

Eispiraten Crimmitschau (Ice Pirates) finished 10th and were knocked out in the quarter-finals. They have no USports grads.

Unlike their opponents, the Gee-Gees were better in the regular season (22-2-4) than in the playoffs (3-2). It was their 3rd season back and they shocked USports fans by finishing 1st in the OUA East, 7 points ahead of Carleton in their division and 5 points ahead of Ryerson (western pennant winner) in the conference. However, they lost to Queen's in the eastern semi-final, two games to one.

Links:
➤ Ottawa: Team Schedule
➤ Elite Prospects: DEL2 (Germany 2)
➤ Elite Prospects: Oberliga (Germany 3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Deggendorfer SC
➤ Google translate: Deggendorfer Team Site
➤ Elite Prospects: Dresdner Eislowen
➤ Google translate: Dresdner Team Site
➤ Elite Prospects: Nick Huard
➤ Elite Prospects: Eispiraten Crimmitschau
➤ Google translate: Crimmitschau Team Site

Aug 29: The Puck Has Dropped



OTTAWA GEEGEES 3
DEGGENDORFER SC 1

Links:
➤ Ottawa: Twitter
➤ Deggendorfer: Game Story (translated)

This was an expected result, since Deggendorfer is a 3rd tier German team. I did not see stats or line-ups posted anywhere.

PREVIEW



WISCONSIN BADGERS (2018-19: 14-18-5)
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (2018-19: 14-12-2)

Links:
➤ UBC: ‘Birds prepare for historic clash with star studded Wisconsin Badgers
➤ Leaguestat: Daily Schedule (live updates)
➤ UofW: Quick Six: Wisconsin at British Columbia
➤ CHN: Wisconsin Page
➤ Facebook: Wisconsin Hockey Page

The roster pages are not updated at the UBC site nor at any of the CW sites. However, UBC may well be doing live updates at LeagueStat, just check the link. The Wisconsin series preview says they will be live streaming on Facebook. The last time UBC hosted NCAA teams they defeated both UND and Princeton.

REMAINING WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Aug 30 Ottawa at Dresdner Eislowen (Germany 2)
Aug 30 Waterloo at Rittner Baum (Italy)
Aug 30 Wisconsin (NCAA) at UBC
Sep 01 Ottawa at Eispiraten Crimmitschau (Germany 2)
Sep 01 Waterloo at EHC Freiburg (Germany 2)
Sep 01 Wisconsin (NCAA) at UBC
Sep 02 Waterloo at EVZ Academy (Switzerland 2)

Aug 30: USports Teams Go 0-3

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

The Bisons have yet to start the season, and won't for two weeks, but we do have a fairly busy Friday night out-of-town scoreboard from the night that the CW football season kicked off (with the Bisons soundly thrashing the Banjo Mutts).


WISCONSIN BADGERS 3
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 0

Links:
➤ LeagueStat:
➤ Leaguestat: UBC Stats Page
➤ Game story:
➤ Game story: UofW (with video

This was a solid win for the Badger Bobs, outscoring the T-irds 1-0 in each period. Final shots were 38-26 in favour of Wisconsin. There were a total of 64 penalty minutes dealt (34 to Wisconsin). Returning goaltender Rylan Toth took the loss for UBC. Wisconsin had 27 names on the line-up sheet posted at LeagueStat.

Since neither UBC nor any other CW team has a 2019-20 roster posted, the LeagueStat summary is a guideline (* indicates a rookie):

Defencemen
6 Shaun Dosanjh
13 Kyle Becker
26 Joe Carvalho
29 Jerret Smith
40 Jonathan Smart *
43 Ryan Pouliot *

Forwards
9 Dryden Michaud *
10 Matt Revel
14 Jake Kryski *
16 Murphy Stratton *
17 Austin Vetterl
19 Tyler Sandhu
20 Austin Glover
21 Quentin Greenwood
22 Quinn Benjafield *
37 Brett Clayton *
42 Carter Popoff
44 Maxwell James

Goalies
34 Rylan Toth
39 Ben Maquignaz

Announced Recruits Not Dressed
Jarret Tyszka (D)
James Orban (F)

Announced Departures
8 Riley Guenther
15 Adam Rossignol
22 Chase Clayton
23 Raymond Grewal
33 Michael Stenerson

Departed or Not Dressed
2 Devin Fafard
7 Tanner Faith
11 Steven Hodges
25 Colton Kehler
27 Josh Connolly
47 Patrick Dea

The only rookie dressed but not previously announced was Murphy Stratton, a California lad listed as committed to UND for 2020-21. I suspect that another goaltender has also been recruited.



OUT EAST


OTTAWA GEEGEES 3
DRESDNER EISLOWEN 5

Links:
Ottawa: [
Ottawa: [
Dresdner: [Translated Game Story]

The Germans enjoyed period leads of 3-1 and 5-1, so it seems to have been a coast-to-victory scenario. The story says the teams had to do laps to aleviate fog. The joys of hockey in the summer heat! Dresdner plays in DEL2, the 2nd tier of German hockey.


WATERLOO WARRIORS 3
RITTNER BUAM 6

Links:
Waterloo: [Tour Preview]
Waterloo: [
Rittner: [Translated Game Story]

This was Waterloo's opener of a 3-game trip through the Alps. They appear to have suffered a decisive loss to the German-speaking Italians. Period leads were 2-0 and 5-2. Future opponents could get even tougher for the Warriors.

NEXT UP

Sep 01 Ottawa at Eispiraten Crimmitschau (Germany 2)
Sep 01 Waterloo at EHC Freiburg (Germany 2)
Sep 01 Wisconsin (NCAA) at UBC
Sep 02 Waterloo at EVZ Academy (Switzerland 2)