Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Broncos, Raiders and I-Plex Myths

Before we talk about tonight's game in Prince Albert I would like to take the time to dispel a few things regarding I-Plex renovations and the home opener.
It appears my little appeal for answers in a previous post did get some yesterday. Here's a few things I found out:


- It's now the largest work crew they've had over at the old Civic Center as they prepare for the home opener. The plan is to clear the ice area of materials, etc. so they can prepare to start the ice-making procedure.


- The Broncos plan on getting in October 10th for practice and to test out the ice surface to make sure it holds up to a WHL game. They are confident the ice will be good as usual.


- There is no plan to move a home game across town to the Fairview or to a place like Kindersley. If for some reason, the building is unavailable (which they do not think will happen) they will simply postpone the game and re-schedule to a later date. I hope that clears up some speculation around town.


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It's the Broncos and Raiders tonight from the Art Hauser Center. We have the game on the Eagle 94.1 FM beginning with the pre-game show at 7pm, play-by-play at 7:30pm. Tonight's pre-game show includes a closer look at the newly announced naming of the CCC to the Credit Union I-Plex. Our first chat with new Raiders Head Coach Bruno Campese and I'll get a comment from Dean Chynoweth regarding Grant Toulmin's reassignment to Victoria of the BCHL.


The Broncos could be without R.J. Larochelle after suffering a leg bruise but other than that are healthy. The silver lining of any injuries of this team will be their depth and their ability to handle it when they do arise.


The Raiders will more than likely be without 20 year-old defenseman Jeff May who remains at the AHL camp of the Houston Aeros. With May still gone, the Raiders do not have to make a choice as to what 20 year-olds to dress. John Flatters, Mike Gauthier and Dustin Butler will be the three. When or if May returns, they will have a choice to make. John Flatters is more than likely the odd man out.


The Broncos are hoping for continued success against Prince Albert. The Broncos won all eight head-to-head meetings last season. A lot of the games were close and I do remember both Bronco goaltenders Kyle Moir and Travis Yonkman playing well in P.A. to record the victory.


The Raiders opened the season with a pair of losses in a home and home set with the Regina Pats 4-2 and 5-1. The Broncos have played only once, a 3-2 overtime win against the Moose Jaw Warriors in the season opener.


Join us for all the action beginning at 7pm on the Eagle 94.1 or at http://www.scbroncos.com/


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- A couple of moves of note both including the Moose Jaw Warriors. They made a decision on their 20 year-old goaltender situation releasing Kurt Jory. Joey Perricone is their guy. I'm sure the delay was caused by the Warriors trying to trade his rights to another WHL team. When there were no takers, it was off to the Manitoba Junior League

It seems the word "blockbuster" is being used very liberally. The WHL website lists yesterday's Warriors/Tri City Americans trade as a "blockbuster". Although sending 19 year-old forward Jason Reese to the Ams for 18 year-old forward Joel Broda is a significant move I'd hardly call it "blockbuster" worthy. Blockbuster deals only happen if Brandon G.M. Kelly Macrimmon is involved or Scott Bonner of Vancouver. How 'bout a big six player deal or something along those lines... that's what I'm talking about.

Jon

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey Keener! I agree. I was a little let down when I read the body of the news release. I saw the word "blockbuster" and thought woohooo...here we go !!! Nope ! not to be had. My FIRST thougth was "what!!! Their gettin rid of Holzapfel!" haha. Now THAT could be considered a "blockbuster" trade ! haha