Tuesday

Due to the Johnny Reid concert tonight at ISC the Blazers took practice over to Memorial Arena today. That's quite the place I must say. A lot of history in that building.... it was awesome to finally check it out.

Guy Charron teaching some wall play

The Blazers will be forced to go down to five defenseman for tomorrow night's match-up with the Spokane Chiefs. Brandon Underwood will serve his one-game suspension while Linden Saip will sit out his 2nd of two games. Josh Caron is out with a broken collarbone.

At times in the pre-season F Jordan DePape played on the back-end, but a shoulder injury will likey keep him out of the line-up tomorrow night.

Playing with five defensman has it's positives and negatives according to Head Coach Guy Charron....

"If you asked the defenseman about playing with five they'd be happy. It gets them in the game, they don't miss a rotation and they're asked to do more. In saying that, that's the time when you don't want to get into penalty trouble. That's probably the biggest issue."

Had a chance to talk to F Chase Souto. He's eager to get back at it but is nursing a sore neck from the check from behind he took in the 'Whack. When I asked him about the hit... he says he doesn't remember it.

If you read above, Bruins F Blair Wentworth was served a two-game suspension for the hit.

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I had a great time last night at the Blazer Booster Club meeting. Nearly 200 people were there for supper and to hear a few words from myself.

As someone in the newsroom put it.. it's like preaching to the converted. They are a passionate group. Several have been around since day one.

They've all seemed to enjoy the broadcasts so far and it's encouraging to hear some positive feedback. I didn't stick around for bingo though. Apparently an Easter ham or two were on the line.

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One of the folks I met last night is responsible for a really innovative part of the game. Fred Marsh - the inventor of the Marsh pegs. The net pegs are used around the world now.

He's a member of the Booster Club. We will talk to him in an upcoming broadcast as well....

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Another thing I learned last night....

Kamloops is the original home of Teddy Bear toss night.

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There's a Finnish hockey delegation in town as part of a Hockey Canada exchange program. They are talking to minor hockey teams and coaches and spending a few days around the local minor hockey program.

I hope to speak to one or both tomorrow night during the broadcast.

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That's all for now...

Jon