Sunday Update / Traverse City Update

- The Blazers were down to seven forwards for half the game in Kelowna last night for multiple reasons in a 5-4 shootout loss. Heading into the game with just three lines, Ryan Hanes left the game and didn't return after suffering a leg injury on a hit from Mitchell Chapman. Chase Souto was given a game misconduct after a fight with the Rockets Tyrell Goulbourne. Brendan Ranford, Jordan DePape, Chase Schaber, Dylan Willick and Colin Smith are all off to NHL camps/tournaments and Logan Mcveigh remains sidelined with injury.

- You factor all of it in and you wonder what kind of line-up the Blazers will have Wednesday when they host the Prince George Cougars. They will also losr JT Barnett who is off to New Jersey Devil camp. You hope the Blazers would be healthy and energized to start the season but right now that's looking doubtful.

- There is no doubt WHL Education contracts are a factor when you have players play in the pre-season. Just one exhibition game can make a player ineligible for NCAA scholarships and just one game also means the WHL club team is responsible for a year of post-secondary education for that player. It can really tie the hands of WHL teams in the pre-season when they look to ice a roster for pre-season action.

- The game itself was entertaining. The Blazers trailed 3-1 in the 2nd period before three straight goals from Tyler Hansen, JC Lipon, and Matt Needham. The Blazer 4-3 lead lasted only 15 seconds as Colton Heffley tied it up just 15 seconds later in the third period.

- The Rockets first two shooters Tyson Baille and Filip Vasko scored in the shootout while both the Blazers Tim Bozon and Matt Needham were denied giving the Rockets a 5-4 shootout win.

- Cam Lanigan was strong in goal for the Blazers who were outshot 42-30 in the contest.

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- Both F Dylan Willick and D Josh Caron didn't factor into a Minnesota Wild 6-3 opening loss to Buffalo at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. Former Blazer Corey Fienhage had an assist for Buffalo in the win.

- Austin Madaisky didn't play in the Columbus Blue Jackets first game at the tournament vs Detroit. Columbus won 7-3.

- Colin Smith and Chase Schaber will see their first NHL action tonight when the Oiler rookies take on the Vancouver Canuck rookies in Penticton at the Young Stars Tournament.