More Game Day Stuff

A few gameday pics this morning from the Brandt Center.

Mark Lamb runs the skate at center-ice

Bronco logo carpet. Taken on every trip for the middle of the room

The Pats staff is doing their best to help out. They were notably helpful this morning. I didn't know this until I spoke to Cliff Mapes of the Pats office today. Regina will be in the same boat as the Broncos are in this season.

The Brandt Center will host the World Men's Curling Championships next season and will be looking for a place to play in the 1st round of playoffs.

Interesting to say the least. What goes around comes around. Another WHL partner - maybe Swift Current - will have to return the favour next season.

Had a good talk with the Wheat Kings Kelly MacCrimmon today. We are pretty much on the same page with this series so far. He agreed that Aaron Lewadniuk was probably his best player in game two.

He also hasn't wasted much time thinking about playing hockey in the Brandt Center against the Broncos. For him it's a non-issue. A venue change is nothing strange for Brandon in the post-season.

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Ok, that's enough blogging today....more tonight. We're on the air at 6:30pm with the pre-game show. Guests include Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak among others. Play-by-play at 7pm.

Jon

Feeling at Home in Regina....

To be honest, feeling at home may be a stretch, but the Broncos will try to make the most of their time in Regina as the series moves to the Brandt Center for games three and four.

Personally, I came into the city early in the afternoon before the team's departure. I spent some time picking up some things and then going over to my friends place to see what was shaking with his family.

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After the family visit, I went for a late supper at La Bodega on Albert St. That's a nice place. Tony took care of the two of us really nice. We will definitely be back. I'd give it five star rating. There's my Regina restaurant plug for the trip. Sorry, I don't have the menu to post.

It was a relative early night and now it's down to business today. Our local Shaw TV crew will meet up with the team at the hotel. They want to shoot a piece for The Inside Edge.

Then it's off to the Brandt Center for the morning skate. At some point I have to hook-up with the Pats staff so we can shoot the video screen opener for tonight's game. Then it's the regular routine of setting up the broadcast equipment and doing pre-game interviews. If you can get the coaches/players in the morning rather than two hours before face-off they appreciate it.

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I couple radio friends who do morning shows in Regina have facebooked me looking for game details so they can chat about it on their show. I told them we appreciate the extra plugs. Hopefully there's a decent walk-up crowd for the games.

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As for the game itself, the Wheat Kings should feel really good about coming here. Heck, the trip was shortened by 500 kms for them. The last time they were here they also skated to a 9-3 win over the Pats in the final weekend of the regular season. I would venture they are more comfortable here than the Broncos are.

However the games go, everyone on both sides agree it's a unique situation to say the least.

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What's the Broncos plan in goal tonight? Do they go back to Mark Friesen who took the game two loss or do they go back to game one starter Morgan Clark? If you read Mark Lamb's comments yesterday he makes no bones about a goaltender needing to steal a game.

I can't even venture a guess as to who it would be. I do know this, Morgan Clark has played some of his best games in his career in the Brandt Center as a member of the Broncos and Red Deer Rebels. It's something to consider anyways.

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Time to face the day... off to a team breakfast.

More later,

Jon

Monday.....

The Ford World Curling Championship is pretty impressive I must admit.

The team arrived back to the Credit Union i-plex yesterday afternoon to unload some of their gear before departing to Regina later today.

It didn't take long for the guys to walk out the dressing room door for a rink-side seat to watch Canada's Jennifer Jones taking on Switzerland.

The place looks great. It was a packed house. Kudos to the organizing committee.

One of the Broncos stated on his way out the door "now I know why we aren't playing playoff games in Swift Current...."

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I was watching a bit of the evening game on TSN while I did some things around the house to get ready to head to Regina today.

Sure enough, As Jennifer Jones lined-up her shot, in the background of the TSN camera was Broncos F Cody Eakin enjoying some of the curling action from behind the house.

Did anyone else see that?

The next draw is this morning at 8:30am, Canada plays Latvia in the 1:30pm afternoon draw.

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I still have to try and find Vic Rauter of TSN at some point and take him down to the Patch for an Alexander Keith's product.


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Alright, back to the the Broncos / Wheat Kings series as the teams get set for game three tomorrow night from Regina' Brandt Center.

Broncos F Cody Eakin talked about where the series is at:

"I think we've proved we can play with them. I think we have to battle for 60 minutes. We know we can battle back like we did in game two. We have to play smart, play hard and play a full 60 minutes."

As for what to expect in Regina....

"I think we will have some Bronco fans come on the busses and I think we will have some Regina fans who will want to see some playoff hockey supporting us there. I think they would rather cheer for us than Brandon (laughs). We are going go out and treat it like our home rink."

Broncos Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb gave his thoughts on what they will need to do to turn the tides in the series

"Our goaltending has to win us a game and get us on track. It's not that they're playing bad but they need to steal one. Our defensive coverage has to better and we have to create some emotion and get some chances."

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A lot of fans have asked me about tickets. I told them walk-up tickets will be readily available for the contest. 7pm face-off from the Brandt Center.

Join myself and Ryan Switzer for the action on the Eagle 94.1 FM beginning with the pre-game show at 6:30pm play-by-play at 7pm.

Talk about a real unique situation to be in....Ryan and I as the "home team" announces in Regina.

Does it get much stranger than that?

Anybody looking for ticket or transportation info you can call the Broncos ticket office at 773 -
1509.

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I'm sure hoping the Regina media will give the series some attention. After-all it's the first playoff hockey in the city since March of 2008.

I know CTV will be going live from the Brandt Center for both games Tuesday/Wednesday...as per the words of Lee Jones when I spoke to him in Swift Current yesterday.

I have a feeling other outlets may shun the two teams somewhat as they invade the city for playoff hockey.

I hope it's not the case...but there's no doubt some hostilities towards the rival Broncos.


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Line brawl in Saskatoon last night....

The final minute of the Blades/Rebels playoff game last night in Saskatoon saw the Blades send out the meat as they instigated four fights with the Rebels. This just after Blades goaltender Steven Stanford was ran by Josh Cowen of the Rebels. The play drew a charging major penalty.

Loading up the game on Web TV archives was one of the first things I did this morning when I got into the radio station.

If you have access, go take a look.

Blades colorman Dave Thomas at the end of the scrum summed it up "(WHL Vice-President of Hockey) Richard Doerksen will be looking at this game tape...."

Oh yes he will.


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Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak will be one of our pre-game show guests before tomorrow night's game three.

"The Moose Jaw Miracle" is what I've thrown out there after they went into Calgary and knocked off the WHL regular season champions twice to begin that best-of-seven 1 vs 8 match-up.

Game three is tonight in Moose Jaw. Even a split on home ice has the Warriors large and in charge of this one.

It has the makings to be one of the biggest upsets in years.

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Before game four on Wednesday, we will wind back the clock and recap the Broncos Top 10 Moments/Events of the 2009-10 season. The pre-game show feature was produced yesterday.

I didn't have a lot of time to put it together but here's the 10 most memorable moments of the season according to me.

The feature includes some wild endings to games, the first game back for F Matt Tassone after a 9-month absence, the "Dowling Dangle" in Moose Jaw, the big trades of both Geordie Wudrick and Eric Doyle, and the Broncos eliminating the Pats and Raiders from post-season contention.

It'll air Wednesday night just after 6:30pm

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More from Regina.........


Jon

Wheat Kings Take 2-0 Lead

Jay Fehr's goal with 5:06 to play broke a 3-3 third period tie as the Wheat Kings added another late for a 5-3 win and now a 2-0 series lead.

The Broncos didn't play very well through two periods but only found themselves down 1-0. The score maybe flattered the visitors a little but regardless the Broncos were still in one.

Cody Eakin tied it on a shorthanded break for his first of the playoffs at 3:55 to give the Broncos a lift. On the same powerplay, the Wheat Kings Aaron Lewadniuk (who was their best player yet not awarded a star in the building) back-handed a loose puck from the slot to restore the one-goal lead.

The Wheat Kings added another on the PP at 7:22 on a funny one. The shot by Travis Hamonic flew over the Broncos goal and bounced back off the glass in front. It looked like it was gloved in by Toni Rajala. The officials went upstairs and it was deemed a good goal. Hamonic getting the credit.

The Broncos fought back thanks to goals from Justin Dowling at 8:41 and then just 1:39 later, Stepan Novotny tied it as he banged home the puck into an empty-net on the doorstep.

The 3-3 was short lived as Brandon has a way of elevating their game when they have to. When the pressure is put on them, they have an extra gear most teams don't have.

Jay Fehr scored the go-ahead goal at 14:54 and Aaron Lewadniuk added the insurance marker with 1:05 to play another rebound-drive-the-net type goal.

Brandon was given eight powerplay opportunities on a night where the officials didn't have many friends - on both sides. The Wheaties made good on three of their chances going 3/8. The Broncos can't afford that.

The Broncos fought hard but in the end, played well enough just to keep it close.


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There's no doubt there's some Bronco players that have to check-in to this series. There's a group of five or six passengers.

All 20 have to be on board or forget it.

See you in Regina everybody.

Jon

Broncos Go "Old School"

Below, Broncos forward Jordan Peddle models the Broncos playoff shirts pre-game. Love the look of these things.

The "Old School" theme stems from a Mark Lamb post-game speech earlier this season in which the team didn't play very well.

Mark said the next day at practice they were going to go "Old School". The guys had one of their toughest skates of the year the next day and seem to rally around it the rest of the year.

They came up with the design and I think it works well. Take a look.

The design is no doubt a retro-look. Potential third jersey next season?

Jon

Quick Update

Not much new to report today.... it feels like Ground Hog Day sometimes in Brandon....

The Broncos will have to be better tonight. It looks like they may switch things up in goal tonight and give Mark Friesen the start. Morgan Clark got the call in last night's game one.

The team had an optional skate this morning and is now back at the hotel.

No other significant changes are expected. We're on the air at 6pm with the pre-game show, 6:30pm play-by-play.

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Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler had some adversity of his own to overcome. In what may one of the most dangerous spots in all the WHL, Kehler took a puck to the chin in warm-up just outside the Broncos dressing room prior to game one.

He shook it off, but there was a bit of a welt.

Anyone who has ever set up in the WHL's visitors space in Brandon knows it can be a hard hat area during practice or warm-up. The space is just behind the one net and is elevated to be near the same level as the top of the glass. Not ideal.

Tim is expected to be in the line-up tonight....

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Sounds like a lot of people are having fun back home with the Women's Curling going on. The first draw gets underway this afternoon.

The Patch will be a busy place. Last night was the Opening Night Gala.

It should be a really fun week back home inside the Credit Union i-plex.

Off for a Forbidden Flavours coffee... more later....


Jon

Brandon 5 Broncos 2

In a game that didn't have a playoff feel to it, Brandon's big line was rolling and carried the Wheaties to a 5-2 game one victory.

Matt Calvert scored twice and added two assists as the trio of Calvert, Schenn and Glennie combined for nine points as Schenn put the game away with an empty-netter with three seconds to play

Taylor Vause opened the scoring on the powerplay when he whacked home a loose puck at 9:21 of the 1st. The Broncos bench erupted. The lead lasted just over six minutes until Calvert scored his 1st of the game on a left circle snap-shot to even the game.

The game just didn't feel like a playoff game. I can't lie. It was more like game 39 of the regular season.

The building didn't have an abundance of energy and both teams didn't have the intensity you expect.

Jacob De Serres made some big saves as the Broncos outshot the Wheat Kings 30-28 He out-played G Morgan Clark in this one in the Broncos crease.

A weak five-hole goal in the 2nd period from Matt Calvert to me was the turning point. His goal made it 3-1 midway through.

Clark did make some big saves, including a diving stop on Brayden Schenn late in the 2nd period to keep it 3-1.

The Broncos have more to give....and perhaps so do the Wheat Kings who really only had one line going in this one.

We will see what tomorrow night brings... but the Broncos have to start playing playoff hockey even if the Wheat Kings don't want to.

Warm-Ups in Brandon

About 4000 are expected for the series opener tonight at Westman Place. A game recap later...

Jon

Game Day

It's a sunny and cool day here in Brandon, MB - not exactly playoff weather but we will try to make it work.




The team met early this morning for breakfast and then went over to the rink for practice. The guys all seem in a good frame of mind. They know it won't be easy, and they know it's going to be a struggle against one of the top teams in the nation.



Morgan Clark will get the start in goal tonight. Meanwhile, the Wheat Kings will name their starter sometime later today after their skate. Kelly Mac wasn't tipping his hat when we spoke earlier this morning.



I was reminded of the playoff battles of yester-year between these clubs. There's been some doozies. There's been some wars and some blood shed there's no doubt.



I remember back in 2001-02 when the Broncos Craig Priestlay messed up Wheat Kings D Brett Dickie pretty good with his stick which led to a melee and suspensions.



The two series in back-to-back years had some edge to them. The Broncos winning the first one is six while Brandon responded the next year with a five-game series win in round two.



Will history repeat itself this year? What will these teams get into over the next four to seven games? Will it be a war?

You never predict these things.





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Here a few quick pics from this morning at Westman Communication Place

Voice of the Wheat Kings Bruce Luebke does a pre-game interview with Mark Lamb

The infirmary. Dillon Wagner (seated) will miss tonight's game as will Matt Tassone. The two are on the swing to Brandon to support their teammates.

47 goal man Cody Eakin prepares his stick for tonight

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Not much else to say, I think it just comes down to playing the games. Both teams are excited to get it started.

Talk to you tonight.....

Jon

Brandon Bound

The Broncos hit the road later today for Brandon to get settled in a day before opening their first round series with the Wheat Kings.

Broncos Head Coach/GM Mark Lamb shared his thoughts with me this week.



"It's all about preparation and getting ready for the task. We're ready for it. We know the type of team they have and it's very good. They have a solid four lines, good defense and good goaltending," stated Lamb.

"They are one of the best teams in the league and are hosting the Memorial Cup. It's going to be a tough task for us but I think we're ready for it."

As for how they feel heading into the opening round, he says they have some adversity but that's nothing knew.

"We're still a little beat-up but we've been beat up for the last month and we've played our best hockey in the last month. We have some confidence right now. We finished the season on a positive note and we expect to keep the ball rolling."

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Who gets the call between the pipes?

The Broncos have still not named a starting goaltender for game one between Mark Friesen and Morgan Clark. That decision is expected some time today. Both teams have a similar situation with two veteran goaltenders that have pretty much split time in the 2nd half of the season.

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As the series shifts to Regina, former colorman Ryan Switzer will join me in the broadcast booth. Regular colorman Tim Tisdale is down south on a golf vacation next week.

Ryan had this to say as he jumps back on the air with me for games three and four.

"These 'home games' in Regina will be a unique part of history for the Broncos and Swift Current. I'm looking forward to broadcasting this unique experience to the passionate fans back home. I'm just happy to be a part of it all."

If you can't make it to Regina for the games I guarantee the broadcast will be a lot of fun to listen to.

I'm not gonna lie, it's going to fun to roll around the Brandt Center. I'm looking forward to it for sure. We are attempting to have all our regular features too like the Eagle 94.1 countdown to face-off and the Eagle 94.1 warm-up.

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Had a talk with Matt Tassone yesterday. Wearing a neck-brace Taz is still part of everything with the team although his season is likely over. He will make the trip to Brandon today to support his teammates.

I hope to have him on the broadcast at some point over the weekend.

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To all the play-by-play broadcasters around the league, the WHL Radio Show works as good overtime intermission filler!

It's always a scramble sometimes to fill time during overtime intermissions, especially in a double or triple OT situations.

Anyways, it's there and ready to go guys.

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And a congratulations to Vancouver Giants radio broadcaster/Director of Media Relations Morley Scott.

Morley has been named the next play-by-play announced for the Edmonton Eskimos and will be leaving his job with the Giants after one year.

This is a great move for Morley back home to Edmonton. He's been away from his family for the last year as they have remained in Edmonton while he moved to Vancouver for the Giants job.

Morley will be missed.

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Next update from the Wheat City....

Jon

I'

Info for Regina Games

from scbroncos.com


Tickets for the games in Regina will be:

* Adults: $14.00
* Seniors: $11.00
* Student & Children (18 & under): $7.00

Season Ticket Holder Prices:

* $11.00 (with special promo code) available until 5pm day before the game.
* Codes will be emailed to the Bronco season ticket holders or the Bronco office can be called to receive your code
* Regina Pats’ season ticket holders will also be receiving information regarding a discount on tickets to the games.

To purchase tickets to the games in Regina, visit www.ticketmaster.ca, call 1-800-970-7328 (SEAT) or purchase at the Brandt Centre Box Office. The ticket prices do not include Ticketmaster and Evraz Place service charges. For additional ticketing information, call the Broncos Office at 773-1509.

Pizza Hut fan buses have been set-up and will be available for the games in Regina. To book your spot on one of the fan buses call the Broncos office at 773-1509. The cost of the fan bus is $40 per person which includes your ticket to the game, transportation to and from Regina and a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. All buses will be departing from the Swift Current Ag and Ex Parking lot at 4:00PM on both Tuesday March 23rd and Wednesday March 24th and will return immediately following the games.

The Broncos have also teamed up with the Living Sky Casino to show at least the first 5 games of the series on the big screen at the Sky Centre. Admission to the Sky Centre is free.

WHL Playoff Preview - Broncos / Wheat Kings

This is the preview of the Broncos / Wheat Kings series from the Western Hockey League

CALGARY, AB -- The quest for Western Hockey League supremacy and a chance to join the Brandon Wheat Kings and compete in the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Brandon, MB, begins as the 2010 WHL Playoffs kick off on Thursday, March 18th.

The Brandon Wheat Kings may be the host team for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament, but they’ll face some tough battles in the playoffs if they want to get to the tournament as WHL Champions. What about the Calgary Hitmen? Do they have what it takes to make their way back to the WHL Championship series after finishing in first place in the WHL standings for a second consecutive season? The Tri-City Americans squeaked into the top spot in the Western Conference, but will they be the best in the West through the 2010 WHL playoffs? The Portland Winterhawks have finally ended their playoff drought, but will they be able to turn a strong regular season into playoff success? The Giants have been the B.C. Division’s best for five years, but can they enjoy another lengthy springtime playoff run?

Here's a look at the first-round Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Quarter-Final match-ups (Also find attached).

(2) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS vs (7) SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS

2009-10 regular-season record:

Brandon: 50-18-1-3, 104pts (L10: 8-2-0-0)

Swift Current: 37-30-1-4, 79pts (L10: 6-3-1-0)

2009-10 head-to-head record:

Brandon: 4-2-0-0, 8pts

Swift Current: 2-4-0-0, 4pts

2009-10 head-to-head top scorers:

Brandon:

Scott Glennie: 6gp-3g-3a-6pts

Aaron Lewadniuk: 5gp-2g-4a-6pts

Swift Current:

Brad Hoban: 6gp-4g-4a-8pts

Justin Dowling: 6gp-5g-1a-6pts

The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Swift Current Broncos in the post-season for the first time since the 2001-02 season. Jordin Tootoo and the Wheat Kings defeated Ian White and the Broncos four games to one in the second round of the 2002 WHL playoffs.

As the host team for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament, the Wheat Kings already know they’ll have a shot at hoisting the storied trophy. Yet, their goal is to get to the tournament through the front door as WHL champions. Fortunately, the Wheat Kings have looked the part of potential champions for most of the season, rolling to their first 100-point season since ‘95-96. Offensively, no WHL team can match the firepower of the Wheat Kings. The team scored 45 more goals than their nearest competitor, boast five players who topped the 80-point mark and eight players who scored at least 23 goals. The Wheat Kings were also the Eastern Conference’s second-best defensive team, surrendering 117 fewer goals than they scored. Having a healthy Travis Hamonic in the lineup will bolster their defense
corps even more.

In goal, Andrew Hayes and Jacob DeSerres split the workload during the regular season. Hayes has the experience of a trip to the Conference championship series last year, while DeSerres has played consistently down the stretch.

The Broncos are in the post-season for a fifth straight season. With the Women’s World Curling championship taking over the Credit Union I-Plex in Swift Current, the Broncos are forced to play their “Home” games for the series in Regina. The Broncos may not match the offense of the Wheat Kings, but they still have some dangerous offensive players. Cody Eakin potted a team-leading 47 goals this season, while Justin Dowling, Michael Stickland and Stepan Novotny all scored at least 25 times. Offense will be needed from the likes of Matt Tassone, Taylor Vause and Brad Hoban if the Broncos are to keep up with the Wheat Kings. Defensively, the Broncos are in the middle of the pack in the Conference, in terms of goals-against, but do own the WHL’s fourth-best penalty killing unit. Derek Claffey and the Broncos’ defense corps will need to be sharp to stymie the Wheat Kings’ attack, particularly in 5-on-5 play, where the Wheaties have dominated opponents. In goal, veterans Mark Friesen and Morgan Clark posted similar numbers during the regular season. Friesen is the only one with any playoff experience, however.

Series Schedule

#1 – Swift Current @ Brandon; Friday, March 19 (7:30pm)
#2 – Swift Current @ Brandon; Saturday, March 20 (7:30pm)
#3 – Brandon @ Swift Current; Tuesday, March 23 (7:00 pm) In Regina
#4 – Brandon @ Swift Current; Wednesday, March 24 (7:00pm) In Regina
#5 – Swift Current @ Brandon; Friday, March 26 (7:30pm)**
#6 – Brandon @ Swift Current; Monday, March 29 (7:00pm) In Regina**
#7 – Swift Current @ Brandon; Wednesday, March 31 (7:00pm) In Regina**

Eakin Named 2nd Team All Star, Lowry Scholastic Nominee

Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today the 2009-10 WHL Eastern Conference First and Second All-Star Teams and the Eastern Conference Finalists for the 2009-10 WHL Awards. The WHL Player of the Year finalists will be announced on Wednesday, April 14th, 2010.

The WHL Eastern Conference All-Star Teams are as follows:

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS
FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM

Goaltender – Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Brayden McNabb (Davidson, SK), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Jordan Eberle (Regina, SK), Regina Pats *
Forward – Brayden Schenn (Saskatoon, SK), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Brandon Kozun (Calgary, AB), Calgary Hitmen

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Darcy Kuemper (Saskatoon, SK), Red Deer Rebels
Defenceman – Travis Hamonic (St. Malo, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Defenceman – Colby Robak (Gilbert Plains, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Dustin Sylvester (Kelowna, BC), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Matt Calvert (Brandon, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Cody Eakin (Winnipeg, MB), Swift Current Broncos
* indicates unanimous selection
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The WHL announced the Eastern Conference Finalists in the following categories.

WHL Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
Eastern Conference – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Burnaby, BC), Red Deer Rebels

WHL Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy Eastern Conference –
Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen

WHL Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy Eastern Conference
Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy Eastern Conference
Jason Bast (Moose Jaw, SK) Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman TrophyEastern Conference
Adam Lowry (Calgary, AB) Swift Current Broncos

WHL Coach of the Year, Dunc McCallum Memorial TrophyEastern Conference
Mark Holick, Kootenay Ice

WHL Executive of the Year, Lloyd Saunders Memorial TrophyEastern Conference
Kelly McCrimmon, Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
Matt Fraser (Red Deer, AB) Kootenay Ice

WHL Marketing / Public Relations AwardEastern Conference
Brandon Wheat Kings, Rick Dillabough

WHL Regular Season Champions, Scotty Munro Memorial TrophyCalgary Hitmen:
GP – 72 W – 52 L – 17 OTL – 1 SL – 2 Pts – 107

WHL Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy
Brandon Kozun – (Calgary, AB) Calgary Hitmen
GP – 65 G – 32 A – 75 Pts – 107

The winners of these awards along with the WHL Player of the Year will be announced at the
2010 WHL Awards Luncheon in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010.
The WHL will announce the Western Conference All-Stars and Awards Finalists tomorrow Thursday, March 18th.

Tuesday

A special good morning out to the folks in Brandon, MB today as they check in to see what's going on with the Broncos today.

I know the Wheat Kings coaching staff surf into this part of the Internet for time-to-time.
They always have good things to say about the blog....the question is will it stay that way all series long?

It's awful tough to please the opposition when you're the "home team" guy.

I'll say this...Brandon's got a great team, but no one is crowning them just yet over here.

Game one Friday night from Westman Communications Place.
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Bronco Assistant Coach Tim Kehler spoke about the match-up after Sunday's shootout win over Moose Jaw which made the match-up official.

"I think it's a team that we can't open it up with because we can't match them offensively. We will have to get pucks on their net because I think the question mark for them continues to be goaltending," said Kehler.

"We're going to need to be opportunistic, we are going to need to be a little lucky, we are going to need to get outstanding goaltending and I think we are really going to need some momentum on special teams."

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Got word from the Pats P.R. Department that we will set up in the home broadcast booth when they series shifts to Regina for games three and four. Bruce Luebke of the Wheat Kings will take over the visitor broadcast location.

Looking forward to working with Dan at the Brandt Center. We spent some time in Lethbridge together when he was Dan "Vernon" of the River 107 FM afternoon show.

He was also the colorman for my very first WHL broadcast back in 1999 when we did a local Shaw TV broadcast between Lethbridge and Regina.

I still have that tape somewhere....


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Story time.....

I have to give a shout out to my former senior hockey team this morning. The Lanigan Pirates will take on the Shaunavon Badgers for the SHA Senior "B" Provincial Championship. The best-of-three will start this coming weekend.

I was looking forward to catching one of the games just down the road in Shaunavon but that won't happen because of Broncos playoff hockey.

The match-up in the face-off circle between former Broncos Luke Hunter (Shaunavon) and Brent Twordik (Lanigan) won't happen. Twordik suffered a separated shoulder a couple weeks back and at last word won't be able to play in the Provincial final.

I "played" one full season with my hometown team back in 1997. I was a year out of high school and for me it was the big-time.

I was pretty much the full-time back-up 'tender and didn't see very much action. Pre-game warm-ups for me was as good as it got. Truth be told, I was just happy to be part of it all.

I remember my first start. It was late in the 24 game season and we had clinched 2nd spot heading into playoffs.

Head Coach Mike Horbul came into the room all nervous after practice rubbing his whiskers... "Keen... come out, here I wanna talk to you..."

I stumbled out of the room with my Louisville TPX pads... which were often kicked by Mike during an intermission rant. I just always happened to be sitting near the door when he came into the room. It was either kick the pads or the garbage can. I didn't mind the kick...something had to break those pads in because they weren't exactly seeing a lot of pucks.

Mike was also my neighbor in town so we knew each other a little. He got right into it... "God d**m it Jon I'm gonna start you Friday in Nokomis.... Jesus H c****t don't let me down. I'm scared as hell here you know that?"

I tried to keep a straight face but it was pretty tough to hide a smile knowing I as going to get a chance.

The rest of the team was pretty excited that game night. They were giving it to me pretty good. I knew they would play a strong game in front of me and had nothing to worry about...just make the first save.

Coach Mike's fears proved to be pre-mature. We went into Nokomis and blasted the 5th place team 12-3.

I was a spectator the rest of the way through playoffs and provincials. The next fall I was off to radio college in Lethbridge and that was it for my senior hockey stint with "the big club".

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Thanks to Dr. Dean Vause for the nice gift in the mail yesterday. The Vause clan was recently in Barbados. My colorman Tim Tisdale also happened to be on the island at the same time.

A couple emails, a phone call and Tizzy and his wife spent the night at the Vause villa for supper in the palatial setting.

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Here's what the Credit Union i-plex looked like as of yesterday in preparation for the 2010 Ford World Women's Curling Championships which begin Saturday. These pictures are courtesy swiftcurrentonline.com





Jon

See You In Regina!

Below is my little buddy Kruz from Regina... he wants all the good folks from the Queen City to come out and support the Broncos at the Brandt Center next Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are just $14 for adults...

See you at the Brandt Center....

Monday Update...

Jordan Peddle's goal in round nine of the shootout stood up as the winner in Moose Jaw as the Broncos edged Moose Jaw 5-4 to take 7th spot in the Eastern Conference.

The win gives the Broncos a first round match-up with the Brandon Wheat Kings which will begin Friday in Brandon.

The shootout in Moose Jaw as it turns out, was the longest one the Broncos have ever been involved in since their inception in the 05/06 season. That's a span of 42 shootouts.

Both benches were having fun with it. Lots of smiles and laughs and a few glances between the benches gave it an almost exhibition game type-feel.

make no mistake, the Broncos went after the "W". They tied the game on Micheal Stickland's hat-trick goal with just under two minutes to play.

They then outshot the Warriors 9-1 in overtime.

The Broncos fired out their top players in the shootout starting with Hoban, Eakin, Dowling and Novotny.

It was clear to me the Broncos wanted the win, they wanted 7th place and finish as high as they can.

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I joked post-game with Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler that the Broncos have secured home-ice advantage should the Broncos and Warriors meet in the Eastern Conference final.

The win also gave the Broncos a third place finish in the east division - the spot I predicted they would finish heading into the season behind powerhouses Brandon and Saskatoon.

The year's record will go into the books at 37-30-1-4. It marks the first time the Broncos have been seven games over .500 all season.

They also finish the month of March with a 4-1-1-1 record.

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Cody Eakin finished off the season with a four point night - a goal and three assists. He finishes the season with a team high 91 points and 9th in the WHL's scoring race.

Eakin's 91 points is also the highest number a Bronco has put up since Tyler Redenbach and Jeremy Williams went 1-2 in league scoring with a 105 and 101 points in the 2003/04 season.

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As the Broncos will go into the 1st round of playoffs no doubt over-matched by a highly-skilled Wheat Kings hockey club who scored the league's most goals with 321. No team even really challenged 300 goals behind them.

They can score.

The one thing that discourages me a little is the Broncos could potentially open up the first round series Friday night without three of their top nine forwards.

Matt Tassone's season is done. Dillon Wagner continues to rehab a knee injury suffered two weeks ago. Adam Lowry is questionable for the series opener.

I would love to have the Broncos full line-up available to them, sadly it won't be the case.

Underdogs? That's the under-statement of the year.

But, it's the playoffs and as the saying goes...anything is possible.


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I have a lot of respect for the Wheat Kings and their coaching staff headed up by Kelly McCrimmon.

Although they paid a high price, the Wheat Kings have a team that is as good as any club in the WHL and will rival the powerhouses in the OHL in Windsor and Barrie.

Kelly Mac pulled off some gutsy moves. The Wheat Kings don't have a weakness. They are built for this season and the playoffs.

The pundits will be picking the Wheat Kings in four...heck, maybe even three.

It's a nothing to lose mentality for the Broncos and an "us against the world" feeling. This being highlighted by no real "home" playoff games in the opening round.

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If there is a potential silver lining, it appears the series will actually favor the Broncos with an expected 2-2-1-2 format.

Game six of the series will be played in Regina as per the Bronco "home" game. Game seven (if necessary) will also likely be played at the Brandt Center in Regina.

Here's how the series lays out:

Friday March 19 @ Brandon
Saturday March 20 @ Brandon
Tuesday March 23 @ Regina
Wednesday March 24 @ Regina
Friday March 26 @ Brandon
Monday March 29 @ Regina
Wednesday March 31 @ Regina (tentative)

-----------------

I was in Regina Friday night and was at Rock Creek Bar and Grill. It was busy after-work Friday atmosphere in the lounge.

We ended up sitting beside three gentleman who had been in the place since the early afternoon. They quickly struck up a conversation.

It wasn't long until we were talking WHL hockey. All three were Pats fans and all three were using me as a bit of a sounding board.

One of the guys has heard our broadcast over the years and was pretty complimentary...or it might have been the eight or nine Rickard's White he had tied into by then!

But, all three said they would buy tickets to the Broncos playoff games at the Brandt Center and said they would support the cause.

I thanked them.

Let's hope these three aren't alone. A few extra bums in the seats would be appreciated by everyone.

----------

I'll be placing a call this week to the folks in Regina about the broadcast set-up in the Brandt Center. I'm assuming we (the Eagle will set up in the 620 CKRM booth but that's not been sorted out yet. It has all the webcast hook-ups. It's a big, palatial space much nicer than the visitors set-up.

Voice of the Pats Rod Pedersen blogged a season synopsis today on the Pats. It's a good read and the link is over on the right.

It takes a lot to muster up something like that. You have to tread lightly. Kudos to him for his openness and candor in the piece.

From experience, those are the toughest things to write.

Sometimes it can get you in trouble, but sometimes things just have to be said.


------------

Apparently he also blogged about our fans rubbing in the fact the Broncos are using the Pats building for the playoffs.

I'll admit, it's definitely a topic of conversation in the city that the Broncos are moving into the Brandt Center.

There's a few smirks going on without question.

I mean what do you expect... it would be the same deal if the roles were reversed. By my take the Broncos biggest rival is Regina over the last few years without question.

--------

My experiences in the Brandt Center have been good. Aside from a few fans trying to start something with me after a game and the odd rat thrown on the ice with my name on it it's been fine. Of course all the animosity is/was fueled by blogs and not from an on-air standpoint.

I like to think I get along with the Regina media folks pretty well. We have gotten to know each other pretty good the last few years that's for sure. Guys like Jonesy and Hodgie at CTV Regina. Rob Vanstone of the Leader Post... Mitchell Blair, Kelly Remple and the likes...

And Gerry Wood is a beauty in the media room down there....

As for the Pats staff... I'm still apologizing profusely for accidentally destroying the phone line in the visitors broadcast booth last trip in there. I called the third period, overtime and the shootout on my cell phone. It was quite the night.

First time for everything I suppose.

------------

I'm getting the sense lately the team could do without the blog for playoffs. They want to handle the info through scbroncos.com and promote it rather than this blog and the radio broadcasts.

It would be a shame though. Most of our fans won't be able to see games or get timely information about fan busses and ticket information.

We will see how the week plays out.......


--------------

To make matters worse for the team, they will practice out of the Fairview arena this week leading up to their Thursday departure for Brandon.

Again, not ideal but they will have to make it work.

-------------

Here's another one. There's no rooms available at the Canad Inns in Brandon which is attached to the rink. It makes for a great set-up for the visiting team. That's off the table too.

That's unfortunate.

------------

It's going to feel like the playoffs this week with mid-week highs of 13C and 11C in the city. I can't wait.


Have a great Monday....

Jon

Broncos to Play Brandon....

The Broncos win a nine round shootout in Moose Jaw for a 5-4 SO win. Jordan Peddle scored the SO winner.

It's the Broncos and Wheat Kings in the opening round beginning Friday in Brandon.

I'll have a recap later....

Jon

World Curling Transformation Begins....

Eleven hours after the Broncos/Warriors game wrapped up, this is the scene inside the Credit Union i-plex this morning as prep begins for the Ford World Women's Curling Championhips...

Broncos and the Warriors tonight from MJ. Winner gets Calgary in round one, loser gets Brandon. We're on the air at 6:30pm with the pre-game show, 7pm face-off on the Eagle 94.1 FM

Broncos Award Winners

MVP - Season
Julie Forst Memorial/Molson Award
Cody Eakin

Top Defenseman
Tom Ham Memorial Trophy
Derek Claffey

Top Scorer
MacBean Tessem Trophy
Cody Eakin

Most Sporstmanlike Player
Trophy Towne Award
Stepan Novotny

Rookie of the Year
Standard Motors Award
Reece Scarlett/Adam Lowry

Scholastic Award
Gord May Memorial Trophy
Reece Scarlett/Adam Lowry

Most Improved Player
Pioneer Co-op Trophy
Brad Hoban

Coaches Award
Innovation Credit Union Trophy
Cody Eakin

Desire and Sportsmanship
Charlotte Letkeman Memorial Award
Justin Dowling

Leadership and Maturity
Warren’s Funeral Home Award
Michael Stickland

Humanitarian of the Year
Swift Current Hockey Hounds Award
Taylor Vause

3 Star Award
Wheatland Mall Award
1. Eakin 2. Clark 3. Wagner

Players Most Popular
Western Financial Group Trophy
Derek Claffey

Fans Most Popular
Barker's Jewellery Trophy
Cody Eakin

King of the Road
Jay Dee Equipment Award
Justin Dowling

Chairman of the Boards
RBC Financial Group Award
Dillon Wagner

Update From Broncos Office.... Tickets Going Quick

Got this note from the Broncos office today... let's send the team off in style...

2220 tickets have been sold for the game.... the Broncos are hoping to sell the place out being that it's the last home game for awhile. The game has been sold out the last two seasons.

It's fan appreciation night and the awards ceremony begins the evening at 7:15pm

Prizes include Stihl Trimmers, Broncos signed jerseys and a Nintendo Wii.

All three 20 year-old jersey's will also be up for action.

See you there...

What to Expect in Regina

Bronco playoff hockey in the Brandt Center?

Yes we are going to take over the rival rink to host either Brandon or Calgary for the Bronco home playoff games March 22-24

What will the reaction be in the Queen City? It probably doesn't help the fact the Broncos have been in large part the judge, jury and executioner of the Pats the last three seasons.

Bronco fans will make the trip, and I suspect a few interested Pats supporters will check out the games for curiosity sake.

I've talked to some of the members of the Regina media. They are pretty excited to have playoff hockey back in Regina - even if the Pats aren't involved. I'm hoping they cover the games as if their home team is involved.

The last playoff game in Regina was back in March of 2008. Go figure, the Broncos were involved. It was game five of the best-of-seven.

I still remember Broncos F Levi Nelson streaking down the right wing and beating G Linden five-hole to salt the game away in the third period.

I remember our fans taking over the building that night... especially the post-game.

Two seasons later, the Broncos are back.

I don't expect them to get the "home team" treatment. Not by any means.

In fact, the Broncos won't have access to the Pats facilities like their dressing room and other amenities. That's the word from management.

Virtually, it will be like two visiting teams battling in a neutral site playoff game.

I've had some Regina fans comment they will welcome the Broncos while others say it's a "anybody but Swift" mentality.

I just hope our fans have the opportunity to make the trip in for the mid-week games.

I'm grateful Regina will host us in our time of need. With that said, I don't expect the red carpet treatment.

See ya in Regina!

By Request

"Jon,

I was at the Hard Rock Cafe in Punta Cana for the Gold medal game, too--and what a game, what a celebration, what an experience.

It was amazing to see all the Canadians packing the place; I don't think they ever had a better turn out: we even cleaned them out of PRESIDIENTE beer, lol.

Do you happen to have any pics of the celebration; I'd love to see them. I'm still hoping to get my hand on some myself: i left my email with a few people i met, and no response of yet, but i'm hoping they'll co
me through.

Take care and hope to hear from you.

Paulo "
-------

Paulo, we snapped some pics. It was a crazy afternoon in "Punta Canada" . By my guess there nearly 300 Canadians and a handful of Americans. Pics Below:

Our crew. Even the waitresses dressed up in Canada garb.

An hour before the game. That's our table in the middle.

------------------

Bronco playoff hockey in the Brandt Center?

Yes we are going to take over the rival rink to host either Brandon or Calgary for the Bronco home playoff games March 22-24

What will the reaction be in the Queen City? It probably doesn't help the fact the Broncos have been in large part the judge, jury and executioner of the Pats the last three seasons.

Bronco fans will make the trip, and I suspect a few interested Pats supporters will check out the games for curiosity sake.

I've talked to some of the members of the Regina media. They are pretty excited to have playoff hockey back in Regina - even if the Pats aren't involved. I'm hoping they cover the games as if their home team is involved.

The last playoff game in Regina was back in March of 2008. Go figure, the Broncos were involved. It was game five of the best-of-seven.

I still remember Broncos F Levi Nelson streaking down the right wing and beating G Linden Rowat five-hole to salt the game away in the third period.

I remember our fans taking over the building that night... especially the post-game.

Two seasons later, the Broncos are back.

I don't expect them to get the "home team" treatment. Not by any means.

In fact, the Broncos won't have access to the Pats facilities like their dressing room and other amenities. That's the word from management.

Virtually, it will be like two visiting teams battling in a neutral site playoff game.

I've had some Regina fans comment they will welcome the Broncos while others say it's a "anybody but Swift" mentality.

I just hope our fans have the opportunity to make the trip in for the mid-week games.

I'm grateful Regina will host us in our time of need. With that said, I don't expect the red carpet treatment.

See ya in Regina!

jon

More From Last Night....

Bronco playoff fever was alive on the way home last night... now the team can officially get into playoff mode after clinching a spot.

The design and planning of the team's "playoff shirts" was in full force. The veterans come up with a design idea and then forward it to Trainer Jaime Leblanc. He makes some phone calls and tries to relay the info onto a supplier.

The team was also trying to come up with a playoff plan for their hair. Not sure if they are going to do the team building playoff tradition. Some of their ideas were a little out there... we will see next week if anything comes together.

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The reality of junior hockey hit me in the face last night. A disappointed and inconsolable Garrett Zemlak skated off the ice, realizing his WHL career would end by the weekend.

The Raiders goaltender has been their MVP all season. The loss sealed their fate. He knew it, and so did his younger teammates.

This outpouring of emotion is why we all love junior hockey. There may not be a tougher thing to watch in sports than to see a player play their final game of a career - any sport.

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Kudos to the Raider staff. Bruno Campese, Craig Bedard and Steve Young were top notch to deal with all season long. If there's a team I was cheering for to get to the playoffs on our side beside the Broncos, the Raiders would be it.

The Raiders close off the season with a weekend home-and-home set with Saskatoon.

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The Broncos could be without F Matt Tassone for awhile. In his first game back after missing nine games to injury, Tassone suffered a neck injury just three minutes in and did not return.

I'm not sure the latest on Matt but I know he was in hospital overnight for observation.

Listen for an update Saturday night when the Broncos host the Moose Jaw Warriors.

It's yet another bad luck moment for Matty. I hope it isn't the end of his season and his junior career as a 20 year-old.

Jon

Broncos Clinch Playoff Spot

A 5-2 Broncos win in Prince Albert officially clinches a playoff spot for the Broncos tonight. They move a point out of 7th behind Moose Jaw after a Warriors loss in Brandon.

The Broncos host Moose Jaw Saturday night....

Jon