Kehler to BCHL's Salmon Arm SIlver Backs

From www.sasilverbacks.com

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks Junior “A” Hockey Club is pleased to announce that Tim Kehler has accepted a three year contract as the new General Manager/ Head Coach effective immediately. Kehler returns to the BCHL after three seasons as a coach with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League

. Prior to his time in the WHL, Kehler was the Head Coach & General Manager of the Trail Smoke Eaters from 2004 to 2007. During the 2006-2007 campaign, Kehler coached the Smoke Eaters to the Interior Conference Semi Final. Tim also spent a season with the Surrey Eagles and won the Division Championship in 2003-2004.

The 39-year-old North Vancouver native also won a silver medal at the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge as the Head Coach of Team Pacific. For further comments please contact team owner Randy Williams at 250-832-3856 ext 111.

The SilverBacks Hockey Club would like to thank all applicants for their interest.

Broncos Draft Slovakian Forward

Swift Current Broncos are pleased to announce that they have selected RW Juraj Roznik with the 91st overall pick in the 2010 CHL Import Draft.


The Slovakia native Roznik played with HK Dukla Trencin in the Slovak Extraliga last season. Born October 14, 1992, the right winger comes in at 6’3”, 192 lbs.

“Juraj is a big, strong guy, more of a grinding winger with good hands,” says Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb. “We’re happy with our selections today. We got two really strong players.”

The 2010 CHL Import Draft is being held today in Toronto. The Broncos also selected D Richard Nedomlel from the Czech Republic with the 31st overall pick at this year’s draft.

Broncos Take Czech D Richard Nedomlel

News Release:

Swift Current Broncos are pleased to announce that D Richard Nedomlel has been selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2010 CHL Import Draft.


Nedomlel, from the Czech Republic, played with HC Slavia Praha last season. Born July 1, 1993, the defenceman stands at 6’3” and weighs 202 lbs.


"Richard is a real top prospect out of the Czech Republic” says Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb. He’s big, physical, and has a good all-around game for his size and his age. He will fit right in with our other ’93 born players, Reece Scarlett and Graeme Craig." Nedomlel is NHL draft eligible in 2011.

ICE Make a Statement

Saw this on Jeff Bromley's blog over on the link to the right....

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today the ICE are passing on their 2010 CHL Import Draft first and second round picks.

“Although we have been fortunate in the past with the CHL Import Draft we feel that in this day and age it is becoming very hard to attract the top European players. Our team is eligible to return 19 players and there is no guarantee if we selected a player today that he would be able to play in our top six forwards or top four defensemen.” commented Chynoweth.

Broncos Set for CHL Import Draft

The Broncos are planning on making two selections in Tuesday's CHL Import Draft. They will pick 31st and 91st overall.

In talking to Head Coach / GM Mark Lamb, the plan is to hold on to Finnish G Joni Ortio who may at some point report next season. The Broncos are able to transfer him over to a list which would not affect their quota of two import players on their roster.

They are also able to hold on to F Stepan Novotny given is over-age status.

"If you get a chance to grab a player who's good it's not going to matter if he's a goaltender, forward or defenseman. You can't pass him up," commented Lamb who is going through his first ever CHL Import Draft.

"We want to get a real good player at #31 that's committed to coming over and playing."

The Prince George Cougars hold the #1 pick overall.

Broncos Shut Out at NHL Draft

A Swift Current Broncos was not taken at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles. It's the first time that ever happened since their return to the city for the 1986 season.

Reaction and CHL Import talk coming on Monday....




Jon

Aces Up

He never misses a Bronco post-game show on the Eagle 94.1 FM and now he has a pretty cool memory from our city.

Ken Kehler, the father of Tim Kehler, aced the 167 yard par three 18th last night in our men's night group at the Chinook.

Great shot.

I'll have a double vodka Kenny....

Have a good weekend and enjoy the NHL Draft from Los Angeles.


Jon

Broncos Tentative 2010-11 Schedule

Swift Current, SK--- The Swift Current Broncos have set their tentative schedule for the 2010/11 WHL season.

The season kicks off with a home-and-home series against the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Broncos will be in Moose Jaw on Friday, September 24, and will host the Warriors for their Home Opener on Saturday, September 25 at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex.

The Broncos will play 10 home games on Saturdays, which will be special Retro Nights in honour of the Broncos 25th Anniversary Season. The Broncos will sport their 3rd jerseys, and the games will feature a variety of retro-themed events and activities.

Also featured on this year’s schedule is the B.C. road swing in December, and a Thanksgiving Day home game with a 2:00 p.m. start time. All five U.S. based WHL teams will visit Swift Current this year, starting with the Tri-City Americans on October 13.

Pre-season action starts on September 1. The Broncos will play 7 exhibition games, 2 of which are at the Edmonton tournament on September 4 & 5.

Fans are also reminded that all home games, with the exception of the Thanksgiving Day game, will have a 7:00 p.m. start time.

The schedule is still tentative, and dates and times are subject to change. A finalized schedule is expected in the coming weeks.

Seasons ticket prices remain the same as last year, and there are still great spots available.

2010 - 2011 Schedule
Tentative and Subject to Change
EXHIBITION:
WED	SEPT 1	@	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
SAT	SEPT 4	@	EDM TOURN (EDM)	7:00 p.m.
SUN	SEPT 5	@	EDM TOURN (PG)	3:00 p.m.
FRI	SEPT 10	vs	MEDICINE HAT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	SEPT 11	@	MEDICINE HAT	7:00 p.m.
THURS	SEPT 16	@	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	SEPT 18	vs	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
REGULAR SEASON:
September:
FRI	SEPT 24	@	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
SAT	SEPT 25	vs	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
WED	SEPT 29	@	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
October:
FRI	OCT 1	vs	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
TUES	OCT 5	vs	RED DEER	7:00 p.m.
WED	OCT 6	@	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
FRI	OCT 8	@	CALGARY	7:00 p.m.
SAT	OCT 9	@	EDMONTON	7:00 p.m.
MON	OCT 11	vs	KOOTENAY	2:00 p.m.
WED	OCT 13	vs	TRI CITY	7:00 p.m.
FRI	OCT 15	@	BRANDON	7:30 p.m.
SAT	OCT 16	vs	BRANDON	7:00 p.m.
SUN	OCT 17	vs	EDMONTON	7:00 p.m.
FRI	OCT 22	@	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
SAT	OCT 23	vs	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
SUN	OCT 24	vs	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
FRI	OCT 29	@	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
November:
WED	NOV 3	vs	SASKATOON	7:00 p.m.
FRI	NOV 5	@	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	NOV 6	vs	SPOKANE	7:00 p.m.
TUES	NOV 9	vs	PORTLAND	7:00 p.m.
FRI	NOV 12	vs	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	NOV 13	vs	SEATTLE	7:00 p.m.
FRI	NOV 19	@	RED DEER	7:30 p.m.
SAT	NOV 20	@	MEDICINE HAT	7:30 p.m.
TUES	NOV 23	@	SASKATOON	7:05 p.m.
WED	NOV 24	vs	BRANDON	7:00 p.m.
FRI	NOV 26	vs	LETHBRIDGE	7:00 p.m.
SAT	NOV 27	@	LETHBRIDGE	7:00 p.m.
December:
WED	DEC 1	vs	LETHBRIDGE	7:00 p.m.
FRI	DEC 3	vs	EVERETT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	DEC 4	@	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
TUES	DEC 7	@	CHILLIWACK	7:00 p.m.
WED	DEC 8	@	KELOWNA	7:00 p.m.
FRI	DEC 10	@	KAMLOOPS	7:00 p.m.
SAT	DEC 11	@	VANCOUVER	7:00 p.m.
TUES	DEC 14	@	PRINCE GEORGE	7:00 p.m.
WED	DEC 15	@	EDMONTON	7:00 p.m.
FRI	DEC 17	@	SASKATOON	7:05 p.m.
TUES	DEC 28	@	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
FRI	DEC 31	@	KOOTENAY	7:00 p.m.
January:
SAT	JAN 1	@	LETHBRIDGE	7:00 p.m.
SUN	JAN 2	vs	SASKATOON	7:00 p.m.
THURS	JAN 6	vs	CALGARY	7:00 p.m.
FRI	JAN 7	vs	MEDICINE HAT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	JAN 8	@	MEDICINE HAT	7:30 p.m.
FRI	JAN 14	vs	SASKATOON	7:00 p.m.
SAT	JAN 15	@	SASKATOON	7:05 p.m.
SUN	JAN 16	vs	RED DEER	7:00 p.m.
FRI	JAN 21	vs	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
SAT	JAN 22	@	BRANDON	7:30 p.m.
TUES	JAN 25	vs	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
FRI	JAN 28	@	SASKATOON	7:05 p.m.
SAT	JAN 29	vs	SASKATOON	7:00 p.m.
February:
WED	FEB 2	@	BRANDON	7:30 p.m.
FRI	FEB 4	vs	MEDICINE HAT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	FEB 5	vs	BRANDON	7:00 p.m.
WED	FEB 9	@	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	FEB 12	vs	KOOTENAY	7:00 p.m.
SUN	FEB 13	vs	EDMONTON	7:00 p.m.
FRI	FEB 18	@	BRANDON	7:30 p.m.
SAT	FEB 19	vs	BRANDON	7:00 p.m.
WED	FEB 23	@	MOOSE JAW	7:00 p.m.
FRI	FEB 25	vs	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
March:
TUES	MAR 1	vs	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	MAR 5	@	CALGARY	7:00 p.m.
WED	MAR 9	vs	CALGARY	7:00 p.m.
FRI	MAR 11	@	KOOTENAY	7:00 p.m.
SAT	MAR 12	@	RED DEER	7:30 p.m.
TUES	MAR 15	vs	REGINA	7:00 p.m.
FRI	MAR 18	@	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.
SAT	MAR 19	vs	PRINCE ALBERT	7:00 p.m.

Dowling Talks NHL Draft

Admittedly, he's try not to think about. Admittedly, it's pretty tough not to.

Bronco F Justin Dowling has passed over last year at the NHL draft in Montreal but there's renewed interest after a strong season and he appears to be the best bet for a Bronco to be taken this weekend.

"Last year is kind of a kick to the stomach when I didn't get drafted. It's definitely in the back of my mind and that's where I'm trying to keep it. I'm just trying to stay in shape and get ready for camp. If I do get drafted it's just a bonus."

If Dowling is drafted, it's likely the end of his junior days as an NHL/AHL contract in these situations is the usual path.

"If I get drafted and everything works out then hopefully I'll be playing in the AHL or the farm system somewhere. If not, I'd love to come back. I love being a Bronco and love the support there. If I do come back then I'm looking forward to another good year."

Dowling says he's been putting in his time in the gym trying to improve his overall strength. He also thinks he needs to get quicker - particularly in his first three strides. He says that's been a focus of his gym time.

The Cochrane, AB native scored 32 goals and added 46 assists for 78 points last season. Dowling has proven to be durable as well. He played in all 72 games last season.

Dowling along with Bronco forwards Taylor Vause and Stepan Novotny appear to be on the NHL Draft radar.

The draft is set for Los Angeles with the first round live on TSN Friday night. Rounds two through seven can be seen on the NHL Network.

Tuesday

Back at it with a couple things this morning....

The Swift Current Broncos are preparing for the NHL Entry Draft set for Los Angeles this weekend. CHL teams use the draft to try and help sort out the CHL Import Draft situation which falls next week.

Teams will talk to player agents and representatives to see who's willing to come over and play Canadian Major Junior Hockey.

As for the Broncos, G Joni Ortio continues to be their protected property. The Finnish goaltender who was drafted by the Calgary Flames didn't come over last year and honestly I don't know his status for the season ahead. This would be his 19 year-old season.

It's one of the questions I'll ask Broncos Head Coach / GM Mark Lamb as we do an Import draft preview later this week.

I'd expect the Broncos to be using both of their picks.

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

Can the streak continue?

The Swift Current Broncos are the only team in the WHL to have a player taken in the NHL draft every year since their return to the city in 1986.


There's been some close calls since I've been covering it. I remember in Ottawa where the Calgary Flames used their last pick in the final round to take D Myles Rumsey 221st overall.


Then in Vancouver in 2007 where D Paul Postma and D Ryan Molle where drafted in the final round 205th and 207th overall to Atlanta and New Jersey.


There's been some big years too. In 2008 Columbus the Broncos had four players taken when Zack Smith (OTT), Geordie Wudrick (LA), Dale Weise (NYR), and Matt Tassone (DAL) got the call.

So.... can the Broncos keep the streak alive this year?

Its going to be tight. Forwards Justin Dowling and Taylor Vause have received the most attention.

Dowling was passed over in his draft eligible year last summer but a productive season may have a team take him late. If that's the case expect a contract offer and for Dowling to play out his final WHL eligible season somewhere in the pro ranks.

I will have some of J.D.'s thoughts hopefully tomorrow on the upcoming draft.

F Taylor Vause has a shot too. He battled some health problems which hopefully are behind him for the most part moving forward. He could be a late round selection also.

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

Former Bronco Zack Smith will host a golf tournament next month in Maple Creek. The flood ravaged community has been dealt a pretty bad hand by mother nature.

The Maple Creek native will be the host for the tourney set for July 17th. I'll have more details on this when we speak again.

Zack is presently in Ottawa for a Senators conditioning camp.


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


I'm expecting the Broncos to release some sort of a tentative schedule later this week. When they do, I'll try and post the info.


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

Broncos PR/Media Relations Coordinator Keegan Goodrich has gone back to Vancouver for his wedding coming up this weekend. Congrats to Keegan and Amanda.


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

Flyers Coburn Talks Cup Disappointment

Shaunavon, SK native and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn talks about their great playoff run but ultimate disappointment in the end.

I asked him about watching the Stanley Cup celebrations on TV.

"Immediately I change the channel (laughs). It's tough to see that stuff. It hurts, it hurts a lot. Knowing you were right there and had a good chance. I thought this was our year and things were just going to come together."

He also talks about how nasty the series got on the ice and what players from the Hawks he had a "game within a game" going with.

He talks about learning from Chris Pronger and what's up this summer.


The complete interview can be heard here:

Great Pic

click image to enlarge

(photo courtesy Chris Gordon @ http://capssnaps.blogspot.com/2010/06/texas-stars-at-hershey-bears-calder-cup_15.html )


Cody Eakin hands off the Calder Cup to Head Coach Mark French during post-game celebrations last night... more below.

Eakin Talks AHL Title; Next Season

Had a chat with Cody regarding the Calder Cup won last night, summer plans and next season. I'll share some of that here....


Cody on last night's celebrations...

"It was great, a lot of fun... champagne in the dressing room.. the night just continued from there."


On having the longest season in all of junior hockey...

"It was so long. It feels like when I came here it was the start of a new season. It doesn't feel like summer right now but i need the time off.

It's definitely something to be proud of (being the last junior player still playing hockey). It's been a long season but a lot of new and exciting things happened to me during it. There's lots of memorable moments and it's one I'm going to remember."


On his plans once he gets back to Winnipeg....

" I don't plan on taking much time off from the gym. I'll probably head back and start light and work my way up. But I plan on taking time off the ice for a while. I don' t want to be burnt out for next season. It's been a long year."


Where do you see yourself playing next season as a 19 year-old?

"I'm anticipating with the Broncos. If I could latch onto a few games with Washington (Capitals) that would be great but in the long run I think one more year in Swift will be good too. We are going to have a great team and an even better year."


On going back to junior for one more season after playing and experiencing the pro level....

"I don't think it'll be tough. I think it's gonna help me on and off the ice, seeing and living with these guys has been an eye-opener. Soaking up how they act and what it's like at the next level is definitely going to help me lead the team to our goal which is a spot in the next years finals."

Eakin and Bears Win Calder Cup

Cody Eakin played in his 4th game of the Calder Cup Final as his Hershey Bears captured the AHL title with a 4-0 win over the Texas Stars to take the series in six.

With the game, Eakin is the final player in major junior hockey to hang them up for the year.

Enjoy the downtime Cody... World Junior summer camp is right around the corner.....

Congrats to Cody and the Bears.

Eakin Gets Invite to WJ Summer Camp

Broncos F Cody Eakin will attend the World Junior Summer Camp in Calgary.

He was one of 18 WHL'ers to get the invite.

The complete list is here.

Swedish Correction

As reported earlier, former Bronco F Keegan Dansereau is not headed to Mora... it's Morrum division one.

See story below.........

The Latest

Former Bronco F Keegan Dansereau is headed to Sweden next season.

I Ran into him yesterday at the gym. He was getting a workout in as he spends time with his girlfriend who is from here.

Dansereau has signed a one-year deal with Mora IK (Division 1). He'll leave for Sweden in early September.

He spent his first pro season split between the ECHL's Elmira Jackals and the AHL's Binghamton Senators. He played in 66 games in total.

Dansereau admits his first season of pro was a grind. Long bus trips and back and forth trips up and down from the ECHL to the AHL.


He recalled a 24-hour one-way bus trip in the playoffs when they played Florida. 24 hours is longer than any ride in the WHL including Brandon to Portland.

Dansereau says former Calgary Hitmen teammate Freddy Petterson got him started on the Swedish hockey trail.



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


Moose Jaw Warriors Head Coach and former Broncos Assistant Dave Hunchak is spending the week at Saskatchewan Roughriders Training Camp in Regina.

Hunch is in on all Rider meetings led by Head Coach Ken Miller. He's been getting a feel for things the last three days as a guest of the Green and White.

I'm sure it's quite the experience. For the native of Warman, SK


-----------


The Chicago Blackhawks captured the Stanley Cup last night in Philly.

It's thanks in large part (and I mean large) to Dustin Byfuglien pictured left.

The former WHL'er in Brandon and Prince George finished the post season with 11 goals including a PP marker last night to open the scoring.

I'll never forget the first time I saw the big Minnesota native. He was with the Brandon Wheat Kings at the time.

It was an off-day at the Civic Center here in Swift Current and the Wheaties were practicing. I was down underneath and saw the gigantic junior hockey player riding an exercise bike. He was draped in garbage bags trying to sweat out a few pounds.

I was like "who is that guy??"

Their training staff told me he was up to as much as 280-290 pounds and was trying to get into game shape.

That was in 2002. He was later traded to Prince George for Ricky Kozak


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

Bronco F Cody Eakin sent me a note last night to inform me they've tied the AHL Calder Cup series against the Texas Stars with a 4-2 win. That evens the best-of-seven series 2-2.

Eakin played in his 2nd game of the series with the Hershey Bears in a 4th line role. He played up until the 2nd period before the Bears shortened the bench.

Eakin's long season continues down south. He's hoping to play in game five tomorrow night in Austin, TX.

---------

Local hockey product Travis Moen is back in Swift Current. He arrived over the weekend from Montreal after an extended playoff run with the Habs.

Along with his wife Amy and their 15th month old son, Moen says he's already thinking about next season but plans to get some golf in along the way.

He's one of the hosts Monday for the annual McCleary / Marleau / Moen charity golf tournament at the Elmwood.


----------

Monday

I've been out of the blogging loop for most of the week, but back at it today....

I also found some comments that didn't get published until this morning. I apologize for not getting around to those until this AM.

Anyways.... here's the latest:




This picture is courtesy capsinpictures.blogspot.com. It was taken from game one of the AHL Calder Cup Final between the Hershey Bears and Texas Stars.

Cody Eakin played in game one but was scratched in game two. Texas won both games to take a 2-0 series lead.

Thanks to Emily Bennett for all the updates down south.


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

The Swift Current Broncos are poised to make an announcement later this week regarding the front office/hockey structure. Stay tuned for that.....


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

Former Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler fires it up today for the opening round of the BC Mid-Amateur Golf Championships in Cowichan Valley. Good luck.

Speaking of golf, I was in the middle of a cool match-up yesterday. My radio colorman Tim Tisdale was taking on the Elmwood's Thomas Skelton for 1st place in the club's ladder match rankings. Tommy's blog is linked over on the right called "Thomas' Life Today".

Tizzy pulled off the win to take over top spot. Tizzy's son Logan and I rode shotgun for the match in what a beautiful day over at the Elmwood.

So if you see Tizzy, congratulate him....

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

The Broncos Hall of Fame weekend in about six weeks away. Jason Krywulak and Todd McLellan go in together.

Getting a hold of Jason has been a task. I hope to reach Todd at some point this week. If I do, I'll blog his thoughts about coming back to receive the Broncos highest honor.


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

Broncos Graduating F Matt Tassone wasn't discouraged about not signing a contract with the Dallas Stars before the June 1 deadline.

He fully expects to be playing in the AHL next season. We will see if he's taken again in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft or signs an AHL deal after the fact. We will keep you posted.


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

The Swift Current Indians are 4-0 to start the season. If there's one reason to cheer for the Tribe it's because of Coach Joe Carnahan. One of the good guys.

The Indians host Lethbridge tonight 7:05pm at The Mitch.........


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

How do you think the Broncos look for next season?

On paper they look solid in my opinion. There's a few holes and gaps to fix.

Tell me what you think? What's the biggest thing they need heading into next season?



Have a good week..........

Jon

Tassone, Wudrick Free Agents

Two of the Swift Current Broncos drafted in 2008 are free agents again.

Both Geordie Wudrick (L.A. 3rd round) and Matt Tassone ( Dallas 6th round) failed to sign a contract by the June 1st deadline.

Wudrick will now likely return to Kelowna for his 20 year-old season next year.

For Matt, the hard luck kid out of St. Albert will have to earn a free-agent tryout somewhere or hope another club has him on their radar for a possible contract.

Tassone was plagued with injuries the last two seasons just when he started to show his offensive abilities.

A 10 month lay-off because of double shoulder-surgery was no doubt tough to overcome.