Frightening hockey hit leaves Ranger in critical condition

Horrified!  Shocked! Terrified!

These were all reactions from more than 6000 fans at the Kitchener Auditorium last night as Kitchener Rangers rookie defenceman, 16 year old Ben Fanelli lay motionless on the ice after a brutal hit from Erie Otters tough guy, Michael Liambas.

See the hit here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSYQzQPIAjc&feature=related

The game was suspended for 40 minutes and continued after Ben was first rushed to Grand River Hospital and then airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital and the Zamboni needed to clear and scrape the blood off the ice.

 

 

 

Kitchener Rangers praying for injured Ben Fanelli

Erie Otters praying for injured Ranger player Ben Fanelli

The following is update on Ben’s condition that was released by the Kitchener Rangers this morning:

 

The Kitchener Rangers organization would like to provide an update on the condition of Ben Fanelli who was injured during the Rangers game on Friday, October 30th against the Erie Otters.

Ben was conscious and transported to Grand River Hospital then immediately air lifted to Hamilton General Hospital.

As of early this morning he is in intensive care and listed in critical but stable condition.

He suffered a head injury which included skull and facial fractures and a laceration above the eye that was the cause of blood loss.

“Ben’s parents and family experienced something that we all wish would never happen”, said Chief Operating Officer of the Kitchener Rangers, Steve Bienkowski.

“Their focus and concern for their son needs to be respected. I can’t stress enough the need to respect their privacy and that all media inquires and announcements will be made through the Rangers organization. Our immediate focus will be to assist the Fanelli family and our players as we all deal with Ben’s injuries.”

The Rangers organization and the Fanelli family would like to thank the teams, families and fans for their support of Ben.

The Guelph Hurricanes also lke to express their thoughts and prayers for Ben and his friends and family during this challenging time.

Hurricanes dominate play, but still lose to Cyclones

From http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

OUR BOYS DESERVED TO WIN

That was the quote General Manager Matt Mullin used after watching his Canes go down 3-2 to the never say quit Listowel Cyclones.

The fast paced game was a thriller with many excellent hits but few penalties. Guelph controlled the game and had many excellent chances to score but bad bounces, goal posts and the fantastic play of Cyclones goalie Drew Pegrum held the Canes off the scoresheet for most of the game.

The Canes went into the 3rd up 2-1 on goals by Cam Jude(3rd) and Ken Rolph(9th) Both goals were set up by Dan Mohle. Other assists went to Connor Ste. Marie and Tyson Theaker. When a team goes into Listowel they know that the Cyclones don’t quit and they seem to be most dangerous in the 3rd. For the second game in a row the Canes watched a couple of bounces go against them in the third and the Cycs as they usually do capitalized and stole a 3-2 win.

Coach MacEachern was obviously upset that his club lost another 3rd period lead but he was able to take away some positives as well. He noted he all 4 lines were solid throughout the game. The line of Mohle, Theaker and Rolph dominated every time they were on the ice.

Due to illness of defensmen Zach Dion and Peter Soligo, Conner Ste Marie played a regular shift on defense and had a stellar performance. Chris MacDougall had another solid goal and could not be faulted for any of the goals.

He was also pleased with the play of newly signed forward Taylor Lakasik. Lakasik is a draft pick of the Owen Sound Attack and recently was playing with the Orangeville Crushers of the OPJHL.

Next game for the Canes is next Thursday when they travel to Barntford to face the formidable Golden Eagles and scoring wizard Josh McQuade.

Next home game is Saturday, November 7th when the Waterloo Siskins are the visitors. Game time at the Sleeman Center is 7:30 p.m.

Campus Home Hardware teams up with Hurricanes for Special Promotion

Campus Home Hardware  is proud to partner with the Guelph Hurricanes on a special promotion.

Customers who purchase $100 or more at the Guelph location on Gordon St., will receive 2 FREE Adult tickets to an upcoming Hurricanes home game at The Sleeman Centre.

This promotion runs until Dec. 31st, 2009.

Meet Hurricanes #6 Luca Penzo

from http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”  -Abraham Lincoln 

Luca played with St. Michaels Buzzers of the OJHL last year and resides in Toronto.

Once a player’s midget career is over they have a decision to make in terms of their future. 

Luca decided to combine his love for hockey and need for an education by enrolling at the University of Guelph and playing junior hockey for the Guelph Hurricanes.

At the Uof G he is in the Bachelor of Commerce program  his major being Real Estate Development. He hopes to graduate with a Commerce degree. He also hopes to play for the Varsity Gryphons before he graduates.

Luca is a solid 2 way defenseman who has fit in nicely with coach MacEachern’s plans. He plays on the powerplay and is counted on to move the puck and get shots on goal.

Combining 1st year University studies and the demands of practice and game times is tough but Luca seems to be doing both very well.

His idea of a good time is spending the weekend at the cottage with a bunch of friends and maybe indulging in his favourite pastime – fishing.

His favourite things include…  

Favourite MOVIE – Silence of the Lambs

Favourite SONG – Little Bones by the Tragically Hip 

Favourite COLOUR – Blue 

Favourite FOOD – Pizza

Favourite BOOK – Cat and Mouse by James Patterson

Favourite TV SHOW – Friends

Meet Hurricanes #7 Dan Mohle

from http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

MEET Dan Mohle

“Fear lives in the past and in the future. Power is in the present.”

A returning 3 year player who is off to an incredible start to the GOHL season.

Dan is one of those guys who opposing players don’t like to play against because he plays with an edge. He leaves everything on the ice and doesn’t like to lose.

At the present time he leads the Hurricanes in goals and assists and stands in 6th spot in GOHL scoring. He plays powerplay, kills penalities and usually takes crucial face-offs late in the game.

Dan attends Laurier University and is pursuing a career in policing, firefighting or something related to the sports field.

Dan’s idea of a good time is hanging out with the boys.

Favourite Movies:Forest Gump, Angels in the Outfield, StepBrothers and the Shawshank Redemption

Favourite colour…green;

Favourite food…mashed potatoes & chicken;

Favourite TV Show….Entourage;

Favourite  interest…hockey;

Favourite Song….Love Your Love the Most by Eric Church;

Favourite Book….Hockey Tough.

Hurricanes Blow 2 Goal Lead & Lose In OT

From http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

For 50 minutes the Hurricanes showed Listowel Cyclones that they had a new and improved work ethic. However, with 10 minutes to play and the Canes leading 4-2 the Cyclones showed them what true work ethic was.

Hurricanes goalie Chris McDougall makes the save

In the last 10 minutes of the game the Cyclones did what they do best, they outworked the Canes.

In the process they scored 2 goals to send the game into overtime. Momentum carried them into OT and slighty over a minute in they scored the winner to spoil an otherwise awesome game for Guelph.

On the positive side the Hurricanes earned a point to tie them with Elmira in the league standings.

The 1st period belonged to Guelph as they out hustled Listowel and fought harder for the loose pucks. The strong goaltending of Guelph native Jim Prigone kept the Cyclones close. He also made an amazing glove save late in the third to send the game into OT.

Scoring for Guelph was Mike McFarland with 2. Dan Mohle with his 16th and Ken Rolph with his 8th scored for the Canes. Zach Dion, Mike Iaccoca, Martin Kudla and Rolph all recorded assists.

The Canes next home game is in 2 weeks (Nov. 7th) when they host the Waterloo Siskins. Game time at the Sleeman Center is 7:30 p.m.

Rona Cashway partners with Guelph Hurricanes on Special Promotion

 

 

 

 

 

Rona Cashway is proud to partner with the Guelph Hurricanes on a special promotion.

Customers who purchase $100 or more at the Guelph location on Dawson Road, will receive 2 FREE Adult tickets to an upcoming Hurricanes home game at The Sleeman Centre.

This promotion will run until Dec. 31st, 2009.

The Hockey Shop partners with Guelph Hurricanes on Special Promotion

 

 

The Hockey Shop is proud to partner with the Guelph Hurricanes on a special promotion.

Customers who purchase $100 or more at the Guelph location on Carden St., will receive 2 FREE Adult tickets to an upcoming Hurricanes home game at The Sleeman Centre.

This promotion will run until Dec. 31st, 2009.

Play it Again Sports partners with Guelph Hurricanes on Special Promotion

 

 

 

Play It Again Sports is proud to partner with the Guelph Hurricanes on a special promotion.

Customers who purchase $100 or more at the Guelph location on Silvercreek, will receive 2 FREE Adult tickets to an upcoming Hurricanes home game at The Sleeman Centre.

This promotion will run until Dec. 31st, 2009.

Prigione and the Cyclones blow into town Saturday night to take on the Canes

In their previous game Oct. 3rd with Listowel, Guelph was the gracious hosts who staked the Cyclones to a 5-1 lead after 2 periods only to roar back and make it 5-4 until Listowel scored with the net empty with Hurricanes threatening to tie it up.

Perhaps Guelph have solved that problem and will make it 3 wins in a row with a victory tonight.

Cyclones to watch include:

Forwards #16 Bobby Cook 6-11-17, #9 Drew Davidson 8-8-16, #12 Eric Dekkers 5-9-14

Defenceman #23 Kyle Goss 4-6-10 

Goalie #1 James Prigione 5-2-0 2.15 GAA, .936 Sv% (who played briefly with the Guelph Storm last year).

Game time is 7:30 at the Sleeman Centre.