Hurricanes beat Sugar Kings in OT

from http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

CANES WIN A NAILBITER 4-3

Excitement was the order of the night as the Guelph Hurricanes and the Elmira Sugar Kings treated a good Hockey Day crowd to a thrill packed game. The Ice Palace was frigid as usual but the action inside was red hot.

Pegrum Glove the Puck to help Grab the Win

It looked like another typical Canes/Sugar Kings duel featuring excellent goaltending by Drew Pegrum and his counterpart former Cane Brendon Gorecki.

Speedy Martin Kudla(13) broke the ice when he broke in on Gorecki and made a nifty move to put the Canes on top 1-0. Brad Kraus tied it up with a laser beam only to have Nic MacEachern(7) do his Sydney Crosby impression to regain the lead 2-1. It stayed that way until captain Mike McFarlane(7) scored a powerplay goal with help from Luca Penzo and Mike Iacocca.

With another 3-1, 3rd period lead it looked like the Canes were headed for another disappointing loss when Elmira scored twice late in the 3rd on goals by Parent and LeBlanc to send the game to overtime.

Mid way through the overtime period defensive wizard Jake Weidner stole the puck at the Canes blueline and sped down the wing. Weidner threaded a perfect pass to Zach Dion(6) in front of the Kings net who finished the play off with a perfect shot to win the game 4-3.

Check out the Hurricanes facebook page http://www.facebook.com/guelphhurricanes and look at over 150 pictures that Richard Elmes took at the game last night.

Next Canes action is Saturday, February 6 at the Victoria Road Arena when they face the Waterloo Siskins. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Former Dominator backstops Sugar Kings to 2-1 win over Hurricanes

from http://www.guelphhurricanes.com

GORECKI STOPS FORMER TEAM

One of Gorecki's 43 saves

Former Guelph Dominator goalie Brendan Gorecki came back to haunt his previous teammates by stopping 43 shots to put up a 2-1 win for his new team the Elmira Sugar Kings.

Not to be outdone Hurricanes goalie Chris McDougall had an awesome game as well keeping the Canes close with a number of great saves.

The fans were treated to another exciting fast paced game. The Canes were all over the Kings in the 3rd period and came close on a number of attempts hitting a post, a crossbar and save after save by Gorecki. In all he faced 23 shots in the 3rd. The Canes thought they had scored twice only to have the net come off on the 1st attempt and with 0.4 seconds left. The refs met, discussed and finally decided the goal didn’t count sending the hometown faithful away disappointed but encouraged by the play of the young Hurricane squad.

Captain Mike MacFarland scored his 6th of the season from Tyson Theaker and Cayle Creen.

The Canes travel to Waterloo Sunday for a 1:30 start then host the Stratford Cullitons at the Victoria Road Arena on January 23rd. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Matt Kennedy rocked by Kassian

Last night Windsor Spitfire Zach Kassian (who was acquired at the trade deadline) rocked former Guelph Storm captain Matt Kennedy (who is now playing with the Barrie Colts) in a huge open ice hit.

The OHL has suspended Kassian indefinately, meanwhile Kennedy is out with a concussion.

View the video here:

check out the rest of the story from Slam Sports here: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/Junior/2010/01/15/12483776-qmi.html

Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser this Thursday

Upcoming Fundraising Hockey Event – Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2010!

As a part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build 2010 a fabulous fundraiser, which will turn dreams into realities, is a fun filled night out for the entire family! Join our community on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Guelph’s very own Sleeman Centre for a Hockey event you will not forget!

Paul Henderson, Canada’s Hockey Legend and Ray Scapinello will be on ice and in arena!

Autographed Hockey Jerseys and sticks up for auction.

Details:

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010

Time: 7:00PM (Ceremonial Puck Drop)

Location: Sleeman Centre, Guelph

Cost: $8.00 (proceeds benefitting Habitat – 2010 Women Build)

 Please consider purchasing tickets and sending a child or family that might not otherwise be able to attend! Tickets are available at the Rona Store on Dawson, the Re-Store on Speedvale and The Sleeman Centre in Guelph.

 Hope to see you there.

Hurricanes have rough night in Brantford

from http://www.GuelphHurricanes.com

GOLDEN EAGLES BOUNCE BACK

You could tell it was going to be one of those nights in Brantford when defenseman Peter Soligo was challenged to a fight during the warm-up. The Guelph coaches did a good job of settling our boys down and getting them ready for the real game. The fight did happen early in the 1st and Soligo handled himself very well but the bottom line was that the Canes were down another defenseman. Zach Dion was already a scratch because of an injury sufered the night before in Waterloo.

Weidner and the Canes vs. Brantford

The Canes used that energy and scored the 1st goal with Jake Weidner notching his 3rd on a powerplay with an assist from Mike Iacocca. Guelph ended the period with a 2-1 lead when Lucas Penzo(4) scored a second power play goal with assists from Brandon Anselmni and Nic McEachern. Thats the good news.

The bad news was the 2-1 1st period lead woke up the Golden Eagles. Brantford came out swarming in the 2nd and scored in the 1st minute of play then added 2 more goals to take the lead.

The one bright spot in the period was a beautiful solo effort by McEachern(6). His goal made the score 4-3 and gave Guelph some energy. However, on the ensuing faceoff the Golden Eagles scored to regain a 2 goal lead. They ended up scoring the last 6 goals to put the game away.

Final Score Branford 10, Guelph 3

Guelph’s next game is Thursday, January 14th when  they host the Cambridge WinterHawks at the Sleeman Center. This game is a fundraiser for Habitat Humanity Cancer Awareness. Come on out, bring the family and support Cancer Awareness.

New Netminder gets the call for the Hurricanes

from http://www.guelphmercury.com by Rob Massey

GUELPH — After a couple of weeks of practising with the Guelph Hurricanes, Drew Pegrum will get his first start in net with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League team.

“It’ll be great to get a game in this weekend,” Pegrum said.

Hurricanes goalie Drew Pegrum

Pegrum was part of the Hurricanes’ blockbuster deal with the Listowel Cyclones that saw them send top scorers Dan Mohle and Ken Rolph to the Cyclones for youngsters Blair Goss and Jake Weidner. Pegrum came to Guelph a week later after Listowel acquired goaltender Brock Hansell from the Thorold Black Hawks.

“We ended up sending two 20-year-olds up there and we got two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old back,” Hurricanes head coach Jim MacEachern said. “The goal here is to get younger. That’s what we’re trying to do. We have until Jan. 10th and if something else comes up, we might take advantage of that, too.”

Pegrum has a 4-5-0-1 record this season, with two of his wins coming against the Hurricanes. He has a 4.29 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage. He played five games in September and two early in October before hurting his left knee. He’s played three games since Oct. 10 – a win over Guelph, a loss to Brantford and a shootout loss to Kitchener – as Guelph native James Prigione, a veteran with the Cyclones, increased his playing time.

“I was playing a bunch at the start of the season and I got injured,” Pegrum said. “Prigione stepped up when I was injured and he started playing really good, so he got a lot of time after that.”

Pegrum said his knee is fine now.

“It’s better now,” he said. “It’s been strong for about four weeks.”

With the Hurricanes, Pegrum is expected to be the main backup to Chris McDougall, who has appeared in 19 of Guelph’s 31 games. McDougall will get the start Saturday night against the Welland Canadians at the Sleeman Centre while Pegrum will get the call Sunday afternoon against the Dutchmen in Kitchener.

“Chris is our No. 1, I’m not going to deny that,” MacEachern said. “Again, we’ve got to look out for the future. I would expect and I would hope that Doogs (McDougall) is playing for the Peterborough Petes next year. Drew is going to go as much as Doogs here. When we get into the playoffs or down the stretch, I’ll probably go with the guy who is hot.”

Until then, it’ll be a rotation of sorts, likely with McDougall getting two starts for every one that Pegrum gets.

Read the rest of the article here: http://news.guelphmercury.com/Sports/article/577393

Guelph Minor Hockey Night – Dec. 19th

The Guelph Hurricanes announce that Saturday December 19th, will be “Guelph Minor Hockey Night.”

Kids wearing their GMHA Hockey Jerseys will receive Free Admission

That night the Guelph Hurricanes host the Welland Canadians at 7:30 pm at the Sleeman Centre.

On this night all Guelph Minor Hockey Association players wearing their teams hockey jerseys will receive FREE admission to the game.

So come out and show us your team colours, cheer on the Hurricanes as you enjoy an exciting junior hockey game.

Trade Rocks the (GOJHL) Hockey World

from http://www.listowelcyclonesjrb.com

Cyclonic Trade Rocks The Hockey World

It’s been a busy week for the Cyclone and Guelph Hurricane Management. These 2 teams pieced together a deal, the like that we haven’t seen in years. Probably the closest one to this was when the Edmonton Oilers dealt Wayne Gretzky to L.A. Several players involved and lots of great players and people involved.

For the Cyclones, we say goodbye to some very good young talent with Jake Weidner, Drew Pegrum, and Blair Goss all going to play in Guelph. These 3 players are not only talented but also have several more years of Junior eligibility. They are also great guys and their families are tremendous people and great supporters of hockey. We wish Jake, Drew, Blair, as well as their families all the best with their new team.

Now here’s the excitement for Cyclone fans. In return, we have acquired Guelph’s leading scorer, Dan Mohle, and their 3rd scorer, Ken Rolph. This is huge news for the Cyclone offence. Although they were kept off the score sheet last night, with their speed, skill, and determination, the points will come.

View the rest of the article here: http://www.listowelcyclonesjrb.com/Welcome/home.html

Newly acquired Weidner impresses in 5-4 loss to Brantford

In his first game as a Hurricane, rookie Jake Weidner almost matched his point total that he accumulated in 24 games with the Listowel Cyclones.

Weidner scored 3 pts. vs. Brantford

Weidner who was acquired earlier this week along with fellow rookie, Blair Goss (for veterans Dan Mohle and Ken Rolph) was solid all night winning critical faceoffs and buzzing on a line with Martin Kudla and Mike Iacocca against the high flying Branford Golden Eagles.

Meanwhile Brantford through 46 shots at Hurricanes goaltender Chris McDougall and Josh McQuade added 4 points (3 goals and 1 assist) to his league leading point total in an exciting 5-4 win over Guelph.

This game featured powerplay goals, a short handed goal, a penalty shot, Guelph killing off a 5-3 and a fight.

Even though Guelph didn’t win the battle, they looked solid and may have picked up some information that can help them win the war, if these two team meet in the first round of the playoffs.

Tomorrow night the Hurricanes travel to Listowel to take on the Cyclones in a home-in-home series that concludes when these two teams play Saturday night (7:30 pm) at The Sleeman Centre.

Remember to tell your friend that it is Kids get in Free night Saturday. With each adult admission they can bring up to 4 children ages 0-13.

Building for the Future: Analyzing the trade

Experienced Junior hockey fans recognize the strategy.

Successful junior hockey teams across the country have been using it for a while now.

Why? Because it works!!!

In leagues where players regularly come and go, entering the league at age 16 or 17 and graduating at 20 one of the keys to building a successful franchise and winning team is to maximize your assets.

How do you they do that?

They do that by setting up their team to take a run for the championship in a certain year.  Some call it a 3 year plan, sometimes it becomes a 4 or 5 year plan.

Here is how it works:

Step 1: Teams will choose the year they want to compete for the championship.

Step 2: They will try to acquire players that will mature in that year.

Step 3: If they are in the lower half of the standings before the trading deadline, they will trade away some of their star players to teams in the upper half of the standings in order to acquire top quality rookies that will mature in the year that they will make a run for it.

Step 4: In a year or two when they are competing for the championship they will add top players from the teams in the lower part of the standings in exchange for their future stars.

This is the strategy that we witnessed Jason Brooks and the Guelph Storm use when they traded away Thomas McCollum last year.

Veteran Dan Mohle now a Cyclone

And that is the strategy Guelph Hurricanes GM Matt Mullin used when he traded two of their top players in Forwards Ken Rolph (1989 birth year) and leading scorer Dan Mohle (also 1989 birth year) to the Listowel Cyclones for two rookie Forwards Blair Goss (1992 birth year), Jake Weidner (also 1992 birth year) and Future considerations.

According to Mullin, “Not only did we give Ken and Dan a chance to compete for the Sutherland Cup, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add 2 quality kids that will set us up nicely for the next couple of years.”

Blair Goss played the last 2 years with the Fergus Devils (Jr. C), scoring 76 pts. in 79 games, but is a big power forward 6’0″ 205 lbs. He was Listowel’s first star, scoring 2 goals in his last game.

According to the Listowel Cyclones website, “Blair Goss lead the Cyclones scoring attack with two solid strikes and did his best to help his team win with timely scoring and an energetic effort. The Fergus native is just getting his game back on track after suffering a broken ankle in summer lacrosse action.”

Jake Weidner (6’2″ 175) played AAA Midget in Grey-Bruce and is described as an excellent face-off guy and penalty kill expert.

Here was the description of how he played in his last game as a Cyclone, “Rookie forward Jake Weidner who put in another solid game on the PK and in the face – off circle. Make no mistake hockey fans; this young forward will be a dandy player in this league for seasons to come.”

And the best part is that instead of watching two senior players graduate in the next few months, we will be able to watch these two players develop over the next few seasons.

 Now that is what I call maximizing your assets.

*Note: You can see the new players Thursday night (Dec. 3rd) when the Hurricanes host the league leading Brantford Golden Eagles at the Sleeman Centre. Game time 7:45 pm.

You won’t have to wait too long to see Dan Mohle and Ken Rolph as the Listowel Cyclones play the Hurricanes in a home and home series. Friday night in Listowel and Saturday Dec. 5th in Guelph. Game time at the Sleeman Centre is 7:30 pm and remember Saturday night is “Kids Get in Free Night”, where 4 kids can get in free with every paid Adult admission.