CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S SUMMER UNDER-18 TEAM SELECTION CAMP SET TO BEGIN IN CALGARY
CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with with the Canadian Hockey League, will host Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp from August 1-4at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary.
Head coach Bob Boughner (Windsor, Ont./Windsor, OHL), along with assistant coaches Chris Depiero (King City, Ont./Oshawa, OHL) and Mark Holick (Penticton, B.C./Kootenay, WHL), will lead the red and white teams through on-ice practices and three Red-White games. At the conclusion of camp, the coaching staff, along with head scout Al Murray, will select a roster of 22 players to represent Canada at the 2009 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka from August 11-15 in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The final roster will be named the evening of August 4, and the team will depart for Europe the morning of August 5.
Hockey Canada and the CHL also announced one roster change, as goaltender J.P. Anderson (Toronto, Ont./Mississauga, OHL) will not be available for the camp due to an injury. Tyler Bunz (St. Albert, Alta./ Medicine Hat, WHL) will take his place and be at camp on August 1.
All on-ice sessions will be at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary and open to the public free of charge.
Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team is one of two under-18 teams that Hockey Canada assembles during each season. A second men’s under-18 team will take part in the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Belarus in April 2010, and will be comprised of available players not involved in playoffs with their respective teams.
The under-18 program, along with the regional under-17 program and the national under-20 program, make up Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, which identifies, evaluates and develops players for international competition.
In Play! magazine
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Spitfires Sign Steven Trojanovic
(Windsor) Windsor Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel today announced that the team has signed defenceman Steven Trojanovic to an OHL contract and education package. The Spitfires selected Trojanovic in the third round of this year’s OHL Priority Selection. A 6’1”, 185 pound right defenceman, Trojanovic scored 9 goals and 29 points and recorded 78 penalty minutes in 60 games this past season with the Burlington Eagles Minor Midgets.
“It’s always tough to find talented young defencemen. Steve has the potential to be an excellent player in our league and we’re excited to have him join our team. He will be attending our mini-camp next weekend,” commented Warren Rychel
Trojanovic will attend St. Anne’s High School in Lakeshore, ON to continue his studies.
In Play! magazine
“It’s always tough to find talented young defencemen. Steve has the potential to be an excellent player in our league and we’re excited to have him join our team. He will be attending our mini-camp next weekend,” commented Warren Rychel
Trojanovic will attend St. Anne’s High School in Lakeshore, ON to continue his studies.
In Play! magazine
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Spitfires Forward Austin Watson Selected to U.S Under-18 Team
(Windsor) Earlier today, Windsor Spitfires forward Austin Watson was selected to play for the U.S Under-18 Select Team that will compete at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament from Aug. 11-15 in Piestany, Slovakia. Watson was one of twenty-one players chosen to USA’s Under-18 team which participated in USA Hockey’s Boys’ Select 17 Player Development Camp conducted from July 7 - 13 in Rochester, NY.
In his rookie season with the Spitfires, Watson was part of the team’s MasterCard Memorial Cup and OHL Championship performances. The 6’3, 183 pound right-winger scored 10 goals and 29 points with a +15 plus/minus rating in 63 regular season games with Windsor this past season. He also recorded 4 assists in 25 playoff games for the Spitfires.
In Play! magazine
In his rookie season with the Spitfires, Watson was part of the team’s MasterCard Memorial Cup and OHL Championship performances. The 6’3, 183 pound right-winger scored 10 goals and 29 points with a +15 plus/minus rating in 63 regular season games with Windsor this past season. He also recorded 4 assists in 25 playoff games for the Spitfires.
In Play! magazine
LEARNING THE PRO ROPES: FIRST ROUND PICK GREG NEMISZ HAS A BUSY HOCKEY SCHEDULE THIS SUMMER
Photo by Jennifer MacphersonBy Mike Board
calgaryflames.com
Jul 21, 2009, 2:48 PM EDT
Greg Nemisz is a busy hockey player these days. In fact, the Calgary Flames first round draft pick from 2008 is having an all-hockey summer.
Nemisz capped a strong season with the Windsor Spitfires -- 77 points in 65 games -- by winning the Memorial Cup on May 24. By mid-June he had moved to Calgary and was sharing an apartment with two other Flame prospects, defenceman Gord Baldwin and forward John Armstrong. This week he is attending the Flames development camp. Next up is the Team Canada World Junior Championship camp, then Flames training camp, then Spitfires camp.
Yes, it is a hectic schedule but one Nemisz is fully committed to.
"You've got to make sure you take your off days and really rest and relax. You have to stay focused on what you want to do. You want to be a hockey player, you are going to have to make a little bit of sacrifice but it is worth it," said the strapping 6'3", 195-pound Nemisz, who contributed 23 points, including 10 goals, in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs leading up to the Memorial Cup.
The hard work and dedication is bearing some fruit for Nemisz, who turned 19 just before moving to Calgary for the summer. On Tuesday the Flames announced that they had agreed to terms with Ontario native on his first professional contract..
"It's an exciting time and it is step in the right direction," said Nemisz.
There is more good news. Nemisz, who is working with Flames strength and conditioning coach Rich Hesketh in Calgary, has been invited to Team Canada's World Junior Championships development camp in Saskatoon in August.
Nemisz is certainly on steep learning curve this summer but he has a little help -- both Armstrong and Baldwin made the transition from junior hockey to the pro ranks last year and have been nurturing Nemisz.
"It's great. They have taught me a lot and they are just great guys to live with," he said. "You know, living on your own for the first time you learn a lot. You get food, you cook food, you do all your dishes. It's a good experience."
It's all part of moving ahead from the amateur ranks to the pro ranks.
"To get a little taste of that in the summer is nice," he said.
Still, it's been a very busy schedule. So busy that Nemisz hasn't really soaked in the fact that he was on a team that won the ultimate junior prize in the Memorial Cup.
"It was huge. It was exciting. It has been such a whirlwind year I haven't really had time to reflect on it," said Nemisz. "It was amazing, It is something we want to do next year."
Going back for a repeat certainly is a possibility for Nemisz. But there are many roads ahead.
"First and foremost I want to be a Calgary Flames. But I have to be real to myself. I have a lot of work to do. They are going to have a really strong team this year but I am going to try my hardest to make the team out of camp. But if I don't I want to play World Juniors and we have a good chance of going to the Memorial Cup again next year."
calgaryflames.com
Jul 21, 2009, 2:48 PM EDT
Greg Nemisz is a busy hockey player these days. In fact, the Calgary Flames first round draft pick from 2008 is having an all-hockey summer.
Nemisz capped a strong season with the Windsor Spitfires -- 77 points in 65 games -- by winning the Memorial Cup on May 24. By mid-June he had moved to Calgary and was sharing an apartment with two other Flame prospects, defenceman Gord Baldwin and forward John Armstrong. This week he is attending the Flames development camp. Next up is the Team Canada World Junior Championship camp, then Flames training camp, then Spitfires camp.
Yes, it is a hectic schedule but one Nemisz is fully committed to.
"You've got to make sure you take your off days and really rest and relax. You have to stay focused on what you want to do. You want to be a hockey player, you are going to have to make a little bit of sacrifice but it is worth it," said the strapping 6'3", 195-pound Nemisz, who contributed 23 points, including 10 goals, in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs leading up to the Memorial Cup.
The hard work and dedication is bearing some fruit for Nemisz, who turned 19 just before moving to Calgary for the summer. On Tuesday the Flames announced that they had agreed to terms with Ontario native on his first professional contract..
"It's an exciting time and it is step in the right direction," said Nemisz.
There is more good news. Nemisz, who is working with Flames strength and conditioning coach Rich Hesketh in Calgary, has been invited to Team Canada's World Junior Championships development camp in Saskatoon in August.
Nemisz is certainly on steep learning curve this summer but he has a little help -- both Armstrong and Baldwin made the transition from junior hockey to the pro ranks last year and have been nurturing Nemisz.
"It's great. They have taught me a lot and they are just great guys to live with," he said. "You know, living on your own for the first time you learn a lot. You get food, you cook food, you do all your dishes. It's a good experience."
It's all part of moving ahead from the amateur ranks to the pro ranks.
"To get a little taste of that in the summer is nice," he said.
Still, it's been a very busy schedule. So busy that Nemisz hasn't really soaked in the fact that he was on a team that won the ultimate junior prize in the Memorial Cup.
"It was huge. It was exciting. It has been such a whirlwind year I haven't really had time to reflect on it," said Nemisz. "It was amazing, It is something we want to do next year."
Going back for a repeat certainly is a possibility for Nemisz. But there are many roads ahead.
"First and foremost I want to be a Calgary Flames. But I have to be real to myself. I have a lot of work to do. They are going to have a really strong team this year but I am going to try my hardest to make the team out of camp. But if I don't I want to play World Juniors and we have a good chance of going to the Memorial Cup again next year."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Spitfires Sign Craig Duinick
(Windsor) Yesterday, Windsor Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel signed American blue-liner Craig Duinick to an OHL contract and education package. The Spitfires selected Duinick in the fourth round of this year’s OHL Priority Selection. A six-foot one, 200 pound right defenceman, Duinick helped lead the Detroit Compuware Minor Midgets to the U.S Under-16 title this past season, scoring 24 goals and 50 points in 55 games.
“Craig is an excellent two-way player who will compete for the number 5 spot on our defensive corps. He’s also an excellent student and a great kid. I’m really glad we were able to have Craig join our organization,” commented Warren Rychel.
Duinick will continue his studies at St. Anne’s High School in Lakeshore, ON next year.
In Play! magazine
“Craig is an excellent two-way player who will compete for the number 5 spot on our defensive corps. He’s also an excellent student and a great kid. I’m really glad we were able to have Craig join our organization,” commented Warren Rychel.
Duinick will continue his studies at St. Anne’s High School in Lakeshore, ON next year.
In Play! magazine
Monday, July 13, 2009
BRUINS SIGN SPITFIRES DEFENCEMAN ROB KWIET TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT
Bruins Sign Four Players
Jul 13, 2009, 4:04 PM EDT
BOSTON, MA -- Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed four players to one year contracts. Per club policy, terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 20-year-old defenseman Rob Kwiet spent the 2008-2009 season with the 2009 Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. He skated in 66 regular season games recording 12-55-67 totals, which was second among team defensemen and sixth overall among OHL blueliners in scoring. The 6’1” 218-pound Toronto, Ontario native added 5-10-15 totals in 20 playoff games as the Spitfires won the ‘09 Memorial Cup Championship. He participated in the 2009 Bruins Development Camp as an invite from July 7 - July 11 and is a Spitfires teammate of Boston’s fourth round draft pick in the ’09 NHL Entry Draft, Lane MacDermid.
The 24-year old center Drew Larman has spent the last four seasons with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. In 2008-09, he skated in 61 regular season games potting 10 goals and registering a career high 12 assists. Larman has played in 22 career NHL games with 2-1-3 totals, all with the Florida Panthers. The 6’ 3” 195-pound Canton, Michigan native originally signed with the Panthers as a free agent on September 28, 2005. Larman helped the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League) capture the 2005 Memorial Cup Championship after tallying an 11-10-21 line in 58 games during the regular season and 3-4=7 totals in 18 games during the ’05 playoffs.
The 24-year-old defenseman Zach McKelvie has spent the past four seasons in the NCAA playing for the Army Black Knights. In the 2008-2009 season, he skated in 33 regular season games recording 5-12-17 totals and won the prestigious Army Athletic Association Award, an honor awarded to the male and female cadet who displays the "most valuable service to intercollegiate athletics during a career as a cadet." He is the only player in school history to be a two-time Atlantic Hockey Association First-Team All Star and in the 2007-2008 season, the 6’2” 190-pound New Brighton, Minnesota native was named the AHA’s Defenseman of the Year.
A four-year letterwinner, McKelvie skated in 134 regular season games with the Black Knights recording career totals of 14-44-58. He attended the 2009 Bruins Development Camp as an invite from July 7 - July 11 but did not participate in the on-ice training sessions due to injury.
The 32-year-old center Trent Whitfield spent most of 2008-2009 playing with the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL. In 69 games played, Whitfield led the team with 30 assists and 50 points, while finishing second in goals scored with 20. Whitfield played in three NHL games for the St. Louis Blues during the 2009-2009 season and notched one assist.
Whitfield has played in 177 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals and New York Rangers recording 11-17-28 totals. The 5’11” 204-pound Alameda, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round (#100 overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.
In Play! magazine
Jul 13, 2009, 4:04 PM EDT
BOSTON, MA -- Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed four players to one year contracts. Per club policy, terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
The 20-year-old defenseman Rob Kwiet spent the 2008-2009 season with the 2009 Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. He skated in 66 regular season games recording 12-55-67 totals, which was second among team defensemen and sixth overall among OHL blueliners in scoring. The 6’1” 218-pound Toronto, Ontario native added 5-10-15 totals in 20 playoff games as the Spitfires won the ‘09 Memorial Cup Championship. He participated in the 2009 Bruins Development Camp as an invite from July 7 - July 11 and is a Spitfires teammate of Boston’s fourth round draft pick in the ’09 NHL Entry Draft, Lane MacDermid.
The 24-year old center Drew Larman has spent the last four seasons with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. In 2008-09, he skated in 61 regular season games potting 10 goals and registering a career high 12 assists. Larman has played in 22 career NHL games with 2-1-3 totals, all with the Florida Panthers. The 6’ 3” 195-pound Canton, Michigan native originally signed with the Panthers as a free agent on September 28, 2005. Larman helped the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League) capture the 2005 Memorial Cup Championship after tallying an 11-10-21 line in 58 games during the regular season and 3-4=7 totals in 18 games during the ’05 playoffs.
The 24-year-old defenseman Zach McKelvie has spent the past four seasons in the NCAA playing for the Army Black Knights. In the 2008-2009 season, he skated in 33 regular season games recording 5-12-17 totals and won the prestigious Army Athletic Association Award, an honor awarded to the male and female cadet who displays the "most valuable service to intercollegiate athletics during a career as a cadet." He is the only player in school history to be a two-time Atlantic Hockey Association First-Team All Star and in the 2007-2008 season, the 6’2” 190-pound New Brighton, Minnesota native was named the AHA’s Defenseman of the Year.
A four-year letterwinner, McKelvie skated in 134 regular season games with the Black Knights recording career totals of 14-44-58. He attended the 2009 Bruins Development Camp as an invite from July 7 - July 11 but did not participate in the on-ice training sessions due to injury.
The 32-year-old center Trent Whitfield spent most of 2008-2009 playing with the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL. In 69 games played, Whitfield led the team with 30 assists and 50 points, while finishing second in goals scored with 20. Whitfield played in three NHL games for the St. Louis Blues during the 2009-2009 season and notched one assist.
Whitfield has played in 177 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals and New York Rangers recording 11-17-28 totals. The 5’11” 204-pound Alameda, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round (#100 overall) of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.
In Play! magazine
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Beach Grove Salutes Windsor Spitfires Raises $4,500 for Spitfires Foundation
(Windsor) Yesterday, Beach Grove Golf and Country Club honoured the Windsor Spitfires by hosting a special “Beach Grove Salutes the Windsor Spitfires” event, inviting members of the Spitfires to participate in a round of golf and a special dinner with Beach Grove members. Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner, Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel as well as Spitfire players Harry Young, Josh Unice, Ben Dubois and Ron Soucie all attended on behalf of team.
Following the round of golf and dinner, Beach Grove also welcomed all attending Spitfires to a special barbecue with the Memorial Cup, J. Ross Robertson OHL Championship Cup and Wayne Gretzky Western Conference OHL Trophy displayed for members from the golf club. During the barbecue, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara presented the Spitfires with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Town of Tecumseh, recognizing the team’s championship performances. Additionally, Beach Grove President Romano Curti, General Manager Gary Geoffrey and Head Professional Ryan Hughes presented the Spitfires with a $4,500 donation on behalf of Beach Grove members to the Windsor Spitfires Foundation.
The Windsor Spitfires would like to thank Mr. Curti, Mr. McNamara, Mr. Geoffrey and Mr. Hughes as well as the entire Beach Grove membership for their hospitality and gifts.
In Play! magazine
Following the round of golf and dinner, Beach Grove also welcomed all attending Spitfires to a special barbecue with the Memorial Cup, J. Ross Robertson OHL Championship Cup and Wayne Gretzky Western Conference OHL Trophy displayed for members from the golf club. During the barbecue, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara presented the Spitfires with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Town of Tecumseh, recognizing the team’s championship performances. Additionally, Beach Grove President Romano Curti, General Manager Gary Geoffrey and Head Professional Ryan Hughes presented the Spitfires with a $4,500 donation on behalf of Beach Grove members to the Windsor Spitfires Foundation.
The Windsor Spitfires would like to thank Mr. Curti, Mr. McNamara, Mr. Geoffrey and Mr. Hughes as well as the entire Beach Grove membership for their hospitality and gifts.
In Play! magazine
Friday, July 3, 2009
2009 Spitfire Awards Announced
(Windsor) The Windsor Spitfires today announced the team’s individual award winners from the 2008-2009 season. Spitfire defenceman Ryan Ellis took home four awards with Taylor Hall following closely behind as he received three team honours. The complete list of winners is as follows:
2008-09 Spitfire Awards
Jake Pollen Hardest Working Spitfire of the Year – Harry Young and **Eric Wellwood
McDonald’s Best Defensive Defenceman – **Mark Cundari
Windsor Family Credit Union Academic Achievement – **Ryan Ellis
CKLW Most Improved Player – Justin Shugg
Devonshire Cup Most Underrated Player – Ben Shutron
Tim Hortons Best Defenceman – **Ryan Ellis
National Sports Most Valuable Player – Ryan Ellis
Hiram Walker and Sons Player of the Year – Andrew Engelage
Hiram Walker and Sons Rookie of the Year – Austin Watson
Jason Bennett Memorial Award for Community Service – Eric Wellwood
Scott Miller Award for Dedication and Determination to the Team – Adam Henrique and **Greg Nemisz
Paul Maurice Award for Dedication and Determination to the Spitfires Organization – Jake Pollen
Molson Jr. Cup Three Star Player of the Year – Greg Nemisz
CHYR Award Playoff MVP – Taylor Hall
Freed’s Men’s Wear Leading Goal Scorer – **Taylor Hall
Seagram Trophy Winner – Leading Point Scorer – Taylor Hall
William McAgy Leading Scoring Defenceman – **Ryan Ellis
Victory Ford Leading Rookie Scorer – Andrei Loktionov
** Denotes repeat winners from 2007-2008 season
In Play! magazine
2008-09 Spitfire Awards
Jake Pollen Hardest Working Spitfire of the Year – Harry Young and **Eric Wellwood
McDonald’s Best Defensive Defenceman – **Mark Cundari
Windsor Family Credit Union Academic Achievement – **Ryan Ellis
CKLW Most Improved Player – Justin Shugg
Devonshire Cup Most Underrated Player – Ben Shutron
Tim Hortons Best Defenceman – **Ryan Ellis
National Sports Most Valuable Player – Ryan Ellis
Hiram Walker and Sons Player of the Year – Andrew Engelage
Hiram Walker and Sons Rookie of the Year – Austin Watson
Jason Bennett Memorial Award for Community Service – Eric Wellwood
Scott Miller Award for Dedication and Determination to the Team – Adam Henrique and **Greg Nemisz
Paul Maurice Award for Dedication and Determination to the Spitfires Organization – Jake Pollen
Molson Jr. Cup Three Star Player of the Year – Greg Nemisz
CHYR Award Playoff MVP – Taylor Hall
Freed’s Men’s Wear Leading Goal Scorer – **Taylor Hall
Seagram Trophy Winner – Leading Point Scorer – Taylor Hall
William McAgy Leading Scoring Defenceman – **Ryan Ellis
Victory Ford Leading Rookie Scorer – Andrei Loktionov
** Denotes repeat winners from 2007-2008 season
In Play! magazine
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