Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY

Keyano Huskies host SAIT Trojans at the Casman Centre

Final Regular Season Games

Friday February 15, 2013 8:00p.m.

SaturdayFebruary 16, 2013 2:00 p.m.

 

Men’s Hockey

Keyano Huskies(Team Record 7 wins 15 losses 3 overtime loss, 1 tie; 72 goals for, 120 goals against)

6^th Place in 8-team Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)

 

Top Points

Bryce Wilson:  11 goals 11 assists 22 points in 26 games

Keenan Bailey: 7 goals 14 assists 21 points in 24 games

Brock Friesen: 7 goals 9 assists 16 points in 24 games

 

Penalty Minutes:   Sam Rockwell 140 

Goalie:  Matthew Smidt 18 games Goals against Average 4.35

 

Final regular season games. Huskies are vying for the last playoff spot with the Grant MacEwan Griffins who play the Briercrest Clippers this weekend. Huskies have 18 points behind a 7-15-3-1 record for 18 points. Griffins have 14 points behind seven wins. A win is worth two points and a tie and overtime tie are worth single points. If both teams finish with 18 points the team with the most wins during the regular season advances.

 

Quote from Huskies head coach Paul Strand: “We need to get a point from SAIT or MacEwan needs to lose a point against Brirecrest. But it shouldn’t be this stressful four points up with only two games to go. You can lament on the points that you didn’t get in a game but at the same time, we took points away from other teams.”

 

SAIT Trojans(Team Record 19 win 3 losses 4 ties; 120 goals for, 53 goals against 2nd place in ACAC

 

Top Points

Clinton Pettapiece, 10 goals, 29 assists, 39 points, 24 games

JD Watt 11 goals, 24 assists, 35  points, 26 games

Garrett Watson 20 goals, 14 assist, 34 points 25 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Brad Drobot 60

Goalie: Michael Tadjdeh 18games Goals against Average 1.79

 

Former Fort McMurray Oil Baron Mitchell Board plays for the Trojans: 22 games, 5 goals, 7 assists

Last time the two teams met: November 24, 2012 Trojans 7, Keyano 3

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies men's hockey play their final regular season games this weekend against the visiting SAIT Trojan’s at Casman Centre with a shot at making the playoffs in their inaugural season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

photo Sean McLennan

 

Huskies Hockey Season Comes Down to the Wire

 

by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips

 

02/13/2013 - First off, in order for the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team, in their inaugural season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, to advance into the playoffs you need to be a mathematical genius with the various formulas and equations to figure out the possibilities as we head into the final weekend of the regular season.

 

The Huskies, hosting the SAIT Trojans at the Casman Centre, currently have 18 points behind seven wins, three overtime losses and one tie.

 

Grant MacEwan Griffins playing the host Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, Saskatchewan at the Barkman Arena, currently have 14 points with a seven win performance.

 

Both teams are vying for the final playoff position.

 

A win is worth two points and a tie and overtime tie are worth single points.

 

If the Huskies win or tie a single game against the Trojans, they will advance no matter what happens in the Griffins-Clippers series.

 

If the Griffins tie or lose one game against the Clippers and the Huskies lose both games against the Trojans. the Huskies would still advance as they would have 18 points to the Griffins 16 or 17.

 

But if the Huskies lose both games to the Trojans (19 wins, three losses and four ties) and Griffins win both games against the Clippers (one win, 25 losses) - then only the Griffins would advance.

 

Why? Well according to the ACAC bylaw 7.1. Should a tie occur between two or more teams, standings shall be decided according to the following priorities: 7.1.1. Most wins during the regular season.

 

Huskies would have seven wins and the Griffins nine.

 

So the bottom line is that the underdog Clippers have to play giant killer and either win or tie a game against the Griffins or the Huskies have to play David vs. Goliath and either win or at least tie a game against the Trojans.

 

Huskies men’s hockey head coach Paul Strand summed up the scenario in one simple sentence: “We need to get a point from SAIT or MacEwan needs to lose a point against Brirecrest.”

 

Strand added: “But it shouldn’t be this stressful four points up with only two games to go. You can lament on the points that you didn’t get in a game but at the same time we took points away from other teams.”

 

Strand said his troops need to be mentally prepared to face the Trojans, 11 time ACAC champion, when they drop the puck Friday February 15, 2013 at 8 p.m. and the following day Saturday February 16, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Casman Centre.

 

“We are definitely going against a strong team in SAIT, “ said Strand of the Calgary club. “They are going to come in and give us their best game and they are a pretty rounded team with a good balance of veteran and rookies including (former Fort McMurray Oil Baron) Mitchell Board. They also have one of the top scorers in the league with Clinton Pettapiece (10 goals, 29 assists, 24 games), a phenomal hockey player with skill.

 

“Our guys are excited and pumped to still be in a playoff position,” said Strand. “We have to show our maturity. We got to go in and pull out a miracle and play as a team.”

 

Huskies goalie Jeff Puddephatt had 40 saves in a 4-3 OT loss Saturday to the Grant MacEwan Griffins
photo  Sean McLennan

 

Keyano Huskies Hockey February 8-9, 2013 Results

Keyano Huskies visited Grant MacEwan Griffins in Bill Hunter Arena

 

Saturday, February 9, 2013 Keyano 3 at MacEwan 4 (OT) -
1st Period-1, MacEwan, Stephen 9 (Proulx, Starosta), 1:45 (PP). 2, Keyano, Tyler Posch 5(Wright, Hebert), 14:03. 3, MacEwan, Stephen 10 (Hamilton), 15:00 (PP). 4, Keyano, Brendan Wright 4 (Posch, Hebert), 19:13 (PP). Penalties-Galbraith Kc (holding), 1:02; Wright Kc (tripping), 6:02; Miller Gmu (tripping), 7:23; Wright Kc (tripping), 8:02; Schram Gmu (roughing), 8:19; Turnbull Kc (hooking), 8:33; Wright Kc (elbowing), 14:32; Amundson Gmu (tripping), 17:56; Hamilton Gmu (hooking), 18:45.
2nd Period-5, Keyano, Luke Hannas 1 (Desjarlais, Galbraith), 19:09. 6, MacEwan, Stephen 11 (Way, Poitras), 19:15. Penalties-Desjarlais Kc (high sticking), 3:52; Wright Kc (kneeing), 9:38; Hebert Kc (roughing), 12:00; Bailey Kc (roughing), 19:45; Stew Gmu (roughing), 19:45.
3rd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Desjarlais Kc (high sticking), 6:03; Starosta Gmu (interference), 10:00; McCalpin Gmu (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 12:25.
1st OT Period-7, MacEwan, Hamilton 1 (Miller, Crooks), 3:09. Penalties-No Penalties
Shots on Goal-Keyano 9-6-6-5-26. MacEwan 15-17-5-7-44.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 5; MacEwan 2 / 9.
Goalies-Keyano, Puddephatt 2-6-0 (44 shots-40 saves). MacEwan, Ungurian 5-13-0 (26 shots-23 saves).

 

Keyano Huskies record 7 wins 15 losses 3 overtime loss, 1 tie, 72 goals for 120 goals against. Stand at 6^th in 8^th team ACAC   Next ACAC games: Huskies host SAIT Trojans (18-2-0-4) February 15-16, 2013 at the Casman Centre at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively

 

 

 

No. 15 Jordan Hebert had a goal for the Huskies in their 2-1 win Friday vs. Grant MacEwan Griffins
Photo Sean McLennan

 

Friday February 8, 2013   Keyano 2 at MacEwan 1 -
1st Period-1, MacEwan, Zipp 6 (McCalpin, Proulx), 10:22. Penalties-Jordan Kc (hooking), 2:01; McMurphy Kc (elbowing), 17:56.
2nd Period-2, Keyano, Michael Desjarlais 10(Hannas, Galbraith), 5:51. 3, Keyano, Jordan Hebert 9 (Raiwet, Wilson), 6:15. Penalties-Hebert Kc (high sticking), 8:23; Lynott Kc (roughing), 12:32; Schram Gmu (roughing), 12:32; Crooks Gmu (slashing), 14:15; Hannas Kc (cross checking, major-fighting, game misconduct), 19:06; Way Gmu (major-fighting, game misconduct), 19:06.
3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Rockwell Kc (checking from behind, game misconduct), 7:39; Desjarlais Kc (cross checking), 17:17; Garinger Gmu (kneeing), 17:17.
Shots on Goal-Keyano 3-8-2-13. MacEwan 7-18-15-40.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 0 / 1; MacEwan 0 / 5.
Goalies-Keyano, Matthew Smidt 4-11-0 (40 shots-39 saves). MacEwan, Ungurian 5-13-0 (13 shots-11 saves).

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies (white) play against Griffins Cecil Hamilton (no. 14) and the rest of his Grant MacEwan Griffins in an important pair of ACAC regular season games this weekend which have major emphasis on possible playoff positioning.

Photo Dan Lines

 

 

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies D doing a great job shorthanded. Seconds later after end of video Keenan Bailey breaks out to score for home team on a shorthanded play.

 

Keyano Huskies Hockey Results

February 1-2, 2013 at the Casman Centre

Keyano Huskies hosted ACAC Champion University of Alberta Augustana Vikings

 

Men’s Hockey

Saturday February 2 2013  - Keyano Huskies 0 Augustana Vikings 7

First period Keyano 0 Augustana 4, Second Period No Scoring

1st Period-1, Augustana, Prpick 4 (Tribble), 3:47 (SH). 2, Augustana, Bourke 3 (Foster, Coupal), 7:28. 3, Augustana, Cornelsen 18 (Hope, Aucoin), 12:26. 4, Augustana, Wakelin 3 (Bourke, Coupal), 19:38.
2nd Period- No Scoring.

3rd Period-5, Augustana, Cornelsen 19 (Aucoin, Tribble), 3:57 (PP). 6, Augustana, Bonish 6 (Tribble, Jacklin), 9:13. 7, Augustana, Wakelin 4 14:56.

 

Shots on Goal-Augustana 13-13-15-41. Keyano 3-3-5-11.  Power Play Opportunities-Augustana 1 / 1; Keyano 0 / 0.
Goalies-Augustana, Kolida 4-1-0 (11 shots-11 saves). Keyano, Matthew Smidt 4-10-0 (37 shots-34 saves).

 

Friday February 1, 2013  - Keyano Huskies 3 Augustana Vikings 5

First period Keyano 1 Augustana 2, Second Period Keyano 2 Augustana 4

 

1st Period-1, Augustana, Bradley 12 (Aucoin, Coupal), 7:59 (PP). 2, Keyano, Steve Axford 4 (Remillard), 10:50. 3, Augustana, Foster 8 (Bonish, Johnson), 17:17.

2nd Period-4, Augustana, Cornelsen 17 (Aucoin, Hope), 4:24. 5, Keyano, Jordan Hebert 8 (Rockwell, Remillard), 7:04. 6, Augustana, Hope 16 (Aucoin, Cornforth), 10:17.
3rd Period-7, Keyano, Keenan Bailey 7 10:17. 8, Augustana, Bradley 13 (Prpick), 19:43 (EN).

Shots on Goal-Augustana 17-11-8-36. Keyano 5-7-7-19. Power Play Opportunities-Augustana 1 / 1; Keyano 0 / 0.
Goalies-Augustana, Kolida 4-1-0 (19 shots-16 saves). Keyano, Jeff Puddephatt 2-5-0 (35 shots-31 saves).

 

 

Keyano Huskies record 6 wins 15 losses 2 overtime loss, 1 tie 67 goals for 115 goals against. Stand at 6^th in eight team ACAC

Next ACAC games: Huskies visit Grant MacEwan University Griffins Feb 8-9 at Bill Hunter Arena. Game times 8:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. respectively.

 

 

Huskies goalie Jeff Puddephatt stands his ground against a member of the Augustana Vikings Friday night in ACAC action.

Photo Sean McLennan

 

V for Victory for Vikings

 

by Trevow Howlett Fort McMurray TODAY

 

The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team were hoping to get a win this weekend to help in their playoff contention, but ended up with back-to-back losses to last year’s ACAC champions, the Augustana Vikings.

 

The Huskies were able to keep it close on Friday, falling 5-3 to the Vikings. On Saturday, Augustana were the only team prepared to play and they cruised to a 7-0 win over the home Huskies.

 

“The second game was so much different than the first game in how we played as a team,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand. “Saturday, we’ve come out like that three or four times this year, like games against MacEwan and Concordia where we just didn’t have it. That’s something I’m not accustomed to, so I’m still struggling to figure out the cause.”

 

On Friday, Keyano were slow starters but were able to get back in the game with goals from Steve Axford, Jordon Hebert and Keenan Bailey. Jeff Puddephatt had a strong game in goal Friday making 31 saves in the loss.

 

“In the first game we got behind the ball right away with a couple of penalties and they scored a couple of powerplay goals and I really liked how our guys stuck in there after not being given much of anything from the referees,” said Strand.

 

“It was more the non-calls than anything. But we battled back and had a chance to tie it up in the last minute, so I’m happy with it.”

 

On Saturday Keyano gave up four goals in the first period and were not able to score any of their own for the remainder of the game and lost 4-0.

 

The Huskies will hit the road this weekend in a matchup with the Grant MacEwan Griffins that could decide who gets the final playoff spot.

 

Should the Huskies manage to hold onto the sixth spot, they could be facing the Vikings in the first round. Despite the two losses, Keyano did manage one win against Augustana earlier in the year and Strand likes his chances against the defending champs.

 

“Augustana is a potential first-round matchup and we know they match up well against us,” said Strand. “I think the final game out of the four was an aberration. I don’t think that’s how we will play and I think in the first game it shows we can stick with them if we don’t give up four odd man rushes in the first period.”

 

trevor.howlett@sunmedia.ca

 

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY

Keyano Huskies host University of Alberta, Augustana Vikings (ACAC Defending Champion)

Friday February 1, 2013 8:00 p.m. Saturday February 2 2:00 p.m.

Casman Centre

 

Men’s Hockey

Keyano Huskies(Team Record 6 wins 13 losses 2 overtime loss 1 tie; 64 goals for, 103 goals against)

6^th Place in 8-team Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)

 

Top Points

Bryce Wilson: 11 goals 10 assists 21 points in 22 games

Keenan Bailey: 6 goals 14 assists 20 points in 21 games

Brock Friesen: 7 goals 9 assists 16 points in 21 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Sam Rockwell 104

 

Goalie: Matthew Smidt 16 games Goals against Average 4.40

 

Augustana Vikings(Team Record 14 wins 4 losses 4 ties; 108 goals for, 67 goals against)

3rd place in ACAC

 

Top Points

Daniel Hope 15 goals, 19 assists, 34 points, 22 games * Second in ACAC points

Scott Aucoin 9 goals, 18 assists, 27 points, 22 games

Craig Cornelsen 16 goals, 9 assist, 25 points 22 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Jeremy Beirnes 72 minutes

 

Goalie: Joel Danyluk 15games Goals against Average 3.14

 

Last time the two teams met: November 9, 2012 Augustana 5, Keyano 3; November 10, 2012 Keyano 3 Concordia 2…..at Encana Arena

 

 

Keyano Huskies goalie Matthew Smidt made 73 saves this weekend in a two game series against the Concordia Thunder

 

Photo file Dan Lines

 

Keyano Huskies Hockey Results

January 25-26, 2013

Keyano Huskies vs. Concordia University College of Alberta Thunder - Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

 

Men’s Hockey

Saturday January 26, 2013 at Confederation Area Edmonton

Keyano Huskies 3 Concordia Thunder 5

First period Keyano 1 Concordia 1, Second Period Keyano 1, Concordia 3

1st Period-1, Keyano, Jordan Hebert 7 (Wright), 8:15 (PP). 2, Concordia, Kejdana 9 (Hoffman), 13:49 (

2nd Period-3, Concordia, Richards 2 (Turville, Claffey), 3:10. 4, Concordia, Claffey 4 (Kejdana, Hennessey), 6:18 (PP).

3rd Period-5, Concordia, Richards 3 (Claffey, Turville), 1:37. 6, Keyano, Bryce Wilson 10 (Bailey), 9:08. 7, Concordia, Boaz 1 (Hennessey, Lijdsman), 13:00. 8, Keyano, Bryce Wilson 11 (Desjarlais, Axford), 13:40.

Shots on Goal-Keyano 14-12-9-35. Concordia 8-15-14-37. 

Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 7; Concordia 2 / 7.
Goalies-Keyano, Matthew Smidt 4-10-0 (37 shots-32 saves). Concordia, Schalin 2-2-0 (35 shots-32 saves).

 

Friday January 25, 2013 at Terwillegar Arena

Keyano Huskies 4 Concordia Thunder 4 (Overtime Tie)

First period Keyano 0 Concordia 1, Second Period Keyano 4, Concordia 2

1st Period-1, Concordia, Kejdana 8 (Claffey, Hall), 14:35.

 

2nd Period-2, Concordia, Lijdsman 2 (Hall), 5:30. 3, Keyano, Jordan Hebert 5 (Wright), 16:28.

3rd Period-4, Concordia, Richards 1 (Turville, Hennessey), 1:32. 5, Keyano, Jordan Hebert 6 2:58 (PP). 6, Concordia, Herman 11 (Stevenson, Hall), 8:52. 7, Keyano, Bobby Turnbull 6 (Wilson, Bailey), 11:13 (PP). 8, Keyano, Steve Axford 3 15:56 (PP).

Shots on Goal-Keyano 8-8-13-4-33. Concordia 10-20-12-3-45.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 3 / 6; Concordia 0 / 5.
Goalies-Keyano, Matthew Smidt 4-10-0 (45 shots-41 saves). Concordia, Sandahl 5-6-0 (33 shots-29 saves).

 

 

Keyano Huskies record 6 wins 13 losses 2 overtime loss, 1 tie 64 goals for 103 goals against. Stand at 6^th in 8^th team ACAC

 

Next ACAC games: Huskies host defending ACAC Champions Augustana of Alberta Vikings Feb 1-2 at Casman Centre game times 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.

 

Keyano Huskies Bobby Turnbull (No. 6) leads the defence into Edmonton this weekensd vs Concordia Thunder. Last time the two teams met: November 3, 2012 Concordia 7, Keyano 2; November 2, 2012 Keyano 5 Concordia

Photo Dan Lines

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY

Keyano Huskies play Concordia University College of Alberta Thunder

Friday January 25, 2013 8:15p.m.

Saturday January 26, 2013 3:15 p.m.

At Edmonton’s Terwillegar Arena

 

Men’s Hockey

Keyano Huskies(Team Record 6 wins 12 losses 2 overtime loss; 57 goals for, 94 goals against)

6^th Place in 8-team Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)

 

Top Points

Bryce Wilson:  9 goals 9 assists 18 points in 20 games

Keenan Bailey: 6 goals 12 assists 18 points in 19 games

Brock Friesen: 7 goals 9 assists 16  points in 19 games

 

Penalty Minutes:   Sam Rockwell 100

 

Goalie:  Matthew Smidt 14 games Goals against Average 4.41

 

Concordia Thunder (Team Record 6 win 10 losses 3 ties; 63 goals for, 65 goals against)

5th place in ACAC

 

Top Points

Andre Herman, 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points, 18 games

Ian Hall 6 goals, 13 assists, 19 points, 18 games

Tyler Stevenson 7 goals, 10 assist, 17 points 18 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Greg Hennessey 45 minutes

 

Goalie: Joel Danyluk 14games Goals against Average 2.94

 

 

 

With three assists and a goal in the Huskies 5-2  win Saturday , Bryce Wilson above (9 goals, 9 assists, 20 games) is tied in team points with Keenan Bailey (6 goals, 12 assists, 19 games) with 18 points

   

Photo Dan Lines   

 

Keyano Huskies Hockey

Weekend Results January 18-19, 2013

Keyano College Huskies at Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, Saskatchewan at Barkman Arena

 

Men’s Hockey

Saturday January 19, 2013- Keyano Huskies 5 Briercrest Clippers 2

First Period Keyano 1 Briercrest 0                Second Period Keyano 3 Briercrest 1

 

1st Period-1, Keyano, Brock Friesen 7 (Wilson, Axford), 13:08.

2nd Period-2, Keyano, Bobby Turnbull 5 (Hannas, Sookro), 6:07. 3, Keyano, Michael  Desjarlais 8 (Wilson, Jordan), 14:20. 4, Briercrest, Schellenberg 8 (Ford, McNeill), 15:49.

3rd Period-5, Keyano, Michael Desjarlais 9 (Wilson, Harding), 7:00 (PP). 6, Briercrest, Petersen 1 (Ford, Schellenberg), 17:26. 7, Keyano, Bryce Wilson 9 (Friesen), 18:51 (EN)

 

Shots on Goal-Keyano 17-12-15-44. Briercrest 7-13-10-30.   Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 2; Briercrest 0 / 5.
Goalies-Keyano, Jeff Puddephatt 2-5-0 (30 shots-28 saves). Briercrest, Chenard 1-18-0 (43 shots-39 saves).

 

Game Notes: With three assists and a goal in the win, Bryce Wilson (9 goals, 9 assists, 20 games) is tied in team points with Keenan Bailey (6 goals, 12 assists, 19 games) with 18 points

.

Huskies record 6 wins 12 losses 2 overtime losses 57 goals for 94 goals against. 6th place in 8-team ACAC Next Games January 25-26, 2013 in Edmonton against the Concordia University College of Alberta Griffins

 

Friday January 18, 2013 - Keyano Huskies 1 Briercrest Clippers 2

First Period Keyano 0 Briercrest 1                Second Period Keyano 0 Briercrest 1 Third Period Keyano 1 Briercrest 1

 

1st Period-No Scoring.

2nd Period-1, Briercrest, Schellenberg 7 (Landry, Golz), 8:33 (PP).

3rd Period-2, Keyano, Bobby Turnbull 4 (Friesen), 18:30.

1st OT Period-3, Briercrest, Golz 2 (Schellenberg), 4:54.

Shots on Goal-Keyano 8-13-22-2-45. Briercrest 8-19-4-3-34.   Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 0 / 6; Briercrest 1 / 6.
Goalies-Keyano, Smidt 4-9-0 (34 shots-32 saves). Briercrest, Chenard 1-18-0 (45 shots-44 saves).

 

Huskies Hockey Nabs Three Points

 

By Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

Keyano Huskies Brendan Wright skates into Barkman Arena tomorrow night as the Huskies play the host Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, Saskatchewan.

 

Photo Dan Lines

 

 

Keyano Huskies goalie Matt Smidt stands his ground against Portage Voyageurs Troy Dumais during a 3-1 loss yesterday at the Casman Centre despite the Huskies outshooting the visitors 41 to 18.

Photo courtesy Dan Lines

 

 

Huskies Lose to Voyageurs

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

01/13/2102 - Sometimes you play well and things just don’t go your way. That was the case for the Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team this weekend after two losses to Portage College.

 

The Huskies fell 4-2 to Portage on Friday night in Lac La Biche, but had a strong effort despite their shortage of shots.

 

On Saturday, the Huskies dominated the Voyageurs in every place but the scoreboard as they lost 3-1 despite a significant shot advantage.

 

“I think that probably overall was the second best game we played all year,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“We got 41 shots, (Kyle) Birch stood on his head and we didn’t allow any shots in the third period even though we had six minutes of penalties. So I’m happy with the effort overall for most of our team.”

 

Keenan Bailey and Brendan Wright both scored for the Huskies Friday night in Lac La Biche and Jeff Puddephatt had a strong game in goal, despite the loss, making 27 saves.

 

On Saturday, Keyano had an 18-7 shot advantage after the first but trailed 1-0 on the scoreboard with a goal from Portage’s Cory Giroux.

 

Richard Cameron gave the Voyageurs a two-goal lead, but Jordon Hebert snapped a quick one for the Huskies to cut the lead in half.

 

However, just three minutes later Kyle Lapenski would score the final goal for Portage and give them a 3-1 lead.

 

Keyano outshot Portage 16-0 in the third and 41-18 overall, but could not manage to beat goaltender Kyle Birch more than once.

 

“We’re still trying to get back on track, it takes a toll on skills and trying to get back in shape, but at the same time that goalie was just hot today,” said Hebert.

 

“Our boys were working hard out there, just had a bit of bad luck.”

 

The Huskies can take quite a few positives out of Saturday’s loss; unlike other games, they didn’t stop trying when down a couple of goals and they didn’t get undisciplined despite their frustrations.

 

The bad news for Keyano is forward Justin Remillard has a lower-body injury that prevented him from playing Saturday and he could miss additional time.

 

Keyano will hit the road this weekend as they travel to play the Briercrest College Clippers.

Keyano Huskies Hockey Results

January 11-12, 2013

Keyano Huskies vs. Portage Voyageurs - Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

 

Men’s Hockey

Saturday January 12, 2013 at Casman Centre Fort McMurray

Keyano Huskies 1 Portage Voyageurs 3

 

1st Period-1, Portage, Giroux 9 (Brueggeman), 0:57.

2nd Period-2, Portage, Cameron 9 2:47 (PP). 3, Keyano, Hebert 4 (Galbraith), 12:17. 4, Portage, Lapenskie 4 (Steedsman), 15:50.
3rd Period- No Scoring.
Shots on Goal-Portage 7-11-0-18. Keyano 18-7-16-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Portage 1 / 6; Keyano 0 / 3.
Goalies-Portage, Birch 4-4-0 (41 shots-40 saves). Keyano, Smidt 4-8-0 (18 shots-15 saves).

Shots on Goal-Keyano 4-12-4-20. SAIT 15-16-18-49.         Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 4; SAIT 0 / 4.

Goalies-Keyano, Matt Smidt 4-6-0 (49 shots-42 saves). SAIT, Hopfe 4-1-0 (20 shots-17 saves).

 

 Friday January 11, 2013 at Bold Centre Lac la Biche

Keyano Huskies 2 Portage Voyageurs 4

 

1st Period- No Scoring.

2nd Period-1, Keyano, Bailey 6 (Wilson, Turnbull), 1:12 (PP).

3rd Period-2, Portage, Hall 6 (Geddes, Giroux), 3:38 (PP). 3, Portage, Hall 7 (Cameron, Waterfield), 6:21. 4, Portage, Andersen 8 (Gehl, Brueggeman), 10:08 (PP). 5, Keyano, Wright 3 (Galbraith), 15:04. 6, Portage, Andersen 9 (Giroux), 18:55.

Shots on Goal-Keyano 5-6-3-14. Portage 12-8-11-31.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 3; Portage 2 / 8.
Goalies-Keyano, Puddephatt 1-4-0 (31 shots-27 saves). Portage, Halcrow 4-3-0 (14 shots-12 saves).

 

Keyano Huskies record 5 wins 12 losses 1 overtime loss, 51 goals for 90 goals against. Stand at 6^th in 8^th team ACAC

 

Next ACAC games: Huskies play Briercrest Clippers January 18-19, 2013 at Barksman Arena in Caronport Saskatchewan.

 

 

Huskies Tyler Posch on the rush yesterday
Photo courtesy Dan Lines

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY

Friday January 11, 2013 7 p.m. AWAY vs. Portage Voyageurs.at Bold Centre

Saturday January 12, 2013 2 p.m. HOME vs. Portage Voyageurs at Casman Centre

 

Men’s Hockey

Keyano Huskies(Team Record 5 wins 10 losses 1 overtime loss; 48 goals for, 83 goals against)

6^th Place in 8-team Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)

 

Top Points

Keenan Bailey: 5 goals 12 assists 17 points in 16 games

Bryce Wilson:  8 goals 5 assists 13 points in 16 games

Brock Friesen: 6 goals 7 assists 13 points in 15 games

 

Penalty Minutes:   Sam Rockwell 94

 

Goalie:  Matthew Smidt 12 games Goals against Average 4.79

 

Portage Voyageurs(Team Record 7 win 7 losses 2 ties; 68 goals for, 63 goals against)

4^th place in ACAC

 

Top Points

Cory Giroux, 8 goals, 21 assists, 29 points, 16 games

Ryan Anderson 7 goals, 14 assists, 21 points, 15 games

Jeff Maronese 2 goals, 19 assist, 21 points 16 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Ryan Anderson 61 minutes

 

Goalie: Kirby Halcrow 10games Goals against Average 3.69

Keyano Huskies have added former Dauphin Kings defenceman Matt McAleenan to their blueline for the second semester. TREVOR HOWLETT/TODAY STAFF

 

Huskies Make Changes for Second Half

by Trevor Howlett Fort McMurray TODAY

 

The new year has a brought a couple of changes to the Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team in their inaugural season in the ACAC.

 

The Huskies have added defenceman Matt McAleenan for the remainder of the season.

The five-foot-eleven rearguard scored 36 points in 58 games last season with the Dauphin Kings of the MJHL.

 

The Calgary native started his junior career with the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL putting up 23 points in 42 games in 2009-10. McAleenan played with Calvin Cairns and Justin Remillard, two other members of the Huskies, last season in Dauphin.

 

“He got 36 points last year and he’s definitely a puck-moving defenceman,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“He sees the ice really well and it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes him to get back into it without playing for the last eight months. But one thing we can tell right away is he sees the play before it happens and he’s moving the puck well.”

 

Strand hopes McAleenan will help the Huskies on special teams.

 

Both the powerplay and penalty kill struggled at times but adding another high caliber player in the mix will likely boost the team in those categories.

 

“We knew in the first 10 minutes that he was out here, that he knew how to hold the puck on the PP,” said Strand.

 

“He reads the play well on the penalty kill as well. He’ll be a factor and he gives a whole different dimension we haven’t had yet.”

 

McAleenan was supposed to join the Huskies in September but had some family issues to attend to. Now that he’s on the team he’s happy and ready to play.

 

“I missed the game a little too much to stay out of it, so I decided to come back,” said McAleenan.

 

“It’s just a matter of conditioning for me now. It’ll take a couple of practices to get ready but I’m sure it’ll be fine and I’ll be ready to go.”

 

While the Huskies have made one addition for the new year, they’ve also made a subtraction.

 

Forward Dylan Seymour has left the team to help heal his concussion problems, which have plagued him for the last year and a half.

 

It’s unclear whether the former Oil Baron will ever return to hockey, but it won’t be with Keyano this season.

 

“I don’t think Dylan should’ve been playing anyway, he played a couple of games and he told me he was still hurt and he mentioned it hadn’t really gone away,” said Strand.

 

“Had I known that from the start, it wouldn’t have been something we would’ve messed with. I totally support him for taking care of his head, I think that’s something that should always be addressed, especially the way he plays.”

 

Strand added that the door is open for Seymour should he want to want to return in a year or two and said Seymour was the type of player any coach would welcome.

 

Rockwell gets the ‘C’

 

Strand made an important announcement at the end of Tuesday’s practice, naming his captain and alternate captains for the remainder of the season. Defenceman Sam Rockwell will serve as captain, while Mitch Galbraith, Bobby Turnbull and Keenan Bailey will serve as alternates.

 

Rockwell wore the ‘C’ for a large chunk of the first semester and Strand said the time was right to give Rockwell the captaincy because he sets a good example.

 

“I kind of had a feeling when he came here, just in the way he carries himself and the way he plays the game,” said Strand.

 

“He wore the C for most games in the interim, but we never named any assistants and I kind of wanted to know what guys were like. The big thing with Sam is, he’s the type of character you want and he’s the type of guy you want to represent the school just with his work ethic and his demeanor.”

 

The Huskies will kick off their second semester in the ACAC this Friday when they travel to Lac La Biche to play the Portage College Voyageurs

 

They return to the Casman Centre the next day Saturday January 12 to host the Voyageurs at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door or at the front desk at the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre.

 

Huskies Fall to Ooks

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

12/03/2012 - The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team ended their first semester in the ACAC with a pair of blowout losses to the NAIT Ooks Friday and Saturday.

 

The Ooks end their first semester without a single regulation loss, while the Huskies have a record of 5-10-1.

 

On Friday the Huskies lost 7-2 to the Ooks and ended up falling 9-2 Saturday afternoon, although the score doesn’t reflect how close the game was.

 

“We’ve got a young team and against these hard teams we have the ability to fall apart,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

Ryon Sookro and Keenan Bailey were both able to score on Canadian National Women’s Team goaltender Shannon Szabados Friday, but the Ooks would outscore the Huskies by five to get the win. Matthew Smidt made 39 saves in the loss.

 

On Saturday, it was the Huskies who took the lead early with Brock Friesen and Steve Axford, giving Keyano a quick 2-0 lead. But the Ooks would tie the game by the end of the first and take a lead in the early second.

 

The Huskies had a good chance to tie the game late when they had a five-minute powerplay, but instead they were scored on short-handed by NAIT and ended the second period down 4-2 without generating much offence on their man advantage.

“That was probably the maddest I’ve been in a second intermission. I was not very happy about it,” said Strand.

 

“It was very poor play from every single person on that and it was a complete breakdown from bringing it out of the zone to what I want them to do in the offensive zone. Guys need to realize they’re not good enough for that yet and they may never be in this season. Their job is to get the puck to the net and crash it and they didn’t do that.”

 

The Huskies ended up getting lit up in the third period, mostly due to a five-minute major penalty for kneeing.

 

Strand thinks the referee got the call wrong, which hurt the Huskies’ ability to come back.

 

“When you’ve got a fragile team, a call like that will bring you down,” said Strand.

“I thought we were playing very well in the third — they were doing what I wanted them to do. I wanted them to keep it close and I wanted them to get a little bit of a victory that way as opposed to it totally on the scoreboard. Not only that, but it wasn’t the right call and I’ve got no problem saying that.”

 

Despite the disappointing weekend, The Huskies still finish their first semester in sixth place, ahead of the Briercrest Clippers and Grant MacEwan Griffins, which is pretty respectable for a first-year team. Strand thinks the first semester for his team met most of his expectations.

 

“It probably went as expected as a first-year team. We’re not where we were when we were one game below .500, but the biggest concern is how much we’re losing by,” said Strand.

 

“It’s not so much that we’re losing, because it takes a perfect game for us to beat NAIT or SAIT, but it’s more concerning how we’ve lost it at the end of the game. Those are things I can work on as a coach to make sure my guys are in a little bit better shape or that they are prepared for the third.”

 

The Huskies are now off until Jan. 11 when they travel to Lac La Biche to play the Portage College Voyageurs.

 

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies Jeff Puddephatt stops at NAIT Ooks player on the doorstep during ACAC action Saturday at the Casman Centre

Photo by Dan Lines

 

Huskies Take on NAIT Ooks

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

12/02/2012 - The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team ended their first semester in the ACAC with a pair of blowout losses to the NAIT Ooks Friday and Saturday.

 

The Ooks end their first semester without a single regulation loss, while the Huskies have a record of 5-10-1.

 

On Friday the Huskies lost 7-2 to the Ooks and ended up falling 9-2 Saturday afternoon, although the score doesn’t reflect how close the game was.

 

“We’ve got a young team and against these hard teams we have the ability to fall apart,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

Ryon Sookro and Keenan Bailey were both able to score on Canadian National Women’s Team goaltender Shannon Szabados Friday, but the Ooks would outscore the Huskies by five to get the win. Matthew Smidt made 39 saves in the loss.

 

On Saturday, it was the Huskies who took the lead early with Brock Friesen and Steve Axford, giving Keyano a quick 2-0 lead. But the Ooks would tie the game by the end of the first and take a lead in the early second.

 

The Huskies had a good chance to tie the game late when they had a five-minute powerplay, but instead they were scored on short-handed by NAIT and ended the second period down 4-2 without generating much offence on their man advantage.

 

“That was probably the maddest I’ve been in a second intermission. I was not very happy about it,” said Strand.

 

“It was very poor play from every single person on that and it was a complete breakdown from bringing it out of the zone to what I want them to do in the offensive zone. Guys need to realize they’re not good enough for that yet and they may never be in this season. Their job is to get the puck to the net and crash it and they didn’t do that.”

 

The Huskies ended up getting lit up in the third period, mostly due to a five-minute major penalty for kneeing.

 

Strand thinks the referee got the call wrong, which hurt the Huskies’ ability to come back.

 

“When you’ve got a fragile team, a call like that will bring you down,” said Strand.

 

“I thought we were playing very well in the third — they were doing what I wanted them to do. I wanted them to keep it close and I wanted them to get a little bit of a victory that way as opposed to it totally on the scoreboard. Not only that, but it wasn’t the right call and I’ve got no problem saying that.”

 

Despite the disappointing weekend, The Huskies still finish their first semester in sixth place, ahead of the Briercrest Clippers and Grant MacEwan Griffins, which is pretty respectable for a first-year team. Strand thinks the first semester for his team met most of his expectations.

 

“It probably went as expected as a first-year team. We’re not where we were when we were one game below .500, but the biggest concern is how much we’re losing by,” said Strand.

 

“It’s not so much that we’re losing, because it takes a perfect game for us to beat NAIT or SAIT, but it’s more concerning how we’ve lost it at the end of the game. Those are things I can work on as a coach to make sure my guys are in a little bit better shape or that they are prepared for the third.”

 

The Huskies are now off until Jan. 11 when they travel to Lac La Biche to play the Portage College Voyageurs.

Huskies Take on NAIT Ooks

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

11/30/2012 - The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team will end their first semester of hockey in the ACAC with a battle against the top team in the league, the NAIT Ooks.

 

The Ooks boast an impressive 11-0-1-1 record and have beaten the Huskies twice this season — a 10-0 win for NAIT in the Huskies’ first regular season game and a 2-1 Ooks win in their second meeting.

 

“With these guys, we have to recognize that they’ve only got 18 goals against and we’re not going to be running and gunning with them,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“We’ve got to take care of our zone – and we’ve been working on that extensively — and hopefully we can put in a couple of goals on them and get a win.”

 

Keyano is traditional rival of NAIT in many ACAC sports, partly because of the relative proximity of the two schools.

 

Notably, Keyano College president Kevin Nagel worked for NAIT before taking his current position. While the Huskies don’t have the same history with NAIT in the sport of hockey, Huskies coach Strand and NAIT head coach Serge Lajoie were teammates on the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the 1992-93 season, when Lajoie was captain and the Golden Bears went to nationals.

 

“I looked up to him as a first year player and he’s the same way as a coach here now. He seems to be one of the veteran coaches in the league now,” said Strand. “After the 10-0 loss, I said ‘nice lesson Serge!’ I hoping that is something we can rival against each other for a few years.”

 

While local hockey fans may want to check out the Huskies’ series with NAIT simply to see the top team in the province, there is also the chance of seeing Shannon Szabados, the goaltender for the Canadian National women’s hockey team, as she plays regularly for the Ooks.

 

Szabados is currently the only female in the ACAC and currently boasts the best sve percentage, with a sparkling .931 save percentage and an impressive 1.25 GAA.

 

With the Huskies set to end their first semester this weekend, the players are anxious to show everything they’ve got against the league’s top team.

 

“We’re pretty pumped on getting the chance to give them their first loss this year,” said Huskies defenceman Bobby Turnbull.

 

“We’ve got a whole month off after this so we’re definitely preparing to empty the tank this weekend.”

 

Strand will have almost his entire roster ready to play this weekend. Only Calvin Cairns and Dylan Seymour won’t play — both are out with head injuries.

 

Strand is hoping he can build off his team’s last game against the Ooks and get the chance to hand NAIT their first regulation loss of the year.

 

“I’m hoping we can revisit that 2-1 loss and instead of letting them score with five minutes left, we put it to them,” said Strand.

 

The Huskies host the Ooks on Friday and Saturday at the Casman Centre.

Puck drop for Friday’s game is at 8 p.m. and Saturday’s game starts at 2 p.m.

 

As part of the Movember campaign, anyone who wears a mustache for Friday’s game — real or fake — will have half of their admission price donated to charity.

 

 

Sit Down with Keyano Huskies Men's Hockey Coach Paul Strand

 

Keyano Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand talks about this weekend series against the NAIT Ooks with Sports Information Officer Curtis J. Phillips

 

Q: Paul, a big series coming up against the Ooks, how do things look?

 

Strand:  For us to beat NAIT (Team Record 11 win 1 overtime loss 1 ties; 64 goals for, 18 goals against) we will have to play the perfect game. Right now they are clicking on all cylinder and we are going to have to clamp down on our defensive zone. I think the way they are performing, from top to bottom, that they are the No. 1 (collegiate) team in the country right now. They are well coached (Serge Lajoie) and are on a run with five straight wins.

(Last time Huskies played the Ooks they lost October 12 by a 10-0 score and October 13 by a 2-1 decision at NAIT Arena)

 

Q: In net they have Canadian Olympics gold medal goalie Shannon Szabados, With a league leading 1.25 goals-against-average, how important is she to the Ooks?

 

Strand:  She is pretty important as she is probably one of the best if not the best goalie in the league. NAIT is a good team, all around, and having her in net allows them to play their game with confidence.

 

Q: Halfway through your inaugural season in the ACAC (Huskies record 5 wins 8 losses 1 overtime loss; 44 goals for, 67 goals against) how are the boys feeling?

 

Strand:  Last weekend coming back on the bus after playing SAIT Trojans (7-3 and 5-1 losses) the boys were very quiet and halfway home I indicated to them that we are doing well for a first-year program and they were still not happy.  That made me feel good, in that it shows that they were still not satisfied and that means that they only want to work harder.”

 

Q: Any final comments to the Huskies fans?

 

Strand: That this will be the best opportunity this year to see hockey at this calibre. We have not seen quality hockey like this in town this year. The Ooks are good enough to beat three or four  teams in the CIS West (Canadian Interuniversity Sport)."

 

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY
Friday November 30, 2012 vs. NAIT Ooks 8 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 2012 vs. NAIT Ooks 2 p.m.
HOME GAMES - Casman Centre

Men’s Hockey
Keyano Huskies (Team Record 5 wins 8 losses 1 overtime loss; 44 goals for, 67 goals against)
6th Place in 8-team Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC)
Top Points
Keenan Bailey: 4 goals 11 assists 15 points in 14 games
Bryce Wilson: 8 goals 4 assists 12 points in 14 games
Brock Friesen: 5 goals 7 assists 12 points in 13 games
Penalty Minutes: Sam Rockwell 92
Goalie: Matthew Smidt 11 games Goals against Average 4.57

 

NAIT Ooks (Team Record 11 win 1 overtime losses 1 ties; 64 goals for, 18 goals against)
1st place in ACAC
Top Points
Jordan Draper, 9 goals, 12 assists, 21 points, 13 games
Tyler French, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, 13 games
Andy Willigar 4 goals, 12 assist, 13 games
Penalty Minutes: Liam Darragh 38 minutes
Goalie: Shannon Szabados 8 games Goals against Average 1.25
In recognition of “Movember”, Keyano Huskies Athletic Department will be holding a fundraiser in that every person who attends the Friday November 30, 2012 game, male or female, young or old, boasting a real moustache or fake moustache, will have half of their admission price donated to the Movember charity

 

 

 

KEYANO MEN’S HOCKEY HOME GAME IN SUPPORT OF MEN’S HEALTH

 

Fort McMurray, AB- Since November 1^st, countless males in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo put away the razor blade to grow hair on their upper lip as part of the annual Movember Campaign. Now it is time for them to gather at the Keyano Huskies hockey home game this weekend.

Join the Keyano Huskies in raising vital funds for prostate cancer and men’s health.  Wear your mustache, real or fake, to the November 30^th hockey home game at Casman Centre, and ½ the ticket price will be donated to the Movember campaign. 

Huskies Movember Fundraiser:

The Keyano Huskies host the NAIT Ooks

Friday November 30      

8:00pm                

Casman Centre

 

Tickets are available in advance at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre or at the Casman box office 6:30pm game day.

 

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 students, $5 youth aged 6-13, Keyano students with ID, and children under six are free.

 

 

 

Keenan Bailey continues to be one of the Keyano Huskies top gunners in their inaugural seaon in ACAC hockey with four goals and 11 assists in 14 games.

Photo Erwin Kuhr

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies Hockey Results

Opponent SAIT Trojans - Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

November 23-24, 2012 – SAIT Arena

 

Men’s Hockey

Saturday November 24, 2012

Keyano Huskies 3 SAIT Trojans 7

 

1st Period-1, SAIT, Paterson 6 (Struble, Babey), 8:06. 2, Keyano, Michael Desjarlais 7 (Axford, McMurphy), 13:49.

 

2nd Period-3, Keyano, Tyler Posch 3 (Hebert), 1:51. 4, SAIT, O'Quinn 8 (Pettapiece, Watson), 19:37.

 

3rd Period-5, SAIT, Watson 8 (Bradshaw), 3:47. 6, SAIT, Watson 9 (Pettapiece, O'Quinn), 6:43. 7, SAIT, Paterson 7 (Board), 7:18. 8, SAIT, Pettapiece 7 (O'Quinn), 12:56. 9, SAIT, Gans 1 (Paterson, Struble), 15:05. 10, Keyano, Tyler Posch 4   17:07 (PP).

 

Shots on Goal-Keyano 4-12-4-20. SAIT 15-16-18-49.         Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 4; SAIT 0 / 4.

Goalies-Keyano, Matt Smidt 4-6-0 (49 shots-42 saves). SAIT, Hopfe 4-1-0 (20 shots-17 saves).

 

 

 Friday November 23, 2012

Keyano Huskies 1 SAIT Trojans 5

 

1st Period-1, SAIT, Pettapiece 5   12:38. 2, Keyano, Bryce Wilson8 (Sookro), 15:07.

 

2nd Period-3, SAIT, Bradshaw 1 (Watson), 6:43. 4, SAIT, Semenok 3 (O'Quinn, Pettapiece), 14:38 (PP)

 

3rd Period-5, SAIT, Pettapiece 6 (O'Quinn), 13:08 (PP). 6, SAIT, O'Quinn 7 (Watson, Pettapiece), 15:56 (PP).

 

Shots on Goal-Keyano 7-3-9-19. SAIT 16-14-16-46.     Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 0 / 7; SAIT 3 / 6.

Goalies-Keyano, Matt Smidt 4-6-0 (46 shots-41 saves). SAIT, Tadjdeh 5-2-0 (19 shots-18 saves).

 

Keyano Huskies record 5 wins 8 losses 1 overtime loss, 44 goals for 67 goals against

 

Next ACAC games: Huskies host NAIT Ooks Friday November 30, 2012 8 p.m. and Saturday December 1, 2012 at 2 p.m. Both games at the Casman Centre.

 

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY
Friday November 23, 2012 vs. SAIT Trojans 7 p.m.
Saturday November 24, 2012 vs.SAIT Trojans 2 p.m.
AWAY GAMES

Men’s Hockey
Keyano Huskies (Team Record 5 wins 6 losses 1 overtime loss; 6th place in 8-team ACAC hockey; 40 goals for, 55 goals against)
Top Points
Keenan Bailey: 4 goals 11 assists 15 points in 12 games
Brock Friesen: 5 goals 7 assists 12 points in 11 games
Bryce Wilson: 7 goals 4 assists 11 points in 12 games
Penalty Minutes: Sam Rockwell 73
Goalie: Matthew Smidt 9 games Goals against Average 4.21
SAIT Trojans (Team Record 7 win 3 losses 2 ties; 3rd place in ACAC, 50 goals for, 28 goals against)
Top Points
Clinton Pettapiece, 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points, 12 games
JD Watt, 4 goals, 10 assists, 15 points, 12 games
Penalty Minutes: Adam Stuart 33 minutes
Goalie: Joel Danyluk 6 games Goals against Average 2.33

 

 

Men’s Hockey

Huskies record 5 wins 6 losses 1 overtime loss Next games Huskies at SAIT Trojans November 23-24

HOME Saturday November 17, 2012 - Keyano Huskies 5 Grant MacEwan Griffins 2
1st Period-1, Keyano, Tyler Posch (photo above) 2 (Wright, Axford), 1:30 (PP). 2, Keyano, Bailey 4 (Friesen, Turnbull), 6:13.
2nd Period- No Scoring.
3rd Period-3, Keyano, McMurphy 2 (Desjarlais, Axford), 5:16. 4, Keyano, Desjarlais 6 (Axford, Hannas), 5:36.5, Keyano, Turnbull 3 18:47
Shots on Goal-MacEwan 10-6-9-25. Keyano 10-1-7-18.
Power Play Opportunities-MacEwan 0 / 0; Keyano 1 / 1.
Goalies-MacEwan, Weitzel 1-3-0 (15 shots-13 saves). Keyano, Smidt 4-4-0 (24 shots-23 saves).

“We didn’t play any better than we did on Friday and for the most part we lucked out that they didn’t get the puck in the net. Sometimes we have a hard time in getting the legs going and that happened again this afternoon. Mat Smidt stopping the puck and keeping the goals down to two was great and I’d like to highlight Mac McMurphy getting the winning goal after not playing Friday. That was impressive and he played well and was moving his feet,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

HOME Friday November 16, 2012 - Keyano Huskies 2 Grant MacEwan Griffins 8

 

1st Period-1, Keyano, Wilson 7 (Wright, Lynott), 9:50 (PP).
3rd Period-2, Keyano, Wright 2 11:01. Shots on Goal-MacEwan 15-20-13-48. Keyano 9-8-19-36.
Power Play Opportunities-MacEwan 3 / 2; Keyano 1 / 1.
Goalies-MacEwan, Weitzel 1-3-0 (36 shots-34 saves). Keyano, Puddephatt 1-3-0 (22 shots-18 saves); Smidt 4-4-0 (26 shots-22 saves).

 

“We weren’t working hard enough and we did not play smart. We were taking some bad penalties and we let our emotions go after they got a few quick goals. It was probably our worse game all around d of the entire season,” said head coach Paul Strand.

 

 

Huskies Split Weekend vs. Griffins

by Trevor Howlett Fort McMurray TODAY

 

It was a very strange weekend for the Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team as they split with the Grant MacEwan Griffins, giving the Griffins their first win of the year.

 

The Huskies fell 8-2 to the Griffins on Friday night at the Frank Lacroix Arena, but were able to bounce back and get win on Saturday 5-2 and come out 1-1 on the weekend.

“Both games we didn’t play very well — the players kind of acknowledged them as well — but we weren’t really clicking,” said head coach Paul Strand.

 

Prior to their weekend games with the Griffins, the Huskies were coming off a big win over last year’s champions, the Augustana Vikings, so it was a bit unexpected for the Huskies to get blown out Friday by a team that hadn’t won any games. Still, there will be ups and downs for a first-year team and Strand said the weekend with the Griffins is just another lesson for his team.

 

“I think what they saw was that they have the ability to beat a really good team but we also have the ability to slip right back into some of their old habits,” said Strand.

 

“It was good that we didn’t get hurt too bad, we only lost one game, so it’s not so much a step back. But again it’s another learning experience for them and myself.”

 

Bryce Wilson and Brendan Wright got the Huskies goals in Friday’s 8-2 loss. On Saturday, Tyler Posch, Keenan Bailey, Mac McMurphy, Michael Desjarlais and Bobby Turnbull scored for Keyano. Steve Axford also added three assists and Matthew Smidt picked up the win in net. The Huskies had their snipers out Saturday as the team managed five goals on 14 shots.

 

“I think we have some great goal scoring if we just get the shots on net in the right place and get the goaltender moving,” said Strand. “It was strange but it was nice to see.”

 

Strand singled out Smidt as been the best player for the Huskies in Saturday’s win. He also said he liked the play of McMurphy, who got the game-winning goal, but outside of those two players he thought most of the Huskies did not play well this past weekend.

 

The Huskies are now 5-6-0-1 on the season, good for sixth place in the ACAC. Bailey remains the team’s top scorer with 15 points in 14 games, which puts him in a four-way tie for eighth in the league.

 

This weekend the Huskies are on the road to Calgary to play the SAIT Trojans, who are currently third in the ACAC

 

Keyano Huskies WHO’s WHO in HOCKEY

Friday November 16, 2012 vs. Grant MacEwan Griffins 8 p.m. Frank Lacroix Arena

Saturday November 17, 2012 vs. Grant MacEwan Griffins 2 p.m. Casman Centre

HOME GAMES

 

 

Men’s Hockey

Keyano Huskies (Team Record 4 wins 5 loss one overtime loss)

Top Points

Keenan Bailey: 3 goals 11 assists 14 points in 10 games

Brock Friesen: five goals six assists 11 points in nine games

Bryce Wilson: six goals four assists 10 points in 10 games

 

Penalty Minutes: Sam Rockwell 71

 

Goalie: Matthew Smidt seven games Goals against Average 4.20

 

Grant MacEwan Griffins(Team Record 0 win 9 loss)

Top Points

Sean Poitras four goals three assists seven points in nine games

Adam Stephen one goal six assists seven points in nine games

 

Penalty Minutes: Zachary Schram 37

 

Goalie: Dallas Ungurian eightgames Goals against Average 4.95

 

 

Huskies Split WIth Champs

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team managed a split on the weekend with one of the top teams in the ACAC, the defending champion Augustana Vikings.

 

The Huskies fell 5-3 to the Vikings on Friday night in Camrose, but pulled out a 3-2 win on Saturday.

 

Head coach Paul Strand said beating the Vikings is just a reflection of the progress the team has made recently.

 

“The big thing is they are starting to get it, the belief that they are not just a new team,” said Strand. “You saw that in some of the bigger losses. Not so much against Concordia, but the 8-1 and 10-0 where we lost our confidence. But there’s a lot of stuff the guys have been working on, getting the idea down and understanding what it takes.”

 

Brock Friesen, Ryon Sookro and Justin Remillard scored for the Huskies on Friday, while Bryce Wilson, Friesen and Bobby Turnbull scored Saturday.

 

Keenan Bailey had four assists on the weekend and Wilson added three helpers for a four point weekend. Matthew Smidt was also noted for having his performance, making 36 saves on Friday and 30 saves Saturday.

 

Strand said he feels the line of Friesen, Wilson and Bailey were dangerous all weekend and his defence definitely stepped up their game against the Vikings.

 

“I think the fact that we won the second game is a big kudos to the night before and

how well we played,” said Strand.

 

“The guys realized they could do it. … You’re starting to see Keenan Bailey, Bryce Wilson and Brock (Friesen) play really well and we had our defence as a whole getting out there and were really well.”

 

One of the major areas of improvement the Huskies needed after their loss to Concordia two weeks ago, was the penalty kill.

 

Strand thinks the team really improved their play on the PK against the Vikings and said he feels his team is believing in his strategies.

 

“The big thing against Augustana is that we really took care of our penalty kill,” said Strand.

 

“We changed it a little bit and tightened it up a little bit, which only resulted in one powerplay goal in each game and even on those, they weren’t off the actual penalty kill, they were broken plays.

 

“I think that the major factors in there is the belief in the system and the fact that we cleaned up the penalty kill.”

 

The Huskies are now 4-5-1 on the season and will host the Grant MacEwan Griffins Friday and Saturday night.

 

Men’s Hockey (Away)     Keyano Huskies 3    Augustana Vikings 2 

Huskies stats

1st Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Rockwell Kc (major-fighting, game misconduct), 16:56; Desjarlais Kc (slashing), 17:54.

 

2nd Period- 1, Keyano, Bryce Wilson 6 (Bailey, Friesen), 6:44. 2, Keyano, Brock Friesen 5 (left) (Wilson, Bailey), 13:36 (PP). Penalties- Bailey Kc (slashing), 7:53; Raiwet Kc (roughing), 9:40;  Hebert Kc (roughing), 14:43.

 

3rd Period-3, Keyano, Bobby Turnbull2 (Bailey, Wilson), 1:15 (PP). Penalties- Bailey Kc (holding opp. stick), 3:52.

 

Shots on Goal-Keyano 4-11-10-25. Augustana 15-11-6-32.  PP Opportunities-Keyano 2 / 5; Augustana 1 / 5.

Goalies-Keyano, Smidt 3-4-0 (32 shots-30 saves). Augustana, Ritz 1-1-0 (25 shots-22 saves).

Keyano Huskies  (4-5-1-0) 

 

Keyano Huskies Friday November 9, 2012 results -   Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

Men’s Hockey (Away)  Keyano Huskies 3  Augustana Vikings 5  

Huskies stats

1st Period-1, Keyano, Brock Friesen 4 (Wilson, Bailey), 18:23. Penalties-Desjarlais Kc (hooking), 4:53; Galbraith Kc (hooking),

2nd Period-2, Augustana, Prpick 2 (Lamb, Bonish), 2:26. 3, Augustana, Cornelsen 7 (Prpick, Aucoin), 11:51. 4, Keyano, Ryon Sookro 3 16:01 (PP). Penalties-Cairns Kc (high sticking), 3:37; Cornelsen Aug (high sticking), 14:54; Friesen Kc (roughing), 16:01; Johnson Aug (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 16:01; Cornelsen Aug (hooking), 17:43.
3rd Period-5, Augustana, Aucoin 2 (Hobbs, Hope), 3:19. 6, Augustana, Tribble 3 (Rempel, Amiel), 8:41. 7, Augustana, Hope 7 (Korchinski), 11:52 (PP). 8, Keyano, Justin Remillard  (right) 1 (Sookro), 13:17. Penalties-Hobbs Aug (slashing), 5:08; Galbraith Kc (boarding), 5:17; Rockwell Kc (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 9:53; Aucoin Aug (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 9:53; Turnbull Kc (tripping), 11:42.
Shots on Goal-Keyano 7-9-6-22. Augustana 11-11-19-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 4; Augustana 1 / 5.
Goalies-Keyano, Smidt 2-4-0 (41 shots-36 saves). Augustana, Kolida 2-1-0 (22 shots-19 saves).

Keyano Huskies  (3-5-1-0)  

 

 

 

Keyano Huskies men’s hockey Michael Desjarlais (No. 70)  is on a five-game scoring streak which started October 18, 2012 and he has five goals and an assist to date. Huskies play defending ACAC champ Augustana Vikings in Camrose tonight Friday Nov 9, 2012

Photo by Dan Lines

 

Men’s Hockey

Huskies now 3 wins 4 loss 1 overtime loss in regular season play

 

Saturday November 3, 2012 (Home Game)

Keyano Huskies 2 Concordia Thunder 7

“I think initially we did not come out in the same strength in the first period as we did in (Friday night’s 5-4 win),” said head coach Paul Strand. “The amount of penalties we get puts a young team like this back on their heels.”

 

Huskies were whistled for 13 of the 16 calls which allowed the Thunder to score four power play goals in a repeat of Friday night. Huskies had four 10-minute game misconducts.

 

“We are taking some good strides to curb what we are doing and play at a cleaner level,” said Strand.

 

On the positive side:"We had spurts where everyone was playing well…it was a weird game in a way.”

 

Scoring for the Huskies was Brock Friesen and Bryce Wilson.

 

Both Huskies goals came in the opening 20 minutes with the visitors up 3-2.

 

Shots on goal 32 Huskies 44 Concordia.

 

Jeff Puddephatt was in net for the Huskies.

 

Thunder players Jordan Hoffman and Ian Hall each had two goals in the game played at the Casman Centre.

 

Friday November 2, 2012 (Home Game)

Keyano Huskies 5 Concordia Thunder 4

 

In men's hockey the Keyano Huskies defeated the visiting Concordia Thunder 5-4 at Frank Lacroix Minor Hockey Arena.

 

Brock Frisen led the Huskies with two goals, both scored in the opening 10 minutes, in which the Huskies led 3-2 after the first period.

 

Mac McMurphy got the other first period goal for the Huskies.

 

Both Thunder first period goals were scored on power plays.

 

Huskies Mitch Galbraith scored the lone goal in the middle frame with a shorthanded goal.

 

Once again power play situations prevailed for the visitors scoring two in the third period to tie the game at 4-4 at 11:37.

 

The winner came at 18:06 with Michael Desjarlais tipping in a rebounded shot on the doorstep to beat the Thunder goalie. (Check our Facebook page for video)

 

Huskies had 33 shots on net compared to 44 for the Thunder

 

Huskies goalie goaltender Matthew Smidt picked up the W.

 

“We played really well and they came back with four power play goals to tie it,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand. “We are going to change our strategy a bit because against some of these veteran teams we are not at that skill level to allow them the power play opportunities.”

 

Next games: Away games vs. defending ACAC champion Augustana Vikings (5 wins, 1 loss, 2 ties) in Camrose at the Encana Centre Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov 10 at 2 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Keenan Bailey ACAC Hockey Online’s Player of the Week

photo courtesy of Erwin Kuhr

 

Honours for Bailey

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

10/31/212 - Keyano College Huskies forward Keenan Bailey earned the ACAC Hockey Online’s player of the week after his strong performance in two games against the Briercrest Clippers this past weekend at the Casman Centre.

 

Bailey is the first Huskies to earn the honour.

 

Bailey had two assists in Friday’s 7-1 win over the Clippers and added a hat trick and an assist in Saturday’s 7-1 win.

 

“Anybody who came to the two games, he looked good on the stats sheet regardless with a hat trick one night and an assist and two assists the night before,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“But it wasn’t only that, there was a lot of different things. He was back-checking hard one time and he stopped a goal from happening and slides head first into the net.

 

“All around consistently hard play and even in 7-1 games like that he just steps up and shows quite a bit of leadership, beyond the statistics and scoresheet, he had a breakout weekend.”

 

Bailey is tied for 12th in ACAC scoring with three goals and five assists in eight games. The native of Kelowna, B.C., came to the Huskies after two seasons with the Dawson Creek Rage of the North American Hockey league.

 

In two seasons with the Rage, Bailey produced 33 points in 95 games so his ACAC production has come as a little bit of a surprise.

 

“His stats never showed that he was going to have a big impact on the stats sheet,” said Strand.

 

“I knew he was a hard worker and things like that, but I also kind of knew with a lot of first year guys that were coming in that may not have shown on the stats sheet in the past, that there were going to be guys who had breakouts like this and they had the skill and needed the confidence. He just happens to be a guy who is flourishing with

what we’re doing.”

 

Bailey told the Today he worked hard in off-season and he’s happy he’s seeing the results on the ice.

 

“I’ve been working pretty hard this summer and I didn’t get too many points over the last couple of years because I’ve been more a defensive kind of guy,” he said.

 

“But coach gave me the opportunity to get on the powerplay a little bit and show what I have and I’m pretty happy with that. It’s going pretty good so far.”

 

The Huskies will host the Concordia Thunder on Friday and Saturday.

 

Friday’s game is at 8 p.m. at the Frank Lacroix Arena and Saturday’s game is at the Casman Centre with a 2 p.m. puckdrop.

photo courtsey Sean McLennan, Keyano College

 

Players Perspective

Matthew Smidt, Goalie, Winnipeg Manitoba

 

Friday Keyano 7 Briercrest 1

On Friday night we were really hungry to get our first regular season win as a team. We hadn't seen them before but we felt with what we've seen against other teams in the league that we could beat them if we put together a strong effort.

It was Mitch Galbraith's first game back with us and he was very excited to get going.

We scored two early into the game and that gave us momentum to move forward.

 

Saturday Keyano 7 Briercrest 1

Briercrest had came out the gate a lot stronger than the night before and we had expected that they would. As the game wore on we were able to take control. Keenan Bailey had a great game and was rewarded with 2 goals in the 3rd period to complete his hat-trick.

 

 

Keyano Huskies forwards Tyler Posch and Darren Unruh celebrate Posch’s first goal of the season in the Huskies 7-1 win over the Briercrest Clippers Saturday afternoon at the Casman Centre. TREVOR HOWLETT/TODAY STAFF

 

Huskies Hockey in the News

 

10/28/2012 by Trevor Howlett

Fort McMurray TODAY

 

The Keyano College Huskies made history this past weekend, earning their first and second regular season ACAC wins.

 

The Huskies handed the visiting Briercrest Clippers back-to-back blowout losses, with Keyano taking both games by a score of 7-1.

 

“There’s always lapses in certain places, but for the most part they came out strong,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“You always worry about teams that you’re playing that they may not be the stronger ones in the league, so you’re worried about how your guys are going to come out. I’m very happy with the way they played from start to finish with the exception of a couple of shifts here and there.”

 

Bryce Wilson led the offence Friday night at the Casman Centre, potting two goals and picking up and assist. Steve Axford, Bobby Turnbull, Brendan Wright and Michael Desjarlais each scored once for Keyano in Friday’s game and Matthew Smidt picked up the win in goal with a 20 save performance.

 

Keenan Bailey was the Huskies hero Saturday, picking up a hat-trick and adding an assist. The 21-year-old forward said after he got his second of the game on Saturday, he was trying hard to get the third and complete the hat-trick.

 

“Coach kept me out there and I was pretty excited,” said Bailey. “I was happy for the chance and when I got that third one it felt pretty good.”

 

Hebert, Desjarlais and Tyler Posch also scored for the Huskies on Saturday.

 

Defenceman Braeden Raiwet finished the game with three assists while Brody Lynott and Darren Unruh each added two helpers. Jeff Puddepatt made 20 saves in the win.

 

The Huskies win came despite missing a few key players who were out with injuries or suspensions. Justin Remillard (suspension), Luke Hannas (suspension), Ryon Sookro (concussion), Calvin Cairns (concussion) and Dylan Seymour (concussion) didn’t play either game and Brendan Wright missed Saturday’s game.

 

The Huskies did have Mitch Galbraith return to the lineup for his first two games of the season because he had problems with his eligibility.

 

Strand said he’s happy to have the former Mount Royal Cougar in his lineup.

 

“He brings a different presence to us, for sure,” said Strand.

 

“He’s a big kid up forward, he’s got a lot of confidence. He’s definitely not in game shape, missing a month worth of games there. So you could tell he was taking shorter shifts or should’ve been taking shorter shifts.

 

“But I like the presence he gives us.”

 

The good news for the Huskies is they will basically have an entire line back this weekend when they host two games against the Concordia Thunder as Remillard, Hannas and Sookro are likely to return to the lineup.

 

Keyano hosts the Thunder at 8 p.m. Friday night at the Frank Lacroix arena and then at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at the Casman Centre.

 

trevor.howlett@sunmedia.ca

Follow Trevor Howlett (@Howl_it) on Twitter for your local sports news

 

Huskies Make History

Friday October 26, 2012

 

It took 14 days and four losses but now the Keyano Huskies can proudly state that they have won their first ever game in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men's hockey history, in this their inaugural season, with a 7-1 win tonight against the visiting Briercrest Clippers.

Huskies have little rest or time to celebrate as they host the Clippers tomorrow at the Casman Centre at 2 p.m.

Briercrest 1 at Keyano 7 - Status: Unofficial Final
Friday, October 26, 2012 - Casmen Center

Briercrest 0 0 1 - 1
Keyano 2 3 2 - 7

1st Period-1, Keyano, Wilson 2 (Lynott, Friesen), 1:19 (PP). 2, Keyano, Axford 1 (Desjarlais, Turnbull), 4:33. Penalties-Whitehawk Bc (tripping), 1:10; Wright Kc (elbowing), 9:39.

2nd Period-3, Keyano, Turnbull 1 (Wilson, Bailey), 7:31. 4, Keyano, Wright 1 (Unruh, Hebert), 8:35. 5, Keyano, Desjarlais 3 (Galbraith), 11:53. Penalties-Stollery Bc (kneeing), 13:15.

3rd Period-6, Briercrest, Willems 1 (Dufresne, Voth), 4:28 (PP). 7, Keyano, Hebert 2 (Axford), 11:59. 8, Keyano, Wilson 3 (Bailey, Wright), 13:37. Penalties-Desjarlais Kc (roughing), 3:06; Axford Kc (cross checking), 9:00; Rockwell Kc (cross checking), 9:51; Petersen Bc (cross checking), 18:57; Wright Kc (roughing), 19:42.

Shots on Goal-Briercrest 7-6-8-21. Keyano 22-18-20-60.
Power Play Opportunities-Briercrest 1 / 1; Keyano 1 / 1.
Goalies-Briercrest, Chenard 0-4-0 (35 shots-30 saves); Mueller 0-0-0 (25 shots-23 saves). Keyano, Smidt 0-3-0 (21 shots-20 saves).

 

 

Men’s Hockey (Away Game)

Portage 5 Keyano 4 (OT) (Saturday October 20, 2012, Record 0-4 Regular season)

 

Following a Portage Voyageurs goal with only 1:48 left in regulation, Keyano Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand called a timeout, his team down 4-2 at the visiting Bold Centre Saturday night.

 

“I called timeout and I said to the guys, “It’s now. Now we have to get two goals,” We kind of had that feeling that we had more left in us and we could do it. It was one of those things where we had a lot of momentum.”

 

Around the 1:28 mark Huskies goalie Jeff Puddephatt skated to the bench and Huskies Jordon Hebert scored with 33 seconds left to close the gap to 4-3. Assists to Ryon Sookro and Keenan Bailey.

 

Puddephatt returned to the net for the face off and then with the Huskies in control of the puck, skated off and the Huskies tied the game with 23 seconds remaining on the clock with Sookro scoring. Assists to Bailey and Brendan Wright.

 

Voyageurs won in OT at 4:32.

 

“We had our own chance with a two-on-one in OT and we yelled from the bench at the third guy to join the rush as we wanted to get the win,” said Strand.

 

Huskies forward Brendan Wright , who played for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and is a graduate of Westwood Community High School, said the two-minute comeback was a “bit of a surprise.”

 

He continued: “We were under some pressure but the guys had to man up and stand up to the plate and they did. Paul (Strand) was getting on the guys to whom wanted to become a leader.”

 

Strand agreed on Wright’s assessment.

 

“We had some guys that stepped up today and we let things get back to normal (following a loss to Voyageurs 8-1 two days earlier on home ice at the Casman Centre). This (turn-a-round games after a big loss) may happed a few more times because we have all first year players but we hope not.”

 

Strand added that the Huskies will have to improve when the other team has a power play advantage as 10 of the 25 goals scored against so far in four games have come that way.

 

Wright, enrolled in power engineering, said that “mental mistakes started to set in at end of game,” and that the first-year Huskies, in their inaugural ACAC campaign, are still meshing.

 

“The guys are still finding roles where they fit in. Everyone gets along pretty well and it is a younger team and guys are getting equal chance of stepping up. There is no pecking order which you may have on established team. We still have a lot to improve on and we have to be more consistent.”

 

Keyano 4 at Portage 5 (OT) - Status: Unofficial Final

Saturday, October 20, 2012 - Bold Centre

Keyano 2 0 2 0 - 4

Portage 1 2 1 1 - 5

 

1st Period-1, Portage, Andersen 2 (Gehl, Giroux), 4:20. 2, Keyano, Desjarlais 2 (Axford, Turnbull), 5:25 (PP). 3, Keyano, Sookro 1 10:51. Penalties-Gray Pc (hooking), 5:08; Desjarlais Kc (too many men), 8:07; Rockwell Kc (roughing), 15:21.

 

2nd Period-4, Portage, Epp 3 (Hall, Geddes), 16:29. 5, Portage, Geddes 2 (Kearns, Hall), 19:05 (PP). Penalties-Raiwet Kc (tripping), 3:25; Lobreau Pc (boarding), 6:38; Hall Pc (holding), 11:58; Bailey Kc (hooking), 13:32; Posch Kc (high sticking), 17:19.

 

3rd Period-6, Portage, Giroux 2 (Andersen, Maronese), 18:12 (PP). 7, Keyano, Hebert 1 (Sookro, Bailey), 19:27. 8, Keyano, Sookro 2 (Bailey, Wright), 19:37. Penalties-Wright Kc (kneeing), 6:59; Turnbull Kc (roughing), 7:59; Maronese Pc (interference), 10:10; Puddephatt Kc (delay of game), 14:40; Jordan Kc (hit to the head 2-min, misconduct-hit to the head), 16:49.

 

1st OT Period-9, Portage, Geddes 3 (Hall, Maronese), 4:32. Penalties-Rockwell Kc (inter. on goaltender, 10-minute misconduct), 2:52; Gray Pc (match-attempt/injure), 2:52.

 

Shots on Goal-Keyano 10-6-4-0-20. Portage 10-12-9-8-39.

Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 1 / 4; Portage 2 / 9.

Goalies-Keyano, Puddephatt 0-0-0 (39 shots-34 saves). Portage, Birch 0-1-0 (20 shots-16 saves).

Attendance-350

 

 

Huskies Make the Front Page

 

 

Huskies Open In Front of Big Crowd

 

10/18/2012 - Keyano College Huskies lost 8-1 to the visiting Portage Voyageurs earlier tonight at the Casman Centre in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference regular season play.

 

In this their first regular season home game for the Huskies in their inaugural season in ACAC hockey, fans were treated to a tailgate party with hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks prior to the game which was presented by Flint Energy and the Keyano Students Association.

 

Following a flashy introduction including spotlights and video profiles on the scoreboard overhead center ice, representatives from the major sponsors were introduced including: Diamond Sponsor- Finning; Platinum: Quality Group of Companies, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Stirling Electrical Contracting Inc., and Hedco; Gold: Merit; Silver: ATB Financial and Bronze: Canadian Dewatering, CNRL, UBS(Universal Builders Supply Canada) and Wilson Industries.

 

After a ceremonial puck drop and national anthem sung by Huskies women’s soccer player Laura Conibear, the puck was dropped and the host team made quick work, scoring 47 seconds in one their first shot with a goal by Huskies Michael Desjarlais (1st year, Mechanical Trades Prep).

 

Assist went to Sam Rockwell a native of Courtenay, BC who last played for the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

 

In what was a clean opening few minutes, the first penalty whistle came at 12:40 with a hooking call on the Voyageurs.

 

Huskies managed two shots on goal during their power play advantage.

 

At 13:13 strong fore-checking by Huskies’ Brendan Wright knocked the puck loose from the Voyageurs defenseman with the former Fort McMurray Oil Baron skating in on the goalie only to shoot high left.

 

Voyageurs Taylor Epp ties the game at 1-1 at 17:39 on a power play with Huskies Bobby Turnbull sitting off for tripping. The visitors from Lac la Biche go ahead at 18:49 on another power play by fourth-year player Cody Mapes with Justin Remillard sitting off for slashing.

 

Shots on goal after 20 minutes, 12 Voyageurs, eight Huskies.

 

A third power play goal for the Voyageurs Jesse Hall at 10:10 makes it 4-1 followed by a Richard Cameron slap shot from just inside the blue line at 12:19. A Ryan Anderson power play at 15:05 makes it a 6-1 advantage heading into the third period.

 

Huskies Sam Rockwell and Voyageurs Kyle Lapenskie receive 10 minute misconducts in the middle frame.

 

At 12:52 with three players aside in the penalty box, the Voyageurs make it 7-1 off of a rebound.

 

Final shots on goal 30 to 18 in favour of the Voyageurs who are now two wins and one loss with 15 goals for and 12 against. Both teams received numerous game

misconducts in the final 10 minutes of the game.

 

Desjarlais was named Huskies Player of the Game and Epp had the nod for the visitors.

Huskies are winless in three games with 20 goals against and two for and head coach Paul Strand is optimistic and was pleased with the support from the community.

 

“The fact that we are brand new and we had a crowd like that is great,” said Strand of the crowd that was estimated to be around 800. “This year we have to prove to teams that we will not back down. Going into the year we knew there will be some learning. We did get the first goal and then we came back and got some power play goals against us and we can’t let that happen.”

 

Voyageurs head coach Terry Ewasiuk realizes that any first-year team in any sport will have its ups and downs “It’s not an easy task. It’s a process where it takes time and that is what you are seeing now. They (Huskies) are a team that is trying to find an identity right now and trying to establish some foothold.”

 

Of the game atmosphere he added: “It’s tough not to be up for a game coming in here where you know it was going to be a good crowd. Players are entertainers and they want to play in front of people and as coaches we do to.”

 

Huskies next game is Saturday October 20, 2012 at the Bold Centre against the same Voyageurs.

 

In ACAC men's exhibition basketball the Keyano Huskies defeated the SAIT Trojans 75-64 in an away game.

 

 

 

Official puck drop at Casman Centre for Keyano Huskies first ever ACAC home game was held October 18, 2012. Dignitaries are Dr. Kevin Nagel , President & CEO, Keyano College (far left)  Brent Davis from Finning (centre) and John H. Wilson Chair, Keyano Board (right) Players are Portage Voyageurs Dustin Popowich (left) and Keyano Huskies  Sam Rockwell (right)

 

 

 

Home Opener

 

 

 

 

NAIT Ooks Director of Athletics & Recreation Linda Harrison (middle) drops the ceremonial puck before Keyano Huskies (right) first ever game in the ACAC regular season against the host NAIT Ooks (left).

 

 

 

Text Report from Saturday October 13, 2012 NAIT Ooks 2 Keyano Huskies 1

 

Keyano 1 at NAIT 2 - Status: Unofficial Final
Saturday, October 13, 2012 - NAIT Arena

Keyano 1 0 0 - 1
NAIT 0 1 1 - 2

1st Period-1, Keyano, Wilson 1 (Hebert, Friesen), 5:15. Penalties-Bailey Kc (tripping), 16:12.

2nd Period-2, NAIT, Lazowski 2 (Draper, Darragh), 1:25. Penalties-Turnbull Kc (hooking), 2:54; Desjarlais Kc (hit to the head 2-min, misconduct-hit to the head), 13:05; Raiwet Kc (roughing), 13:05; French Nait (cross checking), 13:05; Turnbull Kc (slashing), 13:55; Seymour Kc (slashing), 16:34; Darragh Nait (slashing), 16:34.

3rd Period-3, NAIT, Harris 1 (Bokenfohr, Darragh), 14:56. Penalties-Harris Nait (slashing), 5:59.

Shots on Goal-Keyano 7-8-2-17. NAIT 0-1-1-2.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 0 / 1; NAIT 0 / 4.

 

 

 

Text Report from Friday October 12, 2012 NAIT Ooks Keyano Huskies 0

 

1st Period-1, NAIT, Draper 1 (Piluso, Lazowski), 0:26. 2, NAIT, Koch 1 (Bokenfohr, Marsh), 7:44. 3, NAIT, Lazowski 1 (Slobodian, Westfall), 9:11 (PP). 4, NAIT, Koch 2 (Marsh, Bokenfohr), 11:31. 5, NAIT, Piluso 1 (Draper, Lazowski), 19:20 (PP). Penalties-Seymour Kc (hit to the head 2-min, misconduct-hit to the head), 4:44; Desjarlais Kc (inter. on goaltender), 8:52; Friesen Kc (holding), 15:46; Posch Kc (hit to the head 2-min, roughing, game misconduct, game misconduct), 15:53.

2nd Period-6, NAIT, Piluso 2 (Westfall, Draper), 10:56. Penalties-Slobodian Nait (interference), 3:58; Desjarlais Kc (holding), 5:17; Bailey Kc (slashing), 11:21; Lynott Kc (roughing), 13:58.

3rd Period-7, NAIT, Willigar 1 (Koper, French), 0:46. 8, NAIT, Fellnermayr 1 (Darragh, Carthy), 2:58. 9, NAIT, Draper 2 (Piluso, Conrad), 4:40. 10, NAIT, Willigar 2 (Koch), 10:51 (PP). Penalties-Krankowsky Nait (holding), 5:10; Remillard Kc (tripping), 10:48; Bailey Kc (tripping, tripping, tripping), 13:14.

Shots on Goal-Keyano 3-8-3-14. NAIT 5-1-4-10.
Power Play Opportunities-Keyano 0 / 2; NAIT 3 / 12.

 

 

Preseason Stats Fort McMurray TODAY

 

 

Major Comeback by Huskies 

 

10/07/2012 - Coming into Friday night’s Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men's hockey exhibition game against the host Portage Voyageurs, the Keyano Huskies sported a record of two wins, one tie and one loss; the loss coming to the Voyageurs a week prior 5-4 on neutral ice in Edmonton at NAIT Arena.

The Voyageurs came into the weekend with an impressive slate of six wins and only two defeats, those coming to the sticks of ACAC defending champion Augustana Vikings.

Well, game two between these two future rivals, was a blowout in favour for the home team 8-0. Missing from the Huskies lineup Friday was Calvin Cairns, Mitch Galbraith, Tyler Posch and Dylan Seymour.

Now the question was, "Would the Huskies, in this their inaugural season in ACAC hockey, fold the next day, Saturday, as they returned home up Highway #63 to host the same Voyageurs on home ice at the Casman Centre?"

“Friday night was a perfect storm for us,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand. “We started off not playing aggressive and they (Voyageurs) were pumped up to be on home ice.  We did not make the right adjustments and we just sat back and weathered the storm and the puck ended up in our net.

“We definitely had to figure out how we would come back from that game the night before. Are we going to be tentative and are we going to be back checking and forcing the puck?”

Well, in less than 16 hours the Huskies reversed the table with a 4-2 win with goals by Keenan Bailey, Michael Desjarlais, Bobby Turnbull and Steve Axford.

 

“He (Axford) was told early on when he got here that the expectations were for him to produce,” said Strand of the Victoria, British Columbia native.

Strand was also high in praise of goalie Matthew Smidt: “Boy did he play good. He made some TSN turning point saves in the third period.”

Huskies open the ACAC season Oct 12-13 against the host NAIT Ooks in Edmonton.

 

 

$5 Only for a Great Game of Hockey

 

03/10/2012 - What can two toonies and a loonie or the combo of three loonies and a toonie buy you?

 

A fast food meal that will have your stomach gurgling? A lottery ticket with a 25,000,000-to-one chance of winning?

 

Well, for a crisp five dollar Canadian bill you may be entertained to some top-quality collegiate hockey as the Keyano College Huskies host the Portage Voyageurs in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition hockey this Saturday October 6, 2012 at the Casman Centre.

 

To date the Huskies have two wins, one tie and one loss in exhibition play in this their inaugural season in ACAC hockey while the Voyageurs are on an impressive role with six wins – including a current three-game winning streak - with only two defeats which came from the sticks of ACAC defending champion Augustana Vikings.

 

One of these Voyageurs wins was a 5-4 decision over the Huskies last week in Edmonton.

 

This time Huskies head coach Paul Strand hopes to reverse the table with the support of the seventh man – you – the fans in the stands.

 

“The only benefit we have playing up here is that we have our own fans,” said Strand, as to the fact that the Casman Centre will be neutral ice this time around as the Huskies practice at Frank Lacroix Minor Hockey Arena.. “In our first home game (a 5-2 September 15 win against the Grant MacEwan Griffins in front of more than 500 fans at MacDonald Island Park’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre CNRL Arena 2) we had the crowd behind us and we believe with the crowd at the Casman Centre, we will have an atmosphere that we do not see in the rest of the ACAC.”

 

Prior to this Saturday’s matchup - which is $5 for adults at the door and kids six-and-under get in free – the Huskies will play the Voyageurs Friday night at the Bold Center in Lac la Biche. That will be five games under skate, a time frame in which Strand believes the team will still be meshing its talents.

 

“They are really coming together as a team now and they see what the problems are where they get goals scored against them...they are seeing the possibilities of what can happen when everything comes together.”

 

Huskies Justin Remillard, a hometown boy who knows the Casman Centre rink well, having played for the Junior “A” Fort McMurray Oil Barons 2008-2010, is excited to be returning to the home ice.

 

“Any time you're playing in the rink you grew up in...there's going to be excitement,” said the 21 year-old left wing who also played Junior “A” hockey for the La Ronge Ice Wolves, Winnipeg Blues and Dauphin Kings.

 

“It's good to be playing at home again in front of familiar faces and family. I don’t think it will take very long, being a part of the Keyano athletics, for support as we already have a fan base through that and I'm sure it will keep building when people come out and watch us battle other teams in the ACAC.”

 

 

 

Hockey Split

 

10/01/2012 - Keyano College Huskies had a productive weekend in Alberta Colleges

Athletic Conference men’s hockey, beating the Concordia Thunder 5-2 Friday and then falling to the preseason powerhouse Portage Voyageurs 5-4 Saturday. Both games were played at NAIT Arena home of the Ooks.

“We came out slow and didn’t do well in first period but we kept coming at them and we were down 2-1 after the first,” said Huskies coach Paul Strand of the Thunder win.

 

“We got in stride in the second, like we did in the previous two games and changed the momentum and scored some goals.

“We are getting in the stride now and learning how to play aggressive while learning not to take penalties.”

Scoring for the Huskies in this their third exhibition game, which is part of their inaugural hockey campaign in the ACAC, were in order of scoring: Ryon Sookro, Calvin Cairns, Bryce Wilson and two goals for Steve Axford.

Coming into the game against the Voyageurs, who were sporting a impressive record - five exhibition games to date: August 29, 3-1 win vs. Bonnyville Jr. A.; Sept 7, 4-2 win vs. Griffins; Sept 8, 7-0 win vs. Griffins; Sept 14, 5-1 loss to defending ACAC champoion University of Alberta Augustana Vikings and Sept 15, 5-2 loss to Vikings – Strands knew this would be the Huskies first “real test.”

“(Voyageurs head coach Terry Ewasiuk) starts them fairly early and they are the strongest team we played this year. We came out strong and went early on the attack and had lots of shot on net. We ended the first up 1-0.

“Then we went into a lull for six or seven minutes and they scored four goals, two which were back-to-back where we simply gave it away. It was a lack of judgement by me in that I didn’t call a time out soon enough.

“The guys got into rhythm in the third and I will blame it on myself as I made some tactical errors with too many people on the ice when we had lot of momentum.”

 

The Huskies host the same Voyageurs this Saturday October 6, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Casman Centre. Preview to follow tomorrow.

 

Huskies have two wins, one tie and on loss to date.

 

Huskies ready for Road Challenge 

 

09/27/2012 - If you happen to be in Edmonton this weekend make sure to drop into NAIT Arena located at 11762 – 106 Street as the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team play two Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition games with their opponent Friday at 8 p.m. being the Concordia University College of Alberta Thunder and Saturday at 3 p.m. the Portage Voyageurs from Lac La Biche.

 

“Concordia has had a rough start,” said Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand of the Edmonton team. “They did not look good against NAIT (6-2 exhibition loss Sept 14, 2012) but head coach Dan Peacocke will get them going.”

 

Thunder’s only other exhibition game to date was a 5-5 tie Sept 23, 2012 against crosstown rival Grant MacEwan Griffins.

 

Of the Voyageurs, Strand says. “Portage has slowly built themselves up to a solid program and they will be tough. He (head coach Terry Ewasiuk) puts together a good program with the guys going hard.”

 

Voyageurs have played five exhibition games to date: August 29, 3-1 win vs. Bonnyville Jr. A.; Sept 7, 4-2 win vs. Griffins; Sept 8, 7-0 win vs. Griffins; Sept 14, 5-1 loss to University of Alberta Augustana Vikings and Sept 15, 5-2 loss to Vikings.

 

Early into the exhibition season, one win (Sept 15, 5-2 vs. Griffins) and one tie (Sept 22, 3-3 tie vs. Griffins), the Huskies with Strand guiding the way, is still establishing lineups.

 

“I haven’t really firmed any lines...I know what I want and what I like. It’s good to have Steve Axford back in the lineup as he brings a bit more punch. He will play with (Dylan) Seymour and Brock Friesen.

 

“Ryon Sookro, Michael Desjarlais and Bryce Wilson (who scored a hat trick in Huskies debut game) clicked in the third period last game and I will try them together.”

Strand said with only two games under skate. the Huskies. in their inaugural season in ACAC men’s hockey. is rapidly drawing attention.

 

“The word is getting around that we are a good tough team. Teams are starting to acknowledge that we come out and we play tough right from the start which is nice after only two games.”

 

Keyano Huskies men's hockey goalie Jeff Puddephatt stands his ground against an attacking Grant MacEwan Griffins player last Saturday as the Huskies won their Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition game, their first game in ACAC history, against the Griffins from Edmonton. Huskies tied the Griffins 3-3 yesterday on their home ice at Bill Hunter Arena.

Photo by seanmclennan / Keyano College

 

Huskies Tie in Game 2  

 

09/23/2012 - Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team came from a 3-1 deficit after 20 minutes of play to skate to a 3-3 tie with the Grant MacEwan Griffins in 2012-2013 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition play yesterday at Edmonton’s Bill Hunter Arena.

Last week the Huskies defeated the Griffins 5-2 in front of more than 500 fans at MacDonald Island Park’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre CNRL Arena 2 in their first ever game in this their inaugural season in ACAC hockey.

 

The difference this time?

 

“We had a long bus trip down and watched the volleyball team play (Keyano Huskies men’s volleyball in an exhibition tournament at Grant MacEwan) and then when we came out on the ice we did not play well in the first, we definitely did not have the legs and we were not moving the feet and got behind the eight ball,” said Huskies coach Paul Strand.

 

“We started playing better in the second period and kept plugging away and we missed some that we should have put away.

“Ryan Sookro got our first goal and it was a gorgeous play. Dylan Seymour gave it to Michael Desjarlais and his shot went off the goal pads and Sookro flew to the net and tapped it in. Desjarlais had our second goal and San Rockwell tied it on a power play.”

Complete game stats were not available.

“Any time you start a new program and you come out with a win and a tie, no matter who you are playing, in your first two games you should be happy. We are going to have some ups and downs and guys are going to get used to the league and the various tactics.”

 

 

CELEBRATION - Bryce Wilson, second from left, had three goals in last nights Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition game, their first in ACAC history, against the Grant MacEwan Griffins played in front of more than 500 fans at MacDonald Island Park’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre CNRL Arena 2.

Photo by seanmclennan / Keyano College

 

by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips

 

09/15/2012 - Last time Bryce Wilson scored three goals in a single hockey game the movies Mamma Mia!, Kung-Fu Panda and WALL – E, were showing on the big screen.

 

Five years later, Wilson, now a member of the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team, is grabbing the spotlight as the Alix, Alberta native scored three goals yesterday to lead the home team to a 5-2 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference exhibition win against the Grant MacEwan Griffins in front of  more than 500 fans at MacDonald Island Park’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre CNRL Arena 2.

 

It was the Huskies first ever game in this their inaugural season in ACAC hockey.

 

The fans were buzzing from the opening puck with big time hits setting the tempo for the first 20 minutes, Griffins up 1-0 on a power play goal at 7:11 by No. 23 Zach Schram.

 

Huskies racked up 30 minutes in penalties in the opening frame, boards still shaking, with a game misconduct to forward Brendan Wright. Only six minutes in sin bin for Griffins. Huskies had three power plays and 10 shots on goal and Griffins four power plays and eight shots on goal.

 

Griffins’ Steve Zipp makes it 2-0 on a power play with 3:32 ticked off in the second frame on a scramble in front of net beating Huskies goalie Matthew Smidt.

 

With the physicality of the first period settled down, Huskies Mitch Galbraith scores at 12:06 beating Dallas Ungurian  to record the team’s first ever goal.

 

“It was a great feeling,” said Galbraith, a 6-foot-3 defenceman from Quesnel, British Columbia. "It was definitely a highlight in my career for sure.”

 

Galbraith, who had a cup of coffee last year with the Mount Royal Cougars, then of the ACAC now in the CIS, feels welcomed by the Keyano community.

 

“Here everyone seems to know you and the atmosphere is really good. We do not have a name for us yet as a team and we have to prove ourselves early. On other teams I was just there to be there but here I have a role.”

 

Griffins change goalies less than 90 seconds later with Alex Crowder coming in.

 

Huskies tie it 2-2 at 9:13 off a rebound with Wilson putting it in upper left corner of Griffins net.

 

Huskies goalie Smidt is soon replaced by Jeff Puddephatt.

 

Period ends 2-2 tie with Huskies only two minutes in penalties and Griffins four shots on goal and Huskies five.

 

A non-descript low shot at 7:31 remaining in regulation by Wilson through the five hole gives the Huskies their first lead 3-2. Wilson follows up with an end-to-end rush to score on another low shot at 1:38 to make it 4-2 and notch his hat trick.

 

“I’m kind of surprised on one of the goals but I am glad we won,” said Wilson. “Once Mitch broke the goose egg there in the second we opened it up. We were surprised to see how many fans there were in the stands and that made a huge difference.”

 

Griffins pull their goalie for the extra man advantage with 60 seconds remaining only to have Huskies' Keenan Bailey hustle to take away the puck at centre ice and skate in for an empty netter with 17.1 seconds remaining.

 

“It feels good…that was a yearlong wait,” said a smiling Huskies head coach Paul Strand, who has put the building blocks together for the inaugural season. “With (the win) now we are not going to be sitting here maybe for five or six games down the road thinking ‘When we are going to win?’. It was nice to get that out of the way.”

 

Strand admitted that the first period was a “good learning experience for the team.”

 

He continued: “We had a little talk between the first and second. I knew they were pumped up prior to game and I was going to say to them that with Junior and College hockey there is a difference. But we came out better in the second instead of playing like fools. They  came out and responded.”

 

Keyano has five exhibition games remaining with a home game October 6 at 2 p.m. at the Casman Centre vs. the Voyageurs.

 

They start the ACAC 2012-2013 regular season on the road against the NAIT Ooks of Edmonton October 12-13.

 

Huskies men’s hockey regular season home opener is October 18 vs. the Voyageurs at the Casman Centre which will be home ice for 12 home games while Frank Lacroix Arena will be used for two home games.

 

 

Huskies Hockey Ready to Make History

 

09/13/2012 - Keyano Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand has an inspirational quote he stands by: “It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.”

 

It is one of his favourite Woodenisms from the late great UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.

 

“I will be using that (above quote) for the next 50 years,” said Strand, 40. “I believe there is no better saying in sport.

 

“It is what I learned while playing (hockey) at the University of Alberta (1992-1997) and still believe in. You can do a lot with a mediocre team and you do even more with a tremendous team if no one cares what their point totals are….work and win as a team. You can shock the world.”

 

For now, Strand hopes to shock the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference as the Huskies open their inaugural season in the eight-team men’s collegiate program as they host an exhibition game Saturday September 15, 2012 at 4 p.m. at MacDonald Island Park’s Suncor Community Leisure Centre CNRL Arena 2.

 

The visiting team is the Grant MacEwan University Griffins from Edmonton. Admission is free with a seating capacity of 500, so best to arrive early.

 

“It’s the first ever game we have ever had as a Keyano men’s hockey team to put on the ice and I think it is historic,” said an enthused Strand. “Having a hockey team in Canada is big and the first game, even though it is exhibition or not, is historic for any team and any community.”

 

Strand surmised that the Huskies may be the youngest team in ACAC hockey (which has been in existence since 1965) with “mostly 20 to 22 year olds” and will look to the line of Steve Axford, Michael Desjarlais and Dylan Seymour to lead the offence which is backed up by a solid defence: “All big boys that also play big. They are not easy to get around and they like to use the body.”

 

Griffins have played two exhibition games to date, losing to Portage Voyageurs 4-2 and 7-0.

 

Keyano has five exhibition games remaining with a home game October 6 at 2 p.m. at the Casman Centre vs. the Voyageurs.

 

They start the ACAC 2012-2013 regular season on the road against the NAIT Ooks of Edmonton October 12-13.

 

Huskies men’s hockey regular season home opener is October 18 vs. the Voyageurs at the Casman Centre which will be home ice for 12 home games while Frank Lacroix Arena will be used for two home games.

 

Game Ready

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

Paul Strand believes he’s found the inaugural Keyano College Huskies hockey team.

Strand, the head coach, trimmed his roster down to 24 players following last week’s tryouts. After a full year of planning and recruiting, he’s confident in the team he’s assembled.

 

“I am very happy with the guys we have here,” said Strand at practice Monday.

“I always kind of knew that skill-wise, they would be better than I what I expected. But now everyone is gelling together and it’s just a matter of how they fit into the systems and bring it each game, but they get along well for a first year team.”

 

Strand said he mainly recruited players with a mix of skill, work ethic and the ability to play at both ends of the ice. He said his team’s identity will focus on those traits.

 

“We’re going have to be straight out hardworking,” said Strand. “Most of the guys here have been third or fourth line character guys, but I am sure they’ll find their groove. There are guys here who have some talent and probably haven’t showed it elsewhere. They’ll score some goals and it will be a pleasant surprise for them.”

 

The bulk of the Huskies roster is made up of players Strand recruited but not all. The Huskies held open tryouts last week and local product Darin Unruh was able to make the cut. The 24-year-old said he is pumped to play for the Huskies.

 

“I’m very excited, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to the year,” said Unruh. “I’m excited for the opening game. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and I’m just looking forward in general to be playing in Fort McMurray again.”

 

The Huskies will host their first pre-season game this Saturday. They’ll play Grant MacEwan University at 4 p.m. at MacDonald Island

 

 

Hockey Warm-Ups

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

09/26/2012 - Although official tryouts don’t start until next week, Keyano College Huskies head coach Paul Strand was leading a basic practice with 14 of his new recruits at the Frank Lacroix arena this week.

 

It’s an opportunity for conditioning, for getting back on the ice and a meet-and-greet for the players in the Huskies program. With a brand new team, one can never be sure what to expect, but so far it’s good for Strand.

 

“For the most part, they all get along great. You’ve got guys taking leadership responsibilities and stuff like that,” said Strand.

 

“Some of the local guys have got them out to team functions, which is exactly what we wanted, they’ve known each other for a few weeks.”

 

For these first practices, Strand is keeping it simple and not really getting into his in-game strategies at this point.

 

“These guys will get more of an idea of the simplification that I want and they can take that into the regular season when everybody gets here, but I don’t want to get far into it,” said Strand.

 

“It’d be a waste to explain it with 14 guys and then do it again with 24 guys.”

 

Keyano has added a few more players to their program that haven’t been announced yet, including netminder Jeff Puddephatt from Kitchener, Ont. The 19-year-old played last season in Junior B and Junior C in Ontario and is thrilled for the opportunity to play with the Huskies.

 

“It’s a new program, new team, new start and there’s a bunch of good guys who want to play some hockey,” said Puddephatt.  “I like it a lot, there’s good guys and good hockey.”

 

Hometown player Justin Remillard said the atmosphere on the ice is good and the players are meshing well. Remillard has had stints in the AJHL, SJHL and MJHL and said the skill level on the Huskies is comparable to Junior A.

 

“It’s definitely not a drop from Junior A, I’d say it’s close to the same,” said Remillard.

“We’ve got a lot of good skilled guys that are all ex-junior players and it’s a good tempo. We’re a hardworking bunch and it definitely should be a bump-and-grind type of year. I’m looking forward to it.”

 

Remillard wasn’t the only local on the ice Tuesday as he was joined by Dylan Seymour and Brendan Wright. The trio will also be joined by forward Tyler Posch who grew up in Fort McMurray but moved away in high school. He played 55 games for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the MJHL last season, putting up 13 points and 151 penalty minutes.

 

Strand expects to have more than 22 players at his main camp on Sept. 5 at the Frank Lacroix Arena and tryouts are open to any registered Keyano student.

 

While Strand has a strong core of recruits, there are still a few positions for students at Keyano who weren’t recruited for the hockey team, but can play at the ACAC level.

 

“There’s room for guys to be kept within the roster. When you’re recruiting a first year team you want to make sure you’ve got a team right off the bat,” Strand said.

“So it might be unusual this first year but there are spots for guys to walk on, make the roster and then work themselves into the lineup.”

 

 

Huskies Hockey Adds Assistant Coach

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

08/15/2012 - MacDonald Island Park’s programs and events manager Nate Bedford will be the

assistant coach for the Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey team in their inaugual season.

Thirty-two-year-old Bedford has an extensive résumé as a goaltender, but his duties will include more than goaltending.

Bedford says he’s excited for his first formal coaching job.

“It kind of came out of the blue and something I’ve been waiting for a while,” he said.

“This one came along and it’s an opportunity where you are coaching young men and that’s something a little more up my alley than coaching youth right now.”

Bedford played parts of four seasons for the Lindsay Muskies of the OPJHL — now OJHL — as well as a handful of games of the Peterborough Petes of the OHL.

Following that Bedford went to Europe and played for HK Vojvodina in Serbia and then played for the Louisiana Ice Gators of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

After playing for Ice Gators, Bedford moved to play for the Muskegon Fury in Michigan in the International Hockey League. While he was there, he got involved working with the Ottawa Senators’ coaching staff for about a year.

Bedford then played for the Saint Mary’s University Huskies for a season to finish up his career.

It seems coaching may be in Bedford’s genes as his father worked for 12 years as a head coach and 10 years as a general manager in the OJHL with the Lindsay Muskies and the Peterborough Stars.

Keyano Huskies head coach Paul Strand said he was first impressed by Bedford after watching him work at the PlayOn! road hockey tournament earlier this summer.


“My first interaction with Nate was through the PlayOn! tournament at Mac Island and I knew he had a hockey background as a goaltender in Ontario at a fairly high level. But just seeing his work ethic I knew he was someone that could help,” said Strand.

“I asked him off to the side if this would be something that would interest him, to do some coaching. I liked his reply. He wanted to make sure he was going to be more than a goalie coach he wanted to be hands on as an assistant coach.

“He’s already doing good work with contacting players in Ontario and getting us on the map.”

Bedford expects he’ll be working a lot with the defence and goaltending although he said the team will work out each coach’s duty over the next two months.

Bedford will most likely be spending some of his time over the next few weeks with newly-recruited Matthew Smidt who committed to Keyano from the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Smidt is five-foot-seven and appeared in 102 games over the last three seasons with the Hounds.

The 21-year-old Saskatoon native’s best season was in 2009-10 when he posted a 0.896 save percentage and a 3.15 GAA in 56 games.

All Huskies athletes will undergo athletic testing this Saturday at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre

 

 

Off the Road and Back to Rink

 

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

07/12/2012 - After finishing his 2010-11 season with the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, where he was limited to just 12 games with an Achilles tendon injury, Brock Friesen ended up driving a truck in Saskatchewan, but he quickly realized that particular career path was not for him.

 

Using some of his teammates’ connections and a bit of luck, the 22-year-old is getting a chance to play again after a year off, returning to the ice as a member of the Keyano College Huskies.

 

“I’m definitely pumped to get back and lace up again and play some puck this year,” said Friesen.

 

“I definitely have to work my way back into shape, but I’ve been working out since I got up here and by the time the season starts I’ll be ready to play again.”

 

Friesen is from Stenbach, Man. and played parts of four seasons for the Blizzard in the MJHL. In 118 with OCN, the right-winger produced 71 points, with his best season coming in 2008-09 when he scored 16 goals and 19 assists in 62 games. Friesen is listed at five-foot-eleven, 185 pounds and he describes himself as a two-way forward.

 

“I’m a get-in-the-corners, hardworking player,” said Friesen. “I’ve got some finesse too but I like to try and set up plays.”

 

Huskies head coach Paul Strand didn’t get a chance to see him play in the MJHL because he wasn’t with Keyano when Friesen was active, but he has done enough research to know he’s happy to have on the team.

 

“He’s a feisty little player who can play on both ends of the rink,” said Strand.

“Getting 16 goals is not easy in any league, but he’ll get the pucks. From what I’ve seen, and I’ve spent a little bit of time around him in the summer, he’s got a little bit of grit to him and he’s going to bring that to the team as well.”

 

Friesen has been in Fort McMurray since April and so far he enjoys living here.

His plan is to continue to get in shape at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre and be ready to go for Huskies camp.

 

The Huskies home opener is set for Oct. 18 at the Casman Centre against Portage.

 

 

 

Hockey... The final frontier...

These are the voyages of Bryce Wilson

His continuing mission:

To explore great new worlds...

To seek out new team mates; new teams

To boldly go where no one has gone before!"

 

06/20/2012 - From Brooks, Alberta to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and then Fort McMurray, Alberta all within in three year period. Bryce Wilson continues his hockey odyssey this fall as a member of the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team as they enter their inaugural season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s hockey program for 2012-2013.

 

A 5-foot-11 forward, the 22 year-old Wilson, a nativeof Alix, Alberta, started his junior hockey career as a member of the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League from 2007 – 2011 where in 159 games he recorded 33 goals and 51 assist.

Wilson took his game south of the border last year to play for the Division III Marian University Sabres.

 

Playing in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association, Wilson, who was an all-around athlete in high school competing in baseball, basketball, badminton, rugby and volleyball, played in 23 games where he had an impressive 10 goals and seven assists.

He was fourth in team scoring. A team which also featured former Fort McMurray Oil Barons' players Brendan Roberts, Dakota Dubetz and Tommy Fitzpatrick.

 

Of his new recruit, Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand says: ““Bryce has already played at the NCAA Division III level after three years in the Alberta Junior Hockey league with a very good Brooks squad. He will provide leadership to our young team.”

 

Wilson is looking forward to returning to Canadian soil.

“I want to play hockey back in Canada again,” said Wilson. “The transition from playing in Brooks to going to Marian I’ll have to admit, was hard for me as it was a culture shock and being away from home was tough.

 

“At the start of the season I had broken my finger and then when I came back, I was lucky enough to have found the scoring touch on my line (which included Dubetz) and on the power play line (which featured Fitzpatrick.”

 

Fitzpatrick’s praise of Fort McMurray and the Keyano Huskies athletics program was one of the deciding factors in Wilson returning north of the border.

 

“He (Fitzpatrick) said it was a new team and he really preached how good the coach (Paul Strand) was.”

 

Wilson will bring maturity to a young team: “I hope top bring a lot of experience and I have lots of playoff experience. I will bring some grit to the corners and a bit of point production. My strengths will be in the corners, good vision and the ability to shoot the puck.

 

“I am glad to be coming back to Canadian hockey as it is a little bit more rough and aggressive.”

 

   Bryce Wilson

 

 

Huskies Hockey Sign Two Rage 

 

05/30/2012: Coming to the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey team will be nothing new to Keenan Bailey and Bobby Turnbull as they are used to joining expansion teams. (Huskies play their inaugural season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s hockey program for 2012-2013).

Both players were key members of the expansion Dawson Creek Rage in the North American Hockey League’s Western Division in 2010-2011 before seeing the team fold after the conclusion of this past season.

Of joining another team being formed from scratch, Bailey, a 6-foot 175-pound 21 year-old forward comments: “The guys have to realize that coming in they may have different roles now than they had had on their previous teams before. Getting to know each other too will be important.”

Asked what he will bring to the team, Bailey replied, “Personally, I think I have good leadership skills and I will stand up for the guys night-in and night-out. I will work as hard as I can.

“I feel I can bring speed and a scoring touch (nine goals and 24 assists in 96 games for the Rage). Going from (Tier II) junior to college is going to be tough as it is faster and hard hitting. You are going from boys to men.”

Bailey is enrolled in kinesiology course.

 

Turnbull, a 6-foot-3 195-pound defence, is also 21 years of age and during his two seasons with the Rage played in 94 regular season games with a total of four goals and 14 assist while accumulating 210 penalty minutes. Turnbull was also assistant captain with the Sicamous Eagles (KIJHL) from 2008-2010.

 

    

 

Gretzky Returns to Fort McMurray   

by Curtis J. Phillips Fort McMurrtay CONNECT

and Keyano Sports Information Officer

 

Keyano Sports Information Office Curtis J. Phillips (left) greets the Great One Wayne Gretzky (right)

photo by Greg Halinda

 

 

Huskies Dress in  Style

 

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

The Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey uniform was unveiled at Friday night’s one-on-banquet.

 

The home jersey will be white and prominently features the Keyano Huskies logo.

There is a dark blue horizontal stripe at the bottom as well as a stripe on each arm. There is also blue trim around the collar as well as a lace up neck.

 

“We had thrown around a bunch of different things but we were looking for simplicity because we knew we’d have quite a bit of sponsorship on there with Finning and the Quality Group of Companies already and maybe more,” said Huskies head coach Paul Strand.

 

“Toronto (Maple Leafs) was the one they really did up really quick and I was floating around Detroit Red Wings from the Winter Classic just to have that simplicity and just change the colours from blue to white.”

 

Strand added that he also was inspired by the jerseys worn by the Tampa Bay Lightning, which will be more noticeable on the away jerseys, which Strand said will be black.

 

It was also announced that the Huskies first home game would be October 19 and Strand confirmed the plan is to have the Huskies play their home games at the Casman Centre and practice at the Frank Lacroix Arena.

 

“The only way we’d play anywhere else is if there is conflict with the AJHL schedule but we’re pretty sure we’ll be able to fit 14-16 home games in there and we’ll figure out with playoffs too,” said Strand.

 

The Huskies will start their season on the road against NAIT and play Portage in their home opener.”

 

Photo: Honourary Husky - Wayne Gretzky - Photo by Sean McLennan, Keyano College

 

Kids to Meet Great One

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

While a few hundred people will get the chance to see Wayne Gretzky at the Keyano one-on-one banquet Friday, a few local youth will get the chance to meet the Great One himself earlier in the day.

 

As part of a fundraiser for the Edge School Skills Academy and Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, 20 minor hockey players will get a dryland training session at the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre.

 

The players were all randomly selected and will receive instruction from Edge School officials as well as staff from Keyano College.

 

“We’re going to be doing a little dryland training session to showcase what ASDC is, what the Edge is, what Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association and what Native hockey are up,” said Paul Strand, sport development manager with the Alberta Sport Development Centre.

 

“We’ll show some training in front of the Great One and then the kids have a chance to meet Wayne and learn the benefits of training.”

 

Although the opportunity to meet arguably the greatest hockey player of all time is a big benefit to a budding hockey player, the training session will also introduce some of the youth to the benefits of off-ice training.

 

“There is certainly going to be an element of kids who have never done that before and never had the opportunity to see it done,” said Strand.

 

“Hopefully with the combination of this event at the ASDC and the great one being involved with it, it may give them more incentive to see the benefits of it.”

 

“We’re really excited about Wayne’s participation and it really is a great opportunity.”

 

Winners of the random draw for the gretzky one on one banquet dryland training session

Kyla kruger

Aaron Comeau

David Warford

Grayson Macmillan

Kobe Reid

Andrew Tanner

Tyler Janes

Ty Cook

Chase Cook

Daniel Brue

Mitchell Fradsham

Braeden Noble

Easton Gauthier

Charlie Maclaren

Kolbi Young

Kyla Butz

Tristan Marlowe

Jackson Epple

Colin Rafferty

Brecon Gregoire

 

Big Man on Campus

 

05/01/2012 -They say things are big or bigger in Texas.

 

Three More Signed

 

Fort McMurray TODAY page on Three Players Signed

 

 

Huskies Sign Scorer

 

04/05/2012 - Paul Strand head coach of Keyano College Huskies men’s hockey announced today the signing of Chapen LeBlond.

 

LeBlond was the top scoring 20 year-old in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League this past season playing for the Winkler Flyers. He was third overall in scoring.

 

The 6-foot-1 205 pound right winger scored 34 goals and added 43 assists in a 62-game regular season while recording 120 penalty minutes.

 

Named a MJHL First Team All Star, Leblond, who turns 21 next Tuesday, April 10, is a native of Terrace, British Columbia.

 

"I am very excited," said Strand of LeBlond. "When you got a guy who can score those kind of points in that kind of league it is obviously a boom for our program.

 

"When you are that big and mucking in the corner and getting that many points we will be looking for him to be a leader on our power play and even strengths. He brings in a toughness."

 

LeBlond was also part of the The Terrace Totem Ford Midget Rep hockey team won that won a gold medal at Tier 3 B.C. Provincials in 2009 in a game in which LaBlond had four goals in a 8-0 victory.

 

YEAR                 TEAM                      LEAGUE               GAMES   GOALS ASSISTS   PIM

2011-2012        Winkler Flyers         MJHL                      62           34      43         120

2010-2011        Winkler Flyers         MJHL                      60           25       36          84

2009-2010        Winkler Flyers          MJHL                     36           13       10          64

2009-2010        Cowichan Valley Capitals BCJHL           13             0         1           21

2008-2009        Cowichan Valley CapitalsBCJHL              7             0         0           10

 

FAST FACTS

Nickname - Chaps

Favourite NHL Team – Vancouver Canucks

Favourite NHL Player – Jerome Iginla

Best Hockey Memory – Winning 2007-08 BC Major Midget Provincial Championships

Hobbies – Baseball and fishing

Career Aspirations – Police Officer

Favourite Movie – Super Troopers

Favourite TV Show – Dexter

Favourite Band/Singer – Lil Wayne

Something you NEED to bring along on a road trip - Ipod

 

Fort McMurray TODAY story on LeBlond signing

 

Building Blocks

 

03/24/2012...Fort McMurray - This past January Keyano Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand went on a recruitment trip east to the western provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba with a quick trip south to Minnesota in search of young guns.

One of those young guns was ready to make a commitment. A commitment to play for the Huskies in their inaugural year of Alberta College Athletic Conference hockey this fall. His name Justin Remillard of the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

Strand could also have found Remillard right on his door step also due to the fact that the 20 year-old is a native of Fort McMurray who developed in the local minor hockey system before having a cup of coffee with his home team Fort McMurray Oil Barons in 2008-2009 with one game in uniform followed by 34 games in 2009-2010 with five goals and eight assists and 52 penalty minutes.

For the 2010-2011 season the 5-foot-6 160 pound left winger split time between the La Ronge Ice Wolves, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 10 games, three goals, one assist, 14 penalty minutes and the Winnipeg Blues, Manitoba Junior Hockey League, 36 games, two goals, 10 assist and 50 penalty minutes.

Born Sept. 8, 1991, Remillard currently wears the uniform of the MJHL Dauphin Kings where in 48 games he has recorded 11 goals, 15 assists and 67 minutes in the sin bin.

“He is a small hockey player but he is a sparkplug who is feisty and willing to do whatever it needs for the team to win,” said Strand of Remillard. “He will look for him to provide leadership this fall.

“A lot of people speak highly of Justin and the fact that he is coming here is a bonus.””

In an interview with the Fort McMurray TODAY, Remillard said: “Any time you can further your hockey career in school is a good time, especially being able to participate in its first year is very exciting.”

“I’m the kind of player that has lots of energy. I like to be around the puck. I’m not a big body, but I like to make a difference with my speed and get the puck to the net as much as I can.”

Strand expects “that when all is said and done we will probably have between 12 to 13 players” from his January 12-day road trip to be in Huskies uniform this fall when the puck drops.

A successful scouting scenario which saw Strand, who sports a Stanley Cup ring on his finger from his time as a member of the Carolina Thunder staff, him watching 14 games total in rinks in Battleford, Duluth, Melville, Humboldt, Kindersley, Notre Dame, Saskatoon, Steinbach Weyburn, Winkler and Winnipeg.

Prior to a rediscovering Remillard, Strand had the word and handshake of former Oil Baron and hometown hero Brendan Wright who he met at the Keyano student orientation day last September.

“He knew that we were going to have a (ACAC hockey) team in (2012/2013) and that Keyano had a course that he wanted to enrol in (power engineering),” said Strand of the 6-foot-1 195 pound left wing who played four years with the Oil Barons with totals of: 2007-2008, one game; 2008-2009, 38 games, two goals, five assists, 104 PIM; 2009-2010, 55 games, seven goals, 12 assist and 118 PIM and 2010-2011, 54 games, seven goals, 15 assists and 126 PIM during the regular seasons.

Wright also appeared in 38 playoff games with three goals, nine assist and 64 PIM.

“He wanted to stay here and play here.

“He is an extremely hard worker who can play both forward and defence,” said Strand of Wright who was born March 7, 1990. “He is in extremely good shape and has had the benefit of having being coached by (Oil Barons) Gord Thibodeau the last few years and can now bring that knowledge to the table.”

“Brendan is highly talked about with the local kids and I’m definitely looking for (him) to be a very big leader on the team since ... he’ll be a year older than most of the kids coming in here,” Strand “He’s a good hockey player. I’ve watched him play, and I’ve played against him, and he does like to compete. His 120 minutes a year that he had, he definitely likes to get into the mix, and he’s not afraid of that kind of stuff.”

Strand says that there has been a “consistent stream of interest” from players wanting to play for the Huskies in their inaugural year: “You get a lot of interest from people that want to play but you have to keep up with what will be and is the standard of the (eight-team) ACAC.

“Recruiting is an on-going process that continues this year and past this year. You have to look pass this year. The kids that are coming here want to play. They don’t want to sit in the stands or on the bench. That does not do your program reputation any good.”

 

Fort McMurray TODAY story on signing of former Oil Barons

 

 

 

 

Gretzky coming to town!

 

by Curtis J. Phillips, Fort McMurray CONNECT

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Wayne Gretzky.

Yes. You read it right.

The greatest hockey player of all time, is coming to Fort McMurray May 11, for Keyano College’s inaugural One on One Banquet, which will be an annual fundraising event in support of the Huskies Athletic Endowment and Keyano Huskies programs.

 

Presented by Quality Group of Companies, the hot stove discussion format event, limited to 550 tickets, was the brainchild of Gretzky memorabilia collector Shawn Chaulk.

“(The idea) started off with the Gretzky dinner in September (23, 2011),” said the long-time resident, in regards to the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton’s inaugural fundraiser entitled The Legends Experience, which featured Gretzky.

It was there that Chaulk, recognized for having the world’s largest collection of Gretzky memorabilia, displayed some of his favourite Gretzky items, including the jersey Gretzky wore when he scored his 500th goal.

During a private autograph signing session with Gretzky that weekend, Chaulk had a conversation with the hockey legend in regards to life in Fort McMurray.

 

Wayne started asking questions about Fort McMurray and he knew a lot about Fort McMurray,” recalls Chaulk, who has met Gretzky countless times. “Then I started thinking, ‘If Edmonton can do something like this…there is no reason in the world why we could not support such an event.’”

Chaulk quickly sent out some e-mails and telephone calls to friends and local businesses saying, “I have an idea and do you think it would work?”

The response was overwhelming. “It was the typical Fort McMurray response. ‘When and how can I help?’ along with, ‘Just as long as (proceeds) go to a good cause.’”

Individuals associated with Keyano College, like Keyano College Foundation board of directors chair Dale H. Unruh and Sport & Wellness Director Wade Kolmel, were the main shakers and responders.

Also it doesn’t hurt that Chaulk was Athlete of the Year for the Huskies back in the 1980s when he participated in badminton, bowling and racquetball. Unruh, too, has a close contact with Gretzky.

Another association Gretzky had to Fort McMurray was with his annual Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Camp where participants spent $9,999 to skate with the Great One with proceeds going to charity.

“Since I first went down to the camp several years ago, we now have up to six to 12 people of the 60 attending coming from Fort McMurray,” said Chaulk of the . “At the end of camp there is even a Fort McMurray award. So Wayne and his people realize what we have done to assist with his foundation and this (One on One with Wayne Gretzky) is a kind of payback to come up to Fort McMurray.”

When Gretzky is in Fort McMurray the One on One event will be “like a hot stove environment where people in attendance will be able to ask a question from the audience of Wayne. With this format it is just not a guy getting up and speaking but creating an environment where the audience can be in tuned with the presenter.”

Chaulk, chair of the One on One, said that this portion of the event has been allocated for “75 minutes” and that due to the amount of anticipated people to attend, there will also be no general autograph or photo session with Gretzky as that “would take hours and hours to do.”

Instead there will be a silent and live auction plus one lucky person at each of the tables will receive a Gretzky autographed item.

Gretzky will be joined by MC Kelly Chase and other special celebrity quests of NHL notoriety including Paul Coffey, Marty McSorely and Dave Semenko.

“The One on One effort to support the Endowment Scholarship Fund will impact the students that represent the Huskies, not only in those that will suit up next season, but others that will pick Keyano College well into the future,” Kolmel said of the upcoming event.

“A college with a strong scholarship program, such as ours, needs these committee efforts to ensure the sustainability of our program. I am always proud to call Fort McMurray my home, and it is events such as this One on One, that really draw attention to what can be accomplished by bringing together initiative, ideas, and willingness to give back to your community.”

“Our mandate is not to top what we will do but this instead will be a statement that we will be putting on a high-profile event for future One on Ones,” was Chaulk’s response when asked how organizers could possibly top the inaugural event.

“Yes, Gretzky is by far the highest name from the world oh hockey but there are other professional athletes from other sports so it does not have to be a hockey guest always.”

 

Gretzky may also find time during his visit for other appearances outside of the banquet time schedule.

 

Sponsorship opportunities for the One-on-One , ranging from $7,500 to $25,000, will provide requisite benefits including additional access to The Great One and additional tables will be sold for $5,000, each with sitting for 10.

Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre’s Shell Field will feature Chaulk’s incredible Gretzky collection while the Alberta Building Trades Field will be the location for the One on One Banquet and speaking presentation.

“We are excited,” said Chaulk. “I already have five friends from other parts of Canada who will be flying in for the event.”

For more information go online at www.keyano.ca/oneonone or contact Melane.leblanc@keyano.ca or 780-791-8995.

 

Arena in the Works?

by Morgan Modjeski, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

Conceptional stages as Keyano and Composite High School are looking at the possibility of constructing an arena with two ice sheets located near the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre that would connect the long-standing neighbours.

 

“It’s very conceptional at this point and we’re looking at studying the business case to understand the value to the region,” said Andy Carter, a member of Keyano’s Campus Development Committee. “Conceptually it’s a two ice-sheet arrangement with potential for a culture and heritage centre associated with it as well.”

 

Carter said the project is strictly an idea at this point and it’s submission to the Keyano board of governors on Jan.27 was the first time information was submitted to the college.

 

“We’re strictly talking about what this might look like, what value it might add and we’re looking at the total load of facilities within the city to make sure it aligns with what we need to add to the community.”

 

Carter said Keyano is always looking at ways to expand the services it provides as a college, adding the potential rink is another way Keyano could help address the needs of the community as well.

 

“We’re always evaluating what’s needed in additional facilities to support what we’re offering as a college, but we’re also looking at the community as a whole and recognizing there is growth, and to continue in the region, we have to evaluate the Sport and Wellness Centre.”

 

He continued, “We need to look at what our facilities are lacking, or what they could potentially be lacking as this growth occurs.”

 

Cindy Amerongen, Keyano’s vice president external relations, echoed Carter saying the rink is simply an idea, but it’s something the College is looking at seriously.

 

“This is an information item,” said Amerongen. “It’s an opportunity of a shared space between Composite High School and Keyano College. We have that wonderful space between us — not being utilized — we would love to link the two buildings together.”

She continued, “It’s getting it on the table so we can have a bigger board decision about moving things forward.”

 

The rink, if constructed, would also be used to accommodate Keyano’s new hockey team that will be launched in September 2012.

 

Advice to Huskies Hockey

Saturday, 05 November 2011 08:31

 

by Curtis J. Phillips, Keyano Sports Information Officer, ACAC Sports Writer

 

11/04/2011...Lac la Biche, Alberta - If Portage Voyageurs men’s hockey coach Terry Ewasiuk were to give Keyano Huskies men’s hockey coach Paul Strand a few words of advice on building a brand new program, it would be to have the players “confirmed and committed.”

 

Ewasiuk started the Voyageurs program in 2008-2009 to round out the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s hockey to its present eight teams. The Voyageurs finished their inaugural season with nine wins and 19 losses.

The Huskies, out of Fort McMurray, will join the ACAC men’s hockey program this fall with Strand at the helm for 2011-2012

 

Ewasiuk said the key in building a new team is, “to get your name out there be it Junior B or Junior A or Western Hockey League or even pro. Contacting as many coaches and General Managers out there to let them know that they are a new program in the ACAC and looking for new players.”

 

Ewasiuk said with Internet and “in today’s world, you can do a lot without traveling, which is usually restricted to your budget. But you still have to do your homework.”

 

The hockey network is also key.

 

“No doubt Paul has built his contacts over the years. You have to have people you trust who will scout for you and you have to rely on them in what they are telling you about the prospective player is true. I average between 50 to 100 players a year talking to and I am lucky if I can get 15 players out of that.”

 

The fact that Fort McMurray has a Junior A franchise with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, is also a plus for Strand says Ewasiuk.

 

“You have a Junior A team right there in your own backyard, so you may go out and scout when the other (Alberta Junior Hockey League) teams come to town. But we are all competing for basically the same players coming out of Western Canada.”

 

While many of the top Junior A players “are looking for Division I – II or III teams in the states with a lot also coming to the ACAC,” it has been extra hard to attract WHL players to some of the smaller ACAC colleges surmises Ewasiuk.

“If the WHL player doesn’t make pro he will look at university rather than college.”

 

When Ewasiuk first arrived in Lac la Biche, he was unable to attract Junior A graduates – “my entire team were Junior B players” – but now has a roster full of such. He believes that Fort McMurray will have no problem in attracting Junior A graduates due to its population, size and what the college has to offer.

 

Of his own team this season, only one win in eight games, “We are not doing well as we hoped. We have been devastated by injuries...a lot of ankle injuries for some reason…we have seven regular starters out of the line-up Our skill is the best we have ever had and now we just need to get healthy. We are moving in the right direction.”

 

He says Strand is probably working on a deadline right now as “You have to have your guys in place by spring for the most part confirmed and committed .”

 

10 Months Until Puck Drops

Thursday, 03 November 2011 18:56

 

by Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

 

It will still be roughly 10 months before a Keyano Huskies men's hockey team takes the ice, but head coach Paul Strand has a lot of preparations to make long before then.

 

"I think the big thing right now is assembling a team," Strand told Today.

 

"Obviously when you've got a new hockey team, there are lots of things that need to be done, but right now we're focusing on recruiting."

 

The Huskies are looking to enter into the 2012-13 season of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men's hockey division, but still need to build a lineup from scratch.

 

Much of the ACAC is made from former Junior A players — namely the AJHL and SJHL — although some teams also have former WHLers as well.

 

Right now Strand is focusing on Junior A players, including some familiar faces.

 

"I went to the Alberta Junior Hockey League showcase down in Spruce Grove a little while back and then I went to the SJHL showcase in Estevan and then I've just been contacting players from the various leagues and identifying the type of kid that can play at this level and would possibly want to come," said Strand. (pictured below with youth from the Carolina Hurricanes outreach program)

 

 

Current, former MOB players' interest

 

"I think that's the biggest thing is the recruiment. It's definitely very early and I'm not sure I should give their names because nothing is official, but there are definitely some current and former Fort McMurray Oil Barons that have expressed interest in coming here.

 

"There's three or four considering it right now and two that I'd say are close to committing."

 

Some of the players who Strand has spoken to are still waiting to hear whether they will be recruited for NCAA hockey before making the decision to play in the ACAC.

 

Strand said he also feels when all is said and done, some of the players on the roster may be players who have played minor-pro or hockey in Europe.

 

Strand said he has found that Fort McMurray has a wealth of people with hockey knowledge, including some former players who played with Strand in the past, so he shouldn't have any trouble recruiting the rest of the staff.

 

Women's division a possibility

 

The team will also need a place to play, which is still in early negotiations.

Assuming everything works out with their yet-to-be-chosen facility and ice time availability, Strand feels Keyano could be interested in starting a women's team in the next few years.

"I think that'd be the next step, the ACAC has a women's division and once we get our team up and running and everything done, we can look at it," said Strand.

"The no. 1 concern is with the facilities we have; there's a lack of storage ... but otherwise I don't see why not. I heard the Fort McMuray minor hockey has a record number of girls this year, so the demand is there and it'd be nice to have a place for them to play in the future."

 

New jerseys

 

One of the most exciting parts of any new team is the chance to see new uniforms. Strand doesn't have a set date for when they new Huskies hockey jerseys will be revealed, but he has some ideas for style and design.

 

"You definitely want to have something that has a classic look to it," said Strand.

 

"We're looking at a lot of different styles that have been around for quite a while in the NHL, looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings style and taking those and changing the colours and putting the Huskies into that.

 

"We don't want a lot of bells and whistles, we want something to stand the test of time."

 

Of his own team this season, only one win in eight games, “We are not doing well as we hoped. We have been devastated by injuries...a lot of ankle injuries for some reason…we have seven regular starters out of the line-up Our skill is the best we have ever had and now we just need to get healthy. We are moving in the right direction.”

 

 

He says Strand is probably working on a deadline right now as “You have to have your guys in place by spring for the most part confirmed and committed .”

 

 

Paul Strand To Lead Men's Hockey

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 09:28

 

July 7, 2011 - Keyano College Athletics announced today that Paul Strand has been officially named as head coach of the Keyano Huskies men’s hockey program which will enter their inaugural season in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association in 2012-2013.

 

Strand, 39, comes to the Huskies after serving six seasons as the Youth and Amateur Hockey Coordinator for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League.

 

“Part of me always wanted to come home,” said Strand, a native of Fort McMurray. “This (Huskies men’s hockey head coach) sounded like something that I could do and something that was pretty special as I was getting in on the ground floor.

 

“I am really excited to come back and kind of show what I have learned. One of the biggest challenges to be tackled is the recruiting. Keyano has a lot to offer and one of my jobs will be in convincing potential (student/athletes) that we have a lot of offer both on and off the ice.”

 

It’s been a long round trip for Strand, who will be returning to Fort McMurray this September.

Moving to Fort McMurray at the age of seven, Strand dabbled in the sports of baseball, basketball and fast pitch.

 

“Baseball was really my love,” admits Strand, from his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. “But in Fort McMurray, hockey is the sport and I was drawn back to that the older I got. I did attempt basketball in high school (Father Patrick Mercredi Community High School) and in Grade 11 made the junior team but I had problems dribbling the ball with my left hand.”

 

Instead, Strand took his talents to the hockey rink and along the way came a few breaks.

“I broke my wrist playing hockey for the Midget Oil Barons AA. That same season I was called up and played one game for the (AJHL) Fort McMurray Oil Barons.”

 

Due to various circumstances, dreams of playing for the hometown team were never realized as Strand suited up for the Fort Saskatchewan Traders from 1990-1992.

 

In the fall of 1992 Strand made what he considers was the “best decision of my hockey career” in joining the U of Alberta Golden Bears hockey program.

 

“The program itself is second to none for any other hockey program in North America,” says Strand, who in five seasons accumulated an amazing 86 goals, 155 assists in 192 regular season games.

 

“The years of tradition, winning and history is something that continues to perpetuate itself in hockey circles.

 

“Take a look at coaching staffs across North America and they are staffed with former Golden Bears.  I was fortunate to be taught by Bill Moores my first two seasons and by Rob Daum my last two years.

 

Bill Moores gave me an understanding of the tradition and what it takes to play at a high level regardless of your ability.

 

“He demanded success and class. These are things that can take a young punk, which I was back then, and instill confidence and work ethic in order to succeed.”

 

While a member of the Golden Bears, Strand assisted the team to two Canada West championships. He was also named Golden Bears MVP twice.

 

Strand also pays tribute to a Fort McMurray politician who had guided him in the right direction.

“Guy Boutilier (Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta) my Bantam coach in Fort McMurray, instilled in me the belief that I could do anything I set my ability to.

He expected me to be good every night and in turn I expected it from myself.”

 

Following university graduation - History Major/German minor -Strand, a left winger, decided to take the next step in turning pro. From 1997 to 2004 he played for various teams in the ECHL, Central Hockey League and Germany.

 

“Semi-pro was something that I would never change. Sometimes it came as close as to the movie Slap Shot as you can get. Although the money is not very good and the body is hurting as I get older (things people never really tell you as you are chasing the dream), the experience and people I met are worth it.

 

“I was traded to Raleigh (Icecaps) my first season from Baton Rouge (Kingfish) and I knew within an hour that this (Raleigh) was the place I wanted to live the rest of my life. The south is such a wonderful place and North Carolina is the best of the south. I still have friends to this day who I met that first season in Raleigh. I still keep in touch with many folks in the booster clubs of all the cities I have played.

 

“This first season also gave me the best personal highlight of my hockey career as I set an Icecap record for most goals in a game with five (Texas Hat Trick). It was a very special night and I managed to score against two very good goalies with NHL experience, Daniel Berthieume and Dave Gagnon. The next game I followed it up with a Hat Trick (three goals) against Hampton Roads to set the minor pro record for most goals in two consecutive games with eight. It was a good week.”

 

Playing overseas (Hamburg Crocodiles) was another highlight in the journey for the affable Strand.

 

“It was awesome to be able to learn another culture for a full year and also be considered a somewhat celebrity. It allowed us to be able to see some of the culture and country that we may never have been able to see as a tourist. If I could change one thing I would have spent a few more years playing in Europe.”

 

Sooner or later the bumps and bruises do not lie. Truth lets you know that it is time to hang up the skates and seek a new direction.

 

In 2002 after a “serious concussion” while playing for the Greensboro Generals, Strand semi-retired and started coaching youth hockey in North Carolina. Such was his dedication that when called back to the ice to play for the Cincinnati Cyclones the following season, he would make the 719 kilometer drives back to North Carolina on a regular basis to continue his volunteer coaching duties.

 

This passion led to a new direction on his hockey journey.

 

“I moved back to Raleigh in late 2004 and was making plans to start my own business training kids on and off the ice. Then the NHL lockout ended and I got a call from the Hurricanes asking if I would like to interview for a job they were creating. There was a push by NHL teams to give back more to the community now that the lock out was over and they needed a person to oversee this.

 

“I had a background in hockey and by this time I was volunteering quite a bit and the resume was looking good. So that is what led to this job.”

 

In a nutshell, Strand oversaw promotion and development of youth amateur hockey in North and South Carolina.

 

“We now have our name and brand on lots of kids. I remember the impact that the Oil Barons brand had on the 13 and 14 year old bantam/midgets and I know that it can only help. I would have loved to have worn a Junior Edmonton Oilers jersey growing up.

 

“We have also helped out with getting a local Special Hockey Association that is dedicated to helping kids with autism and other mental/physical disabilities to play hockey. The Hurricanes give support in terms of finances, advertising and ice time.”

 

Of his return to Fort McMurray: “It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve learned a lot about hockey the last 21 years and want to pass that on. I am really excited about being part of the Keyano College Huskies program.”

 

 

 

 

Hockey in 2012

Monday, 30 May 2011 09:09

 

 

King the Husky mascot drops the puck to signify that the Keyano College Huskies will enter Alberta Colleges Athletic Association men's hockey program in 2012. On the right is Jarrod Saunders, President of the Keyano College Student’s Association along with Dale Unruh, Chair of the Keyano Foundation and Board of Directors.

Photo Sean McLennan

 

May 29, 2011 - Keyano College Huskies announced recently that their application to enter a men’s hockey team into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association has been accepted and that they will commence league sanctioned play in 2012-2013.

 

“This is our big dog Huskies moment,” said Wade Kolmel, Director of Sport & Wellness, Keyano College. “I want to thank Wayne Thomas (former Project Manager Sport & Wellness) who has been instrumental in bringing hockey to Keyano College and all of our community for making this happen.”

 

Like the other dignitaries in the audience Thursday, Dale Unruh, Chair of the Keyano Foundation and Board of Directors had had a speech prepared but when he came to the podium those written words were simply thrown out the window.

 

He let his heart speak:  “Everyone has played a part in making today’s announcement happen – this is a typical Fort McMurray factor. There was a void. Kids will now have a place to go. This brings Keyano College and Wood Buffalo to a national level.”

 

Dr. Kevin Nagel, Keyano College’s President & CEO echoed Unruh’s passion: “Hockey has been a source of national pride for Canadians. It’s going to be a great asset for our College and the community.”

 

Nagel himself was an outstanding hockey player having played for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the 1970s while also suiting up for the Regina Pats of the Western Canadian Hockey League in 1974-1975 and then professionally with Cologne EC in 1980-1981.

 

Decked out in a Huskies hockey sweater, Jarrod Saunders, President of the Keyano College Student’s Association, added that the hockey team will enhance student life on-campus. “We will be able to recruit more students. Playing hockey while getting a diploma is gratifying. Go Huskies!”

 

Andrew Boutilier, president of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, stated that the Huskies will now give the Barons a “direct link” for their graduating players.

 

“We are one of the most fertile hockey markets in the country and we’ve always had that support.  (Oil Barons) Head coach Gord Thibodeau has done a great job in preparing players for that next level and Keyano College hockey will be a great tool for us for sure,” said Boutilier in an interview.

 

Kolmel said they are presently interviewing coaching applicants and that a coach is expected in place by September.

 

“We are going for the most elite players we can. Whenever you’re filling a brand new roster you will have a lot of opportunity and players will be seeking us out.”

 

Sponsorships of over $450,000 have already been secured to start up the program with Finning Canada as the program’s Diamond Sponsor with a pledge of $150,000 over three years.

 

The announcement was a major step in the Keyano College Huskies program as they complete their 25th year in the ACAC.

 

Last year was also the Huskies inaugural season in men’s and women’s basketball and futsal.

The Huskies also compete in men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball along with cross country running.

What sort of players suit up in ACAC hockey?

 

If you look on this year’s rosters, as is the case every season, you will find dozens  of former AJHL players.

 

Former MOB members and Fort McMurray home grown talents Jeremy Roberts and, Kris Steedsman, played with Mount Royal Cougars and Portage Voyageurs this past year.

 

Olympians are also part of the league as Grant MacEwan Griffins feature Canadian Women’s National team member and Olympian Shannon Szabados in net

 

Nearly every team has a few former professional players either from the North American or European circuits. Men, some in their 30s’, now returning to school to upgrade their education or get a trade.

 

The NAIT Ooks featured a former NHL draft pick with Dion Darling – 125th overall in the fifth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens – who after 16 years of getting a paycheque playing hockey around the globe returned to school this fall at age 35.

 

Down in Camrose the Augustana Vikings have a few former pro players on the roster with Jeremy Beirnes of the Huntsville Havoc and Brent Ottmann of the Wichita Thunder.

 

Former Swiss pro from the EHC Winterthur, Manuel Schellenberg, is enrolled at Briercrest.

No doubt Keyano College Huskies will also have a similar talented roster in 2012 for local fans to cheer for.

 

 

Keyano Hockey

Tuesday, 26 April 2011 07:35

 

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