BLAZERS WEEK IN REVIEW, DECEMBER 17

Week in Review:

Tuesday, December 11^th, 2012 at Calgary Hitmen – 3-2 Win

The Blazers got two goals from forward Colin Smith and shootout goals by Smith and Brendan Ranford lifted the Blazers to a 3-2 victory. The Blazers were trailing 2-0 when Smith struck for goals in the second half of the game to tie the game up. Goaltender Cole Cheveldave made 24 saves for the win along with stopping two of three shooters in the shootout. Full Recap and Highlights.

Wednesday, December 12^th, 2012 at Edmonton Oil Kings – 5-2 Loss

The Oil Kings converted on their chances, while the Blazers didn’t in a 5-2 loss in Edmonton. The Oil Kings jumped to a 1-0 lead, before Aaron Macklin tied it with his first WHL goal. The Blazers fired 25 shots on goal in the second period but only scored once. The Oil Kings took the lead late in the second period and built it up for good measure in a 5-2 win. Tim Bozon scored the other Blazer goal. Full Recap and Highlights.

Friday, December 14^th, 2012 at Lethbridge Hurricanes – 4-2 Loss

The Blazers found themselves in penalty trouble and succumbed to the Hurricanes power play in a 4-2 loss. The game was tied at 2-2 on goals by Aspen Sterzer and Chase Souto late in the second period. The Hurricanes took advantage scoring a 5-on-3 goal and another power play marker in the dying seconds of the period to make it 4-2. The Hurricanes hung on from there for the 4-2 win. Full Recap and Highlights.

Saturday, December 15^th, 2012 at Medicine Hat Tigers – 7-6 OT Loss

It was as shootout in Medicine Hat with the Tigers scoring the game’s last goal in overtime for the 7-6 win. The Blazers had six different goal scorers in the game as Joel Edmundson had a goal and three assists for the Blazers. Both goaltenders had tough outings and Cole Cheveldave stopped 27 shots and Marek Langhamer turned aside 31 shots. Full Recap and Highlights.

JC Lipon Named to Canada’s National Junior Team

The Kamloops Blazers will be represented by JC Lipon who will suit up for Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.

Lipon is a testament to hard work and determination as the only player who has been passed over in the NHL Entry Draft to make the team. According to Head Coach Steve Spott, Lipon “stole a job” having a tremendous camp in Calgary.

Lipon is the first member of the Blazers to crack Canada’s World Junior Team since Devan Dubnyk was a goaltender on the 2006 team.

For more on Lipon in the Kamloops Daily News, follow this link.

For more on Lipon from TSN, follow this link. 

A Busy First Half Comes to an End

The Blazers are into their much needed Christmas break after playing 38 games during the first half of the season, including 20 on the road. The Blazers go into the break in first place in the B.C. Division with a 25-9-2-2 record.

The hockey club will now enjoy some divisional games with 22 of their final 34 games coming against division foes and 32 of 34 against conference opponents. The Blazers will host the Prince Albert Raiders and Red Deer Rebels in two out of conference games. 

The Blazers are back in action on December 27^th in Kelowna before a home game on December 29^th when they host the Vancouver Giants.

Holiday Store Hours

The Kamloops Blazers would like to thank the 4,783 fans who came out for Food Bank Night this past Friday. The fans donated over $2000 and 3000lbs to the Kamloops Food Bank. The Blazers and the Food Bank are gracious for the contribution and continued support of the Kamloops Blazers fans.

Blazers Sign Mitchell Lipon

The Kamloops Blazers have signed 16-year-old forward Mitchell Lipon to a standard WHL Education contract. Lipon is playing with the Regina Pat Canadians and leading the team in scoring with 33 points in 26 games. He is the younger brother of current Blazer JC Lipon. Lipon and 16-year-old defenseman Connor Clouston will join the Blazers after Christmas. Find out more by following this link.

International Duty

The Blazers will be without the services of forward JC Lipon and defensemen Marek Hrbas and Jordan Thomson until the Blazers play on January 9^th against Tri-City. Lipon is currently with Canada’s National Junior Team, while Hrbas is with Czech Republic’s National Junior Team. Jordan Thomson is playing for Team West at the upcoming U-17 World Challenge in Quebec from December 29^th – January 4^th.

Blazers Rank 4^th in the BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 Rankings

The Blazers are ranked 4^th in the latest BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 with a 25-9-2-2 record. The hockey club has been ranked in the Top 10 all season, bouncing around the Top 5. To view the current rankings, follow this link.

Willick and Ully to Return Soon

The Kamloops Blazers have been without forwards Dylan Willick and Cole Ully due to injury and illness. Willick has missed the last 19 games, but has progressed and is expected to return to the Blazers line-up shortly after the Christmas break. During his injury, the 20-year-old was named the Blazers captain. Ully has not played since November 24^th but is also expected to be back in the Blazers line-up shortly after the Christmas break.

Community Service:

None

Injury Report:

Dylan Willick, Lower Body, 2 weeks
Cole Ully, Illness, day-to-day

Team Leaders:

Goals – Colin Smith (25)
Assists – Colin Smith (37)
Points –Colin Smith (62)
+/- – Sam Grist (+25)
Rookies – Jordan Thomson (6)
PIM – Joel Edmundson (79)
GAA – Cole Cheveldave (2.42)
SV % – Taran Kozun (.914)

Schedule:

December 17^th – December 25^th – Happy Holidays
Wednesday, December 26^th – Practice 9:00pm – 11:00pm, ISC
Thursday, December 27^th, Blazers at Kelowna, 7:00pm, Prospera Place
Friday, December 28^th, Practice 2:00pm – 4:00pm, ISC
Saturday, December 29^th, Blazers vs. Vancouver, 7:00pm, ISC
Sunday, December 30^th, Practice 11:00am – 12:30pm ISC