SERIES IN REVIEW, APRIL 29
Series In Review:
Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2013 at Portland Winterhawks – 4-1 Loss
The Blazers scored first, but Ty Rattie tallied on a penalty shot to give the Hawks the lead at the end of the first period in a 4-1 loss. Joe Kornelsen scored on the first shot of the game to give the Blazers a 1-0 lead. Taylor Leier tied it up and Rattie won it on a shorthanded penalty shot. Troy Rutkowski and Brendan Leipsic added goals in the third period to put the game away. Recap and Highlights.
Game 2 – Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Portland Winterhawks – 4-0 Loss
Mac Carruth was perfect making 27 saves in a 4-0 shutout of the Blazers. Goals by Seth Jones, Ty Rattie, Nic Petan and Brendan Leipsic put away the Blazers. The Blazers had their chances with five power plays in the game and a post by JC Lipon. Cole Cheveldave made 30 saves for the Blazers. Recap and Highlights.
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 23, 2013 vs. Portland Winterhawks – 5-1 Win
The Blazers faced a must win situation and came through with a 5-1 win over the Hawks. Despite giving up the first goal, the Blazers scored five unanswered with Joel Edmundson recording the winner early in the second period. Colin Smith had a big night with a goal and two assists and Tim Bozon had two goals and two assists. Cole Cheveldave was outstanding making 35 saves. Recap and Highlights.
Game 4 – Wednesday, April 24, 2013 vs. Portland Winterhawks – 3-0 Loss
The Blazers needed a repeat performance in Game 4, but could not deliver. Mac Carruth shut the door once again making 29 saves for his second shutout of the series. The Hawks big guns performed well once again as Nic Petan had two goals and an assist and Ty Rattie had three helpers. Recap and Highlights.
Game 5 – Friday, April 26, 2013 at Portland Winterhawks – 4-1 Loss
The Blazers had their chances, but couldn’t pull through as the Hawks beat the Blazers 4-1 to end the Blazers chances in the playoffs. It was the Hawks big guns performing once again as five different players scored. The Blazers trailed by a goal midway through the third period, but a turnover led to Ty Rattie sealing the deal on a shorthanded breakaway. JC Lipon scored for the Blazers in the loss. Rattie was named the Western Conference Championship MVP with 12 points in the five-game series. Recap and Highlights.
Ranford, Willick and Kessy Move On
The Blazers will have a new look next season as Brendan Ranford, Dylan Willick and Kale Kessy all have graduated from their WHL careers. The three 20-year-olds were all key contributors to the team.
Ranford is one of the most decorated Blazers of all-time putting up some tremendous statistical numbers in his WHL career. The former first round Bantam Draft pick played 348 regular season games for the Blazers which is a team record. He also compiled 137 goals, 220 assists and 357 career points. Adding in 34 playoff games and 42 playoff points, Ranford played 382 games in a Blazer uniform and amassed 399 points.
Some statistical highlights from Ranford’s career with the Kamloops Blazers:
- 1st all-time in games played at 348
- 6th all-time in points with 357
- 6th all-time in assists with 220
- 7th all-time in goals with 137
Willick played 266 games for the Blazers during a four-year career and was the team captain this season. He had 80 goals, 77 assists for 157 points.
Kessy only played 31 games with the Blazers and recorded 25 points during the regular season. He was outstanding for the Blazers in the playoffs scoring 11 times in 15 games. He most notably scored the game winner in overtime of a second round series with the Kelowna Rockets to help the Blazers sweep the Rockets in four straight games. The 20-year-old is expected to play for the Oklahoma City Barons in the AHL next season after signing a 3-year entry level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings
The Kamloops Blazers had three players mentioned in the final NHL Central Scouting draft rankings. JC Lipon (82), Cole Ully (93) and Taran Kozun (30th among goaltenders) were all ranked among North American skaters eligible for the NHL Draft. To read more, follow this link.
2013-2014 Season Tickets
Season tickets for the upcoming 2013-14 season can be purchased now by contacting Missy Cederholm by phone at 778-471-8068 or by email [email protected].
Kamloops Blazers Hockey School August 2013
The 2013 Kamloops Blazers Hockey School is open for registration! Hockey School will be held from August 12th – 16th with the Blazers coaching staff, current and former players instructing. Make sure to register quickly as Hockey School is almost filled up!
Download the registration form by following this link or pick up a form from the Blazers Office. If there are any questions pertaining to Hockey School give Ashley Neuls a call at the Kamloops Blazers office at 250-828-1144.
Playoff Team Leaders:
Goals – Kale Kessy (11)
Assists –JC Lipon (17)
Points – JC Lipon (23)
+/- – JC Lipon (+12)
Rookies – Aaron Macklin (3)
PIM – Joel Edmundson (29)
GAA – Cole Cheveldave (2.80)
SV % – Cole Cheveldave (.901)
Schedule:
Wednesday, May 1 – WHL Awards in Calgary
Thursday, May 2 – WHL Bantam Draft in Calgary
Friday, May 3 – WHL Finals begin in Portland
