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League NewsNHL Central ScoutingNHL Central Scouting - Players To Watch List (2009-10) lists six CJHL players!
The CJHL leads all Jr A leagues in Canada for players listed as NHL player potentials. Despite having just 12 teams in the league, six CJHL players were recognized for their talent while several other players appear on various team lists. Updated November 2009. CJHL Partners with INSINC to webcast Central Junior ‘A’ Hockey League Action
September 14, 2009 Burnaby, BC, and Ottawa, ON - The Central Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Interactive Netcasting Systems Inc. (INSINC) today announced plans to broadcast the entire 2009-10 CJHL regular season and 2010 CJHL playoff games via the Internet live on a pay-per-view (PPV) broadband basis. Broadband webcasts commenced on opening night of the CJHL regular season, Friday, September 11, 2009. CJHL regular season games for all twelve teams will be available on a PPV basis through CJHL TV on a per game, month, season and playoff basis. Fans with high-speed internet connections will experience near television quality pictures. "This is an exciting time for fans and followers of the CJHL. The opportunity to partner with INSINC, considered the leaders in web broadcasting for hockey, is a key component in our plan to increase our presence and expand our spectator base. The benefits to coaches, officials, players and the added opportunity for NHL, NCAA and other higher levels of hockey to see our product are expanding at a tremendous rate. We can envision this partnership being an integral part of the CJHL continuing to raise the bar and exceed expectations in the Junior hockey community," said Kevin Abrams, CJHL Commissioner. INSINC, a leading provider of sports webcasting services, is delighted to be partnering with the CJHL. "The eastern Ontario region is a hotbed for junior hockey action," states INSINC President and CEO, Hugh Dobbie. "Webcasting of all CJHL games is a very exciting initiative that we are proud to be a part of - fans, scouts, players and coaches will now be able to catch all of the action, either live or on-demand." About the Central Junior A Hockey League
For further information, please contact: INSINC - Jayne McCaw, Vice-President, Sales CJHL - Kevin Abrams, Commissioner
BLUNDEN’S BACK, LEADS RANGERS ATTACK IN VICTORIES
September 14, 2009 Former Gloucester Rangers minor hockey player Stephen Blunden led the way with five assists as the Jr. ‘A' Rangers recorded a pair of victories during the Central Junior ‘A' Hockey League's opening showcase weekend in Carleton Place Sept. 11-13. Former Ottawa 67's winger Stephen Blunden will dress for the Gloucester Rangers this season. The left-winger who played last season with the Ottawa 67's registered three helpers in his Rangers debut - a 5-2 victory over Kemptville - and added two more in a 7-3 win over the highly-hyped Brockville Braves. Fellow first-year Ranger Julien Quincou scored three goals and an assist in the two contests, while Andrew Creppin also tallied three, with Nick Vidoni chipping in a goal and three assists. Meanwhile, the Cumberland Grads are 1-1 following a 5-3 defeat to Brockville and a 6-2 victory over Kemptville. Defenceman Daniel Sauve tallied a goal and four assists in the two games. The Grads are on the road to face the Ottawa Jr. Senators Wednesday before their first home contest at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Navan Memorial Centre. Gloucester opens its home schedule Friday, Sept. 18 against Nepean and is offering a 2-for-1 admission promotion for the 7:30 p.m. start. 2-0 AND FEELS SO GOOD FOR COLTS
September 13, 2009 There was no letdown on Saturday for the Cornwall Colts. A day after opening their season with a 4-2 doubling of Pembroke, the Colts thrashed Kanata 6-1 at the CJHL Showcase event. Forward Kris Arvanitakis, who scored a beauty in the win against Pembroke, had a hat-trick performance to lead the way past the Stallions. Arvanitakis, of Pointe Claire, Que., struck early and often -- he scored 1:21 into the game and again at 15:28 to give the Colts a 2-0 lead. Sebastien Meltzer, who had four points in the contest including three assists, put the Colts in front 3-0 at 18:56 of the period, and Arvanitakis completed his hat-trick making it 4-0 at the 12:35 mark of the middle period. The Colts, who outshot Kanata 35-26, allowed just a Dylan Gareau goal 7:45 into the third period, and that spoiled Will Landa's shutout bid. But Cornwall quickly regained the momentum and the Colts closed out the game with a pair of powerplay goals from captain Jacob Laliberte. Zannella had three assists for the Colts and Chris Mason and Shane Avery each had a pair of helpers. The announced stars were Arvanitakis (first), Zannella (second) and Laliberte. The Colts have their home-opener at the civic complex on Thursday night against the Hawkesbury Hawks. SUNDAY SHOWCASE Results from games on Sunday at the CJHL Showcase in Carleton Place: * The expansion Carleton Place Canadians have their first win, 3-2 over Mike Ruest's Ottawa Jr. Senators in an overtime shootout. It was a defensive thriller -- Ottawa outshot Carleton Place 22-21. * Mike McNamee scored 4:29 into overtime, lifting the Smiths Falls Bears past Nepean Raiders 7-6. Jonathan Milley had a pair of goals for the Bears, and Brent Norris connected twice for the Raiders. SATURDAY RESULTS * Julien Quincou had two goals and an assist, leading Gloucester past Kemptville 5-2. The Rangers outshot their opponents 40-28. * Kyle Just had three goals and two assists and Damian Cross scored twice and added two helpers, as the Lumber Kings rebounded from an opening-day loss to Cornwall by hammering the rebuilding Hawkesbury Hawks 8-3. Pembroke led 1-0 and 3-0 at period intervals, and the Lumber Kings outshot the Hawks 43-17. * Shayne Stockton scored four times, lifting Brockville past Cumberland 5-3. Veteran goaltender Clarke Saunders got the goaltending win for the Braves, who led 2-1 and 4-2 at the intermissions. KINGS OVER HAWKS 8-3 IN SECOND SHOWCASE GAME
September 13, 2009 TINA PEPLINSKIE - Daily Observer CARLETON PLACE - The Pembroke Lumber Kings found a way to score Saturday, hammering the Hawkesbury Hawks 8-3 to break even at the CJHL opening Showcase Weekend. Kings' coach and general manager Sheldon Keefe was pleased the team responded against the Hawks because he did not want to lose two in a row to start the season. The Cornwall Colts doubled the Kings 4-2 in their season opener Friday afternoon. Kyle Just got the Kings on the board late in the first with a power play marker. Tyler Tosunian and goalie Gregg Gruehl picked up the assists. Although Pembroke dominated the play in the second, the period was scoreless until Keefe decided to shake the lines up, joining Just with Tosunian and Damian Cross. The trio had two shifts late in the period and connected on both to give the Kings a 3-0 lead heading into the dressing room. With less than two minutes to go Just scored his second of the game and Tosunian scored about a minute later with the assists to Just and Sebastien Poirier. "That was the turning point of the game," Keefe said during a telephone interview Sunday afternoon. "The line really sparked the team and provided some great offence. It was good to see our best players step up when we needed them too." The line continued to produce in the third period scoring on all three shifts they played together. Just completed the hat trick and netted the eventual game winner 38 seconds into the final frame after being set up by Cross and Tosunian. Cross added a pair of his own with Tosunian and Kyle Cromie assisting on the first and Just and Poirier assisting on the second. Rounding out the Kings scoring were Matthew Peca, with the help of Keith Clarke and Brandon Gagnon, and Caz Cantwell with an unassisted marker. Scoring for the Hawks were Pierre-Marc Champagne, Vince Perreault and Sebastien Lavoie. Despite the success Just, Tosunian and Cross, they will likely not be a permanent line. Since Just and Tosunian are both natural centres, Keefe is hoping to spread the depth through the team and get scoring from more than one line. The Kings out shot the Hawks 43-17 in the game, including 15-2 in the first period and 14-5 in the second. As the new season begins, the goal will be getting better each day. He is hoping to build on the good things from Saturday's game. Working on the line combinations will be important this week and Pembroke prepares for Friday's challenge of facing the Brockville Braves, who are the early favourites to do well this season. Friday's game begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Brockville Memorial Centre. The Pembroke's home opener is Sunday night beginning at 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Memorial Centre when the Kanata Stallions will be in town.
LUMBER KINGS BIDDING FOR RECORD FOURTH CUP IN A ROW
September 13, 2009 Cornwall colts coach Ian MacInnis said the toughest thing about training camp was telling the difference between twins Tylor, left and Tyson Spink. The Central Junior Hockey League begins its 48th season Friday in Carleton Place with 12 franchises, an all-time high. The Pembroke Lumber Kings will be attempting to win an unprecedented fourth Art Bogart Cup as league champions, and don't bet against it. Previously, only the 1966-68 Cornwall Royals and 1987-89 Lumber Kings had won three in a row. The Lumber Kings' chief competition is expected to come from the Brockville Braves, Cornwall Colts and Ottawa Jr. Senators. HERE'S A TEAM-BY-TEAM BREAKDOWN. Brockville Braves Coach: Todd Gill, fourth season. 2008-09: 36-20-2-2. Veterans: RW Shayne Thompson (28 goals) comes over from Kanata to spearhead a top-six forward group that combined for 134 goals last season. Fellow 20-year-olds Shayne Stockton and Mark Williamson, both from the U.S., tallied 34 and 25 goals, respectively, and are expected to join Thompson on the first line. ... RW Zak Zaremba, a gifted player from Cleveland. ... Tyson Wilson and Dylan Robichaud form top defence pairing. ... G Clarke Saunders will start the opener ahead of Matt Jenkins. New faces: D Joe Gagne of Vermont adds a mean streak. ... D Sebastien Gingras tries to follow in the footsteps of his father, Gaston. ... Twin D Geoff and Laurie Gieni from the Soo. The year ahead: The Braves know they will be playing in April for a chance to go to the national championship, given that they're playing host to the Fred Page Cup Eastern Canadian tournament, but they want to go in through the front door. Gill may have his best team yet. Carleton Place Canadians Coach: Jason Clarke, who played minor hockey in Carleton Place and later bought and coached the Jr. B Carleton Place Kings before helping buy the Canadians 2008-09: Expansion team, hoping to surpass the Kemptville 73s, a 2007 expansion entry, with back-to-back 15-win seasons. Veterans: Homeboy LW Zach Farris, RW Jason McCarthy of Ottawa and Sam Coyne of Perth have all played in the league. New faces: LW Zach Rodier led the team in preseason scoring. ... D Rusty Hafner played midget with Detroit Belle Tire, while D Matt English and Theo Hannah were with the McCain midgets from Nova Scotia. ... LW Richard Stethem was acquired in a trade with the Wellington Dukes. ... RW Tyler Kotlarz arrives from the USHL's Chicago Steel. The year ahead: While management waits for local talent to develop, Clarke went shopping for imports in the hopes of having a competitive team. Don't bet against him. The Canadians could be right in the middle of the pack. Cornwall Colts Coach: Ian MacInnis, fifth season with the team. 2008-09: 30-29-1-0, lost in first round of playoffs to Pembroke. Veterans: C Jacob Laliberté, a potential scoring champion, had 12 points in preseason. He'll join RW Eric Ming and LW Shane Avery on the top line. ... The Big 3 on D includes Guy Lebeouf, Leslie Lavictoire and Mathew Jacobs. ... RW Mike Zannella could score 25 goals. ... D Nicholas Tsigakis joins team from the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, Sask. New faces: Twins Tyson and Tylor Spink have been re-united and combined for seven points in four preseason games. ... D Chris Mason comes from championship stock in Pembroke. ... G Doug Carr (Boston) and Will Landa (Dallas) are both from the U.S. ... RW Kevin Cole is a future member of the Cornell Big Red. The year ahead: They figure they've balanced their offence, solidified their defence and fortified their goaltending. Anything less than a top-four finish won't be good enough. MacInnis said the toughest task in camp was properly identifying the Spinks. Secret: Tylor shoots left, Tyson shoots right. Cumberland Grads Coach: Paul Flindall moves up from assistant to Mark Grady, now an Ottawa 67's assistant. 2008-09: 38-16-2-4, third overall, but upset by Ottawa in playoffs. Veterans: F Mathieu Ouellette had 24 goals and 47 assists last season. ... D Kevin Lough should be ready to blossom. ... G Adam Laderoute (26 victories, 2.65 goals-against average) should be among the league leaders. New faces: LW Dan Goyette from Carlsbad Springs. ... F Greg Sartoretto F comes by way of the Soo. ... C Louis-Alec Chol from Tyler, Texas, had three goals in preseason. ... G Adam Mohr (Kanata) should be a solid backup. ... LW Fabian Walsh is a Gloucester product. The year ahead: Grady built a strong foundation on local talent and the Grads will stick to that formula. Expecting a top-four finish and more playoff success. Gloucester Rangers Coach: Rick Dorval, who played five years in the CJHL, takes over from Vince Malette, who left over differences in philosophy and direction just before preseason. 2008-09: 26-26-6-2, lost three overtime games while bowing out 4-0 in first round. Veterans: Fourth-year C Andrew Creppin (31 goals) will ignite the offence. ... F Nick Vidoni should surpass last season's 22 goals. ... Sean Blunden anchors D. ... G Francis Dupuis is not expected back from Guelph. New faces: F Julien Quincou from Stanstead College is one to watch. ... RW Zach Lokey arrives from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. ... D Richard Penning, 19, finally arrives in the CJHL from Clarence Jr. B. The year ahead: Despite having lost four 20-year-olds forwards and another to the Ontario Hockey League, the Rangers will be looking to climb from .500 to the top five. Hawkesbury Hawks Coach: Martin Dagenais, first year in league. 2008-09: 8-47-2-3. Veterans: D Jonatan Burroughs was second on the team in scoring last season (seven goals, 19 assists) and 15th among CJHL defencemen. ... C Vincent Perreault (13 goals) is a two-way player who will lead a young team. New faces: F Yanik Laliberté, brother of Jacob, moves up from the Eastern Ontario Wild Minor Midget AAA. ... F Joey House (five points in four pre-season games) is a product of the Ottawa Valley Titans Major Midget AAA. ... The Kingston Frontenacs' last cut, Patrick Harrison, could soon be this team's best defenceman. He played junior B with the Casselman Vikings last season. ... G Philippe Magnan, the last cut of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Gatineau Olympiques, will be key. The year ahead: Coming off an eight-win season, the Hawks can only go up. Anything but dead last will mark improvement, but the playoffs are a remote possibility. Kanata Stallions Coach: Chris Valentine, who coached pro in Germany and Austria, is in his first CJHL season. 2008-09: 26-27-3-4, missed playoffs. Veterans: Defence keys on Barry Roytman of Staten Island, New York. ... C Brandon Timm (15 goals) could be the offensive leader. ... C Allan McPherson is being counted on to double last season's 12 points. ... RW David Borden brings A game every night. New faces: This club received a boost when F Kyle Rankin told the OHL's Peterborough Petes they would have to wait. ... D Ian Schacte from Wisconsin had a solid camp. ... F Phil Doucet and D Brandon Rouselle were part of a solid draft. The year ahead: Valentine is set to live with lots of growing pains with a team that will be a work in progress. ... Departures of Kyle Fletcher and Shayne Thompson mean the loss of 75 goals and 170 points. Kemptville 73s Coach: Chris Droeske, over from Ottawa Valley Titans. 2008-09: 15-38-4-3. Veterans: Looking for their first playoff berth, the 73s did some dealing late last season and during the summer, obtaining D Jacob Clark, F Zach Wilson and D Ryan Delorme, who while have to stabilize a youthful squad. ... F Nick Duhn was second on the team with 13 goals. ... C Travis Cullen will use his 6-2 frame to improve on last season's five goals.... F Mike Rowbotham had 23 points in 39 games.... Goaltending is solid with Ben Curley and Justin Gilbert. Rookies to watch: Almost half the roster (eight) are rookies. ... Opposing forwards will learn to be wary of 16-year-old D Connor McGrath, an Ottawa Valley Titans bruiser. ... C Josh Pitt didn't make it with Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL, so he's back after a year of junior B. ... F Patrick Martin, 17, also moves up from junior B. The year ahead: After 15 wins each of their first two seasons, No. 16 would naturally be a big one, and the playoffs are a realistic goal. The club has added Moe Robinson, Larry's brother, and Brian Higgins to the staff to shore up recruitment. The 73s have also invested in 35 per cent more ice time, meaning the players skate almost every day. Nepean Raiders Coach: Garry Galley is back for his second season with a new assistant, former NHLer Larry Skinner. 2008-09: 42-12-1-5, lost the league final. Veterans: Future Ivy League C Andrew Calof looks to better his 47 goals and 100 points. ... D Scott Dawson, a stalwart, adds the captain's C. ... Wyatt Galley should be solid in net. ... RW Corey Domenico should top 30 goals. ... Ahmed Mafouz is the best on the left side, and C Craig Cowie had a solid preseason. New faces: Fans will need programs in the early going. On defence, Alexandre Moisan and Zachary Sternberg are two to watch. ... 20-year-year-old F Scott Domenico will contribute, as will F Philippe Binnete and F Demetri Sakaris. The year ahead: With 12 new faces, the early going could be a bit rough. By the midway point, Galley expects to have the team in the mix and the goal is Nepean's eighth trip to the league finals in nine years Ottawa Jr. Senators Coach: Mike Ruest, 12th year in the league after stints in Cornwall, Kanata and Orleans. 2008-09: 30-23-3-4, then surprised just about everyone by reaching second round of playoffs. Veterans: Thirteen returnees, including G Niels-Erik Ravn and Dean Shepherdson. ... Not flashy, D David Walters is among leagues best. ... D Liam Burtt comes over from Nepean. ... C Matt White, LW Nicholas Belleville, RW Maxine Pilon and LW Jeff Carroll are no fun to play against. New faces: F Chris Doyle from Connecticut is lone import. ... Fourth line features rookies Stephen Hrehoriak, Connor McLaren, both 16, and Conor Brown. ... D Pierre Legare from Gatineau is a stay-at-home type. The year ahead: Offence will be limited, so the defensive game is what will keep them among the top four or five. Pembroke Lumber Kings Coach: Sheldon Keefe begins his eighth year in Pembroke and fifth as head coach. 2008-09: 43-13-1-3, third league title in a row. Veterans: Damian Cross (26 goals, 63 assists) will shoulder the load up front. ... F Kyle Just (25 goals), the 2009 playoff MVP, will challenge for a scoring title. ... Underrated D Ben Reinhardt has played for the past three league champions. New faces: D Kyle Cromie played past two seasons in Brockville. ... F Matthew Peca, 16, is a wanted man everywhere from Windsor to the national under-17 team. ... C Tyler Tosunian from California is a magician with the puck. The year ahead: Championships are not awarded in September, but don't be surprised come April. ... There are 10 returnees, and the team added three other CJHL vets. Smiths Falls Bears Coach: Bill Bowker, winningest coach in club history. 2008-09: 36-22-1-1, upset in first round by Brockville. Veterans: D Nathan Livingston (139 penalty minutes) will wear the C. ... Eric Carlson (nine goals) will eventually head to Princeton. ... D Dustin Darou (27 points) was solid on Team Canada East in the under-17 championship. ... Jonathan Milley (28 goals) is sorting out scholarship offers. New faces: G George Grammanopolis comes via the OHL's London Knights. ... F Blair Barr was a top draft choice. ... F Tom Coy is from Cleveland, and D Peter Ryan hails from Chicago. The year ahead: Added toughness and speed while also trying to solidify goaltending. ... The Bears want to give the Smiths Falls and District Memorial Centre a fitting farewell. NOT THE START KINGS WANTED
September 10, 2009 After a pre-season run that included eight wins in nine games and a penchant for scoring goals almost at will, the Pembroke Lumber Kings had hopes for a high-octane season opener here Friday afternoon. They better fill up again. Goals were hard to come by as the Lumber Kings dropped a 4-2 decision to the Cornwall Colts in their Central Junior A Hockey League debut. The game was one of four played Friday to begin the league's "Showcase Weekend" and welcome the town of Carleton Place into the fold as the league's newest franchise. The contest got off to a promising start for Pembroke as Kyle Just scored the team's first goal of the season just 2:44 into the first period, a power-play marker assisted by Kyle Cromie. In an evenly matched opening period, both teams had 11 shots. Cornwall squared things early in the second period when Eric Lalonde found the twine, assists going to Eddie Slade and Ty Perry. The Colts carried most of the play in the middle frame, out-shooting the Kings 10-6 as Scott Zacharias was forced to be sharp in the Pembroke goal to keep it on an even keel. Three minutes into the third period Cornwall took a 2-1 lead when Kris Arvanitakis scored, with an assist going to Mike Zannella. It remained 2-1 for a long time, but the Kings managed to tie it up with 6:41 remaining when Tyler Tosunian scored, assists going to Craig Myeroff and Damian Cross. However, their new life didn't last long as the Colts replied just two minutes later. The eventual winning goal came off the stick of Shane Avery, an unassisted marker to make it 3-2. Avery was pivotal on the insurance marker a couple minutes later, setting up Mike Zannella for a power-play marker that secured Cornwall's 4-2 victory. Both teams had 10 shots in the third period, Cornwall holding a 31-27 margin in the game. For his late-game heroics, Cornwall's Shane Avery was named the first star of the game while his teammate Mike Zannella was second star and Pembroke goaltender Scott Zacharias was third star. The Kings have little time to lick their wounds, as they play their second game on "Showcase Weekend" this afternoon at 5 p. m. against the Hawkesbury Hawks. The Hawks lost their season opener Friday 5-3 to the Kanata Stallions. Nepean beat Carleton Place 4-1 in another afternoon game on Friday, while the late game featured Ottawa and Smiths Falls. Pembroke has one more road game, next Friday, Sept. 18 in Brockville, before coming home to host Kanata in their home opener at the PMC on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 7 p. m.
EARLY SEASON PROMISE, PRESSURE
September 10, 2009 It's the first game of the season, so Colts goaltender Doug Carr is well-rested. But perhaps not that well-rested. Carr was expecting a fitful sleep on Thursday night, in anticipation of today's Central Junior A Hockey League showcase event in Carleton Place that has the Colts skating with always-powerful Pembroke at 4 p. m. "I think a lot of us are probably a little bit nervous and excited at the same time,'' said Carr, the 20-year-old puck-blocker from the Boston area. Training camp wasn't really a competiton for Carr; it was more of a coronation. Early on head coach Ian MacInnis indicated that his highly-touted and prized off-season recruit would be replacing the graduated Justin Roethlingshoefer. But, at max, it'll be a one-season run on Water Street for Carr, who's beginning his final junior A season and has big goals early on. There are several NCAA division l teams that have Carr on the radar, and representatives from several of them, from dozens of NCAA schools, in fact, will be camping out all weekend in the stands at Carleton Place. "(The college hockey season) starts in October so their recruiting process is (in full gear) now,'' Carr said. "Definitely, I'd like (to get a scholarship package completed for 2010) by the end of October.'' The Colts, counting the pre-season and playoffs, likely will play in excess of 80 games this year. But for NCAA hopefuls -- and who isn't in this league -- two of the most important games are this weekend. (Cornwall skates with Kanata on Saturday night in Carleton Place.) "It's important to play well, for a lot of reasons,'' Carr said. "The team played well in pre-season, we're pretty confident. We want to try and carry that (exhibition success) over.'' But the Colts draw the toughest opening-day challenge: a game with the three-time defending CJHL playoff champs. "They're really talented and they have a lot of depth,'' Carr said. "I know I'll be busy (Friday afternoon).'' Will he be? Remember last season, on a couple of occasions, the Colts were able to control the vaunted Pembroke offensive attack, and keep the shot total under 30. On opening day though, that would be a very lofty goal. "My forecheck (from 2008-2009) has totally changed,'' noted head coach Ian MacInnis. "Our recovery to the defensive zone will be different.'' The coach, in synopsis, talked about potential forecheck and backcheck issues that could cause some breakdowns -- and are very-much expected in mid-September. "Against a team like Pembroke, you want to limit their chances, but this time of year, there are breakdowns,'' MacInnis said. "That's just the way it is. The teams that adjust better are the teams that'll have success.'' COLTS NOTES -- Massena's Eddie Slade will be in the lineup this weekend, thanks to an 11th hour player rights agreement with his former team, the Buffalo Jr. A Sabres. Colts coach Ian MacInnis came to an agreement with the Sabres head coach and GM, and that's former long-time NHL defenceman Grant Ledyard. Ledyard, of Winnipeg, had been an assistant coach for two years with Canisius College, of the Buffalo area. . . Saturday's Colts game against Kanata starts at 8 p. m. . . Goalie Doug Carr is probably right about being busy today -busier than Monday night, for sure. Carr blocked 20 of 22 Hawkesbury shots in the pre-season finale at the civic complex. . . Hawkesbury and Kanata kick off the three-day showcase today at 2 p. m. A total of 12 games will be played, with action concluding on Sunday night. WHATEVER IT TAKES IN CARLETON PLACE
September 10, 2009 A new era of junior A hockey in Carleton Place is set to begin, and people like Jason Clarke have gone above and beyond to make it work, reports Don Campbell. When Jason Clarke parted ways with the Ottawa Jr. Senators a few years back, he told himself the only way he would ever become involved in junior A hockey again was if he did it himself. At the time, Clarke meant things such as ownership, player recruitment, coaching and managing, and control over the budgeting. Clarke never imagined painting would be part of the job description for the newest coach and part-owner of a Central Junior Hockey League team, right in his home town of Carleton Place. The upstart Canadians will play at the Carleton Place Arena, with the ice surface something of Clarke's canvas. He thought he was management -- until he and nephew Jesse Bradley spent three full days at the painting, their task hardly the likes for which you buy a box of beer and start rolling. There were 18 ice logos in all, some requiring meticulous detail, all needing to be carefully spaced and centred. "I'm all logo'd out," said a laughing Clarke, who thought he was only colourful when it came to his use of the English language when things didn't go right. "The toughest thing I ever drew in my life was a stick man. This, we just chalked the outline and painted away. "I think there's more logos on that ice than anywhere else, but it looks pretty professional -- to me, anyways." Painting aside, it has been a labour of love in getting the expansion Canadians ready to play host to the CJHL Showcase beginning Friday when all 12 teams will see action twice over the three days. Now comes the fun part, after a crazy four months that began in April when Clarke and partners Mike Dagenais, Stephan Languedoc and John Stout secured the league's 12th franchise, thereby ending a 47-year history of junior B hockey in town dating to 1971-72. Dagenais and Languedoc are in the construction business in Ottawa while Stout is an entrepreneur. The four committed to a $125,000 expansion fee, then antied up another $60,000 to cover startup costs. "It's a passion we have," says the 35-year-old Clarke. "Lots of people have passions. We like hockey." While his partners are mainly investors, with real jobs to attend to, Clarke is the go-to guy when it comes to the on-ice product, though he also runs a company that produces sportswear: Neutral Zone Wear. His search for players has taken him from Pittsburgh to Detroit and Toronto, to Montreal, Halifax, Chicago and elsewhere. He also scoured the Valley looking for homegrown talent and is proud that the Canadians will have four locals in the opening night lineup, which is more local talent than can be found on, say, the roster in Smiths Falls or Pembroke. On the business side, Clarke is trying to ensure the club becomes viable and sustainable. He and his partners didn't get into this for the short term. The same bunch did it with the Junior B Kings, turning it from laughing stock to Valley champion twice in three years. The crew was ecstatic when more than 500 fans showed up for their preseason opener. By day, Clarke pounds the pavement on Bridge Street, High Street, Hooper Street, Industrial Avenue, Townline and Moore Street, up and down the Mews, anywhere to secure corporate sponsorship and sell tickets. Clarke says the town business people are buying in, and community pillars Lori and Tommy Cavanagh were merely the very first to climb on the bandwagon. Others soon followed. Besides making the ice look like something out of a world championships in Europe, the club sold out its jersey posters on the walls, sold the arena boards and continues to sell on its website. There's even a welcome sign on the eastern outskirts of town, on Highway 7. The team name is everywhere. "Everyone knows me in town, and when I walk into a place, the first thing they say is, 'Clarkie, what are you looking for now?' ... That's how the conversation goes, but the business community has 1,000 per cent supported the team. "The community has embraced the hockey club. I think Carleton Place is the best hockey town in the Valley." The management in Carleton Place is about as local as you can get, like a night out at the Thirsty Moose on Main Street. Clarke moved to Carleton Place at age 10, played most of his minor hockey in town and wishes there had been a Tier II Canadians when he up and left home to play junior in Kingston at 17. General manager Jeff Hawkins also played for the Junior B Kings, coached minor hockey in Almonte for about 10 years, had a son, Scott, play for the Ottawa Valley Titans, then joined Clarke with the Kings. "We're all pretty competitive guys and we like a challenge," Hawkins said. "We horsed around with the idea a bit and the decision we made was to go for it." Carleton Place is one of the few Valley towns that went for years without an indoor arena. Generations of kids in town grew up thinking home games meant drives to Richmond, Almonte, Lanark or Perth. It wasn't until 1969 when the town finally decided that, if every other Canadian town had an arena, maybe Carleton Place should have one, too. The rink can seat 1,000, with room for another 1,500 standing, and the team hopes to average about 600 to 800 a night. The club wants to be competitive out of the gate and recruited 10 players from outside the region to get there. Long term, they want to be local. "We want to give the local kids every chance to make it," Hawkins said. The Carleton Place group has done its homework, asking questions of Sheldon Keefe in Pembroke, Bill Bowker in Smiths Falls and Todd Gill in Brockville. And they have watched the not-so-successful. Canadians management believes in scouting, and that's why the addition of CJHL legend Archie Mulligan, who could find a hockey player on a golf course in Nova Scotia (as he did this past summer), will be vital now and in the future. Mississippi Thunder Kings minor hockey coach Hamish Fraser is another scout, as is Perth Blue Wings junior B coach Jeff Snow. As big as this weekend is, the 19th will be even bigger. That's the night of the "official" home opener against Smiths Falls. It will be so big, streets are being closed to traffic around the arena, and the rink is already more than half sold out. Plans call for a family oriented "tailgate" street party, with the fun to begin at 3 p.m. in the parking lot at the arena. To Clarke and Co., the entire scene inside and out will look like a masterpiece.
NEW SEASON BRINGS ROSTER CHANGES FOR EAST-END JR. A SQUADS
The Cumberland Grads and Gloucester Rangers both kick off their 2009-10 Central Junior ‘A' Hockey League regular seasons this Saturday in Carleton Place. Here's a look at some of the key changes to the lineups of each east-end teams: Key departures Key newcomers GLOUCESTER RANGERS
Another Triple Play: For Second Consecutive Year Three CJHLers Drafted Directly to NHLOnce again this season, the CJHL has had three players bound for US college selected directly by NHL teams in the annual entry draft. Nepean's Jeremy Price was selected first, in the fourth round, by the Vancouver Canucks 113th overall. Price represented the CJHL at the World Junior A Challenge, the CJHL Prospects Game and the Battle of Ontario. A Toronto native, he has committed to attend Colgate University on a full hockey scholarship. Cumberland's David Pacan was selected next, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 6th round, 177th overall. An Ottawa native, Pacan also represented the CJHL at the WJAC, Prospects and the Battle of Ontario and is committed to attend the University of Vermont on a full hockey scholarship. Another Nepean Raider, Ben Sexton, was selected in the 7th round by the Boston Bruins and will be attending Clarkson University on a full hockey scholarship in the future. Also of note was the selection of Scott Valentine and Corey Cowick from the Oshawa Generals and Ottawa 67's respectively, who both played in the CJHL prior to their OHL careers. Team Canada East Mini Camp Hosted By CJHLOnce again the CJHL has demonstrated it`s leadership in hosting a camp for the Team Canada East program. In the previous two seasons, the CJHL was the first league to gather its prospects for the staff of TCE to evaluate. This season, another new feature will see the CJHL compete against the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League and the Northern Ontario Junior A Hockey League in a one day extravaganza in Renfew, ON at the Ma-Te-Way Complex. Three full games will be played on August 15th with each team meeting the other two leagues with games slotted for 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm. Junior A enthusiasts can attend all day for a nominal admission of just $10! Watch this site for the roster announcements coming in the next few weeks. The 2009 World Junior A Challenge takes place in November in Summerside, PEI with Brockville Braves Head Coach and General Manager Todd Gill in the Head Coaching position. CJHL Grad de Haan selected 12th overall in NHL DraftCalvin deHaan, who began his Junior career with the expansion Kemptville 73's as their first overall selection, was selected by the New York Islanders in the first round, 12th overall. As a 16 year old rookie defenceman, he led the 73's in scoring. deHaan received dozens of NCAA scholarship offers after being selected in the 3rd round by the Oshawa Generals and playing in the CJHL. After signing a contract with the OHL, de Haan starred with the Generals allowing them to complete the John Tavares trade with the London Knights by including NHL first rounder Michael Del Zotto, who de Haan replaced as the number one defenceman in Oshawa at just 17 while collecting 63 points in his rookie campaign. Congratulations to the de Haan family from the entire CJHL. CJHL DIVISIONS REALIGNED FOR 2009-10With the addition of the 12th and final team in the CJHL, the Board of Governors ratified a 62 game schedule which sees each team play their divisional rivals(North/South) six times, and their 2 non-divisional geographical rivals six times (East/West/Central) with five games against the remaining 4 other teams. The YZERMAN Division is now comprised of the teams along the Highway 417/Ottawa River (North) corridor. From west to east that places Pembroke, Kanata, Nepean (alumni Steve YZERMAN), Ottawa, Gloucester and Cumberland in the Yzerman. 6 games against the other 5 teams. The ROBINSON Division will be comprised of the teams in the Highway 401/Rideau-St. Lawrence (South) corridor. From east to west that places Hawkesbury, Cornwall, Brockville (alumni Larry ROBINSON), Kemptville, Smiths Falls and the expansion Carleton Place team in the Robinson. 6 games against the other 5 teams The Western Block is Pembroke, Kanata, Carleton Place and Smiths Falls...6 games against the other 2 teams The Central Block is Nepean, Ottawa, Kemptville and Brockville...6 games against the other 2 teams Eastern Block is Gloucester, Cumberland, Cornwall and Hawkesbury....6 games against the other 2 teams That gives each team 42 games against divisional and geographical rivals. The remaining 20 are against the other 4 teams which include the showcase matchups. That leaves 5 games per opponent-2 home, 2 away and 1 showcase. With a nearly balanced schedule, the playoff format will remain the same, with the top 8 qualifying regardless of division. Only four games are shy of making it a fully balanced schedule. The increase to 62 game will reduce travel based on the schedule imbalance and the designated showcase games. Showcase opponents will always be four non-divisional, non-geographical teams. CJHL 2009-10 SCHEDULE RELEASEThe CJHL will release it's schedule and alignment for the 2009-10 season this week. The season opening showcase is set for September 11-13 which will see all 12 teams play two regular season games. Once again, NHL, NCAA and CHL personnel will flock to the Showcase to see who is who in the CJHL for the upcoming season. The CJHL will see teams play a 62 game schedule, with the top 8 qualifying for post season action and the quest for the Bogart-Nielsen Cup. Watch for the complete schedule here soon! |
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