WILL EX-REGINA PAT - JORDAN EBERLE - TO PLAY FOR TEAM CANADA AT WORLD MEN'S HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP?

Team Canada’s Jordan Eberle celebrates with teammates after scoring a shootout goal against Team USA at the world junior championship in Saskatoon earlier this year. (Photo by: Shaun Best, Reuters files)

Taken from - By GREG HARDER, Regina Leader-Post

March 30, 2010

Will Jordan Eberle play for Team Canada at world men's hockey championship?

Eberle to worlds? A definite maybe

REGINA — It's too early to say if Jordan Eberle will take flight with Team Canada at the upcoming world men's hockey championship in Germany, but he's definitely on the radar.
"Jordan has been a big part of our under-18 and world junior teams so obviously we think really highly of him," said Brad Pascall, Hockey Canada's senior director of men's national teams. "If you look at our program overall, it would be no surprise (to see him at the worlds). Most of our players who play at the men's worlds and Olympics have all played under-17, under-18 and world juniors before. It's just a natural progression."

Pascall was in Toronto last week for meetings with Team Canada GM Mark Messier and his staff. They put together a lengthy list of players who may be available for the worlds — and Eberle "is one of those players."

"The long and the short of it is, absolutely, his name has come up," continued Pascall. "At this point it's too early to determine if he would have a role on our team or, if he does, what that role might be. But once the regular season in the NHL is done (on April 11) we'll have a better handle on things."

Team Canada is slated to head overseas at the start of May, at which point the preliminary roster will be supplemented by players eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. The tournament runs May 7-23. Eberle's status depends in part on who's available and who accepts invitations. The last junior-aged player to make the squad was Jonathan Toews in 2007, so it only happens in exceptional cases. Eberle appears to qualify. He recorded 50 goals and 106 points in 57 games with the WHL's Regina Pats this season and was named the MVP of the 2010 world junior championship in Saskatchewan. He's also Canada's all-time leading goal-scorer with 14.

"Mark was at the world juniors in Saskatoon so he had the opportunity to watch Jordan there," said Pascall, noting that Messier has the last word on the roster but ... "this is his first kick at the can with us so he really relies on input from myself and (national team director) Scott Salmond on a lot of these players, not only Jordan but others."

Pascall is quite familiar with Eberle's "exceptional skills," not to mention the fact that he's "a great person" and "a household name" in Canada because of his clutch performances on the world stage. There's also a pre-existing relationship with Canadian head coach Craig MacTavish, who was with the Edmonton Oilers when they selected Eberle in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2008 entry draft.

Hockey Canada has been keeping tabs on Eberle's progress with the AHL's Springfield Falcons, where he has three goals and eight points in just six games. Even if Eberle doesn't crack Canada's final lineup, there may be an opportunity for him to at least join the preliminary roster.

"We've done that in the past," said Pascall. "It wouldn't be out of turn for us to do that, where we've brought players over to skate with the team, whether it be five or seven days and perhaps even play in a couple exhibition games. Sometimes NHL players might not be there yet and we need some extra numbers. It gives them some experience and lets them know what the world championship is all about. That's an option as well, not only for Jordan but others."

PATS - JORDAN EBERLE - UNANIMOUS ALL-STAR

WHL ANNOUNCES 2009-10 EAST CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS:

Taken from the - http://www.whl.ca/ -

Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today the 2009-10 WHL Eastern Conference First and Second All-Star Teams and the Eastern Conference Finalists for the 2009-10 WHL Awards. The WHL Player of the Year finalists will be announced on Wednesday, April 14th, 2010.

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS:

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM

Goaltender – Martin Jones (North Vancouver, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Michael Stone (Winnipeg, MB), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Brayden McNabb (Davidson, SK), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Jordan Eberle (Regina, SK), Regina Pats *
Forward – Brayden Schenn (Saskatoon, SK), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Brandon Kozun (Calgary, AB), Calgary Hitmen

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM

Goaltender – Darcy Kuemper (Saskatoon, SK), Red Deer Rebels
Defenceman – Travis Hamonic (St. Malo, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Defenceman – Colby Robak (Gilbert Plains, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Dustin Sylvester (Kelowna, BC), Kootenay Ice
Forward – Matt Calvert (Brandon, MB), Brandon Wheat Kings
Forward – Cody Eakin (Winnipeg, MB), Swift Current Broncos

* indicates unanimous selection

WHERE WERE THE SWIFT CURRENT BRONCO FANS - TUESDAY NIGHT

By Ian Hamilton: The Regina Leader Post - March 24, 2010

Wheat Kings defeat 'home' team

The Brandon Wheat Kings have a chance to double their pleasure tonight.

If they can defeat the Swift Current Broncos in a WHL playoff game at the Brandt Centre, the Wheat Kings will have ended two teams' seasons in Regina during the 2009-10 campaign.

Brandon also was the visiting team March 12 when the Regina Pats -- who didn't make the post-season -- played their final game of the regular season.

On Tuesday, the Wheat Kings took a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal with the Broncos with a 5-2 victory (before an announced crowd of ** only 1,473 ** at the Brandt Centre). Game 4 is set for today, 7:oo p.m., again at the Brandt Centre.

"We're up 3-0 in the series, which is a commanding lead, yet Swift Current played very well (Tuesday)," Brandon head coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. "They definitely elevated their level of play and it was a close, hard-fought game. We expect the same resolve from them (today).''

"We know the series isn't over yet," added Wheat Kings sniper Brayden Schenn. "We have lots of work ahead of us. Swift Current fought hard (Tuesday). It's nice to have a 3-0 lead, but we can't take that for granted.''

If the Broncos can play like they did for much of Tuesday's contest, they might very well be able to stave off elimination tonight.

"I'm not sure we got outplayed in that game, so we're right there," said Broncos head coach and GM Mark Lamb, whose squad is playing in Regina because Swift Current's Credit Union iplex is playing host to the world women's curling championship.

"We've got to get a few more stops and clean up a few mistakes. The last two plays, we turn the puck over and, boom, that team takes advantage of them."

The Wheat Kings needed just 1:33 to open the scoring. With his team short-handed, Schenn pulled the puck out of a group of players at centre ice, skated down the left wing and picked the top corner on Broncos goalie Morgan Clark.

Brandon stretched its lead to 2-0 at the 4:01 mark of the first when Aaron Lewadniuk and Jay Fehr combined on a nifty give-and-go at the side of the Broncos' goal. Lewadniuk finished off the play, firing a shot past Clark.

Swift Current got on the board at 5:13 of the second, with Brad Hoban putting a shot from the slot past Wheat Kings goalie Jacob De Serres. Justin Dowling pulled the Broncos even at 9:27 of the middle frame, converting a rebound after a 3-on-2 rush.

After each Swift Current goal, the Wheat Kings nearly restored their lead, but Clark repelled shots by Schenn (seconds after Hoban's goal) and Mark Stone (on a breakaway right after Dowling's marker).

Things unravelled for the Broncos in the third period, though.

First, Alexander Urbom scored after a brilliant cross-crease pass from Schenn at 8:49. At 10:29, Schenn intercepted a clearing pass in the Broncos' end and whipped a shot over Clark's trapper. Finally, Matt Calvert scored into an empty net -- with an assist from Schenn -- at 18:24.
"We commit a turnover, they come down the ice and make a good skilled play and it's in the net," Lamb said, referring to Urbom's goal. "The next time we turn it over, (Schenn) roofs it and the game's over."

De Serres faced 37 shots, while Clark was tested 32 times.
The crowd was mostly pro-Swift Current, but there were a number of Brandon fans in the house. The fact the Broncos were playing a home game on the road wasn't lost on Hoban.

"It's disappointing not having your home building, but playing in a neutral spot is still a lot better than playing in their rink," he said. "It felt a lot more like home than it did (in Brandon) and I think it helped our game a little bit."

FOR YOU REGINA PATS - JORDAN EBERLE FANS

(Photo: Springfield - The Republican Newspaper - by Dan Hickling)

THIS - STARTED - Friday, March 19th. - WILL KEEP UPDATING

Springfield, Massachussets, rookie Jordan Eberle swats in his second goal in two games since joining the Falcons this week, Saturday, at the XL Center in Hartford. At left is Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender Chad Johnson.

Friday, March 19th, Game: His first game with them this season.

Springfield - 4 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penquins - 5 - (OT)

Jordan was involved in the first two goals by Springfield as the Falcons took a 2-0 lead. He scored at the 1:00 mark, assisted by Chad Wiseman and Charles Linglet. Got an assist on a power play by Colten Fretter, also assisted by Jean-Francois David.

# 17 - Jordan EBERLE - 1 goal and 1 assist

***********************************************************

Saturday, March 20th, Game: His second game -

Springfield - 4 vs. Hartford - 3

Eberle had - 1 goal, plus 2 assists - tonight (Saturday, March 20th). In the 1st. period, Springfields 2nd goal, it was Arsene at 1933, assisted by Linglet and Jordan Eberle. In the second period, Springfields 3rd. goal, it was Jordan Eberle scoring at 6:12, assisted by Linglet. Springfields 4th goal scored by Wiseman, assisted by Eberle and David at 12:42. Jordan was selected first star of the game.

Jordan EBERLE - 1 goal and 2 assists.

- In two games: 2 goals and 3 assists -

***********************************************************

Sunday afternoon, March 21, game - His 3rd. game

Springfield 1 vs. Bridgepoint 2 (OT)

Jordan Eberle scored Springfield's only goal in the 3rd period at 4:42, assisted by Minard.

- In three games: 3 goals and 3 assists -

***********************************************************

NEXT GAMES: 3 GAMES NEXT WEEK-END -

March 26, Friday, Springfield vs. Lowell
March 27, Saturday, Springfield vs. Portland
March 28, Sunday, Albany vs. Springfield

***********************************************************

WESTERN CANADA JUNIOR PLAY-OFFS (CALGARY & MOOSE JAW) PLUS BRANDON & SWIFT CURRENT

Taken from CKRM Regina Pats Broadcaster; Rod Pedersen's.blog

The Monday Morning Goalie


The Moose Jaw-Calgary series: in which the Warriors shocked the WHL by taking Games 1 and 2 at the Saddledome (by scores of 4-2 and 4-1) to grab a 2-0 lead coming home for Game 3 tonight in the Crushed Can.

"I don't know if it's quite sunken in yet," Warriors forward Jason Bast told Country 100.7 FM in Moose Jaw. "We had a great weekend here and put it behind us and look to Game 3.

"If the Warriors had any problems selling tickets, they likely won't after their early-series success."Everyone's very excited," Moose Jaw defenceman Kevin Smith said. "We know that we have an opportunity to take out one of the league's top teams. We're not going to change our game plan. We're going to keep on doing the same stuff and our coaches have laid it out real well."

Calgary likely wasn't too rattled after losing Game 1 but they HAVE to be now that they lost Game 2 as well. However this series is FAR from over. Yes I'd love to see Moose Jaw take down Calgary but there's enough veteran experience in that Hitmen organization with GM Kelly Kisio and coach Brent Williamson that they'll have their boys ready to go. As always, Game 3 is the most pivotal in the series.

*****************************************************

We must also turn our attention to the Swift Current-Brandon series which the Wheat Kings lead 2-0.Games 3 and 4 will be played in Regina and it appears they could play the contests at the new Cooperators Centre at Evraz Place (capacity 1500). That's because Brandt Centre officials informed me Sunday, that only 500 tickets per game have been sold.

REGINA PATS - NEW ALUMNI WEBSITE - ONLINE

The new Regina Pats Alumni Website has been registered and will be on the Internet, most likely this coming Monday, March 21st. It will be as follows:

- http://www.thereginapatsalumni.com/ -

2010 - PARALYMPIC OLYMPICS - MAJOR UPSET AS JAPAN DEFEATS CANADA MEN'S SLEDGE HOCKEY TEAM 3-1

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 18: Kazuhiro Takahashi #55 of Japan celebrates after an empty-net goal during the third period of Ice Sledge Hockey Play-off Seminfinal Game between Canada and Japan on day seven of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games at UBC Thunderbird Arena on March 18, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. Japan defeated Canada 3-1. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

THE NEW - THE REGINA PATS ALUMNI WEB SITE

I have started on the New Regina Pats Web Site this day, want to get some of the players (old) on site. Starting with the Pat Grads who played in the NHL. There will be approximatley 150 with their picture, plus a short, biographical capsule.

Will also be putting on the old and new pictures on the web. Have to still register it first. Hope to have it as:

The Regina Pats Alumni - www.thereginapatsalumni.ca -

Hope to have it up and running on the internet shortly, keep watch.

REGINA PATS - PICKED 5th in the 2010 WHL BANTAM DRAFT

Pats Pick 5th

From the WHL.ca - 2010-03-17

Calgary, Alberta – The order for the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft was finalized with a draft lottery this morning at the Western Hockey League offices in Calgary.

Brad Robson from Lethbridge, Wade Klippenstein from Prince George and Colin Alexander from Seattle were in attendance, and Andrew Mark of KPMG supervised the lottery.

A Prince George ball was drawn, giving the Prince George Cougars the first overall pick in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. The second selection will be by Edmonton, the third pick will be by Lethbridge, the fourth selection will be by Seattle, the fifth pick will be by Regina and the sixth selection will be by Prince Albert.

Following is the order of selection for the 1st round and all subsequent rounds of the 2010 WHL

Bantam Draft:

1) Prince George Cougars
2) Edmonton Oil Kings
3) Lethbridge Hurricanes
4) Seattle Thunderbirds
5) Regina Pats
6) Prince Albert Raiders
7) Chilliwack Bruins
8) Kamloops Blazers
9) Kelowna Rockets
10) Moose Jaw Warriors
11) Swift Current Broncos
12) Red Deer Rebels
13) Vancouver Giants
14) Medicine Hat Tigers
15) Kootenay Ice
16) Portland Winter Hawks
17) Spokane Chiefs
18) Everett Silvertips
19) Tri-City Americans
20) Saskatoon Blades
21) Brandon Wheat Kings (to Moose Jaw Warriors)
22) Calgary Hitmen

The Western Hockey League Bantam Draft will be -

on Thursday, April 29th in Edmonton.

2010 - PARALYMPIC OLYMPICS - CANADA MEN'S SLEDGE HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATS NORWAY 5-0

From: CTVOlympics.ca



(Photo: Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

By Rachel Brady, CTVOlympics.ca

Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2010 1:35 AM ET

Paralympics: Day 5

It's on to the semifinal round for the Canadian sledge hockey team after it sewed up first place in Group B at the Vancouver Paralympics, handing rival Norway its first loss, 5-0 on Tuesday.
That means Canada will play Japan in the tournament semifinal - (Thursday at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT – Semifinal (live) (English: Rogers Sportsnet; French: RIS) and, should Canada advance, won't have to face the high-powered Americans until the gold medal game.

"You come here and your goal is to win a gold medal and you can't get to the gold medal obviously until you win that semifinal," said head coach Jeff Snyder."So I think we've really got to make sure that we're just concentrating on Japan."

Billy Bridges of Summerside, PEI opened the scoring for undefeated Canada just 31 seconds into the first period at UBC Thunderbird Arena, netting his first goal of the tournament.

Greg Westlake of Oakville, Ont. continued on his scoring tear, adding two goals for a total of seven in the tournament so far. He buried a pass from Brad Bowden (Orton, Ont.) just 31 seconds into the game, and then re-directed a Bowden shot early in the second period.

"I'm having the time of my life here. This is what we've wanted for so long and I'm not going to cower away from it now," said Westlake.

"We have a good enough staff and a mature enough team that (focus won't be an issue)."
Bowden also scored one himself, just 11 seconds into the second period. Adam Dixon , from Midland, Ont., added Canada's fifth goal.

Paul Rosen faced eight shots in the effort, while his Canadian teammates took 12 shots on the Norwegian net. It's Rosen's second shutout of the Paralympics.

Canadian captain Jean Labonte said the fan response might well have had something to do with his team's dominating performance.

"To play in front of such great crowds ... that's really motivating," he said. "We're not used to playing in such large crowds."

Canada (3-0) and Japan (2-1) will meet Thursday at 12 p.m. PT, 3 p.m. ET. Japan finished second in Group A after losing to the United States, 6-0 earlier on Tuesday. First-place USA will face Norway in the other semi.

Six different players scored for unbeaten Team USA in its third victory. Adam Page, Greg Shaw, Taylor Lipsett, Joe Howard and Nikko Landeros all scored even-handed goals while Alexi Salamone struck on the power play.

Steve Cash made five saves in the U.S net, while the Americans fired 19 shots at the Japanese. Mitsuru Nagase made 10 saves before being replaced in the third period by Shinobu Fukushima, who made three saves.

"We're continuing to improve with each passing game," said U.S. head coach Ray Maluta. "We connected on more of our prime chances tonight, and only committed a handful of mistakes."
The Americans and the Japanese (2-1) both advance to Thursday's semifinal round. In seven meetings against Japan during the 2009-10 season, the United States is a perfect 7-0 outscoring Japan 29-2.

The Czech Republic (1-2) clinched third place in Group A with a 4-2 win over Korea (0-3) on Tuesday.

The Czechs took an early lead with a goal from Zdenek Krupicka just 2 minutes, 29 seconds into the opening frame. Tomas Kvoch made it 2-0 near the end of the first.

Captain Pavel Kubes and Erik Kojtik added goals in the second.

Korea's Dong-Shin Jang was taken off the ice on a stretcher after he was injured during the second period. He was favouring his left arm, but waved to the crowd as he was being taken off the ice.

Down 4-0 heading into the third, Korea made a game of it, starting with Byeong-Seok Cho's powerplay goal 1 minute, 46 seconds into the third. Jong-Kyung Lee scored Korea's other goal three minutes later.

In the B pool, Sweden (1-2) edged winless Italy 1-0 to finish third in the pool. Teams seeded fifth through eighth will play in the playoffs on Wednesday.

2010 - PARALYMPIC OLYMPICS - CANADA MEN'S SLEDGE HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATS SWEDEN 10-1

(Photo: Canada Press)

CTVOlympics.ca

Posted Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:35 PM ET

Canada's sledge hockey team looked like its dominant self on Sunday, earning its second victory of the Paralympic Games, a 10-1 romp over Sweden.

Hat tricks by Greg Westlake of Oakville, Ont. and Marc Dorion of Bourget, Ont. led the prolific scoring effort as Canada remained undefeated in pool play and earned a spot in the semifinals.
Brad Bowden of Orton, Ont. and Adam Dixon of Midland, Ont. each added a pair of goals.
Niklas Ingvarsson scored the lone goal for Sweden early in the first period, briefly making it a tie game. He scooped up a turnover and took off on a breakaway to put one past Canadian goalie Benoit St-Amand of St-Hubert, Que., making it look as if it might be a close game. But that was before Canada began to really pour it on.

St-Amand was getting the start over Paul Rosen, who earned the shutout over Italy on Saturday. St-Amand, of St-Hubert, Que. allowed the lone shot that he faced in the biggest international start of his career.

Canada will have the day off on Monday before facing Norway on Tuesday to determine the winner of Group B. It's a rematch of the 2006 Paralympic gold medal final. Canada sits in first place in Group B with six points, while Norway has five points, including Saturday's overtime win over Sweden. The Norwegians are also undefeated in round robin play after a comeback victory over Italy, 2-1 on Sunday morning.

Kjell Vidar Royne netted two third period goals as the Norwegians overcame a 1-0 Italian lead to steal the win. Roger Johansen made nine saves in Norway's net to secure the victory. Werner Winkler scored Italy's lone goal which gave his team the lead until late in the third period. Italian goalie Santino Stillitano made 16 saves in the loss.

Team USA remains undefeated after their second straight victory, a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday night. The Czechs are now 0-2 after losing 2-1 to Japan in their opener a day earlier.

The Americans struck first just over seven minutes into the opening frame on a goal from Taylor Lipsett. Alexi Salamone made it 2-0 in the second period, and Jimmy Connelly rounded out the scoring in the third.

The reigning world champions, Team USA has yet to give up a goal at the 2010 Paralympic Games. Steve Cash recorded his second straight shutout.

*********************************************************************

Canada's next game: March 16, Group B - Norway at 8:30 p.m. (PDT)

BRANDEN KOZUN WINS

WHL - SCORING RACE -

SUNDAY, MARCH 14th, 2010

PLAYER' NAME	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
Branden Kozun .............	Calgary Hitmen	65	32	75	107
Jordan Eberle ..........	Regina Pats ...........	57	50	56	106
Jordan Weal ........	Regina Pats .......	72	35	67	102
Brayden Schenn ..........	Brandon Wheat Kings	58	34	65	99
Matt Calvert ..........	Brandon Wheat Kings	68	47	52	99
Craig Cunningham	Vancouver Giants ..	71	37	58	95
Mitch Wahl ............	Spokane Chiefs .......	71	30	65	95

Calgary - 8 vs. Red Deer - 1 - ( Final Score )

(16:47 of the 2nd period - Kozun - 4 assist - wins Scoring Title).

REGINA PATS - 1 vs. BRANDON WHEAT KINGS - 3

VS.

The Regina Pats finish the season to night in Brandon at 7:30 p.m. on 620 CKRM, with Broadcaster Rod Pedersen and Colorman Dan Plaster (Press Box Sports Bar Pregame Show at 7:05 p.m.). The Western Hockey League (WHL) Scoring Race is coming right down to the last game of the schedule. Kozun is only two points behind Regina Pats Jordan Eberle. Eberle will need at least two or three points tonight in Brandon.

Regina Pats - arriving in Brandon - (Photo: Rod Pedersen)

Taken from Rod Pedersen.blog - How true this is .... The kid should be sponsored by UPS because he always delivers. In game number 72, the last game of the season for the Regina Pats, Jordan Eberle netted his 50th goal of the year to turn out the lights on a stellar junior hockey career.The goal came with 33 seconds left in the second period on the powerplay as Eberle banged home a one-timer from the bottom of the left faceoff circle past Brandon goalie Andrew Hayes. Unfortunately it was all the offense the Pats could muster on the night.

GAME SUMMARY - By: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston -

With a Regina Pats win and a Prince Albert Raiders lose to Saskatton Blades, the Pats could pass Prince Albert. It is Regina Pats final season game and for Jordan Eberle to try and clinch the Western Hockey League (WHL) Scoring Title, plus his 50th goal - Eberle almost had that goal when he hit the left goal post just over 3 minutes into the period. It was Brandon's Travis Hamonic scoring a shot from the point at 8:39, assisted by Scott Glennie and Matt Calvert.

Brandon went up 2-0 on a bad Regina Pats Defence turn-over and Brenden Walker scored into an open net at 13:41 of the second period, unassisted. In the last minute of the period, Jordan Eberle scored his 50th goal, scoring from the left circle as he was falling on his back at 19:27, assisted by Hampus Gustfsson and Cody Carlson. (Photo: Eberle's 50th goal puck - Rod Pedersen)

Another turn over by Regina Pats had Brandon go up 3-1 as Aaron Lewardniuk scored 1:10 into the third period, assisted by Jay Fehr.

2010 - PARALYMPIC OLYMPICS - CANADA MEN'S SLEDGE HOCKEY TEAM DEFEATS ITALY 4-0

(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada 4 - Italy 0

CANADIAN SLEDGE HOCKEY TEAM BEATS ITALY 4-0 IN PARALYMPIC GAMES OPENER

VANCOUVER, B.C, CANADA – It was only fitting for a sledge hockey game that started at 10 a.m. local time that the Canadian team hit the snooze button for the first two periods.
Four years after thumping Italy by double digits at the Turin Paralympics, Canada led the Italians just 1-0 through two frames, before waking up and pouring it on late to notch a 4-0 win on Saturday.

Canada thoroughly outhit and outchanced the Italian squad but couldn't put its pesky opponents away early. Goaltender Santino Stillitano made a number of spectacular saves and got some help from his best friend, as the Canadians rang multiple pucks off the post.

It wasn't until Greg Westlake scored the first of his two goals in the third period to make it 2-0 that the defending Paralympic gold medallists appeared to find their swagger.

“Once we got that second goal, I thought we loosened up a little bit and played a little bit better,” said Canadian coach Jeff Snyder. “But we seemed to be tight before that. Just couldn't get the guys to relax and play with confidence.”

Snyder said the crowd, which some Canadian players confessed was the largest and loudest they've played in front of, might have had a role in his team's slow start.

“There was a lot of nervous energy around the game,” Snyder said. “We thought we had them prepared for the kind of crowd that we got, but maybe they were a little bit nervous.

“I thought we were just kind of squeezing our sticks and not executing the way we normally do the first couple of periods. But I thought we were better in the third.”

No player seemed to be squeezing his stick tighter in the early going than Westlake.

The 23-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., had a number of glorious chances but couldn't quite light the lamp.

Stillitano made a brilliant glove save on the Canadian forward in the first period, and sprawled to make another great save on a shot from the slot in the second.

Westlake snuck free on a breakaway in the third period and made a beautiful deke, shifting the puck from his right stick to his left while trying to tuck it inside the far post.

But Stillitano was even better, lunging out to deny the Canuck and keep the score 1-0.

Westlake got his revenge a few minutes later, picking up a loose puck and rifling it into the top corner.

Westlake said afterward he wasn't worried the hockey gods were against him after his string of missed chances.

“I've had games where I'm completely snakebitten, had way more chances than that, haven't scored. I've had games where I've had pucks just bounce in off my sled,” he said.
“You just keep battling.”

Snyder called Westlake, who was not a member of the gold medal winning team in 2006, the best player on the ice Saturday.

“I think he kind of took the team on his shoulders there in the third period and said, ‘Hey look, we've got to win this game,’” he said.

“He's not afraid to take the team on his shoulders, he wants that responsibility. And I think he's emerging into that kind of player.”

Marc Dorion gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the first period when his centring pass banked off an Italian defender's skate and slid into the net.

Captain and Paralympic flagbearer Jean Labonte added a goal in the third period to make it 4-0.Netminder Paul Rosen made just four saves in picking up the shutout.


The Canadian team will be back in action Sunday against Sweden.

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS - 9 vs. REGINA PATS -3

vs.

Regina Pats season will come to a close with a home-and-home series this weekend against the Brandon Wheat Kings beginning tonight at the Brandt Centre 7:00 p.m. on 620 CKRM, with Broadcaster Rod Pedersen and Colorman Al Dumba. Press Box Sport Bar Pre-game Show is at 6:35 p.m.) It will be the final home game in the Pats careers for Eberle, Teubert, Strueby, Leffler and McColm.

************************************************************************

From - Rod Pedersen's blog. - This game is tracking towards a sellout and as blogger/broadcaster Mitchell Blair said yesterday, "this is a game you must be at". The shut-ins will be able to watch the game on Regina Television - Access 7 and Scruffy has the call, but it's one of those games you want to be at live.

Jordan Eberle enters the night with 48 goals and 104 points which are four more points than linemate Jordan Weal (and Brandon Kozun of Calgary Hitmen) in the league scoring race. I asked coach Curtis Hunt which would mean more to Eberle; scoring 50 or winning the scoring title.

"I'm sure if you asked Jordan, he'd say he'd give 20 goals back if we could play (in the playoffs) next weekend," Hunt answered. "He gets so excited when Weal scores, I don't think those things matter to him."

**************************************************************************

GAME SUMMARY - By: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

Brandon scored 3 goals early in the first period to take a 3-0 lead. Brayden Schenn walked out from the left corner, skating across the goal creas and back hands from the right side of the net at 2:56, assisted by Matt Calvert. Less then a minute later Schenn passed out from behind the right side of the net to the left side of the net and Calvert scored at 3:52. Brent Raedeke scored on a hard shot from the right side of the face-off circle at 4:34, assisted by Mark Schneider and Toni Rajala. Brandon went up 4-0 as Calvert out beat Regina Pats Defenceman Colten Teubert at the centre of the blue line and skated in towards the net, scoring from the left side of the net at 11:40, assisted by Scott Gennie. Regina Pats finally scored on a power play when Matt Leffler shot a slap shot from the left blue line at 19:26, assisted by Cody Davidson and Jordan Weal.

Brandon went up 5-1 as Toni Rajala scored on a long shot off the back boards at 5:19, assisted by Travis Haminic and Colby Robak. Brenden Walker scored at 12:55 on a back hand, assisted by Mark Schneider. It wasn't over, as Brandon's Glennie scored a power play goal at 16:07 to take a commanding lead 7-1, assisted by Calvert and Schenn.

Regina Pats Hampus Gustafsson scored a power play goal at 9:39, assisted by Carter Ashton and Myles Bell. Brandon made it 8-2 on a Regina Pats turn over, Glennie passed to Calvert who scored at 12:08, assisted by Schenn. Regina Pats Jordan Eberle scored his 49th goal of the season, a power play from Jordan Weal's pass out at 14:27, also assisted by Cody Davidson. The final goal had Shayne Wiebe skate across the goal crease and scored at 16:35, assisted by Mark Stone and Colby Robak.

SWIFT CURRENT - FIRST ROUND HOME GAMES TO BE PLAYED IN REGINA AT THE BRANDT CENTRE

Taken from the Swift Curent Borncos Web Site:

- http:///scbroncos.com/news/1343 -

SWIFT CURRENT -- The Swift Current Broncos have clinched a WHL playoff spot and will play their first round home games in Regina at the Brandt Centre.

The Credit Union i-plex is unavailable to the Broncos due to the Ford World Women's Curling Championships being held in Swift Current.

"We would like to thank the Pats organization, the WHL and Evraz Place in Regina for helping us in this situation," comments head coach and general manager Mark Lamb, "we want to offer a venue that is as close to Swift Current as possible for our fans to attend the games."

With the playoff opponent still a question mark, the dates of the games will depend on the first round opponent.

If it's Brandon, the games in Regina will be Tuesday, Wednesday (March 23, 24). If it's Calgary, the games will be Monday, Tuesday (March 22, 23) and if it's versus Saskatoon the games will be Wednesday, Thursday (March 24, 25).

REGINA PATS - JORDAN EBERLE'S FAREWELL

(Photo: Whl.ca)

By: Greg Harder, Regina Leader Post Sports

Friday, March 12, 2010

Regina Pats' star Jordan Eberle's farewell

REGINA — The Regina Pats won't be punching a ticket to the WHL playoffs, but they are anticipating a sellout for their final home game of the season.

Jordan Eberle might have something to do with it.

Friday night's meeting between the Pats and the Brandon Wheat Kings will be the last chance for local hockey fans to say good-bye to a home-town hero who has represented his team, city, province and country with distinction over the past four years.

Eberle's farewell has transformed a meaningless game into the hottest ticket in town — and he hopes to give the fans their money's worth.

"I want to cap it off with something special," offered the 19-year-old sniper, who took part in his final practice with the Pats on Thursday. "It'll be a little weird playing my last game at the Brandt Centre. Four years have flown by so quickly. Coming in as a 16-year-old, playing my first game here, I remember looking up in the stands and seeing where I used to sit. Now I'll come back (Friday night) and think of all the success I've had in this rink and how much fun it has been."

Eberle isn't the only person in the mood for reminiscing. Pats captain Colten Teubert is equally nostalgic about the farewell performance of the Pats' odd couple — a dynamic duo which has become virtually inseparable over the past four seasons while sharing numerous experiences, including back-to-back tours with Canada at the world junior championship.

"It's too bad we have to go our separate ways," said Teubert. "When we were 16 we battled in practice every day. He knows how to push my buttons. It's a brother relationship. I'm going to miss him a lot."

So will the entire Pats' franchise.

"In my 15 years, he's the best player we've had in terms of the whole package, his leadership, his on-ice abilities, the type of person he is, everything," offered GM Brent Parker. "What he has meant to the organization has been huge. He's the type of person that you dream of having in terms of a guy who can be the face of your franchise. I hope we can hit the jackpot with another guy like that but it's fair to say those type of people and athletes don't grace you very often. They're rare individuals. The fact that he's a local kid really adds to it. Everyone has a Jordan Eberle story that they can't wait to tell."

The best of them all might belong to Pats director of scouting Todd Ripplinger, who selected Eberle in the seventh round (126th overall) of the 2005 WHL bantam draft. His selection with the 126th overall pick will go down as arguably the biggest steal in team history.

"When he was eight years old, he was this phenom coming up," said Ripplinger, who recalled reading about Eberle's early exploits in the Leader-Post. "Then I started asking around about him. I kind of kept track of him, watched him as a first-year bantam playing in Regina. Then he went to Notre Dame. The rest is history. It has been fun to watch. Even watching him as a 10-year-old on video at the Brick tournament (in Edmonton) scoring the overtime winner against Steve Stamkos and (Michael) Del Zotto and (Alex) Pietrangelo. He always had talent. (Now) he's one of the all-time greats."

Eberle scored 216 goals in Hockey Regina's novice tier I division during the 1999-2000 season. Despite his goal-scoring prowess, the 10-year-old told the Leader-Post's Rob Vanstone that he preferred to pass the puck and be a "team player."

"I sound like Jordan's biggest fan, but I have a lot of respect for his ability and his team play," Kings head coach Neil Tulloch said at the time. "Against the weaker teams, a lot of guys like to step up their production and add to their stats. Jordan is the exact opposite. He likes to use those situations to pass the puck and set up his teammates. I never heard him say, 'Give me the puck' or 'I can do it.' He bought into every philosophy about winning as a team and losing as a team."

The knock on Eberle was always his size, listed at about 5-foot-6 and 120 pounds when the Pats drafted him in 2005. Ripplinger jokingly remembers thinking at the time that Eberle never missed on breakaways, so at the very least he'd be good in shootouts.

Little did he know Eberle would eventually blossom into a world junior MVP, a first-round NHL draft pick and one of the best clutch scorers in Team Canada history.

"If he grew, we thought he'd be a good player — first- or second-line guy," added Ripplinger. "But I never thought he'd play in the world juniors and all that stuff. If anybody tells you that — about any player — they're full of it. You don't know."

Turns out size didn't matter for Eberle, who's now ranked eighth on the Pats' all-time goals list (153) and 12th in points (308). Heading into his 253rd career game Friday night, he leads the league with 104 points and is just two goals away from 50.

"I came into my first training camp not even expecting to make the team," recalled the Edmonton Oilers' top prospect, who's on the verge of securing the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL's top scorer. "I kind of just came in for the experience, had a good camp, ended up staying and ended up doing well. It has been a whirlwind ever since. Obviously it has been a disappointing season, not making the playoffs with the team we have. It's frustrating. But it's not going to help to be negative all the time and be bitter. You might as well find something positive. It has been a great junior career, being from here, the atmosphere and everything this organization has given me. You dream of playing in the Western Hockey League but you never expect any of this.

"Like I said, hopefully I'll cap it off with something special."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

PATS - JORDAN WEAL BECOMES FIRST 17-YEAR-OLD TO REACH 100 POINTS IN OVER A DECADE

WHL Web Site - March 11, 2010

- http://www.whl.ca/ -

JORDAN EBERLE - THE SECOND -

WILL JORDAN WEAL BE ANOTHER EBERLE - YES

Regina, SK – Regina Pats’ forward Jordan Weal became the first 17-year-old player in over a decade to record 100 points in a season when he picked up an assist in the team’s 3-2 win in Saskatoon over the Blades on Wednesday, March 10th.

Weal, a product of North Vancouver, B.C., has now amassed 35 goals and 65 assists through 70 games during the 2009-10 WHL season, and sits tied for second in the WHL scoring race with 100 points. He is currently four points back of Pats’ team mate Jordan Eberle for the WHL scoring lead.

“I’m pretty happy about my season, personally,” said Weal, whose 65 assists puts him second among all WHL players in that category.

“Playing with a guy like Jordan Eberle has really helped because he’s such a fantastic player who makes me a better player, too,” he said. “I think having the confidence carrying over from last year really helped me have the season I’ve had this year because I knew what to expect and had success at this level.”

The last 17-year-old to record a 100-point season in the WHL was Pavel Brendl, who posted 134 points on 73 goals and 61 assists as a rookie for the Calgary Hitmen during the 1998-99 WHL season.

Weal is in his second season in the WHL with the Pats. Regina’s fourth-round pick, 79th overall, at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Weal was the Eastern Conference finalist for the 2009 WHL Rookie of the Year award after posting 16 goals and 56 assists for 70 points in 65 games as a 16-year-old.

“I’ve loved my experience in the WHL so far,” said Weal. “It’s the best development League in the world, I get to play with and against so many great players, and it really brings out the best you.”

The 5’9”, 165-lb center is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and is currently ranked 45th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their Mid-Term rankings.

In addition to his outstanding season with the Pats, Weal also suited up for Team Cherry at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL / NHL Top Prospects game in January. He was also a member of Canada’s Gold medal-winning Under-18 team at the 2009 Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament, and played for Team Pacific at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Jesse Watts - whl.ca

REGINA PATS - 3 vs. SASKATOON BLADES - 2

vs.

The Pats visit the Saskatoon Blades tonight at 7:00 p.m. on 620 CKRM, Broadcaster Rod Pedersen and Colorman Dan Plaster (Press Box Sports Bar Pregame Show at 6:35 p.m.). Jordan Eberle goes into nights game three points up on linemate Jordan Weal for the WHL League Scoring lead, and four points up on Calgary's Brandon Kozun. Eberle's also four goals shy of 50. It's the third-last Pats game of the year.

GAME SUMMARY - by: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston - It was all Regina Pats, by the mid point the shots were 11-4. Jordan Eberle scored as he tipped in Mitch McColm's shot at 9:04, assisted by Myles Bell. It was almost Regina Pats 2-0, but Lefller hit the goal post, they out shot Saskatoon 18-5.

In the second period Jordan Eberle almost scored his second at the 4 minute, but his the goal post on the goal tender's glove side. Just 18 seconds later he did score as he tipped in Jordan Weal's shot, also assisted by Hampus Gustafsson. With Weal's assist he reached 100 points. After just over 4 periods of shutting out Saskatoon they scored at the 19:18 mark. Stefan Elliott was allowed to walk in and score on his own rebound, assisted by Walker Wintoneak and Gaelan Patterson.

Regina Pats went up 3-1 as they got a 3 on 2 break. Myles bell recieved a nice pass from Mudler at 3:29, assisted by Colten Teubert. Saskatoon's Derek Hulak scored at 14:37, assisted by Elliott and Manek Viedensky, making 3-2. Just over a minute remaining in the period (1:20 left), Saskatoon pulled their goal, but just could not score.

2010 - CANADA MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM - SIDNEY CROSY'S EQUIPEMENT HAS BEEN RECOVERED

Calgary Herald, March 10, 2010 - 1:09 PM

Sidney Crosby's equipment from Olympic gold medal game recovered

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that all of Sidney Crosby's equipment from the gold medal game at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games has been recovered and is in the process of being returned.

Following Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over the United States in the men's hockey Olympic gold medal game on February 28, the game stick and one of the gloves that Crosby was using when he scored the game-winning goal went missing in the process of packing and shipping team and player equipment.

Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada's director of men's national teams, led a search for the equipment by communicating with various team and event staff as well as partners over the past week to track various shipments.

The stick and glove were eventually located this week with other shipments and are being sent to Sidney Crosby.

"I want to thank everyone at VANOC, the team equipment managers, a number of Hockey Canada partners and the International Ice Hockey Federation in helping us track and locate several shipments to find the missing items," said Salmond. "With everyone's cooperation, we were able to locate these items and are pleased to be able to return the stick and glove to its rightful owner."

Crosby's game hockey stick was located as part of a shipment heading to the IIHF Hall of Fame. The stick was provided to the IIHF on the belief that it was not the game stick.

The IIHF assisted Hockey Canada in locating the shipment and providing photographs of the stick to Sidney Crosby, who confirmed that this was the game stick.

The missing glove was located by Team Canada teammate Patrice Bergeron, who found the missing glove which had been inadvertently placed in one of his equipment bags.

Both the game stick and glove are en route to Sidney Crosby.

REFERENCE TO - REGINA PATS ALUMNI - WEB SITE

NUMEROUS MEMBERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTING ME REGARDING THE REGINA PATS WEB SITE. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON - THAT WEB SITE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED - I AM TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MEMBER WHO LOOKS AFTER IT BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REACH HIM. I WILL TRY TO KEEP ALL REGINA PAT ALUMNI MEMBERS INFORMED OF THE SITUATION BY PROVIDING UPDATES ON THIS "REGINA PATS HISTORY" WEB SITE.

WHL - SCORING RACE - AS OFF:

TUESDAY, MARCH 9th, 2010

PLAYER' NAME	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
Jordan Eberle ............	Regina Pats ..............	54	46	56	102
Jordan Weal ..............	Regina Pats ..............	69	35	64	99
Brandon Kozun ............	Calgary Hitmen .........	62	31	67	98
Craig Cunningham ........	Vancouver Giants .......	68	37	56	93
Mitch Wahl ................	Spokane Chiefs ..........	69	29	63	92
Dustin Sylvester ..........	Kootenay Ice .............	65	35	55	90

GAMES TO WATCH: WEDNESDAY

CALGARY vs. Edmonton; Red Deer vs. Kootenay

REGINA PATS - OWNER RUSS PARKER - TOO EARLY TO DECIDE WHAT CHANGES TO MAKE

Photo: by Don Healey, Regina Leader Post

By GREG HARDER, Leader-Post, Wednesday,March 10, 2010

Too early to decide what changes to make: Pats' owner Russ Parker

REGINA — Russ Parker is "disappointed" and "bewildered" by the recent failures of the Regina Pats, but he's not committing to an organizational overhaul.
Not yet, anyway.

The Pats' Calgary-based owner was noncommittal on the subject of change — in particular, change at the top — during a recent visit to Regina, stating that it's too soon to reach any conclusions without the necessary due process.

"This is the last thing we ever wanted," Parker said of his team's performance, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. "It's very disappointing. We're all feeling it. We need to sit back now — everybody will, I guess — and take a little time and try to dissect it all and see where we go, what changes we have to make or whatever. It's too early to comment on that side of it, where we go now, because we need to get everybody in a room and have a round-table session."

The Pats were hoping to right the ship after conducting a "thorough review" of their operation following a nightmarish 2008-09 campaign. Rookie head coach Dale Derkatch became the fall guy when he was fired after just one season at the helm. That move cleared the way for the return of veteran head coach Curtis Hunt, who hired a new assistant in rookie coach Shaun Sutter.

However, those changes weren't enough to steer the underachieving club back to the playoffs despite a roster that includes stars like Jordan Eberle, Colten Teubert, Jordan Weal and Carter Ashton.

The Pats now have three games left in the season, then the autopsy begins — again.

"I feel bad for a lot of our people," said Russ Parker. "I feel bad for a lot of our individuals who played extremely hard. I feel bad for our fans. They were expecting more. We told them they'd get more so we feel like we let them down. I said that almost a year ago."

Parker suggested it may not be necessary to conduct a review of the franchise "to the same extent" as last spring. However, he couldn't get past the indisputable fact that the team continues to come up short.

"We have to try to determine as a group, all of our hockey people, why we didn't (meet expectations)," he said. "There are a lot of factors, I guess. We seem to find a way to struggle at times and get ourselves into trouble. Is it a talent thing? I guess you'd probably have to think it's partly that."

After Regina missed the playoffs last season, Parker asked the fans for a little more patience and vowed to turn things around. He also conceded that, if it looked like the Parker regime couldn't get the job done, they would consider moving on.

Is that a consideration now?

"No, not at this point in time," said Parker, who purchased the team in 1995. "We just thought we were going to have a pretty good season. I don't want to comment at this juncture on where we go from here. I can't do that."

As the Pats' brass prepares to deliberate on its options, the team is dealing with a public relations nightmare as fans threaten to revolt if the necessary changes aren't made. Rightly or wrongly, many of the fingers are pointed at GM Brent Parker.

"I understand their frustration," said Russ. "I know Brent is not sleeping through the night very well. I'm not holding him totally responsible at all. He's trying. We thought we would do better. We didn't. What we do now, we have to sit down and think about a lot of things and discuss what we need to do so this doesn't happen again."

Pressed on whether the current regime wants to stick it out and continue to seek its own solutions, the owner remained somewhat vague on his plans.

"I think so, as we speak," he added. "We enjoy major junior hockey, we enjoy being here. At this point in time, we want it to be better. We're willing to do whatever we can. I hope that's enough."

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Also:

Russ Parker speaks on Pats, future

REGINA PATS - 7th SPORTSMAN'S DINNER - PICTURES

Following photo's were taken by Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston

Regina Pats CKRM Radio Broadcaster Rod Pedersen interviewing Dinner Guest Speaker Kevin Lowe, live from the Convention Centre between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

The Regina Pats players in the lobby just prior to going in for dinner.

The Trophies lined up for the presentation

FOLLOWING IS SOME OF THE SIGNED HOCKEY JERSEY'S THAT WERE SILENTLY AUCTION DURING THE EVENING:

Also - more pictures on Rod Pedersen blog. - Click on the below:

Pats Sportsmans Dinner Pics

REGINA PATS - 7th ANNUAL SPORTSMAN'S DINNER and YEARLY AWARDS

The 7th edition of the Regina Pats Sportsman's dinner was held Monday evening at the Delta Hotel Convention Centre. Master of Ceremonies was Regina Pats Radio Broadcaster Rod Pedersen.

By: MURRAY McCORMICK, Regina Leader Post

Monday, March 8, 2010

Edmonton Oilers' president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe speaks at Regina Pats Sportsman's Dinner

Kevin Lowe has a simple solution to eliminating head shots in the NHL.
"All they have to do is start targeting late hits,'' the Edmonton Oilers' president of hockey operations said Monday before serving as the guest speaker at the Regina Pats Sportsman's Dinner.

"I believe that the (Marc) Savard hit was a late hit. They should really reprimand those guys and hand out big suspensions. That will make guys think twice about it when players come through the neutral zone with their heads down.''

Head shots in the NHL are making news again after Savard, a forward with the Boston Bruins, was levelled Sunday by a blind-side check from Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Savard was taken off the ice on a stretcher and it's believed he suffered a concussion from the hit. The NHL is studying the hit and any disciplinary action is to be decided before the Penguins play Thursday.

The Cooke hit on Savard contrasted with the check that Russia's Alexander Ovechkin levelled the Czech Republic's Jaromir Jagr with at centre ice during the Winter Olympics.

"That was a clean hit and I don't think any one of us wants to take that out of the game,'' said Lowe. "That is the beauty of the game and that's what makes it exciting.''

Lowe spent 19 seasons in the NHL as a player with the Oilers and New York Rangers. Since 1998, he has been an assistant coach, head coach, general manager and president with the Oilers. Lowe felt that Cooke had time to back off before slamming into Savard.

"There is enough time to make a decision that it might be a late hit,'' said Lowe, who won five Stanley Cup rings with the Oilers and another with the Rangers. "Then you can ease up on the guy. You can still make contact and bump into him but you don't have to follow through with the kind of intensity that he did. It will save people.''

There is more than head shots generating a buzz around hockey. Lowe was an associate director with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics and watched Sidney Crosby score the gold medal-winning goal in Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over the United States.

Vancouver marked Lowe's third appearance with Canada at the Winter Olympics. He helped build the teams that won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and finished seventh at the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Lowe said the seventh-place finish in 2006 was actually a blessing for Canada in 2010.

"We might have been in the position where the world juniors are in that we would be expected to win every year,'' said Lowe.

Lowe was a member of the Oilers when they were expected to win every year. That's hardly the case now. The Oilers are last in the 30-team NHL and are looking at a long rebuilding process.
One of the keys to that process is Pats sniper Jordan Eberle, whom the Oilers selected in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2008 draft. The Pats, who have missed the WHL playoffs this season, wrap up the regular season on Saturday. The Oilers have already indicated that he will head to the AHL's Springfield Falcons after the Pats' season concludes on Saturday. Lowe said the Oilers don't have any plans to rush Eberle into the lineup.

"We're going to be very slow in our approach to rebuilding and we don't want to put the kind of pressure on a guy like Jordan to turn the team around next year,'' said Lowe. "We have Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, who we got in the first round last year, and we're going to get a good pick this year.

"In a perfect world, we would methodically grow this thing over a number of years. There is a light at the end of the tunnel knowing that Jordan will play a big part of it.''

******************************************************************************

By: Ron "Scoreboard" Johnston - At 8:00 p.m. they had the Players Award followed by the Silent Auction Winners on various hockey sweaters.

Regina Pats Yearly Awards, they are as follows:

Player of the Year - Jordan Eberle

Rookie of the Year (Nick Pappas Memorial Trophy) - Brandon Davidson

Defenceman of the Year (Charles L. Johnston Memorial Trophy) - Colten Teubert

Most Popular Player (Bill Hicke Memorial Trophy) - Jordan Eberle

Community Service Award (Mike Kartusch Memorial Trophy) - Garret Mitchell

Unsung Hero - Hampus Gustaffson

Scholastic Player Award - Brandon Davidson

Most Sportsmanlike Player (Hub Bishop Memorial Trophy) - Jordan Eberle

************************************************************************

There will be still a few more rewards to hand out, including the Teams Top Scorer (Torchy Schell Memorial Trophy) and the (3 Stars Final Standings) Molson Cup. They will be announced after the Regina Pats final game on Saturday, March 13.


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After the Guest Speaker, Kevin Lowe, they had a Question and Answer period, in which Kevin Lowe, Brent Parker, Curtis Hunt, Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert participated. They were followed by Entertainer, Clark Robertson, an impersonator of Don Cherry. (Photo: by Regina Pats CKRM Broadcaster -Rod Pedersen)

SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS - PLAY-OFF HOME GAMES TO BE PLAYED AT REGINA BRANDT CENTRE?

Swift Current Broncos could be playing their playoff home games in the first round at the Brandt Centre. The Broncos have been squeezed out of their rink (I-Plex) due to the World Womens Curling Championships and there's a chance Swift Current could play their home games here. When they eliminated the Regina Pats from the post-season contention they were on the phone to the Regina Brandt Centre to book date for their Game 3, 4 and 6 of the first round.

This could result in extended Regina hockey fans participation. It appears the Broncos will face Calgary, Brandon, or Saskatoon.

EDMONTON OILERS - KEVIN LOWE - TO SPEAK AT THE REGINA PATS SPORTSMAN DINNER - TONIGHT -

Regina, Saskatchewan – The 7th edition of the Regina Pats Sportsman's dinner is set and ready to go this EVENING, Monday, March 8th at The Delta Hotel.

*********************************************************************************

Tonight's going to be a great night at the Delta Hotel for the annual Regina Pats Sportsmans Dinner. Oilers President Kevin Lowe is the keynote speaker and we have a Don Cherry impersonator for entertainment.

Regina Pats CKRM broadcaster Rod Pedersen will be broadcasting Sportsline live from the Delta from 6:05 - 7:00, then I'll be MC'ing the show on-stage. We're going to make it a good night, plus hand-out the year-end awards too.

Enjoy a night of entertainment and fun, headlined by our guest speaker, Edmonton Oilers President of Hockey Operations, Kevin Lowe.

***************************************************************************

Kevin Low the Oilers first ever draft pick, Lowe spent 19 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, winning 6 Stanley Cups. He is also a 7 time NHL All-Star and won the King Clancy Award in 1990. Since finishing his playing career, Lowe has been both and Assistant and Head Coach of the Oilers before being promoted to General Manager in 2000. He remained the Oilers' Executive Vice President and General Manager until the 2008-09 season when he was promoted to President of Hockey Operations.

All members of the Regina Pats will be present at the dinner with a player seated at each table. There will be more entertainment announced at a later date.

Regina Pats Sportsman's Dinner Monday, March 8th, 2010 The Delta Hotel Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. Ceremonies begin at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Single - $150.00; Table - $1000.00. Tickets are available at the Regina Pats office located in the West Entrance of the Brandt Centre, or call 522-PATS.

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KEVIN LOWE - HOCKEY HISTORY: PLAYER

1976-77 to 1978-79 - QMJHL - Quebec Remparts
1979-80 to 1991-92 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers
1992-93 to 1995-96 - NHL - New York Rangers
1996-97 to 1997-98 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers

KEVIN LOWE - HOCKEY HISTORY: - COACH - GENERAL MANAGER

1998-1999 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers - Assistant Coach
1999-2000 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers - Coach
2000-01 to 2008-09 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers - General Manager and Vice President
2009-10 - NHL - Edmonton Oilers - President of Hockey Operations

PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS - 3 vs. REGINA PATS - 6

vs.

Saturday night the Regina Pats Hockey Club would like to salute the best fans in the Western Hockey League with their Annual "Fan Appreciation Night", the blue and white host the Prince Albert Raiders. During the game, the Pats will be giving away tons of prizes including TV's, fridges and hockey gear courtesy of the many great sponsors that support the club throughout the season. After the buzzer goes, there will be another treat. For the first and only time this season, fans are encouraged to bring their skates so they can take to the ice afterwards and skate with the Pats.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. on 620 CKRM, with Broadcaster Rod Pedersen and Colorman Gerrad Dumba (Al Dumba's son), (Press Box Sports Bar Pre-game Show at 6:35 p.m). The Pats' Neutral Zone End Of Season Blow-Out Sale goes Saturday beginning at noon in the east end concourse of the Brandt Centre. The sale includes game-worn jerseys.



(Photo: Rod Pedersen's blog.)

GAME SUMMARY - By: Ron C. Johnston - Regina Pats Jordan Eberle had four assists, giving him 102 points and the WHL scoring race lead, while Jordan Weal had two goals and 1 assist to give him 99 points. Both players have a handy lead over Kozun of Calgary who has 94 points.

Prince Albert's Jordan Hickmott threw the puck to the net and it hits Ketlo's goal pad and goals high into the net at 11:37, assisted by Jordan Rowley and Crai McCallum. Regina Pats scored one and a half minutes later as Jordan Eberle got behind a Prince Albert Defenceman, skates around behind the net and passed out to Jordan Weal who scores at 13:05, also assisted by Hampus Gustafsson.

In the second period - a 5 on 3 Regina Pats power play had Jordan Eblere (his 100th point of the season) hit the goal post, but on the play Matt Scrueby scored on the rebound at 6:15, also assisted by Colten Teubert. A bad turn over by the Regina Pats resulted in Prince Albert tying the score at 2-2. It was McCallum scoring on a hard shot just under the bar at 15:57, assisted by Jonathan Parker.

Regina Pats went up 3-2 in the third period on a scramble in front of the net, as three Pats were wacking at the puck. It was finally Dominick Favereu scoring at 2:03, assisted by Garret Mitchell and Craig Orfeno. Prince Albert once again tied the game a Ryan Button scored at 6:52, assisted by Dustin Cameron and Emerson Hryynk. Less then one minute later Regina went up 4-3 as Hampus Gustafsson scored at the side of the net as the puck went off the goaltender Garrett Zemlak at 7:44, assisted by Weal and Eberle.

Near the end of the game, Prince Albert had a power play, Jordan Eberle looked like he scored on a break-a-way. The goal was under review, (no goal) the puck was under Zemlak's goal pad. Regina Pats did score two fast goals in the last 30 seconds to win 6-3. A nice pass from Jordan Eberle to Jordan Weal and scored into an empty net with only 30 seconds remaing, also assisted by Cody Carlson. Matt Scrueby had a break-a-way with 10 seconds remaining an scored on Zemlak, unassisted.

REGINA PATS - JORDAN EBERLE TO REACH 100 POINTS - HAS FIVE GAMES LEFT -

(Photo: Mike Sillinger and Jordan Eberle, with Colten Teubert)

The above picture was taken the day of Regina Pats Book News Media, (Release of the publishing of the new book) in the later part of October. At the time I wondered if Jordan and Mike realized that, at the end of this season, Eberle would have almost the same statistics as Sillinger way back in the season of 1990-91. With 3 Regina Pats games remaining, Eberle would also have played 57 games and could have 50 goals, but not as many assists.

SILLINGER - GP: 57, G: 50, A: 66, PTS: 116

EBERLE - at present - GP: 54, G: 46, A: 55, PTS: 101
EBERLE - could have - GP: 57, G: 50 -

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To find the last time a Regina Pats player reached 100 points you would have to go back to the 1997-1998 season when Ron Petrovicky (Right Winger) did it. He did it in 71 games.

PETROVICKY - GP: 71, G: 64, A: 49, PTS: 113

Then you can go back to the 1996-1997 when Josh Holden (Centre) played in his last season. He was two points shy of 100 points.

HOLDEN - GP: 58, G: 49, A: 49, PTS: 98

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REGINA PATS - JORDAN WEAL STILL HAS REASONS TO PLAY

Weal still has reasons to play

Regina Leader Post - Greg Harder (Slap Shots)

Friday, march 5, 2010

Parts taken from this blog. - The race isn’t over for Jordan Weal. Although the playoffs are officially out of reach, Weal is still chasing a WHL scoring crown with four games left in the regular season. The 17-year-old centre added two goals to his total on Friday, leading the Regina Pats to a 4-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes before 4,263 fans at the Brandt Centre.

With 96 points, Weal is ranked second in the league behind teammate Jordan Eberle, who had an assist Friday to give him 98 points.

“Having Ebs right in front of me is good healthy competition,” Weal said with a smile. “We tell each other, ‘Don’t look me off! If I’m there, you better give me the puck.’ We just have to keep it going and hopefully we can both get over 100. It would be a really great milestone for both of us.”There’s a lot more on the line for Weal, who’s a highly touted prospect for the 2010 NHL entry draft as well as the Canadian under-18 team. Even though the Pats are playing out the string, Weal knows that scouts are watching to see if he lets his foot off the gas.

“It shows a lot about your character, how you’re (not) willing to give up even though you’re done,” he added. “I just have to go out and prepare the same as I have the whole year and see how it goes.”

Pats head coach Curtis Hunt noted that he’d like to see the two Jordans finish in a tie atop the WHL scoring race. That said, he’s also watching carefully to see how they respond to the competition.

“What’s important to me is how they interact and play together,” he said. “If we start seeing signs of selfish play because of it we’ll split them up and that’ll be that. No problem so far. You have the mentor and the student. From what I see both guys are happy with each other’s accomplishments and that speaks volumes about the kind of people they are.”The same could be said for Weal’s competitive nature.

“You see that every night in Jordan,” added Hunt. “He’s as hard a competitor as we have. He plays and competes not only against top centremen but top defencemen every night. You have to give him full marks for the maturity in his game, not just with the puck but probably more importantly to his success and future is his play without the puck.

LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES - 2 vs. REGINA PATS - 4

vs.

Tonight the Lethbridge Hurricanes come to town for "Red Friday". The Regina Pats will wear their red jerseys in support of the Canadian Armed Forces. To commemorate the night, there will be members of the CAF repelling from the rafters prior to the game.

The game marks the return of former Pat Graham Hood for the first time since his pre-Christmas trade to Lethbridge. It will also be the first game in Regina against their old team for former Hurricanes Carter Ashton and Craig Orfino.

The game starts at 7:00 pm on 620 CKRM, with Broadcaster Rod Pedersen and Colorman Al Dumba. Press Box Sports Bar Pre-game Show at 6:35 pm.

GAME SUMMARY - By: Ron C. Johnston - Regina Pats opened the scoring only to see Lethbridge score two goal in the later part of the period. Regina Pats Jordan Eberle got a turn-over and dropped it off to Jordan Weal who scored on a back hand shot at 12:03, also assisted by Hampus Gustafsson. Lethbridge's Bancks scored on a power play as he skated to the front of the net at 17:49, assisted by Mitch Maxwell and Jacob Berglund. Only two minutes later Bancks scored his second goal at 19:42, assisted by Maxwell.

In the second period Regina Pats went up 3-2. Carter Ashton scored a bouncing puck past the goal post at 9:30, assisted by Garrett Mitchell and Hampus Gustafsson. With only 31 seconds left in the period Jordan Weal scored his second goal as he head faked across the goal crease before scoring at 19:28, assisted by Colten Teubert. Regina out shot Lethbridge 17 to 5.

Regina Pats Tylor Parker scored his first WHL goal on a goal crease scramble, scoring on a rebound right in front of the net at 6:47, assisted by Andrew Rieder and Mitch Spooner.

SASKATCHEWAN SPORTS HALL of FAME - 2010 INDUCTEES

Click on the following for pictures and write-up of each person or team -

http://www.sshfm.com/induction.html -

2010 Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame -

Inductees:

Going into the hall this summer on the athletes side are:

Cyprian Enweani(Athletics)
Alan Ford (Football)
Warren Long (Gymnastics)
Jim Neilson (Hockey)

On the builders side:

Don Kent (Football)
Keith Russell (Gymnastics)
Gord Staseson (Multi-Sport)
Del Wilson (Hockey) - Regina Pats -

In the teams category:

1988 U of S Mens Volleyball Team
2005 Kyle George Junior Curling Team

The date of the induction ceremony is June 19, 2010.

SIDNEY CROSBY - WINNING GOAL IN OVER TIME

Taken from the - Wall Street Journal - HOCKEY HAPPY: Canada’s Sidney Crosby (going into orbit) celebrated after making the game-winning goal in overtime to give Canada a 3-2 hockey win over Team USA at the Vancouver Winter Olympics Sunday. (Photo: Chris O’Meara/Associated Press)