Week in Review:

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 vs. Edmonton Oil Kings

Kamloops hosted Edmonton for the second time this season and were 5-0 winners. The Blazers started strong in the first period with goals from Brendan Ranford and Ryan Funk to take a 2-0 lead into the second period. The hockey club continued to shut down the Oil Kings as CJ Stretch added a powerplay goal in the second period to take a 3-0 lead. Zak Stebner and CJ Stretch each scored in the final period to solidify a 5-0 victory. The Oil Kings were stymied by goaltender Kurtis Mucha who made 25 saves for his ninth career shutout. The hockey club recorded its first shutout since March of 2008 when James Priestner made 35 saves to defeat Prince George 1-0. Kamloops also outshot their opponents for only the 5th time this season. The Blazers special teams were solid as they were 3-for-8 on the powerplay and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Friday, December 4, 2009 vs. Tri-City Americans

The Blazers, coming off a 5-0 win on Wednesday, couldn’t keep the puck out of their net and were deafeated 7-0 by the Tri-City Americans. Johnny Lazo scored 2 of his 3 goals in the first period as the Americans took a 2-0 lead after the first period. The Blazers couldn’t muster up any offence as the Americans continued to score goals, with 3 even strength markers to lead 5-0 after the second period. Blazers’ goaltender Kurtis Mucha was pulled following the 5th goal, allowing 5 goals on 15 shots. Lazo completed his hat trick in the third period and the Americans added another powerplay goal to finish the Blazers off 7-0. Goaltender Jon Groenheyde stopped 14 of 16 shots faced in relief of Mucha. Americans’ goaltender Drew Owsley stopped 19 shots for his second shutout of the season. The Blazers were 0-for-4 on the powerplay and 5-for-7 on the penalty kill.

Saturday, December  5, 2009 vs. Prince George Cougars

On Saturday, the Blazers came from behind to beat the Cougars 3-2. The two hockey clubs played to a scoreless first period as Hudson Stremmel of the Cougars and Jon Groenheyde for the Blazers were both solid in net. The Cougars got the lone goal of the second period to take a 1-0 lead at the break. Finally, the game opened up in the third period. CJ Stretch scored early on a powerplay to tie the game 1-1. The Cougars would respond and re-take the lead on a powerplay 72 seconds later to lead 2-1. It was all Blazers after that, as the hockey club outshot the Cougars 14-3 in the third period. Shayne Wiebe and CJ Stretch each scored to help the Blazers to a 3-2 victory. Stremmel stopped 35 of 38 shots and Groenheyde stopped 23 of 25 shots faced. The Blazers were 1-for-6 on the powerplay and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Milestones

CJ Stretch played in his 300th WHL game, all with the Kamloops Blazers, on Friday, December 4th vs. Tri-City Americans. Stretch is only the 5th player to play 300 games in a Blazer uniform. Erik Christensen (304), Greg Hawgood (310), Donnie Kinney (319), and Aaron Gionet (324) are the others.

Brendan Ranford played in his 100th career WHL game, all with the Blazers, on Friday December 4th vs. Tri-City Americans. Ranford has yet to miss a game due to injury. The 17 year-old, Edmonton native has a 51 career points with the Blazers.

Teddy Bear Toss

The annual Teddy Bear / Toque Toss is on December 12th when the Blazers host the Vancouver Giants for their last home game before Christmas.

WestJet Flight Nights

The celebrity item draw – for a toonie – on December 12th vs. Vancouver Giants can win you a trip for 2 anywhere that Westjet flies!

Community Service

Monday, December 7th – Christmas Dinner with Booster Club 5:15pm, Floor hockey at Brock Secondary vs. Special Olympics 6:30-8pm

Tuesday, December 8th – EDGE @ 10:15am

Wednesday, December 9th – Regular School visit 9:30am

Thursday, December 10th – Regular School visit 9:30am

Sunday, December 13th – Blueliner Breakfast 8:30am Sports Action Lounge                                      

Team Leaders: 

Goals – Tyler Shattock (16)

Assists – Tyler Shattock (21)

Points – Tyler Shattock (37)

Rookies – Dylan Willick (16)

PIM – Zak Stebner (68)

GAA – Kurtis Mucha (3.24)

SV % – Kurtis Mucha (.902) 

Schedule: 

Monday, December 7th, Practice 2:00-4pm ISC

Tuesday, December 8th, Practice 2:00-4pm ISC

Wednesday, December 9th, Practice 2:00-4pm ISC

Thursday, December 10th, Practice 2:00-4pm Memorial Arena

Friday, December 11th, Blazers @ Giants 7:30pm Pacific Coliseum

Saturday, December 12th, Giants @ Blazers 7pm ISC

Sunday, December 13th, Blueliner Breakfast 8:30am Sports Action Lounge