Wake up, start your week, and dive into the Monday Morning GDI Goalie News!  Who stopped the most shots… which netminder rebounded from a tough loss… who had the best performance of the week? Look below, get your goalie fix to start the week. Here we go!

Program of Excellence – Under 18 & Top 40:

After a long four days the Top 40 Program of Excellence camp has came to a close.

GDI Prairies is proud to notice the strong effort that all the goaltenders had over the weekend in order to display their talents and skill set for making the team. Looking to take a spot on the Male Under 16 roster Dola, Martyniuk, Brown, Petit, and Verhelst are the current remaining goaltenders.

Looking to the Female U18 team that will compete in the  2012 National Women’s U-18 Championships in Dawson Creek BC, Jessica Campbell, Rachel Dyck, Justine McIntosh, and Brittni Mowat are the remaining four goaltenders that look to take a spot.

Looking to the next coming months, the Under 17 goaltenders will be named shortly.

In other news, Brandon Wheat Kings goaltender Corbin Boes, of Saskatoon, has been to invited to Hockey Canada’s World Junior Goaltending Camp from June 7-10 in Calgary.

This past season Boes appeared in 41 games where he held a record of 23-10-0.

In the WHL – Road to the Memorial Cup:

The Edmonton Oil Kings captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions, defeating the Portland Winterhawks 4-1 in Game 7 of the 2012 WHL Championship series on Sunday at Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB.

Michael St. Croix and T.J. Foster each tallied a goal and an assist as the Oil Kings opened up a 4-0 lead through the first 30 minutes of the game in a solid performance to win the deciding game of what was a thrilling best-of-seven series between the two clubs.

Laurent Brossoit turned in a 19-save effort for the Oil Kings in the victory.  The 19-year-old from Surrey B.C., posted a 2.82 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage over the seven-game series to earn the MVP of the WHL Championship series.

“I’m speechless…it’s just such a good feeling, and I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts,” Brossoit told SHAW’s Andy Neal.  “(Getting the MVP) is the icing on the cake.  We played such a great game, defensively, that I didn’t really have to do much tonight…we win as a team.”

It’s the first WHL championship for the modern incarnation of the Oil Kings in their five-year existence, and the first championship for an Edmonton-based franchise since the original Oil Kings won back-to-back titles in 1971 and ’72.  That Oil Kings franchise would eventually relocate to Portland to become the Winterhawks.

The Oil Kings will now head to Shawinigan, QC, to represent the WHL at the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup.  The Oil Kings will join the host Shawinigan Cataractes, the OHL champion London Knights and the QMJHL champion and defending Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs at the tournament, which begins on Friday.

GDI Prairies would like to congratulate Laurent on being awarded the Playoff MVP and for capturing the WHL Championship! Several years ago Brossoit stepped onto the ice for his first GDI camp and now he looks to win his first Memorial Cup Championship! Best of luck in Quebec!

In the MJHL – Road to the RBC:

With the RBC Cup being awarded to Penticton as they went onto take a 4-3 win over Woodstock in the Championship Final, we look back on the amazing run the both Portage and Humbolt had to represent the Prairie region in the National Championships.

The Broncos came close to sealing the deal to get into the Finals several times in their game against the Woodstock Slammers but failed to hold the lead in a tough Semi-Final battle induced by penalties.

Earlier in the week the MJHL champions dropped a heart-breaking 5-3 decision to Humboldt Broncos Thursday night in Humboldt. The Portage Terriers couldn’t mustar a goal in the third frame as they failed to tie the game.  The Terriers kept their heads held high as they showed their dominance coming into the National tournament with being in close contention for the games that they played in.

GDI Prairies would like to notice Adam Iwan on his success throughout this season and leading through into May. Adam is a great student of the game that has stuck to his mindset of setting his goals high and never looking back. With much experience gained from the previous season, playing with the Neepawa Natives and with a brief stint with the WHL Spokane Chiefs, Adam went on to display a fierce presence in net for the Terriers as he was unbeatable on countless nights.

Again, congrats to both the Terriers and Humbolt on their success this year!

Back on the 15th of June in 2008 I ran my first half marathon. Trying to remember vivid images of the run now seem like a blur. The only THOUGHT that I can remember was that when I had reached the finish line of the 13.1 Miles I remember thinking that this seemed easy. I want a challenge. Next year 26.2 here I come!

Everything in life starts with a single step. The trouble is taking that first step tends to be a big one.

A number of people go through life “thinking” what they “want” and simply leaving it at that. There are countless thoughts entering our mind daily. Some last for brief seconds, some we ponder and hold onto.  These thoughts help us process ideas and goals. The next step beyond this is the one that WILL move you forward. The big step, the one to take ACTION!

What propels someone to turn their thoughts into action?

A person that is truly PASSIONATE about what they love will have the CURIOSITY to go beyond what the normal person does. They will take their goal and expand it into a bigger dream. That first half marathon will turn into a full marathon. A run full of slow walks, pain, and mental fatigue. The first time you step onto the ice at the age of 5 you were held up by your arms. Several years later you stopped your first puck. Gradually the thought of stopping a puck as a career came along. The ones that keep going, keep making their dreams larger, are the individuals that are curious about what else they can do, and how much further they can go. Being passionate and curious, they find a way to make it happen.

For the athletes that are still in school, think about the last paper you wrote that deserved an A+ grade. One that you felt happy to hand in and couldn’t wait to get back. How much time did you put into it? How many times did you struggle to get a paragraph right, or to find that reference that had the best fit into relating your writing back to your topic thesis.

Asking a large percentage of students, most cannot stand being busy by school, having to do homework and being glued to a textbook. But, ultimately, the ones that succeed in school like the idea of succeeding! They understand that this work and time is all about the small little efforts that lead to big change.

The first step leading on to the next approximate 52,436 steps can help you get through a full marathon.

Thinking about where you want to go? Go out and take the first step. Take ACTION and don’t be afraid of the struggle that you may encounter along the way!

Wake up, start your week, and dive into the Monday Morning GDI Goalie News!  Who stopped the most shots… which netminder rebounded from a tough loss… who had the best performance of the week? Look below, get your goalie fix to start the week. Here we go!

Young C-Dubs Drinks From the Cup:

An athlete is  driven by two things. Love of the game, and winning the game. Throughout the past year we have had a very unique 6-year old goaltender attend numerous one-on-one training sessions at the training centre.

Most recently Colin Wiebe won a tournament with his spring hockey team. Mimicking what it would possibly be like to drink out of the large Stanley Cup, the young GDI netminder was in his glory as he had his own large throphy.

Representing his success, more than the award he holds, is his passion and love for the game that he brings every time he steps onto the ice and straps on the pads. Bringing a wide array of curiosity within his interest for the position Colin always has a strong eagerness to learn. In order to learn and grow within the position one must have the utmost interest to explore the position. Young Colin shows this as he connects the dots from past training sessions, game experiences, and highlights from his favorite NHL goalies.

Next time you are 0n the ice simply enjoy it! In practice, find the an aspect that interests you. Cue in on working on it! Always look to improve and build on your passion, because ultimately your love for the game will help couple your success to winning the game!

Sport Manitoba – Calm Air Junior Sports Team of the Year:

To view the Winnipeg Thrashers Sport Manitoba award nomination list of reason Click Here. To view more on the Sport Manitoba’s Night of Champions Click Here.

In addition, the team was nominated for the the 56th Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association’s Provincial Team of the Year.

With GDI Prairies having many goaltenders coming through the Thrashers Organization the company would like to notice the team for their excellence last season, and would like to wish them the best in the future!

2012 WHL BANTAM DRAFT:

The Western Hockey League conducted its annual Bantam Draft on May 3rd, at the Deerfoot Inn in Calgary, AB.

The Regina Saskatchewan native,Logan Flodell, was highlighted on many lists as being a top pick within goaltenders across Western Canada.

Flodell was selected 47th Overall in the WHL Bantam Draft to the Seattle Thunderbirds. The ‘south paw’ goalie stands at 5’10″ and played with the Regina Senators Bantam AA last season. GDI Prairies would like to congratulate Logan on being selected and would like to wish him all the best heading into his pursuit to play with Seattle.

Goaltender Tyson Verhelst was the first Brandonite chosen, as he went 58th overall to Spokane in the draft.

For the full list of players selected in the WHL Bantam Draft Click Here.

Looking to our partner in hockey training, as the WHL Bantam Draft concluded with 31 members from Manitoba Selected…12 from Winnipeg…and 9 from THE RINK TEAM…Congrats to the following players that trained with strong dedication at The Rink Training Centre!

D – Thomas Lenchyshyn (Steinbach) – 18th overall Lethbridge Hurricanes
F – Keegan Kolesar (Winnipeg) – 20th overall Seattle Thunderbirds
F – Aaron Boyd (Winnipeg) – 43rd overall Tri-City Americans
F – Braden Purtill (Winnipeg) – 46th overall Tri-City Americans
F – Jackson Keane (Winnipeg) – 73rd overall Swift Current Broncos
F – Ethan Williams (Winnipeg) – 90th overall Moose Jaw Warriors
F – Mark Taraschuk (Winnipeg) – 112th overall Brandon Wheat Kings
F – Garrett Armour (Winnipeg) – 135th overall Edmonton Oil Kings
D – Mackenzie Dwyer (Winnipeg) – 233rd overall Saskatoon Blades

Team Manitoba – POE Top 40:

The Hockey Manitoba Top 40 Camp starts up on Thursday May 10th for both the U16 Male and U18 Female teams. Over the four days players will go through various testing, practice and game sessions in order to show above all their strengths to the coaching staff.

GDI Prairies would like to wish all the best to Dola, Martyniuk, Brown, Petit, and Verhelst as they each fight for one of two spots on the U16 team.

Looking to the Female U18 team, the girls will prepare for the  2012 National Women’s U-18 Championships in Dawson Creek BC. GDI Prairies would also like to wish all the best to Jessica Campbell, Rachel Dyck, Justine McIntosh, and Brittni Mowat.

For the schedule of the weekend Click Here..

In the MJHL – Road to the RBC:

The Portage Terriers have started off the RBC Cup in dramatic fashion. The MJHL champions defeated Soo Thunderbirds 4-3 in a marathon that lasted nearly 100 minutes at the Elgin Peterson Arena in Humboldt.

With just 47 seconds remaining in the second overtime period, Terriers’ captain Andrew Wiebe scored from the slot to end this hockey marathon. It was the Terriers’ 72^nd shot on net in the game. At the other end of the ice, Terriers’ netminder Adam Iwan stopped 41 of 44 Thunderbird shots.

The Terriers won their first game for the fourth time in as many appearances at the National Junior A Championship; Portage won the 1973 national title in a best-of-seven series against the Pembroke Lumber Kings, but didn’t win again after their opener in both 2005 and 2011, missing out on the semifinals both years.

Portage tries for its first 2-0 start in 39 years when it takes on the Woodstock Slammers in Monday’s lone game (7:30 p.m. MT).

Flodell was selected 47th Overall in the WHL Bantam Draft to the Seattle Thunderbirds. The ‘south paw’ goalie stands at 5’10″ and played with the Regina Senators Bantam AA last season. GDI Prairies would like to congratulate Logan on being selected and would like to wish him all the best heading into his pursuit to play with Seattle.

For the full list of players selected in the WHL Bantam Draft Click Here.

Looking to our partner in hockey training, as the WHL Bantam Draft concluded with 31 members from Manitoba Selected…12 from Winnipeg…and 9 from THE RINK TEAM…Congrats to the following players that trained with strong dedication at The Rink Training Centre!

D – Thomas Lenchyshyn (Steinbach) – 18th overall Lethbridge Hurricanes
F – Keegan Kolesar (Winnipeg) – 20th overall Seattle Thunderbirds
F – Aaron Boyd (Winnipeg) – 43rd overall Tri-City Americans
F – Braden Purtill (Winnipeg) – 46th overall Tri-City Americans
F – Jackson Keane (Winnipeg) – 73rd overall Swift Current Broncos
F – Ethan Williams (Winnipeg) – 90th overall Moose Jaw Warriors
F – Mark Taraschuk (Winnipeg) – 112th overall Brandon Wheat Kings
F – Garrett Armour (Winnipeg) – 135th overall Edmonton Oil Kings
D – Mackenzie Dwyer (Winnipeg) – 233rd overall Saskatoon Blades

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MEMBERS SELECTED TODAY IN THE DRAFT!

Wake up, start your week, and dive into the Monday Morning GDI Goalie News!  Who stopped the most shots… which netminder rebounded from a tough loss… who had the best performance of the week? Look below, get your goalie fix to start the week. Here we go!

The Esso Cup – Female Midget National Championship:

Saturday afternoon was a dream come true for the Pembina Valley Hawks. The female midget team represented the Western Region of Canada in the Esso Cup, which consisted of playing seven games in seven days to compete for the crown of being the top team in Canada.

he Pembina Valley Hawks (West) are a team made up of players from 12 different communities, a fact referenced all week on an end-board sign that read: ‘12 Towns = Pembina Valley = Esso Cup!

A reference to the team’s emphasis on playing for each other, the Hawks fulfilled that sign’s prophecy Saturday at the CARI Complex, defeating former champions the Thunder Bay Queens (Ontario) 4-2 to claim their first-ever gold medal at Canada’s National Female Midget Championship. Brittni Mowat (Glenboro, Man.) withstood the potent Queens attack throughout the game, making plenty of key saves and showing why she was named the tournament’s top netminder.

Mowat started off the tournament with back to back shutouts. The first game in P.E.I. she built up a brick wall in net as she pushed aside all 33 shots she faced, and turned aside all seven breakaways she faced in the shootout to grab a 1-0 victory. This first appearance may have had an effect on how teams went into games against Pembina Valley. Mowat never showed a sign of weakness throughout the seven days as she held a Goals Against Average of 1.38 and an outstanding  Save Percentage of .945.

GDI Prairies would like to congratulate Brittni Mowat on being selected as the Top Goaltender of the Esso Cup and for helping the Pembina Valley Hawks take home a National Championship for Manitoba and the Prairies region! A moment in hockey history that will never be forgotten!

The Telus Cup – Male Midget National Championship:

Sunday was a jam packed day full of NHL hockey. Conquering the second round of the playoffs though was the National Midget title being put on the line in a game that had Canadians glued to their TV’s for!

The Telus Cup Gold Medal game had the Red Deer Rebels (Pacific) playing against the Phénix du Collège Esther-Blondin (Quebec).

The first time both of these teams went head-to-head the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

Before the end of the first period Quebec was up 3-0, holding a commanding lead that sparked confidence of a possible victory and hoist of the cup.

At the start of the second the Rebels scored an early goal 43 seconds in, but had their jump squandered by two more consecutive goals by the Phénix. Entering the 3rd period there seemed to be without a doubt an idea that the cup was going to go to Quebec. In a surprise turn of events, the Phénix allowed four straight goals against as they were on the Penalty Kill for a long period of time as David Storto took a Major  for Boarding. Kevin Darveau replaced Simon Leiva in the cage for the Quebec representative as he looked to close the door as the game went into Overtime.

Both Kevin Darveau and Dasan Sydora (Red Deer) were up to the task of pushing aside everything they faced in the first 10 minute  overtime period. Having the game head to a Double OT Red Deer found a way to get their wheels going and get an attack in the Quebec zone. With a quick face-off win the Red Deer Rebel’s Nick Glackin got the puck and fired a bullet that rippled the mesh to get the victory and bring the Telus Cup to the Pacific Region for the Red Deer Rebels!

The National Midget Gold is staying in the West of Canada for another year. In the past 3 years from 2009-2011 the Western Region took the Gold home, with last championship going to the Winnipeg Thrashers.

The Saskatoon Contacts, the Western Region representative, took home the Bronze Medal at the Telus cup with a 3-2 victory over Leduc.

In the WHL – Road to the Memorial Cup:

The Western Hockey League has announced the schedule for the 2012 WHL Championship Series between the Husky Eastern Conference Champion Edmonton Oil Kings and the Kal Tire Western Conference Champion Portland Winterhawks.  The winner of the WHL Championship Series will be presented the Ed Chynoweth Cup and represent the WHL at the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Shawinigan, Quebec.  Please see 2012 WHL Championship logo attached.

2012 WHL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

SERIES O (Game # – Visitor @ Home; Date)
All Start Times Are Local

#1 – Portland @ Edmonton; Thursday, May 3 (7:00pm MT)
#2 – Portland @ Edmonton; Friday, May 4 (7:00pm MT)
#3 – Edmonton @ Portland; Sunday, May 6 (6:00pm PT), Rose Garden
#4 – Edmonton @ Portland; Tuesday, May 8 (7:00pm PT), Rose Garden
#5 – Portland @ Edmonton; Thursday, May 10 (7:00pm MT)**
#6 – Edmonton @ Portland; Saturday, May 12 (TBD), Rose Garden**
#7 – Portland @ Edmonton; Sunday, May 13 (TBD)**
** – if necessary

2012 WHL BANTAM DRAFT:

The Western Hockey League will conduct its annual Bantam Draft on Thursday, May 3rd, at the Deerfoot Inn in Calgary, AB.

The WHL Bantam Draft is the first opportunity for WHL Clubs to replenish their systems with graduating Bantam-aged players. The order of selection for the first round of the draft is determined through a weighted lottery consisting of the six non-playoff teams. The draft order is based on the inverse overall standings from the regular season.

The 2012 WHL Bantam Draft will see the Seattle Thunderbirds select first overall. It marks the first time in franchise history that the Thunderbirds will have the first overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft.

WHL fans can watch the first round of the 2011-12 WHL Bantam Draft live online via Webcast. The Draft begins at 8:30AM MST.

Team Manitoba – POE Top 40:

Hockey Manitoba has announced the Top 40 roster selections for the Under 16 and Under 18 Program of Excellence teams. A total of forty-one players have been invited to the Under-16 camp, comprised of five goalies, twelve defensemen, and twenty-four forwards. Following a competitive POE Spring Tournament which featured a total of 136 of the province’s best 1997 born (male) players the coaching and evaluation staff were faced with many tough decisions in cutting down to the forty player range. The POE TOP-40 Camp roster will feature a large amount of Western Hockey League draft picks next week, in addition it is anticipated that a number of players who were not invited to the TOP-40 Camp will also receive a call from the Western Hockey League during next week’s draft.

GDI Prairies would like to congratulate the following players who were selected to each POE team:

Under 16

Tyler Brown – Winnipeg B1 Warriors

Hayden Dola – Interlake B1 Lightning

Troy Martyniuk – Winnipeg B1 Hawks

Mario Petit – Eastman B1 Selects

Tyson Verhelst – Brandon B1 Wheat Kings

U18

Jessica Campbell – Parkland Rangers

Rachel Dyck – Balmoral Hall

Justine McIntosh – Winnipeg Avros

Brittni Mowat – Pembina Valley Hawks

In the MJHL – Road to the RBC:

The Anavet Cup went to Game 7 on Sunday night. The Humbolt Broncos were able to take the victory and Anavet Championship at home in a long fought series!

Previous to Sunday night, the Terriers were able to force a winner-take-all Game 7, thanks to a thrilling 5-4 win Saturday against Humboldt Terriers, in a game which was decided in triple overtime. The hero of the night was Terrier veteran Shaq Merasty, who scored just 3:43 into the third OT.

“It could have went either way. (Goaltender) Adam Iwan was really good. It seems I say that after every game. But he was outstanding again for us. It was one of those games where we had the lead, but a couple of Bronco power plays changed the game. But our guys dug in, which our guys will do when it gets tough out there.”

Both teams will meet again in this years RBC – National Championships, with the Terriers getting a birth into the tournament due to Humbolt being the host.

Britt displays a character that represents a quite goaltender, one that is a composed fierce competitor within the crease. GDI Prairies would like to wish her and the Hawks all the best on Saturday as they go for the Gold!

Pembina Valley will play for the Esso Cup gold medal Saturday at 5 p.m. AT. Catch this game on TSN!

For more on the Esso Cup Click Here.

The game was a goaltenders duel throughout, with Brittni Mowat (Glenboro, Man.) turning aside 33 shots for Pembina Valley, while Sanderson stopped all 26 shots she faced for Edmonton. Edmonton and Pembina Valley traded scoring chances early in the first period, but Mowat and Sanderson kept the game scoreless.

The game’s intensity picked up considerably in the second and third periods as both teams found themselves in some penalty trouble. Leading through overtime the game continued to be scoreless.

The goaltenders stole the show once again in the shootout, maintaining their stalemate until Kaminsky’s shot in the seventh round. With her first victory on Day 1 of the Esso Cup – Female Midget National Championship Mowat was awarded the Days 1st Star. In her interview after the game with the media Mowat proclaimed, “The bigger the game the better I play basically”.

The Pembina Valley Hawks head coach Jeff Andrews was asked about their goaltender stealing the game he replied, “She has been such a premier performer for us all season long. She gives us a chance to win everyday that she plays.”
In game number two for Pembina Valley Mowat was again relentless in letting anything get past her as she pushed aside all 19 shots she faced to help the West representative pick up their second win.

Pembina Valley will look for its third win of the tournament when the Hawks face off against Halifax Metro Boston Pizza (Atlantic) at 4 p.m. AT. Catch all Esso Cup games live through FASTHockey at www.fasthockey.hockeycanada.com

If interested please contact Ryan at: ryegreen@mymts.net

Pads: Vaughn Velocity 4 7600

36 + 2, Double Break - mix of a retro and v4 style (1 year old)      COST:  $1000

Blocker: Reebok Premier Series 3

Pro Style - (1.5 years old)     COST: $250

Glove: Reebok Premier Series 3

Pro Style- (1.5 years old)      COST: $200

32+2

Pro Style – Single Break

All leather straps – Side logo’s removed

Excellent condition  – Used one season !!

Asking $850.00

Call (204) 479-3668