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The Edmonton Oilers are bringing back defenceman and Ochapowace First Nation product Ethan Bear on a two-year, $4 million deal.
The 23-year-old former Yorkton U18 AAA defenceman scored five goals and added 16 assists in 71 games last season for the Oilers.
He was selected 124th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
"Ya every player wants to play pro hockey one day, and I believed this was a great opportunity for me and it gets me closer to my goal of playing in the NHL and with the Thunder their Head Coach Bruce Ramsey used to play against and Coach my dad Jeff so there was a relationship already there with him and I'm happy to join the Thunder."
The Moose Jaw product began his pro career back last Friday night and during that game he was able to score his 1st pro goal in the Thunder's 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers.
"It was pretty exciting, obviously a lot of nerves and you don't know what to expect going in because you've never played a pro game before, but ya it was nice to get on the scoresheet but more importantly we got the win so that was nice."
Before Petruic headed down to Kansas to begin his professional career, he began his 2020/21 campaign playing Senior hockey with the Highway Hockey League's Raymore Rockets where he had 6 points in 2 games.
Petruic and the Thunder return to action on Boxing Day when they visit the Kansas City Mavericks.
Full Chat with Petriuc below:
For the first time in almost 20 years, a Yorkton product will suit for Team
Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
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Korczak chats about his selection to Team Canada below:
Just over a month ago, they weren't sure if they were going to get a chance to play their 2020/21 NCAA hockey season, but for former Yorkton Terrier Regan Seiferling (pictured above) and the Rochester Institute Technology Tigers, they are excited to get back to playing competitive games.
At the end of October, the RIT brass announced they would be cancelling all winter sports because of the pandemic, but after some discussions between university and the hockey team they came to an agreement and they rescinded their decision allowing hockey to begin their season safely.
"It's definitely exciting to get back to playing, obviously there is no fans and that's kinda different, but it was just nice to play games after practicing for like 3 months that gets pretty tiring," Seiferling said in a phone interview.
It was extra special and exciting for the Moose Jaw product to return to the ice as he is entering his Senior season with the Tigers, something that can hardly believe has already come.
"Ya time has flown by, it seems just like yesterday that I was finishing up my 3rd season in Yorkton and I was getting ready to head down here for the first, but I loved my time in Yorkton and that organization did a lot for me and helped me not only develop into a better play, but into a better person as well."
Seiferling played in 160 career games in the SJHL with the Terriers compiling 19 goals and 70 assists for 89 points.
The Tigers who sit with a 2-1-1 record through their first 4 games, will entertain Long Island University for a pair games this Friday and Saturday.
Full chat with Seiferling below:
Tarrington Wyonzek, who grew up in the Yorkton and Canora area will have the chance to officiate on the World Hockey stage later this month.
The 28 year old was chosen to work as a linesman at the upcoming 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, scheduled for December 26 to January 5, assuming there are no changes due to COVID.
"I'm really excited, the World Juniors is one of the highest level IIHF events and during these times of uncertainty I'm just glad that I get a chance to work this event and proud to represented not only my province and my country but my hometown as well", Wyonzek said in a phone interview.
Wyonzek says there's a process they have to go through before they are allowed in the Edmonton bubble.
"Well currently I'm in a quarantine period at home here in Regina, and then I need three negative tests to come back to even get to travel to Edmonton, and then when we get there we quarantine in the hotel again and we need three more negative COVID test before we are allowed in."
Wyonzek adds right now the focus is on the World Juniors' but like any official the end goal for him is to get a shot at officiating in the National Hockey League one day.
Full audio with Wyonzek below:
The MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders are collecting non-perishable foods, good used winter jackets, winter boots, mitts, toques, and toys for the local Swan Valley Community families in need.
All the way until Tues. Dec 8th there will two spots for drop off: at the Star and Times Newspaper in Swan River from 8AM to 5PM on Monday to Friday and the Stampeders Hockey office at the Centennial Arena where you can leave at the outside office door.
Meanwhile for curbside pickup at any local address you can call or text Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff at 1-604-250-9145
After a pretty successful rookie season in pro hockey, Swan River's Tristin Langan has inked another deal with the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears.
The 21 year old former Swan Valley Stampeder and Moose Jaw Warrior had 13 goals, 24 assists for 37 points in 45 games with the Solar Bears last season.
He also added one assists in 9 games with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League
Jessica Campbell, who grew up in both Rocanville and Melville during her youth, traded in her hockey skates for figure skates for the last number of weeks and her talents led her to a top 2 finish on Season 6 of Battle of the Blades that wrapped up last night (Thurs) in Toronto.
Campbell
and her competition partner Asher Hill each received $17,500 each for
their charities which includes Campbell's charity which was Do It For
Daron, which supports education, awareness, and research
initiatives at The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.
She says all in all it was a great experience to be a part of.
"It was lot of highs and lows, but was an incredible experience to be a part of and I'm happy with how me and my partner Asher did, but more-so about the growth and charity work I was able to along the way."
Campbell, who operates JC Powerskating, says it took a little time to get accustomed to the figure skates.
"It was the toe picks at the start that I had to get used then haven't I stopped falling from that then it was about the landings and able to those on one foot, but it was definitely different than I was used but I think with job as a skating coach helped me."
The 28 year old who retired from the Canadian National Women's Hockey program a few years back after a tremendous run, says the support she received over the last couple months was amazing
"It was pretty inspiring, and I might get choked up talking about this, but the messages I received each week and the social media posts I seen from friends and family, and old coach & teachers you lose touch with as you grew up and seeing they watched each and every week was just awesome."
Former NHLer Wojtek Wolski and Olympic pairs Megan Duhamel capture the event and earned at total of $100,000 for their charities.
Other pairs that competed in the finale included Akim Aliu and Vanessa James & the duo of Carlotta Edwards and Kris Versteeg.
Full audio with Jessica Campbell can be heard below:
As many of you have heard, the Provincial Government/Ministry of Health have announced that all sport competition in Saskatchewan must cease as of 12:01 am, Friday November 27th.
The following is an excerpt from the Government release:
Sports, Fitness and Dance
Fitness activities and group fitness classes in groups of eight or fewer continues to be permitted, for all ages. Mask use and at least three meters of physical distancing between participants must be maintained.
In addition, there can be a maximum of thirty (30) people in an arena.
So to clarify; Eight (8) or fewer players on the entire ice surface, plus coach/instructor as long as all have face masks/coverings, plus helmet and face mask for players, and they must maintain physical distancing of three (3) meters at all time while on the ice and in the dressing room.
At this time there will be no GAMES of any kind from November 27th onward until the SHA Board of Directors assesses the state of the province in consultation with the Provincial Government Business Response Team in December.
In addition, over the next two days practices cannot be transferred into a game as these will not be sanctioned by the SHA and there will be no insurance coverage. Disciplinary action will be taken against those groups who do not have games scheduled prior to today for this evening and tomorrow evening.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the SHA Office.
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With the announcement today (Mon) by the Saskatchewan Government and
Saskatchewan Health, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will not be
playing any games after Friday at 12:01am until after Christmas.
Once
the SJHL receives direction from Saskatchewan Government and
Saskatchewan Health as to when we can commence play an announcement will
be made.
(SJHL)
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) is pleased to announce its continued partnership with STARS air ambulance for another STARS/SJHL 50-50 lottery.
The 50-50 will last through the remainder of the 2020-21 SJHL season. Half of the proceeds will go to the winner, and the rest will be divided equally between STARS and the SJHL.
Bill Chow, President of the SJHL, stated, “STARS has made a significant impact across Saskatchewan, saving many lives with their air ambulance service. We hope that the 50-50 partnership with STARS helps raise the funds needed to replace the STARS helicopter fleet in Saskatchewan.”
Since its inception in 1985, STARS has flown more than 45,000 missions across Western Canada. Last year alone, STARS flew 884 missions in Saskatchewan. The proceeds to STARS from the SJHL partnership will support the non-profit’s fleet renewal efforts in the province.
“Just as the SJHL was built for communities by communities, so was STARS. Both organizations want to invest in our communities, and the progressive 50-50 fundraiser is a good way,” said Tammy Beauregard, development officer with the STARS Foundation. “The 50-50 is a win-win for both organizations and one lucky ticket buyer!”
In addition to ticket purchases at the games, people can support the initiative and get a chance at winning by going to SJHL5050.ca to purchase tickets.
The 50-50 runs until April 1, 2021
(SJHL Press Release)
MILS 5, TERRIERS 3
After a loss on home ice on Friday, the Melville Millionaires rebounded on Saturday night with a 5-3 victory on the road over the Yorkton Hyundai Terriers.
Jaydon Dureau led the way for the Mils' offensively with 2 goals and 1 assist while Luke Nkwama, Landon Kosior and Reece Newkirk also scored for the Mils.
Keenan Taphorn, Kishaun Gervais and Carson Henry replied for the Terriers in the loss.
18 year old netminder Bryan Thomson made 34 saves in the Mils' crease to win his 3rd straight start while Terriers' netminder and Yorkton product Nolan Maier turned aside 38 of 43 shots.
The Terriers' next game is slated for Friday night when they host the Weyburn Red Wings while the Mils' visit the Humboldt Broncos on Friday.
Other Saturday SJHL results:
Kindersley 2, Nipawin 1
Notre Dame 1, Humboldt 3
Weyburn 1, Estevan 3
In the first installment of the Highway 10 battle, the Yorkton Hyundai Terriers got the upperhand as they defeated the Melville Millionaires 5-4 on Friday night.
The visiting Terriers got off to a quick start as they used three first period goals including two from Brett Kemp and one from Kishaun Gervais to lead the Mils 3-0 after 1 period.
The two teams would exchange goals early in the 2nd as Jaydon Dureau got the Mils on the board early before Steven Norum responded with a quick PP goal to regain the Terriers 3 goal lead at 4-1.
But the Mils responded back with a powerplay goal of their own from Zach McIntyre to make it 4-2 before Dylan Wells made it a one goal game heading into the 2nd intermission.
Cole Stevenson pulled the home team even just 3:12 into the 3rd period as he finished a nice individual effort by snapping it past Terriers' G Phillipe Bond for his 1st as a Millionaires to tie it up at 4-4.
The Terriers' got the eventual game winner as Keenan Taphorn found his long-time linemate Carson Miller back-door and tap it past Kaleb McEachern for his team leading 5th of the season to give the visitors the two points.
Both goalies were busy in between the pipes with Phillipe Bond getting the win making 41 of 45 saves in the Terrier net while Mils' G Kaleb McEachern turned aside 37 shots in the loss.
The two teams will play the back-end of their home and home series on Saturday night from Westland Insurance Arena in Yorkton with puck drop at 7:30PM
Elsewhere in the SJHL on Friday:
Estevan 7, Weyburn 0
Melfort 1, La Ronge 3
Nipawin 3, Kindersley 2
TERRIERS 5, HOUNDS (SO)
The Yorkton Hyundai Terriers (2-1-1-0) earned their 2nd straight win on Monday night as they defeated the Notre Dame Hounds (1-1-0-1) 5-4 in the shootout in Wilcox.
Kishaun Gervais earned the game winner in the shootout while Ryan Ries, Vaughn Watterodt, Carson Miller and Steven Norum scored during regulation.
Andrew Stuckless, Truett Olson, Qartiaq Kusugak-Clark and Jake Dale replied for the Hounds who got 44 saves from Raythan Robbins.
Meanwhile Terriers' netminder Jacob Herman stopped 31 shots in the win while stopping all three Notre Dame shooters in the shootout.
The Terriers' next game will be on Friday night when they visit the Melville Millionaires at the Horizon Credit Union Center. GX94 will broadcast the game with "Legacy Co-Op" Terriers' hockey starting with the pregame show at 7:20 and the play by play kicking off at 7:30PM.
You can also listen live online at www.gx94radio.com
TERRIERS 6, HOUNDS 2
Carson Miller led the way with a goal and 2 assists as the Yorkton Hyundai Terriers got their first win of the season defeating the Notre Dame Hounds 6-2 on Saturday night.
Keenan Taphorn also scored twice for the Terriers while Colby Vranai, Vaughn Watterodt and Kishaun Gervais chipped in with singles.
Jake Dale and Ethan Stuckless replied for the Hounds.
Phillipe Bond turned aside 26 of 28 shots in the Terriers’ net to earn the win.
The Terriers’ next action will be on Friday night when they visit the Melville Millionaires at the Horizon Credit Union Center. GX94 will broadcast the game with “Legacy Co-Op” Terriers hockey, the pregame show will kick off at 7:20 and the play by play starts at 7:30.
RED WINGS 1, MILLIONAIRES 2 (OT)
Jaydon Dureau scored the game winner with 2:09 left in overtime to lead the Melville Millionaires to their 3rd straight win as they defeated the Weyburn Red Wings, 2-1 on home ice.
Zach McIntyre tied the game for the Mils with just 6.3 seconds left in regulation while Carson McGrath kicked off the scoring for the Red Wings in the first.
Bryan Thomson made just 11 saves on 12 shots to improve to 2-0 on the season while Joseph Young was solid in the OT loss for the Wings making 33 saves.
Elsewhere on Saturday:
Estevan 6, Humboldt 7
Battlefords 4, La Ronge 7
Nipawin 3, Melfort 2
The Mils got off to quick start as Jaydon Dureau grabbed a loose puck in the slot and shoved it past Joseph Young for his 2nd of the season just over 5 minutes in to make it 1-0.
Jonathan Krahn increased the Mils lead to 2-0 as he went five-hole on Young for his 4th goal of the season to give the visitors the two goal lead after 1 period.
In the 2nd, the Red Wings' would grab just 4:26 into the middle frame as Brock Wallace walked in from the left point and beat a screened Alexis Giroux for his 1st as a Red Wing to cut the Mils' lead to just one after 40 minutes.
The home team got off to a hot start in the third as Spencer McHardy drew the Red Wings even and then just 71 seconds later, Graham Skinner's shot squeaked in short-side on Giroux to give Weyburn their first lead at 3-2.
But with 5:25 to play, the Mils would tie things up as Reece Newkirk (pictured above) found Jaydon Dureau back-door on the powerplay for his 3rd of the season to make it 3-3.
Then while short-handed 2 on 1, Dureau returned the favour sliding it over to Newkirk who went back-hand to forehead by Rylan Labrie, who relieved a injured Joseph Young, for the game winner with just 32 seconds left in regulation.
Mils netminder Alexis Giroux made 19 saves on 22 shots to earn his 1st SJHL win while Joseph Young got the start for Weyburn making 30 saves on 33 shots while Rylan Labrie allowed one goal on 4 shots in relief.
The Mils will look to improve their record to 3-1 on the season when they host the Weyburn Red Wings for the back-end of the home and home series at the Horizon Credit Union Center and puck drop is at 7:30PM
*(There's still a few more tickets left and they'll be made available on first come, first serve basis starting at 6:30PM at a cost of $15)
Elsewhere in the SJHL on Friday:
Nipawin 2, Melfort 1
Estevan 3, Humboldt 2
Battlefords 3, La Ronge 5
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The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is pausing all hockey activities until the beginning of 2021.
For more information CLICK HERE
Swan Valley Stampeders' Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff comments below:
TERRIERS 4, BRONCOS 5 (OT)
The Yorkton Hyundai Terriers dropped their 2nd straight to start the 2020/21 SJHL season on Tuesday night, losing 5-4 in overtime to the Humboldt Broncos.
Steven Norum led the way with 2 goals for the Terriers while Kaeden Taphorn and Jackson Berezowski also scored.
Doug Scott scored the OT winner just 59 seconds into the extra period to pace the Broncos to their 2nd straight win.
Luke Spadafora, Logan Kurki, Cody Hough and Chase Nameth also scored for Humboldt while Dean McNabb made 24 saves in the win.
Terriers' G Jacob Herman turned aside 28 of 33 shots in the overtime loss.
Other Tuesday SJHL matchup:
Melfort Mustangs 7, Flin Flon Bombers 3
MILLIONAIRES 6, BRUINS 3
Jonathan Krahn and Luke Nkwama both scored twice while Chase Bertholet chipped in with 3 assists as the Melville Millionaires got their first win of the season defeating the Estevan Bruins 6-3 on Saturday night.
Jaydon Dureau, and Zach McIntyre also scored while Bryan Thomson in his Mils’ debut made 41 saves to get his first SJHL win.
Devan Harrison, Mason Strutt and Eddie Gallagher replied for the Bruins.
The Mils will return to action on Friday night when they visit the Weyburn Red Wings. GX94 will broadcast the game with “Melville Chevrolet” Millionaires Hockey, pregame show kicks off at 7:20 and the play by play starts at 7:30PM.
Other SJHL result:
Notre Dame 5, Weyburn 4 (OT)
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WOLVERINES 6, NEEPAWA 1
The Waywayseecappo Wolverines won their 3rd straight on Saturday night as they hammered Neepawa 6-1.
Jaymes Knee led the way with 2 goals while Tyson Zimmer, Mackenzie Belinski, Cole Muir and Jacob Charko also scored for the Wolverines.
Will Highet replied with the lone marker for Neepawa.
The Wolverines are slated to return to action on Nov. 20th against the OCN Blizzard
BRUINS 4, MILLIONAIRES 3
The Melville Millionaires let a two goal lead slip away as they dropped their home opener, 4-3 to the visiting Estevan Bruins at the Horizon Credit Union Center.
The Bruins got off to an early start with a goal just over 7 minutes into the game by Cole Fonstad, then the Mils stormed back with 3 unanswered including two from Reese Newkirk while Jonathan Krahn chipped in with the other to make it a 3-1 Mils lead after 2 periods.
Cole Fonstad would add his 2nd in the 3rd before Ryder Pierson tied things up going short-side shelf to pull Estevan back even at 3-3.
Then with 37 seconds left, Nolan Jones centering pass re-directed off the skate of Landon Kosior and past the Mils netminder to give the visitors the two points.
Emerik Demers made 25 saves on 28 shots to earn the win while Mils G Kaleb McEachern stopped 35 of 39 shots in the loss.
The two teams will go right back at it on Saturday night in Estevan.
Elsewhere,
Tristan Shewchuk had 2G 2A while Stephane Huard Jr. chipped in with a goal and 2 assists to lead the Humboldt Broncos to a 7-4 win over the Humboldt Broncos.
Logan Kurki also scored twice while Luke Spadafora and Carson Schultz chipped in with singles.
Carson Miller led the Terriers offensively with 2 goals while Brett Kemp and Ryan Ries also scored.
Tanner Marshall made 39 saves on 43 shots to earn the win for Humboldt while Phillipe Bond started for Yorkton and was pulled after allowing 5 goals on 15 shots while Jacob Herman stopped 17 of 19 shots in relief.
The Terriers and Broncos will meet on Saturday back in Humboldt.
Other Saturday night results:
Flin Flon 1, Melfort 3
Nipawin 7, La Ronge 3
Battlefords 2, Kindersley 5
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MJHL:
WOLVERINES 4, NEEPAWA 3
Conrad Phillips scored twice to lead the Waywayseecappo Wolverines to a 4-3 victory over Neepawa to improve their record to 6-3.
Mack Belinski and Tyson Zimmer also scored for the Wolverines while Will Highet, Rylan Gudnason and Cooper Morris replied for Neepawa.
The two times will meet on Saturday back in Waywayseecappo.
STAMPEDERS 5, OIL CAPITALS 4
The Swan Valley Stampeders' let a third period lead slip away as they lost their 3rd straight, 5-4 on the road to the Virden Oil Capitals.
Hunter Cloutier (2G 3A) and Jack Einarson (2G 2A) led the Oil Capitals offensively while Brett Paddock also scored.
The Stamps' were led by Carter Cockburn who had two goals while Alex Danis and Jackson Zloty also scored.
Ryley Gross got the win for Virden making 36 saves while Stamps' G Mikael Foucher stopped 37 shots in the loss.
The Stampeders' next game is slated for Friday Nov. 20th against the Dauphin Kings
Grandview, Manitoba's Ryan Pulock has agreed to a new deal with the New York Islanders.
The 26 year old inked a 2 year contract, worth reportedly 5 million dollars per season.
The former Brandon Wheat King and Parkland Ranger U18 AAA defenceman had 10 goals, 25 assists for 35 points in 68 games this past season.
MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTON HYUNDAI TERRIERS
