Saturday, September 17, 2011

The AMBHL regular season got underway today with a trio of games and one is complete already this afternoon.  The Calgary Bronks and the Red Deer Rebels Black played to a low scoring 1-1 draw.  Devan Reed was the lone goal scorer for the Bronks and Riley Morris stopped 22/23 shots in the win.  We fully expect Riley to be one of the top goal keepers in the AMBHL this season.  Scoring forward Zac Whitby was out with a possible long term injury and defenseman Kurtis Rutledge was out as well.  For the Rebels Black it was Tyler Steenbergan who is a 98 born scoring his first of what will be many on the season in the 3rd period to tie it.  Cole Sears turned aside 25/26 shots in the tie effort.  Hudson Elynuik, the younger brother of Campbell Elynuik who plays with the Regina Pats in the WHL had a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he was served up 8 pims in the game. 

Calgary Royals 4 - Red Deer Rebels White 2
The Royals get 2 goals from Kelton Driedger which also included the GWG.  Driedger who played with the 24-4-0 AA Royals Blue last season as a first year bantam had just 4 goals and 13 points for them.  98 born Sean Montgomery scored as did defenseman Max Lajoie in the win.  Both Red Deer goals came off the stick of Quentin Greenwood.  Greenwood definitely has the talent to surprise a few folks this season in Red Deer.

Airdrie Xtreme 3 - Okotoks Oilers 2
Airdrie survived a late 3rd period push by upstart Okotoks and  hold on for the 3-2 victory in the opening game for both teams.  Chad Harrison would lead the way for Airdrie who expects to score by committee this season.  Also scoring for Airdrie tonight was veteran Xtreme member Kris Leclair.  Replying for Okotoks were Quinton Peplinski and reigning south rookie of the year Mason McCarty.

At the NAPHL showcase down in Minnestota, it was POE skating away with a 4-0 win.  Ethan Bear was a force all game long and had a huge shot for the 4th goal from the point that was WHL caliber.  Tyson Jost scored his 9th goal in 4 games on a beautiful feed from Bear.  The POE success this year will primarily come from its defense as they have been rock solid having only allowed 1 goal in 4 games, while scoring 37.  The play though has been sub-standard and they won't face there first real test until they return home.

More to come later...