Asides
Weekend Recap
FEBRUARY 2 – VS Steinbach Pistons
The OCN Blizzard faced a tough challenge on Friday, February 2, 2024, as they visited the Steinbach Pistons, the top team in the Eastern Division. The Blizzard were determined to snap a two-game losing streak and gain some ground in the standings, but the Pistons managed to edge them out, winning 5-2 and extending their own winning streak to six games.
The FIRST PERIOD was a close one, with both teams exchanging some good scoring opportunities. The Blizzard had some good chances on their power plays, but could not find the back of the net. The Pistons scored two goals in the final five minutes to take a 2-0 lead.
The SECOND PERIOD saw the Blizzard continue to press and create chances, but they were unlucky to hit the post and the crossbar on several occasions. The Pistons added two more goals to make it 4-0..
The THIRD PERIOD was the best one for the Blizzard, who scored two goals to cut the deficit to 4-2. Quincy Supprien scored just 35 seconds into the period, and Miguel Bouvier scored on a solo effort with five minutes left. The Blizzard showed their resilience and character, and almost scored a third goal, but the Pistons sealed the win with an empty-net goal by Jackson Kostiuk, who capitalized on a turnover in the neutral zone.
FEBRUARY 3 – Blizzard Defeat Winnipeg Blues 4-1
Despite the issues with the internet, the Blizzard showed their dominance on Saturday night as they beat the Winnipeg Blues 4-1 at the St. James Civic Centre. The Blizzard improved their record to 24-13-1-3, while the Blues fell to 7-31-3-0.
During the FIRST PERIOD the Blizzard opened the scoring at 9:28, when Tyler Bernier netted his second goal of the season, assisted by Adam Belzil and Lucas de la Salle. The Blizzard outshot the Blues 20-10 in the opening frame, and took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
Into the SECOND PERIOD the Blizzard extended their lead, with two goals in less than five minutes. Keenan McNeill scored his 11th of the year at 5:14, with Miguel Bouvier and Kieran Cooke picking up the helpers. Marlen Edwards added his 11th as well at 10:00, with de la Salle getting his second assist of the night. The Blizzard dominated the shots on goal 14-3 in the middle stanza, and led 3-0 after 40 minutes.
The THIRD PERIOD saw the Blues tried to mount a comeback but the Blizzard were too strong defensively. Lucas de la Salle scored a short-handed goal at 5:40, his sixth of the season, to make it 4-0 for the Blizzard. Sebastian Hamming and Griffin Ayotte assisted on the goal. The Blues finally got on the board at 16:28, when Lucas Desousa scored his ninth of the year, with Liam Krupcyznski and Carter Demelo getting the assists. The Blizzard held on for a 4-1 victory, and outshot the Blues 48-23 overall.
FEBRUARY 4 – Portage Terriers
The OCN Blizzard suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to the Portage Terriers on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Stride Place. The Blizzard fought hard to overcome a three-goal deficit, but could not find the equalizer in the final minutes of the game.
FIRST PERIOD the Terriers came out strong and scored two goals early. While the Blizzard managed only one shot on goal in the first 20 minutes, while the Terriers had six.
During the SECOND PERIOD the Terriers extended their lead to 3-0 with a power play goal. The Blizzard had more chances in the second period, firing 12 shots on Jayden Catellier, but could not beat him.
THIRD PERIOD saw The Blizzard finally get on the board at 8:03, when Brett Ward scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by Sam Zagari and Riley See. The Blizzard continued to press and made it a one-goal game at 14:31, when Riley See scored his 11th goal of the season, with Sam Zagari and Emilien Charron getting the assists. The Blizzard pulled their goalie Loic Morin for an extra attacker in the last minute, but could not find the tying goal. The Terriers held on for a 3-2 win, with Catellier making 25 saves on 27 shots. Morin made 20 saves on 23 shots for the Blizzard.
The Blizzard are now 25-13-1-3 on the season, while the Terriers are 27-9-4-4. The Blizzard will look to bounce back on February 9 and 10th, when the Flyers and the Freeze come to the Roy H.
MJ/SJ Showcase 2024
The Blizzard Junior A are ready to unleash a six-pack of talent at #MJSJ24 Showcase
The MJ/SJ Showcase brings talent from both leagues together for 2 days of high powered, elite hockey. The goal is to promote the level of hockey coming from these teams and give scouts the best chance at viewing and recruiting talent. Select players from each team in the league are chosen by the perspective coaches and are given the chance to display their talent.
From January 29-31st, the Seven Oaks Arena in Winnipeg will be home to the electrifying energy of the Showcase and the Blizzard are well represented by five of their most promising prospects to melt the ice. Head Coach Eric Labrosse will also be onsite, displaying talent of his own while coaching the 18U White.
These chosen representatives are ready to take center stage:
● 20U Red: Tomas Anderson, Sebastian Hamming, Brett Ward
● 18U White: Quincy Supprien, Marlen Edwards
This elite showcase, with games taking place January 30-31 at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg, MB, is an annual tradition between the leagues since 2018. Here, WHL, NCAA, U SPORTS and many other scouts are watching the aspiring athletes to rise above the rest, ready to be selected for the next level. The best of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League(MJHL) go up against the best of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League(SJHL) in a high-octane battle for bragging rights and, more importantly, the coveted attention of these professional scouts.
Here’s what to expect:
Three teams from each league: Each team will boast 20 registered players, totaling 60 players per league showcasing their skills on the ice. Double the 20U firepower: Two teams per league will be comprised of 20U talent, ensuring a fast-paced, skilled affair.The future is 18: One team per league will be made up of 18U phenoms, giving a glimpse into the young guns the league has to offer.
Good Luck to all chosen to participate! The Blizzard are well represented!
Beer Night
6 from Blizzard Organization Make MJ/SJ Showcase Roster
The Blizzard Junior A Hockey Club would like to congratulate 1/2 a dozen of our own for making the 2024 MJHL/SJHL Showcase Rosters.
Brett Ward
Head Coach Eric Labrosse
Sam Zagari MBLL Player of the Month
Please join us in Welcoming our Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Player of the Month for December, with 8 games played, scoring 5 goals and 8 assists for a total of 13 points and a +/- rating of +4, Sam Zagari.
BOUVIER NAMED RBC AMBASSADOR
The Blizzard forward, Assistant Captain, Miguel Bouvier has been named this years recipient of the RBC Community Ambassador award. One player from each MJHL team, Community Ambassadors are recognized for making a difference and giving back to their communities in which they play in. Each player has displayed outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice and a commitment to volunteerism. In addition, a donation will be made to a school of the players choice located in each Ambassador’s local community from RBC.
Outside of practice and game days, Miguel works as an EA at one of our local elementary schools part time. The students in the school immediately welcomed him and recognize him when he is out in town. They now join us at games to cheer him on! He often is found out shovelling and volunteering his time when the team is out in the community. His citizenship and sportsmanship is outstanding both on and off the ice.
Congratulations Miguel!
December Recap
DECEMBER 5 – The Blizzard Defeat Swan Valley Stampeders 3-1
The Blizzard earned a hard-fought victory over the Stampeders on Tuesday night, with a 3-1 win at the Swan River Centennial Arena. The Blizzard improved their season record to 14-10-0-2, while the Stampeders fell to 6-18-2-0.
The FIRST PERIOD has a late Blizzard goal when #11 Riley See scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by #23 Sam Zagari. The Blizzard outshot the Stampeders 13-12 in the period.
During the SECOND PERIOD the Stampeders tie the game with no answer from the Blizzard.
THIRD PERIOD See and Supprien steal the win when #11 See scored his second of the night and seventh of the season, unassisted. Shortly after #17 Quincy Supprien scored an empty-netter with less than two minutes left, assisted by #44 Brett Ward and #16 Sebastian Hamming, to secure the win for the Blizzard. Tomas Anderson made 10 saves in the period and 27 in total.
DECEMBER 9 – The Blizzard showed no mercy to the Winnipeg Freeze on Saturday, December 9, as they scored nine goals in a one-sided showing at the Hockey For All Centre. The Blizzard improved their record to 15-10-0-2, while the Freeze dropped to 6-18-1-0.
The FIRST PERIOD has the Blizzard opened the scoring early, as Sam Zagari netted his fifth goal of the season at 4:36, assisted by Ethan Bibeau and Riley See. See doubled the lead at 12:17, with Bibeau picking up his second helper of the night. Adam Belzil made it 3-0 at 13:24, with Eric Mork and Sebastian Hamming getting the assists. The Freeze had no answer for the Blizzard’s offence, as they were outshot 16-6 in the first frame.
The SECOND PERIOD saw the Blizzard continued their onslaught, as Belzil scored his second goal of the game at 8:43, with Marlen Edwards and Mork setting him up. Kieran Cooke added another goal at 13:03, with Mork and Belzil earning the assists. Edwards scored a power-play goal at 16:32, assisted by Zagari and Hamming. The Freeze were unable to generate any offence, as they only managed seven shots on goal in the second period.
THIRD PERIOD The Blizzard did not let up, as Mork scored his sixth goal of the season at 1:08, with Miguel Bouvier and Edwards getting the assists. Tyler Bernier scored his first goal of the season at 7:33, with an assist from Hamming and Lucas de la Salle. Freeze gets on the board but is quickly answered when See scored his second goal of the game at 15:01, assisted by Bibeau and Zagari. Freeze finish with another goal but it just wasn’t enough. The Blizzard outshot the Freeze 14-6 in the final period.
DECEMBER 12 – The Blizzard pulled off a thrilling shootout victory over the Winkler Flyers on Tuesday night, thanks to a clutch goal by Riley See in the extra frame.
The FIRST PERIOD saw a slow 20 minutes of Blizzard action while the Flyers net a PP goal to give them the lead.
During the SECOND PERIOD the Blizzard respond with a power play goal of their own, as #23 Sam Zagari nets the Blizzard’s first goal, set up by #16 Sebastian Hamming and #16 Ethan Bibeau.
The THIRD PERIOD had both teams exchanging goals and penalties. #27 Marlen Edwards scored a beautiful goal at 7:25, giving the Blizzard their first lead of the game. Flyers tie it up mid period.
OVERTIME goes scoreless and leads to a shootout.
The game went to a SHOOT OUT, where the Blizzards #11 Riley See was the only player to score, beating Klassen with an incredible goal. Anderson stopped all three Flyers shooters, securing the win for the Blizzard.
The Blizzard improved their record to 16-10-0-2 with the win, while the Flyers dropped to 19-3-1-1 with the loss. Anderson made 38 saves on 40 shots.
Weekend Recap
FRIDAY DECEMBER 1 – The weekend began with The Blizzard, who had a record of 13-9-0-2, faced off against the Selkirk Steelers, who are 7-14-1-1, at The Roy H, in The Pas, MB on Dec.1, 2023. The Blizzard have defeated the Steelers twice this season in previous matchups and were hoping to take another on home ice.
#35 Loic Morin in net and the line up of #2 Thomas Phillips, #10 Kieran Cooke, #19 Keenan McNeill, #9 Miguel Bouvier, and #17 Quincy Supprien were our Missinippi Airways Starting Line-up. The Steelers countered with #35 Noel Olsonawski in the net.
The FIRST PERIOD had some great exciting action, with both teams exchanging chances and hits. The Blizzard failed to capitalize on their two Power Plays. The Steelers, on the other hand, scored two goals late in the period to take a 2-0 lead. The goals were scored by #7 Preston Lundbohm at 14:12, assisted by #11 Mathieu Catellier and #19 Mathieu Moreira at 18:12, unassisted. The Blizzard did not give up, however, and continued to pressure the Steelers in their zone.
In the SECOND PERIOD #19 Mathieu Moreira scored his second goal of the night, assisted by #2 Rocco La Cara, to give the Steelers a 3-0 lead. Near the end of the second period, at 14:17, the Blizzard scored a strong goal by #27 Marlen Edwards, assisted by #10 Kieran Cooke and #8 Adam Belzil, to cut the deficit to 3-1. The goal was a result of a great passing play and a quick shot that beat the Steelers’ goalie.
The THIRD PERIOD was a nail-biter for both teams. The Blizzard had a power play opportunity, but the Steelers just would not let them through. The Blizzard pulled their goalie in the last 9 seconds of the game, hoping to put on the pressure, but the Steelers’ defense held strong. The final score was 3-1 for the Steelers. The Blizzard gave it their all in the third period, with 14 shots on goal, while the Steelers had only 7. The total shots on net for the game were 38 for the Blizzard and 30 for the Steelers. Despite the loss, the Blizzard played an impressive game.
The Lions Dish Three Stars of the Game were awarded to Noel Olsonawski (#35) and Mathieu Moreira (#19) of the Selkirk Steelers, and Marlen Edwards (#27) of The Blizzard.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3 – The Blizzard pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Virden Oil Capitals 2-1 in a shootout on Sunday night at the Tundra Oil & Gas Place. The Blizzard showed resilience and determination to overcome a one-goal deficit and force overtime, where they prevailed in the fifth round of the shootout.
The FIRST PERIOD was a strong one for the Oil Capitals, who outshot the Blizzard 16-5 and took a 1-0 lead late in the frame. Luke Robson scored his third goal of the season with just 33 seconds left, assisted by Bryce Bryant and Nolan Chastko. One power play opportunity for The Blizz but no luck at tying up the score.
The SECOND PERIOD was more evenly matched, as the Blizzard found their offensive rhythm and generated more chances. They were rewarded at the 14:20 mark when Marlen Edwards netted his fourth goal of the season, set up by Sam Zagari. The Blizzard had to kill off 4 penalties this period successfully keeping The Oil Capitals at bay. The period ended with the score tied at 1-1 with the shots favouring the Oil Capitals 35-14.
The THIRD PERIOD was a tense and thrilling affair, as both teams pushed for the go-ahead goal. The Blizzard had the edge in shots, 7-6, but the Oil Capitals had the best chance to break the deadlock. With less than three minutes left, Brett Ward was called for tripping, giving the Oil Capitals their fifth power play of the game. Anderson was especially impressive, making some spectacular saves to keep his team in the game.
OVERTIME was a goaltending duel, as Anderson and Eric Reid made some incredible stops to deny the opposing shooters. The Blizzard had three shots on goal, while the Oil Capitals had four, but neither team could find the back of the net. The game went to a shootout, where the Blizzard had the advantage of shooting first.
SHOOTOUT commenced where Marlen Edwards was sent out first and was blocked. The Oil Capitals, Josh Lehto scored on their first attempt. Supprien and Chastko both failed to score on their second tries. Sebastian Hamming got past Reid with a calculated 5 hole shot, and Ashton Gallagher restored the Blizzard’s lead with a snipe on his fourth attempt, putting the pressure on Bazin to keep the Oil Capitals alive. However, Anderson came up big and denied Bazin with a glove save, sealing the win for the Blizzard.
Splitting the weekend, ending with an outstanding win, The Blizzard will look to build on this momentum when they face the Swan Valley Stampeders on Tuesday.