Daily Dose of the Dub: Chiefs release Klassen, Blazers release Caller, More players return from NHL Camps

Chiefs release Klassen, hand reins to Parik 

The Spokane Chiefs have released goaltender Reece Klassen and he is now a free agent and can pursue other hockey opportunities. The Cloverdale, BC native suited up for 62 WHL games over two seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Spokane Chiefs. The move gives 2019 import draft pick Lukas Parik an opportunity to take the starter’s job and run with it. It also leaves the Chiefs with three overagers on the roster: Noah KingEthan McIndoe, and Filip Kral. Jake McGrew is also eligible to return to the Chiefs this year but is signed and attending training camp with the San Jose Sharks. Normally that would make McGrew unlikely to return but as the Sharks do not currently have an ECHL affiliate he could be a surprise return to the WHL this year, as we saw with Noah Gregor last season.

Parik returned to Chiefs 

Speaking of Parik, he’s been returned to the Chiefs from the Los Angeles Kings training camp and will be available for their season opener against Kamloops on Friday.

Caller released by Blazers, to join BCHL’s Vipers

The Kamloops Blazers have released 1999-born defenseman Jackson Caller and he will be joining the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers. In 210 games with the Portland Winterhawks, Saskatoon Blades and Kamloops Blazers, the Kamloops, BC native had six goals and 31 assists. With just Zane Franklin and Kobe Mohr remaining, the Blazers joined the Moose Jaw Warriors and Swift Current Broncos as teams currently carrying just two overage players.

Flyers send three WHLers back to junior 

The Philadelphia Flyers have returned Sean Comrie (Kelowna Rockets) Ben McCartney (Brandon Wheat Kings), and Egor Zamula (Calgary Hitmen) back to their respective junior clubs. Zamula returning to the Hitmen does create a problem for the team as they also have Jonas Peterek and Samuel Krajc as signed imports. The team will have a short window to comply with the CHL Import Restrictions which will require them to move out one of these three players.

SchmiemannZummack headed back to WHL

Quinn Schmiemann (Kamloops Blazers) and Eli Zummack (Spokane Chiefs) were among six cuts to the Tampa Bay Lightning training camp roster and will be returning to the WHL. They’ll take to the ice this weekend against each other when the Blazers and Chiefs do battle.

Barteaux returned to Rebels 

Dawson Barteaux has been returned to the Red Deer Rebels and should be in the lineup when they take the ice on Saturday against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Sydlowski released from Rebels active roster

The Red Deer Rebels have released 2001-born Blake Sydlowski from the active roster and he will be reporting to the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the AJHL. Last season with the Rebels, he notched a goal and two assists in 35 games.

Hammett headed to Regina Pat Canadians 

The Brandon Wheat Kings have released 16-year-old defenseman Logen Hammett from the active roster. The 2018 fifth-round pick had one assist in three preseason games this year. He’ll be reporting to the Regina Pat Canadians.

Krebs to lead ICE in first season in Winnipeg

Peyton Krebs has been named Captain of the Winnipeg ICE for their inaugural season in Winnipeg. Fans who followed the team from their days in Kootenay will remember he was named captain back in December of 2018. He is currently recovering from an injury sustained in an off-season training accident. Wearing ‘A’s will be 2017 second overall pick Connor McClennonJakin Smallwood and Chase Hartje.

CHL releases first Top 10 ranking of the year 

The CHL has released their preseason edition of the Top 10 Rankings. Topping the list from a WHL perspective is the Saskatoon Blades who come in at #3 after posting a 4-0-1 record in the preseason. The undefeated Kamloops Blazers (7-0-0) we’re #5. They’re followed by the Edmonton Oil Kings at #8 (5-0-0) and Vancouver Giants at #10. (4-2-0). The Calgary Hitmen also received an honourable mention with a record of 2-2-0.

Verbicky signs with Capitals

After being released from the Edmonton Oil Kings active roster, Kobe Verbicky has signed on with the BCHL’s Cowichan Capitals for the 2019-20 season. In preseason action this year he had one goal in four games.

Newly-acquired Ginnell receives jersey number 

Recently acquired Riley Ginnell will be wearing #25 with the Brandon Wheat Kings when they hit the ice for their season opener against the Winnipeg ICE on Friday night.

Art Hauser Centre update 

Yesterday we noted that the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert was still undergoing renovations. Today we can note that a scoreboard has been installed.

Ozar joins Ice Wolves

The La Ronge Ice Wolves of the SJHL have signed 2002-born Alex Ozar after they selected him in the 2017 SJHL Draft. The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native is a prospect of the Saskatoon Blades after they selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. He suited up for four preseason games this year and was held pointless.

Klinkhammer re-signs in KHL

Rob Klinkhammer (230 GP, 57 G, 67 A with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Seattle Thunderbirds, Portland Winterhawks, and Brandon Wheat Kings) has signed with Avangard Omsk in the KHL. Last season with Ak Bars Kazan, he registered 19 goals and five assists in 57 games.

Card announces retirement 

In an interview with AM1150’s Regan Bartel, Mike Card (269 GP, 35 G, 112 A with the Kelowna Rockets) has stated that he is officially retired from professional hockey. The Kitchener, Ontario native played 13 pro seasons which included a four-game stint with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.