Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the Dub: Taphorns suspended by Warriors and WHL, Pats sign Smith and more

Written by Ben Dooley on

Taphorn twins suspended by Moose Jaw, WHL

The Moose Jaw Warriors and the WHL have suspended twin brothers Keenan Taphorn and Kaeden Taphorn for unknown reasons. Both players have been absent from the Warriors lineup since October 12th when Moose Jaw visited Prince Albert. While under suspension, the Taphorns will be ineligible to play hockey anywhere.

Pats sign 18-year-old Smith 

The Regina Pats have signed 18-year-old Zack Smith to a WHL Education Contract. A listed prospect of the Pats, Smith has been playing for the Melfort Mustangs of the SJHL this year where he’s tallied six goals and eight assists in 15 games. He also happens to the be the younger brother of Spokane Chiefs defenseman and New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith who we’ve heard is okay at hockey.

Americans release Newell from active roster

The Tri-City Americans have released defenseman Jarod Newell after he managed to get into just one game this season. Last season he played 44 games and had a goal and an assist. He’s expected to join the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL.

Fasko-Rudas returns to Silvertips lineup, Fonstad misses the game due to injury 

Martin Fasko-Rudas made his season debut for the Everett Silvertips on Friday scoring a goal in a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Giants. Cole Fonstad was held out of the lineup due to an injury sustained in practice this week, according to Josh Horton from the Everett Herald. He’s out day-to-day. Justin Sourdif also returned to the Giants lineup after being injured in a game against Kamloops.

Royals name Schultz captain

Phillip Schultz has been named captain of the Victoria Royals becoming the first import since Marcus Jonasen with the Tri-City Americans in 2004-05 donned the ‘C’ The 2000-born forward has battled injuries to start the year limiting him to four games with one goal.

Milestones 

  • Kamloops Blazers head coach Shaun Clouston recorded his 400th WHL victory as the Blazers snapped a nine-game losing streak in games against the Victoria Royals.
  • Lethbridge Hurricane Joe Arnsten tallied his first in the WHL.
  • Also scoring his first WHL goal was Moose Jaw Warrior Braden Miller.
  • Red Deer Rebel Christoffer Sedoff scored his first WHL goal.
  • Eric Florchuk celebrated his 200th WHL game with a goal in a victory for his Saskatoon Blades.
  • Seattle Thunderbird Luke Bateman notched his first WHL goal.
  • Spokane Chief Eli Zummack hit the century mark with his 100th WHL assist.
  • Victoria Royals equipment manager Matt Auerbach worked his 1000th WHL game.

Alberta beats defending champion BC

Heading into this game, both BC and Alberta were undefeated in the WHL Cup so you knew you’d be getting a tight affair out of this game. It didn’t disappoint with Alberta squeaking out a 2-1 victory over BC with Seattle Thunderbirds prospect Connor Gourley leading the way with a goal and an assist.

Manitoba picks up win over Saskatchewan at WHL Cup

Led by Winnipeg ICE prospect Conor Geekie, Manitoba picked up their first win of the WHL Cup with a 4-3 victory over Saskatchewan on Day three of the tournament.

Rattie bought out in KHL

After just 16 games this year, Ty Rattie (269 GP, 151 G, 197 A with the Portland Winterhawks) has been bought out by Lokomotiv in the KHL. He had notched three goals and six assists.

Three Stars of the Night:

First Star: Jake Gricius had two goals and three assists for the Portland Winterhawks

Second Star: Chase Wouters had his first career hat-trick in a win for the Blades

Third Star: Cross Hanas had two goals and an assist for Portland.

Honourable Mention 

Robbie Fromm-Delorme had four assists for Portland. Riley Sawchuk had a two-goal night for the Edmonton Oil Kings.