Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the Dub: Tigers acquire Perna, Warriors name Hardy captain, Hitmen add Kushniryk from BCHL and more

Written by Ben Dooley on

Tigers acquire Perna from Winterhawks

The Medicine Hat Tigers have acquired defenseman Nick Perna from the Portland Winterhawks for a 2020 fourth-round WHL Bantam Draft pick. Our Josh Critzer has a full report on the trade here.

Hitmen add Kushniryk

The Calgary Hitmen have added Will Kushniryk from the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL. The 2000-born forward has played 114 games in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets and Tri-City Americans and has scored five goals with three assists. In 16 games with the Spruce Kings this year, Kushniryk has one goal and one assist.

Rebels release statement in response to more allegations from Dan Carcillo

In response to more allegations from former NHL player Dan Carcillo on Twitter, some of which have since been deleted, the following statement has been released from Brent Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels:

Since our ownership of the Red Deer Rebels began in 1999, we have strived to provide a first-class experience for our players, our staff, and the families of all associated. We pride ourselves on preparing these players for the life ahead of them, whether that be a career in professional hockey or the business world.
The accusations that have been made are disturbing. We don’t take them lightly.
The Red Deer Rebels employ and are supported by a professional, multi-level medical team that includes therapists, doctors, surgeons, and mental health professionals. With any player injury, we as an organization work off the recommendations of that group. We would never deny a player a medical procedure recommended by a medical professional, nor make them play if unfit to do so. As medical technology and access to that technology has evolved over the years, so have the Red Deer Rebels.
When we began operating the team in 1999, we started with nothing more than myself, an assistant coach and a trainer on our hockey staff. Since then, we have added coaches, health professionals of many disciplines, RCMP liaisons, along with the programs outlined below. As the needs of our players and the sport have evolved, so have the Red Deer Rebels. We encourage our players to use these outlets for any concerns or help they may require.
In addition to the Canadian Red Cross Respect Education player seminars, Respect in Sport certification, and Canadian Mental Health Association Talk Today workshops that all WHL players are mandated to take, the Red Deer Rebels offer access to mental health professionals for any player requesting assistance, or when our team of medical professionals recommends it.
We understand not every player leaves our program happy and that not every player was a fan of my coaching or style. I am a direct and honest coach, at times I can be demanding, but I treat these players like they are my own kids, and I want them to succeed. I am not perfect, and have worked tirelessly to surround our organization with people who want to grow, change, and provide an even better experience for our players. I know in my heart that the vast majority of Red Deer Rebels alumni and current players would speak positively of their time with the organization.

Warriors name Hardy captain

The Moose Jaw Warriors have named Owen Hardy the 33rd captain in franchise history. Acquired from the Vancouver Giants earlier this season, Hardy has nine goals and two assists in 17 games with Moose Jaw. Joining him in the leadership group will be Brayden Tracey, Daemon Hunt, Tate Popple, and Ryder Korczak.

Are you traveling the prairies to watch your favorite hockey players? Take advantage of DUBNetwork’s hotel partnership! You can save 15% off the Best Available Rates when booking at HomeStay Inn & Suites in Medicine Hat; the HomeStay Express in Airdrie, or the Days Inn Swift Current. Phone to reserve your room and mention the Company Profile “DUBNetwork”. You can also give them a “follow” on Twitter, @HomeStayInnMHAT.

Giants unveil Teddy Bear Toss jerseys

The Vancouver Giants have unveiled the “Grinch-inspired” jerseys they’ll be wearing for two home games next weekend. The first game will be held on December 6th at the Langley Events Centre when the Giants take on the Spokane Chiefs. The Giants will then head to Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks, for the second game on December 8th.

Balas heads west

Spokane Chiefs prospect Brett Balas has been traded from the AJHL’s Drumheller Dragons to the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Born in 2001, Balas has four games of WHL experience under his belt with the Chiefs and Prince Albert Raiders.

Yellow Horn signs in Slovakia

Colton Yellow Horn (330 GP, 153 G, 196 A with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Tri-City Americans from 2003-08) has signed with Nitra in Slovakia for the rest of this season. Yellow Horn started the year with Graz 99ers and had three assists in 11 games before being released on November 24th.

Brooks released by German team

Calder Brooks (194 GP, 48 G, 76 A with the Calgary Hitmen, Prince Albert Raiders and Spokane Chiefs) was released by Riessersee Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany after 10 games in which he scored five goals and potted three assists.

Helenius signs try-out in Finland

Riku Helenius (41 GP, 2.42 GAA and .915 Save Percentage with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2007-08) has signed a try-out with Pelicans Lahti which will run until January 12th and can convert into a full-season contract. He’s played one game with JYP Jyvaskyla in Finland this season and posted a 5.00 GAA and .773 Save Percentage.

Troubling Moment

In Wednesday’s Saskatoon-Tri-CIty game, Blades defenseman Scott Walford was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for hitting Tri-City’s Connor Bouchard in the head at the end of regulation.

Congratulations Stephen!

On behalf of everyone here at DubNetwork, I’d like to congratulate our Vancouver Giants beat writer Stephen Hawco on being accepted into the Botchford Project which will see 10 aspiring sports journalists attend a Vancouver Canucks game and go through the routine that the late-Jason Botchford likely would have gone through as he covered the team.

On a personal note, as the cousin and close friend of Stephen, I could not be more proud and excited for him to have this opportunity presented to him. From our days as co-hosts of the “Ben & Stephen Talk Hockey” podcast to now, it’s been clear that this guy has a true passion for the game and always wants to do the best job he possibly can. I’ve enjoyed watching him get his feet wet in this business and can’t wait to see where he goes next. Congrats once again!