Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the DUB: US Division has start date, Hockey Canada cancels events, and more

Written by Paul Figler on

U.S. Division has start date for 2020-21 WHL Regular Season

The Western Hockey League announced a March 19th, 2021 start date for the U.S. Division’s 24-game regular season. The four teams in Washington State have already been approved to play within their division. Word is that Portland will be training in Vancouver, WA, and playing in Kent, WA until further notice. There will not be any spectators allowed at any of the games within the U.S. Division.

Cougars sign Young to Standard Player Agreement

The Prince George Cougars announced the signing of 2019 WHL Draft pick Ty Young. The Coaldale, AB native was able to get into three games this season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes U18 AAA team before play was paused. The 16-year-old goaltender posted a 1-0-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

Hockey Canada cancels more events due to COVID-19

Both the women’s and men’s U-18 National Championships have been canceled for the 2021 Spring Season. The U-18 men’s event often has players that go on to star in the Western Hockey League such as Connor Ingram, Morgan Rielly, Jordan Eberle, and Mark Stone.

Junior A’s Centennial Cup has also been canceled along with the Allan Cup, Canada’s senior men’s hockey championship.

Marleau moves into fourth place among NHL games played leaders

Forward Patrick Marleau (143GP, 83G, 116A with Seattle ’95-’97) has played his 1732nd NHL game, moving him into sole possession of fourth on the NHL’s all-time games played leader list. He is just one game behind Jaromir Jagr, who is in third place. Gordie Howe‘s record of 1767 games played is in jeopardy of being broken by Marleau this season.

Iginla joins RHA Kelowna as head coach of U15 Prep

Former forward Jarome Iginla (183GP, 102G, 134A with Kamloops ’93-96) has been hired as the head coach of RHA Kelowna’s U15 Prep team. Iginla brings with him a plethora of NHL experience, having played 1554 games with five teams over 21 seasons. Originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1995, Iginla also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings. Iginla won two Ed Chynoweth Cups and two Memorial Cups as a member of the Kamloops Blazers. He has been part owner of the Blazers for 13 seasons.

Jarvis scores first professional goal in first professional game

Forward Seth Jarvis (130GP, 58G, 81A with Portland) scored his first-ever professional goal in his first-ever professional game last night. Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes 13th overall last season, Jarvis played his first game last night for the Chicago Wolves.

Balcers recalled by San Jose Sharks

Rudolfs Balcers (66GP, 40G, 37A with Kamloops ’16-’17) has been recalled by the San Jose Sharks from its affiliate the San Jose Barracuda. Balcers did not see regular-season game action in the AHL but has played 10 games with the Stavanger Oilers in Norway while on loan earlier this season. He had seven goals and eight assists. Balcers has won two Norwegian Championships with Stavanger. Balcers was drafted by the Sharks in the fifth-round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

Heponiemi loaned to Syracuse Crunch

Following a three-game stint with the Florida Panthers, Aleksi Heponiemi (129GP, 56G, 148A with Swift Current ’16-’18) has been loaned to the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. Heponiemi, a 2017 second-round draft pick of the Panthers, has also played for MODO Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan) this season, registering six goals and eight assists in 16 games.

Swamp Rabbits sign Schultz

38-year-old forward Jesse Schultz (272GP, 110G, 119A with Tri-City, Prince Albert, and Kelowna ’99-’03) has signed for the season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL). Over the last three seasons, Schultz has played for the Cincinnati Cyclones. Back in 2002-03, Schultz won an Ed Chynoweth Cup with the Kelowna Rockets and has since won the Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves (07-08). Although he was undrafted at the NHL level, Schultz did play two games with the Vancouver Canucks and has played 375 AHL games and 327 ECHL games.