Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the Dub: Americans claim Sass, Chiefs release pair of overagers, Hlinka Gretzky updates and more

Written by Ben Dooley on

Americans claim Sass off waivers while Rebels prepare for life without Zaytsev and announce training camp details 

The Red Deer Rebels say overage defenseman Carson Sass was claimed off overage waivers by the Tri-City Americans last week. Sass had played 202 games with the Rebels garnering nine goals and 27 assists. The Rebels are now left with forwards Brett Davis, Cam Hausinger and defenseman Ethan Sakowich set to return for the 2019-20 season.

At the 2019 CHL Import Draft, the Rebels only selected Christoffer Sedoff, suggesting that there was at least a chance Oleg Zaytsev could return to Red Deer for his second season with the team. GM Brent Sutter now believes that won’t be happening, saying in a press release “We’re moving forward and making plans like he’s not going to be here. I’m not holding my breath for that to change.”

The Rebels open training camp on August 24th.

Chiefs release pair of overagers 

The Spokane Chiefs have decided to move on from overage players Bailey Brkin and Kaden Hanas as they’ve released both players to pursue other hockey opportunities.

Brkin played 52 games for the Chiefs after coming over in a trade with the Kootenay ICE for an eighth-round bantam draft pick last season, backstopping them to a Western Conference Final appearance this season. If Brkin doesn’t stick with another WHL club, he could head to the AJHL where his rights are currently owned by the Lloydminster Bobcats.

Hanas made his WHL debut last season with the Chiefs, playing in 21 games and recording three assists. He appears to be headed back to the AJHL’s Drumheller Dragons who added him to their active roster today. Hanas played 32 games with the Dragons last seasons, registering five goals and 11 assists.

Canada remains undefeated at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Canada remained undefeated at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a 7-1 win over the host Czech Republic. Winnipeg ICE forward Connor McClennon and Brandon Wheat Kings forward Ridly Greig each had a goal in the victory and Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Kaiden Guhle added an assist. Everett Silvertips forward Michal Gut had the lone goal for the Czech Republic becoming the first player to score against the Canadians at the tournament.

Warriors import pick Wallstedt backstops Sweden to a semi-final appearance 

Sweden is headed to the semi-final of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup after a 5-4 shootout win over the USA on Wednesday. Moose Jaw Warriors import draft pick Jesper Wallstedt made 29 saves for the Swedes who will now play Canada on Friday. In two games played, Wallstedt has posted a 2.90 GAA and a .929 save percentage. In the loss, Portland Winterhawks Cross Hanas had his second assist of the tournament and found the net in the shootout.

ICE reach broadcast agreement with 680 CJOB

The Winnipeg ICE have reached a broadcast agreement with radio station 680 CJOB who will become the exclusive broadcaster of ICE games for the next five seasons. Starting this season, all Winnipeg ICE games will stream live on cjob.com with Saturday and Sunday games being broadcast on 680 CJOB. As part of the deal, highlights from ICE games will be featured on Global Winnipeg newscasts. Brant Hilton is moving with the team from Kootenay to Winnipeg and will return as the voice of the ICE for his third season with the organization.

* Full Disclosure: The writer of this article is an employee of Corus Entertainment who owns both 680 CJOB and Global Winnipeg 

Thunderbirds announce training camp schedule

The Seattle Thunderbirds have announced their training camp schedule which kicks off on August 20th, less than two weeks away. The schedule consists of 14 scrimmages and will conclude with two-full length games which is different than in years past. The first full-length game will be a Futures game with mostly 2003 and 2004-born players participating while the final game will be the Annual Blue vs. White game.

Spruce Kings hire Cougars alumni Drazenovic 

The BCHL’s Prince George Cougars have hired Prince George Cougars alumnus Nick Drazenovic (281 GP, 77 G, 137 A with the Cougars) as the team’s Skills and Development Coach. Drazenovic recently parted ways with the Cougars after three seasons as the Director of Player Development.

Brodeur rejoins Oil Barons 

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons have brought Mike Brodeur (41 GP with the Moose Jaw Warriors) back into the organization as an assistant and goaltending coach. Brodeur worked with the Oil Barons as a goalie and video coach in 2014 spending three seasons with the team before departing for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders where he spent last seasons as an assistant coach.