Rookie Game Reaction

First of all , wow what a game. The tempo and pace in this game was sensational to watch. The Klippers rookies impressed the hell out of me.

I was shocked that their were no fights in this one , especially with Rocky Balboa on the ice for the Klippers ( Eric Webb ) who fought three times in the intersquad games.

I'm going to tag off my impressions on as many players as possible and give me three stars for the youngsters.

Three Stars

1.Colby Daniels

2.Cody Theil

3.Brennan Bosovich

HM - Patrick Johnson and Justin Gerwing

More to come on the stars in a little bit, but lets take a look first on both Klippers tendys.

Justin Mcdonald (92) - He started the game and gave up three goals on the night. Despite giving up all three goals I thought he played well. He made a few great saves ,and didn't really stand a chance. That penalty shot goal by Joel Blaquiere would of beat almost any goalie in the SJHL, just a dirty move.

Excited to see more from Justin in more preseason action.

Patrick Johson (93)- He came in mid way through the second and didn't allow a goal. He didn't face a ton of shots but he was their when the team needed him. He made a spectacular diving save that had the crowd amazed. I was very impressed with Patrick. I had a chat with his dad after the game and he confirmed that Patrick will be returning back to Midget AAA for the season. Patrick , will most likely be back with the Klippers next season if he doesn't crack the Edmonton Oil Kings roster in the WHL.

On the Back End. A few guys I want to talk about

Cody Theil (93) -He looked like a man amongst kids in this one. He has the size to play with the Klippers this season, and looked very good on the power play scoring 2 goals. If he elects to stay with the Klippers this year I think he will surely make the team, but he also may elect to return back to AAA for his final year.

Jeff Bartel (92) - This guy played very well I thought , I think he has a shot at making the squad as well. He made a few huge hits that I'm sure impressed Larry. He seemed to hold the line very well when manning the point. He will certainly get more pre season action. I was impressed with his character as well as he refused to drop the gloves on fight. Most people might think that he was scared or what not , but in my mind that wasn't the case. He was focused on the game , and was having a good game at that so why would he want to be kicked out.

Nicholas Howell (94) - As a 16 year old it is scary to think how filled out this guy may be when he gets a bit older. This kid was stepping up and delivering bone crushing hits all game. He also impressed Larry as he was signed to the teams protected list , and will be back at camp next year with a real shot at making this team. It sounds like Larry may keep him around for another game until he returns back to AAA. I think he may need to work on his skating a bit this off season but this kid has a great future.

On to some forwards.

I thought the best forward on the ice for the Klippers was Colby Daniels.

Colby Daniels (94) - This guy sees the ice so well and has great acceleration. He was creating chances all night and scored a beauty of a goal. His assist though on Bosovich was spectacular. He delivered the perfect pass to create the goal. Colby will be returning back to Battlefords Midget AAA this season , but has a great shot at making the Klippers next year.

Justin Gerwing (92) - This guy has impressed me all through camp and had a very solid game last night. He didn't score any goals and I know he probably hoped to contribute offensively but that's not what impressed me about him. His work ethic and speed is what did. He was flying everywhere on the ice. He was always the first guy on the puck. I also can tell you that this kid is in amazing shape and it shows on the ice. The guy goes 110 % all shift. I think he has a great shot at making this team.

Brennan Bosovich (93) - This kid is shifty with the puck. He has great hands and a ton of skill. He put up a few points in this one , and could of had alot more. He was creating chances all game long with his puck ability, and pulled off this one spin move at the blue line that had the crowd buzzing. I think he will most likely return back to his Midget AAA team this season , but next year I think he could be a key player offensively for the Klippers.

Brett Penner, Pearce Gourley,Kiley Long and Justin Gerwing - All four of these guys are the 92 born forwards looking to crack a spot. I think 2 for sure out of the four will make the team , but maybe even three could make it. All four have been very impressive and have parts of their game that could really help the Klippers up front this season. It will be interesting to see which of the 92s make it and maybe even one of the 93s.

More to come later this afternoon, wont be going with the boy to Brooks tonight but I will hopefully chat with Larry some time today and get tonight's lineup. Will be heading to Battlefords on Wednesday though so expect alot of feedback from that one.

Check back later today...