BuzzNotes: Buzzers Back in Action, Marlies, Go Canada Go!

Welcome to 2006 and the return of OPJHL action with your St. Michael's Buzzers.  The Buzzers take to the ice Wednesday night against the Toronto Thunderbirds.  We left off the season with the Buzzers on a two-game pre-break slump.  The Buzzers have long since forgotten about that and now look to continue on the winning path with just twelve game left in the regular season.  After Wednesday's game the Buzzers will return to the historic confines of the St. Michael's College School Arena for a four game home stand starting Friday night against Stouffville....from the Ottawa Sun - and the Bell Capital Cup - pictured above is Bryer Lorenz, left, Patrick McCarron, centre, and Connor Brown stand for the playing of the national anthem with trophies in hand after winning the minor peewee AAA championship game over the Mississauga Rebels at the Corel Centre this past Sunday.  Notice the sponsor....Buzzers...we get coverage everywhere...congrats to the Marlies in their win...The St. Michael's Buzzers organization, players and staff would like to wish Team Canada and in particular, Andrew Cogliano their best wishes and support in the Gold Medal game of the 2006 World Junior Championships this Thursday night in Vancouver.  We're all there with you...Go Canada Go!

Canada Advances to Finals with Shutout Over Finland 4-0
[ TSN Sportscentre Highlight Reel - Boxscore ]

VANCOUVER, BC - All the doubters who thought Team Canada didn't have what it takes to make it to the Gold Medal round in the 2006 World Junior Championships are scrambling to find a new team to heap their doubt upon following Canada's fifth straight win in the tournament and their second shutout.  A late goal in each of the first and second period would take Canada up by two heading in to the third period where they would produce as many goals in one period as they did in the first two.  Scoring first for Canada was Kris Russell who would slide it five-hole for his first goal of the tournament on a nice pass to the slot from Dustin Boyd.  The insurance marker would be bang bang banged in by Blake Comeau when Finnish net minder Tukka Rask couldn't staple the loose puck down with the clock ticking down to the end of the second period.  That would be Comeau's second goal of the series.   Kris Letang would let a shot from the point slide across the ice with a perfect screen being set up by Boyd in front of Rask who would never see the puck.  The final goal would come with just under six and a half minutes left in the semi-final match up when former St. Michael's Buzzer Andrew Cogliano would get on a two-on-one rush with Benoit Pouliot heading up centre ice.  Cogliano would skate in and let a snap go from the right face off dot and into the far side of the net.  Goaltender Justin Pogge would cap off his perfect night with an assist on the Cogliano goal.  Pogge convincingly stopped all 19 Finnish scoring opportunities but the bigger story would be the continued solid play by Canada's defensive corps all but choking off the Finns from getting any solid scoring opportunities.  Defenseman Marc Staal would get the nod as the game MVP for that exceptional defensive effort.  Canada has secured a medal for the 8th year in a row - now its just a matter of gold or silver.  That will be determined on Thursday night when Canada will take on the Russians for the gold at 7:00 PM EST.  Coverage begins at 6:30 PM on TSN.

World U17 Hockey Challenge Underway in Saskatchewan
[ Hockey Canada ]

REGINA/MOOSE JAW, SK - Overshadowed by the World Juniors in British Columbia, the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge kicked off  last week in Saskatchewan.  St. Michael's Buzzers defenseman Brendan Smith is one of two active players from the OPJHL in this year's tournament and has notched 3 assists in 3 games to date.  Also on Team Ontario is former Buzzer Michael Pelech (0-3/3) who now plays for the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) following his selection in the first round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection. Team Ontario (1-2-0) currently sits precipitously close to elimination from the playoff rounds needing a win against Team West (1-1-1) on Monday night.  You can watch the game stats live as their are scored by clicking here.  Game time Monday night is 6:30 PM EST.

Team Canada Denies Powerhouse Team USA in 3-2 Win
[ TSN Sportscentre Highlight Reel - Boxscore ]

VANCOUVER, BC - In the most highly anticipated game of the World Junior Championships round-robin play, Team Canada would take on gold-medal favourite Team USA in a New Year's Eve spectacular.  A pair of goals early in the first period would take Canada up by two.  Team USA would engage their lethal power-play unit to score two power-play goals handed goals advancing their impressive PP statistic to 10 for 37 opportunities.  Both teams would then engage in head-to-head hard hitting action for over 30 minutes of play without any additional scoring.  Team Canada's to defensive corps of Pogge, Parent and Staal would shut down Team USA's top offensive line headed by University of Minnesota's Phil Kessel.  Pogge would notch 22 saves on 24 shots and take his second MVP award in round robin play.  Team Canada now advances past the quarter finals with a bye to the semi-finals.  That game will air live on TSN on January 3rd starting with a pre-game at 6:30 with a first-period puck drop at 7:00 PM EST.

Canada in Near Miss with Swiss 4-3 
[ TSN Sportscentre Highlight Reel - Boxscore ]

VANCOUVER, BC - The Swiss didn't read the newspapers that were reporting their imminent demise at the hands of Team Canada's Juniors Wednesday night.  In fact the Swiss would nearly catch Team Canada sleepwalking their way into Thursday nights match up.  An early goal on a 5-3 powerplay for the Swiss would see Team Canada falling behind on the scoreboard for this first time in exhibition or tournament play this year.  Canada would recover and go up 4-1 before the Swiss would mount a gut wrenching comeback coming within one goal of tying it up just 2:42 in to the third period.  Canada would hold that one goal lead for the remainder to extend their winning streak on the Swiss to a sweet 16-0.  Canada is back in action tomorrow night against Norway who fell to the Swiss 2-0 on Tuesday night.  Pre-game commentary on TSN starting 6:30 PM (Eastern) with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM EST. 

Canadian Juniors Blast By Sleeping Russian Bear
[ TSN Sportscentre Highlight Reel - Boxscore ]

KAMLOOPS, BC - Its only exhibition but its looking like Team Canada has got the attention of their peers after the 8-1 pounding they handed to Russia on Thursday night.  The Russians and Americans have been widely reported to be the pre-tournament favourites for this year's IIHF World Junior Championships.  Team Canada has been considered the tournament underdog but has now shown that the roster of 'unknowns' assembled by Sutter has the scoring and defensive capabilities necessary to win in this years tournament.

Thursday's game would be a close affair through one and a half periods, but penalties taken by Russia would do irreparable damage giving Canada the opportunity to extend their 2-1 lead out to 4-1 before blowing it wide open with four more unanswered goals before the closing buzzer.  Scoring first for Team Canada was Andrew Cogliano with the first of three Canadian power play markers on the night.  Cogliano would go on to add two assists to his efforts on the night.  Scoring two goals each were Dustin Boyd and Jonathan Towes.  Scoring solo markers were Benoit Pouliot, Kristopher Letang, and Team Canada Captain Kyle Chipchura.  Check back here later in the day for the TSN Sportscentre highlight package.

BuzzNotes: Backlog Cleared, World Juniors Updates
[ Huntsville Pictures - Wexford Pictures ]

Just when everyone started wondering what happened to the regular updates...we're back.  Its been a big crunch in the run-up to the December break both on and off the ice.  Three games in three days for the Buzzers plus an intense holiday schedule has left many of us, myself included with very little time.  Throw in a wedding and some family showing up for the Christmas holidays and well - a recipe for chaos!  We're getting back on track now for our regular updates including some heavy coverage of the World Junior Hockey Championships taking place in British Columbia between Boxing Day and New Year's.  Former Buzzer Andrew Cogliano has made the team and is currently practicing with Team Canada in Chase, BC.  The first pre-tournament exhibition game saw Team Canada taking on the Czechs and winning 2-1.  The Buzzers got mentioned in the TSN broadcast in conjunction with Cogliano and current Buzzer Mike McKenzie.  We should have a clip of one of Cogliano's great moves in the game as well as the "Buzz Factor" in BC.  Stay tuned here throughout the tournament for game updates, highlights and maybe some 'exclusive' pieces from BC!

Buzzers Swamp Otters in Muskoka Road Trip 4-1
[ Pictures - Boxscore ]

HUNTSVILLE, ON - The St. Michael's Buzzers took to the highway for their first game of a weekend three-pack of away games.  The Buzzers struggled thus far when hitting the coach bus going 1-2 dropping games in Collingwood and Couchiching.  The single win coming against the other North Division bottom-feeder, the Seguin Bruins.  The Huntsville Otters were riding an 11 game winless skid and were pumped up to take one from the road shaky Buzzers.  With emotions running high on both sides it was sure to be an intense game.  That intensity would translate in to a bounty of penalties with both teams taking over 20 penalties each.

The first period would get off to a slow start with both teams playing sloppy hockey.  Just over half way in to the period the pace picked up and the Buzzers went on the offensive.  At 12:05 Louie Caporusso (John Scrymgeour, Julian Zamparo) would let a shot fly from the just inside the top of the right face-off circle and past Otters goaltender Jeff Dawson.  A few untimely penalties in the remainder of the first period would keep the Buzzers on the penalty kill for the rest of the third period and into the early second period.

The second period would start with the Buzzers still on the PK - but with an Otter penalty 21 seconds in would set up four-on-four play.  The Otters would capitalize on the four on four effort with a goal from Chuck MacLennan (Craig Mcdonald, Chris Dunsmuir) - but it would turn out to be the only Otter goal for the night.  The Buzzers would overcome five consecutive penalties in the remainder of the third period scoring two more goals.  The first and ultimately game winning goal would come at 7:21 from John Scrymgeour (Caporusso, Andrew Rygiel) when Scrymgeour would take a shot from the slot that would catch a piece of Dawson and dribble through the five hole.  Just over a minute later at 8:35 Tyler Sgro (Freddie Cassiani) would notch the third Buzzers goal of the night.

The third period would see some intensely physical play with referee Hagman handing out over 20 penalties much to the dismay of fans and the unusually empty seats in the Jack Bionda Arena.  After lots of end-to-end action, the only full out fight broke out with Buzzers Rory Smith dropping the gloves against Otters Jamie Kennedy.  Kennedy seemed to get the worst of the scrap, going off-ice with a cut above one eye.  In the dying seconds of the third period and held from advancing their score, the Otters would pull Dawson from the net and try to take the extra man advantage.  An unprotected Otters net would not wait long for the Buzzers to fill it with the fourth puck of the night courtesy of a pass off the boards by Tyson Dileo.

The Buzzers return to action Saturday night against their north of Toronto rivals the Vaughan Vipers.  Game time at the Al Palladini Recreation Centre is 7:30 PM. Be sure to...

Catch the Buzz

BuzzNotes: 3 Games, 3 Days - Junior Buzzers - News

Another edition of BuzzNotes on this day before a Winter blast sets in...First up - the impending snow storm is a reminder that hockey is in full swing and the schedule is downright ornery just before the Christmas holidays are upon us.  The Buzzers take on three opponents in three days starting with a roadie to Muskoka on Friday night to take on the Huntsville Muskoka Otters.  The Otters are currently living at the bottom of the North Division pond with a 6-20-3 record thus far.  The water rodents have proven pesky to otherwise powerhouse teams as of late and nearly stole an overtime win from the Vaughan Vipers this past Monday.  Making the drive up to Muskoka? Here's a map for you!  After Friday's game the Buzzers head over to the 'Pal-O-Mine' Community Centre (Al Palladini Community Centre) to take on the rival from the city just north of Toronto, the Vaughan Vipers.  The Buzzers have gone 1-1-1 against the Snakes this year...and look to improve that record on the Vipers home turf.  Wrapping up the weekend roadies, the Buzzers will be looking for a little payback on their last visit to the partially ill-named Scarborough Gardens and the Wexford Raiders.  The Raiders put the boots to the Buzzers in their last outing 7-2.  With a kick like that, the Buzzers will be sure to be ready for putting the boots back on their own heels for the re-match....The St. Michael's Junior Buzzers Spring Hockey Program is really starting to kick in to full gear now, uniforms are being designed and business details are being set.  With expectations running high on the name alone, it is no surprise that Buzzers President Mike McCarron wanted to jump on-air with BuzzLive this past Sunday to talk about some of the details that are being worked out.  Be sure to check out what Mike had to say on this clip from BuzzLive....News articles...lets start with some great coverage of the Buzzers hitting the newsstands around the GTA...be sure to check out those items in our blossoming news archive.  World Juniors - the Buzzers are excited to have one of their very own graduates, Andrew Cogliano, taking part in the selection camp right this very moment.  Expectations are high and the Buzzers wish Cogs all the best in making the team for this year's WJHC in British Columbia this December.  We'll be keeping close tabs on the World Juniors right here on www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com - but you can also check out our friends at TSN.ca at www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/ for lots of coverage.

Buzzers Put Legionaires in Retreat with 6-3 Win Sunday
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Webcast Replay ]

TORONTO (SMCS) - Sunday night's matinee featuring the visiting Oshawa Legionaires who have won two of their last three games would be considered white-hot for the otherwise cellar-dwelling franchise this year.  With bellies of fire, the Legionaires would strive to steal another game from a growing list of victims, Ranked 33rd overall in the OPJHL, the Legion is hard pressed to earn respect - but they did just that knocking off #32 ranked Huntsville and #19 ranked Wexford before falling back to a loss against Toronto(18).  It would be that same enthusiasm for the game the Legionaires would bring Sunday afternoon as they mounted a comeback from three unanswered Buzzers goals in the first period.  The Buzzers would regain their stride in the third with three more goals for and one against to close off the otherwise close game at 6-3. 

Wounded Buzzers Secure Key Win Over Panthers 3-1
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Webcast Replay ]

 

TORONTO (SMCS) - The Pickering Panthers would skate in to SMCS Arena on Friday night riding a 9 game winning streak and looking to repeat on their last trouncing of the Buzzers 9-2  back on November 20th.  For their part, the Buzzers have in the past been giant killers, breaking the streaks of other teams.  The Buzzers ended another long-running streak when they visited the Newmarket Hurricanes back on November 10th and ended the Hurricanes' streak at nine, denying them the "10" they anxiously sought.  Friday night's effort would see the Buzzers repeat the 10 block and refuse to give up another win to Pickering on home ice, the debut of a new Buzzers defensemen (Brock Sawyer) and forward (Mitch Goldenberg).  The Buzzers would have to face their foes from the east side of the division without the services of their leading scorer Mike McKenzie who left the game early in North York with an aggrivated injury.

First period action would see both teams making a few trips to the penalty box and each getting a two-man advantage.  Neither team would capitalize on any of the power play opportunities but Pickering would the first goal of the game at 17:23 in the period at the tail end of a  Panthers power play just as the Buzzers were coming back to full strength.    The Buzzers would not manage to find a goal of their own in the remaining moments of the first period and send them off the ice down by one and in a situation which has only seen the Buzzers coming back after trailing at the end of one period one time this season.

The second period would open with the Buzzers on the power play and not wanting to miss the early opportunity would come out hard and fast.  Just 57 seconds in, John Scrymgeour (Andrew Rygiel, Louie Caporusso) would let a wrist shot fly from the hash marks which would find Pickering goaltender Duchesne's five-hole and the back of the net to knot it up at one.  Just under six minutes later with the Buzzers again on the power play effort would see Caporusso draw his attacking defensemen  down low and then with a limited sight pass connect up with Andrew Rygiel (Caporusso) in the slot who would catch Duchesne unprepared for the sudden shift in play.  After the Buzzers second goal, teams would exchange penalty efforts but not produce any goals with both teams defensive and goaltending corps keeping the scoreboard from advancing.

The third period would pick up where the second left off, both teams battling for a single goal to either get that margin of safety for the Buzzers or the tying goal for the Panthers.  Both teams would continue to deny each other even with significant opportunities.  Some of those opportunities may have been goals for the Buzzers had the Pickering net stayed on its moorings for more of the game.  Under pressure the net would seem to be knocked off at which ever end of the ice Pickering would defend but the Buzzers would not suffer the same problem with their net.  One time (see the webcast replay for yourself! at 1:39:25 video time) Caporusso would wrist one up close - with the puck in the net Duchesne would cover it up inside the twine hut as one of his players would charge the goalpost knocking it off the moorings.  No official would be in position to see the goal and it was disallowed to the jeers and disbelief of the fans at SMCS Arena.  Denied that goal the Buzzers would see Duchesne costing his team dearly in the dying moments of the game when he would attempt a clearing pass down the ice and instead launch the puck in to the stands forcing a delay of game call and sending a Panther to the penalty box.  Now devoid of the 6-on-5 opportunity, the Panthers would go for a 5-on-5 with Duchesne on the bench.  A draw deep in the Buzzers zone would see Caporusso skate the puck down ice, meet resistance from the Panthers and then pass it to Freddie Cassiani (Caporusso) who would quickly shoot it at the open net from the point and get the final goal of the game.  With just 4 seconds remaining and one last face off, Pickering's Cory Battista and Buzzers Rory Smith would square off at the drop of the puck for a closing bout - but the on-ice officials would intervene before any fists could fly and deny both the opportunity to do what they had been asking each other to do all night.

The Buzzers now stand to face the cellar-dwelling Oshawa Legionaires who have been surprising many with back-to-back wins this past week.  The Legion comes to SMCS Arena Sunday night at 7:00 PM to close off the last home game of 2005 for the Buzzers.  After Sunday's game the Buzzers hit the road for a quick four games before taking a break for the holidays and New Year's.  The four game road tour starts off Friday night in Huntsville for the first meeting with the Huntsville Muskoka Otters this year. Be sure to catch all the exciting Buzzers action live or on the Internet

Catch the Buzz!

Caporusso Goes Blue, Commits to U-Mich for 2007-2008

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ON (SMCS) - The St. Michael's Buzzers are pleased to announce that 1989 Forward Louie Caporusso (14-26-40 / 31) has committed to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor commencing for the 2007-2008 season.  Caporusso is in fine company on the Buzzers with six players and counting (including Caporusso) with commitments to NCAA Division I teams.

Caporusso came to the Buzzers from the Toronto Red Wings organization after being drafted by the St. Michael's Majors in the 10th round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection.  Caporusso is currently the leading point-getter in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League for any 1989 born players with 40 points in 31 games.  On the ice, he attracted the attention of teams like Michigan with his quick feet, stellar moves, scoring and setup ability and the ability to take and give physical play in the corners.  Many have compared his skills and abilities with a former St. Michael's Buzzers turned Michigan Wolverine, Andrew Cogliano.  Caporusso will get his chance in just over 21 months  to double up the number of former Buzzers M's that are skating with the University of Michigan Wolverines and to make that comparison first hand.

The St. Michael's Buzzers Junior A Hockey team has amassed over 21 players who have moved on or have current commitments to the NCAA, OHL and NHL in the last three years.  The St. Michael's Buzzers name has become synonymous with integrity, success and hockey excellence in Canadian Junior A Hockey since its inception in 1933.

Buzzers Rally for 4-3 Win Over Waxers
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet - Webcast Replay]

TORONTO (SMCS) - Friday night was round three for the St. Michael's Buzzers and the Markham Waxers.  In the first meeting, the Waxers would take it to the Buzzers.  In the second event, the teams would pull a draw.  In the third act, the Buzzers would manage a come-from-behind win after trailing by two goals following the first and early second periods.

The comeback on the night would be triggered by Buzzers' leading scorer, Mike McKenzie when on the penalty kill, would pick up the loose puck in the neutral zone and skate in uncontested for the Buzzers first goal of the night at 17:09 in to the second period.  With that spark from McKenzie, the rest of the Buzzers caught fire.  Mere moments before the horn sounded to end out the second period, Richard Ryan (Cassidy Preston, Julian Zamparo)  would combine to notch the tying marker with just four seconds left.

In to the third period and a few minutes of rest behind them, the Buzzers would continue their scoring drive just five minutes in.  Freddie Cassiani (Tyler Sgro, Zamparo) would get the go-ahead goal from the slot.  The Buzzers would get their insurance goal 3:47 later on a when Cassidy Preston (Andrew Rygiel, Jeff Barletta) would pick up the loose puck on the rebound from a Rygiel shot on goal.  The game would continue on with incredible intensity up to the conclusion where the Waxers would be given an excellent opportunity on four minute double minor power play and a 5 on 3 advantage.  The Waxers would score on the 5 on three to bring themselves within one - but would be unable to get the tying goal - even with a late 6 on 4 advantage with their goaltender out for the extra forward.

The season series between the Buzzers and Waxers now stands at 1-1-1 with the deciding game to be played out January 20, 2006 in Markham.  Before that day, there are lots of games to go - with the first a Sunday afternoon matinee at the North York Centennial Centre against the North York Rangers (15-11-4). Game time in North York is 3:00 PM

Catch the Buzz!

BuzzNotes: Website backlog, Making News, Friday Night Lights

TORONTO (SMCS) - Most of the backlog on the website has been cleared up you can now find pictures from last Friday's game against Ajax at SMCS and then Sunday's game against Wexford. Check out the Multimedia section for all the photos.  Its hard to keep up with all the great news the Buzzers are generating out there...with NCAA commitments, U17 announcements and CJAHL Prospects Game well who needs more news, right?  Well some new articles from out on the net are now in the News Archive. Check them out...Friday night sees the Buzzers taking on the Markham Waxers who have so far manage to polish off the Buzzers this season twice.  Third time's the charm though so were turning up the bright lights and putting on the show for all the Buzzers fans.  Catch the game live under the BIG LIGHTS this Friday night at SMCS (hello...Dog Pound...we would like to request some noise...thank you) with game time starting at 7:30 PM and the BuzzLive webcast kicking off mere moments before.   Be sure to catch all the Buzzers hockey action at SMCS Arena or right here on stmichaelsbuzzers.com!

Catch the Buzz!

McKenzie Named to Team East in CJAHL Prospects Game

TORONTO (SMCS) - The St. Michael's Buzzers are pleased to announce that Buzzers co-Captain and team/league leading scorer Mike McKenzie has been selected to represent Team East in the first ever CJAHL Prospects Game to be held on December 7, 2005 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  The Prospects game will be a premier showcase for Junior A hockey talent (age 19 and under) in Canada with representation of at least one player from every Junior A league in Canada.  Selection of the teams were conducted with NHL Central Scouting drafting the list of players that are qualified to attend this premier event. 

McKenzie currently leads the Ontario Provincial Junior A League with a line 32-29-61 in 29 games.  Joining McKenzie on Team East are 11 other players from the OPJHL (Total of 12: South:5, West: 3, North: 2, East:2), four from the CJHL,two from the NOJHL, and 2 from the MJHL.  The Buzzers will be covering this event closely and will provide more information information in the next few days. 

Scrymgeour Signs on with Lake Superior State Lakers for 2006

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ON (SMCS) - The St. Michael's Buzzers are pleased to announce their first NCAA commitment for the 2005-2006 season - Buzzers forward #19 John Scrymgeour has committed to Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for the 2006-2007 season.  Scrymgeour has joined in a ever growing pool of Buzzers - currently four other Buzzers are committed to Division I NCAA hockey programs with more expected within days. 

Scrymgeour joined the St. Michael's Buzzers in this past off-season after playing for the OPJAHL Pickering Panthers for the previous two years.  In his last year as a Panther he scored a 7-10-17 line in 32 games but has dwarfed that with his performance thus far in 2005-2006 with a 16-15-31 line in 25 games.  His stellar performance on the ice wasn't the only aspect of his game getting him attention with the NCAA scouts - his leadership skills, intense work ethic and low-key demeanor have been key assets in an otherwise very young squad.

That very same approach to the game earned the respect of his peers and coaching staff, with Scrymgeour being assigned as an Alternate Captain on away games.  Scrymgeour, in his humble fashion, attributes his dramatic rise and his new opportunity with LSSU to "the staff and exposure I was granted by the Buzzers.  I can't express my gratitude enough for helping make this happen.  This doesn't happen anywhere else other than with St. Mike's."

The St. Michael's Buzzers Junior A Hockey team has amassed over 20 players who have moved on or have current commitments to the NCAA, OHL and NHL in the last three years.  The St. Michael's Buzzers name has become synonymous with integrity, success and hockey excellence in Canadian Junior A Hockey since its inception in 1933.

Buzzers Brendan Smith Named to Ontario Men's U17 Team

For Immediate Release

TORONTO, ON (SMCS) - Hockey Development Centre, Ontario announced that St. Michael's Buzzers defenseman Brendan Smith (4-18-22 /26) has been selected as one of the players who will represent Team Ontario at the 2006 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge to be held this December in Regina,  Saskatchewan.  Joining Smith on the U17 squad is former Buzzers forward Michael Pelech (0-4-4 /20) who was selected by and now playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the 2005 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection (1st round/18th overall). For the fourth consecutive year the Buzzers will be represented on the Team Ontario U17 squad: Matt Kang (2004), Matt Halischuck (2004), Andrew Cogliano (2003), and Wojtek Wolski (2002) have all been a part of that proud tradition of excellence. In addition to the player contingent, Buzzers Head Coach and General Manager, Chris DePiero, served as an Assistant Coach on the 2001 Under 17 Team.

In building the 2006 version of Team Ontario  Mike Futa, Director of Operations said it best, “There is no better feeling than competing for your country and your province. We wanted to build a team that will be more focused on competing for the Team Championship instead of the individual scoring championship."  The 2006 U17 World Hockey Challenge will kickoff on December 29th and run through the New Year to January 4, 2006.  This year has the teams playing in two-five team pools with Team Ontario set to take on Team USA, Slovakia, Quebec and Team West.

Additional information on the 2006 U17 World Hockey Challenge can be found from Hockey Canada's website and during the tournament on Hockey Canada and www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com

BuzzNotes: Junior Buzzers Launch, McKenzie in OHN, More..

The St. Michael's Buzzers organization is pleased announce the kickoff of the St. Michael's Junior Buzzers Spring Hockey Program.  Lasting for eight weeks every Spring the program will offer elite hockey players the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, equal and fair play environment.  Package all that with a first-class organization renowned for integrity, success and hockey excellence since 1933 and you have a clear picture of what to expect from the Junior Buzzers Spring Hockey Program.  Check out the upcoming issue of The Sporting News for more information and check back here at www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com for continuing developments!

Buzzers #11 Mike McKenzie figures prominently in the current issue of Ontario Hockey Now.  Leading the OPJHL in scoring thus far in 2005-2006 has attracted a great deal of buzz around McKenzie - both good and not-so-good.  Taking it all in stride and acting like a seasoned media professional in this most recent interview.  Check it out in our News Archive.

News in from UMass-Lowell, former Buzzer Mike Potacco has netted his first two goals of the season.  After eight games, Potacco has a two goals and one assist playing for the River Hawks.

Buzzers Punished by Panthers 9-2
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet - Webcast Replay ]

TORONTO (SMCS) - Last time the Pickering Panthers and the St. Michael's Buzzers met was back in early season action in September when the Buzzers would trounce the Panthers 8-4.  Well what comes around goes around - with the Panthers convincingly turning the tables on the Buzzers 9-2 Sunday night at SMCS Arena.

The game would start out with the Buzzers getting the first lead of the night with Cassidy Preston (Harry Taylor, Aaron Dileo) layout down the re-direct and sending the puck five hole past an unsuspecting Panther goaltender.  From there the Buzzers derailed and Pickering notched eight unanswered goals through three periods before the Buzzers would respond with their second goal of the night with Andrew Rygiel (H. Taylor, Brendan Smith) doing a few moves on the Panther's defense before netting the goal.  Before the final buzzer from the scoreboard would sound the Panther's would get their last goal on a puck that dribbled off a few sets of skates and then in to the Buzzers' net.

On the night the Panthers would go 3-13 on the powerplay with the Buzzers eking out a meager 1-10.

The Buzzers will now take the rest of the week to review this past weekend's lessons and retune their attentions to the game at hand.  This coming weekend has another pair of division match-ups beginning with the Ajax Attack (5-18-0) on Friday night at the SMCS Arena and then the Wexford Raiders (8-11-4) on Sunday night at the Scarborough Arena Gardens.

Catch the Buzz!

Rangers Clog Neutral Zone for Win Over Buzzers 4-2
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet - Webcast Replay ]

TORONTO (SMCS) - The North York Rangers executed another lesson in what the NHL used to be before all the new rules: congested, clogging slow hockey with a defense that lines up at centre ice.  This game in slow-motion would see the Buzzers quick offense stymied while allowing the Rangers to find themselves in the Buzzers defensive zone far too often. 

The first period would be an all-Rangers affair, netting twp markers against the Buzzers with one being a Penalty Shot.  The second period would get the Buzzers on the scoreboard after yet another Rangers goal early in the second.  The first Buzzers goal  would come on the power play with Richard Ryan (Tyler Sgro, Louie Caporusso) racing in for the loose puck and chipping it in to close the gap by one.  Close on the heels of that the Buzzers would come within one when Angelo Asaro (Mike McKenzie, Brendan Smith) would notch one of his own.

From that last goal on to the dying moments of the third would see some of the most intense hockey action this season as both teams worked hard for the win.  It would turn out that the Rangers' defensive tactic would pay off with the win and an empty net goal in the closing moments of the game.  Be sure to check out the BuzzLive replay which goes on air Monday morning featuring a special post game interview with Buzzers' Alumni Andrew Cogliano.

The Buzzers will return to action Sunday night against the Pickering Panthers at the SMCS Arena at 7:00 PM.  This game will also be broadcast on BuzzLive, the St. Michael's Buzzers video and play-by-play webcast.

Catch the Buzz!

BuzzNotes: Friday=Dog Pound Day, Word on the Street

This Friday the St. Michael's Buzzers take on their rival from the north end of Bathurst St., the North York Rangers.  The Rangers have slowly edged in to a two-way tie for third with the Vaughan Vipers who are both five points behind the Buzzers in the South Division race.  On the season, the Buzzers are 1-1 with the home team taking the win in both efforts.  The Buzzers are currently enjoying a four game winning streak, matching their best effort to date.  Last time the Rangers rode high in to the SMCS Arena, the Dog Pound rode them harder and reminded them what having great fans is like. Here's to the Dog Pound repeating their efforts this Friday night at 7:30 PM at SMCS Arena and cheering the Buzzers on to their fifth straight victory.  Word on the street is SMCS student admission to the Dog Pound is free with ID!...Speaking of word on the street...two new newspaper articles out in circulation.  First up, two Buzzers have hit on a highlight article in the Forest Hill edition of the Town Crier.  #9 Louie Caporusso and #14 Brendan Smith both figured large in the article covering some of our player's choices to forego the OHL route to hockey fame and instead strive towards the NCAA route.  The second article covers the Buzzer recent success in overcoming some struggles to beat top teams.  We've finally done it and are coming on strong just after completing the first half of the season.  Both great articles are available in our News Archive!

Catch all the exciting Buzzers action this Friday at SMCS Arena starting at 7:30 PM.  This game will also be broadcast for those that cannot attend the game on BuzzLive - the St. Michael's Buzzers video and play-by-play webcast right here on www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com.

Catch the Buzz!

Buzzers Pluck Thunderbirds in 9-0 Shutout-Romp
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet ]

TORONTO (SMCS) - The Buzzers put the Toronto Thunderbirds on the endangered species list Sunday night with a nine-to-nothing rout of the former Thornhill franchise.  Scoring an incredible seven goals in the first period, the Buzzers would dominate the T-Birds in nearly all aspects of play.  The T-Birds wouldn't even have an option to switch-out their goaltender for a backup as their bench was devoid of a backup puck stopper.  The speedy Buzzers would out-skate their opponents early and often, leaving the T-Bird goaltender looking for a red sweaters half-way down the ice.  At one point in the game the inside of the T-Birds net had stopped more pucks than their goalie had.  The highlight reel goal would see Freddie Cassiani taking a shot from the point while the Buzzers were down on the five-on-three.  The shot would enter the T-Birds net unimpeded for a rare two-player shorthanded goal.

At the other end of the ice, Buzzers goaltender Kain Tisi would notch his first shutout of the year on 27 shots from the Thunderbirds and improving his record to a 9-8-1 line.  For a full accounting of the Buzzers scoring on the night, check out the boxscore by clicking on the link under the headline or by clicking here.

The Buzzers will next take on the North York Rangers (12-10-4) this Friday night at SMCS Arena.  The Rangers and Buzzers have so far split this years series at 1-1 with the Rangers now nipping at the Buzzers heels from third place and just five points behind.  Game time on Friday is 7:30 PM with the BuzzLive webcast kicking off online at 7:25 PM.  This Friday's game will require a packed Dog Pound to cheer the Buzzers on.  Dog Pound details will follow later in the week.

Catch the Buzz!

Buzzers Beat Bruins Back to Back 6-4
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet - Webcast Replay]

TORONTO (SMCS) - The Seguin Bruins made their longest bus trip of the season with the intent of taking a bite out of the St. Michael's Buzzers in their second and final inter-division match-up Friday night.   In their first meeting the Buzzers would double up the Bruins 8-4 in Seguin.  Friday night started off with a similar bang to that first game.

The first period would still be newborn when Cassidy Preston(Mike McKenzie, Freddie Cassiani) would tap the loose puck past Bruins goaltender Porretta just 20 seconds in to the game.  Preston (McKenzie) would be right back at it again just under six minutes later when he would carry the puck out of the corner and then send it roof-daddy style stick side past Porretta.  At 10:42 in, Aaron Dileo (Cassiani, Preston) would chase Porretta out of the net for the game with a shot from the point.  Porretta's replacement, Speers would feel the heat of the goal light less than two minutes after taking the spot in front of the twine hut.  Freddie Cassiani (Preston) would make a highlight reel goal when he would redirect the puck with his back to the net and between his legs, finding the five-hole on a stunned Speers.

In to the second period, the Bruins must have gotten quite the animated pep-talk from their coaching staff - it took them only 1:41 to find their dignity and get on the scoreboard for the night with a goal from Andrew Dault (Brandon Boeswald).  The Buzzers would recover their composure, and hold off any further charges by the bears.  At the ten minute mark, the Buzzers would recover the score differential they came in to the period when John Man would drive the puck quickly down the ice, make the centering pass with Jeff Taylor redirecting it to Asaro who would shoot it home, his second of the season.

Cruise control would describe the third period for the Buzzers, settling in with their perceived comfortable lead.  That attitude would prove somewhat costly to the Buzzers.  Early in the third the Bruins would catch the Buzzers and the Buzzers announcer napping when Jojo Bojanowski (Matt Kennedy, Logan Clark) would find himself open and with the puck scoring without a single Buzzer on them.  The Announcer would then kick off the Buzzers goal music thinking it was a Buzzers goal to the dismay of the Buzzers fans.  Almost ten minutes would pass before any more scoring would hit the timekeeper - this time on the powerplay, Julian Zamparo (McKenzie, Preston) would let go a cannon shot from the point and nearly tearing a hole in the antique twine comprising the netting.  The Bruins would get the final two goals of the game, both on the powerplay before boarding the bus back to Parry Sound District.  First from Logan Clark (Brett Theberge, Bojanowski) then from Matt Kennedy (Todd Graham, Bojanowski).

The Buzzers next host the Toronto Thunderbirds at SMCS Arena on Sunday night at 7:00 PM then the North York Rangers return to the venerable home of the Buzzers Friday night in a key divisional matchup on Friday night.  Catch all the exciting action in person, or on BuzzLive the Buzzers webcast of select games!

Catch the Buzz!

Buzzers Fly Through Hurricanes to Land 3-2 Win
[ Pictures - Boxscore - Gamesheet ]

NEWMARKET, ON - The Newmarket Hurricanes would be riding a nine game winning streak coming in to Thursday nights game with the St. Michael's Buzzers.  The 'Canes were prepared to let their storm surge roll over the Buzzers and make it a perfect 'ten' but the Buzz had intentions of starting their own winning streak. Buzzers goaltender Kain Tisi would factor in large in  Thursday night's effort, turning away 30 quality Newmarket scoring attempts.  In fact the night would turn in to a match of the goaltenders in wide-open hockey action.

Scoring for the Buzzers in the first period would be Stephen Duffy (Cassidy Preston) who would net the first goal of the night in traffic in front of the Hurricanes net.  The Canes would match that with one of their own before the Buzzers would get their second go ahead goal of the night. This time Julian Zamparo (Tyler Sgro, Andrew Rygiel) would take a wrist shot from the point and drive the Buzzers to a 2-1 lead at the end of the first.

The second period would be a scoreless affair for the Buzzers with lots of end-to-end action and wide open play for both teams.  The Hurricanes would tie the game up at two with a goal three-quarters the way through the frame.

In to the third period. with only one penalty being assessed in the entire twenty minutes - the win was anybody's for the taking.  It would take just over eighteen minutes but eventually the Buzzers would score the game winner when Mike McKenzie would break free from the Hurricanes defender and take a tape-to-tape pass from Freddie Cassiani.

The Buzzers now take on the Seguin Bruins Friday night at SMCS Arena at 7:30 in their second and final match up for the regular season.

Catch the Buzz! 

BuzzNotes: Game Day, Buzzers on TV/Internet Tonight

The St. Michael's Buzzers will be taking to the ice Thursday night against the North Division's Newmarket Hurricanes at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex [ Click Here For Map ].  Both teams are coming to the contest with lopsided wins in their last game.  The Buzzers dished out a 9-4 thrashing to the Oshawa Legionaires and the Hurricanes shutout the Ajax Attack 6-0.  Both teams got to rest and reload for this game since last seeing action on Sunday.  The key to Newmarket's game this season has been their solid defensive core registering only 44 goals against in 18 games (2.44 GAA).  Their defense is quarterbacked by two equally qualified goaltenders - Brad Fogal (10-2-0, 2.56GAA) and Josh Sturrock (5-1-0, 2.12GAA).  The big ice surface at the Ray Twinney Arena should add some spark to the speedy Buzzers offense with goal production and steady handed goaltending key to the success of the Buzzers.  In all a promising first meeting of these two teams....This excitement will get to be seen far and wide!  Rogers Cable Televison (York Region) will be broadcasting Thursday's game live on channel 10/63 on Rogers Cable in York Region only.  Be sure to catch intermission and post game interviews on the Rogers OHA Game of the Week.  For our fans south of Steeles and worldwide, you can catch the re-broadcast starting at 11:00 PM on BuzzLive, right from www.stmichaelsbuzzers.com.  Game time is 7:35 PM in Newmarket and on Rogers Cable 10 or 63.  Catch the action in person, on television or on the Internet.  Whatever you do you will ...

Catch the Buzz