vs  4   2 SCORING SUMMARY Period 1 Dryden Ice Dogs - Thomas Greene (unassisted) 2:19 Sioux Flyers - Justin Veltri (Nick Hinsberg) 15:21 Sioux Flyers - Galen Matyjanka (Chase Dobranski, Kalan Ewald) 17:31 Period 2 (no scoring) Period 3 Dryden Ice Dogs - Henry Vadnais (Thomas Greene) 4:04 Dryden Ice Dogs - Thomas Greene (powerplay) (Kaleb Schwab) 5:49 Dryden Ice Dogs - Henry Vadnais (Dallas Allaire, Jon Mitchell) 6:14

vs  3   5 SCORING SUMMARY Period 1 Sioux Lookout Flyers - Dwight Lee (Jacob Nolan) 9:41 Duluth Clydesdales - Josh Wentz (Matt Morsette, Tom Paine) 19:37 Period 2 Duluth Clydesdales - Mark Williams (Matt Morsette, Josh Wentz) 5:34 Duluth Clydesdales - Luke Burgstahler (extra attacker) (unassisted) 12:31 Duluth Clydesdales - Matt Morsette (Tom Paine, Josh Wentz) 18:57 Period 3 Sioux Lookout Flyers - Nelson Rosiak (Matt Grove, Dwight Lee) 5:40 Sioux Lookout Flyers - Galen Matyjanka (unassisted) 8:23 Duluth Clydesdales - Casey Eckman (unassisted) 11:23

October 2010
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
26	27	28	29	30	5:4 W	0:4 L
3	4	5	4:5 L	7	8	2:3 L
10	11	12	0:6 L	14	3:4 OTL	16
17	18	19	20	21	2:6 L	3:1 W
24	25	26	27	3:2 W	29	2:3 L
3:5 L	1	2	3	4	7:30pm	7:30pm

Sioux Lookout’s Rosiak sinks Lakers
Date: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, SIJHL

FORT FRANCES, Ont. – Nelson Rosiak’s second goal of the game 2:55 into overtime propelled the Sioux Lookout Flyers to a 3-2 victory over the Fort Frances Lakers Thursday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League action at Ice For Kids Arena in Fort Frances.

The Lakers would notch the only goal of the opening period at 16:30 via the power play as the league’s leading scorer Tyler Stevenson buried his 15th goal of the season past Flyers’ netminder Jesse Wilkins.

Sioux Lookout would answer back in the middle frame tallying twice on markers by Rosiak and Dwight Lee less than two minutes apart to take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Fort Frances then struck in the third, with the man advantage again, forcing extra time as Blake Boaz set-up Henry Gutierrez for his fifth of the campaign at 12:52.

That would set the stage for Rosiak’s game-winner as he beat Jameson Shortreed to give the Flyers the two points.

Wilkins was stellar making 39 saves to pick up the OT victory while Shortreed faced 28 shots in a losing cause that did help his squad register a point and assume top spot in the standings.

1ST STAR: Wilkins, Jesse (SLF)
2ND STAR: Robinson, Derek (DUL)
3RD STAR: Ewald, Kalan (SLF)

Flyers Goalie, Jordan Giguère is moving on 
October 17, 2010
I am Jordan Giguère and I want to thanks all the people around the flyers. I was a flyers in my hearth and was sure to play all my junior in Sioux Lookout but sometimes things changed and you need a new start and get a fresh mind. As you probably know right now I'm back home waiting to be trade and I want to let you know that I leave in good term with the coaching staff and all the people around it. I want to thanks all the fans, the Flyers board, writing staff and coaching staff with a special thanks to Jason Murphy who help me to become the goalie that I am now, all the players with who I got a lot of fun to play with and the Macdonald's family who was always there for me.

Thanks for your time with the Sioux Lookout Flyers and the many highlight real saves.

Photos by Sylvie MacDonald

WILDERNESS 4 FLYERS 3 IN OT
FLYERS EARN A POINT IN FIRE WAGON CONTEST
October 15, 2010   M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers

The place was packed and the play was fast and furious last night at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena as the Flyers matched the Wilderness attack. A physical game emerged in the first as each team sought to establish control. The Flyer's offence fired up in the second bringing in the crowd big time. The home squad's top line was hot as Chase Dobranski, Dwight Lee and Darnell Ferland notched seven points combined. Recent arrival Jake Wentz was a jack of all trades delivering big hits and solid defensive play in the corners. Great goal tending by Wisconsin's Jake Hebda in the cage kept his team in the game. The Flyers led 3-1 until the 12:53 mark in the third stanza, when the Wisconsin offense re-focussed and struck for two quick goals to tie the contest. Derek Tylka scored the overtime winner for the visitors assisted by Keith Tessin.
MP Greg Rickford, our representative in Ottawa, dropped the puck in a ceremonial face-off in recognition of the Federal Government's financial support for the upgrades at the Memorial Arena. Bearing the SIJHL Tenth Anniversary flags, Ben and Brett Martin circled the ice to the appreciation of the crowd.

The Flyers opened the physical aspect of play as Lee crashed into Keith Tessin and A.J. Merritt bowled over Steve Hughes behind the net. Wisconsin responded with a Joe Bueltel hit on Kalan Ewald. The Flyers took the play to the visitors as Matyjanka stole the puck in the neutral zone and zeroed in for a shot on net. A Ferguson win at the face-off circle was followed by a poster. Another draw won this time by Nolan led to a Hutchison blast on net. Then there was a Lee/Dobranski rush. Hutchison took Adduono into the boards. (Hutch had a good game). A Wisconsin goal was dis-allowed due to goal tender interference by Nick Szopinski.
Playing four on four hockey, Lee went coast to coast. Jake Hebda, Wilderness net minder, flashed the leather. The Wilderness counter-attacked three on two. Jesse Wilkins, Flyers goalie, stopped D. Kulhmann point blank. The goal-tenders would be busy tonight. As Ian Alcock dished out a big hit on his numerical counter-part Bryce Anderson, the Flyers Lee and Dobranski rushed up ice. Lee deked at the blue line and shot on net drawing a penalty to Dalton Betson for hooking.
Matt Grove was a monster on the power-play hemming the Wilderness in at the blue line. Andrew Anderson broke finally through on net. Glove save Wilkins. A Dobranski win at the red dot, sparked a Lee Hinsberg rush. The visitors countered with a Keith Tessin screen shot. Another glove save Wilkins.

With 10:04 remaining in the first Sioux fans were treated to more of the fast end to end style hockey. Following a Ferguson face-off win, Brett Wur and Jake Wentz broke out of the zone. Wisconsin responded with a triangle attack by Kuhlmann, Szopinski, and Housley and a shot on net by the first. With 51 seconds left in a Flyer's penalty, Adduono was ejected from the game for a hit from behind on Matyjanka. Served by Devin Holmes. Glove save Hebda on a Hutchison drive. Wisconsin launched a cherry-picker's pass to Anderson. No go.
Jacob Nolan won the draw with 1:14 remaining in the penalty to Wisconsin at the 6:09 mark. A Hinsberg Ewald rush was foiled by a great fore check by D. Kuhlmann. Back at five on five Jake Wentz unleashed a big hit as he slammed Derek Tylka into the boards in the defensive zone. This sparked a Lee and Merritt rush. A.J.'s shot was deflected up and over. At 2:03 Nick Hinsberg took an ill-advised penalty for cross-checking. Wisconsin took advantage of the opportunity scoring the game's first goal, on a quick well placed low shot from the stick of Steve Hughes. Score after one: Wilderness 1 Flyers 0.

Darnell Ferland sparked the Flyer's offence in the second period as he took a pass from Chase Dobranski , broke in on net, deked left and beat Hebda in close. 16:36 remained. Wentz battled for the puck and froze it along the boards. Lee and Dobranski criss-crossed at the blue line and zoomed in on net. Save Hebda. Now Matyjanka Nolan and Brulé were motoring. The Flyers attack hit the side of the net as Hebda tried to play the puck.
On the penalty kill, the Flyers excelled twice. Ewald and Hutchison cleared as Wilkins stopped a Bryce Anderson shot. On the second kill, A.J. Merritt was all over the opposition with a short-handed rush and a clear. Nathan Paulson had a poster from the blue-line. Also Dobranski and Lee displayed great fore-check in the zone along with 3 clears. Good kills! Great pressure was put on Wisconsin by the Brulé, Matyjanka,Nolan combo as they cycled on the attack. Shortly thereafter, Chase Dobranski roofed the puck to beat #35 with a laser shot from the slot. He had received a quick pass from the side boards from Lee and Ferland. The crowd cheered wildly. The second period had belonged to the Flyers. Score: Flyers 2 Wilderness 1.

The Flyers re-applied pressure in the third as Nolan won face-offs, Alcock had a dump and chase opportunity, Ferland had a great rush along the boards, and Brulé hit the mask with a dazzling shot. Thanks to some hard work behind the Wisconsin net, Lee put Sioux ahead 3-1 with a wrap-around power play goal, that sneaked in under a player. Following a Ferguson win on the face-off, Ewald and Grove scoring attempts were stopped by Hebda. The crowd reacted as Brulé blasted the puck on net. The goalie was down, but somehow he kept it out. Wilderness goalie Jake Hebda was keeping his team alive. Reeling Wisconsin countered only to be stopped by Jake Wentz on a superb one-on-one defensive play on star forward Keith Tessin
Andrew Anderson, Wisconsin forward from Rosemount Minnesota, re-focussed the Wilderness attack as he went coast to coast around the D for a jam attempt. Save Wilkins. Next he gained possession in the offensive zone to the left of Wilkins and wired in a wrister to the top left corner. Wisconsin was back in. Tempers flared. Offsetting penalties were assessed to Brett Wur and Joe Bueltel in a scrum behind the net. Thirty seconds later Wilson Housley assisted by Nick Szopinski scored on a Flyer's turn-over in the defensive zone. Score now tied 3-3.
The capacity crowd, already on the edge of their seats, saw further drama as Matyjanka went to the sin bin for roughing. Jake Wentz, fought for and gained possession in the corner clearing the puck out of harm's way. After a good kill, Dwight Lee screamed in on net unleashing a five-hole attempt. Hebda squeezed the pads. With 2:55 remaining Colten Brulé took a quick shot on net from the circle. Next Kalan Ewald blasted a dangerous riser on net. Save Hebda. Flyers followed up with a Hinsberg, Ferland, Dobranski rush and a shot on net. No Go! In the final seconds of play in the third, Jake Wentz preserved the tie checking Derrick Tylka in the corner. As the buzzer brayed, the Flyers had held the fort earning one point for their efforts on the 3-3 tie.
Derek Tylka would exact the price and earn the game's First Star as he scored the winner for Wisconsin at the 2: 30 mark of OT. He was assisted by Keith Tessin. Goal tenders Jesse Wilkins of the Flyers and Jake Hebda of the Wilderness respectively stopped 38 and 40 shots in the fire-wagon offense hockey game. Top shooters for the Flyers were Chase Dobranski, Dwight Lee and Darnell Ferland who combined for seven points.
These two teams will lock horns again at the SIJHL Showcase tournament, in Spooner Wisconsin, on October 22nd under the watchful eye of hockey scouts. It should be a great re-match. GO FLYERS GO!

Player trade with Fort Frances Lakers
October 15, 2010
The Sioux Lookout Flyers completed a minor deal yesterday, shipping forward Brad Bienvenu to Fort Frances in exchange for defenceman Jake Wentz. 
Brad Bienvenu comments on the trade. 
Junior hockey is my full time job and just like any job there comes a time for moves to be made. I left Sioux Lookout on good terms with the team, coaching staff and organization. I would like to thank the fans, volunteers, and sponsors for supporting me when I was with the flyers.
I came to the flyers December 3 08, when the team was on the brink of folding, Sioux Lookout came together and made the flyers a respectable team on the CJHL map, something I can say I am very proud to have been a part of.
Wentz, a 19-year-old from Bismarck, N.D., had just a cup of coffee with the Lakers. He was pointless, along with 11 penalty minutes, in eight games this season. Converted to a forward during his brief stint in Fort Frances, Wentz is expected to drop back to his natural position with Sioux Lookout.

Sponsor UP-DATE The Sioux Lookout Flyers would like to announce a new Silver Sponsor for the 2010/11 season  The Standard has announced their commitment to the team as a  Silver Sponsor
Cimco Refrigeration has announced their commitment to the team as a  Silver Sponsor
Pumps & Systems  has commitment as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2010/11 season	Pumps & Systems

NORTH STARS 3, FLYERS 2
TEAMS TRADE GOALS IN CLOSE CONTEST
Oct. 9, 2010  M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers

It was a one goal game in the truest sense of the word as the Flyers and the visiting North Stars took turns scoring in a see-saw contest at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. Veteran twenty year olds Kalan Ewald and Dan Usiski, both from Rainy River, came through for their teams. Sparking the Flyers offense was the line of Brett Ferguson, Devon Detillieux and Nelson Rosiak. On defense, Brayden Miller and Flyer's starter Matt Grove played solidly as Nick Hinsberg showed commitment with two blocked shots. Together the Flyers made a statement that this would be no walk in the park for the North Stars.

Action in the first period opened with a Matt Grove hit on Riley Marsh followed by a Galen Matyjanka and Colten Brulé two on one rush. Flyer goal tender, Jesse Wilkin's save on a North Star's Travis Tilley break-away opportunity signalled the theme of this end to end contest. Soon after, Brett Ferguson threaded an outlet pass to a speeding Devon Detillieux, whose high drive was stopped by North Star goalie, Jayme Brattengeier. It was game on folks.

Casey Merten's coast to coast rush initiated the Flyer power-play with Henley in the sin bin. A Matyjanka hit on Sam Dubinsky spawned a three pronged passing attack with line-mates Lee and Dobranski. The North Stars responded with a short-handed rush by Rylan Henley and Spencer Hogan. The waning power play saw Ian Alcock battle for the puck in the corner. Good kill North Stars.

A feisty Ferguson hit on big Mitch Galbraith followed by the former's face-off win unleashed a two on one Detillieux and Rosiak attack forcing a North Stars ice. This line had come to play. A penalty was assessed to Dan Usiski at 11:05. It was a show-down at high noon between defenseman Darnell Ferland, and goalie Jayme Brattengeier. Three times Ferland blasted from the blue line. The third howitzer glanced high off Brattengeier as he stood tall in the cage.

In a crucial defensive play, at the other end of the ice, defenseman Nick Hinsberg blocked a shot as Kyle Breukelman zeroed in on net. The North Stars were back on the attack. Jesse Wilkins stopped a Jacob Brown's blast from the blue line. Rylan Henley unleashed a hard blast along the ice to put the Stars on the board with 7:25 remaining in the first. Stung once, Wilkins then closed the door with three glove saves: first on a Corey Hamel wrister from the circle; second on a Usiski drive from the slot and third on a Matt Valley shot. Flyer's PK would keep it close with a good kill late in the stanza. Grove, Lee, and Ewald cleared the zone followed by a Rosiak face-off win, an interception and a clear. Score: North Stars 1, Flyers 0 after one.

Twenty-seven seconds into the second stanza, Kalan Ewald's power-play marker from the blue line seized momentum for the Flyers. He was assisted by Chase Dobranski and Casey Mertens. Wilkins stifled the North Stars quick counter-attack on a save on a wrap-around attempt by Quinn Remple. Flyer Jacob Nolan responded with a speedy rush avoiding two checks along the left boards. Wilkins stopped a two on one rush with a save on Usiski.

This game of hockey chess continued back and forth as Ferguson won the draw passed to Miller and up to Veltri. Ferland halted the Stars counter with a poke check. A Lee steal and screen shot prompted a Thunder Bay three on two rush which was broken up by Hinsberg. A short time later Nolan and Rosiak broke in on net 2 on 1. Noland wired a high wrister. Also, Ferguson and Miller were flying out there. And so it went in the evenly matched period until a penalty was meted out to Henley.

Mitch Forbes authored a great fore-check early in the Flyers power-play. A Mertens deflection attempt on a Dobranski shot was cleared by Usiski. An Alcock and Nolan Flyers rush was answered by a Henly and Tilley Stars counter-attack short-handed. Save Wilkins. Neither team could break the log jam. Tempers flared in the rough house in front of the Flyer`s net resulting in offsetting infractions to Hutchison and Biasol. Finally at 12:22 Rainy River`s Dan Usiski broke the stalemate to score unassisted for the North Stars.

Immediately the Stars drove to the net for the characteristic follow-up goal. Access denied by the Flyers. A penalty was assessed to Mitch Forbes. The Flyers tried every which way to score with opportunities by Brulé, Dobranski, and Ewald. Access denied by the Stars. Devon Detillieux attacked with Nelson Rosiak and Brett Ferguson exchanging passes in the offensive zone. Devon scored his first SIJHL goal on a quick high wrister to the left of the goal tender. Score: 2-2. Who Hoo! In the frenzied action of the dying period the Flyers held the fort to preserve the tie.

Eagerness characterized the play as each team suffered an off-side early in the third. Kalan Ewald stopped Mitch Forbes one-on-one angling him out of play. Following a Dobranski win at the red circle and a battle for the puck by Grove, Veltri and Detillieux broke out two on one. (This is happening more often. Way to Go) Justin Veltri elected to pass to Detillieux whose high shot on a gaping net nearly put the Flyers ahead. The pace picked up as Matyjanka swerved to avoid a check in the neutral zone, and Brett Wur executed a hit on Brett Biasol. A North Stars penalty for too many men was served by Usiski.

A Mertens win at the face-off circle was followed by a rush by Hinsberg and Matyjanka. North Stars Spencer Hogan had an answer with a great fore-check. Now Matyjanka was in the box for slashing. All 234 fans present were on the edge of their seats as play continued. The North Stars pressed the attack cycling the puck and gained ground towards the net. In the scramble in front, Matt Valley's shot eased slowly over the goal line. Score: 3-2 Stars. Only 7:37 remained on the clock.

Flyers Brulé flipped the puck into the zone. Lee had a steal and a shoot in. A penalty was meted out to Brattengeier for tripping. Ewald blasted a shot on net from the blue line. The Stars zoomed down the ice on a three on one. Wilkins would not concede. Exciting play continued with a chance by Lee, a big hit by Rosiak and a poster by Usiski. Wilkins froze the puck. TIME OUT FLYERS

An electric atmosphere permeated the final minute of play, as Mertens won the draw in the North Star's zone. With a tic-tac-toe precision they approached the net. They jammed and slammed. How the puck stayed out we do not know. Offsetting penalties were given to Casey Mertens and Kevin Hamel. Just 29 seconds showed on the clock. Brett Ferguson's centering pass led to another scramble in front of the Star's cage. No Go. Final score: North Stars 3, Flyers 2.

It had been anybody's game-a back and forth affair. Improving one step at a time, the Flyers defense had stopped the Stars penchant for quick repeater goals, and the home town squad's offence had engineered more odd man rushes. GO FLYERS GO!

Video clip Highlights

1ST STAR: Usiski, Dan (FNS)
2ND STAR: Brattengeier, Jayme (FNS)
3RD STAR: Ewald, Kalan (SLF)

North Stars hold on to edge Flyers
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, SIJHL

THUNDER BAY, Ont. –The Fort William North Stars withstood a rally from a spirited Sioux Lookout Flyers side to defeat them 5-4 Wednesday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League play at the Fort William Gardens.

Skating in their home opener the Stars outshot the Flyers 12-3 in the opening period, but appeared to be heading to the dressing room scoreless.
However, Mitch Galbraith took advantage of a misguided back pass behind the net by Sioux Lookout netminder Jesse Wilkins that the Fort William forward scooped up and banked in with 28 seconds to go in the frame.
Galbraith’s second of the night early in the middle stanza put the home side up a pair as he tapped in a cross-crease feed from Mitch Forbes on a power play at 1:49.
Kalen Ewald would but the visitors on the board four minutes after that with a man advantage marker of his own, blasting a shot from the right point past Jayme Brattengeier in the Fort William net.
Dan Usiski and Rylan Henley would help the Stars respond going up 4-1 late in the second striking 47 seconds apart.
Chase Dobranski would then give the Flyers some life adding a power play marker at 19:24 to make it 4-2 after 40 minutes.
Dobranski, who played a hand in all four Flyers’ markers, would then notch the goal of the night one-timing a blast from the slot four minutes into the final frame blowing the puck past Brattengeier, who had no chance on the play.
Then with Sioux Lookout pressing for the equalizer and just missing an opportunity to tie it, the North Stars scooped up a loose puck in transition and saw Corey Hamel skate down and lift the puck into the top left hand corner with the eventual game-winning goal.
The Flyers would once again pull to within one with 3:23 remaining as Brent Wur took a Dobranski feed before spinning and whipping the puck past the Fort William goaltender.
They would however not get any closer despite a late man advantage opportunity.
Shots on goal favoured the Stars 27-19 who improved to 4-1 on the year while Sioux Lookout slipped to 2-6.

Period 1
Fort William North Stars - Mitch Galbraith (Matt Valley) 19:32
Period 2
Fort William North Stars - Mitch Galbraith (pp) (Kevin Hamel, Mitch Forbes) 1:49
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Kalan Ewald (pp) (Chase Dobranski, Dwight Lee) 5:55
Fort William North Stars - Dan Usiski (pp) (Matt Valley) 17:35
Fort William North Stars - Rylan Henley (Riley Marsh) 18:22
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Chase Dobranski (pp) (Nick Hinsberg, Darnell Ferland) 19:24
Period 3
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Chase Dobranski (Dwight Lee) 3:39
Fort William North Stars - Corey Hamel (Spencer Hogan) 5:12
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Brett Wur (Chase Dobranski, Nick Hinsberg) 16:37

1ST STAR: Dobranski, Chase (SLF)
2ND STAR: Galbraith, Mitch (FNS)
3RD STAR: Valley, Matt (FNS)

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: FLYERS EARN CRUCIAL VICTORY
Flyers 5 Lakers 4
October 1, 2010  M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers.

The Flyers followed the flight plan and delivered in an exciting contest with the Lakers at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena last night. Right from the pre-game, the intensity was evident as opponents eyed each other warily. The Orange and Black initiated with open ice hits and, led by Casey Mertens, pursued a fierce checking game that began at the oppositions blue line. The dynamite duo of Chase Dobranski and Dwight Lee were a menace on the Penalty Kill crafting two short- handed goals. Two great individual scoring efforts by Galen Matyjanka and Ian Alcock helped to seal the deal. When the Lakers broke through, they jammed the net unleashing a flurry of shots from in close. There they were met by the Wilkins' Wall.

To cheers from the fans, young Mathew McLarty and Ben Forbes swiftly skated the billowing SIJHL 10th Anniversary flag around the arena. Yowls of enthusiasm from the players greeted the end of the National Anthem. The puck was dropped and the hockey players sprang to action.

The Flyers fierce fore-check was evident right from the get-go as Mertens, Brulé, and Matyjanka kept the pressure up in the Laker's zone. The Chase Dobranski hit on Caulfield and the Brett Wur hit on Cody McCool paced the Flyer's physical game. The Laker's Davis Smith and Jared Leclair sped down the ice. Flyer's goal tender Jesse Wilkins stopped the puck on an attempted play from behind the net. The counter-attack by Matyjanka, Brulé, and Nick Hinsberg screamed in on net. Jameson Shortreed gloved Brulé's shot. Darnell Ferland unleashed a hit on Jace Baldwin. Judging from this opening salvo, the fans would not be disappointed tonight.

Brett Wur, recent Flyer's acquisition was working hard in the zone with a pass to Peyton Hutchison, who unleashed a slap shot on net. Glove save by Shortreed. With good hustle, the Flyers hemmed the Lakers in as Jacob Nolan had a scoring opportunity. Again the Laker's Leclair and Smith combo broke out. Save Wilkins.

At the 14:15 mark the Flyer's first power play was nullified as Hutchison took a necessary tripping penalty on a sure Lakers break. Playing four on the four the Lakers attacked. In possibly the save of the game, Wilkins went post to post to rob Ryan Wildman point blank. Veteran Flyers defenseman, Kalan Ewald calmly cleared the disk after a poke check on dangerous Laker Tyler Stevenson. Brett Wur dished out a big hit on Connor Hady. Holy Mackinnaw!- to borrow a phrase, and we were not yet 10 minutes into this game.

Chase Dobranski put the Flyers on the board with 7:07 remaining in the first. Reading the play well, Kalan Ewald chipped a pass out of the zone to Dwight Lee who relayed it to a breaking number 10, who snapped the puck in top shelf for the exciting short-handed marker. Sioux Lookout's second goal came from the stick of Brett Ferguson as the puck was cycled from Justin Veltri and Matt Grove. Score after one: Flyers 2 Lakers 0.

With 46 seconds to kill on a penalty, Casey Mertens won the draw in the Flyers zone, and stick blocked a shot by Phil Jennrich. The Flyers centreman was off to another great start. The Flyers then flew into the zone in formation as Ian Alcock, Nelson Rosiak and Jacob Nolan crossed the Laker's line together. As the Lakers countered, Wilkins made two solid saves-one high-one low-on Jaret Leclair.

The Lakers struck pay-dirt at the 9:12 mark when Tyler Stevenson scored assisted by a Jace Baldwin pass interception. Mertens countered with a high drive snared by Shortreed. Shortly afterwards, the Lakers buzzing around the Flyers net, stung again. Henry Gutierrez scored from Davis Smith to tie the game at two. The Lakers had seized their opportunites. Only 5:10 remained in the second period as Brett Wur was assessed a penalty. The game hung in the balance.

Chase Dobranski gained possession via Dwight Lee in the Laker's zone and skated in to put the puck past Shortreed for his SECOND short-handed marker of the evening igniting a thunderous cheer from the 279 fans in attendance. The Flyers now had the solid support of the seventh man. In response, Fort gained the zone, drove to the net and jammed and slammed unleashing a flurry of shots on net. Wilkins stood tall.

Back on the Penalty Kill, including a brief 5 on 3, Flyers: Ferland, Mertens, and Lee worked hard backstopped again by the "WALL". A Ferland clear was followed by a Mertens dog-fight on the fore-check. Next Lee scrambled to the neutral zone to meet the attacking Lakers. Fort Frances defenceman Cody Hasbargen's shot was snagged as Wilkins flashed the leather.

Galen Matyjanka, assisted by Lee and Nelson Rosiak, with less than a minute remaining earned a true goal scorers goal. He sped around the defender, zeroed in on net and waiting for the goal tenders move, slipped the puck behind him. The crowd was ecstatic. Score after two: Flyers 4 Lakers 2.

"Let's get ready to Rumble!", the music rang out as the Flyers jumped on the ice for the third period. Two minutes and twelve seconds in Ian Alcock accepted the disk on passes by Ferland and Rosiak. He skated around the defence and tucked a low slider from the side of the circle to the far side of the Lakers goalie giving the flyers a 5-2 lead. Tyler Ampe took up duties in the Fort Frances net.

Taking nothing for granted the Flyers kept up the pressure as forward Brett Ferguson dished out a hit on Connor Hady. The home town squad drew a penalty. Quickly cycling the puck the Flyers Colten Brulé had a shot on net. Lee went coast to coast. Hinsberg and Dobranski teamed up for a rush on goal....followed by Rosiak and Nolan. Good kill Lakers.

Now the Lakers were pressing. They were jamming the net. No go. Save Wilkins on a Josh Wentz shot. Jace Baldwin stole the puck and fired a shot on net from the blue line. He followed up with a scoring attempt on the short side. The Laker's third goal came with 12:55 remaining as Jaret Leclair blasted a heavy shot along the ice to narrow the gap 5-3.

Tyler Ampe, Laker's goal tender, gave his team an opportunity to get back in the game with a series of saves. First he made a glove save on Matyjanka. Next he stifled Mertens and Brulé scoring attempts. He came up big stopping Nolan and Dobranski on a 2 on 1. Also he got some help from the goalie's best friend:- the post- on a shot by Brett Wur. At the other end of the ice Wilkins was a wall on a Laker's scrum.

The hockey was fast and furious with only 3:26 remaining in regulation time. Making a statement, Brett Wur faked a shot from the blue line and weaving and bobbing for position, launched a shot on net. Dwight Lee showed good hustle along the boards. There was a penalty to Nolan. 48.7 seconds left. TIME-OUT was called by the Lakers.

Fort Frances pulled the goalie on the power-play for the six-on-four advantage. Tyler Stevenson scored from Byron Katapaytuk and Phil Jennrich with 37.9 seconds left. The Flyers dug in to kill the remaining time refusing the Lakers the tying goal. Final score: Flyers 5 Lakers 4.

The Flyers had performed to Head Coach, Al MacDonald's game plan initiating and finishing a physical style of play. A fierce checking game was supported with innovative break-outs from their own zone. Captain Dwight Lee led by example with three assists. The cap was put on it by great individual efforts of the three stars: Chase Dobranski, Casey Mertens and Ian Alcock. A good game!

Game two of the home and home series takes place tonight at the Ice for Kids Arena in Fort Frances. GO FLYERS GO!

Home  Away September 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat     1  2 3  2:5 L 4  3:2 W 5 6 7  4:5 L 8  9 10 4:1 L 11 12 13 14   15  16 6:1 W 17 2:3 L   18 19 20 21 22 2:4 L 23 24 3:5 L 25  0:2 L 26 27 28 29 30  1 5:4 W 2 7:30pm

Complete Schedule                      Schedule in PDF Format

Clydesdales 2 Flyers 0
A Goal Tender's Duel!
September 25, 2010,  M. &M. Morin, Staff Writers.

The intensity level was high and goals were hard to come by as the Flyers and the Clydesdales met for a rematch at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. Team Captain Dwight Lee led by example sparking a superb Flyer's Penalty Kill. Veteran Kalan Ewald marshalled the defence against the three-pronged Duluth attack. The hockey was fast and furious as these two teams sped up and down the ice exchanging chances. It was a goaltenders duel as Jordan Giguère and Colin Fischer went save for save. You just knew that the difference would be one seized opportunity by either side. Clydesdale forward Tom Paine's laser shot to the top left corner of the net would be the winner.

There was a lot on the line in this game as the Flyers opened with a concentrated physical attack. Playing the dump and chase Chase Dobranski shot it in and made a hit. Brad Bienvenu won a battle for the puck. Justin Veltri won the draw and passed to Brett Ferguson and made an energetic hit. Ian Alcock and Nick Hinsberg made good rushes to the net. There was another hit by Brad Bienvenu on Joe Nelson.
This culminated in the Flyers turning on the red light. Darnell Ferland worked hard carrying the puck into the zone. Kalan Ewald's shot from the blue line was batted into the net by Colten Brulé. His stick was a little too high. No Goal!
Brulé made a good fore-check. Matt Grove shot a long pass to Mertens. Presthus dumped the puck in. Alcock had a chance on net. Ferland put two blasts on the net. Dobranski's cross-ice pass to Mertens resulted in a stuff attempt. It was not for lack of trying but the Flyers could not buy a goal. As far as Clydesdale goal tender Colin Fischer was concerned- the store was closed.
Dwight Lee then stepped up preventing a short-handed rush by Joe Nelson on a penalty to Andrew Doig. Again Duluth's Colin Fisher was solid in the net. He made a big save low. Then he dove out to make the stop keeping his team in the game.

The Duluth forwards responded with a three-pronged attack. Tom Paine picked up the puck on the right boards and rifled a laser shot into the top left corner. Duluth was on the board! Sioux Lookout forward Chase Dobranski responded by intercepting passes and renewing the attack in a bid to earn the tying goal. Tom Paine's tally gave the Clydesdales a big boost as forward Lee Melde zinged a high shot on goal. Glove save Giguère. A speedy rush by Miles Beason and Matt Jerulle which resulted in a hooking penalty to Brad Bienvenu soon followed. Duluth pinned the Flyers in their zone during the man advantage. Tom Paine took a Shot on net from the blue line. Save Giguère. A passing combination by Aaron Dusek, Dillion Mershon, and Miles Beason resulted in another shot on net. Giguère was having none of it boarding up the net and denying the Clydesdales on the power play.

The big kill gave life to the home team as Nelson Rosiak dished out a hit on Miles Beason and rock solid blue liner Kalan Ewald slid a stretch pass to Brulé. Soon after he intercepted a pass and motored into the Duluth zone looking to turn on the red light. With just seconds remaining in the opening stanza Flyer's defender Peyton Hutchinson went for a buzzer beater but the crowd groaned as Colin Fischer made the save. Score 1-0 Clydesdales after one.
The scoreless second period was a truly entertaining demonstration of hockey skill. The Flyers offense gained the zone regularly, and the defence shone. Beginning with a pro-active stance in the neutral zone the home team followed up with an amazing performance on five Penalty Kills. The Flyers carried the play to the Clydesdales as the Mertens line entered the zone. The Nolan line buzzed the net with a bat in opportunity. No go. The Dobranski line participated as Dwight Lee rushed in for a screen shot.

In the neutral zone the Flyer's Lee made a good fore-check, and Casey Mertens stole the puck and went in for a back hand attempt. Rosiak intercepted a pass to continue the good work in no man's land. Then the Flyers got into penalty trouble with four minutes assessed to Ian Alcock for spearing.

Jordan Giguère with stood the initial Duluth attack. With 3:16 remaining in the infraction he calmed things down as he adjusted his helmet strap. Matyjanka, Brulé, Ferland and Ewald were on the ice as the face-off was held to his right. The puck was dropped. Matyjanka stole it and cleared it. Brulé picked up the disk in the neutral zone and motored in alone for a blistering five-hole short-handed attempt. Save Fisher. 2: 39 remaining in the penalty. A Mertens face-off win was followed by a Rosiak clear. But the Duluth attack could not be denied any longer. Tom Paine zoomed in for a five-hole attempt. Save Giguère. Duluth's number 19 fell on the Flyer's goal-tender. Play resumed. Duluth's attack continued as Casey Eckman launched the puck at the net. Save Gigi. A goal tenders battle indeed.
Wearing the "C" with pride, Dwight Lee put his stamp on the game with a stunning display of penalty killing excellence. With two short-handed breaks, a great fore-check and lots of rushes he led his team. In one sequence he zeroed in on net on a short-handed break-away and went for the deke. Save Fisher. Despite the five penalties, the Flyers had put 12 shots on net. The Flyers PK is elite. It was a great period of hockey put on by these two teams.
Both squads knew that the next goal was vitally important as they stepped on to the ice to begin the final period of play. At the 6:33 mark Duluth had a chance to get that all important next goal with Galen Matyjanka in the box. The Sioux Lookout penalty killing unit shined once again killing off the infraction with shorthanded chances by Chase Dobranski and Dwight Lee.

With the period past its midway point it was the Flyers headed to the power play with Aaron Rasmusson getting whistled for hooking. Brad Bienvenu, Chase Dobranski, and Nick Hinsberg all tested goal tender Colin Fischer but he was up to the task slamming the door and preventing Sioux Lookout from tying the contest. With less than five minutes remaining Lee Melde gave Duluth a two goal lead. He was assisted on the play by Joe Nelson. With Giguère on the bench and an extra attacker on the ice for Sioux Lookout Duluth kept working as they narrowly missed tallying an empty net goal. Final Score: Clydesdales-2 Flyers-0.

Penalty killing has emerged as an early strong point for the Orange and Black with the Flyers killing off all seven penalties tonight. Sioux Lookout also boasts the best team penalty killing percentage with a dominant 92.59% success rate. Five on five the Clydesdales found their mark with sniper Tom Paine notching the winning goal and goal tender Colin Fischer earning a shutout making 28 saves.

Next week the Flyers will look to add solid five on five play to their superb special teams as they battle the speedy Fort Frances Lakers in a home and home series that kicks off in Sioux Lookout on Friday October 1st at 7:30 P.M.
GO FLYERS GO!!

SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Duluth Clydesdales - Tom Paine (Ryan Palm) 10:29
Period 2
(no scoring)
Period 3
Duluth Clydesdales - Lee Melde (Joe Nelson) 15:13

1ST STAR: Fischer, Colin (DUL)
2ND STAR: Paine, Tom (DUL)
3RD STAR: Giguere, Jordan (SLF)

ATTENDANCE: 179  !!! L

Photos

NORTH STARS 5, FLYERS 3
FRIDAY NIGHT EXCITEMENT!
September 24, 2010   M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers.

Nothing gets the ticker pumping like a hockey visit from the North Stars. Yes, there were thrills and spills and changes in momentum galore last night at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena as the Flyers worried this year's North Stars. The Flyers were clicking in the first stanza as their passing game and special teams excelled. Not so much in the second, as the North Stars ruled the slot to great advantage pumping in three quick goals. Matt Grove's high shot from the centre of the blue line went in late in that period to get the Flyers back in the game. A fight and a five minute penalty in the third sparked the Orange and Black's offense to sting the Stars for two quick goals. Brad Bienvenu and Nelson Rosiak got the markers to close the gap to 4-3. Now the fans were really into the game. It was a classic finish as the Flyers sought to reply to the North Star's fifth goal. Jesse Wilkins was great in the net giving the Flyers a chance to win.

In a pre-game ceremony Alexandra Morin and Sami Olson, skated the SIJHL tenth anniversary flag around the ice before the National Anthem. The Flyers starting line-up presented the Visitors starters with small versions of the flag.

Nick Hinsberg's shoot in to Dwight Lee and the resulting shot on net would signal that the Flyers attack was on. Next Jacob Nolan won the face-off, flip to Matt Grove, relayed to Ryan Presthus, back to Grove for a shot on net. Following up Casey Mertens won the draw, passed to Darnell Ferland, over to Kalan Ewald, up to a speedy Galen Matyjanka for another shot on net.

The Lee and Dobranski combo took over on the penalty kill with Bablitz in the box with 14:48 remaining. The two put on a great fore-check show as Ferland tried a short-handed bouncer. Good kill! J. Brown and Rylan Henley countered for the North Stars both shots being turned away by Jesse Wilkins. Responding quickly, Brad Bienvenu, Chase Dobranski, and Dwight Lee drove up the ice with good crisp passes. Sioux Lookout followed up with a Colten Brulé shot ringing off the iron. It was the Flyers turn to go on the man advantage with Kyle Breukelman heading to the sin bin at the 11:42 mark for high sticking. A rush by Dwight Lee and a high drive by Darnell Ferland that had Fort William net minder Jayme Brattengeier glancing behind him soon followed. The North Stars penalty killing unit was up to the task. They cleared the puck out of harm`s way killing off the infraction. The Flyers increased their physical intensity with a thunderous hit by Casey Mertens on Rylan Henley and a crunching check by Ian Alcock on Kyle Breukelman. Score: Deadlocked 0-0 after one.

The Stars pressed the zoom button 49 seconds into the second period as they concentrated the play in space and time. Driving to the near slot, they scored three unanswered goals in one minute and sixty-four seconds. The Flyers were stunned. The crowd was angry. Dan Usiski, Travis Tilley, and Ryan Henley were the marksmen. One of these three would go on to earn a hat trick. TIME-OUT FLYERS!

Nick Hinsberg, Flyers catalyst for change, stepped into the North Stars Brett Biasol at the boards. Rallying on the PK, the Flyers Ferland and Mertens cleared the zone. Wilkins saved the shot from the blue line. No rebound. Back to even strength, and on the attack, Lee back-passed to Bienvenu who skimmed the cross-bar with a shot. The first fight of the evening featured Justin Veltri versus Isaac Howarth. Veltri got in some shots as Howarth took exception to his hit on a team mate at the end boards. A short time later, Hinsberg was slammed into the boards, and got up slowly. No call. It was getting nasty out there.

Flyer`s net-minder Jesse Wilkins authored two great saves as he stifled Quinn Remple`s 5-hole attempt, and a flashed the leather on a blistering drive by Rylan Henley. Jacob Nolan put on a speedy one on one rush and made a hit. With 8:36 remaining and Lee in the sin bin for slashing, Wilkins stepped up with three more saves. He was solid in the net even as Matt Valley pitch- forked him. After the kill, it was North Star`s goal tender, Jayme Brattingeier`s turn to shine with a glove save on Lee. Wilkins responded with a pad save on Usiski`s drive from the top of the left circle thus keeping his team in the game.

Just 58 seconds remained in the second. Matt Grove put the Flyers on the board and back in contention with a high shot from the centre of the blue line that flipped over the goalie`s glove. He was assisted by Chase Dobranski on the power-play marker. Score: 3-1 North Stars.

Coast to coast went Flyer`s Captain Dwight Lee to open the final frame. A Ferland blast was followed by a quick North Stars counter-attack two on one. Save Wilkins. The next play saw Mertens win the draw, pass to Hutchison, relayed to Rosiak who pressed the attack. A penalty was assessed to Hutchison for interference.

Again the Flyer`s Special Team excelled. Colten Brulé initiated with a great fore-check. Clear by Kalan Ewald and a glove save by Wilkins. Dobranski and Lee followed up with a short-handed rush resulting in a shot on net. Good Kill!
Tempers flared as fight number two erupted with 10:37 remaining. Casey Mertens took exception to Kevin Hamel`s check in the corner and came out swinging. As Mertens pounded his opponent with over hand shots, Hamel wisely declined to continue any further involvement. A valiant effort to kill the five minute penalty ended as Travis Tilley scored his second on a slow motion slider. He was assisted by Mitch Forbes and Mitch Galbraith.

It was not over yet. Bienvenu and Rosiak gave the North Stars back a bit of their own medicine. They notched two goals 38 seconds apart on the power play to pull to within one goal. At 16:51, Travis Tilley scored an even-strength wrap-around goal to earn himself a hat trick and first star of the contest.

In the last minute of play, Ian Alcock stepped up on a rush with Galen Matyjanka, and levelled a back-hand on net. Working hard he bore into the zone on the second last play. A last ditch effort before the buzzer was made by Hinsberg, Lee and Ewald as they came in on the North Stars net.

It was quite a game. The Flyers took the fans on a roller coaster ride of emotion as they thrilled the crowd with solid play in the first. The Special Teams excelled. Three for six on the power play is not bad at all. Bouncing back from the frustrations of the second period, the power-play rifled in two goals 38 seconds apart in the third. Stand tall Flyers!

The Flyers welcome the Duluth Clydesdales tonight at the Memorial Arena. Game Time: 7:30 p.m. GO FLYERS GO!

1ST STAR: Tilley, Travis (FNS)
2ND STAR: Breukelman, Kyle (FNS)
3RD STAR: Rosiak, Nelson (SLF)

NEXT GAME SEPTEMBER 25  Puck drop 7:30pm

ICE DOGS 4 FLYERS 2
FLYERS SHOW RESOLVE
September 22, 2010   M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers

The Flyers responded with resolve as Head Coach Al MacDonald rolled out all four lines giving equal opportunity to shine. There were many positives as individual players notably Brad Bienvenu, Jacob Nolan, and Konrad Bablitz stepped up to name a few. Colten Brulé scored his fourth to lead the league in both goals and power play markers. Casey Mertens ruled the face-off circle. The team made improvements offensively and defensively to contain the Ice Dogs offense for the first and second stanzas. Early in the third the Ice Dogs seized the momentum with two quick goals. Nelson Rosiak put on the jets to break away and score, and the Flyers pressed the issue until the final buzzer.
The Flyers were takin it to em' in the first with good break outs, pressure in the offensive zone, a good penalty kill and excellence in the face-off circle by Casey Mertens.
The Flyers were on the PK 21 seconds in with Galen Matyjanka off for hooking. They responded with a good kill as Brayden Miller, Nick Hinsberg, and Darnell Ferland cleared the puck out of harm's way. Jordan Giguère made a save point blank on Bryce Maggrah. At 4:47, #24 Brendan Wertanen won a race for the puck, and scored Dryden's first goal, a wrister over the shoulder of the goalie.
Chase Dobranski, Brad Bienvenu, and Dwight Lee responded for the Flyers with two forays into the offensive zone keeping the Dogs hemmed in. The next line continued the pressure as Jacob Nolan won the draw and Matt Grove stepped into Jacob Ransom. Nolan zoomed in on net with Ian Alcock, and went for the backhand. Dryden netminder, Brett Timmerman, had the answer with a pad save. Casey Mertens won three consecutive draws with surgical precision.
Seizing the opportunity, Justin Veltri and Devon Dettilieux broke in on net on a 2 on1. Veltri's shot from in close was gloved by Timmerman. Tempers flared as a scrum in front of the net resulted in offsetting penalties to Sioux Lookout's Konrad Bablitz, and Dryden's Ian Schachte. Bablitz drove to the net again at 3:42 of the first accepting a pass from Bienvenu who had just won a battle in the corner.
In heads up defensive plays, Matt Groves prevented a Dryden break-away and Ryan Presthus protected the zone with a hit on Dryden sniper Ben McClellan.
Steals by Matyjanka and Brulé, and a buzzer beater attempt by Nick Hinsberg characterized the play late in the opening frame as the Flyers carried the play effectively out of their zone.
The Flyer's offence showed resilience in the second stanza in responding to Dryden's early pressure. Mertens intercepted a dangerous centering pass and cleared it. Nolan, who played an inspired game, won the draw and together with Rosiak raced in on net. Dryden's # 15 Jacob Ransom countered. A Chase Dobranski face-off win was relayed by Bablitz to Bienvenu for a shot on net. Flyer's scoring star Colten Brulé came to play drawing a penalty on a speedy left wing rush with 13:39 remaining. Dryden cleared three times. Mertens was whistled off for cross checking at the 7:35 mark. As Dryden attackers Len Pelletier, Ryan Lobreau, and Alex Galbraith circled the net, Sioux's Jacob Nolan, Darnell Ferland and Jordan Giguère worked hard to keep them at bay. Giguère made two saves: one high-one low.
The Flyers renewed the attack on the power play with B. McClellan off for too many men. Three times Ferland's blast from the centre of the blue line was turned away by Timmerman, who made himself as big as possible in the net.
Colten Brulé scored his fourth goal of the season on the power-play as he pounced on a rebound in front of the net to knot the game at one. He was assisted by Nick Hinsberg, and Galen Matyjanka. A crucial point blank save by Jordan Giguère on Wertanen late in the second preserved the tie.
The Ice Dogs tilted the ice in their favour early in the third with two quick goals. The first was on a wrap-around by Ben McClellan assisted by Conner Foster and Dryden's own Ryan Lobreau. The second, Dryden's third goal of the evening, was a right wing blast from the stick of Jacob Ransom that got through the pads of Giguère. Ransom was assisted on the three on one play by Jesse Linner and Alex Galbraith. Dryden's Jesse Linner further distinguished himself with a steal and a victory in the battle for the puck in the corner.
Flyers responded as Veltri and Dettillieux combined to clear the zone. Rosiak charged in. No go. A shoot into the zone by Lee, was followed up by Hinsberg and Alcock- stifled. A good defensive play by Hutchison was followed by a freeze by Giguère. Next Matyjanka and Brulé attempted a drive. A great hip check by Dryden's Austin Weith was put on Casey Mertens as the latter drove into the zone along the boards. Nolan won the face-off and carried the disk out attempting to relieve the pressure. Presthus slowed down the Dryden attack stick handling out and taking a shot on net. Ferland and Dettilieux combine on a Hail Mary pass attempt. But Dryden is on a mission.
A steal by Ice Dog's Thomas Greene lead to a wrap around goal by Ryan Lobreau assisted by Ben McClellan. As per last year Dryden is dangerous down low.
With only 5:20 remaining and the score 4-1 Dryden, the Flyers did not fold. Sioux Lookout's own Nelson Rosiak zoomed in on the net and snapped in the Flyer's second goal with 2:08 remaining. To emphasize the Flyer's resilience, Ian Alcock put a big hit on Kaleb Scwabb in the defensive zone. Time-out was called by the Flyer's Coach with 59 seconds remaining.
The Flyers pressed the issue with six attackers in the longest minute of the game. Nick Hinsberg was called on an offsetting penalty as he battled for the puck in the crease.
The disk would remain in the Dryden zone for the balance of the game as the Orange and Black fought till the end. Hold your heads up high Flyers!
Sioux Lookout's finest welcome the North Stars to the Memorial Arena this coming Friday the 24th. Game time is 7:30
GO FLYERS GO!

SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Dryden Ice Dogs - Brendan Wertanen (Ben McClellan) 4:47
Period 2
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Colten Brule (powerplay) (Nick Hinsberg, Galen Matyjanka) 15:11
Period 3
Dryden Ice Dogs - Ben McClellan (Conner Foster, Ryan Lobreau) 2:09
Dryden Ice Dogs - Jacob Ransom (Jesse Linner, Alex Galbraith) 3:11
Dryden Ice Dogs - Ryan Lobreau (Ben McClellan) 14:40
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Nelson Rosiak (Peyton Hutchinson) 17:52

1ST STAR: McClellan, Ben (DID)
2ND STAR: Lobreau, Ryan (DID)
3RD STAR: Giguere, Jordan (SLF)

Flyers announce coaching change
Al MacDonald new Head Coach and GM
September 21, 2010

Al MacDonald was named the new Head Coach/General Manager of the Sioux Lookout Flyers on Tuesday, September 21 replacing Randy Lulashnyk.

Al will be naming additional coaching staff in the near future to assist in the new direction the Flyers wish to go. Jason Murphy will continue on the coaching staff. Al and Jason will be preparing the team for this weeks heavy schedule with a game Wednesday in Dryden and two games at home against the Fort William North Stars and the Duluth Clydesdales on Friday and Saturday.

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Monday that Dryden Ice Dogs defenceman Jon Mitchell has been named Pizza Hut player-of-the-week for the period ending Sept. 19.

In three games during the week that was the 20-year-old Ice Dogs captain recorded five points on two goals and three assists. His efforts helped Dryden grab an early hold of top spot in the SIJHL standings following weekend action that kicked off the SIJHL’s 10th anniversary season.
The Anola, Man., native got on the score sheet in each of his club’s first three games to begin the campaign. He had an assist in the season opener vs. Fort William and followed that up by notching markers and also setting up the game-winners in a pair of Ice Dog victories over Duluth and Wisconsin respectively.
Mitchell’s five points also put him atop the scoring leader board among SIJHL defencemen, as well as overall, after week one of league play.
For his efforts Mitchell will receive a gift card courtesy of Pizza Hut.

Honourable mention for the Pizza Hut player-of-the-week award goes to the following:

Tyler Stevenson, Forward, Fort Frances Lakers; Keith Tessin, Forward, Wisconsin Wilderness; Riley Marsh, Forward, Fort William North Stars; Jesse Wilkins, Goaltender, Sioux Lookout Flyers; Luke Burgstahler, Forward, Duluth Clydesdales.

Sioux Lookout - Player of the Week
September 19, 2010

Goaltender #29. Jesse Wilkins Wilkins is a 18 year old rookie with the Flyers and in his debut in the net on Saturday night, Wilkins stopped 44 of 47 shots in a 3-2 loss. With the Flyers being out shot 16 - 8 in the 1st period and 19 - 8 in the 2nd period, rookie netminder Wilkins really gave the Flyers a opportunity to stay in the game. Jesse is from Calgary Alberta and last year played AAA midget in Medicine Hat Alberta.

FLYERS FIGHT BACK
Wilderness 3 Flyers 2
September 17, 2010, M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers

The Flyers fought back last night at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena as they faced adversity in the form of a Wisconsin Wilderness team that had come to play. In the first and second periods the visiting team displayed speed, acceleration, close checking, good passing and work around the net to take control of the proceedings. The Flyers showed resilience in the third chapter when they gained the shot advantage 17 to 12. Their concerted attack in the final minutes threatened to tie the game. It was net minder Jesse Wilkins' regular season debut for the Flyers and he did not disappoint.
Casey Mertens, who was a force on the score sheet and the face-off circle, won the opening draw. Less than a minute later the Flyers were on the Penalty kill. Wilkins showed his worth, stopping Winsonsin's top shooter Keith Tessin point blank. Clears by Chase Dobranski and Brad Bienvenu, and a hit and chase by Nelson Rosiak completed the kill but not before Jesse Wilkins stifled James Kline's backhand shot.
The formidable Wisconsin attack showed itself early as Wilson Housley, and Nick Szopinski zoomed into the zone. They were met by Sioux Lookout's Nick Hinsberg who dished out a hit on the latter.
Pouncing on an errant Flyer's pass, the Wisconsin team scored their first goal at 14:32 as Keith Tessin bent the twine assisted by Thunder Bay's Austin Adduono and James Kline. Another Mertens face-off win and a huge Scott Stevens-like hit on Derek Tylka by none other than Flyer's Nick Hinsberg, who wears the storied # 72. However the Wilderness continued to take the game to the Flyers.
With Wisconsin's Wilson Housley in the sin bin for hooking, the Flyer's power play faltered. Keith Tessin gained possession and broke away to score Wisconsin's second goal,-a short-handed tally on a deke and back hand shot at 10:35. The Flyers responded as Cody Newcombe's hit nearly put his opponent into the Flyer's bench.
The Wilderness back-check also excelled as Blake Pederson's poke-check brought an end to a Flyer's rush. The play originated from a Chase Dobranski face-off win to Hinsberg relayed to Bienvenu back to Dobranski.
The Flyers put on a drive to get on the score board late in the first as Kalan Ewald hit iron; Chase Dobranski tried a bouncer; Nolan drove hard to the net and Galen Matyjanka had two scoring attempts.
Wisconsin goal tender John McLean stood tall. Score: Wilderness 2, Flyers 0.
The Flyers came out of the gates quickly to begin the second stanza with a face-off win by Casey Mertens and shots on goal by Nick Hinsberg, Kalan Ewald, and Colten Brulé. The Flyer's jump soon paid dividends as they went on the power play with Kevin Lander in the box for roughing just eighteen seconds in. Sioux Lookout struck quickly as a centering pass from Mertens was deflected in by Colten Brulé past John Mclean to make it a one goal game at the 1:05 mark.
The Flyers continued to play a physical brand of hockey with the bruise brothers Nick Hinsberg and Kalan Ewald combining for a hit on Wilderness forward Steven Hughes. Drawing applause from the hometown crowd, Flyer's net minder Jesse Wilkins made a big save denying Blake Pederson on a breakaway.
Wisconsin had a chance to open up a two goal lead as Sioux Lookout forward Brett Ferguson headed to the penalty box for tripping at the 7:29 mark of the period. Galen Matyjanka dished the puck to Flyer's star Casey Mertens for a shorthanded rush. The Wilderness proved that they could play a hard hitting game as well with a big hit on Mertens that sent him crashing into the boards. Wisconsin turned on the red light close to a minute into the infraction off the stick of skilled forward Austin Adduono. He was assisted on the play by Keith Tessin and James Kline. Score 3-1 Wilderness.
In an attempt to wrestle back the momentum, the Flyers had a speedy rush by blue liner Brayden Miller, a hit by Nelson Rosiak and a coast to coast dash into the Wisconsin zone by Ryan Presthus.
Sioux Lookout's penalty killing unit performed well on a Rosiak penalty for upending a Wisconsin player in the defensive zone. A clear by Mertens, a steal by Lee, a shot on the net by Dobranski and a follow up jam attempt by Mertens gave proof that the Flyers were still in this game.
The Flyers fought back in the third picking up the pace both offensively and defensively. Again with a Mertens win at the circle Ewald, Brulé and Matyjanka broke through on net. Next Dobranski and Lee applied pressure. Continuing the attack Rosiak and Bienvenu drove to the net jamming and chopping at the puck in the crease. The urgency magnified as Nolan, Tonogai and Alcock pressed further.
Defensively the Flyers flew as Lee made a check and Ewald foiled a two on one break with a diving pass interception, sweeping the puck out of harm's way. And the fists flew as well. 7.21 minutes into the final frame, Hinsberg had had enough. He wrestled with the larger Blake Pederson, landing two or three upper cuts. Wisconsin's # 22 could not put him down. Presthus followed up with a big shoulder check on the Wisconsin shooter Tessin. Flyer's goal tender Wilkins backstopped the team with consecutive saves on two rushes.
Hard work was rewarded for the home town squad, when Colten Brulé, exhibiting great hand-eye coordination, batted in a rebound assisted by Matyjanka and Mertens at the 9:22 mark to bring the game into winnable territory. Further evidence that the Flyers had found their groove occurred when Rosiak won the face-off passed to Nolan who relayed it to Ferguson who dished it back to Nolan for a dangerous shot on net from the slot. Now the Flyers were flying! The score was close at 3-2.
A dramatic finale ensued as Coach Randy Lulashnyk called a Time-out with 1:13 remaining. With six attackers the Flyers rushed the net. Dobranski, Bienvenu, Matyjanka flew in close. Save McLean. 47.5 seconds left. Ferland's bullet drive from the blue line got through a maze of players and...hit the cross bar. Ewald skated in on left wing and launched a wrister. Save McLean. 9.5 seconds left. Sioux lookout cycled the puck as the buzzer sounded to end an exciting third period.
Final score: 3-2 Wilderness.

With one win and one loss so far, the Flyers will travel down highway 72 to do battle with their regional rivals the Dryden Ice Dogs next Wednesday, September 22nd.

GO FLYERS GO!
Video provided by NWLive.ca

SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Wisconsin Wilderness - Keith Tessin (Austin Adduono, James Kline) 5:28
Wisconsin Wilderness - Keith Tessin (sh) (Bryce Anderson, James Kline) 9:25
Period 2
Sioux Flyers - Colten Brule (pp) (Casey Mertens) 1:05
Wisconsin Wilderness - Austin Adduono (pp) (Keith Tessin, James Kline) 8:10
Period 3
Sioux Flyers - Colten Brule (pp) (Galen Matyjanka, Casey Mertens) 10:38

 1ST STAR: Tessin, Keith (WIS)
2ND STAR: Brule, Colten (SLF)
3RD STAR: Adduono, Austin (WIS)

Thursday's contest saw the home town squad step up with a team effort as both forwards and defensemen chipped in offensively. Flyer's "D" played a physical style that was effective both at the blue line and in the corners. The Flyer's veterans led the way and the acquisitions- including the most recent additions to the team- shone as well. The Clydesdales made a good accounting of themselves in their first ever regular season game keeping it close in the first half of the contest and displaying good team speed, opportunistic play in the neutral zone, and driving hard to the net. Sioux Lookout goal tender Jordan Giguère turned in a solid performance in the Flyer's cage.

Determined to prove their worth, the Duluth Clydesdales wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Josh Wentz passed the puck to Luke Burgstahler, who flipped it into the left hand corner past Jordan Giguère just eleven seconds into the game. The early lead gave life to the Clydesdales as forward Tom Paine zipped a nice pass to Matt Strang in the offensive zone.

Sioux Lookout quickly struck back tying the contest when Flyer's star Chase Dobranski poked in a rebound at the 3:39 mark. He was assisted on the play by Dwight Lee and Brad Bienvenu. A two on one rush by Galen Matyjanka and Colten Brulé soon followed. With Konrad Bablitz in the penalty box for hooking at the 6:59 mark the Flyers penalty killing unit went to work. Sioux Lookout killed off the infraction with Chase Dobranski intercepting a pass and going on a shorthanded rush and some solid play by Brayden Miller who intercepted a pass and got the puck to a teammate and out of harm's way.

Clydesdale's net minder Derek Robinson stepped up his play with saves on Nelson Rosiak and Brad Bienvenu. With Aaron Rasmusson in the sin bin for interference a little past the halfway point of the period the Flyers would get another chance to take the lead. Despite a tic,tac,toe rush by the trio of Brad Bienvenu, Chase Dobranski, and Dwight Lee, Duluth killed off the penalty with Dillon Mershon winning a race for the puck and goal tender Derek Robinson making a big save on Casey Mertens. Duluth's special teams were effective killing a five on three disadvantage with clears, saves by goalie Derek Robinson and a shot block on Flyer's #10 .

Decisively, Flyer's sniper Galen Matyjanka, stole the puck and snapped it into the top right hand corner to give his team the lead. He was assisted on the play by Casey Mertens. The Clydesdales headed to the power play with less than two minutes remaining when Casey Mertens was whistled for tripping. The Flyers killed off the infraction with clears by Kalan Ewald and a big hit on Aaron Dusek by Flyer's blue liner Nick Hinsberg. Score: 2-1 Flyers after one period.

Harvey Friesen of Bearskin Airlines was recognized and honoured for his financial and other support of the Flyers Hockey team. At centre ice, Flyer's president Doug Lawrance expressed thanks and appreciation for a donation of $10,337. Friesen was given a Flyers jersey and left the ice to applause and cheers from both sides of the ice.

As the second period action commenced, Sioux Lookout killed off the remaining twenty five seconds of the Mertens infraction with a save low on Tom Paine by Flyer's net minder Jordan Giguère. Sioux Lookout headed to an early power play with Josh Wentz going off for slashing less than two minutes in. In a bid to open up a two goal lead Galen Matyjanka and Colten Brulé zoomed into the Duluth zone. Colten Brulé's shot for the five-hole was denied by Clydesdales net minder Derek Robinson.

The Duluth penalty killing unit did a good job with clears by Mark Williams and Tom Paine. Physical defender Nick Hinsberg brought the hometown to its feet dishing out a big hit on Dillon Mershon at centre ice. As the Clydesdales pressed for the tying goal, Flyer's net minder Jordan Giguère boarded up the cage making a stop on a high bouncer and a Martin Brodeur-like glove save on a shot from the right circle. At the 6:16 mark the Duluth power play unit went to work with Ian Alcock in the box for tripping. The Flyers killed it off with a rush by Chase Dobranski and two big saves by Giguère squeezing the pads and then flashing the leather.

Soon after it was Sioux Lookout's turn to go on the man advantage. They made no mistake as offensive threat Nelson Rosiak received a long pass from defenseman Brayden Miller, deked the defenseman and tucked it past Robinson on his own rebound. In the final half of the second frame the Flyers shifted in to overdrive. In a sign of emerging line chemistry, two consecutive face-off wins in the offensive zone by Jacob Nolan were relayed to Kalan Ewald for solid shots on net. Justin Veltri's face-off win propelled Devon Dettillieux down the ice. This kid can skate! Hits by Nelson Rosiak, and a big stop by Giguère on a breakaway by Duluth forward Casey Eckman followed.

This gave a spark to the Sioux Lookout offense as Nick Hinsberg placed a wrister from the blue line to give the Flyers a 4-1 advantage with three minutes left in the period. He was assisted on the goal by the well executed passes of Chase Dobranski and Brad Bienvenu. Blue liner Darnell Ferland dished off a crisp pass to Colten Brulé who turned on the red light with 1:80 left in the second stanza. Score: 5-1 Flyers after two.

With their backs against the wall, the Clydesdales adjusted in the third with a change in the net, staying out of the box and a determined counter to the Flyer's continued attack. They were met by the Flyer's effective puck control in the corners, along the boards and at the blue line courtesy of both Flyer's recent acquisitions and veterans. The Flyer's offense refined their game as potential line chemistry emerged.

Duluth's Colin Fischer took up duties between the pipes and he was not long in waiting for action. Flyer's Casey Mertens won the face-off and passed to Colten Brulé as together with line mate Galen Matyjanka they pressed the attack. Reflecting the new stringency of the head contact rules, Brulé was assessed 2 and 10 for a head contact penalty for a hit along the boards. Flyer's Ferland , Lee and Rosiak killed off the infraction with clears and checks. Flyer's sixth marker was deflected in by Chase Dobranski on a good passing sequence from B. Miller and Lee.

If there was a fourth star in this game, Jordan Giguère would qualify. He made two crucial stops early in the third. The first occurred on a break- away by J. Wentz and the second was a patented glove snag on Duluth's J. Nelson's laser shot from the blue line which prevented the opposition from getting back in this game.

Then the Flyer's offense went to work. Peyton Hutchison and Ian Alcock combined on a great rush. Shot on net. Veltri, Hinsberg and Ewald motored up the ice for another shot on net. Justin Veltri rubbed out an attacker against the boards. Brad Bienvenu dug the puck out of the corner passed to Lee. Shot on net. L. Meld responded with a great attempt for the Clydesdales. The Flyers then broke out as Hinsberg's pass found the speeding Ewald. Ladies and Gentleman we were witness to: fast, focused end to end hockey displayed by these two teams.
The Flyer's PK team shone again on the last penalty of the game. Mertens, and Dobranski ruled the face-off circle, while the defense was solid. In another crunching open ice hit, Sioux Lookout defender Ryan Presthus stepped into Matt Morsette at the blue line. A Mertens rush was followed by a post by Devon Detillieux . Lee and Bienvenu buzzed around the net in a dump and chase and wrap around attempt. Duluth's Eckamn and Mershon counter- attacked. No dice.
The last minute and twenty-eight seconds of the game saw frenzied action as the never-say-die Duluth team sought to get on the board again. Duluth's #s 17, 18, and 19 were dangerous. Call them the consecutive line consisting of Joe Nelson, Tom Paine, and Dillon Mershon. Flyer's #12 Nolan was a force as he won repeated face-offs and fought for the puck along the boards. In the final seconds, Duluth's Clydesdale's # 9 Lee Melde took a pass and tried to stuff it. Needless to say goal tending was a factor at both ends of the ice in the third. Jordan closed the door and the Clydesdale's Colin Fischer stopped fourteen of fifteen shots on net.
While one game does not a season make, the Flyers showed they can mount a concerted attack by all lines, and sport a gritty defence back stopped by solid goal tending. Despite the score the Clydesdales showed determination and speed in driving to the net. They have a number of players who have that over drive gear and shot capable of stinging when you least expect it.
Tonight's contest against the Wisconsin Wilderness should be very interesting.

Video provided by NWLive.ca
SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Duluth Clydesdales - Luke Burgstahler (Josh Wentz, Matt Morsette) 0:11
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Chase Dobranski (Dwight Lee, Brad Bienvenu) 3:39
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Galen Matyjanka (Casey Mertens) 15:30
Period 2
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Nelson Rosiak (powerplay) (Brayden Miller) 9:30
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Nick Hinsberg (Chase Dobranski, Brad Bienvenu) 17:00
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Colten Brule (Darnell Ferland) 18:20
Period 3
Sioux Lookout Flyers - Chase Dobranski (Dwight Lee) 3:08

1ST STAR: Lee, Dwight (SLF)   
2ND STAR: Dobranski, Chase (SLF)
3RD STAR: Hinsberg, Nick (SLF)

Manager of the Year  Services- Award  Congratulations to Coach Randy Lulashnyk for being selected by the Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards committee as the recipient of the Manager of the Year- Services Award.  The Flyer Executive would like to thank Randy for his dedication and commitment to the Flyers success for the 2010-2011 season.

LAKERS-4 FLYERS-1
THE WILKIN'S WALL
September 10, 2010 M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers
Talk about making a good first impression! Goal tender Jesse Wilkins had the large hometown crowd on its feet during his Flyer's debut stopping all sixteen shots he faced. He entered the game at the midway point. Wilkins made no less than six spectacular saves on breakaways by a skilled Lakers squad that used speed, passing, and shooting to good effect. The hometown squad's offense countered in the second with a high shot count, but the story in the third remained between the pipes. In fact the two net minders-both newcomers to the SIJHL-put on a clinic for the 339 fans in attendance at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena last night.
Flyer's sniper Chase Dobranski won the opening draw. Speedy rushes by Laker's Byron Katapaytuk and Flyer's Galen Matyjanka followed. Sioux Lookout net minder Jordan Giguère made the game's first big save as he flashed the leather on a hard shot by Mike Jourdain. In the other net Fort Frances backstop Tyler Ampe had an answer stopping a five-hole attempt by Nelson Rosiak. At the 3:55 mark the Flyer's penalty killing unit went to work. They efficiently killed off the infraction with a shorthanded rush and a clear by Ryan Tonogai, a clear by Ryan Presthus, and a save on a high blast by Jordan Giguère. With the big crowd's heart in their throat, Giguère stood tall in the Flyers cage making a glove save on a dangerous looking breakaway by Ryan Wildman.
With Zach McCool in the box for tripping, it was the Flyer's turn to have the man advantage. Fort Frances dug in their heels and killed off the penalty with pad saves by goaltender Tyler Ampe and a blocked pass by Byron Katapaytuk. 12:39 into the period Laker's defenseman Phil Jennrich was whistled for roughing giving the Sioux Lookout power play another chance. Hard working forward Casey Mertens turned on the red light on a scramble in front of the net assisted by Galen Matyjanka and Nick Hinsberg.
Soon after, Hinsberg made a big defensive play rushing back to foil a breakaway. With Miles Beason in the penalty box for boarding the Flyers killed it off with good defense by Ryan Tonogai and Kalan Ewald. Score: 1-0 Flyers after one.
Both team's offense opened up in a wild shoot'em up second stanza. One minute and thirty three seconds into the period sniper Jon Sinclair lit the lamp on a quick wrist shot from in close into the top right hand corner. He was assisted on the play by Phil Jennrich and Matthew Caulfield. In a bid to wrestle back the momentum Flyer's veteran forward Galen Matyjanka stole the puck and hurtled toward the Lakers net but Fort Frances net minder Tyler Ampe was up to the task. The Laker's attack struck again at the 2:44 mark with Tyler Stevenson making a quick deke near the Sioux Lookout crease and putting it past Giguère assisted by Jordan Sinclair and Byron Katapaytuk.
The Flyers mounted a quick counter attack. Pressing for the tying goal with a blast on net was Brad Bienvenu. A rush by the trio of Dwight Lee, Chase Dobranski, and Galen Matyjanka resulted in two quick shots on net. The Lakers took a 3-1 lead on a tip in by Henry Gutierrez assisted by Matthew Caulfield and Zach McCool.
The midway point of the contest saw both squads change goalies. Newcomer Derrick Peitsh came in for the Lakers and recently arrived Albertan Jesse Wilkins for the Flyers. You will read plenty about him soon enough!
Just over halfway into the frame gritty Sioux Lookout blue liner Nick Hinsberg and forward Mike Jourdain dropped the gloves behind the Flyer's cage. Jourdain got the decision landing some shots and tackling Hinsberg to the ice. Play resumed minus the two combatants.
Determined Sioux Lookout forwards Chase Dobranski and Brad Bienvenu took off on a two on one with Bienvenu getting off a shot that had Peitsh looking behind him. At the other end of the ice Flyer's goal tender Jesse Wilkins stood his ground foiling a Lakers attempt to jam the puck home.
The Flyer's counter attack continued. Casey Mertens won the face-off and dished it to Rosiak who passed to Matyjanka, who flipped it to the blue line where Matt Grove blasted it on net. Next Dobranski won the face-off and Ferland gained the zone. Along with Bienvenu and Lee they dive bombed the cage resulting in four shots on net, three from in close and one from the blue line. Peitsh stood tall.
Ryan Tonogai, Sioux Lookout blue liner, continued to impress as he raced back to thwart another Laker's breakaway. Renewing the Flyer's attack, Dwight Lee zeroed in on net hitting iron. Damn it! Score: 3-1 Lakers after two periods. The Flyers had peppered 17 shots on the Lakers net. The fans had witnessed an exciting period of hockey.
The final frame the Fort Frances offense stepped it up a notch but the Flyers had an answer. It was a mind boggling goal tending performance by the big guy Jesse Wilkins. Sioux Lookout forward Brett Ferguson delivered solid play early in the third winning a faceoff and zooming into the offensive zone and firing a high drive on Peitsh. From then on Flyers goal tender Jesse Wilkins stole the show repeatedly shutting down the high flying Fort Frances attack.
The Lakers tried every which way to penetrate the Wilkin's Wall. First he foiled a short-handed point blank Borderland drive. Second he stopped a deke attempt. After another save in close, he squeezed the pads on a Fort five-hole attempt. The Flyers countered. A quick pass from Lee to the left circle found Bienvenu in prime territory. His blast whistled millimetres above the top right corner of the net. Following a penalty to Gutierrez at the 9:37 mark, Wilkins, assisted by Kalan Ewald, foiled another Laker's short- handed scoring chance. In his sixth break away save, Jesse Wilkins stifled Tyler Stevenson: last season's top scorer for the Lakers. Amazing goal tending!
In the final minute of play, Dwight Lee wound up a blast from the top of the right circle. No go!
The final score was 4-1 Lakers on an empty netter from Byron Katapaytuk.

SCORING SUMMARY
Period 1
Sioux Flyers - Casey Mertens (pp) (Galen Matyjanka, Nick Hinsberg) 13:46
Period 2
FF Lakers - Jon Sinclair (Phil Jennrich, Matthew Caulfield) 1:33
FF Lakers - Tyler Stevenson (Jordan Sinclair, Byron Katapaytuk) 2:44
FF Lakers - Henry Gutierrez (Matthew Caulfield, Zach McCool) 8:09
Period 3
FF Lakers - Byron Katapaytuk (EN) (Matthew Caulfield, Morgan McNeill) 19:19

1ST STAR: Stevenson, Tyler (FFL)
2ND STAR: Wilkins, Jesse (SLF)
3RD STAR: Katapaytuk, Byron (FFL)

ICE DOGS-5 FLYERS-4
ROSIAK and FERGUSON shine as Pre Season Tune-up continues.
September 8, 2010, M. & M. Morin, Staff writers

The Dryden Ice Dogs recovered some of last year's passing prowess as they twice battled back from a two goal deficit to earn their first exhibition victory at the Memorial Arena in Sioux Lookout. The forces of momentum are a powerful and sometimes fickle thing as the Flyers found out. As the pre season always is last night's game was a learning experience for both squads. Good individual play was witnessed as players strived to earn the right to wear the colours. Nelson Rosiak and Brett Ferguson emerged as a potent line combination for the Flyers.

It looked like more of the same for the Flyers as Chase Dobranski won the opening faceoff and generated an early scoring chance. Sioux Lookout headed to a power play with Len Pelletier in the sin bin for slashing thirty four seconds in. Despite a speedy rush by Flyer's sniper Dwight Lee, the Ice Dogs penalty killing unit was solid killing off the infraction with repeated icings. Defenseman Darnell Ferland zipped out from behind the Dryden net and tried for the wraparound and Galen Matyjanka turned on the red light on the rebound to give the home team a 1-0 lead at the 6:47 mark of the period.

Driven to prevent a second Sioux Lookout goal Ice Dog's forward Dallas Crum took one for the team blocking a shot. At the 8:07 mark Flyer's forward Devon Detillieux was whistled for tripping giving Dryden a chance to tie the game on the man advantage. However this time it was Sioux Lookout's turn to display good penalty killing with forwards Dwight Lee and Chase Dobranski repelling the Ice Dogs attack. Looking to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead veteran forward Ian Alcock stormed down the ice on a breakaway letting go with a wrist shot. Ice Dogs net minder Christian Mueller was up to the task flashing the leather.

The physical play increased as gritty Sioux Lookout defenseman Nick Hinsberg unleashed a jarring hit in the Flyers zone. This guy is the real deal. After a big save by Jordan Giguère on a high shot Flyer's forward Nelson Rosiak zoomed into the Dryden zone fired a shot on net, and then lit the lamp on a wraparound to pace Sioux Lookout to a 2-0 lead. He was assisted on the play by hard working Brett Ferguson. We would hear again from this emerging offensive combo. With less than two minutes remaining in the period a big scrum broke out near the Dryden net which saw two players from each side go to the sin bin. In the dying seconds of the first stanza Brad Bienvenu was robbed by Christian Mueller with a pad save. Score: 2-0 Flyers after one.
Picking up where he left off Brad Bienvenu was off to quick start in the second stanza with a good rush and a hit. The Flyers were soon on the penalty kill however with Nick Hinsberg in the box for roughing. After a clear by Galen Matyjanka, Sioux Lookout forward Casey Mertens stepped up with some good work on the PK getting the puck out of the Flyers zone and sticking to his man. Undaunted Dryden narrowed the Flyers lead to 2-1 on a wrap around tally by Jacob Ransom assisted by Bryce Maggrah on the power play. Answering back in a flash, Sioux Lookout restored their two goal lead with the Rosiak/Ferguson combination clicking again. Ian Alcock also assisted on the play.

Finding their fast skating form of yester year, the resilient Ice Dogs skated around the defence to move within one goal again at the 8:57 mark. Flyer's net minder Jordan Giguère made the first stop and Dallas Crum put in the rebound assisted by Bryce Maggrah and Len Pelletier.

The tempo increased at the midway point of the contest as both teams changed goal tenders. Zach Lake was now between the pipes for the Flyers and Curtis Barker for the Ice Dogs. Miles Beason won the face-off, dished it to Hutchison who passed to Ewald, who returned it to Hutchison for a sound slap shot on net. Save Barker. Next Zach Lake foiled a wrap around attempt by Dryden's Alex Galbraith. Hinsberg won a fight for the puck along the boards. The Dogs countered with a good rush by Allaire, Ransom and Crum. Ferland spun and fired from in close. Save Barker. Sensing the turning point of the game was near Dryden countered with two rapid attacks on net. Pad saves by Lake. Ben McClellan knotted the game at three late in the frame courtesy of a shot lobed in from the blue line that slipped through. Connor Foster got the assist. Dryden had peppered 20 shots on the net in the second.

Quickly the Ice Dogs started the third period. Galen Matyjanka was in the sin bin for hooking, 1:50 into the period. Picking up a puck that bounced off a skate, Dryden defenseman Jon Mitchell went top shelf with a blast from the high slot to give the Ice Dogs a 4-3 lead. He was assisted by Alex Galbraith and Ben McClellan. Barely a minute and a half later on a similar shot Thomas Green and Len Pelletier combined to sink Dryden's fifth tally. Giguère resumed duties in the Flyer's cage.

The Flyers came to life. After a passing flurry in Dryden's zone, Dwight Lee found the mark assisted by Hinsberg and Dobranski. Score now: 5-4 Dryden. Again the Rosiak/ Ferguson combo streaked in assisted by Kalan Ewald for a dangerous shot on net which ran bounced off Barker's mask. The next line change saw the Dobranski/Lee/Bienvenu combo rush up the ice. With roughly eight minutes remaining it seemed the Flyers would tally the equalizer.

Special Teams got the opportunity to shine late in the third as the Flyers encountered penalty problems. Ryan Presthus and Kalan Ewald cleared the zone effectively. In a possible sneak preview of things to come on the PK, Galen Matyjanka showed great speed and two- way checking, and Casey Mertens stole the puck to counter attack. He would also contribute to the Flyer's power play: winning a face off and driving hard to the net. Wisely The Ice Dogs did a good job lagging the puck to kill off time in the last minute of play. Final score Dryden-5 Sioux Lookout-4.

Thus far the pre season has been a learning experience for the Flyers. The hometown team is making strides on the offense. They are closer to finding that chemistry of line combinations that will lead to success. Sioux Lookout's next action will be on Friday the 10th when the Fort Frances Lakers come to town. There they will take their game up another notch.

FLYERS-3 ICE DOGS-2
DOBRANSKI'S DETERMINATION
September 4, 2010, M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers

Chase Dobranski, veteran sniper for the Flyers, fired in an impressive three goals at the Dryden Memorial Arena last night to lead his team to victory in their second pre-season tune-up game. Line mate Dwight Lee also played a big role earning two assists. Sioux Lookout net minder Andrew Baun made a pitch for a permanent spot on the team making several saves of the highlight reel variety entering the game at the midway point of a close contest.
The opening frame began with Flyers goaltender Jordan Giguère making some solid stops, a big hit by Brett Ferguson, and stand up defense by Ryan Tonogai. The Ice Dogs attack soon made their presence felt however as J.J. Ziegler finished off a skilful tic, tac, toe passing play putting Dryden ahead 1-0. Ben McClellan and Alex Galbraith assisted on the play. Sioux Lookout responded with a save by Giguère on Dryden blue liner Conner Foster and a speedy rush by Dwight Lee. The physical play picked up as Cameron Gross dished out a hit on Mychal James. Flyer's defenseman Ryan Presthus got one back for the orange and black winning a race and taking out a Dryden attacker along the boards. Sioux Lookout centre Casey Mertens battled hard for procession of the puck behind the net. At the 12:04 mark of the period Ice Dog's forward Dallas Crum headed to the sin bin for interference giving Sioux Lookout a chance to tie the contest. The Dryden penalty killing unit was up to the task killing off the infraction.
The Sioux Lookout offense had an answer to the first goal of the game with a highlight reel passing play of their own. Blue liner Mychal James slipped the puck to Dwight Lee who swiftly dished it to Chase Dobranski who made no mistake. Both net minders were up to the task as Giguère made seven saves on eight shots and Dryden's Grant Friesen stopped five of six. Score 1-1 after one.
The Ice Dogs stepped up their pace controlling the play for the first six minutes of the second stanza. Jordan Giguère was ready making big saves in the Flyers crease to keep the game tied at one. The Flyers power play shooters went to work as Dryden's Ian Schachte headed to the box for hooking at 8:25. The Sioux Lookout man advantage was snuffed out by a solid Ice Dogs penalty killing unit who iced the puck repeatedly. At the midway point of the match both squads changed net minders as Andrew Baun came in for the Flyers and Brett Timmerman came in for the Ice Dogs.
Sioux Lookout took the lead on another pretty passing play as Lee provided the assist and Dobranski closed the deal. First year Flyers forward Miles Beason stepped forward with a good shift winning a battle for the puck. With Sioux Lookout on the power play, Dryden backstop Timmerman held the fort making some tough stops including a nice looking pad save to kill off the penalty. The penalty kill gave the Ice Dogs a spark as dangerous sniper Ben McClellan turned on the red light assisted by Jon Mitchell and Jacob Ransom. Like a willow among the jack pines, Miles Beason flexed and fought for the puck giving the two Dryden defenders all they could handle. Score 2-2 after two.
Andrew Baun, Flyer's hopeful, stepped in to the spotlight with a clutch performance in a pressure cooker in the third stanza. The big, agile tender excelled in the Flyer's cage. Stiffling the Ice Dogs repeated attacks, he stopped the puck in many different ways: darting out the pad, flashing the leather, and standing his ground when Dryden jammed the net. Baun's best save of the game came late in the third as he acrobatically spun around in his crease to stop a double bouncer.
Overtime saw both goal tenders shut down breakaways to keep their teams alive. As he had been the whole game, Flyers sharp shooter Chase Dobranski was the biggest offensive threat lighting the lamp in OT assisted by hard working Nelson Rosiak who has had a solid pre season thus far.
It was an exciting end to an entertaining game for the Flyers who have now evened their pre season record to one win and one loss. Sioux Lookout will now prepare for a rematch with the Ice Dogs in Sioux Lookout on Tuesday September 7th at 7:30 P.M. It has the makings of another classic showdown between these northern rivals.

First Star: Chase Dobranski
2nd Star: Ben McClellan
3rd Star: Andrew Baun

Dobranski leads Flyers to overtime win in Dryden
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010,  SIJHL

DRYDEN, Ont. –Chase Dobranski’s third goal of game at 3:50 of overtime propelled the visiting Sioux Lookout Flyers past the Dryden Ice Dogs 3-2 Saturday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League preseason play at Dryden Memorial Arena.

The Ice Dogs would open the scoring on a delayed penalty call four minutes into the contest as J.J. Ziegler slipped one past Flyers starter Jordan Giguere.

Dobranski’s first at 15:45 of the opening frame would however knot the score before the period was out.

The Sioux Lookout forward would then give his squad their first lead of the night midway through the game only to see Ben McClellan notch the equalizer with three minutes to go in the middle stanza.

Neither side could find the back of the net in the third period setting the stage for overtime.

Both clubs traded chances in the extra session registering four shots apiece with Dobranski completing his hat-trick with his game-winner.

Nelson Rosiak had a pair of assists for the victorious Flyers including drawing the lone helper on the deciding goal.

Rookie netminder Andrew Baun turned aside 19 of 20 shots he faced to pick up the win in his debut for the Flyers after coming in for Giguere midway through the contest.

Newcomer Grant Friesen started for the Ice Dogs stopping eight of nine pucks fired his way in just over 30 minutes of action while Brett Timmerman was saddled with the loss. He had 12 saves in 14 chances.

With the victory Sioux Lookout improved to 1-1 in exhibition action while Dryden dipped to 0-0-2 after dropping their second straight OT contest.

The same two sides will return to the ice Tuesday as they complete their preseason home-and-home series at Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

FORT FRANCES, Ont. –The Fort Frances Lakers won their second preseason game in as many starts past the visiting Sioux Lookout Flyers 5-2 Friday evening in Superior International Junior Hockey League exhibition action at Ice for Kids Arena.

Cody Hasbargen was the set-up man for Fort Frances on this night assisting on three power play goals for the Lakers.

His first point came with 8:52 remaining in the opening frame as he fed Jon Sinclair for the game’s opening tally.

Galen Matyjanka would knot the score two minutes later to send the two sides to the dressing room tied at 1-1 after one period of play.

The Lakers potted the only two goals of the middle stanza as Tyler Stevenson buried his first of the preseason at 12:07 and then drew an assist on Jace Baldwin’s effort five minutes later.

Nick Hinsberg would pull Sioux Lookout to within one early in the third period only to see Henry Gutierrez restore the Fort’s two-goal cushion with 14 minutes remaining.

Sinclair then added some insurance late notching his second man advantage marker of the night with a minute to go to conclude the scoring.

Last season’s SIJHL rookie-of-the-year recipient Jameson Shortreed picked up the win for the Lakers making 21 stops. Jordan Giguere started for the Flyers in their first on-ice action of the year facing 36 shots overall.

SIJHL preseason action continues Saturday when Sioux Lookout travels to Dryden to take on the home town Ice Dogs at Memorial Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

Sponsor UP-DATE
The Sioux Lookout Flyers would like to announce a new 
Platinum/ Sponsor for the 2010/11 season 
The Forest Inn is a first-time sponsor, but has supported the team in the previous years and has now 
committed to the team for the upcoming season and is a Platinum  for the 2010/11 season 

SIOUX LOOKOUT FLYERS SEASON PREVIEW 2010-2011 EDITION
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

September 1, 2010: M. Morin, Staff Writer

When the Sioux Lookout Flyers step on the ice to begin their third season in the SIJHL, they will do so with a fierce determination to take their game to the next level and move up one position in the league standings. Commenting on his expectations for the team Head Coach/GM Randy Lulashnyk stated, "I expect the veteran players to contribute offensively, lead, and set the bar high." He also added that he is happy with everyone's physical shape and the way they responded in training camp.
In goal returning for another season with the Orange and Black is net minder Jordan Giguère who dazzled the home town crowd with his lightening quick glove saves. Out of their twenty victories last season, Giguère backstopped the Flyers to three of their four biggest wins earning two victories over the run and gun Dryden Ice Dogs and one versus the first place Fort William North Stars. The Flyers recognized Jordan for his work in the Sioux Lookout crease naming him Flyer's rookie of the year. Also on the exhibition roster are Dryden Eagle's number one goalie Zach Lake and Pickering, Ontario's Andrew Baun. Lake earned a reputation as a big game goal tender in both tournament and Norwossa "AA" play and was the only goal tender to notch wins against the powerhouse Fort Frances Muskies during regular season play. Baun was a member of the Cougar Cup Champion Little Britain Merchants Junior"C" hockey team with the Central Ontario Junior Hockey League. Andrew will add size and hard work to the Flyer's crease.
On defense the Flyers feature impressive returnees as well as some skilled newcomers. Darnell Ferland promises to be an offensive threat from the backline with his booming shot. Ryan Presthus who was tied for the lead in regular season points by a Fort Frances Lakers blue liner will be a player to watch. Back from a tryout with the Medicine Hat Tigers Troy Dumais is a potent mix of size, skill, and physical play. Off season acquisition Nick Hinsberg is coming off an excellent season with the Yellowstone Quake an American tier three Junior "A" team in the NORPAC league. He was tied for third in scoring by a defenseman during the NORPAC playoffs and played on the leagues all star team. Also from NORPAC is blue liner Mychal James who skated with the Tri City Titans last season. Mychal will add size and strength to a big Flyers defense corps. Putting on the Orange and Black jersey for a third season is steady Kalan Ewald who adds veteran experience and rock solid play in the defensive zone. Rounding out the blue line is Ryan Tonogai who showed great puck control in the inter squad game.
On offense the Flyers attack will boast a powerful mix of veteran snipers and exciting young forwards ready to make some noise. Returning will be skilled forwards Dwight Lee, Colten Brulé, and Galen Matyjanka who have excelled at camp and will be striving to be key cogs in the Flyers offense. Chase Dobranski will be a consistent threat in the offensive zone and faceoff circle. Fellow forward Brad Bienvenu will add offence, solid penalty killing, and a drive to win. Sioux Lookout fans can look forward to a dynamic duo of gifted snipers in Casey Mertens and Devon Detillieux. Mertens finished third in scoring on the Tri City Titans and second in powerplay goals on the club. Casey has speed, skill and size as well as a high compete level. Detillieux is coming off an amazing season with the Spruce Grove Saints midget AA team exploding for eighty three points in just forty seven games. Back and ready to take their game up a notch are two local forwards Nelson Rosiak and Ian Alcock. Rosiak was a tornado in training camp scoring goals, dishing out hits, and dropping the gloves. Alcock had the nicest looking goal of the inter squad game going coast to coast. New to the Flyers are Konrad Bablitz and Miles Beason who both played for teams in the South Side Athletic Club Organization in Edmonton. Konrad played for their Midget AAA club while Miles played for the Midget AA squad. Adding size and strength to the forward lines will be Sandy Lake's Osborne Kakepetum and former Q.E.D.H.S. Warrior Blake Moore. Also on board is Gaetano Moirano, who was a physical presence for the Arizona Red Hawks of the Western States Hockey League last season. Brett Ferguson skated last season for the Norman North Stars Midget AAA hockey team. Brett was third in playoff goals on the North Stars and performed well in training camp displaying a knack for winning face-offs.
In total the Flyers have a good mix of local, returning players, and new acquisitions. Sporting size and strength; speed and agility this Flyers team is ready to battle every night and win games. They are in top physical shape and aim to give the home town fans something to cheer about.

Hey, Kids! 
Want to skate the Flyer and SIJHL Anniversary Flag Hockey flag out to center ice before a Flyer home game? 
Check out the info below and ask your parents if you can sign up today*.

Flagbearer Policy
Application form to be filled out online between August 31 and September 31, 2010
After September 15 winners will begin to be chosen at random to participate in Flyer home games for upcoming season
Kids can reapply for every season for which they are eligible
All winners will be randomly selected by September 31 and placed for the pre
and regular season home games immediately
If child is not able to participate on date appointed, they forfeit opportunity and
may reapply for next season if still eligible

Flagbearer Eligibility
Must be between ages 8-12 for the entire Flyer season (must be 8 years of age by Sept. 1 / must be under 13 years of age until April 30)
Must be experienced skater
This is a one-time opportunity. Once a child has had the chance to be a flag bearer he/she is not eligible to apply again unless we have less than 27 skaters.

We will need 27 skaters to skate twice at two different home games (or more depending on amount of skaters) with two carring these two flags from Flyers Lounge to center ice during the playing of Athems.

Submit names to Les Wills- 

Thanks!

See You At The Game!

Les

COMPETITION IS ALIVE AND WELL
FLYER'S TEAM WHITE VS. TEAM BLACK
August 30, 2010, M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers.

What started out as a ho-hum inter-squad game at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena last evening developed into a feisty affair complete with fisticuffs, dogged duels along the boards and displays of good goal tending and shooting skills. This is not surprising as Flyers were fighting for their jobs, but what was surprising given the score, were the shots on net... 39-37 in favour of Team White.

Early in the first stanza, Darren Chavez passed to Casey Mertens, who relayed it to Colten Brulé. A quick deke by Colten and the puck was in the net for Team Black's first goal. Not long after, a turnover in the neutral zone was leapt upon by Nelson Rosiak who sped in and put a high shot past the goal tender to make it 2-0 Team Black. This did not sit well with Team White. Pressing the counter attack, Dwight Lee shot on net. Save by Jordan Giguère. Brad Bienvenu's sizzling shot did not get through. Next Chase Dobranski tried his luck. No go. Brett Ferguson's drop pass right in front resulted in a shot on net. Dwight Lee deked the "D" and passed. Shot on net. Stopped by Giguère. Lance Moskataywenene cleared the zone. Period One ended Team Black 2, Team White 0.

Can Team White make a comeback in the second period? Strangely the pace was slow at first. Then two defensemen squared off in the battle of the big boys. Mychal James and Lance Moskataywenene circled warily. The haymakers flew as they locked on target. In the end James pulled the sweater over on his opponent and wrestled him down. Chalk one up for Team White. Energized they pressed the attack. Brett Ferguson and Miles Beason were winning face offs left and right for them. Ryan Presthus made a good rush, stick handling by two defenders. Chase Dobranski worked hard zeroing in unleashing a screen shot past a defender's pad. All this hard work finally paid off as Brad Bienvenu deflected a Dobranski pass into the net. Team White was on the board!

Cheers were short lived however as Team Black's Konrad Bablitz won a race for an Ian Alcock clearing shot from Whitney Van Horne and eased the puck past Zach Lake in the far right corner. The score was now 3 to 1 Team Black. Darren Chavez and Gaetano Moirano got set for the second bout of the game. While the fight was even, the wiry Moirano succeeded in getting his opponent to the ice. Team White renewed the attack.

Dwight Lee motored coast to coast. Shot on net. Save Giguère. Chase Dobranski wired a wrister point blank on net. Gigi's glove darted out to make the save. Another save was made by Giguère as he stopped a black attack spinerama and back hand shot. Harrison Hoey narrowed the gap for Team White when he scored with a lightning wrister from the bottom of the left circle. He was assisted by Brett Ferguson.

Then the tables turned again as Team Black's Casey Mertens took a pass from Galen Matyjanka, and picked the top left corner of Andrew Baun's net on a wrister from the near slot. Fight number three ensued as two members of last year's Gold medal winning Sioux Lookout Warriors Hockey team squared off. Blake Moore and Dylan Bowen stood face to face exchanging rapid punches. Dylan Bowen changed tactics. His two or three uppercuts had the desired effect. Chalk up another one for Team White.

Now this was serious business. Gigi stifled two slap shots in a row. Casey Mertens battled two opponents in the corner and emerged with the puck. Colten Brulé snapped it into the top left corner on Baun assisted by Galen Matyjanka. In the last seconds of period two, there was a furious scramble along the boards in Team Black's zone as Hoey, Ferguson and Ferland were fighting for the puck. Darnell Ferland went flying. The buzzer sounded. He was not amused. Score 5-2 in favour of Team Black.

Dryden Eagles net minder Kim Wildhaber took up his position between the pipes for Team Black. Team White net minder Andrew Baun got off to a good start in the final frame making 2 stops on the dangerous Casey Mertens to keep the score at 5-2. But then Darnell Ferland would have his revenge unleashing a canon that slammed into the back of the net. The Ferland goal shifted Team Black into top gear as the deadly combination of Galen Matyjanka and Colten Brulé struck again. Accepting the pass from Brulé, Matyjanka blasted the puck top shelf to give their team a 7-2 advantage. The intensity picked up with hits by Ferland, Moskotaywenene, and Rosiak. The Black attack turned on the red light again. Darren Chavez calmly threaded a pass to the breaking offense. Matyjanka passed to Colten Brulé who placed it top shelf right corner.

Team White would get one back with hard working Brett Ferguson scoring on a wraparound assisted by Devon Dettillieux and Harrison Hoey. Once again Team Black had an answer with Ian Alcock going coast to coast and sliding it in for the last goal of the game. Final score: Team Black-9 Team White-3.

In the end, judging by the smiles and good natured ribbing a good time was had by all. Flyer's and SIJHL fans are in for some great exciting games if this one is any indication.

POST SCRIPT: It would be great if all these players could make the team. We would be proud to see them wear the Orange and Black. It takes a lot of guts to travel in many cases thousands of kilometres from your home arena to do hockey battle . Competition is alive and well. Score one for the young generation.

FLYER'S MAIN CAMP  - Day one to three:
SKATING, PASSING AND PLAYMAKING
August 28, 2010  - M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers, 

Fast skating, great passing, and determined playmaking were the key words to describe the Flyers Main Camp held at the renovated Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena August 26th , 27th , and 28th. Participants benefitted from the presence of hockey professionals Mat Miller and Ryan Parent as well as graduates Logan McDonnell and Nathan Brown. Mitch Wills, President of the Booster Club, donned the skates to help out as well.

The Flyers welcomed eleven returning hockey players and twenty-four new prospects for a total of thirty-five. Among them were 12 twenty year olds, four goal tenders and ten defensemen to vie for spots on the team. Emphasizing team play, the contenders were put through their paces in eight one hour long game sessions between Team White and Team Black. It was evident that they had been working very hard to get ready for this event and as the Camp progressed, the energy level intensified. Near the end of Camp, Coach Randy Lulashnynk, voiced positive comments about many of the participants. (see below)

Local player participation was significant. In individual play, Nelson Rosiak put in a good day's work in Friday's sessions scoring two goals, one a pretty corner pick, and engaging in one spirited bout. Many good hits were delivered by Nelson who was all over the ice. Several other local hopefuls were there. Lance Moskotaywenene was a thorn in the attacker's side on defense. The Bowen brothers Dylan and Landon both competed for a place on the team. Whitney Van Horne showed a lot of promise as a fifteen year old on defense. Blake Moore worked hard to make the team being the other party in the Rosiak bout. Osborne Kakepetum showed his stuff by scoring a goal. Harrison Hoey, who played Midget AA for the Notre Dame Hounds last year, demonstrated good skating speed and puck control in the corners. Veteran Ian Alcock showed commitment to the team with two consecutive blocked shots. One was on a Darnell Ferland drive. Ouch that must hurt!

Players bumped it up a notch in Friday's scrimmage. Driving hard to the net were returnees Dwight Lee, Chase Dobranski, and Colten Brulé who each scored to lead Team White to a 4-0 victory. These three have been very busy this summer getting in top shape and they could very well figure amongst the Flyer's top scorers for the 2010/11 campaign. The shutout was earned by the focused play of Andrew Baun and Dryden's (now ours) Zach Lake between the pipes. Zach poke check and stick saves furthered his reputation as a hard working versatile goalie. Typically, his quick glove robbed an attacker point blank in the final minutes of play.

Important contributions are expected from the talented imports this year and they did not disappoint in camp. Centre man Casey Mertens, who hails from Spokane Washington and skated for the Tri City Titans last year, is a fast fluid play maker-not afraid of the physical style of play. Spruce Grove, Alberta's Devon Dettillieux, who played Midget AA, digs deep, passes well and drives hard to the net. From the Chicago area, Guytano Moirano is in the mix with a good pass, great speed and a good shot. Very motivated is Joey Verrino from Hornepayne , Ontario. A late arrival, a lad named Beusen is an extremely mobile and manoeuvrable skater. This guy has wheels.

Brett Ferguson from Flin Flon, is one player making an all around supreme effort in camp. Good on the face-off and a fast skater, he often figures in the play: passing, attacking along the boards and buzzing around the net. He was right back out there, after being hit hard by the puck.

Missing A.J. Wensley's slap shot? Look no further than to returnee Darnell Ferland, who unleashed several devastating shots from the blue line. Tough decisions will have to be made when it comes to defense with ten great candidates competing for six or seven openings. Acquisitions from the NORPAC League,Nick Hinsberg and Mychal James are no nonsense quarter backs of the defensive zone, calmly redirecting the offense with laser passes and/or speedy rushes. They will no doubt contribute greatly to the Flyer's transition game.

An intriguing prospect on defense is Darren Chaves from Ontario...yes Ontario, California. He reads the play well, frequently being in the best position to intercept and redirect the attack. He completed a great long pass to Dwight Lee leading to a scoring opportunity, and loves to make hits along the boards. Late breaking news: Defenseman Troy Dumais will be rejoining the Flyers after a tryout with the Medicine Hat Tigers.

The four goal tenders competing for two spots on the Flyer's roster are: returnee Jordan Giguère, who backstopped the Flyers to twelve wins including three memorable ones against the top two teams last year. We know what he can do. Goalie Andrew Baun from Pickering,Ontario, sporting size and agility has performed well in camp. Tyler Bolen has been good in close. As mentioned above Zach Lake put on a good display of goal tending in Friday's Team White shut out win. Another complex decision required.

Changes in line combinations were the order of the day in camp as the search was on for the winning formula. Who will form the top two lines? Who will join the special teams? Smooth skating two way threat Brad Bienvenu could be a candidate for the PK team as he was last year. Casey Mertens, Ryan Tonogai and Landon Bowen showed great puck control. Lee, Dobranski, and Brulé are candidates for one of the Flyer's top blitzkrieg lines. Bienvenu, Ferguson and Matyjanka showed a lot of jam especially when combined with Kalan Ewald, who moves the puck well.

Among the newcomers, one forward line to watch will be that of Konrad Bablitz from the South Side Midget AAA of Edmonton, who plays alongside Casey Mertens, and Devon Dettilieux. In the Saturday morning scrimmages, Devon pulled out all the stops, scoring two goals. These guys could very well figure in the Flyer's one two punch.

Who will make the Team? What line(s) will outperform? What changes will be made? Who will be the hero(s) in the final minutes? Questions -questions.

For answers to these and other intriguing questions, come out to the inter squad game of the Flyer's Team Black versus Team White and see for yourself at the Arena on Sunday, August 29th. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.- Warm-up at 7:00pm  - Free Admission

COACH'S COMMENTS:
Brett Ferguson: "Drives the net hard. Is a player you don't want to play against."
Whitney Van Horne and Landon Bowen: "Young but playing with edge against eighteen and twenty year olds. These two players have a great future in hockey."
Harrison Hoey: "He has all the attributes to play Junior A hockey."
Dwight Lee: "He is impressive and is in great shape."
Nelson Rosiak: "Nelson is in great shape and has been a physical presence."
Casey Mertens: "He has been doing what you want a player to do. Compete. "
Devon Dettillieux: "He has good hands and he knows where to go."

COACH'S FINAL COMMENT: THERE WILL BE TOUGH DECISIONS ON WHO TO KEEP.

Sioux Lookout Flyer Jr. A Training Camp 

Day 2 is in the books - it does look good
Sunday 7:30pm Inter squad game  -  free admission

The Sioux Lookout Flyers would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Town of Sioux Lookout, Contractors, Engineers and Arena Staff for the excellent work in a timely fashion to accommodate the Flyer Main Camp on August 26. The arena upgrades certainly make our arena a better place to have fun and to enjoy the entertainment.

The Flyers would like to thank the many sponsors for their support of both the Flyers and the Sioux Lookout Arena for the In-Ice advertisement, which brightens up the Arena.

We would like to invite the entire Town of Sioux Lookout residents and fans to come out and see the inside of the arena during the first two exhibition games September 7 and 10 at 7:30 PM against Dryden Ice Dogs and Fort Frances Lakers.

Special~ Tickets are 2 for 1 at the gate.

Thank-you once again!
Flyer Management and Staff