Andrew Lackner #42 Player Profile

Position: D (Shoots Left)

Birthdate: May 16, 1983 (30 years old)

Birthplace: Elmira, Ontario

Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 lbs

Jersey Number: #42

2001/2002 – Elmira Sugar Kings

Lackner got his hockey playing career started off in 2001 when he played for his hometown Elmira Sugar Kings in Junior B hockey in the MWHL. Statistics for this season were unavailable. His play during this season allowed him to attend Niagara University to play for the Purple Eagles.

2002/2003-2005/2006 – Niagara University Purple Eagles

Lackner began his first of four seasons with Niagara University in 2002, where he scored 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 37 games as a freshman.

The following season in 2003/2004, Lackner who improve on his rookie campaign, scoring 2 goals again and adding 13 assists for 15 points in 38 games, where he proved to be an effective defensively minded defenseman.

In this third season with Niagara he was named an Assistant captain of the team, a post he would hold for his final two seasons with the team. He once again scored 2 goals and added 10 assists for 12 points in 34 games.

In 2005/2006, Lackner would close out the University hockey portion of his career as he suited up for the Purple Eagles for one last campaign. He went goalless and added 7 assists for 7 points in 36 games.

Lackner finished his University hockey career with 40 points (6 goals, 34 assists) in 145 games, adding 87 PIM, before making the jump to minor professional hockey.

2006/2007 – United Hockey League (UHL)

 

Lackner,right, while with the Bloomington PrairieThunder of the UHL

Following a 4 year University hockey career Lackner was ready to make the jump to professional hockey, playing in the now defunct United Hockey League (UHL) with the Indiana based Bloomington PrairieThunder. The UHL was absorbed mostly by the CHL late on in 2010, and was previously known as the Colonial Hockey League where the Brantford Smoke used to play.

Lackner scored 3 goals and added 5 assists for 8 points in 26 games before getting traded for the first time to the Chicago Hounds.

He would go on to play 13 games with the Hounds, collecting 9 assists, before getting traded for the third time, this time winding up with the Fort Wayne Komets.

He played 17 regular season games with the Komets, scoring 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points in 17 games. He added one assist in 9 playoff games. This season combined between three different UHL teams, Lackner had a career best 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 70 games played.

2007/2008- Tulsa Oilers

Following his rookie season in professional hockey, Lackner switched leagues to play in the Central Hockey League (CHL). He played the 2007/2008 season with the Tulsa Oilers, playing in 64 games collecting 3 goals and 10 assists for 13 points. The team failed to make the playoffs with a 25-35-4 record on the season.

2008/2009-2010/2011 – Mississippi RiverKings

 

Lackner gets into a fight with the RiverKings against Brad Straub

Following his time with the Oilers, Lackner decided to play for the Mississippi RiverKings, also in the Central Hockey League. He played three seasons with the team from 2008-2011 before the team left the CHL to join the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL)

His first season in 2008, he scored a career best 7 goals and added 15 assists for 22 points in 57 games, proving he could be a solid two-way defender in the CHL. The team came first in their division with a 44-17-3 record earning a first round bye. They would eventually be eliminated in the Conference Finals to the Colorado Eagles. Lackner had a tremendous spring outing this year, scoring 4 goals and 5 assists in 12 playoff games.

He continued to be a consistent two-way force on the backend in the 2009/2010 season, as he once again finished with 22 points (3 goals, 19 assists) in 55 games, adding 55 PIM.

The next season in 2010/2011, would be Lackner’s third and final year with the RiverKings organization. He scored 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 59 games that season. He also added a career high 76 PIM.  He left with a desire to stay in the CHL, as opposed to joining the RiverKings in their transition to the SPHL the following year.

2011/2012 – Texas Brahmas

 

Lackner with the Brahmas in the 2011/2012 season

This season would prove to be Lackner’s final year in the CHL and in professional hockey as he played for the now defunct Texas Brahmas. He scored 5 goals and 15 assists f or 20 points in the regular season, adding 6 points in 12 playoff games that spring.

Lackner finished his CHL career with 97 points (24 goals, 73 assists) in 301 games, adding 279 PIM. He retired following the 2011/2012 season and moved back home to Ontario.

2013/2014

After having one season away from hockey back in Ontario, Lackner received a call from Blast owner Peter Ham to come and play for the Blast for the 2013/2014 ACH season. He accepted and his been a tremendous addition to the team due to his smart defensive play and ability to chip in on offensive from time to time. So far into his Blast playing career the 30 year old has 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 16 games, adding 16 PIM. He’s most recently coming off his second goal of his ACH career against Dundas last Friday night. 

Blast Host Norwood Vipers for Ted Beare Sports Fund Night

Preview

Tonight’s game will feature the Blast (12-4-0-1) against the Norwood Vipers (2-13-0-1) in the third matchup between these two teams. The Blast lead the season series with a record of 2-0, winning 7-5 and 6-4 over the Vipers. The game will be played at the Civic Centre with doors opening at 6:30 and puck drop at 7:30 PM. The Frisbee Toss will be extra special as the winner will walk away with the cash, as well as a custom Blast jersey. The game is a must win with the Blast two points behind first place Dundas, and Whitby (one point behind) and Stoney Creek (five points behind) trailing ever so closely.

Theme

The game theme for tonight’s game is Ted Beare Sports Fund Night as mentioned above. Ted was a long time Brantford Expositor Sports editor and a Fund was created in his name that helps children less fortunate in Brantford and surrounding areas attend professional sporting events. The Beare family and friends execute the Blast Frisbee Toss with proceeds going to Ted’s fund.

Recent Games  

The Blast are fresh off a 3-2 loss to the hands of the Dundas Real McCoy’s last Friday night in Dundas. Norwood is coming off the biggest loss so far in the ACH this season, losing 14-0 to Dundas this past Sunday.

The Blast draw in at 2-3 in their last five games played and 5-4-0-1 in their last 10, while Norwood has a record of 0-4-0-1  in their last five games played and 0-9-0-1 in their last 10 games.

Players to Watch

Players to look out for on Norwood are leading scorer #14 Darren Doherty who has 20  points (6 goals, 14 assists) in only 10 games so far this season, including 6 points in his last 5 games played. #10 Murray Free is second in team scoring with 14 points in 9 games off of 6 goals and 8 assists.

Players on the Blast who are riding their own hot streaks include Joel Prpic who has 25 points in 14 games this year, however he just had his ACH season high point streak snapped at 13 games vs Dundas. Prpic has 9 points in his last 5 games played. Chris Leveille had his goal streak snapped at 4 games but his point streak continues to 5 games as he picked up an assist last night against Dundas – he has 5 points in his last 5 games.  

Players Leading the Way in the Season Series

Blast players currently leading the way in the season series against Norwood  include Chad Spurr, Mike Ruberto, Cam Sault and Jamie Williams  who all have 4 points in 2 games against the Whalers. Joel Prpic and Chris Leveille both have 3 points in two games against the Vipers, followed by 6 other Blast players who have a point a game average against Norwood with 2 points.

The Vipers are lead in the season series against the Blast by Darren Doherty with 3 goals and 3 assists in 2 games, Mike Madgett with 1 goal and 5 assists in 2 games and Chris Johnston with 1 goal and 3 assists in two  games. Four Vipers’ players have a point-per-game with 2 points. 

Kyle Spurr #6 Player Profile

Position: D/RW (Shoots Right)

Birthdate: August 10, 1984 (29 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario

Height: 6’0” Weight: 200 lbs

Jersey Number: #6

 

2001/2002

Kyle Spurr got his hockey career started in 2001 as a winger when he played for the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors of the Ontario Hockey League. He would split this season between the Majors and the St. Michael’s Buzzers – the Junior A OPJHL affiliate of the Majors. On the Majors he was teammates with future NHLers Tim Brent, Darryl Boyce, Kevin Klein and Peter Budaj. He played in 58 games with the Majors, scoring 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points, adding 89 PIM, as well as getting into 11 OHL fights. He also played in 8 games with the Buzzers and scored 3 goals and 1 assist in 8 games. On the Buzzers he was teammates with future first round pick in the NHL, Wojtek Wolski.

2002/2003

The following season Spurr would continue to split the season between the OHL and the OPJHL, playing for the Majors and the Vaughan Vipers. This season he continued to play on the same team as Brent, Boyce and Klein but also was teammates with current Blast forward Chris Rebernik and current Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Justin Peters. He played in 43 games with the team, collecting 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, including 113 PIM and 15 OHL fights. He also added 3 points in 9 games with the Vipers.

2003/2004

 

Kyle Spurr hockey card with the Storm in 2003/2004

This season Spurr would begin with the Majors playing in two games, but would be traded along with Klein to the Guelph Storm. It was with the Storm that Spurr was able to show his offense and toughness more playing on a very talent rich team including future NHLers Martin St. Pierre, Daniel Paille, Ryan Callahan, Daniel Girardi, and Kevin Klein.  

The 19 year old Spurr, finished with 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) in 63 games with the Storm, adding 172 PIM and a career high 24 fighting majors. He would fight current Blast teammate Bryan Hamm who played for Erie as well as other notable current NHLers Cam Janssen, Mike Richards of the LA Kings, and Dennis Wideman of the Calgary Flames who played for London at the time.

The Storm would go on to finish the regular season with a 49-14-5 record and eventually win the J.Ross Robertson Cup OHL Championship after sweeping the Mississauga IceDogs 4-0 in the final. They would go on to lose all 3 round robin games in the Memorial Cup where current NHL star Shea Weber’s Kelowna Rockets won the Memorial Cup. Spurr would also win the Jason Peaire Leadership Award for “Outstanding commitment to his team and teammates”.

2004/2005

This season would be Spurr’s final year in the OHL, again with the Storm. This team was rich in current ACH talent, featuring current Blast teammate Chris Leveille, as well as Dundas forward Darryl Smith and Stoney Creek defenceman Tony Iaquinto. Spurr was named one of the Assistant Captains of the team for this season. He finished out his OHL career with a career high 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 66 games, adding 101 PIM (12 OHL fights). Spurr would conclude his OHL career with 57 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in 232 games, adding 477 PIM and finishing with 66 career OHL fights.

2005-2011

Following his OHL days, Spurr attended the University of Prince Edward Island, playing with the UPEI Panthers in CIS hockey, following in his brother Chad’s footsteps who had attended the University for one season back in 2000/2001. He played in 84 games from 2005-2008  throughout the next three years while attending the school, collecting 10 goals and 27 assists for 37 points, adding 110 PIM.

 

Kyle Spurr with the Deer Lake Red Wings of the West Coast Senior Hockey League

After choosing not to go back to school the following season Spurr was approached by the Deer Lake Red Wings of the West Coast Senior Hockey League to come play for the Red Wings. It was during this time he made the transition into a defenceman after playing right wing his entire hockey career.

 He played 3 seasons for the Red Wings from 2008-2011, collecting 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 16 games in 2008/2009, 2 goals and 2 assists for four points in 18 games in 2009/2010, and his stats for the 2010/2011 season are unavailable. Following the 2010/2011 season Spurr completed his career with the Red Wings to head home to play close to home and work with his brother Chad.

2011/2012-Present

With older brother Chad Spurr on the Blast already, him and Peter Ham convinced Kyle to come and play for the Blast in the Allan Cup Hockey (ACH) League in 2011/2012. He’s played with the Blast ever since and has played in 65 games so far in the ACH, scoring 11 goals and adding 29 assists for 40 points and 94 PIMS. His most successful season being last year when he had 22 points in 23 games and 8 points in 10 playoff games, as an instrumental part of the Blast’s Robertson Cup Championship team. He hasn’t let his scrapping roots leave just yet, as he got into a key fight last season with long time NHLer Jay McKee who plays for Dundas. Kyle Spurr continues to throw huge hits and play with toughness and speed and will continue to be a vital part of the Blast blueline. 

Bryan Hamm #4 Player Profile

Position: F/D (Shoots Left)

Birthdate: January 1^st, 1984 (30 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario

Height: 6’5” Weight: 270 lbs

Jersey Number: #4

 

2000/2001

Bryan Hamm or Hammer as many fans call him got his start in Junior hockey with the Hamilton Kilty B’s on the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League (OPJHL). One of his teammates during this time was current Blast forward Jon Jankus and former Blast forward T.J McCool.  It was during this first season of his hockey career that he became known as an enforcer. He played 42 games with the Kilty B’s that season and scored 1 goal and 9 assists for 10 points, adding 234 minutes in penalties.

2001/2002

The following season, Hamm’s toughness was noticed in the realms of the Ontario Hockey League as he would join the historic Peterborough Petes this season, featuring current Carolina Hurricanes star Eric Staal. He got a goal and an assist for 2 points in 39 games, but really shined in the physical aspect of the game. He sat 127 minutes in the penalty box and dropped the gloves 17 times in his first season in the OHL, fighting notable current and Ex-NHL scrappers, Brian McGrattan, Zack Stortini and Andre Deveaux, as well as former Blast player Pat Montgomery. His tough play got him noticed by NHL scouts and he was eventually drafted by the Dallas Stars that June in the 7^th Round, 210^th Overall.

2002/2003

This season Hamm was back once again with the Petes. He played 29 games this season, collecting 1 assist and 81 PIM. He would be traded mid-season to the Erie Otters, where he played 25 games, going pointless and adding 83 PIM, giving him a total of 164 PIM that season (a career high). Hamm got into 20 OHL fights this season, including bouts against ex-New Jersey Devils tough guy Cam Janssen and current Leafs grinder David Clarkson.

2003/2004

This season would turn out to be in last full season in the OHL, as he played 59 games for the Otters, scoring and OHL best 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points, adding 134 PIM. He finished the season with 12 OHL fights in the regular season and 1 fight in the playoffs.

2004/2005

Hamm started the season off with the Otters but only played three games before moving down to Junior A again with the Oakville Blades of the OPJHL. Hamm finished his OHL career with 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 155 games, adding 427 penalty minutes and 50 total OHL fights. You can check out his “Fight Card” on hockeyfights.com à http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/8874.

Back with the OPJHL and the Oakville Blades, Hamm had the best offensive season of his entire career thus far in hockey. He scored 3 goals and added 12 assists for 15 points in 29 games, adding 134 PIM. This would be the end of Hamm’s Junior days and he would head back home to Hamilton.

2006/2007

Skip forward a couple of seasons to 2006, when Ham was approached by Blast Owner Peter Ham who wanted Ham’s toughness on the Blast. He agreed and joined the team that season. He played 29 games and added 1 goal and 11 assists for 12 points and 95 PIM in his rookie season in Senior Hockey.

2007/2008

In Hamm’s sophomore season with the Blast, he became more of a defensive player, collecting 2 assists and a career low 36 PIM in 10 games. He was a part of the team that captured the 100^th Allan Cup Championship in April that year, hosted in Brantford.

2010/2011-2013/2014

After 2 seasons away from the Blast, Hamm was signed to a player card again at the start of the 2010 season. He’s been with the team ever since for the last 4 seasons, playing in 50 games, scoring 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points and 187 PIM. He was briefly a player/coach for the Blast in the 2011/2012 season where he scored a Senior hockey personal best 9 points in 25 games. 

Mark Taylor #12 Player Profile

Position: F (Shoots Right)

Birthdate: September 15, 1990 (23 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario

Height: 5’11” Weight: 195 lbs  

Jersey Number: #12

 

2008/2009

Mark got his start in the hockey world in Junior B playing for the now defunct Brantford Golden Eagles of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). His first season as a rookie and primarily in a checking role, Taylor scored 6 goals and added 7 assists for 13 points in 50 games. It was during this season he became known as a bit of an agitator, as he received 103 PIM. That spring the Golden Eagles won their own league and went on to win the Sutherland Cup (Provincial Championship for Ontario Junior B), where they won against Stoney Creek. Taylor had 7 points in 14 games in that playoff run.

2009/2010

Taylor saw his role increased in his sophomore season with the Golden Eagles as he was relied on to be more of an offensive player. He scored 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 46 games that season, racking up a career high 143 minutes in penalties. The team went on another long playoff run that season, finishing first in their league and moving on to the Sutherland Cup once again. They would eventually lose to the LaSalle Vipers 4 games to 1. Taylor scored 5 points in 17 playoff games that spring.

2010/2011

This season would become Taylor’s third and final year in Junior hockey, as he had an even further increased scoring role on the team. He would score career high 14 goals and add 30 assists for 44 points in 50 games, adding 126 PIM. The Golden Eagles would lose in the Conference Semi Finals that season.

He finished his Junior hockey days with 83 points (31 goals, 52 assists) in 146 games (0.57 points-per-game), adding 372 PIM.

2011/2012

Following his last season in the GOJHL, Taylor was reached out to by Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham who had seen Taylor play for the Golden Eagles. He signed him to a player card to play for the Blast that year. He had an effective rookie season with the Blast, getting his first taste of Senior hockey, scoring 3 goals and adding 9 assists for 12 points in 22 games. He also had 32 minutes in penalties. That spring he added 1 assist in 5 games in the playoffs.

2012/2013

Entering his second season with the Blast Taylor was looking to build on the 12 points he scored as a rookie. However he played majority of the season in a checking role and received 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 19 games that year. He shined however once playoffs came around, receiving 7 points in 11 games, on route to helping the Blast win the Robertson Cup. Almost all of his 7 points came in clutch fashion in the Finals against Dundas.

2013/2014

Leading into the current season, Taylor had his strong play from the previous post season carry over to the start of this year. He had 4 points in his first game of the year against Welland and has continued to be a consistent point scorer in an increased offensive role with the Blast this year. In total he has 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 17 games played. So far in Senior hockey Taylor has 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 53 games played. 

Ryan Healy #8 Player Profile

Position: F (Shoots Left)

Birthdate: March 10, 1981 (32 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario

Height: 6’1” Weight: 220 lbs

Jersey Number: #8

 

1997/1998

Ryan Healy got his career started in the 1997/1998 season when he played in a now defunct league called the Metropolitan Junior A Hockey League (MetJHL) for the North York Rangers. This would be the last season that this league would operate. After the 1998 season, it was absorbed by the OPJHL Junior A Hockey League. That being said Healy was very effective in this league, finishing 2^nd on team scoring with 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 in 44 games, adding 105 minutes in penalties.

1998/1999

Healy during his time with the Greyhounds after a fight with current Calgary Flames forward Brian McGrattan

The following season Healy moved up to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he played with current Blast forward and Captain Chad Spurr. He played in 45 games as a checking line forward and collected 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in his first taste of OHL action. He got in 5 fights this year, including a bout against current Calgary Flames enforcer Brian McGrattan who at the time played for the Guelph Storm, as well as former Buffalo Sabres tough guy Andrew Peters. He added 53 PIM this season.

1999/2000

Just before the turn of the Century Healy had his role with the Greyhounds increased as he was more of an offensive player on the team, collecting 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 49 games, adding 56 PIM. He added another 4 fights this season. He was once again on the same team as Chad Spurr, also playing with future NHLers Josef Vasicek and future Dallas Stars defenseman Trevor Daley. Recent Stanley Cup Champion and current Philadelphia Flyer Ray Emery was the backup goaltender for the Greyhounds that season as well.

2000/2001

Healy would change OHL teams the following season as he moved to play for the Oshawa Generals out of General Motors Place. He scored a solid 15 goals and added 14 assists for 29 points in 49 games. He also finished with 75 PIM, in what would be his last season in the OHL.  He finished his time in the OHL with 143 games played, scoring 37 times and adding 33 assists for 70 points and 184 PIM, in time spent with the Greyhounds and Generals over 3 seasons.

2001/2002

After finishing his OHL career, he moved to the league that had absorbed the Met JHL that he played in back in 1998, suiting up for the Brampton Capitals of the Ontario Provincial Hockey League (OPJHL). He received over a point-per-game average for the first time in his career with the Capitals, collecting 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points in 36 games played. He also spent 75 minutes in the penalty box.

2006/2007

Following a 4-5 year break from organized hockey Healy was reached out to by Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham to come and play for the Blast out of Senior A’s Major League Hockey (MLH). He accepted and began the first of his 7 seasons with the Blast. He scored 15 goals and added 12 assists for 27 points in his first 30 Senior Hockey games.

2007/2008

Heading into Brantford’s Allan Cup hosting year, Healy had become a bigger part of the Blast offense, as he finished with 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in only 23 games. He added 8 points in 6 playoff games. He was a big contribution in the 100^th Allan Cup tournament when he finished with 7 points in 5 tournament games as the Blast hoisted their first Allan Cup trophy that April.

2008/2009

The season after the Allan Cup championship would become Healy’s most successful Senior Hockey season to date, as he scored 8 goals and added 21 assists for 29 points in 26 games.

2009/2010

During this season the Blast took a one year leave of absence so Healy, among a few other Blast players headed to Dundas to play for the Real McCoy’s that season. He continued his consistent Senior Hockey numbers, finishing with 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 22 games.

2010/2011

After the Blast were back in October of 2010 after their leave, Healy came back to the Blast. It would also be the last season in which the league was named the MLH, as it would change to the ACH (Allan Cup Hockey). He only played in 11 games that season with the Blast, scoring 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points.

2011/2012

Healy found himself this season in an increased leadership role as he was named one of the Assistant Captains of the Blast behind Captain Chad Spurr. That must have sparked his play as he scored a personal Senior Hockey best 17 goals and added 10 assists for 27 points in 23 games played.

2012/2013

Once again Healy was brought back on as the Assistant Captain of the team and he continued to play at a consistently high level, scoring 11 goals and adding 14 assists for 25 points in 22 games. He added 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in 11 playoff games, leading the Blast to the Robertson Cup.

2013/2014

Healy had established himself as one of the most consistent point scorers not only with the Blast, but also in the league. So far this season Healy has played in 15 games, scoring 3 goals and adding 10 assists for 13 points. His consistent play currently has him ranked 3^rd all time on the Blast with 162 points. He is also ranked 4^th All-Time in goals, with 74 (only 1 behind Wayne Muir) and 4^th in assists with 88. The soon-to-be 33 year old continues to be an effective and consistent scoring threat for the Blast, as he is about to close out on his 7^th season with the Blast and 8^th season in the Senior Hockey circuit. 

Blast Head to the Whale Tank to Take on the Welland Whalers

Preview

Tonight’s game will feature the Blast (12-4-0-1) against the Welland Whalers  (3-10-3-1) in the fourth and final matchup this season between the two ACH teams. The Blast lead the season series with a record of 3-0, outscoring the Whalers 17-3 in the previous 3 games by scores of 7-1, 5-0 and 5-2.  The game will be played at Welland Arena in Welland – doors open at 6:30, puck drop at 7:30.

Recent Games  

The Blast are fresh off a 3-2 loss to the hands of the Dundas Real McCoy’s last night in Dundas. Welland is coming off a big 7-6 win in Norwood last Sunday, and have received 3/6 possible points in their last three games.

The Blast draw in at 2-3 in their last five games played, while Welland has a record of 1-3-1-0  in their last five games played.

Players to Watch

Players to look out for on Welland are leading scorer #11 Drew Minor who has 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in only 17 games so far this season, including 11 points in his last 5 games played. #18 Mike Marquis is the other Welland player to watch as he has 7 goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 16 games this season. Recent Welland player signing Jason Hill has been effective on the blueline in his 4 games with the team, collecting 7 points.

Players on the Blast who are riding their own hot streaks include Joel Prpic who has 25 points in 14 games this year, however he just had his ACH season high point streak snapped at 13 games last night vs Dundas. Prpic has 9 points in his last 5 games played. Chris Leveille had his goal streak snapped at 4 games but his point streak continues to 5 games as he picked up an assist last night against Dundas – he has 5 points in his last 5 games.  

Players Leading the Way in the Season Series

Blast players currently leading the way in the season series against Welland include Chad Spurr, Joel Prpic, Mark Taylor and Mike Ruberto who all have 5 points in 3 games against the Whalers. Leveille, Burgoyne, and Dietrich all have 4 points.

The Whalers player leading the way is Chris Downey who has 2 assists in 3 games and is currently the only Whaler player with more than one point against the Blast. 

Real McCoy’s Win 3-2 To Jump Into a Tie For First Place in the ACH

After the Blast beat Dundas 3-2 in a shootout last Friday night in Brantford, the Real McCoy’s were hungry to redeem themselves and get the win in their own rink this Friday night. They got their wish as the Real McCoy’s won 3-2 over the Blast without Barnaby or McKee in the lineup. The game would live up to the strong expectations that come with the Blast-Real McCoy’s game. The Dundas win allowed them to jump into a tie for first place with the Blast as they both have 25 points.

Cam Watson got the scoring started in this game at 9:39 of the first period as he scored on a wrister from the slot on Blast starting goalie Anthony Marshall. Assists went to Scott Mifsud and Dave Bowman. Late in the first period Blast new comer Josh Domingues received 14 minutes in penalties for cross checking, roughing and inciting an opponent, as we got a brief look at the same player who once had 100+ PIM in the QMJHL. Shots were 11-8 in favour of Dundas after the first period and scoring chances and time of possession were even.

The Blast came out for the second period flying as Andrew Lackner received a gift pass from Leveille right in front of the Dundas net and easily tapped the puck in for his 2^nd goal in a Blast uniform. Assists were to Leveille and Chris Rebernik at 1:28. Recent acquisition defencemen Matt Smith scored on the powerplay at 12:50 with assists to former NHLers Jason Ward and Ryan Christie. Dundas kept a tremendous amount of pressure on the Blast for the remainder of the second period, but Anthony Marshall was absolutely brilliant in net, making several key saves. Shots in the second were 16-10 in favour of the Blast.

This game became even more similar to last week’s victory over the Blast as they tied the game at 2 around the 4 minute mark at 4:29 as Ryan Healy scored on a great pass by Mark Taylor. Drawing the other assist was Cam Sault. The Blast got into a bit of penalty trouble with less than 10 minutes to go in the period. At one point there were 4 Blast players in the box as once. The Real McCoy’s had a long 5 on 3 powerplay and they would capitalize as Cam Watson shovelled in the rebound of a Scott Mifsud point shot. The secondary assist went to Justin Davis, and this goal would prove to be the game winner. The Blast came very close to tying the game but Mike Mole stood his ground and prevented any chance of a comeback. Blast defenceman Jeff Caister received a GM21 with 2 seconds left in the game for Abuse of Officials and that usually comes with an automatic 2 game suspension.

ICECHIPS – Shots were 35-31 in favour of the Real McCoy’s. Blast went 0/5 on the powerplay while Dundas went 2/8. Three stars of the game were: Mike Mole (29/31 .935 SV%), Anthony Marshall (32/35 .914 SV%) & Cam Watson (2G). The Blast are next in action tomorrow night in Welland for a Saturday evening bout with the Whalers before coming home next Friday the 31^st for the Ted Beare Sports Night vs the Norwood Vipers

Chris Rebernik #13 Player Profile

Position: Centre (Right handed shot)

Birthdate: October 27, 1985

Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario

Height: 6’0″ Weight: 185 lbs

Jersey Number: #13

 

2001/2002

Chris Rebernik got his start in the hockey world in his home town of Mississauga where he started off in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League (OPJHL) with the Mississauga Chargers. He played 40 games that season in a checking role and collected 5 goals and 12 assists for 17 points, which are decent numbers for a first year player in junior hockey.

2002/2003

The following season Rebernik continued to play with the Chargers, but this time only suited up in 10 games, but was very productive with 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists). His very good play with the Chargers earned him a call up to the local OHL team the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors where he played 43 games, collecting 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in his first taste of OHL action in a checking role.

2003/2004

The next season would be very similar as the previous year, as Rebernik split time between the Majors and the Chargers again. This time he suited up in 7 games with the OHL squad, going pointless. In the OPJHL once again with the Chargers he had 32 points in 31 games on 8 goals and 24 assists.

2004/2005

The following year would again be split between the OHL and the OPJHL, this time with the Owen Sound Attack and the Chargers. He played only 5 games that season for the Attack, failing to receive a point. However, he lit up the OPJHL, scoring 33 goals and adding 40 assists for 73 points in only 48 games played, finishing first on team scoring ahead of teammate Andrew Willock who had 69 points. He also added a career high 62 PIM.

2005/2006

His last year of junior hockey would come in 2005/2006 as he played his 5th and final year with the team. His very strong play for the last year carried over as he  scored 23 goals and added 46 assists for 69 points in only 38 games.  Once again Rebernik finished first in team scoring, finishing 12 points ahead of second place forward Bruce Crawford.

Rebernik would end his Junior hockey days with the following stats: in the OHL he played 55 games over parts of 3 seasons, collecting 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in a checking role. He finished his OPJHL career with 167 games played, collecting 74 goals and adding 139 assists for 203 points, adding 164 PIM.

2006/2007

 2006 would mark the first season in which Rebernik made the jump to professional hockey playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League with the now defunct Pee Dee Cyclones. He made an immediate impact in the league with 47 point (20 goals, 27 assists) in 53 games, adding 27 PIM.  He finished 5th in team scoring this season. This season would also mark the first of five years he would spend in the SPHL.

2007/2008

He continued to shine in the SPHL, this time playing for the now defunct Jacksonville Barracudas after an off-season trade. He lit the lamp 32 times that season, and assisted on 35 other goals for 67 points in only 51 games, in the process turning into a very effective offensive force in the league. He finished 2nd on team scoring behind veteran Kahlil Thomas who had 75 points. However, he was first on the team with 32 goals.

His strong play also resulted in a brief call up to the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Florida Everblades where he played 3 games, collecting 1 goal.

Rebernik with the Florida Everblades after scoring his first (and only) ECHL goal

2008/2009

 

Rebernik during his time with the Ice Bears

That offseason Rebernik would get traded again this time to the Knoxville Ice Bears but due to injures only played in 38 games with the team. However, he still managed to finish 6th on team scoring, scoring 19 goals and adding 16 assists for 35 points. The Ice Bears would finish first in the standings that season, winning the William B. Coffey Trophy. Come playoffs where Rebernik scored 8 points in 12 playoff games, the Ice Bears would win the President’s Cup as SPHL League Champions.

2009/2010

 

Rebernik with the Pensacola Ice Flyers

The following year Rebernik once again changed teams in the SPHL, this time playing for the Pensacola Ice Flyers. He briefly played this season with now fellow ACH competitors this time as teammates, Jason Hill and Jeff Zatorski who both play defence for the Welland Whalers.  Rebernik finished with 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in 56 games, good for 2nd in team scoring, only two points behind leader Lorne Misita.

2011/2012

 

Rebernik doing a video for the fans during his time with the Fire Antz

After taking off the 2010/2011 season Rebernik would go on to play his last season of professional hockey in the SPHL with the Fayetteville FireAntz, where he played with current Blast teammate Chris Leveille and former Brantford Golden Eagle Josh McQuade. He scored 19 goals and added 20 assists for 39 points in his last 53 SPHL games, finishing 6th on team scoring (Leveille finished 1st and McQuade finished 3rd).

He would finish his SPHL playing career with 250 points (118 goals, 132 assists) in 251 games, collecting 145 PIM.

2012/2013

After retiring from professional hockey and moving back near home to Paris to work for his dad’s business, Rebernik was reached out to by Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham to come play for the Blast in the ACH. He agreed and had tremendous success in the league in his rookie season. He played 23 games and scored 12 goals, adding 25 assists for 37 points, finishing 4th in team scoring behind only Ruberto, Chad Spurr and Jon Jankus.

2013/2014

That leads us  to this season and Rebernik’s sophomore year with the Blast. He currently sits in 10th in team scoring with 10 points in 13 games, bringing his ACH totals to 47 points in 36 games.

Battle for First Place Part II: The Battle Continues

Preview

Tonight’s game will feature the Blast (12-3-0-1) against the Dundas Real McCoy’s (11-3-0-1) in the sixth matchup this season between the two ACH heavyweights. The Blast lead the season series with a record of 3-1-0-1, collecting 7 of a possible 10 points against their arch-nemesis’.  Dundas has collected 5 points (2-2-0-1) against the Blast in the season series. The Blast are just coming off a 3-2 SO victory over the Real McCoy’s last Friday in Brantford, an exciting game which saw Brandon Dietrich score the game winning goal in the shootout. The game will be played at JL Grightmire Arena on Market Street in Dundas – doors open at 6:30, puck drop at 7:30.

Nature of the Game

If this 6^th matchup between the two teams is anything like the other 5 games (minus the 10-2 Blast loss) then it will be a fast paced, hard hitting brand of hockey. The two teams have combined for only 30 goals in the 5 previous games, as many of them have been close knit low scoring games with no more than 3 or 4 goals scored maximum by a team. The physical element which also seems to come out more when these two teams face off, is stronger than ever. The two teams have combined for 242 penalty minutes in the 6 games so far this season (124 for Dundas, 118 for Brantford) Mike Burgoyne (28 PIM) and Bryan Hamm (14 PIM) lead the way for the Blast, while Blair Stayzer (22 PIM) and Jordan Foreman (18 PIM) lead the way for the Real McCoy’s. Even though Matthew Barnaby has only played two games against the Blast this season, he’s added 14 PIM, certainly living up to his name. 

Recent Games  

The Blast have been idle since the 3-2 SO victory over Dundas, while Dundas followed the loss to Brantford with a 4-2 loss to 3^rd place Whitby Dunlops last Saturday. After winning 11 games in a row, the Real McCoy’s find themselves on a fresh 2 game losing streak, something that has not happened to them since the beginning of the season in early January.

The Blast draw in at 3-2 in their last five games played, while Dundas has a record of 3-1-0-1  in their last five games played.

Blast Keys To The Game

If there Blast are going to win this game, they’re going to have to stick with the brand of hockey that has had success for them this entire season, which is using their speed and passing skills to outwork and outsmart the Dundas Real McCoy’s. Add in a strong physical element with big hits and the Blast stand a pretty good chance at beating Dundas for the 4^th time this season.

Players to Watch

Players to look out for on Dundas include leading scorer #13 Scott Mifsud who has 29 points (2^nd in the league) in only 14 games so far this season, including 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in his last 5 games played. #7 Cam Watson and #17 Joe Koudys are other players to look out for as they have 23 points and 22 points respectively so far this season. Koudys currently has 8  points in his last 5 games played. Former Florida Panther Nick Smith has been hot as of late, collecting 5 points in his last 4 games.

Players on the Blast who are riding their own hot streaks include Joel Prpic who has 25 points in 13 games this year and is currently riding a 13 game point streak, which is the longest in the ACH by far this season. Prpic has 12 points in his last 5 games played. Mike Ruberto is also playing very well with 19 points in 16 games, including 9  points in his last 5 games played (3 goals, 6 assists). Chris Leveille is one of the hottest Blast players right now, as he is currently riding a 4 game goal streak, collecting 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points in that span.

Players Leading the Way in the Season Series

Players currently leading the Blast in the season series include Joel Prpic with 4 goals and 1 assist in 3 games, followed by Leveille and Taylor, who each have 4 points in 5 games against the Real McCoy’s.

Dundas currently has forwards Scott Mifsud (4G, 3A for 7 Pts in 5 games), Darryl Smith (2G  5A for 7 Pts in 3 games) currently lead the way for scoring for Dundas against the Blast.