Blast Announce 2014/2015 Allan Cup Hockey Schedule

Blast Announce 2014-2015 Allan Cup Hockey Schedule

The Blast today announced the full schedule for their upcoming 2014/2015 Allan Cup Hockey season. The season will begin with the Home Opener at the Brantford Civic Centre on Halloween Night (October 31^st) at 7:30 PM against the Welland Whalers. The Blast will play their first road game of the season the following night in Welland.

In total the Blast will play 24 games (12 home, 12 away) during 2014/2015. The Blast play the 2014 Robertson Cup Runner up Dundas Real McCoy’s a total of 8 times (4 home, 4 away) throughout the season and four times (two home, two away) against the remainder of the league – Whitby Dunlops, Norwood Vipers, Stoney Creek Generals and Welland Whalers.  The first matchup between the Blast and Dundas will be played out on Friday November 14^th at the Civic Centre.

The Blast will begin the season in pursuit of their third consecutive Robertson Cup Championship having beat Dundas the past two seasons for the ACH Title.

The Blast’s season will begin on October 31^st and will conclude with a Sunday afternoon matinee on February 22^nd at 2:00 PM at the Civic Centre. All Blast home games with the exception of the Regular Season finale will occur on Friday’s at 7:30 PM at the Brantford Civic Centre. The Regular Season schedule can be found in its entirety below.  

“We are very excited to announce the full schedule for the upcoming season. We’re that much closer to puck drop and can’t wait to get back playing in front of our amazing fans at the Brantford Civic Centre on Friday nights. We look toward the challenge of winning the Robertson Cup for the third consecutive season,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham in a statement.

Brantford Blast HOME GAMES

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Friday October 31, 2014	Welland Whalers	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday November 7, 2014	Stoney Creek Generals	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday November 14, 2014	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday November 21, 2014	Whitby Dunlops	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday December 19, 2014	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday January 2, 2015	Norwood Vipers	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday January 9, 2015	Stoney Creek Generals	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday January 16, 2015	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday January 30, 2015	Whitby Dunlops	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday February 6, 2015	Norwood Vipers	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Friday February 13, 2015	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	Brantford Civic Centre
Sunday February 22, 2015	Welland Whalers	2:00 PM Afternoon	Brantford Civic Centre

Brantford Blast AWAY GAMES

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	LOCATION
Saturday November 1, 2014	Welland Whalers	6:30	Welland Main Arena
Saturday November 8, 2014	Whitby Dunlops	6:30	Iroquois Park Sports Complex
Friday November 28, 2014	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	J.L Grightmire Arena
Friday December 12, 2014	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	J.L Grightmire Arena
Saturday December 20, 2014	Whitby Dunlops	6:30	Iroquois Park Sports Complex
Sunday January 11, 2015	Stoney Creek Generals	2:30	Gateway Ice Centre
Sunday January 18, 2015	Norwood Vipers	6:30	Asphodel/Norwood Community Centre
Friday January 23, 2015	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	J.L Grightmire Arena
Sunday February 8, 2015	Stoney Creek Generals	2:30	Gateway Ice Centre
Saturday February 14, 2015	Norwood Vipers	6:30	Asphodel/Norwood Community Centre
Friday February 20, 2015	Dundas Real McCoy’s	7:30	J.L Grightmire Arena
TBD	Welland Whalers	TBD	Welland Main Arena

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10 Questions with….. Brandon Dietrich

Brandon Dietrich – Forward – #19

1. Being a new comer to the Blast last season, what would you say your most memorable moment is from the season (other than the obvious of winning the Robertson Cup)

I can’t really pick one moment. I just enjoyed the group and how everyone was not afraid to chirp each other at all times

2. Which team did you most look forward to playing against last year and why?

 Dundas because it always made for a good intense game

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

I would like to be stranded with Bryan Hamm, Joel Prpic and Chris Leveille.  We could eat Hammer if we had no food (he’s a big man), Prpic could pick coconuts from trees without a problem, and Leveille could run around the island and grab stuff for us because he’s in ridiculous shape.

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

Jamie Williams

5. You’re lucky enough to have enjoyed a long professional playing career taking you to the AHL, ECHL, and leagues in Germany. What was it like playing in the pros, and how different was it playing in Germany for the second half of your career?

Playing in the Pros was a great experience all around.  At the same time there was a lot of tough times and politics which make it not all roses all the time.  Playing in Germany was an amazing experience.  It is a really nice country and I was fortunate to see lots of different countries as well while I was over there.  Playing in Germany was a lot different than playing in North America as well.  The schedule was a lot shorter (amount of games played) and was played on the bigger ice sheet so it was a lot less physical then North America.

6. You’re in a few of the EA Sports NHL video games with an overall rating around the mid to high 60s. Do you agree with that rating?

NOPE.  What a joke! 

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

 I love a good steak with sautéed mushrooms.

8. A bunch of the guys on the team are St. Lawerence University Alumni. What was the experience like playing there and do you and the guys talk about it a lot?

St. Lawrence was great.  I had an amazing time there and had nothing but great memories.  We definitely shared a few memories from the old times back at SLU, even if the guys got sick of hearing about it.

9. You’ve just scored a Championship winning goal in overtime (similar to what Alec Martinez did for LA in June) – What’s your go to goal celebration?

A back flip

10. Fill in the blanks: I loved playing in Brantford last year because ____________

it was a professionally run organization with solid fans and a great group of guys.

10 Questions with….. Joel “MegaTron” Prpic

 

Joel Prpic – Forward- #29 

1. Looking back on your 2 seasons so far with the Blast, what would you say the single most memorable moment was?

Winning last year’s championship on home ice with my kids in attendance!  Nothing like a championship in front of our great fans!

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

I think Dundas is always really competitive and a natural rival but I like playing against Whitby!  They have a lot if quality players and always play us hard!

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

Burgoyne, Dietrich and Chad Spurr!  All Vets with big hearts and smart guys to work with and find a way to get off the island!!!

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

I love Hammer’s sense of humour but Jankus is one of the wittiest guys I know!

5. You played in the NHL back in the 90s with some pretty big name players in Boston and Colorado, which player taught you the best lesson and what was it?

Ray Bourque told me that there are no days off as a pro!  You always have to do something, every day to get better.  That stuck with me in all aspects of my life.

6. Peter Ham claims that you were received as a Rock Star during your time playing in the pros in Asia, is this true? How was your experience playing in Japan?

Japan changed me and how I look at life! Being a foreigner and really embracing another culture, you learn a lot about yourself and about others.  It was a small hockey following but they were very passionate!

7. What was your initial reaction to the skill/compete level during your first game in the ACH in 2013?

I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoy the competition with the understanding that we all have other jobs to go to in the morning!  Everyone plays hard but keeps it honest for the most part!

8. You’re only one point away from 100 in a Blast uniform. Such an accomplishment would make you one of the quickest to ever achieve such numbers. What do you think has lead to your ability to have such great success in this league?

Our team is strong and we are a tight knit group. Without that, I could never reach those numbers.  I take care of myself and feel pretty good for a guy whose almost 40.

9. You’re turning the big 4-0 on September 25^th, does MegaTron still have lots of hockey left in him?

I feel good and try to take care of myself!  Year by year now!  Who knows how long?

10. Fill in the blanks: I love playing in Brantford because ___________

Because I love to compete and stay competitive in the game I love!

10 Questions with….. Jamie Williams

 

Jamie Williams – Forward – #14

1. Looking back on your 2 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the single most memorable moment was and why?

Has to be winning the Robertson Cup back to back years! Just a great experience with a good group of guys

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

Dundas for sure, just an amazing rivalry.

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team, who would they be and why?

Hammer for strength, Ruberto for the entertainment (he never seems to stop talking) and Legger just because it’s Legger

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

I don’t think we have one jokester on the team, everyone has some funny lines here and there.

5. You’ve come a long way in your growth with the Blast over the last two seasons. What would you say has contributed most to your ability to grow and have great success in this league?

Pretty simple to be honest. I always have open ears to what the vets of the league and guys that have played pro have to say! They always have some great advice for me

6. You scored a pretty big overtime winning goal in the first series this past year against Whitby, how good did that feel?

Honestly it felt amazing – biggest goal I have ever been a part of in my career. It was great for us to fight back after they tied it late and get the big W – moving the series back to Brantford.

7. Which teammate did you enjoy playing on a line with last season and why?

Every guy has their benefit of why you would want to play together. Jankus is always fun he finds you no matter what. The smarts of Chad make it so easy for myself to play with him, but let’s get real who does not like having to worry about a thing on the ice, right? That’s what it’s always a great time being a liney with hammer!

8. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

A steak and a salad go a long way!

9. Prior to playing for the Blast, you played just up the road in Caledonia with the Corvairs in the JR. B league. How did that league prepare you for Senior AAA, and what’s it like competing against a wide range of former professionals, collegiate players and Junior players in the ACH now compared to JR B?

Being on the ice 3/4 times a week always helps your prepare and work on your skill to push you to the next level. It’s hard to compare really, Juniors was a lot more run and gun type of game where in Senior AAA it’s players that have played all over the place and understand the game a lot more. Senior AAA is amazing great skill of hockey and I look forward to the season to begin every year!

10. You have been lucky enough to have both of your seasons here in Brantford end in Provincial Championships, what has it been like being a part of this team?

It has been a great experience for me, I have personally learned a lot, we have a pretty tight room, met a lot of great guys and made some new great friends since I started playing in Brantford, overall just an amazing experience.

10 Questions with….. Cam Sault

 

Cam Sault – Forward – #9

1. Looking back on your 2 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the single most memorable moment was?

Hands down competing for the Allan Cup last year in Dundas. The atmosphere, the skill level, the teams, and being able to experience it with the team we had. All the above made it memorable.

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

The Real McCoys for sure. We’ve played each other in the Robertson Cup Final both years I’ve been with the club. When we play each other it seems as if everyone steps their game up a few notches on both teams. The end result is some great hockey.

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

Number 1 would have to be Rebernik. Him and I came to the Blast at the same time couple seasons ago so we got to know each other pretty well. Plus I look to him for new dance moves here and there. Number 2 would have to be Leveille. Levs and I think a lot alike so time on the island would fly by. Number 3 would have to be our fearless leader Chad Spurr. Me, Levs, and Rubber would need some direction and I figure Spurrzy has what it takes. Plus he’s got great chirps.

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

The Wizard AKA Jon Jankus is always good for a laugh or two

5. What was it like playing pro hockey? You played in the now defunct AAHL and the Southern Professional League prior to coming to play for the Blast.

Playing professional hockey was unreal. I never thought I’d get to see the deep South, let alone hockey being the only reason I was there. It wasn’t a plan of mine after junior hockey but I’m glad I made the decision to play. It was a lot of hard work and commitment but being able to play in Louisiana and Mississippi were definitely highlights of the 4 years I played. It really helped me become a better all-around player and I owe a lot to the game of hockey.

6. What were your initial thoughts when you skated in your first game in the ACH back in 2012?

I thought it was great. The Blast organization, Peter Ham and the team made the transition that much easier. Just like the first game of any season though, the nerves were there, especially with the family and friends in attendance taking in my first Sr. AAA hockey game.

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

My mother’s chicken and dumplings!

8. You had some great success last season (especially in the playoffs) with the dubbed “C-Cubed” and why do you think it worked out so well playing on the same line?

It’s great playing with Levs and Rubber. We played with or against each other in the SPHL a few years back. We complement each other’s game really well. We like to move the puck, make plays, and skate when we can. We talk a lot on and off the ice so I think that contributes to the success we’ve had to date.

9. You played in the Hockey Night in Brantford Charity game again last week. What has it been like the last two years participating?

It was awesome playing in the game both years. When you can play some hockey with guys who play in the show like Dalpe and Henrique and raise funds for The Brant United Way, it’s a win-win situation.  I’ve had a lot of fun both years!

10. Fill in the blanks: I love playing in Brantford at the Civic Centre because _______________?

If we score 5 or more goals the happy fans go home with a free Harvey’s burger….. and by happy fans, I mean my dad.                      

10 Questions With….. Bryan Hamm

 

Bryan Hamm – F/D – #4

1. Looking back on your 7 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the 3 most memorable times are?

I would definitely have to say winning the Allan Cup 2008, winning the past two Robertson Cups (in 2013 and 2014), and putting the Blast jersey on for the first time in front of our amazing fans.

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

The Dundas Real McCoy’s. It’s an intense rivalry between the two best teams in our league. Our fans come out to support us whether home or away which helps the boys get up to play.

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

This is a tough one. I would be happy to be stuck with any person involved in this organization but if you’re gonna make me pick I’d say Leggat, Bloomfield and Healy. They are all long time close friends of mine, and if we get off this island we all live in Binbrook so it’s an easy ride home.

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

Jon “The Wiz” Jankus

5. Who would you say is the toughest guy you have fought in all your time in this league?

Hands down former Dundas Real McCoy (and Brantford Blast) Paul Lawson. The guy is a monster and has the longest arms I’ve ever seen!

6. What about this team and league has made you want to keep coming back year after year?

Our amazing fans and the 20+ guys inside that dressing room. Those are the only two reasons I keep coming back.

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

I always enjoy a nice steak dinner

8. The season you were player/coach, what was different about that experience and how much did you enjoy that added role?

It was an incredible experience. It’s a tough role to play. Trying to prepare mentally for both completely different roles took some time to figure out. Hoping that when I retire it will help make being just a coach a little easier to manage.

9. Back in the OHL, you got into fights with some pretty prominent future NHL fighters, which three would you say were the toughest?

Brian McGrattan, Zac Stortini, Cam Janssen

10.You’ve become quite the fan favourite, especially last season with the “We want Hamm chants” and the ham on the ice, what do you have to say to the Hammer maniacs that have showed such strong support?

Thank you!!! It’s because of these fans that I come back every year. Next to the guys in the dressingroom they give me the strength and desire to do what I do. I can’t thank them enough hopefully I can give one more year with a little more action.

10 Questions with….. Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor – F – #12

1. Looking back on your 3 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the single most memorable moment was and why?

There have been lots of great times over the past 3 seasons but back to back league championships has to be the most memorable

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

Obviously Dundas just because it’s such a great rivalry and it’s always a full rink when we’re playing them

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team, who would they be and why?

I’d have to go with Hamm, Perps  and Saulty. The first 2 for obvious survival reasons and Saulty because he’s been my stall mate and he’s a beauty

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

Janks

5. You’ve come a long way in your growth with the Blast over the last two seasons. What would you say has contributed most to your ability to grow and have great success in this league?

Just picking up little things here and there from the older guys on the team. There’s a ton of hockey knowledge in our dressing room, so any time you can learn something from someone it helps you grow as a player

6. Which teammate did you enjoy playing on a line with last season and why?

Always like being on the ice with hammer., for obvious reasons

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

Would have to go with a perfectly cooked steak

8. Prior to playing for the Blast, you played for the now defunct Brantford Golden Eagles in the JR. B league. How did that league prepare you for Senior AAA, and what’s it like competing against a wide range of former professionals, collegiate players and Junior players in the ACH now compared to JR B?

Senior hockey is a much different game than Jr B. The players are so much smarter in Sr.

9. You have been lucky enough to have two of your three seasons in Brantford end in Provincial Championships, what has it been like being a part of this team?

Obviously it’s been great, but hopefully this year we can reach and complete our ultimate goal of winning the Allan cup

10. You’ve quickly become a fan favourite with the Blast due to your energetic and hard hitting game. Have you always played with that strong physical edge or did you develop that during your time with the Blast?

I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder, but I’ve grown into that role while playing with the Blast

10 Questions with….. Mike Burgoyne

Mike Burgoyne – D – #22

1. Looking back on your 5 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the 3 most memorable times are?

First season as player/coach was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. The two OHA championships and competing in last year’s Allan cup

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

Always Dundas, we have a great rivalry, and both teams play very hard, with a lot of respect for each other

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

Prpic, he could grab fruit from tall trees. Williams/rebernik so they could have dance battles!

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

Undercover comedian is Kyle Spurr

5. What has it been like playing for the Blast when we were first starting out, then embarking on a professional hockey career throughout North America, and even with stops in the Netherlands and Romania and coming back to the place you got the start on your post-Junior hockey playing days? If possible, compare the two stints with the Blast (Before and Now) and how you grew as a player with your time in professional hockey?

When I first started with Brantford I was just a young hockey player. I thought I knew a lot, but over the years have learned that I knew nothing.  What I did have going for me was drive and enthusiasm.  As I grew up and played in different countries I grew a lot as a hockey player as well as a person.  I learned what were my strengths and more importantly my weaknesses. So now I would say that I am aware of my strengths as a player , I know the type of game that brings myself and my team success.  I have also seen that the “Canadian” style of hockey is my favorite, and in my opinion the strongest style.

The actual Blast teams haven’t changed much. The players are all different now, but the goal is the same.  Guys come and play for the Blast, because we love playing hockey at a competitive level.  We also love being around the room and the guys

6. What has it been like being a head coach/player for the past two seasons? You’ve had tremendous success winning back to back Provincial Championships in your two years at the helm of the team. What type of coaching style would you say fits you best?

It’s been a great experience being the player coach. The team has had great success, mainly due to our players coming out and giving it everything they had. My coaching style is pretty quiet, I try and keep our game plans simple and force teams to play our style of game. If a team is trying to change what they want to do to stop you, you’ve already won.

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

I love pastas

8. What’s your favourite band/musician of all time?

I love all kinds of music. If I had to pick, I’d probably say Nickelback or Coldplay

9. How do you try and motivate the Blast as a coach in between periods when the team is down?

I kick garbage cans!!! No, not really if I did that the guys would laugh at me. Not really my style. Most guys don’t need to be motivated we usually are. Sometimes our motivation is just aimed in the wrong direction. So I try and keep guys focused on what we as a team need to do to win

10. What’s your favourite part of playing in Brantford for the Blast?

Winning a hard fought competitive game and having a beer with the guys.  That to most hockey players is heaven

10 Questions with….. Ryan Healy

Ryan Healy – F – #8

1. Looking back on your 7 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the 3 most memorable times are?

Winning the Allan Cup would definitely be #1 and then winning back to back league championships this past two seasons was great as well.

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

Dundas hands down. It is a great rivalry and the games are always high paced and they can get pretty heated every time we play.

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

Hammer, Bloomer, and Rusty. They are solid guys and we would make the best of bad situation

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

I think there isn’t one that stands out the most. We have a pretty good group of jokers on the team.

5. You’ve scored almost 100 (95 total) goals with the Blast since you’ve been a member of the team, does any single goal stick out more than the others?

I would say the goal I scored to pass Wayne Muir on the all time goals list to move into 3rd overall would be up there. It feels great when I score any goal because I know I’m helping the team to get the big win.

6. What’s your all-time favourite band/musician?

I like all types of music but I really enjoy Disturbed and Kings Of Leon.

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

I would have to say chicken wings

8. How close are you and the other 5 members of the “Silver Six” (the remaining 6 players from the Allan Cup winning team – Marshall, Dave Russell, Chad Spurr, Jeremy Bloomfield, Bryan Hamm, and yourself)?

I’m really close with a few of the guys we play summer hockey together as well so we see each other all the time.

9. How did it feel to hoist the Allan Cup over your head back in 2008?

It was by far my greatest accomplishment in hockey and to know how we beat Dundas in O.T like we did to make it to the championship makes hoisting that cup that much sweeter.

10. Fill in the blanks: Ryan Healy likes to play hockey with______________?

The best group of guys that all have a common goal to win a league championship, then go for the big one. The Allan Cup!

10 Questions with….. Chris Rebernik

Chris Rebernik – F – #13

1. Looking back on your 2 seasons with the Blast, what would you say the most memorable moment was?

Winning back to back championships

2. What team do you look forward to playing against each season and why?

Dundas because all the games are close and they’re our biggest rival.

3. If you were stranded on an island with three guys from last year’s team who would they be and why?

Saulty because he’s my liney, both Spurr’s because we are good buddies and hang out a lot outside of hockey

4. In your opinion who is the biggest jokester on the team?

Jankus… Very funny guy!

5. Turns out you’re quite the dancer from videos in the dressing room after games to your “Man in the Mirror” dance, where did you learn how to dance so well?

Practice makes perfect!

6. What has the transition been like from playing pro hockey to play Senior AAA and having a career outside of hockey as well?

Easy transition I’m just happy to still be playing competitive hockey. I work for  a family business so the transition has been very easy

7. Going to go off the grid a little bit here, what’s your all-time favourite food?

Hard to say I eat a lot of different stuff… any seafood or a good pasta dish

 8. You had some great success last season (especially in the playoffs) with the dubbed “C-Cubed” Line of yourself, Cam Sault and Chris Leveille. What was it like playing with those guys and why do you think it worked out so well playing on the same line?

We have all played with or against each other before in pro so it was easy for us to play together this past season. Me and Saulty also play summer league together so get a lot of chemistry going there

9. You were lucky enough to have a 7 point game this past season in Norwood. Have you ever come close to that in another game before?

Yea I think I had a 7 point game in pro, definitely in JR  hockey I’ve had a lot of high point games

10. Fill in the blanks: Chris Rebernik brings _________ to the Blast.

Hard work and Leadership