Blast Sign Forward Ryan McCarthy

McCarthy (#28) battles for the puck during an SPHL game for the Mississippi Surge during the 2010/2011 season. He adds depth and toughness to the Blast offence.

BRANTFORD, September 30, 2014 – Peter Ham, President and General Manager of the Brantford Blast, is excited to announce today that the team has signed forward Ryan McCarthy.

McCarthy, 32, most recently played in 55 games for the Mississippi Surge of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2010-2011, collecting 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points and 154 penalty minutes. He added 3 assists and 9 penalty minutes in 8 playoff games.

The 5-10, 185-pound Brampton native registered 100 career points in the SPHL (58 goals, 42 assists) and 531 penalty minutes in 205 games over four seasons split between the Columbus Cottonmouths and the Mississippi Surge. He also registered 15 career playoff points (1 goal, 14 assists) and 43 penalty minutes in 22 games. In 2008-2009, McCarthy set professional career highs in goals (20), assists (13), points (33), and penalty minutes (188).

Before playing professional hockey McCarthy played in the OPJHL with the Georgetown Raiders for three seasons scoring 56 goals, 65 assists, 121 points and 158 penalty minutes in 113 games. He then spent the next four seasons playing NCAA Division III in the SUNYAC (State University of New York Athletic Conference) with SUNY-Potsdam. He played 90 games and scored 65 goals, 60 assists, 125 points and 147 penalty minutes.

“Ryan strengthens our depth on forward and adds more toughness to our team. He’s an agitator who can contribute offensively,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham in a statement.

Ryan and the rest of the Blast will begin training camp in just over two weeks on October 17^th. The team begins the regular season at home on Friday, October 31^st against the Welland Whalers. Special Zombie themed Halloween jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds going to The Lung Association.

Blast Sign Eight New Players

Peter Ham, President and General Manager of the Brantford Blast, is pleased to announce today that the Blast have added speed, size, skill and toughness with the signing of eight new players to join their returning roster at Training Camp beginning October 17^th.

They have signed Fan Favourite forward/defenseman Brad Jones, Carolina Hurricanes NHL Draft pick defenseman Ryan Pottruff, Junior C MVP/Leading scorer and Hagersville Hawk forward Derek Medeiros, OHL forward Andrew Marcoux, Ryerson University graduate Dustin Alcock, OHL/CIS defenceman Kevin Christmas, former Orillia Tundra tough guy Shayne Salmon, and Junior hockey goaltender Tim Porter as they prepare to defend their Back-To-Back Robertson Cup Titles this upcoming season.

 

Brad Jones –Blast Fan Favourite Returns

The Blast welcomed back Brad Jones, 28, who was a member of the team from 2010-2013. He was a key member in the Blast’s 2013 Robertson Cup Championship team.

The 6-1, 190-pound Brantford resident registered 44 career Senior AAA points (16 goals, 28 assists) and 55 penalty minutes in 72 games all with the Brantford Blast. He has also registered 8 career playoff points (5 goals, 3 assists) and 27 penalty minutes in 22 games. In 2010-2011, Jones set career highs in goals (5), assists (14) and points (19), and 10 penalty minutes in 22 games, finishing tied for 6^th in Blast team scoring.

“We are very excited to have Jones back again. He’s such a work horse on the ice and his speed and versatility will be a great addition to our team,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham in a statement.

 

Ryan Pottruff – Carolina Hurricanes NHL Draft Pick & OHL/CIS Standout

Ryan Pottruff, a 28 year-old, 6-2, 225-pound Paris resident is a former standout player in the Ontario Hockey League and with the University of Lethbridge. He registered 61 career points in the OHL (17 goals, 44 assists) and 342 penalty minutes in 200 games split between the London Knights and Guelph Storm. Pottruff then embarked on a 4 year CIS career with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, where he registered 61 career points (17 goals, 44 assists) and 168 penalty minutes in 85 career games.

Pottruff’s play during his time with the London Knights in the 2003-2004 season allowed him to get drafted in the 7^th Round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (202^nd Overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes. Ryan was also a member of the Team Canada Silver medal winning team at the 2009 Universiade Games in Harbin, China.

In Pottruff, the Blast have brought in a big, solid two-way defender who plays with a gritty and physical edge. Pottruff was a teammate of current Blast defenceman Kyle Spurr in 2004-2005 with the OHL’s Guelph Storm.

“We are very happy to add a defenceman with the resume and skill set of Ryan. He plays a solid all-around game and provides a strong added physical element to our defensive corps,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham in a statement.

Derek Medeiros –JR.C Scoring Champion & MVP

Derek Medeiros, 22, played 35 games for the Hagersville Hawks in 2013-2014, collecting 38 goals, 37 assists, 75 points and 14 penalty minutes. He added 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) and 20 penalty minutes in 12 playoff games for the Hawks.

The 6-3, 250-pound forward registered 341 career Junior C Points (169 goals, 172 assists) and 159 penalty minutes in 195 games all with the Hagersville Hawks. He has also registered 110 career playoff points (43 goals, 67 assists) and 70 penalty minutes in 65 games. In 2012-2013, Medeiros set career highs in goals (52) and points (89) on route to the Junior C Scoring Championship and MVP Award title for his achievements.

“Derek gives us an added element of youth combined with incredible skill and size. The coaching staff in Hagersville had nothing but incredible words to say about this player and we’re very excited to have him join the Blast,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham in a statement.

“It feels great to be a member of the Brantford Blast. I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to start training camp and get the season underway,” said Mederios in a statement.

 

Andrew Marcoux – Former OHL/CIS Graduate

Andrew Marcoux, 26, spent the last five seasons with the Nipissing University Lakers. He served as an Assistant Captain with the team the last four years. He has been known as a prolific scorer and has speed similar to that of current Blast forward Chris Leveille.

The 5-11, 185-pound forward registered 105 career CIS Points (50 goals, 55 assists) and 60 penalty minutes in 134 games all with the Nipissing University Lakers.

Prior to playing University hockey, Marcoux spent four years between the Ontario Hockey League and the OJHL. Marcoux’s played 57 games with the OHL’s Mississauga IceDogs in 2005-2006. In the OJHL from 2004-2009 he compiled 96 goals, 92 assists, 188 points and 168 penalty minutes in 149 games.

“Marcoux is a very similar player to Chris Leveille. He’s just as fast, if not faster. He is young and a very talented scorer,” said Peter Ham.

 

Dustin Alcock –Former Ryerson University Ram/Junior A Graduate

Dustin Alcock, 24, played in 26 games for the Ryerson University Rams last season, scoring five goals, six assists, 11 points and 12 penalty minutes. He spent the last four seasons (2010-2014) with the Toronto-based CIS hockey team where he scored 56 points (27 goals, 29 assists) and 36 penalty minutes in 108 games played.

Prior to playing for the Rams, the 6-3, 210 lb Hamilton resident played for four seasons in Junior A hockey split between the Hamilton Red Wings and the Oakville Blades. He had great offensive success during his time in this league. He scored 76 goals, 89 assists, 125 points and 96 penalty minutes in 193 games played.

Alcock enters training camp with the Blast beginning October 17^th straight out of CIS hockey last season. He adds size and secondary scoring to the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

“Dustin is a huge forward who has the ability to provide our team with secondary scoring this season,” said Peter Ham

Kevin Christmas –Former OHL/CIS Graduate

Kevin Christmas, 25, played in 28 games for the Brock University Badgers last season, scoring one goal, nine assists, ten points and 40 penalty minutes. He spent the last four seasons (2010-2014) with the St. Catharines-based CIS hockey team where he scored 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) and 96 penalty minutes in 102 games played.  He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Sport Management from Brock.

Prior to playing for the Badgers, the 6-3, 205 lb defenceman played for five seasons of Junior hockey split between the OHL and Junior A. He played for the Brampton Battalion and the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL in parts of seasons from 2006-2009.

During his time in the OJHL, he scored 25 goals, 75 assists, 100 points and 212 penalty minutes in 137 games played.  In 2009-2010 he was named Captain of the Kingston Voyageurs and scored career highs in goals, assists and points with 13 goals, 41 assists and 54 points in 56 games.

Christmas had a brief stint in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) last season with the Knoxville Ice Bears after his season with Brock ended. He played five games and collected one assist.

“Kevin is a reliable two-way defenceman with an impressive hockey resume. He’s a big bodied guy and we look forward to seeing him on our blueline this season,” said Peter Ham.

Shayne Salmon –Blast Add Tough Guy with ACH Experience

Shayne Salmon, 24, is a 6-2, 210 lb tough guy who can play forward or defence. Salmon has two years experience in the ACH with Orillia and Stoney Creek, as well as four years prior experience in Junior hockey. He is sure to be a Fan Favourite in Brantford. Throughout his six year hockey career he accumulated over 500 penalty minutes.

“Shayne has made a name for himself over the past few years for his nature to protect his teammates. He adds a rough style of hockey to our line up and you can bet he will become a Fan Favourite at the Civic Centre this season,” said Peter Ham

Tim Porter – JR. B/C Goaltender

Tim Porter, 21, has played for parts of seasons in Junior hockey with the Tavistock Braves, Hagersville Hawks, and most recently the Caledonia Corvairs and the Brantford 99ers.

The 5-11, 180 lb goaltender had his most successful year in 2012/2013 with the Tavistock Braves where he posted a record of 14-9-1-1 to go with a 2.70 G.A.A and a save percentage of 0.908% and 3 shoutouts. He is currently attending Brock University in St.Catharines.

“Tim adds depth to our already strong goaltender tandem of Brett Leggat and Anthony Marshall,” said Peter Ham in a statement.

Check out our Full Roster of Blast Sponsors right here: http://bit.ly/BTFDBlastSponsors

Jeff McCormick Returns As Blast Head Coach

McCormick returns as the Blast Head Coach, having coached the team for 3 seasons between 2008-2011.

BRANTFORD, September 5, 2014 – Peter Ham, President and General Manager of the Brantford Blast, today announced that the team has brought back former Blast Head Coach Jeff McCormick to fill the position vacated by Mike Burgoyne.

McCormick, 50, coached the Blast from 2008-2011. During his time behind the bench he guided the team to a 26-26 record with one playoff berth in 2010/2011. He re-enters as Head Coach already familiar with several of the players and the culture of the Blast organization. 

Whether he was playing or coaching, Jeff has always displayed a strong passion for Canada’s game. Arguable he’s better known for his occupation as Brantford’s Fire Chief but his wife Shelley and two sons Josh and Sam will attest to his desire to keep the Blast winning-desires on fire.

The need for a new Head Coach arose when Mike Burgoyne stepped down in May. Burgoyne led the Blast to back-to-back Robertson Cup Championships but wished to put all his focus and energy into playing this year. The hunt immediately began for a successor and after interviewing many candidates the Blast chose McCormick.

“It was the best fit for us. He knows this League inside and out and he’s great to have in the dressing room and on the bench. We are very pleased to welcome him back with the Blast organization. He’s very familiar with the ACH and specifically the “Family Culture” that the Blast operate within. Jeff is very excited to be back and we are thrilled to have him,” said Blast Owner/GM Peter Ham.

The last few seasons Jeff continued to be involved with Allan Cup Hockey in Assistant Coaching roles with the Norwood Vipers and the Whitby Dunlops. Last season he assisted the Coaching Staff in Whitby….the Dunlops finished second in the league with an 18-5-1 record and a playoff berth before being eliminated in six games by the Blast.

McCormick is welcomed back to the Blast as the first non-playing Head Coach in the last three seasons. Following his departure from the Blast in 2011, Bryan Hamm (2011/2012) and Mike Burgoyne (2012-2014) were the coaches both in playing-coach roles. 

“I am thrilled to be back with the Blast and am looking forward to working with the entire organization in the quest for a third straight Provincial Championship and the chance to get back to the Allan Cup tournament in Newfoundland next Spring,” said McCormick in a statement.