Blast Begin Quest for 106th Allan Cup With First Round Series Vs Whitby Dunlops

Preview

Tonight’s first game of the playoffs will feature the third seeded Blast (16-7-0-1) hosting the second seeded Whitby Dunlops  (18-4-0-2) for game one of the best-of-seven ACH Semi Final playoff series.

The playoff series begins each team’s quest for the 106^th Allan Cup Championship. Should Dundas beat the Stoney Creek Generals in the first round, the winner of this series will automatically receive a berth in the Allan Cup which will be held in Dundas from April 14-19^th at JL Grightmire Arena in Dundas.

Game one of this series will be played at the Civic Centre in Brantford. Doors open at 6:45, with puck drop at 7:45 PM.

Theme

There is no specific theme for the Game 1 of the playoffs. There will be the usual – Blast Lung Association 50/50, Ted Beare Sports Experience Fund Frisbee Toss, Montana’s Rib Eating Contest, and Free Harvey’s Hamburgers if the Blast score five or more goals. The Blast are also excited to announce that since the 2008 Allan Cup, the Lung Association 50/50 has raised over $96,000, meaning fans have walked away with over $48,000 in prize money.

Season Series

The two teams played four total games against each other (two in Brantford, two in Whitby). They split the season series, each winning two games. The Blast won their first two on the road and at home 6-2, and 4-1. Whitby won their two at home and on the road near the end of the season 5-2 and 4-3.The Blast outscored the Dunlops 15-12 in the season series.

The two teams combined for 185 PIM throughout the four games in the regular season, with Whitby receiving 100 and Brantford receiving 85. The Blast went 4/23 on the powerplay (16.4%) and killed off 18/20 Whitby power plays (90%), while Whitby went 2/20 on the power play (10%) and killed off 19/23 chances for the Blast (82.6%).

The Blast were led in scoring in the season series by new comer Brandon Dietrich who had 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in four games. Scott Freeman led the way for Whitby with 3 goals and 1 assist in the season series.

Recent Games  

The Blast lost their final game of the regular season in Dundas last Friday 7-3 to the Real McCoy’s. Whitby won their regular season finale in Welland 12-0. The Blast finished the season with a 2-3 record in their last five and 5-5 in their last ten. Whitby finished the year with a 4-1 record in their last five and a 8-1-0-1 record in their last ten.  

Players to Watch

The Dunlops were led during the regular season by co-scoring leader John Scrymgeour who had 49 points (21 goals, 28 assists) in only 18 games. Forwards Patrick Jobb, Shane Terry, Brett McConnachie, and Peter MacKellar were all also in the top 15 in scoring with 39, 32, 30, and 29 points respectively.

The Blast players who led the way during the regular season were Joel Prpic who finished 4^th in league scoring with 43 points in 21 games, Captain Chad Spurr (18 goals, 10 assists – 28 points in 24 games), newcomer Brandon Dietrich (11 goals, 15 assists – 26 points in 19 games), and Mike Ruberto (9 goals, 15 assists – 24 points in 24 games).

Blast Beat the Welland Whalers 9-2 at the Whale Tank in Welland

Entering the make up game on Monday night against the Welland Whalers, the Blast knew this game was a must-win to keep pace in the tight playoff race and the hunt for first place. They stuck to their guns and pulled it off with a big 9-2 win over Welland.

The victory allowed the Blast to jump into first place with 31 points (1 ahead of Dundas and 2 ahead of Whitby) and clinched top three in the league as Stoney Creek can’t finish higher than the Blast.

The first period both teams came out flying with Welland dominating most of the play and scoring chances. The shots would be 19-18 at the end of the first for the Blast. The Blast however wouldn’t score until the final minute of play in the period as Chad Spurr scored his 15^th goal of the season, with assists to Joel Prpic and his brother Kyle Spurr.

The Blast would come out flying to start the second period. Ryan Healy scored only 41 seconds into the frame and the Blast didn’t look back from there. Mark Taylor, Joel Prpic (2), and Jon Jankus drew the goals in the second period for a 6-0 lead heading into the third period. Assists went to Tocher (2), Caister, Jankus, Williams, Dietrich, Healy and Rebernik in the period. The Blast outshot the Whalers 19-6 in the second frame as they completely dominated the play.

The third period would be more of an even affair. Curtis Campbell got Welland on the board only 45 seconds into the third. Prpic would then complete his hat trick for his team leading 17^th goal of the season at 5:50, with assists to Caister and Jankus. Tanner McGowan would make it 7-2 just over half way through the period at the 12:27 mark. Jeff Caister and Ryan Healy (2^nd of the night) would close out the scoring at 13:23 and 15:15 to put the Blast back up by seven goals for a 9-2 lead. The Blast would finish the game leading the shots 51-37. Anthony Marshall was incredible in goal making 35 saves for his 7^th win of the season.

The Three Stars of the game went to: 1. Joel Prpic (3 G 2A) 2. Anthony Marshall (35/37 ,946 SV%) 3. Ryan Healy (2 G 1A). The Blast are next in action this Friday night in Brantford for the Sandy O’Rafferty Pink the Rink Night against the Whitby Dunlops for another must-win game in the chase for first place. 

Chad Spurr #25 Player Profile

Position: RW (Shoots Right)

Birthdate: May 13, 1979 (34 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton/Binbrook, Ontario

Height: 6’0” Weight: 190 lbs

Jersey Number: #25 – Captain of the Blast

1995/1996 – Hamilton Kilty B’s – OPJHL

Chad Spurr got his start off in the hockey scene in Junior A in the OPJHL with the Hamilton Kilty B’s as a 16 year old where he played with former Blast and Real McCoy’s C Paul Lawson and briefly with current Blast teammate Dave Russell. He played in 45 games in his rookie season, scoring 12 goals and adding 27 assists for 39 points in only 45 games, finishing 6^th in team scoring.

1996/1997-1999/2000 – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – OHL/ Roanoke Express – ECHL

Autographed Chad Spurr card when he played with the Greyhounds in the OHL

Following a very successful rookie season in Junior A, Chad Spurr was drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. He would play his first season in the O in 1996/1997 where he would record 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points in 61 games, good for 6^th in team scoring. The team he played on featured future NHL talent Joe Thornton, Richard Jackman and Nathan Perrott. The team would win their division and make it to the second round of the OHL playoffs before losing to Guelph. Chad had 2 points in 11 playoff games that spring.

Chad began his sophomore season in the OHL in 1997 and the team struggled as leading scorer Joe Thornton left for the NHL to play with the Boston Bruins. Despite their record of 20-36-7-3 on the season, Spurr had an increased offensive role on the team. He finished 4^th in team scoring with 20 goals and 34 assists for 54 points in 64 games.

In 1998/1999, he split the season between the Greyhounds and the Roanoke Express of the ECHL. He played the entire season with the Greyhounds and had a career high 72 points (27 goals, 45 assists) in 65 games. He added 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in 5 playoff games before the Greyhounds got eliminated.

After elimination Chad decided to get a brief taste of professional hockey as he signed with the now defunct Roanoke Express of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He played in three games that season and scored two goals. He would end up playing in the playoffs for the Express as well that year, collecting 6 points in 12 games.

At the turn of the century Spurr headed back to the OHL with the Greyhounds for one last season in the O. He played in 61 games, scoring 18 goals and 39 assists for 57 points. The team went on a long playoff run to the Conference finals and Chad was a huge reason for this as he scored 7 goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 17 playoff games that spring.

This would close the chapter on the OHL portion of his career as he finished with 251 games played, scoring 76 goals and adding 156 assists for 232 points, adding 170 PIM. He also played in 45 OHL playoff games scoring 16 goals and adding 18 assists for 34 points.

After this Junior career, Chad headed out East briefly to play in one season of University hockey with the University of PEI. He played in 24 games and lead the team in every major category with 16 goals, 25 assists, 41 points and 101 PIM.

Following that season Chad left the University and began his 6 year professional hockey career. He signed with the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League. He only played in 7 regular season games that season and he scored 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) and went pointless in 3 playoff games.

2001/2002 – Charlotte Checkers – ECHL

The next season in 2001, Chad would get his first full season of pro hockey under his belt. He signed with the Charlotte Checkers (now in the AHL) of the East Coast Hockey League where he was teammates with current Blast teammate Brandon Dietrich. Chad was the only player to play in all 72 games and he scored 10 goals and 21 assists for 31 points in his rookie season of pro hockey as a 22 year old. He added a single assist in 5 playoff games that spring as the Checkers had a first round exit.

2002/2003-2003/2004 – Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs – CHL

Chad Spurr with the Mudbugs

In the 2002/2003 season Chad headed back to the CHL to play for the now defunct Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. He scored 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 47 games with the team in his first year with the team.

The second year Chad played with the Mudbugs he scored a career high 31 goals and added 39 assists for a professional personal high 70 points, finishing second in team scoring. The Mudbugs went on a long playoff run that season but would lose in the CHL finals. Chad scored 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 17 playoff games that spring.

2004/2005 – Pee Dee Pride – ECHL

The following year, he headed back to the league that provided him with his first taste of prop hockey back in 1998 as he signed with Pee Dee Pride of the ECHL. He only played in 40 games but managed to finish 5^th in team scoring with 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists).

That concluded the ECHL portion of Chad’s career, he finished with 23 goals and 31 assists for 54 points in 115 games.

2005/2006 – Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs – CHL

The 2005/2006 season would end up being Spurr’s last in professional hockey as he would retire at the conclusion. He went out with class, as he finished with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 61 games and added 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 15 games in the playoffs, as the Mudbugs again lost in the Championship Finals. He would retire at the conclusion of the season to come back home to Ontario, where he would start up his own business.

2006/2007 – Present – Brantford Blast – MLH/ACH

 

Chad Spurr and Blast Owner Peter Ham in 2010 after a one year leave of absence from the league

Chad Spurr signed with the Blast after retiring from professional hockey. He started in the 2006/2007 season, where he had 37 points (21 goals, 16 assists) in 27 games.

The next season he was an instrumental part of the Blast’s Allan Cup Championship team, scoring 17 goals and assisting on 22 others for 39 points in 24 games. He added 7 points in 5 games in the Allan Cup, none bigger than his OT winner in the semi finals against Dundas to propel the Blast to the Finals against Bentley where they would go on to win 3-1 and capture the 100^th Allan Cup Championship.

In total, Chad has been with the Blast for 7 seasons dating to today and he has become the second leading scorer in goals, assists and points with 115 goals, 139 assists and 254 points behind only Tyler Pelton

His season by season stats from 2008/2009 until the present day are as follows:

2008/2009 – 9 GP – 2G,8A- 10 Pts – 2 PIM

2010/2011 – 23 GP – 23G, 25A – 48 Pts – 46 PIM

2011/2012- 25 GP- 22G, 31A – 53 Pts – 24 PIM

2012-2013- 21 GP – 17G, 30A- 47 Pts – 36 PIM

2013-2014 (so far) – 18 GP – 13G, 7A- 20 Pts – 34 PIM

Blast Host Dundas Real McCoy’s for 11th Annual Tim Horton’s Night

Preview

Tonight’s game will feature the Blast (13-4-0-1) against the Dundas Real McCoy’s (14-3-0-1) in the sixth matchup between these two teams. The season series is tied with each team collecting 7 points and 3-2-0-1 records. The game will be played at the Civic Centre with doors opening at 6:30 and puck drop at 7:30 PM.

Theme

The game is the 11^th Annual Tim Horton’s Night and will include a whole bunch of events/giveaways. All fans will receive a free set of Tim Horton’s bam-bams. There will also be a chance to win 1 of 75 $5 Tim’s Cards, 1 of 2 $50 Tim’s cards, and the top prize of a Tim Horton’s Tassimo gift pack. At the first intermission the Blast will help celebrate Timbits hockey with a 10 minute showcase of two local area Brantford Timbits teams.

Recent Games  

The Blast are fresh off their biggest win, a 16-2 win over Norwood last Friday night. Dundas had their last game with Whitby postponed but their last actual game was a 4-3 SO victory over Whitby at home the night before.  

The Blast draw in at 3-2 in their last five games played and 5-4-0-1 in their last 10, while Dundas has a record of 3-1-0-1  in their last five games played and 8-1-0-1 in their last 10 games.

 

 

 

Players to Watch

The players to watch on the Blast include Joel Prpic who is now tied for 3^rd in league scoring, he has 30 points in 15 games this season, including 10 in his last 5 games played, Chad Spurr and Jon Jankus are two others to look out for as they had 6 and 7 points respectively last Friday against Norwood.

Players to look out for on the Real McCoy’s are the usual tandem that has caused havoc for teams all season long, Scott Mifsud (1^st in the ACH) who has 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points, including 14 points in his last 5 games, Cam Watson – who has a league leading 18 goals, and 17 assists for 35 points and 13 points in his last 5 games, and Joe Koudys – with 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points (6 points in last 5 games).

Players Leading the Way in the Season Series

Blast players currently leading the way in the season series against Dundas include Joel Prpic, Chis Leveille and Mark Taylor, all who have 5 points in the 6 games series so far. These three always seem to turn it up when the Blast’s arch rivals are in town.

The Real McCoy’s are lead by two thirds of their top line, including Scott Mifsud who has 9 points playing in all 6 games, Darryl Smith – who has 7 points in only 3 games played against the Blast and the other member of the top line Cam Watson who has 5 points in 5 games against the Blast this season. 

Mike Burgoyne #22 Player Profile

Position: D (Shoots Left)

Birthdate: Dec 28, 1980 (33 years old)

Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario

Height: 6’2” Weight: 210 lbs

Jersey Number: #22

 

1997/1998-1999/2000 – Hamilton Kilty B’s – OPJHL

Mike “Burger” Burgoyne got his hockey playing career started off as a 16 year old in the same league as many other Blast players, he first played in the OPJHL which was Junior A hockey. He played for a team called the Hamilton Kilty B’s (now known as the Hamilton Red Wings). He played 29 games in his rookie season and scored 1 goal and added 4 helps for 5 points. One of his teammates was current Blast defenseman Dave Russell, who was 17 years old at the time.

In his sophomore season, Burgoyne got more ice time and he capitalized on it. He finished with a personal Junior hockey best 18 goals and added 27 assists for 45 points in only 47 games, as he became one of the team and league’s best offensively minded defensemen. He finished third in team scoring.

After a very solid second season, Burgoyne came back as an 18 year old for his final season of Junior hockey. He played in 30 games and added 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points.

He closed out the Junior days of his hockey career with 106 games played, scoring 29 goals, and assisting on 45 others for a total of 74 points. He also received 83 PIM over the three seasons in the OPJHL.

2002/2003-2003/2004 – Brantford Blast – OHA Sr A

After two seasons off from competitive hockey following his junior career, Burgoyne decided to come and play for the Blast in OHA Sr A as a 21 year old. The blue liner finished 5th in team scoring in their inaugural season with 9 goals and 15 assists in 30 games for 24 points.

In the 2003/2004 season Burgoyne came back to play his sophomore season with the Blast, who were now coached by Paris native and former NHLer Jay Wells. Burgoyne finished 1st among Blast defensemen and 6th overall in points with 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points in only 27 games, showing he could be a real offensive threat once again.

2003/2004-2004/2005 – Quad City Mallards/Motor City Mechanics/Rockford IceHogs – UHL

After a very strong season with the Blast, Burgoyne decided to briefly go play professional hockey following the Blast season. He signed with the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League (UHL), and suited up in his first two pro hockey games, going pointless and collecting 6 minutes in penalties.

In 2004, Burgoyne was brought back by the Mallards. He played in 17 games, failing to receive a point, and added 28 PIM.

Burgoyne was then traded mid-season to the Motor City Mechanics, and this is where he started to show he could be effective in professional hockey. He played in 30 games for the Mechanics and scored 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points. Despite only playing in 30 games, Burgoyne was still 5th in Mechanics defensemen scoring. This team was very rich in NHL talent, due to the lockout that year. It included a 42 year old Chris Chelios, Darien Hatcher, Sean Avery, and Bryan Smolinski.

Despite showing some offensive flair, Burgoyne was again on the move before the trade deadline, as he was traded to the Rockford IceHogs, where he would play the final 4 games of the season, failing to receive a point.

2005/2006 – Motor City Mechanics – UHL

After being traded away from the Mechanics the previous season, Burgoyne signed back with the Detroit based team the following season in 2005. He played on a team featuring former Blast player and brother of The Great One, Brent Gretzky, and current Blast teammate Greg Bullock. He finished 2nd in defensemen scoring on the Mechanics behind current Real McCoy’s defenseman Matt Smith, and 7th overall with 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points in 76 games, adding 76 PIM.

He closed out the UHL portion of his career to move on to play in the CHL the following year. He finished with 129 games played, scoring 19 goals and adding 33 assists for 52 points and 117 PIM.

2006/2007-2007/2008 – Oklahoma City Blazers – CHL

It was during his time in the CHL that Burgoyne really broke out offensively in professional hockey. In his first season in the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the now defunct Oklahoma City Blazers, Burgoyne had career highs in goals, assists and points, finishing with 21 goals, 40 assists and 61 points in only 64 games. He added 76 PIM. He also added 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) in a long playoff run of 14 games that post-season.

When the 2007/2008 season came around he was back with the Blazers and continued his offensive pace, scoring 17 goals and 38 assists for 55 points, and adding a career high 88 PIM.

2008/2009 – Belfast Giants – EIHL

 

Burgoyne (right) celebrates with a teammate after scoring a big goal for the Giants

In 2008, Burgoyne made the trek overseas to Ireland where he signed with the Belfast Giants of the British Elite Ice Hockey League. It’s the same team that Theo Fleury had played for only 3 seasons prior.  He fit in right away, on route to being the offensive leader for Giants defensemen and finishing 8th overall in team scoring with 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points in 55 games. He went pointless in 2 playoff games that spring.

2009/2010 – Victoria Salmon Kings – ECHL/ Missouri Mavericks – CHL

Following one season abroad in Ireland, Burgoyne headed back to North America the following season in 2009. He started off the year in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Victoria Salmon Kings in which would be the highest level of pro he had played. He only played 6 games, scoring 1 goal and added 3 assists for 4 points before heading back down to the CHL.

After a brief spot in the ECHL, he headed back to the CHL with the Missouri Mavericks, where he played with current Dundas Real McCoy’s C Jordan Foreman. Burgoyne finished 5th in team scoring that season despite only playing 41 games. He scored 10 goals and added 22 assists for 32 points.

This concluded the CHL portion of Mike’s career, as he finished with 169 games played, scoring 48 goals and adding 100 assists for 148 points, and 199 PIM.

2010/2011 – The Hague HYS – Netherlands

 

Burgoyne battles for the puck with the Dutch team The Hague HYS in 2011

Burgoyne once again headed overseas in 2011 to play in the Netherlands based league for The Hague HYS. He was a very effective player on the team, scoring 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points in only 38 games, adding 77 PIM. He helped the team win the National Dutch Championship that spring and retired from professional hockey to come back home to Ontario.

2011/2012 – Present – Brantford Blast – ACH

After retiring from professional hockey, Burgoyne came back to the place he started his career after Junior hockey, as he signed a player card with the Brantford Blast, who were now in a league called Allan Cup Hockey (ACH). He scored 7 goals and added 12 assists in 19 games in his first year back with the Blast, as he won the ACH League’s Best Defensemen Award.

In 2012/2013, Burgoyne became a player/coach for the Blast, a role he still carries today. He finished with 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) in 22 games, on route to his second consecutive ACH Top Defensemen Award. He added 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 9 games in the Blast’s playoff run which ended in a Robertson Cup Championship.

That brings us to the current season, where Burgoyne has 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) in 16 games so far and has propelled himself into 1st all time in all major categories with Blast defensemen. He also ranks 6th overall in games played with 114, 5th overall with points with 126, 8th overall for goals with 37, 5th overall with assists with 89 and 6th overall in penalty minutes with 142. 

Jeff Caister #21 Player Profile

Position: D (Shoots Left)

Birthdate: Jan 17, 1985 (29 years old)

Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario

Height: 6’2” Weight: 220 lbs

Jersey Number: #23

2002/2003 – Mississauga Chargers – OPJHL

Jeff Caister got his start in the hockey world as a 17 year old in the Junior A hockey in the OPJHL. It would be very brief, as he only played 1 game that season as a defenseman, going pointless. This season current Blast teammate Chris Rebernik also played for the Chargers as a 16 year old, but only played a minimal amount of games too, suiting up in 10.

2003/2004-2005/2006 – Milton Icehawks – OPJHL

 

Caister with the Milton Icehawks of the OPJHL

It would be the next season where Jeff would be able to let his skills shine as an 18 year old rookie, this time playing with the Milton Icehawks in the OPJHL. He became known as quite the offensive defenseman during this season as he finished 5th in team points with 5 goals, and added 29 assists for 34 points in only 49 games a rookie D-Man.

In his sophomore season in 2004/2005 with the Icehawks, Casiter’s value continued to increase as an effective offensive force on the blueline. He finished 4th in team scoring with a career high 11 goals, and 39 assists for 50 points in 49 games. He also played on the same team as two young phenoms, a 13 year old John Tavares, and a 15 year old Sam Gagner.

The next season in 2005/2006 would be Caister’s last in Junior hockey. He once again played for the Icehawks and would go on to record his personal career best in points this season. The 20 year old scored 11 goals and added a career best 47 assists for 58 points in only 49 games, once again finishing 4th in team scoring. He also played with current Philadelphia Flyers forward Matt Read, who lead the team in scoring.

Caister concluded his OPJHL career with 142 points (27 goals, 115 assists) in 148 games (0.96 points-per-game), adding 166 PIM.

2006/2007-2007/2008 – Wayne State University Warriors – NCAA Division I

After closing out his Junior career, Caister headed across the border to Detroit, Michigan to play for the Wayne State University Warriors, who played in the College Hockey America (CHA) Conference. Caister had an effective freshmen year with the Warriors, finishing 8th in team scoring with 2 goals and 14 assists in 35 games. His play earned him a spot on the All-CHA Rookie Team.

In his sophomore season and final year with the Warriors before the ice hockey program was terminated, Caister improved even more. He scored 3 goals and chipped in 28 assists for 31 points in only 38 games. He served as an Assistant Captain this season. His play also earned him a spot on the CHA First All Star-Team.

2008/2009-2009/2010 – St Lawrence University Saints – NCAA Division I/South Carolina Stingrays – ECHL

Caister with St. Lawerence University

After Wayne State University shut down their men’s ice hockey program, Caister would head to Canton, NY to play for the St. Lawerence University Saints in NCAA Division I ice hockey. He played in 37 games his first year with the Saints and got 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists), playing on the same team as current Chicago Blackhawk Brandon Bollig. The team would lose in their Conference Semi Finals and fail to make the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament.

In 2009/2010, Caister began his final season in the NCAA before turning pro briefly following the college hockey season. He finished 9th in team scoring with 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 42 games.  That concluded Caister’s College hockey days as he finished with 152 games played in the NCAA, scoring 13 goals and adding 61 assists for 74 points (0.49 points-per-game). He would earn the Terry Slater Perseverance Award this season for dedication to the sport of ice hockey.

After the college hockey season that year in 2010, Caister signed on with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) to get his first taste of professional ice hockey. He would only play 4 games in the regular season, failing to receive a point. He added 5 games in the playoffs, and received his first professional hockey points, collecting 2 assists for the Stingrays that spring.

2010/2011 – South Carolina Stingrays/Victoria Salmon Kings – ECHL

Caister with the Stingrays (top) and the Salmon Kings (bottom) of the ECHL in his first full season of pro hockey

Caister started the 2010/2011 season with the Stingrays again, but would only play in 8 games, failing to receive a point, before being traded to the now defunct Victoria Salmon Kings (affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks) for future considerations. He would play 46 games with the Salmon Kings and score 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists). The team would get swept in the Conference Finals, and fold after the conclusion of the season. Caister added 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) in 12 playoff games that spring.

2011/2012 – Greenville Road Warriors – ECHL

 

Caister with the Road Warriors in 2011

The next season in 2011 after the Stingrays folded, Caister would move on to play for the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL. He scored 3 goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 69 games with the team, in which would be his final season in North American pro hockey. He added 1 assist in 3 playoff games.

He closed out the ECHL chapter of his career with 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 127 games, adding 101 PIM. He also added 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 20 playoff games.

2012/2013 – Fife Flyers – EIHL

 

Caister with the Fife Flyers in 2012, as he suited up in his final season of professional hockey before retiring

Caister would end up heading overseas to Scotland to play for the oldest hockey team in the United Kingdom, as he signed with the Fife Flyers of the Britain Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). Caister went out with a bang before retiring that spring, scoring a professional career high 31 points (3 goals, 28 assists) in 55 games, also adding a career high 132 PIM. He went pointless in 2 playoff games, and retired from pro hockey as a Fife Flyer that spring.

2013/2014 – Brantford Blast – ACH

 

Jeff Caister with the Brantford Blast of the ACH in 2013

Upon retiring Caister moved back home to Ontario to begin working. He ended up signing a player card with the Brantford Blast to play in the Allan Cup Hockey League (ACH). Caister has been an effective two-way defenseman so far in his time spent with the Blast, as he has scored 1 goal and added 8 assists for 9 points in 16 games in a Blast uniform.

Jon Jankus #23 Player Profile

Position: F (shoots right)

Birthdate: March 12, 1983

Birthplace: Stoney Creek, Ontario

Height: 6’0” Weight: 200 lbs

Jersey Number: #23

 

1999/2000 – 2002/2003 – Hamilton Kilty B’s – OPHJL / University of Maine – NCAA

Jon “The Wiz” Jankus began his hockey playing career in Junior “A” hockey in the OPJHL with the Hamilton Kilty B’s as a 16 year old. He played on the same team as current player/coach Mike Burgoyne and former Blast and current Dundas Real McCoy’s defensemen Steve Hurst. He received 39 points in his rookie season in 47 games, off of 11 goals and 28 assists. That was good enough for 5^th in team scoring in his rookie season.

Jankus began his second season of OPJHL hockey in the 2000/2001 season, where he played with current Blast teammate Bryan Hamm and former Blast forward T.J McCool. He finished 4^th in team scoring with 6 goals and 23 assists in 42 games, adding 81 PIM.

The following season would be split between two teams for the 18 year old Jankus. He would start off playing NCAA Division I hockey with the University of Maine Black Bears, finishing with 1 goal in 9 games before heading back home to continue playing for the Hamilton Kilty B’s. He would play 12 games during the remainder of the 2001/2002 season for the Kilty B’s, scoring once and adding 7 assists for 8 points.

The following season in 2002/2003, the team named changed from the Kilty B’s to the Hamilton Red Wings, which they remain called today. It would be Jankus’ last season of Junior Hockey, and he went out with a bang. He finished 4^th in team scoring on route to scoring career highs in every category, finishing with 29 goals and 43 assists for 72 points and 114 PIM. He concluded his Junior A days with 148 points (47 goals, 101 assists) in 138 games, adding 265 PIM.

2003/2004-2005/2006 – University of Maine Black Bears – NCAA

 

Jon Jankus (center) celebrates after the Black Bears won the NCAA East Championship and became NCAA semi-finalists in the Frozen Four Tournament 

The next three seasons of Jankus’ hockey career would be dedicated to the University of Maine Black Bears, the University he had attended 2 years prior as an 18 year old. In his official freshman season, Jankus scored 9 goals and added 15 assists for 24 points in 43 games, which was good for 5^th in team scoring. He finished ahead of future NHLers Mike Lundin (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Dustin Penner (Anaheim Ducks) in team scoring. Current Detroit Red Wings starting goaltender Jimmy Howard was the starting goaltender as well for the Black Bears.

In his sophomore season with the Black Bears, Jankus built on his solid freshmen season finishing second in points with 8 goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 39 games.

In his third and final season with the Black Bears in 2005/2006, Jankus finished 9^th in team scoring with 7 goals and 11 assists in 40 games. The starting goaltender that season was current Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop.

Jankus concluded his NCAA career with 68 points (25 goals, 43 assists) in 131 games, adding 175 PIM, before making the decision to turn pro the next season.

2006/2007 – Bloomington Prairie Thunder – UHL

 

Jankus’ player shot with the Prairie Thunder during his first season of professional hockey

After a decent college career at Maine, Jankus was ready to make the jump to professional hockey. He signed with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder of the United Hockey League (UHL). He played briefly with current Blast teammate Andrew Lackner, who would later be traded to Chicago. In his rookie season in professional hockey, Jankus scored 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 18 games.

2007/2008 – Corpus Christi IceRays – CHL

 

Jankus with the Corpus Christi IceRays in his final season of professional hockey in 2008

After finishing his first season of professional hockey, Jankus would play one more pro season before ending his professional hockey playing career. This time he made the switch to another minor pro league in the Stats, the Central Hockey League (CHL), where he played for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. He scored 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points in 64 games that season. Following the season he headed back home to Hamilton/Stoney Creek area where he currently resides today.

2008/2009-2013/2014 – Brantford Blast- MLH/ACH

After a short professional hockey career Jankus decided to play Senior A hockey with the Brantford Blast of the MLH (Major League Hockey). He played only 6 games that season and scored 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points. The team failed to make the playoffs.

The Blast took a year off during 2009/2010, but Jankus was right back with the Blast the following year in 2010/2011. He played 10 games in his second year with the team, scoring 6 goals and adding 12 assists for 18 points in only 10 games. He added 5 goals and 1 assist in 6 games in the playoffs as the Blast had an early first round exit.

During his third season with the team he began known as quite the play maker, finishing with 6 goals and 24 assists in 25 games, finishing 5^th in team scoring. The Blast once again had an early first round playoff exit, but Jankus was again a clutch playoff performer with 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 5 games.

The next season would turn out to be Jankus’ best to date in Senior Hockey as he found incredible chemistry on the top line with Chad Spurr and Mike Ruberto as the trio combined for 143 points (48 goals, 95 assists). Jankus himself had 4 goals and an ACH leading 37 assists for 41 points, finishing 4^th overall in league scoring. He began known as one of the most dominant play makers in the league.

That brings us to this current year where Jankus is heating up after a slow start. After having only 1 goal and 2 assists in his first 10 games before getting injured for 6 games, Jankus has 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in his two games back. All 7 points came in a 16-2 victory over the Norwood Vipers. Jankus continues to prove night in and out that he is one of the most consistent play makers in this league.

With the big game last Friday, Jankus now has 104 points (20 goals, 84 assists) in a Blast uniform, which is good enough for 5^th in All-Time Blast scoring, as he closes in on Paul Polillo’s 119 points in 4^th place.

 

Brantford “Blasts” Away the Norwood Vipers 16-2

Entering Friday’s game against the Brantford Blast, the Norwood Vipers were looking to erase a devastating 14-0 home loss to Dundas on Sunday from their minds. The game started out like that might just be the case. Norwood scored the game’s first goal only 2:16 in as Cory Johnston scored on a sprawling Brett Leggat, and they jumped to an early lead. Little did they know the Blast had something in store for them.

The Blast who had been struggling greatly with special teams this season, had them work out greatly in their favour in the first period. Joel Prpic first scored at 3:46 with the man advantage, followed by Chad Spurr on the powerplay at 9:59. Bryan Hamm scored his first goal of the season at 11:07 and the crowd went wild. The Blast would again have their special teams put them ahead as Chad Spurr scored his second of the night on the powerplay again at 17:12, followed by Jamie Williams scoring the Harvey’s Hamburger Goal at 19:07 with the Blast a man short to take a 5-1 lead to the first intermission. Shots were 11-4 in favour of Brantford in the first. Picking up assists in the first period were Jankus and Prpic with two apiece, followed by singles to Chad Spurr, Burgoyne, Sault, Domingues, Rebernik and Kyle Spurr.

The Blast didn’t let up in the second period as they continued to have great chemistry together. The Blast received goals from Bullock, Healy, Russell, Rebernik and Chad Spurr who completed the hat trick at 12:15 of the second to make it 10-1 after forty minutes of play. The five second period goals were all scored in a matter of 6:03.

The Blast scored their highest amount of goals in a period in the third when they buried the Norwood net six times. Receiving goals from Jankus, Sault, a second goal from Bryan Hamm, followed by Prpic’s second of the night. Darren Doherty would score at 13:13 to make it 14-2, but Lackner and Prpic, who completed the hat trick would close out the game winning 16-2 against Norwood. Bryan Hamm got into his first fight of the season after Prpic’s second of the night. When the game was said and done, the Blast were lead statistically by Chad Spurr (3 goals, 3 assists), Jon Jankus (1 goal, 6 assists), Joel Prpic (3 goals, 2 assists), Greg Bullock (first game back from injury – 1 goal, 3 assists), and Cam Sault (1 goal, 3 assists). Rebernik and Healy each had 3 points, followed by Hamm, Kyle Spurr, Ruberto, Taylor, Williams, Burgoyne and Lackner all with 2 points each. Russell and Domingues would each add a single point.

The Blast are next in action next Friday night for Tim Horton’s Night against rival Dundas Real McCoy’s who won on Friday against Whitby 4-3 in overtime fashion.

ICE CHIPS – The Blast outshot the Vipers 33-22. The Vipers pulled their goaltenders three times in the game. The game was delayed by Norwood arriving to the arena late. The Blast were 3/5 on the powerplay, while Norwood was 0/6. All Blast players received at least one point except Bloomfield and Leveille. Harvey Gekiere won the Frisbee toss, which came with the prize money as well as a custom Blast jersey. 

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. 

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.