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Defence wins championships, they tell us. It also wins meaningless prospect games, and the Canucks were a fine example of that yesterday. They allowed just 18 shots from the Jets on the way to a 4-1 victory at the Young Stars tournament in Penticton. Jackson Whistle stopped 17 of those shots, and got offensive support from Jared McCann, Mike Zalewski, Reid Gardiner and Hunter Shinkaruk.
The Canucks got the scoring underway with McCann's goal, which will stand out as one of the best of the tournament, not because of how he scored, but what he did after that.
That is absolutely hilarious, and a sure way that no one ever forgets your 1st pro goal, even if it is in an exhibition game. The Jets would tie it up, but the response was quick, with Mike Zalewski (who had a short call up last season) banging home a loose puck to make it 2-1.
Gardiner added his goal 2 minutes later, and then Shinkaruk rounded things off with an empty netter late for the 4-1 victory. Gardiner, who is at the tournament on an invite, may have earned a longer look with that impressive goal.
Did you miss the game yesterday? No worries. The Canucks have you covered. Really like that they're doing this, and wish that getting to watch games that were played was always as easy as going to youtube.
One thing we can expect from today's game against the Flames is a physical affair like the Friday night matchup against the Oilers. The Flames will be dressing former Victoria Royals D Keegan Kanzig and Hunter Smith, both of whom stand 6 feet 7 inches. The Flames, like the Canucks will be looking to finish the tournament on a winning note, as they lost 6-3 to the Oilers on Saturday. The game starts at 3:30 and will be streamed live on Canucks.com and their youtube channel. We'll post the link in the comments.
With the regular training camp opening soon, we're turning out focus to the exhibition games, one of which is the Kraft Hockeyville game against the San Jose Sharks, which is going to be held here in Colwood at the Q Center, home of the BCHL's Victoria Grizzlies. We're thrilled to announce that I've secured media accreditation for the game and will be giving you a ton of behind the scenes looks at this game. If you manage to score tickets for this one, I hope to see you there!
KICK ASS GAME DAY BATTLE HYMN
Thrash metal is enjoying a rebirth over the last few years, with a number of bands stepping around the globe releasing some seriously face-melting mosh anthems, and Germany's Dust Bolt are no exception. I am becoming a huge fan of these guys. Here's 'Agent Thrash' from their 2014 disc 'Awake The Riot'.
