Calgary Hitmen Hockey Thread- Featuring Andrew Ladd

[SoCalcaniac]

I couldn't resist starting this thread- Mods, if I'm not in the right spot, just move me ;)

A write up in the Calgary Sun on the Hitmen v Lethbridge HURRICANES game (the 'Canes are winless through 3 games this season :eek2: ) Anyway, if you need a hockey fix and want to keep an eye on our 1st round pick Mr. Ladd, here ya go....

He 'Cane, he saw, he conquered
Kazakhstan import scores winner in his debut
By CAMERON MAXWELL -- Calgary Sun

Game Over

Call it a stellar debut for Konstantin Pushkarev.

The Kazakhstan import got into a fight and scored the game-winning goal last night, helping the Calgary Hitmen grab their first win of the WHL season with a 4-3 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes before 6,431 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

Pushkarev's tally came at 11:24 of the final frame, as Calgary twice rallied from a goal down in beating the winless (0-3) Hurricanes. He banged in a rebound from an Andrew Ladd shot, sending the 'Dome faithful into a frenzy.

"It was very good for me," said the 19-year-old L.A. Kings prospect in halting English.

"I'm a right winger ... and we've got many good forwards."

No doubt, as he ended up on a line with snipers Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Ladd.

"We moved the puck pretty well and the big thing with him is he knows how to move the puck quickly and that works well for our line," said Ladd, who scored his second of the season.

The 6-ft. 1-in., 180-lb. Pushkarev capped his debut by scrapping with Kris Versteeg of the Hurricanes shortly after his goal.

The Hitmen improve to 1-0-1-1 as head coach-GM Kelly Kisio got his first win behind the bench.

After giving up leads in their first two games, Kisio was happy to see his club fight back twice from one-goal deficits.

"We played a pretty solid game. I thought we dominated down low quite a bit and outshot them (33-25) pretty bad," said Kisio.

"A couple bad breaks and we were behind but it was great to see us keep battling and come back."

Calgary tallied first as Lee Zalasky notched a shorthanded goal after banging in the rebound from a Shaun Landolt shot at 4:24 of the opening period.

Lethbridge tied it with 1:04 left in the frame on a Rob Klinkhammer goal he redirected with his skate. Kisio argued it was kicked in but referee Kyle Rehmen disagreed.

The Hurricanes grabbed a 2-1 lead 7:10 into the second as Versteeg scored his first of the year, completing a two-on-one with Kyle Pess.

Ladd replied for the Hitmen at 16:24 of the second, then Lethbridge went up 3-2 at 4:23 of the third as Pess scored the Hurricanes' first powerplay goal of the season.

Once again, the Hitmen rallied, getting a four-on-four marker from Steve Covington at 7:30 of the third.

HIT PARADE: Give the shades to Calgary G Scotty Bowles. Like the Calgary Flames' green hard hat, the Hitmen have an ugly gift for their player of the game -- a pair 1970s-style sunglasses. Bowles, who made 22 saves last night, was forced to wear them for post-game interviews.

[SoCalcaniac]

I couldn't resist starting this thread- Mods, if I'm not in the right spot, just move me ;)

A write up in the Calgary Sun on the Hitmen v Lethbridge HURRICANES game (the 'Canes are winless through 3 games this season :eek2: ) Anyway, if you need a hockey fix and want to keep an eye on our 1st round pick Mr. Ladd, here ya go....

He 'Cane, he saw, he conquered
Kazakhstan import scores winner in his debut
By CAMERON MAXWELL -- Calgary Sun

Game Over

Call it a stellar debut for Konstantin Pushkarev.

The Kazakhstan import got into a fight and scored the game-winning goal last night, helping the Calgary Hitmen grab their first win of the WHL season with a 4-3 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes before 6,431 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

Pushkarev's tally came at 11:24 of the final frame, as Calgary twice rallied from a goal down in beating the winless (0-3) Hurricanes. He banged in a rebound from an Andrew Ladd shot, sending the 'Dome faithful into a frenzy.

"It was very good for me," said the 19-year-old L.A. Kings prospect in halting English.

"I'm a right winger ... and we've got many good forwards."

No doubt, as he ended up on a line with snipers Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Ladd.

"We moved the puck pretty well and the big thing with him is he knows how to move the puck quickly and that works well for our line," said Ladd, who scored his second of the season.

The 6-ft. 1-in., 180-lb. Pushkarev capped his debut by scrapping with Kris Versteeg of the Hurricanes shortly after his goal.

The Hitmen improve to 1-0-1-1 as head coach-GM Kelly Kisio got his first win behind the bench.

After giving up leads in their first two games, Kisio was happy to see his club fight back twice from one-goal deficits.

"We played a pretty solid game. I thought we dominated down low quite a bit and outshot them (33-25) pretty bad," said Kisio.

"A couple bad breaks and we were behind but it was great to see us keep battling and come back."

Calgary tallied first as Lee Zalasky notched a shorthanded goal after banging in the rebound from a Shaun Landolt shot at 4:24 of the opening period.

Lethbridge tied it with 1:04 left in the frame on a Rob Klinkhammer goal he redirected with his skate. Kisio argued it was kicked in but referee Kyle Rehmen disagreed.

The Hurricanes grabbed a 2-1 lead 7:10 into the second as Versteeg scored his first of the year, completing a two-on-one with Kyle Pess.

Ladd replied for the Hitmen at 16:24 of the second, then Lethbridge went up 3-2 at 4:23 of the third as Pess scored the Hurricanes' first powerplay goal of the season.

Once again, the Hitmen rallied, getting a four-on-four marker from Steve Covington at 7:30 of the third.

HIT PARADE: Give the shades to Calgary G Scotty Bowles. Like the Calgary Flames' green hard hat, the Hitmen have an ugly gift for their player of the game -- a pair 1970s-style sunglasses. Bowles, who made 22 saves last night, was forced to wear them for post-game interviews.

[nccanes]

Thanks SoCal! I'm thrilled to read that Ladd has scored a couple of goals.

I wonder if (yeah, a girl can dream) if the season were to start in Dec/Jan if Ladd would come here for a mini-camp or if they'd just let him finish off the year in Calgary and wait until next full training camp. Guess that's a question for JR at the Town Hall Mtg.

[nccanes]

Thanks SoCal! I'm thrilled to read that Ladd has scored a couple of goals.

I wonder if (yeah, a girl can dream) if the season were to start in Dec/Jan if Ladd would come here for a mini-camp or if they'd just let him finish off the year in Calgary and wait until next full training camp. Guess that's a question for JR at the Town Hall Mtg.

[Anonymous]

Isn't it awesome? They did an interview during the 2nd intermission last night and he said he was still 'on a high' after what happened here in Raleigh, he said, he purposeful worked harder to add pounds and muscle because he wanted to be 'ready whenever; and be ready for the next step'- sounds confident and very ready- and the announcers for the Hitmen were fawning all over both Ladd and Getzlaf- both regular season games and the pre-season games I've listened to, it's obvious they're proud of the two kids. The Ducks have quite a kid in Getzlaf and we've got AL- (Getzlaf got the C and Ladd is sporting the "A") I hope if we do get back to it in DEC (I know hope, hope hope)that he'll be able to come down.

nccanes- he's scored a couple, but he could 'have more' - he's clanged those posts a few times-but he's got a touch around that net, so I'm not worried.... LOL.... I said to hubby 'oh yep he's a Cane'.... ;)

[Anonymous]

Isn't it awesome? They did an interview during the 2nd intermission last night and he said he was still 'on a high' after what happened here in Raleigh, he said, he purposeful worked harder to add pounds and muscle because he wanted to be 'ready whenever; and be ready for the next step'- sounds confident and very ready- and the announcers for the Hitmen were fawning all over both Ladd and Getzlaf- both regular season games and the pre-season games I've listened to, it's obvious they're proud of the two kids. The Ducks have quite a kid in Getzlaf and we've got AL- (Getzlaf got the C and Ladd is sporting the "A") I hope if we do get back to it in DEC (I know hope, hope hope)that he'll be able to come down.

nccanes- he's scored a couple, but he could 'have more' - he's clanged those posts a few times-but he's got a touch around that net, so I'm not worried.... LOL.... I said to hubby 'oh yep he's a Cane'.... ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

nccanes- you're gonna kill me, but I couldn't resist LOL :D More on the dynamic duo in Calgary from the Western Hockey League website....
www.whl.ca

Note the Pavel Brendl reference... ;)

Getzlaf and Ladd: Calgary's Dynamic Duo
Created: Sep 30, 2004

Over the years, there have been many offensive pairings in the world of hockey that have been potent and dangerous enough to warrant the term “dynamic duo”.

Gretzky and Kurri, Kariya and Selanne, and Hull and Oates are just a few famous prolific pairings that come to mind.

However, to Calgary Hitmen winger Andrew Ladd, it’s a toss-up.

“(Mario) Lemieux and (Ron) Francis, or Lemieux and (Jaromir) Jagr,” he said.

Suddenly, Ladd is jolted with a playful punch to the arm by teammate Ryan Getzlaf.

“What!” pipes Getzlaf, as if to say ‘you didn’t pick us?’

Of course, Ladd, 18, and Getzlaf, 19, make up one of the Western Hockey League’s deadliest dynamic duos themselves. Last season, the pair each put up 75 points. Ladd scored 30 goals and was runner-up for rookie of the year while Getzlaf netted 28 goals and 47 assists in just 49 games for a league-best 1.53 points-per-game average.

Together, Ladd and Getzlaf have the ability to dazzle fans and create nightmares for the opposition. Hitmen fans haven’t been treated to a combination this potent and exciting since 1998-99 when Pavel Brendl and Brad Moran were lighting up goaltenders left, right, and center, finished first and second respectively in league scoring, and led the team to a President’s Cup and a Memorial Cup Final.
The last dynamic duo to finish one and two in league scoring was Swift Current’s Tyler Redenbach and Jeremy Williams who accomplished the feat last year.

Watching Ladd and Getzlaf play, it’s easy to see that both are exceptionally gifted hockey players. However, that doesn’t always translate into a successful partnership on the ice. So, what has made this pairing work so well?

“We both bring different styles of play,” said Ladd, who was drafted fourth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004. “It just seemed to gel from the start.”

Okay. Unraveling the mysteries of what makes them a great pairing may be tough to pinpoint, but, if one thing is clear, both have developed a mutual respect for each other and what each brings to the table.

“(Ladd) is a little more gritty than I am,” said Getzlaf, who’s in his fourth season with the Hitmen. “He’ll to go into the corners, get the puck out, and we’ll put it in the net. It works well together”

Ladd, on the other hand, is quick to point out his line mate’s finesse.

“(Getzlaf’s) obviously got good hands,” said Ladd, native of Maple Ridge, B.C. “Most of the time, when you get him the puck, he’ll put it in the net.”

This season - with another year under their belts – the pair will be expected to put up some big numbers and, again, lead the Hitmen’s offense. However, both Getzlaf and Ladd aren’t as keen on statistical success as they are about helping the team.

“The main goal, I think, for both of us is to try and win a championship,” said Ladd.

Getzlaf agrees. He also thinks that, while statistics do count for something, the most important individual goal is to improve all-around.

“I just want to get better every day,” said Getzlaf, who grew up in Regina, Sask. “Obviously you don’t want to drop off (in production), but, I think, if we go to a championship, that’s important. The numbers will be there.”

While the pair forms a potent combination for the Calgary Hitmen, they may do the same this winter for Canada’s national junior team at the World Junior championships. Both Ladd and Getzlaf attended the team’s summer development camp in Calgary in August and both are strong candidates to make the team. It was Ladd’s first experience with the national junior team. However, for Getzlaf, a returning veteran from last year’s Silver Medal-winning team, it will be a chance for redemption.

“This year, there are great expectations for the team,” said Getzlaf. “After last year’s heartbreaker, it’ll be nice to get another shot.”

While Getzlaf turned in a solid performance at the development camp, Ladd’s experience was somewhat less memorable. Ladd was forced to sit out the last half of the camp after suffering a shoulder injury during the first intra-squad game. Ironically, it was a hit by Getzlaf that put him out. Ladd says he holds no grudge about the incident adding that’s the competitive nature guys when they’re trying to make the national team.

Hopefully, for Calgary Hitmen and Team Canada fans, that will be the last time they see Getzlaf and Ladd on opposite sides. After all, and as any opposition team can attest, they work much better together.

Jesse Watts
whl.ca

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[SoCalcaniac]

nccanes- you're gonna kill me, but I couldn't resist LOL :D More on the dynamic duo in Calgary from the Western Hockey League website....
www.whl.ca

Note the Pavel Brendl reference... ;)

Getzlaf and Ladd: Calgary's Dynamic Duo
Created: Sep 30, 2004

Over the years, there have been many offensive pairings in the world of hockey that have been potent and dangerous enough to warrant the term “dynamic duo”.

Gretzky and Kurri, Kariya and Selanne, and Hull and Oates are just a few famous prolific pairings that come to mind.

However, to Calgary Hitmen winger Andrew Ladd, it’s a toss-up.

“(Mario) Lemieux and (Ron) Francis, or Lemieux and (Jaromir) Jagr,” he said.

Suddenly, Ladd is jolted with a playful punch to the arm by teammate Ryan Getzlaf.

“What!” pipes Getzlaf, as if to say ‘you didn’t pick us?’

Of course, Ladd, 18, and Getzlaf, 19, make up one of the Western Hockey League’s deadliest dynamic duos themselves. Last season, the pair each put up 75 points. Ladd scored 30 goals and was runner-up for rookie of the year while Getzlaf netted 28 goals and 47 assists in just 49 games for a league-best 1.53 points-per-game average.

Together, Ladd and Getzlaf have the ability to dazzle fans and create nightmares for the opposition. Hitmen fans haven’t been treated to a combination this potent and exciting since 1998-99 when Pavel Brendl and Brad Moran were lighting up goaltenders left, right, and center, finished first and second respectively in league scoring, and led the team to a President’s Cup and a Memorial Cup Final.
The last dynamic duo to finish one and two in league scoring was Swift Current’s Tyler Redenbach and Jeremy Williams who accomplished the feat last year.

Watching Ladd and Getzlaf play, it’s easy to see that both are exceptionally gifted hockey players. However, that doesn’t always translate into a successful partnership on the ice. So, what has made this pairing work so well?

“We both bring different styles of play,” said Ladd, who was drafted fourth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004. “It just seemed to gel from the start.”

Okay. Unraveling the mysteries of what makes them a great pairing may be tough to pinpoint, but, if one thing is clear, both have developed a mutual respect for each other and what each brings to the table.

“(Ladd) is a little more gritty than I am,” said Getzlaf, who’s in his fourth season with the Hitmen. “He’ll to go into the corners, get the puck out, and we’ll put it in the net. It works well together”

Ladd, on the other hand, is quick to point out his line mate’s finesse.

“(Getzlaf’s) obviously got good hands,” said Ladd, native of Maple Ridge, B.C. “Most of the time, when you get him the puck, he’ll put it in the net.”

This season - with another year under their belts – the pair will be expected to put up some big numbers and, again, lead the Hitmen’s offense. However, both Getzlaf and Ladd aren’t as keen on statistical success as they are about helping the team.

“The main goal, I think, for both of us is to try and win a championship,” said Ladd.

Getzlaf agrees. He also thinks that, while statistics do count for something, the most important individual goal is to improve all-around.

“I just want to get better every day,” said Getzlaf, who grew up in Regina, Sask. “Obviously you don’t want to drop off (in production), but, I think, if we go to a championship, that’s important. The numbers will be there.”

While the pair forms a potent combination for the Calgary Hitmen, they may do the same this winter for Canada’s national junior team at the World Junior championships. Both Ladd and Getzlaf attended the team’s summer development camp in Calgary in August and both are strong candidates to make the team. It was Ladd’s first experience with the national junior team. However, for Getzlaf, a returning veteran from last year’s Silver Medal-winning team, it will be a chance for redemption.

“This year, there are great expectations for the team,” said Getzlaf. “After last year’s heartbreaker, it’ll be nice to get another shot.”

While Getzlaf turned in a solid performance at the development camp, Ladd’s experience was somewhat less memorable. Ladd was forced to sit out the last half of the camp after suffering a shoulder injury during the first intra-squad game. Ironically, it was a hit by Getzlaf that put him out. Ladd says he holds no grudge about the incident adding that’s the competitive nature guys when they’re trying to make the national team.

Hopefully, for Calgary Hitmen and Team Canada fans, that will be the last time they see Getzlaf and Ladd on opposite sides. After all, and as any opposition team can attest, they work much better together.

Jesse Watts
whl.ca

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[AbNormal27]

Ladd, Pogge combine to lead Hitmen to 4-0 playoff victory over Hurricanes

CALGARY (CP) - Andrew Ladd scored twice and Justin Pogge stopped 21 shots to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-0 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Western Hockey League playoff action Tuesday night.

The victory, before 16,291 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome, put Calgary up 2-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night in Calgary. Riley Merkley opened the scoring at 7:21 of the first before Jeff Schultz fired a point shot past Lethbridge netminder Aaron Sorochan 35 seconds later. Ladd put the Hitmen up 3-0 at 3:50 of the second

That prompted Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hoffard to replace Sorochan, who stopped just five of eight shots he faced, with backup goalie Scott Bolland who ended up stopping 17 shots.

Ladd scored his second goal of the game at 10:56 of the third.

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Ladd, Pogge combine to lead Hitmen to 4-0 playoff victory over Hurricanes

CALGARY (CP) - Andrew Ladd scored twice and Justin Pogge stopped 21 shots to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-0 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Western Hockey League playoff action Tuesday night.

The victory, before 16,291 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome, put Calgary up 2-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night in Calgary. Riley Merkley opened the scoring at 7:21 of the first before Jeff Schultz fired a point shot past Lethbridge netminder Aaron Sorochan 35 seconds later. Ladd put the Hitmen up 3-0 at 3:50 of the second

That prompted Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hoffard to replace Sorochan, who stopped just five of eight shots he faced, with backup goalie Scott Bolland who ended up stopping 17 shots.

Ladd scored his second goal of the game at 10:56 of the third.

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Ladd, Pogge combine to lead Hitmen to 4-0 playoff victory over Hurricanes

CALGARY (CP) - Andrew Ladd scored twice and Justin Pogge stopped 21 shots to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 4-0 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Western Hockey League playoff action Tuesday night.

The victory, before 16,291 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome, put Calgary up 2-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night in Calgary. Riley Merkley opened the scoring at 7:21 of the first before Jeff Schultz fired a point shot past Lethbridge netminder Aaron Sorochan 35 seconds later. Ladd put the Hitmen up 3-0 at 3:50 of the second

That prompted Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hoffard to replace Sorochan, who stopped just five of eight shots he faced, with backup goalie Scott Bolland who ended up stopping 17 shots.

Ladd scored his second goal of the game at 10:56 of the third.

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Aaryn

[Captain Slack]

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Hopefully it will someday read:

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>" :D

[Captain Slack]

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Hopefully it will someday read:

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>" :D

[Captain Slack]

Something aboUt the title of that article just doesn't seem right.

Hopefully it will someday read:

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>" :D

[StormChaserBH]

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>

I vote any team in the Western Conference, hated or not. ;)

[StormChaserBH]

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>

I vote any team in the Western Conference, hated or not. ;)

[StormChaserBH]

"Ladd, Staal combine to lead Hurricanes to 4-0 playoff victory over <insert hated rival here>

I vote any team in the Western Conference, hated or not. ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

Well how do we like this for gutty, gritty future Hurricane player???? ;) So much to look forward to, if only.........................................



Ultimate warrior
Banged-up Ladd the face of a resilient Hitmen playoff team
By ERIC FRANCIS -- Calgary Sun


The carnage starts three quarters of the way up the nose, where two separate scrapes featured traces of blood more than four periods after the incident.

It's topped by a gash at the bridge of his beak that required four stitches to close -- one for every goal he's scored in these playoffs. :eek: :eek: HOLY COW

Andrew Ladd's mug is, without question, the face of these playoffs for the Calgary Hitmen.

Capped off by a pair of age-old scars barely hidden by the playoff scruff under his chin, Ladd's is the last face Lethbridge goalie Aaron Sorochan saw last night as he tried in vain to prolong a game so tight it took double overtime to solve.

Banging in a Ryan Getzlaf rebound to give the Hitmen a 3-2 win and 3-1 series lead, Ladd's face quickly disappeared in a sea of grey jerseys owned by teammates thankful the ironman contest ended in their favour.

"Oh god," moaned Ryan Getzlaf of Ladd's reconfigured face.

"He's going to be the ugliest guy in the league by the end of this year."

For that he has Brent Seabrook thank.

Late in the first period, with the Hitmen on their heels down 1-0, Ladd fell awkwardly near the boards at mid-ice and jammed his head into the planks just as the Hurricanes defenceman was closing in for the kill. :eek:

The result saw Ladd's helmet slam down into his face, taking several minutes for him to come to. This following a rugged first period -- as if he plays any other kind -- that saw him involved in several big hits.

"I think his knee hit my head and it rung my bell pretty good," smiled Ladd, who required an ice pack on his neck while on the bench recovering.

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

He then chipped in with two more stellar periods of brilliance with Getzlaf that eventually saw them hook up for the dramatic game winner.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go -- they should follow," said Ladd, anointed leadership status by way of solid year last year and a fourth-selection overall at the draft courtesy of Carolina.

"It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

A big part of Canada's gold medal-winning squad at Christmas, Ladd now appears focused on being the star this team needs him to be to succeed.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," said Ladd.

"It felt great."

As for the price he had to pay in terms of facial rearrangements:

"That's what it's all about -- scrapes, bruises," said Ladd, watched over by Carolina GM Jim Rutherford last night. ;)

Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hofford knows Ladd has been a 'Cane killer. (How ironic eh?)

"He's been solid all series," Hofford said. "He's been pretty sharp, going to the net hard. "We've got to do a better job containing him."

Or else, that face of his will see plenty more action in round two.

No matter how battered it gets.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well how do we like this for gutty, gritty future Hurricane player???? ;) So much to look forward to, if only.........................................



Ultimate warrior
Banged-up Ladd the face of a resilient Hitmen playoff team
By ERIC FRANCIS -- Calgary Sun


The carnage starts three quarters of the way up the nose, where two separate scrapes featured traces of blood more than four periods after the incident.

It's topped by a gash at the bridge of his beak that required four stitches to close -- one for every goal he's scored in these playoffs. :eek: :eek: HOLY COW

Andrew Ladd's mug is, without question, the face of these playoffs for the Calgary Hitmen.

Capped off by a pair of age-old scars barely hidden by the playoff scruff under his chin, Ladd's is the last face Lethbridge goalie Aaron Sorochan saw last night as he tried in vain to prolong a game so tight it took double overtime to solve.

Banging in a Ryan Getzlaf rebound to give the Hitmen a 3-2 win and 3-1 series lead, Ladd's face quickly disappeared in a sea of grey jerseys owned by teammates thankful the ironman contest ended in their favour.

"Oh god," moaned Ryan Getzlaf of Ladd's reconfigured face.

"He's going to be the ugliest guy in the league by the end of this year."

For that he has Brent Seabrook thank.

Late in the first period, with the Hitmen on their heels down 1-0, Ladd fell awkwardly near the boards at mid-ice and jammed his head into the planks just as the Hurricanes defenceman was closing in for the kill. :eek:

The result saw Ladd's helmet slam down into his face, taking several minutes for him to come to. This following a rugged first period -- as if he plays any other kind -- that saw him involved in several big hits.

"I think his knee hit my head and it rung my bell pretty good," smiled Ladd, who required an ice pack on his neck while on the bench recovering.

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

He then chipped in with two more stellar periods of brilliance with Getzlaf that eventually saw them hook up for the dramatic game winner.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go -- they should follow," said Ladd, anointed leadership status by way of solid year last year and a fourth-selection overall at the draft courtesy of Carolina.

"It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

A big part of Canada's gold medal-winning squad at Christmas, Ladd now appears focused on being the star this team needs him to be to succeed.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," said Ladd.

"It felt great."

As for the price he had to pay in terms of facial rearrangements:

"That's what it's all about -- scrapes, bruises," said Ladd, watched over by Carolina GM Jim Rutherford last night. ;)

Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hofford knows Ladd has been a 'Cane killer. (How ironic eh?)

"He's been solid all series," Hofford said. "He's been pretty sharp, going to the net hard. "We've got to do a better job containing him."

Or else, that face of his will see plenty more action in round two.

No matter how battered it gets.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well how do we like this for gutty, gritty future Hurricane player???? ;) So much to look forward to, if only.........................................



Ultimate warrior
Banged-up Ladd the face of a resilient Hitmen playoff team
By ERIC FRANCIS -- Calgary Sun


The carnage starts three quarters of the way up the nose, where two separate scrapes featured traces of blood more than four periods after the incident.

It's topped by a gash at the bridge of his beak that required four stitches to close -- one for every goal he's scored in these playoffs. :eek: :eek: HOLY COW

Andrew Ladd's mug is, without question, the face of these playoffs for the Calgary Hitmen.

Capped off by a pair of age-old scars barely hidden by the playoff scruff under his chin, Ladd's is the last face Lethbridge goalie Aaron Sorochan saw last night as he tried in vain to prolong a game so tight it took double overtime to solve.

Banging in a Ryan Getzlaf rebound to give the Hitmen a 3-2 win and 3-1 series lead, Ladd's face quickly disappeared in a sea of grey jerseys owned by teammates thankful the ironman contest ended in their favour.

"Oh god," moaned Ryan Getzlaf of Ladd's reconfigured face.

"He's going to be the ugliest guy in the league by the end of this year."

For that he has Brent Seabrook thank.

Late in the first period, with the Hitmen on their heels down 1-0, Ladd fell awkwardly near the boards at mid-ice and jammed his head into the planks just as the Hurricanes defenceman was closing in for the kill. :eek:

The result saw Ladd's helmet slam down into his face, taking several minutes for him to come to. This following a rugged first period -- as if he plays any other kind -- that saw him involved in several big hits.

"I think his knee hit my head and it rung my bell pretty good," smiled Ladd, who required an ice pack on his neck while on the bench recovering.

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

He then chipped in with two more stellar periods of brilliance with Getzlaf that eventually saw them hook up for the dramatic game winner.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go -- they should follow," said Ladd, anointed leadership status by way of solid year last year and a fourth-selection overall at the draft courtesy of Carolina.

"It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

A big part of Canada's gold medal-winning squad at Christmas, Ladd now appears focused on being the star this team needs him to be to succeed.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," said Ladd.

"It felt great."

As for the price he had to pay in terms of facial rearrangements:

"That's what it's all about -- scrapes, bruises," said Ladd, watched over by Carolina GM Jim Rutherford last night. ;)

Lethbridge coach Lindsay Hofford knows Ladd has been a 'Cane killer. (How ironic eh?)

"He's been solid all series," Hofford said. "He's been pretty sharp, going to the net hard. "We've got to do a better job containing him."

Or else, that face of his will see plenty more action in round two.

No matter how battered it gets.

[Captain Slack]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

[Captain Slack]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

[Captain Slack]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

[SoCalcaniac]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

CS-

;) ;) :D

You said it dude!...............

[SoCalcaniac]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

CS-

;) ;) :D

You said it dude!...............

[SoCalcaniac]

"I slipped and when Seabrook is baring down on you, he's going to make you play. Once I had a few minutes -- the old finger count -- you kind of suck it up, especially at this time of year." Back out on the ice minutes later, Ladd helped set up the game-tying goal in the second period by Brett Carson.

Now there's a Future Captain talking for ya!! :beatup:

CS-

;) ;) :D

You said it dude!...............

[nccanes]

JR enjoyed his trip it seems!

Eyes of a Hurricane

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Before he left, though, the Carolina Hurricanes GM may as well been named an honorary Calgarian.

After all, the reason for Rutherford's grin yesterday is the same as it was for many others who follow hockey in the Stampede City -- Hitmen forward Andrew Ladd.

In town to get a first-hand look at how his team's 2004 first-round draft choice is handling the WHL playoffs, Rutherford left Calgary ecstatic.

"I'm really pleased with what I saw," Rutherford said. "Certainly, anyone can say that when somebody is named first star in both games but what I like is that all the things our scouts talked about, like his determination every shift, came through."

The scoresheets alone told a great tale for Ladd, whom the Hurricanes chose fourth overall in the 2004 draft at their home rink.

Ladd scored three times in two games, helping the Hitmen win twice and open up a 3-1 series lead over Lethbridge in the opening round of the WHL post-season. Calgary has a chance to seal the deal tonight in Lethbridge (7 p.m. Enmax Centre).

The four times he's lit the lamp this young post-season puts him in a tie atop the league lead.

Included in that total is the double-overtime game winner on Wednesday night, when he banged a rebound past Lethbridge goaltender Aaron Sorochan, who had stopped Ryan Getzlaf's initial offering but couldn't contain both star snipers.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," Ladd said after the game.

"It felt great."

But that's only part of the tale Rutherford was happy to see from his perch in the Saddledome.

The bruising 6-ft. 2-in., 200-lb., winger played with a noticeable moxie, banging Lethbridge skaters at every turn -- especially standout defenceman Brent Seabrook.

Ladd played through agony -- missing only one shift despite a horrific crash into the boards that opened up a nasty gash between his eyes and required an ice pack to the back of his neck to dull the pain.

In short, he was a presence with and without the biscuit.

Everything Carolina was looking for him to be.

"It's hard to find players that compete with him, compete like he does with that edge," Rutherford said. "So many things about his game are hard to find in one player."

In fact, Rutherford walked away having seen something that came as a bit of a surprise.

"He passes the puck better than I thought," Rutherford said. "He sees the ice really well. He plays his position well and battles but I was very, very impressed with how he moves the puck."

Rutherford watched Ladd skate in a couple of games during Canada's run to the gold at the world juniors but had chosen not to see him again until the stakes were high again.

Rutherford made no bones about the fact Ladd isn't just a big part of Carolina's long-term plans but maybe even their short-term ones, too. Of course, he has yet to be signed and the NHL labour dispute is still unresolved.

But Carolina likes what it sees and isn't worried a bit about a subpar regular season, in which Ladd collected just 19 goals, compared to 30 a year ago.

"Provided we get a new CBA done, his future with our club could be very soon," Rutherford said. "He's improving at a really good pace to have a chance to play with our team the next time we play."

Ladd could join a slew of young up-and-comers such as Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Josef Vasicek and Radim Vrbata.

"We are really getting to the point of having not only a lot of good, young players but a lot of good, young, character players," Rutherford enthused, "and Andrew fits into that category."

For proof of that, look at the way Ladd was none too excited about his regular-season performance.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go," Ladd said. "It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

[nccanes]

JR enjoyed his trip it seems!

Eyes of a Hurricane

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Before he left, though, the Carolina Hurricanes GM may as well been named an honorary Calgarian.

After all, the reason for Rutherford's grin yesterday is the same as it was for many others who follow hockey in the Stampede City -- Hitmen forward Andrew Ladd.

In town to get a first-hand look at how his team's 2004 first-round draft choice is handling the WHL playoffs, Rutherford left Calgary ecstatic.

"I'm really pleased with what I saw," Rutherford said. "Certainly, anyone can say that when somebody is named first star in both games but what I like is that all the things our scouts talked about, like his determination every shift, came through."

The scoresheets alone told a great tale for Ladd, whom the Hurricanes chose fourth overall in the 2004 draft at their home rink.

Ladd scored three times in two games, helping the Hitmen win twice and open up a 3-1 series lead over Lethbridge in the opening round of the WHL post-season. Calgary has a chance to seal the deal tonight in Lethbridge (7 p.m. Enmax Centre).

The four times he's lit the lamp this young post-season puts him in a tie atop the league lead.

Included in that total is the double-overtime game winner on Wednesday night, when he banged a rebound past Lethbridge goaltender Aaron Sorochan, who had stopped Ryan Getzlaf's initial offering but couldn't contain both star snipers.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," Ladd said after the game.

"It felt great."

But that's only part of the tale Rutherford was happy to see from his perch in the Saddledome.

The bruising 6-ft. 2-in., 200-lb., winger played with a noticeable moxie, banging Lethbridge skaters at every turn -- especially standout defenceman Brent Seabrook.

Ladd played through agony -- missing only one shift despite a horrific crash into the boards that opened up a nasty gash between his eyes and required an ice pack to the back of his neck to dull the pain.

In short, he was a presence with and without the biscuit.

Everything Carolina was looking for him to be.

"It's hard to find players that compete with him, compete like he does with that edge," Rutherford said. "So many things about his game are hard to find in one player."

In fact, Rutherford walked away having seen something that came as a bit of a surprise.

"He passes the puck better than I thought," Rutherford said. "He sees the ice really well. He plays his position well and battles but I was very, very impressed with how he moves the puck."

Rutherford watched Ladd skate in a couple of games during Canada's run to the gold at the world juniors but had chosen not to see him again until the stakes were high again.

Rutherford made no bones about the fact Ladd isn't just a big part of Carolina's long-term plans but maybe even their short-term ones, too. Of course, he has yet to be signed and the NHL labour dispute is still unresolved.

But Carolina likes what it sees and isn't worried a bit about a subpar regular season, in which Ladd collected just 19 goals, compared to 30 a year ago.

"Provided we get a new CBA done, his future with our club could be very soon," Rutherford said. "He's improving at a really good pace to have a chance to play with our team the next time we play."

Ladd could join a slew of young up-and-comers such as Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Josef Vasicek and Radim Vrbata.

"We are really getting to the point of having not only a lot of good, young players but a lot of good, young, character players," Rutherford enthused, "and Andrew fits into that category."

For proof of that, look at the way Ladd was none too excited about his regular-season performance.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go," Ladd said. "It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

[nccanes]

JR enjoyed his trip it seems!

Eyes of a Hurricane

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Before he left, though, the Carolina Hurricanes GM may as well been named an honorary Calgarian.

After all, the reason for Rutherford's grin yesterday is the same as it was for many others who follow hockey in the Stampede City -- Hitmen forward Andrew Ladd.

In town to get a first-hand look at how his team's 2004 first-round draft choice is handling the WHL playoffs, Rutherford left Calgary ecstatic.

"I'm really pleased with what I saw," Rutherford said. "Certainly, anyone can say that when somebody is named first star in both games but what I like is that all the things our scouts talked about, like his determination every shift, came through."

The scoresheets alone told a great tale for Ladd, whom the Hurricanes chose fourth overall in the 2004 draft at their home rink.

Ladd scored three times in two games, helping the Hitmen win twice and open up a 3-1 series lead over Lethbridge in the opening round of the WHL post-season. Calgary has a chance to seal the deal tonight in Lethbridge (7 p.m. Enmax Centre).

The four times he's lit the lamp this young post-season puts him in a tie atop the league lead.

Included in that total is the double-overtime game winner on Wednesday night, when he banged a rebound past Lethbridge goaltender Aaron Sorochan, who had stopped Ryan Getzlaf's initial offering but couldn't contain both star snipers.

"The only thing going through my mind was going to the net and getting that rebound," Ladd said after the game.

"It felt great."

But that's only part of the tale Rutherford was happy to see from his perch in the Saddledome.

The bruising 6-ft. 2-in., 200-lb., winger played with a noticeable moxie, banging Lethbridge skaters at every turn -- especially standout defenceman Brent Seabrook.

Ladd played through agony -- missing only one shift despite a horrific crash into the boards that opened up a nasty gash between his eyes and required an ice pack to the back of his neck to dull the pain.

In short, he was a presence with and without the biscuit.

Everything Carolina was looking for him to be.

"It's hard to find players that compete with him, compete like he does with that edge," Rutherford said. "So many things about his game are hard to find in one player."

In fact, Rutherford walked away having seen something that came as a bit of a surprise.

"He passes the puck better than I thought," Rutherford said. "He sees the ice really well. He plays his position well and battles but I was very, very impressed with how he moves the puck."

Rutherford watched Ladd skate in a couple of games during Canada's run to the gold at the world juniors but had chosen not to see him again until the stakes were high again.

Rutherford made no bones about the fact Ladd isn't just a big part of Carolina's long-term plans but maybe even their short-term ones, too. Of course, he has yet to be signed and the NHL labour dispute is still unresolved.

But Carolina likes what it sees and isn't worried a bit about a subpar regular season, in which Ladd collected just 19 goals, compared to 30 a year ago.

"Provided we get a new CBA done, his future with our club could be very soon," Rutherford said. "He's improving at a really good pace to have a chance to play with our team the next time we play."

Ladd could join a slew of young up-and-comers such as Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Josef Vasicek and Radim Vrbata.

"We are really getting to the point of having not only a lot of good, young players but a lot of good, young, character players," Rutherford enthused, "and Andrew fits into that category."

For proof of that, look at the way Ladd was none too excited about his regular-season performance.

"Now is the time to step up and show the young guys the way to go," Ladd said. "It was a bit disappointing how many points I got this year but I improved in other parts of my game."

[goalie33]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

[goalie33]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

[goalie33]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

[tommy]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

It was a hole in one!

[tommy]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

It was a hole in one!

[tommy]

Preparing to board a plane to take him home to Tobacco Row, Jim Rutherford had a big smile on his face.

Whoops. In the midst of March Madness, our young journalist swung for the fences and fell on his bum.

And yes, I did use a baseball metaphor to make fun of a basketball term in a hockey story.

It was a hole in one!

[SoCalcaniac]

Wooo Hooo- we have another Marty Gelinas in the making- JR is smilin' for sure today..... our boy is on fire.....


Sat, April 2, 2005
Ladd's a 'Cane killer
Hitmen sniper's second straight overtime goal eliminates Lethbridge

By SCOTT FISHER, Calgary Sun


LETHBRIDGE -- The Hitmen have their own Eliminator. Andrew Ladd scored his second overtime goal in as many games to give the Calgary Hitmen a 2-1 victory last night over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The 19-year-old winger, who scored in double OT in Game 4, was the difference once again as the Hitmen won the WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final 4-1.

Ladd is starting to gain a reputation for coming through in the clutch, much like Martin Gelinas did for the Flames last spring. ;)

"Someone just called me that in the dressing-room, actually," the Maple Ridge, B.C., product laughed when asked if he has become the new Eliminator.

"He's not a bad guy to be compared to. I watched him beat my Canucks."

Ladd took a pass from linemate Ryan Getzlaf and sent a shot on net from the top of the circle that bounced off goaltender Aaron Sorochan's shoulder and into the net at 4:02 of sudden death.

The goal sends the Hitmen into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in four years but they'll have to wait to find out who they'll play in Round 2.

Tyrel Lucas also scored for Calgary, which received a 27-save performance from Justin Pogge.

Getzlaf said Ladd could do no wrong in the last few games.

"When you're hot, you're hot," Getzlaf said of his linemate, who leads the team with five goals in the post-season.

"He's on a roll right now and we'll just keep riding it."

The overflow Enmax Centre crowd, hoping to see their Hurricanes extend the series, exploded at 4:52 of the opening period when the home side struck first.

Kyle Pess, who was a healthy scratch in Game 4, collected a Colton Yellow Horn rebound and beat Pogge.

The Hitmen continued their physical brand of play early on and were whistled for four first-period penalties.

But the anemic Lethbridge powerplay failed to connect on any of them -- and gave up a shorthanded goal to boot.

Getzlaf lofted the puck into centre ice and 'Canes d-man Brent Seabrook tried to knock it down. Lucas swept in to grab the puck, skated in all alone and deked Sorochan before sliding the puck five hole.

The Hitmen, with two shorthanded goals in the series, outscored the Lethbridge powerplay, which was 1-for-25.

Calgary overage forward Shaun Landolt threw a massive hit on 'Canes defensive specialist Mark Olafson late in the period. The Hitmen player drew an elbowing penalty and Olafson required assistance to get off the ice.

The Hurricanes dominated the first 10 minutes of the scoreless middle frame, holding Calgary to a pair of harmless shots.

With Lethbridge buzzing the net for two minutes, Pogge made an enormous stop on Rob Klinkhammer at the halfway point, sliding across the crease to keep the game tied at one heading into the third period.

Calgary outshot the Hurricanes 24-18 through

40 minutes.

Both teams sat back in the third and waited for the opposition to make a mistake but none came.

The Enmax Centre crowd exploded halfway through the third period, thinking the 'Canes had scored. A screened shot clanked off the iron and bounced behind Pogge but never crossed the line.

The guy in charge of the arena's celebratory fog horn had an itchy trigger finger and let it blast as play continued.

Sorochan made his most difficult stop when he stood his ground on a Getzlaf backhander with 3:26 to play in regulation.

- - -

[SoCalcaniac]

Wooo Hooo- we have another Marty Gelinas in the making- JR is smilin' for sure today..... our boy is on fire.....


Sat, April 2, 2005
Ladd's a 'Cane killer
Hitmen sniper's second straight overtime goal eliminates Lethbridge

By SCOTT FISHER, Calgary Sun


LETHBRIDGE -- The Hitmen have their own Eliminator. Andrew Ladd scored his second overtime goal in as many games to give the Calgary Hitmen a 2-1 victory last night over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The 19-year-old winger, who scored in double OT in Game 4, was the difference once again as the Hitmen won the WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final 4-1.

Ladd is starting to gain a reputation for coming through in the clutch, much like Martin Gelinas did for the Flames last spring. ;)

"Someone just called me that in the dressing-room, actually," the Maple Ridge, B.C., product laughed when asked if he has become the new Eliminator.

"He's not a bad guy to be compared to. I watched him beat my Canucks."

Ladd took a pass from linemate Ryan Getzlaf and sent a shot on net from the top of the circle that bounced off goaltender Aaron Sorochan's shoulder and into the net at 4:02 of sudden death.

The goal sends the Hitmen into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in four years but they'll have to wait to find out who they'll play in Round 2.

Tyrel Lucas also scored for Calgary, which received a 27-save performance from Justin Pogge.

Getzlaf said Ladd could do no wrong in the last few games.

"When you're hot, you're hot," Getzlaf said of his linemate, who leads the team with five goals in the post-season.

"He's on a roll right now and we'll just keep riding it."

The overflow Enmax Centre crowd, hoping to see their Hurricanes extend the series, exploded at 4:52 of the opening period when the home side struck first.

Kyle Pess, who was a healthy scratch in Game 4, collected a Colton Yellow Horn rebound and beat Pogge.

The Hitmen continued their physical brand of play early on and were whistled for four first-period penalties.

But the anemic Lethbridge powerplay failed to connect on any of them -- and gave up a shorthanded goal to boot.

Getzlaf lofted the puck into centre ice and 'Canes d-man Brent Seabrook tried to knock it down. Lucas swept in to grab the puck, skated in all alone and deked Sorochan before sliding the puck five hole.

The Hitmen, with two shorthanded goals in the series, outscored the Lethbridge powerplay, which was 1-for-25.

Calgary overage forward Shaun Landolt threw a massive hit on 'Canes defensive specialist Mark Olafson late in the period. The Hitmen player drew an elbowing penalty and Olafson required assistance to get off the ice.

The Hurricanes dominated the first 10 minutes of the scoreless middle frame, holding Calgary to a pair of harmless shots.

With Lethbridge buzzing the net for two minutes, Pogge made an enormous stop on Rob Klinkhammer at the halfway point, sliding across the crease to keep the game tied at one heading into the third period.

Calgary outshot the Hurricanes 24-18 through

40 minutes.

Both teams sat back in the third and waited for the opposition to make a mistake but none came.

The Enmax Centre crowd exploded halfway through the third period, thinking the 'Canes had scored. A screened shot clanked off the iron and bounced behind Pogge but never crossed the line.

The guy in charge of the arena's celebratory fog horn had an itchy trigger finger and let it blast as play continued.

Sorochan made his most difficult stop when he stood his ground on a Getzlaf backhander with 3:26 to play in regulation.

- - -

[SoCalcaniac]

Wooo Hooo- we have another Marty Gelinas in the making- JR is smilin' for sure today..... our boy is on fire.....


Sat, April 2, 2005
Ladd's a 'Cane killer
Hitmen sniper's second straight overtime goal eliminates Lethbridge

By SCOTT FISHER, Calgary Sun


LETHBRIDGE -- The Hitmen have their own Eliminator. Andrew Ladd scored his second overtime goal in as many games to give the Calgary Hitmen a 2-1 victory last night over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The 19-year-old winger, who scored in double OT in Game 4, was the difference once again as the Hitmen won the WHL Eastern Conference quarter-final 4-1.

Ladd is starting to gain a reputation for coming through in the clutch, much like Martin Gelinas did for the Flames last spring. ;)

"Someone just called me that in the dressing-room, actually," the Maple Ridge, B.C., product laughed when asked if he has become the new Eliminator.

"He's not a bad guy to be compared to. I watched him beat my Canucks."

Ladd took a pass from linemate Ryan Getzlaf and sent a shot on net from the top of the circle that bounced off goaltender Aaron Sorochan's shoulder and into the net at 4:02 of sudden death.

The goal sends the Hitmen into the second round of the playoffs for the first time in four years but they'll have to wait to find out who they'll play in Round 2.

Tyrel Lucas also scored for Calgary, which received a 27-save performance from Justin Pogge.

Getzlaf said Ladd could do no wrong in the last few games.

"When you're hot, you're hot," Getzlaf said of his linemate, who leads the team with five goals in the post-season.

"He's on a roll right now and we'll just keep riding it."

The overflow Enmax Centre crowd, hoping to see their Hurricanes extend the series, exploded at 4:52 of the opening period when the home side struck first.

Kyle Pess, who was a healthy scratch in Game 4, collected a Colton Yellow Horn rebound and beat Pogge.

The Hitmen continued their physical brand of play early on and were whistled for four first-period penalties.

But the anemic Lethbridge powerplay failed to connect on any of them -- and gave up a shorthanded goal to boot.

Getzlaf lofted the puck into centre ice and 'Canes d-man Brent Seabrook tried to knock it down. Lucas swept in to grab the puck, skated in all alone and deked Sorochan before sliding the puck five hole.

The Hitmen, with two shorthanded goals in the series, outscored the Lethbridge powerplay, which was 1-for-25.

Calgary overage forward Shaun Landolt threw a massive hit on 'Canes defensive specialist Mark Olafson late in the period. The Hitmen player drew an elbowing penalty and Olafson required assistance to get off the ice.

The Hurricanes dominated the first 10 minutes of the scoreless middle frame, holding Calgary to a pair of harmless shots.

With Lethbridge buzzing the net for two minutes, Pogge made an enormous stop on Rob Klinkhammer at the halfway point, sliding across the crease to keep the game tied at one heading into the third period.

Calgary outshot the Hurricanes 24-18 through

40 minutes.

Both teams sat back in the third and waited for the opposition to make a mistake but none came.

The Enmax Centre crowd exploded halfway through the third period, thinking the 'Canes had scored. A screened shot clanked off the iron and bounced behind Pogge but never crossed the line.

The guy in charge of the arena's celebratory fog horn had an itchy trigger finger and let it blast as play continued.

Sorochan made his most difficult stop when he stood his ground on a Getzlaf backhander with 3:26 to play in regulation.

- - -

[SoCalcaniac]

Our Hitmen have a 2-1 series lead over the highly touted Eric Fehr and the Brandon Wheatkings- a couple of articles on some of the games.....I listened to the 10-1 beatdown by the Hitmen and parts of the losing effort on Sunday, looks like it's gonna be a good series....... lucky Calgary fans- note the attendance figures in the Saddledome.....


Hitmen rout Wheat Kings

BRANDON, Man. (CP) - Brodie Dupont fired back-to-back second-period goals and assisted on two others to lead the Calgary Hitmen to a 10-1 thrashing of the Brandon Wheat Kings in Western Hockey League playoff action on Friday night.

The Hitmen took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series, with Game 2 slated for tonight in Brandon.

Shaun Landolt also scored twice, while Ryan Getzlaf, Tyrel Lucas, Dylan Yeo, Andrew Ladd, Brett Carson and Riley Merkley added singles for the Hitmen, who were 34-23-9-6 in the regular season and took out the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-1 in their opening-round series.

Eric Fehr replied with his playoff-leading seventh goal of the playoffs for the Wheat Kings, who went 45-21-5-1 in the regular season and eliminated the Moose Jaw Warriors in five games in the opening round of the playoffs.

Brandon netminders Tyler Plante and Mike Nichol combined to make 34 saves, while Justin Pogge stopped 20 shots for Calgary, which led 3-0 after the opening period and 7-1 following the second.


Wheat Kings ice Hitmen

(CP) - Lance Monych scored twice to give the Brandon Wheat Kings a 5-1 victory over the Calgary Hitmen in Western Hockey League playoff action on Saturday night.

Brandon evened the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 1-1 heading to Calgary for Games 3 and 4 next Tuesday and Wednesday. Calgary crushed Brandon 10-1 in Friday's series opener.

Eric Fehr, Derek LeBlanc and Codey Burki also scored for the Wheat Kings, who went 45-21-5-1 in the regular season and eliminated the Moose Jaw Warriors in five games in the opening round of the playoffs.

Elsewhere, it was: Medicine Hat 3, Prince Albert 1; Kootenay 4, Everett 1; and Seattle 3, Kelowna 2.

At Brandon, Man., Andrew Ladd replied with his team-leading seventh goal of the post-season for the Hitmen, who were 34-23-9-6 in the regular season and took out the Lethbridge Hurricanes 4-1 in their opening-round series.

Brandon netminder Tyler Plante made 25 saves, while Justin Pogge stopped 18 shots for Calgary, which trailed 2-0 after the first period and 2-1 following the second.



Hitmen eat Wheaties

CALGARY (CP) - There's no place like home for the Calgary Hitmen.

After a 3-1 win over the Wheat Kings on Tuesday night, the Hitmen improved to 3-0 in the post-season at the Saddledome. "You want to take advantage when you're at home", said Hitmen captain Ryan Getzlaf, who had a goal and an assist.

"The fans are great. You can't ask for anything else - especially in this barn."

In the regular season, the Hitmen had a league-leading 10,062 fans, which has only increased in the post-season.

"Guys are feeling a lot more comfortable in this barn", stated Hitmen forward Andrew Ladd. "When you get the fans behind you like they are, it's a lot more exciting to play here."

Konstantin Pushkarev scored the eventual game-winning goal three minutes into the second period to give Calgary a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 at home on Wednesday night.

Shaun Landolt had a first-period marker for the Hitmen.

Jakub Sindel had the lone goal for Brandon.

"It puts a real sense of urgency in our team", stated Wheat Kings head coach and GM Kelly McCrimmon who believes his team will have to play a lot better.

"We have to respond - which we've done previously in the series, and bring our best effort for game four".

With Hitman forward Ladd in the penalty box for slashing, Brandon opened up the scoring at 9:35 of the first when Sindel ripped a point shot through the legs of Calgary netminder Justin Pogge.

Calgary responded just 59 seconds later with a power-play goal of their own when Landolt blasted a perfectly placed shot into the top corner past Brandon goalie Tyler Plante.

Three minutes into the second period, Pushkarev gave the Hitmen a 2-1 lead when he roofed a shot over a sprawling Plante.

In the third, the Hitmen didn't revert into a defensive shell to protect the lead, instead continuing to apply pressure. The tactic paid off when Getzlaf fired a drop pass from Landolt past Plante to give Calgary some insurance.

Pogge stopped 28 shots to record his sixth win of the post-season, while Plante made 28 saves in a losing cause.

[SoCalcaniac]

The Hitmen can wrap up the 2nd round of the playoffs tonight in the 'Dome- Fan960 in Calgary is the official station of Hitmen hockey- game time is 9pm EST tonight....... Go Hitmen!

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, the Wheaties have sent the Hitmen back to Brandon for GAME 7. Holy cow......
you gotta love it- playoff hockey- even playoff Junior Hockey!


Back to Brandon: Wheaties take Hitmen to seventh game

Scott Cruickshank
Calgary Herald
April 19, 2005

Wheat Kings 3 - Hitmen 1

- - -
Calgary Hitmen did want another bus ride.

They got it -- but they're not too crazy about the destination.

Being shaded 3-1 by the Brandon Wheat Kings in Western Hockey League playoff action Monday in front of 15,679 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome means that the Eastern Conference best-of-seven semifinal swings back to Manitoba.

With the best-of-seven now knotted at three wins apiece, Game 7 goes Wednesday

(6 p.m., The FAN 960 radio, Shaw TV) at the Keystone Centre.

A Calgary win would have pitted the Hitmen against the Prince Albert Raiders -- the scrappy outfit that had dispatched the favoured Medicine Hat Tigers in six games -- in the conference final.

But that will have to wait.

The Wheaties, who led 1-0 after 40 minutes, got counted first -- a second-period tally from Jakub Sindel. That meant that the Hitmen had surrendered the first goal in eight of 11 post-season games.

Not a great habit.

And despite mighty pressure in the final 20 minutes -- they outshot the Wheaties 13-0 through the opening 13 minutes of the third period -- the Hitmen couldn't find the equalizer. Lance Monych, with a goal at 14:46, put it away. Steven Later added an empty-netter, before Jeff Schultz broke the shutout for the Hitmen in the final minute.

The locals' tone-setter had wasted no time. First shift of the night, captain Ryan Getzlaf put a shoulder into Monych.

A couple of turns later, the Hitmen's top unit was out there again.

This time, Getzlaf, flying into the right corner, pasted Sindel. Seconds later, in the left corner, Getzlaf drilled Wheaties captain Tim Konsorada.

With only minutes left in the first period, Schultz ripped a low shot from the right point. Despite the presence of a checker, Getzlaf got his twig on the puck and Brandon goalkeeper Tyler Plante barely got a limb on it. As it was, the puck dribbled underneath Plante and, for a tantalizing split second, was loose.

No damage, however.

The second unit, too, was busy.

Konstantin Pushkarev, after a characteristic spell of dipsy-doodling, slid a pass that was just out of the reach of a hard-charging Tyrel Lucas.

Calgary's fourth line also had its chances, with unheralded wingers Darryl Moscaluk and Keegan Dansereau darting meaningfully around the ice.

But it wasn't a shooting range.

Indeed, when Dylan Yeo's long-range slapper was repelled by Plante at 13:00, it was just the fourth shot of the game for the Hitmen; the Wheaties had three.

Calgary netminder Justin Pogge, though, didn't have the night off.

Corey Courchene, a dangerous presence, slipped a pass from behind the net to Teegan Moore, playing his first game of the series after overcoming an ankle injury. Moore swatted the puck on net, which Pogge parried into the air and then, dismissively, whacked out of mid-air into the corner.

The Calgary goalie didn't get much help in the second period, either.

Less than a minute into the middle frame, Yeo attempted a head-man pass to Ryan White, in the process of leaving the Hitmen zone. The only problem? The puck hit the back of his skate -- still in Calgary territory -- and it was gobbled up by Sindel. The Czech import moved into the faceoff circle and blurred a slapshot past Pogge's outstretched hand at :47.

And the Wheaties continued to push. When Brandon defender Steven Later backhanded a shot from in-close at 11:25, the Wheaties were outshooting their hosts 9-3 in the period, 18-9 overall.

But the next shift, Getzlaf woke up the crowd, his teammates, his opponents.

Racing into Wheaties territory, Getzlaf caught up with defenceman Riley Day and noisily flung him into the boards.

From that point, the second period was Calgary's.

The best chance belonged to Steve Covington, who, recovering a rebound from a Schultz shot, gliding into the faceoff circle before realizing that Plante was flat on his back. Covington, maybe a snap too late, flung the puck into the crowded crease.

scruickshank@theherald.canwest.com

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, the Hitmen couldn't finish the Wheaties- after being up 3-1 in the series- game 7 was tight for 2 periods-and the Hitmen scored early in the 3rd (Tyrel Lucas) - You should have heard the announcer call that goal- apparently a beauty- top shelf- goalie had no chance- he sounded like one of those soccer announcers- he was just bellowing G-ooooooooooooaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllll!!! it sounded 'all good' then - 2 goals 37 seconds apart and then another, ended it for the Hitmen, just like that :sad: Tough loss- poor kids- Getzlaf and Ladd in particular are hearing it in the papers today.................


Weep what they sow

All over but the cryin' after Hitmen gas 3-1 series lead, falling to the Wheat Kings
By SCOTT FISHER, CALGARY SUN

BRANDON -- The collapse is complete. The Calgary Hitmen, who once held a 3-1 series stranglehold on the Wheat Kings, dropped their third straight game last night, falling 3-1 in Game 7 and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Hitmen GM/head coach Kelly Kisio was upset his club couldn't close the deal once again but insisted it wasn't a catastrophic New York Yankee-esque meltdown.

"These guys had Brandon on the ropes and they're a very good hockey team," Kisio said.

"Maybe losing two older defencemen (Brett Carson and Darryl Yacboski) hurt us. Some of the guys were wearing thin on energy.

"We played hard and a good hockey team beat us."

Tyrel Lucas gave Calgary a 1-0 lead early in the third but the high-powered Wheat Kings stormed back with goals from Tim Konsorada, Ryan Stone and Jakub Sindel to complete the improbable comeback.

Stone, a Calgary product who was vilified earlier in the series for knocking Carson out with a concussion, couldn't have picked a better time to score his second of the playoffs, and first of the seven-game set.

"It feels unbelievable right now," Stone said. "It was an emotional series.

"We were down 3-1 but everyone believed in the room. No one wanted to go home.

"Game 5 and 6, we got it back here and got the job done."

Lucas broke a scoreless draw 44 seconds into the final frame. Grabbing a rebound in front, the overage centre was stopped by Tyler Plante but Lucas stayed with it and buried his sixth of the post-season into an empty net.

But any momentum the Hitmen had was quickly snuffed out by Wheaties captain Konsorada, who banged in his first of the playoffs at the 5:28 mark.

The wheels fell off for the visitors with eight minutes to go when the Wheaties sent the boisterous, record Keystone Centre crowd of 5,957 into the rafters with two goals in 36 seconds.

Stone potted the game winner when he came out of the corner and, with Lance Monych running interference on Justin Pogge, slid a backhander into the vacated cage.

With the Hitmen bench erupting in protest, the Wheaties struck again.

Eric Fehr tipped a puck through Jeff Schultz at the Calgary line, Sindel picked it up and went top shelf to put Brandon into the Eastern Conference final against the Prince Albert Raiders.

Captain Ryan Getzlaf, who likely played his final game in Hitmen colours last night, said his club couldn't derail the Brandon train once it got rolling.

"We gave them a little bit of momentum and you see what they did with it," Getzlaf said.

"We could have put them away in Game 5 and things didn't go our way.

"After that, they got momentum and a good team will bury you."

Facing an empty net, Getzlaf rang a shot off the post just 15 seconds after the opening faceoff.

It would prove to be a costly miss.
Disappearing acts

By DAN TOTH, CALGARY SUN

Just 15 seconds into last night's game, Ryan Getzlaf stood alone in front of the Brandon net, the puck on his stick, poised to rip a hole in the Wheat Kings' hearts. That's what leaders do. And the Calgary Hitmen captain has done plenty of leading during these WHL playoffs, scribbling his name all over the scoresheet with 17 points in 12 games, second-best only to Brandon's Eric Fehr.

But with Wheat Kings goalie Tyler Plante sprawling on the ice, Getzlaf rang a wrist shot off the post that hopped harmlessly into the corner.

Although it isn't fair to hang Calgary's 3-1 loss and series defeat on Getzlaf or his equally ill-fated linemates Andrew Ladd and Shaun Landolt, the Hitmen's best players simply weren't last night, save for goaltender Justin Pogge.

Each sniper on Calgary's top line had his chances to be the hero but each was held pointless. All three failed to find the net in the last two encounters, both losses.

While Brandon's Ryan Stone line deserves plenty of credit for shutting down Calgary's most potent unit, the Hitmen's top guns still held the series in their hands.

Each player faced an opportunity to make the game his, snuffing out Brandon's improbable series comeback from the brink of elimination.

Each player failed, much to Stone's surprise.

"They're an unbelievable line, I've said it all series," Stone modestly suggested afterward.

"It's worn on me. I'm exhausted but it feels unbelievable. Not letting them get any offence really helped our team get the win tonight."

The Hitmen were fortunate, stomping to their dressing room after 40 minutes locked in a scoreless tie, thanks mostly to Pogge's heroics. Calgary was outshot 15-4 in the opening 20 minutes and 24-16 through two periods.

Getzlaf, playing in his third Game 7 in four seasons in Calgary, again fired wide of the Wheat Kings cage late in the second, breezing in from the point with the game still scoreless.

With the contest knotted at 1-1 midway through the third, Landolt had his chance to shine too, fanning on a one-timer in the slot.

Ladd was also denied from close range with the outcome still in doubt in the third period.

But it was Getzlaf, a first-round pick of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks likely playing his final game as a Hitmen, who held the most opportunities to carry his club into the conference final against Prince Albert.

His work ethic and abundant talent put him in position to be Calgary's game-breaker.

Instead, the Hitmen climbed back on the bus for the long and depressing ride through the night, knowing their season is over.

With 59:45 left to play, Getzlaf's gaffe was hardly the game's turning point but who knows how the contest would've changed had he buried the first one before anyone had broken a sweat?



Veteran injuries proved costly

Loss of Yacboski, Carson hurt Hitmen
By CAMERON MAXWELL, CALGARY SUN

The 1,300 km of cold, dark highway last night provided ample time for Calgary Hitmen to reflect. Twelve hours on the bus is 12 hours too many to look back on how a commanding 3-1 series lead disappeared in a puff of smoke following three straight losses to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

After last night's 3-1 defeat in Brandon, Hitmen co-coach Dean Evason offered some insight as to why his club is now done for the season after losing the WHL Eastern Conference semifinal series 4-3.

When defenceman Brett Carson (Hurricanes Prospect) went down in Game 3 with a concussion after getting drilled by Ryan Stone, it was a huge loss on the blueline, especially with veteran Darryl Yacboski undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this month. They were Calgary's two most seasoned rearguards.

"It was a pretty major blow for us," acknowledged Evason. "If you had one 19-year-old guy go down in Yac, but having two 19-year-old defencemen go down, now we're playing with a 15-year-old in Alex Plante and a couple of 16-year-olds (Karl Alzner and Justin Falk), there's no question his injury hurt us.

"If only one of those guys had gone down, we probably would have been fine."

That said, the young blueline corps did some great work against a high-powered Brandon club that led the WHL in scoring this season.

"Anytime you go through situations like this, you learn from it and your young people coming back will learn from this for sure," said Evason.

On the other side of the equation, when it comes to scoring goals, the Hitmen can reflect on how the Wheat Kings ground the high-octane line of Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd and Shaun Landolt to a halt by not allowing them a single goal as a unit in the final three contests.
:eek:
"Those guys had their opportunities to score goals and for whatever reason we just couldn't find a way to get through," said Evason.

"In these last three hockey games, the second and third opportunities, so you have to give their defence credit for limiting us to the outside."

Heading into the series, the talk was how each team's best players had to be their best players and it's fair to say Brandon's key guys were just that much better than Calgary's top guns.

"We were disappointed we couldn't close the series out but they've got a lot of veteran people on their hockey club that stepped forward and they were able to battle back," Evason said.

[nccanes]

Poor Ladd. Well, at least there was a "reason".

Pinkie problems hampered Ladd
Hitmen sniper admits hand injury affected play
By CAMERON MAXWELL -- Calgary Sun

The Eliminator could barely grip his stick, let alone shoot a puck.

But Calgary Hitmen left- winger Andrew Ladd gutted it out through the final few games against the Brandon Wheat Kings before the Hitmen bowed out of the WHL playoffs in Game 7.

It was a freak injury on his left hand -- his pinkie finger -- but the pain made it virtually impossible for the power forward to effectively control his stick. Despite that, the 19-year-old from Maple Ridge, B.C., wasn't using the injury as an excuse.

"I tore a muscle in there or something. I'm not exactly sure what it is. It made it tough out there to even hold onto my stick," said Ladd. "Shooting was the same sort of thing. It was a little tough."

That explains why Ladd's point production plummeted over the final five games of the Wheaties series.

He had been on fire with seven goals and three assists through the Hitmen's first seven playoff games.

In Calgary's final five contests, Ladd registered a single assist.

"My stick got caught between my pinkie finger and my ring finger and pushed down, so my finger popped out," said Ladd, who potted four game-winners in the post-season. "It's just the nature of playoffs and stuff you've got to deal with."

The 6-ft. 2-in., 202-pounder reckons he hurt the hand in Game 3 or 4 in Calgary but denied he was injured when asked prior to Game 7.

Ladd's not sure where he'll ply his trade next season. He was the Carolina Hurricanes' first pick (fourth overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Carolina GM Jim Rutherford took in a Hitmen game or two through the WHL playoffs.

But with the NHL in a state of limbo until a new collective bargaining agreement is hammered out, Ladd will have to play the waiting game. He'd like nothing better than to sign a deal and play pro hockey in 2005-06.

"That would be the first plan and the best thing for me. What I really want to do is take that next step," said Ladd.

"But if that doesn't work out, I've got a really great place in Calgary to play."

[SoCalcaniac]

I know E- I guess that means he won't be signing an "amateur tryout contract" with Lowell.... :cry: poor kid, that dangling pinkie visual was more than enough for me...... :eek: