Critchlow Named Third Star for Week

Critchlow Earns QMJHL Thrid Star of the Week (photo credit: Richard Lafortune)

Jonathan Huberdeau, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Cameron Critchlow were named today the TELUS three stars of the week for the period spanning October 24th to 30th, 2011.

Saint John Sea Dogs left-winger Jonathan Huberdeau is the first star after having collected 6 points in two games. During the game against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles last Friday, Huberdeau gave a 2-0 lead to his team by scoring his 5th and 6th goals of the season in a 6-3 win. He was named the second star of the game. The following day against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens he collected 4 points on top of a +5 rating. He finished the week with 3 goals, 3 assists and a +6 rating.

Ashley’s Big Night Leads Moose to Dub

Darcy Ashley celebrates one of his four goals on the night. (photo credit: Richard Lafortune)

It was a memorable night for Darcy Ashley. The Moosehead forward tallied four goals, one assist, and added a tussle to the mix for good measure.

Many fans were still finding their seats when the top line of Ashley, Nathan MacKinnon, and Luca Ciampini struck just :26 seconds into the game. The Mooseheads extended their early lead when Gabriel Desjardins put home his third of the season on a nice passing play from linemates Alexandre Grenier and Matthew Boudreau.

Halifax was in danger of letting a slow-starting Wildcat team back into the game, handing Moncton three powerplays in the first period. The team from New Brunswick was able to apply sustained pressure in the Halifax zone, but were kept mostly to the outside. They did have however manage to capitalize on the powerplay late in the first as Marek Hrivik got his fourth of the year.

The late period goal cut the Moosehead lead to just one. An early second period penalty put Moncton back on the powerplay and potentially could have been a big momentum changer.

Mooseheads Add a Pair

The Halifax Mooseheads announced a trade today with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies for 17yr old Ontario free agent defenseman MacKenzie Weegar in exchange for a 9th round pick in the 2012 QMJHL Entry Draft. Weegar cleared OHL waivers last week and was selected by the Huskies yesterday.

Weegar, 6’0” 185lbs, played with Winchester Jr B as a 16 year old last season, posting 10 goals, 23 assists and 94 penalty minutes in just 40 games.

General Manager Cam Russell also announced that he has invited 17 year old Ontario goalie Brad Fraser to training camp next week. The 6’0” 170lbs netminder played Jr B in Brockville last season as a 16 year old.

The Mooseheads will kick off training camp next Tuesday with team registration and a BBQ, but won’t hit the ice until the 17th.

Moncton Rounds Out NBL Roster

Moncton Coliseum, Home of the Moncton NBL Franchise

The National Basketball League of Canada is pleased to announce that the city of Moncton, New Brunswick, has been approved and accepted to begin play for the 2011-12 season. Moncton represents the seventh and final franchise to being accepted for the inaugural season.

“Moncton is a city I’ve had my eye on for a long, long time now, and I’m absolutely thrilled that the franchise has finally come to fruition,” said National Basketball League of Canada President & CEO, Andre Levingston. “Everyone knows what a great event city Moncton is, and we are confident that professional basketball will be no exception.”

Levingston’s excitement is understandable. Gaining Moncton as a franchise city is huge after having difficulty with two of the originally proposed franchises in Barrie and Kingston, ON. Adding Moncton will enhance the Maritime rivalries between the exisitng Halifax Rainmen (owned by Levingston) and the Saint John Mill Rats, as well as the new PEI franchise.

Oshawa Officially in the NBL

The Oshawa franchise of the NBL will play out of General Motors Centre

The National Basketball League of Canada is pleased to announce that the city of Oshawa, Ontario has been formally accepted as the first expansion team to join the league for its inaugural season.

“What a great day for the NBL Canada and for the city of Oshawa,” said National Basketball League of Canada President & CEO, Andre Levingston. “We are thrilled to bring professional basketball to this city. Oshawa’s team will not only provide an extremely high level of basketball and family entertainment, but will also serve as a fantastic vehicle to support the community through both traditional and creative ways of giving back.”

The Oshawa franchise was fully accepted upon finalizing an operating agreement to play their 18 regular season home game schedule at the General Motors Centre, also home to the OHL Oshawa Generals. Levingston says that he and the team’s ownership group are looking forward to continuing to build a working relationship between the NBL and Oshawa’s municipality.

“Oshawa’s city officials have been supportive of the team’s approval process, and are keen to bring exciting entertainment to its region.”

The team is currently holding an online contest to allow the city to name its first-ever professional basketball team. Those interested can submit their suggestions online at www.durhamnblcanada.com.

I was little confused at first about the use of “Durham”, but apparently that refers the region around Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax and more. My first reaction was the team should be called the Bulls, to cross market with the infamous Durham Bulls minor league baseball franchise and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA.

I don’t have any other brilliant ideas for team names yet, but let me know if you’ve got any.