Friday, September 9, 2011

Duncan Signs, David Toews Traded, Rookie Tourney Updates, Etc.

Ryan Duncan has signed a contract with the Portland Pirates of the AHL, an affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes. Duncan, who in 2006-07 became just the second ever Fighting Sioux to win the Hobey Baker Award, played for EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Elite League the past two seasons after appearing in two games for the AHL's Bridgewater Sound Tigers following his senior season at North Dakota.

-----

Today the New York Islanders traded the rights of David Toews to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations. Toews, the younger brother of former Sioux and current Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, spent two seasons at North Dakota before opting to join the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL last season. Toews was also added to Chicago's roster for the Toronto Maple Leaf rookie tournament, and on Saturday he'll be taking on former teammate and current Maple Leaf Matt Frattin.

-----

Speaking of Frattin, he was interviewed recently for Leafs TV, and had some great things to say about his time at North Dakota:



Heading into camp there's been alot of buzz concerning the open competition for the final forward spot among Toronto's top 12, a competition that will surely feature Frattin, Nazem Kadri, former DU Pioneer Joe Colborne and others. Hopefully a solid rookie tournament this weekend will propel Frattin towards a great training camp and a regular roster spot with the Leafs.

Frattin was also recently featured as one of five Leaf's prospects on the rise.

If you want to catch any of the Maple Leaf rookie tournament action, Toronto's games will be streamed on their official website.

-----

Derrick LaPoint, who recently signed with the Reading Royals of the ECHL, will be taking part in the Florida Panther rookie camp. LaPoint briefly discussed his upcoming professional plans with a local TV station.

-----

Jason Gregoire, who will be suiting up for Winnipeg's entry in the 2011 Young Stars Tournament, is featured as one of the five Jets to watch this weekend. The rookie tournament will be held in Penticton, BC and is hosted by the Vancouver Canucks.

Wanna catch some of the Young Stars in action? Here's the info.

-----

Below are a couple links concerning where Ryan Johnson might fit in with the Detroit Red Wings should he crack the roster:

Pro Hockey Talk
Detroit Hockey Report

-----

In more Motor City puck news, former Sioux Mike Commodore is ready to compete for a regular spot on the Red Wing blue line.

-----

Sioux commit Jordan Schmaltz is one of just four USHL players to make this list of 2012 draft eligibles to keep an eye on.

-----

Chuck Schwartz of Bucky's 5th Quarter recently unveiled his WCHA preview for this upcoming season.

-----

Finally, in a busy day for the Ralph, single game tickets go on-sale tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM and Sioux Fan Fest will take place on ice level of the main arena from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

No comments:

Post a Comment