Prime time for MJHL players

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/10/2010 (5800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

You couldn’t call it an official poll, but it could certainly be considered a pretty accurate indication as to how Manitoba Junior Hockey League players regard the seventh-annual Old Dutch-MJHL Showcase Weekend which beings tonight at 7 p.m. and will wind up Saturday night. All 11 games will be played at the MTS Iceplex

All four players in attendance at the MJHL press conference, held yesterday to kick off the tournament, were in full agreement. They’re aware of the professional and university scouts in the stands, but when the puck drops tonight at 7 p.m. for the game between the Neepawa Natives and Portage Terriers, the last thing on their minds will be the scouts.

All games in the Showcase are also regular-season matchups, so winning is the paramount objective. They can deal with the scouts later.

“For me personally, I won’t be too worried about that,” said forward Pat Henderson, whose Winnipeg Blues are struggling in last place in the Addison Division with one win, two overtime losses and two shootout losses. “I know that this is a big weekend, regardless of the scouts, because we’re playing three Sher-Wood Division teams.”

MJHL commissioner Kim Davis explained why the Showcase is held early in the season.

“This is when they (NHL and NCAA scouts) want to see the players,” said Davis. “It’s important to them to get an early assessment, and then see how they progress over the course of the year.”

“You really have to look at it as a regular-season game,” said Winnipeg Saints player Brett Chartier, “and then go out there, work hard and play your game.”

Winkler Flyers centre Seth Ronsberg said he’ll have the same work ethic he brings to the rink every day.

“It’s going to be hard work but that is what’s expected in every game and this is just another set of games. You do think about both (scouts and scoring), but mainly you just want to put the puck in the net and help the team.”

Selkirk Steelers goalie Joey Rewucki says nothing changes just because they are on display.

“It’s the same game on the ice, so you prepare the same way you always do, go out and play, and everything will take care of itself.”

Friday’s schedule sees the Waywayseecappo Wolverines playing the Steinbach Pistons at 3 p.m., the Dauphin Kings facing the Selkirk Steelers at 4 p.m., the Swan Valley Stampeders taking on Winkler at 5 p.m., the OCN Blizzard versus the Saints at 6 p.m., and the Portage Terriers against the Blues at 7 p.m.

Steinbach and Neepawa open Saturday’s schedule at 3 p.m., followed by Selkirk and Swan Valley at 4 p.m., Saints and Wayway at 5 p.m., Winkler and OCN at 6 p.m., while the Blues and Kings wrap it all up at 7 p.m.

Sunday’s games at the Iceplex — Blues vs. Blizzard and Kings vs. Terriers (6:30 p.m.) and Saints vs. Flyers (7:30 p.m.) — are not part of the Showcase Weekend.

allan.besson@freepress.mb.ca