Western Canada Report

The CJAHL will once again hold their Jr. A Prospects game. This year, it will be in Vernon, British Columbia. It provides a good opportunity for scouts to get another look at a kid like Kyle Turris, whose draft status could be hurt because he's not playing Canaidan major junior hockey.

Camrose is the top team in the AJHL so far. Part of the reason for that is their stellar goaltending. '87 birthdate Keanan Boomer and '89 birthdate Allen York have both played well for the Kodiaks and could be prospects to keep an eye on. '90 birthdate Joe Colborne has slowed down a tiny bit, but still has a remarkable 7 points in 8 games.

Grand Prairie is leading the other division thanks to the play of their veterans. Dustin Sather in an '86 birthdate, but is league leading 25 points in 9 games is impressive regardless of age.

In British Columbia, Salmon Arm finally lost and has temporarily lost their hold on first place in their division to Penticton. The Silverbacks have a new young goalie prospect though. Andrew Walsh is a late '90 birthdate from, get this, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. I wonder if he knows The Beek?

Californian Brett Hextall, an '88 birthate, leads first place Penticton in scoring with 14 points in 9 games.

Nanaimo is in the first place in the Coastal Conference despite Denver recruit Marc Cheverie struggling, at least statistically, in goal.

Ron Meyers of the Victoria Grizzlies recently committed to Alaska. I was kind of disappointed that Victoria changed their nickname this season. Maybe once Justin Timberlake is done with his sexy mission, I'll ask him if he can bring Salsa back.