Weekend at Bernie's

• With one game left on the 6 game in 9 night road trip, this team should be proud of its accomplishments. The Rockets have played five games for a maximum of 10 points. With five-one goal games along the way, the Rockets have managed 6 points. In just one game, a 4-3 loss in Regina Sunday afternoon, the Rockets have managed a point in four of those five games. The trip ends tonight against Saskatoon, against a team that was handed a 6-0 thumping in Brandon Friday.
• Friday’s game in Prince Albert saw the Rockets control a good portion of the game. Had it not been for the solid goaltending of 17 year-old Steven Sanford, the game would have been out of reach for the home team. Sanford’s best save came on a spectacular sliding pad save, robbing Rockets forward Matt Brusciano of a sure goal.
• Rockets forward Brady Leavold was named the games first star, and spent the majority of the night on the Rockets number one line. It was interesting to see head coach Ryan Huska use Cody Almond with Jamie Benn and Colin Long on the first power play unit in the third period. Whether coach Huska was trying to jump start Almond, who is goalless in 16 straight games, may have been the reason behind the promotion?
• The Rockets lost Captain James McEwan early in the first period after he suffered a rib injury after sustaining a hard hit. McEwan was sent to hospital where tests showed no cracked or broken ribs. Those ribs will be too sore to play tonight against the Blades though.
• I anticipate Rockets rookie forward Kyle St. Denis returning to the lineup tonight against the Blades. St. Denis was expected to play Friday, but sat out as he improves his conditioning. The Trail, BC resident has been out with a concussion.
• Rockets forward Myles MacRae was a healthy scratch for a second straight game. I don’t think I need to explain why that would be. No, the 19 year-old veteran isn’t hurt. Maybe his pride is?
• Justin Bernhardt wanted to play hard against his old team, but found himself serving 3 penalties, many for being over aggressive. It was great to see Bernhardt before the game, and if he is happy where he is, which he appears to be, I wish him all the best.
• Raiders Director of Marketing Bruce Vance was a superb host. The personable Vance is the mastermind behind the game night experience at Raider home games. Vance applied his talents in Lethbridge, and brings that same type of passion and energy to the Raiders organization. The team is lucky to have him.
• I took a good tour of the Art Hauser Centre before the game, and was truly impressed. During my 2005 visit, work was in full swing on the new lobby, which is now complete. It was money well spent, as the Raiders have a home to be proud of. I will admit I am still not a fan of the broadcast booth, which needs an upgrade, but the improvements to the building are evident at every turn.
• Rockets team psychologist Dr. Murray Smith has been with the team over the last two days. Smith has met with several players during his time in Saskatoon, and is someone who the player can trust and confide in. Smith has been working with the Rockets for the last ten years.
  

This is a picture of Jamie Benn in the penalty box below the broadcast booth. This just shows you how close to the ice surface we are when broadcasting games at the Art Hauser Centre.



David and I spoke with former Rocket Justin Bernhardt before the game. Bernie is enjoying his time with the Raiders, and it's nice to see him having fun in his 19 year-old season.

This is neat piece of art in the lobby of the Art Hauser Centre. The piece was designed by a Saskatchewan artist. The goaltender making the glove hand save is situated in the lobby, known now as the Johnny Bower Lobby. The former NHL great was born in Prince Albert.

This is the impressive score clock at Art Hauser Centre. It even comes with a video monitor for replaying goals. I like the added touch of the Raiders logo underneath the score clock.