Minor Notes

[Scout]

with Gregg Drinnan

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday. . . .

Steve Young is back in the WHL. Young, a former assistant coach and head coach with the Moose Jaw Warriors, has joined the Prince Albert Raiders as assistant GM and assistant coach. He signed a two-year contract with the club holding an option on a third season. . . . Young took over as head coach of the Warriors on Dec. 6, 2004, and was behind the bench in 2005-06 when Moose Jaw reached the WHL final for the first time in franchise history. Prior to joining the Warriors, Young was with the SJHL’s Melville Millionaires (1997-2003). . . . Young will work under GM/head coach Bruno Campese and alongside assistant coach Craig Bedard with the Raiders.

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D Keaton Ellerby of the Moose Jaw Warriors has signed a three-year deal with the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Ellerby, who was acquired by Moose Jaw from the Kamloops Blazers in November, was the 10th pick in the NHL’s 2007 draft. . . . Ellerby was dealt for RW Brady Calla, who also is a Florida prospect. . . . Ellerby turns 20 on Nov. 5 so is eligible to return to the WHL for one more season but that is unlikely to happen.

[Scout]

with Gregg Drinnan

Friday, May 9, 2008
More from Thursday . . .

For the second time this month, the Regina Pats have been involved in a trade that includes CHL import draft picks. . . . On May 1, the Pats dealt a 2009 first-round import pick to the Everett Silvertips for a 2008 first-round import selection. . . . Now the Pats have sent a 2008 first-rounder to the Vancouver Giants for a 2009 first-round pick. . . . The Giants have two first-round selections and will use them both with C Mario Bliznak having used up his eligibility and F Michal Repik likely to play in the Florida Panthers’ organization. . . . The import draft, which is held via conference call, is scheduled for June 26. . . . The order of selection will be set following the Memorial Cup. . . .

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In the OHL, the Belleville Bulls went into Kitchener on Thursday night and beat the Rangers, 2-1. The Rangers, who won the first three games of the OHL final, lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 set for Belleville on Saturday night. . . . The Gatineau Olympiques can win the QMJHL title Friday night in Rouyn-Noranda. The Olympiques lead the Huskies 3-1 in the league final. . . .

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The Lethbridge Hurricanes lost a coach just a day after being swept from the WHL’s championship final by the Spokane Chiefs. Assistant coach Jeff Battah, who handled video and the goaltenders, has been named GM and head coach of the AJHL’s Drayton Valley Thunder. . . . The Prince George Cougars are looking for a new trainer with the departure of Chris Linder, who was on the job for one season.<!--[endif]-->

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

That doesn't make a lot of sense in Regina. Get a 2009 pick, send away a 2008 pick, then get a 2008 pick and send away a 2009 pick. It leaves them with the same number of picks in the same years? I guess they are hoping both the picks they got will be higher in the draft order than both the picks they give up, but still wierd trades.

[Some_Arrogant_Jerk]

It makes sense. We upgraded our position in the 2008 draft from 53rd to 27th, and got a 2009 pick back for next year in exchange for a pick we wont use. The 53rd pick goes to Vancouver.