SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
SIJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015
SIJHL team previews: Dryden GM Ice Dogs
THUNDER BAY, Ont. – An original member of the 15-year Superior International Junior Hockey League is the Dryden GM Ice Dogs.
Dryden was a 30-win team in the SIJHL last season finishing one point out of second spot in the league standings before advancing all the way to the Bill Salonen Cup final last season.
Under head coach and co-general manager Kurt Walsten, the GM Ice Dogs will look to take it one step further in 2015-16.
The following is a preview of the Ice Dogs:
TEAM: Dryden GM Ice Dogs
HEAD COACH/GM: Kurt Walsten
GM/HOCKEY OPERATIONS: Brian Bates
NOTABLE RETURNEES
MATT HOUSTON, FORWARD: One of the key offensive cogs for Dryden is Calgary product Matt Houston.
The 20-year-old is coming off a strong 2014-15 when he finished sixth in SIJHL scoring with 64 points on 25 goals and 34 assists.
“Matt one of the most skilled players in the league and one of our assistant captains,” says Walsten.
KYLE POUNCY, DEFENCE: Back anchoring the GM Ice Dogs defensive corps this season is Pouncy, who is a native of Kamloops, B.C.
He also had a strong offensive 2014-15 season scoring eight goals and dishing out 34 assists for 42 points.
“Kyle is one of the most skilled defencemen in the league,” states the Dryden coach.
“He’s great on the power play and is one of our assistant captains.”
TROY WILLIAMS, DEFENCE: The second-year blueliner, who was a second team CCM all-star as a rookie, returns for a second year in Dryden.
He amassed 39 points for the GM Ice Dogs last season as he scored 11 goals and dished out 28 assists for 39 points.
“Troy is one of the best defencemen in the league,” offered Walsten.
“He’s great on the power play and penalty kill and battles hard.”
DEREK MCPHAIL, FORWARD: Veteran forward McPhail is one of the forwards the GM Ice Dogs are looking to for leadership and solid play on both ends of the ice.
He saw action in 27 games last season and scored 14 times and chipped in with eight assists.
“Our team captain, who is a leader on and off ice,” stated Walsten.
“He has a great shot and plays like a pit-bull.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
TANNER WATT, FORWARD: The forward, who turns 19 Sept. 21, joins Dryden after skating for the Golden Rockets in the KIJHL in B.C.
He notched 19 goals and set-up 20 more in 39 games.
“Tanner is great two-way player, who provides good skill that plays with grit,” offered Walsten.
NIC NOSEWORTHY, DEFENCE: Another player recruited from Golden of the KIJHL is D-man Noseworthy.
He played in 47 contest and picked up nine tallies and added 17 helpers.
“Nic has good skill on defence and battles hard on the PK & PP,” says Walsten when discussing the 18-year-old from Cochrane, Alta.
BRAEDEN ALLKINS, FORWARD: A third newcomer, who joins the GM Ice Dogs, from the Golden Rockets is forward Allkins.
He was near a point-per-game last season with his former club burying 22 goals and aiding on 24 more.
“Braeden shows great skill, has soft hands and is a strong power play guy,” summarized the Dryden bench boss.
QUOTABLE
“The Dryden GM Ice Dogs are faster and bigger than last season’s team.” – Kurt Walsten, Head Coach/Co-GM