Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Helper Helps Himself

Prospect Park Player of the Week Ryan Bourque

At first glance when we heard that the New York Rangers used their 2009 3rd round pick on Ryan Bourque we really liked the idea. Bourque was one of the top young playmakers in the United States Development Program and there was really only one reason why Bourque fell to the 3rd round; his size.

If Bourque was 6'1 210 then no way do the Rangers get him with a 3rd round pick but Bourque is a small 5'9 170. Talent wise there is not a question that Ryan Bourque can play but that concern about his size is not going to go away.

Bourque plays for the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL and during most of the early part of this season we saw more goal scoring from Bourque than his playmaking skills. Until last week when Bourque showed the playmaking side and the Remparts reaped the benefits of that side.

Bourque had a 6 assist week as he helped his Remparts to 3 wins but it was more than just the assists as it was the kind of the assists that stood out. Against Moncton, Bourque had a career high 4 assists but his 2nd assist set up the game winner.

Against Prince Edward Island, Bourque only had one assist but his 3 good hits stood out in the Rempart's 4-3 win. To end his week, Bourque set up the game tying goal as the Remparts came from behind to defeat the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 3-2 in OT.

Altogether Bourque has a 4 game scoring streak (0-7-7) as his Remparts also have a 4 game winning streak. We also think that the more assists that Bourque puts up the more his Remparts are going to win.

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Game Action

Daniel Maggio (2009 6th) set up the first goal for his Sudbury Wolves as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead over Ethan Werek's (2009 2nd) Kingston Frontenacs and then held on for a 4-3 win. Maggio's assist was his 7th of the season and added a +2 for the evening.

Werek was held scoreless and was a -1 for the night.

People may think our watching Sam Klassen's (2009 UFA) "Plus" is crazy but here is what is not crazy; Klassen has been a "plus" in 6 straight games and his Saskatoon Blades won their 6th straight game edging the Moose Jaw Warriors 2-1.

Klassen may not be scoring but since his streak started the Blades have jumped to the top of the WHL standings. If anything we like Klassen because our firm belief is you can have all the offense in the world but defense will win you championships.

Tomas Kundratek (2008 3rd) and his Medicine Hat Tigers have been playing 500 hockey as of late so you never know which Tiger team is going to show up from night to night. Tuesday night the effort was there but the Tigers lost to the Everett Silvertips 3-1.



Kundratek was held scoreless and a -1 for the evening

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Ben Fanelli Update

The Kitchener Rangers released this update on Tuesday:

The condition of Kitchener Rangers defenseman, Ben Fanelli has been upgraded to serious but stable.

The Fanelli family and the Rangers Organization again thank the many people who have expressed their concerns and wishes for Ben's recovery.

Further updates will be made by the Kitchener Rangers when they become available.

Steve Bienkowski
Chief Operating Officer
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club

(Bourque courtesy of the Quebec Remparts)

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