Playing With a Smile

“I think some players do mature when they go through the WHL,” says head coach Kris Knoblauch, “and sometimes it never happens. But for [Lieuwen], I think this summer he wanted to take his game to another level.”

Cardinal saw that other level in Kootenay’s 7-5 win over the Portland Winterhawks in Game 2 of the WHL final.

“We had a big lead and started to give up some goals, but he made about seven or eight big saves,” Cardinal says. “Sometimes there are goalies that will show body language that they’re down. He had a smile on his face.”

Lieuwen smiles because he is trying to live a different life than most junior hockey players. He does not dream of big contracts or Stanley Cups. The moment is more important than the destination.

“I’m told I’m always smiling and that’s because I’m enjoying it,” he says. “And I’m making sure that as serious as I am about my hockey I’m having fun with it and being who I am.”

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Playing With a Smile

Mem Cup Action Starts Up Friday

The 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup festivities will get underway on Thursday, May 19, while the action on the ice will start on Friday, May 20. The host Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors will host the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in the opening game.

With the Kootney Ice crowned as the WHL champions, they will represent the West at the Memorial Cup. In the cage will be Nathan Lieuwen, who received this years playoff MVP award.

A total of 10 players from the Prairies region will help lead Kootney to the Memorial Cup Championship. Cody Eakin, James Martin, and Luke Paulsen will hit the ice from Manitoba. Jesse Ismond, Drew Czerwonka, Brock Montgomery, Brayden McNabb, Joey Leach, and John Neibrandt will be cheered on from the Saskatchewan area.

The nine day Canadian Hockey League tournament starts up on May 20th through to the 29th.

2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup Schedule :

Round-Robin Game 1 – QMJHL vs. Mississauga on Friday May 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 2 – OHL vs. WHL on Saturday May 21, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 3 – Mississauga vs. WHL on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 4 – OHL vs. QMJHL on Monday May 23, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 5 – WHL vs. QMJHL on Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Round-Robin Game 6 – Mississauga vs. OHL on Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Tie-Breaker (if necessary) – Thursday May 26, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Semi-Final – Friday May 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Championship Final – Sunday May 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Mem Cup Action Starts Up Friday

Kootney Heads to Memorial Cup

The Kootney Ice have captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup with a Game 5 win over the Portland Winterhawks.

GDI Prairies would like to congratulate goaltenders Nathan Lieuwen, who was named Playoff MVP, along with his partner Brett Tesky and 1994 born Mackenzie Skapski. Success comes from all angles and is made through small increments that all make a difference in how a team performs.

We would also like to notice all the hard work that Justin Cardinal (Kootney Ice Goaltending Coach - GDI Alberta Assistant Regional Manager) has put in to the team over the course of the last several year to help the team and goaltenders progress to where they are today. The teaching of technical and tactical aspects of the game always make a difference in preparation. The dedication to each goaltender and personal mentorship from a goaltending coach is what gives the impact of being success driven day in day out.

The Kootney Ice head into the Memorial Cup starting May 20th.

Kootney Heads to Memorial Cup

WHL Bantam Draft Wrap Up: 4 GDI Goalies Selected

Overall 4 GDI goalies were selected in this years Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.






Two goaltenders from GDI Prairies:
Zac Robidoux, Medicine Hat Tigers - 124 Overall and Ty Edmonds, Prince George Cougars - 186th Overall.

Two goaltenders from GDI Alberta:
Payton Lee, Vancouver Giants - 28th Overall and Derek Mazil, Edmonton Oil Kings - 68th Overall.

While the WHL Bantam Draft is the first opportunity for teams to select graduating Bantam players, it is not the last chance for a player to be listed or recruited by a WHL Club. After the Drafft is completed, all remaining Bantam players become eligible to be listed by WHL Clubs, and many will be added as spots become available on each WHL teams Protected Player List, or as player development improves at a higher level of hockey.

With this said, for the long list of goaltenders that dream to play at the Major Junior level, it is important that you stick to your training regimen. Don't sit back and relax!

All athletes have the capability of creating a perspective of how others view them. To progress and create future opportunities take into consideration: the actions that you show, the habits that you maintain, and the character that you represent on the ice.

WHL Bantam Draft Wrap Up: 4 GDI Goalies Selected