Blast Media Releases
BLAST ADD HORSEPOWER WITH SOME MOTOR CITY SCORING MAGIC
Friday, January 29, 2009
The Brantford Blast have added Detroit , Michigan native Ryan Webb to their lineup in an attempt to add some much meeded scoring punch. Webb will certainly help to rev-up the tough-luck offense and help gain a playoff position.
Webb brings a history of hockey that includes three seasons with the Southern Professional Hockey League. While playing with the Jacksonville Barracudas Webb established himself as one of the leagues top offensive forwards.
The 6-foot, 190 lb centreman brings speed, experience, scoring power and leadership. He will make his debut with the Blast this Friday night, January 9, as they take on the Baltimore Clippers at 8 pm in a push for the playoffs. Doors will open at 7 pm at the Brantford Civic Centre.
WALTER GRETZKY SEES RED,
BRANTFORD HOSTS BALTIMORE CLIPPERS
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Brantford Blast will take on the high scoring Baltimore Clippers this Friday night, 8:00 pm, at the Brantford Civic Centre. The Blast will be wearing their red road uniforms and ask that all fans attending wear red as well, to celebrate The Lung Associations World COPD Day. Walter Gretzky will be on hand meeting and greeting all the fans and signing autographs. Proceeds from the 50/50 draw will benefit The Lung Association.
The Blast line-up will be the exact same high-octane unit that humiliated their arch rivals, the Dundas Real McCoy's 9-2 last Friday. The Blast currently sit alone in third place in the six team Major Hockey League. Brantford is three points clear of Baltimore, three points behind second place Peterborough/Norwood and six points behind first place Whitby Dunlop's.
Families of five get in for $30. and receive a $5. Davis Fuels gas voucher at the Civic Centre's "Expositor Express Entrance" game night only.
Doors open at 7:00 PM
BLAST HONOUR BRANTFORD RED SOX
AS THEY HOST THE POWERFUL WHITBY DUNLOP'S
Wednesday, October 16, 2008
The Blast will use Friday night’s game against the Whitby Dunlops as an opportunity to pay tribute to the Red Sox success this past season. Much like the rich history of Senior Hockey, the Brantford Red Sox is steeped in tradition dating back to its beginnings in the Canadian Baseball League which was formed in 1911. The Brantford Red Sox joined the ranks of the Intercounty Baseball League in 1934. From 1946 to the present, the Brantford Red Sox have been Intercounty Major Baseball League Pennant Winners 10 times, with the most recent being this past summer.
The Blast will also use Friday night’s game to get on track against the talented, hard hitting Whitby Dunlops ( 3 Allan Cup appearances in the last 3 years) who will be visiting the Civic Centre with a ‘stand-in coach’. The Dunlops’ current coach is serving a two game suspension which has opened the door for former NHLer and team president, Steve Cardwell, to be behind the bench. Cardwell, who recently retired from Labatts, played hockey for the Generals before embarking on a professional career that saw him play with the Pittsburg Penguins and the Hershey Bears.
Families will save $30.00 on admission and get $5.00 worth of gas to get to the game. The Blast and their Fans will be powered by Davis Fuels with this offer. Simply redeem a coupon that is published every Thursday and Friday in the Brantford Expositor on the Sports front page.
All coupons MUST be redeemed on game nights ONLY at the Brantford Civic Centre “Expositor Express Entrance”.
In addition, every time the Blast score 5 goals in a game, Blast fans can redeem their ticket stub within 48 hours for a Free Harvey's original Burger at the King George location.
BLAST’S BAXTER IS BACK AS ASSISTANT COACH
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Brantford Blast has signed returnees David Russell, Steve Hurst and Dan Petrie.
Though listed as defencemen, Russell and Hurst will probably see plenty of action on the forward lines this season.
Star defenceman Jim Baxter has committed to be with the team this season as player/assistant coach. Baxter will anchor the defence along with former pro Jeff Brown and former league all-star Brad Strieb.
Baxter admits that “it’s going to be a little different this season” but further goes on to state that “we’ll basically have the same D as last year. We’ve signed [Brad] Strieb, who will solidify the defence and we’ve go two really good goalies”.
The Blast begins their regular season play October 3rd at the Civic Centre.
This year families will save $30.00 on admission and get $5.00 worth of gas to get the game. The Blast and their Fans will be powered by Davis Fuels with this offer. Simply redeem a coupon that is published every Thursday and Friday in the Brantford Expositor on the Sports front page.
All coupons MUST be redeemed on game nights ONLY at the Brantford Civic Centre “Expositor Express Entrance”.
In addition, every time the Blast score 5 goals in a game, Blast fans can redeem their ticket stub within 48 hours for a Free Harvey's original Burger at the King George location.
BRANTFORD FANS WILL LOVE THIS FORMER PRO
HARD – HITTING DAN VEENEMA JOINS THE BLAST
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Dan Veenema brings his exciting, rambunctious style and energy to the defending Allan Cup Champions.
In the past two seasons the 6' 1", 210lb. left winger played 114 games in the pros with the Elmira N.Y. Jackals and the Austin Texas Ice Bats. Dan scored 10 goals and 14 assists while piling up 190 penalty minutes.
Dan has returned to his home town of Dresden, Ontario and has joined his Father in operating the family’s auto body business as well as playing for the mighty Blast.
The Blast home opener is Friday October 3rd. Game time is 8pm at the Brantford Civic Centre when the Blast begin defense of their Allan Cup title as the best Senior AAA team in Canada against the Peterborough/Norwood Vipers.
BRANTFORD BLAST SIGN HAMILTON NATIVE TYRONE GARNER,THE FORMER NHL GOALIE WILL PLAY POWER FORWARD.
September 29, 2008
The defending Allan Cup Champions have added a little fire to their lineup by signing Tyrone Garner, a former goalie for the Calgary Flames.
Garner, who now resides in Stoney Creek, played 3 games for the Flames in the late 90’s. Tyrone was selected by the New York Islanders as a goalie in the 1996 NHL entry draft from the Oshawa Generals. The six foot, 215 pounder, will be used in Brantford as a power forward.
Blast president and General Manager, Peter Ham, was introduced to Garner through veteran Chad Spurr. Spurr informed him that Garner’s days as a goalie had come to an end and that he had been playing forward in the Southern League.
Garner played the past two seasons with the Jacksonville Barracudas, where he netted 24 goals and added 25 assists in 88 games.
“He has a reputation for going up and down his lane, finishing his checks in both ends of the rink and putting some points on the board to boot”, said Ham.
Garner played four seasons with the Oshawa Generals before turning pro. He spent most of his time in the East Coast League before finishing his net minding career, playing two seasons for Stuttgart in Germany.
The Blast home opener is Friday October 3rd. Game time is 8pm at the Brantford Civic Centre when the Blast begin defense of their Allan Cup title as the best Senior AAA team in Canada against the Peterborough/Norwood Vipers.
The Blast will be heading in a new direction by joining up with four teams from the former Eastern Ontario Senior Hockey League, along with the Dundas Real McCoys to form a new six team super league. The league which will continue to be branded as Major League Hockey also includes the Baltimore Clippers, Whitby Dunlops, Orillia/Coldwater Tundras and the Peterborough/Norwood Vipers.
Blast Bolster Defence with signing of jeff brown
January 21, 2008
The Brantford Blast have added greater depth to their defence with the signing of 6' 1", 230 pound Mississauga native Jeff Brown.
Brown was a first round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, and has spent the last ten years playing in the AHL, ECHL, UHL, and in the United Kingdom with the BISL and EIHL.
Brown will debut with Blast when they play in Windsor on Sunday afternoon in game two of a home and home series with the Saints. The Blast will be looking to exact revenge by capturing a much needed two points in the game with Windsor, who handed Brantford their first loss on home ice this season with a 3-0 win on Friday night.
Brent Gretzky’s A Blast!
January
9, 2008
Brent Gretzky will be making a return to his hometown to play in the historical 100th Allan Cup. The Brantford Blast announced the signing of Gretzky today.
Brent, the youngest son of Walter and the late Phyllis Gretzky, who will turn 36 on
February 20th, is expected to suit up with the Blast very soon.
Gretzky left Brantford at 17 years of age when he was drafted by the Belleville Bulls. After a stellar three-year OHL run, he was selected in the third round of the 1992 NHL entry draft by the Tampa Bay Lightening. Since then he has played all over North America in the IHL, AHL, UHL and one year in Austria. Brent Gretzky's profile at hockeydb.com
Blast President & GM Peter Ham explained, "He's happy to be coming here. We're happy to have him. And hockey fans in the greater Brantford area are in for a real treat as they will now have the opportunity to watch this incredible Brantford born hockey talent play in his hometown, at the Civic Centre."
Ham went on to say, "Gretzky's presence heightens our chances to capture the 100th Allan Cup, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For the fans in the city of Brantford to be able to see one of their favourite sons play for something that will forever be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, it makes it extra special."
The Blast will be going for their twelfth win in a row at home on Friday against theTillsonburg Vipers. The game is being presented by the Brant County chapter of the MS Society of Canada. Gametime is 7:30 at the Civic Centre. Doors open at 6:30.
Blast Sign Bryan Worosz
December 2, 2007
The Brantford Blast have announced the signing of a talented young netminder and Brantford native, Bryan Worosz.
The 27 year old Worosz played 4 years of NCAA hockey with Canisius College from 2001 through 2005, where he still holds almost all goaltending records at the school. Worosz was selected as team MVP for two of his four seasons with Canisius, and was a first team all star in his senior year.
He played with the ECHL Toledo Storm in 2005-06 when the Storm finished first in the Northern Division during the regular season and went on to win the Division Playoff Championship.
Last Season, Worosz played 39 games with the Flint Generals of the UHL, and finished the year with an impressive .881 save percentage. View his stats here.
Blast GM, Peter Ham was please to acquire Worosz, and explained, "Bryan Worosz is a quality is a quality goaltender with very impressive credentials. He joins Major Leaque Hockey's best tandem as he teams up with Anthony Marshall and Ryan Dickie. His addition give us the extra depth we need between the pipes. It's an added bonus for Brantford hockey fans when we are able to mine talent of this calibre out of our own backyard."
Teddy Bear Toss for the Salvation Army - The Tradition Continues!
The Blast return home to the Civic Centre on Friday, December 7th for a rematch with Dundas in the annual Salvatiion Army Teddy Bear Toss game. Fans are invited to bring a new teddy bear to toss onto the ice after the first Brantford goal. The toys will be collected to be given as children's Christmas gifts by the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Band and Choir will be in attendance to add their musical festive flair to the game by entertaining fans with Christmas carols all evening.
Blast Sign Bobby Stewart
November 29, 2007
"We're in it, to win it." That's the Blast credo as they play through this Major League Hockey season en route to hosting the 2008 Allan Cup in Brantford next April.
Blast GM, Peter Ham today announced the signing of a premiere player to support the team's guiding principle - 33 year old Bobby Stewart, a resident of Burlington who hails from Ft. McMurray, Alberta.
Stewart's stats tell the story. He's a 5'9", 190 lb fan favourite and prolific point-getter who finished his college career with the (Division 1) University of Maine Black Bears in 1999, the year the team won the NCAA Championship.
From there his career has taken him all over the U.S.A. from Mobile, Alabama to Boise, Idaho and destinations in between, Stewart made a mark everywhere he went including successful seasons in the AHL, IHL, ECHL, WCHL, UHL. In 2002-03 he scored 58 goals with the Ft. Wayne Komets when the team won the Colonial Cup.
In making the announcement, Blast GM Peter Ham explained, "Everywhere he's played, he's been a dynamic offensive threat. But it's the tremendous heart he brings to every game that makes him a great fit for our organization. That has been the legacy of Bobby Stewart everywhere he's been, his heart. Brantford hockey fans are in for a real treat."
Stewart is expected to make his debut in Brantford at the next home game on Friday, December 7th when the Blast host the Dundas Real McCoys. Gametime is 7:30 at the Civic Centre. Doors open at 6:30.
As the host team, the Blast will gain entry into the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. The special milestone edition of the sex team National Championship, emblematic of Canadian amateur hockey supremacy, is being played April 15 to 20, 2008 at the Brantford Civic Centre.
2nd annual teddy toss
Blast Sign Power Forward Brett Barnett
October 19, 2007
The Brantford Blast have re-signed power forward Brett Barnett for their run at the 100th Allan Cup. Barnett joined the team late last year, seeing only limited action. But the Blast and Barnett saw enough of each other to feel comfortable with the fit.
The 6' 3 ", 225 pound rough and tumble left winger was a 10th round draft choice of the NHL'S New York Rangers . Brett is a left handed shooting left winger who honed his skills at Lake Superior State University prior to playing pro for a decade. He also spent parts of the last five seasons playing Senior AAA and gained a reputation for not being the most enjoyable of guys to play against.
Brett makes his season debut tonight ( Friday, Oct. 19th) along with Ian Jacobs when they join the Blast lineup. Game time is 7:30 PM when the high flying Windsor Saints visit the Civic Centre. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
The Blast will be missing high scoring forward Scott Sheppard who has left the team to join Fort Worth of the CHL.
As the host team, the Blast gain automatic entry into the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. The special milestone edition of this six team National Championship, emblematic of Canadian amateur hockey supremacy, is being played April 15 to 20, 2008 at the Brantford Civic Centre.
Blast Sign Former Pro Defenseman Ian Jacobs
October 18, 2007
The Brantford Blast have bolstered their Allan Cup lineup with the recent addition of 27 year old Walpole Island native, Ian Jacobs .
The 6' 4', 235 pound talented young defenseman / right winger was an 8th round draft choice of the NHL'S Florida Panthers. Jacobs, a right handed shooter played his junior hockey with the Ottawa 67's and spent the next 5 seasons with Port Huron of the UHL. Ian is a welcome addition to the Blast, "With the experience and veratility Ian brings to Brantford we expect he will be a tremendous asset to our team '' explained GM Peter Ham.
Jacobs makes his debut tomorrow night when he joins his neighbour and new travelling companion Jason Simon in the Blast lineup. Game time is 7:30 PM (Friday, October 19th) when the high flying Windsor Saints visit the Civic Centre. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
As the host team, the Blast gain automatic entry into the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. The special milestone edition of this six team National Championship, emblematic of Canadian amateur hockey supremacy, is being played April 15 to 20, 2008 at the Brantford Civic Centre.
Marshall Posts Back-to-Back Shutouts in Season Opening Series!
October 7, 2007
The Brantford Blast wrapped up a home and home series with the Tillsonburg Vipers last night in Tilly with a second consecutive 5-0 victory over the Vipers. The Blast's number one netminder, Anthony Marshall was superb, stopping all 51 shots he faced in the two games, which included a total of 13 powerplay opportunities for the Vipers.
The Blast special teams were spectacular, as evidenced by a perfect 100% penalty killing percentage in the weekend series. Chad Spurr netted two powerplay goals, along with Wayne Muir, Jim Baxter and Cory Matchim. Scott Sheppard assisted on 3 of the 5 powerplay goals, and scored an even strength marker to put him at the top of the MLH scoring leaders list with 4 points on the weekend.
NEXT HOME GAME - Tuesday NIGHT @ 8pm
The good news is the hometown fans don't have to wait long to see the red hot Blast in action again - they host the Petrolia Squires in Brantford's only Tuesday night contest of the regular season October 9th at the Brantford Civic Centre.
This will be the first time the two squads have faced off since game seven of the 2006/07 semi final play off series on Friday, March 2, 2007. The Blast won in double overtime in P-town to gain entry into the Major League Hockey championship final vs. Windsor.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Blast fans came up big winners Friday night. This season, each time the Blast score 5 or more goals at a home game, fans can redeem their ticketbacks for a FREE ORIGINAL HAMBURGER at Harvey's on King George Road. Wonder what Harvey's has in mind if Brantford posts 5 shutouts in a row? Could be something to think about...
THE WORLD WIDE WEB - BLAST STYLE
Check out the fresh new look at www.brantfordblast.com
Blast Season Opener
Friday, October 5th * 7:30 p.m. * Brantford Civic Centre
UFC fighter Jeff 'The Inferno' Joslin will be the guest of honour as the
Brantford Blast entertain the Tillsonburg Vipers to ignite the 2007/08 season in Brantford's home opener on Friday, October 5th. Blast fans will have the chance to meet Joslin for autographs before the game and in between periods. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
The 2006/07 MLH champion Blast have re-signed 12 players from last year's winning squad, along with former pro right-winger Scott Sheppard, a past teammate of the speedy Blast center, Chad Spurr. Other players signed by Brantford are goaltenders Anthony Marshall and Ryan Dickie; along with David Russell, Steve Hurst, Tyler Pelton, Will Wellman, Jim Baxter, Bryan Hamm, Dan Pitre, Cory Matchim, Wayne Muir and Ryan Healey. The new Blast coaching duo of Larry Trader and Dan Caco will be behind the bench for their first MLH regular season action, along with veteran playing coach Andrew Taylor.
The game will be loaded with firepower, including Major League Hockey's top two scorers from last season. Tillsonburg forward Brad Wilkins and Brantford captain Tyler Pelton finished one/two in scoring in 2006/07. Wilkins tallied 12 goals and 56 assists in 29 games for a total of 68 points. Pelton scored 28 goals and assisted on 34 others in 30 games for a total of 62 points.
In addition, former Brantford coach Larry Van Herzele and goaltender Brett Leggat will be sporting Vipers colours on Friday night. Both signed with Tillsonburg over the summer.
HUNGRY?
This season, hungry hockey fans can cash in on their Blast ticket-backs for a burger each time the Blast score 5 or more goals in a home game. Simply present the original Blast ticket stub within 48 hours of the game, at the Harvey's location at 57 King George Road, and receive a FREE ORIGINAL HAMBURGER!
TICKETS!
Individual advance game tickets are on sale at the Civic Centre Box Office daily during business hours. Season Ticket Packages are still available, along with a limited quantity of VIP Allan Cup Ticket Packages. For more information call 519 752 6541 or toll free 1 800 563 6858.
This season marks the beginning of an historic countdown - only 6 months until the 100th Allan Cup Championship tournament, which will be hosted by the Blast the week of April 15th, 2008. As host team, the Blast will gain entry into the Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast.
Born To Fight
Hamilton's Jeff Joslin Will Be Kick'n Ice With the Blast
September 12, 2007
UFC fighter and MMA champ Jeff 'The Inferno' Joslin, will be appearing at the Brantford Blast home opener to perform the cermonial puck drop and join Blast fans as they ignite the 2007/08 MLH season! The game is scheduled for Friday, October 5th when the Mighty Tillsonburg Vipers visit the Civic Centre for a 7:30 pm start.
Joslin made an impressive debut on the welterweight card for UFC Fight Night at the Marine Corps Air Station on the Miramar Base in San Diego, California in December 2006.
The Hamilton native has amassed over 200 first place titles in striking, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling competitions over the past two decades. Jeff took gold at the Pan American BJJ championships as a purple belt and won the Arnold/Gracie World BJJ Championships open weight division as a brown belt. www.jeffjoslin.ca
Blast fans will have the chance to meet Joslin for autographs before the game and in between periods.
Advance tickets are on sale at the Civic Centre Box Office. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
This season marks the beginning of an historic countdown - a mere 6 months to the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be hosted by the Blast the week of April 15th, 2008. As host team, the Blast will gain entry into Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. Ticket packages are on sale now.
Scott Sheppard is a BLAST!
The Brantford Blast have bolstered their Allan Cup lineup with the recent addition of 24 year old Selkirk native, Scott Sheppard.
The talented young right winger and former team mate of Chad Spurr is a welcome addition to the Blast. "With the experience Scott brings to Brantford we expect he will be a tremendous asset to our team, '' explained GM Peter Ham. After an illustrious OHL career in Kingston, Kitchener and London, Scott played the past three seasons in the AHL, the Central Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=55232
As the Allan Cup host team, the Blast will gain entry into the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. The special milestone edition of this six team National Championship, emblematic of Canadian amateur hockey supremacy, is being played April 15 to 20, 2008 at the Brantford Civic Centre.
Brantford Blast Announce the Appointment of Larry Trader as Head Coach
July 6, 2007
The Brantford Blast today named former NHLer Larry Trader as Head Coach for their Allan Cup run this season.
The 45 year old Trader played parts of four seasons in the NHL with Detroit, Montreal and St. Louis. He acquired his taste for winning as a leading defenceman with the Adirondack Redwings when they captured the Calder Cup in 1986.
Blast President & GM, Peter Ham expressed his confidence in Trader in making the announcement, " Larry has all the essential ingredients necessary to take us on our journey down the road to the 100th Allan Cup. "
Trader is a former London Knight who hails from Barry's Bay, Ontario and went on to play for several years in Europe following his NHL stint.
After his retirement in 1994, Trader enjoyed a successful run as coach with the Brantford Smoke of the UHL over a 3 year period, with an overall winning percentage of .600 with the Smoke.
http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14561
As the host team, the Blast will gain entry into the 100th edition of the Allan Cup which will be televised live on TSN coast to coast. The special milestone edition of this six team National Championship, emblematic of Canadian amateur hockey supremacy, is being played April 15 to 20, 2008 at the Brantford Civic Centre.