Late penalty costs Ravens versus cross-town rivals (Puck Birds fall to Purple Dinos in last-minute shenanigans)

Men’s Hockey
Late penalty costs Ravens versus cross-town rivals

By: Jeff Krever

The Carleton University Ravens men’s hockey team fell 3-2 in a heated battle with the uOttawa Gee-Gees, marking their third straight loss at the Ice House.

Dominic Jalbert (Gatineau, Que.) scored what turned out to be the game-winner with an empty net goal in the final minute of the game, while Russel Abbott (Mill Bay, B.C.) earned each of the 28 saves he made in the win.

Ravens’ head coach Marty Johnston applauded his team’s effort, but says it needs to win the battles on special teams.

“We have to find ways to win,” said Johnston. “We have to generate more offense than we have in the last five or six games, we’ve got to go back to the drawing board and try to get more pucks to the net and get more traffic and get more rebounds.”

On a night where defenceman Tim Billingsley (Ottawa) and centre Andrew Glass (Boston, Mass.) made their debuts, in the first period it was the goaltenders who stole the show, with Abbott and Dopud exchanging impressive saves throughout a scoreless opening frame.

In the second the Gee-Gees looked to get the game’s first goal with a power play opportunity on a slash by Andrew Self (Peterborough, Ont.), but it was the Ravens getting the biggest chance when Joe Pleckaitis (Ottawa) got behind the defense a shorthanded breakaway, but Abbott denied the second-year forward with a right pad save.

The Ravens survived a furious uOttawa counter attack, with Dopud sliding cross-crease to make two impressive saves, keeping the score even.

But even with the power play over, the Gee-Gees continued to press. Paul Forster (North Vancouver, B.C.) opened the scoring for uOttawa when he buried a rebound past a sprawling Dopud on a scramble play in front, giving the Gee-Gees a one-goal edge.

After failing to convert a power play early in the third period, coach Marty Johnston left it to his scrappy checking line to provide the offense the Ravens needed.

With a pileup of bodies in front and Abbott fighting to cover the loose puck, Linden Bahm (Kinburn, Ont.) used his strength to bury the tying goal. Bahm’s fifth of the year sent the Ice House crowd into frenzy, while the Gee-Gees argued that the puck was covered.

Abbott received attention from the trainer for what appeared to be a hand injury, but remained in the game for uOttawa.

With Dopud and Abbott dueling back-and-forth with one big save after another, the turning point came with minutes left in the game, when Brad Albert received a questionable call for interference after being challenged in the corner of the Ravens’ zone.

“It’s hard for me to see from that vantage point, but I thought there were some things happening out there and at that time of the game I was a little bit disappointed with the call,” said Johnston.

Dopud fought traffic in front to make key saves early, helping the Ravens kill off the initial penalty, but they were never able to regroup. Maxime Chamberland (Chateauguay, Que.) beat Dopud upstairs on a two-on-one down low, giving the Gee-Gees the tie-breaking goal with just 1:44 remaining.

Before the Ravens could respond with any pressure, the dangerous Jalbert scored his seventh of the year into the empty net on a clearing attempt.

Pleckaitis scored with 13 seconds remaining, but it was too little too late as Carleton couldn’t muster up any more scoring chances.

With the loss the Ravens fall to 2-1-0 in the season series again their cross-town rivals, although that record may not be all it appears. Contests from Oct. 29 – a 4-2 loss, and Oct. 21 – a 2-1 shootout win, were reversed after the league ruled that the Gee-Gees were in violation of league rules by playing a suspended player, Jon Carnevale (Beaverton, Ont.)

The results were changed to a pair of 2-0 wins for Carleton, making a difference of five points in the OUA East standings.

Carleton will get a chance to end a four-game losing streak on Friday, Jan. 6 when Johnston’s Ravens pay a visit to UQTR. Puck drops at 7p.m.

Notes: Mike Lomas, who was expected to return to the lineup after Christmas, did not play as he continues to nurse an injury. Johnston says expect to see him back within the next few games.

Ravens add Central Hockey League defenceman

Men’s Hockey
Ravens add Central Hockey League defenceman

By: Jeff Krever

The Carleton University Ravens men’s hockey team added defenceman Tim Billingsley (Ottawa) over the break, who joined the Ravens in time for their two exhibition games in Thunder Bay as well as their 2012 opener versus the uOttawa Gee-Gees.

Billingsley left the Central Hockey League’s Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees to cash in on a scholarship that he was eligible for through the Ontario Hockey League after splitting time over five seasons with the Toronto/Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors and the Niagara Ice Dogs.

“(Ravens’ head coach Marty Johnston) told me in the summer that if I wanted to come at Christmas there might be a spot, so I talked to him in the weeks leading up to me leaving Texas and he said there was still a spot so that’s how it happened,” said Billingsley.

The former seventh-round draft pick of the Phoenix Coyotes is expected to add depth and versatility to the Ravens’ blue line.

“Tim had some pro opportunities, I mean being drafted to the NHL, obviously people saw promise to his game,” said Johnston. “We’re really happy – I think he’s going to really add a great element to our defence.”

With the Ravens competing for home ice in the playoffs, Billingsley is anxious to help his new team win games down the stretch. He says that while he can play offensively when necessary, he’s best known for his abilities as a shutdown, checking defenceman.

“I don’t know how big of an impact I can make yet, it’s still too early so I’m still feeling out what kind of hockey it is,” said Billingsley. “I can step in and be that extra, reliable guy night in and night out that gets the job done.”

Billingsley made his regular season debut on Jan. 4, a 3-2 loss to the uOttawa Gee-Gees.

Episode 14: Coach’s Summit

Eric Balnar was a healthy scratch for this one, but Marty Johnston and Shelley Coolidge were kind enough to join us for the first half of the show to give us their thoughts on the first half of the season, recruiting, academics, and the paths they took to wind up here at Carleton. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Terrific day for Tanski – Ravens’ recruit recieves NHL camp invite

by Eric Balnar

When Scott Tanski woke up for hockey practice on Thursday morning, he was preparing for his first exhibition game with the Carleton University Ravens while adjusting to his new university lifestyle.

When he left practice, he was told to pack his bags, get on a plane, and head to the New York Rangers training camp.

Tanski had a fantastic junior career with the Brampton Batallion (PHOTO: ontariohockeyleague.com)

“It hasn’t even sunk in yet,” says the 21-year-old winger. “I was focused on heading to Nipissing with the boys for a game. To get the call was totally unexpected.”

The opportunity is well deserved for the Burlington, Ontario native.

Tanski put together impressive numbers during his four-year stint with Brampton Batallion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL.

He had two 40+ point seasons, was a career +17, and was a key part in the Battalion’s run to the OHL finals in 2009.

But the OHL an entirely different world from the NHL – the players are bigger, faster, stronger and smarter. Tanski says his short time at Carleton University have already prepared him for the next step.

“There will be adjustments but Carleton has got me physically ready. The coaches and trainers have worked really hard,” he says.

Ravens head coach Marty Johnston also thinks the winger is ready.

He says the winger won’t look out of place in what he calls one of the league’s most demanding training camps.

“Physically he is one of our top players,” says Ravens head coach Marty Johnston. “He worked extremely hard this offseason and was top three in all our physical testing.”

Not only is Tanski physically prepared, but he says previous hockey experience has him mentally ready.

In 2009 he went to the Columbus Blue Jacket training camp and in 2010 he attended Jackets rookie camp.

He says he won’t be in as much “awe” of the talent around him this time around.

“I’ll still notice some of the big names out there but now I know the speed of the game and where to be on the ice. I have that bit of insight so I know what to focus on,” he says.

Raven’s assistant coach Ryan Medel also thinks Tanski will fit right in. He says he brings character that’s tough to come across.

“He’s a natural leader and one of the hardest workers. You like to hope he makes the team, but if he doesn’t he’s going to make a big impact with us,” he says.

Tanski begins his journey with fitness testing early morning  in New York on Friday, before the team skates on Saturday.

“This has been my goal,” he says. “I got a taste of a full NHL training camp two years ago and I’ve been working to get that taste again.”

Ravens Hockey Live gets new look

Hey listeners and readers, as you all know the off-season is in full force for both the women’s and men’s hockey teams here at Carleton and while Marty Johnston and Shelley Coolidge are already looking towards next season and thinking about recruits, we’re here to provide you with any off-season moves.

That said, we’re entering a recruiting process of our own as we look to add to our staff anyone who has a passion for hockey and wants to get involved with the show or the website in any way. You don’t have to have any experience and it doesn’t matter what year you’re in or what you’re studying – we’re always looking for contributors.

So if you’re interested in being a reporter and covering games, or writing articles on news, games, or features, or if you just want your voice heard on the radio and would like to do voice reports, send us an e-mail at ravenshockeylive@gmail.com.

We’re also going through some changes on our own here on the site and it might take some time, but we plan on having a new look for our second season of Ravens Hockey Live – that means better organization and more visually appealing content. Let us know if you have any ideas or concerns.

- The staff at Ravens Hockey Live

Ravens Captain Brad Good signs with the ECHL

Graduating defenseman Brad Good will play professional hockey next year, as the standout player has signed a contract with the Florida Everblades of the East Coast Hockey League.

In his four years at Carleton, Good tallied 34 points (7 goals, 27 assists) in 100 regular season games. Good’s size, passion and defensive talent made him one of the best stay-at-home defenseman in the OUA this year.

The Everblades are the ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League and the Charlotte Checkers and Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League. They are also Ravens Head Coach Marty Johnston’s former team.

Before joining the Ravens, Good spent four seasons in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Good will graduate from Carleton this spring with a major in History.

Ravens Hockey Hangover – Dopud Inteview, Powers saves, MacLean goal, Playoff Picture and more

What a weekend for the Carleton Ravens. The men won both their games to end the University of Toronto Varsity Blues’ season in a great 2-1 playoff series. The women rode great play from goalie Victoria Powers and forward Claudia Bergeron to win both their weekend games to clinch a playoff spot.

Sad there’s no Ravens hockey until Wednesday? So are we. We’ve provided a cure for your Ravens hockey hangover.

Matthew Dopud was sheer brilliance on the weekend. The highlight came when he made multiple acrobatic saves to shutout Toronto in a 4-0 game three victory.

Eric Balnar and Matt Di Nicolantonio talked to Dopud after one of his best performances of the year.

Dopud was not the only Raven goalie that turned up their play. Women’s goalie Victoria Powers has been terrorizing opponents, resembling some sort of indestructible wall in net. Since being named started she has a miniscule 1.55 GAA and has led her team to four straight wins.

The most important came Sunday, when Carleton needed to beat uOttawa to make the playoffs. Thankfully the Charlatan provided a great video story on the Power-ful performance.

And in case you hadn’t noticed, Brandon MacLean has some wheels. The Charlatan sports editor Farhan Devji had a pocket camera and caught it all. Scouts take note.

In other hockey news, the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen are playing in an outdoor game today. Our own Jeff Krever broke a story about a potential Carleton Ravens outdoor game in the works.

But back to Ravens hockey. The men will drop the puck on their new series against the UQTR Patriotes. Game 1 goes Wednesday in Trois Rivieres and Carleton will host game 2 on Friday night.

Last game between these two teams featured six game misconducts, a water fight, and Shane Bakker leaning over to push a UQTR player.

Meanwhile, the lady Ravens take on McGill in the first round of the QSSF/RSEQ playoffs. McGill is on a 101 game winning streak. They won #100 vs Montreal this weekend.

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow on CKCU at 6am, or 11:45 am. You can livestream at http://www.ckcufm.com, or check it out when we upload on the site.

And for all you February Fever fanatics – we’ll post round two info ASAP.

Super Man-ley to the rescue: Ravens force game 3

There was no kryptonite for Joey Manley on Friday.

The Ravens centre scored a hat-trick and the Ravens rolled to a 7-3 victory over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at the Ice House.

With the win, Carleton forces a game three Saturday night where the winner will advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Carleton opened the scoring on the power play as Ryan Berard scored his second goal of the series by roofing it over the shoulder of back-up first year goalie Garrett Sheehan.

The Ravens continued their relentless pressure, and half way through the opening frame, Joey Manley scored his first goal off a juicy rebound to put the Ravens up 2-0.

Joey Manley slams home his second of the game (Photo: Murray McComb)

“We knew we had to come out with a big start tonight,” said Manley. “We just had to keep shooting the puck. If you fire the puck on net, rebounds will come and we’ll get the garbage goals.”

They kept that strategy early in the second.

Manley jammed home a loose puck off a Sheehan rebound to extend the lead to three.

But the Varsity Blues turned up the heat and cooled down Carleton’s attack. They forced the Ravens to rely on goalie Matthew Dopud to make a couple huge saves before Blake Boddy cut the lead to two, scoring on a power play late in the second on a howitzer off a loose puck near the point.

Toronto was not done.

While shorthanded Paul Dupont played strong on the puck, wrapped around the net and got the Blues within one.

However, 30 seconds later, an Andrew Self shot from the point deflected off the skate of a Toronto defender and into an open Toronto net.

Toronto head coach Darren Lowe knew that goal was the killer.

“We were starting to gain a lot of momentum but a goal off of a foot like that…it really kills you,” he said after the game.

He was right – the game really was over. Brandon MacLean made sure of it.

The Refs started to play a big role in this one (Photo: Murray McComb)

All throughout the third MacLean was the dominant force for the Ravens, skating relentlessly back to help out on defense, while creating countless scoring opportunities himself.

He even scored his first of the playoffs to help seal the deal for the Ravens.

“I thought [MacLean] was the best player on the ice tonight,” said Carleton head coach Marty Johnston. “By far.”

Manley added a third to make it the hat trick, and Jeff Hayes – a player with a wealth of OHL experience – added one of his own to make it seven for Carleton.

The referees ended up being a story in this one, as game two became a chippy affair.

Carleton was 3/8 on the PP, while Toronto was 1/7.

Forward Shane Bakker does not fear playing a man down (Photo: Murray McComb)

Penalty trouble was not anything that scared Ravens short-handed wizard Shane Bakker.

“You fight through it,” he said. “We have one of the best PK’s in the league and if they want to test it they can test it. We’ll just work our bag off to kill of the penalties.”

Both teams acknowledged Saturday’s final series game could be even more chippy because its do or die time.

The U of T bench boss, however, said his team needs to play at an elite level tomorrow night.

“We gotta come out a lot harder tomorrow night because I know they’ll be way better,” he said. ” We have to be way better in all aspects to beat a team like [Carleton].”

(Photos courtesy of Murray McComb)

Links for your liking: Get Pumped for Ravens Playoffs, the Shane Bakker ‘push’ and more

The Carleton Ravens are set to begin their quest to the Queen’s Cup.

The road starts tonight vs the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. The Blues played well at the end of the season, and the series may not be as easy as people think. Check out the preview. If you want another way to get in the hockey mode, I suggest our 15 minute update, or any of our three shows, featured yesterday on CKCU.

As for the game, catch that action on SSN Sports at 7:30pm.

Game two comes back to the Ice House on Friday night, 7:00.

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As with any hockey team around playoffs, goaltending will be a huge factor.

Carleton has two goalies they can run with – Matthew Dopud and Ryan Dube.

Dopud will get the start for game one in Toronto tonight, but they could just have easily have rolled with Dube.

Matt Di Nicolantonio spells out Carleton’s year in goaltending beautifully.

Check it out.

Also from the Charlatan world is a good recap of what happened in the game last weekend vs UQTR from Nick Wells.

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Send us your playoff picks for February Fever before 7:00 tonight. We have some great DVD prizes, a dozen hockey experts and a nice collection of OUA fans. Should be a fun competition to get everyone pumped for a playoff run.

The details are linked above, but just send us an email to ravenshockeylive@gmail.com with your first round predictions and how many games each series will finish in. Request brackets at email address too, or just check out that post.

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Want more previews? Always OUA has a good one.

Completely agree with this statement for the Ravens series:

“If the OT loss system was not in place Toronto would be in big trouble. They’re good at getting the one point, but not so much at sealing the deal.”

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Things got out of hand in Carleton’s 4-1 loss to UQTR, Feb. 11.

The Patriotes successfully worked their way under the Ravens’ skin. The game had six game misconducts – including Carleton assistant coach Ryan Medel and players Shane Bakker and Matt Hyde.

It really all started when Bakker pushed UQTR senior forward Alexandre Demers in the face by leaning over the barrier between the benches. He was kicked out immediately after.

It’s tough to say what caused this, but watching from beside the benches it looked like Demers was chirping the Carleton bench all game long. The UQTR forward was benched the whole game, logging no ice-time, and was the subject of constant heckling from the Ravens fans.

Shane Bakker was the first to admit he lost his cool, saying he has to get back to playing “Carleton Raven hockey”. Head coach Marty Johnston was also disappointed with his team’s undisciplined play.

The battle continued between the coaches. UQTR bench boss Jacques Laporte seemed to have choice words for Johnston in a little bit of a yelling match between the two coaches during the game.

During a post game interview, Laporte said it all part of the game.

“It’s just good old fashion hockey,” he said.

Regardless, here’s the incident that started it all. It looked like a punch from the stands but I assure you it was not – more of a “pointy push” as Mitch Goldenberg describes it. Still, compelling drama which could set the stage for a fascinating playoff series in round two.

Watch the bench in the bottom left corner (courtesy of Tim Kopan).

The Ravens Hockey Live Super Market – Feb. 15 shows

Ravens Hockey Live went in to overtime this week. It was our pleasure to deliver an extra hour of Ravens hockey talk when the host of Special Blend went MIA.

So welcome the Ravens Hockey Live super market – with more selection than the red-light district in Amsterdam!

If you’re a diehard listen to all three. If you want discussion, listen to hour 2, if you want an update just go for the short 15 minute show. SSN’s Matt Di Nicolantonio guests in all three.

Below you can grab our regular 6AM show and hear us in our original glory. Here we discuss the Men’s latest game vs UQTR, tee-up Carleton’s playoff match up (cause for concern), preview playoff series and talk about what the women finally did right in their two weekend games.

Next up is Raven Hockey Live Overtime. This neatly packed show poses the question, what if it was a requirement for NHL players to play University Hockey, we talk outdoor hockey game prospects, and go back to playoff talk for both teams.

Or, if you just want a quick update, this is the one for you. Here’s your RHL lunch update.

Don’t forget to join our playoff pool and catch the February Fever.