A New Season & A New Team

A new season is here and the Oilers Team has gone in a lot of new directions. Some of the boys went to Atom, some of them are scattered throughout interlock and, two of the assistant coaches from last year are now coaching the Oilers House League Team while Coach John and Bruce have moved up to to pursue a more "challenging" career coaching interlock for the St.Albert Steelers Novice Team. I want to pass along my best wishes to the coaches, the players and the parents who have all moved on. We will miss you this year.

As far as Owen goes, he is now a member of the HAMMERHEADS and a new blog has begun.
It will be an exciting year and so far two of his team mates from last year are on his team.
Both Ryan B and Chris Z are back playing with the Owenator. The coach is also one of Owens former soccer coaches and, we couldn't be happier to have him back being a positive influence in our sons life again.

For those of you who wish to keep up with us, the new blog can be found here
http://www.stalberthammerheads.blogspot.com/

Thanks again and Happy Hockey.
David Mathew Bonner

THE FINAL GAME - coming someday :)

To wrap up this blog, I will be posting the full game on line, as well as the award ceremony and a few behind the scenes. I will have it up before the new season begins
Thank you
David

Thank You

Thank you for the positive support with this blog and I am glad that many of you have found it enjoyable and were able to share it with family and friends. I tried to remain as non-biased as possible and keep "politics' out of a sport that my 7 year old son loves. I just hope he never losses the love for the game and has a great experience as we play the last weekend of hockey for the season.

This blog was made for the children. I wanted them to feel 'special' and in the spotlight. It was made for entertainment and also proved great for helping teach the game of hockey. To use the clips and allow our children to improve and become better hockey players was an added bonus that many of us utilized. I was able to point out the “Do's” and the "Dont's" to Owen and he benefited from it. For those who don’t know, all the games STILL on this blog are on DVD. If your team hasn't received a copy, have someone from your team contact me for a DVD that you may reproduce amongst yourselves.


Anyways, thanks for a great season and good luck to everyone in the playoffs. Play safe, play fair and let the children have fun.

David Mathew Bonner

OILERS VS CHIEFS - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

OILERS VS BLUE DEVILS - THE FINAL CHAPTER

In the first game we played against the Blue Devils, they won 9-4.
In the second game, we won 10-4. Today, in a rare exhibition game, we faced off for the third and final time this season to decide who wins this mini Battle Of St.Albert.

I video taped some of the game but I didn't do it my usual style. I had only wanted to get some action shots of my son but eventually ended up shooting more and more of the game. I was hand held at ice level so I didn't get a lot of end to end action but I still managed to catch the main flow of the game.

I hope you enjoy the "final chapter" of our own little rivalry.
Here are the highlights.

Oilers Vs Ice Dogs - Video Highlights

Thanks For A Great Weekend

I just wanted to thank the coaches for doing a great job this weekend at the Lacombe tournament and a special thanks to Wendy for making it happen. Owen had a great time on and off the ice. Not only did he score his first goal of the season but he also had another shot in net. I am not sure what he is happier about.

One of the most interesting discoveries for me was when I asked Owen who he enjoyed hanging out with the most this weekend and he started naming names. Before I knew it, the whole team was named. We have an awesome group of kids and it's really great to see the respect they all have for each other. It's too bad that, unlike smaller communities, some of us will end up playing against each other next year because Owen considers everyone on the team his friend and is proud to be an Oiler.

That's it. Just a quick post, nothing deep.
Thanks again to everyone for making hockey and team work special in my sons life and for allowing me to enjoy the ride.


| View Show | Create Your Own Pictures Courtesy Of Dale Blacklock

OIlers Vs Wolverines - Video Highlights

Merry Christmas - The Video

Visit the Saint Albert Oilers Christmas web page for a new video that was made for the team sponsors.

Remember, we're winners; everybody had fun and no one got hurt

The other night, a prophet disguised as a curler, delivered a message to me. He said "Remember, we're winners; everybody had fun and no one got hurt." As I sat down to reflect on the last two weeks of hockey, I realized, he had described our team.

We have had some tough losses this season and our volunteer coaching staff have felt it more then any of us. It can't be easy teaching kids to be strong individuals, yet play as a team; and these last 2 weeks have been a real test of team character. After all, it's easy to celebrate wins and say good job, but when you’re losing, it can be tough to identify the problem and fix it while remaining positive and gentle at the same time.

Our coaches have said from day one that they would give every player equal ice and the focus would be on 'having fun'. Winning games would be a by product of the effort our children put into the game and how well they merge as a team. It’s interesting, as the season unfolds, that the scoring is beginning to spread and the roles of the player’s are beginning to surface. Our team has grown and developed its own 'character'.

For the last few weeks, we have watched the progression and this past weekend we played the best hockey I have ever seen in this league. The defense was tight and kept the other team down to only a handful of shots while the fore checking was fast and hard. The great two way play resulted in well earned 6-2 win.

"We could of beat anyone today" said Bruce Gnenz after Sundays game. "We were just that good". Following the game, the mood in the dressing room was nice. The parents were happy, the children were proud and the coaches, they were relieved. With the weight lifted off the shoulders for one week, its easier to smile and remember "we're winners; everybody had fun and no one got hurt."

The images below are courtesy of Dale Blacklock and are from the social last weekend and Sunday’s game

| View Show | Create Your Own

Oilers Looking Pretty Slick

The Oilers continue to play some slick hockey and today was no exception. In a game that went down to the wire, the Oilers lost a 5-4 decision to the St.Albert Thunder. Even though the Oilers don't receive any points for today's game, they do take a lot of positives with them into the next game.

First positive note goes to Jesse Frederickson. Jesse broke loose today with a 4 point game and scored two great goals and assisted on the other 2. His determination and natural leadership helped motivate a tired team that was double shifted all game. He rightfully won the Heart and Hustle award.

"Looks like Jesse Frederickson has taken a page out of Fernando Pisani's streaky scoring book and showed us once again why we selected him in the draft." said coach Bruce Gneze earlier today in a press conference. "His four point performance was great to watch and we look forward to seeing a lot more of these as the year progress's." He also stated "Jesse is a free agent next year so we anticipate his game going to whole new level as the season progresses."

Second positive goes to Chris Zalitack. Chris played like a veteran today and looked extremely comfortable on the ice. With great positioning and some fast thinking, he managed to pick up two points and won the Source For Sports Player Of The Game award.

Third, Drew Morison. Not only did Drew keep his goal scoring streak alive and popped in a couple more beauties but he also continues to be one of the Oilers best back checkers. His defensive game is as solid as his goal scoring and he is always a threat on both ends of the ice.

The fourth positive goes to the entire team. Everybody skated hard, moved the puck well, played positions and contributed in one way or another. The Oilers have a young team with a number of players only in their first or second year of hockey. Each game they play is better and smarter then the last. As the season progresses, I don't think there will be a team in our league that we can't beat on any given Sunday. As far as today's game goes, it's really difficult saying we lost because we weren't outplayed, we were simply outscored. Great job Oilers. Keep doing what your doing and the wins will come.

Painting Some Team Spirit

This weekends game is going to be a tough one as the flu takes it's toll on the oilers line up. With only 9 players expected to dress tomorrow, the boys will have to dig deep and come together as a unit.

Meanwhile, in the Bonner home, we have been renovating Owens room with new floors and painting the walls with The Oilers cooper and blue. Originally, Owen was going to miss practise and the game, as he is staying in Edmonton this weekend, but he insisted on playing and said "I never want my team to loose again and I never want to miss a practice or a game!".


It will be great to see our team play their hearts out, win, loose or draw.
On another note, Kaden and his dad donated an Ales Hemsky Autographed Oilers Cap to be given out as a reward. At this time the coaching staff isn't sure what they will use it for but someone on our team will be taking it home soon.


This has nothing to do about hockey really, but my wife does have street hockey pads on for her knees. Also, the clothes I have on came from the closet of Coach Bruce Gnenz. His wife did some "house cleaning" the last time he was out of town. I don't know if he noticed they were gone or not. He does now. This shirt is rather snug on me.

Oilers Vs Bulldogs - Video Highlights

The Oilers snapped a 4 game losing streak today by defeating the Bulldogs, 5-4. It was a fast paced game and both teams played the best hockey I've seen this season.

The heart and soul award for the Oilers went to the goalie, Andrew Palladino. He gave his team the opportunity to win and came up with the big saves when needed. Matt Dejanovic won the Source for Sports Player of The Game Award. Once again, he had a solid game and was awarded with another goal, his third of the season.

Cody Dejanovic skated hard every shift and created a few chances. He even broke up a few with some great back-checking and if that's not enough, he set a goal up with some nice corner work.

Levi Hansen was on fire today and scored a goal and picked up an assist.

Owen "Gator" Bonner keeps making his home on D. Once again, he broke up a couple of plays and blocked a handful of shots. He continues to get better every game.

AJ Hambly was steady as a rock out there and lead by example. He made a ton of good plays and played a tight game.

Kaden Wilson banged home a rebound for his 4th goal of the year and Matthew Belsham drew an assist on the play. They are both tied for the second spot on the Oilers scoring with 4 points each.

Drew Morison extends his scoring streak to 5 games as he picked up two more goals. The first one was a beautiful spin-a-Rama backhander that the Bulldog Goalie had no chance on. Then with only a minute thirty left in the third, Ryan Gnenz flew in off wing and tried to jam the puck in from a tough angle. He picked up his own rebound and threw it back into the slot and it landed on Drews stick and he flipped it high and over a sprawling goalie to score the game winning goal.

“All the guys played their positions so well." said Coach John Frederickson in a post game interview. "They are really listening in practice and it shows. I had a good feeling about this game, it’s the TSN turning point for the St Albert Oilers. Andrew P’s goaltending was stellar, and Ryan G helped out on a couple of key goals, looks like he’s got himself in the running for the Heart and Hustle award. This team deserves a celebration two Saturdays from now at Servus Place.”

All in all it was a great team effort and there wasn't a single player that didn't contribute to the win. Well done boys. Keep playing as a unit and the wins will keep coming.

Coach John Frederickson
was very happy with
today's win

Get Ready For The Bulldogs

The Oilers game on Sunday is against the Bulldogs who are 3 and 1. This will be our toughest match to date.
Its going to be a great game and I am pleased to let all of you know it will be videotaped and highlights will be up later Sunday evening.

Best of luck to both teams, Play safe and have fun.
DMB

Feel Free To Leave Comments

Hi everyone.
I know this blog gets a lot of visitors from everywhere. From family and friends of the Oilers team as well as some of the teams we play against. I just want you to know your welcome here and feel free to leave messages and comments.

If you want to post a comment, simply click comment under the article. A new window will appear (pop ups may need to be enabled), and in that window check the box that says "other" and leave a name and comment. Then hit publish

That's it.

Cheers
DMB

Double Trouble

The Oilers continue to come together as a team and in spite of a 4 game losing streak, there is signs of hope. The Twins took turns in net as Lucas played goalie in a 10-2 loss last week and Andrew played Goalie this past weekend.

Against the Chiefs, the Oilers lacked discipline and fell apart defensively and created very few chances offensively. The Chiefs were relentless in their attack and Lucas made some great saves and was one of our best players. Our top scorer Drew scored two more goals and kept his streak alive. He was rightfully awarded the Heart and Soul Reward as he had a ton of great scoring chances but was robbed by a hot goalie on a few occasions.

"The loss was the worst of the season" said a parent. "We need to get back to basics and come together as a unit."
The coaching staff must of felt the concern and managed to secure extra ice time for practice. The team focused on clearing the zone, playing positions and working as a team to move the puck up ice. It paid off as we faced off against the Predators on Sunday. In spite of the score, the Oilers played the best hockey of the season and the fans were treated to a glimpse of what is too come.

In net, we found a solid goal-tender in Andrew. He faced down some crazy barrages and made a ton of incredible saves. His hard work and sharp net minding won him the Source for Sports Player of the Game award.
On defense, we found a solid stay at home defenseman in Owen who stood his ground and broke up some scoring chances. Levi also proved to be a great D man and looked like a little Bobby Orr. He pinched in a lot and the Predators had trouble clearing their zone with him on the blue line.

Lucas was like a Tasmanian devil out there and played his heart out every shift. Both him and his brother are sure-fire winners for the Rookie of the Years awards and they both get stronger and stronger every game.
On offense, Kaden dazzled the crowd with two brilliant goals and is destined to be one of the leagues top scorers.
Matthew D was awarded with a goal and continues to play like a moose on skates.
Jesse racked up a couple of points and is leading the team in assists.
Ryan G played like a bee buzzing around honey and did everything but score.

"Although the scored showed otherwise" said Coach Bruce Gnenz in a post game interview. " I felt it was our best outing as far as positional play, passing and general effort. If we continue to play in the same disciplined fashion over the next few months we will be experiencing alot more succes in the win column. I felt our best players were the un noticed ones. Owen Bonner was stellar on defence and really cut down on the amount of breakaways this game. Defence is in his blood. Also, Ryan Gnenz made some great passes and really played his postion well. Its only a matter of time before he gets not only one goal, but a whole pile. Our goalie, Andrew Palladino was second to none in net. The season is just starting and as our players progress we will continue to be stronger and more successful."

All in all, the team was a team for the first time this season. With three players out of the line up, fatigue took it's toll and we lost the game in the third period.
For the first two periods, it was anybody’s game and the boys all played smart hockey with a lot of passion.

On a personal note, the team’s prayers go out to the Morison Family in their time of grief.

Canadians Win 7-3

The St Albert Oilers lost another tight game this weekend as the Canadians out scored us 7 to 3. In a game that showed blood was thicker then oil, brothers Cody and Matthew Dejanovic each scored unassisted markers and kept us in the game. Cody also won the heart and soul award and was our player of the game. Sniper Drew Morison blasted an unassisted goal past the Canadians net minder and kept a 3 game scoring streak alive.

Our goal tending was solid again but AJ Hambly had his work cut out for him. The Canadians where relentless in their attack and just kept coming.

"The whole team played well and I really enjoyed watching the performance of everyone but it was the twins, Andrew & Lucas Palladino, who stuck out the most for me." Said an anonymous fan. "They were a force to reckon with and I heard Lucas will be the next starting goalie. I hope he brings that same intensity with him when they face the Chiefs on Sunday."

Coach Bruce Gnenz couldn't be reached for comments after the game but sources say there may be a meeting tonight to drink beer discuss strategy and develop a new game plan.


Our Co-Coach, Bruce Gnenz, on the town Friday night.

Future Video Highlights and Photo Requests

The only games I plan on shooting are the ones being played at Performance Arena.
Be sure to try and make those games as there are only three left.
The next one is Nov 19, 2006.

For the games in between now and then, I would appreciate any photographs of game play to use in the summery blogs.

Thanks
David

Thanks Payner

One of our avid readers and supporters (he has been leaving messages in the comment sections) on this blog is Steve Payne. Most of our children won't know who he is so I dug up an old Photo Gallery of him as well as his accomplishments in hockey.
Steve Payne Bio

Thanks Payner for contributing and taking the time to watch the videos. Owen and I appreciate your support.

Coincidently, last time Payner was in town 3 or 4 years ago, he took me out for supper and we ended up going to none other then Julio’s Barrio Mexican Restaurant.

It's a small, small world.

A Devilish Comeback

The St Albert Oilers took a 3-0 lead but the home team Devils refused to give up. In one of the greatest comebacks in SAMHA history, the Blue Devils turned the game around in the second half and won 9-4. Owen's Goal-tending kept us in the game but eventually, the wall collapsed and the determined opposition kept finding the back of our net.

Another strong game by our top scorer Drew, who silenced the crowd after sliding hard into the boards late in the third. He was shaken up pretty bad but is ok. Overall the team made a lot of good plays and skated well. "I was really happy with Jesse." said Coach Frederickson "He worked hard on both ends of the ice and created some breakaways".

In spite of the score, it was a very close game and both teams should be happy with their performances. Owen won the Heart and Soul award for our player of the game.

Here are the video highlights





Full stats will be available later on the SAMHA website

Bring on the Blue Devils

Our next game, Sunday, is against the Blue Devils. They are coming off a 4-1 loss and are hungry for a win. The Devils are knows as a hard working team that creates a lot of open ice with fast skating and sharp passing. Another exciting game with lots of end to end action is expected and hopefully we have another strong performance from our players.

Owen, who turns 7 on the 20th, will our starting goalie on Sunday. When asked to share his thoughts on this weekend’s game, his only comment was "We just have to try our hardest and have fun."

St Albert Oilers Win Season Opener

The St Albert Oilers started off the 2006/2007 season with an impressive Home Ice opener defeating the Ice Dogs 5 to 2. Our team was led offensively with an explosive performance by our center Drew as he capitalized on 4 goals and 1 assist, and on the other end of the ice, AJ kept us in the lead with stellar goaltending and some incredible saves. Lots of end to end action kept the game exciting and both teams should be proud of their performances.

"We're off to a great start!" commented Bruce Gnenz, co-coach of the Oilers "The whole team played well."
Assisant Coach Derek Belsham missed the game but his son Matthew racked up 3 points with a goal and 2 assists. (Don’t worry Derek,
the game will be on DVD later this week.)

Meanwhile, here is a video summery of the game.




Full stats will be available later on the SAMHA website

Message From Fernando Pisani

I was shooting Fernando this fall and told him about the great season we had last year and he gave this message to the team.

Safe and Fun Hockey with Mike Bossy & Cassie Campbell

Owen Stick handling a Rubber Chicken with one of the NHL's Greatest Goal Scorers!
Owen and Cassie Cambell with one of her Gold Medals



Owen and I were fortunate enough this summer to participate in Bobby Orr's Safe and Fun Hockey Camp. Owen skated with Mike Bossy and Cassie Campbell and learnt some fun drills and a lot about respect and responsibility. The camp provided me with a DVD that I will be passing on to our Coaches this week.

Click the above picture to play a video message

A New Season

Hi. My name is David Bonner and I am Owen's (#7) dad. I started this blog to help track the new hockey year, share images, news, videos and general information about the season as it unfolds. I look forward to meeting all of you and seeing our children develop and play together as a team. I welcome contributions to this blog as well our site. If You have any material to submit you can contact me at dave@dmbvideo.com

Thanks
David Bonner