Blazers reflect on first half of season, pinpoint inconsistency as area for improvement

Kamloops is tied for sixth in Western Conference standings, with a record of 15 wins, 13 losses, three overtime losses and four shootout losses.

Among the most notable developments in the first half of the campaign is the blistering arrival of J.P. Hurlbert, whose off-season move to the WHL was much publicized.

The Allen, Texas, product has delivered offensively, with a league-leading 59 points in 35 games to help spur the success of one of the most dangerous lines in the WHL, which includes Edmonton Oilers’ draft pick Tommy Lafreniere at centre and Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect on the right wing.

Both Behm and Lafreniere are among the top 10 scorers in the WHL.

That unit, however, was the subject of recent criticism from head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston, who noted the need for improved defensive responsibility – and that has been an area of inconsistency for the team.

“There’s no doubt we can score goals,” said Hurlbert, whose club has allowed the second-most goals and scored the second-most goals in the Western Conference. “I think we’ve kind of proved that. I think the numbers show it, but defensively we’ve got to keep the puck out of our net. It’s just coming back harder and creating more turnovers to get the puck. That’s a focus for us. I have no doubt this group will be able to do it.”

Added Blazers’ forward Josh Evaschesen: “We’ve got to stay consistent with getting pucks deep and not turning the puck over, rather than making the play at the blue line if there is nothing really there, just playing safe rather than making the high-risk play.”

In net, Latvian import Ivans Kufterins (6-5-1-1, .888 save percentage) and Saskatoon product Logan Edmonstone (8-8-2-3, .885 save percentage) have flashed potential, but neither 18-year-old goaltender has grabbed hold of the No. 1 job.

“There are things I can improve on, but overall I thought I did lots of good,” Edmonstone said. “I just want to help my team win as many games as possible, be a good team guy, help win games and do everything I can to steal a few games for the team.”

The Blazers’ blue line has been in flux since 19-year-old Harrison Brunicke cracked the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster out of training camp.

Brunicke is yet to play for Kamloops this season, but may return to the club during the second half of the campaign, perhaps after the conclusion of the World Junior Hockey Championship.

The Blazers added two veteran defencemen via trade earlier this season, adding experience to a young and injury-plagued blue line, and preparing for the scenario in which Brunicke does not return to the Tournament Capital.

Meanwhile, some of the club’s rearguards have been asked to play out of position, with injuries to top six forwards Jordan Keller and Vit Zahejsky leaving the club thin up front.

“I’d say it probably has a little bit of an effect on the guys,” Evaschesen said. “D-men playing forward when they’ve played defence their whole life, it’s a little bit of an adjustment. But everyone is a good player, so I think they can fit into the role they’re given.”

Evaschesen — among bright spots, along with fellow Junior A transfer Cooper Moore — said his team tends to revert to poor habits and get away from structure after a strong game or two.

“In the standings right now, we should be in a better position,” said Evaschesen, who is fourth in team scoring, with 36 points in 34 games. “We’re up in games and we let teams come back a lot, so I think we have to improve on that. But, overall, I think (we’ve played) not bad with a lot of guys being hurt.”

Keller and Zahejsky were seen skating on Monday at Sandman Centre, both recovering from injuries and out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis.

“I have lots of belief in our team,” Michael said. “We have a lot of potential we haven’t reached yet. I think getting those three guys back will definitely help, but yeah, we’re a team that hasn’t reached our potential and we have a lot to prove.”

Kamloops is scheduled to host the B.C. Division-leading Prince George Cougars (23-10-1-0) on Tuesday [Dec. 30], a 7 p.m. start at Sandman Centre.

by Marty Hastings

Blazers reflect on first half of season, pinpoint inconsistency as area for improvement

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