07/01/09

ZIMMERMAN EARNS LIFE LONG DEAL

VETERAN INKS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

Pictured: A Jet ever since.  Garrett Zimmerman signs his first Jets deal in 2005 with former GM Dean Molberg. (c)2005 Jets Images

RED DEER, AB - There are whispers of Garrett Zimmerman and MVJ in the same sentence following a terrific season on and off ice and now his newest title enters the mix;

DAD.

Zimmerman is a new father after his wife Kim gave birth to their first child; a boy; Tuesday.

"It's amazing!"  said Zimmerman.  "So great!"

7lb 7oz Lucas Zimmerman was born June 30 in the afternoon and shortly afterwards, the veteran Jet signed with his team.

"Joe (Whitbread) and I spoke shortly after my son was born and he made an offer."  Says Zimmerman.  "I told him 'yah, I'll sign on his birthday!'"  he added.

The Zimmerman signing makes him the only deal of the summer thus far.  And more importantly, as the July 1st Free Agency deadline approached and passed, Zimmerman was the only name on paper for GM Whitbread.

Whitbread has his work cut out for him with plenty of veterans and sophomores still on the outside looking in.

"I have been working with a few of our unsigned players on and off this summer but unfortunately, it hasn't gone completely according to plan.  Its harder and harder each year and I've run into some hurdles."

"I have been in talks with Tyler (Labrecque) and unfortunately, our sides are at a complete impass right now.

Labrecque, a three year Jet, has allegedly demanded a four year deal, to play as a forward and will only line up next to a choice few forwards - his choice.

"I don't know if he's joking or just an a**." Whitbread shot back.  "No one can be that demanding can they?"

Whitbread also took a moment to apologize for his apparent dissapearance from the Jets since the end of June.

"Its been a tough spring and summer for me, that's all I'll say.  I've been working on plenty of things with and without the Jets in mind and simply needed a break.  I'm sorry."

Whitbread did emcee the Special Olympics breakfast on June 10th and was part of the official cheque presentation with Jablonski and Walker at the affair.

Red Deer Jets.com remains your number one choice for anything Jets.  Be sure to check out our Jets facebook site for insider details from Deuce Murdock.

By Cameron Kennedy - Red Deer Advocate

Published: March 11, 2009 4:00 AM

0 Comments

03/08/09
JETS FEELING BLUE
-Play Better, but still lose 11-4 to Blue Ice

Even the Jets debut of Scott Doucet couldn't put the Red Deer Jets over the top on Sunday night at the Enmax Centrium.  Playing for the second time this season against a powerhouse Blue Ice squad, the Jets showed promise, but still fell 11-4, finishing the season series at 0-2.

Doucet  (pictured below) , playing on a line with Ryan Jespersen and Nathan Fleck, scored his first and added two assists.  Also scoring were Fleck, his 12th of the season, and Warren Gill, who notched a pair, leaving him with four on the year.



"Finally!" said Giller as he celebrated his first.."It's been a long time coming, but I finally feel like I'm back up to speed"

Gill has missed most of the past year and a half with numerous injuries, but has now potted three goals in the past three games.

The Jets missed four penalty shots in the game, including Doucet, who went 0 for 2, hitting the post on his second.  Keegan Mclevin and Owen Giles were also denied by goaltender Danny White, who was previously used as a fill-in netminder earlier this season by the Jets.

Andrew Walker notched three assists playing on the blueline, putting him at 22 on the season, in a four-way tie for the team lead.  (Zimmerman, Whitbread, Cargill)

Jets goaltender Scott Malo was solid, but clearly left out to dry in the second half, where Blue Ice was able to pour it on with seven goals.

The Jets will return to action Wednesday night against the Pylons, and while it is only speculation at this point, it could end up being their final game against their long time rivals

ever.

LABBATT BLUE THREE STARS

1) Warren Gill - two goals for Giller, and the hard hat to boot, converted a Scott Doucet feed for his first, and one touched a loose puck in the slot for his second.

2) Scott Doucet- A threat all night in his Jets debut.  A goal to go along with two assists.  However, alienated teammates by batting away the puck after it was handed to him after his first career goal.

3) Scott Malo - Awarded the Sportsnet towel by brother in law Malo after a "many" save performance.  Held the Blue Ice to four goals in the first half.



PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
-The Jets lost the opener of the season series 12-1, and were much happier with the effort the second time around.  Scratches on the night were F Jeremy Jablonski, F Chad Cargill, F Garrett Zimmerman, D Jamie Rankin, and D Jared Waldo.  D C.J. Senkow was also absent, and management confirmed rumors afterwards that Senkow has INDEED been released from the team.  Cargill was in Toronto over the weekend, and was seen on HNIC celebrating a Fernando Pisani goal during the Oilers - Leafs game.  He was clearly hammered.  Jets standout rookie D josh Crabb, still signed on an AP basis, has obtained representation under the BOOMDOG Ent. Umbrella, and is rumored to be seeking a two-year deal.  BOOMDOG also represents Malo, Cargill, and Walker.  Malo's daughter Sadie was able to watch her first official Jets game, along with Mom Sarah, Aunt Julia,  and cousin Morgan, son of F Nathan Fleck.
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03/08/09
THE DOUCE IS LOOSE!
-Former Rebels Captain to Make Jets Debut Sunday

He's played for the Prince Albert Raiders, the Red Deer Rebels, and the Regina Pats...and now, Scott Doucet will suit up for the most heralded team of all.....the Red Deer Jets.

Doucet, who hung up his WHL skates this season, has since moved back to Red Deer, and has been signed to a one-game contract by Jets AGM Andrew Walker.

"While Scott was here playing for the Rebels, he always paid close attention to Jets happenings, as a lot of the boys have"  said Walker.  "When I saw Scott the other day, he jumped at the opportunity to make his debut!"

Doucet  (pictured below playing AGAINST the Rebels while with the Pats) scored a career high 17 goals last season, and was on pace to surpass that this year, but left the Pats after not being granted a trade request to the Jets.

"I wanted to finish my career with Walker, Crabb, Cargill, and the boys....but we couldn't come to an agreement in time"

03/06/09

JETS LOSING PAIR OF 'D'?

- Rumors swirling around Jets defencemen

(pictured: Jets [former?] defenceman Jared Waldo and CJ Senkow)

RED DEER, AB - The end of the season may come to an end sooner, rather than later, for two Red Deer Jets defencemen.

Defence partners CJ Senkow and Jared Waldo have been absent from the Jets roster for quite some time, and early reports are that both defencemen may be breaching contract by not appearing for the team in recent games.

Senkow has spent many, many hours in the rinks lately...but unfortunately for Jets' brass, it's not in a red, white and blue uniform.

"I have NO idea where CJ's been lately," commented Jets assistant GM Andrew Walker. "I don't think he gets what it means to be a Jet. It's an HONOR and a PRIVELEGE...not a free ticket to miss games without telling anyone.

Senkow has been busy with his career has a hockey official, and after a recent excursion (read: VacatioN) to Las Vegas, Senkow has returned, and has barely been home, sleeping in Zamboni rooms across the country. When contacted for this story, Senkow just shrugged.

"I'm busy. My family and officiating have to take priority." When asked about his playing career with the team, Senkow looked frustrated. "If I'm not there, I'm not there. Sorry."

Senkow's disappearing act has been going on for some time now...but now his partner seems to be following suit.

Sophmore defenceman Jared Waldo has been absent for most Jets game in 2009, and team officials are wondering why.

"I have NO idea," vented Jets GM Joe Whitbread. "This isn't the commitment I expected from Waldo when we signed that contract last July. Not only has he disappointed with his commitment on the ice...but I question his dedication. He showed up in camp out of shape, and his play has been reflective of that. And Jets Radio? An anomoly. He's been let go with his role within Jets Entertainment."

Whitbread is now taking resumes for anyone interested in helping to promote Jets Entertainment, in any fashion.

Rumors have been swirling for awhile now about Waldo, and the story is about to take another twist, as this reporter found out. There's a report deep within the Jets organization that Waldo has been 'released' from his contract, and is now a free agent. A-G-M Walker refutes that report though.

"As long as he's got the Jets hard hat, he's still a part of the team. But four games without returning it? Come on. That's not cool. That's downright Klass-less."

A frustrated Walker rolled his eyes as he left the media scrum.

"Fines. FINES everywhere" Walker yelled as he walked away.

Truth be told, Waldo has not honored his contract and rumors are that he, along with partner Senkow, are fully looking into their options for 2009-2010. With reports that Jets forward and veteran Nathan Fleck on the way out (re-assignment, NOT a trade) and speculation about Senkow and Waldo not returning, the Red Deer Jets could have a much different look next season.

Waldo could not be reached for comment.

(With files from reddeerjets.com)

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03/05/09

SECOND-HALF JET FUEL!
-Club lives up to reputation in 4-3 comeback victory

If you're looking for a prime example of why the Red Deer Jets will miss soon-to-be free agent Nathan Fleck next season, look no further than Wednesday night.

Fleck kick-started an inspired Jets comeback, scoring back to back goals in the second half to lead the way in a 4-3 shootout victory over the Cafe Tiffany's Capitalizers at the Enmax Centrium.

Down 2-0 at the half, the Jets struggled to generate many shots, and when the Caps made it 3-0 a minute into the third, any hopes of a comeback looked bleak.

However, goaltender Scott Malo, playing one of his finest games of the season, made save after save until the Jets offense finally found it's stride.

Fleck got things started, ripping a hard riser from the slot upstairs, with helpers from Crabb and Labrecque, to make it 3-1.

Labrecque, playing in his first game since late December, showed very little rust, and was one of the best players on the ice for either team.

"One forgets just how much we've missed Tyler this season" commented F Garrett Zimmerman, one of a number of Jets to get involved in numerous post-whistle scrums. "He's such a solid player, and he didn't miss a beat tonight".

Minutes later, Fleck would strike again, taking advantage of a wandering Caps netminder, and scoring on a sneaky wraparound. All of a sudden it was 3-2, and the Jets started to carry the play. With about nine minutes to go, Labrecque drew the Jets even, walking to the middle before ripping an absolute laser under the bar (assists going to Gill and Walker). At this point, the snipe could be called one of the biggest goals of the season.

Labrecque completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick with about two minutes to go, dropping the mitts with an agitated Caps forward behind goaltender Scott Malo. Malo was again key down the stretch, and would help send the game in to the shootout, the third for the Jets this season.

After the first four shooters (Including Zimmerman and Fleck) were all turned aside, Andrew Walker would put the Jets out in front, cutting in wide on the forehand, before firing a snap shot upstairs. Needing a goal to stay alive, Caps Captain Darin Doel would respond to send the game to extra shooters. Keegan Mclevin would put the Jets back out in front, scoring on a forehand deke, before Malo would seal the win with another big save, celebrating with a fist pump.

It was a rare show of emotion from the Jets veteran netminder, who clearly recognized just how gritty this effort was. The Jets finish the season series with the Caps at 2-2, and will take on the Blue Ice this comign Sunday - 5 p.m. (Enmax Centrium)

(Pictured:  Malo and Labrecque at 08/09 Jets camp:  Two star performers last night)



LABBATT BLUE THREE STARS

1)  Nathan Fleck - Two goals, when offense was at a premium.  Singlehandedly got his team back into the game.

2) Scott Malo - A 40-plus save performance, including a pair of penalty shots.  Stopped three of four in the shootout as well.  Incredible job.

3) Tyler Labrecque - Showed the team what they've been missing since Christmas.  An assist, a beautiful clutch goal, and stepped up to the plate in a fight defending his goaltender.

PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
Jets F Jeremy Jablonski had 100 dollars wagered on the game, and as such, many Jets were disappointed to see a number of call-ups on the other side, including the hated Mike Klass of the Pylons.  However, Klass set a personal best with zero checking from behind majors.  Labrecque  hopes to play his second consecutive game this Sunday against the Blue Ice, who handed the Jets a 12-1 loss in the season's first meeting.  D Andrew Walker is listed as day-to-day after re-aggravating a shoulder injury suffered last week vs Schlumberger.  Scratches on the night were Whitbread, Cargill, Jespersen, Rankin, and Waldo.  Waldo has come under critcism for failing to get the Hard Hat to a Jets game for a recod fourth consecutive game.  C.J. Senkow meanwhile, missed his 6th consecutive game, and is rumored to have left the team.

02/21/09
MOTIVATION COMES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
-WHL'ER MATT FRASER ISSUES CHALLENGE

Mired in yet another losing skid, the Red Deer Jets are in need of a few wins, and more than anything, some sort of spark.  A 9-3 loss to the Red Deer Saints this week was tough to take, and coupled with a disappointing collapse of an outdoor classic, morale is low.

"Cam Ward has tried to spark us, Ryan Jespersen tried to spark us, and we haven't responded"  says AGM Andrew Walker

Walker was pleased to receive an email from Red Deer Native Matt Fraser this week, and hopes a friendly wager will not only motivate him this season, but perhaps the entire team.


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MATT FRASER EMAIL:

Just released from the Kootenay Ice organization of the Western Hockey League,
forward Matt Fraser and current Red Deer Jets player, Andrew Walker have 
reportedly made a wager of not money, glory nor fame but....beer. 

Matt Fraser joined the Kootenay Ice two years ago and since then has become a
 reliable resource in a very young Ice team. At the tender, legal age of 18, 
"Fraz" is quickly making a name for himself around the league. Andrew Walker
 is a stable part of the Jets organization. 

Making that crucial first pass and using his dynamic speed to quarterback 
the powerplay are only a few of his artillery.  
Key Contributors to their clubs, both boast similiar goal totals,
 with Fraser having a slight adavantage at 
10 and Walker knippin' at his heels with 8.

Being such good friends, they figured why not make things a little more interesting
 than to have a bet of who buys the post games beers after summer skating. 
You may be asking how this will be determined?

The player who has the higher goal total at the end of the regular season is deemed
 champion, therefore the loser buying. Its going to be a 
race right to the finish as GP's become less and less and you can bet both will be
 battling it out right until the end. 

In addition, Fraser says that if the Jets win their next three games, two against Slumberger
and one against the Capitalizers, he will but EVERYONE on the team a beer.
-------------------------

Jets pugilist Ryan Jespersen may be forced to trade in his title for the less-ominous-sounding 
"Jets energy winger" following an incident behind the Saints' net midway 
through the first. Jesp
ersen was blind-sided by a high cross-check to the jaw 
by the Saints' #44, who had earlier been implicated in several slew-foot and 
slap shot indiscretions. "I'm going to assume he didn't like my trolley tracks 
take-down of (former Jet) Jason Foui either," joked Jespersen before he hit the showers.
Earlier in the period, Jespersen caught the radio host with his head down in the 
Jets' zone, sending the 6'4" 230 lb forward flying.
"To have a clean hit followed up with a cheap cross check is disappointing," said
 Jespersen, "but we see it happen all the time in the NHL. So safe to say, us Jets are 
used to it."Jespersen refrained from dropping his gloves in the melee that followed
 the cross check, citing his need to host a major market morning broadcast within hours 
of the game."Sure. It's the JOB that kept him from fighting," sighed Jets GM Joe Whitbread,
 clearly disappointed at Jespersen's discretion and maturity.