Ryan Bulach and weekend notes

Not a lot of time again today, but it looks like two-way forward Ryan Bulach is going to be gone for the rest of the BCHL season. After being hit by Surrey's Pajimola behind the Trail net, Bulach fell backwards into the boards. He tried to get up and collapsed in a scary scene. Big thanks to the Surrey training staff for being so quick and efficient in helping Bulach out at the scene. Thankfully there was no head or neck injury. They took seveal minutes to make sure of that. However, after a quick trip to the hospital in Surrey, it looks like Bulach's season is done. From what I've read, a broken collarbone (which he has apparently sustained) can take between 6 and 10 weeks to heal. That would put us into at least April.

Bulach is a huge part of this hockey team. He's one of the better playmakers, scores goals, kills penalties, wins face offs and makes important plays in his own zone. He's a guy who would be expected to take on a huge leadership role on this team as a 20 year old next year. This year he's arguably been the #2 centre on the team behind Kevin Limbert. It's another huge blow for a Smoke Eaters team that can't seem to find a break.

They are now down to 10 healthy forwards and that includes Kevin Limbert who missed last night's game with an undisclosed injury. So really we're talking about 9 healthy forwards right now depending on Limbert's recovery time.

On the positive side they scored 4 goals in the last two games of the road trip. That's not exactly a ton of goals, but it's sure better than 3 goals in six games. They're working very hard and responded well to adversity in both Friday and Saturday's games. Only two points on the road trip, but I think the team and the coaching staff felt much better about their play. The Burnaby and Surrey games were playoff like, and the Smoke Eaters showed a lot of guts and tenacity. With Grant Rollheiser playing the best hockey of his career in the Trail net, anything can happen.

Quesnel is four points back of Trail for the final playoff spot with five games left. Trail has four games left. Prince George is four points ahead of Trail and they have seven games left. It's possible that the three teams could all finish in 5th, 6th or 7th but realistically the Spruce Kings are almost guaranteed a playoff spot. It's up to the Smoke Eaters to stay ahead of Quesnel with at least one or two wins in their remaining home games. Those include two this weekend with Prince George, one with Merritt and one with Salmon Arm. It'll be a challenge without Bulach, Brodie and possibly Limbert... but one this Smoke Eaters team seems ready and willing to meet.

NOTES

...Brian Youngson won't be behind the bench for the remaining home games. He has a personal matter to attend to in Vancouver before coaching Team Kootenay in the BC Winter Games. Despite silly rumours to the contrary, Youngson is as committed to his team as any coach in this league. Just wanted to make sure the truth was out there so nobody speculated when he wasn't there this weekend.

...Paul Mailey had a break-out weekend for the Smokies. He was their best skater all weekend. He also had three points on Friday and Saturday. Maily scored the winning goal against Burnaby, got Trail on the board against Surrey and made a beautiful two-line pass to set up August Aiken's goal in the Eagles game. Mailey also sees a ton of PK time as one of the team's most responsible two-way forwards. This weekend it seemed like he found an extra gear in his offensive game that could turn him into an elite player in this league.

...Stefan Decosse was back in form this weekend. As our guest colour comentator Scott McKinnon said on the broadcast, Decosse had the puck on a string. He set up several great chances while doing a great job on puck possesion in the offensive zone. Also made a ridiculous toe-drag move against Burnaby on Saturday that would've been a great chance if he didn't fall after.

...Scott Warner and Kevin Koopman are getting the job done as Trail's top pairing, but this weekend was also a really strong one for the other four guys on the blue line. I had a couple of scouts talk to me about how well Hill, Kinnebrew, Geerin and Raley played. How far has Kinnebrew's game come in the past two months? His physical game is at a level now that I didn't know he had. The whole group did a very good job keeping shooters to the outside and making the simple plays. They're going to be a tough group to play agianst down the stretch and in the playoffs. We can only imagine how tough they'd be with a healthy Cam Brodie.

...Rollheiser is emerging as an elite goaltender in the BCHL. He has more scouts than you can count following him right now. Don't be surprised to see his name in the NHL draft his year. Trail fans don't want to miss their chance to see him play.

...That was our last regular season road broadcast of the year. It's been a dream come true for me to be the play by play voice of a hockey team with this much class and tradition. Thanks to Mountain FM and the Smoke Eaters for that opportunity. Also thanks to John for being my regular producer. Randy Emery for his guest colour spots and "Dog Bites" or pieces of Smokies history that he sends my way. Thanks to my other guest colour guys Scott McKinnon, Jamie Paulsen, Ryan Hill, Stef Decosse, Logan Proulx and anyone I might be forgetting. It's always fun to have someone there to talk hockey with so you all don't get bored of my voice. The executive, coaching staff and players have treated me with nothing but respect from day one and I really do appreciate that. I'm lucky to be associated with the Smokies in my own small way. I may not be as loud a cheerleader for the team as some of the fans would like, but I really hope good things happen to everyone in this organization. Lets hope we have many playoff broadcasts to come!