Canucks Recall MacIntyre

It was announced on Tuesday that Trenton Sting Alumni goaltender Drew MacIntyre had been recalled by the Vancouver Canucks. MacIntyre has been playing for the Manitoba Moose of the AHL and was added to the roster to replace injured Roberto Luongo.

A rib injury prevented Luongo from playing Monday night in Los Angeles. Luongo, runner-up for the Hart and Vezina Trophies last season, suffered the rib injury after a hard shot found a gap in his equipment Dec. 2 against Minnesota.

The 24-year-old MacIntyre has not played in the NHL. He is 11-4-1 with one shutout, a 2.28 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in the AHL.

Congratulations to Drew on this opportunity which has been long overdue.

Former Sting Now Huskies

For those of you who reside in the Trenton area and would like to see some former Sting players in action, why not attend a Frankford Huskies Senior A hockey game.

Several Sting Alumni are currently playing for the Huskies who play their home games on Friday nights at the Frankford Arena.



Some of the former Sting players dressing for the Huskies include:
Graham Melbourne
Stuart Bisset
Rob Finch
Adam Taylor
Matt Kenny
Brad Foote
Aaron Lee
Justin Dorland

You will also find several other former OPJHL players suiting up in the league for other teams. If you'd like to attend a game, you can check out the Huskies Schedule to find out their next home game.

Alumni E-mail

I recently received and replied to an e-mail from another Sting Alumnus and thought I would post it for all to read.

Hi,

My name is Lance Maybrey ; #15

I am former Sting player on the original team with Mike Oke and Jon Gibbons.From Trenton I played for Plattsburgh State in the SUNY hockey league.

I don’t know if anyone is reading this but I am disappointed to hear that they are changing the team’s name. Are they also changing locations? As far as the arena goes?

I have great memories of the people and the town. It was a fantastic learning experience for me as a 17 year old and helped shape who I am today. I now live in Minnesota and was just recently married. The only thing I have to say if anyone is getting this goes out to “ Wayne the ultimate fan” the Habs still rule buddy and so do you!

If I could get a response from anyone that would be great! Lance.

LANCE MAYBREY

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Allen To Play In Holland

I received a note from Sting Alumnus Mark Allen today and was informed of some good news.

Mark (or Newf as he was known to teammates and fans) was not only cleared to return to playing hockey again following a concussion, but he also recently signed to play in Holland this winter for the Pecoma Grizzlies. There is a was an announcement on the Pecoma website but I'm afraid I was unable to translate it.

Best of luck Newf and we'll be watching your progress.

Another Proud Sting Papa

Congratulations to former Sting goaltender Mike Robillard and Melissa Taylor on the birth of their first child.

Madilynn Elizabeth Robillard was born on August 10, 2007.

Mother and daughter are doing just fine. We're not sure about Roby, but by the looks of it he's doing excellent.

Taylor - Hoard Wedding

Congratulations to Trenton Sting Alumnus and long time goaltender Adam Taylor and his new bride Rachel Hoard on their marriage on Saturday July 21, 2007.

Adam and Rachel have been together for many years and finally made the life long commitment on this day as they shared the moment with family and friends.

The Trenton Sting Alumni and former fans wish them both a long, happy and prosperous life together.

Goody Signs In Tulsa

The rumours about Mat Goody playing closer to home have been put to rest after it was learned that he has signed on to play in Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Oilers in the Central Hockey League.

The following story was pulled from the Oilers Web Site announcing the signing.

With some top flight offensive players already in the fold, Tulsa Oilers head coach Butch Kaebel is setting about the task of finding players who will give them room to ply their craft.

Right winger Mat Goody who amassed 428 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Richmond Renegades of the Southern Professional Hockey League has signed with the Oilers for the 2007-08 season. Goody is 6-foot-2, 250 pounds.

“Physical play is a part of hockey, and Mat certainly fills that role,” Kaebel said. “We won’t be intimidated, that’s for sure. Fans who saw the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup final saw Chris Neil play for them. Mat is that kind of player. Every team needs a guy like that.”

Goody’s hockey resume includes a brief stint with the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League. He also previously played in the Central Hockey League with Amarillo.

Sting Alumni Update

It was announced that Kurtis McLean who had a strong post-season with the Baby Pens has been resigned and will play next season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Keep up the great work Kurtis!

Drew MacIntyre's name is being mentioned in Vancouver as the Canucks keep an eye on their goaltending situation. It has been mentioned that Boston College standout Cory Schneider could be used as trade bait while Roberto Luongo is under contract for another three seasons. Vancouver back-up Danny Sabourin may try the free agent waters and that could leave 23 year-old MacIntyre in a good position to make the move up to the NHL. MacIntyre, drafted by Detroit, is now Vancouver property and is coming off an impressive season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. He went 24-12-2 with a 2.17 goals-against average and .922 saves percentage this past season. Time will tell how this will play out but Drew's future is looking as bright as ever and we couldn't be happier for him.

I haven't had a chance to talk with Mat Goody in quite some time but there was talk that local hockey fans and those who enjoyed watching Mat play for the Sting may get to see more of him in the future. While nothing has been confirmed with me, I had heard that Goody might return to Canada and play with some other former Sting players in Frankford on the Senior "A" Huskies squad. Other Sting Alumni playing for the Huskies include Stuart Bisset, Rob Finch, Matt Kenny, Justin Dorland and Adam Taylor.

If anyone is talking to Mat Goody, please have him drop me a line to confirm or deny this. I know I hope to get out to see some Huskies games this coming season.


If any other Trenton Sting Alumni have made plans to play hockey somewhere this next season or if you'd just like to let us know what you're doing these days and where you are, please drop me a line and let me know. Thanks!

MacIntyre & McLean Battling For Calder Cup

Two former standouts with the Trenton Sting have advanced to Round Two of the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Playoffs.

Goaltender Drew MacIntyre and his Manitoba Moose team-mates advanced to the second round after defeating the Grand Rapids Griffons in an exciting seven game series.

In the series, MacIntyre played in all seven games while facing 208 shots and allowing only 12 goals against for a 0.942 save percentage to lead all goaltenders after the first round. He also leads with a 1.65 GAA and had one shut-out.

The Moose are now playing the Hamilton Bulldogs in Round 2.

Meanwhile former Sting Captain Kurtis McLean and his Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins also advanced after beating the Norfolk Admirals in six games.

McLean, a rookie in the league, had one goal and two assists in the first round while only taking one minor penalty.

The Penguins will face another challenge in Round Two as they now face the Hershey Bears.

Both McLean and MacIntyre's series begin on Wednesday night (May 2nd) and we wish them both the best of luck.

Update: Both Kurtis and Drew played well but their teams were knocked out of the playoffs in the second round.

Alumni Gathering On Facebook

The recent success of the online community called Facebook has become a great resource for former Sting players to find each other and keep in touch.

The Official Trenton Sting Junior "A" Alumni Association Group on Facebook is also being used by many former players who have contacted each other for the first time in many years. It is a central location that helps to reunite former team-mates.

You are also welcome to join this group but you must be either a former player, coach, member of management or trainer to be admitted. At this time I'm sorry to report that the group is limited to these individuals only and it is not open to the general public or fans.

This group contains information, discussions and plenty of photos from the past.

Joining Facebook is FREE so if you are already a member or if you'd like to join, just search for the group and you could be in touch with your buddies soon.

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

Chase Gavin & Gabriel Proulx

Here are some bits and pieces I've collected on a couple of former players.

Chase Gavin

Thanks to Chase's dad who dropped me a line to update me on one of the nicest and smartest players to ever wear the Sting uniform.

Chase had a wonderful season with the Sting in 2002-2003 where he had 23 goals and 25 assists in 49 regular season games. He helped his team to the East Conference Finals where they were defeated in seven games by Wellington, the eventual Royal Bank Cup representatives for Ontario.

He loved playing for the Sting owners, coaches, trainers and most importantly the fans. The Sting gave Chase a chance to play Junior A hockey when his local team in Charlottetown wouldn't, and he proved they made a mistake when he played so well for Trenton. He returned home to play two productive years with the Charlottetown Junior A Abbies where he amassed 146 points in 102 games. Chase is currently in his third year at the University of Prince Edward Island where he continues to play hockey for the Panthers.

We wish Chase continued success in his future endeavours.


Gabriel Proulx

Gabriel was a team-mate of Chase Gavin's however Gabe was a member of the Sting for two seasons from 2001 - 2003. Over those two seasons, Proulx scored 16 goals and 22 assists in 79 games but his real value was in the way he patrolled his own zone. His abilities as a defenseman were of more value as he was rarely out of position and was a key to Trenton's penalty killing. His commitment to the team was even more impressive when you consider he was also employed by the Canadian Armed Forces and worked at 8-Wing Trenton.

After leaving the Sting, Proulx has spent time with the Laredo Bucks of the CHL, Flint Generals and Port Huron Beacons of the UHL and the Sherbrooke St. Francois of the LNAH. This past season (2006-07) he was acquired by the Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL where he scored 5 goals and 29 assists in 71 games.

Former Sting Coach Michael Oke who is currently working for International Scouting Services e-mailed me from Finland recently where he was scouting Under-18 European players. He mentioned that he had watched Proulx play a game in Las Vegas before he left. The Ice Dogs were playing against the Wranglers and Oke mentioned Proulx was playing well and getting plenty of ice time.

We also wish Gabriel continued success.


A reminder to any and all former Trenton Sting players who visit this site to please take five minutes to jot down your information on what you've been doing since your days with the team...hockey, school or anything else. Please send me an e-mail using the address provided.

First Sting Captain Doing Well

What better person and former player to feature as our inaugural Alumni Update than the first individual to wear the "C" on his chest as the first Captain of the Trenton Sting...Jason Colasante.

Jason was lucky enough to find his best friend and marry her. Jason and Meg have a beautiful 14 month old daughter named Maura. They reside in Hilliard, Ohio which is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Jason is very happy living there, especially since they are the only Midwest city to have a Tim Horton's to remind him of home. Jason's parents and extended family still call Trenton home and they like to visit as often as possible, despite the 550 miles door to door.

Having lived in Columbus for 11 years, Jason put himself through school at Franklin University (B.S. in Marketing) and he is currently employed with CheckFree Corporation which offers electronic bill payments and Presentment to financial institutions. He has been with the company for eight years and works as an Account Development Partner (Sales).

As a member of the Trenton Sting, Jason was a defenseman but he admits he wasn't very defensive-minded and probably should have been a forward. He was lucky to average about a point per game with 16 goals and 29 assists in 45 games.

Since moving to Columbus, Jason continued to keep hockey in his life. He has coached at the high school level for six years and just recently transitioned to refereeing. "It's great exercise and it keeps me involved in the game", says Jason. Plus, as he puts it, he only has to deal with two coaches instead of 40 parents. He also helps out with the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey camps and clinics.

Jason skates with a former Sting player from last season, Ryan Markell, his dad and a bunch of former NHL and College players in a Thursday night hockey league where he gets plenty of exercise and the winner gets bragging rights for the week.

Thanks to Jason for taking the time bring us up to date on what he has been doing since his days playing for the Trenton Sting. It was great to hear from him and we wish him continued success.

NOTE: I would appreciate it if other Sting Alumni would contact me by e-mail so we can feature you in future updates.

Sting Alumni Blog Is Born

I've never been one to bow to peer pressure before but judging by the comments I have received when talking to people on the street or by e-mail, it would appear that many Trenton Sting supporters would like to see the memory of the Trenton Sting live on in some small way.

I can't say how much this new effort will be updated or even if it will last but I have decided to keep the blog active for the time being with the emphasis shifting to the Sting Alumni.

Many former players for the Trenton Sting continue to play hockey to this day at many different levels while others have gone on to become pillars in the community in which they live.

It is my hope that from time to time I will gather some information on past players and update those of you who are interested in what they are doing today.

The Sting Blog as you've known it will no longer exist while the new Trenton Sting Alumni Blog will do its best to provide details on former players, coaches and staff as information becomes available.

I hope Sting fans will embrace the new blog as we remember those who helped make the Trenton Sting one of the most feared teams in the OPJHL throughout their history.

Sting Blog To Close

The days are now numbered for the Trenton Sting Blog as it will be deleted in the near future.

With the new ownership group deciding to do away with the team's well known and recognizable name by creating an "interesting" new identity; it is just one more reason for the Blog to quietly slip away.

While no exact date has been set in stone for the Sting Blog's removal, the plan is to keep it up for at least another month or so to allow any current and former players to access past stories and the photo gallery if they wish to save items as a keepsake.

I started this blog following the passing of Peter Huff. Peter's wife had been looking after the Official Sting website and understandably lost the desire to keep it going. With my being involved with the team and the need still there to have an updated presence on the internet, I took it upon myself to create the Sting Blog as a way to keep fans informed. I was happy to do it and glad it was so well received. The Sting Blog had visitors from all around the world including the United States, China, Australia, South & Central America and Europe.

Many people have asked why I am ending the Blog? This Blog has always been "My Baby" and was run with the permission of the Trenton Sting. In the end, it is my Blog and therefore I have the right to end it when I see fit and that time will be soon. Besides, the Trenton Sting no longer exist and have been cast aside in favour of a new identity.

It has been fun and a nice hobby but that time has come to an end. Thanks to all the fans for your support and the thousands of visitors who took the time to visit the site.

To the management, staff and players from other teams that I've interacted with over the years, you've all been great.

To Matt Goodman, my colour-man on the Sting game broadcasts back in the beginning; it was stressful and tedious work at times with many late nights on the road but we sure had fun. I couldn't have asked for a better guy to work with. Think of me the next time you're taping down a mile of phone line before a game.

Thanks to all of the past coaches I've had the pleasure of interviewing or working with while covering or being a member of the team. From Mike Oke to George Ferguson they were all true professionals and quality hockey men.

To all of the Sting players I've had a chance to get to know...the pleasure was all mine. You sure made the experience interesting and memorable. Many of you I still keep in touch with and plan to keep doing so.

Mostly, I want to thank Jon Gibbons and Scott Ilton for their friendship over the years and for allowing me to be a part of the experience. It was a lot of fun guys and you helped to provide me with some lasting memories.

Thanks!

Mark (Bundy) Kennedy

Final Trenton Sting Game Report

The following is the game report from the final game played by the Trenton Sting as we knew them. It's only appropriate that it was played against their longtime rivals from Wellington.
______________________________

The Wellington Dukes completed their sweep of the Trenton Sting on Friday night with another convincing win as they cruised to a 9-2 victory and wrapped up the best of seven Quarter-Final series four games to none.

The recipe for success was the same for the fourth straight game as the Dukes power-play was potent going 6 for 9 and they even threw in a short-handed goal to boot. Trenton was 1 for 10 on the night with the man-advantage. Sting fans couldn't be upset with the officiating in this game as referee Duane Parliament called the best officiated game of the series.

Mike Robillard returned to the Trenton net for his final game in a Sting uniform following a two game suspension and he lasted two periods before Johnross Woodland took over for the third. Anthony Peters went the distance in the Wellington net to wrap up the the win and the series. The Dukes out-shot the Sting 47-34.

Kyle Hawkins-Schulz and Jeff Broekema each had a goal and an assist for the Sting while Adam McAllister and Ian Thistlethwaite each earned an assist. The Dukes number one line was explosive on this night. Joe Hall had 3 goals and 2 assists, Scott Fleming had a pair of goals and Josh Chamberlain added a goal and two assists. Marc Senecal, Janson Broome and Zach Morbeck scored one goal apiece.

As a symbolic gesture of thanks for their service to the team, GM Jon Gibbons was named 1st Star and long time Trainer Scott Ilton was named 2nd Star. Mr. Gibbons dedication to the Sting organization never wavered from day one. Despite the way he was treated in the end he stayed committed to the team until the final buzzer of this game. His departure from the organization will be a great loss. Mr. Ilton's departure will be another big blow to the organization. While most teams had three or four training staff, Ilton would do the job of three men for seven or more months of the year. His experience and hockey knowledge will not be replaced cheaply. Coach George Ferguson was named 3rd Star for his effort and commitment to the team since joining the club and he is to be commended for his perseverance.

The end of the season also brings to an end the franchise as we've known it. With the new owners set to take over there is a rumour that the team will no longer be known as the Trenton Sting and a new name will be revealed in the future.

The outgoing staff wish to thank all of the former coaches, trainers, players, management, off ice officials, staff and volunteers throughout the teams history for their hard work and dedication. Without them the Trenton Sting wouldn't have the great history for the best fans in the league to remember.

Thank You one and all!

Past Playoff Moments Audio

The Trenton Sting have had many playoff moments over the years that have excited their fans and left them wanting more.

I have compiled a short 4 minute collection of audio clips that may refresh your memories. Included in the clip are brief post game interviews with the coach and several players on the ice following the 2001 East Championship victory over Lindsay. You'll also hear some radio play-by-play calls from the overtime wins in the 2003 final versus Wellington and a couple of clips from the quadruple overtime game against Kingston in 2004.

To download the .mp3 file, just click on the link below and you'll be directed to another page where you can download the file to your computer to listen to it. You can also click on play and listen to the audio with your media player.

Enjoy!

Sting Playoff Moments

Sting Secretly Sold To Belleville Group

For many fans of Trenton hockey and for those who have supported a Trenton run Junior "A" franchise, today is a very dark and sad day with the announcement that the team has been sold.

Having never been publicized as being for sale, the Sting Board of Directors announced to the team and current management group on Tuesday that the deal was all but done.

Sting founder, current General Manager and former owner Jon Gibbons felt blindsided by the announcement. After giving 13 years to the team including 12 as a member of the OPJHL and after providing direction to the Huff family following the passing last February of former owner Peter Huff, Gibbons was disheartened by the decision.

“It’s sad that it has been sold and I certainly would be much happier had it been sold locally and kept a Trenton flavour,” Gibbons said in an interview with Trentonian reporter Tim Meeks. “I thought that I would have been involved in the sale, but I wasn’t. Who I’m really disappointed for is George Ferguson. Had I known this was going to happen I certainly wouldn’t have brought George in as coach. We had acquired some new sponsors and there were a lot of new faces at the games and a lot of that was because of George. A lot of us older people identify with George and the Ferguson name, which is a household name in this town."

Gibbons also added that he was sad for all the “dedicated people involved with this organization, my wife (Sandy) included. I’m still taken aback by it, it’s pretty disheartening.”

The Sting Board of Directors made the announcement official on Tuesday and introduced former Belleville Bulls goalie Brad Teichmann and Quinte AAA Minor Bantam Red Devils coach Mark Burrows along with two silent partners as the new team owners.