Monday 1 December 2014

Hurricanes Deal (F) Sheen to Red Deer

The Lethbridge Hurricanes announced a trade with Red Deer Monday that sees overage Forward Riley Sheen and a conditional 5th round pick in 2017 headed to the Rebels for Defenceman Devan Fafard and Centre Brayden Burke.

The 20-year old Fafard is a 6’0, 187 pound defenseman from Carlyle, SK. He started his WHL career with the Saskatoon Blades in the 2011-2012 season before he was dealt to the Rebels after 23 games. In 187 games with Red Deer, Fafard has 20 points (4G, 16A). This season he’s played 26 games with 4 points, a +2 plus/minus rating and 38 PIM’s.

17-year old Brayden Burke has had limited playing time this season due to a lower body injury, but was a standout his last season with the Edmonton Canadians in the AMHL. In 31 games in 2013-2014, he registered 47 points, including 19 goals.

In acquiring both players, Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager, Brad Robson expects them to help out in all areas. “Fafard is a strong, aggressive defensive defenseman. He helps out on the backend, he kills penalties and is very good in his own end. Robson added, “Burke is a skilled hockey player that plays with lots of heart and energy. He’ll add to our scoring depth and help us now and in the future.” Both players will be here for practice tomorrow.

Sheen, a native of Edmonton who turns 20 later this month, was acquired from the Seattle Thunderbirds last October as part of the Jaimen Yakubowski, Sam McKechnie trade. The 5’9, 155 pound Sheen has been nearly a point a game player this season leading the Hurricanes in points (23) and assists (20) in 27 games.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes would like to thank Riley for all his contributions to our hockey club both on and off the ice. We wish him the best as he joins his new team.

47 comments:

  1. Congrats to the Red Deer Rebels; the most recent name on the long and ever growing list of benefactors of the clueless manager(s) of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

    Good luck & congratulations, Sheen! Light us up! (Won't have to wait long)

    Unfugin-Bileeva, Bill

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tis the season, I suppose. Merry Christmas, Brent Sutter!!

    At a glance, it looks like another head-scratcher move by our invisible GM! It never occurred to me that in a year when the team claims to be desperate for gate revenue, that we would show Riley Sheen the door.

    After all, WHY would we want to keep our team's leading PPG getter (and the team's most skilled forward) and a 5th rounder, when we can help out a struggling division-rival and get an unremarkable point-per-ten-game defenseman and another 155 pound (injured) player with 3 WHL pointless games under his belt.

    Sheen was acquired by Robson, so he BR is recycling his own boys, again. Honestly, how does the team even have a chance when moves like this are being orchestrated by their GM? Does he come to work every morning and try to top his failures from the previous day?

    Would the board PLEASE relieve these JOKERS of their duties ASAP??!!! Maybe Robson can be an understudy for Twister, or operate the shirt-cannon, or dance with the cheerleaders? There must be SOMETHING that he is actually qualified to do?

    This is believable of the the unfugging kind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LMAO Robson=shirt gun target or Give him a pink tootoo and a princess wand for making the good players go away. Arrest that man!

      Delete
  3. This move seems like perhaps there was a quiet request by Sheen to be moved out otherwise it makes very little sense for the Canes to get a worse 20 year old player and a 17 year old with very little upside at all for one of your top players and one of the few guys who can actually score.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This should be the final straw for the board to finally fire BR and DB. Quick stat. Duke. Pilon, Erkamps, Merkley, Leverton, Blomqvist, Olynek. 124 points. Players we got back in trades.Cooper, C.Folk, Pankeiwz, Lindgren, Bricker, Kitt, Warkentine, G. Foulk have a total of 39. If you want to dig deeper the stats get worse. I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE TO ALL THE PLAYERS I CALLED QUITERS. Although I wish someone in this organization would have stepped in to find out what the problems were. I thought we drafted terrible but after seeing these stats that is clearly not the problem. It is a COACH that does not have a clue how to develop talent and a GM that cannot make a good trade. What were the possibilities. IF ONLY WE COULD REVERSE ALL THOSE TERRIBLE TRADES. Read an interview with BR after he hired DB and he actually said there were 84 resumes for the job but he only interviewed one. KAOS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is important for everyone in Lethbridge to know that the coaching staff have NO say in the personnel decisions made by the general manager BR. Do you honestly think that with the lack of offense this roster has that the coaching staff would be okay with trading away a player that is getting almost a point a game? With respect to developing talent I think it is important that you look at the statistics of those who were here last year and are still here still here this year before you make that comment. The coaching staff has only been with this group for 15 months and a rocky 15 months at that! The GM hired an assistant who ended up being relieved only to launch a lawsuit against the organization. After the existing coaching staff worked through that and started winning - January 2014 - the GM AGAIN traded all their talent away for nothing resulting in more losing. The only constant in the all of this over the past 6 years is Brad Robson. Honestly, I don't think the problem is the coaching staff.

      David

      Delete
  5. OMG<OMG<OMG,Get the Vasoline and the Scotch out Robson is at it again digging us in Deeper, NAnanana Nananana OMG Robson step down you stutterin ACE**** and a 5th rounder. Do Watson a favor send him away too but no draft picks on top for Scotch OMG! Hello Mcfly!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So David not sure how BR is responsible for all of our best players risking their entire hockey future by demanding to be traded. That is entirely on the coach and or coaches. BR is responsible for the horrible trades. Who is next. The board should fire BR and DB. Put Maxwell as Gm then decide which assistant should be coach.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Duke, Pilon,Erkamps & Leverton were all with the Hurricanes in 2011. Merkley never played for the current coaching staff. Blomqvist & Olynic were here in 2012. The majority were here a full 2 years BEFORE the current coaching staff arrived. Sadly, the Hurricanes have been a sinking ship for 5-6 years and these kids have 4 years of WHL hockey, dreaming to make it to the NHL. These kids were already on a sinking ship that then fired their GM & coaching staff, promoted BR who hired new coaching staff. Season starts with personnel problems relating to one of the assistants. This said assistant was busy undermining his colleagues--for pretty much half the season, whilst the players looked on. If I was in their shoes and knew I had limited time and could see that management(not the coaches) was not moving in a positive direction, I would have asked for a trade too especially if that meant I would be on a more competitive team. The coaches job is to develop their players and of course win games. If you look at the stats of the players that were here last year to this year you will see that they are developing in a positive direction. We had that great stretch where we earned 10 of a total 14 points in mid October - November -- the kids were doing awesome!! We struggled after Stuart went to the U17 camp and unfortunately returned with an injury. They are working hard to get back to winning. The kids and coaches deserve some credit on how hard they are working and how close a lot of the games with top teams have been. Unfortunately, after yesterday's trade -- winning is going to be more difficult.

      Ask yourself again, "do you really think the coaching staff, DB included, would have wanted to trade their top point guy?" I think not!

      David

      Delete
    2. David,

      You're living in a dream. Yes, the kids are playing hard, but if you think that stretch in mid October-November was anything more than Skinner standing on his head, you're not dealing with reality. The team is outshot, outplayed and outskilled EVERY game. They won't have the amount of skill needed to compete for a playoff spot for at least two more years.

      LaRon

      Delete
  7. Why would you say the coaching staff is the problem and then say fire the head coach and promote the assistants to GM and Head Coach?

    ReplyDelete
  8. This team is getting weaker (not sure how much weaker they can get), another trade of the top point getter for two players who are both injured (so no production from them for a while). The BOD's hands are tied because this franchise is low on funds, so they can't release anyone because of contract obligations. It now has become a vicious circle. Trade top players=team gets weaker=team continues to loose=drop in attendance=drop in cash flow=can't fire gm=trade top players....and so the circle continues.

    It does not figure that the WHL (which has warned the BOD already) why they have not pulled the plug on this franchise. Unless they have to wait until the end of the season.

    RJS

    ps...Signing Bellerive has become a pipe dream.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Team has NO money. Head coach is the one that sets the direction for the team. He is the leader and you can get a new direction. By firing BR and DB hopefully new direction without costing a penny. Is see Brad Lukowich at some games maybe he will come back since I have heard players liked him

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL --- Oh my goodness -- Head coach sets the direction for the team with the players he is given to work with.... works with players and then, "surprise" we've traded our top point guy for two injured players -- work with that.... how does one work with and succeed with injured players?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh, and one more thing, If Brad Lukowich was such a good coach, why hasn't anyone hired him since he was fired last year? Prince Albert needs a head coach, Vancouver Giants...- they opted for Claude Noel but could have had a crack at Lukowich before they hired Troy Ward in the summer.... just sayin'

    ReplyDelete
  12. So you think BR is to blame for all of our top players demanding trades? Not sure how that's possible. You are right in saying he has done a horrible job in making trades but he is not to blame for players demanding to be traded. Who will be blamed when and if Skinner wants out.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I don't think this is that bad of a deal. Sure the top scorer is gone but with or without Sheen, this is a last place team. Fafard is a throw in to clear the 20 yr old spot. Burke has been a top scorer in bantam and midget, obvioulsy they are hoping he can put up some points at this level when given some minutes. The lack of depth and scoring in this organization is something Robson is trying to and has to address.

    Derek Sutton

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lol Brad Lukowhich, The Guy that Quit on the players Lol and walked out on them Lol. And then sued the organization for 130 thousand Lol. think you should ask the players what they thought of him LOL. Yeah thats the guy you want to lead the team one who undermined his co workers and quits. Nothing shows leadership more that. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  15. Derek. I think you might be right, I have been to most of the games and saw a real improvement with the canes this year. I also have noticed the younger kids really trying hard and it looks like they will lead the team. Sad to see Sheen go but look forward to watching these two guys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only been to a couple of games (for obvious reasons), but I don't have to attend every game to understand that there's been little change from last year's team.

      I repeat, outshot, outplayed, outskilled, outscored. They've relied on Skinner (facing 35-45 shots per game) to keep the games close. Those stats are NOT an opinion. They speak for themselves. The puck possession numbers can't be much better as the Canes rarely have the puck for more than a few seconds at a time.

      Maxwell has obviously helped in their d-zone coverage and breakouts, but it hasn't helped their PP. Nor has it helped their puck possession.

      I'm sorry, you might be watching the games, but you're not understanding what you're watching.

      LaRon

      Delete
  16. Not sure who is right but if I remember correctly Lukowich was fired with cause and then later changed to without cause. Which is why the lawsuit. If what I have heard is true he and most of the players wanted to play a more offense and puck pressure system while DB was all about defense. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong but the bottom line is this team is in serious trouble. We will probably win less this year then last and may even be worse next year

    ReplyDelete
  17. Would it not have been smarter to keep Bell who we traded a 3rd rounder for last season and moved Sheen before the overage deadline?
    He could have asked for a trade and was dealt as opposed to being sent home (like last seasons blunders). Not sure? But smarter if true.
    He may have been worth more at the trade deadline. Our next season’s roster is more important than a 20yr old on a last place team. But Brad is terrible at maximizing value.
    Long Run

    ReplyDelete
  18. 3 goals for Sheen with the Canes in 27 games.
    2 goals for Sheen tonight with the Gerbils against the Hitmen, half way through the third period....
    and SHEEN is the only Gerbil with a PLUS rating for the game!!!

    GREAT TRADE ROBSON!!!! YOU ARE DA MAN!!

    Time to sell your one and only tie and get that shirt cannon greased up!!

    Money for NOTHING

    ReplyDelete
  19. With the addition of two injured players, and the deletion of one healthy top points player the Hurricanes roster is overfilled. 9 d-men, and 15 fwds. Which means that there will be at least 2 d-men and 2-3 fwds sitting out each night. Likely at the expense of the younger players including the imports. So much for developing the players.
    Congrats to Jody Bellerive being named to team BC. Likely will be the last press release with his name, before the announcement he is not going to sign with the Canes.

    RJS

    ReplyDelete
  20. DB isn't to blame? LOL

    He hasn't been given much to work with but he has done nothing with the guys there. Makes sense as to why he was a crap coach in his one year in the ECHL as well. Which begs the question how the hell did this guy get hired after when his resume is 1 bad year in a 5th rate league?

    DB should be gone, BR should be gone as well. While a slight upgrade over DB, Maxwell should not be the answer outside of mabe a caretaker for the rest of the year.

    Lukowich isn't ideal but if we can't afford anyone and have to pay him anyways he is a big upgrade over anyone currently there. Maybe he can be a caretaker coach until the team can scrape together a few nickels and hire someone respectable.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Look up players bios, there numbers will meet or surpass there numbers from last year. Which = improvement. Second of all when DB was in ECHL he matched or exceeded all expansion records in the NHL without a supplementary or expantion draft( which means he took a Franchise without any players and recruded to put a competitive team on the ice while having a record number of players called up= improvement. Maxwell is a great hire he brings experience and knowledge and it seems the coaches are working well together. New way and old way are meshing well together, they look like a tight knitt group. That's how a staff changes a culture =United Message

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've looked up the numbers. Not sure what you're referring to as the players' numbers are NO BETTER than last year.

      How did the numbers look in last night's loss to Swift Current? (December 5)

      LaRon

      Delete
  22. The guy was fired end of storie. Really people!!! As some one said Lukowich and some of the players wanted to play offensive style. Since when did the inmates run the asylum? And it's not decision for an assistant coach to make. Know wonder everyone was confused. Look up the numbers the players have maintained or improved there production.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pretty sure 90-100% of the players in the whl have better stats this year then last and they should, not necessarily because of coaching but because of experience. So you guys honestly think all those players asked for trades because of great coaching.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Pretty sure this trade raised the eyebrows of the WHL Commissioner. Robson trades for two injured players, with the most important one (17 year old) not being able to play until around Xmas?

    Pretty sure this team's leash just got another notch shorter. Time for the League to step in and put these idiots out of their misery.

    LaRon

    ReplyDelete
  25. KAOS. Your guy messed them up, telling them one thing and the coach another thing. After the years they were here and then an assistant coach directing them not to listen to the head coach what so you expect? Confusion!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kaos. We get it that you don't like DB but if numbers get better every year then the coach is doing his job and another thing if they fire DB why would we not hire Mike Dyick? Why would we even consider Brad Lukocwich who had no experience and was fired from his first job. Sorry but the guy obviously did something wrong and Kootney didn't even give him a chance on assistant coaching job. Says a lot about the guy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did Luko apply for the Kootenay job?? Pretty important info.

      LaRon

      Delete
  27. From what I heard players like Lukowich. Whether he would be a good coach or not I have no idea. He is still here in town and it was just a thought. As for DB you are right in my opinion he is a terrible coach. WORST RECORD IN TEAM HISTORY, PROBABLY WORSE THIS YEAR, TOP PLAYERS CONTINUE DEMANDING TRADES, I WOULD GUESS ANOTHER HUGE FINANCIAL LOSS THIS YEAR. GREAT JOB COACH. If you honestly feel players are better because of the great coach we have, then all of the players that left should be the same or get worse. It is obvious that some of our opinions differ but I for one hate having the WORST team in the WHL and being expected to accept it. I will keep supporting the team because I love junior hockey, but sure feel sorry for the players that end up here. Oh one question, Is Estephan better this year then last ?

    ReplyDelete
  28. This kind of ties in with the current and future condition of this franchise. But it was reported and confirmed that the Hurricane's number one draft of 2014 Jordy Bellerive played and scored for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL on Thursday night. Which begs the question. Does this mean that he will not be signing with the Hurricanes and thus heading to the NCAA like Tak Anholt who was another high pick by the Hurricanes. Clearly it looks like another bad omen for the future of this franchise. (It was felt that he could play for them right now (based on talent and skill level).

    I'm wondering if Pat can clarify this situation with Brad Robson.

    RJS

    ReplyDelete
  29. Here you go. Down past Vees Smoke Eaters video, Bellerive. Pentictonvees.wordpress.com.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I can't believe the conversation on this blog is which staffer is most responsible for this team's situation. That's like arguing iceberg or captain asleep at the wheel. You need both to sink the ship, and both are responsible for sinking the ship. Even degrees of blame no longer matter. If Robson is not doing a good job, then you cannot accurately evaluate Berehowsky. If Berehowsky is doing a bad job, you can't accurately evaluate Robson.
    The best and most accurate evaluation of this team and its staff is in the standings, and this team is in last place. Again.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks Anon 13:23. That is where I saw it. Need to find out if the Hurricanes are done with Bellerive, even though it looks so.

    RJS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe the Hurricanes are out of the loop and don't know yet. Will be in the OK over Xmas, hope to see him play. Don't know what the BCJHL rules are for 15 year olds. Maybe 5 games.

      Delete
  32. Bellerive is strictly a list player with Penticton. I wouldn't read to much into it, he is living close to there so its very convenient. I will say this, i believe major changes need to happen for him to commit next season. Unfortunately the organizations current reputation precedes itself.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Riley sheen great guy so sad he is gone, class act. After reading the article in the Red Deer Advocate I don't understand why we would trade our best player when he didn't ask for one? Could Robson and Anholt not waited until trade deadline it's not like the players we got were going to play until then anyways and now we are short a goal scorer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Class act is what describes this young man. He could have folded up his tent (Like many have before him) refused to play and demanded a trade. But he didn't. He stuck it out, even if that meant his career taking a hit. The article came across as a sincere young man thanking the fans. And, for all the yahoos out there that applaud the players that demand trades, refuse to report, or refuse to play, take a look again at this young man. This is what character and class look like.

      Chuck

      Delete
    2. Right Chuck . If some of the defectors you mentioned had some of the character and class that Sheen has this team would not be in the mess it is in now . How can you build a team if people you select bail on you the moment times get tough ?

      Delete
    3. It is EVERY player's right to not play for a team if that is their desire. I wish people would figure out what country they're living in. Would you stick with a job even though the atmosphere is toxic?? For crying out loud, people change jobs all the time, so let these young men do the same.

      LaRon

      Delete
    4. To LaRon and others of his ilk:

      You keep comparing defecting to a job, one that you can leave as you please. The difference is, when you are drafted, especially at this level of hockey, you are given the right to play the game, for the team that drafted you. Yes players have the right to not play, they have the right to play for someone else, and they have the right to play for a team that develops them properly. While this team may not currently provide what all of us fans would want in the way of skills development, it is also the teams job to help mold character, and to turn out GOOD young men as well as talented ones. I don't care what agents, parents, friends, or for that matter, you, LaRon say, walking out on your teammates, and you friends when times get tough shows a lack of class, and of character, both traits that I am sure NHL scouts expect and demand.

      Chuck

      Delete
  34. Thanks. Playing I think this is the second time he has been called up. Testing the waters for sure. Don't think he will make an appearance here over Xmas ala Joe Sakic in the 80's

    ReplyDelete
  35. LaRon... You are absolutely right. Every player has the right to do as they please ,but that does not enhance their character or show class .
    For someone that does not go to the games [as you have previously stated ] you sure like to beak off about everything .Or are you just trying to create " TOXIC ATMOSPHERE ?

    ReplyDelete