Blake Comeau

2007-08 Update: April 1, 2008: Blake Comeau went 4-2-6 in 14 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of March. He recorded a goal in a 4-3 SO win at MSG on Mar. 4th to end a 14 game streak without a point. Comeau tallied an assist on a goal by Freddy Meyer in a 4-1 loss at Philadelphia Mar. 8th. On Mar. 11th he recorded an assist on the power play on Ben Walter's first NHL goal at Tampa Bay. Comeau scored a power play goal in a 4-2 loss at Florida on Mar. 12th giving him a three game point scoring streak in which he went 1-2-3 from Mar. 8th to 12th. He scored a goal in a 3-1 win at New Jersey on Mar. 21st. Comeau recorded another goal in a 4-3 SO loss vs. Philadelphia Mar. 29th. In that game he saw an NHL career high 19:56 TOI. The Islanders posted a record of 3-10-1 during the month of March with Comeau in the lineup. They were 2-3-1 in games in which Comeau recorded a point.

March 1, 2008: Blake Comeau recorded one goal in 13 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of February. His goal came in the first game of the month, a 4-1 loss at Montreal on Feb. 2nd. The Islanders posted a record of 7-5-1 during the month of February with Comeau in the lineup. They were 0-1-0 in games in which Comeau recorded a point.

February 1, 2008: Blake Comeau went 2-2-4 in 14 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of January. He recorded the second multiple point game of his NHL career with a goal and an assist on a Brendan Witt goal in a 6-3 win at Carolina Jan. 22nd. In the previous game, he tallied an assist in a 3-2 OT loss vs. Carolina Jan. 21st. Comeau recorded a goal earlier in the month in a 3-2 SO loss at Vancouver on Jan. 8th. He was unsuccessful in a shootout attempt during the same game. The Islanders posted a record of 4-6-4 during the month of January with Comeau in the lineup. They were 1-0-2 in games in which Comeau recorded a point.

January 1, 2008: Blake Comeau went 1-2-3 in 7 games played with the New York Islanders during the month of December. He was called up from Bridgeport on December 18th following the suspension of Chris Simon for stomping Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu and made his NHL season debut the next night vs. Buffalo. In his second game Comeau was named the first star after scoring his first career NHL goal, the game winning goal and adding an assist on the game tying goal earlier by Andy Hilbert for his first NHL point at Pittsburgh on Dec. 21st. He went on to record another assist on a goal by Bill Guerin in a 5-2 loss at Ottawa on Dec. 27th. In his 7 games with the Islanders Comeau was a +5. In 6 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers prior to getting called up he recorded 2 assists: one in a 4-3 shootout win vs. Lowell on Dec. 1st and another in a 4-3 win vs. Albany on Dec. 16th. Bridgeport posted a record of 9-5-0 during the month of December and are 16-16-1 overall. They were 2-0-0 in games in which Comeau recorded a point. The Islanders posted a record of 5-2-0 once Comeau was called up and were 1-1-0 in games in which he recorded a point.

December 1, 2007: Blake Comeau went 2-3-5 in 12 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of November. He recorded a goal in a 5-2 loss at Binghamton on Nov. 2nd. Comeau also scored the first goal of the game in a 6-3 loss at Hershey Nov. 17th. Assists came in a 4-2 loss vs. Worcester Nov. 7th, on the power play in a 4-0 win vs. Hershey Nov. 11th, and on the power play in a 5-3 loss vs. Hartford Nov. 23rd. In the game at Hershey on Nov. 17th, Comeau got into two fights: one in the second period against LW Louis Robitaille and another in the third period against D Tyler Sloan which eventually ended up in former Sound Tiger teammate Daryl Bootland getting ejected for third man in. He was a -6 during the month of November. Bridgeport posted a record of 4-7-1 during the month of November and are 7-11-1 overall. They were 1-4-0 in games in which Comeau recorded a point.

November 1, 2007: Blake Comeau went 1-1-2 in 7 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of October. He recorded his first goal and point of the season on the power play vs. Hershey on Oct. 19th. His assist came on a shorthanded goal by Jeremy Colliton in a 2-1 loss at Norfolk on Oct. 27th. Bridgeport posted a record of 3-4-0 during the month of October. They were 1-1-0 in games in which Comeau recorded an assist.

2007-08 Season Highlights

NHL
* Named first star with a goal (gw) and an assist in 4-2 win at Pittsburgh Penguins December 21, 2007.

AHL
* Named third star with a goal (pp) in 4-2 win vs. Hershey Bears October 19, 2007

Islanders Defeat Penguins 4-2
Dec. 21, 2007

PITTSBURGH (AP) -Curiously, misfortune sometimes can benefit a team in unexpected ways. Blake Comeau probably wouldn't be in the NHL if Chris Simon hadn't been suspended again, yet the New York Islanders won a game because he is.

Comeau scored his first career goal to give the Islanders the lead midway through the third period, Trent Hunter added a goal 37 seconds later and New York shook off a recent slump to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Friday night.

Comeau, a rookie playing only his second game this season and the fifth of his career, took fourth-line center Andy Hilbert's pass in the left circle and beat Dany Sabourin inside the far post to put the Islanders back into the lead at 3-2.

"Andy did a great job of getting me the puck," Comeau said. "When I looked to the net, I heard guys yelling `Shoot.' There were bodies there and the lane was open. So I put my head down and tried to put it on net as hard as I could and it ended up going in."

INS AND OUTS - BLAKE COMEAU
Dec. 10, 2007

What do you do in the off-season besides skate and workout for the upcoming season?

My family has a cottage on Lake Okanagan in Kelowna, BC where I do a lot of camping and wake boarding. A lot of my friends live around the area so we hang around the lake during the day and have big bon fires on the water's edge at night. We also play a lot of golf and one of the best moments of last summer was when I had a hole-in-one on one of the tougher holes at the local course.

If you were not playing hockey, what career would you have chosen?

I'd want to be a scientist. I always loved the shows like Bill Nye the Science Guy. I also got good grades in my science courses which made the subject that much more fun.

What has been the proudest moment of your hockey career?

Playing in the NHL has always been a goal of mine and achieving it was incredible but right now in my career, the best moment has to be winning a goal medal at the World Junior Championships. Playing for your country and having the red and white maple leaf on the crest of your jersey is an honor in itself but to win the gold when the tournament was in Vancouver, BC was unforgettable.

What is the best part of watching a hockey game?

If I am not playing, there really is no good part of watching. I want to be out on the ice playing, helping my team win games. If I was a spectator though, I love to watch the flow of the game develop. Obviously the fights are pretty exciting too.

What hockey player did you look up to as a kid?

Steve Yzerman was my favorite player because he was an incredible leader and could score goals. He wasn't afraid to dig in the corners for loose pucks or challenge one of the tougher players on a team to stand up for a line-mate.

What is the worst hockey injury you have suffered?

Breaking my wrist last season was awful. I went through a lot of long painful rehab so that would be number one. I also separated my shoulder and that was also painful.

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007: Blake Comeau went 1-4-5 in 6 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of April. His goal was an empty netter in a 4-2 win vs. the Albany River Rats on Apr. 1st. Comeau did not play in Bridgeport's final two regular season games on Apr. 14th vs. Philadelphia and Apr. 15th vs. Norfolk. The young power forward had a respectable rookie season and he will be counted on even more in 2007-08 as he works his way towards making the New York Islanders.

April 1, 2007: Blake Comeau recorded 3 assists in 5 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of March. He missed the first 7 games of the month recovering from a sprained ankle suffered Feb. 16th. Comeau missed a total of 14 games with the injury. He returned to the Sound Tigers lineup on Mar. 24th vs. Portland. Comeau recorded an assist in Bridgeport's 7-2 loss at the Hartford Wolf Pack on Mar. 28th. He had a multiple assist game on Mar. 31st in a 6-5 loss at the Hershey Bears. The Sound Tigers posted a record of 5-8-1 in March and they went 1-4-0 after Comeau returned to the lineup. He was a -4 on the month.

March 1, 2007: Blake Comeau went 4-3-7 in 8 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of February. He scored the first goal of the game on Feb. 2nd in a 6-2 loss at the Worcester Sharks. It was his first goal in 19 games since Dec. 6th. Comeau recorded the game tying goal on Feb. 10th that forced a shootout vs. the Lowell Devils. He was unsuccessful in his shootout attempt but the Sound Tigers won the game 4-3. Comeau had a goal and an assist on the power play in February. On Feb. 11th he scored a shorthanded empty net goal in a 5-3 win vs. the Binghamton Senators. Comeau had back to back multiple point nights (1g,1a) on Feb. 10th vs. Lowell and Feb. 11th vs. Binghamton. On Feb. 16th Comeau sprained his ankle in the first period of a game vs. Lowell and missed the Sound Tigers last 7 games of the month of February. Bridgeport posted a record of 8-7-0 in February.

February 1, 2007: Blake Comeau recorded 5 assists in 10 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of January. After a strong start to his rookie season, Comeau has seen a dip in his offensive production. He went 1/3 in the shootout in January. He scored a shootout goal in a 2-1 win vs. Philadelphia on Jan. 10th. Comeau missed on chances in the shootout in a 4-3 loss vs. Providence on Jan. 14th and in a 4-3 win at Hershey on Jan. 20th. Two of his assists during the month came on special teams, one on the power play and another while shorthanded. Bridgeport as a team played much better in January posting a record of 7-2-1.

January 1, 2006: Blake Comeau went 1-4-5 in 12 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of December. Comeau made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders on December 7, 2006 vs. the Montreal Canadiens. Wearing #57, he took 15 shifts in the game for a total of 11:33 of ice time, recording 2 hits in the process. Comeau would play in the next two games for the Islanders for a total of 3 before getting sent back down to Bridgeport on Dec. 16th. He saw action Dec. 9th vs. the Florida Panthers taking 14 shifts for 8:20 and recording 1 hit. On Dec. 15th at the Pittsburgh Penguins, Comeau took 10 shifts for 8:22 and recorded 1 hit. The Islanders went 1-2-0 in the three games Comeau appeared in. While with the Islanders he missed one game with Bridgeport on Dec. 9th at Binghamton. Before he was called up to the Islanders, Comeau scored the game tying goal and assisted on Jeff Tambellini's overtime game winner in Bridgeport's 3-2 win vs. Binghamton on Dec. 6th. Comeau's goal came with 4:10 remaining in regulation. On Dec. 23rd, Blake recorded 2 assists in the Sound Tigers 2-1 overtime win vs. the Manchester Monarchs. Comeau was a -6 during the month of December with Bridgeport, due in large part to the team going 1-7-0 in their last 8 games. Twice he was a -3 in a game. He ended the month on a four game scoreless streak and has recorded only 2 points in his last 9 games.

December 1, 2006: Blake Comeau went 4-5-9 in 13 games played with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the month of November. He's been one of Bridgeport's most consistent players through the first two months of the season. Comeau scored the game winning overtime goal in the Sound Tigers 4-3 win at Hershey on November 18th. He is third on Bridgeport in scoring behind Jeff Tambellini and Robert Nilsson. Comeau was a -4 in November.

November 1, 2006: Blake Comeau scored 9 of his 10 points during the month of October between the Sound Tigers first two games of the season, both on the road in Binghamton and Hartford. In his first career AHL regular season game on October 8th in Binghamton, Comeau recorded a team record 4 assists in the 5-3 win. He then recorded a Sound Tigers record 5 points on 2 goals and 3 assists in the Sound Tigers second game of the season, a 6-3 win at Hartford. The Sound Tigers trailed 3-1 entering the third period of the game and Comeau helped to spark a 5 goal comeback. For a few days Comeau was the AHL's leading scorer. After his first 7 games, Comeau's 10 points ranks him fourth among rookie scorers in the AHL. He then went cold, not recording a point for the next 5 games. Comeau had a good training camp for the Islanders before getting sent down to Bridgeport on September 27th. He impressed new head coach Ted Nolan, who stated about Comeau: "He's going to be a dandy." Sound Tigers head coach Dan Marshall plays Comeau in all aspects of the game, including special teams.

2006-07 Season Highlights

* Named first star with 4 assists in 5-3 win at Binghamton Senators October 8, 2006 (1st Reg. Season Gm)
* Named first star with 2g, 3a in 6-3 win at Hartford Wolf Pack October 13, 2006 (Bridgeport record)
* Named second star with 1g(PP), 2a in 5-2 win at Binghamton Senators November 3, 2006.
* Named second star with 1g(PP), 1a in 5-4 shootout win vs. Worcester Sharks November 12, 2006.
* Named first star with a SO goal in 2-1 win vs. Philadelphia Phantoms January 10, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal in 2-1 OT win vs. Worcester Sharks February 7, 2007.
* Named third star with a goal (PP) and an assist in 4-3 SO win vs. Lowell Devils February 10, 2007.

BRIDGEPORT — Fortunate with injury through his junior career, Blake Comeau has had an unlucky past month. He suffered a sprained ankle Feb. 16 against Lowell, could feel the ligaments tear, and has been out ever since. It's a far cry from the minor injuries that kept him out, at most, four or five games at a time.

And with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a desperate race for the last playoff spot, the rookie winger can't wait to get back.

"That's what you want is to try to be out there and help the team," Comeau said. "Every game we're going for that last playoff spot. It (stinks) to be watching from the stands."

His spectator days are dwindling. The team calls him day-to-day for this weekend, which includes a game tonight at Binghamton, N.Y., and home games Saturday and Sunday against Portland. If this weekend doesn't work out, Comeau is hoping to be back next week, when the Sound Tigers play four games in five nights. "I think he's going to be good any day now," coach Dan Marshall said. "It's just a matter of how he feels."

Comeau's 35 points, physical play and penalty killing sit on the shelf along with Jeremy Colliton, Brandon Nolan and Petteri Nokelainen. None of the last three are expected to play this weekend. And Eric Boguniecki — not feeling well, Marshall said — will at least miss tonight's game. "We're desperate for players first," Marshall said, "then we need points."

SOUND TIGERS WIN IN SHOOTOUT
soundtigers.com, Feb. 10, 2007

The Sound Tigers and Devils traded leads in regulation, with Sound Tiger Blake Comeau's third period power play tally tying the game 3-3 and forcing the extra session. The Sound Tigers have six power play goals in their last five games, including several that were clutch. They've scored the game-winning or tying goal on the power play in the third period or overtime in each of their last four games during the winning streak.

The Sound Tigers improved to 6-4 in shootouts and 20 of their 49 games have been decided by just a goal. Dubielewicz has been between the pipes in nine of the team's 10 shootouts.

The Devils drew first blood on Jason Ryznar's goal 4:02 into the game. Ryznar redirected a feed from veteran Grant Marshall into the net to finish a two-on-one opportunity. The Sound Tigers got the next two goals. Hard work by Comeau and Nolan kept the puck in the zone and both players assisted defenseman Mark Wotton's slap shot goal from the point at 12:50 of the first. Eric Boguniecki extended his goal-scoring streak to three games when he deflected a shot by Robert Nilsson for a 2-1 lead at 14:01 of the second, Nilsson has six assists in three games - all wins - against Lowell this season.

Jeremy Colliton had the secondary assist on Boguniecki's goal and Comeau had an assist on Wotton's goal.

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH ...
by Mike Fornabaio, connpost.com, Dec. 27, 2006

... the boarding major and game misconduct Tuesday night?

Blake Comeau's bump on Dean Arsene late in the second period was like a tour of Rule 42. While Comeau surely wasn't out to hurt the Hershey defenseman — he may hit like a freight train, but he hasn't played dirty — the legalese almost necessitated a major penalty, the first non-fighting major on a Sound Tiger this season.

First, because Arsene was touching up an icing, Comeau had to make sure not to hit him. But whether intentional or not, Comeau did hit him into the boards on the touch-up. That's a boarding penalty, by definition.

On we go to the next step. Arsene suffered a head injury on the play. That makes it a major penalty. And any boarding major carries a game misconduct as well. From one hit, Comeau's night was over.

islesinfo.com note: what's odd about this story is the boxscore does not show any game misconduct or penalty to Blake Comeau. It doesn't show any penalty & misconduct for any player. Comeau is listed as having 0 PIM's in the game. Comeau's official statistics still last him as having a total of 22 PIM's on the season. The following was in Fornabaio's game recap:

The power play went 0-for-7. The penalty kill was fine, including killing a five-minute major to Blake Comeau for hitting Dean Arsene on an icing touch-up in the final seconds of the second period. Arsene didn't return.

Interview with Sound Tiger's Rookie Blake Comeau - ( 12/20/06 video from Sound Tigers Media Page )

One of Meadow Lake’s well known hockey prodigies recently lived out his lifelong dream - to play hockey in the NHL.

Blake Comeau, who was born and raised in Meadow Lake, is currently playing hockey with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, a farm team of the New York Islanders.

On Thursday December 7, Blake received notification that he would be playing with the Islanders in their game.

Blake’s father, George Comeau said that the family is very proud of Blake.

“Of course he’s humble,” Comeau said of his son.

“We’re definitely happy for him. Like many other dedicated hockey players, his dream was to play in the NHL one day.”

Comeau said that when he heard from his son, he was notably excited.

“Blake said he almost didn’t believe it,” said Comeau.

“But he was looking forward to heading out on the ice. We watched him play that night and it was great.

Comeau said Blake was slated to play two more games with the Islanders this weekend against Pittsburgh. He was slated to play games on December 15 and 16.

“It’s great that he’s getting so many opportunities to play such a high calibre of hockey,” he noted.

“We hope that he continues to have fun and do well.”

“Blake has always loved hockey and he’s doing what he loves.

Comeau earns big promotion
by Greg Logan, Newsday, Dec. 8, 2006

Ted Nolan's original plan was to leave 20-year-old Blake Comeau in Bridgeport this season to develop. But after a poor performance by Jeremy Colliton in an emergency role Tuesday against Ottawa, Nolan yesterday called up Comeau to make his NHL debut against Montreal last night at Nassau Coliseum.

Nolan previously said he would be more likely to call up Jeff Tambellini, but the 6-1, 198-pound Comeau is more suited to a fourth-line checking role than the smaller Tambellini. At the same time, Comeau has scored seven goals and 14 assists in 23 games at Bridgeport, which ranks second only to Tambellini's 23 points.

Nolan traveled to Bridgeport Wednesday night to watch the Sound Tigers' 3-2 overtime win against Binghamton. Comeau scored the goal with 4:10 left in regulation that sent the game to overtime, and he assisted on the winner by Tambellini.

At the morning skate yesterday, Nolan described Comeau as "clearly the best player on the ice." Although Comeau will start on the fourth line, Nolan made it sound as if he could stick, saying, "Everything after that will depend on how Blake performs."

COMEAU TO MAKE NHL DEBUT
soundtigers.com, Dec. 7, 2006

Nolan called him "the best player on the ice last night."

Blake Comeau, one of the Islanders' top forward prospects, has been recalled from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on an emergency basis and will make his NHL debut tonight when the Islanders host the Montreal Canadiens. Comeau was selected in the second round of the 2004 NHL Draft. This season with the Sound Tigers, Comeau has 7 goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 23 games.

Last night in Bridgeport, Comeau scored with 4:10 left in regulation to tie the game and then set up Jeff Tambellini's overtime goal in the Sound Tigers' 3-2 win over Binghamton. Islanders head coach Ted Nolan made the trip to Bridgeport and said at today's morning skate that Comeau was "clearly the best player on the ice."

Nolan said Comeau will start tonight's game on the fourth line. "Everything after that," said the coach, "will depend on how Blake performs."

SOUND TIGERS TOP SHARKS 5-4 IN SHOOTOUT
soundtigers.com, Nov. 12, 2006

The Sharks salvaged a point by overcoming a 4-1 deficit to force overtime. The Sound Tigers built a 4-1 lead in the second period behind three unanswered goals in a span of less than five minutes midway through the second period to seemingly seize control of the game. Blake Comeau gave Bridgeport a 1-0 first-period lead when he blasted a power play goal off the far post at 4:31 of the first period. The Sharks answered to tie the game 1-1 when Joe Pavelski scored at 4:07 of the second period. Bridgeport scored the next three as Eric Boguniecki (at 8:30 of the second) and Jeff Tambellini (at 11:18) struck on the power play. Frans Nielsen scored an even strength goal at 13:23 to make it 4-1 before Worcester began a comeback.

Comeau had an assist on New Haven/West Haven native Boguniecki's goal to give Comeau a team-leading 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists). Tambellini's goal was his team-best seventh.

SOUND TIGERS TOP SENATORS 5-2
Comeau, Ferraro, Regier and Berry lead attack
soundtigers.com, Nov. 3, 2006

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers beat the East Division-rival Binghamton Senators for the second time in as many meetings this season with a 5-2 win at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday night. The Sound Tigers ended a three-game losing streak and improved to 4-3-0-2; Binghamton fell to 3-5-0-2. Bridgeport's Blake Comeau, Peter Ferraro, Steve Regier and Rick Berry all had two point efforts to lead the way.

Comeau, who assisted on four of Bridgeport's five goals in a 5-3 win at Binghamton in the season opener back on Oct. 8, again played a key role in his team's success against the Senators. Comeau, a rookie, figured in three of his team's markers with a goal and pair of assists on Friday.

Comeau and Rick Berry assisted Ferraro's net-finder and Ferraro later returned the favor, setting up Comeau for his third goal of the year on a first period power play. Eric Boguniecki also picked up an assist on Comeau's goal as the Sound Tigers built a 2-0 lead though the first 20 minutes.

Binghamton twice cut two-goal deficits in half on rebound tallies - the first by Serge Payer to make it 2-1 early in the second. Comeau and Mark Wotton assisted Steve Regier for his third goal and a 3-1 lead before Binghamton's Jamie Allison buried a rebound to make it 3-2. Regier's goal stood up as the game-winner and the Sound Tigers put the game away late in the third. Jeff Tambellini scored his fourth goal, assisted by Regier and Frans Nielsen, to open a 4-2 lead and Berry capped the scoring with his second of the year, an unassisted empty-netter with less than a second showing on the scoreboard clock.

Nolan content to let Comeau mature in AHL
by Greg Logan, Newsday.com, Nov. 1, 2006

Islanders coach Ted Nolan made it clear early in training camp how much he loves 20-year-old forward Blake Comeau, who has 10 points in seven games with AHL Bridgeport. But when Comeau opened the season on a hot streak, Nolan wasn't even a little tempted to call him up.

In Nolan's view, it's best to let the top prospects in the system play consistently in the minors rather than letting them take their lumps at the NHL level before they're ready. Early on, Nolan made that point to owner Charles Wang and new general manager Garth Snow.

"When you're trying to change the culture on the team, it's not changed by going with the wind, by calling up a kid on a hot streak and playing him 10 shifts and sending him back," Nolan said.

"The Montreal Canadiens back in the day put those kids down for a good year or year and a half. I'm not saying that's the case, but it will be good for a kid to stay down and get his confidence. Comeau is going to be a heck of a player. To ruin it by letting him get hot for five games, bring him up for two games and then send him back down ... You see a lot of flash in the pans. When guys are here for good, they're here for good."

Blake’s No Fake
by Mike Scandura, New England Hockey Journal, Nov. 1, 2006

Dan Marshall saw a glimpse of the future two years ago.

Marshall, who's in his first season as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers' head coach, was working in the Islanders' hockey operations department when the team made forward Blake Comeau its second-round pick (47th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Comeau was only 17 at the time but already had starred for Team Canada (which won the gold medal in the 2003 Under-18 Tournament in Russia) and led Kelowna to the Memorial Cup championship.

"I've known Blake for a few years … since he attended our rookie camp (in 2004)," recalled Marshall. "Now, he's 20 and about 6-1 and 205 pounds. He really has a lot of power for a young man. He also loves to work the puck along the wall, take the hit and pay the price to make the pass.

"That's what makes him a quality, young prospect."

Comeau already is flashing some of the talent that makes him one of the Islanders' very best prospects. Through his first seven pro games, he's fourth among AHL rookies in scoring with 2-8-10 totals - and skates on Bridgeport's special teams besides taking his regular shift at forward.

In retrospect, Comeau was overshadowed by the talent on his junior team in Kelowna of the WHL.

"He was on the third line at that time (he was drafted)," said Marshall. "I think he went to the second line and the first line. But his draft year he wasn't among their top six forwards because he was on a very strong team (i.e. skating on Kelowna's third line was the equivalent of skating on a lesser teams' first line).

"Blake was kind of a late bloomer. From the standpoint of offensive numbers, he started to put them up his last two years of juniors."

Indeed.

Last season, for example, Comeau posted 21-53-74 totals (his 53 assists tying him for second in the WHL and helping him earn First Team All-Star honors).

"Comeau's a multi-dimensional player," said an NHL scout. "He's smart with the puck and has good offensive instincts. I feel he combines strong skating with an accurate (wrist) shot and has the ability to protect the puck.

"He's what I call a gritty player in that he'll battle along the boards and in the corners."

The one area where Marshall would like to see improvement is his start.

"Blake's not slow but it takes him a bit to get going," said the coach. "He's got to get a little bit faster with his first step because it's a new game. But just because he does all the little things so well, it's obvious he was well-coached.

"We look for him (to play) both ends of the rink. I think the sky's the limit but I don't want to put third line or second line on him. I just think he's going to be a quality, quality NHL player when he matures."

Interview with Sound Tiger's Rookie Blake Comeau - ( 10/20/06 video from Sound Tigers Media Page ) 

excerpt from Patience pays off for Islanders
by Shane Malloy, foxsports.com, Oct. 18, 2006

Blake Comeau, Right Wing, 20 (second round, 47th overall pick in 2004) currently with Bridgeport (AHL)

An underrated winger who loves to bang and crash his way through the opposition, Comeau understands what it takes to be a winner. His leadership ability and his willingness to pay the price to win will put a letter on his chest one day. Expect him to be a second-line winger, depending how his offensive skills translate at the NHL level.

HARTFORD - They were resilient throughout the preseason, and Friday night, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers showed some resiliency in the regular season. And they may have themselves a new superstar.

Coming back from a two-goal, third-period deficit, Bridgeport scored two goals in 30 seconds to take the lead and added two more to defeat the Hartford Wolf Pack 6-3 in front of 3,047 fans at the Hartford Civic Center. Blake Comeau scored his first two professional goals in the third period and added three assists, setting a Bridgeport team record for points in a game. His four assists on opening night had been the 15th time a Sound Tiger had scored four points in a night. "It feels good to get off to a good start, but the team starting 2-0, that's the most important," Comeau said. "I think we came out a little slow, but we showed some character here."

Comeau has nine points in his first two professional regular-season games.

"Quite obviously he's a prospect," Bridgeport coach Dan Marshall said. "He was well-coached at Kelowna (WHL). ... He has hockey sense, vision. There's not much he doesn't do well, but he still has things to learn, little things."

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Like the rest of his young Bridgeport Sound Tigers teammates, Blake Comeau found himself on the ice in almost every situation in Sunday's season opener. Comeau made the most of it in a 5-3 victory over the Binghamton Senators at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. He assisted on four goals, including Steve Regier's empty-netter, moments after Comeau had missed the open net himself. "It's going to really help our development early in the season," said Comeau, who played all seven playoff games for Bridgeport last year after his junior season ended. "We don't really have any designated first, second, third lines. Everybody rolls."

Comeau had the primary assist — meaning he sent the pass to the goal-scorer — three times. He killed penalties and was on the ice for a final-minute penalty kill. But a bit of snow on his stick disrupted his empty-net goal attempt, but he led Regier on a breakaway soon after. "That's the type of player he is," coach Dan Marshall said. "He's one of those players you want out there in the last minute, whether you're a goal down or up that goal"

Bridgeport Wins Opener; Comeau Records 4 Helpers
islesinfo.com

October 8, 2006: Blake Comeau recorded four assists in his professional regular-season debut, helping Bridgeport to a 5-3 win in Binghamton on Sunday evening. Comeau, who had three assists in seven Calder Cup Playoff games for the Sound Tigers last spring, set up two of the Sound Tigers’ three power-play goals in the first period, added an assist on Frans Nielsen’s first AHL goal in the final minute of the second, and fed Steve Regier for a shorthanded empty-net insurance marker with 14 seconds to play.

Wade Dubielewicz made 32 saves for Bridgeport , which was playing its first game of 2006-07. Jeff Heerema scored twice for the Senators, who fell to 1-1-0-0 on the year.

The Sound Tigers jumped out to a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period with power play goals from Peter Ferraro, Luch Aquino (1st AHL goal), and Robert Nilsson. Binghamton drew to within 3-2 in the second period but with second left Nielsen scored what would turn out to be the game winner. Comeau was named the first star of the game. Ferraro was named the third star.

Connpost.com 2006-07 Bridgeport Player Capsule

NAME — Blake Comeau
NUMBER — 14
POSITION — Right wing
SHOOTS — Right
VITALS — 6-1, 198
BORN — Feb. 18, 1986, Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
LAST SEASON — Kelowna-WHL (60: 21-53-74)
RESUME — Another highly touted prospect from the WHL, he was the 47th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. ... Scored 13 points in 12 WHL playoff games, then joined Bridgeport for the AHL playoffs and had three assists in seven games. ... Power forward played for Canada in the World Junior Championship.

 

Islanders Sign Prospect Blake Comeau to Three Year Deal
March 22, 2006: The Islanders have signed RW Blake Comeau to a three year contract. One of the Islanders top prospects, Comeau was an assistant captain back in December for the Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the 2006 World Junior Championships. He led the team in scoring with 3 goals and 7 points in 6 games and threw some huge crunching hits in the process.

At 6'1" and 207 pounds, the 20 year old Comeau is another piece to the puzzle for the Islanders youth movement as they enter into the future. Comeau was the Islanders second round draft pick in 2004, 47th overall.

"We're very proud to have Blake as a big part of the future of our franchise," said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury. "As he demonstrated with Team Canada and the Kelowna Rockets, Blake is a winner. He does everything well, works incredibly hard and is the ultimate team player."

With the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League this season, Comeau went 21-53-74 in 60 games played with 85 penalty minutes. His 53 assists tied him for second in the WHL. In 2003-04, Kelowna won the Memorial Cup as champion of the Canadian Hockey League. Currently, Comeau and the Rockets are preparing to take on the Kootenay Ice in the first round of the WHL playoffs which begins March 24th.

"It's a great feeling knowing the Islanders have signed me to a contract and consider me an important part of their future," Comeau said this afternoon. "Last year's training camp with the Islanders was a good start for me. I learned what I needed to do to make it in the NHL. I took a lot of that with me when I returned to the Rockets and when I played for Team Canada."

Comeau, a native of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, was named First Team all-star for the Western Conference of the WHL.

For extensive coverage of Blake Comeau's experience at the WJC's and junior career check out islesinfo.com's coverage of the 2006 World Junior Championship's, which includes a photo gallery.

* Awesome Blake Comeau Interview following the 2006 WJC's - Click Here
(requires windows media player/.wmv format - 1:58 duration, 3.25mb)

* Video of Blake Comeau Returning to the Kelowna Rockets - Click Here
(requires windows media player/.wmv format - 1:18 duration, 2.16mb)

* Video of Blake Comeau pre-WJC press interview - Click Here
(requires windows media player/.wmv format - 4:03 duration, 2.90mb)

2005-06 Update: 5/1/06 - WHL Playoffs: Blake Comeau's Kelowna Rockets advanced to the WHL Conference Semifinals against the Everett Silvertips. In the series win 4 games to 2 against Kootenay, Comeau went 3-4-7 in 6 games played and was a +5. Kelowna saw the role reversed in the second round and were defeated 4 games to 2 by Everett, who was led by Peter Mueller. In the series Comeau went 1-5-6 and was even in 6 games played. Overall in the playoffs he went 4-9-13 in 12 games played. Comeau was eliminated from the WHL playoffs just in time to join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in their first round AHL series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He recorded 3 assists in the 7 games, but the Sound Tigers lost the series 4 games to 3. During the series, Comeau played on a line with Rob Collins and Jeff Tambellini. In Game 7 he played on a line with Ryan O'Marra. He received his first professional point April 22nd with an assist on a power play goal by Tambellini.

Comeau, a righty-shot right winger, will wear No. 14. Before getting on the bus, he skated at the Arena at Harbor Yard with Islanders director of player development Dan Marshall. "It was good to skate. I haven't skated since Sunday," Comeau said. "I'm excited to be here."

4/1/06 - Blake Comeau went 2-4-6 in the final 10 games of the WHL regular season for the Kelowna Rockets during the month of March. He finished second on the team in scoring to Justin Keller. His +15 was tied for second best on the team. Comeau averaged 1.23 points per game on the season. His 21 goals fell three shy of the 24 goals he scored in 2004-05. His 53 assists were 30 more than his 2004-05 total and was tied for second most in the league, two behind Tri-City's Ian McDonald who had 55. Comeau finished 13th in scoring in the WHL with 74 points. Had a 3 game point scoring streak from March 8th to 12th in which he went 1-2-3. Scored the game winning goal in a 4-1 win vs. the Kamloops Blazers March 18th. Comeau was named WHL first team all-star at the close of the season and signed a three year deal with the New York Islanders on March 22nd.

Playoffs: Kelowna face the Kootenay Ice in the WHL Quarterfinals, best of seven series. Kelowna entered the series with home ice advantage. Going into April Kelowna leads the series 3 games to 2. In the five games Comeau is tied as Kelowna's leading scorer(with Keller) having gone 3-3-6. Two years ago, it was Comeau who helped sink the Ice with a hat trick in Game 1 of their opening round series which the Rockets went on to sweep in four straight. "That series wasn't as easy as it looked, and we certainly don't expect this one to be either," said Comeau, who led the Rockets with 53 assists. "We have the same systems, they work hard and they're a character team, a lot like us. We're going to have to counter with the same thing."

3/1/06 - Blake Comeau went 4-15-19 in 14 games played during the month of February. He's second on the Kelowna Rockets in scoring and leads the WHL with 49 assists. On the season he's averaging 1.29 points per game. Had a four game point scoring streak from January 28th to February 4th going 3-5-8. Had a three game assist scoring streak in which he had 4 assists from February 11th to February 17th. Had a three game point scoring streak from February 22nd to 25th going 1-6-7. Comeau was a +7 during the month of February.

2/1/06 - Blake Comeau went 3-9-12 in 9 games played for the Kelowna Rockets during the month of January after returning to the WHL folowing the 2006 WJC's. He's currently second on his team in scoring and leads the team in assists with 35. Fought center Jacob Dietrich in a 4-1 win vs. the Lethbridge Hurricanes January 25, 2006. Recorded 3 assists in a 6-0 win at the Kootenay Ice January 28, 2006. Had a 4 game point scoring streak from January 15-21 and went 2-3-5 in that span. Had a personal 4 game point scoring streak which started before the WJC's back on Dec. 14th and ended January 13th after the WJC's in which he went 1-6-7 in that span. His 49 points is a new career high surpassing the 47 points he tallied in 65 games during 2004-05. He has set a new career high in assists with 34 surpassing last years mark of of 23. After winning the gold at the 2006 WJC's Comeau has become very popular in Canada and his islesinfo.com profile has become one of the most viewed pages on the site.

1/1/06 - Blake Comeau only played in 3 games for the Rockets in the month of December recording 2 goals and 5 points. He was named by coach Brent Sutter as one of the final 34 to take part in Canada's final selection camp for the WJC team on December 6th. On December 16th he was officially named to Team Canada. In the preliminary round, Comeau helped Canada finish with a 4-0 record by supplying offense and physical play. You can read about it and see pictures by checking out the islesinfo.com's 2006 WJC page. 

12/1/05 - Blake Comeau cooled off a bit in the month of November recording only a goal and 6 points in 9 games played for the Rockets.

* ADT Canada/Russia Challenge: Blake Comeau went scoreless in Team WHL's 9-2 victory over Russia on November 30, 2005. In the second game on December 1, 2005 Comeau recorded an assist on the winning goal by Kyle Chipchura in Team WHL's 3-1 win. The wins helped Canada sweep the Russians 6-0 in the six game tournament.

As of 11/1/05: Blake Comeau is currently 2nd in the WHL in scoring with 26 points in 15 games played.

Comeau has been selected to take part in the WHL's representation in the Canada/Russia Challenge. The Drummondville Voltigeurs will host the first game of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on November 21. The second game will be hosted by the Moncton Wildcats on November 23. The Kitchener Rangers will host the first OHL-based game on November 24 followed by the Peterborough Petes on November 28. The series will conclude in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades hosting on November 30 and the Regina Pats hosting the finale on December 1.

Head Coach for Team WHL will be Brent Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels, while Cory Clouston of the Kootenay Ice and Lorne Molleken of the Saskatoon Blades will serve as Assistant Coaches.

Comeau's great early start should all but seal his selection to Team Canada at the 2006 World Junior Championship's.

2005-06 Season Highlights

* Named first star with 1g, 2a in 6-3 win at Saskatoon - October 11, 2005
* Named second star with 2g, 2a in 7-6 win vs. Moose Jaw - October 19, 2005
* Named first star with 2g, 3a in 5-3 win at Spokane - October 30, 2005
* Named third star in 2-1 win vs. Red Deer Rebels - November 11, 2005
* Named second star with an assist in 3-2 loss at Kootenay - November 15, 2005
* Named first star with 1g, 1a in 4-1 win vs. Vancouver Giants January 7, 2006(1st game back from WJC)
* Named first star with 1g (GW & PP), 1a in 2-0 win vs. Everett Silvertips February 1, 2006
* Named second star with 1g (EN), 1a in 3-1 win at Prince George Cougars February 3, 2006
* Named third star with 3a in a 5-2 win vs. Spokane Chiefs February 22, 2006(+ 3 crushing body checks)
* Named second star with a goal(EN) in a 3-1 win at Kamloops Blazers March 8, 2006.

Playoffs:

* Named second star with a goal(PP) and an assist in 5-1 win vs. Kootenay Ice March 25, 2006.(Gm 2)

Comeau’s Big Apple stay comes to a conclusion
By Doyle Potenteau, Kelowna Daily Courier-Local - May 1, 2006

Life in the American Hockey League lasted just seven games for Blake Comeau.
Three weeks after getting called up by the Bridgeport Sound, the Tigers’ playoff run came to a quick, first-round end on Saturday.
For Comeau, it was the second time this month he suffered a post-season KO, the first taking place on April 16, when the Kelowna Rockets were booted from the WHL post-season by the Everett Silvertips.
“We lost, but it was still a good experience,” Comeau said Sunday from the New York Islanders’ beach house on the Atlantic Coast.
Twenty-four hours earlier, the Tigers were eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Led by two former WHLers, the Penguins defeated Bridgeport 5-4 in Game 7 on home ice to win the series 4-3.
Wilkes-Barre’s win on Saturday was the only one by the home team in the series, and all seven games were decided by one goal, a first in the 70-year history of the Calder Cup.
“We won all our three games in their building, and they won their (first) three in our building, so that was a bit strange.” said Comeau, who was called up by the Connecticut club 12 hours after Kelowna’s post-season elimination and just three days before the Tigers’ playoffs began.
“In Game 7, they got up on us a couple of goals, and even though we played well, we couldn’t finish.”
In Game 7, former Brandon Wheat King Ryan Stone (Brandon) and ex-Prince George Cougar Jonathan Filewich both scored third-period goals for the Pens, who finished atop the East Division with a stellar record of 51-18-5-6, good for 113 points and third overall league-wise.
Former Kamloops Blazer sniper Erik Christensen also plays for the Penguins, who will now face the Hershey Bears in second-round play beginning Thursday. Comeau, wearing his familiar No. 14, netted three assists through seven games for Bridgeport.
“It would have been nice to play more, but it was still a good experience,” said Comeau. “Wilkes-Barre was fun to play in; they had crowds between eight and nine thousand. At Bridgeport, we had about 2,500 a game.”
Also bigger were the paycheques he received. As a veteran with the Rockets, the 20-year-old winger took home around $120 every two weeks. With Bridgeport, the Tigers paid him $200 a game plus per diems.
“Actually, making the adjustment to the AHL was easier than I thought it’d be,” said Comeau. “Now we have some exit meetings with (New York Islanders’) general manager Mike Milbury on Tuesday and then I’ll be going home to Kelowna sometime in the week. Now that the playoffs are over, I’m itching to get back to see family and friends."

Back in action
By Doyle Potenteau, Kelowna Daily Courier-Local - Apr. 23, 2006

Exactly one week ago, just 12 hours after the Kelowna Rockets were knocked out of the WHL's 2006 post-season courtesy of the Everett Silvertips, Comeau received an early morning phone call from the New York Islanders. The message: Report to the playoff-bound Bridgeport Sound Tigers immediately.
"I was pretty disappointed at how our season ended, losing to Everett," Comeau said from Bridgeport, Conn., site of the Islanders' AHL farm team. "But then I get this phone call on Monday and they wanted me out there for (Bridgeport's first) playoff game on Thursday. Everything happened was so fast . . . honestly, I'm surprised that I'm out here.
"I wasn't expecting to be out of the playoffs, then back in them. Not like this. But to get the call, I'm pretty excited. It really hasn't sunk in yet, that I'm here, back in the playoffs, but it's a good feeling. The Islanders wanted me to join them quick, which shows they have confidence in me, and that's great to have."
Comeau's turnaround was quick. Almost too quick, in fact. After that Monday 9 a.m. phone call, Comeau had to be on a 1 p.m. flight out of Kelowna. In between, he had to pack some clothes, then grab some gear from the rink. Also, he had to leave behind his new second-hand Lincoln Aviator, which he just purchased after having signed a contract with the Islanders earlier this month. Details of that contract, including the signing bonus, weren't released by New York, which selected Comeau 47th overall (second round) in the NHL's 2004 Entry Draft.
"I left it parked in Kelowna," laughed Comeau, 20. "I got it just before the Kootenay series and waited to drive it until that series was over to avoid being distracted. Then the Everett series came quick, and now this.
"Yeah, I want to drive it, but being in the AHL now, I'll definitely take the tradeoff to have a vehicle waiting."
After leaving Kelowna, Comeau arrived in Toronto, midnight local time, had a short nap, then hopped a 4:30 a.m. flight for New York. He arrived in Bridgeport, about a 90-minute drive northeast along Long Island Sound, at 11 a.m., where he just missed practice. Still, the six-foot-one winger managed a half-hour skate to "get rid of the rust."
"It wasn't so much physical as it was mental," said Comeau. "Even though I had skated and played Sunday, it was weird, preparing not to play hockey. It was amazing how good it felt to be back on the ice again, to be back playing. After Sunday's game, I thought the season was done. I wasn't aware that I was coming out here and I was preparing to reminisce with the guys about the season. Then I get a 9 a.m. phone call and there's a mad scramble, but I'm happy to be out here."
The Tigers play out of the Bridgeport Arena, an 8,500-seat venue that Comeau says is slightly larger than the Everett Events Center. He added that most players for Bridgeport, being a city located on the Atlantic Ocean, have homes on the beach.
"It's a nice city, a nice building," said Comeau, who is playing alongside veteran Rob Collins, 28, and rookie Jeff Tambellini. Comeau is the line's gritty player, as both Collins, at 5-10, Tambellini, at 5-11, are under six feet.
Keen Rockets fans may remember Tambellini.
The small but talented left winger opted to play U.S. college hockey instead of traveling the major junior route and was drafted by the L.A. Kings 27th overall in 2003. This season, after shuttling between L.A. and its AHL farm team, the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings traded him on March 8 to New York, where he played 21 games with the Isles, who failed to make the NHL's postseason.
In between getting drafted and traded, Tambellini played three seasons with the University of Michigan. And in early 2004, the Rockets acquired his rights from the Spokane Chiefs just prior to the roster deadline of Jan. 10, the same season Kelowna played host to the Memorial Cup. But instead of taking up Kelowna's offer for 2004 and 2004-05, Tambellini chose to stay with Michigan.
Of course, the Rockets went on to win the 2004 Memorial Cup, the WHL championship in 2005 and a fourth-place finish at the '05 Memorial Cup. At the same time, Michigan went on to win back-to-back CCHA regular-season division titles, but failed to make the national championship Frozen Four tournament, getting ousted in the second-round, Elite Eight quarter-finals both times.
In 2004, Michigan failed to win the CCHA playoff title, losing 4-2 to Ohio State. One year later, Michigan flipped the tables on OSU, winning 4-2, but was later ousted in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, 4-3 to Colorado College.
"Yeah, I'm going to have to razz him about that, not wanting to report," chortled Comeau. "We really had two great seasons there . . . but now I'm here, and there's some familiar faces for me in (defenceman) Dustin Kohn (Calgary Hitmen, Brandon Wheat Kings), who I played with the under-18s, and Ryan O'Marra at the (2006) world juniors.
"It's great knowing guys here because I know they're going to help me out along the way. I'm nervous, but I'm a lot less because of the people I know here."
ICE CHIPS: Bridgeport finished fourth in East Division standings with a regular-season record of 38-33-6-3. Finishing first, at 51-18-5-6, were the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, whom the Tigers are playing in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. . . . Comeau said he wasn't worried about playing WSB, as Bridgeport had several of its top young guns playing with the Isles, which then sent them down once the NHL's regular season came to a close. . . . On Thursday, the Tigers beat the Pens 2-1 in Game 1. On Saturday, Bridgeport won 3-2 and Comeau netted his first AHL point, an assist. . . . Game 2's stars were all Tigers: goalie Wade Dubielewicz, who made 41 saves, Tambellini and Collins. . . . . Game 3 is Sunday at Bridgeport. . . . Former Prince George Cougars head coach Lane Lambert is an assistant coach with Bridgeport.

Rockets face uphill battle to overcome deficit
by Warren Henderson - kelownacapnews.com - April 14, 2006

Blake Comeau is all for history repeating itself. Only this time around, the Kelowna Rockets’ forward would like to see it happen in reverse.
In 2004, the Everett Silvertips roared back from a three-games-to-one deficit in the Western Conference final to beat the Rockets in seven games.
In 2006, the tables have been turned—Kelowna needs three straight victories over the ‘Tips in the best-of-seven conference semi-final to avoid extinction from the Western Hockey League playoff landscape.
“Every guy on the whole team knows it’s possible…Everett did it to us before, now we’re going to have to do the same if we want to keep playing,“ said Comeau, whose Rockets host the ‘Tips tonight in Game 5.
“Obviously we didn’t want to be down 3-1, but that’s the situation and there’s no quit on this team. There needs to be desperation on every shift for the rest of the series.”
While head coach Jeff Truitt doesn’t point the finger at any of his players for a lack of offensive production in the series, veterans such as Justin Keller, Blake Comeau, Tyler Spurgeon and Troy Bodie haven’t been delivering quite as hoped. The quartet has combined for just two goals in the first four games, a partial result of Everett’s stifling defensive style.

Comeau inks 3-year deal with NY Islanders
by Kevin Parnell - kelownacapnews.com - March 29, 2006

Blake Comeau had a little housekeeping to take care of before hitting the ice this weekend in the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs.
Comeau, 20, signed a three year NHL contract with the New York Islanders earlier this week, putting his name on his first pro hockey contract.
“It was nice to get those papers,” said Comeau, the 6-foot-1 Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan native. “They’ve been negotiating for awhile. It’s nice to get it out of the way. All I have left now is to focus on the playoffs. The contract is a result of team success and the help that my teammates gave me.”
Comeau was selected by the Islanders in the second round (47th overall) of the 2004 NHL entry draft and was impressive in his first camp with the Isles prior to returning to Kelowna for this WHL season.
“Blake has developed into a well-rounded player and an excellent prospect,” New York head amateur scout Tony Feltrin said on newyorkislanders.com.
“His winning track record of three straight Memorial Cup appearances including one championship, along with being a key contributor in Canada’s victory at this year’s WJC are examples of his dedication and talent. Blake’s attitude and hockey abilities will serve him well as he begins his professional career. Islander fans can look forward to seeing Blake contribute to the Islanders’ success for many years to come.”
The year has been a hockey player’s dream for Comeau. An NHL contract, a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships, and his best ever year production wise at the major junior level.
“It’s been unbelievable this year,” he said. “I’m a pretty lucky junior hockey player. It all starts with the Rockets’ organization. They are a great organization. Guys get personal success because the team is so good. It’s such a classy organization. Everything has been great these last four years.”
With the contract out of the way Comeau turned his sights to the first round playoff series against Kootenay, the first two games of which were taking place this weekend.
“I think it’s going to be a good series,” he said, “Every game we have played it’s always been a good battle. Both teams had a week off to rest and recover. Both teams are familiar with the systems. It’s going to come down to who can execute.”
Comeau turned 20 this year and is eligible to return to Major Junior hockey next year as an overage player. Odds are he will likely end up playing in the Islanders minor league system.
Whatever happens, when Comeau put his name on the dotted line this week, he took another step toward the ultimate dream for every Canadian hockey player: Making the NHL.
“It feels good,” he said. “Making the NHL is a long process and there are a lot of steps. This is just another step. It feels great to know the team you are drafted by is interested and wants you in their organization.”

Sound Tigers weekly - 3/23/06

COMEAU COME-ON? — The Islanders announced Wednesday they have signed right winger Blake Comeau, a 2004 second-round pick who's considered one of the team's bright prospects, to an entry-level contract. It was a deal that had to get done before the summer to prevent Comeau, 20, from re-entering the NHL draft. Comeau's junior team, Kelowna, opens a WHL playoff series Friday against Kootenay. He would be eligible to join Bridgeport at the end of the Rockets' season, if he and the Islanders choose. And if he doesn't make the Islanders next fall, he will play for the Sound Tigers.

Q&A with Blake Comeau
by Glenn Erickson - hockeyfuture.com
February 2, 2006

excerpt:

HF: What kind of experience have you had with the Islanders so far?

BC: I keep in contact with their head of player development, Dan Marshall, usually once every couple of weeks. Last year was my first camp and I thought I had a good camp. I played in three exhibition games, one in Boston and two in Philadelphia. You know, if you come back to junior with something like that under your belt, it’s obviously going to boost your confidence and I think that’s when you’re going to play your best hockey. To see the speed and what it takes to play at the next level was an experience that I think has really helped me this year.

Meadow Laker makes Canada proud
By Theresa Seraphim - January 15, 2006 - meadowlakeprogress

This year’s World Junior Hockey Championships were a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Blake Comeau.

The former Meadow Laker, who now plays for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, got three goals and four assists during the tournament to help Team Canada win the championship January 5 in Vancouver.

Comeau said he was thrilled to be a contributor to the team’s success.

“It was a pretty big honour to be named to the team,” he noted.

Winning the gold medal was the 19-year-old forward’s top highlight of the tournament, but having his parents watch him play also ranked up there.

“After we won, I got to celebrate with them,” Comeau noted.

He said the tournament had “a lot faster pace than what I’m used to”, but the team pulled together.

“We were underdogs right from the very start (but) we had the best defensive team ever for Canada,” Comeau commented.

He said he wasn’t surprised Canada faced the Russians in the final.

“We knew they had a good team.”

Right now, he’s concentrating on his role with the Rockets and is taking things as they come.

George Comeau said he’s proud of his son’s accomplishments.

“He had a good tournament,” George noted.

“At that level and with that much hype...it was very exciting.”

George said the tournament was well-organized and many of the games were sold out.

“It was a good time and we got the result we wanted.”

Blake credits the Meadow Lake Minor Hockey program with providing him with valuable sports experience.

“Obviously if I wasn’t playing minor hockey there, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Local hockey hero returns
Jan. 8, 2006 - By Kevin Parnell Staff Reporter
kelownacapnews.com

Sixteen hours after having a gold medal hung around his neck, Blake Comeau strolled down the walkway at the Kelowna airport as one of this country’s newest heroes.
Comeau and the rest of his Team Canada teammates shrugged off any suggestion they were underdogs and completed a perfect 6-0 run at the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship, winning the gold medal with a 5-0 win over Russia Thursday night in Vancouver.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said Comeau Friday morning, amidst a sea of media and several fans.
“It’s a great feeling anytime you get to wear the Canadian jersey. I remember growing up dreaming about playing in a tournament like this.”
Comeau, a 19-year-old from Meadow Lake, SK, played a solid tournament, scoring three times and adding four assists in six games.
He was on the ice during many of the tournaments critical times and scored goals in both the Canadian semi-final win over Finland and the gold medal game against Russia.
“I think we proved a lot of naysayers wrong,” said Comeau of the Canadian team being considered underdogs.
“We were a confident team. I knew there was going to be some pretty good games but we just went quietly about our business which was to get the gold.”
Much of the talk following Canada’s 5-0 win over Russia centred on a Russian goal in the second period that went into the Canadian net but wasn’t seen by officials on or off the ice until it was too late.
If the goal had stood, it would have made the score 2-1 at a time when the Russians were pressing. But the game continued with Canada up 2-0.
Comeau had a unique view of the play.
“I was on the ice and knew it went in,” he said.
“After they called the ref, I went and asked our coach if they could call it a goal and he didn’t know so I was worried. I don’t think it changed the game though. We played a really good game. ”
Comeau’s gold medal comes a year after former Kelowna Rocket teammate Shea Weber brought home his gold medal following Canada win at the junior world championships in North Dakota.
Kelowna Rockets’ general manager Bruce Hamilton, who was on the flight home with Comeau, said he was proud of the way his player handled himself throughout the event, both on and off the ice.
“I thought he played great,” said Hamilton.
“Most of all we are very proud of him and the way he handled himself. Every time he was interviewed he was very professional.
Hamilton said Comeau will be in the Rockets lineup Saturday night against Vancouver before he takes some time to go home and rest.

Comeau Rejoins Rockets
Blake Comeau and his gold medal arrived in Kelowna Friday.
January 6, 2006

The Kelowna Rocket was instrumental in Canada's gold medal victory over Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver.

Comeau had three goals in the tourney, including one against the Russians in the final.

"I just tried to deflect it on net because I didn't have much of an angle. And I got the rebound and put it in the five hole," says Comeau. "It was a big booster for our team." Canada went on to blank the Russians 5-0.

Comeau says the experience of playing with the top junior players in the country will be a big help if he goes to the NHL.

"Anytime you can win a championship, the experience is awesome and you carry that with you for a long time. I'm not going to forget it."

This isn't Comeau's first gold medal. He won a gold medal with the Under-18 Team Canada in 2003 at the IIHF Under-18 Hockey Championship.

Comeau will be rejoining the Kelowna Rockets on Saturday when they face the Vancouver Giants.

A Meadow Laker has been selected for the Canadian Junior hockey team which will compete in the World Junior hockey championships later this month.

Blake Comeau, 19, is in Vancouver with his teammates to face Finland in their first match, scheduled for Boxing Day. The team already played an exhibition match against the Czech Republic December 20.

Comeau’s father George said Blake has been on a long road to get to this point.

Blake began skating at age 3 or 4, then took skating lessons before getting into minor hockey.

“He’s got a passion for the game,” said George.

“A lot of kids have a dream to play for their country in a national junior team. It’s finally coming true (for Blake).

“He’s pretty excited to realize his dream of playing for Canada.”

George said the family will go to Vancouver to watch Blake play.

“It’s a chance of a lifetime,” he explained.

“Being on home soil - it’s fantastic.”

Blake Comeau is grateful that his family is able to go see the tournament.

“My dad and I used to watch this tournament over the holidays and it’s something that was his dream as well. I think that he takes a lot of pride in the fact that I’m playing for Team Canada.”

Blake said the team was hoping to do well in the tournament.

“During the tournament I just want to go out there, work hard and play hard. (Coach) Brent Sutter said that he chooses players who are going to be out there and competitive, so it feels good that he thinks I am a go-getter.”

Blake, who currently plays for the Kelowna (B.C.) Rockets, is also grateful for what this town provided for him with hockey.l

“I owe a lot to Meadow Lake minor hockey for the skills that they taught me and the awesome league they offer. If it wasn’t for Meadow Lake minor hockey, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Hometown support is another thing Blake is thankful for.

“I hope to make my hometown proud. You never forget your roots and where you came from.”

-with files from Kathy Gallant

Comeau Ready To Lead
December 22, 2005

He is an assistant captain with the Kelowna Rockets, and now Blake Comeau is being asked to fill the same role with Team Canada.

The 19-year-old forward will share the assistant captain's role on a rotating basis with returnee Cam Barker, Vancouver Canucks draft choice Luc Bourdon and David Bolland. Prince Albert Raiders forward Kyle Chipchura was named team captain.

Comeau says it was an honour to be given the leadership responsibility.

"Everybody is a leader on their respective club team---almost every player wears either a "C" or an "A" on their team. To have the coaching staff have that confidence in me, it's something I take great pride in," says Comeau.

While many players on the team have some international experience, only Barker has felt the spotlight on this stage before, earning a gold medal in last year's tournament.

Comeau says guys don't realize how big this tournament is until they are a part of it and pull on the uniform.

"Every channel you turn to, there's something on it. The pressure is there, not only from the country, but from within the dressing room."

While Comeau didn't make an impact on the scoresheet, he did provide a physical presence, especially with a thunderous body check in the opening period that brought the Prospera Place crowd to their feet.

"That's what I like to do, play physical. I think it gives me that much more energy and I'm playing my best when I'm physical. I thought I did a good job of that."

Comeau and the rest of Team Canada play their final tune-up game against Russia tonight in Kamloops before opening up the tournament on Boxing Day in Vancouver against Finland.

‘Special’ time for Comeau
By Doyle Potenteau
Monday, December 19, 2005

Blake Comeau is sleeping a lot easier these nights, knowing a goal he’s been dreaming of for years will soon be realized. In seven sleeps, to be exact.
“To be part of the world junior tournament is special,” Comeau said of the 11-day tournament that begins a week from today on Dec. 26, when Canada opens against Finland in Vancouver.
But before that Boxing Day matchup, Comeau and the baby Nats will play two exhibition games — Tuesday in Kelowna against the Czech Republic and Thursday in Kamloops against Russia.
“To play for Canada is something more special,” said the six-foot-two winger.
“And to have it in the Okanagan, to play an exhibition game in front of the city and fans and (Rockets) organization I’ve been playing my whole career for, that’s something pretty special. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time.”
Central Okanagan hockey fans are also looking forward to seeing Canada and Comeau play on Tuesday. That is, judging from Friday’s fan reaction in the Rockets’ 5-2 win over Portland in Kelowna. Just prior to the contest, when the game scratches were announced, Comeau and teammate Alexander Edler were given a rousing cheer by the Prospera Place faithful for having made Canada’s and Sweden’s national teams.
En route from Vancouver to Chase on Friday after Canada’s roster was announced, Comeau wasn’t there to acknowledge the support. He did via cellphone though, saying it was much appreciated. And he hopes to show his appreciation by playing well Tuesday against the Czechs, a team chock-full of CHLers, such as Regina Pats sniper Petr Kalus, one of the WHL’s most exciting forwards.
“It’s obvious those (guys) who play in the CHL, they won’t shy away from physical play, especially the guys who play out west,” said Comeau “These exhibition games are important because we can learn from them. The games start counting from Boxing Day, but we want to win these games.
“We want to get better every day. We’re not building for the medal round, but for the first round and every game after.”
On Thursday night, prior to head coach Brent Sutter announcing Team Canada’s final roster Friday morning, Comeau said he’d have a restless night by renting movies. And, for the most part, he did.
“We were all pretty nervous,” Comeau recalled. “I didn’t end up renting any movies. I wound up going back to the (hotel) room with my roommate (forward) Michael Blunden (Erie Otters, OHL) and watching movies on TV until pretty late.
“We were tired but we didn’t want to sleep. We’d be pretty close to sleeping, then we’d ask each other about being asleep yet. We’d say no, so we’d turn the TV back on. We finally shut it down around 1 a.m.”

Rockets blank Blazers as WJC hopefuls face off
By Doyle Potenteau
Sunday, December 11, 2005, 12:00 AM

KELOWNA — It took 48 minutes and 30 seconds, but Blake Comeau finally got the better of Devan Dubnyk on Saturday.
Riding a wave of power plays in the third period — 10 to be exact, and cashing in on three of them — the Kelowna Rockets blanked the Kamloops Blazers 4-0 in Western Hockey League action Saturday night at Prospera Place.
Comeau got into the scoring spree by firing a power-play bullet past Dubnyk. But today, any rivalries that exist between Comeau and Dubnyk have been shelved. At least temporarily.
Both leave their respective communities today for Vancouver to attend Team Canada’s final
selection camp for the upcoming 2006 world junior hockey championship.
“There’s always a rivalry between us and Kamloops,” said Comeau, whose 12th goal of the season made it 3-0.
Comeau’s marker, and Kelowna’s 46th shot of the night, also got Dubnyk — by far the game’s best player — yanked from the game. Had it not been for the rangy six-foot-six netminder, Saturday’s score would have been much higher.
“He’s a good goaltender, and that’s why he’s been invited to the world juniors,” Comeau said.
“He’s one of the top goaltenders in junior hockey and he proved it again tonight. I played under-18 with him and been with him at (world-junior) camps. He’s impressed me every time I’ve seen him play and played against him.
”Dubnyk’s thoughts are now focused on making Team Canada.
“It’s a short camp and you have to go into it flying,” said Dubnyk. “(Comeau) is a real good hockey player. So are (Justin) Keller and (Troy) Bodie. I see them around, and it’s pretty easy to put (the rivalry) away. I have a lot of respect for those guys on the ice. It’s fun to play against them, and yes, there is a rivalry, but it’s easy to put away.”
special teams in hockey are huge now and our power play clicked, which was good for us.”
After Darzins’ goal at 3:41, Comeau made it 3-0 at 11:30, then Ofukany closed out the scoring at 14:51. All of Kelowna’s third-period goals came on the power play.

Comeau receives invite
By Doyle Potenteau
Tuesday, December 6, 2005

Brent Sutter is keeping true to his word, much to Blake Comeau’s delight.
Three weeks ago in this newspaper, Sutter, head coach of Canada’s national junior team, said “we’re counting on (Comeau) to be a very good player for us come Christmas-time.”
On Monday, the six-foot-one winger for the Kelowna Rockets was one of 34 players named to the national junior team’s final selection camp that starts Sunday in Vancouver.
“When you read comments like that from the head coach, it’s definitely a good feeling,” Comeau said on being one step closer to representing Canada at the 2006 world junior hockey championship.
Team Canada’s 22-man roster will be announced Dec. 16 in Vancouver, with the world junior tournament starting Dec. 26 on three different fronts; Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops.
“But there’s always that chance a guy might not make it,” continued Comeau, 19. “So, first of all, I’m
honoured I did make the (final) camp. I’m done yet, though, because there’s a team to be made.”
Not only was Comeau’s selection not surprising, but also as expected were the large number defencemen chosen from the WHL. Of the 12 rearguards invited, six are from the West, including the team’s only returnee from last season, Cam Barker of the Medicine Hat Tigers.
There should have been seven, but, strangely, hulking Vancouver Giants blue-liner and captain Mark Fistric wasn’t issued a final-camp invite.
“If there are 12 guys better than Mark Fistric, I don’t see how we wouldn’t win a gold medal for sure,” Giants owner Ron Toigo told The Province. “If there are 12 guys better than Mark Fistric, we’ve got the best defence in the world by a mile. I can’t think of two guys better than him right now.”
Up front, only four WHLers were issued invites; Comeau, Dustin Boyd (Moose Jaw Warriors), Kyle Chipchura (Prince Albert Raiders) and Devin Setoguchi (Saskatoon Blades).
“That was the case last year too,” said Comeau, who woke up at 5:15 a.m. Monday morning to a 7:45 a.m. flight to attend Hockey Canada’s press conference in Vancouver.
“There’s a lot of WHL defencemen, which goes to show how good our league is defensively and what type of players we bring out of our league.
“The other leagues, they have good scorers, so it’s the same story it has been in previous seasons. But the guys coming out of the WHL are all pretty competitive.”

Nov 30 2005
Rocket trio ready for the Russians
By Warren Henderson Staff Reporter, kelownacapnews.com

As much as it will be a homecoming for Blake Comeau, the Canada-Russia Challenge in Saskatchewan this week will have more to do with making a lasting impression.
The rugged Kelowna Rockets forward hopes to consolidate his case for a spot on Canada's national junior squad as Team WHL battles Russia tonight in Saskatoon and again on Thursday in Regina.
National junior head coach Brent Sutter, who will also be coaching Team WHL, will have one more chance to evaluate his western talent pool before the start of Team Canada's selection camp next month in Vancouver.
"Most of the guys go in there knowing it's a preliminary tryout," said Comeau, 19, a native of Meadow Lake, Sask., who already has an invitation to the final camp beginning Dec. 10.
"You need to go in there and make the best of the opportunity.
"They're going to be looking at how guys play and whether guys can bring it every night.
"It's another important step along the way."
Comeau is one of three Rockets who will wear Team WHL colours this week on the Prairies; forward Justin Keller will dress for both games, while stopper Derek Yeomans will split the goaltending duties with Calgary's Justin Pogge for the matchup in Regina.
Keller, who will serve as an assistant captain along with Comeau for tonight's game, is looking forward to his first sample of international competition.
"It's going to be fun to play with and against a lot of these guys for the first time," said Keller, who leads the Rockets with 18 goals this season.
"I don't think you need to put too much pressure on yourself, just go out there and showcase your skills and enjoy it."
While Keller-a 2004 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning-will only be showcasing his talent for one NHL club, Yeomans will be playing to a much broader audience.
The St. Albert, Alta., native was passed over in the last two NHL entry drafts, despite having posted some solid numbers including a 1.83 goals against average last season.
Still, Yeomans isn't about to heap too many expectations on his own shoulders.
"I'm just glad I've been asked to be there," said Yeomans, who has a .925 save percentage and a 11-3-0-1 record this season.
"Obviously I want to do well and do the best I can, and maybe catch the interest of some teams."
Meanwhile, Comeau will wear the C on his jersey for Team WHL on Thursday in Regina, his first assignment as a team captain since bantam AA hockey in Saskatchewan five seasons ago.
"It's pretty amazing-I'm a bit overwhelmed they've asked to me to wear it," added Comeau.
"It'll be nice to get to wear it in front of family and friends."

Comeau awarded WHL captaincy
By Doyle Potenteau
November 26, 2005 - Kelowna Daily Courier-Local

KELOWNA — Blake Comeau will have his letter upgraded next month, from A to C.
“I’ve been a captain before, but it’s been a long, long time. My last year bantam, actually,” said Comeau, the
Kelowna Rockets assistant captain who will lead one of two WHL all-star teams for the 2005 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge Series in Saskatoon and Regina next week.
Kyle Chipchura of the Prince Albert Raiders will captain the WHL’s first entry on Nov. 30 in Saskatoon, while Comeau, the Rockets’ leading scorer, will lead the WHL’s second entry in Regina on Dec. 1.
In all, 35 WHLers, including a trio of Rockets in Comeau, winger Justin Keller of Summerland and goaltender Derek Yeomans, will compete in the two-game series against the touring Russians, who are currently halfway through their six-game CHL trek of Canada. The Europeans went 0-2 against the QMJHL and are 0-1 against the OHL, with the series’ fourth game to take place Monday.
Comeau and Keller will play in both games, while Yeomans will split netminding duties in Regina with Calgary Hitmen ’stopper Justin Pogge of Penticton.
Another Okanagan tie to the two-game series is Brady Calla of Kelowna. The Everett Silvertips winger will play in Regina.
For Comeau, captaining Saskatoon would have been nicer, since he’s from Meadow Lake, located 90 minutes northwest. But Regina is still fine, he notes.
“It’d be a nice switch because all my friends and family would go to the game,” said Comeau, who will be an assistant captain in Saskatoon, along with Keller and Dustin Boyd of the Moose Jaw Warriors.
In Regina, Comeau’s assistants will be Chipchura, Boyd and Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Cam Barker.
All of them are 19 years old.
“But I don’t think they’ll be going to Regina,” continued Comeau. “Still, to be honoured with something like that, it’s amazing . . . it’s a pretty special feeling. To be named captain, it’s pretty special and it wouldn’t have happened without the help of my teammates.
“It’s a huge honour, and something like this has never happened to me before. I’ve had a pretty successful junior career, going to the Memorial Cup three times with the team, but this, this is pretty amazing and it makes you feel pretty good about yourself.”
Today, Comeau, Keller and Yeomans aren’t concentrating on next week’s series. Rather, they’re focused on the Regina Pats and tonight’s 7 p.m. tilt against the East Division franchise.
It’s the second and final meeting of the season between Kelowna (16-7-1-1) and Regina (15-11-0-0), with the Rockets having bested the Pats 6-4 on Oct. 7 in Regina.
Kelowna held a 4-0 lead in that contest before the Pats rallied by scoring three unanswered goals to make things interesting.
The Rockets enter tonight’s tilt with two days’ rest following a 5-2 victory over the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday. For the Pats, it’s game seven of a seven-game Western Conference road trip. On Friday, the Pats were in Vancouver to play the Giants.

WHL THIS WEEK - News Edition
By Jesse Watts 11/24/2005

COMEAU, ROCKETS AIM FOR PIECE OF MAJOR JUNIOR HISTORY - Blake Comeau might not be considered a Western Hockey League superstar.

He doesn't receive the attention that high-profile players such as Dion Phaneuf, Gilbert Brule, or Ryan Getzlaf garnered during their time in the WHL.

Yet, the 19-year-old winger from Meadow Lake, SK, has quietly carved out a truly impressive WHL career that surely would draw the envy of any Major Junior hockey player.

Comeau, in his fourth WHL campaign, has enjoyed a level of success with the Kelowna Rockets that very few Major Junior hockey players experience. In his first three WHL seasons, he's twice hoisted the President's Trophy as a WHL champion - in 2003 and 2005 - and he's made three consecutive trips to the Memorial Cup, including winning the storied trophy in front of a home crowd when the Rockets hosted the tournament in 2004.

Now, Comeau and the Rockets have a chance to do something very special, something accomplished only once before in the history of Major Junior hockey - make a fourth consecutive appearance at the CHL's championship tournament.

"I think it's a really important thing for the team," said Comeau about the possibility to, once again, head to the Memorial Cup. "I think it's a fact that this organization takes a lot of pride in what we do, and we want to continue that success.

"I think every player's goal is to win a league championship and go to the Memorial Cup, but the fact that we've been there the last three years and we have the opportunity to do it a fourth time is pretty special," he said.

So far, the Rockets are off to a good start to the 2005-06 season. The team is currently eight games over .500 and battling for the B.C. Division lead.

"I think we've gotten off to a pretty good start," said Comeau, whose team returns 18 players from last season's WHL championship roster. "We've kind of leveled off a bit, but the beginning of the season is always a bit of a learning curve.

"What we want to do is get better every day at the start of the season, because when it comes around to playoff time, you want to be peaking, and the mistakes that happen early on are the ones you don't want to be making in the playoffs," said Comeau, who has 60 post-season contests under his belt after three campaigns.

Yet, as Comeau well knows, it will be a very tough battle for the Rockets if they want to repeat as WHL champs and earn their spot in the Memorial Cup - especially considering the team is playing in, quite possibly, the league's toughest division.

"It's very tough competition," said Comeau regarding the ultra-tight B.C. Division. "Every team is above .500 in the division, so we know we can't take any nights off and we have to compete every night.

"Also, with us being the defending champs, lots of teams will be gunning for us trying to prove they can beat the champions," said the New York Islanders prospect.

While the Rockets have the luxury of returning many of the faces that have helped them be so successful in the past few years, they did lose several valuable players from last year's team like Shea Weber, Brett Palin, and Tyler Mosienko. Therefore, it's been up to players like Comeau, Justin Keller, and Troy Bodie to step in a fill the holes not only offensively and defensively, but also in terms of leadership.

Comeau, who attended the Islanders training camp in September and Hockey Canada's national junior team summer development camp, has performed admirably so far with his increased responsibilities. The swift-skating forward has become an offensive catalyst for the Rockets, and has also earned and "A" on his sweater as one of the Rockets' veteran leaders.

"I feel I've had a good start to the season," said Comeau, who will suit up for Team WHL at the upcoming ADT Canada-Russia Challenge. "One thing I wanted to get better at this year was being more consistent day-to-day, and not have a those up-and-down stretches.

"Coming back this year as one of the older guys, I really wanted to put up some points, and I really wanted to be a leader both on and off the ice, and I think my experience this summer at the World Junior camp and at NHL camp was a real confidence-booster.

"When you come into the season with tons of confidence, that's when you're going to be playing your best hockey," said Comeau.

While individual success and recognition is something that every player dreams about at one time or another, it's winning as a team that give most players the biggest sense of satisfaction. Comeau certainly know a thing or two about team success, and it is his goal to taste that success with the Rockets one more time.

Chipchura and Comeau Named WHL Captains
11/25/05

Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League today announced that Kyle Chipchura of the Prince Albert Raiders and Blake Comeau of the Kelowna Rockets have been named captains of TEAM WHL for the 2005 ADT Canada Russia Challenge Series. 

Chipcura, a 19-year old from Vimy, Alberta who has played four seasons in the WHL, all with the Prince Albert Raiders will be captain for the game in Saskatoon on November 30 while 19 year old Blake Comeau from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan who has also played four seasons in the WHL, all with the Kelowna Rockets, will be captain in Regina.

The assistant captains for TEAM WHL in Saskatoon will be Blake Comeau, 19-year old forward Dustin Boyd of the Moose Jaw Warriors from Winnipeg, Manitoba and 19-year old forward Justin Keller of the Kelowna Rockets from Summerland, British Columbia. The assistant captains for TEAM WHL in Regina will be Kyle Chipchura, Dustin Boyd and 19-year old defenceman Cam Barker of the Medicine Hat Tigers from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Blake Comeau: "It's been awesome."
by Tina Comeau
The Vanguard, September 20, 2005

It's one thing to be a prospect at a National Hockey League training camp. It's quite another to be sandwiched between the likes of Alexei Yashin and Miroslav Satan.

“That's an awesome experience in itself,” said 19-year-old Blake Comeau who found himself in this enviable position during last week's New York Islanders training camp in Yarmouth when he was assigned to Team C during the morning workouts, and placed on the Yashin-Satan line for Friday's night's inter-squad game.

Comeau - selected by the New York Islanders in Round 2 during the 2004 entry draft - said the camp was pretty much what he expected it would be.

“I thought the ice in rookie camp in New York was easier than here but that's to be expected,” said Comeau. “They want to get the guys who have been off for a year back in shape.”

Comeau's visit to Yarmouth with the Islanders was also unique in that he has family ties to the area. His father George lived in Weymouth before moving to Saskatchewan, where Comeau was born, and the forward still has family in Yarmouth and Digby counties.

Comeau - described as an extremely hard-working player during his shifts with good offensive instincts, smart puck-handling skills and not one to shy away from a physical game - has spent the past few years playing with the Kelowna Rockets in the Western Hockey League. Aside from his season stats, his successes have included trips to the Memorial Club, - including the 2004 championship - being selected to play for the 2003 U-18 Team Canada and going to this year's World Juniors camp.

“Hopefully I'll have a good start to the year and be invited back,” he said about the juniors.

Sitting down for an interview on board the Cat last Wednesday - one of the off-ice activities held as part of the team chemistry-building portion of the camp - you can't help but be struck by how mature and grounded he comes off. Still his youthfulness sneaks in with his repetitive use of the adjective 'awesome' to describe his experience in Yarmouth.

Asked about what it takes to get here ¬- 'here' being a shot at the NHL - Comeau says, “I think the biggest thing is the off-ice training and a healthy diet. There's a lot of people that have the right skill and a lot of things going for them but they don't take care of themselves off the ice. When you put that together with work ethic and skill and it's all going to come together.”

Having almost reached the midway point of the camp, Comeau said he'd love to spend this season in an Islanders jersey. If not he'll go back to Kelowna to continue playing in junior, pointing out he's too young to play AHL in Bridgeport.

“I wouldn't be too disappointed because it's a great situation there but my main goal right now is to try and stay in New York,” he says, admitting the entire experience has been overwhelming.

“Four years ago I was playing midget in Saskatoon and never thought this day would come and I look back on it now and all the hard work has paid off,” he said. “You get here and you see all these guys you've watched on TV all the time but once you get to know them they're all good guys. They put their pants on one leg at a time like everyone else.”

Comeau Leads Rockets’ Returnees As Camp Opens
by Dana Soleski - August 31, 2005 - KelownaRockets.com

It seems like just yesterday that Blake Comeau was making a good impression at his first Rockets’ training camp.

But three eventful WHL seasons have passed since then and now the New York Islanders’ burgeoning prospect represents a standard against which future hopefuls will be measured. With the Rockets’ main camp underway this week, there is no shortage of lofty expectations for the 6’1” 205 pound power forward.

“This should be a breakout year for Blake,” says Rockets’ President and General Manager, Bruce Hamilton. “We expect him to have an impact each and every game. This will be his fourth year in the league and it’s his time to take that responsibility. Consistency is the key for him – it’s something he’s lacked at times but something he’ll need to have if he wants to play in the NHL or in the World Juniors.”

Aside from his play, the high esteem that Comeau is held in the eyes of the NHL and Canada’s World Junior talent evaluators is a major reason for the enthusiasm and promise that engulfs the former second round WHL and NHL draft pick. In fact, a good portion of his summer has been spent under the watchful eyes of both.

After a short 7-day respite following the Memorial Cup, Blake journeyed to New York and a 2-week orientation camp along with 15 other top-end Islanders’ prospects. He then spent several days in August performing at Team Canada’s summer evaluation camp held in Whistler and Vancouver. Life on hockey’s frozen ‘river of dreams’ has made this offseason a blurr for Blake.

“The Islanders orientation camp was great,” he says. “There were 16 of us and we stayed in two mansions on Long Island. I stayed in a mansion that used to be owned by Billy Joel – it was featured in his ‘Glass Houses’ album. There were some WHL players (Steve Regier, Cody Blanshan, Jeremy Colliton) at the camp and also guys from the OHL, QMJHL and the AHL.”

“We skated and worked out each morning. We had lunch at the rink each day and then we’d spend the afternoon sight seeing and hanging out. Each evening, we got to go out for a big supper at a restaurant. There wasn’t much evaluation going on. The Islanders want us all to come to the camp for 3 or 4 years – to get to know guys who might be future teammates,” he continues. “We also met Mike Milbury and the Coaching Staff for the first time.”

And, like most first time visitors to North America’s largest city, Blake has an interesting New York ‘tale’ to tell.

“I landed at La Guardia Airport and a guy from the Islanders’ training staff was supposed to pick me up,” he explains. “Turns out I was waiting in the wrong spot – I sat outside for an hour before he finally found me! Coming from a small town of 5,000 people, it was quite a feeling seeing the city for the first time.”

Although the junior camp was in more familiar surroundings, it was no less eventful. Blake played on a line with Vancouver Giants’ star Gilbert Brule, who was his roommate in camp. The swanky Westin Resort Spa provided accommodations for the team in Whistler while a post-camp golf tournament united the junior hopefuls with Canada’s men’s Olympic team.

“I’m really pleased with how the camp went,” he says. “I worked out hard getting ready (with NHL’ers Dean McAmmond and David Oliver in Vernon) I wanted to get off to a good start and make a good impression. I scored 3 goals in 3 intrasquad games and I thought I left on a good note. Now it’s a matter of getting off to a good start here in Kelowna so that I have a chance to make the final roster.”

“As one of the older guys, I know I’m going to be counted on for big offensive numbers and leadership with the Rockets this year,” continues Blake who roomed with Shea Weber and Troy Bodie in Kelowna when he wasn’t cavorting around this summer. “I’m really excited about our team this year. We have lots of depth. It’s good seeing the guys again and we’re all looking forward to the season.”

Comeau Gets WJHC Invite
June 9, 2005

Kelowna Rockets forward Blake Comeau is one of 44 players invited to Canada's world junior hockey team summer evaluation camp in Whistler.

Comeau is the only member of the reigning Western Hockey League championship team to be invited to the camp, which runs August 10-15.

Comeau had 24 goals and 23 assists during the regular season, and added 9 goals and 12 assists during the playoffs and Memorial Cup.

2004-05 Update:

Blake Comeau had his best offensive output this past season, putting up 47 points, including 24 goals, in 65 games played. He finished the regular season fifth on the Rockets in scoring, but his importance does not seem to be measured in his regular season stats. Blake is a gritty heat and soul type player who seems to step his game up another level whenever the playoffs come around. That was especially evident when Comeau put up a goal and three assists in Game 3 of the WHL Conference Semifinals, a 4-1 win over the Kootenay Ice. Blake is currently third on the Rockets in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 16 points in 23 games played. The Rockets are looking to win the WHL Championship for the second straight year as they face Brandon in the Finals. Comeau is the type of player the Islanders could really use during playoff time and he should definitely be signed to an NHL contract when the time arrives.

Blake Comeau Voted Onto the Island
By Dana Soleski - July 13, 2004
KelownaRockets.com

With 2 Memorial Cup appearances and one Championship in his first 2 WHL seasons, Blake Comeau is surely leading a charmed life. On NHL draft day, June 26th, his resume got even more impressive as he became the 6th highest drafted player in Rockets' history when he was nabbed in the second round, 47th overall by the New York Islanders who rode a roster of tough WHL'ers to 4 consecutive Stanley Cups in the 1980's.

When Blake learned he'd been drafted, the announcement interrupted a conversation he was having with friend Sidney Crosby. Sitting in the stands at the RBC Centre in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina along with his family, Blake was busy catching up with the man who'll likely be the top pick in next year's draft and who was Blake's teammate with Team Canada at the 2003 World Under-18 Championships.

"At that point in the draft, I wasn't paying too much attention," recalled Blake recently from Vancouver where he will spend a good portion of this summer while on an ambitious workout regime. "I was just talking to my buddy when all of the sudden I heard my name called. I looked at my parents in amazement - it was a very pleasant surprise."

"Heading into the draft, the Islanders weren't one of the teams I thought were interested in me based on what my agent told me and on the interviews I'd had with the clubs. Toronto told me they were very interested. They didn't have a pick until the 3rd round but told me they were crossing their fingers that I'd still be there. I also heard that teams like Boston, Detroit and Colorado were interested."

In the final Central Scouting Bureau rankings, Comeau was listed as the 63rd best North American prospect - a positioning that was expected to result in a 3rd or 4th round selection. Five WHL forwards were ranked higher yet only 2 ended up being drafted ahead of him. Despite a 10-goal season, Blake's excellent all-round, team-oriented game and knack for victory were enticing to the pros. Furthermore, his size (6'1.5", 198 lbs.), outstanding skating skills and grit make him an imposing package in the offensive end where his best hockey has yet to be played.

"The Islanders told me they want me to work on my offensive game and get more confident with the puck," said Blake who enjoyed an extended stay in the Carolinas with his parents, sister, Aunt and cousin following the draft. "They know I didn't put up offensive numbers last year but our team didn't play a wide open style."

A couple of weeks before the draft, the world's best prospects assembled at a 3-day evaluation camp in Toronto where extensive interviews and fitness testing can definitely sway teams impressions dramatically. Blake alone attended 19 interviews in one day and apparently aced the Islanders' detailed personality test.

"Most teams asked the same type of questions like 'what type of player are you and what do you think you can bring to the team.' A couple gave personality tests. The Islanders' test was 150 questions long. They also asked me what I would want if I could have 3 wishes. I told them that I wanted to play in the NHL, I wanted to win a Stanley Cup and I wanted to pay off my parents' debt. After the draft they told me I scored well on the personality test so that may have influenced them in picking me."

"I'm not surprised at how high Blake got drafted," said Rockets' Director of Player Personnel, Lorne Frey. "Mentally, things get away from him at times but he's a big, talented guy. He can really skate and he's also tough - really tough."

"We're pleased for Blake," said President and GM Bruce Hamilton. "It's a very deserving honor for him."

Central Scouting Bureau: Blake Comeau

Is a good strong skater with adequate speed....maintains his balance even when being checked by opponents....makes smart decisions with the puck, rarely forcing the play....although he didn't score many goals, those he did get were often at important times of the game....is very aware of his responsibilities when on the ice....makes good plays getting the puck out of his zone....is a very smart two-way player who is used to protecting a lead....will finish his checks with authority....battles hard in the corners and in front of the net....uses his body well to protect the puck....not afraid to take a hit to make a play....will sacrifice his body to block shots....is persistent when being the first man checking.

Isles Scouts: "This kid is a coach's dream," said Western Canada scout Harkie Singh. "He brings a lot of character and passion to the table. 

"He's a winner, plain and simple," said Singh. "He's been a part of teams that have accomplished a heck of a lot in the last few years. And he's played a part in that."

"He's going to be a leader on his team next year," said Singh. "He's a two-way player who does all of the little things. His best asset is his ability to go into the corner or fight along the boards and win the puck. That's something that is very hard to teach or acquire."

"When you look at the type of young players that we have in the system – Bruno Gervais, Jeremy Colliton, Ryan Caldwell and others that we have that are superb citizens who can play the game – Comeau is going to fit right in with them."

from forecaster.ca:

Preview: Blake Comeau, RW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Was a member of the 2004 Memorial Cup champion Kelowna Rockets, but went pointless in the tournament (4 GP, 0-0-0, even, 6 PIM). Is not shy about throwing his body around, and works extremely hard every time he steps onto the ice. Finished third on the Rockets with 123 penalty minutes in 2003-04. Works the corners well and is a responsible two-way player at both ends of the ice. Projects to be either a third-line checker or energy-line worker at the NHL level. Doesn't have great hands or a huge offensive upside. Played in the 2004 CHL top prospects game.

Scouting Report: Was a member of the 2004 Memorial Cup champion Kelowna Rockets, but went pointless in the tournament (4 GP, 0-0-0, even, 6 PIM). Is not shy about throwing his body around, and works extremely hard every time he steps onto the ice. Finished third on the Rockets with 123 penalty minutes in 2003-04. Works the corners well and is a responsible two-way player at both ends of the ice. Projects to be either a third-line checker or energy-line worker at the NHL level. Doesn't have great hands or a huge offensive upside. Played in the 2004 CHL top prospects game.

Impact: After selecting Petteri Nokelainen in the first round, the Isles again went for grit and two-way ability with the acquisition of Comeau. So far, Isles GM Mike Milbury has surprised the hockey establishment by being somewhat conservative in his draft approach. That could change at any moment.

Kelowna Rockets Press Release: Jun 26, 2004
From Kelownrockets.com

NEW YORK ISLANDERS DRAFT COMEAU

Kelowna, BC – The Kelowna Rockets are thrilled to announce that forward Blake Comeau has been selected 47th overall by the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. 

Blake has spent two seasons with the Rockets collecting over 10 goals, 23 assists and 123 penalty minutes this past season. Comeau was drafted in the 2nd round of today’s NHL Entry Draft in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Comeau drafted 47th
By Anthony Charron
Progress Staff, Meadowlakeprogress.com: July 3, 2004

Meadow Lake Progress — Meadow Lake’s Blake Comeau was elated and a little surprised after being selected 47th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2004 NHL entry draft June 26.
“I set my goal to be drafted on the first day and when I ended up going early in the second round it was exciting. My whole family was pretty stunned when they called my name,” said Comeau.
The 18-year-old winger has had quite a year. First playing on the Memorial Cup winning Kelowna Rockets and now earning a chance to take his skills to the next level in the NHL.
Meadow Lake played an important role in shaping the 6 foot 1 inch, 200 pound prospect. “I grew up there and played my whole minor hockey there so it (the town) was definitely a big part of it.” he said.
Comeau said he looks forward to the chance to skate with the Islanders. “They have a few players that that it would be really neat to play with like Mike Peca, Alexei Yashin and I think it will be really cool to shoot on their first overall pick (goalie) Rick Dipietro.”
He hopes to attend an Islanders camp this summer but due to a possible lock out is not sure if one will take place. “I want to go to camp this year and set a good first example and I guess take it from there,” he said.
Comeau will spend the summer training in Kelowna and Vancouver but plans to return to Meadow Lake sometime in July to visit friends and family.
When asked what he hoped for in the next couple of years Comeau replied that he will likely suit up for the Rockets again this fall “my goal for the next year is win the Memorial Cup and after that we’ll have to see.”

Four Rockets chosen at NHL draft
By Warren Henderson, staff reporter
from kelownacapnews.com

Blake Comeau was fully prepared to wait all day Saturday to hear his name called.

Instead, the NHL Entry Draft in Raleigh, North Carolina was only a few hours old when the New York Islanders made the 18-year-old Kelowna Rocket forward a second round choice, 47th overall.

“It was definitely a surprise,” said Comeau. “I was talking to one of my buddies (Sidney Crosby) when they made the pick. It was a shock. I wasn’t really expecting it to happen that way.”

Comeau was ranked 65th among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service heading into the draft, but the Islanders clearly saw more value in the native of Meadow Lake, Sask.

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound right winger turned heads with his physical play this season and his compatability with the structured, defensive system emlpoyed by the Rockets.

A 29-game goal scoring drought during the 2003-04 campaign apparently did nothing to harm Comeau’s stock, at least in the eyes of the Islanders.

“I think teams probably liked the fact that I played on winning teams for the last couple of years,” added Comeau, who will spend the rest of the week in the Southern U.S. with five of his family members, including his mom and dad. “Being with the Rockets has obviously really helped me.”

Rockets, Kelowna products ready for NHL draft
By Warren Henderson, staff reporter - June 25, 2004
from kelownacapnews.com

Blake Comeau gets shivers down his spine when he watches highlights of the 2004 Memorial Cup final.

The 18-year-old Kelowna Rockets forward is expecting much the same sensation when his name is called this weekend at the NHL Entry Draft in Raleigh, N.C.

Comeau is ranked 65th among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service and is projected to be a third round choice on Saturday.

“It’s going to be pretty exciting,” said Comeau, a native of Meadow Lake, Sask., who will be making the trip to Raleigh today with five members of his family.

“The best thing to do is not to get my expectations too high. The biggest thing is just to get drafted and, you know, get my foot in the door. That’s the most important thing.”

Comeau is one of three Rockets who are expected to be chosen during this weekend’s draft—the others are forward Justin Keller, ranked 132nd on the continent, and defenceman Mike Card. Rockets centre Tyler Spurgeon could also receive some consideration in the later rounds.

Comeau’s stock rose dramatically after a four-point effort in Canadian Hockey League’s Top Prospects game Jan. 21 in London.

However, a subsequent scoring slump followed as the 6-foot-1, 195 pounder failed to find the opposition’s net over the last 29 games of the WHL’s regular season.

The extended dry spell was just one reason Comeau dropped in the scouting bureau’s bi-annual rankings—to 65th from 43rd—but it may not cost him too much come Saturday afternoon.

“I don’t think that really hurt him too much at all,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “He’s a physical guy who can play both ways and a lot of teams I know are still quite interested in him.”

Hockey's Future
Profile by Jay Thompson

History

Selected with the Kelowna Rockets second round pick, 35th overall, in the 2001 WHL Bantam Draft, Blake Comeau started playing with the Rockets as a 16-year-old. In 2003, Comeau was selected to play for Team Canada in the 2003 U18 tournament in Yaroslavl, Russia, in which he and his teammates brought home the Gold Medal. During the 2003-04 regular season, Blake played with Edmonton Oilers prospect Troy Bodie and 2004 draft eligible prospect Tyler Spurgeon to form the 'Network Line'. In the playoffs, Comeau was able to help the Rockets win the Memorial Cup in front of their own fans as the host team.

Future

Many Kelowna Rockets fans and WHL scouts expected Comeau to score a little more than he did in 2003-04, and while he certainly did not have a poor season, Blake has the ability to score much more than he has in the past. His scoring potential has not yet broken out, and if it does, it could mean Blake someday could become a 2nd or 3rd line scoring-line player in the NHL. If he cannot find that extra level offensively, Comeau may be more suited to a depth role on a NHL team.

Comeau leads Team Orr to win

LONDON, Ont. (CP) -- Kelowna Rockets right-winger Blake Comeau did everything he could to improve his draft stock and London Knights centre Robbie Schremp put on a bold performance in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Gameon Wednesday.

 Comeau had a goal and three assists to lead Bobby Orr's team to a 6-2 win over Don Cherry's team. Schremp contributed a goal and two assists and was named Orr's MVP for crowd-pleasing moves.

 Comeau, from Meadow Lake, Sask., is ranked No. 43 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the NHL entry draft in June, but he may have impressed scouts enough to improve his status.

 "If they like what they see, they like what they see," Comeau said. "I just have to keep playing the way I'm playing."

 The 17-year-old got involved forechecking and showed some excellent playmaking abilities. He said he had butterflies before the game began, but after scoring on his first shift, he was off to the races.

 "It went a lot better than I expected," Comeau said. "Playing with Rob Schremp and Andrew Ladd, we definitely complemented each other tonight and it showed up on the scoreboard."

Comeau, Schremp and Ladd, ranked No. 2 by Central Scouting, made up the best line of the game and combined to give Orr a 3-0 lead within the first nine minutes before a full house of 8,835 at the John Labatt Centre.

Comeau's four points tied a Top Prospects record with Trevor Wasyluk and Daniel Briere, who each had four points for Cherry in a 9-3 win in the first game in 1996.

Comeau scores big in Top Prospects game
By Jacquie McFarlane
Progress Staff, Meadowlakeprogress.com: Jan. 25, 2004

Meadow Lake Progress — Heading into the NHL draft later this year, Blake Comeau is making a name for himself.
Comeau had one goal and three assists while participating in the 2004 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in London, Ont. on Wednesday night. The contributions from Comeau contributed to the 6-2 win for Team Orr over Team Cherry.
Watching the game was exciting for Comeau’s family, who were glued to the television, said his dad George.
“He had a pretty good game. We’re pretty happy for him,” said George. “It’s almost like a dream. You can’t believe it’s your son doing that.”
Comeau’s four points tie a record set by player Trevor Wasyluk and Daniel Briere set in the first Top Prospects game held in 1996. George acknowledges that the points were also part of a team effort.
“He was on a really good line with guys who could put it in the net so he could contribute,” said George.
Comeau also earned the MVP title for the skills competition held on Tuesday evening.
According to George, Comeau phoned his family last night after the game, “just to let us know he was pretty happy with his performance.”
There’s no rest for Comeau this week. After leaving his WHL team, the Kelowna Rockets, following a game against Tri-City last weekend he had to get up early to make it to London. Then he flies back to Kelowna to play with the Rockets in two games this weekend.
“He’s having a pretty good season so it’s exciting,” said George.
Comeau and his teammates, including Meadow Lake player D. J. King, have a guaranteed spot in the Memorial Cup this year as the host, but George said the team wants to be more than just a token in the tournament.
“They’re working hard to earn their way in and have a very competitive team in the Memorial Cup,” said George.
The opportunity to play in the tournament will be a good one because it’s the last chance for scouts to see the players before the NHL draft.

Comeau to play in Top Prospects game
Progress Staff, Meadowlakeprogress.com: Jan. 18, 2004

Meadow Lake Progress — Local hockey player Blake Comeau got another giant boost towards the NHL on Tuesday when he was named to one of the two teams in the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
The game, which will be broadcast by Sportsnet on January 21 at 6 p.m. central time, features celebrity coaches Don Cherry and Bobby Orr as well as best up and coming hockey players.
After last year’s game all 40 of the players featured were drafted by NHL teams. And over the nine years over 300 players in total have been drafted.
Earlier this year Comeau was named as one of the WHL’s best players by NHL Central Scouting.
The 2004 NHL entry Draft will be held in Raliegh, N.C. on June 26 and 27.

Comeau 11th in scouting standings
By Jacquie McFarlane
Progress Staff, Meadowlakeprogress.com: Dec. 1, 2003

Meadow Lake Progress — It’s draft year for hockey player Blake Comeau and he got a boost last week in rankings released by the NHL Central Scouting.
Blake was placed 11th in the WHL’s top 25 player list and is in the top five for offensive players in the preliminary ranking.
“We’re pretty proud of him for being eleventh overall, to be ranked that high in a pretty good league,” said dad George Comeau.
So far this season with the Kelowna Rockets, Blake has notched three goals and nine assists in 27 games, while only spending 37 minutes in the penalty box. However, George isn’t getting too serious about the ranking just yet.
“There’s a lot of season to go yet but that’s pretty good to be ranked in the preliminaries that high,” he said. “This is a good way to indicate where you are in relation to the other kids of draft age.”
Central Scouting puts forth three rankings each year. The preliminary ranking in November, a mid-season ranking in February and a ranking just before the draft. This is Blake’s first draft year, which would mean he is eligible to opt-out, but George noted that he’s decided to go ahead this year.
“I think it was a pretty easy decision so he’s decided to opt-in and see how it goes,” George explained. “Because Blake’s got such a high ranking it shows that he’s ready to go and that there’s some interest in him.”
While the Central Scouting rankings are a good indicator, NHL teams have their own scouting systems and don’t necessarily agree with other scouting systems.

Tournament good experience despite placing
By Jacquie McFarlane
Progress Staff, Meadowlakeprogress.com: Aug. 24, 2003

Meadow Lake Progress — Sometimes it’s better to sleep in. Blake Comeau got to after he earned a spot on the 2003 National Summer Under-18 World Cup Team.
After the tryout camp, which ran from Aug. 1 to 7, hockey players were cut from the team at 5:00 a.m. but Comeau wasn’t one of them.
“I was kind of nervous that night but I thought I had a good camp so I thought I should make the team,” he said.
“We were happy for him. We thought it was great and it would be a good experience for him and it proved to be,” said Blake’s dad, George.
The team was then plagued by some bad luck as they travelled to the Czech Republic to play in the tournament, which ran from Aug. 11 to 16. After a delay in Calgary, a six hour wait in London and a bus ride from Vienna, the team arrived at the arena only to find some of the gear missing. Unfortunately they were scheduled to play an exhibition game against the home team that day.
The equipment eventually arrived but many players were missing hockey sticks. The game ended in a 5-0 loss, however that game wasn’t to be representational of how the team played for the rest of the tournament.
“They were pretty well close in all their games except the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game. It either went into overtime or it was close,” said George, who followed the tournament through the internet.
The team rallied and were able to recover in time for their first game against Finland Aug. 11. It was close with Finland scoring one in the first, Canada came back with two goals in the second. In the third Canada had one goal while Finland had two. The game was won in overtime by a penalty shootout. Canada had outshot their opponents 54-27.
The next day Canada faced off against Switzerland, earning two goals in the second and four in the third. The team won 6-3, once again outshooting their opponents.
Their third match was against the Czech Republic, and despite hard work lost the game 3-0. At least one of the goals came on a power play.
A turning point for the team, according to Blake, could have been the game against the United States. The match bumped Canada out of gold medal contention with a 4-3 overtime loss. Canada was leading 2-0 after the first period with two power play goals but the U.S. had three unanswered goals in the second period. Canada was able to tie it up with two minutes left but their goalie was beaten in overtime.
This was the first time in the last eight years that Canada has not won the gold medal at the tournament so the players were disappointed going into the bronze medal game.
“We played pretty good throughout the whole tournament but we should have won against the U.S.,” said Blake. “If we had won we would have probably won the gold medal but because we lost it was hard for the team to get up for the bronze medal game.”
In the 8-2 loss for Canada the team was able to get two goals in the second period but penalties really hurt them. Five of the Czech Republic goals came from power plays.
Despite the disappointing tournament the experience was a good one for Comeau and something he’d like to do again in the future.
For now though he’s getting ready for the Kelowna Rockets camp to start on August 20th with his team’s first game being on September 5th. Next summer Comeau will be eligible for the NHL draft but he’s not putting too much pressure on himself.
“I’ll just have to have a good season,” Blake said.

Prospect Performs
by Laurence Heinen, From BCHockey.com

Winning the Memorial Cup has its privileges. One of those rewards is that prospects get a great chance to showcase their skills to National Hockey League scouts on their way to winning Major Junior hockey’s ultimate prize.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Kelowna coach Marc Habscheid after his Rockets downed the Gatineau Olympiques 2-1. “This is a stepping stone. This is something that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives - that’s what’s great about it. All their work paid off.”

While the Kelowna Rockets don’t boast a host of top-end prospects in the eyes of the scouting community, ranked prospects like Blake Comeau, Justin Keller and Mike Card definitely raised their stock heading into the NHL Entry Draft on June 26 in Raleigh, N.C.

“We knew a lot of people were watching,” said Comeau, who also showcased his skills to scouts at the CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects Game. “We wanted to come out and all the guys were focused on winning and I thought we came out and did a great job. It’s definitely a feather in everyone’s cap for everyone who wants an opportunity in the NHL.”

Ranked 65th among North American skaters in the Central Scouting Service’s final draft rankings, Comeau is hoping his performance this season will earn him a spot in the top three rounds of the draft.

“I’m very reliable defensively,” said the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Comeau when asked to describe his strengths. “I don’t think I proved myself offensively this year ... definitely I think I have a lot more to offer offensively.” “Comeau’s a gritty guy,” pointed out Habscheid. “He can play all types of games.”

Comeau also hopes to see his teammates reap the rewards of the Rockets success this season. “It’s an opportunity for everyone in the draft, guys who are looking for tryouts and guys who are looking for contracts,” Comeau said.

Saskatchewan Born Player Makes National Team
early Summer, 2003

Blake Comeau has made the 2003 National Summer Under-18 Junior World Cup Team.  This Summer's Under-18 World Cup will run Aug 11- 16, 2003 in the Czech Republic.  Canada will be fighting for an 8th consecutive gold medal at this event having captured gold at all seven previous events. 

Blake Comeau is from Meadow Lake and is just coming off a championship season with the Kelowna Rockets.  The 2003-2004 hockey season will have him entering his third year of playing time in the Western Hockey League.

Rookies boost Rockets play off run
By Warren Henderson, staff reporter

Rookie enjoys playing for a winner.

Don’t get Blake Comeau wrong; he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent as a member of the Saskatoon Contacts.

But with all due respect, the 17-year-old forward finds the Kelowna Rockets and Western Hockey League playoff atmosphere a tad more compelling than playing in front of 100 or so fans back in Saskatchewan.

Almost one year ago today, Comeau’s team was on the verge of being chased from the Saskatchewan midget AAA post season picture by Swift Current.

Now, he’s playing an important role with the No. 1 ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League, logging considerable ice time and gaining experience in the process.

“I was pretty nervous my first playoff game, but after the first couple of shifts everything felt pretty good,” says Comeau, a native of Meadow Lake, Sask. “It’s great to be in the middle of the playoffs with such a good team and a good bunch of guys. This is the kind of thing you think about all through minor hockey.”

Comeau is just one out of a huge throng of rookies who have made their presence felt during the most successful season in Kelowna Rockets history.

Rocket rookies are rivals at Canada Games
By Warren Henderson, staff reporter - Feb. 19, 2005
kelownacapnews.com

Blake Comeau has a stern warning for Mike Card.

“He’d better keep his head up, “ Comeau says with a smile. “If we go into the corner together, I’m coming out on top.”

Teammates with the Kelowna Rockets since September, Comeau, Card and Tyler Spurgeon will all become arch enemies beginning this Saturday in Bathurst, New Brunswick, site of the Canada Winter Games.

Comeau will suit up for Team Saskatchewan, Card with B.C., while Spurgeon will play for his native Alberta as 10 provinces and one territory compete for Canadian hockey supremacy for players born in 1986.

Based on their performance at the last Canada Games, the Albertans heads into Bathurst as the top ranked team. Among the WHL talent joining Spurgeon on the Alberta roster is Prince Albert’s Kyle Chipchura, Mark Fistric from Vancouver, and Kamloops goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

And as much as hockey will be his main focus, Spurgeon is taking pride in being part of a much bigger team.

“A lot of us on the Alberta team are all going to fly out together and that should be fun,” says Spurgeon, the Edmonton native who has 12 points for the Rockets in his rookie season.

“We’ll be cheering for each other once we get down there. It’s an honour to represent your province,” Spurgeon says.

Card, whose teammates on the B.C. team will include the Blazers’ Reid Jorgensen and Jeremy Schenderling from Kootenay, counts himself fortunate to be chosen for one of the country’s premier sporting events.

“It’s great because it only happens every four years,” says Card, a native of Penticton.

“I’m going to miss the guys and being with the team back here, but it’ll be a great experience.”

The absence of the three rookies from the Kelowna lineup will mean more opportunities over the next 10 days for players like Troy Bodie, David Jacobsen, and Darren Deschamps.

But it will also mean having to compensate for the loss of three players who have all played key roles with the Rockets this season.

“These guys haven’t been sitting on the bench, they’ve all played lots here,” says Rockets president and general manager, Bruce Hamilton. “It’ll hurt our hockey team, no doubt about it. But it’s going to be a good experience for all of them.”

B.C. and Saskatchewan will play out of the same pool at the games and will collide in preliminary round action on Monday, Feb. 24.

Card says he has plans for Comeau, but is hesitant to let the cat out of the bag.

“I don’t know if I want to say,” jokes Card. “I hope we have a good game against them.”

Among the WHL players joining Comeau on Saskatchewan’s team is Logan Stephenson from Tri-City and Calgary’s Aaron Boogaard.

“We might not have as many WHL guys as some of the other teams, but we should be a hard working team,” adds Comeau, who hails from Meadow Lake, Sask.

“Hopefully we’ll come out with a medal.”

The gold medal final will be played Saturday, March 1. Comeau, Card and Spurgeon will return to the Rockets Sunday, March 2 in Cranbrook when Kelowna takes on Kootenay.

Team Saskatchewan: 2003 Canada Games
Media Guide:

Blake Comeau, 16
Saskatoon
Named MVP at a AAA Bantam hockey tournament, Blake was also the top scorer of his Bantam team. A well-rounded athlete, he has also competed in baseball at the provincial level. Blake is proud to be representing Saskatchewan at the 2003 Canada Winter Games, and he looks forward to performing to the best of his ability amongst high-level competition.

Highlights: 

- October 9, 2004: Rockets defeat Rebels in Red Deer 2-1. Comeau scores a goal and an assist including the game winner in Overtime.

- December 17, 2003: Named first star of the game with a two goal effort in a 3-3 tie with the Prince George Cougars.