tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83024522026-04-16T13:40:38.768-05:00Hockey must be a great sport to have survived the people who run it. - Stafford SmytheMarc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comBlogger850125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-68960217261838666532008-04-29T00:01:00.001-05:002008-04-28T23:32:15.642-05:00I'm sure most folks know all this, but in case you missed any, here's the Cliffs Notes version:<br /><br />The effort to place an NAHL team in Wenatchee cratered when a lease agreement couldn't be reached.<br /><br />Owatonna is moving to Brownstown, MI, a Detroit suburb. A local group is trying to place a new team in Owatonna, or perhaps relocate the Fargo-Moorhead Jets.<br /><br />Albert Lea is close to getting an NAHL franchise, owned by Barry Soskins. Alpena head coach Kenny Miller was close to being the coach in Albert Lea, but instead accepted an offer from Marquette.<br /><br />San Angelo is still looking for a team, as all previous attempts stalled out. There appears to be a new effort based with a group from Minnesota.<br /><br />St. Louis Bandits head coach Jon Cooper is reported to be headed to Green Bay to fill that vacancy.<br /><br />Rob Proffitt has stepped down as head coach in Fairbanks. He will remain as GM. Assistant coach Josh Hauge is stepping up to fill Proffitt's slot.<br /><br />Jean-Paul Parise is the new head coach in Des Moines.<br /><br />The USHL failed to convince the owner of the IHL franchise in Muskegon to switch leagues.<br /><br />Fargo's new arena was vandalized. I've not seen any estimate of how much this sets back construction, but damage was estimated at $500k.<br /><br />Indiana signed a two-year lease with their arena.<br /><br />The latest rumor on the state of the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets has them moving to The Ice Zone in Boardman for a year until the Youngtown Steelhounds' lease expires, whereby they'd relocate there. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms would of course be displaced by such a move, and would move to Cleveland (actually, Gilmour). There may have already been a USHL decision on this, but I have yet to hear it.<br /><br />Despite the international financial crisis, Helena Bighorns owner Oren Koules is close to completing his deal to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning.<br /><br />I'm probably forgetting something. I know I left out most US news below Tier II, and all Canadian news, but hey, I've been on vacation...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-3045490086311142122008-04-24T06:38:00.004-05:002008-04-24T06:58:52.984-05:00One of my favorite sayings is the nature abhors a vacuum. So, since it's been a while since I posted I thought I'd let folks in on a new feature brought to us by Ralph Slate over at <a href="http://www.hockeydb.com">Hockeydb.com</a>. Let's start by selecting a player... say, <a href="http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=81011">Ryan Turek</a>. Once you pull up his stats, you'll see a little link down at the bottom that says "Embed these stats!" Click it, and Ralph gives you a piece of code that you can drop onto your own website... <br /><br /><script src="http://www.hockeydb.com/em/?pid=81011&text_col=%23000000&linktext_col=%230000ee&linktext_hover_col=%23770000&bg_col=%23f0ecdd&border_col=%23000000&title_bg_col=%23d6cda5&row_bg_col=%23ffffff&row_alt_bg_col=%23f5f2e9&header=1" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />The upshot of all this is that junior and college teams can use it to maintain their alumni pages. No longer do you have to wade through your alumni roster every year and find out where a player has gone. Now all you have to do is set up your alumni pages, grab the code (which you can tweak to match your website's colors, I might add), and his bio and stats pop right up. Since Hockeydb.com updates stats throughout the season, the only maintenance required is to add each season's alumni. It's not quite the niftiest thing since sliced bread, but it removes any excuse teams have in not keeping a decent alumni page.Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-44955015337396897642008-03-10T10:13:00.001-06:002008-03-10T09:14:38.781-06:00I'm sure a lot of folks are wondering where the blog has been the last week or so. Fact is I'm giving myself a break. Other family and professional commitments are eating into my (hockey) time and I'm finding it difficult finding the energy to wade through 100 emails a day to filter out the articles that land on the blog. Some might have noticed I had cut the player articles and gone back to the focus on business-only articles. This reduced my time it takes to post, but not the filtering.<br /><br />I'm not stopping. I'm just going on hiatus.Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-40091700773348242612008-03-03T07:00:00.001-06:002008-03-03T07:03:39.174-06:00Pats to honour <a href="http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/features/reginapats/story.html?id=b12b94e3-6b62-4195-88e3-514e7bee1404">franchise builders</a>...<br /><br />Coombs <a href="http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=192812">earns 100th victory</a> in Dubuque...<br /><br />Bucs get <a href="http://www.kcci.com/news/15437151/detail.html">arena upgrades</a> with new owner...<br /><br />Sioux Falls <a href="http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080302/COLUMNISTS0104/803020335/1131/COLUMNISTS">debates new arena</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-42589265159284955352008-03-01T15:29:00.001-06:002008-03-01T15:33:14.969-06:00It looks like Ryan over at the USHL Blog nailed it when he <a href="http://ushlhockey.blogspot.com/2008/02/regg-simon-resigns.html">connected Regg Simon's resignation</a> in Des Moines to <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/SPORTS1403/802290386/-1/NEWS04">the new ownership group</a>...<br /><br />Tornado Warning! Frisco hopes to <a href="http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2008/02/28/frisco_enterprise/news/75.txt">attract D-league basketball team</a> to expanded Deja-Blue. Want to kill a successful hockey team? Bring in a hoops team to swipe all the quality dates...<br /><br />Sudbury Wolves <a href="http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=924412">hire new assistant coach</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-53404062413589470132008-02-29T16:56:00.002-06:002008-02-29T16:59:31.882-06:00Could another junior hockey owner be joining Oren Koules in Tampa? It seems <a href="http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080228.wsptlightning28/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home">Len Barrie might be in the mix</a> according to the <span style="font-style:italic;">Globe and Mail</span>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-7847321715491660442008-02-29T14:04:00.002-06:002008-02-29T14:07:42.440-06:00<blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">North Iowa awarded 2009 Robertson Cup Championship</span><br />February 29, 2008<br /><br />FRISCO, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League announced today that the North Iowa Outlaws have been selected to host the 2009 Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be held April 21-25, 2009 at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, Iowa.<br /><br />"We are excited to bring our league championship to the North Iowa community in 2009," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "The Outlaws organization has helped bring the NAHL to new heights, both on and off the ice, and we have no doubt they will host a first-class tournament."<br /><br />"A lot of people have worked tirelessly to bring this tournament to the area," said Outlaws owner Mark Motz. "It’s going to be a great event for the community and an opportunity for the league to showcase some of the best young players in the country in addition to helping promote and grow the sport of hockey in the North Iowa area."<br /><br />The four-team Robertson Cup Championship crowns the NAHL’s playoff champion (USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior A national champion). As the host team, the Outlaws will receive an automatic bid to the 2009 tournament.<br /><br />The event will attract over 2,000 visitors, including fans, players, coaches, scouts and media over a four-day period. The economic impact to the North Iowa area generated from visitor spending is estimated at over $200,000. In addition, North Iowa residents will be provided the opportunity to attend the tournament, witnessing hockey at its best.<br /><br />"This will be a great event for the fans of hockey in the North Iowa area," said Outlaws GM Rick Wesp. "Not only will they be able to see and cheer on their own team, but they’ll see the best teams the NAHL has to offer, and we all know North Iowa has the best and the loudest fans in the league."<br /><br />Outlaws business manager Bob Thoms began inquiring about attracting the tournament to the area last September after the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau requested partners to submit new or existing sporting event ideas.<br /><br />Through the partnership of the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Cerro Gordo County, the North Iowa Sports Authority was created and submitted a grant application to help attract the Robertson Cup to North Iowa.<br /><br />A $50,000 Regional Sports Authority District Grant, provided by the State of Iowa through the Iowa Tourism Office, and a $25,000 cash match was secured in October.<br /><br />"This funding gave the North Iowa Outlaws organization the boost needed to seek the bid for the National Tournament," said Thoms.<br /><br />"The North Iowa Outlaws, North Iowa Sports Authority and specifically the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together extensively on this project because of the tremendous economic boost and national recognition it will bring to the North Iowa area," said Vicki Hensley, Chair of the North Iowa Sports Authority. "We are thrilled to be the host community."<br /><br />In addition to the Outlaws, the playoff series winners from the North, South and Central Divisions will receive the other three bids to the tournament. If the Outlaws win the 2009 Central Division playoffs, the runner up from the Central Division will receive the fourth bid.<br /><br />The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83.<br /><br />The St. Louis Bandits will host this year’s Robertson Cup Championship.<br /><br />More details on the 2009 Robertson Cup Championship will be released in the coming months.<br /><br />For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship, visit www.robertsoncup.com.</blockquote>Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-9947669676790273112008-02-29T09:11:00.002-06:002008-02-29T09:23:09.216-06:00A new arena does not a quality operation make: Fronts <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=923238">taken to task over marketing</a>; Mayor says club's promotion efforts 'amateurish' in nature. I'll wager fans would show up if the team were sold to someone else and run by someone with a clue. If <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=921634">Mavety is frustrated</a>, how do you think the hundreds of remaining Fronts fans feel?<br /><br />Spitfires <a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=341654">honour fallen</a> Renaud...<br /><br />PIJHL <a href="http://www.squamishchief.com/madison%5CWQuestion.nsf/0/83822724406305A1882573FE000076E4?OpenDocument">shows interest</a> in Squamish...<br /><br />Otters' Ftorek <a href="http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/HOCKEY01/802290400/-1/HOCKEY">plans to return</a><br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120817&Itemid=564">statistical look</a> at the Pringe George Cougars after 999 games...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-33296189841809411242008-02-28T18:28:00.004-06:002008-02-28T18:31:51.733-06:00Regg Simon has resigned as head coach of the Des Moines Bucs:<blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Simon Resigns as Head Coach & GM</span><br /><br />February 28, 2008<br /><br />The Des Moines Buccaneers announced today that Head Coach and General Manager Regg Simon has resigned effective immediately. Associate Head Coach Todd Knott will take over on an interim basis as Head Coach for the remainder of the season. <br /><br />“I felt it was in my best interest personally and professionally to step down at this time.” Simon said. “I appreciate the opportunity the organization has given me and I wish them the best of luck in the future.”<br /><br />Buccaneers President Shawn Edwards, who made the announcement to his staff this afternoon, said it was a “sad day for Buccaneer hockey”, and that “Regg was a special person”.<br /><br />Simon was in his fifth season with the Buccaneers and his third as Head Coach & General Manager. Edwards said that Simon “took this organization to the next level and will certainly be missed.” He said that Regg is a “great talent in the coaching field with a bright future”. Edwards went on to say that he “understands Regg’s reasoning behind the decision”.<br /><br />Todd Knott will be making his USHL Head Coach debut tomorrow night as the Bucs host the Chicago Steel. Knott, in his third season with the Bucs, has served as a Head Coach & General Manager in the past. During the ’04-’05 season Knott guided the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the North American Hockey League to a division title.</blockquote>Also, for those wondering, my ISP has hosed my webserver, so most of my images, like the masthead to the blog, are currently unavailable. It should be resolved in a day or so.Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-79409640722992455192008-02-28T06:43:00.003-06:002008-02-28T16:37:14.442-06:00L.A. developer <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/SPORTS1403/80227043/-1/statehouse">buys Des Moines Buccaneers</a>...<br /><br />Eric Ballard <a href="http://www.sj-r.com/Sports/stories/26048.asp">resigns as assistant</a> for the Junior Blues...<br /><br />BCHL Clippers a <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouverisland/nanaimo/sports/story.html?id=bbafb0a8-53a7-4c0e-a7bc-218513c6b98f">father-son business</a>...<br /><br />Commercial development expected <a href="http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=8a8c9c1a-b5f6-4836-9ae0-6282e642f60d&k=11111">around new Windsor arena</a>...<br /><br />Councillor wants to <a href="http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=918753">plan now for new arena</a> in St. Catharines...<br /><br />How bad off is Portland these days? They are <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/tailgate/index.ssf?/base/sports/1204080924183050.xml&coll=7">dropping off the local sports scene map</a>... And then there's this...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/thunderbird107/winterhawkfacebook.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y287/thunderbird107/winterhawkfacebook.png" border="0" alt="" /></a>Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-43417278827944687502008-02-27T06:27:00.002-06:002008-02-27T06:45:57.816-06:00Lewiston MAINEiacs fined; head coach <a href="http://www.chl.ca/QMJHLNews0708/0225.html">suspended one game</a>...<br /><br />PMI <a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/GPG0209/802270703/1225/GPGsports">fires Gamblers coach</a> Mark Mazzoleni...<br /><br />Renaud family Spits' <a href="http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=ebb8eb27-7f1e-47eb-9f8e-89a889cbc8d8">top priority</a>...<br /><br />NOJHL to <a href="http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=918774">hold off ruling</a> on neck guards...<br /><br />K-Rock Pot opening <a href="http://www.kingstonthisweek.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=918548"><span style="font-style:italic;">"cool" and "awesome"</span></a>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*Cue John Cougar Mellencamp*</span> <a href="http://newsminer.com/news/2008/feb/24/its-been-long-happy-trip-hockey-hall-fame/">Lemme tell ya</a>... about Jack and Darlene...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-74643939277556414452008-02-26T12:01:00.002-06:002008-02-26T12:03:04.733-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ushl.com/news/img/20070203_234.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.ushl.com/news/img/20070203_234.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=953">Mazzoleni Removed As Gamblers Coach</a><br /><br />Effective immediately, PMI has terminated Mark Mazzoleni's employment as head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Gamblers.<br /><br />Although PMI acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Mazzoleni to the Gamblers organization, it was felt the team needed a new direction. PMI will soon begin its search for a replacement head coach and general manager.<br /><br />Gamblers Assistant Coach Dave Insalaco will become the interim head coach and general manager for the remainder of this season.Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-1091335937026048412008-02-26T06:22:00.002-06:002008-02-26T06:44:41.943-06:00City of Soo <a href="http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=917859">ponders suites</a> for Steelback Centre...<br /><br />Portland Winter Hawks <a href="http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080226/SPORTS/982366992/1004/SPORTS">under investigation</a> by WHL...<br /><br />Winter Hawks to <a href="http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=120397642630742200">hire new GM</a>...<br /><br />Deal to buy the Williams Lake TimberWolves <a href="http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/williamslaketribune/news/TimberWolves_deal_waiting_on_league.html">awaiting BCHL approval</a>...<br /><br />Ftorek, Otters <a href="http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080224/HOCKEY01/451355224/-1/SPORTS1001">close to deal</a>?Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-59125793577821170162008-02-25T00:01:00.000-06:002008-02-24T23:57:22.001-06:00Darlene and Jack Tragis <a href="http://newsminer.com/news/2008/feb/23/darlene-and-jack-tragis-earned-their-way-hockey-ha/">earn their way</a> into Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame<br /><br />Wichita Falls sports editor <a href="http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/feb/24/nick-time-february-24/">piles on the criticism</a> of KY Coliseum staffers...<br /><br />Wenatchee hockey team OK '<a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/NEWS04/557063311/-1/BIZ01">almost 100 percent</a>'...<br /><br />Lewiston columnist: In fairness, referees should be <a href="http://www.sunjournal.com/story/253464-3/LocalSports/In_fairness_referees_should_be_subject_to_official_reviews_too/">subject to official reviews</a>, too (hey, I'm an <a href="http://webpages.charter.net/mactartan/Marc/onsides.jpg">Sooner alumnus</a>, so no argument from me)...<br /><br />Kingston provides fans with a good game in <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=915225">K-Rock Pot debut</a> (but the result was predictable)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=909816">New arena</a> for Niagara IceDogs discussed - Big dreams for a new '<a href="http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=912977">spectator facility</a>'...<br /><br />Crowds pack church to <a href="http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=485a8e30-aeaa-491d-8b9c-316352a85c7f&k=34147">say goodbye</a> to junior hockey star...<br /><br />Camrose lands <a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=af82dc8d-60fe-4541-b5c4-9c51af9f7247">Jr. A challenge</a> set for November...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-6252319100937954012008-02-22T06:07:00.002-06:002008-02-22T06:29:26.349-06:00Wenatchee gets <a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080221/NEWS04/409720423">conditional OK</a> for NAHL franchise. I'm sure they just need to sort out the little things, like a lease, what division they'll play in, and how the whole travel thing is going to work...<br /><br />WHL league commissioner orders the Portland franchise to <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/120365611245280.xml&coll=7">shake up the front office</a> (and pay their bills)...<br /><br />Fronts eager for fresh start; Hockey club <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=913199&auth=Doug+Graham+Whig-Standard+Sports+Reporter">opens new arena</a> (psst, sometimes you need more than a new barn for a fresh start)...<br /><br />Everett defenseman Graham Potuer <a href="http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080220/BLOG12/937944246">suspended for two games</a>...<br /><br />Grapes to <a href="http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=8ffa0426-ff94-4391-927f-acca43371bfc&k=26678">speak of Renaud</a> on Coach's Corner...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-18393229738157937032008-02-21T06:18:00.004-06:002008-02-21T06:47:11.682-06:00Will facility open on time?; With just days to go, <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=909694&auth=Rob+Tripp%3b+Jordan+Press">workers scramble</a> to bring the Kingston K-Rock Pot up to code...<br /><br />Fans <a href="http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2008/feb/19/fans-miffed-kyc/">miffed with KY Coliseum ushers</a>, but they're more miffed at how the <span style="font-style:italic;">Wichita Falls TimesRecordNews</span> framed the article, giving the appearance that fans were upset with the Wildcats...<br /><br />Windsor's games tonight and Sunday have been postponed following the death of team captain Mickey Renaud. Renaud's #18 has been retired, and all OHL players will <a href="http://www.theobserver.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=910337">wear his number on their helmets</a> the rest of this season...<br /><br />Oh, and there's <a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/NEWS04/576514818">supposed to be a vote</a> on Wenatchee today, no foolin'...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-49914072703977827732008-02-20T17:16:00.003-06:002008-02-21T06:16:34.515-06:00You can't fault the <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/NEWS04/800646457">Wenatchee World</a></span> for trying. Still, that vote everyone's waiting to hear the results on hasn't been taken yet. I guess communications to central Washington are slow in the winter, what with the passes being closed all the time. I'm guessing that the major hang-up with accepting Wenatchee is still the divisional alignment. This whole time the thought has been to add them to the South along with the three Alaska teams, Texas, Wichita Falls, and Topeka. I'm guessing that's not real popular with the three teams actually <span style="font-style:italic;">in</span> the south. It also goes without saying you can't set your divisions until you know <span style="font-style:italic;">who</span> is committed to next season and <span style="font-style:italic;">where</span> they will be playing. I'm not holding up any franchise voodoo dolls, so don't read too much into this, but I doubt we'll see the same pieces on the chessboard this fall.<br /><br />I understand the vote is tomorrow. No really, I'm not joking.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Update: </span> The WenWorld seems to have <a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/NEWS04/576514818">picked up on the delay</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-68962857913989087542008-02-20T06:46:00.002-06:002008-02-20T06:58:35.518-06:00Spitfire captain's autopsy results <a href="http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=908785">released to family</a>, not public...<br /><br />Mayor in talks on <a href="http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=908501&auth=Matthew+Van+Dongen">new home</a> for Niagara IceDogs...<br /><br />Surrey <a href="http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/dubhub/archive/2008/02/19/surrey-drops-basford-suspension-freeing-him-to-join-giants.aspx">drops Basford suspension</a>, freeing him to join Giants...<br /><br />Q governors vote for <a href="http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=232&id_nouvelle=1697">68-game schedule</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-89481594157712269702008-02-19T06:57:00.002-06:002008-02-19T07:05:31.236-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.newsdurhamregion.com/images/b9/1a/992dd71a46c68c8664305d0da24b.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px;" src="http://media.newsdurhamregion.com/images/b9/1a/992dd71a46c68c8664305d0da24b.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Windsor Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud <a href="http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jlFBcsAf1FzCOWO9fu1J2EIj5wrw">dies suddenly</a> after collapsing (<a href="http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/HTMLTemplate?tf=/ctv/mar/video/new_player.html&cf=ctv/mar/ctv.cfg&hub=Canada&video_link_high=http://esi.ctv.ca/datafeed/urlgen2.aspx?vid=32712&video_link_low=CFTO0218_renaud&clip_start=00:00:00.00&clip_end=00:01:10.00&clip_caption=CTV%20Toronto:%20Joe%20Tilley%20on%20the%20stunning%20death&clip_id=32712&subhub=video&no_ads=&sortdate=20080218&slug=hockey_death_080218&archive=CTVNews">video</a>)...<br /><br />Sertz <a href="http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080218/HOCKEY01/518642124/-1/SPORTS1001">steps down</a> after 12 years as Otters' director of operations (includes video)...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-72088391526267058872008-02-18T06:50:00.002-06:002008-02-18T06:56:16.504-06:00Hastings sets USHL all-time <a href="http://ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=910">wins record</a>...<br /><br />Generals <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=229913&hubname=">to retire</a> Lindros' No. 88, I'm sure the Soo Greyhounds banned the number years ago...<br /><br />Finley an <a href="http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/15711387.html">excellent fit</a> for Rockets staff...<br /><br />Francis Filion <a href="http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=232&id_nouvelle=1691">suspended</a> for one game...<br /><br />Dubuque claims CSHL <a href="http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=190995">regular season title</a>...<br /><br />Goin' to the 'Dogs; Niagara Falls fans <a href="http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=905172">pack arena</a> to support St. Catharines team...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-13901059517976448352008-02-16T06:48:00.002-06:002008-02-16T07:11:13.462-06:00Frontenacs <a href="http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/Hockey/2008/02/16/4851355-sun.html">bid old rink good-Knight</a>, but <a href="http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gOP1Wg_jLXerBa8pEs8Dh4CmCf4A">without Larry Mavety</a>...<br /><br />Cozy comfort for Kent crowds in <a href="http://www.thenewstribune.com/1031/story/283088.html">new home for Seattle T-Birds</a>...<br /><br />USHL announces <a href="http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=908">new partnership</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-89168225381780126662008-02-15T06:32:00.002-06:002008-02-15T06:47:08.642-06:00Are you kidding me? Yet another league, Part II, the <a href="http://www.lijhl.com">Lakefront International Junior Hockey League</a>. Yeeeeeesh...<br /><br />Wenatchee NAHL vote <a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/NEWS04/402081073">postponed until Monday</a>. What a way to run a railroad. Read the second paragraph carefully - why do you even consider approving a team with only the exec board? A recommendation to the full BoG I could see, but this was billed as final approval...<br /><br />Op-Ed: Rothschild <a href="http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/WDH06/802140503/1637/WDHopinion">shoots and it scores</a> (for Wausau)...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-52280293616335590582008-02-14T06:37:00.000-06:002008-02-14T06:37:23.231-06:00A funny thing happened on the way to the NAHL voting on Wenatchee... nothing. After posting the <span style="font-style:italic;">Wenatchee World</span> article yesterday, the response I received from several teams was "Vote? What vote?!???" as apparently the vote is not scheduled until next week. I'm not sure where the miscommunication originated, but then again, the <span style="font-style:italic;">World</span> couldn't even get Mark Frankenfeld's name right (it has since been corrected)...<br /><br />Is everyone ready for yet another independent "Junior A" hockey league? No? Well too bad, you're stuck with one anyway. Say hello to the <a href="http://www.wisconsinjuniorhockeyleague.com/">Wisconsin Junior Hockey League</a>...<br /><br />If Wausau-are arena is built, <a href="http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/WDH0101/802130503/1981">team will follow</a>...<br /><br />OHL <a href="http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=900621">suspends Kingston GM/head coach</a> Larry Mavety, but not long enough for Fronts fans. Here's a clip of what resulted int he suspension...<br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NWwLEjVr6FU&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NWwLEjVr6FU&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-37498105960949837182008-02-13T05:41:00.003-06:002008-02-13T06:17:59.605-06:00Wenatchee NAHL franchise <a href="http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080212/SPORTS/899290629">up for a vote</a> Tuesday. I haven't heard the result yet...<br /><br />I have heard there is a meeting going on today concerning the arena in Bloomington, IL. I hope to have more details by this weekend.<br /> <br />Moose Jaw Warriors <a href="http://www.discovermoosejaw.com/index.php?option=com_ezine&task=read&page=11&category=2&article=4424&Itemid=236">fined and suspended</a>...<br /><br />Fargo's main rink financing <a href="http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=191637">almost secured</a>...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.in-forum.com/Sports/articles/191639">Fargo awarded</a> 2009 IIHF U-18 Tournament, <a href="http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008102120048">beating out St. Cloud</a> and Providence...<br /><br />Ferguson, Brand honored with <a href="http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=890">distinguished service awards</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8302452.post-10420200094946807192008-02-12T06:27:00.000-06:002008-02-12T06:42:16.573-06:00WHL board of governors meeting <a href="http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080212/SPORTS/52547963">focuses on economy</a>...<br /><br />Small-market WHL clubs <a href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/02/12/4841590-sun.html">remain viable</a>...<br /><br />Selwood steps down as coach - Oshawa Generals <a href="http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/news/news/article/93644">promote Chris DePiero</a> to bench boss...<br /><br />USHL president <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080211/SPORTS1403/80211026">preparing to retire</a> (not much here that wasn't in the release yesterday)...<br /><br />Rendell <a href="http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NEWS02/802080364/-1/NEWS">gives hope</a> to Erie arena plan...<br /><br />Huskies and Saguenéens <a href="http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=232&id_nouvelle=1685">fined by QMJHL</a>...<br /><br />Outbreak of mono <a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=c7580c33-ed4f-4227-9030-ffd832d61a41">really bugging 67's</a>...<br /><br />Allow Mooseheads coach to <a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/Sports/1037443.html">map his hockey fate</a>...<br /><br />High-flying Wolverine <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/272930.html">grounded by bad judgment</a>...<br /><br />Surrey Eagles <a href="http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/15454216.html">suspend centre for season</a>...<br /><br />Welcome to the league, Verdun; now you <a href="http://www.sunjournal.com/story/251361-3/LocalSports/In_the_Crease_Welcome_to_the_league_Verdun_now_you_figure_out_the_schedule/">figure out the schedule</a>...<br /><br />Ray Bourque hopes Verdun move <a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/Sports/1036760.html">will be a success</a>...Marc Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05927103444111262571noreply@blogger.com