Taking Note

2013-05-21T01:38:00.000-07:00

A little of this and some of that . . .
1. Mike Johnston, the suspended GM/head coach of the Portland Winterhawks, was said to be in Credit Union Centre on Monday, the first time he had watched his club play in person since an 8-2 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds in Kent, Wash., on Nov. 24. I haven’t been able to find out if he was using the Bobby Valentine disguise, though. (Can’t remember? Go ahead and Google ‘Bobby Valentine disguise.’)

2. Are the Winterhawks back? They beat the London Knights 6-3 last night, after a 7-4 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads on Saturday. . . . They got two goals from Ty Rattie, superior goaltending from Mac Carruth, and another terrific night in the faceoff circle from Taylor Peters. . . . Oh, and D Seth Jones was plus-4, so perhaps he’s at least back on a par with Halifax F Nathan MacKinnon.

3. You have to wonder how many coaches look at Rattie and his long stick and are tempted to get him to shorten it. A stick that length for a highly skilled talent goes against the traditional grain of hockey, but Rattie is a magician with it. So perhaps he should stick with it!

4. Les Lazaruk, the veteran radio voice of the Saskatoon Blades, is calling every Memorial Cup game on 92.9 The Bull. But you’ve got to wonder if there is a Plan B should his voice disappear. Hello, Roger . . . Roger Millions! . . . No. What about Kevin Waugh?

5. The attendance for Portland-London on Monday night was 7,575. And there was more social media abuse piled on the City of Saskatoon and the Blades. . . . Look for more of the same tonight as the London Knights and Halifax Mooseheads clash.

6. A note from a Portland fan: “Huge ‘props and kudos’ for the Saskatoon radio station that is covering the tourney — 90 minute pre-game show featuring Dave Hunchak and Peter Loubardias . . . every game broadcast . . . extended post-game show . . . The Bull has done a great job covering this tourney.”

7. I’m sorry, but looking at all the permutations and trying to figure out what might happen over the rest of the week gives me a headache. Let’s just allow things to play out. It’s more fun that way.

8. With the Everett Silvertips, Lethbridge Hurricanes and Prince Albert Raiders each in need of a head coach, I’m not hearing too many rumours. . . . But I have heard that Brian Pellerin may be the Raiders’ next head coach. A native of Hinton, Alta., he played four seasons (1987-91) with the Raiders and has WHL coaching experience (2004-08) as an assistant in Portland. These days, he is the head coach of the prep team at the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton.

9. When Patrick Roy steps behind the Colorado Avalanche bench for the first time as head coach, will he still have his Stanley Cup rings in his ears?

10. In my business, you grow inured to a lot of the things that happen in our world. I spend a lot of evenings at my desk, periodically checking photos that are sent our way from around the world. Whenever tragedy strikes, the photos are right there; a lot of them aren’t pretty. Having been doing this as long as I have, the vast majority don’t have an impact on me. But that wasn’t the case on Monday when the pictures began to come in from the Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., a suburb of Oklahoma City. The school had found itself in the way of a tornado that hit during the afternoon. . . . As you make your way around your world today, please keep the folks and families from that area of our world in your thoughts.
———
Jim Dunlevy, who is leaving his role as the head of the WHL’s education program in June, has been named the 2013 recipient of the WHL Governors Award. . . . He was given the award during a reception in Saskatoon on Sunday. . . . According to a news release, the award “is presented annually to an individual, who through their outstanding achievements and service to the league, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL.” . . . Dunlevy has headed up the education program since 1992. . . . He is leaving his position as the director of education services at the end of June.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post reports that “Patrick Roy will be the next coach of the Avalanche, according to Roy’s brother, Stephane.” . . . That story is right here.
———

From Portland freelancer Scott Sepich (@SSepich), who is covering the Memorial Cup for The Oregonian: “Dominic Turgeon made it through a shift without Dale Hunter jumping off the bench to blast him into the boards.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-20T01:11:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Matt Strueby (Regina, 2006-10) signed a contract for this season with the Perth Thunder (Australia, AIHL). He had five goals and seven assists in 16 games with the University of Regina Cougars (CIS) and two goals and four assists in 23 games with the Colorado Eagles (ECHL) this season. The Australia regular season started May 4 and ends Sept. 1.
———
A little of this and some of that:
1. The Halifax Mooseheads’ white sweaters are much better for the TV viewer than the ones they wore Saturday.
2. The person whose decision it was to hand out those noisemakers for Sunday’s Memorial Cup game should have his/her pass revoked. Watching on TV, it often sounded as though the building was in the throes of a mosquito infestation.
3. The Sportsnet telecast on Sunday began with an ode to Halifax F Nathan MacKinnon and his three-goal opener. What the talking heads forgot to mention is that MacKinnon was the beneficiary of some leaky goaltending by Mac Carruth of the Portland Winterhawks. Of Halifax’s seven goals in the opener, Carruth likely would want five of them back and three of those were scored by MacKinnon.
4. If Carruth had turned in many efforts like that in the WHL regular season or playoffs, the Winterhawks would have been on the beach long before now. BTW, anyone expecting Portland head coach Travis Green to change goaltending horses in midstream hasn’t been paying attention. . . . And how did Carruth handle things when he met the media on Sunday? He said his club didn’t get the goaltending. Check out this piece right here by Neate Sager of Yahoo! Sports.
5. Let’s thank the Saskatoon Blades for turning this into a tournament. Gee, you mean there’s more to this thing than Drouin, MacKinnon and Jones? . . . The Blades’ 5-2 victory over Halifax on Sunday means that if Portland beats the London Knights tonight, everyone is 1-1 and the fun really begins.
6. Saskatoon G Andrey Makarov won the goaltending battle last night, and the Blades won the game. That’s what can happen when your goaltender plays extremely well. . . . Of course, it helps when you're a bigger and more physical team that scores five times.
7. The Sunday game had its nasty moments. There were at least three really ugly knee-on-knee hits and that’s three too many.
8. The Blades went into Sunday having lost 13 straight postseason games. . . . Saskatoon F Josh Nicholls may be sore today, especially one knee, while F Lukas Sutter is likely going to need treatment on a shoulder.
9. The attendance on Sunday was 8,934, and there are people wondering why the Credit Union Centre, with a capacity of 15,195, isn’t full. Maybe it’s the ticket prices, the game being televised, summer-like weather. Or maybe it is what it is and this is what the major junior tournament is going to draw in Saskatoon. . . . You’ve gotta wonder what it would draw in Spokane or, say, Portland?
10. Alexis Normand is scheduled to sing O Canada prior to Tuesday’s Memorial Cup game. Yes, Normand is the singer who botched the The Star Spangled Banner on Saturday. Kevin Mitchell of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix has a story right here that details how she has dealt with that moment and all that has followed.
———
If you are wondering what is happening with the film rights to that book over there on the right — Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga of the 1989 Swift Current Broncos — you’ve come to the right place. . . . Shayne Putzlocher and Holly Baird are in attendance at the Cannes International Film Festival as they work to spread the good word and canvas potential investors. . . . If you’re in Saskatoon at the Memorial Cup, there are copies of the book available at any of the three Coles stores (Midtown Plaza, Sask. Market Mall, Lawson Heights) or the Indigo store in The Centre.
———
The AJHL-champion Brooks Bandits beat the host Summerside Western Capitals 3-1 on Sunday to win the RBC Cup, the national junior A championship. . . . This was the first time the Bandits have won the title. . . . F Cam Maclise, a ninth-round selection by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2007 WHL bantam draft, had an empty-net goal and an assist for Brooks. He was named the CJHL’s player of the year on Friday. . . . The final game drew a tournament record crowd of 4,211. . . . Brooks was the CJHL’s top-ranked team for the final 22 weeks of the regular season. . . . The Bandits are the first AJHL team to win the title since 2001 when the Camrose Kodiaks did it. . . . The 2014 RBC Cup is scheduled to be held in Vernon, B.C.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post is reporting that Patrick Roy, the co-owner, general manager and head coach of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, is a “strong candidate” to be the next head coach of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. Dater’s report is right here.
———

From Neate Sager (@neatebuzzthenet) of Yahoo! Sports): “Watching from the media room again b/c the wireless doesn't work on press row. Great Memorial Cup, Saskatoon.”
———
One more from Sager: “This is what the #memorialcup is becoming, host team sits out for weeks, wears down a legitimate skilled team. All about the money, though”
———
One more from Sager: “Alright, no more tweets about the Credit Union Centre wifi, kvetching gets old. Saskatoon's made it a tournament. #positives.”
———
From Saskatoon Express editor Cam Hutchinson (@camhutchinson): “@neatebuzzthenet Enjoy your stay in our city and may you find a hotspot or a dial up connection ... #didsomebodyshitinyourcornflakes”
———
From Matthew Gourlie (@MattGourlie) of the Moose Jaw Times-Herald: “Per twitter former MJ Warrior Jordan Henry is engaged to season 14 Bachelor contestant Jessie Sulidis. Henry is playing in Finland.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-19T01:56:00.000-07:00

A little of this and some of that:
1. For the sake of the television viewers, those Halifax Mooseheads sweaters that have green numbers on red have got to go.
2. That was an all-world meltdown by Portland Winterhawks G Mac Carruth on Saturday in Saskatoon. His history shows that it won’t bother him, though, so he’ll be ready for the London Knights come Monday evening. At least the Winterhawks hope so.
3. In this day and age, when the jackals of the Internet are poised to tear you to shreds for any little misstep, you don’t want to forget the words to a national anthem when you’re on national TV.
4. I had a coach tell me recently that Portland’s Taylor Peters is the best faceoff man in the Canadian Hockey League. Watch for him to make a difference before the week is out.
5. It was just one game, so don’t let anyone tell you that Halifax F Nathan MacKinnon beat Portland D Seth Jones. It’s a team game and Halifax won, thus MacKinnon won.
6. Just wondering, but are there any WHL people pulling for Portland? Other than those folks with the Winterhawks, of course?
7. The NHL has fined the San Jose Sharks $100,000 after general manager Doug Wilson publicly disagreed with the decision to suspend F Raffi Torres. When told of that fine, Portland GM Mike Johnston said: “A hundred grand? Pffft! That’s chump change.”
8. If you are still watching the NHL playoffs, do you have any idea what is – and what isn’t – a penalty?
9. The Mooseheads have played 86 games this season. They have won 75 of them. Yes, they’re that good.
10. When December arrives and we look for the best story in hockey in 2013, we won’t have to look past the Swiss national men’s team. That’s some story that it is writing at the world championship, even if it loses to Sweden in today’s final.
———
Morris Dalla Costa of the London Free Press reports that the London Knights, the host team for the 2014 Memorial Cup, appear likely to partner with Rogers Sportsnet on a TV series similar to On The Edge, the all-access show that followed the Saskatoon Blades on the road to the 2013 Memorial Cup. That story is right here. . . . Something tells me that the next such series, no matter which team it involves, will be a whole lot tamer than the one that has featured Lorne Molleken and his Blades. . . . BTW, when Kamloops Blazers head coach Dave Hunchak was asked on Saskatoon radio station The Bull’s pregame show on Friday if he would OK such a show were his club the host team, he issued a resounding: “NO!” Simply put, he said, and I’m paraphrasing, something like that is too much of a distraction and the players are too young to be under such scrutiny.
———
Toby Gorman of the Nanaimo News Bulletin has more right here on the situation involving the Vancouver Island city and a potential new multiplex. But here’s what Mayor John Ruttan told Gorman: “In the absence of having strong support for it, when Coun. Bill Bestwick, who is still in hockey today, is on record and pooh-poohs the idea of a multiplex, I would think we’ll be hard pressed to find somebody else on council to lobby aggressively for it. I’d need to see more of a business case to support it, though I’m interested.”
———
The Brooks, Alta., Bandits and the host Summerside Western Capitals are to clash today in the final of the 2013 RBC Cup, which goes to the national junior A champion. . . . On Saturday, the Bandits, the AJHL champions, beat the Minnesota Wilderness 5-4 in OT in one semifinal, while the Western Capitals of the Maritime Hockey League took out the BCHL-champion Surrey Eagles 3-2 in OT. . . . Brooks F Mark Reners, who has played in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Vancouver Giants and Edmonton Oil Kings, scored at 8:30 of extra time. The Bandits actually trailed 4-2 after two periods and 4-3 with less than a minute to play. F Dakota Mason forced OT when he scored from behind the Wilderness net. . . . The AJHL hasn’t won the RBC Cup since 2001 when the Camrose Kodiaks turned the trick.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
The OHL’s Saginaw Spirit added on year to head coach Greg Gilbert’s contract earlier this week, meaning he is signed through 2015-16. Gilbert has been with the Spirit since December 2011. He was the OHL’s coach of the year for 2011-12 after going 20-10-6. The Spirit has lost out in the playoffs to the London Knights in each of the last two seasons, first in the second round and then in the first round.
———
TWEET OF THE DAY:
From Portland freelancer Scott Sepich (@SSepich), who is covering the Memorial Cup for The Oregonian: “When Mike Johnston does arrive, he can’t interact with the team.”
———
From Steve Ewen (@Steve Ewen) of the Vancouver Province: “Is there a Mike Johnston cop, making sure he behaves?”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

This is what the Memorial Cup is all about . . . a fan travels from Oshawa to Saskatoon because he wants to be there for Thursday's ceremony in which the trophy arrived at the city’s Vimy Memorial.
Kevin Menz of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix has that story right here. . . . And, please, while the tournament is being played, let's not forget why it's called the Memorial Cup.
———
I’m not going to post a lot about the Memorial Cup, simply because I’m not there, and those who are will provide you with lots of great information.
But if I see something or hear something, I’ll put it up here.
Like this . . .
The Saskatoon radio station that handles the Saskatoon Blades’ games (92.9 The Bull) is carrying every game in the Memorial Cup, with Les Lazaruk calling the play and Cody Nickolet providing the analysis.
With apologies to those two, who were solid in Game 1 on Friday, the highlight of The Bull’s coverage was the 90-minute pregame show and the postgame show.
And the star of both those shows, at least on Friday, was Dave Hunchak, the newly named head coach of the Kamloops Blazers. The pregame show also features Peter Loubardias, Dave Thomas of CJWW and Lazaruk. Hunchak wasn’t afraid to disagree with points being made by any of the others, such as when it was suggested that Friday’s game might be the biggest game in the history of the Blades.
Hunchak also provided terrific insight from a coach’s perspective. For example, in touching on each of the four teams, he talked about the gap played by the Portland Winterhawks’ defenceman, and how they are able to play a “soft gap” because that team’s forwards do such a good job of coming back as a group.
He also talked about how teams are able to go with four defencemen because of the TV timeouts.
In the postgame show, Hunchak was quick to point out that the Blades, who dropped a 3-2 decision to the OHL-champion London Knights, had to build on the positives but that, because of the format of this tournament, they couldn’t afford to be patient.
The pregame show will be on the air today at 3:30 p.m. CT to set up the much-anticipated game between the Halifax Mooseheads and the Winterhawks.
———
Outfielder Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals thundered face-first into the wall at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Did he come out of it with a concussion? . . . Stefan Fatsis at slate.com takes a look right here.
———
The Everett Silvertips have released F Stathis Soumelidis, 19, a move that will allow them to use the 10th overall selection in the CHL’s import draft, likely on a potential high-end forward. That draft is scheduled for July 3. . . . Soumelidis, from Brno, Czech Republic, was a second-round pick in the 2012 import draft. He had 11 points and 119 penalty minutes in 67 regular-season games. His penalty total included 17 fighting majors. . . . Everett’s roster now includes one import — D Mirco Mueller of Switzerland, 1n 18-year-old who is expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the NHL’s draft on June 30.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Mark French won’t be back as head coach of the AHL’s Hershey Bears. The Bears and the parent Washington Capitals made the announcement on Friday. French had been the head coach since July 13, 2009. . . . In speculating on a potential replacement, Tim Leone at pennlive.com had this: “Mike Stothers, 51, head coach of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors, is a former Bears assistant and the club's all-time leader in penalty minutes (1,519). He was head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2007-08 and has served NHL assistant coaching stints with the Philadelphia Flyers and Atlanta Thrashers, along with an AHL stint with the Philadelphia Phantoms.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

The way things used to be

2013-05-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

A neighbour, knowing that I am a newspaper junkie, presented me with a real blast from the past the other day.
During his move west, the former resident of Winnipeg had discovered a copy of The Weekly Telegraph that is dated Wednesday, January 6, 1909. Yes, it is yellowed and cracked and worn. But, really, it's in terrific shape for a 104-year-old. (The Telegram began publishing in 1894.)
For the past couple of weeks, this newspaper has been sitting on a table in our kitchen as I have perused it. To say it is an interesting read is something of an understatement.
For starters, the subscription rate was $1 per year in Canada or Great Britain; $2 in the United States. If you wanted to contact the newspaper, you wrote to: The Editor, The Telegram, Winnipeg.
The lead story on the front page is headlined: CORRESPONDENT RETURNS FROM MESSINA BRINGING STORY OF HORROR. It is a first-person account of a devastating earthquake in Italy and area. In fact, the earthquake all but wiped out Catania, Sicily. A grainy photo shows Catania with what appears to be a smoking Mount Etna in the background.
On the Manitoba front, a Jan. 4 fire in Brandon had destroyed "the large Codville company's warehouse on Pacific Avenue." There is some nifty writing here, too: "The building was . . . in the grip of the fire fiend and do whatever they would the firemen were unable for the next two hours to make any impression whatever on the object of their attack."
On Page 3, which carries the slug "News and Gossip of Sport," there is news from Montreal where "the Edmonton seven sprang one of the biggest surprises of years when they defeated the Wanderers in the second game of the Stanley Cup series tonight by seven goals to six."
The story, which was dated Dec. 30, later noted: "With a little more time to play together the westerners showed that they would have stood a good chance to carry west with them the trophy emblematic of the hockey championship of the world. Unfortunately for western hopes the four goal lead scored by Wanderers on the opening night's play proved too great to overcome and the cup remains in Montreal."
Imagine that! The Stanley Cup decided late in December, as opposed to sometime in June.
In a story dated Jan. 3 and datelined Ottawa, the Edmonton "hockey team clashed with the Senators, the new 'pro' hockey team in the capital here Saturday night in an exhibition match, and the western team won out by a score of four to two." The game was played in front of "about 4,000 people."
The Senators' lineup included Harry Smith, who had helped the Wanderers beat Edmonton and win the Stanley Cup a few days earlier. According to this story, the Senators "expect to win the Federal league series and challenge for the Stanley Cup." (The Federal League was new on the scene and, in fact, a few of the Edmonton players would stay in the east to play in it.)
In Brandon, meanwhile, the host Shamrocks beat Portage 10-7 in a Manitoba and North-western Hockey Association game. "Currie, playing centre for Brandon," reads a story that is devoid of first names, "was the fastest man on the ice, his individual rushes being all that could be desired." Currie had a fine night, finishing with five goals.
In boxing, H.M. Walker filed this lead from Los Angeles: "James J. Jeffries, the retired and undefeated heayweight champion of the world, is the only hope of the white race now.
"The well meant offers of Jim Corbett, Tom Sharkey and Bob Fitzsimmons to give battle to Jack Johnson, the negro champion, are appreciated to the full extent of their true worth, but it is to the mighty Jeffries who has never known the sting of defeat, that the American sporting public is now looking to for succor from an embarrassing position."
An advertisement on the sports page blared: To earn the big salary learn railroading. The ad suggested that you could advance to Engineer or Conductor in two to three years "and earn from $90 to $185 per month."
"There is no line of work today that pays the princely salaries as does that of Railroading," the Dominion Railway School ad boasts.
Meanwhile, another ad brags that Black Knight stove polish is "the shine that won't come off."
The Universal Remedy Co., based in Winnipeg, was offering "a family doctor for $1." Actually, it was a "handy and useful medicine cabinet containing remedies for Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Colic, etc." The kit was guaranteed to contain no poisoin.
On Page 5, the Manor Hotel on Main Street in Winnipeg was offering rooms for $1 per day. Those rooms, according to the ad, were "thoroughly repaired, newly furnished, equal in every respect to any $2 hotel in the country."
The classified ads also were on Page 5, where William Tough of Bassano, Alta., was looking for a "Widow with boy eight or nine years old; woman for general housework and boy to look after cows. Reasonable wages."
For $600 cash, you could purchase near Swan River, Man. "160 acres good black loam, clay subsoil, 25 acres under cultivation, log house and stable, 30 acres tamarac swamp, 100 acres scrub land, good homestead adjoining, on which 300 tons of hay can be cut each year."
In big bold letters at the top of Page 9 is "A MESSAGE FOR PILE SUFFERERS, from one who has been cured of an unusually severe case by Dr. Chase's Ointment." That ointment would set you back 60 cents a box.
At the bottom of that page is an ad for a Columbia Graphophone. For $39.50, you got the graphophone and 12 selections. That would be a record player and 12 recordings. The Winnipeg Piano Co. would sell you the package for "$9.50 cash and $5 monthly -- no interest."
Buried on Page 9 is a story dated Dec. 31 and datelined Gull Lake, Sask.: "The Pacific Express, due here at 17.45 last night, was wrecked four miles west, a broken rail the cause. The diner and tourist cars were thrown down a twenty-five foot embankment on a new division completed a month ago. One passenger was killed and three injured." Charles Tanby, 40, of Omaha, Neb., "travelling home by way of the coast, was thrown through window" and killed.
On Page 10, Dr. T. Claye Shaw debates the issue: "Is woman the inferior of man?" Of course, I'm not going to get into that here, but Dr. Shaw ends his piece with: "Woman has a much superior religious instinct than man. But she may be expected to do so. Church-going is a regular occupation with middle-aged women of the upper-middle class, and hence they find an outlet for their emotionalism. The same may be said of other fads."
An ad on Page 12 really caught my eye. The Central Okanagan Land and Orchard Co. Ltd. was offering "Kelowna fruit lands ready to plant, in 10 and 20 acre lots" for $200 per acre. The terms were "cash deposit $250, $250 in 60 days, balance in one, two and three years."
Over on Page 13, The Arnott Institute of Berlin, Ont., was promoting "The Arnott Method . . . the only logical method for the cure of Stammering."
On Page 14, which is the one-section broadsheet newspaper's back page, there are ads for charcoal that can purify any breath and something that is guaranteed to cure dandruff and "stop falling hair." That stuff would have set you back 50 cents for a large bottle.
And if you were wondering, there were political scandals.
A story on the front page told of Abraham Ruef, a "former political leader" in San Francisco, having been sentenced to 14 years at San Quentin. His crime? He had offered a bribe of $4,000 "to supervisors in the overhead trolley franchise matter."
Closer to home, the Ontario communities of Brantford and Guelph were embroiled in scandals related to their city councils. There apparently were hints of bribery in Brantford, where a proposed by-law of some sort had been killed. In Guelph, there were reports "of graft in council."
It's worth pointing out, too, that The Weekly Telegram was far, far ahead of the curve. When USA TODAY launched, it contained one page that included a dollop of news from each state in the union. Well, The Weekly Telegram, on its last page, featured 51 news items from all across the Dominion.
That included news that William D. Jones, who had broken out of a Toronto jail, had been captured in West Virginia. Why was Jones in that Toronto jail? He had been captured in Toronto after escaping from a jail in Newcastle, Penn., of course.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Brock Nixon (Kamloops, Calgary, 2003-08) signed a one-year contract with Kallinge/Ronneby (Sweden, Division 1). He had nine goals and 16 assists in 28 games as captain of University of Calgary (CIS) this season before joining the Colorado Eagles (ECHL), where he had two goals in five games. Nixon reports to Kallinge/Ronneby on Aug. 1. . . .
F Danis Zaripov (Swift Current, 1998-99) signed a two-year contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk (Russia, KHL). He had 19 goals and 17 assists in 46 games with Ak Bars Kazan (Russia, KHL) this season. . . .
F Marcel Hossa (Portland, 1998-2001) signed a one-year contract with Dinamo Riga (Latvia, KHL). He had eight goals and 11 assists in 50 games with Lev Prague (Czech Republic, KHL) this season. . . .
D Rory Rawlyk (Medicine Hat, Vancouver, Prince Albert, Red Deer, 2000-03) was one of nine players who were not offered contracts for next season by Corona Brasov (Romania, MOL Liga). He had 11 goals and 31 assists in 37 games in MOL Liga play this season and four goals and 19 assists in seven games in the Romania National League; Corona participated in both competitions. Rawlyk was second in penalty minutes in MOL Liga with 211.
---
Don’t hold your breath waiting for the City of Nanaimo to build a new arena that would be home to a WHL franchise.
“Some Nanaimo officials feel lukewarm about looking further into a multiplex facility in the city despite recent interest from the Western Hockey League, which hopes to relocate a franchise to the harbour city,” writes Spencer Anderson of the Nanaimo Daily News.
“A report from Nanaimo city staff members says a feasibility study would be the best way to determine the economic impact such a facility might have on the city.
“The cost of the study would be in the neighbourhood of $150,000, city staff estimate. Such a study could also include where the facility could be located, market potential and design and operation.”
Anderson’s complete story is right here, and it would seem, as Coun. Bill Bestwick said:
“There's not an appetite to pursue a sports and entertainment centre multiplex in the near future.”
---

The Prince Albert Raiders will have a new look when a new season arrives. The Raiders unveiled what they are calling the ‘Green Movement’ on Thursday.
According to a news release, this is the third uniform change in the team’s 43-year history.
For a look at the new look, go right here.
Dave Leaderhouse of the Prince Albert Daily Herald has a story that explains the entire process. The newspaper’s website was down late last night, but when it’s up that story should be available right here.
There also are a number of photos from the unveiling right here.
---

The Red Deer Rebels will have Brent Sutter back behind their bench in 2013-14. Sutter, the franchise’s president and general manager, took over as head coach on Nov. 12, replacing Jesse Wallin. Sutter said Thursday that he’ll be back as head coach. . . . At the same time, the Rebels announced that associate coach Jeff Truitt, who joined the team on Nov. 12, has signed a multi-year contract. . . . Steve O’Rourke (Tri-City, Moose Jaw, 1991-94) has been signed as an assistant coach. He was an assistant coach with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat (2009-11). . . . Veteran equipment manager Dave (Radar) Horning, who has been with Red Deer since 1995 and in the WHL since 1991, also signed a multi-year deal. . . . The Rebels have added Jordan Aube to their staff as athletic therapist. He has worked with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. . . . Also returning are Al Parada (strength and conditioning), Brent BeleckI (goaltending consultant), Craig Kinney (video co-ordinator), Derek Robinson (mental performance consultant), Davis Claffey (assistant to the general manager) and Mikel McIver (dressing room attendant).
---
F Cody Fowlie, who played out his junior eligibility this season with the Kelowna Rockets, will attend the U of Regina and play for the Cougars. Fowlie, from Airdrie, Alta., played three WHL seasons, splitting time between the Everett Silvertips and the Rockets. He had 40 points in 59 games this season.
---
THE COACHING GAME:
Bryce Thoma is the new head coach of the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings. Thoma had been an assistant coach with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels since 2008, but left the club following the end of its season. Thoma, a 31-year-old native of Saskatoon, played with the Rebels (1999-2003) and was on the team that won the 2001 Memorial Cup. . . . The Red Wings have been without a full-time head coach since December when long-time coach Dwight McMillan left the organization.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
D Steve McCarthy (Edmonton/Kootenay, 1996-2000) signed a one-year contract extension with ZSC Zurich (Switzerland, NL A). He started the season with Abbotsford Heat (AHL), getting two goals and eight assists in 30 games. McCarthy then signed with ZSC in late January and had one assist in eight games.
---
Lester Munson, who is a legal analyst at espn.com, has taken a look at the wrongful death lawsuit filed against the NHL by the family of the late Derek Boogaard. He provides some insight into what all is going on. That piece is right here.
---
The WHL got some pub at SI.com this week. Of course, the story is about the Portland Winterhawks having won the WHL championship and, yes, it mentions the little matter of those sanctions. That piece is right here. (BTW, the same story got some play from the Washington Post.)
---
The Tri-City Americans have signed F Nolan Yaremko, who was a second-round pick (29th overall) in the 2013 WHL bantam draft. The 5-foot-11, 178-pound Yaremko, who is from Spirit River, Alta., played for the Edmonton-based Southside Athletic Club Southgate Lions, putting up 69 points, including 28 goals, in 33 regular-season games. He added 25 points, 11 of them goals, in 11 playoff games. . . . The Americans signed F Parker AuCoin earlier in the week, meaning they have signed their first two selections from the 2013 bantam draft.
---
Travis Green, the acting GM and head coach of the Portland Winterhawks, is the flavour of the day in the coaching game. He has done a terrific job since the WHL suspended Mike Johnston, the club’s GM and head coach, for the remainder of the season on Nov. 28. But what’s next for Green? Paul Buker of The Oregonian tackles that question right here.
---
Glen Gulutzan, who was fired this week as the head coach of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, now is on staff with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. Gulutzan will work with the Blades through the end of the Memorial Cup. . . . Gulutzan was with the Blades on Wednesday. . . . "We’re happy to have another set of eyes to help us out," Lorne Molleken, the Blades’ general manager and head coach, told Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. "He’ll be the eye in the sky. As we go through the different games his input will be real, real important." . . . What’s the connection between Gulutzan and the Blades. As Nugent-Bowman explains: "Gulutzan played for the Blades in 1992, captaining the team to Game 7 of the WHL final before losing to the Kamloops Blazers. Molleken was the coach that season and current associate coach David Struch was the alternate captain."
---
Now here's an interesting story.
Jon Kuiperij of the Metroland Media Group has a story right here about a junior A league in Ontario that is about to begin charging players to play. In fact, one general manager said his club may charge between $3,000 and $4,000. . . . Players already pay to play, but the ceiling is being removed. . . . That story is right here.
---
THE COACHING GAME:
Dave Hunchak is the new head coach of the Kamloops Blazers. Hunchak, the team’s associate coach for the past two seasons, replaces Guy Charron, who now is the advisor to hockey operations. . . . The Blazers now will hire a full-time assistant coach. . . . Before joining the Blazers, Hunchak spent four seasons as head coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors and three as an assistant coach with the Swift Current Broncos. . . . According to a Blazers news release: "Charron’s new role with the hockey club will include attending practices and home games while assisting the general manager, coaching and scouting staff on all hockey related matters. Charron will also aid in on-ice skill development and represent the Blazers at local community events." . . . Charron went 144-97-20 in 3½ seasons as the Blazers head coach. He is tied with Don Hay, behind only Ken Hitchcock (291) in terms of coaching victories with the Blazers. . . . The Blazers also have re-signed Colin (Toledo) Robinson, their athletic trainer/equipment manager. Robinson, who is preparing for his 18th WHL season, joined the Blazers from the Vancouver Giants over the summer of 2005. . . . Hunchak and Robinson signed multi-year contracts. No other details were provided by the Blazers. . . . Hunchak will attend the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon, where he also is to be involved in a daily radio show during the tournament.
---
TWEET OF THE DAY:
From ESPN's Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons), who is a huge NBA fan and follower: "Between tonight's playoff games, David Stern is going to ram a knife into the back of a giant Seattle SuperSonics piñata."

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

Hunchak steps up as Blazers' head coach

2013-05-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

By MARK HUNTER

Daily News Sports Reporter
For Dave Hunchak, “a title’s just a title.”
He certainly got a bigger one Wednesday when he was named head coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers.
Hunchak had spent the past two seasons as an associate coach with the club. He takes over from Guy Charron, who stepped down to take on a new role as the team’s advisor to hockey operations.
According to a Blazers news release, Hunchak signed a “multi-year contract.” Details weren’t made available.
As the right-hand man to Charron, who went 144-97-20 over three-plus seasons as head coach, Hunchak was a big part of the coaching staff. That’s why he’s not exactly worried about the transition to head coach.
“A title’s just a title — it doesn’t mean a whole lot,” Hunchak said. “This team has a good group of people, the best I’ve worked with.
“Behind closed doors, everyone has a voice. It’s important to make sure we keep on doing that.”
This isn’t Hunchak’s first turn as a head coach. He spent four seasons as head coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors. His contract wasn’t renewed after he led the team to a 40-26-6 record in 2010-11, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Considered one of the league’s top young coaches, Hunchak was hired by the Blazers in June 2011, and helped Charron lead the team to back-to-back 47-20-5 records. In each of those seasons, the Blazers won at least one playoff round, and made it into Round 3 last month, before losing to the eventual WHL-champion Portland Winterhawks.
A lot of the credit for the turnaround — the Blazers had missed the playoffs in 2010-11 — went to Hunchak’s work with the defencemen. But Hunchak doesn’t consider himself a defence-first kind of coach.
“Defence is one of the critical parts of the game,” he said. “Every team that wins usually is a good defensive team. Look at Portland — everyone thinks they’re offence, offence, offence. But they have the best defence in the league.”
When the Blazers hired Hunchak to be their associate coach, it was assumed he would eventually take over the head-coaching position. The opportunity arose after the Blazers lost the Western Conference final to the Winterhawks.
Charron chose to step back, opening the door for Hunchak.
“We had some discussions right after the season was done,” Hunchak said. “Then (general manager) Craig (Bonner) was away so they slowed down. But everyone knew where we were at by that point.”
The Blazers should be a contender again in 2013-14. Although the team is losing, among others, captain Dylan Willick, five-year forward Brendan Ranford and defenceman Tyler Hansen, who is headed to South America for a mission with his church, it should return an excellent group of players.
Up front, Colin Smith, JC Lipon and Tim Bozon are eligible to return, as are budding forwards Matt Needham, Cole Ully and Chase Souto. Six defencemen can return as well, along with goaltender Cole Cheveldave, one of the league’s best.
And, in case Hunchak needs any help on the bench, Charron will be available in his advisor role.
“We’ve talked about (Charron’s role) a little bit,” Hunchak said. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and it’s great to have that around.”
Charron will be in the arena at home games and will help out in practices.
“He’ll be more involved in the player development side of things,” Hunchak said.
Hunchak’s first order of business will be finding a full-time assistant coach. He’s scheduled to leave today for the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon, where he’s going to talk with a couple of possible candidates.
He also figures he’ll receive “quite a few emails” from coaches looking for work, before starting the day-to-day grind that goes with his new title.
“I have to communicate with the guys on the roster and our list players, including the newly drafted guys,” Hunchak said. “At this stage of the year, it’s about continuing to build relationships with the players.”
The Blazers also announced Wednesday that athletic trainer/equipment manager Colin (Toledo) Robinson has signed a “multi-year contract extension.” Robinson, who is preparing for his 18thWHL season, has been in his role with the Blazers since 2005-06.

mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

Charron bids adieu to bench, bus

2013-05-15T23:55:00.001-07:00

By MARK HUNTER

Daily News Sports Reporter
Guy Charron no longer is the head coach of the Kamloops Blazers, but he couldn’t be happier that he’s still a part of the organization.
General manager Craig Bonner announced Wednesday that Dave Hunchak had signed a contract to be head coach of the WHL club, with Charron serving as an advisor to hockey operations. Hunchak had served as an associate coach under Charron for the past two seasons, during which the Blazers went 94-40-10.
Charron said he stepped back because he felt “the timing was right.”
“If I was going to take a step back,” he said, “I wanted it to be at a time when I felt the organization was in the right place.”
That it is, thanks in large part to Charron’s work over the past three-plus seasons.
Charron, a 64-year-old native of Verdun, Que., was hired by the Blazers on Nov. 23, 2009, replacing interim head coach Scott Ferguson, who served in that role for about a month after the firing of Barry Smith on Oct. 26, 2009. Charron was 144-97-20 during his time as head coach, and is tied with Don Hay for second on the franchise’s all-time list of coaching victories. Only Ken Hitchcock (291) has won more regular-season games as a Blazers head coach.
More importantly, though, Charron helped bring the franchise back to relevance in the community and respectability in the league.
Under his watch, the Blazers won the B.C. Division title in 2011-12, the first time that had happened since 2002, and also won a playoff series in 2012 — that hadn’t happened since 1999.
This season, the Blazers made it to the Western Conference final before bowing out to the Portland Winterhawks, who would go on to win the WHL title.
Unfortunately for Charron, who played 734 career NHL games and previously had served as head coach of the NHL’s Calgary Flames and Anaheim Mighty Ducks, time was starting to catch up with him. He admitted that the bus trips, which often would end at a cold arena at around 5 or 6 a.m., began wearing him down.
“Throughout the year, I was talking with my wife (Michele) and expressed that maybe it was time to start considering taking a step back,” he said. “I hoped that perhaps I could stay on and fulfill a role with the organization. I expressed this to Craig and they were very comfortable with that idea.”
With Hunchak, a former Moose Jaw Warriors head coach, waiting in the wings, the Blazers had no trouble finding a replacement. The Charron-Hunchak team hasn’t exactly been broken up — it’s more of a Hunchak-Charron pairing now.
In his new role, Charron will continue to attend practices and work with players, and also will be at home games. He will be involved in community events — he just won’t be traveling with the team anymore.
“I’ll still be busy,” he said, “just not on the road.
“I’ll be doing a lot of the same things,” he added.
What this means is that Charron still will get a chance to work in the game he loves, all while staying in the city he and Michele love.
“To fulfill a role in player development is something I always wanted to do,” he said. “Dave and I have worked together for a couple of years. We have a special relationship.
“To get to keep working with him and the players . . . it’s a win-win situation for me.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

Really, it's only common sense

2013-05-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

The game of hockey that you - that we - have loved for so long is gone.
The days of trains colliding at a blue-line during a junior or professional game are over. No more will one player be permitted to prey on a defenceless and vulnerable opponent. No, it doesn't matter if the victim has his head down as he searches for a puck in his feet.
Those days are done. Kaput!
In the NHL, they don't want defenceman Eric Gryba of the Ottawa Senators drilling Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller as he looks back for a pass. Yes, it was a major-league collision. Yes, it was like a car wreck and we just couldn't look away. But the NHL has lost too many good players to career-ending brain injuries and it wants badly to slow down that train.
Meanwhile, the days of bodychecking for hockey players below bantam are soon to end, too.
The people who run hockey, the ones who make the rules, have come to the realization that things have to change. Declining registration numbers and an increasing number of injuries, mostly brain injuries, have dictated that the status quo no longer is an option.
This is all about player safety, and nothing else.
There simply are too many players suffering brain injuries and the more we learn about brain injuries, the more we come to the realization that they aren't like knee injuries. A surgeon and his scalpel can repair a knee injury; brain injuries are forever.
Hockey Alberta announced Wednesday that it is removing all bodychecking from peewee hockey effective with the 2013-14 season. Hockey Nova Scotia followed suit over the weekend. In fact, Hockey Nova Scotia went even further as it banned bodychecking at the bantam B and C and midget B and C levels.
The Greater Toronto Hockey League, with 30,000 players the largest hockey league in the world, is likely to implement a ban in peewee. Hockey BC may well reach the same conclusion during its annual meeting in Sun Peaks next month.
It likely won't be long before Hockey Canada implements a country-wide prohibition on bodychecking in all peewee levels and below.
Really, when you take emotion out of the equation, this is the only decision that can be made.
For too long, minor hockey has been coached and played as though its sole purpose is to develop professional players. In truth, the percentage of minor hockey players who go on to play professionally is minute and the percentage who reach the NHL is miniscule.
Minor hockey, then, should be for everyone.
But some children, it turns out, are fearful of being injured, and for good reason. Various studies carried out by people in and around the medical community have revealed that children under the age of 15 who play where bodychecking is allowed are three times more susceptible to brain injuries than those who don't.
It is numbers like these that are causing young players to leave the game. Yes, there always will be brain injuries in sports, no matter whether it's soccer, hockey, basketball, football, whatever. But steps must be taken in hockey to reduce their frequency.
It also is hoped that the move to prohibit bodychecking will keep at least some of those young people in the game, thus allowing the registration numbers to stabilize or maybe even increase.
As well, this move should mean coaches will spend more time teaching the basics of the game - skating, passing, shooting, puckhandling. You need only watch a few minutes of a junior hockey practice, especially early in a season, to realize that the Canadian game could use some help in that department.
Meanwhile, the elephant in the room is litigation.
As Stephen Hume of the Vancouver Sun noted earlier this month:
"A nightmare awaits Canadian minor hockey if officials, volunteers and organizations don't deal effectively with bodychecking and head injuries.
"In the United States there's a growing propensity among sports head-injury victims to launch and win huge liability cases that compensate them for brain trauma suffered while playing."
Let's not forget, too, that more than 4,000 former players are suing the NFL, claiming negligence in regards to concussions.
As that situation proceeds, you can bet that organizers and managers in all areas of the North American sporting world will be paying close attention.
All of this also is going to lead to the end of fighting in hockey.
Sooner or later, the people who run major junior and professional hockey are going to come to the realization that you can't move to stop open-ice, predatorial hits and take headshots out of the game, while you are condoning fighting.
Ridding the game of fighting, like removing bodychecking from some divisions of minor hockey, isn't a matter of doing what's right or what's wrong.
Rather, it's a matter of common sense.

(Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, gdrinnan.blogspot.ca and twitter.com/gdrinnan.)

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-15T01:39:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Michal Psurny (Medicine Hat, Kootenay, 2005-06) signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester Phoenix (England, Premier). He had 43 goals and 46 assists in 52 games to lead the Phoenix in scoring this season. Psurny was fifth in league scoring and was named to the
Premier League's second all-star team. . . .
F Vitali Karamnov (Everett, 2007-08) signed a two-year contract with Sibir Novosibirsk (Russia, KHL). He had two goals and two assists in 37 games with Lev Prague (Czech Republic, KHL) this season. . . .
F Zdenek Blatny (Seattle, Kootenay, 1998-2001) signed a one-year contract with Orli Znojmo (Czech Republic, Austria Erste Bank Liga). He had eight goals and eight assists in 33 games for Vienna Capitals (Austria, Erste Bank Liga) this season.
---
"If you are reading this, I am dead." . . . Peter Worthington, one of the greats of Canadian journalism, wrote his own obituary. It’s right here and it’s worth a read.
---
There was a shakeup in the office of the Regina Pats on Tuesday as owner Russ Parker announced that his son, Brent, is stepping down as governor and president. . . . General manager Chad Lang, who joined the Pats over the summer of 2010, has had the titles of governor and senior vice-president added to his portfolio. . . . Cliff Mapes remains as vice-president of business operations. . . . Brent Parker had been in the Pats' front office for 18 years, ever since Russ and Diane Parker purchased the franchise in 1995. According to a Pats news release: "(Brent) Parker will assist in the transition with respect to organizational structure over the next few weeks with an anticipated full departure from the organization being early in June."
Why is Parker leaving?
"It has been an accumulation of many, many things," he told a news conference. "The last five years have been the hardest for me personally, from my diagnosis of cancer five years ago to illnesses, accidents and deaths of some of our former players and close friends. That was on top of the daily - and yes I do mean daily - battles that we have with our building partner." The building partner? That would be Evraz Place, which runs the Brandt Centre, the facility the Pats call home."
Greg Harder of the Regina Leader-Post has more right here.
---
Russ Parker says he and his wife, Diane, aren't yet ready to sell the Regina Pats. However, he admits that the day will come when that will happen. Greg Harder of the Regina Leader-Post has that story right here.
When that day does arrive, you have to wonder if the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders might be a potential buyer? Hey, why not? NHL teams already own WHL franchises in Edmonton and Calgary, and one day the Winnipeg Jets' owners are likely to own one, too. So why not have the country's most-popular CFL team involved in the WHL at the ownership level? And just think of the outdoor games they could play host to once the new football stadium has been built.
---
The Prince Albert Raiders have re-signed general manager Bruno Campese and Dale Derkatch, the director of player personnel, to new contracts, each one calling for two years plus an option. . . . Campese has been with the Raiders since 2007, first as head coach, then as general manager and head coach, then as general manager. . . . Derkatch, a former WHL star with the Regina Pats, has been with the Raiders through three bantam drafts.
---
The Prince George Cougars have signed F Kody McDonald, the 24th overall selection in the 2013 bantam draft, to a WHL contract. Playing for the bantam AAA team at the Pursuit Of Excellence in Kelowna, he had 124 points, including 45 goals, in 47 games. McDonald, from Lethbridge, is the third player from Turning Point Sports Management’s stable to sign since the draft.
---
So much for the Wenatchee Wild moving to the BCHL. The Wild, which has been embroiled in a battle for a new lease in Wenatchee, is on the move, but not to the BCHL. Instead, the NAHL franchise is relocating to Hidalgo, Texas, where it will operate as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees starting next season. . . . In a news release, team president Bill Stewart said he expects head coach Bliss Littler and his staff to be part of the relocation. . . . The Wild will play out of State Farm Arena, a facility that seats 5,500 for hockey. . . . According to the Wild news release, "A presentation to and final approval by the USA Hockey junior council is expected in June."
---
The Vancouver Giants announced Tuesday that Bruce Allen, a well-known manager in the entertainment business, has bought into the ownership group. As well, the Giants announced that they have signed three 2013 bantam draft picks – F Tyler Benson, F Matt Barberis and D Ryley McKinstry. . . . Benson was the first overall pick in the draft after putting up 146 points, including 57 goals, in 33 games with the Alberta Major Bantam League’s Edmonton South Side Athletic Club Southgate Lions. . . . Barberis, from Surrey, B.C., was another first-round pick, taken 20th overall. He had 48 points in 58 games with the Burnaby Winter Club Bruins. . . . McKinstry, from Calgary, was selected with the 23rd pick. He had 36 points in 29 games with the bantam AAA Calgary Bisons. . . . Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun has more on all of this right here. He also touches on how the Giants aren't interested in having Benson apply for exceptional status, but majority owner Ron Toigo wants to see the five-game rule bumped to 10 games. As things now stand, a 15-year-olds is only allowed to play five games before his club team has its season end.
---
Steve Ewen of the Vancouver Province starts a dispatch on Bruce Allen joining the Vancouver Giants ownership group with:
Bruce Allen is a minority owner with the Vancouver Giants now. He’s certainly not a silent partner, though.
"I just think there’s been an alienation for a lot of hockey fans from that organization up the street," Allen said at the official announcement Tuesday.
There’s more right here.
It’s interesting that Allen talks about team owners being in the entertainment business and how he feels he can make a difference from that angle. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in terms of the Giants as an entertainment vehicle.
---
The Tri-City Americans have dealt D Clint Filbrandt, 18, to the Kootenay Ice for a fifth-round selection in the 2015 bantam draft. From Calgary, Filbrandt was a 10th-round pick in the 2010 bantam draft. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder had three points and 17 penalty minutes in 31 games as a freshman this season. . . . "With an abundance of defencemen signed for the upcoming season, I wanted to give Clint an opportunity to continue to play in the WHL," Tri-City general manager Bob Tory said in a news release. . . . "With the uncertain future of Tanner Muth and whether he will able to return to our club next year we felt it was important to add another defenceman with WHL experience," Ice GM Jeff Chynoweth said in a news release. "Defencemen are tough to come by at all levels and this trade will give Clint an opportunity to be an everyday player with our club."
---
The Augusta RiverHawks of the Southern Professional Hockey League have ceased operations. "We, as an organization, have not received any positive information concerning the replacement of the ice system at the James Brown Arena," the team said in a news released. "A May 12th deadline was communicated to the building manager back at the end of March or the beginning of April. We also have not received any information concerning monetary compensation for the loss of the Arena for the eight games that were to be played in the James Brown Arena in March of this year. We are taking a leave from League play with the approval from the League's governors for one season. Hopefully, something can be done in the greater CSRA to bring hockey back the following year. We will retain our franchise."
---
The OHL’s London Knights have been selected as the host team for the 2014 Memorial Cup. The OHL’s selection committee chose London over the Barrie Colts and Windsor Spitfires. . . . The 2014 tournament will run May 16-25 at Budweiser Gardens. . . . The Knights won the Memorial Cup as the host team in 2005. . . . The decision means that the Knights will appear in three straight Memorial Cup tournaments. They lost in the final of the 2012 tournament, will compete in the 2013 affair in Saskatoon and now will be the host team in 2014.
---
THE COACHING GAME:
The MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders have signed Erik Peterson as their new general manager and head coach. Peterson, who is from Dauphin, Man., has spent the past 10 seasons coaching in Denmark. As a player, he won MJHL titles with the Dauphin Kings and Winnipeg South Blues. He replaces Dwayne Kirkup, who left the Stampeders to take over as GM and head coach of the MJHL's Neepawa Natives. . . .
Chad Kletzel is leaving the Kootenay Ice after one season as an assistant coach under head coach Ryan McGill. . . . "With the impending birth of their first child, Chad has decided to return to Lethbridge to resume his teaching career," Jeff Chynoweth, the Ice’s president, governor and general manager, said in a news release.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-14T01:29:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Kenndal McArdle (Moose Jaw, Vancouver, 2002-07) signed a one-year contract with Västerås (Sweden, Allsvenskan). He had seven goals and 15 assists in 31 games with the Greenville Road Warriors (ECHL) and three goals and two assists in 30 games with the Rockford Ice Hogs (AHL) this
season.
---
In a piece headlined Might and Right, Charles Pierce writes that with another season on the horizon "this is a perilous time for the NFL." That piece is right here, and hockey people should read this with interest.
---
The Portland Winterhawks won the WHL championship in Edmonton on Sunday evening, and arrived home later that night. Paul Buker of The Oregonian has a piece right here that details the arrival and the beginning of Memorial Cup preparations.
---
"Even without him at games, the Hawks didn't get there without Mike Johnston," writes Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune. His column is right here.
---
The Vancouver Giants will make it official today – Bruce Allen, who manages some big names in the world of entertainment, has purchased a chunk of the WHL franchise. Among Allen’s clients if Michael Buble, who also owns a piece of the Giants. . . . Ron Toigo remains the franchise’s majority owner.
---
The Kamloops Blazers have re-signed Craig Bonner, the organization’s executive vice-president and general manager. Bonner’s original five-year contract was to expire this offseason. . . . The Blazers didn’t announce any details, except for it being "a multi-year contract extension." . . . Kamloops is 188-143-29 with Bonner as GM, thanks to a pair of back-to-back 47-20-5 seasons in 2011-12 and 2012-13. The Blazers finished atop the B.C. Division in 2011-12 and were eliminated by the Portland Winterhawks in the second round of playoffs. This season, they were ousted by Portland in the Western Conference final. . . . Head coach Guy Charron and associate head coach Dave Hunchak, who have worked together for two seasons, are on contracts that expire this offseason. Don’t be surprised if Hunchak ends up as the head coach before another season gets here, with Charron, should he choose to stay on, remaining on the coaching staff in a secondary role. . . . Of course, there has been speculation that Dean Chynoweth could end up as the next head coach of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. Should that happen, might he make an offer to Hunchak to join him as an assistant coach? The two spent three seasons with the Swift Current Broncos, with Chynoweth as head coach and Hunchak as assistant coach.
---
The Seattle Thunderbirds have signed F Scott Eansor, 17, of Denver to a WHL contract. Eansor played for the minor midget Colorado Thunderbirds Tier 1 team in 2012-13. Seattle G Danny Mumaugh and D Griffin Foulk both came through that same Colorado program.
---
The Tri-City Americans made it official on Monday – they have signed F Parker AuCoin, their first-round selection in the 2013 bantam draft, to a WHL contract. AuCoin, from Calgary, was the 15th player taken in the draft. Playing with the Calgary Northstar Sabres, he scored 63 goals in 33 games last season, the second-highest total in Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League history. F Ty Rattie scored 75 for the Airdrie Xtreme in 2007-08. . . . Including playoffs and tournaments, AuCoin had 135 points, including 91 goals, in 56 games.
---
Three members of the Edmonton Oil Kings – F Travis Ewanyk, D Martin Gernat and D David Musil – have joined the AHL`s Oklahoma City Barons. . . . All three were selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL`s 2011 entry draft – Musil in the second round, Ewanyk in the third and Gernat in the fifth. . . . The Oil Barons are in an AHL playoff series with the Texas Stars. Last night, the Oil Barons beat the visiting Stars 4-0 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 will be played in OKC on Wednesday night.
---
A note from an avid fan of the Portland Winterhawks:
Here is an excerpt from an article I found on the official Memorial Cup website . . .
The Hawks will be making their fourth trip to the Memorial Cup tournament, having won the Memorial Cup in 1998 as WHL Champions and in 1982 as the host team. Portland opens their Memorial Cup round robin schedule versus Halifax on May 18th.
WRONG ... WRONG ... WRONG - This will be the Hawks FIFTH trip to the Memorial Cup:
1982 - WHL Champs
1983 - Host Team
1986 - Host Team
1998 - WHL Champs
2013 - WHL Champs
And finally – how many times will we hear the "talking heads" on Rogers refer to the upcoming Memorial Cup – as the "national championship" . . . (or something like that) – despite the fact a team based in Portland, Oregon, is competing?
---
THE COACHING GAME:
Al Sims, the director of player personnel and head coach of the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, has retired. Sims had been the Komets’ head coach for 10 seasons, including the last six in a row. This also was his 38th season in professional hockey, since he was a freshman defenceman with the NHL’s Boston Bruins in 1973-74.
---
The Memorial Cup field is set after the host London Knights scored a 3-2 victory over the Barrie Colts in Game 7 of the OHL final las night. . . . This one ended in thrilling fashion as London F Bo Horvat broke a 2-2 tie with less than one second remaining in the third period. In fact, the clock showed 0.1 when Horvat scored. . . . It was his 16th goal of the playoffs. He had three winners in the final series. . . . Barrie was without F Mark Scheifele, who was injured during Game 6. . . .The Knights are the third team in OHL history to win a series after trailing 3-1 in games. The 1979 Peterborough Petes and 1990 Oshawa Generals also did it. . . . London is the 10th team in OHL history to win back-to-back championships. . . . The Knights will open the Memorial Cup on Friday against the host Saskatoon Blades. . . . The WHL-champion Portland Winterhawks meet the QMJHL-champion Halifax Mooseheads on Saturday. . . . Ryan Pyette of the London Free Press has more on Horvat's winning goal right here.
---
TWEET OF THE DAY:
From Passive Voice (@ZKlineWHRB): "How the hell does Hadfield let that happen? Does he know nothing about hockey? If you're in space and your team is winning YOU STAY IN SPACE"
---
From Steve Murray (@NPsteve): "Well, if @cmdr_hadfield landed and the Leafs had won he wouldn't believe he was on earth."

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Lukas Zeliska (Prince Albert, 2006-07) signed a one-year contract extension with Bordeaux (France, Division 1). He had 12 goals and 15 assists in 24 games with Bordeaux this season.
———
Last week, it was Hockey Alberta. On Sunday, it was Hockey Nova Scotia choosing to prohibit body checking in peewee hockey starting next season. According to Alan Maki of The Globe and Mail: “Both associations referred to medical studies, including one done by the University of Calgary that showed Alberta peewees were at three times the risk of being injured, and four times the risk of suffering a concussion, when compared to peewee players in Quebec who did not body check.”
Maki notes that “Hockey Nova Scotia is also banning body checking at the bantam B and C levels (ages 13 to 14) and at midget B and C (ages 15 to 17).”
---
“The family of Derek Boogaard has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the National Hockey League,” reports John Branch of The New York Times. “It contends that the N.H.L. is responsible for the physical trauma and brain damage that Boogaard sustained during six seasons as one of the league’s top enforcers, and for the addiction to prescription painkillers that marked his final two years.”
Branch’s complete story is right here.
———
A couple of notes from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:
“Travis Green, who has filled in admirably for suspended Portland Winterhawks head coach/general manager Mike Johnston the last 5-1/2 months, is a hot item around the Western Hockey League. He could be coaching the Everett Silvertips next season. The connection: Everett GM Garry Davidson used to work as Portland’s director of player personnel. Plus, the former NHLer’s family lives in California. Johnston can’t be in any WHL rinks, even to watch games, which means he likely can’t sit in the stands at Saskatoon, either, for the Memorial Cup. He does watch all the games on his computer and talks to Green every day.
“I keep hearing Hockey Canada wants Red Deer Rebels owner/GM/coach Brent Sutter to coach the world junior team at Malmo, Sweden, this Christmas. Sutter, who won gold in 2005 at Grand Forks, N.D., and in 2006 at Vancouver, could let assistant Jeff Truitt, the one-time Oilers farm coach at Springfield, Mass., take care of the Rebels in his absence.”
———
The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland wins, 4-2)
Game 1: Friday, May 3 — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday, May 4 — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Wednesday — Portland 2 at Edmonton 1 (8,400)
Game 5: Friday — Edmonton 3 at Portland 2 (OT) (10,947)
Game 6: Sunday — Portland 5 at Edmonton 1 (7,449)
———
SUNDAY’S GAME:
In Edmonton, F Ty Rattie scored three times, two of them while shorthanded, to lead the Portland Winterhawks to a 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings. . . . F Nic Petan added three assists for Portland, which got 26 saves from G Mac Carruth. . . . The Winterhawks won their third WHL championships, having also capped the 1981-82 and 1997-98 seasons with titles. . . . The Winterhawks were in the final for the third straight season, having lost to the Kootenay Ice in 2011 and the Oil Kings a year ago. . . . Rattie was named the series MVP. . . . Rattie led the league in goals (20) and points (36). He also set a WHL career record with 50 goals, breaking the mark of 47 that he had shared with F Mark Pederson (Medicine Hat, 1983-88). . . . Petan led all scorers in assists, with 19. He finished second to Rattie, with 28 points. . . . Rattie has 95 career playoff points, leaving him third on the all-time list. . . . Edmonton F Travis Ewanyk scored the game’s first goal, at 1:04 of the first period, but that was it for the home team’s offence. . . . Rattie scored shorthanded at 4:28 and then added a second shorthanded goal at 7:15 to give Portland a 2-1 lead. . . . Both goals came while Portland F Chase De Leo served a double minor for high-sticking. . . . F Oliver Bjorkstrand upped the lead to 3-1 at 3:54 of the second, with Rattie adding his third goal of the game at 13:25. . . . Portland F Taylor Leier concluded the scoring with an empty-net goal. . . . The Oil Kings were 0-5 on the PP; the Winterhawks were 0-2. . . . When the Oil Kings look back at the series, they will wonder what happened to their PP. They were 0-for-14 with the man advantage in the six games. Portland was 2-for-22. . . . The Oil Kings were again without D Griffin Reinhart and F Trevor Cheek. . . . Portland will play its first game at the Memorial Cup on Saturday, against the QMJHL-champion Halifax Mooseheads. . . . Portland won the Memorial Cup in 1983 as the host team — yes, Virginia, there was a time when the Memorial Cup was held in the U.S. — and again in 1998 as the WHL champions
———
Attendance at Game 6 in Edmonton was 7,449. the smallest crowd to attend any of the championship series’ games.
The announcement was greeted by derision on Twitter and that’s something I have never understood.
You can’t blame the fans for not showing up; it’s their hard-earned money that they are choosing not to spend. Rather, the onus is on the teams involved to get the fans to part with those dollars and get them into the arenas.
As the playoffs proceed, the price of tickets rises to the point where it will cost a family of four in the neighbourhood of $100 or more to get in the doors. As well, some series are televised live, which was the case with the Portland-Edmonton championship final.
On top of that, the WHL games are often up against NHL playoff games on television.
There are a lot of reasons, then, for people to stay home, and we haven’t even touched on whether the weather, as winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer, is a factor.
Those are the things that junior teams have to overcome to get people into their buildings at this time of the year.
At the end of the day, though, you can’t belittle the people who don’t attend.
———
“You know their moms are still proud of them,” writes Dave (Crash) Cameron of the Edmonton Sun. His game story is right here.
———
Columnist Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun was there and his report is right here.
———
Chris O’Leary of the Edmonton Journal writes that the torch has been passed. His game story is right here.
———
Columnist John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal writes: “The Portland Winterhawks proved Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender Laurent Brossoit wrong in the end, but they certainly didn’t diminish his post-season performance.” . . . His column is right here.
———
Evan Daum of the Edmonton Journal covered the game for The Oregonian. His story is right here.
———
Paul Buker of The Oregonian spoke with Portland GM/head coach Mike Johnston, who has been suspended since late November. That piece is right here.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
———

From Paul Danzer (@360Danzer): “Mike Johnston tells crowd how proud he is of organization. He will see his players for the first time since December in a few minutes.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-12T03:01:00.003-07:00

Bob Lemieux, a tough customer during his hockey career, has made the decision to donate his brain to research. He thinks he suffered at least seven severe concussions during his career. Jane Taber of The Globe and Mail has his story right here.
———
Pitcher Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees has said he will retire at the conclusion of this season. That means that he is on his farewell tour. But this isn’t your average such tour. Check out this story right here from the Kansas City Star.
———
In the OHL on Saturday night, F Ryan Rupert’s second goal, 90 seconds into overtime, gave the visiting London Knights a 5-4 victory over the Barrie Colts. . . . The championship final is tied 3-3 with Game 7 scheduled for London on Monday night. . . . Rupert’s first goal of the game, at 16:50 of the second period, gave London a 4-0 lead. . . . Barrie stormed back with four third-period goals, F Mitchell Theoret forcing OT with a goal at 19:18. . . . Attendance was 4,241. . . . This is the 10th time since 1987 that the OHL final has gone to seven games. . . . Barrie was without F Anthony Camara, who was suspended prior to Game 6 for the remainder of the OHL playoffs. He was ejected from Game 5 with a charging major. Camara would be eligible for the Memorial Cup, should the Colts win the OHL title. . . . As well, the Colts lost D Michael Webster in Game 5 when he slid into the boards and suffered a broken collarbone.
———

In the Central league, F Todd Robinson’s goal at 2:47 of OT gave the host Allen Americans a 3-2 victory over the Wichita Thunder in Game 7 of the league’s championship series. . . . The Americans trailed 2-0 with 13 minutes left in the third period. . . . F Jarret Lukin (Kamloops, Medicine Hat, 2000-05) scored at 7:13 and F Trevor Hendrikx tied it at 17:41. . . . Robinson, a 34-year-old from Trail, B.C., played five seasons (1994-99) with the Portland Winterhawks. A prolific pointman throughout his career, he led the league in playoff scoring, with 22 points.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland leads, 3-2)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday, May 3 — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday, May 4 — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Wednesday — Portland 2 at Edmonton 1 (8,400)
Game 5: Friday, Edmonton 3 at Portland 2 (OT) (10,947)
Game 6: Today, Portland at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Game 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
SATURDAY’S GAME:
No Game Scheduled.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-12T02:34:00.000-07:00

Why did the NHL suspend Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba for that hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller? Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette sums it up: “This ain’t your grandfather’s NHL. The players are bigger and much faster. There is no red line. Collisions occur at warp speed. Everything from the fate of Marc Savard and Chris Pronger to the threat of billion-dollar lawsuits argues that the NHL has to act to cut down on the mayhem.” . . . What is it with Kamloops drivers and their love affair with the yellow line, or is it a B.C. thing? . . .

Californian Janice Hough, aka The Left Coast Sports Babe, isn’t too enthused with the since-dead plan to charge us a fee to enter her country. “Right,” she notes, “so we have more protection from all those dangerous Canadians.” . . . After Texas A&M revealed plans to expand its football stadium to 102,500 seats, Hough pointed out: “Not that we need anything to put football in Texas in perspective, but the population of College Station, Texas, where A&M is located, is 95,142.” . . . “Not to be outdone,” says R.J. Currie of SportsDeke.com, “the Saskatchewan Huskies will add a folding chair to their luxury box.” . . . One more from Currie: “First John Morris claims he’s lost the passion to curl, then a week later joins a B.C. team. In TV lingo, he jumped from My Favourite Martin to Welcome Back Cotter.” . . .

Virgin Airlines says it will allow passengers to purchase drinks for other passengers. “Not to be outdone,” notes Richmond blogger TC Chong, “Air Canada announced that drinks and food can be ordered from the airport lounge as passengers sit waiting on the tarmac.” . . . Headline at TheOnion.com: Astros TV crew already out of things to say about team. . . . And here’s one from The Borowitz Report at NewYorker.com: NRA leader warns of rising cost of senators. . . .

Forward Dylan Willick, who completed his junior eligibility this season as the captain of the Kamloops Blazers, spent part of this week in Montreal being wooed by the gang at McGill U. In fact, he was in the Bell Centre on Thursday night as the Canadiens were eliminated. Yes, the Habs could have used him on the ice. . . . It seems that the U of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, who won the CIS championship in Saskatoon earlier this spring, also are in there pitching for Willick’s services. . . . At the same time, the U of Alberta Golden Bears are really interested in forward Brendan Ranford, but there are rumblings that he may sign with the Dallas Stars, who are owned, of course, by Blazers majority owner Tom Gaglardi. . . .

If you missed it, Michael Jordan got married a couple of weeks ago. “In a nice salute to the past,” wrote Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, “Jordan’s bride wore a stunning gown borrowed from Dennis Rodman.” . . . Security guards in Oklahoma City caught a guy trying to steal a Zamboni earlier this week. As Robert Cox of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette pointed out: "As with most Zamboni-related crimes, police said alcohol was a factor." . . .

Are you able to recall the last time an NHL playoff team was the kind of mess the Vancouver Canucks were? Sheesh! They made the Kardashians look like the family next door. . . . The kings of embellishment accusing another team of diving? The goaltending mess? The lack of offence? . . . It’s not AV’s fault, but he’ll pay the price. . . . Oh, and you can buy a penthouse condo belonging to one of the goaltenders for about $4 million. . . . It’s enough to make you wonder what all might have happened had they played a full season. . . . The Canucks are gone. Gas prices as high as $1.39.9. Where are the locusts? . . .

You may have known that the Polo World Cup recently was held in Miami Beach. According to Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald, “The top three teams were sponsored by an Argentine billionaire, a French yachtsman and a backup Auburn tight end.” . . . A woman in Portland was to have labour induced on Friday, but got her doctor to put it off until Monday if she could find a ticket to Game 5 of the WHL final between the Winterhawks and Edmonton Oil Kings. Now that’s customer loyalty. . . . And then there’s Chicago Blackhawks centre Dave Bolland. Asked how close he was to returning from a groin injury, Bolland offered: “I don’t know about the percentage, but I’m halfway there.”

(Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, gdrinnan.blogspot.ca and twitter.com/gdrinnan. Keeping Score appears Saturdays, except when it doesn’t.)

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-11T02:01:00.004-07:00

Two first-round selections in last week’s WHL bantam draft have signed contracts. . . . D Josh Anderson has signed with the Prince George Cougars. He was the third overall selection. . . . F Parker Aucoin, who went 15th overall to the Tri-City Americans, also has signed. . . . Both players are represented by Turning Point Sports Management. . . . Anderson, 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, is from Duncan, B.C. . . . Aucoin, 6-foot-0 and 176 pounds, had 87 points, including 63 goals, in 33 games with the bantam AAA Calgary Northstar Sabres.
———
The Halifax Mooseheads won their first QMJHL championship last night, defeating the visiting Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-1 and winning the best-of-seven final, 4-1. . . . The Metro Centre was sold out (10,595). . . . The Mooseheads took control early with three first-period goals, the first two via the PP. . . . Halifax F Jonathan Drouin was named the playoff MVP. He put up 35 points in 17 games.
———
In the OHL, F Bo Horvat scored twice to help the host London Knights to a 6-4 victory over the Barrie Colts. . . . Barrie leads the best-of-seven final 3-2 with Game 6 in its home arena tonight. . . . Horvat scored a PP goal in the second period for a 4-1 lead and added a shorthanded goal in the third to up the lead to 5-2. . . . Barrie F Anthony Camara, who took a charging major earlier in the series and escaped without a suspension, was ejected with a charging major at 14:17 of the third period.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Shawn Martin is the new general manager and head coach of the SJHL’s La Ronge Ice Wolves. He replaces Bob Beatty, who won two SJHL titles with La Ronge. He resigned following this season and now is with the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals. . . . Martin, 35, has been working with the AJHL’s Grande Prairie Storm, where he served as assistant GM, assistant coach and head scout. . . . He also worked with the AJHL’s St. Albert Steel and Sherwood Park Crusaders.
———
The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland leads, 3-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday, May 3 — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday, May 4 — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Wednesday — Portland 2 at Edmonton 1 (8,400)
Game 5: Friday, Edmonton 3 at Portland 2 (OT) (10,947)
Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Game 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
FRIDAY’S GAME:
In Portland, F Michael St. Croix scored three times and G Laurent Brossoit stopped 49 shots to lead the Edmonton Oil Kings to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Winterhawks. . . . St. Croix, who has 14 goals, got the winner at 7:24 of OT. . . . Edmonton F Dylan Wruck drew three assists. . . . F Joey Baker opened the scoring, giving Portland a 1-0 lead just 15 seconds into the game. . . . Edmonton tied it at 10:14 when a shot by F T.J. Foster went in off a skate. The goal was credited to St. Croix but very well might be changed at some point. . . . Edmonton took a 2-1 lead when St. Croix scored at 7:01 of the third period. . . . Portland forced OT when F Brendan Leipsic tied it at 14:05 of the third. . . . Portland G Mac Carruth turned aside 27 shots. . . . Portland was 0-for-2 on the PP; Edmonton never had an opportunity with the man advantage. . . . The Rose Garden was sold out (10,947). . . . They’ll play Game 6 in Edmonton on Sunday. . . . It was the first OT game of these playoffs for the Winterhawks; the Oil Kings are 1-3.
———
Here’s how Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune started his column after the game:
“It ended with the Rose Garden's sellout throng sitting in stunned silence, Michael St. Croix's goal in sudden-death overtime preventing what would have been a celebration for the ages.
“Moments later, Western Hockey League commissioner Ron Robison was busy texting on his cell phone outside the Harry Glickman Media Room.
“I looked over his shoulder and I'm pretty sure he was communicating this to his cronies:
“ ‘Whew. That was close. Almost had to take to the ice to present the championship trophy. Live for another day.’ ”
Eggers’ column is right here.
———
Paul Buker of The Oregonian has his game story right here.
———
Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun was at the game and his game story is right here.
———
Columnist Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun didn’t travel to Portland, but still file a column. It’s right here.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-10T01:13:00.003-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:

D Brett Palin (Kelowna, 2000-05) signed a one-year contract with Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg (Germany, DEL). He had six goals and seven assists in 50 games with Chomutov (Czech Republic, Extraliga) this season. . . .

F Rastislav Konecny (Saskatoon, 2006-07) signed a one-year contract with Kosice (Slovakia, Extraliga). He had 21 goals and 13 assists in 47 games for Skalica (Slovakia, Extraliga) this season. . . .

D Robby Sandrock (Spokane, Swift Current, Medicine Hat, Kelowna, 1994-99) signed a one-year contract extension with the Belfast Giants (Northern Ireland, UK Elite). He had 16 goals and 27 assists in 47 games with the Giants this season and was named to the UK Elite second all-star team.
———

Ken Dryden, as only he can do, takes a look at the Eric Gryba hit on Lars Eller, breaks down the reaction to it and offers up his interpretation of where we’re going with the game of hockey. It’s all right here.
———
The Portland Winterhawks are able to wrap up the WHL championship tonight as they take a 3-1 lead over the Edmonton Oil Kings into Game 5 at the Rose Garden.
Here’s an ad that was spotted on Craigslist:
“Winterhawks Tickets Wanted (Delaying my induced child birth for this) - $30 (Portland/Vancouver)
“I am scheduled to have induced child birth on Friday 5/10. If I can find tickets for the game the doctor has agreed to move it until Monday. Please email if you have 2 tickets available.”
Sheesh, this must be a big game!
———
Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette has an interesting piece right here on Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban and the love-hate relationship with fans.
———
By now, you likely are aware of all that went on in social media implying a feud between April Reimer, the wife of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer, and Elisha Cuthbert, the fiancee of Toronto defenceman Dion Phaneuf. Of course, it’s not true. Dan Robson of Sportsnet has the story right here. Oh, and he also talks with the guy in the North Stars cap.
———
Over at The Nation (thenation.com), Dave Zirin has written an excellent piece that carries this headline: The Cesspool: Why Youth Sports Stink. . . . It’s right here and well worth your time, unless you are a parent or a coach who is meeting your needs at the expense of kids, to paraphrase former NFLer Joe Ehrmann, who is quoted in this column.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
The Regina Pats will be short two coaches after the Christmas break next season. Regina head coach Malcolm Cameron will be the head coach for Team West at the U17 World Hockey Challenge in Cape Breton. Regina assistant coach Josh Dixon will serve as an assistant coach. . . . The tournament begins on Dec. 29. . . .

The BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs have signed general manager/head coach Kevin Willison and Adam Hayduk, the assistant director of hockey operations and assistant coach, through 2014-15. . . . The Bulldogs finished the regular season at 29-20-2-5 this season. . . .

Greg Ireland will be back for a third season as head coach of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. General manager Dale DeGray announced Thursday that the team has picked up the option on Ireland’s contract. The Attack is 76-47-13 under Ireland.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland leads, 3-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Wednesday — Portland 2 at Edmonton 1 (8,400)
Game 5: Today, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
THURSDAY’S GAME:
No Game Scheduled.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
———

From Sunaya Sapurji (@sunayas) of Yahoo! Sports: “One person is offering "PS3 for free with controllers and games plus $50" for tickets to the Mooseheads. #CrazyTown)
Sapurji has more on the drive to get tickets right here.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

Bozon part of France's 'Miracle on Ice'

2013-05-10T00:57:00.001-07:00

By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
A miracle on ice?
France, including left-winger Tim Bozon of the Kamloops Blazers, defeated Russia 2-1 at the IIHF World hockey championship in Helsinki on Thursday.
“This was France’s equivalent of the 1980 Miracle on Ice where U.S. college players defeated the heavily favoured Soviets at the Lake Placid Olympics,” Lucas Aykroyd of IIHF.com wrote in his game story. He also referred to it as “one of the biggest upsets in international hockey history.”
Russia had won 13 straight World championship games; France had lost all five previous meetings with Russia, going back to 1992, the last one a 7-2 setback in Switzerland in 2009. Prior to 1992, France always was in a lower division, thus the teams never met.
“It’s fantastic to beat the defending champions and the best players in the world,” French coach Dave Henderson, a Winnipeg native, said. “It’s so big for French hockey it’s hard to describe.”
The Russians held a 29-19 edge in shots, with third-string goaltenders Vasili Koshechkin of Russia and Florian Hardy of France playing. The highlight of Hardy’s game may have been a glove save on forward Alexander Radulov on a second-period penalty shot with the game scoreless.
Just 15 seconds later, Alexander Perezhogin gave the Russians a 1-0 lead.
Damien Fleury tied it at 9:52, beating Koshechkin with a slapshot, and Antoine Roussel, who plays for the Dallas Stars and is the lone NHLer on France’s roster, got what turned out to be the winner at 16:48, putting a backhander through the goaltender’s legs.
“I’m (Hardy’s) roommate,” Bozon told Aykroyd, “and we talked about the game a little, and he was a little nervous.
“I think (the Russians) underestimated us a little, but that’s their problem. We never gave up, and I think we played a good game.”
Bozon, 19, has one assist in four games, averaging 8:43 minutes of playing time.
He is the third generation from his family to play for France’s national team, following his paternal grandfather, Alain, and his father, Philippe.
Philippe, the first French-trained player to reach the NHL, also is at the tournament, working for French broadcaster Sport+. As a national teamer, Philippe, now 46, played in four Olympics and nine World championships. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2008.
Tim told The Daily News after the game that he played about 8:30 against Russia.
As for the overall experience of playing in the World championship, he said: “It’s different because the ice is bigger. But the big difference is the players are really strong and they are big.”
Against Russia, he said, the French “played really well . . . good discipline.”
Russia (3-1) is to play Finland (3-1) today, while France (2-2) plays Saturday against the U.S. (3-1).
———
There’s more on the Bozons and their World championship experiences right here.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-09T02:12:00.002-07:00

The Portland Winterhawks have come a long way in a rather short period of time. And it doesn’t sound like they’re going to be leaving any time soon. . . . Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune takes a comprehensive look right here at how the Winterhawks got here from there.
———

The Prince Albert Raiders have signed Duane Bartley, their athletic therapist, and Bruce Vance, the business manager and director of marketing, to new deals. Both agreed to contracts that call for two years and an option. Bartley and Vance have been with the Raiders since 2011. . . . The Raiders also have added Prince Albert native Tom Brown to their marketing staff. Brown played four years at Michigan Tech and graduated with a degree in management. Brown played for the midget AAA Prince Albert Mintos who won the Telus Cup in 2006 and 2007. . . . The Raiders, who are without a head coach, have yet to announce the return of general manager Bruno Campese, but my understanding is that negotiations are on-going.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Malcolm Cameron is the new head coach of the Regina Pats, Cameron, an assistant coach for two years, replaces Pat Conacher. Cameron has signed a two-year contract with a club option on a third year. . . . It turns out that Conacher informed general manager Chad Lang on April 26 that he would be leaving the organization. Conacher was with the Pats for two seasons as head coach and had one year left on his contract. . . . Conacher joined the Pats from the staff of the then-Chilliwack Bruins. . . . Prior to joining the Pats, Cameron spent nine seasons coaching in the ECHL.
Greg Harder of the Regina Leader-Post has more coverage, with a piece right here on Cameron and Conacher’s story right here. . . .

The BCHL’s Salmon Arm SilverBacks have signed Brandon West as their associate head coach. He will work alongside Troy Mick, the general manager and head coach. West just completed his first season as an assistant coach in Salmon Arm, after working as an assistant coach with the West Kelowna Warriors, whose head coach, Rylan Ferster, is a former Salmon Arm head coach.
———
The Red Deer Rebels have dealt F Joel Hamilton to the Vancouver Giants for a third-round selection in the 2014 bantam draft. . . . Hamilton, who turns 19 on Sept. 9, is from Cochrane, Alta. He had 57 points, including 14 goals, in 114 games with the Rebels over two seasons. . . . He is the younger brother of former WHL F Wacey Hamilton (Medicine Hat, 2007-11).
———

In the QMJHL, F Martin Frk had five points, two of them goals, as the visiting Halifax Mooseheads dumped the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, 7-4. . . . F Jonathan Drouin added a goal and three assists for the Mooseheads, who hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven final. . . . Game 5 is in Halifax on Friday.
———

In the OHL, F Mark Scheifele scored four times in the third period to lead the host Barrie Colts to a 6-4 victory over the London Knights. . . . The Colts hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven final with Game 5 in London on Friday. . . . Barrie trailed 3-1 after the second period and promptly scored five times in the third period. . . . Scheifele now has 39 points in 19 playoff games. . . . London head coach Dale Hunter was not a happy camper after the game. “Actually, we played very well,” he said in a postgame news conference. “We had a 3-1 lead, and the last six minutes or so of the second period, they started diving. Belleville warned us about it, that Scheifele, these guys, love to dive and draw penalties. (They got) three in a row and it changed the course of the game that way.” . . . Neate Sager of Yahoo! Sports takes a look right here at Hunter and his motives.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland leads, 2-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Wednesday — Portland 2 at Edmonton 1 (8,400)
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
WEDNESDAY’S GAME:
In Edmonton, the Portland Winterhawks scored the game’s first two goals and went on to a 2-1 victory over the Oil Kings. . . . The Winterhawks, in their third straight final, are one victory from winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup. Game 5 is Friday in Portland’s Rose Garden and was declared a sellout early Wednesday. . . . A year ago, the Oil Kings beat the Winterhawks in a seven-game final. . . . F Brendan Leipsic had the game’s first goal, at 17:13 of the first period, and added an assist for Portland. . . . D Troy Rutkowski got Portland’s second goal, at 9:54 of the second. . . . F Mitch Moroz scored for Edmonton, knocking a puck out of mid-air at 4:45 of the third period. . . . Portland G Mac Carruth was outstanding, with 29 saves. In these playoffs, Carruth is 15-4, 1.60, .938. . . . Edmonton G Laurent Brossoit stopped 19 shots. . . . The Oil Kings were 0-for-4 on the PP; they are 0-for-29 since their last PP goal, which came in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Calgary Hitmen. . . . The Oil Kings continue to be without injured D Griffin Reinhart and F Trevor Cheek, and judging by reports, the absences are taking a toll.
———
Edmonton Journal columnist John MacKinnon writes that the Oil Kings “are on the brink of being deposed” but that “there will be no dishonour in losing to an opportunistic and very talented Winterhawks team.” . . . His column is right here.
———
Chris O’Leary of the Edmonton Journal has his game story right here. He writes a lot about a late-game penalty taken by Edmonton F Henrik Samuelsson and the reaction by Oil Kings head coach Derek Laxdal.
———
“You’re not likely to get to the Memorial Cup with an 0-for-29-and-counting power play run and by scoring one goal in a span 174 minutes and 44 seconds,” writes Edmonton Sun columnist Terry Jones right here.
———
“The first goal was hard enough to get. The second proved impossible,” writes Dave (Crash) Cameron of the Edmonton Sun. “Despite frantic and furious efforts late in the third, the Edmonton Oil Kings are down 3-1 in the WHL finals to the Portland Winterhawks after the Oil Kings' 2-1 loss at Rexall Place on Wednesday. Again, no 'puck-luck' for the Oil Kings. And again, Hawks goalie Mac Carruth didn't help them find any.” . . . Cameron’s game story is right here.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
———

From Portland G Mac Carruth (@maccarruth31): “I need two tickets for Fridays game can anybody help me out”
———
From Shawn Mullin (@shawnmullin), the radio voice of the Swift Current Broncos: “@SCBroncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb will now face his 3rd Pats coach and 3rd Raiders coach. He's faced 2 Wheat Kings coaches & 2 Warrior coaches.”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-08T00:59:00.002-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Rudolf Cerveny (Regina, 2007-09) and F Martin Podlesak (Tri-City, Lethbridge, 2000-02) signed one-year plus option contract extensions with Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic, Extraliga). . . . Cerveny had three goals and two assists in 33 games with Ceske Budejovice and four assists in 11 games on loan to Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic, 1. Liga). . . . Podlesak had five goals and two assists in 32 games with Ceske Budejovice this season. . . .

D Michael Busto (Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Kootenay, 2001-07) signed a two-year contract extension with Angers (France, Ligue Magnus). He had three goals and 11 assists in 26 games this season. Angers finished the regular season in first place and lost to Rouen in Game 7 of the final, 4-3 in overtime. . . .

F Alex Leavitt (Swift Current, Everett, 2003-06) signed a one-year contract with Oskarshamn (Sweden, Allsvenskan). He had one goal and four assists in 13 games with Medvescak Zagreb (Croatia, Austria Erste Bank Liga) and 13 goals and 35 assists in 32 games with Schwenninger Wild Wings (Germany, 2. Bundesliga) this season. . . .

F Petr Dvorak (Regina, 2002-03) signed a one-year contract extension with Cracovia Krakow (Poland, Ekstraliga). He had 15 goals and 13 assists in 32 games this season for the Polish champions. . . .

F Curtis Huppe (Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Tri-City, 1995-2000) signed a one-year contract extension with the Guilford Flames (England Premier). He had 50 goals and 31 assists in 50 games with the English Premier champions this season.
———
The USHL held Phase II of its draft last night. If you’re a fan of drafts, you have to love the USHL round-by-round. It’s right here, and if you click on a player’s name you will get his stats. Great stuff!
ushl.rinknetcloud.com/draft27.htm
Some names that caught my eye . . .

F Chris Wilkie was the second overall selection, going to the Tri-City Storm, in the the USHL draft on Tuesday evening. Wilkie, who turns 17 on July 10, has committed to North Dakota and has said he is leaving the U.S. National Team Development Program. . . . His WHL rights belong to the Victoria Royals, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 bantam draft. . . . The Storm plays out of Kearney, Nebraska. Wilkie is from Omaha and would become the first Nebraska native to play for the Storm should he, as expected, sign with there.

Still with the USHL draft, F Tyson McClellan, the son of San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McClellan, was picked by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the sixth round, 84th overall. Tyson, 17, has twice been in training camp with the Kamloops Blazers. . . .
Waterloo selected F Tanner MacMaster of Calgary in the fourth round, 57th overall. The Spokane Chiefs selected him in the first round, 19th overall, of the WHL’s 2011 bantam draft. He played this season with t he AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks and has committed to Boston College. . . .

F Ryan Gropp of Kamloops was taken in the eighth round, 108th overall, by the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL’s draft on Tuesday evening. Gropp, who turns 17 on Sept. 16, played this season with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees. His WHL rights belong to the Seattle Thunderbirds, who selected him sixth overall in the WHL’s 2011 draft. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder has yet to publicly declare whether he will play in the WHL or take the NCAA route.

G Dawson MacAuley, whose WHL rights were acquired Thursday by the Regina Pats, was taken by the Lincoln Stars in the 22nd round, 326th overall. . . . MacAuley, who turns 19 on June 14, is from Prince Albert. He has some WHL experience with t he Medicine Hat Tigers, but played most of this season with the SJHL-champion Yorkton Terriers. The Pats acquired MacAuley from the Calgary Hitmen for a fourth-round pick in the 2013 bantam draft.

The Dubuque Fighting Saints selected D David Quenneville of Edmonton with the last pick of the 27th round. He was selected 10th overall by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL bantam draft on Thursday.
———

THE COACHING GAME:
The BCHL’s Langley Rivermen have signed Jon Calvano as assistant general manager and associate coach. Calvano spent the past three years as head coach of the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express, going 92-87-3-4. . . . With the Rivermen, Calvano will work alongside GM/head coach Bobby Henderson.
———

In the QMJHL, the host Baie-Comeau Drakkar scored a 3-1 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads. . . . Halifax, which now is 14-1 in these playoffs, holds a 2-1 lead with Game 4 in Baie-Comeau tonight.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Portland leads, 2-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday — Portland 3 at Edmonton 1 (8,513)
Game 4: Today, May 8, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 4, 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
TUESDAY’S GAME:
In Edmonton, F Ty Rattie tied the WHL record for career playoff goals as the Portland Winterhawks beat the Oil Kings, 3-1. . . . Rattie scored his WHL-leading 17th goal to give Portland a 2-0 lead in the first period. That was his 47th career playoff goal, tying him with F Mark Pederson (Medicine Hat, 1983-88). . . . Rattie has played in 73 career playoff games; Pederson played in 71. . . . Rattie also leads the WHL with 33 points, in 18 games. Last season, he put up 33 points in 21 games, finishing one point behind then-teammate F Sven Baertschi. . . . The Winterhawks dominated the first period, getting goals from F Taylor Leier (8:39), Rattie (8:14) and F Oliver Bjorkstrand (15:48). . . . Portland G Mac Carruth, who lost his shutout bid when F Michael St. Croix scored at 9:13 of the second, stopped 38 shots. . . . Edmonton G Laurent Brossoit turned saide 24. . . . The Oil Kings remain without F Trevor Cheek, who has an undisclosed injury and may not play at all in the series, and D Griffin Reinhart, whose season was ended by a skate cut to a foot that required surgery.
———
The Winterhawks gained at least a measure of revenge with last night’s victory, writes Evan Daum, who is covering the games in Edmonton for The Oregonian. That story is right here.
———
“Maybe they had no ‘puck luck’, but the Edmonton Oil Kings fell 3-1 in Game 3 of the WHL finals at Rexall Place — and 2-1 in the series — to the Portland Winterhawks at Rexall Place on Tuesday night,” writes Dave (Crash) Cameron of the Edmonton Sun. His story is right here.
———
Veteran Edmonton Sun columnist Terry Jones figures the Winterhawks “are going to be hard to stop now.” His column from Game 3 is right here.
———
The Oil Kings, writes Chris O’Leary of the Edmonton Journal, “have started each game of the series progressively slower, with the results becoming increasingly predicable.” His game story is right here.
———
Columnist John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal writes that the Oil Kings know what they want to do, but “it’s putting the plan into action that’s hanging them up.” His piece is right here.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
———
TWEET OF THE DAY:
From the USHL’s Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel): “With (its) final pick the Steel draft Jack Jablonski. Congrats @Jabs_13 on becoming a member of the Steel!”
———
From Jack Jablonski (@Jabs_13): “Best night ever. #steel”

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-07T02:16:00.001-07:00

THE MacBETH REPORT:
D Shaun Heshka (Everett, 2003-06) has signed a contract with an unnamed Kontinental Hockey League team, according to a press release by Ässät Pori (Finland, SM-Liiga). He had eight goals and 23 assists in 60 games for Ässät, the SM-Liiga champions this season, and had the best plus/minus during the SM-Liiga playoffs at +9 in 16 games. . . . Ässät GM Mika Toivola: “Heshka was a really big piece of our championship team. He is a great player and a great person. We wish Shaun good luck in his future challenges and I hope that one day he will return to Ässät.” Helsinki newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported Monday evening that Heska had signed a two-year contract with Ak Bars Kazan (KHL, Russia). . . .

G Jeff Glass (Kootenay, 2002-05) signed a one-year contract with Spartak Moscow (Russia, KHL). He had a 2.02 GAA and a .933 save percentage in 38 games with Sibir Novosibirsk (Russia, KHL) this season. . . .

D Petr Kubos (Prince George, 1997-99) signed a one-year plus option contract with Kometa Brno (Czech Republic, Extraliga). He had eight goals and 12 assists in 51 games with Slavia Prague (Czech Republic, Extraliga) this season.
———

Dwight Jaynes of Comcast Sportsnet, who is a long-time observer of the Portland sports scene, has weighed in on WHL commissioner Ron Robison’s meeting with the media there on Friday evening. Jaynes’ piece is right here, along with video of the news conference, if you are so inclined.
———

In the OHL, F Mark Scheifele had five points, two of them goals, as the host Barrie Colts dumped the London Knights, 6-3. . . . The Colts lead the OHL final, 2-1, with Game 4 in Barrie on Wednesday night. . . . Scheifele, the Winnipeg Jets’ first pick, seventh overall, in the NHL’s 2011 draft, leads the OHL scoring race, with 34 points in 18 games. . . . Barrie F Anthony Camara wasn’t suspended for the charging major he was given after a hit on London F Max Domi in Game 2.
———
Sources hit Twitter early Monday with the news that F Chris Wilkie, who turns 17 on July 10, is leaving the U.S. National Team Development Program. Wilkie, from Omaha, was a fourth-round selection by the Victoria Royals in the WHL’s 2011 bantam draft. . . . There was speculation that Wilkie, who has made a committment to the U of North Dakota, isn’t considering a move to Victoria. However, a source familiar with the situation told me that Wilkie is exploring all of his options. . . . Perhaps his immediate future rides on where he is selected in today’s USHL draft. . . . Wilkie is the son of former WHL D David Wilkie (Seattle, Kamloops, Regina, 1990-94). David was selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the 20th pick of the NHL’s 1992 draft.
———
With the Memorial Cup scheduled to open in their arena on May 17, the Saskatoon Blades — remember them? — continue to practice and practice and practice. On Monday, they had some familiar faces on the ice with them as they attempted to pick up the pace a bit. Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix has that story right here.
———
THE COACHING GAME:
Dwayne Kirkup is the new head coach of the MJHL’s Neepawa Natives. Kirkup guided the MJHL’s Swan Valley Stampeders to a 33-23-4 record this season, the last year of his contract. He was the MJHL’s 2009-10 coach of the year with the Stampeders. . . . With the Natives, Kirkup takes over from Ken Brooks, who went 13-40-7 this season.
———

In winning Game 2 of the WHL final, the Portland Winterhawks “showcased their ‘A’ game, and a discombobulating, speed-based blur it is, when it gets rolling,” writes John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal.
He continues: “The 3-0 score on Saturday night — the Edmonton Oil Kings won Game 1 by a score of 4-1 — doesn’t really capture the fashion in which the Winterhawks unleashed a transition game in which they switch from defence to high-octane offence in an eyeblink.”
MacKinnon’s column is right here.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Series tied, 1-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Today, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, May 8, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
MONDAY’S GAME:
No Game Scheduled.

CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

Boys of Summer not coming to Kamloops

2013-05-07T02:09:00.000-07:00

For the baseball fans out there . . .

By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports EditorThe Seattle Studs won the 40th anniversary edition of the Kamloops International Baseball Tournament (KIBT) in July.
There won’t be a 41st edition, at least not this summer.
“I’m incredibly disappointed,” offered Studs manager Barry Aden. “I’ve been going there since 1980. It’s been a middle-of-July activity for me since I was 19 years old. It’s very disappointing.”
The board of the Kamloops International Baseball Tournament Society revealed Monday that KIBT has been cancelled, at least for 2013.
“This is something we tabled over a month ago,” KIBT president Dean Padar said, pointing out that chairman Linda Coutts had “put on a really good push in April to see if we could scare up a couple more teams and we didn’t have any takers, so. . . .
“We made the decision late last week and it never really sunk in, but now . . .”
KIBT had six teams, including the Kamloops Sundevils, committed to the 2013 tournament, which would have been held July 11-14. But the committee decided that wasn’t enough.
“There’s no nice way to put it . . . we’ve been kind of limping this along for a few years now,” Padar said. “A couple of times, we’ve run with fewer teams. We just decided if we don’t get eight, we don’t do it.
“We gave it a lot of thought because we’ve gone with six in the past . . . we’ve gone with five in the past. We just felt we weren’t doing the tournament justice by running it like that.”
Asked what is making it so difficult to get teams to come to KIBT, Padar replied: “We hear the same thing over and over again. Nobody seems to have the money anymore. It’s an expensive weekend for a team to come up here.”
Aden, whose Studs pocketed $9,000 with last year’s title, wasn’t about to disagree.
“It costs us right around $7,000 to come up there for the four days . . . motels, meal money, entry fee, gas money,” Aden said. “If you don’t win the championship, which we’ve been fortunate enough to do six of the last seven years, we only net $2,000. If we were ever to take second or third, then we’d be in a deficit situation.”
Still, Aden was hoping to have to spend the money to come here.
“I just really like Kamloops, always have,” he said. “It’s a great place for baseball. NorBrock is a great stadium to play in. The rivalries are temendous. The fan support and the beer garden . . . the whole setup is a big landmark part of every summer.”
The Studs have won three straight KIBT titles and six of the last seven.
Now, Aden is scrambling to organize a three-site, mini-tournament for the Studs, Northwest Honkers, Everett Merchants and Thurston County Senators, all of whom were entered in KIBT but now have an open weekend on their schedules.
The KIBT announcement was the second hit to the summer baseball schedule. In March, the Grand Forks International Baseball Society announced that its 2013 tournament, a 12-team affair, had been cancelled. Organizers cited the withdrawal of two teams and the retirement of some key volunteers.
“Grand Forks and Kamloops in the same year . . . it’s really disappointing,” Aden said. “It’s a blow to Pacific Northwest baseball. All of us down here in Washington, those are two of our destinations . . . every single summer.”
As for 2014, Padar isn’t offering any guarantees.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ll look at the possibility of toying with the entry fee or something like that.”
It has cost each team $1,000 to enter KIBT.
“If we could come up with some sort of sponsorship that would cover that money, it’s something we could look at waiving,” Padar said, adding that were the committee able to recruit a title sponsor, “That would be great.”
Aden said he puts the Studs’ schedule together “in the fall . . . it’s done by November/December.”
“I need to have an idea in the fall,” he stated, “otherwise I’m going to schedule more games in California or invite someone to come in and play me.
“I think they have to decide by American Thanksgiving.”
The KIBT committee may be able to shed light on next summer’s plans when it holds its annual meeting on Sept. 30 in the Willow Room of the North Shore Community Centre at 730 Cottonwood Ave. The meeting is to start at 7 p.m., and all interested parties are invited to attend.

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-06T01:10:00.001-07:00

I meant to post a link to this piece the other night, but it slipped through the cracks, and it deserves a lot better than that. . . . Joe O’Connor of the National Post talks with Kelly Hrudey and his daughter, Kaitlin, about dealing with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. . . . This should be compulsory reading. Period.
———
Bill Pennington of The New York Times has an interesting piece right here on young athletes and concussions. There is a lot of interesting anecdotal information here.
———
Were you disappointed to hear that Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole are leaving TSN for Fox Sports 1? Wondering how it all happened? Curious as to whether Producer Tim is going, too? . . . Richard Deitsch of SI.com has the story right here.
———

In the OHL, F Seth Griffith scored twice and added an assist as the host London Knights dumped the Barrie Colts 4-1 on Sunday night. . . . Barrie F Anthony Camara drew a charging major and game misconduct for a hit on London F Max Domi at 7:57 of the third period. . . . Attendance was 8,985. . . . The series shifts to Barrie for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday.
———

Derek Laxdal, the head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings, expects two days off to do his club a world of good. Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun has that story right here.
———

In the spring of the 1979, the Portland Winterhawks were on the verge of going under. In fact, had they not ended up in the WHL final, the end very well may have arrived. Columnist Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun has more right here. It’s great to see Ken Hodge getting some ink during the WHL final.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Series tied, 1-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday, May 7, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, May 8, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
SUNDAY’S GAME:
No Game Scheduled.

CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-05T01:33:00.004-07:00

Remember back in the day when players with the Montreal Canadiens always raised themselves above the rabble? Not anymore. Not with forward Brandon Prust having characterized Ottawa Senators head coach Paul MacLean as a “bug-eyed fat walrus.” . . . For just a moment there, Prust thought he was a trash-talking NBA player. . . . Ahh, there’s nothing like the signs of spring in Canada. NHL playoffs. Scrums. Injuries. Scrums. Injuries. Blaming the referees. . . .

“Vancouver police investigators have recommended that 34 new charges be filed against 10 more people who were involved in the 2011 Stanley Cup riot,” writes Ian Hamilton of the Regina Leader-Post. “For Crown prosecutors, that incident is like a gift that keeps on giving.” . . . One more from Hamilton: “Boxing legend Mike Tyson reported this week that one of his ex-girlfriends once cooked and ate one of his racing pigeons. Not surprisingly, the relationship ended in a domestic squab-ble.” . . . Close your eyes for one moment and try to imagine what would happen to our nation were the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs to meet in the Stanley Cup final. . . . Call it Apocalypse Then! . . .

Tyler Wilson, who played quarterback with the Arkansas Razorbacks, was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the NFL draft. No, he wasn’t in New York at the time. Rather, he was shopping. As he told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: "Sure enough, the phone rings and you're high-fiving a bunch of strangers in Walmart." . . . If you happen to be in Portland and want to watch a game in the WHL’s championship final, a seat along the glass will set you back US$55. The cheapest adult ticket is $21.50 in the family zone. . . . In Edmonton, prices for tickets purchased on game day range from Cdn$26 (upper bowl) to $45 (club seats). Tickets bought in advance run from $20 (upper bowl) to $40 (club) . . . And remember that all the games are being televised by Shaw. . . .

Has anyone thought to introduce Reese (“Do you know my name?”) Witherspoon to former NHL goaltender Ed Belfour? Perhaps Belfour, who is alleged to have once offered a cop $1 billion to remove the cuffs and let him walk, could teach Witherspoon something about originality. . . . After NBAer Jason Collins revealed that he is gay, Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Penner (@Dustinpenner25) tweeted: “Honestly I don't care if you are gay or straight as my teammate. As long as you don't listen to Nickelback. #courage” . . .

Steve Simmons, in the Toronto Sun: “Department of despicable: Raising Leafs ticket prices by 70 per cent or more for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. After eight years out of the playoffs. After a locked-out half season. After serving up garbage with the highest prices in the NHL for most of that time. Whomever was part of making this call should be ashamed of themselves.” . . . But you know what? The suckers, er, fans will pay the prices. . . . “To date,” Simmons writes of the Toronto Blue Jays’ woes, “it’s not complicated. They can’t pitch, can’t hit, can’t field. And April can’t end soon enough for this battered bunch to try and make something of this season of grand expectations.” . . .

It’s been a while since the Leafs were in the playoff hunt. Vancouver writer Torben Rolfsen says he remembers “all the fun we had online the last time they were in the playoffs — the banter on Friendster, Prodigy and CompuServe.” . . . Here’s Richmond blogger TC Chong: “Red Sox Nation, Raiders Nation, Riders Nation — this terminology is very familiar. Now that the Leafs have made the playoffs, their fans are coming out of Hiber Nation.” . . . “If Kevin Garnett could look any older than he has during the Knicks-Celtics series,” writes Mike Lupica in the New York Daily News, “he’d be an exhibit at the Museum of Natural History.” . . . Don’t know about you, but I’m sleeping better knowing that Selena Gomez is a Belieber again. . . .

After Luis Suarez, the Liverpool striker, was hit with a 10-game suspension for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel pointed out: “It was the second time (Suarez) has been disciplined for biting a player. You know what they say: Soccer is an acquired taste.” . . . “Floyd Mayweather, who is engaged to Shantel Jackson, says having multiple girlfriends is as acceptable as owning several cars,” writes RJ Currie of SportsDeke.com. “You’d think a boxer would have more respect for the ring.” . . . One more from Currie: “A Huffington Post report claims May has long been the best time to get a new mattress. ‘New mattress?’ said Tiger Woods. ‘All this time I thought it was mistress.’ ” . . .

I’m sorry, but a 22-second shift shouldn’t be enough to keep an NHL ironman streak going, not when players like Garry Unger and Doug Jarvis are the guys at the top of the list. . . . This NHL season has given us that. As well, we’ve got the Leafs in the playoffs and we’ve got Roberto Luongo back in goal for your Vancouver Canucks. Oh, and let’s not forget that at the age of 37 Marty St. Louis is the oldest man ever to win the NHL scoring title. Hey, let’s just put an asterisk on everything that happened in this 48-game season. . . . “Los Angeles has the worst traffic in the United States, according to a study,” writes Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Express. “In Canada, the worst traffic is in a Tim Hortons drive-thru.”

(Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. He is at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, gdrinnan.blogspot.ca and twitter.com/gdrinnan. Keeping Score appears Saturdays, except when it doesn’t.)

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.

2013-05-05T01:17:00.000-07:00

Aaron Wilbur of The Coaches Site spent some time the other day chatting with Mike Johnston, the general manager and head coach of the Portland Winterhawks.
Johnston talks about the disciplinary measures his organization was hit with by the WHL, as well as how the Winterhawks moved from an 11-victory season to three consecutive berths in the championship final. He also talks about Portland practices, player development and lots more. . . . That interview, which runs 18 minutes, is right here and it’s good stuff.
———
Here’s a gem from the Back Fence column in the Nanaimo Daily News:
“Nanaimo's own Gene Carr made a name for himself by playing 465 games for five teams in the National Hockey League in the 1970s. Gene, whose father, Red Carr, ran a garage/gas station beside the old Civic Arena, was back in town recently, and shared some stories with friends about his time as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. One of his best friends was Glenn Frey of the legendary band, The Eagles. Frey apparently wrote the Eagles' hit New Kid In Town about Carr, a newcomer to L.A.”
Carr was a smooth-skating sniper of note with the Flin Flon Bombers (1969-71).
———

In the QMJHL, the Halifax Mooseheads won their 14th straight playoff game, dropping the visiting Baie-Comeau Drakkar 4-3 last night to take a 2-0 lead in the championship final. . . . F Matthew Boudreau had a goal and two assists for the winners. . . . Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Baie-Comeau on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
———

The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Series tied, 1-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday, May 7, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, May 8, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, May 12, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.

All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
———
SATURDAY’S GAME:
In Portland, G Mac Carruth stopped 16 shots as the Winterhawks beat the Edmonton Oil Kings, 3-0. . . . Carruth has five shutouts in these playoffs and extended his franchise with the eighth of his career. . . . Portland F Ty Rattie got the winning goal on the PP at 9:09 of the first period. It was the 46th goal of his playoff career. That’s one off the WHL career record that is held by Mark Pederson (Medicine Hat, 1983-88). . . . Rattie has a WHL-leading 16 goals this spring. . . . F Brendan Leipsic and F Oliver Bjorkstrand added goals 1:25 apart late in the second period. . . . Edmonton G Laurent Brossoit stopped 33 shots. . . . Portland had a 14-2 edge in shots in the third period. . . . The Winterhawks were 1-for-7 on the PP; the Oil Kings were 0-for-3 and now is in a 0-for-24 drought. . . . The teams are to board a charter to Edmonton this morning.
———
“It was an emphatic answer to a disappointing Game 1,” writes Paul Buker of The Oregonian right here.
———
Terry Jones, the Edmonton Sun’s veteran columnist, was there and his column is right here.
———
CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None

CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
———

From Denver Post hockey writer Adrian Dater (@adater), after watching Games 1 and 2 of the WHL final in person: “Seth Jones as No. 1 is a no-brainer. I have seen all I need to see to make that evaluation”
———
From Portland Mac Carruth (@maccarruth31): “Got a nice phone call from Cam Ward congratulating me on breaking his record #classact #greatguy #greatgoalie“

There has never been a subscription fee for this blog, but if you enjoy stopping by here, why not consider donating to the cause? Just click HERE. . . and thank you very much.