Powered by Blogger

Email Marc
Blog Tags

Suggested Reading

Education Posts

Archives

Friday, March 02, 2007

Fort Vancouver update

No, it's not over... but we're closer.

I just got off the phone with NorPac acting commissioner Mike Butters. There is a tentative agreement between the NorPac and the Pioneers in place that still requires ratification. Unfortunately, it will be early next week (as late as Wednesday) before the ratification is finalized, so the details of the ruling are still unknown. However, reading between the lines of the conversation it appears as though the team will be allowed to complete their playoff run, as the ruling will focus on the organization and not the players.

This, however, is only the NorPac side of the potential sanctions. There is still the possibility that USA Hockey will levy their own ruling in addition to what is handed down by the NorPac. In the initial ruling, both the league and USA Hockey handed out their own sanctions. But at this point I have no idea what will happen on the USA Hockey side.

Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turn rather slowly sometimes.

Labels:

posted by Marc Foster at 3/02/2007 12:56:00 PM

Comments on "Fort Vancouver update"

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:25 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

and still no one cares because it is joke jr b... also marc.. i hate to say this, but you need to get over yourself. when you "turn the comments off" what do you think you are running here? it is certainly not a serious media outlet, you need not think your pull in the junior hockey world is any more than non-existant. and after all, its just jr hockey... maybe just dont take it so seriously

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:07 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Who are you Mr. NHL?
Oh I'm sorry Mr. Anonymous NHL

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:58 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Im just mr. who cares about the norpac, and who cares enough about junior hockey to pledge seemingly one's entire life towards it when no one even looks at your "work"... i guess

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:08 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

i second that!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:09 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Mr. Anonymous needs to get over himself.

If you don't like it - don't frequent this blog. Go blow smoke up someone elses blog.

If you have a constructive opinion - fine we all want to hear it. Good or bad - but don't dis the host.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:14 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

you f'ing suck marc! you never even get any facts, just rumors. if you were smart you find out the story from all sides. since that is what a real journalist does. to be honest i am a Lakers fan and i know that people will be targeting us next! just because we will establish a dynasty.

sorry to all the ft. van fans... i don't know the truth so i am not going to say anything on any of the alleged things. but it sounds as though people do have an agenda to bring down the other giant in our league.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:14 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Would you like a quarter to call someone who cares that you pledged your whole life to junior hockey? I bet you are the guy that calls all the kids by thier first names at the rink but they have no idea who you are.
Take a zero junior hockey hero.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:01 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Hi Marc. Thank you for providing this forum for us to get information and be able to chat. Yesterday, you said on a different blog that this situation with Ft. Van is ongoing. Is this ruling not final? Is there still the chance that they may be removed from the playoffs? I'm stunned by what transpired yesterday, and am very confused as to how an organization can admit to paying players in excess of 35K over the last two years and still be allowed to continue on. How is that in anyway fair to all of the players, coaches, owners, and fans of the other teams who played by the rules all season long?!?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:19 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

haha.. 2 comments up.. yeah.. marc is that guy eh? "hey Jimmy" to some jr player around the rink..Jimmy-"who the hell was that guy?" bystander-"thats some guy that thinks he is important because he writes about junior hockey on a free blog website"

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:54 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

And that guy lets you come on here and abuse it with a useless comment.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:19 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

At one point, it was stated that even if Ft Van made it to the finals, NorPac had banned them from playing. If this is "true" why let them continue playing? Do any of the NorPac rules apply to the players that took money from Joe? Since all this came about before playoffs started, why were the playoffs allowed to begin? Why not wait until the final ruling had been made? I'd just like a clearer understanding.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:37 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

I totally agree, the playoffs are tainted because if Ft. Van. wins the league they cannot go to nationals. Why would the east team spend the money to travel out west?Or for that matter even play there top two lines? I heard they were going to exclude the Pio's but they got a court order and were allowed to proceed in the playoffs.
Is Jon Macwilliams in Vancouver? What a TILTED situation

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:42 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

..everything takes time and their are time frames. Apparently allegations surfaced towards the end of the season. NORPAC handed down a ruling, a hearing was held another ruling handed down - 5 days later. Then Ft Van had 10 days to appeal. Another meeting and a 'new' proposal on the table.

The team has not been banned by NORPAC or USAH, if that were true they would not continue to play. They are playing and will continue to do so as long as they continue to win and advance. The new proposal allows the team to continue. None of what is going on now involving the allegations and rulings is going to affect this years team.

I'm confident the Ft Van attorneys and management will see to that.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:44 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

they can't hold up the playoffs, because the dates for Nationals is set.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:46 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

the court order was for the coach to continue with the team through the playoffs.

The new ruling includes that Ft Van CAN advance in the playoffs and can participate in Nationals if they make it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:14 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

It sounds like it's still not too late to buy players since there is no consequence to a team during this season. If Ft Van can continue with a team comprised of some players who received gifts $$ then other teams should be free to do the same....all the way to the finals. How can the Norpac League/USA Hockey rules be taken seriously if these actions are allowed. It is a slap in the face to all the players, coaches,parents,and fans on other teams who have played by the rules. The Ft Van team as a whole should have faced immediate sanctions. I seriously doubt they would be in first place had they not illegally recruited and paid players.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:38 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

don't be sarcastic (the above) -- you make it sound like every player was bought - and I doubt you have seen any proof to support your post. If the management is found guilty of any of the allegations, don't worry they will be penalized. But you are missing the whole point - this team shouldn't be penalized. The kids are innocent. Are you bitter because perhaps your team was out of their league?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:06 PM, March 02, 2007) : 

Copied from: www.usacollegehockey.com:

It's a good question: You were right about it being a crime that some players may lose their NCAA eligibility. The crime is that their coaches/mgmt let it happen. From the time these kids are bantams (maybe even younger) they learn that if you get paid (aka cash or benefits) you lose eligibility for college hockey!!! If indeed they did the crime, there should be no hoping that they can appeal it; they better lose their NCAA eligibility. Like Hockey 4 Me wrote, why have rules and regulations if they don't have to be followed by the select few!!

As stated a few posts up on this blog:
"None of what is going on now involving the allegations and rulings is going to affect this years team.

I'm confident the Ft Van attorneys and management will see to that."

Isn't that what they've been doing through the whole process?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:22 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

ok, two posts up. maybe you are missing the whole point. some of the kids on this years team are NOT innocent. neither are the owners. get realistic buddy. without paying players, ft van is not that great of an organization to hold that many good players. too many top players and not enough ice time would have been a major problem, meaning kids would have requested trades to get more playing time. norpac is a joke. i can't see why the league didnt kick ft van out. how can the teams that voted to keep ft van in be right with themselves? must be because they are dirty like van. i dunno. but everyone knows that van should be out.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:44 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

you hit it on the nose.. other teams are doing the same crap - its just that they are pointing the finger at Ft Van. As for innocent players - come on ...all teams have to deal with their own dirty laundry every team has it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:52 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

heard yesterdays hearing/ruling/meeting went on for 10 hours.. that's some heavy contemplating.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:18 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

It really doesn't matter if some of the kids on the Ft Van team are innocent. The team broke the rules and got where they are because of it and should be held accountable. The players on teams that didn't offer money/gifts and played by the rules are the real innocent ones. The leadership of the Norpac, with this lack of inforcement, has shown it's true colors and I would encourage future hockey players to seek out leagues that abide by the rules. To the post above me..."other teams are doing the same crap." Yes they are... and now they have the green light to continue doing the same crap because there is no consequence. Just because (you think)everyone is doing it doesn't make it right.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:31 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

word cotton

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:23 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

you parents/marc need to chill out... your kids arent going to play college or go to the pros.. just get over yourselves

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:29 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

I disagree that all of the other teams are doing the same thing. My son played on a NorPac team this season and I was impressed with the owner's and coaches' integrity. They treated each player with respect and tried to develop them as a player and a person. I am very disappointed by the ruling handed down, however it is my understanding that USAH also has jurisdiction over this matter. I would encourage all to fire off an email to USAH stating your position - usahockey.com under contacts

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:50 AM, March 03, 2007) : 

Dave Tyler's email is usahvpjr@dybb.com

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:42 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

Is it just coincidence that teams seem to have these type of problems when Rocky Flynn arrives? His kid was traded to Ft. Van. at Christmas because the Tomahawks weren't worthy. Looks like he has found a home with like-minded people in Vancouver.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:24 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

That sounds like a personal attack on an individual. I have met Rocky and do not see what him being here has anything to do with what has happened. He comes down for his son's games and goes home. Problems on this team have been going on since the new ownership took over last year, and I do not know what you think Rocky has brought to the table.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:32 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

Here is the bottom line. If you want to compete at nationals, you do what everyone is accusing Ft.Van of doing. They all do it,that is a fact!!!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:36 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

No, that isn't a fact. The only fact is Vancouver is cheating. You can't justify cheating.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:54 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

It is a fact that there are MANY other teams allowing players to play for free throughout the JR B country. As a former 5 yr Jr B player who never once had to pay tuition to play; on several different teams and leagues. I think it is a HUGE problem accross the board... I personally know many other players (good friends) that aren't paying dues on their respective teams. If this is cheating or against the rules, USAH must find a way to monitor or regulate this because unfortunaltely human nature and ones will to be competetive and win will drive these teams and owners to continue this. I think what is going on in Ft Van goes way beyond players simply playing for free but lets not kid ourselves... the waiving of tuition happens EVERYWHERE.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:15 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

5 year Jr. B player? You must have been a star. I seriously doubt any of what you say.

If Ft. Van. defense is, "everyone does it." Then they deserve the harshest of penalties.

Please don't lump other Junior teams into the same fray as Ft. Vancouver.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:07 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

doubt it all you want, you are nieve... I am not saying what they are doing is right, I think it is wrong, but if waiving of fees is against the rules or cheating then there are MANY other teams in that same category. As for the other allegations Im not really aware of what they are? please enlighten me.....For your Jr B star comment, your right, I am not a star. I actually chose to play Jr B over Jr A because I thought it was more fun and less demanding. I am currently in the CHL making a weekly pay check playing the game I love so I cant complain.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:34 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

Thats the Continental Hockey League right? The one in South America.
Thanks Tips

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:05 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

Yes, teams do allow a couple of players to play with out paying, each team is awarded (legally) a certain amount of scholarship money to be used as they wish for players. The biggest problem that I don't see anyone really addressing is that the guilty players yes should be held accountable, but the ones who really got hurt are the other players on Ft Vancouver, it is my understanding that all of the players on the team lose eligibilty because by paying even one player the team loses amateur status. As for nasty comments made about Marc, I for one appreciate all that Marc does, I have great respect for how he conducts himself through the online rooms.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:59 PM, March 03, 2007) : 

Good news for Pioneer fans....Tim Best is coming to Fort Vancouver to help clean things up

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:04 AM, March 04, 2007) : 

O'Neil, Best, MacWilliams... hahaha gong show

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:16 AM, March 04, 2007) : 

I find it funny that people say that every Jr. B team does this "crap" I happened to play for one of the best Jr. B teams in the Nation a few years back and none of this went on. The coaching staff recrutited honestly and put in hard work to accomplish building a succesfull team. People who cheat are lazy, and lack the drive to put in the time and effort needed. Ft. Van is probably not the only team doing it, which still does not make it right. Once again another case of the coaches and staff putting themselves first. Junior hockey is for the kids lets remeber that. These coaches have a great deal of responsibility to help develop these young adults. Teaching them that cheating is okay in order to win is B.S.. Not to mention the booze....

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:20 PM, March 04, 2007) : 

The coaches didn't let you on to their secret!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:12 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

CDA Will clean up against the Pios'

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:24 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

MUST we remind you they are down in their series 0-2........ in their dreams

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:36 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

Once again these idiots that post with out knowing the facts. If Donna Kaufman and Jon McBride want to have it their way they should just come out of the closet and admit that they started this and get it over with. What about the player saying under oath that the River City coach, Yokam, offered him money to play for him. Why isn't this being brought to light? I hope when this is all said and done that the Pio's owners and caoches sue the HELL out of this idiot Marc Foster (real person?) and take him to the cleaners. All I can say is WHAAAAAAA! Get a life you moron Marc Foster.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:48 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

A couple of comments here; First off, thank you Marc for giving us a place to post whatever we want. Second, Jake Flynn was traded for Ryan Portlock, a proven scorer in a move to help both teams. Again, just another trade. Rocky Flynn had no input and to the best of my knowledge he initially would not let the trade go down and had to be convinced to let it happen. Seems like a good guy why drag him in? Teams do pick up some or all of a couple of players ice fees but that is all. Players must pay the billet fees and all other costs, what we are talking about is "paying" players. Get it? Two different things. Once this is all over it will be fun when everyone gets to hear all that has gone on. Oh yeah, Helena 11-? Wow!! Tough way to start a dinasty.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:57 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

The Pioneers deserve this type of scrutiny for their underhanded actions. They have deprived the league of true competion and have instead tainted whatever the playoff's outcome will be. If anyone should sue it is the players, parents, and teams that have been denied an opportunity to play on a League that stands up for what is right.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:58 PM, March 06, 2007) : 

Quote "Once again you idiots post without knowing the facts". How far out of the loop are you? Do you know that this was started by a player on the Ft. Van team at the time who wanted out? Put the koolaid down, give your head a shake and breath deeply. The RC coach you say offered money? Who did he work for then? Thats right, Ft. Van. Put it down, don't drink it. The disinformation on this is just getting stupid.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:08 AM, March 07, 2007) : 

RE the post above and the RC Coach - it was THIS SEASON -- not last season! He offered money to a player to play as a RC coach. THANK GOD the Pioneers got rid of him before he did anymore damage.

There is so much misinformation and misinterpreted information on these blogs. All anyone really knows is hearsay - none of it first hand.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:41 PM, March 07, 2007) : 

CDA,s is going to Helena Thursday and kick some butt, them eat the Pio's for lunch!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:53 PM, March 07, 2007) : 

LOL! too funny.. I hope CDA can win at least one game.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:57 PM, March 07, 2007) : 

CDA is on their way to builbing a dynasty haven't you heard?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:46 PM, March 07, 2007) : 

Ya, lose 2 at home and you build a GREAT dynasty. CDA pull your head out and get over that fact that you are a one line team and will not win anything.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:04 PM, March 07, 2007) : 

whoo hoo! I'll drink to that -- KOOLAID that is.. HA!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:03 PM, March 08, 2007) : 

Look at the points that have been registered by the Pios and realize that no matter what has transpired, the majority of the goals in the playoffs have been scored by the guys that have been on the team all year or were traded for legitimately. The bulk of goals are by Braniff, King, Lewis, Pino, Canter and Sanders (Tri Cities got 2 players for Sanders so that was probably a fair trade?). Zenzola has also been with the team most of the year. There is no question that the addition of Mixon and Kiminki have added power to the team, but what everyone is losing sight of is that the team was very good and winning games before the last wave of players were brought on the roster. O'Neal and Loftgren lost sight of that fact and have created a monster but as was pointed out, there really is no reason other teams will not continue this tradition when the punishment doesn't deter it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:56 PM, March 08, 2007) : 

NorPac blew it, by letting FV to continue playing, even after they were found guilty. Didn't want to penalize the other players from FV. So they penalized all the other players from the NorPac, by letting FV to continue in the playoffs, they should have had FV forfeit all games, ranking them last, for cheating! Say good by to the NP, no player will be wanting to play in this league after this B.S Way to go NorPac & USA Hockey!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:47 PM, March 08, 2007) : 

Guily, no one was found guilty. Where di you get that? Once again the ignorant have inherited the blog. Check your facts before opening your mouth. I didn't know you were a lawyer.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:01 PM, March 09, 2007) : 

Did anyone read the article in the Columbian about Tim O'Neal? If the Pioneers are so innocent, then why the investigation?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:42 PM, March 09, 2007) : 

before people go throwing shit out about the pios keep in mind that MOST of the players on fort van are not getting paid and those players have nothing to do with tim's bullshit mistakes.
fire tim's ass and let the players play. i know some people on that team that actually give a shit about hockey and want to go somewhere besides jr. b
just because their coach is a pussy doesn't mean they should be punished.
punish tim
punish the ass holes that got paid when they knew they weren't supposed to
let all the real hockey players do their thing

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:58 PM, March 09, 2007) : 

Well said. Hit the nail right on the head

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:50 PM, March 09, 2007) : 

Let the players on Ft Van who haven't recieved any $ or gifts play....opps there wouldn't be a team. We know a player who was going somewhere else until Tim offered to pay his airfare, reduce his billet fees, and pay for his new equipment. So don't say most didn't recieve $ or gifts. Tim was just able to hide most of the perks he gave out. The Norpac chose to penalize all the other players in the league so that a few could play. We all know Ft Van wouldn't be in first place if they hadn't bought their players. A whole team should be legitimate not just a few players.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:39 AM, March 10, 2007) : 

It's true, management & coach will receive most of the penalties given out by NP & USAH, the players involved should shoulder some penalty as well, they're YOUNG Adults, take the ones known for taking $$, gifts, whatever you want to call it. And play with the remainder of the team. That's the only fair way out of this Mess, that has continued since it was known in Jan. People should understand that the team was able to get the best they wanted by $$ That's the true reason Ft. Van is in 1st, plan & simple.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:47 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

two posts up.... I think you have it backwards at the end of your post - The whole team IS legitimate except for maybe a few players.

Are you related to the sign wavers from Eugene?

BTW, have MUCH respect for the Eugene team, it was a good 3 games of hockey. Can't say that for some of their fat ass 'fans' in pink sweatshirts.. what an embarrassment

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:50 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

Anyone see the sign in the Eugene grandstands hanging up across the back wall? That one's for you Ms. Hartley. What a class act. NOT!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:56 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

ya, did you see the feature on the generals page? She's such a class act she holds the sign up in front of her face.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:08 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

The article in the columbain said Curry was off the Team. He played Friday 3/9 in Eugene. Ft Van ia a disgrace. Cheaters and theifs.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:32 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

four posts up...The whole team ...EVERY player must have been aquired fairly for the team to be legitimate. It is a disappointment to Norpac hockey fans that Ft Van was able to continue in the playoffs.I hope Marc can give us an update on the final ruling that came down on Friday.

 

Blogger Marc Foster said ... (8:39 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

I do have it, but have to apologize for hanging onto it a few extra hours. I have other stuff going on and can't get to it at the moment. With any luck I will have it posted late tonight. It's safe to say that those seeking justice will get their pound of flesh.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:52 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

Thank you Marc - and hopefully finally hearing all 'the facts', final ruling etc. will put all the rumors and gossiping to rest -- for everyone. Players, families and adversaries (sp?)and we can get back to enjoying hockey watching the playoffs and supporting the teams.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:19 PM, March 10, 2007) : 

While what some of the fans from Eugene did was classless it is also funny to hear the Pio fans get so upset like this team did nothing wrong.

Curry is back he just can not skate at their rink anymore. He has been kicked out for his actions during a public skate. He is still allowed to start for the Pio's by their management. Speak about classless.

I have heard that T.O. will/is suspended from USHockey on a lifetime ban, but has made a deal to allow him to finsih out this year.

The new coach will be Jon MacWilliams. I have seen a little bit about him, and have heard that he was behind a lot of money missing from the Tilt. Sounds like next year will be more of the same in Vancouver.

Oh yeah, I know that all of the kids have not been paid, or supplemented. There are some good kids on this team. I am glad that those kids did not get punished for the actions of the management and a few of the players. It would not have hurt my feelings though to see those guilty ones leave, and let the honest players play.

Now when the ruling comes down, I have just one question that may or may not be answered, and maybe someone can help me out. How does the team get into so much trouble and the coach is going to be supended, but the owner will pay a small fine, and the GM gets off with nothing? They are still leaving too many people in charge so they can continue with their ways next year.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:55 PM, March 11, 2007) : 

MacWilliams is banned from USAH so I dont think he'll be the coach... They just haven't determined how long yet. I heard 5yrs.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:27 PM, March 11, 2007) : 

someone heard about all the snow in the northwest this year and got excited.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:49 PM, March 11, 2007) : 

As to Ft Vancouver, I have no problem with the honest players moving on in the finals and beyond, if the make it. They paid, worked, skated, and contributed to where they are as a team. Maybe they wouldn't be 39-5 regular season and 6-0 in playoffs without the extra help, but maybe they would. I certainly don't know. How far they go is now somewhat in Helena's hands, too. I just have a major problem with the Bighorn's having to play against "Pros" -- you know - guys who are paid to play. They should no longer be rostered.

By the way, Anonymous who forecasts a Dynasty for Coeur d'Alene - How's that working out for you?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:30 PM, March 11, 2007) : 

If you have a problem with the Pioneers playing Helena then you can also see why they shouldn't have been permitted to continue this far in the playoffs. The other teams in the Western division have been cheated out of a fair opportunity to compete for a playoff run. Helena will now be cheated too. If the Pioneers continue to nationals this problem will follow them there. It will catch up to them and I'm sure the teams out east are not afraid of O'Neals threats to sue.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:19 AM, March 12, 2007) : 

2 posts up, I agree with you. Great post.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:54 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

One post up - Thanks
2 posts up - While I fully empathise with your point and for the most part agree that it is well taken, there is one fundamental change. The TC and Eugene playoff losses were prior to the results of the league action being made public, but this new series about to start tonight is post-hearing. With a finding by the league that Ft Van did, in fact, do wrong, continuing the farce (with the sanction of the league)seems a bit beyond the pale.

What I really do wonder about is whether some of this has been ongoing all year, and not just a recent event. The ruling seems pretty silent on this. If it has been a year-long problem, everyone in the Pacific Division of NorPac has been taking a year long hosing, and the 39-5 is indeed a sham. There just isn't any way to back and fill for past transgressions.

As to the CdA Dynasty -- Is it working any better, yet?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:09 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

"Let the players on Ft Van who haven't recieved any $ or gifts play....opps there wouldn't be a team. We know a player who was going somewhere else until Tim offered to pay his airfare, reduce his billet fees, and pay for his new equipment. So don't say most didn't recieve $ or gifts."

thats got to be one of the most educated things I've read so far. If I heard of one guy getting paid they must ALL get paid. Come back after you get your high school diploma.

and one post up it is my understanding..rumor or not..that the majority of the season was legitamate with players who actually tried out or were traded fairly it wasn't until a couple weeks before playoffs the the fort van roster nearly doubled in size and things started getting shady.

so congrats to the real hockey players who brought this team this far. we have to show respect to the few players on the team that have been working their asses off from the very start and have followed the rules set for them by the organization. there aren't to many but we have to respect them for not "giving in" when every one around them has been breaking rules and laws left and right.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:42 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

Interesting article in the Columbian, again. Of course Loftgrin and O'Neal won't be out of hockey, just out of USA hockey. They are free to bring down other teams with their dishonest and unethical practices.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:54 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

Funny things getting shady, investigations..... right when MacWilliams showed up things started to get dicey. Coincedence? I think not. Not to say things werent bad before but this guy seems to have brought unwanted attention to the team.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:34 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

What ever happened to Skip Berry? The 'voice' of the Pioneers.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:12 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

It's common knowledge that many players received airline tickets, equipment, free tuition, and room and board from the start of the season. That blows away the theory that most of the year was played with legitimate players. There were a few though. Still the season and the playoffs will always be tainted by what O'Neal did.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:11 PM, March 12, 2007) : 

two posts up. i heard that skip resigned about a week ago. i haven't heard why or who will be replacing him.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:24 AM, March 13, 2007) : 

It's totally meaningless that O'Neal and Loftgrin are banned from USA Hockey and Norpac. They weren't planning on the team playing in the Norpac league next year anyway. They are planning on the team moving up to Jr. A. (And possibly out of a Canadian league.) So, the joke is on everyone who thinks this will affect them or the team. They might be underhanded but they are slick.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:42 AM, March 13, 2007) : 

Hockey Canada and USAH have an agreement that they enforce suspensions from one governing body to another.... It prevents players/coaches from doing that....

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:38 PM, March 18, 2007) : 

anyone else hear about what happened on the bus ride back from montana? apparently everyone on the bus with the exception of the driver and like one of the players was drinking all the way back. good to know that the coaches are setting some guidlines for these kids.

 

post a comment