Thursday News

Well it's not everyday your writing gets linked by James Mirtle of the Globe & Mail, who for those who don't pay attention is on everyone's short list of top NHL bloggers. Back in June I wrote a guest piece for Neate Sager on the USHL, and Mirtle referenced it yesterday. May not seem important to most folks, but it's always nice to be referenced by the big boys. The NTDP U-17 put out their weekly release yesterday. While they mention, oh so briefly, their trip to Russia, there's no mention of the brawl. I hope you weren't holding your breath. Folks may think I'm bagging on the team, but as I wrote in a comment yesterday, it's not about the brawl, but the lack of recognition of what happened. So throw us a bone here. If all USA Hockey did was point at the Ruskies and blame them for what happened, most of us would be content and shut up about it. U.S. Hockey Report did get in touch with USAH Director of Hockey Operations Jim Johannson, but Johannson didn't have any facts of the case, and appeared to circle the wagons when he said he didn't expect any suspensions from the event... Casey Pierro-Zabotel bails from Michigan Tech and lands with Vancouver Giants. (second article)... League still probing Tavares kneeing incident... Dozens of remaining fans slash wrists as Mavety to stay behind bench in Kingston... Alpena lands goalie with NHL blood in Matt Ferraro... Here's yet another cautionary tale to young players about "fun times" that may come back to haunt you... Palmieri might be ready for return to Otters, and none too soon, as I've run out of fingers with which to count their current losing streak... Otters' Gaulton to have elbow surgery... Pair of USHLers to land in Mankato next season... Kitchener Rangers in the hunt for ttack forwards Scott Tregunna and Wayne Simmonds... Prince Albert lauds a legend... Cries for more junior hockey are not heard in Nanaimo and Lower Mainland...