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Friday, November 30, 2007

Friday News

QMJHL trade market starting to take shape...

Just call him "Suitcase" - Oil Kings goaltender a traveler...

New York Times, your place for boring hockey writing, asks "Is Tavares the next Great One?" Yawn...

67s scoring cash for charity...

The Hartzell hockey family reigns in Siuox Falls (includes video)...

MacMillan's status uncertain for Friday in Halifax...

Gamblers' Johnstone to play at Michigan Tech, and so are a slew of others from the USHL and BCHL...

Barrie Colts' Clifford improving as season progresses...

Erlich skips USHL for London Knights...

Irish sign two NTDP'ers, a Phantom, and a Black Hawk...

Kraus embracing his new mentorship role in Regina...

Portage coach downplays No. 2 ranking (because such rankings are garbage?)...

Belleville Bulls seek more consistency...

Don Hay hot happy to sit on fence with defence...

Performances of new-look Giants no surprise to Bonner...

Hampton Roads Whalers return from Canada with Gardner Cup...

Giants pluck Garry Nunn from Victoria Grizzlies...

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thursday News

London Knights sign Daniel Erlich. Erlich had been selected by Waterloo in the first round (sixth overall) in the USHL 2007 Futures Draft, and turned down an offer from Northeastern University...

Well-traveled goalie Gavin McHale a perfect fit for Terriers...

Phantoms sign four new players for 2008...

Musketeers Butcher, Brossman pick Fairbanks...

Winkler Flyer Jared McIntosh now an accomplished author...

Alexandria Blizzard unlucky on ice...

No takers - Otters designate Rogers for assignment...

Fairbanks Ice Dog Alex McRae signs with Army...

Cacciotti inherits four-game suspension, forcing me to ask the question - "who died?"

Chilliwack shot quality on the slide as scoring drops...

Remparts set to retire Radulov's #22...

North Dakota signs Mike Cichy and Mario Lamoureux from Tri-City Storm...

MacLean on a tear - Flourishing in Tavares' shadow...

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wednesday News

Good news for Otters defenseman Gaulton - no surgery...

Matt Clarke answering call for Knights...

Kenny MacDougall resigns from PEI Rocket after being questioned about Team Atlantic under-17 roster selections...

Former Spruce King Ryan Hill pleads to assault charge. (second article)...

IceDogs' Matt Corrente always in the thick of it...

Craig Schira fitting in nicely on Giants' blueline...

Spitfires gain some swagger...

Spitfires eye sellout of luxury arena suites...

Learn 'em young - fans decry hockey brawl involving eight-year-old players...

Generals' fourth liner Corey Cowick gets 'Gordie Howe hat trick' against Brampton...

Otters place Ronnie Rogers on trade block...

Rangers' Unice lets his stats do the talking...

Hitmen team up for asthma campaign...

Outdoor rink renamed for former Melfort prez Dale Frier...

Race for top spot tightens in SJHL...

Wheaties rookie Brayden Schenn shines...

Morehouse hopes to make most of his last season with Wildcats...

Majors take a shot at the flu...

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Tuesday News

Here's the Fargo Forum's article on "the letter." They also include an Adobe PDF copy of the original document. A few clarifications to the attendance data in the Forum article; the Jets averaged 971 fans a night in Fargo. I know Pointstreak says 986, but that includes the Showcase games in Blaine. Also the Jets through 13 games last season averaged 888 fans, so their average is down about 24% from last year. The letter was timed to coincide with vote from the Park Board, but it didn't work as they still voted to accept the arena.

I've got some additional commentary on the letter from last night, you can read it here.

In other news...

St. Mike's Kyle Neuber gets ten games for elbowing...

Portland's Mucha gets a chance to be great (decent goalies on bad teams often do)...

Green Bay's Taylor Johnson to head to St. Cloud State in 2009...

Bruins GM Darrell May in mild denial as Drew Shore commits to Denver...

Gatineau's Ryan Mior nears QMJHL all-time shutout record...

Prince George Cougars launch Community Christmas Campaign, and so does their sister club, the Wichita Falls Wildcats...

Unfortunately, Cougars' first half still ends on disappointing note...

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Monday, November 26, 2007

Throw Down in Fargo

An interesting development in Fargo occurred today, as lawyers representing the Fargo-Moorhead Jets sent the below letter to Ron DeGregario, Dan Esdale, and David Ogrean of USA Hockey.
November 26, 2007

Re: FM Junior A Hockey, LLC, dba Fargo-Moorhead Jets;
North American Hockey League
Our File No. 8257.1

Gentlemen:

We represent FM Junior A Hockey, LLC which operates the Fargo-Moorhead Jets, a franchise in the North American Hockey League. We have received Dan Esdale's letter in response to our letters dated October 1, 2007 and October 22, 2007, concerning the plans of USA Hockey, Inc. to allow the United States Hockey League to operate a new Tier I Junior A hockey team in Fargo, North Dakota. We formally challenge the action of USA Hockey, Inc. and request investigation and resolution of this matter in accordance with the Bylaws.

We have the following objections:
1. Article XIV, Standard for Junior classification, of the Rules and Regulations of USA Hockey provides that "[a]ny new member seeking membership within the Tier I league shall notify USA Hockey at the Annual Congress one full year in advance of the anticipated date that the team would be ready to compete." This requirement was not adhered to, as reflected by the minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting in which there is no statement of any notification of the anticipated competition of the new Fargo team. We maintain that the communications cited in Mr. Esdale's letter are not compliant with the above article.

2. The proposed new Fargo team has not been certified and approved for participation pursuant to the Rules and Regulations, and was permitted to participate in the Futures Draft in October 2007 and to represent itself as a new member team.

3. USA Hockey, Inc. has not protected the existing member team of FM Junior A Hockey, LLC, doing business as the Fargo-Moorhead Jets, by allowing another team to operate a team within the same city as the existing USA Hockey, Inc. member team.

4. As the umbrella organization for junior hockey in the United States USA Hockey, Inc. has permitted the encroachment by a proposed new junior hockey team of one affiliate league into the territory of an existing member team of another affiliate league. Affiliate leagues have territorial restrictions in their governing documents; however, encroachment permitted by USA Hockey, Inc. does not protect a team of a different affiliate league.
As a result of the above actions, the Fargo-Moorhead Jets have suffered damages that include the loss of revenue and fan attendance, prospective players declining to play for Fargo-Moorhead Jets and existing players facing uncertainty in their hockey future.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,
DUDLEY AND SMITH, P.A.
[signature]
Steven C. Opheim

SCO:mlb
cc: FM Junior A Hockey, LLC
The Jets may have something with Objection 1, but adherence to their own rules and regs has never been a strong point within USA Hockey (specifically, the Junior Council), and I've heard that an amendment to remove the provision in question is up before the Council at the Winter meetings. Still, even if an objective review of the (lack of) notification were to find in favor of the Jets, 'm left asking myself "or else what?" because the regulations lack any punitive teeth.

I'm not sure Objection 2 holds much water, as there's nothing that says approval must be obtained before conducting such activities. Objections 3 and 4 are largely irrelevant, as USA Hockey has nothing in the Rules and Regs providing for territorial protection, and has protected markets in the past.

This is my interpretation of the Regs. If I'm missing something, email me the specific citation.

The letter was also sent to the Fargo Park Board and Fargo Forum. However, the Park Board still voted 5-0 tonight to accept the gift of the arena thus moving the project forward as a tax exempt 501(c)3 entity.

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Monday News

For those who have been out for the holidays, Blog comments have been replaced with an online forum. More information on this change and others made over the weekend can be found here. With Monday bringing us back to the normal routine, this is the last time I'll mention it, lest some folks get annoyed...

News continues to be slow (other than the usual game reports, which I typically don't forward along), likely due to the tryptophan levels of writers around the various leagues...

Here's an interesting analysis of the USHL, from a Canadian, no less...

LaSallian brothers part of Sudbury Wolves pack...

Quick hits with Gatineau Governor Charles Henry...

Upbeat Otters thankful for streak-ending victory...

Bruins' Hobbs suspended one game for cross-check...

Tye Lewis brings life to Bobcats' offense...

WHL rights to Alberni Valley Bulldog James Kerr traded to the Portland Winterhawks...

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Saturday, November 24, 2007

Saturday News

I wondered if the holiday news was ever going to slow down...

Obligatory reminder #1... Blog comments have been replaced with an online forum.
Obligatory reminder #2... Readers can receive posts in their email inbox by subscribing to the blog here...
Obligatory reminder #3... Readers can still send me anonymous email through willselfdestruct.com...

Kitchener fans are still complaining about the temperature in the Aud. Hey, you're Canadians! Have some hot cocoa and suck it up already!!!

Mason's ascent started at Aud...

More Windsor Arena memories...

Hartley Miller feels sorry for Prince George GM Dallas Thompson...

Christmas bonus; Defenceman sees playing time double with Fronts...

Remedial math: Tips learning how to count (hint, more skaters on ice than fingers on one hand = bad)...

Newest Winter Hawk stepping forward in leadership role...

It's official! Jones-Peluso trade complete...

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Friday, November 23, 2007

Friday News

Quick notice for less regular readers... I've replaced blog comments with an online forum. I'll continue this reminder at the top for the next week or so until everyone is acclimated to the new system...

John Tavares committed to Generals for next season...

Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy (not). Business as usual despite Steelback collapse promises...

An ideal situation: Former Fog Devils' captain Scott Brophy enjoying life as a student/athlete in Halifax...

Beausejour Blades cut coach loose after dismal start to MJHL season...

Knights' goalie Steve Mason has his hands full...

Deighan makes big jump into major junior with PEI...

Newest Eagle Jordan Clendenning ready to do battle tonight...

Eagles deal Jonathan Laberge...

Ottawa 67's latest victims of Stamkos Sting...

Knights' fate tied to Gagner...

Pats losses has Parker talking tough...

Long haul: Antigonish Bulldogs trade leading scorer to Fort McMurray...

Windsor Spitfires selling luxury, in private (I'll see you and raise with a $50k PSL)...

Backup's backup makes bid for No. 1 job in Alexandria...

Red Bull Crashed Ice hot and cool for former Calgary Hitman...

Otters waive Polodna, winger to turn pro...

You can call Al the Wolves backup; Valiquette finally gets his shot...

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Thursday, November 22, 2007

Blog Forum Now Open

As advertised in the last post, I've opened up the Forum as the news home for blog comments. You can reach it HERE. There is also a link in the upper right margin, under my email link.

I'm still tweaking things, but it's good enough to run with. I'll develop a set of rules over the holidays, but everyone is still expected to behave themselves.

Gobblin' News

I'm using the holiday to make a few minor changes around here. First off, I've expanded the blog links. There are a lot more junior hockey bloggers out there (especially among members of the WHL media), so they're all linked now. If I missed anyone, please drop me an email.

The second change is the snowflakes. I did this last year for the holidays and folks seemed to like it. We might actually see some real flakes tonight here in Cowtown, so now is a good a time as any to add them. I'll remove them after New Year's.

Final change - I've once again removed the ability to comment to posts. This is not due to any misbehavior, and is only temporary. I'm in the process of adding a forum to supplement the blog. I think a forum will result in improved discourse, for example, by allowing posters to quote previous comments. The link will be in the upper right, under my email link. I'm currently configuring the forum and hope to have it ready in a day or two. When I do I'll make another announcement and turn on the link. For those thinking to themselves "yeesh, not another forum!" the blog forum is not intended to replace the existing ones out there. It's simply replacing the limited comments feature. Like other forums, you'll still need to register, but you'll still be able to retain your anonymity. This is an experiment more than anything. If folks don't use it, I'll go back to the old system.

Fans in Kitchener Memorial Auditorium are dang near turning into frozen meatsicles...

Kingston politicos say no new taxes for arena...

Fargo Park Board calls special meeting Monday to discuss Urban Plains Center gift...

A review of Kitchener Rangers winger Matt Halischuk bloody introduction to the OHL...

Otters ship Peluso to Hounds...

Otters making deals on Thanksgiving Eve...

Saskatoon product Leclerc on fire for Blazers...

Merger boosts Junior B hockey in Saskatchewan...

Nice "where are they now" bio piece on former Fairbanks Ice Dogs assistant John Haddad...

Prince Albert Raiders seeking positive trends...

London Knights ponder Mason trade...

Giants stars Machacek, Blum drop gloves at practice...

Des Moines Buccaneers swap players with Indiana, pick up another from Philly Junior Flyers...

Michigan Wolverines sign two from NTDP, one from USHL...

Whoopsie!!! Impaired charge for Oshawa Generals’ Shea Kewin...

Wolves promote local goalie Valiquette, put Swick on waivers...

Whalers trade Neuvirth and Kane to Windsor...

Manning ready to hit the road for Giants...

Skjodt family making mark in Indiana...

Northern Lights heating up in MnJHL...

Season's second month brings scouting surprises...

Restoule honoured by Skyhawks; Jr. Wolves player feted during Aboriginal Family Night...

Chris Terry's tenacity gives Plymouth offensive spark...

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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Wednesday News

Here's to wishing a fun, safe holiday weekend for everyone...

For all you Texas Tornado fans... if it's that bad this season (they're 6-13-2), perhaps you can take a page out of the playbook used by Jet fans and entertain yourselves tonight at intermission vs. Fairbanks. Or perhaps not... :)

Hey Georgey, that ice is slippery!


San Angelo inching closer to NAHL team...

Unhappy with the quality of that $6 NAHL or USHL game you tried to watch on B2? Now you can pay $15 to watch any archived game on demand...

Fournier wants to light fire under Ajax Attack...

Smith's a Rebel with a cause after crash gave him a different outlook on life...

Spruce Kings trade goalie...

Otters’ Peluso heads home, awaits trade...

Seven new players heat up the ice for Winter Hawks...

Hawks hire NHL vet Mark Janssens as hockey consultant...

Trade winds start to blow in QMJHL...

London Knights trade Crawford to Kingston...

Graf reassigned by Bruins; lineup changes likely for Spokane...

BCHL rivalry has been fight-filled and fun...

Jamie Haines making his mark with Soo Greyhounds...

Eagles, Titan swap forwards...

Waterloo's P.K. O'Handley to coach U.S. Junior Select Team...

Here's everything you probably never wanted to know about Indiana Ice Jake Skjodt...

Regina Pats call up prospects...

Former Silvertip Campos playing well in Chilliwack...

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Tuesday News

Seven companies interested in Chevy. Mahoning Valley Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan and Youngstown SteelHounds owner Herb Washington want to join forces and run a hockey team not in the Central Hockey League. No word if the USHL is on their radar (my money is on the IHL)...

Steve Ewen writes a puff-piece on the BCHL for the Vancouver Province...

Steve then rambles on about the Rockets, rage, rankings and Hazel Mae...

Jets acquire Tim Niedzielak from Springfield Jr. Blues...

Otters, Greyhounds close to multi-player trade...

Screaming Eagles trade Laberge for Clendenning...

Raider import happy to have father visit...

Kitchener looking to deal for Knights goalie...

Generals rebuilt and ready to contend...

Minnesota Flying Aces to play exhibition in Jamestown, ND...

Itan Chavira shines in Maritimes...

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Monday, November 19, 2007

Monday News

I'll open the week with a bit of good news, as HockeyDB.com will be adding NAHL stats in the near future. It won't happen overnight, but it will be taking place. I'm not sure how far back the data will go, but I am guessing at least the 1997-98 season as that is when they started using Howe Sportsdata to compile their statistics. The benefits of being listed on HockeyDB.com include the obvious of additional exposure to easier alumni tracking for the teams and league itself.

Kamloops sports editor Gregg Drinnan draws the curtain back to reveal what is stinking so badly with the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association. Jim Swanson in Prince George piles on with a few points of his own...

Otters' skid leaves Bassin bewildered...

Newmarket players sent home by OHL teams...

Paging John Tavares, Arliss Michaels on line one...

Steele Boomer finally gets to make hometown debut...

No regrets: Former 1st-rounder Blackburn moves on...

Knights captain Adam Perry refines scoring touch...

Jack Brodsky honored in Saskatoon...

City of Sudbury lays some bureaucratic muscle on local hot dog vendor...

Dave Siciliano wins 500th USHL game...

Dumont at loose ends after quitting Gatineau...

Edmonton's Jeff Lee has learned the ropes from veterans at all levels of the game...

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Saturday, November 17, 2007

Saturday News

I got some current pictures this morning of the construction in Fargo. It appears the foundation has been poured and they've begun erecting the steel. I still think they're on a very tight schedule, and can't afford any delays.

A Tony Curtale sighting has been reported. He's behind the bench with the Peoria Mustangs as an assistant coach. Tony's kids are in Peoria, so this makes sense. I have to assume this is a side gig while he continues with Next Testing.

Dan Peters has been named the assistant coach of the Southern Minnesota Express.

Brian Fortin to the position of Interim Director of Hockey Operations...

OHA needs to fight midget league head on, says Brill...

Meet the Pack night in Prince George has been rescheduled...

Bemidji State signs players from Cornwall, Omaha, and North Iowa...

Vancouver Giants trade Mike Reich to Saskatoon...

Johnny Bower gets hero's welcome in Prince Albert...

Ryan Howatt quietly goes about job in Dubuque...

Clayton Bauer a wanted man for Silvertips...

Oil Kings ready to enjoy the comforts of home...

Otters' Kidd out at least one month with Osteitis pubis...

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Friday, November 16, 2007

Friday News

Seven games in Kingston does not a turnaround make. Hey, a 73-31 blowout of K-State will save Bill Callahan's job at Nebraska, right? Wrong...

BCHL vet Casey Pierro-Zabotel to start on youth line...

WHL winning the recruiting wars...

Indiana Ice family fund $40M addition to Riley Hospital for Children...

Des Moines Bucs fan has rare feel for game...

No time like now for a Blizzard rebound...

Otters' Taylor puts attack behind him...

Silvertips hobble home after long trip...

Faith legacy sustains rising star Taylor Ellington...

Hungry Bruin gets perfect billet mate...

Trio of Regina Pats make the grade...

Tyson Aitcheson is the Colts blue-line anchor...

Ellerby happy with change of scenery in Moose Jaw...

Lowly Winter Hawks revamp entire team...

Saskatchewan league's hottest line has Flin Flon in fine form...

Maple Leafs rookie Tlusty focused on hockey. Riiiiight. Kind of hard to be focused if all the media is talking about is that naked picture of you on the internet...

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

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...

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Wednesday News

The list of penalties for both teams was not available at the time of this release. Ladies and gentlemen, we now have our leading candidate for Understatement of the Year! In typical USA Hockey fashion, if you ignore it, perhaps it will go away. Here's the video of what happened... About a quarter of the way through we see Team USA (aka the NTDP U-17s) get into a bench clearing brawl with the Russians at the conclusion of the Four Nations Tournament. Memo to USAH: It's not 1995 anymore. Just because it happened on the other side of the planet doesn't mean it's not going to show up online somewhere. With any luck the NTDP will get this out of their system by Friday when they play the St. Louis Bandits...

Ken Campbell lays out the odds of an elite player making the NHL. Maybe one of these days he'll tackle the cold war between the USHL and CHL...

Michigan mirrors trend of more Americans on college hockey rosters. Red Berenson takes a few shots at the CHL in this one...

Sportsplex deal falls through, pretty much killing any chance of junior hockey returning to Texarkana...

Silvertips pick up "dangerous player" in Clayton Bauer. (second article)...

Réal Paiement coaches game #1000 in QMJHL...

Nachbaur joins elite club with milestone win #350 in WHL. Then again, I know a coach 200 miles north of me with over 400 WHL wins and just one league title to show for it, so it's not that big a deal unless you can get your teams to finish, eh?

Generals reel in some veteran help, acquire winger Patrick Asselin from Saginaw for draft picks...

Chicago Steel elevate head coach Steve Poapst to general manager...

City of Kingston halts outdoor construction on Sundays at downtown sports centre...

Foggies better team than record would seem to indicate, says Kempe...

Matthew Bragg makes impact in Windsor...

Prince George Cougars are slumping, badly...

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Tuesday News

Russian goalie fits like glove in Melfort...

Owen Sound Attack GM talking trades...

Camrose Kodiak Joe Colborne set to sign with University of Denver...

Blazers, Winter Hawks begin rebuilding...

Moose Jaw Warriors trade for Keaton Ellerby...

Everett Silvertips trade for offense...

Fargo-Moorhead Jets acquire Joe Beaudette from Indiana Ice...

Sniderman traded to Huskies from Moncton...

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Monday, November 12, 2007

Monday News

WHA battle of words continues, but I'm not sure anyone not directly involved with the league cares at this point...

Jeff Lee leaves UAF Nanooks for Edmonton Oil Kings. (second article)...

Moose Jaw acquires NHL first rounder Keaton Ellerby from the Kamloops Blazers...

Saginaw Spirit pick up long-time Muskegon Fury broadcaster Terry Ficorelli...

Last-place Winter Hawks deal for defense...

Abbotsford's chase of pro team will have ripple effect in Victoria...

Is Bryan Fogarty's OHL mark for scoring by a defenseman in peril?

Giants could lose more than one staffer to Blazers...

If you're placing blame in Lewiston, look at more than the coaching staff...

Burnaby Express not sold, staying put for now...

Furness the key in push for Fargo hockey arena...

Robbie Ftorek's long road to Erie...

Paquette suspended one game by QMJHL...

Art and ice combine at St. Michael's Hershey Centre...

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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Saturday News

Tri-City Storm to host Ethanol Awareness Night. Somehow I don't think the awareness is geared towards the fact that ethanol is a horribly inefficient energy substitute that has accomplished nothing but increase food prices, but don't tell that to the good folks in Nebraska. (Wow, I never thought I'd be linking to an Ed Wallace article)...

Lesson to be learned for young players - Lindros mistakenly thought he was invincible...

It's a gusher!!! Arena worker strikes oil, errrr... brine in Kingston. The good news is the Frontenacs now haven't lost a game since October 23rd...

Iginla keen to ignite Blazers...

Spits' future on upswing...

Erie Otters complain about bus legs. Gee guys, come try out the NAHL...

Griggs grateful to T-Birds for USHL tryout...

Indiana Ice off to sizzling start...

Swift Current Broncos raffling shed for good cause...

Willy Palov looks at the hot and cold teams in the QMJHL...

Kamloops stays within family for interim coach...

Unique scheduling creates seven game series during regular season for Alaska NAHL teams...

Engele to be honoured for contributions to Broncos...

Confidence breeds goals for former OCN Blizzard Donald Melnyk...

Green Bay Gamblers goalie Crandall commits to Wisconsin...

Red Deer's Watt knows what's what...

Broncos continue to search for consistency...

Pats goalie Bosch making a case to get more playing time...

One more time, Winter Hawks shake-up roster with trades...

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Friday, November 09, 2007

Friday News

Reports indicate head coach Ken Law has resigned from the WHA's Oliver Jets for, among other things, not getting paid. The same report includes a letter to the editor in the Osoyoos Times from a bus company with a default judgment against the league for lack of payment. It would appear the wheels are flying off the WHA...

While there appears to be some pages left unwritten on Eric Lindros' impact in hockey, I'm still going to remember him as the spoiled child who was too good to play for the Soo Greyhounds. Sure the Soo is a remote outpost in the OHL, but it was also good enough for Wayne Gretzky. In the end, Lindros was no Gretzky. The other lesson to be learned is that while parents being active in a player's career can be a good thing, don't overdue it. USA Hockey has their nice little sportsmanship campaign that's directed at the parents. They should add another slogan to it - "Don't be a Carl."

Kamloops Blazers name Hawgood interim head coach, leave GM slot unfilled until end of season, and haven't called Toigo about Craig Bonner...

Noticeable rises in attendance in eight QMJHL markets...

3-15-0 Portland Winter Hawks trading like it's going out of style. (second article)...

Moose Jaw make a pair of trades...

Silvertips reluctantly waive Reekie...

Some in OPJHL worried about possible launch of Super Midget League...

Prince George Cougars have a new scoring threat...

IceDogs to host OHL executives...

Former Sioux goalie Grieco wins OHL debut...

Spitfires goalie Engelage on hot seat...

Shane Taylor still out of line up after mugging in Erie...

Josh Moes claimed off OHL Waivers by Soo Greyhounds...

Fairbanks' Alex McRae signs with West Point...

Rangers trade Zamec or 67's...

Nanaimo Clippers get a mid-season gift with the return of AJ Gale from St. Cloud State...

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Thursday, November 08, 2007

Thursday News

Scholarship program by WHL a class act. Yup, the canned propaganda by the WHL continues to spread to gullible journalists lacking the insight to realize that $8.5 million given to 2,800 players is only about $3,000 each, which gets you a whole semester at most institutions.

No league is too small for Pointstreak's real-time stats. I'll say this, sure beats the old days with Howe Sportsdata...

It never fails that as soon as I finish compiling the articles and hit the send button, a new article lands in my inbox. Yesterday, it was about the pieces of St. Albert Steel puzzle finally coming together. Nevermind... Steel coach Norm Lacombe was fired yesterday (second article)...

The axe fell in Kamloops, too. Say goodbye to Blazers' coach Dean Clark. Is it me, or do these events come in clusters???

Topeka hockey players read to school kids. Pssst, hey fence-sitting hockey fans in San Angelo, community engagement is ingrained in junior hockey culture, and means something other than getting free drinks at the local bar all evening...

"Score One For Life" blood drive set in Sioux Falls...

First week a learning opportunity for Erie's Ftorek. Speaking of the Otters, Lyon Messier landed with the Lincoln Stars (that's team #4 since this summer, in case you lost count). Too bad he's blow his NCAA eligibility...

Knights' scout Jack Ferguson has seasoned eye for talent...

Beausejour Blades not sharp in early going...

Winnipeg Saints are marching (but not to Pretoria)...

Eau Claire Memorial star joins Omaha Lancers (too bad the writer of this piece left off the Soley kid's first name)...

U. of Denver recruit Joe Colborne tearing up AJHL...

P.E.I. Rocket flaring out when ahead...

London trainer Don Brankley penning memoirs...

Prince Albert's Mike Small finding his WHL legs (I guess they were buried in the front hall closet or something)...

Poor ice condition halts OHL game (gee, can't Canadians make ice, or are we blaming global warming?)...

Foligno says the Wolves aren’t sellers yet (and squashes rumours on a Self deal)...

Tyrell claws his way into leading role with Prince George Cougars...

Guelph Storm leading scorer Tomas Marcinko may be gone a month...

Kirill Tulupov traded from Chicoutimi to Victoriaville...

Giants' Sexsmith leads WHL in minutes played to keep his game in shape...

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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Wednesday News

San Angelo is moving closer to joining the NAHL. The former owners of the CHL Lubbock Cotton Kings have an NAHL application and are working towards getting their lease with the San Angelo Coliseum, which seats a little over 5,000. We need to work on the writer of the article, however, as calling this a "youth" team isn't going to win over anyone.

Maritime Jr. A brawl blown way out of proportion. I can't say I agree with this one... On one hand, this was no big deal - hey just a typical line brawl right?!?? (you be the judge). One the other, the media blew it out of proportion and tainted the image of the league (yes, the league is the victim here, apparently. But on the third hand, the league was over the top for trying to lay down the law to protect their image? Sorry, that just doesn't fly.

Bandits not 'Marooned' without Pat...

Otters to place Messier on waivers...

Are kids being pushed along in hockey too fast? Note to Wade Babineau, be careful opening any packages sent from the OHL...

Plug pulled on Viking Cup after more than a quarter-century...

Estevan Bruis at the center of some SJHL trading...

Tri-City hosts rally to Take School By Storm...

Interview with Lewiston Maineiacs' Kevin Marshall...

Chilliwack Bruins pluck BCHL's top scorer from Salmon Arm (second article)...

Suggestion of merger has Calgary AJHL rivals furious...

Kitchener Rangers to soon be overloaded with netminders...

Halifax Mooseheads can't finish, sick of shootouts...

Surge in confidence is paying off for Guelph's Luke Pither...

Saskatoon Blades feel turning point just around corner...

Pieces of St. Albert Steel puzzle finally coming together...

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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Tuesday News

Last week I linked to a story out of Halifax about the brawl in the Maritime Jr. A league and the GM who was trying to suppress the video evidence of the event. Well, now it seems Halifax Wolverines GM Jack Finlay has been suspended 20 games, making one ask, "how do you suspend a GM?" And for those wondering, here's the video of the brawl...

North Dakota backup goaltender Anthony Grieco returning to OHL. St. Mikes owns his rights...

Oshawa's GM Centre impact can't be measured in dollars alone...

Otters’ Palmieri returns Sunday, could play Nov. 14...

London Knights hope to see red Friday in support of military...

Wanted: More scoring punch in Chilliwack...

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Monday, November 05, 2007

Monday News

Kind of slow this morning...

Alexei Dostoinov leaving Ohio Junior Blue Jackets for Kitchener Rangers...

New documentary on junior hockey based in QMJHL set to premier this week...

Cup bid is all the more reason to support Maineiacs...

Pender's out, but Cheremetiev's back in Halifax...

At the quarter mark, the Moose are OK - but need to get better...

Otters hope for turnaround under Ftorek...

Junior hockey players charged after man beaten for photographing streakers...

Stamkos works his magic in Sarnia...

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Saturday, November 03, 2007

Saturday News

I've got multiple reports out of San Angelo that Mark Adams has filed an application to bring an NAHL team to San Angelo. Adams was (and technically still is) the owner of the CHL Lubbock Cotton Kings. I'm also hearing that the "it's just high school hockey" naysayers are chirping. My response would be to point to Pat Maroon. The current London Knight is 6th in the OHL in scoring, played the last two seasons in the NAHL for the Bandits, just signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, and in all likelihood will see NHL action before the season is out. How many players were in the Central Hockey League one season and the NHL the next? I'll tell you - ZERO. I've said this before and I'll say it again... NAHL players are on their way up, CHL players are on the way down. Which would you rather watch, San Angelo?

Rangers coach Peter DeBoer gets 500th win vs. Erie...

But the Rangers weren't the only team to mug the Otters...

Okotoks Oiler Brad Eidsness a standout between the pipes...

Speed and stealth chief weaponry of Spruce Kings line...

Unlikely that Mueller will return to Silvertips...

Rimouski Océanic, Gatineau Olympiques fined for separate incidents...

Moose Jaw Warrior Colten Teubert ready for anything...

Vancouver Giants look for more from Bliznak...

IceDogs return to Mississauga...

Saskatoon Blades need Hulak to regain scoring form...

Drew LeBlanc enjoying time in Windy City...

Fog Devils' captain of industry back in action...

NHL has eye on Alexandira Blizzard's Brandon Bahnemann...

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Friday, November 02, 2007

More from Fort Van

Well... The Columbian gives us not one, but two articles today. The first, Transportation costs drive Pioneers out, gives Brian Cheek's version of the story, and sure enough it's more he said/she said. Though while Rick Smith is quoted in the article, he doesn't refute the Pioneers' claim the league was to provide the transportation. I don't know if that's intentional, or just how the article was written. Cheeks also admits that the no-show Friday in Lillooet was a set up as to not allow the WHA to get the gate for that night. The article also lists landing zones for some of the displaced players.

The second article, Players, arena lose out as team folds, discusses who will and won't get refunds. In case you are keeping score: Players, the rink, and sponsors are out money. Season ticket holders have been getting refunds, however.

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Friday News

Seventeen Dinos receive WHL scholarships. In total, 351 current and graduate players of the Western Hockey League were awarded WHL scholarships, representing a financial contribution of nearly $1 million. Wow, that's a whole $2,850 each. Say what you will about the NCAA's limit of 18 scholarships resulting in some players getting half and quarter schollys, but what's $2,850, half a semester?

Hockey player convicted for assault on linesman (SECOND ARTICLE)...

You have to love YouTube. With it players can post their highlight videos for prospective teams to view... as is the case with (now former) Fort Vancouver Pioneers goalie Ryan Stanchfield, who along with the rest of the Pioneers roster is now looking for a new home...


Fargo arena needs a tax break. Oh boy, here we go...
MSF officials lay blame for their hurried timetable on having to scramble for new financing this summer.

Furness said the Boston office of investment firm Cohen & Co. reassured the MSF through three parts of a four-step financing process that funding would be in place. But when the subprime mortgage crisis hit the markets, Cohen & Co. didn’t follow through, Furness said.

Construction was started "because we were virtually assured" by Cohen and Co. that financing would be in place, Furness said.

But things really went into hurry-up mode much earlier.

Signing former University of North Dakota hockey coach Dean Blais to coach a United States Hockey League team in the arena moved the timetable up a full year, Hintz said.

Instead of completing a five ice-sheet facility in 2009, getting the $25 million arena ready for the 2008 hockey season became the focus. An additional $12 million four ice-sheet facility is planned for 2009.

"Everybody was reassuring us," Hintz said. "We took some risks."

Financing is being prepped, but it’s not all in place, the MSF officials said. Of $15 million to be supplied by a consortium of local banks, $13 million has been secured, Berning said.
The funding for this project has been by the seat of the pants the whole time, putting it in the same category as such failed projects as Kimball Township (Port Huron), Michigan, Sarasota's Lakewood Arena, Cudahy, WI (I have the mock-up jersey designs for the USHL Cudahy Buckhorns somewhere) and Massillon's failed project (scroll down) for their UHL team formerly known as the Saginaw Gears. You don't start work on the project with partial funding, hoping the rest will come through. I've seen these slow-motion train wrecks before. You either have it, or you don't. You're either ready, or you're not. There is no half-way on this...

Fighting spirit has Warriors in playoff contention...

Minnesota Ice Hawks sign big forward from Twin Cities...

Reekie will find out what his future holds soon...

Rookie-laden Dauphin won't settle for OK record...

Six teams set to bid for 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup...

Mooseheads enter bid for 2009 Memorial Cup...

Memorial Cup bid process will be intriguing...

Lashoff working at becoming a complete defenceman for Barrie...

Flyers sign former NAHL Bandit and current London Knight Pat Maroon to entry level deal...

Shawn Rogers back as Silverbacks Marketing Manager...

Holzapfel anxious to get back...

Kings defenceman trades skates for spurs (there's a SWJHL joke in here somewhere)...

Moose have found an exception in rookie...

Voracek 'a lock' to make the Blue Jackets next season?

Sudbury Wolves bowling for Easter Seals...

Blame players for Otters' coaching change...

Ftorek might boost Otters' gate - for a while...

Size doesn't matter to Salmon Arm playmaker...

Winter Hawks look into the future as top draft pick Bradley Ross finally suits up...

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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Thursday News

I wouldn't be surprised if there's more about the Pioneers in The Columbian in the coming days, but unfortunately they don't update their website very quickly in the morning (probably due to the time difference)...

Rekindling the passion - Kauk putting up big numbers with Dauphin Kings...

Lewiston Maineiacs join forces with Portland Pirates in Memorial Cup bid...

Halifax Wolverines GM denies trying to cover up brawl...

Police and Brampton Battalion support Special Olympics...

Sudbury Wolves acquire D-man Sheldrake from Petes...

Goaltending in focus on Silvertips road trip...

Saskatoon Blades haunted by ghosts of drafts past...

Brett Olson named captain of Waterloo Black Hawks...

Crofton’s Mitchell on fast hockey track with Texas Tornado...

Yarmouth Mariners cut Mulligan adrift...

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