Junior Hockey Blog

Catching up

2008-04-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm sure most folks know all this, but in case you missed any, here's the Cliffs Notes version:

The effort to place an NAHL team in Wenatchee cratered when a lease agreement couldn't be reached.

Owatonna is moving to Brownstown, MI, a Detroit suburb. A local group is trying to place a new team in Owatonna, or perhaps relocate the Fargo-Moorhead Jets.

Albert Lea is close to getting an NAHL franchise, owned by Barry Soskins. Alpena head coach Kenny Miller was close to being the coach in Albert Lea, but instead accepted an offer from Marquette.

San Angelo is still looking for a team, as all previous attempts stalled out. There appears to be a new effort based with a group from Minnesota.

St. Louis Bandits head coach Jon Cooper is reported to be headed to Green Bay to fill that vacancy.

Rob Proffitt has stepped down as head coach in Fairbanks. He will remain as GM. Assistant coach Josh Hauge is stepping up to fill Proffitt's slot.

Jean-Paul Parise is the new head coach in Des Moines.

The USHL failed to convince the owner of the IHL franchise in Muskegon to switch leagues.

Fargo's new arena was vandalized. I've not seen any estimate of how much this sets back construction, but damage was estimated at $500k.

Indiana signed a two-year lease with their arena.

The latest rumor on the state of the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets has them moving to The Ice Zone in Boardman for a year until the Youngtown Steelhounds' lease expires, whereby they'd relocate there. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms would of course be displaced by such a move, and would move to Cleveland (actually, Gilmour). There may have already been a USHL decision on this, but I have yet to hear it.

Despite the international financial crisis, Helena Bighorns owner Oren Koules is close to completing his deal to purchase the Tampa Bay Lightning.

I'm probably forgetting something. I know I left out most US news below Tier II, and all Canadian news, but hey, I've been on vacation...

A new toy for teams

2008-04-24T06:38:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite sayings is the nature abhors a vacuum. So, since it's been a while since I posted I thought I'd let folks in on a new feature brought to us by Ralph Slate over at Hockeydb.com. Let's start by selecting a player... say, Ryan Turek. Once you pull up his stats, you'll see a little link down at the bottom that says "Embed these stats!" Click it, and Ralph gives you a piece of code that you can drop onto your own website...

The upshot of all this is that junior and college teams can use it to maintain their alumni pages. No longer do you have to wade through your alumni roster every year and find out where a player has gone. Now all you have to do is set up your alumni pages, grab the code (which you can tweak to match your website's colors, I might add), and his bio and stats pop right up. Since Hockeydb.com updates stats throughout the season, the only maintenance required is to add each season's alumni. It's not quite the niftiest thing since sliced bread, but it removes any excuse teams have in not keeping a decent alumni page.

Bushed

2008-03-10T10:13:00.001-06:00

I'm sure a lot of folks are wondering where the blog has been the last week or so. Fact is I'm giving myself a break. Other family and professional commitments are eating into my (hockey) time and I'm finding it difficult finding the energy to wade through 100 emails a day to filter out the articles that land on the blog. Some might have noticed I had cut the player articles and gone back to the focus on business-only articles. This reduced my time it takes to post, but not the filtering.

I'm not stopping. I'm just going on hiatus.

Monday News

2008-03-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

Pats to honour franchise builders...

Coombs earns 100th victory in Dubuque...

Bucs get arena upgrades with new owner...

Sioux Falls debates new arena...

Weekend News

2008-03-01T15:29:00.001-06:00

It looks like Ryan over at the USHL Blog nailed it when he connected Regg Simon's resignation in Des Moines to the new ownership group...

Tornado Warning! Frisco hopes to attract D-league basketball team to expanded Deja-Blue. Want to kill a successful hockey team? Bring in a hoops team to swipe all the quality dates...

Sudbury Wolves hire new assistant coach...

More Friday News

2008-02-29T16:56:00.002-06:00

Could another junior hockey owner be joining Oren Koules in Tampa? It seems Len Barrie might be in the mix according to the Globe and Mail...

Mason City gets 2009 Robertson Cup

2008-02-29T14:04:00.002-06:00

North Iowa awarded 2009 Robertson Cup Championship
February 29, 2008

FRISCO, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League announced today that the North Iowa Outlaws have been selected to host the 2009 Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be held April 21-25, 2009 at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, Iowa.

"We are excited to bring our league championship to the North Iowa community in 2009," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "The Outlaws organization has helped bring the NAHL to new heights, both on and off the ice, and we have no doubt they will host a first-class tournament."

"A lot of people have worked tirelessly to bring this tournament to the area," said Outlaws owner Mark Motz. "It’s going to be a great event for the community and an opportunity for the league to showcase some of the best young players in the country in addition to helping promote and grow the sport of hockey in the North Iowa area."

The four-team Robertson Cup Championship crowns the NAHL’s playoff champion (USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior A national champion). As the host team, the Outlaws will receive an automatic bid to the 2009 tournament.

The event will attract over 2,000 visitors, including fans, players, coaches, scouts and media over a four-day period. The economic impact to the North Iowa area generated from visitor spending is estimated at over $200,000. In addition, North Iowa residents will be provided the opportunity to attend the tournament, witnessing hockey at its best.

"This will be a great event for the fans of hockey in the North Iowa area," said Outlaws GM Rick Wesp. "Not only will they be able to see and cheer on their own team, but they’ll see the best teams the NAHL has to offer, and we all know North Iowa has the best and the loudest fans in the league."

Outlaws business manager Bob Thoms began inquiring about attracting the tournament to the area last September after the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau requested partners to submit new or existing sporting event ideas.

Through the partnership of the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Cerro Gordo County, the North Iowa Sports Authority was created and submitted a grant application to help attract the Robertson Cup to North Iowa.

A $50,000 Regional Sports Authority District Grant, provided by the State of Iowa through the Iowa Tourism Office, and a $25,000 cash match was secured in October.

"This funding gave the North Iowa Outlaws organization the boost needed to seek the bid for the National Tournament," said Thoms.

"The North Iowa Outlaws, North Iowa Sports Authority and specifically the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together extensively on this project because of the tremendous economic boost and national recognition it will bring to the North Iowa area," said Vicki Hensley, Chair of the North Iowa Sports Authority. "We are thrilled to be the host community."

In addition to the Outlaws, the playoff series winners from the North, South and Central Divisions will receive the other three bids to the tournament. If the Outlaws win the 2009 Central Division playoffs, the runner up from the Central Division will receive the fourth bid.

The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83.

The St. Louis Bandits will host this year’s Robertson Cup Championship.

More details on the 2009 Robertson Cup Championship will be released in the coming months.

For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship, visit www.robertsoncup.com.

Friday News

2008-02-29T09:11:00.002-06:00

A new arena does not a quality operation make: Fronts taken to task over marketing; Mayor says club's promotion efforts 'amateurish' in nature. I'll wager fans would show up if the team were sold to someone else and run by someone with a clue. If Mavety is frustrated, how do you think the hundreds of remaining Fronts fans feel?

Spitfires honour fallen Renaud...

PIJHL shows interest in Squamish...

Otters' Ftorek plans to return

Here's a statistical look at the Pringe George Cougars after 999 games...

Simon says "I quit!"

2008-02-28T18:28:00.004-06:00

Regg Simon has resigned as head coach of the Des Moines Bucs:

Simon Resigns as Head Coach & GM

February 28, 2008

The Des Moines Buccaneers announced today that Head Coach and General Manager Regg Simon has resigned effective immediately. Associate Head Coach Todd Knott will take over on an interim basis as Head Coach for the remainder of the season.

“I felt it was in my best interest personally and professionally to step down at this time.” Simon said. “I appreciate the opportunity the organization has given me and I wish them the best of luck in the future.”

Buccaneers President Shawn Edwards, who made the announcement to his staff this afternoon, said it was a “sad day for Buccaneer hockey”, and that “Regg was a special person”.

Simon was in his fifth season with the Buccaneers and his third as Head Coach & General Manager. Edwards said that Simon “took this organization to the next level and will certainly be missed.” He said that Regg is a “great talent in the coaching field with a bright future”. Edwards went on to say that he “understands Regg’s reasoning behind the decision”.

Todd Knott will be making his USHL Head Coach debut tomorrow night as the Bucs host the Chicago Steel. Knott, in his third season with the Bucs, has served as a Head Coach & General Manager in the past. During the ’04-’05 season Knott guided the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the North American Hockey League to a division title.

Also, for those wondering, my ISP has hosed my webserver, so most of my images, like the masthead to the blog, are currently unavailable. It should be resolved in a day or so.

Thursday News

2008-02-28T06:43:00.003-06:00

L.A. developer buys Des Moines Buccaneers...

Eric Ballard resigns as assistant for the Junior Blues...

BCHL Clippers a father-son business...

Commercial development expected around new Windsor arena...

Councillor wants to plan now for new arena in St. Catharines...

How bad off is Portland these days? They are dropping off the local sports scene map... And then there's this...

Wednesday News

2008-02-27T06:27:00.002-06:00

Lewiston MAINEiacs fined; head coach suspended one game...

PMI fires Gamblers coach Mark Mazzoleni...

Renaud family Spits' top priority...

NOJHL to hold off ruling on neck guards...

K-Rock Pot opening "cool" and "awesome"...

*Cue John Cougar Mellencamp* Lemme tell ya... about Jack and Darlene...

Mazz out in the cold

2008-02-26T12:01:00.002-06:00

Mazzoleni Removed As Gamblers Coach

Effective immediately, PMI has terminated Mark Mazzoleni's employment as head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Gamblers.

Although PMI acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Mazzoleni to the Gamblers organization, it was felt the team needed a new direction. PMI will soon begin its search for a replacement head coach and general manager.

Gamblers Assistant Coach Dave Insalaco will become the interim head coach and general manager for the remainder of this season.

Tuesday News

2008-02-26T06:22:00.002-06:00

City of Soo ponders suites for Steelback Centre...

Portland Winter Hawks under investigation by WHL...

Winter Hawks to hire new GM...

Deal to buy the Williams Lake TimberWolves awaiting BCHL approval...

Ftorek, Otters close to deal?

Monday News

2008-02-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Darlene and Jack Tragis earn their way into Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame

Wichita Falls sports editor piles on the criticism of KY Coliseum staffers...

Wenatchee hockey team OK 'almost 100 percent'...

Lewiston columnist: In fairness, referees should be subject to official reviews, too (hey, I'm an Sooner alumnus, so no argument from me)...

Kingston provides fans with a good game in K-Rock Pot debut (but the result was predictable)...

New arena for Niagara IceDogs discussed - Big dreams for a new 'spectator facility'...

Crowds pack church to say goodbye to junior hockey star...

Camrose lands Jr. A challenge set for November...

Friday News

2008-02-22T06:07:00.002-06:00

Wenatchee gets conditional OK for NAHL franchise. I'm sure they just need to sort out the little things, like a lease, what division they'll play in, and how the whole travel thing is going to work...

WHL league commissioner orders the Portland franchise to shake up the front office (and pay their bills)...

Fronts eager for fresh start; Hockey club opens new arena (psst, sometimes you need more than a new barn for a fresh start)...

Everett defenseman Graham Potuer suspended for two games...

Grapes to speak of Renaud on Coach's Corner...

Thursday News

2008-02-21T06:18:00.004-06:00

Will facility open on time?; With just days to go, workers scramble to bring the Kingston K-Rock Pot up to code...

Fans miffed with KY Coliseum ushers, but they're more miffed at how the Wichita Falls TimesRecordNews framed the article, giving the appearance that fans were upset with the Wildcats...

Windsor's games tonight and Sunday have been postponed following the death of team captain Mickey Renaud. Renaud's #18 has been retired, and all OHL players will wear his number on their helmets the rest of this season...

Oh, and there's supposed to be a vote on Wenatchee today, no foolin'...

WHENatchee???

2008-02-20T17:16:00.003-06:00

You can't fault the Wenatchee World for trying. Still, that vote everyone's waiting to hear the results on hasn't been taken yet. I guess communications to central Washington are slow in the winter, what with the passes being closed all the time. I'm guessing that the major hang-up with accepting Wenatchee is still the divisional alignment. This whole time the thought has been to add them to the South along with the three Alaska teams, Texas, Wichita Falls, and Topeka. I'm guessing that's not real popular with the three teams actually in the south. It also goes without saying you can't set your divisions until you know who is committed to next season and where they will be playing. I'm not holding up any franchise voodoo dolls, so don't read too much into this, but I doubt we'll see the same pieces on the chessboard this fall.

I understand the vote is tomorrow. No really, I'm not joking.

Update: The WenWorld seems to have picked up on the delay...

Wednesday News

2008-02-20T06:46:00.002-06:00

Spitfire captain's autopsy results released to family, not public...

Mayor in talks on new home for Niagara IceDogs...

Surrey drops Basford suspension, freeing him to join Giants...

Q governors vote for 68-game schedule...

Tuesday News

2008-02-19T06:57:00.002-06:00

Windsor Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud dies suddenly after collapsing (video)...

Sertz steps down after 12 years as Otters' director of operations (includes video)...

Monday News

2008-02-18T06:50:00.002-06:00

Hastings sets USHL all-time wins record...

Generals to retire Lindros' No. 88, I'm sure the Soo Greyhounds banned the number years ago...

Finley an excellent fit for Rockets staff...

Francis Filion suspended for one game...

Dubuque claims CSHL regular season title...

Goin' to the 'Dogs; Niagara Falls fans pack arena to support St. Catharines team...

Saturday News

2008-02-16T06:48:00.002-06:00

Frontenacs bid old rink good-Knight, but without Larry Mavety...

Cozy comfort for Kent crowds in new home for Seattle T-Birds...

USHL announces new partnership...

Friday News

2008-02-15T06:32:00.002-06:00

Are you kidding me? Yet another league, Part II, the Lakefront International Junior Hockey League. Yeeeeeesh...

Wenatchee NAHL vote postponed until Monday. What a way to run a railroad. Read the second paragraph carefully - why do you even consider approving a team with only the exec board? A recommendation to the full BoG I could see, but this was billed as final approval...

Op-Ed: Rothschild shoots and it scores (for Wausau)...

Thursday News

2008-02-14T06:37:00.000-06:00

A funny thing happened on the way to the NAHL voting on Wenatchee... nothing. After posting the Wenatchee World article yesterday, the response I received from several teams was "Vote? What vote?!???" as apparently the vote is not scheduled until next week. I'm not sure where the miscommunication originated, but then again, the World couldn't even get Mark Frankenfeld's name right (it has since been corrected)...

Is everyone ready for yet another independent "Junior A" hockey league? No? Well too bad, you're stuck with one anyway. Say hello to the Wisconsin Junior Hockey League...

If Wausau-are arena is built, team will follow...

OHL suspends Kingston GM/head coach Larry Mavety, but not long enough for Fronts fans. Here's a clip of what resulted int he suspension...

Wednesday News

2008-02-13T05:41:00.003-06:00

Wenatchee NAHL franchise up for a vote Tuesday. I haven't heard the result yet...

I have heard there is a meeting going on today concerning the arena in Bloomington, IL. I hope to have more details by this weekend.

Moose Jaw Warriors fined and suspended...

Fargo's main rink financing almost secured...

Fargo awarded 2009 IIHF U-18 Tournament, beating out St. Cloud and Providence...

Ferguson, Brand honored with distinguished service awards...

Tuesday News

2008-02-12T06:27:00.000-06:00

WHL board of governors meeting focuses on economy...

Small-market WHL clubs remain viable...

Selwood steps down as coach - Oshawa Generals promote Chris DePiero to bench boss...

USHL president preparing to retire (not much here that wasn't in the release yesterday)...

Rendell gives hope to Erie arena plan...

Huskies and Saguenéens fined by QMJHL...

Outbreak of mono really bugging 67's...

Allow Mooseheads coach to map his hockey fate...

High-flying Wolverine grounded by bad judgment...

Surrey Eagles suspend centre for season...

Welcome to the league, Verdun; now you figure out the schedule...

Ray Bourque hopes Verdun move will be a success...

Gasparini to Retire as USHL Head

2008-02-11T11:42:00.000-06:00

From a league release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 11, 2008
USHL TO UNDERGO MANAGEMENT CHANGE
The architect of the USHL to ease into retirement

GRAND FORKS, N.D.: The United States Hockey League has announced that it will be initiating a process that will ultimately lead to the retirement of league president Gino Gasparini. "This is something that I’ve been thinking about, and recently I’ve thought about it more and more, so that was an indication to me that the timing is right to make this move," Gasparini said. "I wanted to make sure the league had enough lead time so that they could put a plan in place for the next person that will come in and lead this wonderful organization."

The league will be hiring a new president or executive director, with Gasparini staying on board as the league’s commissioner to assist in the leadership change transition.

"Gino had a vision for the USHL many years ago and through his guidance and persistence that vision has become reality," said Jim Kronschnabel, Chairman of the USHL Board of Governors. "We all owe Gino a huge debt of gratitude for keeping the team owners on track with the mission he laid out for us and helping us to achieve our goals. Hopefully he will continue to be a part of the USHL for many years to come."

A search committee has been formed and will present a list of finalists for the position to the USHL Board of Governors at its May meeting. Members of the search committee are Irv Dana, Lou Mervis, Luc Robitaille and Michael Schupay. Josh Mervis will serve the committee as its secretary and Brian Schoenborn will act as the committee’s legal advisor. Gasparini will also serve on the committee as an ex officio member. The timetable to fill the position will fall after the league meetings and into the off-season.

Gasparini came to the USHL in 1995, following a distinguished career as the head coach and athletic director at the University of North Dakota, where he led his teams to three national titles. His tenure in the USHL has been just as successful. In 13 seasons as the league’s leader, Gasparini has transformed the USHL from a run-of-the-mill junior league into the biggest supplier of talent to NCAA Division I college hockey. The growth isn’t reserved for college hockey alone. Attendance numbers have reached unprecedented heights, the league has experienced successful expansion and ownership has stabilized. The number of players chosen by, and ultimately appearing on NHL rosters, has skyrocketed under Gasparini’s watch. He was the driving force behind the league’s campaign for Tier I status, a classification which the league received from USA Hockey in 2002. Clearly, Gasparini’s vision has made the USHL the hockey development machine that it is today.

"It isn’t all due to me and I don’t want anyone to get that impression. The stabilization and growth of the USHL came about through teamwork and passionate ownership that all had a vision for the league," Gasparini said. "People like Butch Johnson, who spent many years as the chairman of the board and present board chairman Jim Kronschnabel have been instrumental in moving the league forward. The current ownership will continue to move the league forward."

Can't Get There From Here?

2008-02-09T13:31:00.000-06:00

The Topeka Roadrunners got hung up due to weather this week trying to fly to Alaska, resulting in their Friday game against Fairbanks having to be rescheduled. Frankly, I'm surprised this hasn't happened more often since Fairbanks has had junior hockey, as many flights from the lower 48 to Alaska originate out of Minneapolis.

However, while observing things in Wenatchee the past several weeks, I've discovered that they might be even more isolated than the Alaska teams. Sure, teams can fly into Seattle and bus the two hours or so to Wenatchee, but only if one of the two passes over the Cascades are open. It seems like the pressing news in the Wenatchee World is an always update as to whether Snoqualmie (I-90) or Stevens (US-2) Pass are open. As of this moment, they aren't. I can't imagine teams would fly into the smaller airports east of the Cascades, due to the cost. So the question becomes - "what's the over/under on postponed games in Wenatchee each year if they join the NAHL?"

Friday News - Early Edition

2008-02-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

A quick correction. For what it's worth, a member of the Alliance Hockey organization called me to task for describing NAHL commish Mark Frankenfeld's new position as Director of Hockey Operations a full time gig. I was clearly wrong, however, in stating that Frankenfeld has been with Alliance for some time. I got Alliance confused with the Texas Attack, with which Frankenfeld has been previously associated...

Kingston's new arena has a sponsor, but what about the name? I don't normally get behind causes here (unless they are my own), but I'm encouraging everyone to write in a vote to name the new arena the K-Rock Pot...

Brooks commits to $19.1M arena...

Are the Burnaby Express on track to leave town?

Pat Maroon - seasoned rookie...

Q&A with Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Matt Donovan...

David Branch backs Windsor for Junior Worlds...

WHL extends commissioner Ron Robison's contract through 2010-11 season (insert obligatory comparison to Mark Frankenfeld here)...

Wednesday News

2008-02-06T06:52:00.000-06:00

There's finally a trailer available for the recently released documentary Junior, about the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Although screenings are currently available only in Quebec, with any luck I'll have a copy of the movie shortly and will be able to give it a proper review...

Brodsky: "I can't stand to listen to the games, and I can't stand to watch them" - Prince George Cougars owner says in candid video interview...

WHL Board of Governors conclude mid-season meetings...

Kamloops Blazers head coach Greg Hawgood backtracks on earlier comments that the NCAA is a better track than Major Junior...

Penner is back to where he wants to be, in Prince Albert...

Portland goaltender vents his frustration...

Blades' Molleken draws two-game suspension...

Burnaby Express players back on same page...

Bruins' Brandon Campos a gifted sniper...

A dilemma for Minnesota Ice Hawks: Stay or play elsewhere...

Orillia Terriers all but assured of fifth-place finish; Team likely to start playoffs on the road...

Tuesday News

2008-02-05T07:04:00.000-06:00

A few days ago NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld was named Director of Hockey Operations for the Alliance Bulldogs, a youth program located in Dallas-Fort Worth. Frankenfeld has retained a minor role with Alliance throughout his tenure with the NAHL league office, but this is an interesting move considering it's a full-time position for someone who is supposed to be a full-time commissioner. I would have thought the NAHL Board of Governors would have learned their lesson with part-time commissioners a few administrations ago with Larry Pedrie, who maintained a gig similar to Frankenfeld's, but based on feedback I've received thus far, it appears the BoG were unaware of Frankenfeld's new position.

Speaking of lessons unlearned - Quebec businessman hoping junior hockey will fly in Habs-crazy Montreal market...

Score one for the Canadian economy - Naming rights increase in Kingston; Deal for downtown centre moniker will go up in value each year. If I had to guess, they inked a deal with an energy provider...

Ouellet, Morrison in hunt for scoring title as QMJHL season heads into home stretch...

Shakeup seems to be working fine - Chilliwack coach separates slumping big guns Moller and Santorelli...

PEI Rocket attempt to turn back time...

Saskatoon Blades pay price for fight night...

Pats get some extra work on Super Bowl Sunday...

Geoff Killing sets new Bulls record...

Monday News

2008-02-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

Topeka Roadrunners sign lease extension with arena...

Petition group claims the Steelback Centre has cost taxpayers close to $70,000 (includes video)...

Condors lose Choules to Acadie-Bathurst...

Captain Kayfes traded away from Bizzy to Fairbanks...

QMJHL's Victoriaville Tigres fire head coach Martin Bernard...

It's Madam President; Denise Burke of the Niagara IceDogs is the only female team president in CHL...

London chasing juniors again...

Saturday News

2008-02-02T09:51:00.000-06:00

And then there were five; Attack partner sells his stake...

Weyburn's McMillan reaches 1000-win-milestone. Other coaches in SJHL can't fathom so many wins...

Was January the worst month ever in Prince George Cougars' history? Owner Rick Brodsky banking on the future...

Generals' game in Kingston postponed...

Erie Otters suspend Frank Grzeszczak indefinitely for violating team rules...

OHL hosts midget showcase in Saginaw...

Coombs concerned about complacency in Dubuque...

Winnipeg on the short list to host 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship...

Windsor, London team up for World Juniors bid...

Edmonton and Calgary jointly seek 2012 world junior hockey tourney...

Memorial Cup selection committee down to four members...

Selection committee looks at Halifax...

Schenn brothers taking WHL by storm...

Omaha forward looks to be force...

Quebec league sold Newfoundland short...

Bizzy Bobcats still in NAHL playoff picture...

Flying Aces getting results in MinnyJHL...

It seems more Frontenacs fans are getting grumpy with owner Doug Springer...

Friday News

2008-02-01T06:59:00.000-06:00

Short blog this morning... I'll get the rest of my links done tonight or Saturday morning.

Billings Bulls go for milestone win tonight...

Junior hockey franchise raises guarded excitement in Thunder Bay...

Thursday News

2008-01-31T05:28:00.000-06:00

Anthony LeBlanc pursuing OHL team for Thunder Bay. As a reference point, the old Thunder Bay UHL franchise averaged about 2,570 a game at their peak from 1993-95. Their USHL franchise never drew more than 1,100 in their last four years from 1996-2000...

Global Spectrum to run new Windsor arena...

Signs point to culture impact of Cedar Rapids Ice Arena...

Future Gambler Chase Drake ready to take the next step...

MJHL plays it safe when dealing with dangerous weather...

Bad weather keeps Petes home; Last night's game in Owen Sound postponed...

Shugg settles in with Spits...

Weyburn making the playoffs is good, but 1,000 wins -- priceless...

Pats coach wants his charges to keep playing hard...

Maineiacs make pitch to host Memorial Cup...

Pats' Doucet doing his part to earn his pay...

Bulldogs' Aime moves up to Red Deer...

Bad-luck Silvertip emerges as star...

A few Oshawa fans left etiquette on the bus...

Winnipeg bidding for world junior hockey championship...

Who in London would have predicted this?

Wednesday News

2008-01-30T05:47:00.000-06:00

Upon further review, BCHL made right call...

Former NTDP player arrested in drug case...

Erie Otters finalize new Tullio lease. I hope they got some scheduling protection against the proposed D-League team...

Versatile Dillon grows on Seattle T-birds...

Firm makes pitch to run Chevrolet Centre...

Pats fined after brawl...

Good news for Cougars' Riege, no break...

City refuses to pay Attack bill...

Extreme cold on Prairies doesn't stop hockey from being played...

But - MJHL postpones games due to cold...

Soo Birds' house in order...

Indiana Ice player carries on despite tragedy...

Spits on record pace for home attendance...

Tuesday News

2008-01-29T06:20:00.000-06:00

Acadie-Bathurst Titan fire head coach Denis Francoeur...

Battlefords' North Stars fire head coach/general manager Gary Clark...

Chevy Centre management presentations begin today...

Host families are a key component to success of Fairbanks Ice Dogs...

Blades' Molleken awaits word on suspension...

AJHL will stick with carding system, say no thanks to expansion...

G-men ready to get greasy...

Poapst has Chicago Steel on a roll...

Schenn a rising WHL star...

One cold Winter - Portland's suffering through horrific WHL season...

Marc-Andre Fleury now knows how much Eagles fans love him...

Thiessen is the Cat who never quits (includes video)...

Stamkos shows how NHL Breakaway Challenge should have been done...

Looking through the fog to hockey heaven...

Is Verdun a tonic for Q headache?

Monday News

2008-01-28T06:04:00.000-06:00

USHL All-Stars shine as Gamblers struggle. Also, as can be expected at All-Star events, there will be league meetings, so it should be interesting to see what shakes out over the next two days...

More on the Fog Devils' relocation to Verdun:

Is Verdun a tonic for Q headache? Everyone to blame in Fog Devils debacle... Fog Devils' failure means QMJHL unlikely to return to St. John's... Newfoundland loses major junior hockey... It's official: Fog Devils sold - Dobbin: There's no way we could have gone another year... Having one's hockey heart ripped out...

RoadRunners hitting full stride. For the record, I'm not a fan of the special jerseys celebrating Kansas statehood. Despite having grown up in Kansas, the state seal never really "did it" for me (it's a little busy), so making it a hockey crest leaves me a little lukewarm. Sorry guys...

DeLory suspended 8 games for spear, part of 23 games handed out for OHL brawl...

Two Sarnia Sting players suspended by OHL...

Not so much a juniors story, but interesting nonetheless - Cherry seeing red over blue hair...

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors skating in the right direction...

Todd Gill has found his comfort zone as the owner/coach of his hometown Brockville Braves...

Current Belleville Bulls similar to '99 championship team...

Saturday News

2008-01-26T09:52:00.000-06:00

Fargo School Board approves deal on arena. Here's the latest picture of the facility...

Mayor must step it up in Kingston...

Hockey players worry motel owners (okay, who invited the South Jersey Raptors?!???)...

Cochrane: Why such a rush on the Fog Devils?

Saint John lucky to retain junior hockey team, president says...

League announcement: QMJHL set to return to Montreal next season...

Board chair: St. John's Sports and Entertainment never asked to save the Fog Devils...

Soo may return to NOJHL...

Sting expects to go with short bench for weekend contests...

Fargo-Morehead Jets get two players...

Mooseheads' Smith out longer than expected...

Alex Archibald shoulders big load for Oil Kings...

Taylor Hall's success has Spitfires' brass beaming...

Ex-Pats giving back by coaching sons' teams...

Cousins do well in USHL...

No regrets for Hulak in Regina...

Sarnia Sting's MacQueen learns from Boyes...

Giants perfectly happy to practise...

Camrose Kodiak Andrew MacWilliam commits to UND...

Hockey to support Tulsa heroes...

Andris Dzerins playing with confidence for Fronts...

Maday's return benefits Black Hawks...

Vancouver Giants not hurt by lack of scoring superstars...

Dubuque T-Birds keep foot on (throat of other CSHL teams) accelerator...

Korostin cleared to play for Tornado, for now...

2008-01-25T09:24:00.000-06:00

The following email landed in my inbox this morning:

As a follow up from my voice message, USA Hockey is giving approval for player Sergey Korostin to play January 24 to January 28, 2008 while we review the documentation and wait for the final confirmation from the IIHF office. We have contacted the IIHF office advising our interpretation of the request for release of contract under the Russian Labor Laws. We will ask the IIHF office to confirm the player is approved to transfer so we can have final confirmation on Monday, January 28 for him to complete the 2007-08 season. I will keep in touch with you as we receive information concerning this player. Thank you for providing the documentation.

Kim Folsom
Coordinator, International Administration & Event Operations
USA Hockey

Friday News

2008-01-25T06:55:00.000-06:00

Writing was on the wall for Fog Devils prior to Christmas...

Walling: What in the fog happened to the Devils?

More than players affected by Foggies demise...

SJSE chairman defends Devils' lease...

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders close to lease deal - team for sale...

Fargo School Board to vote on UP arena...

Arena anticipation is building in Wenatchee (includes video)...

QMJHL races should go down to the wire...

Documentary a riveting look at junior hockey...

Call-ups find permanent home in BCHL...

Bruins coach awaits goals outburst...

Bruin Smuk out at least a month...

Robertson Cup Tournament is coming to St. Louis...

North Stars to sell beer, wine at remaining home dates...

Scrappers’ owner seeks stake in Youngstown arena...

RoadRunners report: Four questions with coach Scott Langer (but no hard-hitting queries about Swedish Fish)...

Latvian forward joins RoadRunners for 2008-09...

MacLean goes from doghouse to funhouse in Prince George...

Among Otters, Boyes stands out...

Company benefits Eberle in Regina...

New Ranger itching to play - Former Frontenacs blueliner Shutron recovers from back injury...

Fletcher knows his role with IceDogs...

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders close to lease deal - team for sale...

Beljo is Knights' jack of all trades...

Thursday News

2008-01-24T06:47:00.000-06:00

We have another article out of Wenatchee this week. Boy, where do I begin? Bobby Brett is either completely out of touch with the realities of the NAHL, or is spewing HUGE chunks of propaganda needlessly to protect his WHL franchise in Spokane. Don't get me wrong, I have some issues with the idea of placing an NAHL team in Wenatchee too, but Brett's arguments are not based in reality.

But Brett said airline travel isn't feasible for any franchise at that level because of the costs. And because the NAHL considers Wenatchee a remote location, the league has said that a Wenatchee team would have to participate in a travel subsidy program that would add $100,000 to the franchise's budget.

"To be financially successful in minor-league sports, you have to be on a bus," Brett said, noting WHL teams use buses to travel. "I can't even imagine the amount of money it costs to fly."

Brett seems completely oblivious to the fact there are already three NAHL teams in Alaska doing this already.

Brett sees other problems with the Wenatchee market — including the lack of television coverage. The Spokane Chiefs are scheduled to receive live TV coverage in at least half a dozen of their home games this season in a market that has four networks. Wenatchee doesn't have a TV station.

Probably half the NAHL markets don't get any TV coverage, and most probably don't get it on a regular basis (certainly not like what Brett's team gets in Spokane). And, I suspect the NAHL probably gets MORE TV coverage than the Canadian Tier II leagues.

I can't image Brett trying to protect Spokane. Wenatchee is nearly three hours away, and so he's not going to lose any fans to an NAHL team there.

In other news...

Here's a another piece on the USHL coming to Wausau, this time by the local TV station (no vid clip, however)...

More on the resignation of Canmore head coach/GM Bob Miller...

QMJHL to give Montreal another shot (how do you kill a zombie?)...

Verdun Borough expresses confidence in being able to once again welcome junior hockey to the auditorium...

No further sanctions levied upon Remparts...

Repik talks, Giants look again at BCHL and other stuff...

Merrett steps into big skates for Niagara IceDogs...

Getting personal with Peterborough head coach Vince Malette...

BCHL cranks up marketing effort...

Waywayseecappo Wolverines on way up...

Saskatoon defenceman boasts most powerful shot - 97-m.p.h. blast wins shooting contest...

Washington Junior Capitals defenseman Puderbaugh doesn't mind being offensive...

Slumping Traver City North Stars try to keep upbeat...

Pats becoming tough team to beat...

Former Pat Nick Ross gets an 'A' from Kamloops Blazers...

Boyes stirs fans' memories at Erie number retiring...

Whoops!

2008-01-23T13:07:00.001-06:00

One of the issues with imports, especially Euros, is making sure their transfers are completed. Well, it seems the Texas Tornado jumped the gun with recently acquired Sergei Korostin. Korostin is apparently still under contract with HC Dynamo Moscow and that the Russian Ice Hockey Federation is none too happy he's playing for the Tornado.

To be clear, I'm putting this on Korostin and his agent, and not the Tornado, because they should have taken care of the transfer card before he came over. Of course Alexander Ovechkin came from HC Dynamo as well, so perhaps they (Dynamo) think they can squeeze a little more money out of the Stars in return for a transfer...

Wednesday News

2008-01-23T06:38:00.000-06:00

The big news sweeping the QMJHL this morning is that the St. John's Fog Devils have been sold and are moving next season to the Montreal suburb of Verdun (second article)...

DeLory likely to face lengthy ban - Generals defenceman spears Sarnia star Steven Stamkos after Sunday's game...

Interesting story from Prince George on the Gamebreaker video system. I know other teams who use this and have personally seen it used, and am amazed more teams don't take advantage of what it has to offer (includes several videos)...

What's in a name? New Kingston arena to find out soon...

Guelph Storm special teams especially good...

Raiders' Cameron cashes opportunity...

Prospects high for Pats pair...

Colts take positives out of weekend...

Giants sniper almost ready to get back in the fray...

Halifax in the NHL? You're joking, right?!??

Heads up, there's another Staal kid on the horizon...

Tuesday News

2008-01-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Couple of quick reminders. First off, instead of opening posts to comments, I've established a forum for the blog. Anyone can read it without having to register, but to participate in threads you will have to sign in.

Secondly, I'm still offering advertising space. Click here for the rate sheet and other information. I know teams will soon be starting to schedule their summer tryout camps (if they haven't already), so now is a good time to get on board with the blog.

WHL may be thinned by adding Canadian schools to NCAA...

Spits' Henrique busts out of slump...

Canmore Eagles bench boss bound for B.C....

Flin Flon busiest team at SJHL trade deadline...

Repik re-joins Giants, practices Tuesday...

Broncos trade deadline moves send a message...

Pats GM Parker having a good year...

Here's another review of the junior hockey documentary focusing on the Baie-Comeau Drakkar...

Wade Babineau is still trolling through the sludge on the QMJHL message boards...

More Monday news

2008-01-21T11:11:00.000-06:00

David Streeter got his interview with NAHL commish Mark Frankenfeld online. Frankenfeld talks about Wenatchee, San Angelo, and Dodge City as potential future NAHL markets. It's not a bad little read...

The struggling Texas Tornado are finally making use of their ties to the Dallas Stars, acquiring Sergei Korostin this past weekend. Korostin was the Stars' 3rd round selection (64th overall) last summer, and has been playing the last three years for HC Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Super League. In the 2007 IIHF World U18's in Finland he scored five goals and one assist, helping lead Russia to the championship...

Monday News

2008-01-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

It would appear as though Wausau may be back on the USHL radar, as plans are in the works for a 4,000 seat arena...

Love him or hate him, Beach will be Beach...

Attendance swoon in Lewiston is typical in post-championship season...

Trish Campbell deposed as Oshawa Generals president, no replacement expected this season...

Meanwhile, Generals GM Brad Selwood has delivered as promised on the ice...

City, Rocket to look at lease arrangement...

Agents in the CHL - Taking care of business off the ice...

Traverse City North Stars all wet - team gets liquor license...

Plymouth's Leo Jenner gets 20 games...

Hitman Anze's a Slovenian idol...

Pats launch backyard rink contest...

Jodoin rebuilds listing Océanic in post-Crosby era...

Tri City Amerks checking their egos at the rink door...

MacMillan happy to be back with Mooseheads...

For Bruins, trust the key to forging Euro link...

Home dates few and far between for Spruce Kings...

Oil Kings' assistant Rocky Thompson has faith...

Santorelli scoring up a storm for Bruins...

Gazdic, Peluso no strangers to dropping gloves...

New Rangers goalie Mason seeks ideas for cool design to mark Kitchener's 'special year'...

Addition of Steve Mason helps Kitchener resemble 2004-05 champion Knights...

Belleville's Matthias called up by Florida Panthers...

Knights seek zip for their power play...

Dowzak delivers on D for Kelowna...

Hartley Miller's breakdown of WHL trades at the deadline...

The brothers Jameson happy playing for Wichita Falls...

Leading the way; Trade puts Giudice at head of pack of Wolves (includes video)...

Blades' ad-lib line pure gold...

Campese has building blocks to run with in Prince Albert...

Friday News

2008-01-18T06:33:00.000-06:00

Springfield Junior Blues head coach Chris Wyler didn't like how Saturday's game was called, and received $800 worth of fines and a four game suspension for his trouble...

The Des Moines Bucs are for sale. Sources indicate the leading buyer is Southern Minnesota Express co-owner Gil Peled. Meanwhile, the Bucs are on course to set a futility mark...

San Angelo's city council took no action after hearing a proposal to place an NAHL team in the coliseum...

Topeka Capital-Journal blogger David Streeter interviewed NAHL commish Mark Frankenfeld yesterday. The results have yet to be published, but there's more expansion on the horizon. I don't want to completely out-scoop David since he did the leg work, so for the "where" question folks will just have to wait a few days...UPDATE: David's already hinting the market in this morning's blog post...

WHL still mulling cheap shot of Everett Sivertip Kyle Beach by Spokane's Chris Bruton. UPDATE: Here's a video clip of Bruton's overreaction...

Belleville's Tangradi out for up to 10 weeks...

Ryan Hayes fits in with Plymouth...

Noxious gas evacuates the Canmore Rec Centre, forcing postponement of the Eagles' game against Okotoks...

Tendler upping his net worth in Regina...

Robin Figren preferred to stay in Edmonton...

Ontario hockey officials fed up with abuse...

College hockey players feel pull to go pro...

Fargo Force hopes to tap UND fans...

Bismarck Bobcats are struggling (includes video)...

WHL late bloomers are in demand...

Cougars, Blades lead WHL youth movement...

Perry says Bulls have the right stuff...

Powell River Kings add leadership...

Hjelle emerges as an elite USHL netminder...

Poulter back on target in Prince George...

Wednesday News

2008-01-16T06:53:00.000-06:00

San Angelo moves closer to obtaining an NAHL team...

Getting more help - city may shift tax assessments on Fargo arena...

Campese surprised, but excited about GM opportunity in Prince Albert...

More debate on Moose Jaw multiplex...

Trade puts OHL sibling rivalry on hold until next season...

Injuries force Oil Kings to get creative in shoring up the blue-line corps ...

Silvertips get physical in push toward playoffs...

Restigouche Tigers head coach helped put Atlanta hockey on the map...

Youth movement rekindles an interest in going to Cougars games...

Pats defenceman Delahey doing dependable duty...

USHL announces partnership with JLG Architects...

IceDogs new addition a self-confessed grinder who will do whatever it takes to win...

Banged up Blizzard earn much-needed week off...

Tuesday News

2008-01-15T06:30:00.000-06:00

NCAA to accept applications from CIS schools. Of course, this means that CHL players may get shut out of Canadian universities now, but that will depend on how many actually go NCAA...

Prince Albert Raiders fire general manager Donn Clark, coach Bruno Campese takes on GM duties...

Medicine Hat play-by-play man a driving force...

There is an opportunity for leaders to emerge in Prince George...

Rookie Kevin Stringfellow helping Terriers' scoring...

Westside betting that acquisition of overage sniper will trigger a playoff run...

Young comes of age with Spits...

Screaming Eagle Gallant not just another tough guy...

Swift Current Broncos still looking for answers...

Robin Bergman leaves Irish, returns to Cedar Rapids...

QMJHL reveals names of its four new Hall of Fame inductees...

Monday News

2008-01-14T06:20:00.000-06:00

Alexandria Blizzard forward Ian Guzzo faces charges of assisting in a Duluth-area home invasion last summer...

Spitfires deal Parlett to Majors for Kwiet...

Christian and MacLean piling up the points for Spruce Kings...

Granite City Lumberjacks head coach Cale Finseth pulls double duty...

Though grumbling abounds, the current Mooseheads look good...

Monroe Jefferson grad learns fast in WSHL...

Alaska Avalanche bolster ties to local teams...

No business like road business for Giants' Hay...

MacMillan cleared for return to Mooseheads...

Saturday News

2008-01-12T10:49:00.000-06:00

Last night's Texas Tornado game drew an announced crowd of just 950. Would someone please explain the benefit to the USHL for adding a team outside their footprint that draws as much as the Chicago Steel when they're playing poorly?

CSHL checks ThunderBirds with hard penalties...

Blizzard host fundraiser...

Knights trade Cesar, add veteran netminder to roster...

Berard adds veteran savvy to young Colts roster...

Di Salvo ready for the Colts goaltending challenge...

Falcons add Niagara IceDogs goalie to roster at trade deadline...

Foreman hopes for stronger rest of season for IceDogs...

Top Gun in goal; Mavric Parks says Frontenacs a good fit for him...

Blue Jackets send Steve Mason back to OHL...

Bruins deal veterans for youth...

It's wait until next year for London Knights...

Otters acquire winger from Kitchener...

Hitmen trade d-man Frere to Ice...

Robin not leaving the Oil Kings nest...

Warriors' Ellerby predicted Wishart deal...

Massive changes also address discipline issue for Cougars...

The birth and death of a player rumor...

'Greasy' ex-Rebel gives Kings some grit...

Deadline passes, trade winds fade...

Winter Hawks keep eyes on the future...

MJHL teams stock up for stretch run...

MJHL trade deadline summary...

Good grief... 'Brad Marchand Day' in Halifax...

Cougars not out of race with Blazers just yet...

Late trades in the SJHL...

Optimism in Halifax now high on 2009 Cup bid...

Mariners get Chavira at MJAHL trade deadline...

Spitfires rethink goals...

Friday News

2008-01-11T06:52:00.000-06:00

Wenatchee group submits application for NAHL franchise...

Moose Jaw building on multiplex plan...

Some updates out of Fargo - Board has doubts over prepayment plan, Board may seek more oversight in arena ties, Board tables ice rink request for $650k, Board right to go slow on UP loan...

Spruce Kings trade captain and add a Cougar (second article)...

Pringe George Cougars trade summary...

Whalers trade Valliquette to Ottawa in deadline deal...

Generals load up - trade additions an instant hit...

Aliu sees ray of hope in London...

Cowichan pulls the trigger on BCHL's biggest deal...

Nanaimo adds pair of youthful snipers on BCHL's deadline day...

Trade deadline ends quietly in SJHL...

Dziurzynski makes smooth transition to WHL...

St. Mary's Balent passes up shot at juniors...

Prices not right for Silvertips...

All quiet on Blades' trade front...

Fog Devils make moves to boost team...

Quiet deadline day for Bruins...

Giants put their money on a Bronco...

Broncos question new Giants' health...

Raiders signal surrender with trades...

Bearcats send Russell to Miramichi...

Kidd, Hodgman might stay in Erie...

Kitchener Rangers don't plan any more mega-swaps...

Gervais, Palazzo moved by Giants...

The other skate drops for Wolves; Dahm traded for two players and two picks...

Goalie Kennedy not joining Wolverines...

More Thursday Newscleared out

2008-01-10T06:32:00.000-06:00

I cleared out most of my stories late last night (see below). Since the flood of trades continues, here's what's come in since.

Maritime teams ready to play...

Steve Stamkos can do everything at high speed...

New Spit hits ice, another the dressing room...

Mooseheads’ Patenaude stands pat at Q trade deadline...

Matt Caria slapped with five-game suspension...

Majors goalie a hot prospect...

Newest Blades happy with trade...

Lethbridge nabs May; Giants still on hunt for d-man...

Giants deal for Broncos d-man LaRochelle...

Hunt's sentence doubly bad - Giants will miss feisty winger on long Eastern swing...

Maineiacs keep their stars on ice...

Warriors a quick fit for newcomers...

Meidl looks to give lift to Tri-City Americans...

Blades deal captain looking for offensive boost...

Oshawa loads up as OHL deadline approaches...

Generals on the march ahead of trade deadline...

Spits shuffle deck - Neuvirth, Baldwin dealt to Oshawa for Kovar, Shugg...

IceDogs acquire top goalie and forward...

Wednesday's WHL Trade Roundup...

Thursday News

2008-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Lots of trades and the CHL deadlines are this week. But first, the Central Scouting Bureau Mid-Terms are out. Memo to NHL: Why hide the rankings behind a password if a dozen media outlets are just going to plaster the complete list when you release it? This isn't consistent with your YouTube-ish strategy of offering up as much exposure as humanly possible.

24 USHLers listed in NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings...

14 NAHLers recognized by NHL Central Scouting...

Stamkos and Doughty 1-2 in NHL Central Scouting mid-season draft rankings...

Kempe has found the silver lining with Fog Devils...

Mason won't join Rangers until tomorrow at earliest...

Rangers wait on Mason arrival...

Orangeville Crushers looking strong...

Underachieving Eagles struggle to find game...

Canmore Eagles go for new look between pipes...

Farewell to a Knight: Steve Mason made his mark in London...

PEI Rocket send Morrison to Huskies...

Morrison and Gervais moved to cap off trading frenzy by P.E.I. Rocket...

Moose quiet on Q trade front...

Maylan glad to leave Moose Jaw...

Moose upped pressure on themselves...

Mooseheads' GM can't strike deal for blueliner...

Former Moosehead gets nine years in prison...

Wolves send Baker marching to Generals...

Oshawa adds Neuvirth, Baker to already strong roster...

Deadline decisions loom for Spruce Kings...

Shawn O'Donnell is leaving the Halifax Mooseheads...

Blizzard storm into second half of NAHL hockey season...

Hunt suspension doesn't mesh with Crowley's innocence...

Eagles make moves on final day...

Morrison move highlights last day of trades...

Wishart leaves Cougars, his legacy a conflicted character...

Moose Jaw gets a Wish...

Warriors get their Wish-art...

Future becomes present for Cougars...

Phantoms trade for Ice Diggers’ Nielsen...

Saskatoon Blades trade McCrae to Spokane...

Knights deal team captain Perry to Bulls...

Spits swap goaltenders with Oshawa...

Generals trade Howard for Baker...

Sutter's taking a patient approach with young, rebuilding Rebels...

Kisio plans to stand pat with Hitmen...

Bartley anxious to come (to Regina)...

Hunt handed the tools to make Pats a winner...

Giants deal Nolan Toigo's right to Tri-City...

Fascinating hockey documentary Junior opens in Quebec starting January 25, 2008...

Should Oil Kings trade or stay the same?

Saskatoon committee hopes to host 2010 or 2012 world junior championship...

*WHEW*

Tuesday News

2008-01-08T06:43:00.000-06:00

NCAA opportunity leaves Vernon coach in a fix...

Trade deadline looms for Clips...

Lots of interest in Oil Kings' flashy Swede following world juniors...

Warriors deal for top D-man...

WHL teams start dealing as trade deadline nears...

Kindersley Klippers on fire after slow start...

SJHL deadline deals may demand experience...

Hometown Bender gets his wish granted...

Attack GM unlikely to make deal before deadline...

Bruins test out trade waters...

Prince George Cougars make blockbuster trade...

Drakkar, Titan make waves...

WHL VP hints at long suspension for Hunt...

Parker primes Pats - GM sends message to rest of league following trades...

Penticton goalie Alex Evin to attend Colgate...

Number 11 to be retired by Grande Prairie Storm...

The Clips are sliding, it must be January...

Monday News

2008-01-07T05:50:00.001-06:00

Junior A teams aren't compensated by the NHL. This isn't a surprising story, since we already know it to be true on both sides of the border. Still, it's nice to see the issue raised in the media. Too bad the American media isn't doing it. Between draft money and the NTDP cash, there's a lot on the table that could be better spent.

Former Mooseheads goalie traded to Junior A Wolverines...

Rocket trades captain to Drakkar...

Duluth’s Connolly brothers face off in USHL...

More trade winds blowing - Blazers deal big, Giants still shopping...

St. Mikes Majors have bright future...

Gamblers trade for defenseman Kyle Ensign...

Happy Downriver players populate the roster of Montana hockey team...

Weekend News

2008-01-05T09:10:00.000-06:00

My apologies for no post yesterday. I've been under the weather most of the last week or so and have spent most of the last couple of days in bed.

Probably the biggest news to take place is that London has traded goalie Steve Mason to Kitchener. Mason was a 3rd round pick (69th overall) of Columbus in 2006, and is currently spending his time leading the Canadian National Team to a finals berth in the World Juniors. Needless to say, there's been a million stories on it.

Mason a Ranger as OHL trade winds swirl - Generals reportedly made attempt to acquire goaltender...

Long-rumoured deal will bring Team Canada's goalie to Kitchener after world juniors in Czech Republic...

A trade Hunter knew he had to make...

Timing of Mason trade couldn't be worse...

Mason on way out from the Knights...

Mason - From Jr. C to worlds in three short years...

Here's some designer's views of the interior of Fargo's Urban Plains Center currently under construction. Click the image to get a larger size picture.

GM not giving up on Niagara IceDogs...

Nikiforov, Perugini seen as key pieces in Sting playoff run...

Randy McNaught leaves Nanaimo Clippers for Chilliwack Chiefs...

Perkins doing double-duty as Pats head coach...

Chynoweth sits two games for chucking bottles...

Cataractes' Lacroix getting noticed...

Bruins' May working the phones for a deal...

Blades aren't ruling out late run for playoff spot...

Former Otter MacLean thrives with Generals...

Oil Kings defenceman Brandon Lockerby re-injures jaw...

Bulls rookie has hockey in his blood...

Trade adds both depth and youth to Colts roster...

Proactive Parker plan puts pep into Pats...

Gamblers trade No. 2 scorer to Tri-City...

Howse will have bigger role with Bruins...

Fairbanks’ Baldassari makes commitment to Holy Cross...

Talking trade talk with a couple of WHL GMs...

Parker likes what he gets with Doucet...

Watt's addition adds spark to Pats...

Parker rapidly using up his cell minutes...

Thursday News

2008-01-03T06:15:00.000-06:00

Bump in the road could make Whalers stronger...

Weekend of all-stars in Yorkton, rosters revealed...

Prairie Junior Hockey League team looking for ride to games...

Storm goalie Ian O'Brien requests release to join Mahoning Valley...

Black Hawks admitting kids free on Saturday...

Silvertips' Bauer knows how to score ugly

Trade deadline puts Thompson in the WHL spotlight yet again...

Junior Blues’ Wyler goes shopping for goalkeepers...

Pierro-Zabotel in no hurry - poised centreman outwits and outwaits opponents...

Blueline callup definitely knows what's in a name...

Jaw injury sidelines Oil Kings defenceman...

Regina Pats GM Brent Parker starts his retooling...

Patenaude's puzzle seems to be complete - Mooseheads talent can rest a little easier now...

Pats' Kraus relieved despite ear injury...

Vancouver D-man's points run a Giant surprise...

Canmore Eagles trainer dedicates life to the game of hockey...

T-Birds add punch with Stadstad return...

Atlanta Junior Knights holding their own...

Bold move right one for Sting...

Wednesday News

2008-01-02T06:29:00.000-06:00

Well it seems I missed an article on Wenatchee that came out before Christmas break. It's mostly a background piece and contains numerous errors, but nothing to get too worked up over (I'll leave finding them as an exercise to my readers). Former NAHL commish Eric Krupka surfaces as someone quoted in the article. The only real news in the piece seems to be the potential ownership group has yet to submit their application, which I thought had already been done.

Mark Pysyk of the Oil Kings looks to a bright future...

Rangers won't necessarily make a trade before deadline...

Silvertips players face uncertain future as trade deadline nears...

Greyhounds get Caria; Mayer shipped out (second article)...

Rebels and Pats combine for first major pre-deadline trade...

Phantoms' Winter decides on Quinnipiac...

Linden Saip gets call from Giants...

Happy News Year!

2008-01-01T07:05:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone. Don't forget your black eyed peas.

D-League idea draws Otters' ire, as well it should. Weren't the Cavaliers looking at running Youngstown's Chevy Centre and placing a D-League team in there? My guess is they'll keep pinging markets in the region, hat in hand, until some fool says yes. Look out, Canton Memorial Civic Center, you're on deck.

Beach's self-imposed 'demotion' key in Saturday win for Silvertips...

Sarnia Sting join contenders in OHL...

QMJHL instant rewards program - Enforcer David Bouchard earns a season of points in Halifax debut...

Friesen playing it hot - backup's heroics are earning him more time in Chilliwack...

Monday News

2007-12-31T10:57:00.000-06:00

In what has become a regular event - OHL poachers eye U.S. under-17 team. Can someone please tell me why USA Hockey is spending millions of dollars a year to develop Americans for the OHL?

Op-Ed: Don’t pass on the puck - Wichita Falls Wildcats need, deserve our support. This is a pretty good piece, and much needed. The Wildcats have a good team this year, and I'll be disappointed if they don't get their average attendance up over 2000 by the end of the season. Their current average, and by most accounts is significantly inflated, is 1,601 through 12 home dates.

Inaugural Eastern Winter Showcase set to start this week (pdf file)...

PIJHL teams need a break from the Abbotsford Pilots...

Trade deadline will keep Prince George GM Dallas Thompson busy...

Mooseheads add enforcer David Bouchard to roster (second article)...

Winnipeg Saints alumni return for reunion game...

Steven Stamkos among those to watch for 2008 (no kidding?!??)...

Michael Hynes heading back to Timberwolves...

U.S. Under-18 defenseman Ryan Hegarty wants to make a name for himself...

Mahoning Valley has five reasons for another run at the Robertson Cup title...

Regina Pats get creative with depleted ranks...

Weekend News

2007-12-29T11:54:00.000-06:00

I had fun last night at the Texas Tornado game. The Tornado faced the Topeka Roadrunners, so I was faced with conflicting loyalties. Sure, the Tornado are my local team (if a 65 mile drive to avoid crosstown DFW traffic can be considered "local"), and I was most certainly a fan of theirs from 2000-03. But things changed when the team moved from North Richland Hills to Frisco, and the Lone Star Cavalry were brought in to backfill the vacancy. Of course, I called games for the Cavalry, now the Roadrunners, and still have close ties to the team, so for the most part I was in their camp last night. I spent the first period talking to Roadrunners owner Mary Magdalene Lorang, talking about various items related to the team and league. The rest of the time I shared the broadcast booth with the Roadrunners' Arch Ecker, and for the most part managed to not make a fool out of myself on air. It was nice to meet some of the Topeka fans I've come to know online, and also see some old Tornado friends. As for the game, the Tornado won in a shootout, 3-2. For the most part the Roadrunners dominated, but gave up a couple of early goals. It didn't help that Tornado goalie Thomas Callaghan had a horseshoe in his back pocket, especially in the second period when his team was out-shot 14-2. But the 'Runners finally cracked his armor in the third and forced the game into OT and a shootout. For the Tornado, despite being outplayed most of the night it was a still a good win. The team hasn't had much luck this season and had all the luck last night. If last night was a sign of things to come, I can see them still making a playoff run.

Oh, and for those who missed it, I wore my kilt last night.

Okay, since I didn't post anything yesterday I have a ton of articles in my inbox...

NBA eyes Erie for D-League. Be afraid, Otters fans. The D-League has a long history of going into hockey arenas and snarfing up all their decent booking dates. After a season or two of lagging attendance they bolt, but by then the damage to the hockey team is done, sometimes irreparably. Some of teams have such poor attendance they don't even report it...

Frontenacss add Zach Fenwick from D1 Mercyhurst...

Plenty of life left in Barrie Colts...

Tips sign defenseman Tyler Kieffer from Lincoln Stars...

Sexsmith talks turkey in Vancouver...

Saskatoon Blades are Struch's team now...

Questions facing London Knights haven't gone away...

Warrior Broda can handle the U.S. Division of the Dub...

67's won't rush Couture back...

Guelph Storm GM Dave Barr pondering his trade options...

Chynoweth hands out mid-season grades to Broncos...

Optimism abounds for Otters - 2nd half of season opens on heels of playoff guarantee...

Victoriaville Tigres acquire winger Steven Cacciotti from the Drummondville Voltigeurs...

Kitchener happy with new seamless panes in end zones at Aud...

Avino, Jirik earn NAHL call-ups from Dubuque...

Family helps Black Hawks' Kessel reach new heights...

QMJHL players enrolled in 1,112 courses during fall semester, but not all were college courses (not saying, just saying)...

Strait Pirates’ player Stevens dies at home, autopsy ordered...

Sticking to the plan is key for the Pats...

Blades launch second half with sense of urgency...

Sportsnet.ca reviews the CHL season so far...

Raiders have half a season to improve...

Otters' roster changes for 3-game road trip...

Geoff Courtnall assumes Victoria Grizzlies bench duties...

Simms hopes to re-ignite the fire for second half in Weyburn...

Cloud gets new chance to fly for Giants...

Crash course for Seattle T-Birds' O'Brien...

Second half a fresh start for Prince George Cougars...

Phil Mangan traded to Fog Devils...

PEI Rocket return to work...

Mazzoleni's preseason proclamation may prove prophetic for Green Bay...

Thursday News

2007-12-27T07:40:00.000-06:00

Things are still slow for the holidays - other than for the Junior Worlds going on...

Americans get ready for 2nd half of WHL season (includes video)...

Silvertips hit the ice skating after break...

WHL teams seeking the plot as trade deadline nears...

Moose Jaw Warriors prepare for road trip without Holzapfel...

Holiday notes from the QMJHL...

Spits back from two-week break...

Could Boxing Week fire sales start in QMJHL?

Majors, Greyhounds talk trade - consider Jordan Mayer to the Majors in exchange for veteran centre Matt Caria...

UNH sophomore forward Danny Rossman leaves program for the Indiana Ice...

Wednesday News

2007-12-26T08:06:00.000-06:00

USA NTDP gets a nice little puff-piece write up in The Detroit News. However, after reading it I'm left scratching my head wondering when the NAHL was promoted to Tier I...

Everett coach John Becanic is feeling the heat...

Abbies, Capitals continue tradition - Junior A teams will play their annual Boxing Day game today...

Tri-City Americans receive high marks, off to best start ever...

I guess I misunderstood the original news... Greg Shea is leaving the Tri-City Storm to assume his new role with the Kearney Chamber of Commerce (includes video)...

No bull: Bearcats Judson gets second OHL call...

Extension OK'd to add air in Des Moines Buc's arena...

Hard work pays off for Spitfires' Snetsinger...

Monday News

2007-12-24T06:44:00.000-06:00

Christmas has come early for those who favor the college developmental path over that of the CHL, and it has come in the form of an unexpected quote from an unexpected source. Kamloops head coach Greg Hawgood, talking about his 14-year-old son, Logan, who wants to be a Boston University Terrier, is quoted in Sunday's Boston Globe as saying:

"Great by me. I want what's best for him, and a lot of people here think I'd want him to go the Canadian junior route. Well, you know, I don't think I'd want him to be a sixth or seventh defenseman in the Western League for three years, then go try to make it in the ECHL. That's a tough way to go. He's got good grades, and if he's lucky enough to go to a good college, that would be fantastic."

I'm sure Hawgood will be getting a call from WHL Director of Communications Cory Flett this morning, if he hasn't already...

Gregg Drinnan of the Kamloops Daily News continues to hammer on his local youth hockey association for turning their backs on an underage drinking party hosted by the association's president. Keep fighting the good fight there, Gregg...

In the wake of Kyle Okposo's departure from the Gophers, Minneapolis StarTribune columnist Patrick Reusse wonders if the USA NTDP isn't the worst thing that's ever happened to NCAA hockey...

Ottawa Civic Centre set to celebrate 40th anniversary...

OHL to offer free webcasts during the holiday season...

Patience makes perfect for Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant...

Charles Reid of the Charlottetown Guardian rates QMJHL team websites...

Moncton's Matt Marquardt headed to Baie-Comeau in a trade...

Don't expect junior hockey to return to Montreal...

Hockey Week in Fairbanks continues to grow...

Alex Young's long journey through junior ranks land him back in Alaska...

Quick hits with Moncton Wildcats bench boss Danny Flynn...

Fourth annual Goals for Education Lottery is underway in Saskatchewan...

Weekend News

2007-12-22T12:24:00.000-06:00

Wolves slog through first half; Playoffs an uphill battle for rebuilding team...

Moosehead Daniel Smith out up to six weeks with thumb injury...

Sarnia Sting forward Steve Stamkos has so much ahead of him...

Are these the top ten picks out of the OHL? NHL director of central scouting E.J. McGuire thinks OHL players could be the first four picks of the 2008 draft....

Here's a Christmas wish list for the Swift Current Broncos...

Truro Bearcats are flying under the radar despite being among the Maritime junior A league’s upper echelon...

Tri-City Storm Vice President of Business Operations named Executive Director of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce (includes video)...

Dubuque T-Bird Matt Langer relieved by knee prognosis...

Plenty of reasons for optimism in Plymouth...

Ice no longer creeping up on WHL teams...

May on a European vacation looking for more Mollers...

Dowhay enjoying new beginning in SJHL - Prince Albert product and former Raider comes home Saturday with Ice Wolves...

Phantoms enjoy break from grind...

Point/Counterpoint: Performance in Prince Albert falls short of expectations, or First half not all bad...

Saginaw unlikely to give up Ryan McDonough unless Kitchener deals Nazem Kadri and some picks...

Friday News

2007-12-21T05:32:00.000-06:00

Slow news day as teams/leagues wind down for the holidays...

NOJHL expansion 'No. 1 priority'; Commish looking at two-fight rule, SAT sponsor. The article mentions a return to Sault Ste. Marie, MI, plus potentially new teams in Escanaba, MI., near Traverse City, MI. (could be somewhere like Peotosky or Kalkaska), as well as Ville-Marie and Rouyn, Quebec...

The week before Christmas in the NOJHL...

Home ice - Dubuque to host CSHL tournament in March (and why not, they've averaging more fans a game than most NAHL teams)...

Former Pats coach/GM Lorne Davis dies at age 77 (second story, penned by Davis' son)...

Silvertips have looked both good and inept in the first half of the season...

WHL teams are not able to ignore goalie Joey Rewucki any longer...

Durham Fury are fighting the injury bug...

Thursday News

2007-12-20T07:31:00.001-06:00

Here's a great article on the impact of fan forums on player psychology. This should be required reading for those Texas Tornado fans who have jumped off their bandwagon this season... (UPDATE: sorry, originally dropped in the wrong link... it's fixed now)

Evansville is considering building a new arena and would fit well within the USHL's Eastern Division footprint, but this morning's article doesn't say anything about including icemaking...

The effort to bring the BCHL back to Williams Lake is gaining momentum, but I think it will cost more then $300 to buy a team (then again, the Canadian dollar is stronger against the $US these days)...

Three AJHLers and a kid from the Tri-City Storm sign with the Nanooks...

Huskies deal Bernard to Cataractes in package for all-star defenceman...

Southland Conference hires Texas Tornado VP Jenny Orndorff as Associate Commissioner...

Rogue Valley Wranglers to hold second food drive tonight...

Kuemper gets another shot between WHL pipes...

Oshawa's Kewin owns up to 'terrible mistake'...

The New York Times writes a nice little piece about the tradition of billeting, and so does a Portland publication...

New defenseman gives the Winter Hawks an added dimension with his shooting and passing skills

Derek Famulare traded to Foreurs...

Theran Yeo key cog in Wheaties' machine...

Wednesday News

2007-12-19T06:21:00.000-06:00

Silvertips ponder midseason performance...

Cougars captain joins exclusive 300-game club...

Sébastien Piché traded from Shawinigan to Rouyn-Noranda...

Blizzard head home for the holidays...

Former Moosehead pleads guilty to manslaughter...

More from Patenaude on Marchand trade...

With 16-game streak behind, Otters seek big new year...

Guelph Storm's penalty killing is leading the way...

Oil Kings in search of some O...

Ashton Bernard dealt to Cataractes...

Storm has earned its time off for holidays...

They'll remember this (new) Titan...

OHL teams going wild with trades...

Blades may start shopping around...

High-flying Bruins battle to keep pucks out of own net...

Bulldogs send Cameron to Crushers for draft pick...

Bathurst tries to keep pace with trades...

Tuesday News

2007-12-18T06:44:00.000-06:00

Big trade winds are brewing in the BCHL...

Shakespeare with a Sherwood - Winkler Flyer pens newly released children's book (previously covered topic, but a new article)...

Weyburn learning to play as a team...

Life has been drained from Dub according to Regina's Brent Parker...

Cape Breton should be in the market to add veteran players...

Sioux Falls Stampede looking for some size...

Iron sets sights on job with Raiders next season...

Fog Devils look to be among the deal-makers...

Major moves mark busy Monday afternoon in the Q...

Eagles deal Dorsey for younger Brannon...

Now we're all sure about this? Marchand officially traded to Mooseheads (more details)...

Bulls go into break in top spot...

Dubuque T-Birds enter break with 11-point lead in CSHL...

Freeman, Zaremba turning heads in CSHL...

Thompson taking OHL by storm, sort of...

OHL's mono trend is unsettling...

Monday News

2007-12-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

Some will notice I re-arranged the furniture again. Besides moving some elements around and streamlining others, I dropped the newsfeed from OurSportsCentral.com. In recent days the feed had inexplicably stopped working and was impeding the loading of the rest of the website. I'll also take this chance to remind readers that the blog now has a discussion forum instead of a comments section. The link to the forum can also be found near the top of the right margin.

Also, if anyone is interested in advertising on the blog, please let me know.

Just an observation, but I find it interesting that two of the three players Dane Litke was trying to trade following curfew violations were with Fort Vancouver last season (and the third was in Fort Van two seasons ago), where rules were like Italian speed limits (merely suggestions). As an aside, they were all scratches this weekend...

Marchand deal could be delayed due to storm...

Richard Martel wins 500th game as head coach...

Get out your road maps, trading period starts in QMJHL...

Tornado send Zacharias to Fargo...

Traded Tip comes of age in Swift Current...

Mix-'n'-match hockey works well for Vancouver...

Wolves swap defencemen with Guelph...

Christmas break comes early in Everett as Hamill suspended...

Billings Bulls look to stay hot as 2nd half approaches...

Midterms - Pats have been kind of 'mediocre'...

Pats make big donation...

Saturday News

2007-12-15T08:32:00.000-06:00

No trade: Stop and go day great for Olympiques' Giroux...

PEI Rocket coaches say today’s game involves more one-on-one with the players...

Asthma doesn't slow down Oil King...

Moose Jaw comes through for fire victims...

Trade window opens Sunday for QMJHL teams...

BABIARZ: Bobcats need to get on the same page...

Litke speaks about his decision to resign...

A not so jolly Christmas break awaits Cowick - Ottawa-area product is public enemy No. 1 in hometown...

Junior hockey players face new criminal charges...

Raiders' Smith set to return from infirmary...

Friday News

2007-12-14T06:16:00.000-06:00

Frawley a victim of league politics - NOJHL commissioner Mark Seidel says dispute not healthy for league...

This is sorta nifty - The Prince George Citizen now has video highlights of Cougars games. This begs the question - with the season the Cats have had, will there be any highlights?

Pool tries to keep Bobcats together...

CSHL Showcase a bridge to next level...

Landing an impact player never comes cheap...

Experiments pay off as Otters find right line combinations...

Fort Erie Meteors celebrate 50 years...

Chris Breen carving out a niche in Saginaw...

Jean-Christophe Blanchard traded to Rimouski for Louis-Étienne Leblanc and a draft pick...

Prince George Cats fighting for their playoff lives already...

Brett Olson back on track with Black Hawks...

Sam Finn hoping for injury-free second half of season...

Tregunna looking for 'ugly' goal to break ice as a Ranger...

Bowmanville Eagles forward has eye on Oshawa Generals...

Ben Cruse endured rehab with idea of return to ice...

T-Birds hope to enter holiday break on roll...

And finally, for those following the sale of the Tampa Bay Lighting to Helena Bighorns owner Oren Koules, a major roadblock was removed this week...

Thursday News

2007-12-13T06:01:00.000-06:00

Idaho Falls is considering an arena, could they be Wenatchee's travel partner in the NAHL? It's hard to say, as it's still 10 hours away. Maybe with Pocatello and Twin Falls nearby as additional markets it would work out, but toss in them and maybe Yakima and you've got a NW division that could split off from the Alaska teams...

Dane Litke speaks about his decision to resign...

Meanwhile, new interim coach Byron Pool addressed his troops...

QMJHL teams use different formulas to dole out their share of 50-50 ticket money...

Another midget signs with a D1 program before making it to the USHL. Nice story for the kid, but is it really a story for the Storm, especially if he never plays in Kearney? After all, didn't the Ice take a flyer and draft Tavares this summer?

Rangers would need 'unbelievable' offer to land Mason in net...

Cole for Havlat deal was oh, so close...

Perplexing Pats keep people guessing...

Kingston gets lucky - Emmerton gets mono after the trade to Brampton...

Wolves' future depends on what they do now...

67's ride first-half roller-coaster...

Stamkos happy to be 'under the radar'...

Warriors rewarded for excellent play...

Blades, Contacts net one for charity...

Valach starting to find his groove on blue-line...

QMJHL coming through on education (this is usually where I break down the average player split and ask how far $4000 goes for a year of college in Canada, but this time I'll spare everyone)...

Wednesday News

2007-12-12T06:33:00.000-06:00

Dane Litke resigns as head coach of the Bismarck Bobcats...

Former Wings goalie Stefan takes over as coach of Plymouth Whalers...

SJHL heats up at trade deadline...

Olympiques may shuffle deck, with Giroux their ace in the hole...

Grizzlies' stars to shine at home...

Sidekick status no problem for junior sniper MacLean...

Rocket keeps focus on hockey...

Windsor spits great goal record in danger...

Three prospects skating with Prince George Cougars...

Windsor Spitfires juggling roster...

Layton enjoying hot streak with Foggies...

New combo gives Raiders life...

Difficult times watching Cyr struggle through final junior season...

OMG!!! Rouge Valley has a bona fide winning streak!

Burnaby Express star winger Finucci gets NCAA interest...

Hosting the Memorial Cup means head coach DeBoer must pull out all the stops to create a champion...

Trigger pulled - Marchand a marvelous Mooseheads pickup...

And finally... Two weekends ago NHIC did a segment on bloggers in the NHL. Overall it was a pretty good piece. Several familiar names were mentioned and also happened to give their reviews of the segment, including Tom Benjamin and James Mirtle (who wrote a second follow-up last night). For the most part my thoughts of the piece parallel what these two said, especially on accountability to the readers. If I was full of crap, my readership wouldn't keep growing, would it? It seems to me when the MSM screws up, they just circle the wagons. When a blogger screws up, their readership drops and other bloggers get into a feeding frenzy. For me, I'm in a niche and function similar to Kukla's Korner (or Matt Drudge), in that I'm a clearinghouse for articles. I also toss in my opinions on things where I can, and once in awhile get my own scoops. By the way, I'm not losing my touch - I had the news on Dane Litke's resignation probably within an hour of it taking place, but a busy workplace kept me from posting it, so I left it for Lou Babiarz' write up this morning.

Tuesday News

2007-12-11T06:55:00.000-06:00

Fargo hockey arena contingent on deadlines

Oil Kings work on their offence...

Vincour proving valuable for Oil Kings

Blades' woeful season may have implications for Memorial Cup bid...

Could it be? Otters discover winning feeling...

Sherwood Park Crusaders sniper Rob Kleebaum headed to Princeton...

Portage Terriers preparing for one dog of a schedule...

Aliu's calling may be on D for London Kights...

Nothing simple about the Pats this season...

Former Am Felde returns after trade...

For those who might have missed it - Emmerton clicks with Troops with three points in first game for Brampton...

Hip fans get first crack at tickets for downtown centre concert in Kingston...

Kitchener Rangers star Nick Spaling no match for mono...

Kitchener trades Murray to Fronts, then blasts him with 50 shots...

Bear hunt at the Aud in Kitchener (includes video)... is that a Mangino Bear I see?

Pending Marchand trade crystallizes...

Marchand deal with Foreurs also includes Remparts...

Windsor's arena may cost less than expected...

Mursak deemed expendable for Saginaw's 'goalie of the future'

Drayton Valley Thunder focus on the positive...

Column: When Fog Devils go to heaven...

And finally, here's Texas Attack '98 Max Gerlach, all 4-5, 64 pounds of him, doing some fancy Texas-style shootin' at the Stars-Senators intermission last week.

Monday News

2007-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday I talked about the NAHL developing Wenatchee, Washington under the radar. Well today it's the USHL in Louisville. Stories have persisted for months that the league was eying the market, specifically that the proposed team would play in the venerable Louisville Gardens. Well, Friday the State of Kentucky approved the tax-incentive plan which is to fund the improvements needed for the Gardens to host hockey. The Gardens were originally opened in 1905, and have been more know for hosting basketball than anything.

Topeka RoadRunners forward Josh Kamrass a hockey lifer...

Nice article on how the QMJHL has filled in the hockey gap left in the Maritimes by the AHL. I wonder if something similar might happen with some struggling minor league markets in Texas...

Regina Pats' play is up after dressing down

Rangers GM maintains chat with Saginaw GM was just 'saying hi', not trade talk (but there's still lots of trade talk in this article)...

Otters adjust to different roles...

Spirit deal 3 to Bulls for Taylor, Pasquale and two picks...

Johnathon Roy - Like father, like son...

Signs point to Marchand becoming a Moosehead...

Column: People shouldn't let sour grapes cloud judgment...

Jump to WHL no problem for Zabotel...

CSHL event in Quad City gives Jr. Flames chance to spark interest...

Depletion of Memorial Cup winner's roster not showing in standings for Giants...

Spits make trade for Brampton forward...

Winter Hawks face more injury issues...

Saturday News

2007-12-08T10:40:00.000-06:00

Mea culpa... I dropped the ball on this one. For the last few weeks some people have been pestering me about Wenatchee, asking about the USHL or NAHL going there. I dismissed it out of hand as the city is far and away outside the footprint of either league. Well, this morning I get an article out of Prince George on the idea that Williams Lake might return to the BCHL. That article states that after the franchise was shut out of Wenatchee by USA Hockey, the USHL announced plans to place a team in Wenatchee. Well, the article is wrong, as it's the NAHL that's signed a letter of intent to place a team in the new arena.

NAHL... in Wenatchee? Are they going to play out of the Alaska division? Apparently, yes. Will Ice Road Truckers have special episodes for the 2300 mile, 43 hour bus ride from Wenatchee to Fairbanks? How many times will they empty the toilets between Prince George and Whitehorse? Actually, it's only 16 hours to Bismarck, but cripes, Wenatchee in the NAHL is the epitome of "you can't get there from here." The team will most assuredly be flying most everywhere, and visiting teams should get used to the 2.5 hour bus ride from Seattle.

Interestingly, the NAHL has not made any reference to Wenatchee. They've got an agreement to try an place a team in Global's new arena, but they've got to find an ownership group first. It looks as if the same folks who had conditionally purchased Williams Lake are going to apply for the NAHL team.

More interesting developments out of Youngstown this week, as Herb Washington and Bruce Zoldan have joined forces. Herb wants his Steelhounds out of the CHL, that much is obvious, but the $64 question is what shape will hockey take in the Mahoning Valley next season. The article throws around all sorts of possibilities, including OHL, USHL, and ECHL teams playing in the 5,700 seat Chevrolet Centre. Wait and see...

In other news...

Better late than never, as the NorPac's Rouge Valley Wranglers finally won a game. The Wranglers record is now 1-25, only four points back of Coeur d'Alene.

Daniel Erlich's first OHL goal launches avalanche of 5,884 stuffed animals...

Knights absent from trade table, but plenty of time remains...

Siciliano, Hastings match sterling coaching marks...

Plymouth Whalers trade defenseman Zack Shepley to Brampton...

Southorn and Gelinas are both playing key roles in the recent resurgence of the P.E.I. Rocket...

Dominic Fontaine, Screaming Eagles part ways...

Promotions, pizzazz spike attendance for 5-14-2 Alexandria Blizzard...

Jesse Messier makes presence count for St. Mikes...

Nasty injury literally all in Repik's head...

QMJHL sees slight increase in overall attendance figures...

Black Hawks' Brett Olson back on track...

Volcanoes on the prairie? Pats GM Brent Parker not the most mild-mannered fellow around...

Blades' 16-year-old rookie Curtis Hamilton exudes confidence...

WHL scouts cast keen eye on prospects...

Spits' Mark Cundari pulls a 180...

Friday News

2007-12-07T05:43:00.000-06:00

Rumor Control - Brad Richards is NOT buying the PEI Rocket...

WHL inks new development deal with Saskatchewan Hockey Association...

Remparts' Patty Roy gets $2000 fine from QMJHL. Not the first, not the last...

Testing time as Bismarck Bobcats try to extend winning ways...

Sioux City Musketeer Travis Oleksuk signs with University of Minnesota-Duluth...

Mum is the word in Sudbury as trade frenzy begins...

Incident changes outlook for Red Deer's Carter Smith...

Taylor returns home to await trade...

Inconsistency killing Oil Kings...

Sudbury's Jared Staal slapped with a two-game suspension following hit...

Interference major could get Blades' Funk disciplined...

Tim Kirby on a hot streak for Southern Minnesota Express...

Thursday News

2007-12-06T06:27:00.000-06:00

Neate Sager breaks down (destroys is a better term) the Cory Emmerton trade...

Shayne Taylor bids Erie farewell with some final thoughts...

Topeka's owner cracks top 10 list of most interesting Kansans, rating higher than Destroyer of Cupcakes Mark Mangino and presidential hopeful Sam Brownback (who, let's be honest, isn't very interesting)...

Fargo arena finalist for hockey tourney. Fortunately they have until April 2009...

Akim Aliu is becoming a London Knights hero...

Teddy bear blizzard... final count in Calgary: 26,919, and not one of them was a Mangino Bear...

Raiders join WHL rivals in education program...

Ewen: Opponents getting physical on Giants more often...

Mooseheads add yoga to practice regimen...

Hosting Memorial Cup not a priority these days for Fog Devils...

Tregunna's arrival may spell doom for Murray...

Soo long, Simmonds; Attack trade star to Greyhounds for forward, draft picks...

Hache returns to his roots; New job brings former OHL, NHL official back to Sudbury...

Silvertips punished for recent sloppy play...

Lockerby finds his comfort zone in Edmonton...

Rookie Brodie Melnychuk stands tall for Brandon (but does he walk hard?)...

Van the man after Boutilier reassigned to Bandits...

Wednesday News

2007-12-05T04:51:00.000-06:00

Call it post-Nunn Affair karma, but Don Hay and the Vancouver Giants are hacked off the WHL is not only not suspending Everett Silvertips defenceman Dane Crowley for going headhunting on winger Michal Repik and giving him a nasty concussion and possibly a broken ear drum, but they also withdrew the interference major and the game misconduct he did receive in game...

Speaking of Nunn, the BCHL has wasted no time pointing out to the world what bad (early) decisions can mean for a player...

Scott Brown reviews the WHL's raid on BCHL talent this season...

London's Dale Hunter is not chasing any NHL opportunities, at least not at this moment...

First it was captain Scott Tregunna shipped off to Kitchener, now Owen Sound sends Wayne Simmonds to the Soo Greyhounds...

Jamie Arniel's departure to Sarnia a short term solution for Guelph...

Windsor Spitfires associate coach Bob Jones is settling in...

Bliss Littler gets a two year extension with the Tri-City Storm...

Oil Kings have history with Chiefs squad...

Shayne Taylor leaves Otters. It must be painful to not get ice time on a team with a 5-20-3 record...

Winter Hawks scout Matt Bardsley named the team's director of player personnel...

Another advantage to hockey in the Sunbelt... we don't get 4-6 games a year postponed due to weather like they do in the MJHL. They lost a game in the Q last night as well. What about tornadoes, you ask? Heck, back in May 1999 the Oklahoma City Blazers played on after the F5 tornado struck about 12 miles away...

Sudbury veterans not getting it done; Games with Barrie and Windsor prove youth is no excuse...

Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward Maxime Macenauer suspended one game by QMJHL...

Chilliwack Bruins reassign defenceman Kevin Boutilier to Brooks Bandits...

All's well for Prince George Cougars winger Dana Tyrell's knee...

Colisée de Rimouski to get a $2,203,333 upgrade...

New book gives great look at the world of hockey scouting...

New Clippers delighted to join 'most hated' team...

Tis the season - AJHL teams trimming and tweaking their rosters...

Tuesday News

2007-12-04T05:45:00.000-06:00

He's not the biggest guy, but Eberle has played a big role with hometown Pats...

Fire on ice... Zamboni go boom!!! This rink also hosted the 2006 Jr. B Nationals...

Attack captain bound for Kitchener, but Rangers need to clear overage space for Scott Tregunna...

New book tells the Kitchener Rangers story in time for Memorial Cup...

Shea Walters is complete player for North Iowa Outlaws...

Calgary Hitmen set record with bear hands - Fans beat stuffing out of old mark at Teddy Toss...

Price tag for Fort McMurray's new bus - $700,000 (those oil sands must really be paying off, eh?)...

Veteran Shayne Taylor leaves Erie Otters...

Knee injury comes at worst possible time for Cougars. (Note to self, research when it's a "good time" for a knee injury)...

Purdue hockey team recounts fatal crash...

Mooseheads' MacMillan out with fatigue...

Baie-Comeau Drakkar defenseman Maxime Ouimet suspended one game for playing whack-a-mole with opponent's head...

Do the Regina Pats have problems in the locker room?

Michael Burns's midget play rewarded with call-up to major junior...

Nanaimo Clippers bolster lineup with addition of two top quality forwards from AJHL...

Monday News

2007-12-03T05:30:00.000-06:00

Quick reminder for those who may have missed it earlier. The comments feature on this blog has been replaced with an online forum. So far sixty people have signed up, with most of them contributing to discussions...

What would happen if Canadian schools started joining the NCAA? Well, if they had hockey programs, it would eliminate those schools from taking players from the the CHL ranks. Pity. I'm trying to find the reference from about a year ago that said the CIS is exploring adopting NCAA regs in total, which would REALLY shake things up. If that were to happen, the CHL might as well halt their scholarship program and use the money to pay higher stipends while players are with the team...

Out-of-town-interests looking to purchase and relocate St. John’s Fog Devils. I don't know what they pulled in last night, but their attendance is down 15% from this same point last season...

Otters near deal on new lease...

Op-Ed: Community seems OK with Fargo's arena...

Bucs end skid and give Regg Simon his 100th win as coach...

What a year for travel incidents for hockey teams. Now Purdue's club team suffers a tragedy...

Silvertips suffer injuries in insulting 7-0 loss to Vancouver...

Foreurs get ready to retire J.P. Dumont’s No. 96...

A quick aside to the NHL, since the same is true of the junior levels - Being .500 in the NHL isn't what it used to be. Are journalists just now figuring this out? It's the equivalent of academic grade inflation, where a "C" is no longer average because 80% of students get A's and B's...

Debating the merits of the most polarizing Bronco...

Bruins assistant captains benched for disciplinary issues...

Sting spinning wheels again this season...

Time for Raiders to get a move on...

And finally, some trades that were buried in an article I found:

The Neepawa Natives, of the MJHL, have traded forward Darren Turner and defenceman Clinton Senkow to the Dryden Ice Dogs of the SIJHL for forward Allan Gudmundson and defenceman Tanner Robertson.

Waywayseecappo Wolverines have traded Brayden Catcheway to the Beausejour Blades for the MJHL list rights of Tanner Korchinski. Catcheway has five goals and six points.

The Blades have traded forward Steven Sus to the Fort Frances Sabres of the SIJHL for future considerations. Sus has two goals and seven points.

Winnipeg South Blues have traded forward Brendan Arniel to the Westside Warriors of the BCHL for forward Paul Forester.

Saturday News

2007-12-01T09:49:00.000-06:00

Maybe it's just me, but it sounds like Garry Nunn was conned into picking the WHL over Minnesota-Mankato. I put part of this on the bureaucrats in Indianapolis, since contracts signed by minors are not binding in a court of law, but apparently are binding to the NCAA. While Nunn's case involves a Canadian player playing in Canadian leagues, it still remains that NCAA coaches and USA Hockey officials need to get together and work with the NCAA to change the rules on recruiting in hockey to ameliorate the advantages held by the CHL. Otherwise, we can expect to see more comments like these from brainwashed Americans...

Lots going on with the Kingston Frontenacs, or nothing depending on your point of view, as their games for this weekend have been postponed. Two Front players and the trainer were injured when they were struck by a car outside their hotel in Windsor. Adding insult to injury, the three were given tickets for jaywalking...

Close call for former Maineiac - Bus wrecks at a glance...

Cory Emmerton is being shopped around the OHL, with Kitchener and Soo the leading candidates...

Mike McFeely column - F-M Jets deserve a little love. Speaking of Fargo, I've got another pic of their arena construction progress, though from the date of the picture it's a couple weeks old. You can see most of the steel superstructure is in place.

Joe Knoepke signs with Sioux Falls...

Musketeer rookie Stephane Da Costa leaving temporarily for French National Team...

Why discounted tickets aren't all they are cracked up to be. It's called managing fan expectations, folks...

An examination of the Cowbell Cult in Everett...

Bruins acquire Van Duynhoven from Cougars...

PG Cougars make two moves...

Chilliwack GM remembers finding franchise building block...

Mike Hastings wins #500 as head coach...

Mooseheads star MacMillan out for weekend...

Tyson Barrie has Rockets fueled up...

Ofukany faces team-imposed suspension from Pats...

Spitfire Taylor Hall has a fan in Don Cherry...

Tim Hall leading USHL’s return to state of Ohio...

Wisconsin Mustangs enjoying best start in team history...

Brown Bears make several trades to prep for Fairbanks...

Foligno reaches team milestone as Sudbury's longest-serving coach...

Mooseheads' Corsi: 'I like being an in-your-face player'...

Friday News

2007-11-30T06:19:00.000-06:00

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...

Thursday News

2007-11-29T05:06:00.000-06:00

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...

Wednesday News

2007-11-28T06:05:00.000-06:00

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...

Tuesday News

2007-11-27T05:17:00.000-06:00

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...

Throw Down in Fargo

2007-11-26T20:03:00.000-06:00

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.

Monday News

2007-11-26T05:17:00.000-06:00

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...

Saturday News

2007-11-24T10:35:00.000-06:00

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...

Friday News

2007-11-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

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...

Blog Forum Now Open

2007-11-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-22T07:48:00.000-06:00

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...

Wednesday News

2007-11-21T05:51:00.000-06:00

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...

Tuesday News

2007-11-20T05:30:00.000-06:00

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...

Monday News

2007-11-19T06:17:00.000-06:00

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...

Saturday News

2007-11-17T09:07:00.000-06:00

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...

Friday News

2007-11-16T06:54:00.000-06:00

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...

Thursday News

2007-11-15T06:16:00.000-06:00

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...