Thursday News

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

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...

Thursday News

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...

Saturday News

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...

Monday News

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...

Tuesday News

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...

Tuesday News

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.

Wednesday News

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...

Monday News

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.

Friday News

QMJHL trade market starting to take shape... Just call him "Suitcase" - Oil Kings goaltender a traveler... New York Times, your place for boring hockey writing, asks "Is Tavares the next Great One?" Yawn... 67s scoring cash for charity... The Hartzell hockey family reigns in Siuox Falls (includes video)... MacMillan's status uncertain for Friday in Halifax... Gamblers' Johnstone to play at Michigan Tech, and so are a slew of others from the USHL and BCHL... Barrie Colts' Clifford improving as season progresses... Erlich skips USHL for London Knights... Irish sign two NTDP'ers, a Phantom, and a Black Hawk... Kraus embracing his new mentorship role in Regina... Portage coach downplays No. 2 ranking (because such rankings are garbage?)... Belleville Bulls seek more consistency... Don Hay hot happy to sit on fence with defence... Performances of new-look Giants no surprise to Bonner... Hampton Roads Whalers return from Canada with Gardner Cup... Giants pluck Garry Nunn from Victoria Grizzlies...

Thursday News

London Knights sign Daniel Erlich. Erlich had been selected by Waterloo in the first round (sixth overall) in the USHL 2007 Futures Draft, and turned down an offer from Northeastern University... Well-traveled goalie Gavin McHale a perfect fit for Terriers... Phantoms sign four new players for 2008... Musketeers Butcher, Brossman pick Fairbanks... Winkler Flyer Jared McIntosh now an accomplished author... Alexandria Blizzard unlucky on ice... No takers - Otters designate Rogers for assignment... Fairbanks Ice Dog Alex McRae signs with Army... Cacciotti inherits four-game suspension, forcing me to ask the question - "who died?" Chilliwack shot quality on the slide as scoring drops... Remparts set to retire Radulov's #22... North Dakota signs Mike Cichy and Mario Lamoureux from Tri-City Storm... MacLean on a tear - Flourishing in Tavares' shadow...

Friday News

Quick notice for less regular readers... I've replaced blog comments with an online forum. I'll continue this reminder at the top for the next week or so until everyone is acclimated to the new system... John Tavares committed to Generals for next season... Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy (not). Business as usual despite Steelback collapse promises... An ideal situation: Former Fog Devils' captain Scott Brophy enjoying life as a student/athlete in Halifax... Beausejour Blades cut coach loose after dismal start to MJHL season... Knights' goalie Steve Mason has his hands full... Deighan makes big jump into major junior with PEI... Newest Eagle Jordan Clendenning ready to do battle tonight... Eagles deal Jonathan Laberge... Ottawa 67's latest victims of Stamkos Sting... Knights' fate tied to Gagner... Pats losses has Parker talking tough... Long haul: Antigonish Bulldogs trade leading scorer to Fort McMurray... Windsor Spitfires selling luxury, in private (I'll see you and raise with a $50k PSL)... Backup's backup makes bid for No. 1 job in Alexandria... Red Bull Crashed Ice hot and cool for former Calgary Hitman... Otters waive Polodna, winger to turn pro... You can call Al the Wolves backup; Valiquette finally gets his shot...

Saturday News

Tri-City Storm to host Ethanol Awareness Night. Somehow I don't think the awareness is geared towards the fact that ethanol is a horribly inefficient energy substitute that has accomplished nothing but increase food prices, but don't tell that to the good folks in Nebraska. (Wow, I never thought I'd be linking to an Ed Wallace article)... Lesson to be learned for young players - Lindros mistakenly thought he was invincible... It's a gusher!!! Arena worker strikes oil, errrr... brine in Kingston. The good news is the Frontenacs now haven't lost a game since October 23rd... Iginla keen to ignite Blazers... Spits' future on upswing... Erie Otters complain about bus legs. Gee guys, come try out the NAHL... Griggs grateful to T-Birds for USHL tryout... Indiana Ice off to sizzling start... Swift Current Broncos raffling shed for good cause... Willy Palov looks at the hot and cold teams in the QMJHL... Kamloops stays within family for interim coach... Unique scheduling creates seven game series during regular season for Alaska NAHL teams... Engele to be honoured for contributions to Broncos... Confidence breeds goals for former OCN Blizzard Donald Melnyk... Green Bay Gamblers goalie Crandall commits to Wisconsin... Red Deer's Watt knows what's what... Broncos continue to search for consistency... Pats goalie Bosch making a case to get more playing time... One more time, Winter Hawks shake-up roster with trades...

Thursday News

Scholarship program by WHL a class act. Yup, the canned propaganda by the WHL continues to spread to gullible journalists lacking the insight to realize that $8.5 million given to 2,800 players is only about $3,000 each, which gets you a whole semester at most institutions. No league is too small for Pointstreak's real-time stats. I'll say this, sure beats the old days with Howe Sportsdata... It never fails that as soon as I finish compiling the articles and hit the send button, a new article lands in my inbox. Yesterday, it was about the pieces of St. Albert Steel puzzle finally coming together. Nevermind... Steel coach Norm Lacombe was fired yesterday (second article)... The axe fell in Kamloops, too. Say goodbye to Blazers' coach Dean Clark. Is it me, or do these events come in clusters??? Topeka hockey players read to school kids. Pssst, hey fence-sitting hockey fans in San Angelo, community engagement is ingrained in junior hockey culture, and means something other than getting free drinks at the local bar all evening... "Score One For Life" blood drive set in Sioux Falls... First week a learning opportunity for Erie's Ftorek. Speaking of the Otters, Lyon Messier landed with the Lincoln Stars (that's team #4 since this summer, in case you lost count). Too bad he's blow his NCAA eligibility... Knights' scout Jack Ferguson has seasoned eye for talent... Beausejour Blades not sharp in early going... Winnipeg Saints are marching (but not to Pretoria)... Eau Claire Memorial star joins Omaha Lancers (too bad the writer of this piece left off the Soley kid's first name)... U. of Denver recruit Joe Colborne tearing up AJHL... P.E.I. Rocket flaring out when ahead... London trainer Don Brankley penning memoirs... Prince Albert's Mike Small finding his WHL legs (I guess they were buried in the front hall closet or something)... Poor ice condition halts OHL game (gee, can't Canadians make ice, or are we blaming global warming?)... Foligno says the Wolves aren’t sellers yet (and squashes rumours on a Self deal)... Tyrell claws his way into leading role with Prince George Cougars... Guelph Storm leading scorer Tomas Marcinko may be gone a month... Kirill Tulupov traded from Chicoutimi to Victoriaville... Giants' Sexsmith leads WHL in minutes played to keep his game in shape...

Friday News

Seventeen Dinos receive WHL scholarships. In total, 351 current and graduate players of the Western Hockey League were awarded WHL scholarships, representing a financial contribution of nearly $1 million. Wow, that's a whole $2,850 each. Say what you will about the NCAA's limit of 18 scholarships resulting in some players getting half and quarter schollys, but what's $2,850, half a semester? Hockey player convicted for assault on linesman (SECOND ARTICLE)... You have to love YouTube. With it players can post their highlight videos for prospective teams to view... as is the case with (now former) Fort Vancouver Pioneers goalie Ryan Stanchfield, who along with the rest of the Pioneers roster is now looking for a new home... Fargo arena needs a tax break. Oh boy, here we go... MSF officials lay blame for their hurried timetable on having to scramble for new financing this summer. Furness said the Boston office of investment firm Cohen & Co. reassured the MSF through three parts of a four-step financing process that funding would be in place. But when the subprime mortgage crisis hit the markets, Cohen & Co. didn’t follow through, Furness said. Construction was started "because we were virtually assured" by Cohen and Co. that financing would be in place, Furness said. But things really went into hurry-up mode much earlier. Signing former University of North Dakota hockey coach Dean Blais to coach a United States Hockey League team in the arena moved the timetable up a full year, Hintz said. Instead of completing a five ice-sheet facility in 2009, getting the $25 million arena ready for the 2008 hockey season became the focus. An additional $12 million four ice-sheet facility is planned for 2009. "Everybody was reassuring us," Hintz said. "We took some risks." Financing is being prepped, but it’s not all in place, the MSF officials said. Of $15 million to be supplied by a consortium of local banks, $13 million has been secured, Berning said. The funding for this project has been by the seat of the pants the whole time, putting it in the same category as such failed projects as Kimball Township (Port Huron), Michigan, Sarasota's Lakewood Arena, Cudahy, WI (I have the mock-up jersey designs for the USHL Cudahy Buckhorns somewhere) and Massillon's failed project (scroll down) for their UHL team formerly known as the Saginaw Gears. You don't start work on the project with partial funding, hoping the rest will come through. I've seen these slow-motion train wrecks before. You either have it, or you don't. You're either ready, or you're not. There is no half-way on this... Fighting spirit has Warriors in playoff contention... Minnesota Ice Hawks sign big forward from Twin Cities... Reekie will find out what his future holds soon... Rookie-laden Dauphin won't settle for OK record... Six teams set to bid for 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup... Mooseheads enter bid for 2009 Memorial Cup... Memorial Cup bid process will be intriguing... Lashoff working at becoming a complete defenceman for Barrie... Flyers sign former NAHL Bandit and current London Knight Pat Maroon to entry level deal... Shawn Rogers back as Silverbacks Marketing Manager... Holzapfel anxious to get back... Kings defenceman trades skates for spurs (there's a SWJHL joke in here somewhere)... Moose have found an exception in rookie... Voracek 'a lock' to make the Blue Jackets next season? Sudbury Wolves bowling for Easter Seals... Blame players for Otters' coaching change... Ftorek might boost Otters' gate - for a while... Size doesn't matter to Salmon Arm playmaker... Winter Hawks look into the future as top draft pick Bradley Ross finally suits up...

Thursday News

I wouldn't be surprised if there's more about the Pioneers in The Columbian in the coming days, but unfortunately they don't update their website very quickly in the morning (probably due to the time difference)... Rekindling the passion - Kauk putting up big numbers with Dauphin Kings... Lewiston Maineiacs join forces with Portland Pirates in Memorial Cup bid... Halifax Wolverines GM denies trying to cover up brawl... Police and Brampton Battalion support Special Olympics... Sudbury Wolves acquire D-man Sheldrake from Petes... Goaltending in focus on Silvertips road trip... Saskatoon Blades haunted by ghosts of drafts past... Brett Olson named captain of Waterloo Black Hawks... Crofton’s Mitchell on fast hockey track with Texas Tornado... Yarmouth Mariners cut Mulligan adrift...

Thursday News

Leadership honours rotated in Selkirk... Blades honour assistant coach Jerome Engele... Tri-City hires Hometown Ambassador Director... Ofukany anxious to return to ice for Pats... Otters send Shaw home, Grzeszczak could follow... Otters discuss suspensions... Palazzo finds friends in former foes in Vancouver... Dinged up Giants defenders on mend (also includes what is likely the final chapter of the Petkau saga)... Knights trade Martine to Storm... Howse back in action for Prince George... Tyler Ennis working hard to make Tigers' tale come true... Development of young Oil Kings leads to departure of veterans

Thursday News

The USHL had their Futures draft last night. The results can be found here. In a related story, Fargo's roster for inaugural season taking shape... Chris over at Western College Hockey makes a great point about the expectations of NHL 5th rounder Jamie Benn selecting the WHL over the NCAA in order to fast track to the NHL. Has Jamie looked at the numbers recently? How many other 5th round draft choices have made the NHL out of the WHL, and how many games have they played? How does this compare to NCAA 5th rounders taken in the same time period? WHL 2005-Masi Marjamaki, 1 game 2004-Steve Regier, 10 games 2003-Nigel Dawes, 8 games 2002-Robert McVicar, 1 game 2001-None 2000-Travis Moen, 203 games 1999-Justin Mapletoft, 38 games, Jordan Krestanovich, 22 games NCAA 2005-None 2004-Ben Walter, 10 games 2003-Lee Stempniak, 139 games 2002-John Zeiler, 23 games 2001-Kevin Bieksa, 120 games 2000-Mike Stuart, 3 games, Matt Koalska, 3 games, Greg Zanon, 70 games, J-M Liles, 232 games, Nolan Schaefer, 7 games 1999-Ryan Miller, 129 games, Niko Dimitrakos, 158 games Not much comparison, eh? The NCAA would have been a better choice. Green Bay has some Gamblers players to watch... Gamblers plan to step up attack this season... Local TV station hits the ice to find out what it takes to be a Topeka Roadrunner (includes video)... Serious hockey takes to Missoula’s ice in the form of the Maulers... Réal Paiement set to tie all-time QMJHL record behind bench... American goalie Armour making mark in Manitoba. (second story)... Quebec Remparts fined for Patty's big mouth... Gouchie receives additional game suspension... Early signs indicate good things for the Spirit... Quiet leader Gareau gains respect in Melfort... Silvertips place overager Campos on waivers, who then lands in Chilliwack... New is good for Clippers' Smith... Nipawin Hawks entertain at fish fry... Broncos send Leavold to Rockets... Vancouver Giants give 'C' to Machacek... Prince George Cougars can call themselves winners again... In other news... Just when I thought some progress was being made on the South Jersey Raptors situation, I get the following fan mail: Yo Buddy I dont know who you think you are, but get a life. Guess what? Kids do drink beer. Your kids probly getting hammered right now, and your lucky that wasnt your car! I dont play for the raptors but you need to stop putting this bullshit up on that website and you know what i did play for the team last year and i had the most fun i have ever had in my life. The only thing we ever did on roadtrips was go to clubs and dance, which YES does involve alcohol. One question for you? Were you once a kid or where you born the mature adult that you are today?? I guess writing a big article slandering a team and its players is real mature huh. I just have one thing to say. GROW UP. Please do email back because i want to hear what you have to say and go ahead put this on your little website to. thunderb77@aol.com Allow me to respond directly to him in order of his statements. I dont know who you think you are, but get a life. I have a life, including a family, a career, and a passion for this game. You may not know who I am, but I'll bet your coach does. In a nutshell, I am someone within this game that demands accountability from leagues, teams, coaches, and players... basically, anyone within the game. Maybe you'll understand what that means when you get a little older. Guess what? Kids do drink beer. Your kids probly getting hammered right now, and your lucky that wasnt your car! Why, what happens to the car? Oh yes that's right, it is vandalized. Yes, kids do drink beer. That doesn't make it right. My kids happen to be 8, 6, and 4 years old, so the only hammering that takes place is by my youngest with his Fisher Price Tool Set. I dont play for the raptors but you need to stop putting this bullshit up on that website and you know what i did play for the team last year First you're not, but then say you were a Raptor last season. Nothing I posted was "bullshit," but basic observation of the video which your own teammates decided to make public. I simply shined a little light on them. i had the most fun i have ever had in my life. The only thing we ever did on roadtrips was go to clubs and dance, which YES does involve alcohol. I'm glad you had fun last season, but clubs and dancing do not have to involve alcohol. One question for you? Were you once a kid or where you born the mature adult that you are today?? Was I once a kid? Yes. Did I drink underage? Yes. Did I pay the consequences for that behavior? Yes. Apparently you never have. I guess writing a big article slandering a team and its players is real mature huh. I did not slander (I'll spare you the difference between libel and slander). Everything I observed in my posts was clearly evident in the videos. Two of the three major observations, the alcohol and the vandalism, you acknowledge in your email. If you don't think anything wrong was done in these videos (and apparently you don't), my only conclusion is that Mack Brown will be phoning you shortly and ask if you'd like to play football for the Texas Longhorns. I just have one thing to say. GROW UP. Likewise, young man... before you find yourself behind bars.

Friday News

Sorry for no post Thursday... I was dreaming of having a Ralphie burger this weekend and accidentally slept in... USHL website gets a facelift... Tri-City Storm gears up for new season (includes video)... Former Black Hawks ink AHL deals... Black Hawk hopefuls sweat expected cuts... Magic number is 17 for Blizzard (that's 17 rounds in a shootout, folks)... What, no green hot dogs? New food on the menu in Topeka (includes video)... Bismarck Bobcats off to rough start (maybe someone should remind them their 10th anniversary was last season, not this year)... Marquette Rangers opening home slate... Rangers, MGH team up to fight cancer... More seats will bring more butts in Halifax... CHL beat: Trades, new captains and Oil Kings... Broncos banking on success after arena name change... Warriors swing blockbuster deal... Ward to sharpen his skills on Blades... Oil Kings-Rebels rivalry born, slowly... Warriors perfectly happy with Perricone... Blades regret the Crowley that got away... Improved goaltending should help lift Spirit... Tavares takes the fifth on draft... Guelph Storm black and blue... What's on menu for Knights fans? UNBC drops BCHL Kings down a notch, could surpass Cougars for sports interest... Urban Communications Inc. launches mediaManager webcasts in conjunction with KIJHL... CBC picks Winkler, Manitoba, for Hockey Day in Canada... (second story, third story)...

Tuesday News

Apologies for the lack of a post this morning... Abbotsford Pilots rounding into fine form... UND Athletic Director Tom Buning goes on leave of absence... Chilliwack heavy hitter Partik Bhungal a better shooter now... Flyers return four players to junior teams... Ontario Hockey League top-10 list of stories for coming season... Vancouver Giants owner stands tall on city scene... Oil Kings veterans benefit from NHL tryouts... Windsor Spitfires count on trio... Frontenacs to honour David Ling... Second ex-Bulldog named in porn case... SJHL players pumped for September Showcase... Swift Current Broncos trim roster... Saginaw Spirit search for identity... Spirit planning to surprise the league (how, put Colbert on the bench?)... Brandon Greenside biggest surprise at Guelph Storm camp... Picard-Hooper traded to Saint John... Older Des Moines roster poses more scoring threats... Vancouver Giants go over target, top 5,000 season tickets... Tyrell, Wishart likely to miss Prince George opener... Fort Saskatchewan Traders and the St. Albert Saints, rivalry of the good old days... Blades send McLeod back to MJHL... Wichita Fallas Wildcats leave for opener in Blaine Showcase... Oshawa fans should revolt over canning of announcer...