Michigan Looking for the Ultimate Hatrick
The Pain enter this years playoffs in hopes of an unprecedented third championship in as many years. The team has never finished the regular season on top of the Western Conference. This must be of most horrofic concern for any unlucky team to face the Offensive Terror of the Michigan Pain. Never before have they been so powerful. With the aquistions of Roman and Guerin, the Pain have added depth and security heading into the playoffs. Although the Pain are feared by all who enter their house, the Pain are not unbeatable. Michigan lost first line D-man Nolan Yonkman for the entire playoffs. The depth on D comes in very handy but it will still be
hard to replace Nolan. Another concern for the Pain was the lack luster of effort after the all-star game. The team slumped out of first only to regain its composure for the final stretch. Although the players shy away from stating they lost the President's trophy race on their own accord, they must feel as though it is their own fault. The Pain only needed to cruise through the final stretch but they let teams like the Ice and Hurricanes back into the race. However the playoffs is where the Pain shine. They have proven that the playoffs is a whole new season; they start their quest for the grail tonight.
PAIN vs. RENEGADES
The Renegades have been quite the hang nail to the Michigan Pain in the regular season. The Renegades seem to match up against the previous champions very well. They are not full of superstars but they play as a team which can produce great chemistry. The Pain will be gunz a blazin in hopes to smuther the Gades quickly.
Michigan Press
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
PR - Blackhawks
Blackhawks Ready for Battle!
Well its that time of year again...Playoffs!! The Blackhawks have suprised yet again and have staked their place in the post season against another formidable foe... in fact its against their bitter division rivals...the Flames.
The two teams split their season series 3-3 with the Flames narrowly outscoring the Hawks 13-12. It would appear that it will once again come down to goaltending and the major question remains: "can Khabbibulin return to his playoff form of 3 seasons ago when he led the 8th seeded Hawks to the cup finals?".
Lets not forget to mention the abundance of talent on this Flames roster which greatly over powers the Hawks. The Blackhawks will have to rely on their gritty play to shut down the snipers on the loose in Atlanta. Not only that but the Hawks traded away two of their top playoff performers at the deadline. Lindros and Fedorov's numbers will greatly be missed for as long as the Hawks can survive in the post season. All these questions remain to be unanswered as this tale of David vs. Goliath begins to unfold.
The strong play of newly acquired centreman Jason Williams has been a welcomed suprise in Chicago and it will be needed ten-fold during the playoffs. Blackhawk coach Brian Sutter says the work ethic of this team is second to none and it will be the deciding factor in whether or not they advance. "No one can question why we are in the playoffs again....Yet again they told us we wouldn't be here but here we are. We have to come out every night and prove again and again why we are here. We aren't going to lay down and let them take this easily. If they want to move on, they're going to have to want it more than us and I'm telling you that isn't going to be an easy task."
Its shaping up to be an exciting series and as we all know, anything can happen in the TFHL playoffs. The action begins tomorrow in Atlanta. GO HAWKS GO!!!
The Blackhawk Reporter --- August 30th, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
PR - Spirit
Guelph Spirit rev up for Playoffs
Another regular season is in the books and the Guelph Spirit are counting their lucky stars to be in the playoffs. The first two-thirds of the season were terrible for the Spirit. After 62 games they had only 48 points and were playing .387 hockey. Their starting goalie, Patrick Lalime, had been traded to the Saints for Martin Brodeur, and then re-acquired for Brodeur later in the season. They had suffered through stretches of no wins for 10 games and another of one win in 9 games.
But then something happened. No one's quite sure what, but it was big. "If I knew what I did," says GM Warren Goodlet, "I'd bottle it and make millions. Instead I run a fantasy hockey team. I think that says something."
What happened was, the Spirit turned their entire season around. They beat the Renegades, then the Sioux, then reeled of six more consecutive wins. They acquired David Turon on defence and cashed in some younger chips for UFA-to-be Eric Lindros. His arrival sparked another five game winning streak, and then a five game undefeated streak to lead the Spirit to seventh place. Over the last 26 games, the Spirit are 19-6-1, good for a .750 winning percentage. They have scored the fifth most amount of goals in the league (fourth best among teams in the playoffs).
The Spirit will open the playoffs on the road against the Owls. The Spirit won the season series 4-2 against the Owls, outscoring them 23-20. No one should be taking the Spirit lightly, but it's still possible the team from the first half will show up.
"We've been a weird team all year," stated winger Marian Hossa, one of three 40-goal scorers on the team. "Consistently inconsistent. The last three weeks have been great though. It's been really fun coming to the rink. And I must admit, even though I thought Lindros was a total jackass pansy who I'd never want to play with, he's been good for us. He hasn't been afraid to drop the gloves and he's pumped in a ton of points (17 points in 15 games)."
"We're ready for the war of the playoffs," assured gap-toothed defenceman Dion Phaneuf, proud winner of this year's Dave Schultz trophy for most PIM. "No one's coming around our net without paying the price."
An exciting first round matchup is up next - ain't playoff hockey great?
Another regular season is in the books and the Guelph Spirit are counting their lucky stars to be in the playoffs. The first two-thirds of the season were terrible for the Spirit. After 62 games they had only 48 points and were playing .387 hockey. Their starting goalie, Patrick Lalime, had been traded to the Saints for Martin Brodeur, and then re-acquired for Brodeur later in the season. They had suffered through stretches of no wins for 10 games and another of one win in 9 games.
But then something happened. No one's quite sure what, but it was big. "If I knew what I did," says GM Warren Goodlet, "I'd bottle it and make millions. Instead I run a fantasy hockey team. I think that says something."
What happened was, the Spirit turned their entire season around. They beat the Renegades, then the Sioux, then reeled of six more consecutive wins. They acquired David Turon on defence and cashed in some younger chips for UFA-to-be Eric Lindros. His arrival sparked another five game winning streak, and then a five game undefeated streak to lead the Spirit to seventh place. Over the last 26 games, the Spirit are 19-6-1, good for a .750 winning percentage. They have scored the fifth most amount of goals in the league (fourth best among teams in the playoffs).
The Spirit will open the playoffs on the road against the Owls. The Spirit won the season series 4-2 against the Owls, outscoring them 23-20. No one should be taking the Spirit lightly, but it's still possible the team from the first half will show up.
"We've been a weird team all year," stated winger Marian Hossa, one of three 40-goal scorers on the team. "Consistently inconsistent. The last three weeks have been great though. It's been really fun coming to the rink. And I must admit, even though I thought Lindros was a total jackass pansy who I'd never want to play with, he's been good for us. He hasn't been afraid to drop the gloves and he's pumped in a ton of points (17 points in 15 games)."
"We're ready for the war of the playoffs," assured gap-toothed defenceman Dion Phaneuf, proud winner of this year's Dave Schultz trophy for most PIM. "No one's coming around our net without paying the price."
An exciting first round matchup is up next - ain't playoff hockey great?
Monday, August 29, 2005
TFHL Award Nominees
Regular Season Award Nominees
Following is nominations for reg.season award voting. Please send your votes in to me by the end of the week. Also is the list of the automatic winners for awards. I'll be away throughtout this week so goodluck in your first couple games, and forgive me if I miss some of your e-mails until the weekend or so.
Thanks,
Geoffrey Young
The following trophies will be awarded based on voting by franchise gm's and coaches
at the end of the season. The nominations are:
- Hart Trophy (League MVP)
Todd Bertuzzi (Rednexs)
Peter Forsberg (Patriots)
Barry Tallackson (Pain)
- Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship)
Gregory Campbell (Achaeans)
Nicklas Lidstrom (Ice)
Jaromir Jagr (Bobcats)
- Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Nicklas Lidstrom (Ice)
Mikko Kalteva (Spirit)
Sergei Gonchar (Blades)
- Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)
Marc Pouliot (Patriots)
Chuck Kobasew (Saints)
Tim Brent (Aces)
- Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Jose Theodore (Flames)
Evgeni Nabakov (Raiders)
Brian Boucher (Hurricanes)
- Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Adam Henrich (Raiders)
Petr Dvorak (Flames)
Scottie Upshall (Ice)
- Executive Trophy (Top GM)
Patrick Amantea (Flames)
Glenn Mirkir (Bobcats)
Geoff Elliot (Pain)
Derek Major (Hurricanes)
- Jack Adams (Top Coach)
Craig McTavish (Hurricanes)
Ron Wilson (Pain)
Bob Hartley (Ice)
- Press Release Award (Best Pr of the Year)
Derek Major (Hurricanes)
Tyler Young (Wheat Kings)
Geoff Elliot (Pain)
Patrick Amantea (Flames)
The following trophies are awarded based on season stats :
- Rocket Richard Trophy (Most Goals in a Season)
T.BERTUZZI (Red)
- Art Ross Trophy (Most Points in a Season)
T.BERTUZZI(Red)
- William Jennings Trophy (Lowest Goal Against Average)
J.THEODORE (Fla)
- Alka Seltzer Trophy (Best Plus/Minus)
T.NELSON (Ice)
- President Trophy (Best team in the regular season)
Calgary Hurricanes
- Dave Schultz Trophy (Most PIM)
D.PHANEUF (Spi)
- Chepstow Cup (Most Improved team from last Season)
Flames (29 pts)
Following is nominations for reg.season award voting. Please send your votes in to me by the end of the week. Also is the list of the automatic winners for awards. I'll be away throughtout this week so goodluck in your first couple games, and forgive me if I miss some of your e-mails until the weekend or so.
Thanks,
Geoffrey Young
The following trophies will be awarded based on voting by franchise gm's and coaches
at the end of the season. The nominations are:
- Hart Trophy (League MVP)
Todd Bertuzzi (Rednexs)
Peter Forsberg (Patriots)
Barry Tallackson (Pain)
- Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship)
Gregory Campbell (Achaeans)
Nicklas Lidstrom (Ice)
Jaromir Jagr (Bobcats)
- Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Nicklas Lidstrom (Ice)
Mikko Kalteva (Spirit)
Sergei Gonchar (Blades)
- Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)
Marc Pouliot (Patriots)
Chuck Kobasew (Saints)
Tim Brent (Aces)
- Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Jose Theodore (Flames)
Evgeni Nabakov (Raiders)
Brian Boucher (Hurricanes)
- Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)
Adam Henrich (Raiders)
Petr Dvorak (Flames)
Scottie Upshall (Ice)
- Executive Trophy (Top GM)
Patrick Amantea (Flames)
Glenn Mirkir (Bobcats)
Geoff Elliot (Pain)
Derek Major (Hurricanes)
- Jack Adams (Top Coach)
Craig McTavish (Hurricanes)
Ron Wilson (Pain)
Bob Hartley (Ice)
- Press Release Award (Best Pr of the Year)
Derek Major (Hurricanes)
Tyler Young (Wheat Kings)
Geoff Elliot (Pain)
Patrick Amantea (Flames)
The following trophies are awarded based on season stats :
- Rocket Richard Trophy (Most Goals in a Season)
T.BERTUZZI (Red)
- Art Ross Trophy (Most Points in a Season)
T.BERTUZZI(Red)
- William Jennings Trophy (Lowest Goal Against Average)
J.THEODORE (Fla)
- Alka Seltzer Trophy (Best Plus/Minus)
T.NELSON (Ice)
- President Trophy (Best team in the regular season)
Calgary Hurricanes
- Dave Schultz Trophy (Most PIM)
D.PHANEUF (Spi)
- Chepstow Cup (Most Improved team from last Season)
Flames (29 pts)
Sunday, August 28, 2005
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES PREPARE FOR ROUND 1 VERSUS THE REDNEXS
The Calgary Hurricanes have propelled themselves back to the top of the TFHL. Capturing the President's Trophy and now looking forward to taking on the 8th seed Rednexs.
SEASON IN REVIEW
The Hurricanes struggled early on in the season. The goaltending was weak and defense lagged even with newly acquired Bryan Mccabe. Quickly goaltender Pascal Leclaire and veteran Bill Guerin were quickly moved out to the Western conference, which then saw Brian Boucher, Martin Cibak and Brian Campbell join the Hurricanes.
FORWARDS
This season's line up for the Hurricanes contains the greatest scoring punch the franchise has ever possessed. Markus Naslund provided 105 points after starting the season on a low end. His linemates in Shawn Bates and Alexandre Svitov tallied 87 points and 79 points respestively. The second line, which could substitute as a first line on many teams saw Brendan Morrison, Jason King and Martin Cibak score 86 points, 76 points and 61 points respectively. 20-year-old sensation Alexandre Svitov finished the season with 45 goals, which was best for
the Hurricanes.
DEFENSE
Bryan Mccabe took him the award as the best Hurricane defenseman as his consistant play throughout the season helped the Hurricanes rejuvenate. Captain Chris Pronger stepped up to the plate at the All-Star break and quickly became one of the league's best defensemen once again. Mccabe finished the season with 62 points while Pronger finished with 57 points. Other notables included Pavel Kubina with 43 points and Brian Campbell finishing the season +19.
GOAL
Critics will all agree, the Hurricanes would not be successful without the sensational goaltending of veteran Brian Boucher. Boucher, who should receive nods for the Vezina Trophy, compiled a 55-17-4 record while being arguably the best goaltender in the TFHL. His 2.63 goals against average and even tallying 13 assists made him among the leaders in statistics for the TFHL.
UP NEXT....The Rednexs
The Hurricanes will be taking on the Rednexs and the top two scorers in the TFHL, Todd Bertuzzi and Alexei Kovalev. The key to beating the Rednexs will be to contain these two players as the Rednexs struggled to make it to the playoffs this season. The Hurricanes high octane scoring machine should be able to take down the weak Rednex defense while countering their own defensive style with goaltender Boucher and defensemen Chris Pronger, Bryan McCabe and Brian Campbell.
Calgary Sun 2005
The Calgary Hurricanes have propelled themselves back to the top of the TFHL. Capturing the President's Trophy and now looking forward to taking on the 8th seed Rednexs.
SEASON IN REVIEW
The Hurricanes struggled early on in the season. The goaltending was weak and defense lagged even with newly acquired Bryan Mccabe. Quickly goaltender Pascal Leclaire and veteran Bill Guerin were quickly moved out to the Western conference, which then saw Brian Boucher, Martin Cibak and Brian Campbell join the Hurricanes.
FORWARDS
This season's line up for the Hurricanes contains the greatest scoring punch the franchise has ever possessed. Markus Naslund provided 105 points after starting the season on a low end. His linemates in Shawn Bates and Alexandre Svitov tallied 87 points and 79 points respestively. The second line, which could substitute as a first line on many teams saw Brendan Morrison, Jason King and Martin Cibak score 86 points, 76 points and 61 points respectively. 20-year-old sensation Alexandre Svitov finished the season with 45 goals, which was best for
the Hurricanes.
DEFENSE
Bryan Mccabe took him the award as the best Hurricane defenseman as his consistant play throughout the season helped the Hurricanes rejuvenate. Captain Chris Pronger stepped up to the plate at the All-Star break and quickly became one of the league's best defensemen once again. Mccabe finished the season with 62 points while Pronger finished with 57 points. Other notables included Pavel Kubina with 43 points and Brian Campbell finishing the season +19.
GOAL
Critics will all agree, the Hurricanes would not be successful without the sensational goaltending of veteran Brian Boucher. Boucher, who should receive nods for the Vezina Trophy, compiled a 55-17-4 record while being arguably the best goaltender in the TFHL. His 2.63 goals against average and even tallying 13 assists made him among the leaders in statistics for the TFHL.
UP NEXT....The Rednexs
The Hurricanes will be taking on the Rednexs and the top two scorers in the TFHL, Todd Bertuzzi and Alexei Kovalev. The key to beating the Rednexs will be to contain these two players as the Rednexs struggled to make it to the playoffs this season. The Hurricanes high octane scoring machine should be able to take down the weak Rednex defense while countering their own defensive style with goaltender Boucher and defensemen Chris Pronger, Bryan McCabe and Brian Campbell.
Calgary Sun 2005
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES CAPTURE PRESIDENT'S TROPHY WITH A 6-1 WIN OVER THE RENEGADES
The fans of the Calgary Hurricanes gave a standing ovation for their team after a 6 - 1 thumping of the 8th seed Western Conference team. Markus Naslund was the typical Markus Naslund as he scored 2 goals. Goaltender Brian Boucher continued his miracle season by stunning the opposition.
Brian Boucher, one of the strongest candidates for the Vezina Trophy has one of the best GAA's while also being goaltender with the most wins in the entire TFHL at 55 wins. The next closest goaltender sits at only 43 wins, which is J.S. Giguere of the Michigan Pain.
"There is no doubt that Brian is one of the key reasons this club did so well down the stretch. Since the first day you came to our team we have been unbelievable. It makes a big difference when you have this much confidence in your goalie." said Assistant Captain Shawn Bates.
On the backend, Chris Pronger and Bryan Mccabe solidied themselves as a top duo in the TFHL. The defense core for the Hurricanes is quite deep with other notables including Brian Campbell, Pavel Kubina and Richard Matvichuk.
Up front, the Hurricanes, who in the past have been noted as a one-line team now have two forceful lines. The top line combination of Shawn Bates, Alexandre Svitov and Markus Naslund have excelerated like before but now the addition of Brendan Morrison, Jason King and Martin Cibak on the 2nd line has been incredible. The Hurricanes top scorers are all young including Svitov at 20 years old, King at 23 years old and Cibak at 25 years of age. The veterans of Morrison (30), Naslund (32) and Bates (30) have proven to be a group of strong leaders for the youngsters.
On the farm, it appeared the farm team went from being a contender for the TFFHL Cup and then slid down the standings right when the parent club began to excel. Although bright notables include goaltender Peter Budaj, who continues to develop, as well as forwards Alexandre Sundstrom and Martin Karsums. On defense both Ryan Parent and Frank Redliker
continued to improve. It's expected Parent will be able to develop into a top-four defenseman in a couple of seasons.
With the seeds pretty much defined for the playoffs, the Hurricanes will find out later today whether or not they will be playing the Rednexs or Marauders in the first round of the TFHL playoffs. Keep an eye out for the Hurricanes post-season report prior to the playoffs.
Calgary Sun 2005
The fans of the Calgary Hurricanes gave a standing ovation for their team after a 6 - 1 thumping of the 8th seed Western Conference team. Markus Naslund was the typical Markus Naslund as he scored 2 goals. Goaltender Brian Boucher continued his miracle season by stunning the opposition.
Brian Boucher, one of the strongest candidates for the Vezina Trophy has one of the best GAA's while also being goaltender with the most wins in the entire TFHL at 55 wins. The next closest goaltender sits at only 43 wins, which is J.S. Giguere of the Michigan Pain.
"There is no doubt that Brian is one of the key reasons this club did so well down the stretch. Since the first day you came to our team we have been unbelievable. It makes a big difference when you have this much confidence in your goalie." said Assistant Captain Shawn Bates.
On the backend, Chris Pronger and Bryan Mccabe solidied themselves as a top duo in the TFHL. The defense core for the Hurricanes is quite deep with other notables including Brian Campbell, Pavel Kubina and Richard Matvichuk.
Up front, the Hurricanes, who in the past have been noted as a one-line team now have two forceful lines. The top line combination of Shawn Bates, Alexandre Svitov and Markus Naslund have excelerated like before but now the addition of Brendan Morrison, Jason King and Martin Cibak on the 2nd line has been incredible. The Hurricanes top scorers are all young including Svitov at 20 years old, King at 23 years old and Cibak at 25 years of age. The veterans of Morrison (30), Naslund (32) and Bates (30) have proven to be a group of strong leaders for the youngsters.
On the farm, it appeared the farm team went from being a contender for the TFFHL Cup and then slid down the standings right when the parent club began to excel. Although bright notables include goaltender Peter Budaj, who continues to develop, as well as forwards Alexandre Sundstrom and Martin Karsums. On defense both Ryan Parent and Frank Redliker
continued to improve. It's expected Parent will be able to develop into a top-four defenseman in a couple of seasons.
With the seeds pretty much defined for the playoffs, the Hurricanes will find out later today whether or not they will be playing the Rednexs or Marauders in the first round of the TFHL playoffs. Keep an eye out for the Hurricanes post-season report prior to the playoffs.
Calgary Sun 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
PR - Saints
SASKATOON SAINTS LOOKING TO TAKE 2ND PLACE IN EASTERN CONFERENCE
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
August 26, 2005
With four games remaing for each the Owls, Aces and Saints, the race for the three remaining home ice playoff spots will be decided likely on the final day of regular season action. GM Young of the Saskatoon Saints held a Press Conference today and spoke of the recent surge in the standings. "Probably the most instrumental change is the fact that for the first time this season our team is completely healthy and well rested. But success in this second half of the season has a lot to do with the acquisition of former Vezina winner Roberto Luongo." As well, Young listed the numerous mid-season improvements with the addition of Christopher Higgins (51,14,42,56pts), Ryan Getzlaf (70,29,45,74pts) the call-up of the Saints 6th overall draft choice from the offseason Devin Setogouchi (46,18,28,46pts) and the improved play of rookie defenseman Keith Ballard (84,11,44,55pts). Higgins, Getzlaf, Setogouchi, Ballard and roughly 90% of the Saints roster is 20 years and younger so the future looks bright in the organization.
"This season was part of a rebuilding process, but as the season draws to an end, I think we realized that we can compete with any team in this league and therefore could be the darkhorse for our conference." The Saints have never made it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. Last seasons' 7th game win over the Hurricanes was a proud moment for GM Young but the celebrations were short-lived when the Saints lost in 6 games to the Rednexs in the 2nd round. Right now, the Saints have a very good chance of finishing 2nd place in the Eastern Conference Standings, right behind their arch-rival Hurricanes. There a few reasons why this is so important to the Saints. Firstly, it would be the best season finish since the Modern TFHL was formed. As well as home ice advantage, it would mean that if both the Saints and Hurricanes win their first two rounds, there could be a great conference final match-up between the uber enemies.
Joe Sakic commented on the prospect of facing the Hurricanes in the playoffs for the 3rd time in franchise history: "We just hate those guys, and there is nothing more inspiring for this team then to face them in the offseason. We've played them twice before in our history and both times we have won the close, gritty battle in a 7th game nailbitter. It would be great for the fans, great for the city, and most importantly, I would love to win a cup with the Saints after these past four seasons with the club." Sakic, who has played the most total games with the Saints has been traded on numerous occasions but seems to always return to the Bridge City. As Captain, he led the Saints last year to a win over the high flying Hurricanes but this year he wants to bring the cup home, in what might be his last season in a Saints uniform. Sakic's 1 year 15 million dollar deal is up at season end and once again he will be a UFA. GM Young has hinted that he will likely not attempt to resign Joe for a 5th season with the team for financial reasons.
PR - Hurricanes
THE HURRICANES SECURE THE CONFERENCE TITLE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE TFHL13
The Hurricanes are back on top in the TFHL. With the 48th win of the season, the Hurricanes took over first place in the entire TFHL from the defending two-time champion Pain and clinched the Eastern Conference title for the first time since TFHL13 when the Hurricanes were knocked out of the playoffs after a 130point season.
"We still have a lot of work to do. The last task is to take home first place in the TFHL, and that will be a tough task as the Pain, Flames and Ice are all nipping away at us. We definitely have the momentum going on and have since the All-Star break. We also have one hell of a goaltender in Brian Boucher, and tonight Frederic Cassivi showed he could take a game in for us too." said Coach Craig MacTavish.
The Hurricanes have become quite a story for the TFHL as they went from dead last in the TFHL all the way to first place. The drive all started right before the All-Star break and hasn't stopped. Calgary fans are lining up for a chance to see what this team can do in the playoffs.
"It's definitely time for changing of the guard when it comes to the TFHL Cup. The Pain, well two seasons in a row is an impressive show. We're good to go to take them on." said Captain Chris Pronger.
BLAST TO THE PAST AND EXPERIENCE
The Calgary Hurricanes have 8 TFHL Cup champions from the TFHL12 winning team including Shawn Bates, Markus Naslund, Chris Pronger, Toby Petersen, Robert Lang, Pavel Kubina, Richard Matvichuk, and back up goaltender Frederic Cassivi.
Other stars on the Hurricanes were asked about the anticipation of the TFHL Playoffs:
"The playoffs tend to become a tight battle, but I think we have a solid defense core, that continues to improve." - Bryan McCabe
"We are the top scoring team in the TFHL. We'll need to keep it up." - Alexandre Svitov
"This is going to be one hell of a ride. Talking to Chris and Markus about their cup win, it just makes you want it even more." - Brian Boucher
"We have to atleast make it to the second round. Isn't that when the girls start stripping in downtown Calgary??" - Ryan Kesler
Calgary Sun 2005
The Hurricanes are back on top in the TFHL. With the 48th win of the season, the Hurricanes took over first place in the entire TFHL from the defending two-time champion Pain and clinched the Eastern Conference title for the first time since TFHL13 when the Hurricanes were knocked out of the playoffs after a 130point season.
"We still have a lot of work to do. The last task is to take home first place in the TFHL, and that will be a tough task as the Pain, Flames and Ice are all nipping away at us. We definitely have the momentum going on and have since the All-Star break. We also have one hell of a goaltender in Brian Boucher, and tonight Frederic Cassivi showed he could take a game in for us too." said Coach Craig MacTavish.
The Hurricanes have become quite a story for the TFHL as they went from dead last in the TFHL all the way to first place. The drive all started right before the All-Star break and hasn't stopped. Calgary fans are lining up for a chance to see what this team can do in the playoffs.
"It's definitely time for changing of the guard when it comes to the TFHL Cup. The Pain, well two seasons in a row is an impressive show. We're good to go to take them on." said Captain Chris Pronger.
BLAST TO THE PAST AND EXPERIENCE
The Calgary Hurricanes have 8 TFHL Cup champions from the TFHL12 winning team including Shawn Bates, Markus Naslund, Chris Pronger, Toby Petersen, Robert Lang, Pavel Kubina, Richard Matvichuk, and back up goaltender Frederic Cassivi.
Other stars on the Hurricanes were asked about the anticipation of the TFHL Playoffs:
"The playoffs tend to become a tight battle, but I think we have a solid defense core, that continues to improve." - Bryan McCabe
"We are the top scoring team in the TFHL. We'll need to keep it up." - Alexandre Svitov
"This is going to be one hell of a ride. Talking to Chris and Markus about their cup win, it just makes you want it even more." - Brian Boucher
"We have to atleast make it to the second round. Isn't that when the girls start stripping in downtown Calgary??" - Ryan Kesler
Calgary Sun 2005
Saturday, August 13, 2005
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES AMONG TOP TEAMS IN THE TFHL; BOUCHER SETS NEW HURRICANES RECORD
The Calgary Hurricanes are experiencing goaltending like never before, even when all-star and former TFHL Cup Champion Sean Burke led the team as one of the top goaltenders in the TFHL. It seems Brian Boucher is making a name for himself now.
45 wins, 15 loses, 4 ties. (next closest is J.S Giguere of the Pain with 39 wins).
12 assists (for a goaltender.....this is more points than some players on other teams)
The Hurricanes media is already talking about a Vezina Trophy nomination for this phenomenom that has his Calgary during his acquisition from the Atlanta Flames in the trade that saw under achieving youngster Pascal Leclaire traded to the Flames. "I just keep sticking to my game. We have a great team and we are just gelling at the right time. We are number one right now in our conference, we have a couple of teams to catch up to and take over the league lead here. " said goaltender Boucher right after the 6 - 0 thumping of the Wheat Kings.
Markus Naslund has been rejunvanted and leads the leagues 4th deadliest scoring attack in the TFHL with 87 points. 30 games ago Naslund was on pace to only hit about 80 points and the mid-season surge has him on pace for over 100 points for the first time since TFHL13 when the trio of Bill Guerin, Markus Naslund and Shawn Bates all exploded among the scoring charts and were 1, 2, 3 in the scoring race.
The Hurricanes are looking to capture the President's trophy for the first time since TFHL12 and then as the captain puts it. "I wouldn't mind capturing another TFHL Cup, I think that Michigan team has had a little too much fun the last couple of seasons." Said Captain Chris Pronger.
Calgary Sun © 2005
The Calgary Hurricanes are experiencing goaltending like never before, even when all-star and former TFHL Cup Champion Sean Burke led the team as one of the top goaltenders in the TFHL. It seems Brian Boucher is making a name for himself now.
45 wins, 15 loses, 4 ties. (next closest is J.S Giguere of the Pain with 39 wins).
12 assists (for a goaltender.....this is more points than some players on other teams)
The Hurricanes media is already talking about a Vezina Trophy nomination for this phenomenom that has his Calgary during his acquisition from the Atlanta Flames in the trade that saw under achieving youngster Pascal Leclaire traded to the Flames. "I just keep sticking to my game. We have a great team and we are just gelling at the right time. We are number one right now in our conference, we have a couple of teams to catch up to and take over the league lead here. " said goaltender Boucher right after the 6 - 0 thumping of the Wheat Kings.
Markus Naslund has been rejunvanted and leads the leagues 4th deadliest scoring attack in the TFHL with 87 points. 30 games ago Naslund was on pace to only hit about 80 points and the mid-season surge has him on pace for over 100 points for the first time since TFHL13 when the trio of Bill Guerin, Markus Naslund and Shawn Bates all exploded among the scoring charts and were 1, 2, 3 in the scoring race.
The Hurricanes are looking to capture the President's trophy for the first time since TFHL12 and then as the captain puts it. "I wouldn't mind capturing another TFHL Cup, I think that Michigan team has had a little too much fun the last couple of seasons." Said Captain Chris Pronger.
Calgary Sun © 2005
Sunday, August 07, 2005
PR - Pain
Pain get 'Wiser' at Deadline
The Michigan Pain aquired Jason Arnott for prospects but then quickly shipped Arnott to the potential playoff oppent the Wheat Kings for all-star forward Bill Guerin. The trade does not come as a surprise; GM Elliot has been known to rent players at the deadline for an improved chance at winning the TFHL Cup. Yzerman in TFHL 13 and Roenick in TFHL 14. Now Guerin, a
former member the Calgary Hurricanes famous cup winning line, the "Three Wise Men.," will help Michigan to their third straight championship. Guerin will bring leadership and a winnig attitude to the Pain. He also will add more scoring power to the already powerful arsenal of the Michigan Pain. Although Guerin is an all-star he will see reduced playing time, most likely
a third line center.
Michigan finds themselves in a unique situation. For the first time near the end of the regular season, the Pain will have a chance to finish first in the league. Coach Wilson has been quoted as saying that this is the best Michigan team to date. "The palyers are developing extremely well. One of the keys is that we have been able to keep our key guys to build chemistry,"coach Wilson commented. The Pain will look to close the season on a high note, and roll intt the playoffs better then ever.
Michigan Press
The Michigan Pain aquired Jason Arnott for prospects but then quickly shipped Arnott to the potential playoff oppent the Wheat Kings for all-star forward Bill Guerin. The trade does not come as a surprise; GM Elliot has been known to rent players at the deadline for an improved chance at winning the TFHL Cup. Yzerman in TFHL 13 and Roenick in TFHL 14. Now Guerin, a
former member the Calgary Hurricanes famous cup winning line, the "Three Wise Men.," will help Michigan to their third straight championship. Guerin will bring leadership and a winnig attitude to the Pain. He also will add more scoring power to the already powerful arsenal of the Michigan Pain. Although Guerin is an all-star he will see reduced playing time, most likely
a third line center.
Michigan finds themselves in a unique situation. For the first time near the end of the regular season, the Pain will have a chance to finish first in the league. Coach Wilson has been quoted as saying that this is the best Michigan team to date. "The palyers are developing extremely well. One of the keys is that we have been able to keep our key guys to build chemistry,"coach Wilson commented. The Pain will look to close the season on a high note, and roll intt the playoffs better then ever.
Michigan Press
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)