WHEAT KINGS CROWNED CHAMPIONS
Put simply they rode a hot goalie and scored by commitee, but for the Saskatchewan Wheat Kings their first league championship in their 10 year history was more than it seemed.
"This is incredible!" Captin Josh Hennessy exclaimed amidst the dressing room clamour, "this just came together, this team! This is just a great championship, all these years. And you know what, we should be around a few more!"
Ironically the Kings nearly missed the playoffs this season. Indeed many of the deals which brought this team together were made out of desperation just to make the playoffs.
"I knew if we made the playoffs, we had a shot," Coach-GM Tyler Young said, "so I made a couple deals to bring in more scoring - as it turned out those are the deals that made this cup run possible."
The additions of Stephen Weiss and Kristian Huselius at the deadline will likely stand-out as the 'deal which did it' in the minds of Wheat-watchers. Weiss and Huselius provided consistent support scoring throughout the playoffs, which was especially needed during the various injuries suffered against the Ice and when Steve Bernier went down in Game 1 of the Conference finals.
Huselius potted the Cup winning goal as the Kings staged a remarkable early 3rd period surge in yesterday's seventh game, scoring three goals in 1:29 to take a 5-3 lead, as the Kings powered back to win the final two games of the series.
"We were exausted, worn out," Conn Smythe winner Jimmy Howard said, "we were playing on pure adrenaline a lot of the time. But after Game Six, when we were down 4-2, we just sat down in our room and said, we didn't make it this far, fight this hard to lose now."
Along with Huselius and Weiss, the Kings had timely support from veterans like Craig Conroy, Glenn Murray, Scott Niedermayer and Sandis Ozolinsh. However, perhaps the key to the Kings' entire run was the play of their group of young players groomed by the system: Peter Mueller, Byron Bitz, John Adams, and Mike Frolik all played key roles in the run. Nik Bergfors, who lead the team in scoring, Howard, and Frolik all especially came into his own over the course of the run. Stalwarts Dimitri Kazionov and Josh Hennessy were their reliable selfs.
"I'm very proud of my boys," Tyler Young said amidst tears, "they played their hearts out, fought for every loose puck, along the boards, in front of the net; they just played with grit and determination and a love of the game. It was a pleasure to watch. My thanks also to our competitors, the Hurricanes, who gave us a heck of a championship series. I though this was a great playoffs!"
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
PR - Hurricanes
CALGARY HURRICANES MAKE THE TFHL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL FOR THE 3RD TIME IN
FRANCHISE HISTORY
Markus Naslund leads the way once again; Leads the league with 30 points
in the playoffs
CALGARY, AB - It was only a few years ago that the dominant tandem of
Markus Naslund, Bill Guerin, and Shawn Bates led the league in scoring,
points,
and well anything else you could think of. They were flanked by a great
goaltender in Sean Burke and had a stable defensive core including Chris
Pronger.
TFHL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Hurricanes Versus Roadrunners (Loss - 7 Games)
The hurricanes were once led by John LeClaire when they went all the way
to the finals to lose in 7 games against the Roadrunners in TFHL10.
Hurricanes Versus Blackhawks (Win - 7 Games)
The Hurricanes were led by the high flying line of Markus Naslund - Bill
Guerin - Shawn Bates. The Hurricanes went down to the wire to beat the
Blackhawks in 7 games.
Hurricanes Versus Wheat Kings (??)
BREAK DOWN
Offense
Edge: Hurricanes
The Calgary Hurricanes have scored 67 games in 18 games versus the Wheat
Kings' 54 goals in 16 games. The Wheat Kings have managed a total of
391 shots which is low in comparison to the Hurricanes shot outburst of
539. The Wheat Kings are not as heavy in scoring as the Hurricanes but
still could pose a challenge if defensive break downs occur.
Defense
Edge: Wheat Kings
The Wheat Kings have allowed only 40 goals versus the 55 goals let in by
the Hurricanes. The Wheat Kings may not have the scoring prowness that
the Hurricanes do, but they certainly have shown to shut down the
Eastern conference teams.
Goaltending:
Edge: Wheat Kings
Brian Boucher has a .889 save percentage and a 2.92 goals against
average in 17 games. James Howard has a stellar .920 save percentage
and a 2.35 goals against average. The edge for goaltending is certainly
in favour of the Wheat Kings. If the Hurricanes manage to fire many
shots at Howard, they could have a chance, but they may need to keep
scoring goals to ensure a win.
The championship series kicks off tomorrow in the mighty province of
Saskatchewan.
Calgary Sun
FRANCHISE HISTORY
Markus Naslund leads the way once again; Leads the league with 30 points
in the playoffs
CALGARY, AB - It was only a few years ago that the dominant tandem of
Markus Naslund, Bill Guerin, and Shawn Bates led the league in scoring,
points,
and well anything else you could think of. They were flanked by a great
goaltender in Sean Burke and had a stable defensive core including Chris
Pronger.
TFHL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Hurricanes Versus Roadrunners (Loss - 7 Games)
The hurricanes were once led by John LeClaire when they went all the way
to the finals to lose in 7 games against the Roadrunners in TFHL10.
Hurricanes Versus Blackhawks (Win - 7 Games)
The Hurricanes were led by the high flying line of Markus Naslund - Bill
Guerin - Shawn Bates. The Hurricanes went down to the wire to beat the
Blackhawks in 7 games.
Hurricanes Versus Wheat Kings (??)
BREAK DOWN
Offense
Edge: Hurricanes
The Calgary Hurricanes have scored 67 games in 18 games versus the Wheat
Kings' 54 goals in 16 games. The Wheat Kings have managed a total of
391 shots which is low in comparison to the Hurricanes shot outburst of
539. The Wheat Kings are not as heavy in scoring as the Hurricanes but
still could pose a challenge if defensive break downs occur.
Defense
Edge: Wheat Kings
The Wheat Kings have allowed only 40 goals versus the 55 goals let in by
the Hurricanes. The Wheat Kings may not have the scoring prowness that
the Hurricanes do, but they certainly have shown to shut down the
Eastern conference teams.
Goaltending:
Edge: Wheat Kings
Brian Boucher has a .889 save percentage and a 2.92 goals against
average in 17 games. James Howard has a stellar .920 save percentage
and a 2.35 goals against average. The edge for goaltending is certainly
in favour of the Wheat Kings. If the Hurricanes manage to fire many
shots at Howard, they could have a chance, but they may need to keep
scoring goals to ensure a win.
The championship series kicks off tomorrow in the mighty province of
Saskatchewan.
Calgary Sun
PR - Wheat Kings
WHEAT KINGS SWEET ACHAEANS; FACE 'CANES IN FINALS
The Saskatchewan Wheat Kings who were sitting out of the playoffs until the last few games of the year are now about to challenge for the league championship.
The Kings swept a competitive but suprisingly short series against the favourite Achaeans.
"The series with the Acheaeans was an enjoyable one," coach-GM Tyler Young said, "I thought it was good hockey, it was really much closer than the results indicate. Each game and indeed the series could have swung the other way at any moment. I'm glad though we won in four, it gave us some much needed time to recoup."
The Kings emerged from the Western Conference finals a little worse for wear. Nearly every on of the grissled men of the plains suffers from sort of undisclosed aches, bruises, sprains and breaks. Jimmy Howard was in definite need of a rest after 16 games in net and Matt Ellison after he re-agitated an injury he had suffered in the second round, missing the two final games of the series.
Although the Kings emerged victorious from the Western championship, they did not have a sense of triumph. One of their stars Steve Bernier tore an ACL on a freak colision with Achaean Vladimir Nedorost. He requires surgery and will be lucky to return in time for training camp next year.
"Yeah, Bernie took that bad, just a freak accident, they got crossed up on a line change, each looking the either way. It hurts a lot to lose a guy like Bernie, but it also gives our guys some incentive to step up to fill his place."
The Kings found-out today that they will face off against the Calgary Hurricanes. Never having met in the playoffs, there is no history for this poor scribe to impart.
"Should be a great series, very excited," Mr. Young stated, "we aren't as familiar with the Canes as with the Ice, Flames, or Achaeans, but we do know they have a great team and they also have a heckuva guy in Naslund. I remember back when Marcus used to be dominant like that, then he quieted down and we haven't heard from him in a few years. But skill like that never leaves. If they win this series it would be a sure testament to a great player."
The Saskatchewan Wheat Kings who were sitting out of the playoffs until the last few games of the year are now about to challenge for the league championship.
The Kings swept a competitive but suprisingly short series against the favourite Achaeans.
"The series with the Acheaeans was an enjoyable one," coach-GM Tyler Young said, "I thought it was good hockey, it was really much closer than the results indicate. Each game and indeed the series could have swung the other way at any moment. I'm glad though we won in four, it gave us some much needed time to recoup."
The Kings emerged from the Western Conference finals a little worse for wear. Nearly every on of the grissled men of the plains suffers from sort of undisclosed aches, bruises, sprains and breaks. Jimmy Howard was in definite need of a rest after 16 games in net and Matt Ellison after he re-agitated an injury he had suffered in the second round, missing the two final games of the series.
Although the Kings emerged victorious from the Western championship, they did not have a sense of triumph. One of their stars Steve Bernier tore an ACL on a freak colision with Achaean Vladimir Nedorost. He requires surgery and will be lucky to return in time for training camp next year.
"Yeah, Bernie took that bad, just a freak accident, they got crossed up on a line change, each looking the either way. It hurts a lot to lose a guy like Bernie, but it also gives our guys some incentive to step up to fill his place."
The Kings found-out today that they will face off against the Calgary Hurricanes. Never having met in the playoffs, there is no history for this poor scribe to impart.
"Should be a great series, very excited," Mr. Young stated, "we aren't as familiar with the Canes as with the Ice, Flames, or Achaeans, but we do know they have a great team and they also have a heckuva guy in Naslund. I remember back when Marcus used to be dominant like that, then he quieted down and we haven't heard from him in a few years. But skill like that never leaves. If they win this series it would be a sure testament to a great player."
Friday, February 09, 2007
PR - Young Guns
YOUNG GUNS LOSE; TRAIL 3-2
For many teams being down 3-2 would be a time when desperation creeps in, however for this team, they strive when they're backs are against the wall. "We love the pressure... we've been doing it all year now we need to use that experience and get two more wins," said coach Bobby Hull. This team was in a dogfight at the end of the season, jockeying for playoff position and found themselves down 3-1 to the Rednexs- both times the team stepped up to the challenge and exceeded expectations. "Alot of the guys in this dressing room are in the playoffs for the first time and having been playing with a no-lose attitude since game 1," said veteran RW Ryan Smyth. Despite a solid performance in Game 4, G Jose Theodore was yanked late in Game 5 Friday night and was not available for comment following the team practice Thursday. "We just wanted to get him out and keep him fresh for tomorrow night... by that time we were long out of it," said coach Bobby Hull.
As we look ahead to Game 6-
1. The Young Guns will need to focus on limiting shots
-Hurricanes have had 30+ shots in every game except game 1
-Hurricanes have had 30+ shots in every game except game 1
2. Keep the PK rolling
-currently running at 86% (Hurricane PP 4/28)
-currently running at 86% (Hurricane PP 4/28)
-Ottawa Free Press
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
PR - Young Guns
YOUNG GUNS CATCH FIRE; ADVANCE TO EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
The cinderella story continues for the young explosive team out of Ottawa. Down three games to one in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, the Young Guns rallied to win 3 straight (2 on the road) to advance to the Conference Finals Monday. "We know we're a streaky bunch in here," said RW Rick Nash, "we can get hot at any time." And hot they were, with 15 goals in three games, the offense was there and, although the defense was somewhat lackluster, they got the job done in the end. "I didn't play the way I wanted to in the series, but as team we came together and really played well," said goaltender Jose Theodore at a media conference Monday.
There hasn't been one single player that has been a standout during their playoff run, however consistency and depth are perhaps more valuable. Sidney Crosby is currently leading the team in scoring with 16 points, followed by linemate Nikolai Zherdev with 15. But more significant are the contributions from their veterans. Ryan Smyth is having a great playoff run with 11 points and Shane Doan has 3 goals, 2 of which are game winners. Both players relish their chance to be on a cup contender, "it's nice to get a chance to win a championship in the latter part of your career.. makes it more special," said Ryan Smyth.
As the Young Guns look ahead, they seem to be in store for quite an explosive series with the Calgary Hurricanes. Containing current scoring leader Markus Naslund will be a key, but the team is focused on playing more team defense as a whole. "We need to be better in our own end, limit scoring chances and start collapsing down to the net as a 5 man unit," said coach Bobby Hull following the teams optional skate Monday afternoon. As always, specialty teams will be a big factor- if the Young Guns can stay hot on the Power Play the Hurricane winds won't be blowing for long.
-Ottawa Free Press
Monday, February 05, 2007
PR - Hurricanes
CALGARY IS OFF TO THE CONFERENCE FINALS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THEIR
TFHL CHAMPIONSHIP IN TFHL12
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hurricanes knocked out the Aces in 6 games in
what is now turning into an interesting story of the under dog in the
TFHL playoffs.
HOW 'SWEDE' IT IS AGAIN
The unlikely hero is none other than Markus Naslund. Markus slumped the
entire TFHL season but has seem to become rejuvenated and taken the TFHL
playoffs by storm with an amazing
22 points. The next highest scorer on the Hurricanes is Alexander
Svitov with 12 points. "I am coming to the end of my career and this
just might be the last chance I have. We have a great young team
that I think can go all the way." said Markus Naslund.
The Hurricanes goaltending has been sub-par but the outstanding playing
of Markus Naslund and other players like Jason King, Alexander
Sundstrom, and Alexander Svitov has ensured that more goals are scored
than allowed.
Defensively the Hurricanes seem to be doing great both offensive and
defensively. Veteran Wade Redden leads the way with a +\- of 4 and has
accumluated 9 points in the 12 game playoff stretch.
The three Bri(y)an's including : Mccabe, Leetch, and Campbell are all
contributed offensively to the team in search of its 2nd TFHL Championship.
Next up: Young Guns
The Hurricanes have home ice advantage after just squeaking into the
playoffs once again. A break down so far for both teams:
OFFENSE:
Edge: Young Guns
There's no doubt that Markus Naslund has regained his form. In the last
12 games he has amassed 22 points including 15 assists and 7 goals. The
Hurricanes have a steady group of players that can take the pass from
Naslund to score while the Young Guns have a scoring by comittee system
in place.
DEFENSE:
Edge: Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have allowed only 24 goals while the Young Guns have let
in 40 goals. The Hurricanes also possess high scoring defensemen like
Bryan Mccabe and Wade Redden.
GOALTENDING:
Edge: Even
Alright. Both goaltenders on both teams are quite poor. Brian Boucher
of the Hurricanes has a 3.01 goals against average while Jose Theodore
has a 3.14 goals against. It's going to come down to goal scoring.
Good luck to the "Final Four".
Calgary Sun
TFHL CHAMPIONSHIP IN TFHL12
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hurricanes knocked out the Aces in 6 games in
what is now turning into an interesting story of the under dog in the
TFHL playoffs.
HOW 'SWEDE' IT IS AGAIN
The unlikely hero is none other than Markus Naslund. Markus slumped the
entire TFHL season but has seem to become rejuvenated and taken the TFHL
playoffs by storm with an amazing
22 points. The next highest scorer on the Hurricanes is Alexander
Svitov with 12 points. "I am coming to the end of my career and this
just might be the last chance I have. We have a great young team
that I think can go all the way." said Markus Naslund.
The Hurricanes goaltending has been sub-par but the outstanding playing
of Markus Naslund and other players like Jason King, Alexander
Sundstrom, and Alexander Svitov has ensured that more goals are scored
than allowed.
Defensively the Hurricanes seem to be doing great both offensive and
defensively. Veteran Wade Redden leads the way with a +\- of 4 and has
accumluated 9 points in the 12 game playoff stretch.
The three Bri(y)an's including : Mccabe, Leetch, and Campbell are all
contributed offensively to the team in search of its 2nd TFHL Championship.
Next up: Young Guns
The Hurricanes have home ice advantage after just squeaking into the
playoffs once again. A break down so far for both teams:
OFFENSE:
Edge: Young Guns
There's no doubt that Markus Naslund has regained his form. In the last
12 games he has amassed 22 points including 15 assists and 7 goals. The
Hurricanes have a steady group of players that can take the pass from
Naslund to score while the Young Guns have a scoring by comittee system
in place.
DEFENSE:
Edge: Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have allowed only 24 goals while the Young Guns have let
in 40 goals. The Hurricanes also possess high scoring defensemen like
Bryan Mccabe and Wade Redden.
GOALTENDING:
Edge: Even
Alright. Both goaltenders on both teams are quite poor. Brian Boucher
of the Hurricanes has a 3.01 goals against average while Jose Theodore
has a 3.14 goals against. It's going to come down to goal scoring.
Good luck to the "Final Four".
Calgary Sun
PR - Wheat Kings
THE ICEMAN MELTETH: WHEAT KINGS ADVANCE TO CONFERENCE FINAL
The Saskatchewan Wheat Kings dispatched their cross-town rivals on Sunday, sending the goon-squad Ice to the frozen prairie links.
"I hope the blizzard drifts aren't too much of a hazard," a livid coach-GM Tyler Young quipped after game five. "Good riddance after the cheap minor league hockey they played this series. I was just glad to see the refs do things right this last game after the Ice ran amock for games three and four."
The Wheat Kings put on something of a clinic - good, clean, skilled hockey - which saw them take a 3-0 series lead. After that the Ice went Charlestown Chiefs on the Wheaties, intentionally injuring one of the Kings leading scorers, Matt Ellison, their top +/- d-man, Mike Rathje, and their #1 d-man, Mark Stuart. They also went after rookies Jimmy Howard and Nik Bergfors, who had a phenomenal series.
"It's as if if when they realized they couldn't win cleanly, that moron (Ice head coach) Bob Hartley told them to go out and play like animals. When they had gorillas like (David) Liffiton or (Daniel) Fernholm on the ice, at times I was seriously afraid for my guys. But then Hartley's known for that kind of thing. They got one win out of it I guess, but really, a shameful display, bad sportsmanship."
"But let's focus on the positive: our guys played a great series, we had some timely efforts and great performances. Nik was a monster out there tonight, he won that game. Last series Jimmy's effort got the clincher, this series it was Nik. That's what we need, timely play from our guys, especially those young core guys. And now with the next series we have a very exciting opponent, it should be a great finals."
The Wheat Kings will meet the Achaeans in the Western final. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Achaeans won in six and waltzed-on to win the TFHL Cup.
The Saskatchewan Wheat Kings dispatched their cross-town rivals on Sunday, sending the goon-squad Ice to the frozen prairie links.
"I hope the blizzard drifts aren't too much of a hazard," a livid coach-GM Tyler Young quipped after game five. "Good riddance after the cheap minor league hockey they played this series. I was just glad to see the refs do things right this last game after the Ice ran amock for games three and four."
The Wheat Kings put on something of a clinic - good, clean, skilled hockey - which saw them take a 3-0 series lead. After that the Ice went Charlestown Chiefs on the Wheaties, intentionally injuring one of the Kings leading scorers, Matt Ellison, their top +/- d-man, Mike Rathje, and their #1 d-man, Mark Stuart. They also went after rookies Jimmy Howard and Nik Bergfors, who had a phenomenal series.
"It's as if if when they realized they couldn't win cleanly, that moron (Ice head coach) Bob Hartley told them to go out and play like animals. When they had gorillas like (David) Liffiton or (Daniel) Fernholm on the ice, at times I was seriously afraid for my guys. But then Hartley's known for that kind of thing. They got one win out of it I guess, but really, a shameful display, bad sportsmanship."
"But let's focus on the positive: our guys played a great series, we had some timely efforts and great performances. Nik was a monster out there tonight, he won that game. Last series Jimmy's effort got the clincher, this series it was Nik. That's what we need, timely play from our guys, especially those young core guys. And now with the next series we have a very exciting opponent, it should be a great finals."
The Wheat Kings will meet the Achaeans in the Western final. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Achaeans won in six and waltzed-on to win the TFHL Cup.
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