PR - Pontiacs

PONTIACS HOVERING JUST BELOW .500

After an almost stellar weekend, with decisive wins
over the Res. Dogs and the Misconduct, and a one goal
loss to the Aces, the Pontiacs retain the 8th spot in
the East.

Despite the promising results of the past weekend, GM
Andrew Schoenberger has announced that he will be
taking a three week scouting tour, as of April 26.
Unimpressed by the leagues assessment of the league's
future talent, he has decided to take things into his
own hands and do the scouting himself, convinced that
there is a diamond in the rough.

He is reported to return to Bonnyville, on May 15 for
the final 30+ games of the season where he hopes to
find the Pontiacs still in possession of a playoff
spot, if not higher up in the conference.

Therefore, if the Pontiacs do not make any big moves
in the next couple of days, do not expect any trades
from the Pontiacs, until his return.

PR - Wheat Kings

WHEAT KINGS REDEEMED AND RUINED IN ONE WEEK

After a typically pathetic start to the season, the Wheat Kings managed to pull themselves out of their tailspin and put together a formidable 8-1-1 streak.

"We looked good," Coach-GM Tyler Young commented, "things were starting to come together. Kaz was beginning to play great, Berny was getting himself out the funk he's been since the trade deadline last season, Jimmy and Nik were shaking-off their playoff hangovers, and we were getting great performances from Peter and Mike. But then everything went to sh--."

In consecutive games the Kings fell victims to the goony wiles of the Pontiacs and the Rednex. In the first incident, Steve Bernier was sucker punched by former teammate Rhett Warrener. In the second, Dan Collins intentionally went knee-on-knee against Dimitri Kazionov. In neither case did the league suspend the offending players. The injuries knocked two of the Kings best players out of the line-up for at least a week.

"Two of our best downed like that..." Mr. Young said, "We try to play it clean, but we are just not getting any benefit of the doubt out there. Heck, against the Rednex and Pontiacs two of the worst penalized teams in the league, we actually had more minors called against us. I don't know if it's because he don't role around on the ice or what, but the refs have got to grow a brain... or maybe I should just go out and get a goon or two."

When asked what the Kings will do without two of their best players, Mr. Young just shrugged his shoulders and said, "I was hoping some of our periphery guys like Bitz or Bertam would step up, maybe Ziggy Palffy would get his head out of the clouds, but after today's fiasco (a 5-0 romp by the Marauders), I don't think any of that is going to happen."

Asked if he had a trades in the works:

"I always try, but it hard to make a deal that works anymore, a lot of times the other GM is only looking to rip you off, which I understand because its competitive out there and you are the one approaching him, but still, most deals I've done have worked out well for both sides. But yeah, I don't know if we can go a week with the way these guys are playing. We could very well be out of the playoffs in a week after fighting for our lives to get back in - and in this conference, the fat lady might as well start to yodle."

CSB TFHL19 Draft Scouting Report

CSB TFHL19 Draft Scouting Report

The CSB has completed their first appraisal of the TFHL19 draft class and the general consensus is that the draft is going to be very average.

"Very, very straightforward," said one scout, "not too strong and not too weak."

Scouts say that the first round will be AVERAGE, with an AVERAGE diminishment throughout the draft. All scouts agree that there are no phenoms in this draft class.

At one time it looked like Angelo Esposito would hit Phenom status, but his value has plummeted to the point that some Scouts don't even have him in their top 10:

"There's still some carry-over hype with Esposito," one scout commented, "he may be somewhat over-valued still."

Behind Esposito the field is wide open. Some slate Sam Gagner, others his linemate Patrick Kane as their #1. Karl Azner and Keaton Ellerby are the best defenders available in most scouts books.

Some scouts though suggest that Alexei Cherepanov could really be the most promising player in this draft. Not overly scouted, he only showed up on most teams' radars when he became a suprise starter with the senior Omsk squad. Of all the top prospects he is the only who is playing against men - and doing well, he shattered the Russian league record for rookie scoring set by Pavel Bure.

"He's too soft at times, plays on the periphery," said one scout.

Another scoffed at the suggestion: "Cherepanov is a Siberian kid, plays with grit and determination. Moreover, he loves the game. Any team that passes on him, in my opinion, will regret it for years."


Top 10 North American Skaters
1. Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
2. James Van Riemsdyk, LW, U.S. National U-18
3. Sam Gagner, C, London (OHL)
4. Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
5. Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
6. Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
7. John Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
8. Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
9. Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
10. Tommy Cross, D, Westminster School (USHS)

Top 5 European Skaters
1. Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
2. Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
3. Maxim Mayorov, W, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
4. Joakim Andersson, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
5. Lars Eller, W, Frolunda Jr.(Sweden Jr.)

Top 3 North American Goaltenders
1. Trevor Cann, Peterborough (OHL)
2. Jeremy Smith, Plymouth (OHL)
3. Antoine Lafleur, P.E.I. (QMJHL)

Top 3 European Goaltenders
1. Mark Owuya, Djurgarden Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
2. Joel Gistedt, Frolunda (Sweden )
3. Damiano Ciaccio, Fribourg Jr. (Swiss Jr.)



The Draft Lotto Odds:

Draw A:
1/10 good (starting at ~75ov)
2/10 top 4/6 heavy (1-4/6 ~75ov; then 73>)
2/10 top 12/15 heavy (1-12/15 75-74; then 72>)
2/10 weak (starting at ~72OV)
3/10 average (starting at ~74OV)

Draw B:
1/5 minimal diminishment (1-2OV/rnd)
2/5 average diminishment (2-3OV/rnd)***
1/5 drops off at ~35-40
1/5 drops off at ~55-60

Draw C:
1/10 a Phenom Event (an 18 y/o player 80OV+)
9/10 no event***

PR - Blackhawks

Blackhawks Enjoying Most Explosive Offensive Season Ever!

The red hot Blackhawks currently boast the league's top scorer in rookie Maxime Lacroix who has been nothing short of sensational. Scoring highlight reel goals night in, night out, this maybe the franchise player the Blackhawks have been waiting for. Maxime is not only scoring goals but has proven to be quite the playmaker. Playing on a line with free agent acquistion Jeremy Roenick and last years sniper extraordinare, Colby Armstrong, Lacroix is getting a chance to show how well he can read the play on the ice.

"Playing with these guys is amazing really. JR will always find a way to get us the puck and you know that Colbs will find someway to slide it in there".

In fact the Hawks currently have the leading scorer in all 3 forward position categories.

The Kids Are Alright!

Last years first round pick and Calder trophy winner is also enjoying another fine season so far and has been a great help in getting Lacroix accustomed to the TFHL.

Building from within is something new to the Hawks who in years past were quick to trade away draft picks for proven talent. The last two first round selections have so far been outstanding and will be crucial if the Hawks are to have any real success in the postseason. Coach Denis Savard is greatful that GM Rick Arich has finally stopped that annoying trend. "We were getting guys in here that were groomed all over the league and alot of times they just weren't fitting into our systems and style of play. Its nice to have these kids who can come up through the system and both parties know what they can expect from one another.

What Goes Up....Must Come Down

Not all is coming up roses for the Hawks so far this season though. A serious injury to #1 defenceman Ryan O'Byrne has crippled the defensive corps and the coaching staff are hoping they can hang in there until his return much later this season. Jason Smith was quick to reiterate the consequences of the situation come Day 43 when the Owls visit the Blackhawks.

"The boys are still pretty choked at Thornton for that cheap shot. He better keep his head up when they come to town".

Shortly after that comment, Jason Smith was suspended 5 games for a questionable hit on Jaroslav Svoboda of the Blades. It looks like Svoboda will miss much of the season much like O'Byrne.

Prognosis Positive

So nearly a quarter of the way into the season the Blackhawks have shattered some early expectations and shut many of their critics up but its still early and just like last year.....hot streaks end and things can change in a heartbeat. Lets hope they can just keep putting more rubber in the net than the other team. At the very least we can all expect some exciting Hawk hockey for the next little while I'm sure!

The Blackhawk Reporter --- April 18,2007

PR - Misconducts

Misconducts To Send Tape To League

The Misconducts are reportedly going to send a tape to the league offices of the Brad Ference hit on Andy Sackrison. " This is an outrage, " stated Misconducts GM Rob Maxwell, " Sackrison is our league scoring and one of the brightest young stars in this game. The league has to send a message to players that things of this nature will not be tolerated. Ference had no intention on playing the puck, his goal was simply to hurt our best offense player. " You can bet that the next time these two teams meet that Ference will have a target on his back and there are even rumors circulating that players like Colin White, Boris Valabik, and Cody Wild will be called up for action in that game. Sackrison is not expected to miss much time, but the Misconducts might want to take their time bringing back their leading scorer especially if the team is playing well in his absence.

Noronen To Get 2nd Start

Mika Noronen is expected to get his second start of the season in net tomorrow night against the Aces. Carey Price has played extremely well this season and is finally showing signs of why the Misconducts used a top ten pick on him last season. Noronen performed well in his first start the other night against the Saints allowing only one goal in the Misconducts 4 - 1 victory. Coach Lemaire stated that Noronen will be seeing an increase in playing time in the next few weeks to rest of Price for the second half of the season and a playoff push.

Felony Come to Life

After weeks of frustration in Phoenix, the Felony finally busted out for a big game defeating the Baby Marauders 21-2. The Felony were lead by a pair of rookies Tony Romano who had 4 goals and 4 assists as well as Devin Didiomete who had 4 points. This could be a sign on things to come for the talented Felony team who finally put in a full games worth of work.

PR - Misconducts

Misconducts Surge To 2nd In East

The Misconducts offense has come alive this week and has helped the team make a surge up the Eastern Conference standings. The new line combinations that coach Jacques Lemaire installed this week with Alexei Yashin centering Andy Sackrison and Eric Nystrom and Brent Gwidt centering Mike Peca and Matt Ellison have really seemed to work out for the best. The two talented rookies Sackrison and Gwidt are leading the charge right now and have seemed to spark Nystrom and Ellison. It was once rumored that both Nystrom and Ellison were on the trading block but things seem to have changed with their recent performance. However it hasn't just been the first two lines scoring for the Misconducts, they have gotten solid contributions from their third and fourth lines as well. The third line is comprised of three veterans who add a lot to the team both on and off the ice. Niklas Hagman, Riku Hahl, and the recently acquired Glen Murray bring a lot of leadership to this young team. The three having been playing well since the arrival Murray and seem to provide a lot of energy when they are on the ice. Also the three of them have served as a great mentoring line for the fourth unit which is made up of former 1st round picks Ben Maxwell and Benoit Pouliot as well as talented RW Vladimir Zharkov.

Not to be forgotten in the Misconducts rise up the standings is the outstanding performance of goalie Carey Price. He has started every game for the Misconducts so far and in fact has played every minute for the team but two. When the Misconducts selected Price in the top ten of last years draft, they final got what they had been looking for for years, a franchise goalie. They know that every time Price is between the pipes that they have a chance to win and that has really helped the team out this season. Price is expected to get the game off tonight against Saints and Lemaire has even gone as far as saying if Mika Noronen performs well even that could get another game or two in net before Price returns. Lemaire stated the reason for Noronen starting is to give Price some much needed time off.

Misconducts Make Four Trades

The trading started a little over a week ago when they sent promising young dmen Joe Ryan and a future draft pick to the Pontiacs in exchange for veteran dman Rob Blake. The trade has work out well for the Misconducts so far with Blake stepping right in and being the teams number one dman and registering 6 points and a plus 9 in 9 games so far. The next move the team made was acquiring scoring winger Glen Murray from the Marauders for underacheiving forward David Setoguchi and prospect Rob Globke. Also coming back in the deal where minor league center Ryan O'Mara and a future draft pick. They also reacquired dman Cam Barker from the Wheat Kings and sent Vladimir Orszagh to the Pain in exchange for a package of draft picks. By the time the Misconducts were done dealing , they were able to fill out their pro roster with quality players and at the same time stockpile draft picks. The Misconducts have an unheard off 21 picks in the first three rounds over the next three seasons including a total of 10 2nd round picks in that time frame. Surely the Misconducts won't keep all of those picks, but the amount of picks they have allow them to do several things included move up in the first rounds of the those drafts and to possibly upgrade some of the talent they already have on the roster.

Misconducts Almost Fully Healthy Again

It took some time, but the Misconducts are almost fully healthy again. Jeff May out since the first game of the year has begun to skate with the team again. He is expected to return to the lineup sometime this week. Who he will replace has not been decided yet but the two likely candidates are Cody Wild and Robby Blaze. The consensus thought is that it will be Blaze since Wild logs considerablely more minutes a game. However Wild seems to take a lot of penalty minutes and has been sent to the minors once before this season.

Felony Strugle Early On

The group of players in Phoenix this year was thought to be one of the most talented teams in the minors and the best group of players that Phoenix has had in quite some time. However the team's 5-9-2 states otherwise. The Felony have four solid lines and boast one of the best defensive corps in the minors lead by Cam Barker, Chris Frank, Boris Valabik, and Colin White. Most of the blame falls on the goaltending and lack of discipline. The Misconducts are currently spending a lot of time and money scouting junior goalies this season. While they have Price locked up for years to come, the feeling in the organization is that the team doesn't have much else and are looking long and hard at up coming crop of goalies in hopes of landing another decent young goalie probably in the second or third round. It may be too late to turn around the Felony this season, but the amount of draft picks they have in the next three years they should have no problem improving their farm system.

PR - Saints

Saints' Newcomer Lombardi goes on Scoring Binge in April...(Higgins designated driver)

After the Young-Major blockbuster trade on draft day, critics have been silenced as Matthew Lombardi has exploded since putting on a Saints jersey now that he has plenty of ice time with Chris Higgins, and Ilja Kovalchuk. Lombardi leads TFHL goal scorers with 12 goals in 14 games, and has bounced back and forth at the top of the Leading Scorers list and currently is 2nd with 19 pts. The trade with the Hurricanes saw Bryzgalov and Getzlaf leaving 'Toontown while Naslund and Lombardi joined an already deep offensive lineup. Thus far the Saints have struggled with consistency and thanks to a 4 game losing streak, have a modest record at 7-6-1 as the team is almost a fifth of the way through the 78 game season.

GM Young is still quite confident that his team with settle down as the season moves on: "I said at the beginning of the season; and I'll say it again: we have the best offence in the league and by the end of the year we will be contending for the Conference title and our first TFHL Cup." After a tough 4 game losing streak, which saw the Saints lose a 9-3 game, critics were calling for Young to make a move. The 'old' Young would not of hesitated in making a trade to shake things up, but things have changed in Saskatoon over the past couple seasons. "I don't think we'll be making mid-season moves. All such moves in the past I have regretted and I've proven to be a much better offseason trader, drafter and free agent signer." This being said, Young didn't rule out any trade deadline moves considering they have a few million dollars of room available and there always seems to be a few pending FA veterans who can be had for cheap. < /FONT>

The Saints seem to be quite content and happy with the talent they have in the dressing room. In some other announcements, the Saints have announced a new captain and an updated logo, home and away jerseys (attached). Christopher Higgins, the proven leader and possible franchise player is being given the chance to wear the C after much anticipation. Long-time Saint and captain Joe Sakic, since he is not logging as much ice time, will remain as an Assistant Captain. The other Assistant is Jason Arnott, a veteran centre and top scorer on the Saints roster.

PR - Wheat Kings

WHEATIES START HORRIBLE, LOOK TO LATVIAN

Mired in the franchises worst start to a season ever, the Kings pulled off a significant deal Sunday, sending Mike Modano, Stephen Weiss, Kristian Huselius, and Kevin Montgomery to the Ignite in return for Jakubs Redlihs.

"Addition by substraction, perhaps a little desperation," Coach-GM Tyler Young commented, "but we also got something we needed. Jakubs is great defensively, can rack-up a lot of minutes and can pass the puck. Our D was doing ok, but with three rookies on the line it was a little suspect."

The deal allows the Kings to also move some players around: Brad Larsen, Dan Bertran and Rostislav Olesz were all asigned to the pro; T.J. Young was assigned to the farm.

In his second game for the Kings, Redlihs piloted the Kings to only their second victory, in a 4-2 win over the Resevoir Dogs. Redlihs however was injured in the 3rd period and will likely miss a few games.

"That's just more salt on the wound, isn't it?" the GM fumed, "As soon as things start to look up, then things go wrong. I've never seen anything like it, so many injuries early on, bad goals, stupid bone-head plays. I don't know what's up, but things will change or else players will."


WHAT'S WRONG IN NET?

Prior to the season predilecting pundits pointed to the Kings' goaltending as the team's strength, but 10 games in the netminders are the primary reason the Kings are mopping the TFHL basement floor. Jimmy Howard has been down right suspect and Roberto Luongo might as well be made of air.

"They'll need to get themselves sorted out," Mr. Young said, "I don't think there's really any possibility of making a deal there."


WHAT'S WRONG WITH BERNIE?

Steve Bernier, one of the team's core players and their leading scorer (.ppg) for the past two years, has been a decided disaster this season. With 5 points in 10 games and most notably a -13, Bernier has found himself on the 4th line, with a good chance of being benched.

"He's a plague right now, wherever he goes, that line is minus," commented Mr. Young, "He has to shape up. It might be unimagineable, but if something doesn't improve soon he will be dealt. I think I might actually start feeling around now, to see what's out there for him."

PR - Spirit

Spirit come out on top in team-building game

It's still early in the season, but the Guelph Spirit may have experienced one of those games that brings a team together. In a nasty, penalty-filled affair, the Spirit emerged triumphant against a Chepstow Aces team that was more focussed on hitting everything that moved than winning the game.

The game started rough early, when Ruslan Fedotenko challenged Dion Phaneuf to a fight, by dropping his gloves on the ice. Phaneuf took one look at the taller but scrawnier Fedotenko and laughed it off, skating back to the bench. Fedotenko picked up two minutes for his troubles. Phaneuf then made him pay, opening the scoring with a blast from the point that eluded Thomas Vokoun.

The Spirit's smugness was short-lived though, as Marian Gaborik finished off a pretty passing play with Dominic D'Amour and Alexandre Picard to tie the game.

The Aces dirty work didn't stop there though. Less than two minutes after the powerplay goal, team owner and general manager (and hence, star center) Dave Walter ran Aaron Rome into the boards from behind. Rome was sore and slow to get up, but stayed in the game.

In the second period, the wheels looked to have come off for the Spirit. First, D'Amour picked up his second point of the night, scoring two minutes into the period for a 2-1 Aces lead. Phaneuf finally find a dance partner he considered worthy, as he and Todd Bertuzzi squared off for a spirited scrap that ended in a lot of wrestling and was scored a draw. Spirit defenceman Miko Kalteva, last year's Norris trophy winner, tried to exact some revenge for the earlier hit on Rome by slamming Walter into the boards, but earned his own two minute rest in the penalty box. Walter made him pay too, by setting up Sami Kapanen for his 5th of the season to make the score 3-1. Kapanen, who was let go last year from the Spirit as an unrestricted free agent, has been lighting things up in Chepstow with nine points in six games. Scoring against his former team must have been sweet satisfaction.

So the Spirit entered the third period sore, irate at the antics of the Aces and down 3-1. The Aces looked content to coast the rest of the way, but couldn't hold the lead at all, as Jeff O'Neill one-timed home a pass from Marian Hossa to bring the Spirit within one.

The Aces responded with more goonery. Erik Johnson parked himself in front of the Spirit net and slew-footed goalie Tommy Salo, a blatant penalty that the referees clearly missed. When Phaneuf stepped in to move him away, Johnson responded with a gloved shot to Phaneuf's face. Finally, the refs saw this maneuver and sat him down for two minutes. Now short-handed, one would expect the Aces to smarten up, but they obviously had been given new orders from their GM, Walter, to harass Salo. Unconfirmed rumours state that Walter could be hurt urging his troops to "get in his face" and "rattle his cage".

Well, fourth-line center Kamil Kreps, desperate to be noticed by the Aces GM, took the words to heart. While killing Johnson's penalty, he skated by the Spirit net and took a two-handed swing at Salo's head. His stick shattered across Salo's helmet and the goaltender slumped to the ice. The refs were so stunned they could only give Kreps a two-minute minor, although a linesman had the presence of mind to get Kreps off the ice before he was lynched by a furious Spirit team. Salo had to be helped from ice, disoriented and confused enough to think he actually *had* stopped the Belarussian shot from center ice. Marty Turco, the team's new backup, took his place.

The Spirit held off on revenge, as they were intent on the two-man advantage just handed to them. However, when the penalties expired without a goal, Phaneuf wasted no time in going after the man they saw responsible for the entire affair: Dave Walter. "Kreps obviously was just following orders," explained coach Brian Kilrea, who engaged in a shouting match with Walter following Krep's hit on Salo. "Dion was just doing what he thought was right."

It's fairly obvious that Walter should stick to what he does best - writing press releases (last year's PR winner). When it comes to fisticuffs, he isn't nearly as talented. Phaneuf extracted his pound of flesh, laying a beating on Walter that left him with a black eye, a cut on the forehead and a very swollen and bloody lip. Phaneuf was pulled away to the showers, still shouting at Walter. It's not known when Walter will next write a press release, although his fists are still in pristine shape, having failed to land a single blow against Phaneuf.

Of course, there was still a game to be played, and the Spirit's fourth-line immediately contributed, tying the match at 3, with Valterri Filpulla's second of the campaign. With the score now tied, Spirit center Petr Dvorak tried to spark the club by going after Fedotenko, but the wily Russian now was unwilling to engage and Dvorak received a roughing minor. This sparked the Spirit, and a minute later Alex Steen sprung Mike Fisher on a short-handed breakaway. He went five-hole on Vokoun and put the Spirit up 4-3. Realizing the game was now lost, the Aces gave up on playing hockey. Peter Aston threw an elbow at Filpulla, then Juraj Kolnik layed the lumber on Hossa. Hossa was having non of it and went right at Kolnik, who immediately turtled on the ice.

The game ended with 70 minutes in penalties being handed out, including two game misconducts and four fighting majors.

Spirit coach Kilrea was proud of his team after the game. "Obviously the Aces weren't prepared to play real hockey, and I'm really proud of how our guys responded. They weren't physically intimidated, took care of business, but also didn't forget that there were two points up for grabs.

"We've got a few new faces this year," said a gap-toothed Phaneuf after the game, "so it's good to have a bonding experience like this. We definitely showed that we're willing to stick up for our guys."

"That's a tough spot to come into," said Marty Turco, who picked up his first win of the game in relief of the injured Salo. "With Tommy out, you never know if they're going to come for you next. You try to keep that out of your mind and just focus on stopping the puck, but it's always on your mind a little."

Following the game, it was learned that Kreps had been suspended for five games, meaning he will miss the upcoming rematch with the Spirit. The Spirit reported that Salo would miss the next week or so with concussion-like symptoms.

PR - Pontiacs

Six games into the season and the Pontiacs have yet to
score a power play goal. As well, they happen to have
the most penalty minutes in the league. Yet, somehow,
all but one Pontiac game has been a one goal affair,
the exception being the 5-2 win over the Rednex.

With the team's penalty minutes exceeding 40 minutes a
game, it is a wonder that they can win at all. When
asked about this problem GM Andrew Schoenberger had
this to say:

"I guess our team feels that it only needs to play the
20 minutes that we are not in the box, or perhaps I
should say when the other team is not in the box, we
did get on shorthanded goal in our last game.

"We need to do something to kickstart our powerplay.
We have guys who can score even strength, but when we
have the extra attacker, they can't seem to put it
between the pipes.

"Up until now, Hovinen has been solid. I guess our
team's sloppy play caught up with him in our last game
against the Bobcats where he let in four quick goals.
Hopefully, he can keep it up.

"The only bright side that I can see is that we have a
solid penalty kill, and with the exception of the last
game it has been the reason we have been keeping
things close. However, we need to start looking for a
good power play forward to kick start our team."

Will the Bonnyville Pontiacs get their power play
going? Only time will tell, but as for their penalty
minutes, if they do not start cleaning up their play,
or at least create more injuries, the future of their
season looks pretty bleak.