With half of the season left to go, the Pontiacs seemed to have slipped a little off of their earlier pace. Pontiac's GM Andrew Schoenberger decided that a few changes were needed to shake things up and hopefully reignite the fire that has propelled the team on pace for the best season in Franchise history.
The first move by Schoenberger was to send Coburn and Setoguchi to the Wheat King's. "It is hard to be traded. There are a great bunch of guys, here in Bonnyville, but I really can't blame them for trading me, this hasn't been my best season." stated and downcast Coburn as he prepared to leave on his flight to Saskatoon. Setoguchi, on the other hand, seemed excited to be going to Saskatoon, "The depth of the Bobcats and the Pontiacs never really gave me a chance to prove myself in the pros, since I was really only an injury replacement, hopefully I will get my chance to play in the pros in Saskatoon."
Coming to Bonnyville were Ryan O'Marra, the Pontiacs' TFHL 17 2nd round pick, and Boris Valabik. "I am really excited to be back in Bonnyville. These guys place my style of hockey, and I know that I can make a contribution here." Valibik was a little less enthusiastic but said nonetheless, "I enjoyed playing with the Wheaties, and here I have to fill the shoes left by Coburn, which won't be easy, however, I feel that I am up to the challenge and I am ready to make a contribution."
The second move saw Jeff May go to the Misconduct along with some picks. May has been known as the league's top enforcer this year, and so I would be concerned how he might react the next time he plays against his old team. GM Andrew Schoenberger lauged at that comment and said, "Jeff is a great guy, in fact, he brought a lot of life to the locker room, however, sometimes you have to make tough decisions, that's life."
From the Misconducts came Jacub Hulva, who seemed very excited to be here. "Coach Craig MacTavish just told me that I would be playing on a line with Jonas and Danny! Who would not be excited to play with such great players? I know that I haven't been having the best season yet, but I am confident that alongside these two Greats I will be able to perform well."
Friday, January 25, 2008
PR - Pontiacs
With half of the season left to go, the Pontiacs seemed to have slipped a little off of their earlier pace. Pontiac's GM Andrew Schoenberger decided that a few changes were needed to shake things up and hopefully reignite the fire that has propelled the team on pace for the best season in Franchise history.
The first move by Schoenberger was to send Coburn and Setoguchi to the Wheat King's. "It is hard to be traded. There are a great bunch of guys, here in Bonnyville, but I really can't blame them for trading me, this hasn't been my best season." stated and downcast Coburn as he prepared to leave on his flight to Saskatoon. Setoguchi, on the other hand, seemed excited to be going to Saskatoon, "The depth of the Bobcats and the Pontiacs never really gave me a chance to prove myself in the pros, since I was really only an injury replacement, hopefully I will get my chance to play in the pros in Saskatoon."
Coming to Bonnyville were Ryan O'Marra, the Pontiacs' TFHL 17 2nd round pick, and Boris Valabik. "I am really excited to be back in Bonnyville. These guys place my style of hockey, and I know that I can make a contribution here." Valibik was a little less enthusiastic but said nonetheless, "I enjoyed playing with the Wheaties, and here I have to fill the shoes left by Coburn, which won't be easy, however, I feel that I am up to the challenge and I am ready to make a contribution."
The second move saw Jeff May go to the Misconduct along with some picks. May has been known as the league's top enforcer this year, and so I would be concerned how he might react the next time he plays against his old team. GM Andrew Schoenberger lauged at that comment and said, "Jeff is a great guy, in fact, he brought a lot of life to the locker room, however, sometimes you have to make tough decisions, that's life."
From the Misconducts came Jacub Hulva, who seemed very excited to be here. "Coach Craig MacTavish just told me that I would be playing on a line with Jonas and Danny! Who would not be excited to play with such great players? I know that I haven't been having the best season yet, but I am confident that alongside these two Greats I will be able to perform well."
The first move by Schoenberger was to send Coburn and Setoguchi to the Wheat King's. "It is hard to be traded. There are a great bunch of guys, here in Bonnyville, but I really can't blame them for trading me, this hasn't been my best season." stated and downcast Coburn as he prepared to leave on his flight to Saskatoon. Setoguchi, on the other hand, seemed excited to be going to Saskatoon, "The depth of the Bobcats and the Pontiacs never really gave me a chance to prove myself in the pros, since I was really only an injury replacement, hopefully I will get my chance to play in the pros in Saskatoon."
Coming to Bonnyville were Ryan O'Marra, the Pontiacs' TFHL 17 2nd round pick, and Boris Valabik. "I am really excited to be back in Bonnyville. These guys place my style of hockey, and I know that I can make a contribution here." Valibik was a little less enthusiastic but said nonetheless, "I enjoyed playing with the Wheaties, and here I have to fill the shoes left by Coburn, which won't be easy, however, I feel that I am up to the challenge and I am ready to make a contribution."
The second move saw Jeff May go to the Misconduct along with some picks. May has been known as the league's top enforcer this year, and so I would be concerned how he might react the next time he plays against his old team. GM Andrew Schoenberger lauged at that comment and said, "Jeff is a great guy, in fact, he brought a lot of life to the locker room, however, sometimes you have to make tough decisions, that's life."
From the Misconducts came Jacub Hulva, who seemed very excited to be here. "Coach Craig MacTavish just told me that I would be playing on a line with Jonas and Danny! Who would not be excited to play with such great players? I know that I haven't been having the best season yet, but I am confident that alongside these two Greats I will be able to perform well."
PR - Wheat Kings
MALIGNED WHEAT KINGS MAKE DEAL FOR D-MAN
A day after learning that Jimmie Howard would be out for at least a week, the Kings announced to the media that they had completed a deal with the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
Leaving Saskatoon are Boris Valabik and Ryan O'Marra, arriving are Braydon Coburn and Devin Setogucchi.
"We excited to be adding a defenceman of Braydon's calibre," Coach-GM Tyler Young said, "I think everyone can agree that our defence hasn't been up to it's typical standards. Getting a guy like Coburn just gives us a little bit more talent back there. We gave up two good young players, especially O'Marra, who's looking like an excellent young forward. But with Bergfors, Hennessy, Forsberg and Mueller, we just had too many natural centers and there really wasn't room for O'Marra on the top two lines."
The Wheat Kings had been looking for a deal for nearly a month now and many Wheat-watchers have mave been expecting something bigger, possibly including captain Josh Hennessy, intended to shake the Kings out of their mediocre play this season.
"If I wasn't also owner of this team, I'd probably already be fired." Mr. Young joked. "We're on track to our third sub-500 season in four years, and that is just unacceptable. Yes we had something of a young team, but we're getting older now, we should be taking steps forward - and the truth of the matter is that we aren't. Statswise we are on a pace comparable to last season."
"The good news is that the season is only half-way over and we're still in a position to compete for the playoffs. The problem is that the West is tougher than ever this season - any more slips and we'll be hard pressed to get to the post-season."
18 YEAR OLD GOALIE FLOURISHING
After Howard went down, Mr Young announced that Antoine Lafleur, the team's 18 year old goaltending prospect, would be the go-to guy for next week or so as Howard recovered. In his first game Lafleur was sacked by the Achaeans with five goals. But in his second against the Mustangs he responded with a shut-out and then won his third against the high-flying Spirit.
"I was very shakey that first game, for sure," Lafleur said, "but knowing that I was in going to play the next nigjt, it just gave me a lot of confidence, and I focused on trying to get myself ready for that."
When drafted some scouts had compared him to a young Pascal Leclaire, but after a horrible start earlier this season against the Flames and then his poor play in the minors over the last month, the Kings had nearly written him off. Rumours were that he was nearly dealt at least on two occasions.
"We'll see, it's likely too early to get a definite idea about him yet," Mr. Young said, "but right now it's looking pretty lucky that we didn't trade him this season."
Notes&Rumours: The Wheat Kings are rumoured to be floating their captain, Josh Hennessy, on the market. Hennessy though has picked up his play of late... Mike Frolik, recalled from a conditioning stint in the minors after a terrible start to the season, was injured today and will likely miss 2-3 weeks... the Wheat Kings picked-up Dan Hinote off waivers Tuesday...
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
PR - Saints
Saskatoon Saints Acquire Naslund from Division Rivals
Saints GM Geoffrey Young made an unexpected trade today with Bobcats GM Glenn Merkir. The teams second leading goal-scorer, Fredrik Sjostrom (18 goals), was sent to Brantford along with veteran centre Jason Arnott in exchange for veteran super star Markus Naslund and defenseman Thierry Nelson. The deal was somewhat surprising considering the Saints' relatively strong play so far this season. Currently sitting with the #2 Offence in the TFHL, the departure of Sjostrom could hurt their offensive output which took a while to gain momentum early on in the season.
The Saints had a light skate and team meeting in Saskatoon this afternoon, in preparation for tonight's game against the Melfort Mustangs. Following the practise, GM Young commented on his latest acquisitions: "In the long run this deal clearly helps an obvious defensive hole that we had. I've had my eye on Nelson ever since he was picked up by the once Saskatoon Ice. The former GM Mark Gaucher wouldn't part with him so when I got an offer from Glenn today, I felt this was a great opportunity to solidify our defence for the next 3-4 years at least. We've now got Baranka, Ballard, Rozakov, Nelson and Lashoff; all five of them are 24 or younger and in long-term contracts. Things are looking good, and with players like Vitaly Vishnevski playing great defensively - I think he has a league-high +23 currently - we are quite solid...Markus Naslund is a perennial point-a-game player, as well, and we liked what we saw last season after we picked him up at the draft from Derek Major. He was traded before because of our own salary problems but now we can finally give him the ice time he deserves." Markus Naslund: "I'm looking forward to playing again with some of the best young talent in the league...Chris (Higgins), Dan (Paille), Ilya (Kovalchuk), and of course lil' Lombardi, my former teammate and trade-mate from the Hurricanes! It's good to be back in Saskatoon and I hope I can finish my career in a Saints jersey...but I'd like at least one more championship ring first!"
The Saints face-off against the Melfort Mustangs in the first of three consecutive games between the #1 and #2 seated teams in the Hunter Division. Backup goalie Marc Cheverie will start again tonight after his solid play in the 8-1 win against the Bobcats. The 20-year old netminder has been impressive so far on Tuukka Rask's off-nights posting a 6-2-0 record with a .888 Save %.
Saskatoon StarPhoenix
January 9, 2008
Saints GM Geoffrey Young made an unexpected trade today with Bobcats GM Glenn Merkir. The teams second leading goal-scorer, Fredrik Sjostrom (18 goals), was sent to Brantford along with veteran centre Jason Arnott in exchange for veteran super star Markus Naslund and defenseman Thierry Nelson. The deal was somewhat surprising considering the Saints' relatively strong play so far this season. Currently sitting with the #2 Offence in the TFHL, the departure of Sjostrom could hurt their offensive output which took a while to gain momentum early on in the season.
The Saints had a light skate and team meeting in Saskatoon this afternoon, in preparation for tonight's game against the Melfort Mustangs. Following the practise, GM Young commented on his latest acquisitions: "In the long run this deal clearly helps an obvious defensive hole that we had. I've had my eye on Nelson ever since he was picked up by the once Saskatoon Ice. The former GM Mark Gaucher wouldn't part with him so when I got an offer from Glenn today, I felt this was a great opportunity to solidify our defence for the next 3-4 years at least. We've now got Baranka, Ballard, Rozakov, Nelson and Lashoff; all five of them are 24 or younger and in long-term contracts. Things are looking good, and with players like Vitaly Vishnevski playing great defensively - I think he has a league-high +23 currently - we are quite solid...Markus Naslund is a perennial point-a-game player, as well, and we liked what we saw last season after we picked him up at the draft from Derek Major. He was traded before because of our own salary problems but now we can finally give him the ice time he deserves." Markus Naslund: "I'm looking forward to playing again with some of the best young talent in the league...Chris (Higgins), Dan (Paille), Ilya (Kovalchuk), and of course lil' Lombardi, my former teammate and trade-mate from the Hurricanes! It's good to be back in Saskatoon and I hope I can finish my career in a Saints jersey...but I'd like at least one more championship ring first!"
The Saints face-off against the Melfort Mustangs in the first of three consecutive games between the #1 and #2 seated teams in the Hunter Division. Backup goalie Marc Cheverie will start again tonight after his solid play in the 8-1 win against the Bobcats. The 20-year old netminder has been impressive so far on Tuukka Rask's off-nights posting a 6-2-0 record with a .888 Save %.
Saskatoon StarPhoenix
January 9, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES SETTLING DOWN WITH MOVEMENTS AS TEAM BEGINS TRANSFORMATION;
BATES TRADED
The Hurricanes announced to day that the lone TFHL Cup Champion left
from TFHL12 in a trade that sends centre Shawn Bates to the
Misconducts. "Well, you had to know this stuff was coming." said
Bates after hearing the news of the trade. "The team is dead last in
the league after being considered a contender for 5 or 6 seasons in a
row. I think the last time the Hurricanes franchise missed the
playoffs was about 11 or 12 seasons ago."
The team has gone through a complete shake up in the last few days.
Gone are Wade Redden, Roman Hamrlik and Bates all via trade. In comes
Boyd Gordon and Ty Wishart and a whole lot of salary cap room.
The Hurricanes also announced that Ryan Flynn and Cory Schneider were
assigned to the farm team. Coming the other way is Brian Leetch
making his return to Calgary while goaltender Jeremy Smith and forward
Brandon Sutter will both make their debut against the Rednexs on
Thursday.
For now things are cooling off but are there more changes in the near
future for the 'Canes? "You never know." said GM Major.
BATES TRADED
The Hurricanes announced to day that the lone TFHL Cup Champion left
from TFHL12 in a trade that sends centre Shawn Bates to the
Misconducts. "Well, you had to know this stuff was coming." said
Bates after hearing the news of the trade. "The team is dead last in
the league after being considered a contender for 5 or 6 seasons in a
row. I think the last time the Hurricanes franchise missed the
playoffs was about 11 or 12 seasons ago."
The team has gone through a complete shake up in the last few days.
Gone are Wade Redden, Roman Hamrlik and Bates all via trade. In comes
Boyd Gordon and Ty Wishart and a whole lot of salary cap room.
The Hurricanes also announced that Ryan Flynn and Cory Schneider were
assigned to the farm team. Coming the other way is Brian Leetch
making his return to Calgary while goaltender Jeremy Smith and forward
Brandon Sutter will both make their debut against the Rednexs on
Thursday.
For now things are cooling off but are there more changes in the near
future for the 'Canes? "You never know." said GM Major.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES TRADE HAMRLIK, REDDEN AND WILLIAMS
Only hours after the announcement that the Hurricanes would move
anyone - it all happened.
The first trade involved Wade Redden and Justin Williams being moved
to the Marauders immediately after the 5 - 1 loss against the
Renegades. "Well, the GM came down and both told us and then
announced it to the team. It wasn't too much of a surprise. We've
struggled so far this season and now the team needs changes.
Unfortunately for Justin and I that means we're gone." Said Redden.
The Hurricanes do acquire 24-year old Boyd Gordon who is known for his
power forward status. He is expected to compliment two other tough
forwards in Alexander Svitov and Ryan Getzlaf. Also in the trade the
Hurricanes receive a prospect in Ty Wishart. Ty is expected to be
part of a young defense corps that includes Ryan Parent and Badass
Jack.
Roman Hamrlik was traded to the Fog Devils in exchange for a 3rd round
pick in TFHL21, a move that was done in light of salary room and a
movement to the future. This trade was widely expected after the
re-building announcement as the 'Canes look to get cap room to make
other trades in the near future.
FIRE SALE: Its still on...I am still looking to move guys through the
next couple of weeks.
Only hours after the announcement that the Hurricanes would move
anyone - it all happened.
The first trade involved Wade Redden and Justin Williams being moved
to the Marauders immediately after the 5 - 1 loss against the
Renegades. "Well, the GM came down and both told us and then
announced it to the team. It wasn't too much of a surprise. We've
struggled so far this season and now the team needs changes.
Unfortunately for Justin and I that means we're gone." Said Redden.
The Hurricanes do acquire 24-year old Boyd Gordon who is known for his
power forward status. He is expected to compliment two other tough
forwards in Alexander Svitov and Ryan Getzlaf. Also in the trade the
Hurricanes receive a prospect in Ty Wishart. Ty is expected to be
part of a young defense corps that includes Ryan Parent and Badass
Jack.
Roman Hamrlik was traded to the Fog Devils in exchange for a 3rd round
pick in TFHL21, a move that was done in light of salary room and a
movement to the future. This trade was widely expected after the
re-building announcement as the 'Canes look to get cap room to make
other trades in the near future.
FIRE SALE: Its still on...I am still looking to move guys through the
next couple of weeks.
PR - Fog Devils
*intro to sports center plays and we see Jennifer Hedger
Jen: Good evening and welcome to sports center I'm , lets begin with a look
at hockey and the TFHL. Having just returned from a the leagues Christmas
break a lot of teams were taking stock of where they were and just how happy
they have been with their teams performance, and some are finding out just
how unmerry of a year its been for them so far
* we fade into a shot of the Fog Devils at practice and hear a voice over by
TSN reporter James Cybulski*
Its been a long journey for the Fog Devils, From the leagues top penalty
kill and a final four finish, to a leagues worst penalty kill and fighting
hard just to not have the TFHL'S worst record.
Paul Maurice: No doubt its been a tough season, we seem to be struggling
just to be inconsistent. Not all of this team have shown up for even one
game, some step up one night then take the next night off while other guys
seem to step up, I think this team could do some special things if we all
stepped it up on the same night.
*James voice over while showing some game highlights where injuries have
occurred* The team has had some injury problems, culminating to a recent
injury to star forward Michael Tessier who is out for 4 months
Paul Maurice: well yes we have had some injuries but I don't believe we have
had the injury bug worse than any other team, until Tessier all our injuries
have been fairly minor with no extended time missed. But with the injuries
others have had opportunities and are impressing me with their play
James Cybulski: (practice highlights of Sam Gagner and Luc Bourdon play)
Undoubtedly the head coach is speaking of Sam Gagner and Luc Bourdon, two
young players who have come up and made strong cases to stick with the big
club. Gagner has played 6 games and has 6 points, while Bourdon has played
well enough to boot vet Mathieu Biron from the line up.
Sam Gagner: Its always great to get an opportunity to play in the big
league, I mean you don't want to see anyone get hurt but you have to make
the best of your opportunities and that’s what I intend to do, I want to
make it hard on them to send me back down
Luc Bourdon: It’s a much faster game up here, I am just glad I have some
great D men to learn from up here, I am just trying to take it all in.
(with Maurice running practice in the back ground) James Cybulski: but the
low lights have been much more the norm around here then highlights. Leaving
many to wonder if some big shake ups might be in the works.
GM Osborne: I can assure you Paul Maurice's job is safe, I believe he is
doing everything he can to get this club into the playoffs. Quite frankly we
just scraped into the playoffs last year, so really he is not far off pace
from last year. he is a good coach, just seems the players here are hell
bent on proving our playoff success last year was a fluke.
James Cybulski: This comment by the GM lead many to believe a fire sale of
the team may be just around the corner.
GM Osborne: I wouldn’t say I am about to do a fire sale, but frustration is
setting in. Right about now I'd trade my own mother is it would give us a
few more notches in the win column.
James Cybulski: From Saint John New Brunswick, for TSN, I'm James Cybulski
* show fades out to commercial*
Jen: Good evening and welcome to sports center I'm , lets begin with a look
at hockey and the TFHL. Having just returned from a the leagues Christmas
break a lot of teams were taking stock of where they were and just how happy
they have been with their teams performance, and some are finding out just
how unmerry of a year its been for them so far
* we fade into a shot of the Fog Devils at practice and hear a voice over by
TSN reporter James Cybulski*
Its been a long journey for the Fog Devils, From the leagues top penalty
kill and a final four finish, to a leagues worst penalty kill and fighting
hard just to not have the TFHL'S worst record.
Paul Maurice: No doubt its been a tough season, we seem to be struggling
just to be inconsistent. Not all of this team have shown up for even one
game, some step up one night then take the next night off while other guys
seem to step up, I think this team could do some special things if we all
stepped it up on the same night.
*James voice over while showing some game highlights where injuries have
occurred* The team has had some injury problems, culminating to a recent
injury to star forward Michael Tessier who is out for 4 months
Paul Maurice: well yes we have had some injuries but I don't believe we have
had the injury bug worse than any other team, until Tessier all our injuries
have been fairly minor with no extended time missed. But with the injuries
others have had opportunities and are impressing me with their play
James Cybulski: (practice highlights of Sam Gagner and Luc Bourdon play)
Undoubtedly the head coach is speaking of Sam Gagner and Luc Bourdon, two
young players who have come up and made strong cases to stick with the big
club. Gagner has played 6 games and has 6 points, while Bourdon has played
well enough to boot vet Mathieu Biron from the line up.
Sam Gagner: Its always great to get an opportunity to play in the big
league, I mean you don't want to see anyone get hurt but you have to make
the best of your opportunities and that’s what I intend to do, I want to
make it hard on them to send me back down
Luc Bourdon: It’s a much faster game up here, I am just glad I have some
great D men to learn from up here, I am just trying to take it all in.
(with Maurice running practice in the back ground) James Cybulski: but the
low lights have been much more the norm around here then highlights. Leaving
many to wonder if some big shake ups might be in the works.
GM Osborne: I can assure you Paul Maurice's job is safe, I believe he is
doing everything he can to get this club into the playoffs. Quite frankly we
just scraped into the playoffs last year, so really he is not far off pace
from last year. he is a good coach, just seems the players here are hell
bent on proving our playoff success last year was a fluke.
James Cybulski: This comment by the GM lead many to believe a fire sale of
the team may be just around the corner.
GM Osborne: I wouldn’t say I am about to do a fire sale, but frustration is
setting in. Right about now I'd trade my own mother is it would give us a
few more notches in the win column.
James Cybulski: From Saint John New Brunswick, for TSN, I'm James Cybulski
* show fades out to commercial*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)