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.

PR - Spirit

The Guelph Spirit are approaching the new season with enthusiasm
running high. The offseason saw little change in the Spirit's roster,
with one major exception, but the management was very satisfied with
last year's performance and expects to be even better this year.

Gone is underachieving and expensive Alexei Yashin. The useful Sami
Kapanen was also let go to free agency. But the biggest moves made by
the team were in between the pipes. The Spirit have been struggling
for years to find a reliable goaltender and have been saddled with
Patrick Lalime for most of that time (there was the memorable 30 games
or so when he was traded for Martin Brodeur before both teams took
back the deal) and Mika Noronen as the backup. This year, Lalime was
let go in free agency and the team opened its wallet with only one
goal - finding a decent starting goaltender. Offers were put out to
several players and one accepted the challege. Thirty-seven year old
Tommy Salo inked a three year deal to join the club.

"I'm really thrilled to be here," said Salo. "I feel I can still
compete in this league and have a lot left to prove. I feel great and
can't wait to get going." Coach Kilrea has made it clear that Salo
will be the starter, but doesn't want to exhaust him. "He's a riper
player out there, probably needs a few days off now and then, but we
think he's our guy, so long as he stays healthy."

To address that concern, GM Goodlet swung a deal with the Misconducts,
dealing last year's free agent pickup, Richard Matvichuk, along with
aging prospect Vladimir Orszagh and backup goalie Mika Noronen in
exchange for tough as nails defenceman Aaron Rome, goaltender Marty
Turco and a prospect. "I was very happy to pull of this deal,"
explained Goodlet. "With Salo's age and the uncertainty we've had in
nets these last few years, it feels really good to have Marty here to
help out when needed. Plus, we feel he can really push Tommy to play
better. These two should help us out until David (Leneveu) has
developed enough to run the team."

With the addition of Rome, the Spirit now have some pretty nasty
players, including Dion Phaneuf, Thomas Vanek and Boyd Gordon.
Youngsters Valterri Filpulla and Bryan Little will also be given time
to show they can contribute.

The preseason, if any indication of the regular season, means other
teams should look out. The Spirit walloped the Young Guns 5-0 with
goals from five different players and a shutout earned by Salo. The
excitement in Guelph continues to build!

League News (from Commissioner)

I also clicked on the option (which I never understood before) for seed division leaders (i.e. so like you know from the NHL, the top team in the division would automatically get either 1st or 2nd depending the higher of the two division champs). Thanks, this should better emphasise the division rivalries and the reward for winning the best of those 6 games against your division rivals - and all those great defensemen, goalies and young forwards you've traded to them :)

Hey guys. I made the schedule using the FHL option this time and a few things changed that I found helpful - I bumped up the number of games per "day" to better reflect the actual day set that I play - which is basically 11 games a day (than each team plays almost every day). This means you won't have that nasty problem of playing twice when the days are short like in the past so your lines will be used daily!

A couple changes to note, instead of 88 games in the regular season, the season is 78 games long and the matchups work as follows:
6 division games against same division teams
4 inter-division games against the team in the other division in your conference
2 inter-conference games against the team in the other conference
= 78 Games total

Secondly, I clicked the option for OVERTIME LOSS point - like the NHL. I don't think this will have a lot of impact but thought it should be interesting to try - because I'm sure I'm not the only one who's pissed at losing in overtime and getting 0 pts.

And finally, regarding TC points, we'll still have them but instead of the numbering of 60 and 40 for non-playoff teams and playoff team respectively, it will be 36 and 24 respectively. These next offseason than would be applied in blocks of 3 rather than 5, therefore as you can image, the max would be 12 for any one player and minimum 3 on any one player. Also, for winning the All-Star game you won't be rewarded with TCs, although of course we are still having the allstar break as usual and the games. The three awards that get tcs will still get them but will get 3 for each award instead of 5.

PR - Pain

Painful Poem

P is for Pain
P is for Pronger
P is for Plague of Punishment
P is for PANIC
P is for Phobia of Pain

P is for Pride
P is for Previous Prizes
P is for Present Power
P is for Psychic Pulse
P is for Prospective Prize
P is for Parade

P is for Present Paranoia
P is for PAIN

Western Conference Preview (Tyler Young)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

From 1 through 11, the West may even be tighter this year than in previous seasons. In general the teams fall into one of four categories depending primarily on the likelihood they have of securing a playoff spot. As always though, when it comes to the Wild West, all bets are off.

The Elite: Pain and Flames
These guys stand above the rest of the conference, and making room for the annual Fluke-of-the-Year Team, they should sit on top by seasons end.

The Better: Renegades, Sioux, Achaeans, Wheat Kings
These four teams are slightly better than subsequent group and by that virtue all are better bets for a playoff position. However, unlike the Pain and Flames these guys are fallible and it would not be remarkable to see one or even two of them eliminated.

The Good: Ice, Raiders, Apocalypse, Blades, Blackhawks
As is usual, the annual Fluke will likely come from this group. Most of these teams are good verging on excellent in some positions, but on paper just don't quite match the above squads. Expect all these teams to be quite close together at seasons end, with as many as four qualifying.

The Rebuilding: Resevoir Dogs
In the West, even with Jagr, they just don't have much of a shot. Will compete with the Owls and Rednex for the 1st overall selection.


(1) PAIN

Key Additions: Chris Pronger (trade), Ivan Koltsov (trade), Brock Radunske (trade), Ryan Flinn (trade)

Key Subtractions: Ed Jovanovski (trade), Daniel Paille (trade), Kristian Kudroc (trade), Vladimir Zharkov (trade)

Offense: B+
Defence: B+
Goaltending: B+
OVERALL: B+

Strengths:
A lot. Monkey see, monkey do: Flames pick-up Hamrlik, Pain get Pronger... or is it anything you can do, I can do better?

Weaknesses:
Consistency - the Pain have had a hard time over the couple seasons playing consistantly up to their abilities. The clock is running on the Pain, they are one of the older teams in the league.

Bottom Line:
Finances have forced the Pain to erode somewhat over the past few seasons, but Pronger instantly puts this team back among the elite and the best candidate to take the West. With scant future picks and only one quality player under 23 (Wirtanen) in the system, the Pain have mortgaged everything to win and have about two years to do it.


(2) FLAMES

Key Additions: Barry Brust (trade), Ivan Huml (trade), Roman Hamrlik (free agency)

Key Subtractions: Marian Gaborik (trade), Erik Johnson (trade), Marc Denis (trade)

Offense: B+
Defence: A-
Goaltending: B
OVERALL: B+

Strengths:
The Flames had one of the better defence cores in the league, then they signed the best UFA d-man on the market in several years, Roman Hamrlik.

Weaknesses:
Is Brust a Bust? After a bad season last year, Brust might be a critical liability.

Bottom Line:
There's a lot riding on Brust. The Flames were a scoring powerhouse last year, but in losing Gaborik they gave up 30 sure goals - something most teams don't shrug off. If all things gel, especially with that incredible defense, the Flames could top the Conference. But don't be surprised if they tumble to the middle of the playoff pack.


(3) RENEGADES

Key Additions: Peter Bondra (free agency), Ladislav Nagy (trade), Kyle Mclaren (trade), Carlo Colaiacovo (trade)

Key Subtractions: Riku Hahl (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B-
Goaltending: A-
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
Shock and awe... and shock and shock and... that was more-or-less the universal reaction to the Renegades season last year. Who could have thought they would top the West? (glad I didn't do one of these last season)

Weaknesses:
The Renegades-spectacular last season was the result of the phenomenal play of Peter Forsberg and Pascal Leclaire, both of whom were perenniel disasppointments. If one or the other goes back to their old selves, then the 'Gades can fall hard and fast (see Blades - TFHL16 to 17).

Bottom Line:
Even if Leclaire and Forsberg step back a bit, there's still enough talent here to keep the Renegades in the middle pack of the West; if those two repeat last season this team will compete with the Flames and Pain again.


(4) SIOUX

Key Additions: Alexei Kovalev (trade), Nikolai Zherdev (trade), Sheldon Keefe (trade), Eric Lindros (free agency)

Key Subtractions: Jaromir Jagr (free agency), Eric Staal (trade), Ivan Huml (trade), Scott Gomez (trade), Ivan Vishevsky (trade), Daniel Alfredsson (free agency), Ivan Huml (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B+
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
A strong defence will be necessary for all the penalty killing the Sioux will need to do.

Weaknesses:
Kovelev and Zherdev might not pack the punch as Jagr and Staal did.

Bottom Line:
The Sioux have long been a tenacious team, consistenly holding onto a playoff spot. But in the slippery West it doesn't take much for a good team to fall down. Granted a typical season, the Sioux could push their way to the top of the Conference middle boys.


(5) ACHAEANS

Key Additions: none

Key Subtractions: none

Offense: B
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
The Magic Man, Gregarious G, the Dapper Gent himself: Gregory Campbell.

Weaknesses:
Hnilicka was a bit of a surprise last season, but he held his own playing behind a defensive Achaean squad. His ability to repeat last year's performance makes the Achaeans something of a risk. There's not a lot coming up through the system.

Bottom Line:
It would be shocking for the Achaeans to miss the playoffs, but they may end up having to fight it out down the stretch. They managed to retain Keith Tkachuk, which was absolutely critical


(6) WHEAT KINGS

Key Additions: Mike Modano (free agency), Zigmund Palffy (free agency), Roberto Luongo (trade), Rostislav Olesz (trade), Cam Barker (trade), Patrick Dwyer (trade)

Key Subtractions: Craig Conroy (free agency), Glenn Murray (free agency), Matt Ellison (trade), Sandis Ozolinsh (trade), Dan Snyder (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B+
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
You can do worse than having a Conn Smythe winner in net as the #1 and a former Vezina winner as his back-up.

Weaknesses:
Offence from defence could be a problem.

Bottom Line:
The Wheaties barely snuck into the playoffs last year, but then went on to win the league championship. Their off-season moves generally improved the supporting cast around their core. Modano, Palffy join Hennessy, Bernier, Bergfors and Kazionov to give the Kings their best offensive squad since the President Trophy winners in TFHL14. A repeat may be a long shot, but you never know?


(7) ICE

Key Additions: none

Key Subtractions: none

Offense: C+
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B+
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
The Ice always make the playoffs.

Weaknesses:
Won't score... nada. And some Ice players make the Hanson Brothers look like huevitos.

Bottom Line:
The Ice are the best defensive team in the league, meaning they could put a pilon in net most nights. The old saying 'the best defence is a good offence' evidently has no bearing here.


(8) APOCALYPSE

Key Additions: none

Key Subtractions: Peter Bondra (free agency)

Offense: B-
Defence: B
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Deceptively deep in scoring and a good defence core.

Weaknesses:
No real elite players other than Sundin.

Bottom Line:
The Apocalypse nearly managed to make the playoffs last season and should be in a similar situation again. Of the group of the Ice, Hawks, Blades, and Apocalypse, they are likely the hardest to figure out: one can easily see them either on top of that group or on the bottom.


(9) RAIDERS

Key Additions: Patrick Lalime (free agency), Chad Denny (trade)

Key Subtractions: none

Offense: B-
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Nabakov remains one of the most bankable goalies in the league.

Weaknesses:
In a sort of limbo between rebuilding and trying to remain competitive, the Raiders can only really ice two respectable lines.

Bottom Line:
Will the Raiders continue their rebuilding? As it is they have a good enough roster to make a push towards the playoffs, although the Apocalypse, Blackhawks, and Blades are capable of out-staging them. The addition of Lalime and the fact that they didn't dump any of their aging veterans seems to show that they do not intend to go silently into the good night.


(10) BLACKHAWKS

Key Additions: Jeremy Roenick (free agency), Jason Smith (free agency)

Key Subtractions: none

Offense: B
Defence: C+
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Colby Armstrong single handedly carried the team last season.

Weaknesses:
Can Colby Armstrong single handedly carry the team this season?

Bottom Line:
If Colby Armstrong single handedly carries the team, they could force their way into the playoffs. Khabibulin also played quite well last year despite a porous defence, he'll need to be similarly solid in net.


(11) BLADES

Key Additions: Alex Kangas (draft)

Key Subtractions: none

Offense: B
Defence: C+
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Spezza, when healthy, and Hartnell are among the league elite. Then there is the magical spell whereby a Blade forward who would be useless on any other team somehow manages to score a point a game (and gets a correspondingly impossible rerate).

Weaknesses:
Their defence would put most Pee-wee teams to shame.

Bottom Line:
Oh the Blades... aka the streakiest team in the TFHL. On paper alone they are are good team, with solid forward depth and a couple elite players in Spezza and Hartnell, a relatively weak defence, and a rookie in net as their #1. But in real life the Blades, as has been the case for the last few seasons, will be entirely dependent on which way the wind is blowing and when. Two years ago they shot up to among the league's best; last year not so much. So just hold you breath, wait and see.


(12) RESEVOIR DOGS

Key Additions: Jaromir Jagr (free agency), Craig Conroy (free agency)

Key Subtractions: Jonas Johansson (trade), Kyle Mclaren (trade)

Offense: C+
Defence: C
Goaltending: C+
OVERALL: C+

Strengths:
Overall well-rounded squad with some quality prospects.

Weaknesses:
Not enough scoring, rather just not enough everywhere to force themselves up the Western pecking order.

Bottom Line:
The Dogs would have a good shot at making the playoffs in the East, even with the improvements there this year. But in the West, unless they have a helluva hot streak, the playoffs are likely a long shot. Trading Johansson was a bit time risk which likely won't pay off for a few years, but it may prove smart in the long run.

Eastern Conference Preview (Tyler Young)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The East has improved noticeably for this season, which means that for once two or three non-playoff teams from the West don't need to sigh and think to themselves, 'if I were in the East I'd probably have home ice.' Rather this year the TFHL's Saskatchewan (to the Western Conference Alberta) is actually showing a little gleam. The Eastern teams were very active this summer with many big names changing places.

The Conference can be grouped into 3 groups: at the top are the Bobcats, Saints, Young Guns, Spirit, Aces, Pontiacs, and Hurricanes, all of which have a decent shot at finishing at the top of the conference (depending on streaks and injuries and the like) and all of which are pretty much assured a post-season slot. In the middle are a group of three teams - the Ignite, Misconduct, and Maruaders - who will duke it out for the final playoff spot. The Owls and Rednex likely don't have the talent to make the post season and will tough it out for the 1st overall selection.

The Western Conference Preview will follow in a day or two.


(1) BOBCATS

Key Additions: Sergei Gonchar (trade)

Key Subtractions: Michael Peca (trade), Teemu Laakso (trade), Zigmund Palffy (free agency)

Offense: B+
Defence: B+
Goaltending: B
OVERALL: B+

Strengths:
The Bobcats remain one of the deepest teams in the league.

Weaknesses:
In a conference with Chris Higgins, Joe Thornton, Petr Dvorak, Joakim Lindstrom and Jason Allison, the Bobcats lack of a true #1 center is somewhat noticeable. The team also lacks leadership and experience.

Bottom Line:
The Eastern Conference is the Bobcats to lose. The team is built on a depth game, with four solid lines. Biron can be beaten if flustered, but he has a very good D core in front of him.


(2) SAINTS

Key Additions: Markus Naslund (trade), Ilya Kovalchuk (trade), Patrice Bergeron (trade), Matthew Lombardi (trade), Teemu Laakso (trade)

Key Subtractions: Ryan Getzlaf (trade), Ilya Bryzgalov (trade), Sergei Gonchar (trade), Chuck Kobasew (trade), Rob Blake (free agency), Kamil Kreps (trade), Tuomo Ruutu (trade)

Offense: A-
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B+

Strengths:
Pulling off arguably the jaw-dropper of the off-season, the Saints acquired Markus Naslund from their arch-rivals the Calgary Hurricanes. The added addition of Kovalchuk gives the Saints probably the best group of sniping wingers in the league.

Weaknesses:
In handing over the #1 spot to Tuukka Rask the Saints better have their fingers crossed. Rask had a good winning percentage last year, but his stats were very poor. The Saint's defence was down-right horrible at times and with departures of Rob Blake and Sergei Gonchar one might wonder how it can get better.

Bottom Line:
This is a team designed to score... a lot. The star additions are an attempt to seat the Saints on top of the East and perhaps even among the league elite. They no doubt face added competition with their cross-town rivals, the Wheat Kings, being the reigning champions.


(3) YOUNG GUNS

Key Additions: Eric Staal (trade), Ed Jovanovski (trade)

Key Subtractions: Nikolai Zherdev (trade), Ivan Koltsov (trade), Anton Babchuk (trade)

Offense: B+
Defence: B
Goaltending: B+
OVERALL: B+

Strengths:
Jose Theodore was a saving grace for the Guns last season. The team also lives up to its name - it's a very young squad just entering it prime right now.

Weaknesses:
There might be a problem with having too much.

Bottom Line:
The Young Guns/Patriots/Red Army/Whalers are in solid shape for the first time in more seasons that anyone would care to recall. The team is just entering its prime and will have have a few seasons among the elite of the league. This year expect them to push the 'Cats and Saints for top spot in the East.


(4) SPIRIT

Key Additions: Tommy Salo (free agency), Aaron Rome (trade), Marty Turco (trade)

Key Subtractions: Patrick Lalime (free agency), Sami Kapenen (free agency), Alexei Yashin (free agency), Vladimir Orszagh (trade), Richard Matvichuk (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
Finally played up to potential last year, galvanized by the addition of Daymond Langkow. A well rounded team.

Weaknesses:
The Spirit are aging and likely won't repeat last year's showing. Could rack-up a lot of time in the penalty box.

Bottom Line:
The Spirit had a great showing after years of inexplicable failure. If they simply play up to their potential they should be in the middle of the pack in the East.


(5) ACES

Key Additions: Marian Gaborik (trade), Todd Bertuzzi (trade), Erik Johnson (trade), Marc Denis (trade), Kamil Kreps (trade), Tuomo Ruutu (trade), Sami Kapanen (free agency)

Key Subtractions: Barry Brust (trade), Ilya Kovalchuk (trade), Tim Brent (trade), Paul Kariya (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B-
Goaltending: B
OVERALL: B

Strengths:
GM Dave Walter made perhaps the gutsiest move of the summer by trading Brust to the Flames, choosing instead to go with the proven but unspectacular duo of Thomas Vokoun and Marc Denis. The trade brought him an elite scoring forward and a future #1 d-man. He then managed to acquire another elite forward in Bertuzzi for a midling Tim Brent who has yet to play up to his potential.

Weaknesses:
The loss of Kovalchuk, especially to a conference rival, may end up hurting.

Bottom Line:
The Aces keep getting better and keep acruing good, young players. What was once a relatively old team is rebuilding while at the same to improving its team overall, which is pretty impressive.


(6) PONTIACS

Key Additions: Jonas Johansson (trade), Dan Paille (trade), Chuck Kobasew (trade), Gilbert Brule (trade), Rob Blake (free agency), Danny Markov (trade), Andrei Markov (trade), Dan Snyder (trade), Teemu Hovinen (draft)

Key Subtractions: Patrice Bergeron (trade), Brock Radunske (trade), Robyn Regehr (trade), Jeff May (trade), Marty Turco (trade), Benoit Pouliot (trade)

Offense: B
Defence: B
Goaltending: C
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Ivan Baranka is one of the best and most underrated defensemen in the league. Jonas Johansson has all the tools to be one of the elite players in the league and in a new environment may realize the potential he gave glimpses of a few seasons ago. Dan Paille will also have a chance to prove himself after years of being buried on a deep Pain squad.

Weaknesses:
A lot has been invested in acquiring Johansson and Paille, both are flyers and if they don't work out the Pontiacs are worse off than they were a year ago, especially having dumped their own-time Face of the Franchise, Patrice Bergeron. Going with an untested rookie, Teemu Hovinen, as the #1 may also prove fatal.

Bottom Line:
There's a lot of new and interesting additions. If all the new parts come together the Pontiacs should shoot to the upper rung of the East and compete for a home ice.


(7) HURRICANES

Key Additions: Ryan Getzlaf (trade), Ilya Bryzgalov (trade)

Key Subtractions: Markus Naslund (trade)

Offense: B-
Defence: B
Goaltending: B-
OVERALL: B-

Strengths:
Won the Conference Final last year, proving again that they are a fierce squad to face in the playoffs. Well-rounded and attempting to rebuild while remaining competive.

Weaknesses:
The pieces of the past have slowly been chisled away: Sean Burke, Chris Pronger, Bill Guerin, now Markus Naslund. It remains to be seen whether the new core of Alexander Svitov, Jason King, Getzlaf and Co. can keep the Canes at the top of the league.

Bottom Line:
The Canes should make the playoffs as usual and perhaps even do some damage. But some of the lustre from this long time dominant team is certainly gone.


(8) MARAUDERS

Key Additions: Paul Kariya (trade), Robyn Regehr (trade), Scott Gomez (trade), Daniel Alfredsson (free agency), Glenn Murray (free agency)

Key Subtractions: Andrei Markov (trade), Gilbert Brule (trade), Sheldon Keefe (trade), Eric Lindros (free agency)

Offense: C+
Defence: B-
Goaltending: C+
OVERALL: C+

Strengths:
Their defence got better with acquisition of Regehr and the development of Dimitri Kosmachev.

Weaknesses:
The lack of game breakers.

Bottom Line:
The Marauders were barely eliminated from the playoffs last season, but this year they may have a tougher fight on their hands in the improved East. As usual they made a several smart but decidedly unsexy moves over the offseason, which improved their roster slightly.


(9) IGNITE

Key Additions: Filip Kuba (trade)
Key Subtractions: none

Offense: B-
Defence: C+
Goaltending: C
OVERALL: C+

Strengths:
Jason Allison and Jarome Iginla

Weaknesses:
Not a lot of depth, at any position.

Bottom Line:
Last year the Ignite managed to finish in the top 4. If the Allison-Iginla alchemy continues to turn iron into gold, then the Ignite should be in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, in the revamped East they'll need sorcery to get home ice again.


(10) MISCONDUCT

Key Additions: Alexei Yashin (trade), Matt Ellison (trade), Andy Sackrison (draft), Michael Peca (trade), Jeff May (trade), Marty Turco (trade), Vladimir Zharkov (trade), Benoit Pouliot (trade), Riku Hahl (trade) Sandis Ozolinsh (trade), Ben Ulmer (trade), Vladimir Orszagh (trade), Richard Matvichuk (trade), Anton Babchuk (trade)

Key Subtractions: Sergei Anshakov (trade), Roberto Luongo (trade), Shawn Belle (free agency), Ladislav Nagy (trade), Cam Barker (trade), Dan Bertram (trade), Chad Denny (trade), Rostislav Olesz (trade), Aaron Rome (trade), Marty Turco (trade), Jason Smith (free agency)

Offense: C+
Defence: C
Goaltending: C+
OVERALL: C

Strengths:
The Misconduct have some good prospects in the system, including 2nd overall pick Sackrison, and a team that is quite young overall.

Weaknesses:
They denuded themselves of their future first rounders to bring in Jonas Johansson and then were forced to give him up to a conference rival, leaving the team off pretty well the same as before the off-season minus the picks.

Bottom Line:
The Misconduct were so close, picking-up Ellison and Sackrison and then pulling off a wonder deal to get Johansson. With their young defence and goaltending, that group could have been something special.


(11) REDNEX

Key Additions: Tim Brent (trade)

Key Subtractions: Todd Bertuzzi (trade), Alexei Kovalev (trade)

Offense: C
Defence: C
Goaltending: C
OVERALL: C

Strengths:
This is Joakim Lindstrom's team now.

Weaknesses:
It's hard to imagine the Rednex without the Gorilla himself, Big Bert, and Alexei Kovalev.

Bottom Line:
The team can only cross their fingers and pray they got enough for their soul. Tim Brent certainly has skills, but his conditioning might prevent him from ever being a top end player. A few years of rebuilding are likely forthcoming.


(12) OWLS

Key Additions: David McIntyre (draft), Sergei Anshakov (trade), Kristian Kudroc (trade)

Key Subtractions: Chris Pronger (trade), Ryan Flinn (trade)

Offense: C
Defence: C-
Goaltending: C-
OVERALL: C-

Strengths:
Joe Thornton

Weaknesses:
Depth and Defence. One might also take umbridge with Auld, he's certainly hasn't ever performed like a #1.

Bottom Line:
Did they get enough for Pronger? The deal announced before exhibition games started was something a stunner. Anshakov will have to step-up his play to warrant being the key cog in that deal. With Joe Thornton and a supporting forward cast that is respectible, the Owls might get lucky and make a push for the playoffs (but that's a big might).

PR - Bobcats

BOBCATS LOOK TO KEEP CONFERENCE TITLE....

Now with their disappointing lose in last years playoffs to the Aces behind them, the Brantford Bobcats are looking to come out firing from the gates this year with one of the most well rounded teams ever to hit the ice in the TFHL!!!!

Upfront boasts a very potent attack that includes 30 goal scorers on the top 3 lines for the Bobcats. With the likes of Samsonov, Gagne, Legwand and Cole, meshed together with youngsters such as Artemenkov, Jones and Marjamaki, the Bobcats boast a very explosive but responsible group of forwards that GM Glenn Merkir is looking to to lead the team back to the cup.

On defence is even more impressive if that is possible. With the aquisition of Gonchar from division rival Saints, the Bobcats powerplay should be even more explosive than last year. Paired together with youngsters such as Klepis, Jones and Shultz, the Bobcats D should keep other teams forwards at check for years to come.

And in goal is none other but TFHL 16 Conn Smythe winner Marty Biron who has been nothing less than one of the most solid goaltenders in the TFHL for the past few years. But waiting in the wings was the Bobcats 2nd round pick Chad Johnson who GM Glenn Merkir has high hopes for taking over the reigns from Marty when the time is right but for now, its Marty's team!!!!

With everything said and done the Brantford Bobcats again look to challenge for the conference title and get back to the cup final. With only experience lacking on such a young team, the team makes up for with a tight checking, discipline style of hockey that we hope fans will enjoy....GO CATS GO!!!!!

PR - Saints

Saskatoon Saints Focus on Offence in TFHL 18

The Saints have made the playoffs every year since GM Young took over the bottom-dwelling Mirkava Mutants and relocating it to Saskatoon - the Venice of the Prairies and the home of the world's best: Gordie Howe, Joni Mitchell, wheat, drinking by a slough, drinking not by a slough, and drinking a slough mistakenly thinking it was not a slough and something entirely of a different substance than sloughiness.

Although having great Regular Season success throughought these 10 seasons; including a few divisian titles, an East Conference Title, and various awards for players and management - the Saints have failed to ever make an impact in the Playoffs. Throughout these 10 off-seasons the Saints have failed to make it past the second round.

A few seasons ago, the Saints began to focus on offence - one season having 4 of the top 8 scorers on their roster (Forsberg, Sakic, Gaborik, Spezza). The last couple seasons their offence has been one of the best in the league but GM Young sought this offseason to elevate the talent by adding superstars Markus Naslund, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Patrice Bergron - each of whom were typically the top scorers on the Hurricanes, Aces and Pontiacs respectively. It is no secret either that GM Young specifically targeted these teams' top scorers as well taking in account the fact that they are conference rivals.

The Saints now boast likely the best 'group of 9' scoring forwards in the league but will have to prove this in the subsequent season. Another key change for the long-term form of the team is the elevation of Rask to the starting goaltending position. At 21, he will be the indisputed starter for the next few seasons with little chance of change. "We'll be patient with this one, considering the past history of goaltenders who have come through Toon Town only to be traded and to become subsequent champs and award winners." This sad list includes the likes of Giguere, Biron, Lalime, Salo, Cloutier, Turco, Leclaire, among many others. Bryzgalov joined that long list recently but Young is happy with the acquisition of Naslund and Lombardi. The former will likely play out his career in a Saints jersey and Lombardi boasts some great scoring potential at quite a young age.

The long-running Saskup begins tonight and Young plans to experiment with the explosive offense against the Pontiacs - the pretenders to the prairie principe.

PR - Flames

The Atlanta Flames are ready for the new season. There have been a few changes to the roster. The Flames decided to let go of Gaborik, Johnson and Denis in return for superstar goalie Barry Brust. The Flames felt they needed a top end goalie, and Brust is jsut that in their eyes. The Flames have a very solid top 6 group and a crazy defense squad. They manage to land Roman Hamrlik form free agency, who was probably the best defenseman available. The Flames also boast a pletora of yougn talent in the farm system. They have managed to build a very strong PRO system without sacraficing the future. The team is excited for the preseason!

PS - On local news, there has been many reports that the GM of the Misconduct has been seen in several bars, stumbling away drunk. This makes sense because his moves this offseason makes no sense and his team is hurting even more. Dont make trades drunk!

PR - Pontiacs

Pontiacs Restructuring

There have been many changes to the Pontiac lineup
since the end of last season. When asked who was the
most difficult player to let go, GM Andrew
Schoenberger said, "It was definitely Patrice
Bergeron, after just signing him to a four year
contract, we were sure that he would be with the team
for many more years to come. However, the right deal
happened to come our way, in which, we were able to
acquire Chuck Kobasew, who will hopefully be able to
help fill the void left by Bergeron, as well as
several picks for the future of our franchise."

When he was asked about the many key additions to the
team, he was quoted as saying, "As my esteemed
collegue has already said, 'If all the new parts come
together the Pontiacs should shoot to the upper rung
of the East and compete for a home ice.' It is tough
to say who is going to shine for our team. We have
high hopes for our first round draft pick, Teemu
Hovinen, it was difficult to let Marty go, especially
since he played hard to keep us in contention for a
playoff spot last year, up to the final week, but we
hope that Teemu can do the same job.

Only time will tell whether or not the Pontiacs have
what it takes to clinch a playoff spot this year.
Tonight's exhibition game versus the offensive
powerhouse of the Saskatoon Saints may be an
indication of what Pontiac fans have to look forward
to this season.

PR - Misconducts

Misconducts Have Wild Offseason

To say this offseason has been wild for the Miami Misconducts just might be an understatement. The offseason began with trades for forwards Matt Ellison and Mike Peca before the draft. They went into the draft with two first round picks and ended up trading back into the first round. All three of those players , forwards Andy Sackrison and Brent Gwidt and defenseman Cody Wiild, all are expected to play key roles for the team this season. But those moves all seem normal as to what has taken place in south Florida the past 3 weeks. The team seemed to mortage the future of the organization when it traded three future first round picks to land star forward Jonas Johansson. The trade left the Misconducts without a first round pick for the next four years. However, everything changed once free agency got into full swing. Johansson , a restricted free agent, landed a 10 million dollar offer thus forcing the team to look for a trading partner. They found one in the Pontiacs and quietly shipped Johansson to them before the ink was even dry on his 10 million dollar offer. In return they picked up D Jeff May, D Sandis Ozolinsh, LW Benoit Pouliot, and former Misconducts goalie Marty Turco. Turco was with the team when the reached the finals a few years ago. The move to pick up Turco seemed odd as Carey Price has the number one goalie spot locked up for the foreseeable future. The Misconducts also sent a few minor leaguers and a pick to Pontiacs and also received a future 1st and 2nd round pick.

With the money freed up for moving Johansson, the Misconducts turned to the free agency market with a little more than 20 million dollars to spend. They through out multimillion dollar deals to numerous high priced free agents such as Alexei Yashin, Peter Bondra, Eric Lindros, Mike Modano, Roman Hamrlik, and were even thought to be interested in players such as Rob Blake, Jeremy Roenick, Jaromir Jagr, and Ziggy Palffy. However when the dust was clear, the Misconducts were only able to sign a backup goalie for their farm team, the Phoenix Felony. This left the Misconducts with quit a few holes to fill, so once again they turned to the trade market dealing away Turco, Ladislav Nagy, Carlo Colaiacovo, Shawn Belle, Aaron Rome, Chad Denny, and Sergei Anshakov. Joining the Misconducts were a slew of picks and prospects as well as C Vladimir Zharkov, D Richard Matvichuk, LW Vladimir Orszagh, LW Riku Hahl, and previous free agent target Alexei Yashin. All five of those players are expected to be key players for the team this season. By the time the Misconducts were done wheeling and dealing they have set themselves up nicely for the future with what should be a very solid minor league team this season as well as 23 total draft picks in the next three years.

Season Preview : Goalies

We'll begin our look at the Misconducts with where the franchise starts here in Miami. And that is between the pipes. Since the Misconducts used their top selection a year ago on Carey Price, they have made him the face of the franchise. He will be their number on assest this year and the team will only go as far as he can take them . He will ge the majority of the playing time with only an occassional appearance by backup goalie Mika Noronen. The farm team will be lead by underacheiving Daren Machesney , who was once a top prospect in this organization but looks like nothing more than a career minor leaguer. Also playing for the Felony will be the Misconducts only free agent signing Michael Garnett.

Pro Grade : B-

Farm Grade: D

Overall Grade: B

Season Preview : Defense

What was once the strongest position on the team, maybe now be the weakest position on the team. Gone are several defenders who were expect to play big roles for the team this season in Belle,Denny, Rome, and Colaiacovo. However Belle and Rome did combine for over 400 penalty minutes last season. Which was the main reason for the departure of the pair, Denny and Colaiacovo were both moved because the team need to address their lack of quality forwards for the pro team. The defense this season will consist of Boris Valabik, Ben Ulmer, Richard Matvichuk, Jeff May, Sandis Ozolinsh , and first round pick Cody Wild. All the defensemen are solid in their own end. Ozolinsh and Matvichuk are the veteran leaders of this group and will be a positive enfluence on the younger -players like Wild and May. The best way to describe this defense is adaquet. They don't do anything spectacular, but the do many of the same things right. The farm defense could end being one of the best in the minors this season. They will be lead Robby Blaze and Chris Frank. Also featured on the blueline for the Felony will be Joe Ryan, Anton Babchuk, and Kyle Henegan.

Pro Grade : C+

Farm Grade: B+

Overall : C

Season Preview : Offense

The main reason the Misconducts were one of the worst teams in the league last season had to do with their lack of goal scoring. They hope this year that won't be the case. Andy Sackrison selected 2nd OV in the draft is slated to start on the first line alongside Eric Nystrom and Alexei Yashin. Nystrom is happy about the talent level with which is playing to start the year. He says he will miss playing alongside his good friend Sergei Anshakov but believes that this line has the potential to put up a lot of points. Like the first line, the second will also feature a rookie, C Brent Gwidt. Gwidt was one of the top 5 players on the Misconducts draft board and they were just thrilled to be able to trade back into the first round to land him. He will be flanked by two offseason acquistions in Matt Ellison and Vladimir Orszagh. The other lines for the season look like this C Mike Peca, LW Riku Hahl, RW Niklas Hagman and C Vladimir Zharkov, LW Benoit Pouliot, and RW Devin Setoguchi. While the team has no one line that stands out they do have four solid lines that can score. Will that be enough to get the job done ? The orginazition is split about 50 50 on this one. The one thing everyone in the orginazition can agree upon is that this might just be the best group of forwards to ever play for the Felony. Headlined by guys like Ben Maxwell, Vladamir Ulianov, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Rob Globke who all saw consider time in the pros last year. None of them had any real success last year but that was due to the fact that they were rushed in playing. Joining them will be draftees Tony Romano, Devin Didiomete, and Lukas Zeliska. As well as recent pick up Evgeni Malkin.

Pro Grade : B+

Farm Grade : A-

Overall Grade : B-

Predictions

This season will basically come down to how Carey Price and the three rookies perform. The defense is average at best, the offense could be good, the goaltending . . .. well that comes down to Price. The team is betting that a lot on him improving greatly upon his numbers of 17-29-9 3.38 GAA with a .881 save percentage. Can Price improve on those numbers ? More than likely yes for several reasons. The first reason being the team in front of him has improve a lot in this past year. Guys who were playing on the 2nd and 3rd lines last year for the team are now starting out in the minors. Guys who were first liners are now fourth liners and as a whole the team has gotten better controlling the puck and defensively in the offense season. Also don't forget the fact that the Misconducts have traded some of their more penalized players from last year. Last year alone Anshankov, Belle, Rome, and free agent departure Jason Smith combined for a total of 733 penalty minutes. Some fear the team has lost a lot of toughness this offseason but Wild and Valabik should more than make up for it. This team could be on the verge of something big in a few seasons considering most of their core players are under the age of 23 and the fact that they have an astonishing 23 draft picks over the next 3 seasons, including 8 2nd round picks. But this season could another tough one in Miami. However the east is wide open and pretty much any of 5 or 6 teams could be fighting for the last few spots. With a little bit of luck and good seasons from the rookies this team could finish as high as 5 or 6 in the conference. However I foresee the Misconducts hitting some rough streches where the young guys can't seem to hit the net . . and heaven forebids if they loss Price at some point of the season. So I am going to go on the conservative side and say that Misconducts will finish in the 9th spot in the conference and miss out on the playoffs once again.