Hello Everyone!
Welcome to a special issue of Big Hitz! - last year's hottest panel show.
For this Holiday edition we asked different hockey minds around the WHL
to give us their thoughts on some of the league's happenings.
Enjoy!
Question: "After the initial flurry of teams trading to
ensure they were under the salary cap, there has been a huge drop-off in
transactions. What is your take on the system now that we are almost at
the half way point of the schedule? And what other suggestions, if any,
do you have for league parity or the cap itself?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"I think the system has helped
improve things a bit. I don't think league parity is something that gets
solved over night. I think the cap has helped, but it's the long term
that we are concerned with, not the short term that 30 games would give
us for evaluation purposes."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"First, thanks for
inviting me. It'll be a pleasure to answer your questions as well as to
hear what my colleagues around the league might have to say about the
league so far. I think the league took a step in the right direction this
offseason when the cap came in place. The league is healthier today than
before I think. It's very difficult to make a judgement on it this short
after the cap came in place. This season we've seen several teams going
for the top picks in the draft instead of really
competing."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"It sucks. Trading, like
predicted, has become harder than ever and league interest being at an
all time low sure doesn't help either. I think everyone realizes what I
think of the cap."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"I think the system has worked
pretty much exactly as intended. Lower teams have been allowed a bit more
opportunity to improve, while not just being handed talent for free. The
GM still has to work for it, but it's possible. Prime example is the
Hawks who are having a very decent season so far. Meanwhile the Vikings,
Smoke Eaters and Timberjacks are still struggling, but it's only a matter
of a season or two. These teams are only going up."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"I think the huge drop off in
transactions can be attributed to the upper echelon teams being so close
to the cap, that it's really hard for them to improve there clubs without
going over the cap. The system has helped some teams improve there clubs
in the immediate future, but overall hasn't had that big of an effect on
the league as a whole. However, the league was so top heavy before that
it will take 2 or 3 years before we really see the effects that the cap
will have. As the top teams' superstars age and younger talent gets
better, these teams will be forced to make decisions about who they will
keep; the young up and coming star or the veteran all star. So as long as
the bottom teams in the league draft smart and make smart trades then the
cap will do it's job and in 2 or 3 years we will see better parity... as
much as the league needed a cap it still won't work if owners don't draft
smart or make smart trades.
Vikings GM Lee
McEwen's response:
"I don't like the system at
all. I'd be in favour of us scrapping it and going back to the old
system. Teams should get better and improve on their own
merit."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Nobody can argue how bland the
league's become. I mean affiliates working for the Bulls, Timberjacks,
and ORcas have all redesigned many team logos in order to help boost
merchandise sales around the league, but it doesnt' seem to be having
much of an effect. Now is it all just a coincidence? Possibly, but we did
see a significant drop off in team activity after it was announced a
talent cap would be implemented. I think the cap did what it was supposed
to though. Teams like the Lunatics, Vipers, Cougars, and Hawks all
acquired players they, otherwise, may not have as a result... Having a
higher cap may promote activity again, and give better flexibility to
teams, while still keeping a bar in place so that no team can assemble
the Canadian Olympic team or anything. But this isn't the NHL, and the
WHL's success over the year's came from high flying games and press
releases that talked about big trades, and GM bashing. Surely David
Easton's constant public requests for apologies took some of the fun out
of some good ribbing, but even if some GM's won't admit it, we all know
the best times are when Howe, Kinnaird, Easton, Berteotti, Golbez, etc.
are all at each others throats... that's why fans love the
'entertainment' aspect of our league so much."
Question: "If you were commissioner for a day, how would
you rearrange the league's divisions? Would you make more divisions?
Would you change the names?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"I don't think we need another
division. I would like to see expansion if we could get another active gm
but then again we don't have a full complement of active gm's as it
is."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Ohh.. I dont know.. I'd
put the Taipans in a division with Bulls, Voodoo, Dropkicks, Ice Dogs and
the Express.. Then just lay back and watch the fun. As for the rest.. who
would care with all that fun in that division. I wouldn't make any
changes to the divisions and conferences... Oh, and I just want to put on
paper that the city of Boston and the whole of New England are forever in
debt to whatever higher being threw the 'Kicks out of our
backyard."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"I would put them back the way
they were. There were good, old time rivalries
before."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"We had pretty big changes this
season already. I'm not a big fan of huge overhauls. So hopefully we're
pretty much set for a while, other than the usual couple moves per
season."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"I would put the Voodoo in a
tougher division. The talent that is on there club is better then all the
talent put together in the rest of their division. Also I would split up
the Eastern division. 5 of the 6 clubs in that division are playoff teams
this year. 4 of the teams in that division were in the top 5 in the
conference last year. That division is clearly the most competitive
division in the WHL. With all those great clubs facing each other and
beating the hell out of each other every night, we could see one of
the better teams in the league not make the playoffs because of how many
times they had to play other top caliber teams."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Well, for starters, I don't
think the league should ever create another division in each conference,
because that leads to expansion... And if the NHL's any example,
then I think we all see the need to keep the number of teams at
twenty-four. That way the most deserving players will be the one's in the
league... Regardless of what some critics say, rivalries don't change
unless a team is moved to another conference, but until team activity
picks up, it's all irrelevant anyway."
Question: "If you had to name the top 8 teams in the WHL,
who would they be?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Top 8 teams.....hmmmm
Bulls, Voodoo, Ice Dogs, Corinthians, HC Slavia, Saints then the rest are
basically a crap shoot."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Bulls, Corinths, Ice Dogs,
Voodoo, Dropkicks (shivers at the thought), Slavia, Express and the
Saints.."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"Not sure if I can name 8
teams, let alone the top 8 these days."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"Bulls, Corinthians, Dropkicks
are definitely first class. Until the Dropkicks choke of course. Next 5 I
would say are IceDogs, Voodoo, Saints, Express and HC
Slavia."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"First choice is obviously the
Bulls. 3 years in a row they have won the Cyber cup. Nobody
has ever done that and again this year they have the best record in the
WHL. That organization is in a league of it's own right now.
2nd choice is the Dropkicks. They have never lived up to their
potential, but I think this year, they will certainly be playing in the
Cyber cup final. Thornton, Heatley and Kovalchuk are arguable the
three best young players in the league today. Plus they have
veterans like Eric Lindros and Rob Blake; this team is a winner - oh yeah
I forgot to mention Olli Jokinen, Raffi Torres, Martin Skoula and Tom
Poti... yeah that's a good club. 3rd club would have to be the
Icedogs. Sakic, Fedorov, Langkow, Sanderson, Frolov, Saprykin,
Hull, Zednik,Czerkawski, Knuble and Simon. That's a lot of talent
and depth up front. To be honest Knuble doesn't even get a regular
shift and neither does Simon. Both those guys could be first liners
on some clubs in this league. On the blueline the club is deep
again - MacInnis, Leetch, DeVries, Delmore, Kalinin and Liles.
That's two future hall of famers on the same blueline. Not to
mention that once again almost anybody on this blueline could play on the
first pairing for some clubs. In goal Dwayne Roloson and Dominik
Hasek. Either of these guys can start. Roloson over this year
and the last two years has been one of the best goalies in the WHL during
the regular season. If he can carry that success with him in to the
playoffs this team could be in the Cyber Cup finals. Oh yeah, Hasek
is probably the best backup in the league and could start for almost any
club in the WHL. After the top 3 clubs I have to put in no
particular order Corinths, Voodoo, Saints, Express and then Smoke Eaters
or Vikings, because both of those clubs have assembled by far the best
prospect depth of any team in the league. In fact, both clubs
arguably have the most top notch prospects ever assembled in one
individual organization. The future certainly looks bright for both
clubs."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Well, we all know about the
high profile teams like the Bulls, Corinths, Dropkicks, etc. But what
about the teams that are often overlooked and are close to being playoff
contenders? Teams like the Lunatics, Sparrows, Enforcers, Vipers,
Islanders, Hawks, Cougars, and Taipans. All these clubs have the
potential to make some noise this year."
Question: "What team has improved the most thus
far?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Without a question the Saints
and Hawks are the most improved. The Saints cause they now have a hands
on owner and the Hawks because the hockey gods love them."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"From the last couple of
years.. In risk of being a bit of a homer, I'd have to say the Boston
Hawks."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"Boston?"
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"I haven't looked at stats, but
I'm really impressed with the Hawks. Nilsson thought he could speed up
the rebuilding process be re-adding some veterans to the team, and it's
given them a great combination of youth and experience."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"Most improvement from last
year, definitely the Icedogs. The trade that brought Sakic, Leetch,
Czerkawski and Sanderson instantly made them a contender."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Given the state of the team, I
have to give a shout out to the Cats. GM Minton has a strong desire to
make this team competitive again, and realizes that it will take a couple
of seasons before all of his hard work turns into playoff success.
Upfront the Cats are a lot better off then the were under former
management. Additions of two way players like Rucchin, Tucker, Bell,
Johansson, and Amonte can only be seen as major improvements. Then you
look at the blueline and see new names like Matvichuk, Chelios, Havelid,
Allen, and Lydman, and this team's future finally looks bright
again."
Question: "If you were a head coach, what five youngsters
(between the ages of 18-25yrs) would you want starting for your
club?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Heatley, Kovalchuk, Zherdev,
Phaneuf, Suter, Lehtonen."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Loungo, Kovalchuk, Heatley,
Ovechkin, Bouwmeester, Liles."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"Who cares? You will probably
have to move at least 2 of them to stay under the cap."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"Kovalchuk without a doubt.
This guy's everywhere on the ice. Michael Ryder, Rick Nash perhaps. Liles
and Bouwmeester. Lehtonen or Marc-Andre Fleury. Of course these are not
necessarily players that would fit in our system here in Chicoutimi, but
just some guys I think will be major stars in the WHL."
Icedogs owner Jon
Lemoine's response:
"If I was a head coach the guys
I'd want on my club are Ilya Kovalchuk, Dany Heatley and Vincent
Lecavalier. The things these 3 guys can do are simply
amazing. I don't think there is an executive or coach in the league
that wouldn't love to have one of these guys playing for them in the
final mintues of game 7 of the Cyber Cup final when the score is
tied. The 2 blueliners I'd want are Dion Phanuef and Jay
Bouwmeester. Both of these guys have limitless potential. I
know Phanuef hasn't played in a WHL game yet, but I'd can't wait 'till he
does. As for the goaltender it's not even close. Roberto
Luongo. I would argue that this kid is already the best goalie in the
world; if he's not he's only behind Brodeur."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"There's so much young talent
out there these days. We're lucky to see a handful of these guys in Las
Vegas every year, mostly because they're going to be traded, but
nonetheless nice to see them up close. Other than obvious choices like
Kovalchuk and Heatley, I'd have to say I'd go with Hossa, Nash, Zherdev,
Bouwmeester, Pitkanen, and Fleury."
Question: "Who's the best rookie in the WHL? and who do
you see winning the Calder at season's end?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Pascal Dupuis is the best so
far, and I think Zidlicky will win the Calder."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Again, I have to go with a
player from the Hawks. Marek Zidlicky has been simply amazing this
season. He's among the top scorers for the Hawks and he's proven that
he's ready to play at very high level. He's outshining his line mate, and
WHL legend, Nicky Lidstrom and that speaks volumes."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"No idea."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"I say Zidlicky for sure.
Although Pascal Dupuis could challenge."
Icedogs head coach
John Tortorella's response:
"The best rookie in the WHL
this year is without a doubt Alexander Frolov. Unfortunately, with the
current WHL rules Frolov isn't eligable to win the
calder."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"The best rookie for any team
is a hard choice at this point. Bergeron had been leading the rookie
scoring race as the sole second line center for Las Vegas until being
sidelined for eight games due to illness. But I think the Enforcers
Dimitrakos and Vikings Hamhuis have done the most for their respective
squads. I see this year's final Calder race being the best in WHL
history, with Zidlicky having the edge playing first line
minutes."
Question: "What player has rebounded the best this season
to help their team?"
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"I don't know if he qualifies
at all in this category, but I'm very impressed with Mario this season.
He does play for the superior team in the league, but that doesn't take
any the greatness away from him this season. He dominates the game as if
he was 23."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"No idea."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"I'm really impressed with Joe
Thornton and Vincent Lecavalier. Both were 1st picks overall and have
done very well over the years, but this year you can REALLY appreciate
how talented they are, as they are absolutely dominating."
Icedogs GM Bobby
Clarke's response:
"Vincent Lecavalier, he is
finally stepping up and playing like the star everyone expected him to
be."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Personally, I don't think
there's a better story than that of Nathan Dempsey's. After spending most
of his career in the minors as a result of coaching issues, and injuries,
Dempsey finally secured a top three duties this year. His 35pts in
33games sits him 5th overall in defensemen scoring. A steady defender and
powerful offensive threat, he surely gets my vote as comeback player of
the year since he can't compete for the Calder."
Question: "What will this year's Cyber Cup finals match-up
look like?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Corinthians vs. Saints (cause
the Dropkicks always blow it)"
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"It will be a showdown between
the Bulls and the Dropkicks, and the Kicks will have their arses kicked
right out of the Bulls meadow."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"Bulls and Voodoo. Ain't
nothin gonna change that [smiles]."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"I could go out on a limb and
make some wild prediction, but I think Calgary beating Las Vegas is a
pretty safe bet. But still... it's the Dropkicks we're talking about, so
they could just as well be sent home in the first round by the
Islanders..."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"For the second straight year
I'm picking the Calgary Dropkicks to make to the Cyber Cup from the
west. In the east it will come down to the Bulls or
Icedogs."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"The much anticipated
Bulls/Dropkicks match-up is looking like a real possibility this year.
The past three seasons has served as great suspense as fan
balloting results continue to show. But each of the last three seasons
the Dropkicks have been upset as their dance partner awaited them in the
finals... Could this year be different though? - The Corinths, Icedogs,
and Voodoo will certainly have something to say about
it..."
Question: "What team is most likely to shock the league
and make a playoff run?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Hawks."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Shock the league you
say... hmmm... I'd be shocked if the Cats made it. I don't think there
will be any major surprises this season though."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"The Vikings."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"Boston."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"There's something about the
Islanders this year that I just can't put my finger on. I mean they have
all the tools to become a winner, but it looks like they're waiting for
something, maybe a certain opponent to make a statement against before
climbing higher in the playoff race. Regardless, I don't think anyone
should take a team this well balanced likely, especially with Hossa and
Zhamnov's abilities."
Question: "Who will win the Scoring race in the
WHL?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Steve Begin."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"Mario Lemieux."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"No idea."
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"It'll be between Kovalchuk,
Lemieux and Lecavalier. I think Vinny will take it."
Icedogs spokesman
Jim Rome's response:
"At the end of the year and
after one of the greatest scoring races in WHL history we will see the
future, Vincent Lacavalier, narrowly edge the past, Mario Lemieux, for
top spot on the scoring list."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"With the streak Lecavalier has
been on the last couple weeks it's hard to bet against him. I mean he
caught back-up to Mario, who had run away from the league at that point.
I think at seasons end you could probably just flip a coin, because it's
possible these two could end up tied in every category."
Question: "Do you think the dismantling of the Stallions
was a good move? Do you think they will land both Brule and Crosby? With
3 first round picks so far, do you think they will get any
more?"
Smoke Eaters GM
Larry Berteotti's reponse:
"Good? Hard to tell!
Necessary......for sure. I do not think they will land Brule and Crosby.
One or the other obviously. They may get more first rounders but they
won't be lottery picks because the Vikings and Smoke Eaters won't trade
them."
Boston Hawks
spokeswoman Alyson Hannigan's response:
"The Stallions were dying. What
was done had to be done sooner or later, and what better year to do it
when Crosby is available. I think that Elias and Teppo Numminen might be
moved closer to the deadline. I don't know what they might get for them
though as most of the top teams would go over the cap with the addition
of those players."
Voodoo GM Darren
Kinnaird's response:
"I think the dismantling of the
salary system would be a much better idea."
Bulls reporter
Michael Landsberg's response:
"Toronto's early Christmas gift
to the Icedogs certainly sent ripples throughout the league as
representatives and GM's started to yell conspiracy... I heard a lot of
that from out west too [smiles]. For the 'Dogs, this deal was a miracle.
It instantly transformed them into a contender. I'm sure the Bears were a
little pissed that they didn't get any of the pie... I think the
Stallions got too entangled by the Icedogs persuasive ways though, as it
surprised many to see that Winnipeg made this deal happen without even
losing Kalinin and Langkow. I'd say there's only a two percent chance
that Toronto can land both Crosby and Brule though. There seems to be a
new vendetta against them from other teams to stop them from getting
both. So I don't think they will get any more lottery picks for next
year. For this franchises sake, if they can't acquire both somehow, I
think there's a real possibility they will have to relocate the team as
angry fans will burn the arena down for giving up so much for a single
star... PS. I hear rumours Elias is on his way back to the
Bulls...[smiles]"
Sparrows assistant
coach Kelly Miller's response:
"Firesales are never a good
idea. I hope it fails completely and they don't get any of the players
they were going for."
[END OF QUESTIONS]
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The Simpson's - Characters that have similiar traits to teams
and people in the WHL.
"Wolfgang
Hardcastle"
- This Arnold Schwarzenegger wannabe
may as well be Jes Golbez.
"Ned
Flanders"
- This "hi-diddly-ho"
neighbor loves to help needy kids, and hey, so does Larry. Just look at
his roster!
"Mr.
Burns"
- Oh come on, do I even have to say
who this "eeeexcellent" GM is? How'd that rookie system work
out for you anyhow Darren?
"Gill"
- This salesman always comes so
close to finishing his deals, but always falls short. Brings to mind the
Stallions bids for the Cyber Cup over the years.
"Kent
Brockman"
- This news anchor won't do the news
without getting his cinnamon bun first. I've been told Pongratz is the
same way when making trades, except he needs a box of buns before he
offers up something of his own.
"Auto"
- This bus driving, crazy rocker is
actually Jon Lemoine's idol. I mean, how couldn't he be? Auto's a
reckless bus driver, and Jon's a menace when it comes to making
deals.
"Apu"
- The store owner's catch phrase
"please come again" has been heard from Bulls' after the finals
the last three years. :)
"Comic Book
Guy"
- Organized professional by day,
secret costume wearing superhero wannabe by night. Wonder what Mike
Hebert's plans are tonight?
"Homer"
- Beer drinkin, loud, funny guy who
thinks he can play golf and use a computer; sounds a lot like Kordyback
eh?
"Willie"
- A foreign janitor trying to pass
as a normal member of society. Last I checked Easton was still playing on
a boat in this league right?
Alright all, I hope this was a good read for everyone, been awhile since
we've had anything like this sent out.
Happy Holidays!
Later,
Chris
Kubinec.
University of Toronto
_______________________________
ICQ:
86980869
MSN: chriskubinec@hotmail.com
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