Volume 2 Issue 7 -- March 28, 2002
(Awarded to the the top scorer and top goalie over the past 10 games)
Player
Winner: Patrik Elias of the Oakville Bulls for 2.90 points per game
Runner-Up: Bill Guerin of the Rocky Mountain Express for 17 points
Goalie
Winner: Damian Rhodes of the Oakville Bulls for 13 of a possible 16 points earned
Runner-Up: Martin Brodeur of the Vancouver Voodoo for 14 of a possible 18 points earned
Nominees
Players GP G A PTS +/- PP SH GW GT S PIM His Team
Patrik Elias 10 16 13 29 0 1 0 1 0 61 10 Bulls
Bill Guerin 11 7 10 17 2 0 0 0 0 44 35 Express
Joe Sakic 10 12 4 16 7 3 1 3 0 53 16 Stallions
Mats Sundin 9 4 12 16 1 2 0 0 0 49 11 Corinthians
Glen Murray 10 10 5 15 3 3 0 1 1 42 2 Hawks
Vincent Damphousse 8 7 7 14 7 3 1 2 0 35 22 Sparrows
Teemu Selanne 7 9 3 12 4 2 1 2 0 32 6 Oceanics
Theoren Fleury 10 6 5 11 -3 0 0 1 0 27 21 Dominators
Cliff Ronning 11 2 8 10 -14 2 0 0 1 36 4 Seawolves
Richard Zednik 11 6 3 9 8 0 0 1 0 35 32 Krushers
Mike Comrie 10 3 6 9 1 2 0 0 1 33 11 Dropkicks
Mike York 10 1 5 6 3 1 0 1 0 29 0 Voodoo
Goaltenders GP MIN AVG W L T EN SO GA SA PCT His Team
Damian Rhodes 8 485 2.60 6 1 1 0 0 21 229 .908 Bulls
Martin Brodeur 9 550 2.62 6 1 2 0 2 24 253 .905 Voodoo
Jean-F. Damphousse 10 610 3.50 6 2 2 0 0 35 333 .895 Hawks
Mathieu Garon 9 540 3.33 6 3 0 0 1 30 274 .891 Sparrows
Trevor Kidd 7 425 1.98 5 1 1 0 1 14 203 .931 Krushers
Dwayne Roloson 5 300 2.80 4 1 0 0 1 14 148 .905 Stallions
Olaf Kolzig 8 485 3.34 3 4 1 0 0 27 230 .883 Dropkicks
Dominik Hasek 4 240 3.25 3 1 0 0 0 13 117 .889 Oceanics
Patrick DesRochers 5 300 3.60 3 2 0 0 0 18 155 .884 Dominators
Jose Theodore 7 420 5.43 3 4 0 0 0 38 218 .826 Corinthians
(News articles from every corner of the W.H.L.)
Toronto Hanging Onto First Overall
Toronto, ON - The Stallions have shored up two positions and now attempt to run to the end of the season. Acquiring Rory Fitzpatrick will fill a hole on the third line defence. Rory's defensive abilities are unquestioned. Even while playing for the struggling SeaWolves he was a mere -8 (Shut up Mike, I know). Coming to Toronto he will be expected to shut down teams that place their top unit on the third line, to avoid facing any real competition.
The other acquisition was right winger Mike Grier. Arriving from Harrisburg, Mike will be expected to join Shayne Corson and rookie Mark Smith on that third line. This will give Toronto as much of a shut-them-down line as a potentially offensive line. Grier is a strong gritty player, much in the same mold as Corson and Smith and can score when given the opportunity. And he will be given every chance to prove he wants to stay in the WHL.
Rookie Mark Smith continues to play great. He scored 13 points in the past 10 games, including 10 goals. He presently sits in fifth place in the rookie scoring race, just five points behind leader Jochen Hecht. He sits in second place in goals by a rookie with 23, three behind Ruslan Fedotenko. This could be Toronto's best chance for a Calder Cup since they traded away Saku Koivu and Wade Redden.
Dwayne Roloson continues to fill in for an injured Cujo. Curtis is not talking about his injury, but he has been hampered since the Olympics with it. Sean Burke was brought in, should the need arise for veteran goaltending come the playoffs. He has agreed to a play in Milton with the farm club until needed. The deal arranged will see him paid his full WHL salary in the minors.
Toronto's penalty killing has completely turned around the last ten games. They've allowed only three goals against in 50 chances, two of those in a game against Edmonton. They have blanked the opposition powerplay 8 times in the last 10 games to raise the effectiveness to 81%.
Al Stricken reporting
Vikings In The Playoff Fight Of Their Lives
Edmonton, AB - The trade deadline itself was quiet on the Vikings front which was only natural after a busy ten days that saw captain Rod Brind'Amour, Jamie Langenebrunner, Tommy Salo, Scott Stevens and Michal Handzus all leaving Edmonton in two separate deals. The Vikings acquired Dan Cloutier, Kiril Safronov, Marty Reasoner, Scott Hartnell, Greg Johnson and Chris Osgood.
Unfortunately Lee McEwen had to release a statement after the Brind'Amour trade due to the complaints of several anonymous GM's. "It annoyed me then and it still bothers me now. Everyone knows we have struggled this year but to have a few of my peers question my competency behind my back, to not have the guts to tell me to my face, is a joke."
The Vikings remain life and death to make the playoffs, as they are currently tied for eighth, and will have to play their best hockey down the stretch to make it. Their schedule down the stretch is among the toughest in the league:
HOME (7): Express, Icedogs, Express, Saints, Islanders, Seawolves, Voodoo
AWAY (8): Bears, Stallions, Hawks, Seawolves, Express, Islanders, Saints, Voodoo
One rumor that will not go away is that Jeff Tetz will replace Rob Ziccarelli as coach in the next few days. Tetz has been out of hockey since leaving the Penticton Venom but is well-respected by Vikings GM Lee McEwen and he has been seen at several Vikings games in the last few weeks. Tetz does live in Edmonton though, so there may be nothing out of the ordinary about him attending Vikings games. Regardless of the rumors, Rob Ziccarelli is continuing to act as this is his team and is hopeful the Vikes will make a playoff push. "Rumours are rumours for a reason, and I have to come to work everyday and prepare this hockey club the best I can. We are neck and neck for one of those last playoff spots right now and it's important for the guys to stay focused. We're working very hard to cut down on our turnovers and to play smart hockey. If we can capitalize on our chances down the stretch, we should be in good shape."
Jim Matheson for the WHL Weekly
Deadline Analysis Via Chi-Town
by Paul Varelans and Severin Horvath.
Chicago, IL - With the trade deadline come and gone, the WHL has seen a new record established for trades made in a season. Thanks in large part to Jon "Kathy" Lemoine, Chris "Bounced Czech" Kubinec, and Kris "Rettschlag's bitch" Kordyback, the WHL saw 160 deals take place during the season and past offseason.
Of course, the most exciting time for the media and the players, and the most pants-crapping time for the players, is the annual meat-market known as the Trade Deadline.
Together with fellow Krushers beat writer Severin Horvath, we present our expert analysis of the meaningful deals that took place on or near the deadline.
To the Stallions: Rory Fitzpatrick
To the SeaWolves: 1st round pick
Analysis: The rich get richer! Although the Stallions have steamrolled over everyone this season, their defense was lacking a true defense-only presence. Fitzpatrick, who nobody ever expected to be a star, should provide some help. However, he only has 14 playoff games to his credit, and 0 in the past 3 years.
To the Bears: Oleg Kvasha, Brian Finley
To the Stallions: Mike Grier, Sean Burke
Analysis: This deal makes sense for the Bears. For one, they get the young up and coming Finley, who unfortunately has a wonkier groin than most pornstars. Kvasha is a heartless moron who won't provide any impact. However, they rid themselves of the expensive contract that Sean "Wife Beater" Burke has been carrying ever since Kordyback got drunk and penned the deal a few years back. Why do the Stallions need Burke? Honestly, have they lost faith in Cujo? Or is this expensive insurance?
To the Dropkicks: Jerome Iginla, Steve Yzerman, Craig Berube, Jay Pandolfo
To the Bulls: Mario Lemieux, David Legwand, Pavel Bure, 1st rounder, Brent Fedyk
Analysis: For the sad Dropkicks, there is more to this deal than meets the eye. With the awful coaching of Rettschlag, few seem to realize the chemistry in the Dropkicks dressing room had gone all to hell. Pavel Bure is well known for his extreme-cherry picking (Has he ever been in his own zone?), while Mario Lemieux was purely interested in the big fat contract he scammed. The country-club atmosphere had to be changed, and Iginla and Yzerman are pure heart-and-soul guys.
Still, it can't help but be noticed that the Dropkicks really did give up too much talent. They gave up a prime young player in Legwand, a legend in Lemieux, a proven sniper in Bure, and a 1st rounder, and all they got was Yzerman and Iginla (who has a whopping 40 points this season). Looks like Kordyback was just a little too desperate here.
To the Icedogs: Michal Handzus, Denis Arkhipov
To the Krushers: Chris Drury
Analysis: Well, nothing the Icedogs ever do makes any sense. However, they managed to pry away a prized young Drury away from the free-falling Dropkicks, only to deal him about 20 hours later to the Krushers. For the Krushers, this trade should provide them with the scoring winger they always seem to be craving, although Drury is no Pavol Demitra.
What's even more strange about the deal is the fact that Golbez (or is it Ursulak? or Prince??) traded a Slovak away...and no less than 2 games after getting him from the Vikings. Yes, Hell has frozen over.
To the Express: The Sedinbots, Anton Volchenkov, Robert Esche
To the Icedogs: Patrick Marleau, Erik Rasmussen, Toby Peterson, Mika Noronen
Analysis: Ok, the Icedogs got raped here. Sorry, but the Sedinbots are just incredible young talents (but why do they get traded all of the time? Do they just bore everyone to death?). Marleau will never realize his potential, because he is a moron (Like the average Stallions fan), and Rasmussen and Peterson are basically 3rd and 4th line types. To boot, the Express get Volchenkov, a chunky, but effective defensive prospect.
To the Seawolves: 3rd round draft pick
To the Steelcats: Peter Bartos
Analysis: Upon hearing of the deal, Bartos told the Czech media "I'd rather play at home than play in this stinking town! The team sucks, management sucks, coaching sucks. Why won't Ursulak trade for me? Am I not good enough for him? I just want to join all the other Slovaks, and eat Slovak donuts!" Ok...
To the Vikings: Chris Osgood
To the Icedogs: Carlo Colaiacovo and a 2nd round pick
Analysis: Good for the Vikings to *FINALLY* address their weakness in goal (hell, even Chris Rogles is better than Jamie Storr), but Chris Osbad? Hmm, the Vikes gave up 2 half-decent prospect assets for a goalie that won't help them. Osgood is Osbad, and the Vikes didn't really make an upgrade. Thumbs down!
To the Icedogs: JP Dumont, Tomas Holmstrom, Sheldon Keefe, Denis Gauthier
To the Steelcats: Alexander Perezhogin, Raffi Torres, Dan Boyle, Tomas Divisek
Analysis: One minute, the Icedogs want to get younger...and now Lemoine wants to trade young prospects for young players. Make up your damn mind!! It's no wonder the Icedogs suck so bad. The players have no desire to play there, and no loyalty at all. Lemoine is cutthroat, and shows no semblance of team-building, or loyalty to his players.
As for the Steelcats, why hasn't Berteotti been fired yet? Honestly, he keeps trading established talent for young prospects...every single year! Why? Because he's cheap, cheap, and cheap again. Both teams that are going nowhere fast.
Last, and very least:
To the Express: Dan Kesa, Jeff Hackett
To the Bulls: Byron Dafoe, Jay Pandolfo, Ed Ward
Analysis: You gotta love how the Express decide their playoff goaltending. Make a late season trade for a random goalie and give him the reigns. With the talent they have, it doesn't really matter who is in net. Honestly, I was hoping that Pongratz would give Mike Torchia (remember him?) a shot. The Express win. Why? Well not just because Hackett has been a much better goalie than Byron Dafoe in the WHL, but because they get Dan Kesa! Damn, how did they steal him away from the Bulls?
Well, we won't know until months or years down the road who some of the winners of these trades will be. For the Krushers, Bulls, and Express, their success will be determined by this years playoffs? For the Icedogs and Steelcats...well they'll never be good anyways, and for the Seawolves and Vikings, they hope that they planted the seeds for future success.
Hawks Confident At Making Playoffs
Boston, MA - The Boston Hawks have played really good during the last 10 games. In fact the Hawks have never been able to display such a good "monthly" record as they did this past month. A record of 6-2-2 is an imporvement with 2 points over the 6-4-0 record that was set between games 40 and 50.
Hawks GM Nilsson didn't make any big changes to his roster before the trade deadline this past Sunday. He did one minor trade with the Montreal Juggernaughts when he brought winger David Oliver to the club. Oliver might help the club for the reminder of the season but isn't likely to be of great help in the future.
Let's take a look at the top 5 Hawks this past month:
1. F 46 Glen Murray 10 10 5 15 3 3 0 1 1 42 2 23.8%
Glen Murray has played at a very high level during the last 10 games. Murray has 50 points this season and that puts him in third place among the Hawks. Only Berezin and Svehla have more points so far.
2. D 37 Robert Svehla 10 1 12 13 1 0 1 0 0 8 15 12.5%
Svehla has played at a very high level for most of this season. He recorded four assists in a game against his old club, the Sparrows earlier this month. There were many rumours flying around saying that Svehla would be dealt before the deadline. Coach Mike Bossy has confirmed me that clubs like Bulls, Express and the Stallions all were interested in the veteran blueliner. Now that it looks like the Hawks are going to the playoffs, GM Nilsson has decided to keep Svehla.
3. F 25 Joe Nieuwendyk 10 1 13 14 9 0 0 0 1 15 18 6.7%
Joe has really awakened from his coma that he was in during the first half of the season. He was considered by some to be the biggest underachiever in the league after 30 games. Since then Joey has improved his game a great deal. He still doesn't score as many goals as he should but as long as he sets up his linesmates we can't complain. Nieuwnedyk, who came to the club as a free agent before this season, now has 45 points. Of those, 40 are assists and 5 are goals.
4. Jean-F. Damphousse 10 610 3.50 6 2 2 0 0 35 333 .895 0 0
J-F now has played in 65 of the Hawks 70 games. He has been the Hawks best player if we look at the whole season. Damphousse has been selected as a Platinum Three Star no less than 20 times this season. Question is; what happens with the Hawks if J-F gets injured, can Schwab provide the same kind of security as Damphousse?
5. F 38 Dallas Drake 10 7 4 11 5 0 0 1 0 27 26 25.9%
Drake had to take over the responsibilities as enforcer on the Hawks when Corson was sent to the Stallions. He has done so with great success. He is on the verge on making it into the list of the most penalized players in the league. Drake is more than just an enforcer though, he has scored 20 goals and has 31 points so far this season.
Now to something totally different. Let me tell you a story.
Last night, after returning to Boston from Miami, I went to my favorite bar, Twelve Drunken Sailors here in Boston. I wasn't feeling so good after having seen the Oceanics tear my beloved Hawks apart so I thought it would be nice to have a beer or twelve. I went in and sat down at the bar and ordered a beer. That's when I started to hear sobbing sounds from a dark corner of the bar. I went over to the table in the corner thinking, here is a guy that's feeling just as miserable as me. What I didn't expect to find in the dark corner of this sleeze bar was Dropkicks coach Adam *where is my bottle* Rettschlag, but that's just who I found.
Me - Hey There Adam! What are you doing here?
Adam - Have shyou scheen my bootil *hick*?
Me - Uh, no, but you can have mine.
Adam - Thanksch.
Me - So, Adam, I guess thing didn't go to well for the Kicks tonight?
Adam - NO, That GM of oursch doeschn't lischten to me anymore, I told him it would be a bad idea to trade Mario *hick* and Pavel and look what happen *Hick*.
Me - But you got two very good players in return didn't you?
Adam - Have you scheen my bottle?
Me - Didn't I just give you a bottle of beer?
Adam - Nobody lischten to me thesche days.. Everyone yells at me for yelling at the players. I don't know why, do you know why?
Me - Hum, Could it be because your team is playing bad at the moment, you guys can't even stay a head of the Hawks these days.
Adam - You're not nice *hick*
Me - Or could it be because your drinking problems?
Adam - buhu.. you're not *hick* nice to me.. *falls asleep on the table*
After this I went back to the bar and ordered myself another beer and was happy that Rettschlag isn't coaching the Hawks. Feeling much better after having talked to Adam I decided to go home and get some sleep.
This is Lasse Kinch reporting for the Hawks in Boston.
New Challenge is to Gel
Hartford, MA - With Chris Kordyback bent on changing the direction of the Dropkicks team, the next step is coming together and making a run in the playoffs.
With the Kicks tied for fifth with the crosstown rival Boston Hawks, it looks as if post season play is in the cards. This may change with the facelift that occurred last week. With players like Lemieux, Drury, Bure and Legwand out of the lineup, time will tell how fast Yzerman, Iginla and Brunette can adjust to their new digs.
Iginla expressed optimism about the chemistry of the team.
"One positive thing is that Steve, Andrew and I were all playing for the Bulls organization...the whole trade issue is just part of the game. We're all professionals and guys like Joe (Thornton), Mike (Comrie), Koz and the rest of them have all been great considering Mario and Pavel were big parts of this team."
Random Kicks:
Apparently Joe Thornton's sponsorship deal with nightclub chain Rum Jungle has affected the newest Dropkicks. After a night of "welcoming", Yzerman and tough guy Craig Berube all were noticibly tired in the opening game. Jarome Iginla was a late scratch with a flu, which this reporter suspects was of the 26 ounce variety.
"I'm ready for the Islanders though," said a sheepish Iginla, "Coach Rettschlag cut me some slack...although his method of teaching me a lesson was a little cruel. Have you ever drank three warm Big Bears after a night at the 'Jungle? Not nice. Not nice at all."
Iginla is expected to skate with Yzerman and Comrie on the top line tonight.
The Dropkicks were relatively quiet on deadline day as was the rest of the league. Glen Metropolit was acquired for slugger Ryan Vandenbussche.
"Second biggest deal in the last 24 hours," joked Metropolit, who's headed for Worcester.
Jackass of the Week
Excluding Dropkicks mad trader GM Chris Kordyback (who is ineligible to recieve this award for reasons of my job security), the top candidate has to be Miikko Elomo of the Stallions. Elomo earned a suspension for starting fights that, in this writer's estimation, he hardly stayed around to finish. Elomo has a reputation for hiding behind teammates and linesmen. Veteran WHL linesman Kyle Pollard was cut under the eye for 8 stitches after Elomo shoved him in the way of a punch from Icedogs tough guy Brad May. Elomo will miss a total of four games for this suspension.
Golf Clubs Shined In Victoria
Victoria, B.C. - That's right, with the Isles all but out of the playoffs this year, the Victoria troops have been polishing their clubs as spring has arrived in this beautiful ocean side resort. The team was brutal this season except for a modest mid-season run when the club was actually healthy. Right now only four starting players were healthy for every game. Injuries, you bet, this is a season to forget!
Game stars to compete. Well Erickson picked up 15 points this later cycle which may just be a team high this season. However, competing for an individual award after this horrific season isn't what this team is about. The Isles are already looking forward to next season.
The Isles should get a reasonable first round draft pick and are looking for a few players to come into camp able to challenge for more ice time next season. Right now Morozov and Reinprecht should be somewhat stronger while Dagenais and Melichar showed promise. Our prospects led by Chistov, Cheechoo and Sellars are still a few years away.
Bulls Make one of the Biggest-Blockbuster Deals of All-Time
Oakville, ON - This past week and a half has seen some players come and go from the Oakville Bulls organization. Let's recap the deals made by the Bulls!
The deal that started the Bulls deadline-trading off, was a deal that involved both the Vikings and Bulls.
1. To the Vikings: Marty Reasoner, Dan Cloutier, Carlo Colaiacovo
To the Bulls: Rod Brind'Amour, Tommy Salo, Jamie Langenbrunner
In an attempt to add some more veteran leadership the Bulls acquired Rod Brind'Amour, and Tommy Salo at the expense of 3 players who are 24years old and under, and who all have big upside... The Bulls could really get hurt by this deal in a couple of seasons, yet, Oakville's focus is solely on winning the cup this year so the deal fit.
2. To the Bulls: Daniel Tkaczuk, Jani Hurme
To the Steelcats: Jamie Langenbrunner
The second deal was made a day later when the Steelcats contacted the Bulls about acquiring Langenbrunner in a deal for two youngsters with great upside, so the Bulls accepted in an attempt to replace some of the youth that had just been dealt prevously.
3. To the Express: Dan Kesa, Jeff Hackett
To the Bulls: Byron Dafoe, Jay Pandolfo, Ed Ward
The third deal completed by Oakville saw goalie Jeff Hackett heading to the West Coast in deal that would allow him to be the bonafide number one goalie again. The main player coming back to Oakville in this deal is "Lord" Byron Dafoe who the Bulls think will be a great addition to their club come next season. Dafoe's a fan favourite in Oakville, and with his outstanding play last time he was playing for the Oakville Organization (nearly three seasons ago) all are expecting big things from Dafoe.
Then of course came the biggest deal of the season, that took the WHL world by storm...
4. To the Dropkicks: Steve Yzerman, Jarome Iginla, Craig Berube, Jay Pandolfo
To the Bulls: Mario Lemieux, David Legwand, Brent Fedyk, Pavel Bure, Raiders 1st rounder(WHL8)
This deal shocked all hockey fans, as the Bulls actually dealt away Jarome Iginla. Iginla would never have been dealt if Mario Lemieux wasn't added into the mix, and seeing how he was a deal was reached that saw Stevie Y and Jarome Iginla packing their bags for the other conference, and heading to the Dropkicks organization. In return the Bulls most notably acquired youngster David Legwand, the Raiders 1st round pick this year, Pavel Bure, and fan-favourite in Oakville "SUPER MARIO!", The Magnificent One - Mario Lemieux! After trying for the entire season to land Mario, the Bulls finally accomplished it.
With those 4 deals the Bulls added the weapons they believe will ensure them a birth in the Cyber Cup, and with all luck, Mario will be able to parade around the Smackdown Centre with the Cyber Cup this season!
I'm Michael Landsberg reporting.
'And that's the bottom line!...here in Oakville, Ontario!'.
Daily Bullz-Eye
- After the blockbuster deal was made between the Dropkicks and Bulls, it's been reported that Chris Kordyback sealed the deal when he offered to cover all security expenses that would be implemented for he and Chris Kubinec after making that type of deal without the rest of the league having any clue.
- Seawolves GM Rob Sypes has now been missing for 48hrs. Police still don't have any clue as to his sudden disappearance, but investigators speculate that he left Hollywood fairly quickly. The only clue they have as to the time of his disappearance is his office computer which was last used at 1:23am two days ago... more as it happens...
- In Oakville fans were celebrating the arrival of "The Russian Rocket" Pavel Bure, and "The Magnificent One" Mario Lemieux as Lemieux and Bure took time to sign autographs and show off their jerseys for the fans of Oakville who were overwhelmed to hear that Mario would be returning as the team's captain.
Seawolves Look To The Future
Hollywood, CA - With the trade deadline past, the Hollywood SeaWolves have once again proven that they are looking towards the future.
Going out are Rory Fitzpatrick, Murray Baron, Brad Tapper and Joel Kwiatkowski. Coming to the SeaWolves are Martin Sonnenberg, Darryl Laplante, Marc Moro, Wyat Smith, the Stallions 1st round draft pick, the IceDogs 5th round draft pick, the Express’s 4th round pick, and the Dropkicks 4th round pick.
GM, Robert Sypes, had this to say on the deals; "Overall, we are pretty pleased with the way the deals worked out. Of course, we hate to lose guys like Baron and Fitzpatrick, as well as young guys like Tapper and Kwiatkowski. However, in order to get the types of players and picks that we feel will help our club succeed in a couple of seasons, we had to start making some sacrifices."
When asked about Rory Fitzpatrick, GM Rob Sypes had this to say, "It’s been no secret that we had been wanting to move Rory all season long. He had been the longest serving member of the SeaWolves, and so it was not without a heavy heart that we decided it was best that he move on. Rory, had asked for a trade before the season had started, and so we have made his wishes come true. The fact that he is going to the Stallions, which have to be the favorite to win the Cup this year, he has to be psyched about it."
Rory Fitzpatrick had this to say, "Yeah, of course I’m excited about moving on to the Stallion organization. I’ll miss the SeaWolves, and the friends and fans that I made while there, but going to a team like the Stallions sure help ease the pain."
Some fans were disheartened to hear the news that the long time SeaWolf had finally been traded. Trevor Mindon of Small Town California had this to say on the deal, "This sucks man. Over the years, Rory, had been the most consistent player on the team, and how do they reward him? They trade his ass. It’s typical front office BS. They wouldn’t know a good deal if one sat on their face and wiggled! I’m canceling my season tickets. Without Rory, this team will lose even more games. The Wolves are the worst team in the league, with the most incompetent front office in the history of the game!"
Others, were not so unhappy, "I feel that they made a deal that was good for the team in the future. They got a 1st round pick for him, and I don’t think it’s going overboard to say that Rory’s best days are behind him. I think this was a good deal for both teams. The Stallions get another all-star defenseman, and the Wolves get a 1st round pick that could bring them a good young player of equal value in a season or two." So says Frank Burton, of San Franciso.
One thing is without question, the SeaWolves, are continuing on with their mandate of trading for youth and picks.
Coach, Bill Armstrong had the final word on the slew of trades. "What can I say about the trades? For this year, we lost a lot of good players, and got not much in return. As we are way out of the playoff race, it hardly matters, but, unless we manage to get some good young players with the picks, and a couple of the young players that we traded for manage to grow into fruition for next season, the SeaWolves could be staring down the barrel of a dark season next year. A season, where we will be praying for the measly 14 wins that we’ve managed so far this season. Here’s to hoping."
ROUND THE HORN w/ RANDORK, the TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
** The following view's are of Dave Randork, the WHL's most biased arrogant reporter, calling things how he sees them **
Somewhere In, AB
Who the hell is Brad Tapper?
I mean seriously... And how come there were rumours of 6 teams chasing for him and the Seawolves settled for Sonnonsupersonicberg? Brad Tapper, better be tapping some hot girl that'll come to the rink, because it may be the only scoring he'll do in his career, this guy is pure WFHL material.
WHL Trade Record!
Ok, so a lot of GM's probably deal like mad and have about as much direction as Stevie Wonder stranded in the middle of the Pacific. But it says that the GM's are active and working the lines, so that stands for something. This season we've seen the Bulls take a step foward in an attempt to upseat the Corniths into the elite 4 (Voodoo, Express, Stallions), the Icedogs take about 50 steps and end up right where they started, and the Express w/ a minor youth movement underway beneath everyone with the likes of the Sedin's and guys like Spezza and Klesla emerging into everyday players... Biggest blockbuster of this year? Those ballsy Dropkicks in the Yzerman/Iginla -for- Lemieux/Bure deal... 100% testicular fortitude on that one, you have to respect that...
Stick a Pike in the Vikes
It's been a while since the Vikings were mentioned in the same breath as the WHL's elite teams, hell, they're not even one of the WHL's better teams anymore... It's hard to explain, but I have a few factors as to their decline in recent years... 1) No defensive talent up front. When Curtis Brown is your only back checking forward, it could be a long night... 2) No offence from the backend... With the exception of Brewer, the D are not putting up huge numbers... 3) NO MOXY, NO LEADER... No offence to Smytty, but look at this team, they have no clear cut - take charge Captian, no glue guy to go to when chips are down and who's been there before... Yashin and Allison pull thier own ways and Smytty can not be left to take care of this squad... In the off-season, look for one of the big C's to be moved for a "Take charge" player...
Who the hell is Rory Fitzpatrick?
Ok, so we know, but you read it here, Rory sucks.
Hawkin' up a huge one...
This issue's BOOYAH goes out to Peter Nilsson and his Boston Hawks, they've quietly, carfully brought themselves from the depths of perrenial Icedog-ness at the bottom of the standings and actually make the Dropkicks/Hawks games interesting, one might even say a top 4 rivalry... Many GM's could learn from Peter's "less whine, more results" attitude, he's done the best with what was given and even has moved for some top offensive talent (Neiuwy, Murray, etc...) Should be an Exec candidate for sure...
What is Rob Sypes on?
Aside from confirming multiple trades and selling other GM's Alpo (or was it Puppy Chow?) for trades, he at least brings another opinionated GM to the West Coast (Re: the Best coast)
Finally, but not Final
If the WHL playoffs started today, the matchups would be as follows: Voodoo vs. Vikings, Krushers vs. Saints, Express vs. Dropkicks and Doms vs. Hawks... Is it just me or is the West shaping up to be an upset special? There are going to be some intense 1st round series either way, there's too many good teams out west and too many underachieing teams as well...
I'm Dave Randork, that's my $0.02
Oceanics Remain Status Quo
Miami, FL - With the trade deadline sneaking around in the WHL, one of the few teams that didn't make any moves is Miami.
Due to the accumulation of first class players there was no big need to juggle things around. Hasek and Nabokov as backstoppers have been solid. GM Gittersberger wanted t make some changes to the defense department but no lucrative deal was to be found.
For the first time, the OCEANICS will be in the play-offs.
Endless Struggling
Pittsburgh, PA - The Endless have crashed and burned recently. We are currently in the 9th spot in the Campbell Conference trailing the Vikings with 2 points. However a 3 game losing streak isn't helping our cause. A recent trade was made with the Ice Dogs to shake things up. We sent Stacy Roest, who had been on our reserve list, and in return we received both the Ice Dogs's 5th pick as well as Oceanics's 5th pick. We're not kidding our selves, knowing that those picks aren't that valuable but as Roest had no future with us the two picks seemed more "fun" then him. We also received Marek Posmyk in the trade, mostly due to the Ice Dogs needing to dump a player to make room for Roest. All in all a small trade that hopefully sent a message to the players not to slack off.
Our top five Forwards:
1. Martin Rucinsky - 60pts
2. John Madden - 51
3. Daniel Alfredsson - 47
4. Brad Isbister - 38
5. Bobby Holik - 33
Our top five Defencemen:
1. Kim Johnsson - 34
2. Branislav Mezei - 34
3. Radoslav Suchy - 33 (rookie)
4. Remi Royer - 32
5. Bob Boughner - 17
Our top two Goalkeepers:
1. Arturs Irbe - 3.70 & 0.908%
2. J-M Pelletier - 4.32 & 0.883%
Voodoo Noos
Vancouver, B.C. - Well the trade deadline came and went this season, and GM Darren Kinnaird decided to stand pat, and go with the team that has been here pretty much the whole season. "I spoke with a few GM's but nothing ever really got going. We were not prepared to give up any major pieces of our puzzle, and really we are quite happy with what is already here," said Kinnaird.
Paul Kariya will return in the second half of a home and home with the Dominators Thursday. Kariya has missed 2 weeks with a sore shoulder. "The doctors have said it is ready to go, it feels strong and I can't wait to get back out there with the guys" commented Kariya after a strong workout Tuesday morning. Kariya played on a line with Mike Peca and Mike York. York had filled in for Kariya but will not switch to the right side as Nolan was suffering from the flu.
Defence Worries as DMD Still Chasing Krushers
Des Moines, IA - DMD came into this season with a new management and most people thought that the DMD would have to fight to even get to the playoffs, but they suprised the believers and after a terrible start they climbed into the top of their division. Then Larsson made his first movement in his come back and sent league leader, Steve Yzerman, to Oakville. The reaction among experts and media were that DMD made good move for future. Most of us hockey experts believed that DMD's success would end with Yzerman, but we were wrong. The Dominators have suprised us again and are actually winning more often now after the deal. What success this season has been so far for this club.
During the ten past games the new players have shown that they can lead the team along with old players that have stepped forward. Youngsters Rico Fata and Ramzi Abid are good examples of players that have shown a lot more the past games. "Both Rico and Ramzi are extreme talants that really have shown this season that they will be great WHL players. They have had more ice time and confidence when big leaders like Yzerman and Housley left.
The Des Moines Dominators went from .598 to .614 in winning percent the past games which is very good. "We are in 2nd position still chasing the Krushers for that American division title. I think we have a good chance to catch them despite having a tough schedule coming up" said GM Larsson.
The Dominators have kept their effective powerplay and Radek Bonk has filled Yzermans shoes in the Powerplay. DMD is still one of the best teams in the league when it comes to special units. The powerplay is 4th with 21.5% and the PK is 4th with 83.5. The Penalty killing unit have been very effective lately much thanks to unsung heroes like rookie, Alexander Svitov. The Special units are one of the main reason that Des Moines is actually fighting for a division title. Much credit for this goes to the coaching staff lead by Kent Nilsson.
The Dominators have played well, but are there any bad news from Des Moines? The biggest concern right now for the team is the defence. DMD received a big injury on this years suprise defender Jeff Brown in Day 61, and doctors today says Brown will be ready in about 4 games. This in addition to the recent cold streak among other several defenders have forced GM Larsson recall swedish youngster Henrik Tallinder from the farm league. Des Moines head office reports that Tallinder will be joining the team in day 72. Tallinder will most likely get ice time right away. "We have a couple of defenders that have been sick so we need Tallinder in Des Moines. We have though schedule with games against top teams like Voodoo and Stallions so we'll need every player we have. And it will also be good for Henrik to play some pro hockey already this season. We have high hopes for him" commented Larsson.
In other news, can we report that Radek Bonk was voted fan favorite in Coca Cola Dominator arena for the past 10 games. Not bad for new guy.
(Special Articles From W.H.L. Members)
Revisiting The Draft
by Jon Lemoine
Ok this week the Draft Guru is going to take a look back at the WHL 3 and WHL 4 entry drafts and redo the first rounds of those drafts, like they would be done today.
WHL 3 (when they were picked)
1) Joe Thornton (1/1)
2) Patrick Elias (2/21)
3) Marian Hossa (3/6)
4) Roberto Luongo (1/10)
5) Eric Brewer (1/21)
6) Mattias Ohlund (1/5)
7) Anson Carter (1/24)
8) Shane Doan (5/9)
9) Janne Niinimaa (1/2)
10) Dan McGillis (1/19)
11) Brad Isbister (2/16)
12) Patrick Marleau (1/8)
13) Brendan Morrow (3/7)
14) Curtis Brown (4/20)
15) Tomas Holmstrom (4/7)
16) Mike Grier (1/11)
17) Sergei Berezin (1/9)
18) Fredrik Modin (2/9)
19) Mattais Norstrom (1/14)
20) Daniel Cleary (2/3)
21) Corey Sarich (3/18)
22) Jonas Hoglund (1/6)
23) Rem Murray (2/2)
24) Marcus Nilson (2/5)
Best Pick: Marian Hossa Winnipeg Wolves Now Montreal Juggernaughts. What a steal. Hossa is one of the best players in the game today I bet there are 23 other Gm's now wishing they had picked him.
Worst Pick: Olli Jokinen (1/3) Vancouver Voodoo. What a bust, Olli was supposed to be a top notch scorer in the league. Now Olli is lucky to even crack a WHL pro roster. Jokinen is likely going to spend his career playing in the WFHL or sitting in the press box.
WHL 4
1) Simon Gagne (2/15)
2) Brad Stuart (1/5)
3) Vincent Lecavalier (1/1)
4) Derek Morris (1/6)
5) Chris Drury (4/21)
6) Jiri Fischer (2/2)
7) Robyn Regehr (2/3)
8) Alex Tanguay (3/18)
9) Scott Gomez (4/3)
10) Pavel Kubina (4/16)
11) Roman Turek (1/20)
12) Danill Markov (1/21)
13) Martin Skoula (1/10)
14) Ossi Vaananen (3/14)
15) Tom Poti (1/3)
16) Dmitri Kalinin (1/19)
17) David Legwand (1/2)
18) Magnus Arvedsson (2/4)
19) Dan Cloutier (3/19)
20) Vitaly Vishnevsky (2/8)
21) Brendan Morrison (1/4)
22) Mark Bell (1/13)
23) Mark Parrish (2/14)
(Look for him to breakout really soon)
24) Marc Savard (1/23)
Best Pick: Simon Gagne Dominators. Simon is again one of the best players in the league. Gagne will have a great career in the WHL likely playing on the first line for his career with other top players. I would expect Simon to possible challenge for MVP and Art Ross honors in the WHL someday.
Worst Pick: PJ Axelsson (1/9) Mallrats now Oceanics. Axelsson will likely never crack a WHL pro roster. Axelsson went 9th overall in the draft and likely shouldn't have been picked till the last round. Axelsson will enjoy a career in the WFHL likely sitting in the press box.
(With thanks to the following for their contributions)
Michael Hebert
Chris Kordyback
Peter Nilsson
Lee McEwen
Dave McDougall
Jes Golbez
Rob Sypes
Kris Pongratz
Phil Gittersberger
Filip Bily
Darren Kinnaird
Andrew Ketner
Marc Hebert
Andreas Larsson
Chris Kubinec
Jon Lemoine
