Morning After Portland

First, huge thanks to all who joined in the liveblog of the game last night! Had a blast! And lots of F-bombs. oh well.

Chet Pickard recorded his fourth shutout of the season as the Tri-City Americans gave coach Don Nachbaur a 2-0 win over Portland for his 50th birthday.

"Chet played well. He really was the difference in the game tonight," Nachbaur said.

Kruise Reddick, who missed 18 games with a concussion, returned to action, scoring the game's first goal at 6:29 of the second period.

Justin Feser gave the Americans a 2-0 lead late in the second, picking up a drop pass from Mitch Fadden and beating Portland goalie Ian Curtis at 16:59.

"Kruise played well in his first game back," Nachbaur said. "We are a better lineup with him in there."

More from the Herald. Looking at the liveblog, we maybe didn't follow the game as close as we could have LOL. But c'mon, it was Portland. No score in the first, that makes it hard to find much to talk about. I also wish I could get stats from CoverItLive to see how many people were reading/lurking. I should write them a strongly-worded letter.

Tonight the boys take on the Chilliwack Bruins, they are coming off a loss to Spokane last night. AMS have beat them twice already this season, both times up in Chilliwack. It's also mini-banner night (again. Really? I need more than one replica banner? But ok) so I'll try to pick one up for Zack :) And I think there may or may not be some post-game eats with the crew--yummm.

Glove tap to BFF Shari who sent me the link to today's Annie Fowler's "blog" entry on the Herald's site. It's so awesome, I'll just cut and paste the whole thing:

There are likely to be more than 4,500 people at tonight's Tri-City/Chilliwack game at Toyota Center. I can pretty much guarantee you that Bruins owner Darryl Porter (and now GM since he fired Darrell May) will not be one of those people plopping his butt in an orange seat.

For any seat he sat in would give him a good view of the two red banners hanging from the rafters that the Americans earned last season for winning the U.S. Division and the WHL regular-season titles -- accomplishments he said the team wasn't capable of if it remained in the Tri-Cities.

I know we'd all like to forget, but Porter is the man who said, "We hope, with the Board of Governors approval, to move to a pure hockey atmosphere where we can turn a profit."

Porter sold the Americans to Stu Barnes and Olie Kolzig nearly 4 years ago after he claimed he was unable to sell hockey in the desert. Maybe it wasn't the product, but the owner, that the community never warmed up to.

By the looks of the attendance for a good portion of Bruins games this season, Porter can't sell hockey "in a pure hockey atmosphere" either.

Come on down, Darryl, and I'll buy you ticket to tonight's game. Section C, Row 8, Seat 2. Next to the loud and proud fan you said you couldn't sell this game to.

What a shame, the community of Chilliwack deserves better. A better team with a better owner.

In completely unrelated news, I'm on Twitter. So you can receive my Tweets, if you're into that kind of thing.

Friday Night Hockey in Portland

Coach is apparently sticking with the new line combos that were used against Portland on Wednesday. Hopefully it works again.

The usual suspects will be liveblogging game tonight starting around 7:15, anyone welcome to join. And I know on my end there will most likely be booze involved, we'll see if my Friday improves or not.

OMGOMGOMG LOOKIT!! AMS ACTUALLY MAKE WHL PLAYS OF THE WEEK!! Fadden's sick OT winner against Everett comes in at #5!

Dear Google Reader, How I love thee

today, amidst all the other stuff I read skim, I came across this amazing gem. What is it, you ask? What could be so amazing as to have a link here? Oh it's just Collin Bowman. Looking hot and sweaty, with those pouty lips.

Watch the video HERE on Regan Bartel's site.

The Morning After Portland

“It’s nice to get a couple of goals. Sometimes you get lucky,” Procyshen said of his second career four-point night. “All of the older guys stepped up tonight and that’s what we need if we want to make hay.”

More from the Herald today.

Coach switched up the lines, trying to inject energy into the lineup. It worked.

Stoklasa-Fadden-Lazo line had a great game. That Mitch Fadden is something else, and yes I'm completely biased. But srsly. For all the times he has the puck and loses it/turns it over, he makes up for it (to me) with just absolutely sick goals. Coach mentioned on the post-game show last night how much Mitch's work ethic has improved over the last couple weeks and I think for the most part that is true. Petr had another goal last night, he's on a tear, I love it. When he and Fads had that breakaway in the 2nd I was so mad that Mitch didn't get it up over Mucha's pads, everyone could see he was down, and Mitch tried going 5-hole and Mucha stopped it. It could have been just deadly.

Pro-Feser-Hughesman did well (see Pro earning the waffles!). Hughesman was making plays and that Justin Feser continues to impress.

Reese-Macek-Shinniman line, I really liked this combination. Not only was it quite a group of hotties on the ice at the same time, they are all speedy and visualize the game well. I hope Jason wasn't disappointed, thinking he'd been demoted to playing with the kids, but honestly, those kids have been playing some of their best hockey and providing a ton of energy for the team over the last couple weeks. Reeser had a great birthday goal too, which is good cuz he's been in a bit of a drought.

Asuchak-Wilgosh-Messier didn't get a lot of playing time, especially in the 2nd when AMS couldn't stay out of the box. I'm in awe every time Spencer's on the ice, I'm pretty sure he's the tallest guy on the team (hang on...let me check...yah, only Riley McIntosh is taller, by one inch, I don't believe it) and he is really getting into playing a more physical game. He smashed one of the Hawks into the board right in front of me, it was cool. Mason continues to quietly be awesome, same with Messier.

There were several defensive lapses last night, don't know if there wasn't communication or what, but seriously, there were times the defense was simply out to lunch. Thankfully Chet had a spectacular night, making some really great saves. I would like to note that I continue to be impressed with Brock Sutherland, though I would like to see him use his size more and be more physical.

SHOTS FROM THE POINT:
In case you missed it Alan Caldwell over at Small Thoughts at Large put together another set of awesome stats. Look at that, 3 of the AMS' 16-year-olds on the league points leaders for 16YO.

Olie Kolzig may be done for the season, done for his career. What a shitty way to (possibly) end it.

Drinnan has parts one and two of talking hockey with WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. Interesting stuff.

If I come across any more links of note I'll add them later :)

AMS sign Max Moline. We needed a guy named Max.

Game Day vs. Hawks

From the Herald:

The Portland Winter Hawks have 12 wins this season. With two of those coming at the expense of the Tri-City Americans, there's no room for the inconsistent play that has plagued the U.S. Division leaders as of late.

"We know the importance of every game and we have to keep things in perspective," said Americans coach Don Nachbaur, whose team will play at Portland on Friday before playing host to Chilliwack on Saturday -- the Bruins' first visit to Toyota Center this season. "Portland is not a given. They are structured, they move the puck and they are fully committed. They aren't going to roll in here and give us two points."

"We don't want to have lapses," said Americans forward Mitch Fadden, who has 10 goals in his last 13 games. "We have two months to go to the playoffs to get it right."

Tri-City's Kruise Reddick (concussion) and Jarrett Toll (hand) still are listed day-to-day. Both have skated this week, but are not likely to play tonight.

Holy hell, I want those two back in the lineup. Like yesterday.

The Winterhawks got into town last night after spending the day over the mountain from me in Enterprise, Oregon. The weather was perfectly cold and they got to play on the community outdoor rink. Andy Kemper has photos and details at After the Whistle. I'd link it but it's a Wordpress blog and I'm blocked at work. Damn the man! Save the empire! Anyways, the link to his site is on my blog roll, I encourage you to check it out. Even if you don't like the Hawks, it's a great story.

Waffles are up for grabs tonight, boys. You know you want them, I would love to give them to the whole team so play as a group, win as a group.

Be Aggressive! B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E

That's right, I was a cheerleader in high school. Shuddup. There was 3 of us and we sucked. But we had a blast. I was reminded of this when discussing with a good friend the AMS' recent struggles, we were talking about some team building activities the boys should partake in since it seems chemistry and trust is lacking.

So I Googled "cheerleader team building activities" and I found a couple of them, none of which will help my team much, I don't think. But some ideas:

• Line Up - Divide the group into 2. Each team will compete against each other to see who can get the challenge done faster. Challenges could be” line up according to birthdays, alphabetically by first name or last name, age, etc. Try the same challenges without talking.

• Amnesia Game - A participant is identified as suffering from amnesia. That person needs to pretend not to know anything about the past. The rest of the group tells some things that help the amnesia victim to remember and to become the same person as before. The amnesia person can ask questions to gain more insight. Some questions could be “ What would I do in a certain case”, “What is my favorite saying”

• All Aboard -Take a large sheet and spread it on the floor. Have all the students stand on the sheet together. Once they have done this fold the sheet to make it smaller. Again, have all the students get on the sheet. Continue this process. Eventually, the sheet will be so small that the students will need to use a great deal of cooperation, teamwork, and ingenuity to get the whole class on the sheet without anyone falling out/off the sheet.

• Team Talk - Communication is another key to team unity. Part of communicating is getting to know your teammates, their opinions, concerns and aspirations for the team. Here is a great list of topics to use for learning about each other. Sit in a circle and have a leader ask a question. Allow each team member to answer the question until everyone has participated. Then continue with the next question.
  

What do your parents say about you being on the team?
Veteran members: What past team member did you most respect and why?
New team members: What do you think your most important job is as a first year member?
What is one or two words that students in your school use to describe your team? What words do you want them to use?
What do you think you’ll remember about your team 10 years from now?
Veteran members: What one piece of advice would you give to the new members if they want to have the most positive team experience?
New members: What help or encouragement do you need from the veterans to be a successful team member?
What one thing can you do consistently to show your dedication to the team?

• Encouragement- Have a piece of paper for every team member on the squad with one name on each page. The team sits in a circle. Everyone has 30 seconds to write one positive thing on each team member's sheet (30 seconds per sheet, then pass them). At the end, each girl goes home with a sheet with many encouraging statements. A variation of this game is to have each team member have her own paper taped to her back.

But my very favorite:

• Self-Disclosure Introductions (this is great for new teams) - Ask each team member to state her name and attach an adjective that not only describes a dominant characteristic but also starts with the person’s first name. Examples: Serious Susie, Nice Natalie, and Loving Lauren.

Let's give it a shot, shall we? (by number)

• Monster Mitch McColm (oh yeah, Pierre McGuire style)
• Terrifying (to opponents) Toller
• Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Riley (ok, this is just wishful thinking)
• Jabbering Jason Reese (talking away, leading his team)
• Kamikaze Kruise Reddick (for all the hard work he does, little scrapper)
• Flashy Fadden (did you see that OT game winner? sick)
• Mouthguard-chewing Macek (c'mon, I had to. Though he seems to have gotten the message)
• Hard-nosed Hughesman
• Work-horse Wilgosh
• Marvelous Messier
• Jet-propelled Johnny
• Fearless Feser
• Sharp-sighted Schmidt
• Sharp-shooting Shinniman
• Zealous Zimak
• Awesome Asuchak (did you see him take out Tokarski behind the net? srsly. awesome.)
• Bashin' Brett Plouffe
• Outstanding Owsley
• Laudable Lane Werbowski
• Morassy Martyniuk (it means to trap, confuse or impede--good for a goalie)
• Chintzy Chet Pickard (means stingy, also good quality for a goalie)
• Bruisin' Brock Sutherland
• Steady Stoklasa
• Tricky Taylor Procyshen

Not Gonna Lie...

...this is absolutely brilliant.

Morning After Everett

They played better against Everett last night. Although, really, after the Spokane game Saturday, there was no where else to go but up.

Pro had two goals, Fadden had 2 goals, including super sweet overtime game winner.

I still think heart is missing. CHEMISTRY is missing. It's like I'm watching a bunch of individuals, not a team. And unfortunately only some of the individuals seem to give a shit, the rest have to work their asses off to pick up the slack.

I don't know what goes on in the locker room or on the bench, but there seems to me (as an outsider, someone just sitting in the stands) that there is a fragility to this team, that they are one little tug on the thread away from completely unraveling. Peeps on the message board are pointing fingers all around and getting all bent out of shape because some don't respect that there are different opinions and it's ok to disagree. I wonder if there is finger pointing going on with this team too. If so, they are headed for complete disaster.

For once I agree with HAF on the board who says,

"Pickard's head has been in Nashville since he returned from WJC. I can't say I blame him much but if he doesn't want to put out any effort they may as well play the rookie goaltenders and get them more experience."

Chet, there are those who say Tokarski is the best goalie in junior hockey because of Memorial Cup last year and WJC this year. Instead of proving them right, you should be proving them wrong.

And yes, Fadden's stats are pretty remarkable (and I'm admittedly biased) but he really isn't playing at a level I think he's capable of. He has more natural hockey talent in his pinky than most WHL players but all that talent is wasted if you have to heart.

If you haven't read it already, here's what the Herald had to say.

Boys, it's time to Galvanize.

The Morning After Spokane

Schultzie: "Yes, Tri-Cities police department? I'd like to file a missing persons report."

Police: "Alright, who is the person that is missing?"

Schultzie: "Well, it's more like 10 missing people."

Police: "uh, ten?"

Schultzie: "Yeah. From the Tri-City Americans."

Police: "The hockey team?"

Schultzie: "Yes. I think they got lost somewhere on the way to Spokane last night. So between Kennewick and Spokane, that would be your search area."

Police: "Is this some kind of joke?"

Schultzie: "No sir! I'm completely serious! They were supposed to play in last night's game but didn't show up."

Police: "I watched that game, everyone was there."

Schultzie: "I don't think so, sir. I mean their bodies may have been there, but their hearts weren't. Their passion was not. Their desire to play good hockey wasn't there. The physical aspect of their game wasn't there."

Police: "There was like 5 fights though."

Schultzie: "But there was no winning of the little physical battles, no winning the battles for the puck, no showing like they even cared that they were losing."

Police: "This is true."

Schultzie: "And did you see that coach pulled Chet for the 3rd period? Smart, but surprising, move. Even more shocking was that he actually sat the top two lines, letting the kids play. The kids were the only ones showing any life whatsoever, which sadly seems to be the trend lately."

Police: "What did coach have to say about making that move?"

Schultzie: "Nothing, there's no quotes in the paper, I'm guessing he was too pissed."

Police: "I would be too."

Schultzie: "So can you find these guys before tonight's game?"

Police: "Oh you're still trying that?"

Schultzie: "Yes, at least find their hearts, their passion, lying somewhere between Tri-Cities and Spokane."

Police: "I think only they can do that."

Schultzie: "Shit. I think you're right." *facedesk*

Short and Sweet

4-1 win over the Everett Silvertips last night. I'm crazy busy so I don't even have pictures done being edited yet, let alone the coherent thought process to throw together a post. Some of my observations:

• Absolutely sick goal by Brendan Shinniman. I actually got home in time to see it on the news (since it was at the far end of the rink from where I sit). I am loving this kid more and more each game.
• Sweet goal by Macek, this kid line has just been the bees knees.
• Good to have Brett Plouffe back in the lineup. Now if coach would just put either him or Schmidt with McIntosh to pick up some of his slack, that would be stellar
• Chet was first star, stopped 32 shots. He didn't get waffles because I'm biased, I have a thing for goal scorers, especially when the goals are just so fucking awesome like Brendan's was. Chet had times of brilliance where he was standing on his head (most of the game), other times where he was flopping around like Tim Thomas, making it look hard.
• I also noticed that after the goals, only once did any of the AMS come give Chet a glove tap, and even then it was only Plouffe and Sutherland. I thought that was odd.
• Petr continued to be just awesome. He's playing the best he has since last season when he was with the Life Partners, Drew Hoff and Blair MacAulay.
• While I thought they played pretty well, it didn't sound like coach was overly impressed on the post-game show.
• I hope they beat the pants off of Spokane tonight.

From the Herald:

"Our top guys aren't going to show every night and it's nice to be able to help the team win," said Shinnimin, who plays on a line with Macek and Stoklasa. "It builds a lot of confidence for us. Petr brings leadership to our line and he works hard."

On a final note, unless you've been living under a non-hockey rock, you know Carey Price is starting in the NHL All-Star game this weekend. But did you also know former Tri-City Americans goalie Tyler Weiman will be playing in the AHL All-Star game? YAY former-AMS goalies!

It's game day--open letter to my team

heart-shaped waffles, because I love my team. Srsly.


Boys--
I admit, I've been pretty hard on you this week (not on this site, but in private) and for that I almost apologize. You had a couple days off, got some rest, now I hope you're regrouped, reenergized, and ready to go forth this weekend and be successful. I don't have inside info, I don't know if Kruise, Jarrett, or Brett will be back in the lineup. Regardless, play your best. You guys are a better team than what last week showed. I forgive you for Seattle, but not Kelowna. I hope coach has pounded the need to play 60 minutes into your skulls. And hopefully you didn't tune him out. And stay out of the box. Some special shoutouts:

• Fadden and Reese--keep it up, you two have quite the chemistry going and it's working. Support each other.
• Petr--amazing work, especially on the point on the power play. And taking perfectly timed shots on goal.
• Johnny-Pro-Hughesman--use that speed, and Adam shoot the puck babydoll!
• Defense--you're probably going to have another tough weekend being shorthanded, help each other out, support each other. Make sure your forwards are picking up their defensive responsibilities to help you out too.
• Rookies/Kid Lines--you provide depth and energy to this team, you are invaluable. You work your tails off and have earned your playing time, keep it up.
• Chet--I can't imagine how hard it must be to carry an entire team on your shoulders, or to feel like you do. Just relax, and play as well as I know you're capable of. Yeah, you have your NHL contract, but this team is counting on you to show up every night, have some pride, and play like you give a shit about this Tri-Cities team.

Kthxbai,
Shultzie

PS--hasn't word got around how amazingly awesome my waffles are? You know you want them, be the one to earn them. If you'd rather just proclaim your love for the waffles, you can get these:

The business of hockey..or what I know of it anyways.

All the talk about "why didn't Bob (the GM formally known as "Trader Bob") make any deals at the trade deadline?", and "is this the year to go all the way?", and on and on and people are forgetting a couple of really big pieces.

1. There's so much that goes on behind the scenes that we don't know about. I'm quite sure Bob was trying to wheel and deal (his nickname is "Trader Bob"!) but just didn't have the right offer. He knows he's built up a strong future for this club and wasn't going to "sell the farm" for what would amount to a rental player.

2. It's a business. And bottom line for any business is to make money. Generally, teams in the WHL aren't going to make a lot of money for the season unless the team goes deep into the playoffs.

3. In addition, Tri-Cities is a small market, unlike Vancouver or Calgary. So for a small market team to make any real money they have to put fans in the seats. You do that by putting a quality product on the ice. And he has done just that (with huge kudos to the coaching staff). He intends to keep putting a quality product on the ice, he's a part owner for shits' sake. Do you really think he's gonna sacrifice years of upcoming potentially good teams for the chance at possibly a great team? That is too great a risk. He'd be insane. I'll go out on a limb and venture to guess to even get Bonner to talk to him about Nick Ross it probably would have involved 2-3 of the rookies (Macek, Shinniman, Messier, Asuchak, and/or Feser) and probably a draft pick or two. Same with trying to get Broda back here.

To keep generating revenue in a small market like Tri, Bob knows he has to have a good product on the ice and the people will come. Bottom line. It's a business. Yes, a Memorial Cup would be fantastic. But the reality is that only one team wins the Cup in a given year. The odds are not favorable. 1 in 22 just to get to the tournament. And those odds don't take into account the grueling work necessary to survive long playoff series'.

If you go back over the last 6 years (that's when I moved here so that's how far I went back), you'll notice a trend--as the on-ice product improved, attendance improved. Improved attendance means revenue for the team. Bob is not going to jeopardize that for one season, one attempt at the Memorial Cup. It just wouldn't make good business sense. I think that is hard for some fans to grasp--we all want the best from our team, we all want the Cup to be awarded to these boys. But remember, we want a good team next year. And the year after that. And the year after that. So take a look at the numbers:

2002-2003 regular season average attendance: 2735.1
2003-2004 regular season average attendance: 3244.9 (+18.6%)
2004-2005 regular season average attendance: 3277.0 (+.99%)
2005-2006 regular season average attendance: 3857.3 (+17.71%)
2006-2007 regular season average attendance: 3942.8 (+2.22%)
2007-2008 regular season average attendance: 4245.4 (+7.67%)
2008-2009 reg. season avg attendance so far: 4269 (+.005%)

So in the 6 years I have lived here and watched this team, average attendance has gone up 47.19%. (PLEASE, if anyone knows math and I screwed up, let me know, I suck at math). These numbers courtesy of Hans Hornstein's Minor League Hockey Attendance/Standings site and Brian Sandy (this years' data so far).

I guess my whole point is that people should just calm down. I love this team. I would love a Memorial Cup. But one of my favorite quotes comes to mind:
"Most people spend their precious lives always between hoping for a 'good' mango...and fearing getting a 'bad' one. All the while missing the joy that comes from simply being grateful for any mango at all"
--Joshua Kadison in Seventeen Ways to Eat A Mango.

GUEST POST!!!

The boys have the week off and so bits of news are few and far between (see yesterday's post full of win about mouthguards. facedesk). I put out the call for guest posts and friend of the blog (and friend irl) responded with this post that is actually full of win. Without further ado:

With the boys having a well-deserved week off, it's given us diehards far too much free time. I've decided that the boring, outdated, redundant music rotation played at our hockey games needs a makeover. I'll be honest in that I don't know what all goes into the music choice process. Do they have to have some sort of permission from the label/artist to play each song? Are there fees involved? Or is it just that the person running the thing is incredibly lazy and unimaginative? Are they too afraid to play a song that is remotely controversial for fear of offending the crowd that doesn't exactly censor what comes out of its own mouth? If we can cheer on (sometimes) underage boys beating the living shit out of each other than we should be able to handle music that you wouldn't find on "Jock Jams Volume 3."

Believe it or not, I have some suggestions...

During a fight:
Let's Get Physical by Olivia Newton-John
Come Out and Play by Offspring (in fairness, they used to use this one and it was perfect - wth?)
Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
You've Lost That Loving Feeling by the Righteous Brothers
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Culture Club
I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline

When a player from the visiting team takes a penalty:
Loser by Beck
Cry Baby by Janis Joplin
Big Girls Don't Cry by The Four Seasons

When one of the Ams takes a penalty:
Fight the Power by Public Enemy
It Wasn't Me by Shaggy & RikRok

When the Ams are losing:
Holding Out For a Hero by Bonnie Tyler
Don't Stop Believing by Journey
All I Need is a Miracle by Mike & the Mechanics

When the officials blow it (which is often):
Insane in the Brain by Cypress Hill
Where's Your Head At by Basement Jaxx

When the visiting team almost scores:
Dream On by Aerosmith

When the visiting team does score:
If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher

When the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead:
The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King

When the visiting team's coach gets uber pissed (a la Rob Sumner):
Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake

When an Am gets a game misconduct:
Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds

When an Am score on a breakaway or penalty shot:
Bad by Michael Jackson

When visiting team puts in their backup goalie:
Upgrade U by Beyonce

When there is a game delay:
A Little Less Conversation by Elvis Presley

I also think it would the winningest if they Rick Roll'd the entire Toyota Center. Especially if they could put the video up on the score board. OMG I would die a happy hockey fan if they did that. I'd love to hear suggestions from other hockey fans with a friggin' sense of humor.

And lastly, I think that whenever Taylor Procyshen scores a goal they should play Sara by Starship. Just, you know, because maybe there's a Sara out there who happens to claim him as her hockey bf. I mean, I don't know, it's just a guess.

-spokant

I can't NOT post. It makes me crazy...

...even though I got nothing today. Nada. Then I remembered I was going to do some research into custom mouthguards. If you know me you know I am one of the unofficial photographers and while I know my boys are out there concerning themselves with winning a hockey game, I have to try to get not-shitty pictures of them. So the constant fucking around with the mouthguards is my own personal hell. I can't even tell you how many pictures I have deleted because it looks like Brooks Macek (worst offender! Adam Hughesman is 2nd worse) is eating a Smurf and just a little Smurfy leg is hanging out. It's kindof a sad sight really.

So imagine my delight when I came across this website for custom-fit mouthguards. Not only that, they have do-it-yourself kits so I can volunteer to be mouthguard customizer measurer! And the very very best part? They can put the fucking logo on it! I was gonna push for clear ones, but I love the idea of the logo. Lookit!

Play Sixty Minutes

Amazing, isn't it? A hellish week that brought injuries and a couple losses and the Negative Nancy's light up the message board like a Christmas tree. (Thankfully there's a couple of voices of reason, you know who you are...)

I'm fine with people having their opinions, I mean, rock on, but I can also disagree. I think there's only one game in this stretch of 5 that was worthy of being called out for lack of effort, the Kelowna game.

The first of the Five-in-Six was in Chilliwack, a 5-1, AMS completely dominated. Then they boarded the bus to Kelowna, where they blew a lead and lost 3-2. That game was definitely a case of not playing 60 minutes.

Then back on the bus to Kamloops where they dominated once again, came out with the 6-3 win. It should be noted the Blazers got the 3 when AMS laid back on the lead again, not as badly as in Kelowna, but they did.

Then long-ass bus ride back home to take on Spokane. By this time AMS were bus-weary and down to 5 defensemen. I know coach says "no excuses" and especially Saturday night there was no excuses, considering the week they'd already had they more than held their own against the Chiefs and eked out a point, unfortunately the shootout didn't turn out better.

Then back on the fucking bus to play Seattle. Came out so strong in the first. Lost all that momentum with the extended intermission and just ran out of gas. Seattle woke up and the AMS just didn't have anything left to hold them off.

AMS already have a no-name defense, but losing two of the best really exposes a fragile back end. But just take a second and look at how well McColm, Sutherland, Werbowski, and even McIntosh stepped up their games. Mitch is playing some of his best hockey lately. That Sutherland impresses me more and more each game. Lane quietly just does his job and does it well. Also huge props to Petr, simply outstanding. And I'm loving his work on the point on the power play.

Chet? Get your head in the game. The junior game. I know you're just biding your time till you're out of here, but at least play like you give a shit. Your team is counting on you, do them a favor and play like the amazing goalie that you are. Do yourself a favor by playing your best and showing Nashville what they've wagered on for their future in the net.

5 out of a possible 10 points--meh, it could've been better. But I'll take it. And maybe I'm just over-optimistic or whatever, but I think they did ok. My biggest complaint is the one I've had all season, not playing 60 minutes against every opponent.

As to the still-complaining of Bob's lack of movement at the trade deadline, shuddup. It's over and done with. Either Bob's confident with the team he has OR he's not and didn't want to sell the future. And it is a bright future. It has taken me a very long time, but I'm getting it--Bob knows what he's doing. If this team plays as well as they are able to, FOR SIXTY MINUTES, they can compete against any team in this league. If Fadden dominates the game like he has the ability to do (but only selectively chooses to use) and Chet is on his game, there's no stopping them. The talent is there, it seems to be the dedication that wavers. And it wavers even more when 3 of your top guys are out of the lineup and you are sleeping on a fucking bus.

So sleep well boys, get rehydrated. Eat the whole Costco store. The week from hell is over, work your asses off in practice, and commit to playing 60 minutes.

AMS at Seattle--a sober liveblog!

well, maybe sober...we'll see how the game goes. Commenters/readers welcome!!

To be honest...

...it's about what I expected. Considering the absolutely grueling schedule the AMS had this week, I'm not surprised it ended the way it did (Chiefs 2-1 SO). What I was impressed with was the effort. Knowing how tired those boys are, they played quite well. And with only five defencemen.

For some reason I couldn't get good pictures tonight to save my life, though I did still end up in an insane number of shots of Mitch Fadden. Weird, I know.

A text from McPhizzle during the game--"My bf says you should dump him (Drayson Bowman), he's being a pansy" I said, "oh, he's been replaced, no worries." Epic.

With the lone AMS goal, his boundless energy and work ethic, Brendan Shinniman FTW!

I hate the !(*&!$(*% Chiefs

If you tuned into the AMS at Blazers game last night you know the officiating was, well, shitty. AMS overcame and kicked ass, 6-3. Let's get right to it--

“It was back and forth . . . power plays and penalty kills,” Tri-City head coach Don Nachbaur said. “I’m not sure how that happened. I could say how I feel, but how is that going to change anything? I think you should ask the 4,000 people here at the game whether they’re happy. I know both coaches weren’t.”

Nachbaur said, “(Jason) Reese and Fadden were pretty good, too.” Reese, a 20-year-old veteran from Gresham, Ore., only had one assist, but was especially good on the penalty kill.
As for Fadden, well, when he was on the ice it was often his puck. A 20-year-old from Salmon Arm, Fadden has 42 points in 36 games this season. With the Americans, he has 37 points, 14 of them goals, in 27 games.

--Gregg Drinnan at Taking Note

Tonight the road-weary Americans take on the dreaded rival, Spokane Chiefs. I hate them so much. I am not-so-secretly hoping Fadden and Bowman get in a fight. RAWR!!

Hopefully Plouffe is back in, hopefully Toller's back. Hopefully AMS play as well as they did last night.

Huge thanks to all who showed up for the liveblog last night, I'm loving it! I'll get one set up for tomorrow night when boys are in Seattle, everyone welcome to join in!

AMS at Kamloops tonight

Who's gonna earn their waffles? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? If I have to give them to my Kamloops boyfriends Giffen Nyren or Kurt Torbohm, I will. But I won't be very happy about it.

So whattaya say? Who's up for liveblog?

Where are they now?? Update

Back in October I did a post about former AMS I enjoyed watching, seeing where they're playing now. I talked to former American Shaun Vey the other night and realized I should update the post.

I'll start with Shaun Vey then. He's at the University of Saskatchewan playing hockey with former AMS Matt Swaby, Zach Sim, and Jarrid Dowhay. You can see team stats through Canada West's site here. Huskies are in first place in CanadaWest!

Ian McDonald, Richard Kelly and Ben Kilgour are still playing at the University of Alberta with the Golden Bears. Team stats here.

University of Calgary's men's hockey team includes former Americans Ryan Gillen and Dan Ehrman. Here are the team stats.

Team stats for the University of Lethbridge are here and include a guy I loved watching play, Landon Jones.

University of Regina has former AMS player Dillon Johnstone on the roster and my former Everett boyfriend (he was originally AMS property) Cody Thoring. Team stats.

Rounding out Canada West is the University of British Columbia which men's hockey team includes Matt Schneider and Keith Voytechek. Stats for the team here.

Former captain Alex Aldred is in his second season at the University of New Brunswick, playing defense no less. Team stats elude me, I tried everywhere to find them.

I did find former American Phil Magistrale, he's at Laurier University in Ontario. With Clinton Pettapiece hahahaaaaa. The internet is amazing.

Moving on from Universities (I'm sure there's guys I'm forgetting, let me know and I can look into it) and onto the ECHL, one of my favoritest players ever, Ryan Kinasewich is captain of the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies (Islanders affiliate)
Erik Felde is skating circles around everyone for his hometown Alaska Aces (St. Louis Blues affiliate)

AHL:
Clayton Stoner is playing for the Houson Aeros. He even was wearing the "C" for awhile. If you want to keep up on Aeros goodies, look no further than Ms. Conduct--pretty much amazing. And glove tap to Ms. Conduct as well for sending me pictures of Stoner in action, these taken by photographer Fred Trask.



Shawn Belle is with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal's affiliate. Hi Shawn Belle!

One of my favorites ever, Logan Stephenson is with Anaheim's affiliate, the Iowa Chops.

Seriously one of the nicest guys ever (and a serious golfer--he gets mad when a hole goes badly, like pounding the ground with his clubs), Tyler Weiman is with the Lake Erie Otters, the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.

It appears TJ Fast has moved up to the AHL and is with the St. Louis Blues' affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.

Are you kidding me? Riley Emmerson is in the AHL? I guess he learned to skate? And because I'm sure someone cares (just not me) Aaron Boogaard is playing for Wilkes-Barrie.

On to Europe:
Nikita Korovkin is in Russia with the Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL.

Colton Yellow Horn is with the Salzburg Red Bulls. (English translation of page available, scroll down left side, team roster listed under 1st Division).

Starbulls Rosenheim is where Dylan Stanley is playing. Click his name if you speak German and read an interview with him. In German. I have no idea what it says. Oh and here's a pretty sick goal of his.

Holy crap, I need to learn more languages to make this easier. Marcus Jonasen is playing in Sweden for Leksands IF.

Igor Bacek and Juraj Gracik are with HC Slovan Bratislava.

Ok, I know there's many I have forgotten. And you'll notice these players were AMS after '02, but that's when I moved here and got season tickets. But here ya go, enjoy!

The Morning after Kelowna

I'm still annoyed they didn't play 60 minutes. Came out SO strong, then petered out. C'mon, guys, you're better than that. Petr's two goals did earn him some waffles, though it was a tough call, perhaps the treats should have gone to us awesome livebloggers who put up with the shite game and stayed on through the end. Unlike our team. :(

The Herald has the most imaginative headline ever--"Kelowna Rockets Past Americans". WOW. Anyways, coach says it all:

"It was a good game. We played hard in the first period and we were really good," said Tri-City coach Don Nachbaur. "Our power play let us down in the second -- we couldn't get any shots. We let them hang around and their depth got to us in the third and we ran out of gas."

Why the AMS depth couldn't match, who knows. Probably due to the lack of leadership on the part of Jason Reese. /sarcasm

What does Rocket's radio guy/blogger Regan Bartel say about the game?

Are the Kelowna Rockets now good enough to win a game with just a 20 minute effort? It looked that way Wednesday night in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Tri City Americans. The visitors scored two goals in the first ten minutes and then carried that two goal lead into the third before the Rockets rallied for the one goal win.

I handed in my 'Best Of The West' ballot last night. Can I change my pick for the fastest skater? Brett Plouffe has incredible wheels for a defenseman. Wow.

The Americans out-shot the Rockets 17-3 in the first period, resulting in many fans rubbing their eyes in disbelief at what they just witnessed. With Mikael Backlund, Ian Duval, and Mark Guggenberger making their Rockets debuts, how could the home team be outplayed so badly? After being dominated in the first frame, the Rockets slowly took over, out-shooting the Americans 21-11 over the final two periods.

My favorite part of that? Best of the West is coming up!

A special message to Lane Werbowski-BFrienemyF Wrap Around Curl loves herself some Lane Werbowski and he should add her on Facebook. I know she's a Chiefs fan, but you can forgive her for that, she's a good person.
More is coming to light in the tragic death of Jordan Mistelbacher. From the Winnipeg Sun:

Winnipeg police said Mistelbacher was found inside a residence Tuesday morning, not in a snow bank as originally reported. According to people close to the scene, Mistelbacher had a fair amount to drink and eventually left the residence Monday night, but details of events after that are unclear.

Alan Caldwell has several links here:

More is becoming known about the death of ex-Silvertips forward Jordan Mistelbacher today. The initial reports that he was found outside in a snowbank are untrue, for starters. He was found unresponsive inside a home in Winnipeg, and overconsumption of alcohol is one of the factors being investigated. His death occured at the end of an evening in which he was out celebrating his 19th birthday with friends.

Bunch of stories available this morning if anyone wants to read more. There's articles worth reading in the Everett Herald, Winnipeg Sun, and Winnipeg Free Press.

Live blog tonight, AMS at Kelowna

We'll get started around 7:00, come on in!

Shots from the Point--wait, what? edition

My first stop every morning is Gregg Drinnan's site. Seriously, I read it in bed on my mobile internet before I even get up. So this morning I just couldn't believe what I read. Several bits:
Jordan Mistelbacher, who spent parts of three seasons with the Everett Silvertips died. No details available yet. He was 19. I don't even have words.

Drinnan also points to a report in the Toronto Star about the OHL's new rule about removing one's helmet in a fight. As in, removing it will get players a one-game suspension.

The OHL is getting tough on helmets – more specifically on players that remove them during a fight.

The league will announce a new rule today that states a player who removes his helmet or undoes his chinstrap during a fight will receive a minimum one-game suspension.

I have to say this is ridiculous. It's in response to the death of Don Sanderson who died as a result of hitting his head on the ice during a fight. I am not one of those who say there should n't be fighting in hockey. There's a time and place for it. I do believe the days of the goons are gone (thank God) but there's still a need, whether it's sticking up for your teammates or getting the bench pumped up. I believe Sanderson's death is a tragedy. But it's also so extremely rare, a freak accident. I don't want to downplay it or anything but c'mon. The likely hood of it happening again are small. These guys are playing a physical sport, they know there's going to be risks. Just like every time I step behind the wheel of my car I know I'm taking a risk. I know that's a shitty analogy, but still. You cannot prevent every sports injury or even the extremely rare sports death. What's next? Metal body armor? At what point are you taking away from the game? End rant.

The other bit on Drinnan's site was that over Christmas break Vancouver's Casey Pierro-Zabotel (one of my favorite hockey names EVARR) married his long-time girlfriend. Really? Couldn't wait till summer? How weird is that to be married and still in Junior hockey. And there's another guy too, I don't remember who, I wanna say he plays for Edmonton Oil Kings. Just weird to me.

Finally, I leave you with something that is just fucking cool. I found Obamicon.Me through Jezebel yesterday so I thought I would play. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Chet Pickard.

ok ok, I'll take notes.

I wasn't going then I saw my boys on TV. Naturally, I have shit to say. It also means I should probably pour myself a drink, because according to one of my faithful and awesome readers, it's much more entertaining a read when I'm blogging drunk.

OMGOMGOMG MITCH FADDEN IN THE LOCKER ROOM. I JUST SAW HIM PUTTING ON HIS JOCK STRAP!!! IN HIS UNDER ARMOUR!! *** swoon*** That is as close to nekked as I'll ever see him. Yay for old school VCR technology!!

how mnay names are they gonna fuck up tonight? so far, DAN Nachbaur. They also screwed up Procyshen's name, but really, who doesn't.

a mini interview with Mitch Fadden. Paraphrasing here, "we're gonna win it all." Who gives a shit, you look so fucking good. omg, I do need a drink.

Holy thank Christ Chet is back. Looks like it's costume night in Chilliwack, people all dressed up as empty seats.

Well, the picture isn't the best, I mean this is a mediocre production it seems. Whatever. My boys are on TV bitches!!

Hi Justin Feser! I see you!. Mitch McColm and Sutherland. Calling my defense a "no-name defense" eh? ok, I'll accept that. It's defense by committee.

Asuchak, hello! Petr, hi! They look like they're in slow motion after watching NHL all afternoon. Wassup Shinniman, I see you! Brooks Macek, rawr!! (Gin is kicking in!) Johnny ("I love you Johnny!). "Lazo, one of many Winnipeg players in the lineup" no shit, Sherlock.

Who's that? Oh yeah, my goalie. "What a goaltender" you're so right announcer guy.

FESER GOAL!! Wide open net. That was beautiful. Helpers to Fadden (beauty pass) and Jason Reese (another assist, really slacking on that leadership, eh?)

I can't even figure out how to spell how they just pronounced Stoklasa. Kinda Stoke-lassa.

Hi Mason, hi Werbs! Schmidt's on the screen too, howdy boys! Brett Plouffe, hi there! Have I mentioned in the last 5 minutes how much I love my team?!?

Hi Jason Reese!! That "A" on your sweater, isn't that for leadership?

Chet robbed a Bruins breakaway!! How did the breakaway happen? Plouffe and McIntosh ran into each other. grrrrr.

Talking about Don Nachbaur's crooked nose and all his NHL fights. "You don't get this by doing that."

I LOVE YOU JOHNNY!! Goal! See, playing well on that line with Pro and Hughey. Hope coach sees how much better he plays on a line with better players. Which makes other players sound bad, that's not what I'm saying. You know what I'm saying.

Shite, Chilliwack scores. It was a power play goal, with Pro in the box.

Close up of Fadden pushing and shoving. That's so hot.

AMS power play, Einhorn penalty. I've said it once and I'll say it again, every time I hear Einhorn's name I think of Ace Ventura. "Finkle is Einhorn. Einhorn is Finkle. Einhorn is a man!?"

Fadden fans on the shot. shittt. Reese got 249 career points with that assist on the Feser goal. No leadership? Suck it, haters.

End of the 1st, 2-1 AMS over Chilliwack. Intermission announcer called him Feeeeser. Mr. Monotone, it's pronounced Fay-ser. They're pronouncing Procyshen as Precision. I guess that works?

It's Pink at the Rink night in Chilliwack, breast cancer awareness. They were shaving heads on the ice during the intermission. yeah, hair on the ice. Hope they have a good zamboni.

Lazo's goal assists to Procyshen and McColm. 2nd period starts with AMS still on a power play, just 20 seconds. Nothing.

I like this line of Feser, Fadden, and Reese. That Justin Feser is somethin' else. Quite impressive. Peopls are throwing shit on the ice. Keeping it classy Chilliwack.

Tyler Schmidt takes a penalty. It really should have been more than 2 minutes, not gonna lie. It was a not-nice hit. Just hope Bruins don't score. AMS kill it. Shots are 24-9 in favor of Americans right now.

Picha had a breakaway, but nada. Poor Petr, not a sniper. But works his ass off every shift.

I'm also trying to take pictures of the boys on the tv, it's not working out so well. pooooop.
MITCH FADDEN GOAL. "It was all Fadden there for Tri-Cities." Holy shit that's a fucking hot goal. He wants waffles. Helpers to Hughesman and Plouffe.

end of the 2nd, 3-1 Americans. Player profile on Chet, done by Blowhard Kevin Uretsky. Rinkside interview with Jason Reese. Lookin' good with his new haircut.









Wilgs playing good, again. Atta kid. That Brock Sutherland has been impressive too.

Procyshen in the box again. What?? hrmmmphhh. Oh shit balls. High sticking penalty on Tyler Schmidt. Great job, Schitty, give Bruins a 2-man advantage.

PROCYSHEN SCORES!!!!! Great pass from Johnny. GREAT pass. The announcers just said Pro has a hot stick. I love hockey.

AMS power play. PLOUFFE SCORES. are you kidding me? wow. I love this team. Sick one timer. He gets better and better at those. Helpers to Reese and Werbowski.

Super check by Spencer Asuchak. Yay tv time for Spencer!! Werbs doing some pushing. Go get 'em Werbs!

Bruins whacking at my goalie? oh HELL NO. Mitch Fadden stood up for him, smirking all the way to the box. RAWR.


Werbowski and Plouffe
Mitch McColm

Post game rinkside interview with Pro, shout outs to all his peeps back home in Emerald Park and Tri-Cities! Atta kid!

Boys on TV!!

AMS on the telly tonight, FSNW for us here in the States, Shaw in the Great White North. Hope they don't get nervous being on the big stage. Here's a reminder to play hard, stick to the game plan, and best player (according to me, of course) earns WAFFLES! You know you have the song in your head. You know it's making you both hungry, happy, and stabby, all at the same time.

Go AMS!

Shots from the Point--late in the day edition

I'm in the middle of an updated "where are they now" post about some former Americans. But in the meantime some links that most of you who read my site have already read by this late hour in the day.

Chet talks about his experience at the World Juniors in an article in today's Herald.
"The guys told me to kiss the camera, but when I leaned in, I chickened out," Pickard said. "I felt like I would be kissing a million people."

Alan Caldwell breaks down post-trade rosters. I love it. Alan looks at stats that are not the "normal" stats. And these are super fascinating, I love this kind of stuff. I like stats, I don't memorize them or anything, but they do interest me. So when he posts stuff like this, it's like Christmas for me.

MY TEAM IS GOING TO BE ON TEEVEE!!! And not just the crappy local channel with blowhard Uretsky calling the game. No, they're going to be on Fox Sports Northwest around these parts, Shaw for the neighbors to the north. I think they're pretty excited about it, they should be, they're hot shit. So tune in tomorrow night as they're in Chilliwack taking on the Bruins.

Finally, there's going to be a new feature here on the site. I have totally stolen (with permission) the idea from the fabulous Q-Girl over at Of Moose and Men. On her site, after each game, she rewards the best player with cookies. Check it, right side of her site, just under her email, it says "GIVE COOKIES TO:" But that idea is taken, but it occurred to me that what is almost as good as cookies? That's right, waffles. Further pushing me toward this decision was when Wrap Around Curl sent me this fantastic video. And I promptly decided (after I made a batch of waffles, of course) that I would start awarding waffles after every game. Enjoy!

you know you want it

It says OWSLEY on the back with his number. Huge thanks to Sister for designing, huge thanks to Nat for coming up with the idea. Bloody brilliant

The morning after Portland

"We weren't as sharp as we could be, but we worked hard and generated 53 shots," said Tri-City coach Don Nachbaur. "We dictated the play in the first period and that set the tone for the night."--the Herald today.

I'm really glad coach said that so I didn't feel like such an asshat for saying it wasn't their best game. Came out sharp in the 1st, got sloppy in the 2nd, picked it back up in the 3rd. Rolled all four lines and had contributions from all. Marty wasn't on his game (for the first time, hey, it's bound to happen) let in 3 on 10 shots, but I think at least part of that is being bored, quite frankly. Hard to stay sharp facing only 5 shots a period. Owlsey came in the game in the 3rd and did quite well. And apparently the "tradition" is to then beat him up on the way to the locker room. Nice.

Pro got his 100th goal as a Tri-City American. Johnny had his best game in months. BFF and I decided that he plays better when he's with better players. When he was on Reese's line, he did superb. Production dropped when he got moved down. Last night, with Pokey still out, he was on Pro's line and did awesome. Same with Friday night in Seattle. I sure hope coach sees that too, keeps him on one of those top two lines (sorry Petr).

Speaking of Petr, he had his 2nd (!?) goal of the season, it was just a beauty. As was Plouffe's. I was photographing Brett that shift and he barely even realized it went in until Fadden hugged him. It was a sick goal.

Besides the sloppy second (period that is, not someone's slutty leftovers a la Sean Avery), my other complaint about last nights game was the play of Riley McIntosh. I was yelling not nice things at him several times last night. He needs to step it up. The rest of the defensive corps is really doing a great job right now. And Toller should be back very soon so unless Riley wants to be a healthy scratch every night, his play is going to have to improve. Stop letting guys get by you all the time.

On a final note, had post-game eats with friends of the blog, finally met in real life, had a blast. Good people who love to talk hockey and know what they're talking about. We see the game the same way and so it's just good conversation.

Trade deadline comes and goes

AMS do nothing except reassign Cam Stevens to junior B in Manitoba.

I don't know what the non-action means for this years' team, that's up to the current players and coaches, their destiny is in their own hands.

What it does mean for the future though is that Bob Tory knows he's built a solid young group and I, for one, am very grateful he didn't sell any of that off for a rental, even a year and half rental.

The future for the Americans looks bright, the rest of this season and beyond.

It's an AMS at Seattle Liveblog people! Jump on in!

I guess the name "Trader Bob" should be changed

The headline reads "Ams sit on sidelines as others trade away"

I think there's only two possible reasons for this inaction:

1. Bob is confident with the team he has. Confident they will do what needs to be done. And maybe that means this isn't the year. Or maybe it means it is the year. If he expects the team to make a serious run for division/conference/Memorial Cup then the team that is currently in place needs to buckle down and be serious. Largest competition in the forms of Spokane, Vancouver, and Calgary have only improved their rosters so it's up to the AMS to make this group work for them. Bob made big waves when he got superstar Mitch Fadden who has frankly been disappointing. Not terrible, his stats are decent, but they are far short of what the AMS thought they were getting.

2. He's waiting to make his move. Trade deadline isn't actually until tomorrow afternoon, he could still pull off some move. It's not like he's been standing around, he tried to get Ross. He probably made some calls about Broda. If he is waiting to make a move, he's obviously being smart about it. Not giving away the great group of young talent he's acquired. So maybe this isn't the year. Who knows. I do not, that's for sure. It could get interesting.

One last thing, a little off topic (way off topic actually) and a continuation of yesterdays open letters:

Dear bloggers (on any platform, not just Blogger, but that's the one I use)--
USE SPELL CHECK. Know/learn the difference between your/you're and there/they're/their. Have some pride in what you're writing. Otherwise you kinda look like a dolt. Just sayin'

A couple of open letters

Dear Bob Tory--
I know your nickname is "Trader Bob" and I'm sure you have something in the works. Just do it already, break my heart because I don't want to see any of these boys go. In addition, it would end the ridiculous speculations that are out there. I trust you'll do what is best for the team, even if it kills me (see Swaby, Butterfield, Hoff, Mestery).

Dear Brady Calla--
I hope Mitch breaks your whole face next time. Not really because that's just mean and even I am not that mean. But I hope you hate it in Spokane and it sucks the life out of you.

Dear Seth Compton--
You've done well hometown kid. See you at Olie and Stu's Desert Bash.

Dear Mitch Fadden--
Please be the player you can be. Stop being so lazy, waiting for the puck to just come to you. You have to work for it too, buddy. Don't be like Yellow Horn, standing around, waiting for the puck to get passed to you so you can shoot. You know how to make plays, do it. Stop relying on the chance for a breakaway to look like you're interested in the game. I don't know if it's a confidence issue being back in Juniors instead of Tampa's farm system or just pissed off being back in Juniors that you just don't care, but knock it off. You're doing no favors to your career. You're a far better player than what you've shown.

Dear whomever is in charge of transportation to games--
Please check road reports. If the passes are opening and closing, best bet is they'll close again, plan for this, leave in time to get to the game. This has happened several times in the last couple seasons. If I could remember which specific games I would look up and see what the AMS record was for those games, I'm guessing they were all losses. A simple thing like checking the road/weather report could help the team not lose games they should have won to begin with. Ridiculous.

Dear Brett Martyniuk--
Keep up the awesome work kiddo, you've been patient, waited your turn, and you're making it count. I love it.

Dear Johnny Lazo--
Happy Birthday!

AMS at Everett

Late start, pregame just now starting (8:15). Snoqualmie and White Passes closed so they went to Portland and then up north, though I-5 closed in the middle because of flooding.

Brett Martyniuk starting tonight. He's 3-0, by the way.

Westie just said AMS have a "9-point bulge" over the Chiefs. That just sounded funny. They started on time, they're already up 2-0. So, um, yah. Go Chilliwack!!! There will be no "Coach's Corner" tonight, game expected to start in about 15 minutes.

I repeat my frustration that no one checked the road report before they left to see that it would take SO much longer. And maybe they did, but ran into trouble with flooding on I-5, I don't know. But this seems to happen more often than it should. Maybe it's because it's rapidly approaching my bedtime and the game hasn't even started yet. Good thing I planned on taking the option tomorrow...

Toll still out with broken finger (I thought it was hand, but whatever, hopefully finger heals A LOT faster) and Pokey still has conkey symptoms. boooooo.

"Jason Gardiner has decided has to go play for Selkirk"--team is owned by Adam Hughesman's dad so he's gonna go play with them, when their season is done, he'll come back to Americans. According to Westie. Interesting.

um, these anthem singers. I hope they only sound that god-awful terrible because it's over the radio, I hope they aren't really killing people's ears like this in person. Holy shit balls. My ears are bleeding. Even the deaf one.

And here's the kids doing it again--Macek, Shinnimin, Feser. Go get 'em kiddos! AND a BIG happy birthday to Brendan Shinniman today!!

Brett Plouffe is knocking guys down. I like it. 8 hours on a bus? Ain't no thing. If I just jinxed it I'll punch myself.

Oh Mitch Fadden. Work your magic. DO IT. It's hot when you do.

Oh Captain Taylor. Takes a tripping penalty, Everett on the power play. 'Tips score.

And the scorer, Hunt, goes into the box so AMS on the power play now. Hopefully they can score right here and even things up. Fadden...do it...Plouffe, hit the mark...Hughesman getting some PP time, guess Don wants to see him do better than he has been so far this season, he's really a better player than what he's shown, sophomore slump of some sort I suppose. 'Tips kill the penalty.

Mitch McColm into it with Abney, got hit with a good one, gave one back, "couple of tough kids". Glad to see Uncle Mitch standing up when the boys are playing with bus legs.

Shinniman takes a penalty, a hold but could've been a hit from behind, lost his balance as he went into the guy. Still got the 'Tip player. So Shinny in the box. Naughty, you'll get your punishment later. Along with your birthday spankings. I mean, what???? AMS kill the penalty. And I may be going to hell. Whatever.

oooo, Everett almost got an own-goal. That would work.

Everett penalty. Another chance for the Americans to get on the scoreboard. First time I've heard Jason Reese's name all night. Several penalties, a double-minor to Sohor, and some other guy for interference. I would look it up but it's not on the awesome and accurate WHL site yet and I'll forget later. Regardless, AMS on very important power play.

1-0 Everett after the first period. I'm tired. Chiefs beat Chilliwack. Oh yah, AMS still in first place so whatever.

oops, game is back on. I'm sleepy so this is gonna get even shittier than normal, I'd apologize, but I'm just not sorry. I'm fucking tired. I should have been in bed 2 hours ago. 5 a.m. is going to come awful early. oh well.

Petr Stoklasa takes penalty. Fadden steals it...nope. AMS killed it. aaaaannnnddd Cam Stevens goes right into the box for tripping. C'mon boys. This is not working the way it's supposed to. Killed it.

Everett penalty. Charging. 'Tips kill it. Gaahhhhh. Have I said how much I hate Everett??

Yah, put the kids in, they bring the energy.

"he's enfuego here in the 2nd" is what Craig West says about Brett Martyniuk. fuegofuegofuegofuegofuego

AMS powerplay. Slashing on Everett. They have GOT to get a goal here. No, I mean it. Oh balls. Werbs almost scored. SHITTTT. C'mon. Oooo, the boys get to practice at the new Kent Arena tomorrow, then face the T-Birds Friday night.

Friend of the blog that I'm chatting with on Facebook has the game on the WHLtv and says the boys are getting physically beat, not laying hits--"they need to grow a pair" hahaha nice!! and true, really. C'mon guys.

same score after the second as after the first, 1-0 Everett. I'm gonna be lucky to stay awake for the 3rd.

"Brett Martyniuk has been outstanding tonight. Doesn't deserve to be down one". nice.

13:08 left in the 3rd. Everett takes their one time out. I'm falling asleep on the couch.

oh balls. Riley McIntosh pulled the guy down, Everett penalty shot. Shane Harper. C'mon Marty!! SAVEEEEEE! "You gotta like this kid, has he ever been good."

Now if the boys can just get a goal here. 11:51 left. Everett scores. I would say I'd go to bed, but we all know I'm gonna stay up and listen to the whole thing. I'd be pissed if I missed anything. And I'm just that dedicated. Obviously.

matching penalties, didn't really pay attention to what for. Or who. I'm tired, deal with it.

Martyniuk just robbed Graham Pouter. At least one member of my team got off the long bus ride ready to go. Are you kidding, he didn't play a minute of hockey until December 29, he's not gonna fuck it up now.

8:31 left. AMS penalty. Imagine that. Riley McIntosh for interference. 'Tips score. Oh shit, there's still almost 5 minutes left? Holy crap, just end it please.

AMS on the power play. they score! at 15:58. MITCH FADDEN. No shutout, whew.

AMS (finally) throwing everything at the net. Who the hell is this goalie? Holy balls. 30+ seconds left, goalie putting on a clinic.

3-1 'Tips final. I'm out.

Game tonight against everett

according to 'Tips site, game delayed tonight, though they don't say what time it will start.

Tids and Bits

AMS head to Everett today, apparently Snoqualmie is closed due to avalanche so I hope someone actually checked and bus/game isn't delayed like a couple seasons ago. 'Tips are now in the post-Kyle Beach era as he was traded yesterday, shocking everyone, guess Soetart and Co. got tired of his antics, even with his talent. What a waste.

The Day I Hate (Trade deadline) is looming, what is a guy nicknamed "Trader Bob" going to do? Makes me nervous. Some bits from the Herald:

Tri-City general manager Bob Tory hasn't fielded any serious calls about his players this week
"Nothing really," Tory said. "There's not that many guys available. The Everett deal caught a few people off guard, and there are a few rumors here and there, but nothing has happened. We aren't going to give up a 16-year-old or a first-round pick for a guy who will play 25 games. We can't take the risk."

"He is playing like we envisioned," Nachbaur said of Procyshen. "He places his heart and soul on the line every night. Since he put the slow start behind him, he's been consistent every night. That's why he's the captain."

Tri-City still is without goalie Chet Pickard, who helped Canada win a gold medal at the World Junior Championships. He should return by Saturday, but it is not known if he will play against Portland that night at Toyota Center.

Not only is the trade deadline Saturday, but teams also have to trim their rosters to 25 players. The Americans have 26 -- three goalies, eight defensemen and 15 forwards.

The Americans picked up RW Maxim Trunev, 18, whom Portland dropped from its protected list. Trunev, from Russia, was a fifth-round pick of Montreal in the 2008 NHL draft. "We are hoping to convince him to come here next year," Tory said. "There are no guarantees, but he's better than who we could get with our pick in the Euro draft this year."

I think the idea is to bring in Trunev next season, not this one, obviously since there's already one too many on the roster. Hatehatehatehate trade deadline day.

David Connell is a photographer for the St. John's Sea Dogs (QMJHL) but also took some snapshots at the World Juniors. Quite amazing.

Ranting--the rhetorical question edition

Did Canada win gold? yes. (I know, I'm a little late with this news but my home computer is in the shop and at work I have to do like work and shit)

Am I glad they won gold? sure. They showed up when they needed to, Sweden showed up to take home second place--again. And it showed, they played terrible. Canada's defence (especially Myers and Subban) was outstanding and their forwards, all of them, played with the energy and enthusiasm you would expect from the Canadians, especially in front of the home crowd.

Did Tokarski step it up? sure. Canada thanks him. I still don't. I believe if given the chance Chet Pickard could have done as well (if not better--see USA and Russia games). I know someone had to play against the Germans and the Kazakhstanis, but that was out of Chet's hands. I don't think he was given the opportunity to show what he is capable of.

Is it possible Chet could have shit the bed and spoiled winning gold for the Canadians? Sure. He's not a superhero, he's a goalie. But I do think he's a better goalie than Tokarski.

Am I saying all this cuz Chet's my goalie and I hate the Chiefs? No. Well, not all of it. Is it because Tokarski probably got more of a chance from Quinn because he had the Memorial Cup? Likely. Do I think that the Memorial Cup could have (should have) been just as easily on Chet Pickard's resume? You bet. If not for a lucky bounce, one fewer turnover, one less hit to Drew Hoff by Judd Blackwater. Am I still bitter? You bet your ass. And I will be for a very, very VERY long time. I don't give a shit (yay free country!)

Do I think Tokarski is overrated? yah. He was taken in the 5th, Chet in the 1st Round for good reason. I have said before (though it has been a very very long time, last season actually) that perhaps Chetters is a bit overrated, but that was said last season, he's played outstanding this season.

Do I think it has a little something to do with the teams in front of them? Hell yah. And I'm not the only one with this conundrum (though different players involved) but it does beg to question, would last season turned out differently for the Chiefs and the AMS had Justin Falk not suddenly learned how to play defence? Would last season have turned out differently if Chet didn't let in a softy every night? Would last season had turned out differently if the AMS had better performances from Schmidt (pre-playoffs) and Brett Plouffe? yes, I think so. But who knows. It turned out the way it did, that won't change, this is a new season, my team is kicking ass.

I'm proud of Chet's accomplishments, I am so happy that he got to represent his country, to wear that maple leaf crest, even have leaves (or is it leafs?) embroidered on his pads. He's happy. He looked like a pig in shit celebrating with those boys on the ice last night. But you have to wonder if deep down he's not also pissed that his roomie/frienemy Dustin Tokarski didn't steal a little bit of what should have maybe been his.

For those of you wondering, I woke up grouchy (it's not the first day back from 2 week vacation that gets ya, it's the second) and was building this rant since I punched the couch last night (in order to NOT punch that little pinheads smug face). So a lot of this is said in a sleep-deprived rage. Doesn't mean I don't mean it.