Tentative Schedule

Now we can all start planning our lives, the schedule (tentative) is out.

CLICK HERE.

Bear with me

I bought a house and in the process of packing and moving so posts here will be sporadic or non-existent until I get situated.

Also, if anyone wants to help move in 1000 degree heat this Saturday, drop me a line. You will be paid in sub sandwiches and snow cones.

Player Prediction--Brett Plouffe

Once again, I apparently forgot the alphabet, missed Brett Plouffe. And if you all were really paying attention, I missed Chet Pickard too. Technically, he's still on the roster so I should have included him, but we all know he's not going to be back so I did not. As for Brett, all apologies, babydoll.

If you would have told me at the end of the 07-08 season that Brett Plouffe would be one of the AMS best defensemen in 08-09 I would have laughed so hard, I might have actually died. Or shanked whoever said that to me. He started out the 08-09 season a little rough, I still was quite frustrated with him on a nightly basis, bad turnovers, being out of position. But then he got his shit together. Srsly. Had they given the award for Most Improved this season, it shoulda gone to Brett.

Strengths: you cannot talk about Plouffer without mentioning his killer slapshot. He also is a work horse, often playing like a minute and a half on power plays (if not the whole 2 minutes). Gotten much better at staying in positiong, fewer turnovers. He's a decent puck handler and passer (considering how much this team forever struggles with passing). Excellent skating.

Weaknesses: Odds are that slapshot will be high and wide of the net. Whatever. Sometimes tries to do fancy shit with the puck looking for the setup for that slapshot, but then the play gets away from him (or the slapshot does). Needs to keep his game simple. Would like to see him in the penalty box less (duh).

Predictions: Holy crap you guys, Plouffer led defensemen in regular-season scoring with 16 goals, 22 helpers (38pts) and a +25. A defenseman who can score goals--be still my heart. If he keeps doing what he's doing (and hopefully working on slapshot accuracy) he should easily match those numbers, is it too much to hope he gets 20 goals?

What have I left out of this prediction? Oh yeah, Plouffe will be a 20. Will Bob keep him? Obviously, I'm going under the assumption he'll be kept. An offensive defenseman, seems pretty valuable to me. Unless Bob gets one hell of a deal for him, I can't see him being moved. Then again, I never know what Bob's going to do with the overager situation.

Next up: Tyler Schmidt (right?)

Player Prediction--Kruise Reddick

If going alphabetically going through the current roster listed on amshockey.com, the next up would be Neil Prokop. But I haven't seen him play so I'm not going to include him in this continuing rosterbation exercise.
That brings up Pokey. Kruise is an interesting puzzle. I keep waiting for him to break out offensively and be a sniper and stuff. Turns out, that probably isn't going to happen. I've come to accept that. Doesn't mean I like it.


See? Scrappy. Here he's ready to take on Jamie Benn. Who could squish him like a bug, but Kruise doesn't care. Feisty. I like it.

Strengths: speedy, good vision, fluid skating, not afraid to get gritty, shows moments of great leadership

Weaknesses: size, Kruise isn't a big guy so can get pushed off the puck. Also, as a smaller guy, he needs to compensate with skill (like Fadden or Yellow Horn) and Kruise doesn't necessarily do that. I know, I know, he's no Fadden or Yellow Horn, but still. Sometimes he's a puck hog. It was always frustrating seeing him and Pro out there, they either kept the puck or only passed to each other. I believe that's part of the reason Hughey's numbers weren't where they should have been--no one gave him the puck. But I digress. Also, under strengths I put "moments" of leadership, because IMO Pokey tends to take some nights (or at least shifts) off. That needs to stop. Other times he'd be balls-to-the-wall. Consistency would be nice.

Predictions: Look, it appears I don't like Kruise or that I don't think he's a good player. He is. He has grit and determination that can't necessarily be measured.

Last season he was limited to 54 regular season games because of concusssion issues. That being said, he had decent numbers (19G 26A 45Pts +17) and ended up 5th in regular season scoring for the AMS. As long as he doesn't hurt his noggin (or anything else) this coming season, he should be on track for 25+ goals. He's a good set-up guy, but who knows who he'll be playing along side of to feed passes to.<----------- grammar fail in that sentence.

Nachbaur had him in a role to be offense-first, playing alongside Pro, it'll be interesting what new coach feels is the right role for Pokey.

Olie and Stu's Desert Bash

I love that in the middle of the desert, in an area with a relatively small population, the Desert Bash has amazing participation. Everyone has a great time, even if it's a bazillion degrees outside.

According to the paper, the tournament (and it's corporate sponsors) and the auction raised $200,000 for the Carson Kolzig Foundation. The CKF's mission (and what the money goes for):

Enhance Autism Treatment Resources in the Tri Cities

• Underwrite costs of services/treatment for kids and families affected by autism.
• Sponsor seminars or training that benefit kids and families affected by autism.
• Provide capital resources to help bring an autism treatment resource to the Tri Cities.
• Provide program funds necessary to improve the quality of treatment for children with autism

Educate and Equip the Community About Autism

• Sponsor seminars or training that benefit educators affected by autism.
• Provide education and support forum to the Tri Cities community through an annual autism conference.
• Provide the "Kolzig Connection", a foundation newsletter.
• Host the Carson Kolzig Foundation website with resources and support networks

Empower Families Challenged by Autism

• Outreach gesture for families who receive new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
• Provide annual outings that allow autistic kids and families to have a day of fun in a safe and appropriate setting.

Kolzig is also a part of the larger organization, Athletes Against Austism, which is connected with Autism Speaks and was founded by Kolzig and fellow NHL-ers Byron Dafoe, and Scott Mellanby, because they are all parents of children with autism. Autism now affects 1-in-150 births, which is just a staggering number and there's no real explanation or solution. It's efforts like Kolzig's Foundation and AAA that are dedicated to helping to provide support, help, and money for research.

I can't even put into words how honored I am to be a part of this huge fundraiser every year. Yes, I get to enjoy taking pictures of hot hockey players, but it's a cause I believe strongly in and I'm delighted to do what I can to help.

That being said, here's some pictures from the tournament, I gave you some individual shots of current and former Americans players, then group shots of all the players who competed. If anyone notices that there's a wrong name or anything, please let me know so I can rectify it. I'm going off my master list, but I think there were a few last-minute changes that I didn't get written down.

Tomorrow hopefully...

Olie and Stu's Desert Bash was awesome, had a really amazing time. I took over 2000 pictures so it will be tomorrow at the soonest when any get posted here.

Here's the piece from the Sunday Herald.

From todays article:

While the weather has been ideal, the bidding wars at the auction were out of control Sunday night. The auction alone brought in $200,000, with a $69,000 in cash donations for the Carson Kolzig Foundation.

"We were $900 shy of $200,000," said Kolzig, whose 8-year-old son Carson is autistic. "Someone -- and I'm not mentioning names -- overheard that, went into his wallet and drew out nine $100 bills. It was unbelievable."

Combined with about $100,000 in sponsorship fees, the Carson Kolzig Foundation will be able to help Tri-City area families with autistic children get information and access to other resources.

FYI, that's more than was raised last year ($180,000). What about Olie's hockey future?

The former Vezina Trophy winner may have a lot of time on his hands to work on his golf game. He became a free agent July 1 when the Toronto Maple Leafs did not offer him a contract. His last game was Dec. 11 when he backed Tampa Bay to a 3-1 victory over the host Montreal Canadiens.

"I went to Toronto to see doctors and was cleared to play," Kolzig said. "July 1 came around, and I became a free agent. I'm leaning toward retirement, but I'm not going to shut that door yet. But if you ask me today, yes, I'm going to retire."

Desert Bash Golf Tournament

Tournament benefiting the Carson Kolzig Foundation starts tomorrow and goes through Monday. I'm the photographer for the golf play during the days, so stay tuned, probably mid-day Tuesday and I'll have some pictures up.

The press release from the AMS describes the whole thing quite well, and I know there's some of you I'll be seeing there.

The Carson Kolzig Foundation is pleased to announce that their charity golf tournament, Olie & Stu's Desert Bash 2009, is set to kick-off this weekend, July 19 and 20, at Meadow Springs Golf Course in Richland, Washington.

The premier golf tournament fundraiser, combined with both a live and silent auction, unites professional athletes and community leaders, with a primary purpose of augmenting and improving professional resources dedicated to addressing issues of autism in the Tri-Cities Community. Last year's event raised a record-breaking $180,000 dollars for the Foundation, which then distributes the monies to various local charities associated with autism education and research. This year, the Foundation has set the bar even higher, with a stated goal of $200,000.

"I'm thrilled with the amount of community support we are seeing," Carson Kolzig Foundation Co-Founder Christin Kolzig explained. "It always amazes me to see just how much the Tri-City community continues to support and give to those kids and families dealing with autism."

The organization, which has raised nearly $800,000 over the past seven years, also has earmarked some of the funds to help bring a national autism conference to the Tri-Cities. The conference, scheduled for August 6 and 7, will welcome guest speaker Dr. Michelle Garcia Winner, an accomplished and well-known speech and language pathologist who specializes in students with social cognitive deficits. The Foundation will also use funds to provide scholarships for families to attend the conference that would otherwise be unable to do so.

Player Predicion--Drew Owlsey

This will probably be the most biased prediction I've done yet. But I adore this little owlet, what am I supposed to do?



I've never sugar-coated or hidden my feelings that the 3-goalie system totally screwed Drew (and Marty for that matter) last season. How is a goalie supposed to develop sitting in the stands for most of the 2nd half of the season? Or have any confidence? Complete disservice. Tossed aside like stale potato chips.

Thankfully Drew is still on the roster and will be competing for a spot at camp (coming up in like 6 weeks!!), so for the sake of writing this, we'll assume he makes the team.

Strengths: not easily rattled, for the most part; great positioning and lateral movement; can read plays pretty well and anticipate shots; quick reflexes; may or may not be the cutiest cutie pie goalie EVARR.

Weaknesses: size, he's like a mini-goalie. When you're that teeny, it's hard to make yourself bigger in the net. Obviously I'm gonna mention once again that he's not where he should be as an 18-year-old goalie in this league, which I once again blame for 3-goalie rotation. I may not ever beat that dead horse enough. Confidence is also going to be an issue.

Predictions: No clue what to predict here. Like Martyniuk, it'll all depend on how camp goes, it'll depend on if Russian goalie shows up, who the new coach is, depends on a lot of things.



Like I said in the prediction for Martyniuk (at least I think I did, I'm too lazy to look) I envisioned (not so much envisioned and hoped desperately) Drew and Marty doing a tandem sorta thing, no set #1, but then Bob got the Russian boy at the import draft.

In all likelihood, if Owsley has a spot on this season's team, it'll be in a backup position. Naturally, how that goes depends on what kind of work-horse the Russian kid is. Drew is talented enough to be a great backup (could've been starter...I'll just stop now).

Drew needs to have a strong camp to get his spot, and he'd better. Because you know you all want to be sporting an amazingly awesome Drew Owsley shirt.

Yay Reeser!!

Not gonna lie, I kinda want Gregg Drinnan's job, he finds out all the cool stuff before everyone else.

"...you can watch for an announcement one of these days that F Jason Reese has signed with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. Reese, 21, is a native of Gresham, Ore., who played five seasons in the WHL."

--Taking Note

Regardless of my blogging jealousy, I'm so excited for Jason. This is a great opportunity for him, congrats!!

New Prediction--AMS are screwed.

First of all, it's 5 am on a Friday in the middle of July and I do not have to work, I'm not sure why I'm awake. And this is NOT what I wanted to see (ever). From Drinnan at Taking Note:

Nachbaur, the head coach of the Tri-City Americans for the last six seasons, is to be introduced today (Friday) as head coach of the Binghamton Senators, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.

I cannot put together enough profanity to express how I feel about this situation.

I mean, I'm glad for coach, it was a matter of time, really, but SHIT.

More from the Herald today:

"Tri-Cities has been great for my career," said Nachbaur, who would not confirm his new job until later today. "It gave me a chance for my kids to grow up in a fantastic city where we all made good friends. It will be hard to leave. That's the really hard part of the whole situation, but I have had a professional situation come up that made it difficult."

"I've never given a resignation before," said Nachbaur, who would have been in the last year of his contract. "I'm not sure how to do this. I want to thank the fans. This is a great hockey community and the fans have been absolutely tremendous in their support. I'd like to thank everyone from the billets to the doctors.

"I came here knowing I had a challenge and I stepped up to the challenge. The banners are an excellent feat. My ultimate goal was to win a Memorial Cup, but it's a step in the right direction for the organization."

"When I came in six years ago, we were a team looking for an identity," Nachbaur said. "We took a lot of pride in what we did. I'm leaving an organization that put up two banners back-to-back. We are returning a good team with tremendous talent and I'm going to miss those guys. I have a sense of loyalty to the entire group. It's really a tough decision, but I feel I'm leaving the organization in the best shape it has been in in years."

The Americans lost goalie Chet Pickard, forwards Taylor Procyshen, Mitch Fadden and Jason Reese and defenseman Mitch McColm, but return 18 players from last year's team, along with assistant coach Terry Virtue.

"I'm leaving a team that is in good shape and an assistant coach who's paid his dues and he's earned the right to have an opportunity to coach this team," Nachbaur said. "With that, I feel comfort in my decision."

Of course, it does make you (ok, maybe just me?) wonder if Stu Barnes will be handed the reigns.

Best of luck coach, everyone in Tri will be rooting for you! Thank you for all you've given for this organization.

Player Prediction--Jordan Messier

This kid and his love of the Detroit Tigers is pissing me off. Just kidding.



Jordan put together a decent rookie season. I think there were many people who had high expectations of him because of the family name. And that he came out of hockey factory Notre Dame. Obviously, expectations are not going to diminish, so hopefully he can avoid as sophomore slump. I think he's talented enough to avoid it, but what do I know?

Strengths: size, he's a decent sized kid, who will be growing (I assume), he skates well and has good vision. He seems coachable and adjusted to whatever coach threw at him.

Weaknesses: he was a rookie, made rookies mistakes. Needs to focus on defensive responsibilities, he was a-5 during the regular season which is not a good thing on such a successful team. Granted, he did some 3rd line time, the grinder line which tends to spend some time faced up against teams' top lines. But still. Needs to follow a real baseball team.

Predictions: Jordan had 9 goals last season, 14 helpers. If he's trained hard this summer and did whatever drills and stuff coach told him to work on, he could easily double that. Could being the operative word here. If he wants to make an impact on this team he's going to have to go above and beyond his rookie-class teammates Justin Feser and Brooks Macek.

Q & A with Chet Pickard

glove tap to Bkblades who sent me the link to this interview with Chetters from Hockey's Future.

HF: You had a goalie coach in Tri-City, Jerry Price [father of Carey Price], how is what he worked with you on different from what you do with [Nashville's goalie coach] Mitch Korn?
CP: I think Jerry's more trying to teach guys about the game, different styles you can play, different ways of stopping the puck. Mitch adapts to our styles and pushes us to do things like be quicker, work harder, so we're better prepared for the pro level. In my case, me and Mitch are really working on me getting quicker. We're not focusing on how I make I saw, it's more just quickness.

HF: Is he (Calvin) similar in technique as you?
CP: We both kind of play a similar style. We're both very technical goalies, like to play the puck. We're both relaxed when we're in the net and I think that's a bid thing for a goalie these days. I think that's something I kind of taught him after it was taught to me.

The rest of the interview here.

Player Prediction--Johnny Lazo (and I fail at life)

I apparently forgot the alphabet and missed Johnny Lazo. I am teh suck. This is why I usually do things by #. So I apologize, it was not intentional.

This is the first of the player predictions that also includes a potential overager for next season. Teams are only allowed to keep 3, there's currently 4 on the roster, 5 if you count Chet.



Strengths: SPEED. Westie calls him "The Roadrunner". He's a little guy so he's quick, very quick. He also uses his small size to get into tight spots to fight for the puck that bigger guys can't squeeze into (like in between Tyler Myers and some other Rocket giant). Because of his speed he doesn't take a lot of lazy penalties, putting his team at a disadvantage.

Weaknesses: Size. It's just the way it is, being a small guy he gets pushed off the puck easy. Hard to say that's a weakness of Johnny since it's not something he can just change. That being said, he must have incredible core strength because he isn't tossed around as easily as one would expect for a little guy. Johnny is also streaky. He did his best last season when playing with Jason Reese. Then he got moved around so that Reeser and Fadden could be on the same line and blah blah blah. When Johnny's in a groove and has good chemistry with his linemates, he does well, but when he gets shuffled around his game suffers.

Predictions: He put up good numbers, 4th on the team in regular season scoring with 22 goals, 38 helpers (60 pts) and a +20 rating. It was his best season ever in juniors. Will it be enough to keep him as an overager? I think it's unlikely, but when it comes to what Bob will do for overagers I am as clueless as they come.

So let's assume he is kept as an OA. He'll be expected to provide a lot more offense than he ever has. If he clicks with whomever Coach pairs him with he should be ok. He could potentially reach 30 goals, he has the talent and the shooting ability, but it depends a lot on his linemates.

In my opinion, Johnny is good enough to be an OA in this league, just not sure if he is a good fit as an AMS overager. Which kills me. I adore Johnny. Srsly. Love this kid. This is why I could never in a million years be a GM, it would break my heart to have to make decisions like this.


1st star with hat trick, night after Halloween. Love it.

A Moment of Silence Please

Today marks the spot in the roster where I should be making predictions for Mitch McColm.



This kid will forever be one of my favorites to have ever put on an AMS sweater. Srsly. He's gonna get a huge ovation when he comes into town with the Chilliwack Bruins, and I'll be one of the loudest. I wish nothing but the very best of luck in everything you do Mitch! You're greatly missed in Tri!!

To keep from being too upset thinking about it, I shall gaze at the loveliness that is Matt Garza and later get boozed up to mock the All-Star Game. Good times.


This is the picture on my desktop. Yes, he's replaced Mitch Fadden. It's serious.

Player Prediction--Riley McIntosh

Riley was acquired in November from Kelowna. Not who I was hoping we'd get from the Rockets (hellooo, Collin Bowman anyone??). I spent most of the season completely disappointed in him. I can pretty much guarantee that will translate into a not-so-nice prediction for Mr. McIntosh here.

Now believe me, there's nothing wrong with a defensive defenseman. But when you spend an average of a minute a game in the penalty box...grrrrrr.
Strengths: tall, has long stretch, skates well.

Weaknesses: doesn't use his stretch well, hence all the penalties--dumb ones for holding and shit. Needs to use his skating abilities to be in position to play right, not take lazy penalties. Doesn't use size effectively. He's one of the tallest guys on the team (but skinny). TOO MANY PENALTIES. Anyone who stupidly puts the team at a disadvantage on a regular basis is not going to be on my "Favorites" list. Needs to shoot the puck, add some offense to his game.

Prediction: Riley had a decent playoff run. Maybe it inspired him to play against his former team, I don't know. But he was less sucky. If he can play like that this upcoming season I will shoot fewer daggers out of my eyeballs aimed at his head.

Had zero goals, 8 assists last season. Again, that's not a huge deal to not have any goals (though offensive is always a plus), but more worrisome is his meager +2 rating. I know +/- is a quirky stat, but on a team as successful as the AMS were last season, a +2 is a sad sight.

I remembered the stats master Alan Caldwell over at Small Thoughts At Large did a mid-season stats post that included information about players being in the box when their team gets scored on. Riley didn't make the top 22 that Caldwell listed, but still.

I will give the boy props, he did get in a fight his first game in Tri, showing Don Nachbaur that he could play on his team. Not that it went well for him, but still. Also, he got in a fight later in the season against Portland which was right in front of me and I got my best ever fight picture. :)



It's really a pity Riley pissed me off so much because he has terrific sexy eyebrows. *sigh* Stop sucking Riley.

The Uphill Battle for Tyler Weiman

Once again, Gregg Drinnan over at Taking Note has pointed readers to great links, including this great article from the Coloradoan about former AMS-goalie Tyler Weiman.

Tyler Weiman, who helped lead the Colorado Eagles to a Central Hockey League title in 2005, was signed by the Avalanche earlier this week.

It marks the second time in his five-year professional career that the goaltender will open camp with the Avs. Weiman spent the early portion of the 2007-08 season with the Avs.

"Once you get up there (NHL) and get a taste of what it's like, you definitely want to get back up there," Weiman said. "I obviously wanted to re-sign with Colorado. I feel like I have some unfinished business."

"It's been an uphill battle," said Weiman, who was drafted in the fifth round (No. 164 overall) of the 2002 NHL Draft by the Avs. "I've had to play at every level, and I've had to work for every opportunity I've ever gotten."

(John Russell/Getty Images)

today was full of fail.

Rays lost, Jays lost, it's still the hockey off-season. UGH.

However, I was reminded this morning by one of my besties, Motley Su, of this amazing piece of hockey and baseball awesomeness. Clark, the Canadian hockey goalie. Watch the whole thing, you will NOT be disappointed. Trust me.



Here's what the pitiful Rays game looked like (from Fan Graphs):


You can see the complete destruction at the top of the 7th, Garza was just over 100 pitches and shoulda been pulled, he gave up a two-run homer. Choate replaced him, gave up another two-run homer and it was (as seen on the graph) downhill from there.

The bright point (for me?) seeing the lovely Matt Garza (till the 7th inning collapse).


srsly. that is a sexy man. and THE DIMPLES!! **swoon**


But he does bear a striking resemblance to the Duke Blue Devil. No I didn't think of that myself, the Rays announcers did. But it's true...look.



It's been brought to my attention by a dear friend that the Jays/Rays rivalry isn't very, well, sexy. It needs excitement. I suggested blog wars against Eyebleaf, bkblades suggested strip wars. Wait what? "Every time the Jays win, Rays fans have to take an article of clothing off. they meet each other 16 times in a season, someone is going to get naked". So I guess that just leaves me to go in search of a Jays fan (blogger) who will go along with this hahahaaaaaa

Player Predictions--Brett Martyniuk

ahhh, the most lovely backup goalie ever. I admit, I kinda liked it when he didn't play cuz then I could gaze at him on the bench. *sigh*



Marty had respectable numbers, for not playing much. And for being a rookie. Poor behbeh didn't even play a singe minute until December. He did well enough in Chet's absence to take over the primary backup position (I've ranted about the unfairness of the 3-goalie crap before, I'm not going there again).

Strengths: good vision, nice lateral movement, technically sound. Knows when to come out and challenge shooters. Not easily rattled--at all.

Weaknesses: size. He's a beautiful mini-goalie. Granted, we AMS fans have been spoiled by large goalies in Carey Price and Chet Pickard. He's also not where he should be, developmentally, as an 18-year-old goalie in this league (for which I blame Bob).

Prediction: Hard to say. It depends on what happens with Russian goalie Bob picked up in Import Draft. Obviously, by selecting a 19-year-old NHL drafted goalie, Bob intends for Alexander to be the #1, putting Marty (and/or Drew) in the backup position once again. If Alexander doesn't get released from his Russian team (unlikely) then Marty will be fighting for the #1 spot in camp this fall.


pwning Drayson Bowman. RAWR!!

So, given the unknowns, for the sake of this post, I'll assume Marty will be backup (I'll make the same assumption when I analyze Drew Owsley). Depending on how much of a work-horse Alexander is, Marty will probably play in like 20, 25 games (if Bob goes back to 2-goalie system). His save percentage in the regular season of 08-09 was .896 and .923 in 31 minutes of playoff games. He's a good goalie so his % will be probably in the .910-.920 range.

This just in...

I heart baseball.

The end.

Player Prediction--Brooks Macek

Hang on to your ovaries, ladies, it's time to take a closer look at Brooks Macek.



In order to stay focused on the hockey and not say inappropriate things, I'm just gonna dive right in.

Strengths: size, speed, talent. He came in as a highly-touted rookie out of hockey factory Notre Dame, and didn't disappoint (me, anyways). He's got good vision and good shooting sense. For someone so lovely, he's not afraid to get gritty, he uses his size well and if he continues to grow, he has the potential to be a true power forward. Hockey Canada likes him also, as he was selected to participate in the National Under-18 Selection camp later this summer to try out for Ivan Hlinka tournament in Europe in mid-August.

Weaknesses: he was a rookie last season so made rookie mistakes. Needs to work on developing his two-way game, step up his defensive responsibilities. He also needs to work on convincing his good buddy Jaden Schwartz to forget the NCAA route and report to the AMS.

Prediction: He only had 8 goals last season (8G, 16A, 24pts +4) but I predict he'll double that. He has the potential to more than double that. He had 3 goals in 11 playoff games as well. +/- is an interesting stat, the +4 shows he and his linemates struggled with the defensive part so hopefully that is something that will improve as well. I know he did some hockey stuff over in Europe this summer so that was hopefully some good experience and development opportunity for him.


We can't talk Macek without mention (or photo) of tongue...

Chet Pickard at Nashville Goalie Camp

Huge thanks to Dirk Hoag over at On The Forecheck for giving me the heads up!

And here's Chet and his BFF Colin Wilson visiting local Children's Hospital.

Player predictions--Adam Hughesman

If you were expecting mention of the last two Ray/Jays games, tough. Last night's game went on for over 4 and a half hours, I stopped caring in the 4th inning. Today's game, I was pulling for Doc, apparently no one else in a Jays uniform was. Besides, I was really distracted listening to the game today, so no post-game update for y'all. I know you're terribly upset. Let's talk hockey, shall we?

Oh the conundrum that is Adam Hughesman. His rookie season he was pretty good, I (and many others) had high hopes for his sophomore season, especially it being his draft year. We were all quite disappointed.



He didn't necessarily regress, per se, but didn't develop either. It seemed coach wasn't sure what to do with him either, he was sorted around on different line combinations to try to get him going.

Mike Remmerde over at NHL Draft Notes says:

Strengths: Good shooting touch.

Weaknesses: Skating is rough. Not sure there's a lot of hockey sense. One dimensional. Bad second half.

Summary: Is not really a 7 round interest for me. Skating seemed to regress a bit this year. He's got a nice shot, but just doesn't get himself into position to use it much.

Remmerde is a scout and I'm just a fan. So what do I have to add? very little, but we'll give it a shot.

Strengths: I agree with Remmerde, Hughey's not afraid to shoot and when he's in the right spot he can get some goals. He's got good size, showed how gritty he can be in the playoffs. He was great in the playoffs. That was the Adam I'd hoped to see all season (but add in some goals).

Weaknesses: He'll go like 10 games with nothing then get a hat trick. It's bizarre. And frustrating to watch. His skating is not very good at all. I don't remember noticing his defensive abilities, and that stuff usually stands out to me, I love me a good two-way forward.

Prediction: uhh...can I refuse to predict? Who knows where Adam's going to be. He could get his shit together and have a breakout season. Or he could have peaked already and will continue to disappoint. Look, I love the kid, but he's let me down. I'm doubt Bob Tory would argue, but then again, who ever knows what Bob thinks.

His stats from last year don't indicate how his season went since it went in spurts (srsly, hat tricks and shit--sure, your goal total goes up, but it's misleading when you don't score for the next 10 games). They're decent stats. It's the inconsistency that needs work.

I'll predict roughly what he had last season, 16 goals. I think that will depend a lot on how he's coming along which will directly translate into more or less ice time. Less ice time means less opportunity to score. He did have 32 assists which is really nothing to scoff at, and actually more than I would have guessed, thank goodness WHL.ca has those stats. Also he was a +28 which is pretty sexy.

Ok, can I have a do-over? Not really. But I guess what needs to be said is that perhaps instead of the sniper he was supposed to be, maybe Adam's meant to be a Drew Hoff type. Gritty, works hard, getting points through setting guys up. I dunno. His skating is still a glaring weakness, even to be 3rd line grinder.

Prediction number 2--Justin Feser

Ohh yeah, this is a hockey blog! Well, here's the next prediction post. Jays/Rays again tonight so there will likely be another baseball post. Deal. On to looking at Justin Feser...



Someone was named Rookie of the Year last season, well deserved I might add. 12 goals, 16 helpers, and +14.

So what will Feser bring to the ice this upcoming season?* I have no clue. Turns out, coming up with predictions is tough work. I mean, credible predictions. I could say he's gonna get 50 goals and be WHL player of the year or something, but a.) He's good, but let's be real b.) I don't want to look like a dolt when I'm wrong. It may not seem like it sometimes, but I (for the most part) know hockey and I don't want to start spouting off really ridiculous garbage.

Strengths: Skating, size--he's a good sized kid, height-wise, but he's also thick. This is an advantage because he's not pushed off the puck and he's a force in the corners. He's got great skill and vision. He fit in well on the different lines coach tossed him out on. Which is directly related to his talent as others didn't need to worry he wouldn't carry his weight being a rookie.

Weaknesses: no glaring ones. Though he does have the pressure of delivering a better performance as a 2nd year player. Will he continue to successfully develop or will he hit sophomore slump? If he continues to grow (as teenage boys are wont to do) hopefully his skating can keep up.

Prediction: ppfftt. I have no idea. I think he has enough talent and skill to avoid a sophomore slump. He'll probably be on the 2nd line with plenty of ice time so I'll venture to say 20 goals? I hope no one holds me to these ridiculous predictions.

*besides his stunning good looks, that is

Traitorous Whore--the baseball edition

C'mon, it had to happen sometime, right? And I haven't reached full-on traitor (keep that in mind before you start throwing things at me eyebleaf, Archimedies, and bkblades...) as I haven't really narrowed down ONE team to follow. Yes, currently it's the Rays and the Jays. Tonight they played 11 freaking innings, yay for me!

I've acquired a baseball tutor who lets me ask really stupid questions. I would tell you some of the questions I had, but they were really just that stupid. Thankfully, my tutor does not judge. I hope.

I was tuned into the DEVIL Rays radio feed. Let me reiterate how much I hate sports announcers in general, they just talk to hear their own voice. It is definitely worse in baseball with the down time. But I've said that before so I'll stop repeating myself.

So, what did I learn tonight?

• There's not quite as much sexual innuendo with baseball as there is with hockey, even with all the bat and ball talk. However, there is still a lot of good opportunities for "That's what she said" lines and that is always funny.
• Speaking of innuendo, I learned that if you're not in the correct position on the mound, you can pull a groin. (click here, just do it)
• Neither team had any offense going. Jays had a couple hits here and there. Pitching through the first like 7 innings was good. Jays had tongue-twister Rzepczynski making his MLB debut, he started getting tired in the 5th, but hung on.
• James Shields (**swoon**) lasted for over 100 pitches. Then the Rays put in nearly every other pitcher on the roster. It made my head spin trying to figure out who would be pitching.

Shields. and his thighs.

• Yes, there was a part of me (let's say half) that was pulling for the Jays. These are my two teams, it was poor decision making on my part to choose rivals. I should have chosen two teams that like never face each other. Unless they all do, shit, baseball play like 2000 games a year or something.
• My tutor led me to the most amazing shit ever. Fan Graphs. No, I don't know what all it means yet, but it's cool. Lookit:

• It's a win probability graph. Obviously, Burrell's homer gave Ray's 100% chance of winning the game. The graphs are done out-by-out. You can see Rays were given the higher probability of winning till Scutaro's hit in the 8th. You can also see the total lack of offense in the game. I mean, take a look at the Royals/Tigers game to see a graph with more offense.
  
• At the bottom, the bar graph, is the leverage graph. Basically showing the "clutch" moments of the game. That red bar in the middle of the 8th was when there were guys on 1st and 3rd with no out and the Jays were down by 1, it was a killer throw by Upton to get the runner out at home, saved the game for the Rays. Killer for the BJs.
• Now, baseball has waaaayyy more stats than I can wrap my head around, but I do like stats and these graphs may or may not have made my day. I dig stats in visual format. Hell, it's part of the reason I was able to earn my Master's Degree--I was terrible at analyzing stats, but I could make some damn fine graphs.
  
• I've started adding baseball sites to my Google Reader. That means it's serious. That's commitment. I don't just add anyone or anything to my Reader, you have to be special.
• I'm sorry my Jays friends, but teh Rays have a much sexier team. Tonight, in addition to Shields, I give you Jason Bartlett.

srsly. Google image search him. You'll thank me later.

It's still only July--long way off till hockey

I don't watch enough baseball to keep things interesting around here so I guess I'll get started on stuff for the upcoming season. Oh, there will be baseball for sure, don't worry. Hockey-related however, I plan to take a look at returning players and my expectations for each. Remember, haters, this is my opinion, you're free to disagree. Though I wouldn't recommend it...*

To make things interesting, I guess I'll sort this out alphabetically, though I usually do things by number. However, it does put Spencer Asuchak at the front of the line.



Strengths: Decent vision, often in the right spot at the right time, size (he's a big kid and growing), grateful for his ice time, fantastic dimples. Hey he only played 38 games last season, there's only so much to go on. That being said, this "strengths" list better increase this season, not just for the AMS but it'll be his draft year as well.

Weaknesses: I've said it before, his skating is his greatest weakness. I think it's a case of a growth spurt that his skating hasn't caught up with. I'm hoping behbeh is taking skating lessons (not "lessons" per se) to work on it. Once he gets going he's got speed, it's just not a smooth process getting there.

Prediction: Look for a breakout season from him. He'll be 18, with increased ice time, increased size, and (hopefully) better skating. Rumor has it he's been taking some boxing lessons as well--so he knows what is needed on a Nachbaur team. If this rumor is true, I hope he doesn't think he's going to be the teams enforcer. That does not work for me. He needs to be on the ice, not in the box or suspended. Which also means he needs to control his size, make sure he's making big hits, but clean ones. It took Tyler Schmidt this long to figure it out, hopefully Spencer's a faster learner.

In only 38 games last season, playing on the lesser used 4th line, Assy managed 4 goals (all very timely if I remember right), 3 helpers (7 pts) was a +1 with 41 PIMs.

I'll say (I hate this cuz if I'm wrong I look like a tool) 16 goals. Or more. Oh hell, I have no idea. I'm not gonna make goal predictions. Not in writing. Not to be published on the world wide web.

*don't worry, it's an empty threat.

HOLY WTF

READ THIS.

It will make you giggle (Aubrey's analysis) and the rest will make you stabby. Very very stabby. Like I might go shank a bitch right now.

Learning baseball and vacation pictures

Eyebleaf, turn away, you prolly aren't gonna like this. Just scroll down to vacation pictures babydoll.

I'm still new to this whole baseball thing. Turns out, the two teams I have chosen to follow to learn the game, Blue Jays and Devil Rays, are big rivals. And they rhyme--not why I chose to follow them. Jays because of Sports and the City's bloggerificness, Rays because of RD's hilarious livetweets from games caught my attention.

So I'm sitting here watching Rays/Rangers and I've learned a couple new things (don't laugh at me seasoned fans, I'm learning):

• It's not just bats and balls, there's like strategy and stuff. There's keys to offense (hitting, duh) but there's a defensive piece to the game that's like more than just catching. It's actually quite fascinating. It's also a game to be learning from as Rays' defense is crapping the bed.
• I hate all sports announcers, they annoy me with their chatter about nothing. Baseball is worse than hockey because of all the down time.
• That downtime does offer opportunities to scrutinize the close-up footage of the stunningly gorgeous Rays pitcher, Matt Garza. He hasn't had a spectacular game, but he looks good. And he wears #22. So it's like destiny or some shit. Look:

Or just Google Image search Matt Garza. Do it, you'll thank me later.

• I've learned also that Carlos Pena is also quite delish. Face it, the Rays are one sexy team. Sorry Jays, they got ya beat in that department.

• That being said, I'm making plans to see the BJs in Seattle at the end of the month, if I'm lucky I'll catch one of the games where Doc is pitching.
• If you're like me and for some reason don't get many sports channels, mlb.com has a cool feature called Game Day (mostly free, but you have the option to upgrade) and it's real-time action but not with actual video or whatever. Anyways, it's pretty cool when the game you want to watch isn't shown in your area (Jays, since they're Canadian y'know) or if you want to watch Iron Chef :) No, it's not the same as watching the game, but it works.
• I think McP and I are hitting up Dust Devils this Friday, y'know, to expand my baseball knowledge.

Also, just because, here's some of my pictures from my Canadian vacation. There's lots of them.

Back from Vacation

I spent the last week in Canada, roaming around Kelowna and Kamloops. For the record, Kelowna > Kamloops. I may put some pictures up for y'all later today.

In the mean time, some business took place while I was gone, notably the CHL Import Draft. Bob Tory selected a goalie and a forward. From the AMS website:

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has selected both 19-year-old goaltender Alexander Pechurski with their first pick (55th overall) and 19-year-old forward Sergei Drozd with their second pick (71st overall) in the Canadian Hockey League's annual Import Draft.

"With our situation at goaltending, we found it important to add depth at this position," explained Tory. "We had a chance to talk to Pittsburgh and they indicated that they would like (Alex) to come to North America next season to continue his development. After talking to him, (Alex) also indicated a desire to come to the States. We hope to see him at our training camp after the Penguins training camp in the fall."

"Alex still needs to get a release from his club team before joining our hockey team. But, all indications suggest that this won't be an issue," Tory continued. "We look forward to watching him compete with Brett (Martyniuk), Drew (Owsley) and Warren (Shymko) for the goaltending positions on our hockey club."

Now this move suggests a couple of things. First, WHL teams are only allowed 2 imports which means if Bob picked two, he's not planning on bringing Petr Stoklasa back as a 20. I'm not necessarily surprised by this, but I'll definitely miss Petr's work ethic. A lot.

Secondly, this shows a lack of faith in Martyniuk and Owsley. It's my opinion that these two got royally screwed last season in a 3-goalie system. And behind work-horse Chet Pickard. Owsley only saw significant playing time at the beginning of the season when Pickard was at Predators camp and World Juniors. Marty didn't even play a minute in a game until December while Chet at Juniors. Then in March when Chet was injured. That's it. The rest of the time they were backups. Really, since December, Marty was handed the #2 position and Drew sat in the stands.

Now tell me, how does sitting in the stands game after game help his development? Or his confidence? Yes, it was handy to have 3 when Chet was gone and injured. But couldn't Owsley or Marty been released to Junior B team to get playing time? To keep sharp and maintain confidence? To further add to the insult, it was both their draft years, as if they were gonna get many looks on the bench or in the stands.

Personally, I was hoping (unrealistically so, I know) that Bob would try them to start this season on a sort of tandem basis. At this point, because of all the down time last season, neither is probably ready to be the #1 goalie, I understand that. But to once again just sort of brush them aside in favor of this Russian kid is just another slap in the face.

The other selection, Drozd looks fairly promising:

At 6'0, 175-pounds, the Minsk, Belarus native split time between three teams this past season, Dynamo Minsk of the KHL, its farm team Keramin and Shinnik Bobruisk, both of the Belarusian League. The winger appeared in only 11 games for the Dynamo, but was a key member during Keramin's league championship run, registering eight goals and 18 points in 30 games. Drozd also had a strong showing for Team Belarus at the 2008 World Junior Championships - Division 1, where he finished as the tournament's top goal scorer by notching seven goals in five contests.

"I had an opportunity to see Sergei play in Camrose at Jr. A Challenge back in November. He is a highly skilled forward, who played on a weak Belarus team, and competed very hard and put up good numbers," continued Tory. "(Sergei) was a teammate of current Prince Albert Raider Igor Revenko and comes highly recommended. We look forward to him joining our team this upcoming season." (amshockey.com)

so there you have it, the only AMS hockey stuff that happened the whole week I was in Canada. Stay tuned for slide show of some of my vacation pictures :)