Klassen Recap

Me and the ladies made our way down to the Toyota Center last night for the Klassen Memorial rookie scrimmage.

I rounded up a roster and intended to take notes. All I really have as far as notes, is next to #20 Blue, Jeff Flicker, I have written "Flicker? But I hardly know her!"

The full face cages made it hard to see faces and I just couldn't keep them all straight. Oh and seeing Carey Price on the bench was distracting as well.

Goalie Jacob Mattes is in trouble and he doesn't even know it. Give him a couple years and he's going to be SOOO gorgeous. Oh and he can play goal.

Behbeh Macek, Bret Macek, is a little guy, pretty speedy.

Behbeh Mitch Owsley is adorable, skates pretty quick as well.

Max Moline is very very tall. Same with Zach McPhee.

Here's the bottom line. Zach Yuen, Nils Moser, Brendyn Illchuk, and Connor Rankin are the real deals. Yuen, obviously. But Rankin is going to be something great I think.

Got Hockey?

Game is on tonight!

Todd Klassen Memorial Game tonight at 7 at Toyota Center. Once again, it's a rookie scrimmage, rather than full camp rosters, but that's ok. It's hockey.

The future of the Tri-City Americans has been on the ice this week at Toyota Center, and all 14 of the team's 2009 Western Hockey League bantam draft picks are in attendance at the annual rookie camp.

"The main point of rookie camp is to introduce the players and their parents to the league, our program and the city," said Tri-City general manager Bob Tory. "Unlike some teams, we keep our numbers small, about 40 players. They have practices with coaches and we have them work with our power skating coach (Vanessa Hettinger). It's not just scrimmages; there is a learning aspect to it."

The rookies will play in tonight's Todd Klassen Memorial Game at 7 p.m. at Toyota Center. A small donation is suggested to help benefit the scholarship fund.

The rest from the Herald here.

Drinnan also reports Olie Kolzig (along with Jerry Price and Dusty Imoo) has been working with goalies in camp and that Stu Barnes will be in to work with forwards on faceoffs (hell yes!).

Me and the girls will be hitting up the Klassen tonight, I'd say to come say hi, but I have no idea where we'll be sitting. Look for the loud, obnoxious group of women, I'll have my camera of course.

HOCKEY'S HERE!!
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I find it dumb/weird that this scrimmage has not been promoted more on the AMS website. This is a charity game to raise money for the Todd Klassen Memorial Scholarship. I didn't even know that. ME. I'm up on this stuff. I thought it was just a scrimmage. Granted, baseball's been taking over my life and I may have missed it, but I think I would have at least caught that one. Way to to AMS, way to promote not only that hockey's back, but that it's a charity game.

Dunstall/main camp roster

Medicine Hat has told OA Travis Dunstall to stay home and wait for trade. He's got some offense. AMS have the 3 OA spots currently filled, but I imagine Bob will at least take a look at Dunstall, see if he'd be worth trading for, and worth dropping/trading one of the AMS, either Lazo, Toll, or Plouffe.

I remember Dunstall pissing me off. If you're on an opposition team and you piss me off, that either means you're good enough to cause problems for my team (90% of the pissing off) or you're an ass (the other 10%, see Letts, Ryan). Dunstall fell into the pissing me off for being good/decent against the AMS. But I could be remembering wrong, my head has been filled with baseball.

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AMS announce main camp roster (via amshockey.com)

2009-10 Main Camp Roster
Player, DOB, Height, Weight, Hometown, 08-09 Club

Forwards
Braeden Adamyk, Mar. 3-90, 5'10 180 lb., Neepawa, MB, Kindersley Klippers
Spencer Asuchak, Nov. 22-91, 6'4 195 lb., Kamloops, BC, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Sergei Drozd, Apr. 14-90, 6'0 180 lb., Minsk, BLR, Dinamo Minsk (Late arrival - September)
Justin Feser, July 29-92, 5'9 175 lb., Red Deer, AB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Patrick Holland, Jan. 7-92, 6'0 170 lb., Lethbridge, AB, Lethbridge Y's Men Titans
Dillon Houghton, Dec. 23-92, 5'6 160 lb., Lethbridge, AB, Lethbridge Y's Men Titans
Adam Hughesman, Feb. 28-91, 5'11 185 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Brendyn Illchuk, Apr. 28-93, 6'1 165 lb., Winnipeg, MB, Winnipeg Hawks
Alex Kromm, Oct. 31-91, 5'10 170 lb., Naramata, BC, Summerland Sting
Johnny Lazo, Jan. 8-89, 5'7 165 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Brooks Macek, May15-92, 5'11 170 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Zach McPhee, Mar. 5-93, 6'3 182 lb., Vernon, BC, Vernon Renegades
Jordan Messier, Feb. 4-92, 6'2 190 lb., Canmore, AB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Marcus Messier, Jan. 17-94, 5'9 145 lb., Canmore, AB, Notre Dame Hounds
Max Moline, Jan. 30-93, 6'3 185 lb., Lethbridge, AB, Lethbridge Hurricanes
Nils Moser, Jan. 3-93, 6'2 185 lb., Canmore, AB, Notre Dame Hounds
Tanner Olstad, Jan. 15-92, 5'8 165 lb., Calgary, AB, Calgary Edge
Neal Prokop, Jan. 28-90, 6'3 210 lb., Winnipeg, MB, REGINA PATS
Connor Rankin, Nov. 30-94, 6'0 180 lb., N. Vancouver, BC, North Shore Winter Club
Kruise Reddick, July 6-90, 5'9 170 lb., Manor, SK, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Dayton Shaw, Jan. 11-91, 5'9 160 lb., Calgary, AB, Calgary Blackhawks
Brendan Shinnimin, Jan. 7-91, 5'9 170 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Jesse Wiebe, Nov. 1-90, 6'3 200 lb., Richland, WA, Tri-City Titans
Mason Wilgosh, May 16-91, 5'8 190 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS

Defense
Jordan Allan, Dec. 6-92, 6'1 170 lb., W. Richland, WA, West Coast Midget
Eric Coscione, Dec. 5-91, 6'1 190 lb., Upland, CA, San Diego Gulls
Drydn Dow, Sept. 21-92, 5'9 165 lb., Calgary, AB, Calgary Buffaloes
Sam Grist, June 27-93, 6'��3 200 lb., Victoria, BC, Program of Excellence Midget
Spencer Humphries, Apr. 30-92, 6'2 213 lb., Delta, BC, Vancouver Canadians
Riley McIntosh, Feb. 25-90, 6'5 205 lb., Coquitlam, BC, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Brett Pile, July 24-93, 6'1 170 lb., Winnipeg, MB, Winnipeg Monarchs
Brett Plouffe, June 26-89, 5'10 190 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Tyler Schmidt, Apr. 13-90, 6'1 210 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Brad Senner, Jan. 6-92, 5'6 170 lb., Richland, WA, Tri-City Titans
Brock Sutherland, Jan. 14-91, 6'1 175 lb., Brandon, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Jarrett Toll, Jan. 16-89, 5'11 175 lb., Maple Ridge, BC, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Lane Werbowski, May 16-91, 6'1 175 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Chase Wharton, Apr. 21-91, 5'8 175 lb., Richland, WA, Spokane Braves
Zachary Yuen, Mar. 3-93, 6'1 190 lb., Vancouver, BC, Vancouver Canadians

Goaltenders
Joel Danyluk, July 8-90, 6'0 190 lb., Yorkton, SK, Yorkton Terriers
Brett Martyniuk, Feb. 19-91, 5'9 180 lb., Winnipeg, MB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Drew Owsley, Mar. 15-91, 5'8 160 lb., Lethbridge, AB, TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Alex Pechurski, June 4-90, 6'0 190 lb., Magnitogorsk, RUS, Magnitogorsk Jr. (Late arrival - September)
Warren Shymko, Jan. 26-92, 6'0 195 lb., Calder, SK, Saskatoon Contacts

Schmidtty

Tyler Schmidt got invited back to Minnesota Wild's training camp and he'll be participating in the Wild's preseason action at the Traverse City Tournament, roster here (also note my Kamloops Blazers hockey boyfriend Giffen Nyren on the list too).

Whatever they taught him last year at camp worked wonders, he had a great season. Hopefully that will continue!

I miss Uncle Mitch

Alan Caldwell, over at Small Thoughts At Large, one of my faves, linked to this great article about our Mitch McColm adjusting to life in Chilliwack. It's a great read, though I admit I had a little tear in my eye, I miss that guy already. (I think netiquette is to say "hat tip" or "h/t" to Caldwell, but I've been watching so much baseball, I'm going to say "ass pat" or "a/p" to Caldwell for the link, hope he's not offended).

Some highlights:

“The town looks nice and our arena looks nice, certainly better than the one in Tri-City,” McColm said at training camp last week. “Everything’s made a real good first impression on me so far, and I’m looking forward to getting started.” (I think he's meaning the ice when he says Chilliwack's arena is better than Tri's, not fans)

"I knew there was a chance I might be gone because of the 20 year old situation,” he said. “Three of them were D-men and I figured I might be the odd guy out. It just happened a bit sooner than I expected. Trades are part of the game, and it’s just something you deal with.”

“That’s part of why this is going to be so much fun, because a lot of teams might not expect us to battle as hard as we’re going to battle,” McColm said with his trademark gap-toothed grin. “We’re trying to change how things are run around here and make an identity. That’s the goal from top to bottom.”

A gentle giant off the ice, McColm has a nasty side that surfaces once he steps over the boards — 259 career penalty minutes will attest to that.

“Off the ice, I’m pretty easy going. But on the ice, it’s all business and I play with a chip on my shoulder,” McColm said. “I’m a pretty intense guy on the ice, and I like to be mean and make life hell for players on the other team.”

“I’ll be assertive right away, and I want to be a leader and a go-to guy,” McColm said confidently.

“If the younger guys need something, I’ll be there for them, because I remember how nerve wracking it was for me when I was young. Maybe something I say will make a difference for one of these guys.”

Chilliwack fans or AMS fans waiting for his return to Toyota Center, you need to grab yourself a "Got Mitch?" shirt!

Watch your noggins boys

NPR ran a piece on how in America, it's getting to be time for football season. They rattled off some statistics for concussions and brain problems down the road.

Well, it's getting to be hockey season too and listening to this bit this morning reminded me of a post I did back in June, Canadian show The Fifth Estate did a special on former CFL players and the problems they've had from concussions.

Check that post here. If I may say so myself, it's good stuff. Well, ok the link in that post to the video of the 5th Estate is good stuff.
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In other news, new Head Coach Jim Hiller met with players and fans, from the Herald:

The 19th coach of the Tri-City Americans greeted fans Tuesday afternoon at Kimo's Sports Cafe, and told the crowd he was happy to be back in the Tri-Cities.

What's not to like?

A one-time assistant coach for the Americans, Hiller, 40, takes over a successful program that won back-to-back U.S. Division titles and 148 games over the last three years under Don Nachbaur, who resigned last month to coach the Binghamton Senators of the AHL. With a strong core of returning players, Hiller knows he landed a plumb job in the Western Hockey League.

Overage defenseman Jarrett Toll, who hasn't played for anyone but Nachbaur, said he's looking forward to playing for Hiller.

"It's definitely different not having Don here," Toll said. "Most of us guys have only played for one coach. Having (assistant coach) Terry (Virtue) there will make things smoother. We met with (Hiller) last night and I'm excited to play for him. He seems like a nice guy and he'll push us to get to the Memorial Cup."

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For me it's just gotten to the point that it's been so long since hockey that it's like it never happened (not really). I'm hoping that by going to the rookie scrimmage this Saturday with the hockey chicks I'll get more in the mood (and maybe it'll lessen the current obsession with baseball--ok, probably not, but still).

grumpy

If any of you follow me on Twitter (@imeanwegotguys) you know I am now blocked from Google Reader at work. This blows.

So if you're one that turns to this site for breaking AMS news,

• you're insane
• I'll be limited to what I will be posting since I can't easily get to links I need
• ok, not so much limited but delayed
  

Yes, I can go visit every link for every site in my reader to find stuff, but the whole point of the Reader is to have access to all your favorites, all in one spot. I've pleaded to the IT people to unblock it, we'll see how that goes. But it's not looking good.

Today's luscious link is my man Eyebleaf and his undying love for the our Blue Jays and his belief in Vernon Wells.

Camp

This is completely copy-and-pasted from Alan Caldwell's Small Thoughts At Large (apparently the team sent him the lists, must be nice. Though if I'd asked perhaps they would have sent to me as well, who knows.)

A couple of important items there on the Rookie list: Marcus Messier, Matt Hughesman, Mitch Owsley, and Bret Macek. That's right ladies, hang on to your ovaries, not only are hotties in town, but their younger brothers are too. (umm, no Robby Lazo? WTF?)

And holy goaltenders. The other day Bob noted that From Russia With Glove (TM bkblades) goalie Alex Pechurski would not be at camp but would be at pre-season tournaments but he's listed on roster so who knows what's up with that.

Tri-City Americans (rookie):

Goaltenders (5): Cody Boeckman (15), Chris Driedger (15), Jonah Imoo (15), Jordan Liem (16), Jacob Mattes (16)
Defencemen (15): Nathan Browne (15), Sam Grist (16), Riley Guenther (15), Justin Hamonic (15), Justin Klimek (15), Tyler Kunz (15), Matt Lloyd (15), Mark MacDougall (15), Blake Miller (15), Brett Pile (16), Walker Sidoni (15), Zachary Tjader (16), Brent Tradewell (15), Zachary Yuen (16), Jesse Zgraggen (16)
Forwards (27): Mak Barden (16), Alex Bechtold (15), Theodore Campe (16), Kyle Davies (16), Jeff Flicker (16), Dylan Fluter (15), Wyatt Garagan (15), Nick Glackin (15), Brandon Halbgewachs (15), Matt Hughesman (15), Brendyn Illchuk (16), Jake Kirkpatrick (16), Cole Klimek (15), Bret Macek (15), Colton Mackie (16), Shawn McElroy (16), Zach McPhee (16), Marcus Messier (15), Max Moline (16), Nils Moser (16), Lucas Nickles (15), Mitch Owsley (16), JT Paine (15), Connor Rankin (15), Zane Schartz (15), Joel Steve (15), Brady Wicki (15)

Tri-City Americans (main):

Goaltenders (5): Joel Danyluk (19), Brett Martyniuk (18), Drew Owsley (18), Alex Pechurski (19), Warren Shymko (17)
Defencemen (16): Jordan Allan (17), Eric Coscione (18), Drydn Dow (17), Sam Grist (16), Spencer Humphries (17), Alex Kampen (18), Riley McIntosh (19), Brett Pile (16), Brett Plouffe (20), Tyler Schmidt (19), Brad Senner (17), Brock Sutherland (18), Jarrett Toll (20), Lane Werbowski (18), Chase Wharton (18), Zachary Yuen (16)
Forwards (24): Braeden Adamyk (19), Spencer Asuchak (18), Sergei Drozd (19), Justin Feser (17), Patrick Holland (17), Dillon Houghton (17), Adam Hughesman (18), Brendyn Illchuk (16), Alex Kromm (18), Johnny Lazo (20), Brooks Macek (17), Zach McPhee (16), Jordan Messier (17), Marcus Messier (15), Max Moline (16), Nils Moser (16), Tanner Olstad (17), Neal Prokop (19), Connor Rankin (15), Kruise Reddick (19), Dayton Shaw (18), Brendan Shinnimin (18), Jesse Wiebe (19), Mason Wilgosh (18)

Need help from Canadian readers

this is SOOOO not hockey related.

But I cannot for the life of me find Toronto Blue Jays flannel fabric. I know!?! In the year 2009, with the endless limits of the internet, it cannot be found.

I am assuming it can be found somewhere in Canada. So my dear Canadian readers, if you spot said fabric, please let me know (email me hammerrules [at] gmail [dot] com) where you find so I might contact the store to see if they'll ship to me.

any assistance I can get on this matter would be greatly appreciated. :)

oh, and main camp starts tomorrow--that's right, HOCKEY'S ALMOST HERE!!

Player Prediction--Brock Zimak

well, this one I just don't know. I was never especially impressed with Brock Zimak, but never quite unimpressed either. He just never played enough. Even when dressed, he spent most of the game on the bench, maybe got a shift here or there.

As last season continued on and on, he saw even less time, and became a liability. A liability not necessarily because of lack of talent or anything like that, but just a simple lack of experience.

Strengths: he's quick, not necessarily super fluid, but he is speedy. When he does get ice time, he takes advantage of that and works his ass off.

Weaknesses: again, just lack of experience.

Predictions: really hard to predict what will happen with Brock. It was noted on the message board that he was not listed on Caldwell's listings of training camp rosters over at Small Thoughts At Large. I don't know if that was an accidental omission (from wherever Alan got the list) or if Brock wasn't invited to camp. I would like for him to get another shot, so hopefully it was just an oversight.

Brock's not one that WOWed me like Yuen so he's harder to predict. Last season he had 3 points, 1 G 2 A and 11 PIMs in 27 games. I would have never guessed he played 27 games! But he did just sit on the bench for a lot of those games. His rookie season was overshadowed by the amazingness of the other rookies--Feser, Macek, Messier, Shinniman.

His role last season (or lack thereof) is similar to Mason Wilgosh's his rookie season. So hopefully that means he'll be back this year ready to play and be an impact player.

Player Prediction--Zach Yuen

There's not a lot to go off of for an analysis of Yuen, but what I've seen, I'm so impressed with that he warranted an entry here.



Strengths: Skates very well, good vision, doesn't get rattled (played great as a 15-year-old), size

Weaknesses: He'll be coming in as a rookie and will make rookie mistakes, that's just the way it is.

Predictions: I predict awesomeness. He saw significant ice time in the playoffs and did pretty darn good. He is the future of the AMS defensive corps. Between him and Spencer Humphries (not on roster so I didn't do a prediction for him) there's plenty to be excited about with this defense in the coming seasons.

Worst kept secret

Hiller to be named Head Coach today. From the Herald:

Finally. The Tri-City Americans, the only team in the Western Hockey League without a coach, will fill the position today when they announce the hiring of Jim Hiller as the team's 19th coach, according to sources.

Hiller, 40, will replace Don Nachbaur, who after six seasons on the bench, resigned last month to coach the Binghamton Senators of the AHL.

Took long enough, but thankfully it'll be done. I'm cautiously optimistic about the selection. It'll be interesting to see what Hiller can do with the talent Bob's put together. And how things go with Virtue having more of a say.

***UPDATE***

It's official via amshockey.com

Player Prediction--Mason Wilgosh

no, I'm not dead (thankfully). My computer broke, new one hasn't arrived yet (supposed to come today) and I'm using a crappy one from work. Then I had family in town over the weekend so not much got done as far as content here. But no one cares about that. We're here for Mason.

Wilgosh is a kid who did not endure a sophomore slump. His rookie season he saw limited ice time, sat in the stands eating or something, looked out of shape by end of his 07-08 season. Could have been excessive Oreo pizzas from Domino's, I don't know.



But he returned in 08-09 looking slim and trim and ready to go. After the Life Partners (Hoff and Macaulay) were gone (take a moment and cry, I might), Mason really found his role. He's the new Drew Hoff. Pesky effective grinder.

Strengths: Skates well, good vision, good "puck luck", got his shit together and got in shape to prove he deserves to be on this team.

Weaknesses: because of limited ice time as a rookie, still has some learning to do. Makes rookie-ish errors. Short, he's listed as only 5'8" (I think he's taller than that, but not by much) but he is thick (no longer doughy) so he can compensate some.

Predictions: His -12 rating is atrocious. Granted, some of that can be chalked up to being a grinder, going against other teams' top lines, but he is one of only 2 players (Messier the other) with a - rating for last season. And -12 is bananas on such a successful team. Again, +/- is one of those weird stats that can tell the whole story or none of the story, with Mason, I think it's a little of both.



Wilgs had 11 points (6G, 5A) in 08-09. This is a kid who lit up Bantam/Midget hockey so I do believe he has a scoring touch, just needs to find it while getting the other hockey basics down.

I have no clue where to go with predicting this kid. He could continue to be very successful in a checking (not high scoring) role or he could take off with getting goals. Part of that will obviously depend on him, but also whomever is coach will (in theory) put him in a role where he'll be most effective.

Player Prediction--Lane Werbowski

That sound you may be hearing is my soul being crushed by the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay DEVIL Rays. Dear baseball, I hate you right now. But I digress.

Lane Werbowski is, in my opinion, one of the unsung heroes. Ok, that may be strong, but he's certainly underrated. Like the rest of the defensive corps, he's not flashy, but he does the little things right. Apparently, working under BFF TJ Fast worked well for young Laner.



Strengths: Good skating, good vision (when his eyes are open, stop squinting and blinking, it's really hard to get good pictures of you!), doesn't try to be something more than what he is. Good stay-at-home kinda guy, great up-ice passer (well, as well as anyone can pass on this notoriously bad passing team).
Weaknesses: Small, skinny. Gets overpowered by strong forwards a little too easily. And not necessarily a weakness, just kinda the way it is, but he's still learning, still developing so mistakes are going to happen. But he doesn't let turnovers or anything ruin his entire game, just moves on to the next play (strength).

Predictions: I'm gonna assume for the upcoming season that the rookie and sophomore brain lapses are over, he's got a good skill set to move forward and be a good defenseman in this league. In 08-09 he had 17 points (2G, 15 A) and a +12 rating. That +/- in this case is fairly indicative of Lane's play. Does a lot of little things right, but still occasionally gets pushed of the puck and scored on.

I don't really foresee him suddenly gaining a scoring touch, though it'd be nice. His point total will go up, mostly due to increase ice time which will lead to more scoring opportunities. I see Lane as an assist guy, but that may change. See? Nice and vague predictions so if I'm wrong I don't look like a complete dolt. :)

Final note, it is my belief, after only brief conversations and encounters, that Lane brings the silly to this team. The AMS have been successful partly due to the chemistry they've had and you need a silly willy to bring a group with such age ranges together. So if it helps my team, be as silly as you want Lane Werbowski!


silly Lane, giving me the stink eye

Player Prediction--Jarrett Toll

One word: Reliable. Ok, another word: solid. Steady. Consistent. Awesome.


Jarrett gets so excited when he scores goal, he shakes like a 3-pound Chihuahua

There are many words to describe the play of Jarrett Toll. He's always reminded me (and BFF) of a younger Logan Stephenson. Though less angry/aggressive. Toller's not the fighter like Logan was, but his play is similar. Not a huge offense producer, but he's a defenseman, offense isn't really his job.

Strengths: Seriously, reliable. Consistent. Under the radar. He does everything right. But he's not flashy about it, which is why I believe he got ripped off on being at least co-Defenseman of the Year. He's not the biggest guy (so skinny!) but he's not afraid to get gritty to keep the puck out of the net. He's one of the best on the team at bringing the puck up the ice. He has few turnovers. He has excellent skating and fantastic vision. Remember, this is defense by committee and he should be the committee chairman.

Weaknesses: Again, not the biggest guy. Doesn't necessarily get pushed around, but isn't going to win certain battles like Tyler Schmidt might (should). Um, yeah. That's all I can think of. Oh, injury-prone. Poor kid.

Predictions: In 08-09 Tollsy had 30 points (9G, 21A) a +28 rating (2nd best on the team, best for defensemen) and a measly 40 penalty minutes. File under "strengths" that he stays out of the penalty box! Again, not flashy, but he gets the job done.

In the 09-10 season Tollsy will be a 20. I predict Bob will keep him as an OA, I know I would. I would also personally like to see Jarrett with the captaincy. I know that will be up to whomever is coach and whatnot, but still. He may not be the most vocal leader in the locker room (or he is, I don't know, I'm not in the locker room) but he provides veteran leadership that a team with a new coach will need.

I've hear rumors (and they are only rumors people, chill out) that Jarrett got a scholarship to YALE for Lacrosse, his other sport that he's awesome at, and that he wouldn't be back to the AMS this season. I would hate to lose Toll however, if I'm going to lose him, I'm ok if it's to Yale and for lacrosse.*



It should also be noted Jarrett is the nicest guy on the planet. No joke. He's great with the fans at post-game skates and with booster club stuff. He stuck around after the Booster Club Christmas party to put up with sister and I interviewing him (it was the best interview ever, by the way).

*I'm so full of shit.

Better late than never I suppose

Taylor Procyshen will be attending the University of New Brunswick and he'll join former AMS captain Alex Aldred on the ice for the Varsity Reds. From the UNB website:

UNB Hockey Announces Three WHL Captains to Join Program
August 6, 2009

By: Maureen Sparks

Fredericton, NB. - The UNB Varsity Reds would like to announce the addition of three WHL graduating captains to their team for the upcoming 2009-10 season. These players include forward Taylor Procyshen from the Tri-City Americans, forward Jeff Lee from the Edmonton Oil Kings, and defenseman Ben Wright from the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Procyshen is from Emerald Park, Saskatchewan, and spent the last four seasons with the Americans helping them win back to back US Division Championships. He is a three-time 30 plus goal scorer in the WHL and finished off a career best year with 36 goals and 45 assists for a total of 81 points. He was the offensive leader for his team in several categories including top scorer and was one of the top scorers in the WHL. Overall Procyshen had 108-100-208 in 259 career WHL games.

The speedy winger was the 2009 winner of the prestigious Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Award as the WHL Humanitarian of the Year. Procyshen will join his former Tri-City team captain Alex Aldred at UNB where he will be enrolled in the Faculty of Business.

Best of luck to Pro!!

Player Prediction--Brock Sutherland

yes, alphabetically Petr Stoklasa is next for player prediction. But I predict he won't be back. He'd be a two-spot: a Euro and an overager. Bob has been one to keep two-spotters, but I don't foresee Petr being one of them. Partially because Petr isn't exactly the offensive firepower the team needs, but also because Bob picked up 2 imports at the import draft and teams are only allowed 2 which pretty much means Petr's out. Sad, I love his gritty style, uses his big size effectively, more physical than any Euro I've seen in the WHL. Plus he's adorable as hell. Oh well, moving on.

Brock Sutherland was brought over with trade that brought in Mitch Fadden and Cam Stevenson and sent Eric Mestery and Drew Hoff to Lethbridge. Obviously, Stevenson was a toss-in, Fadden was OA firepower that Tory really wanted, Brock sorta in the middle.



By "in the middle" I mean he's young, in his rookie season. With those types of acquisitions, you're never quite sure what you're gonna get. You could get a kid who ends up being a dud, or one that could develop into something special. In Suds, I think Bob got the latter.

Strengths: size, he's a big kid (should use it more), skates well, stay-at-home defenseman, played a lot of minutes, earned those minutes with decent play, decent vision.

Weaknesses: should use his size to be more physical, he's a big boy, he should be shoving guys out of his goalie's crease and shit. He was a rookie, made some rookie mistakes. Turnovers, but hell, that's everyone on this team.

Predictions: He's not an offensive defenseman, only 7 points last season (1 G, 6A) but a +11 rating. Whether or not he'll find a scoring touch, who knows. He's got the build to be able to deliver a powerful slapshot. I don't imagine his point production will be *that* much greater than last season. I do expect his ice time to increase, he'll be relied on to be a veteran presence on the blueline (at 18).

I was overall pleased with Suds, I think he'll probably end up being a good defenseman. I didn't necessarily like that he was scratched in favor of Yuen in the playoffs just because he'd played with the team all season and could provide familiarity. That being said, that Yuen is something else, I cannot wait. But this is about Brock.



Final note, I've talked with Brock some and he's a really nice kid. Therefore, as usual, this prediction piece may be totally biased. I don't care.

Jim Hiller?

Drinnan reporting on Taking Note:

The Tri-City Americans are expected to announce the signing of Jim Hiller as their new head coach at some point next week.
A source indicated Thursday night that the two parties are in the process of tying up some loose ends, all of which should be completed before the end of next week.
This will be Hiller’s second go-round with the Americans.
He first joined the Americans on June 28, 2002, as an assistant coach under then-head coach Shaun Clouston. After Don Nachbaur was hired to replace Clouston on June 16, 2003, Hiller was promoted to associate coach. (Actually, Nachbaur was hired to replace Bob Tory, the general manager having gone behind the bench after the firing of Clouston late in the season.)
Hiller left the Americans on May 25, 2004, to become head coach of the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
On May 30, 2006, Hiller was named the first head coach of the expansion Chilliwack Bruins. That lasted until March 16, 2009, when he was fired with one year left on his contract.
Hiller will take over from Nachbaur, who left to become head coach of the AHL’s Binghamton Senators.
When the Americans make the announcement, it will mean that each of the WHL’s 22 teams has a head coach.

Player Prediction--Brendan Shinnimin

Oh hell yes, it's time to look a little closer at Shinny. I've already declared he's going to be my hockey boyfriend this coming season, barring something strange (like last season, I never expected to go bananas for Mitch Fadden, but some things cannot be helped).


ooo and the tongue too!!

It's hard to believe that 08-09 was Brendan's rookie season, though he was 17. He played outstanding. Really. And yes, I'm completely biased, but I'm also pretty much right on this one.

Strengths: Speedy, damn speedy. Great skating, excellent vision, terrific "puck luck". He takes a lot of faceoffs but I never pay close enough attention to see who wins, I'll say decent in the faceoff circle, but could be full of shit. He is not afraid to play gritty and get tough when need be. He beat the living hell out of that Baldwin dick from Spokane, took on Dustin Donaghy (didn't go as well, but he didn't back down). He gets that look in his eye that he's damn serious and you'd better not get in his way. Don't recall that I've seen him take a shift off.



Weaknesses: uh...size? He's small, but his play compensates for it, IMO (see strengths). Takes on battles that perhaps he shouldn't, risking injury, that makes me nervous.

Predictions: In 64 games last season he had 25 points (12G, 13A) and a +9 rating. The +9 is misleading because he spent a lot of time on the 3rd line, the grinding line, going against the oppositions top lines. Also shared ice with other rookies--Macek, Messier, Feser so the +/- rating, while low in comparison to some teammates, is actually impressive. Well, maybe not "impressive", but decent.

As far as predicting this season, odds are he'll continue with the point production. I look for him to double his goals from the 08-09 season. Who knows, I'm terrible with this prediction crap.

I predict I will take a bazillion photos of Shinny, half of them with him busting me doing it, it seems to be the trend--that's right babydoll, I'm takin' your picture.

Yay! I think...

I'm not sure exactly what "associate coach" means, but it does say promotion.

From whl.ca:

Americans Promote Virtue to Associate Coach
August 5, 2009

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has promoted assistant coach Terry Virtue to the position of Associate Coach for the upcoming 2009-10 campaign.

In his first full-time coaching role since retiring from a 16-year playing career, Virtue has spent the past two seasons as the Americans’ assistant coach. In that time, Virtue has worked closely with Tri-City’s defensemen. Last season, Tri-City had three defensemen that collected 30+ points, while the team finished 6th in the League in goals against (184). In Virtue’s first season with Tri-City, the Americans were a +193 as a team and held a +86 goal differential, good for 4th in the WHL. Tri-City also finished in the top-5 in goals against and was among the least penalized teams in the League.

“Terry has spent two years with our organization and has developed as a valuable employee,” Tory explained. “With the hiring of a new head coach imminent, I felt it was important to recognize Terry’s contributions to the club. The new position will provide Terry with an expanded role and responsibilities within the coaching spectrum.”

“This promotion is definitely a positive step for my future and for my family,” said Virtue. “I see it as a great way to gain further development in my coaching career.”

Virtue’s new position takes effect immediately as the Americans’ Rookie Camp kicks off in three weeks.

If he's full-time coach, why the "associate" business? Why not "Head Coach"? Maybe it's just semantics, but it makes me nervous. As if this is a move by Bob to show something is getting done on the search for a coach, but not fully handing over the reigns to Terry.

Stay tuned kids, this could get interesting.

Player Prediction--Tyler Schmidt

whew, I survived buying the house and moving! But this is a hockey blog so let's get to it here, shall we?

Next up in player predictions is Tyler Schmidt. If he's not, if I screwed up the alphabet again, I don't care. Everyone on the roster will be covered at some point.



Schmidtty had a great season. This is the Tyler I had hoped to see in the 07-08 season, his sophomore year. He had such a great rookie season, but 07-08 he seemed to regress--till playoffs, he had a great playoffs that season. 08-o9 was a great season for Tyler. Whatever the Minnesota Wild taught him at training camp last summer worked, they kept him extra time (which was great as he was a free agent invite anyways).

Strengths: size that he uses well, would love to see him be a bit more physical than he is. Well, a smarter physical. His stupid penalties and dirty play has diminished significantly, but can use his size and strength to his advantage better (should file under weaknesses perhaps). He has been better at taking shots, particularly booming slap shots from the point on the power play. He's not a super offensive guy, but he's doing better. Overall improved play, I wasn't nervous when he was on the ice this past season like I was the year before.

Weaknesses: skating, speed. I don't know if he really does have feet of cement or just that everyone else on the team is so fast that he looks slow in relation. But he sometimes struggles to get back in time, speedy forwards get by him--not a lot, but sometimes. Needs to be smarter about when to get hot-headed. He'll stand up for guys, but he does a lot of talking, and a lot of what appears to be whining to the refs. Shut your mouth, good play can compensate for bad reffing and if you're mouthing off you're going to draw undue attention on yourself.

Predictions: In 08-09 Schmidt led defensemen in scoring with 41 points (9G, 32A) and lead the team in penalty minutes, 164--that's 29 more than Mitch McColm, the supposed Enforcer. So Tyler needs to stay out of the box, keep making good passes for assists. I don't see him getting a whole lot more goals, but he should easily exceed 50 points. He earned Best Defenseman award, deservedly so. If he can keep developing and playing well, he'll be in good shape.

AMS defense wasn't a big-name defense, it was D by committee. Tyler played an integral part in that type of system being effective. He played a ton of minutes. I don't foresee his role changing.