Poll

Neate Sager over at Buzzing the Net has an interesting piece about a discussion going on in the Canadian Hockey League--a "flex" plan for 20-year-olds and imports.  It seems the Moncton is leading the charge as they have four overagers they want to keep.  And yes, I'm aware the term "overager" doesn't make sense as they are 20-year-olds, if they were overage for the league, they'd be 21 or older.  But it's the term that is used the most.

Brandon's Kelly McCrimmon and Moncton's Danny Flynn had their teams in the MasterCard Memorial Cup last season, so it's not surprising both are overstocked with overage candidates.

Neither head coach, though, came off like he was speaking from pure self-interested when he reiterated over the past week the Canadian Hockey League would be well-advised to add an extra spot for a 20-year-old player (going from three to four).(BTN)

The proposed "flex" system would open up that 4th OA spot but only allow one import.  If a team had 2 imports, they would still only be able to keep the 3 20s.  It's an interesting proposal to say the least.

So, my dear readers, what do you think?  Should the Canadian Hockey League (WHL included) go to this "flex" system?  Vote below.

Fitness test results (aka sexy time)

2010 Off-Season Fitness Results
Winner   Adam Hughesman
Runner-up  Mason Wilgosh

Categories
Overhead Pull-ups
1. t-19, Mitch Owsley, Drew Owsley
2. t-17, Adam Hughesman, Mason Wilgosh
3. 16, Drydn Dow

1-minute Sit-ups
1. 70, Cody Castro
2. 69, Drew Owsley
3. t-66, Adam Hughesman, Brooks Macek

Wingate - Peak Power
1. 28.77, Brendan Shinnimin
2. 28.59, Patrick Holland
3. 27.74, Mike Brown

Wingate - Average Power
1. 21.94, Patrick Holland
2. 21.90, Mason Wilgosh
3. 21.87, Sam Grist

Sit and Reach
1. 24.25, Jay Hudon
2. 24.00, David Conrad
3. t-23.50, Brendan Shinnimin, Tyler Schmidt

Vertical Jump
1. 31.0, Brooks Macek
2. 30.6, Jay Hudon
3. 29.1, Kruise Reddick

Standing Long Jump
1. t-108.0, Adam Hughesman, Brooks Macek
2. 104.5, Brendan Shinnimin
3. 104.0, Ross Baadsvik, Mike Brown, Mason Wilgosh

Bench Press   150 x Max
1. t-32, Adam Hughesman, Mason Wilgosh
2. 31, Tyler Schmidt
3. 28, Cody Castro 

(via amshockey.com)

"I'd like to see a younger goalie in the backup position"

The Ams also have a pair of solid returners in net, led by No. 1 Drew Owsley, who had a breakout season at age 18 by going 33-11-1-1 with a 2.51 goals against average and a .918 save percentage.

For now, the No. 2 is 20-year-old Russian import Alex Pechurskiy, but he won't make it to camp until next week because of visa issues.

The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect is part of two logjams -- the Ams have four overage players on the roster (Schmidt, captain Kruise Reddick and Mike Brown, a late-season acquisition last winter), and they have three import players (D Nikita Kardashev and D Nikita Nesterov were selected in the 2010 CHL Import Draft) -- and with 16-year-old Chris Driedger having a solid rookie camp, Pechurskiy could make enticing trade bait.

"I'd like to see a younger goalie in the backup position," Tory said, looking ahead to next fall when both Owsley (who'd be 20 and a pro prospect) and Pechurskiy (too old for the WHL) could be gone.  (Examiner)

This Examiner.com is interesting, looks like the guy writing Ams articles is Rene Ferran who used to be a sports writer for the Herald.  Coverage looks pretty good so far. 

What looks even better is the parts I've added emphasis to in the quote.  :)

In other news, I was on Blog Talk Radio's CCPT yesterday with the awesome Su Ring and Cassie McClellan to talk WHL and the Americans.  I'm on about 25 minutes in, and toward the end of the hour it gets into some fan-girly stuff.  Which is fine, we're girls, it happens.  I didn't necessarily want it to got there, but oh well.  We get back on track a little bet later.  Anyways, it was a blast to just talk hockey and Su is really a great interviewer.  I'd never really been interviewed before so I was nervous, but she really put me at ease.  Big thanks to the girls for having me on, it was a lot of fun.

Rookies advancing to main camp

Goal

Chris Driedger

Eric Comrie

Defense

Riley Guenther

Justin Hamonic

Forwards

Connor Rankin

Matt Hughesman

Lucas Nickles

Dylan Fluter

Trevor Moore

Gage Rapita

Maybe...

Maybe it’s my own fault. Maybe I led you to believe it was easy, when it wasn’t. Maybe I made you think my highlights started at the free throw line instead of at the gym. Maybe I made you think ever shot I took was a game winner, that my game was built on flash and not fire. Maybe it’s my fault that you didn’t see that failure gave me strength, that pain was my motivation. Maybe I led you to believe that basketball was a God given gift and not something I worked for every single day of my life. Maybe I destroyed the game. Maybe you’re just making excuses.

— Michael Jordan

Blue and White game roster

		SATURDAY, AUGUST 28th TOYOTA CENTER 7:05 PM
	TEAM WHITE						TEAM BLUE
#	NAME	HOMETOWN		YOB		#	NAME	HOMETOWN		YOB
20	Chris Driedger	Winnipeg, MB		94		20	Eric Comrie	Newport Coast, CA		95
30	Tyson Brouwer	Lethbridge, AB		95		30	Jonah Imoo	Semiahmoo, BC		94
35	Phillip Schwartz	Kennewick, WA		95
3	Clint Filbrandt	Calgary, AB		95		3	Ryan Schlerf	Garden Grove, CA		95
4	Jordan Klimek	Langley, BC		95		5	Matt Lloyd	Langley, BC		94
5	Tyler Kunz	Whitecourt, AB		94		6	Austin Seaman	Calgary, AB		95
6	Josh Wik	Swift Current, SK		95		10	Wyatt Trumbley	Campbell River, BC		94
7	Justin Klimek	Langley, BC		94		11	Eric Miller	Kennewick, WA		94
9	Tyson Hudon	Zenon Park, SK		94		12	Aaron Rio	Missoula, MT		94
11	Aaron Paiha	Fort McLeod, AB		95		15	Ryer Sawchuk	Taber, AB		95
12	Dylan Fluter	Saskatoon, SK		94		16	Connor Rankin	N. Vancouver, BC		94
15	Shawn McElroy	W. Richland, WA		93		17	Trevor Moore	Thousand oaks, CA		95
16	Matt Hughesman	Winnipeg, MB		94		18	Gage Rapita	Regina, SK		94
17	Chad Staley	Kennewick, WA		94		19	Justin Spragrud	Gull Lake, SK		95
18	Andrew MacLeod	Kelowna, BC		94		21	Duncan Edney	Edmonton, AB		95
19	Matt Rypien	Lethbridge, AB		95		22	Hayden Boring	Richland, WA		94
21	Lucas Nickles	Salmon Arm, BC		94		23	Zechariah Roberts	Corona, CA		94
23	Brian Williams	Claremont, CA		95		24	William Matheson	Yakima, WA		95
24	Wyatt Garagan	Estevan, SK		94		25	Taylor Marr	Twin Butte, AB		95
26	Brett Myer	Richland, WA		94		28	Riley Guenther	Calgary, AB		92
28	Justin Hamonic	Winnipeg, MB		94

Import Report

According to the Herald:

Arriving late to this year's camp will be goaltender Alexander Pechurskiy and defenseman Nikita Kardashev.
Pechurskiy and Kardashev, one of two of the Americans' first round CHL Import draft picks this year, are tentatively scheduled to arrive on Sept. 5.  (Herald)

According to Drinnan:

The Tri-City Americans have three import players on their main training camp roster, but none of them will be there when camp opens at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash., on Sunday. . . . Russian G Alex Pechurskiy, 20, and Belarusian D Nikita Kardashev, who turns 18 on Sept. 25, are due to arrive around Sept. 5 once visa issues are cleared up. Russian D Nikita Nesterov is also tangled up in the visa process and doesn’t yet have a reporting date. . . . Kardashev and Nesterov were selected in the CHL’s 2010 import draft.  (Taking Note)

And according to wikipedia (ass-pat to Wazz), Sergei Drozd is on the roster for the Shakhtar Soligorsk.

I was under the impression Pechurskiy was still under contract in KHL and they loaned him out one year and that loan was over.  Obviously, I could be wrong.   If he is returning to the WHL, I hope there's some team that needs a 20-year-old import goalie.  The Ams need to think of the future and get someone in the backup position trained to take over when Drew's gone.  I'm hearing good things already about this Dreidger kid.

If Drozd isn't returning, I can't say that I'm surprised.  He knew he's be competing for both an overage spot and an import spot.  Why do that if he can play back home?  But he'll be missed, especially those adorable dimples.

Main Camp Teams

GREY TEAM RED TEAM # Name Position YOB # Name Position YOB 1 Ross Baadsvik Goal 92 1 Drew Owsley Goal 91 30 Chris Driedger Goal 94 30 Eric Comrie Goal 95 35 Jay Hudon Goal 92 35 2 Josh Cronan Defense 92 2 Cody Castro Defense 92 3 Drydn Dow Defense 92 3 Riley Guenther Defense 94 4 Justin Hamonic Defense 94 4 Sam Grist Defense 93 5 Zach Yuen Defense 93 5 Spencer Humphries Defense 92 6 Brock Sutherland Defense 91 6 Tyler Schmidt Defense 90 7 7 Brett Pile Defense 93 9 9 10 Max Moline Forward 93 10 Adam Hughesman Forward 91 11 Kruise Reddick Forward 90 11 Tanner Olstad Forward 92 12 Mike Brown Forward 90 12 David Conrad Forward 91 15 Zach McPhee Forward 93 15 Garrett Desmond Forward 92 16 Justin Feser Forward 92 16 Mitch Owsley Forward 93 17 Marcus Messier Forward 94 17 Jordan Messier Forward 92 18 Patrick Holland Forward 92 18 Brooks Macek Forward 92 19 Connor Rankin Forward 94 19 Dylan Fluter Forward 94 20 Mason Wilgosh Forward 91 20 Nils Moser Forward 93 21 Matt Hughesman Forward 94 21 Shaun McElroy Forward 93 22 22 Brendan Shinnimin Forward 91 23 23 24 24 25 25

So our team is going to look a bit different this season, and that's ok.

OMG LOOK!! Mitch Owsley is back!! I was fearful when I didn't see him on the rookie camp list. And Behbeh Hughesman, Behbeh Messier. Oh my goodness I'm ready for the season to start!!

TRAINING CAMP STARTS TOMORROW!!!

I'm as happy as these silly sliding pandas.  Look at 'em.  They're so damn silly!

Boys hit the ice at 9 am tomorrow.  Some players to keep your eyes on:

Eric Comrie  95 goal

Chris Driedger 94 goal

Riley Guenther 94 Defense

Dylan Fluter 94 Centre

Connor Rankin 94 Forward

Brian Williams 95 Center

----------------------

With the season here, I have some things to say (imagine that).

1.  This is a fan-run blog.  I am not affiliated with the team.  I have what I am calling a "working relationship" with the team, but I'm still a fan.  That means I may not always like decisions that are made.  That being said, I trust Bob Tory.  It's taken me awhile to get to that point, but I do.  But if I disagree with a decision or if my favorite player is traded, I'll sure bitch about it here.  When I sober up I'll probably realize it was for the good of the team.  But, it's still a fan blog.  Which leads to point #2...

2.  I'm a fan.  I can't say it enough.  That means I'll have favorites.  I'll have some not-so-favorites.  And sometimes I need to be all fan-girly, not puck bunny.  Not the sub-title is "hilariously inappropriate"--I like to have fun with this blog, not take everything so seriously all the time.  So if I say my ovaries will miss Eric Mestery, you can sure bet that can be filed under "hilariously inappropriate".  Which leads me to point #3.

3.  Srsly, I'm just a fan. And I have learned that fans, even fans that are BFFs, see the game differently.  Every fan has his or her favorite player(s), every fan sees different nuances to the game and may disagree.  If you don't like what I have to say here, don't read it.  If you feel the need to leave me nasty, attacking comments, go for it, it's your right.  But think about it for a second, isn't it easier on everyone to just not read my site if you don't like it?  If one of the boys' parents read this and don't like what I have to say about your son, don't read it.

4.  I welcome constructive comments, I love to hear what other people think and how they see the game.  They may not change my mind, but I like to consider myself respectful of others' ideas.  In addition, I spend a portion, sometimes a large portion, of game time taking photos so I don't always catch all the little plays.  Getting input from others can't be a bad thing.  I also like flowery, complimentary comments too :)

5.  If you're looking for insider information, don't look here.  Yes, sometimes I know things from various sources that the general public does not know.  No, I'm not a professional journalist or anything like that, but people tell me things.  People who are in the know and reliable tell me things.  But I do not blab that information here.  If I did, no one would tell me things and that would be pretty sucky.  

6.  If you're looking for breaking news, don't look here.  I have a full-time job and my work schedule does not always allow time for me to update the blog in a timely manner.  In addition, sometimes I'm randomly blocked from Blogger at work.  Which is ridiculous.  

7.  If you're a fan of the opposition, respect that I'm biased toward my team, and I'll respect that you're biased towards yours.  As such, I may or may not say things that bash opposition teams.  Remember, I'm a fan, that's what we do.  That being said, the fan rivalry between the Chiefs and the Americans has developed into the most ridiculous bullshit I've ever seen and brings out the worst on both sides.  I refuse to get drawn into that garbage.  It's a given that I hate the Chiefs and it's a given that their fans hate the Americans.  That's the extent of it for me.

8.  If you're a affiliated with an opposition team and are looking to this blog for injury information, you're not going to get it, unless it's been released by the Americans.  I would never do anything to jeopardize my team or members of that team by posting injury information.  Is there some gray area?  Perhaps.  Like last year when Owsley was out for a while with a concussion I speculated about his potential return to the lineup.  But I never said he was in or out, and the concussion and the missed time was public knowledge.  If I see a player take a knee-on-knee hit, leave the game and he's out the next game, it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to put 2 + 2 together, but I won't always acknowledge such as it might give the opposition an advantage.

9.  This blog is coming up on 3 years of existence and I'll be honest, there are days it feels like a 2nd job.  So I'm going to cut myself some slack this season, if I don't feel like writing a game recap or whatever, I'm not going to.  Ok, that's probably a lie, I can always slap together some comments from the paper or Drinnan.  Which leads to #10.  Then I'm done with this list thing I'm pretty sure.

10.  I have several readers who have told me that they use my site to catch up on Americans' stuff.  For example, Sister works at a computer all day.  At the end of the work day, she doesn't want to sit longer in front of the computer and sift through the Ams website, Drinnan or Caldwell's blogs, Yahoo, or even the Herald.  So if you don't like that I cut and paste from sites you already read, tough shit.  Like I said before, if you don't like it, don't read it.

11.  I thought I was done too.  #11 is to say that LiveBlog "rules" and stuff will be posted at a later date when broadcasting of away games is about to start.

Finally (no really this time), thank you all for reading and visiting the site.  I love my team, I love the sport, and I love that I have an outlet to blather on about it for however long I want.  And people read it!!  Constantly amazes me.  But please know that I'm very grateful.

NHL prospect games

The Calgary Flames have Patrick Holland on the roster for their Young Stars Tournament, taking place in Penticton on Sept 12-16, 2010.

Speaking of Young Stars Tourney, the San Jose Sharks have Spencer Humphries on their roster.

Brendan Shinnimin is on the New York Rangers' roster for the Traverse City Tournament, September 11-15 2010.

Also in Traverse City is Brooks Macek with the Detroit Red Wings.

There are probably others, but some teams in some of these tournaments haven't posted their rosters yet.  Jerks.

Bilodeau added

from amshockey.com:

Tri-City Americans' Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has hired Brent Bilodeau to serve as the team's new assistant coach for the upcoming 2010-11 season. This will round out the coaching staff with head coach Jim Hiller and associate coach Scott Beattie.

"I've known Brent for many years, both as a player with Seattle and as a coach. He interviewed with us before taking the Las Vegas job and I was impressed with his character, passion and knowledge of the game," explained Tory. "I decided that this would be a good time to expand our coaching staff."

"Brent will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff," Tory continued. "His primary role will be to work with the team's defensemen but will also work closely with Jim and Scott in all aspects of the team's development."

"Brent's experience, both as a player and coach, will be a great compliment to what Scott brings," said Hiller. "He will only add to our program."

So that means there will be 3 coaches on the bench?  Interesting.

Speaking of the Americans' website, some praise from Gregg Drinnan:

The other WHL teams could take learn a real lesson from the Tri-City Americans who make their training camp schedule and rosters -- yes, the training camp rosters -- available for public consumption. The schedule and rookie camp rosters were available last week. Want a look at the roster? It’s right here.  (Taking Note)

So close I can almost taste it

photo totally stolen from Hockey Mike.  What a good lookin' sheet of ice. 

Rookie camp schedule, Main camp schedule, Rookie camp invites, Red Lion Schedule

Blogger doesn't let me insert tables/spreadsheets so I had to take screen caps of them.  Booourns.

Anyways, from the team today I received the rookie and main camp schedules as well as the confirmed participants for rookie camp.

First, rookies:

Rookies participating:

Main camp schedule:

The Red Lion Tournament Schedule also arrive in my inbox:

I've got things to say about stuff

And when I have things to say, I think them then when I go to write, they get all jumbled up in a rambling mess.  So now you're prepared for what's ahead.

The Spokane Chiefs are having some big press conference today at the local baseball arena, wonder what that could mean?  Worst kept secret, they're gonna have an outdoor game, on January 15th against the Kootenay Ice.

I can't lie, I'm rather indifferent to the whole outdoor game thing.  It seems to make more sense for the Canadian NHL teams, the whole Heritage Classic thing--to get back to the roots of the game.  But sure enough, the NHL has twisted that into their own thing with the annual Winter Classic.  Since it's under Bettman you can be damn sure it's some effort to get more US fans or some horseshit.  But having watched the Winter Classics I can tell you, if you want to attract NEW fans, I don't think that's the way to do it.  The Pittsburgh-Buffalo game was a pain in the ass because of all the snow, they kept having to stop the game to deal with the ice.  How is that supposed to keep the attention of someone new to the game?  It won't.  It didn't keep my attention and I love hockey.

This years' Winter Classic between the Bruins and the Flyers was ok, but just not an exciting game.  NBC tried to make it interesting, while at the same time talking down/dumbing it down, you know, because NEW fans can't possibly understand the game being called or announced like a regular game.  Pierre McGuire and Eddie Olczyk both make me want to punch babies.  If the NHL wants to attract new fans, keep those blabbermouths out of it.  But that's just me, and I'm wandering (hey, I warned you)

As for this Spokane thing, whatever.  Their claim that it's the "first ever" WHL outdoor game chaps me, even though it's technically true.  The Calgary Hitmen announced weeks ago they'd be having their outdoor game, using the setup that the NHL will have for the Heritage Classic.  So this Spokane gimmick steals that thunder.  I'm just silly enough to wonder if they chose the date on purpose, before the Calgary game, to be able to be "first ever".  

On the other hand, Spokane will be doing it all themselves, not using the NHL's already-in-place rink and stuff.  That, in and of itself, should be interesting.  I can't imagine it's very cost effective for a WHL club to do the outdoor thing on their own dime on a regular basis.

Would I feel differently if it was the Americans making this announcement instead of the Chiefs?  Probably not.  Sure, the atmosphere could be kind of exciting, but not enough to make me want to be outside on a cold winter day to watch hockey.  Or pay a gazillion dollars markup for merchandise.

As an Americans fan whose job it is to despise the Chiefs, I hope they lose.  Go Kootenay!  I don't necessarily wish for the whole thing to be a failure for them, that's just harsh.  Besides, as a junior hockey fan it's nice to see something different.  I guess.  Like I said, I'm kindof indifferent to the whole thing, I dunno.

It should be noted that Don Nachbaur continues to make history--he'll be coaching in first ever WHL outdoor game and last year he coached in the first ever AHL outdoor game.  Huzzah!

Puck Daddy's Sean Leahy tweeted some pics from the presser.  First, the logo:

and artist rendering of the setup:

so there you have it.

----------------------------------

Scotty's got his latest installment of the Hockey Team Identity Project, this time the Florida Everblades, home of our beloved Mitch McColm:

While most in this project have been "Name the Team" contests, sometimes they seem to link into the location one way or another. This team is one of them, as the location of the ECHL's Florida Everblades is close enough to the Florida Everglades where the pun is solid and fitting.

You can read about the actual naming of the team by clicking on this fabulous link right here.

My humps, my humps, my lovely Spencer Humps

ok, title isn't perfect.

Spencer Humphries got an invite to the San Jose Sharks Rookie Tournament.  That's damn sexy.  I do expect him to have a full-time spot in the AMS lineup this season.  In fact, I was surprised he was sent down after the beginning of last season.

So anyways, awesome for Spencer to be able to be a part of the Sharks Tourney.

Overager Analysis

Training camp begins in less than a month so I suppose I should get the OA analysis/prediction written up.

Several moves were made in the off-season which reduced the number of potential 20s from 9 to 5.

• Todd Kennedy and Riley McIntosh were placed on waivers.  
• Eric Mestery retired from hockey (I'm still quite sad)
• Neal Prokop's injury (not quite off-season, but you know what I mean)

That leaves the following:

• Mike Brown
• Sergei Drozd
• Alex Pechurskiy
• Kruise Reddick
• Tyler Schmidt

Let's start at the top of the list, Mike Brown.  Hoooooo boy.  Since I never know what Bob is thinking, this could go either way.  Does he take a chance on a guy who doesn't actually play a lot, not a play-maker or scorer, provides some muscle (though not at all what I expected when Bob said he was a "Cam McCaffrey-type player)?  Or do you see if you can trade him?  Or just release him?

Another argument for keeping Mike is that you don't need him to be a play-maker or scorer.  The lineup is loaded with those type of guys--Shinny, Reddick, Messier, Macek, Feser, Holland, Hughesman--so his role would definitely be different than what is typically seen as a 20-year-old player.  Doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

I did not see the Mike Brown I expected to see until the playoffs.  Up to then I was somewhat indifferent, somewhat annoyed.  He didn't even dress for a lot of games, not what you'd like to see for a 19-year-old.  He was supposed to provide some muscle, make space for the play-makers to do their thing.  Coach threw him in on Shinny's line several times towards the end of the regular season with not much to show for it.  But in the playoffs he did what he was supposed to.  I wouldn't necessarily say I was impressed, I was just not so disappointed.

Would I keep him if I were GM?  Probably not.  I think the defense could use some veteran presence back there (I'll get to Tyler in a minute).  At the same time, I don't know that I'd be surprised if Bob kept him.  How's that for a non-answer answer?

Next on the list is Sergei Drozd.  He'll be a 2-spotter if kept, import and overager.  With Bob drafting two guys in the Import Draft, that signals to me he'd be willing to part with Drozd.  The three imports will be fighting for the available 2 spots come camp time.  Sergei plays well, especially in big game situations (playoffs especially).  He's a bit streaky, but has a solid work ethic.  And adorable dimples.

Would I keep him if I were GM?  Probably not.  Again, defense needs bolstering and there is plenty of play-makers and scorers in the lineup to use 2 spots for one guy.  Sorry Stoli.

Alex Pechurskiy.  Ahhh, my From Russia With Glove.  He was on loan from Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL and they say the loan is over.  And believe it or not, I'm perfectly ok with that.  Not just because I'm biased either, but it makes little sense to have two 19-year-old goalies on your roster.  At some point you have to start grooming the next #1.  Drew Owsley is obviously going to be the starter, but he'll be 20 next season and there will need to be someone ready to take over the reins.

Next up is Kruise Reddick.  He's already been named the captain for the upcoming season, he's not going anywhere.  Nothing more to add to that.

Finally, Tyler Schmidt.  For a long time I was convinced he wouldn't be back as a 20.  The Minnesota Wild kept him at training camp the last two seasons meaning they liked him enough to keep him to practice with the big boys.  I thought for sure they (or another NHL team) would invite him again this year, get him signed to a deal, put him in the AHL.  But the reality is that he'll be back with the Americans (unless he's not, still time left before NHL camps).  And I'm glad.  He has really developed into a very effective player.  A damn good defenseman.  The D-corps is young (Dow, Yuen) and could really use his veteran leadership.  Also, the defense has been gutted (Toll and Plouffe graduating, McIntosh waivered, Mestery retiring.) so he'll be vitally important.

So I think the only for-certain players that will be filling the 3 available slots are Reddick and Schmidt.  3rd slot for Drozd, Brown, or trade.

What's in a name? The Hockey Team Identity Project: Toledo Walleye

Next up in this little project of Team Hamazz is the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.  I sent an email to the organization to get more information, and like the other teams I've emailed, got no response.  I guess they are either not working in the summer (how you gonna sell tickets?) or they don't take this silly little blogger project seriously.  So Walleye, and other teams I've emailed, you're gonna get what I write then since you won't provide me with some fact-checking material.  Not that I'm bitter or anything....

Moving on.  When we started this project, I told Wazz I would do the Walleye because I'd been to their website and they had a pretty extensive section about the team name and history.  Since then, they've changed their website.  Go figure.  So much for picking an easy team to research. 

They did manage to keep one tidbit on their website about the name-selection process they apparently went through:

Many criteria went into the decision making process of naming the team the Toledo Walleye, including but not limited to the following:

• Will appeal to all age groups (men, women & children)
• Unique name – one of a kind
• There is a historical connection between the name and the region
• Logos can be easily embroidered and screen-printed for merchandise
• Not already trademarked or registered with the federal government
• Can be easily spelled and understood when spoken
• Name should include city name (Toledo) for regional and national identification
• Mascot names and characters can be developed from name
• Team colors are different from regional professional and major collegiate teams

But let's rewind a little bit.  

The team began as the Toledo Storm in 1991.  They had several very successful seasons as the Storm.  In 2007, the team was bought by the Toledo Arena Sports Inc., a group that also owned the local minor league baseball team, the Toledo Mud Hens.  Mud Hens.  That's a whole different Team Identity Project.  Anyways, team operations were temporarily suspended for 2 seasons while a new arena was built.

Meanwhile, a new name needed to be chosen.  It seems the Mud Hens had been considering owning hockey and arena football teams for a while, and had actually registered the name "Walleye" with the US Patent and Trademark Office back in 2005, before they'd even purchased the hockey team.  As for their arena football team, they pursued the name(s) "Woodpeckers" or "Peckers" or "Peckerheads".  I kid you not.  I know that doesn't have a lot to do with hockey or the Walleye name selection, but it is funny.

From the Toledo Blade:

Mr. Napoli (general manager of the Mud Hens and Toledo Arena Sports Inc.) said "Walleye" was on the Hens' list from the beginning. He said between 300 and 400 names were compiled and measured against a set of 20 criteria, which measured uniqueness, relationship to Toledo's history, heritage, culture, and appeal to all age groups, among other things.

The Toledo Walleye colors are gold and three shades of blue, which will be incorporated in the many primary and secondary Walleye logos Toledo Arena Sports plans to introduce in the next several weeks. Mr. Napoli and staff worked with Studio Simon, a logo development firm in Louisville, Ky., on the team's various logos.

"The Walleye is something we can develop a story around," Mr. Napoli said. "On an annual basis, 50,000 people come to fish for walleye in the Maumee River and Lake Erie. The logo looks good on apparel, it's dissimilar from other sports teams, and you can spell it."  (toledoblade.com)

They wanted a name and mascot that has a "historical connection between the name and the region" so what is the connection to walleye?  First off, for those unsure (even after seeing the logo) a walleye is a fish.  Toledo is located along the Maumee River which flows into Lake Erie.  I'm going to stop making it look like I know what I'm talking about and just give you the "Walleye Fun Facts" from the Walleye's website:

• As spring approaches, and the Great Lakes begin to thaw, warming waters send the signal to tens of thousands of walleye to start their annual migration to where their life began, The Maumee River.
• During Spring Run time on the Maumee River, up to 50,000 people or more will arrive to participate in a seasonal ritual unparalleled on the Great Lakes.
• The Maumee River offers the largest population of migrating walleye east of the Mississippi River.
• Between late March and mid-April, the Maumee River swells from melting snow and rain, opening the way for a half-million walleye to swim upriver to spread their eggs among the protective gravel and cobblestone just below the Fallen Timbers Rapids.
• Anglers will begin to wade in the river in late February or early March depending on river conditions.
• Spawn usually takes place around the second week of April.
• Pre-spawn and during spawn is a good time to get a trophy fish (10-14 lbs).
• Post-spawn takes place usually the third week of April thru May and into June. This time of the run is when fish are hungry (after spawn).
• Most of the fish will be males (jacks) because once spawn is over, the vast majority of females go back to the lakes they came from. Males will stay behind in the river and feed for weeks before going back to the lake.  (Toledo Walleye)

So there you have it.  And in case you were wondering why this team name selection was (for once) NOT a fan contest, you'll be happy to know fans were still involved, there was a contest to name the official mascot, Spike.  A "spike" is a young walleye below the minimum size of a "keeper" but will grow to adult size.

Heritage Classic Press Conference

I just happened to be in Calgary at the best times, first Flames development camp to see Holland, and now the Heritage Classic press conference.  Wazz got us in as press (like official and shit) and upon arrival, sure enough, our names were on the list and we got a fantastic press kit and goodie bag.

The Heritage Classic is taking place in Calgary on February 20th, at McMahon Stadium.  Today they had a partial rink thing set up to give press the idea of the layout of the thing:

ground level

from the stands, dias and "rink"

It was not a huge event, there was probably 100 people there, including all the camera operators and such.  The emcee for the day was NHL Network and Hockey Night In Canada's Kevin Weekes:

there aren't too many men who can pull off a pink shirt/tie combo, let alone a tan pinstripe suit.  **swoon**  Anyways, he talked about growing up and playing outdoor hockey, the history of the outdoor game, the more recent history of the outdoor games for the NHL.  Then he introduced the super short Gary Bettman to say his stuff:

no seriously, he's really really short.

Then guys from each of the participating teams (Flames and Canadiens) spoke, Josh Gorges from Montreal and Steve Staios from Calgary:

Then they introduced the sweaters the teams will be wearing for the event, Montreal's is pretty ordinary, they've had the same look for so long, it sort of IS their heritage.  The Flames have an interesting amalgamation of the old Calgary Tigers look with the barberpole sleeves, but used Flames colors.  They're calling it "the 1926 Calgary Fusion" jersey.  Regardless, it's pretty damn hot.  It's a pity they're wearing tan pants with it, but oh friggin' well.

Important guys from the teams, Ken King, president of the Flames and Ray Lalonde, V-P and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, did their stuff, including King announcing the first WHL outdoor game that will take place the following day, February 21st between the Calgary Hitmen and Regina Pats.

Then the thing was kind of over, broke away for one-on-one interview opportunities.  If you want a taste, you can hear Scotty Wazz's interviews with the Flames' Curtis Glencross and Ken King here.

I took lots and lots of pictures (duhhhh).  One of the things that really impressed me was the Heritage Classic logo.  Whomever designed it did just a superb job.  It incorporates the Calgary skyline, the mountains, the Bow River, hockey sticks, and of course a big ol' maple leaf:

Here it is on puck and helmets, with the scoreboard in the background:

Here's the hot logo on all the swag bag stuff:

 score!!

The highlight of my day, besides just being there which was pretty freakin' rad, was meeting (and getting my picture with) Kevin Weekes.  We got to talk some hockey with him for a bit, such a nice and down-to-earth guy, very friendly, very knowledgeable.  It was just cool.  I mean, being mere feet from NHL players Gorges, Staios, Glencross, and  Sarich was really awesome.  Seeing how short Gary Bettman actually is was interesting also.  The whole experience was just cool.  I'm gonna have to learn some interviewing skills so I can do more stuff like this in the future.  Or hell, just get interviews with Ams players.

You win haters.

Tri-City Americans' Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that 20-year-old defenseman Eric Mestery has chosen to retire from the sport of hockey.

"I talked to Eric yesterday and he informed me that the passion and commitment needed to play at this level was gone...that the game was no longer fun for him," explained Tory. "Eric had asked that he not be traded, instead making a responsible and mature decision in regards to getting on with life after hockey. We wish him all the best in wherever his future takes him."

"We would like to thank Eric for the years of hard work and service that he put into our club. He contributed to four of the five banners that will forever hang in the Toyota Center," Tory continued. "He is a classy young man and a great teammate...his presence in the locker room will be missed."  (amshockey.com)

Well, there you have it.  You win haters.  I'm sure you're all partying it up knowing he'll be gone.  I, on the other hand, haz sad.  So do my ovaries.  

In all seriousness, that puts a big hole on defence, bigger than was already there with the departure of Toll and Plouffe.  People may not have liked that he wasn't super physical, but he could play some good solid defence and he'll be missed.

In other news, I was in attendance at the Heritage Classic press conference this afternoon, pics to come.

McColm signs in Florida

Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced that defenseman Mitch McColm has signed a contract for the 2010-11 season, making him the third player signed by the Everblades for the upcoming season.

McColm returns to the Everblades where he made his professional debut in 2009-10. The 21-year-old signed a contract and made his pro debut on March 19 of last season against South Carolina. He finished off the regular season by skating in five games before contributing one assist in nine Kelly Cup Playoff Games.  (ECHL.com)

Truth and Rumors (or rumours since I'm in Canada)

from Drinnan:

The Americans are expected to name Scott Beattie as an assistant coach today to replace Terry Virtue, who resigned citing personal reasons and has since signed with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. . . . Beattie and Tri-City head coach Jim Hiller go way back and, in fact, were teammates for three seasons at Northern Michigan.  (Taking Note)

In the rumours department, this from Buzzing the Net:

A lot of talk about the defending Western Conference champion Tri-City Americans: Head coach Jim Hiller is rumoured to be in the mix for an assistant coach position with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers.  (BTN)

More from Coming Down the Pipe!:

Jim Hiller who won 47 games as head coach of the Tri City Americans last year might be in line for an assistant coaching job with the Thrashers. It was Hiller's first as head coach, he was an assistant for 2 years ending in 2004, and was the bench boss in Chilliwack from 06-08. He was let go in Chilliwack after winning just 53 games in two years with the expansion Bruins, but took Tri City to game 5 of the WHL final this year. Is he a great coach, or a good coach with great players? I guess that's what Atlanta is trying to figure out in their interview with him. The 2009-2010 Hiller coached Americans racked up the most wins in the WHL's western conference and scored the second most goals of the entire league. Their top two lines ranged from 54-83 points, but there aren't a lot of star power on the team, just a lot of really solid players. He would be joining Craig Ramsay's coaching staff along with John Torchetti as associate coach.  (CDTP)

So there's something to think about.  Obviously, as an Americans fan I hope that doesn't happen, especially this soon before the season starting.  It would be a great opportunity for him, that goes without saying, and it'd be quite a quick rise to the pro ranks when the 05-06 season was his first as a head coach.

Chew on that this lovely Tuesday, I should have my next Hockey Team Identity Project up sometime in the next day or so.