Quick post

My work is randomly blocking websites, including sports sites.  What the heck?  Blogger still works so that's something.  Then again, I probably shouldn't be using work time to blog about hockey.

I'm shuffling what I'm able to get to.

From the Herald:

"He (Lukas Walter) caught my eye at the Everett tournament and when they were here last weekend," Tri-City general manager Bob Tory said. "He was unprotected, and I picked him up. I don't think they are too happy with me."

Walter, 18, who skated against Tri-City last Friday in a 3-2 Portland victory, participated in his first practice with the Americans on Wednesday. He will travel with the team to Spokane tonight for a game against the Chiefs at Eagles Ice-A-Rena.

"This was unexpected," Walter said of the move. "It's a good feeling to be wanted. It's quite a bit of a change from Portland, and the whole system is different, too."

A native of Langley, British Columbia, the 6-foot, 190-pounder played for the North Delta Devils (Pacific International Junior Hockey League) last season, scoring one goal with eight assists and a team-high 188 penalty minutes in 38 games.

In three preseason games with Portland, Walter had one goal and 14 penalty minutes. (Herald)

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From Drinnan:

According to the Fredericton Daily Gleaner, F Taylor Procyshen (Tri-City, 2004-09) won’t be back with the U of New Brunswick Varsity Reds “due to concussion-related issues.” The Varsity Reds are the reigning champions in Canadian university hockey.  (Taking Note)

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And if you missed this bit from Gregg yesterday:

Jessi and her friends Mitch Topping (left) and Justin Feser.
(Photo courtesy of Carrie Carlson)

If you are a regular visitor to this site, you will be familiar with the story of Jessi, the young lady who is a huge fan of the Tri-City Americans and has Down Syndrome.

Well, the Americans held their annual miniature golf tournament for players and booster club members on Sunday and, yes, Jessi played a big part in it.

As usual, Dawn Johnson, one of Jessi’s teachers and a big Americans fan herself, fills us in:
“With the graduation of Taylor Procyshen and Kruise Reddick, Jessi's mom, Tracy Engel, was a little nervous about who would be kind enough to play a round with Jessi. Adam Hughesman has been a great friend to Jessi, but he was away at the New York Islanders' camp.

“But we shouldn't have worried — Kruise had texted Justin Feser before the event and asked him to make sure Jessi was looked after.

“So Justin and his friend and new teammate Mitch Topping joined Jessi on the (mini) links.

“Similar to last year with Kruise and Adam, they played half of the game blindfolded — as you remember Jessi lost her sight a few years ago. Justin said he was amazed at how difficult it was to play while blindfolded.

“I was extremely proud of both Justin and Mitch, and the rest of the team who continue to amaze and inspire me.

“Last season during the ‘Skate with the Ams’ after each Sunday night game, many of the boys were fighting over who would be next to push Jessi in her wheelchair on the ice. It definitely is a highlight for Jessi.”

It sounds like Jessi’s involvement is a highlight for the Tri-City players, too.

Well done, guys!  (Taking Note)