HOW SWEEP IT IS!!

Busy day from hell, I'll post more later, but hell to the yes on the 4-0 sweep of the Vancouver Giants!!

Welcome Back Adam Hughesman

Hiller was saying before the game (to the Vancouver radio guys) that coming back from injury he knew it would take Hughesman some time to get up to speed.  Seems it didn't take as long as Hiller thought.  Hughey had 2 goals, both on the power play (yes, the Americans actually had some power play time).  Add in goals by Rankin and Feser and you've got a 4-0 shutout of the Giants.  With the shutout, full marks to Drew Owsley who stopped all 22 shots.

Overall there were fewer shots by both teams in the game, I remember Westie saying it was tough to find room out there.  Still not sure how Owsley earned a 2-minute penalty for diving, and the official score sheet says that one penalty to Shinny wasn't diving but holding the opponent's stick.  Whatever.

So they're back at it again tonight with the Americans having the opportunity to sweep the series.  Like Spokant mentioned in the liveblog last night, does that mean it'll be an "easy" game because Vancouver essentially gives up?  Or will they be hungry, playing for pride?  Will they be frustrated if they get down early and start getting stupid?  Could be an interesting game.

"We know Vancouver has their back to the wall," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team can close out the series tonight. "The games have been close, and it's been a good series."

"We have life," said Vancouver forward Brendan Gallagher. "We're on our last life, but we have a game left and all we have to do is find a way to win a hockey game and then find a way to win the next. I could give you every cliche, but we just have to win a hockey game."

"It was fun to get my first playoff goal in my hometown," said Rankin, who hails from North Vancouver. "It was a pretty important goal. I lost myself there for a minute." (Herald)

"We didn't expect him to play full minutes on his line," said Ams associate coach Scott Beattie of Hughesman, who missed the final 12 games of the regular season and the first two of this series. "But we expected him to have an impact on the power play, and he did that. It's really good to have him back."

"We reiterated that it takes four games to win (the series)," Beattie said. "Vancouver is not going to go away. They have history. They're not going to lay down and give up. We're going to have to take it from them, and to be able to do that, we have to be at our best again tomorrow."

"Game 1 was not a good game for either team," Beattie said. "Game 2 was a little bit better for us. But tonight, we played a disciplined, composed game on the road and did exactly what we needed to do. We went out that third period with the attitude that we wouldn't be denied, and it paid off for us." (Examiner)

Buzzing the Net named Hughesman the night's 2nd star:

No. 2 star: Adam Hughesman,Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Hughesman gave Tri-City a lift in his first time out since missing 14 games with a knee injury, scoring two power-play goals to help the Americans whip the Vancouver Giants 4-0 and open a 3-0 series lead. The layoff apparent did not cost Hughesman and the other two members of Tri-City's Winnipeg line, centre Brendan Shinnimin and right wing Carter Ashton, any of their chemistry. Hughesman, 20, broke open a scoreless game with a goal 2:03 before the second intermission and got a dagger goal 8:49 into the final frame. (BTN)

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Craig West sent me the audio file from the overtime game-winning goal the other night, my awesome sister synced it up with the video she was able to get for something just fantastic, take a look:

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Huge thank you to Kathy!
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We'll be back here liveblogging the Game 4 action tonight so click on the "Read More" to join in.

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Game 3 vs. Vancouver

It probably doesn't need to be said (but I'll say it anyway) tonight is pretty important.  Vancouver is down in the series 2-0 and back on their ice.  They're going to be hungry and intense.  It's up to the Americans to match exceed that hunger and that intensity.

Things got ugly at the end of Game 2, what will that mean for tonight?  Could go either way depending on how the game is going for the Giants.  They've been known to lose their shit (see December 17th game).  But they're fighting to stay alive in the playoffs so they may just put their noses to the grindstone and go to work.

The media is full of the usual:

"I think we need to play our best game of the series," Tri-City coach Jim Hiller said of tonight's game. "I'm ready for that, and I think our players are too. We've hit our stride as far as firing on all cylinders. It will be a big challenge for us to go in there and play our best game."

"We give up a couple of goals, we have to play back, and then we give up a couple more goals," Vancouver coach Don Hay said of the ebb and flow of Game 2. "You have to be more consistent in your play. You can't have so many peaks and valleys during the game."

"I think there are two teams that are going to play hard and two teams that want to win," Hay said. "They held court in Tri-City and they did what they were supposed to do. Now the ball's in our court. We have to come out and play a full 60 minutes and play at a high level." (Herald)

And from the Vancouver Sun:

“We're still confident in the dressing room,” insisted Giants MVP forward Brendan Gallagher. “We were close in both games and that's something we're going to use to our advantage. Tri-City took care of their business and won their home games and now it's up to us, and the pressure is on us, to do the same thing if we want the series to go a long way. We win the next one and it's 2-1 and we're right back in it.”

“We were desperate from the start,” said Gallagher. “In playoff hockey, you never want to loses games. Every game, you get more and more desperate, especially being down 2-0. These next two games are really crucial for us and we're looking forward to them.” (Sun)

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Justin Bourne, I've pointed out some his work in the past, not only writes for Puck Daddy but also for The Hockey News.  His latest is about four traits that make a good coach.  It's an interesting read, especially for a fan who doesn't know what goes on in the locker room or on the bench.  I found item #3--Don't Talk Too Much very interesting.  There are those who feel Hiller is too passive on the bench.  That may be a good thing:

When you hear a coach has “lost the room,” it’s usually as a result of this factor.

As a coach standing on the bench, you could flap your lips for 60 minutes and some do (which I think is more common in the minor leagues). Players aren’t entirely idiotic, they often know when they’ve messed up and know what they should’ve done differently. They can see what their teammates are doing wrong from the bench. They too can see where the open man is.

So when you’re sitting on the bench and your coach is offering a running commentary, it can devalue his words (supply and demand, brutha). You know he’s going to talk between periods in the dressing room as well and, eventually, you just tune him out. You can only say the same things so many times before they fall on deaf ears.

Good coaches pick their spots to make sure their words carry weight. (THN)

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Rene Ferran focuses on Patrick Holland in his "Meet the Ams" series this week:

"I think I've been pretty spurty, but the spurts haven't been on par with my play," he said. "I've gotten points in games when I don't feel I've played that well, and then go through a stage like November and December where I've not gotten points but I thought I played pretty well."

Still, that streakiness has proven to be a bit maddening to the Ams coaching staff.

"Consistency, that's his challenge," Hiller said. "Understanding that he can have a huge impact on each and every game. As he continues to round out his game, he has the chance to be one of the elite players in the game." (Examiner)

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Another juicy bit on the Jaden Schwartz-to-Americans speculation:

Americans G.M. Bob Tory told us that if Schwartz leaves Colorado College he thinks the AHL would be a likely destination, but that Tri City could be plan B for the Blues.

Someone close to Schwartz relayed that the 2010 first rounder is close to signing with St. Louis after just one year with the Tigers, but isn't sure how keen he is on heading west. (Coming Down the Pipe!)

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From Game 2, some young fans showing their support for their team (and hoping for the autographed stick):

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We'll be liveblogging the action tonight, click on the "Read More" to join in.

Read more »

So Much For A Blogging Day Off

Thought I could take a day of rest...silly me.

Via Taking Note and Buzzing the Net is a piece from True Hockey about the future of Americans list player Jaden Schwartz.  Jaden was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and they may want him to spend a season in the WHL rather than playing college hockey.

Schwartz would probably challenge for the WHL scoring title next season if he leaves Colorado College. The Blues won’t push him to leave school if that’s where he wants to be. Obviously having a chance to play with his brother Rylan is likely one of the main factors in him choosing CC in the first place.

At the end of the day the decision is completely up to him. Would the Blues prefer to see him take his game to the CHL? My sources tell me they would as the CHL would probably best prepare him to make the jump to the NHL in the near future. Again just because they’d like to see him in Tri-City next season doesn’t mean they will force the issue.

Schwartz will sit down with his advisor in the coming days and weigh out all of his options. Signing a pro contract remains one of those options but again I’m told the Blues have no intentions of rushing him. With that being said if he came to Doug Armstrong and said he wants to turn pro I don’t think the Blues would say no. I do think most would agree he could use another year to build up his body and get stronger. (TrueHockey)

That's kind of a big deal.  This kid is really good.  Like, really.  Meanwhile, the Herald has a nice bit about Americans' goalies Owsley and Driedger getting to work with Olie the Goalie:

"He is a resource not a lot of other goalies in the league have," said Owsley, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta. "You just have to come in with an open mind and take what he gives you. He doesn't try to change my game, he gives me pointers."

"He will be the best goalie coach I'll probably ever have," Driedger said. "He's an All-Star goalie and he knows what he's talking about. I knew he owned the team, but I didn't know he was going to work with us -- it worked out perfectly."

"Like every rookie that comes into this league, it's a huge step and it can be overwhelming," Driedger said. "He can bring you back to earth and help you focus on what you need to do."

"Chris has raw talent, he just needs to polish it a bit. It's nice to see them apply what you teach them."

"I went home at Christmas and I was telling my friends that Olie was my goalie coach," Driedger said. "A little bragging goes on, but it's cool, for sure." (Herald)

"Goals are like bananas"

I always say good play overcomes bad reffing, but when Matt Kirk is in the house, it's much harder. Things got messy, especially as regulation time ended, couple of battles broke out right in front of Owsley's net--for which Drew got a 2-minute penalty for leaving his crease. For real. Of course he left his crease, he was getting out of the way of Schmidt and Reddick fights and other potential fights*. You gotta be kidding me. And that check from behind on Shinnimin by Gallagher only gets a double minor? C'mon, get real. Holland and a Giant bump on Holly's way to the bench and he gets an interference call. In a good game, one shouldn't even notice the ref.

Thankfully, reffing didn't affect the outcome (for the Americans). I wouldn't necessarily say good play overcame it, but good enough play. And a short-handed goal by Feser. Or a hot goal by Neal Prokop. And holy hotness that shot from the point game-winner by MacKenzie. RAWR.

Assistant Coach Bilodeau said on the post-game show that we haven't seen playoff hockey yet. I don't know that I particularly agree with that, but I think it's come in spurts. Friday night they spent half the time feeling each other out and gripping their sticks too tight, last night was more back and forth, clogging up the neutral zone--not giving each other much room, but it was also fairly sloppy and complicated by the stripes. Friday night both goalies were on their game, last night there were 9 goals scored--goalies weren't bad, per se, but not great.

Yuen's still wearing the college cage, and he's seemed a step behind. Certainly hasn't been playing bad, but just not quite himself. Schmidt had a better game that Friday night, ended up with a 3-point night. Kruise Reddick was all kinds of feisty and Bilodeau was right, there was a lot of shit-talking going on out there (he didn't use the words shit-talking). I thought Mason Wilgosh had a hell of a game. I love that he doesn't let anyone slow him down, he'll just go through them, over them, whatever. He kept control of the puck with his skates after losing his stick for a good 15 seconds--which doesn't sound like a long time, but it is when there's 3 Giants battling him for control.

"Every game in the playoffs tells a story," said Americans coach Jim Hiller. "Tonight we had a whole bunch of penalties and goals, and last night no one could score. That's the evolution of the playoffs -- you have to adapt."

"The bright spot tonight was we were able to kill those penalties," Hiller said. "I'm glad we don't have to play tomorrow, there are some tired boys in that locker room."

"Things are going to get heated," said Tri-City defenseman Tyler Schmidt, who was dinged for a roughing minor and a fight after handing out three assists during the game. "We are going to stand up for each other and not back down. It's a good rivalry and we play hard against each other."

"I thought Shinnimin's goal was important," Hiller said. "We needed to answer back."

"Goals are like bananas, they come in bunches," Holland said. "It was a different scenario tonight. We've seen it all."

"A two-goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey," Holland said. "Teams never seem to die when they are down two." (Herald)

Goals are like bananas. Nice Holly.

"We ran those guys pretty hard on the penalty kill," said Ams coach Jim Hiller. "We let (Vancouver) get under our skin and weren't smart, and we got ourselves involved in a couple of situations we didn't need to.

"But the bright spot is we killed those penalties. Guys like Kruise and Feser and Holland got a lot of work at the end, and Wilgosh did his best work on the PK. I'm glad, though, that we don't have to play tomorrow night, because we have some tired guys in the room."

"Emotions were high, and this was a battle to the end," he said. "These are two teams that are not completely friendly with each other, but we'll sweep it under the rug and get ready for Game 3.

"We'll need to play our best game of the series (in Game 3)," Hiller added. "The guys will be ready for that, too." (Examiner)

*upon looking at my game photos, it appears he may have, in fact, left his crease but didn't get out of the way, he seemingly skates around the chaos, instead of just sticking to the corner or whatever.  Damn.

Wowza

Bob Tory Quote of the Day:

"And will you succeed?  Yes indeed!  Yes indeed!  Ninety-eight and three quarters percent guaranteed!" --Dr Seuss

So how about that game, eh?  It was definitely nervous time as the clock was winding down towards the end of overtime.  I was fearful for a second overtime, the boys looked tired.  Which is always odd after a week off, but at the same time I get it, you can practice all you want but it never matches the intensity of a real game, especially a playoff game.

I noticed that in the overtime there were really only 2 lines being played, only 4 D.  I get the need to not be vulnerable in the extra time and believe me, the Sohor-Grist combo leaves some vulnerability, but had it gone to another other OT?  Schmidt, Yuen, Mac, and Suds would have been totally gassed--also leading to vulnerability.  The flip side is that the Giants would have been as gassed, maybe that's when coach would bring out the secret weapon--Max Moline.  HA!  I think Sam's been playing better, but both of them are not as defensively sound as the other D and neither one is skilled enough to compensate for the shortcomings of the other.  I see the potential Sam has.  Hell, I see the potential Paul has.  But the difference is that Sam is 17 and Paul is 19.

Personally, I thought they played well, it was pretty evenly matched for most of the game, but the Ams turned in on in the third and actually dominated that OT as well.  Shots were pretty even going into the 3rd then the boys turned on the firepower, firing 11 shots in the 3rd compared to the Giants' 2.  Firing 46 shots on goal is never a bad thing (unless the opposing team fires a gazillion more).

Quotes from the Herald:

"I got lucky," Ashton said. "I spun quickly, I think the goalie tried to slide into position and it went in the net."

"It was exciting, wasn't it?" Tri-City coach Jim Hiller said. "Both teams had some solid chances to win in the third and overtime. I don't think we were at our best, but we pushed more in the second half of the game."

"In that overtime, we had plenty of chances," Ashton said. "Anytime you can contribute and be a key part of the game is nice. Winning the first game is huge. We knew they would come out strong and we were prepared for a close game."

"For a guy like me who doesn't score often, to score a clutch goal is awesome," Conrad said. I could feel the guys build off that the rest of the game."

"It's the playoffs and there isn't a lot of room out there," Hiller said. "We have a lot of guys who can create chances, but the opportunities were far and few between."

"They let me see the puck," Owsley said of his teammates. "That first goal was a nice tip. I made some nice saves in the second and got my confidence up after a shaky first." (Herald)

From the Examiner:

"That was the toughest Game 1 I've ever played in," said Ams goalie Drew Owsley, who made 25 saves. "That was one of the best games I've been part of in my career. We knew this series was obviously going to be a battle. That game showed it tonight."

"I thought we had some big kills in the second," Owsley said. "If they get a goal there, it's a totally different game. We were gripping our sticks a little too tight in the first and second periods, but we started to take over there in the third."

"A home-rink bounce, I guess," Conrad said, smiling. "Goalies don't expect the puck to bounce out like that, but when you play here all year, you know the bounces."

Ashton added, "To have the bounce go our way there was huge. We needed something positive to go our way at that point in the game."

"The part I liked was that we were not at our best tonight, but we kept pushing, and the second half of the game, we spent a lot more time in their offensive zone," said Ams coach Jim Hiller.

"In the playoffs, there's not a lot of room out there on the ice, and we had to get used to that again. Instead of getting four or five chances in a game, you're only going to get one or two. You've got to grind it out and earn your opportunities, because they come few and far between now." (Examiner emphasis mine)

So back at it again tonight, same two teams.  I hope the boys are rested, carbed up, and ready to go.  And hopefully Tyler Schmidt doesn't wear his cement skates tonight.  Personally, like last night, I'd like to see the kids get some ice time, try to rotate 4 lines and all 6 D if possible.  Like Mason said in the interview I posted yesterday, because of the adversity they've had the experience, they know what they're doing.  I know it's risky, but so is wearing out your top guys.  Whatever, I'll leave those decisions to the coaches LOL.

I'll leave you with a clip the boy sent me of our Olie Kolzig and his cat-like reflexes:

game winning goal

game winning goal--video by my amazing sister

PLAYOFFS!!!1 And Mason Wilgosh Interview

This will be a long post combining playoff/gameday stuff with the interview also.  I'm sure you'll cope :)

Bob Tory Quote of the Day:  "The road to success is always under construction".

From the Examiner:

"It was a last-minute thing," Shinnimin said. "We just decided to dye our hair black so everyone's the same."

And that's the whole point of the playoff beards and the hair coloring -- getting everyone on the same page as the playoffs begin.

"The team that comes together the quickest is the one that goes the farthest," Shinnimin said.

The Americans are coming together at just the right time, getting back two important cogs the final weekend of the regular season with the return of forwards Neal Prokop and Mason Wilgosh to the lineup.

"The guys were excited to get Prokes back," Shinnimin said. "He's a 20-year-old and a leader, and Wilgosh is one of our captains. To get guys like that back makes a huge difference."

Hiller noticed the difference at practice this week.

"We had a terrific practice today," he said. "It was short, but full of speed and skill. The guys are excited. You can feel that on the ice."

The last member of the team's walking wounded -- 39-goal scorer Adam Hughesman -- returned to practice Thursday. (Examiner)

Apologies to Rene Ferran for copying and pasting that whole section--it's just that good.  Black hair...huh.  Drinnan notes the Kootenay Ice are also going with the black hair for playoffs:

"We've all been frantically trying to dye our hair (black) the past couple of days to get everything in place, and we've told all our girlfriends that we're not going to be talking to them for a while because we've got business to take care of.”  (player Matt Fraser to Cranbrook Daily Townsman, via Taking Note)

Also on Taking Note today, Drinnan takes a bold step and calls for a removal of fighting from junior hockey.  It's an interesting read and I know there's plenty of people who will disagree with him.  I'm on the fence because it's dangerous and the number of concussions in junior hockey is alarming.  But I love a good fight every now and then.

The Herald takes a closer look at Carter Ashton and the influence his father Brent has had on his career:

"When I was traded here, I was excited," Ashton said. "It's nice to be part of a world-class organization and a good team. I've had a lot of fun, and I'm confident we can go far."

"Through the years, you gain experience," Carter said. "Trades are part of the business, though he does have more experience with them than I do."

"It's nice to be able to share hockey with him," Ashton said. "We talk hockey, but he has put it in my hands since I have been in juniors. He has stepped back and let me find my own way."

Brent and his wife, Susan, will travel to Kennewick to see their son play this weekend. It will be their first trip to the Tri-Cities.

"Carter has been pretty excited," Brent said. "He wants us to see the arena, the fans and how exciting it is there. This has been a good move for him. He's happy to be in Tri-City and with a team that can make a run at it. The guys have made him feel welcome from the first day." (Herald)

Ferran focuses on Lucas Nickles on his "Meet the Ams" installment:

"This has been a great experience being here," Nickles said on the eve of the Americans' first-round playoff series with Vancouver. "Barclay (Ams head scout Barclay Parneta) came to watch me and told me they wanted me to come down and practice with the team for a week or so, and I end up playing in seven games."

Nickles said the best part of his extended stay is that "it's shown me what I have to keep getting better at, keep improving on, to be here next year."

That was the message coach Jim Hiller also emphasized when discussing Nickles' prospects for next year.

"He's an elite skater, but he needs to get a lot stronger," Hiller said. "It's up to him to get his body to the level he needs so he can be a more dangerous offensive player.

"But this has been a terrific experience for him. It'll give him a leg up to make the team next year. He's seen the commitment required at this level, so we won't come in and be surprised next year." (Examiner)

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Yesterday I got the chance to talk with Mason Wilgosh.  I expected silliness.  If you have ever met Mason, you know he's quite the character.  I honestly wasn't sure what answers I expected, but he was serious and a great interview.  Enjoy!

"Dave Schultz":  Last season was the best in the history of the Americans.  How did you, as part of the leadership group, carry that into this season?

Mason Wilgosh:  Probably just a little bit of leadership, on and off the ice, just keeping a positive room and on the ice just doing what it takes to help the team win.  Just work as hard as I could, lead by example.

DS:  There's been a lot of adversity this season, as you know first-hand, what part does that play in the team coming together?

MW:  There's been some adversity, we had some injuries.  It's given our young guys a lot of playing time so give them more experience which helps us play all four lines.  When the young guys go out they know what to expect and they've gotten better over the time since we've had some injuries.  They've had the chance to play and they know what it's like now.

DS:  Have you set any goals for the playoffs?

MW:  Yes and no, I'd say just wanna do my best to give everything I got and leave it all out there 'cause now it's do or die.  Lead by example, help out any way I can.

DS:  What do you do to mentally prepare yourself for games?

MW:  Usually I just try to drink a lot of water, have a routine shower just before I go to the rink.  I usually try to eat the same thing and just rest all day.

DS:  Is there anything you do different leading into playoff games since they're more intense?

MW:  Not really, just let yourself know that now every game counts and there's no time for mistakes, just want to leave it all out there.

DS:  How do you feel you have improved as player from a year ago?

MW:  Probably just in the leadership and offensively, I've just been playing with the top three lines and that's made it easier to play more offensively, I'm just trying to vocal in the room and on the bench, try to help out my teammates.

DS:  If you could improve any one area of your game right now what would it be?

MW:  Probably my offensive game.  Just bearing down and scoring more and goals for the team.

DS:  Do you pattern your play after any particular NHL player?

MW:  I'd have to say Chad LaRose

DS:  (laughing)  my hero, good choice

MW:  Yeah, it is.  I knew you'd like that*

DS:  What is the best part of being a member of a team?

MW:  It almost feels like it's a whole new family, they become your new best friends. You find out so much about other guys, I dunno, just know there's someone behind you, someone's got your back.

DS:  Is it easier since so many of you guys are from Winnipeg?

MW:  Yeah, it's a lot easier because we've known each other for so long.

DS:  What has been your favorite off-ice team building activity?

MW:  I'd say Booster Bowling

DS:  Nice, also a good choice.  What is your favorite rink to play at besides home?

MW:  I'd probably have to say Spokane

DS:  Tell me a little bit about your family

MW:  I got my dad who is an electrician, my mom who's a nurse, and two sisters, one who is 21, one who is 17--no 18.  That about it.  And I got a cat.

DS:  If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, although they'd be alive for the purpose of answering this question, who would it be and why?

MW:  Probably ... tough question, I'd probably say Ovechkin.  Just to see what he thinks from his perspective and just his lifestyle, see what it's all about.

DS:  What's the best advice you ever got and from whom?

MW:  oof.  I don't know.  I. Don't. Know.

DS:  alright, what hobbies or activities do you have away from the rink?

MW:  Fishing and hunting.  Little bit of xbox.

DS:  What song are you embarrassed to have on your ipod?

MW:  I don't know what it's called but it's by Miley Cyrus, not Party in the USA.  Not a good song.

DS:  What actor would you want to play you in the movie about your life?

MW:  I'd probably have to say Vince Vaughan.

DS:  Another good choice, good answers Mason!

MW:  I know, I'm on fire

DS:  Final question, waffles or pancakes?

MW:  What kind of pancakes, chocolate chip?

DS:  sure

MW:  I'd say extra chocolate chip pancakes.  But waffles.  I like eating waffles.

DS:  Who doesn't.  Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, good luck in the playoffs!

*Mason knows the Carolina Hurricanes are my favorite NHL team.  At the start of this season, I was trying to figure out who some of the newbies were and he told me one was Joe Corvo.  He told me this when his mouth was wired shut so it came out all mush-mouthed.  See?  He's silly!  That being said, even if he did just say Chad LaRose to make this blogger happy, it also fits.  LaRose is a spitfire wrecking ball, just like Mason.  And just as silly.  

Interview with Connor Rankin

Before I get to the interview, your Bob Tory Quote of the Day--Playoff Edition:

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more work" -- Jonas Salk

Also, Drinnan reports:

The Tri-City Americans won’t have F Adam Hughesman (knee) back for the opening of their series with the Vancouver Giants. Hughesman, who has been out for a month, is back skating and might return for Game 3.  (Taking Note)

More from the Vancouver Sun:

Americans coach Jim Hiller doesn't expect firstline forward Adam Hughesman to be ready for Friday, saying over the phone from Kennewick that Hughesman is "not ready." Of course, coaches at all levels often fudge injuries at playoff time so you never know. But Hiller didn't sound vague on this one. Hughesman missed the final month of the regular season with a knee injury.

"It doesn't look like Adam will start the series," Hiller continued. "Hopefully we'll see him at some point." (Sun)

The whole article there at the Sun is a great series preview.

Alright, to the interview. I have two interviews lined up and was expecting the other one (a veteran) so you'll be able to tell by my questions I'm not good at thinking on my feet. I even forgot several questions that are on my list.  Regardless of my complete and utter incompetence, Rankin is really down-to-earth and well spoken. There was a lot of background noise on the call so I'm hoping to be able to transcribe it alright.

 Rookie of the Year

"Dave Schultz":  You are a rookie this year but you've had a huge impact, tell me about your experience so far.

Connor Rankin:  Well it's been pretty fun, not many 16-year-olds get to play in the WHL, it's pretty special.  Contributed as well.  All the guys made it real fun for me and hopefully everyone else as well.

DS:  Did the leadership of the team make sure you fit in really well?  (see?  lame question--he already said they did):

CR:  They treat all--they call us 16-year-old grunts--but they treat of us pretty well for being rookies.  Gotta remember your still 16 but it wasn't bad at all

DS:  What's the biggest difference playing at the WHL level?

CR:  Size, speed, skill, the physical play and everything is much tougher here.  More games in a tougher league, it wears on your mind and your body a little bit, that's what I've found to the the toughest part--staying mentally and physically in the game.

DS:  And how have you been able to do that?

CR:  Just block it out, that's the main thing I've tried to do.  Just focus and play hockey and unfortunately school.  I think I've been doing a pretty good job of that.  

DS:  How hard is it as a 16-year-old to balance hockey and school?

CR:  Oh it's pretty tough.  You don't get many classes.  It's tough waking up in the morning after a long day--probably the toughest part.

DS:  What do you do to mentally prepare yourself for games?

CR:  I just lay down, try to have a nap before the game, clear my mind of everything and just focus on the game itself.

DS:  If there was any part of your game that you could improve right now, what would it be?

CR:  Sam, what would you say would be the most improved thing for me?  (Sam:  I don't know) I'd probably say for me skating stride.  Can always get better at skating most important for the game I think.

DS:  (If the Sam mentioned is Sam Grist, that explains a lot of the background noise LOL)  Is there a particular NHL player that you pattern your game after?

CR:  Marian Hossa.  Just 'cause he's a power forward with a little bit of skill in there.  Everyone says I play like Marian Hossa.

DS:  Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped to play?

CR:  Not really rituals, the roundabout by the rink, I just do a lap around that before I go in.  No superstitions, nothing special, just warm up.

DS:  For you what is the best part of being a member of a team?

CR:  A lot of things being a part of the organization, the coaches, the GM, the fans--they're really amazing.  It's really an honor playing for this team in every way possible.

DS:  What has been your favorite off-ice team building activity?

CR:  I like to golf.  On my time off I like to get out an golf--when the weather's nice anyway

DS:  Tell me about your family

CR:  I have mom, dad, and a sister.  Other than that it's pretty small, grandparents and my cousins.  My family is very supportive, especially when I came down here, they come almost every two weeks, when they don't they're pretty sad about it.  They really love me playing and stuff.  Try to be supportive.

DS:  What's the best piece of advice you ever got and from whom?

CR:  You guys really need to shut up, I'm on the phone, eh?  My peewee coach told me this one quote that's stuck with me--you gotta hate to lose more than you love to win.  It's basically saying if you win it's good but if you lose it should hurt more and learn from your mistakes.

DS:  If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

CR:  Who would I have dinner with...I'd probably say Matt Duchene, he's my favorite NHL player, seems like a cool guy.

DS:  What actor would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

CR:  Brad Pitt

DS:  What's your favorite rink to play in other than home:

CR:  Probably Vancouver 'cause it's my hometown and knowing that all my friends and family are going to watch me is pretty fun.

DS:  Are you excited to face the Giants in the playoffs?

CR:  Yeah, it's pretty cool playing them in the playoffs, then all my friends and family can come and watch, that's fun for me but probably a lot more fun for them.

DS:  Final question--waffles or pancakes?

CR:  Waffles

DS:  Good answer.  Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, good luck in the playoffs!

Shots from the Point--It's Wednesday Already

Your Bob Tory Quote of the Day (Playoff Edition):

“Success comes to those who make it happen, not those who let it happen.”

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Ass-pat to Scotty Wazz for sending me a link this morning.  It's the home of the Victoria Ice Hawks of the Victoria Minor Hockey League.  Anything look familiar?

Also:

Crazy.

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The WHL has the Bantam Draft (going on right now I believe) in Calgary today.  The Americans don't make a selection until the 16th pick of the 2nd round.  The league website says "results" here, but there are none listed as I type this.  It's just the draft lottery, Draft is May 5th.  That makes a ton more sense.

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If you missed it, commenter Andrew left the youtube link for the Bloodoff hit in the comments last night. 

For that hit, Bloodoff gets four games. FOUR. So much for the WHL wanting to send a message that they want to eliminate such hits. Good thing players learned by the example set by Shinny sitting out four games.

I got into a bit of an argument last night with Wazz--he thinks four games is reasonable. Yes, the hit is different than Shinnimins. Rogers was facing Bloodoff and saw it coming. In the hockey world this somehow makes some difference. If you watch the clip, even if he saw Rogers coming, there's not much he could have done about it. Yes, I suppose he could have braced himself for a typical hit (not a shoulder-leading, leaving-his-skates hit) but personally, I think that's a flimsy argument.

If the league is serious about eliminating hits to the head and/or illegal checks, this would have been another time to make it known that they were serious. Four games isn't serious. Could be that the logic of the WHL (an oxymoron?) is that four playoff games carries as much weight as say 6-8 regular season games, I don't know.

Because the nature of the hit was different than Shinny's, I'd say 8 games would be reasonable. Eight was the punishment eked out for Josh Cowen earlier in the season for a charging major. Brandon Manning got 7 games for his boarding major.

There can be big hits in hockey, we all like them. But watching Bloodoff leave his feet--to me--shows a clear lack of respect and THAT'S the kind of thing that needs to be eliminated from the game.

And I know, this is something that even reasonable people will disagree about. And there isn't an easy solution or the problem would be solved already. Admittedly, as Shinnimin fans we're also a bit touchy about it. I am one who believes Shinny deserved all those 12 games. I'm also quite aware that they can't punish based on injury. There's been those who have proposed suspension should last as long as the injured party is out. While I think that would definitely send a message, I don't know that it's entirely reasonable.

Rogers was carried off the ice on a stretcher. If you watch the hit it can be assumed that if a concussion can be quantified, probably 60% of that concussion was caused when his head hit the glass not from Bloodoff. Granted, his head wouldn't have hit the glass so hard if Bloodoff hadn't slammed him against it.

I don't know, I'm tired of talking about it. Let's just hope all the teams get through the playoffs without further injury. I want my team to win, but I hate seeing any player hurt.

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TSN's Bob McKenzie gives his insight in regards to the Globe and Mail piece about the WHL having more concussion incidents than the NHL:

No one should be naive enough to think a head-checking penalty alone will eliminate concussions. The concussion epidemic at all levels of hockey is far more complex than that. But for a bunch of 16 to 20-year-old kids, most of whom will only ever see the NHL by watching it on television or buying a ticket to a game? (TSN)

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Brendan Shinnimin was named to the WHL's West All-Stars, 2nd team.  Congratulations for that Shinny!!  Also named in the awards is the Americans' Brian Sandy for WHL Marketing/Public Relations.  Awesome job.  I personally know Brian works his ass off and deserves this honor.

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That's it for today, if something else comes a long, I'll update this post.

Shots from the Point

And here I thought it would be a slow news day with the days off before the playoffs.  Silly me.

Let's start with the Bob Tory Quote of the Day (in what I hope will be a continuing series):
“The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure.” --John C. Maxwell

One thing from yesterday's Examiner piece by Rene Ferran is the great collection of stats he put together.  Finding and detailing all those stats is time consuming--which is why I don't do it.  The data is at the end of the article, you should definitely check it out--right here.

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It seems the boys are taking it easy, or at least they were yesterday:

Monday was a lazy day for Kruise Reddick.

The Tri-City Americans captain spent his only day off this week sleeping in, watching a bit of TV and playing a heated game of Monopoly with Carter Ashton, Brock Sutherland and Brendan Shinnimin.

"I'm yet to leave the house," Reddick said as dinner time approached. "Sleeping in and getting rest will come in handy."

I wonder if it was standard Monopoly or NHL Monopoly like I have.  I bet I could kick all their asses if it was NHL Monopoly.  He goes on to say:

"You ask any opposing team, they don't like coming to Toyota Center," Reddick said. "The fans are loud, and it is intimidating. Hopefully we can jump on them early, which will help."

"That's the good thing about junior hockey, it is different every year," Reddick said. "I'm sure there are a few players that remember us and have a bad taste in their mouth. Both teams will come out hard. It will be a great series to watch."

"We hit a rough patch and had some bad breaks," Reddick said of a rash of injuries that plagued the team for the better part of two months. "We wanted to go into the playoffs with momentum." (Herald)

I'm assuming that means they're back to work today.

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As mentioned yesterday, I'm hoping for outstanding playoff beards--mutton chops for Owsley.  I just hope they don't do something like this:

"It seems to be the common trend these days for playoff hair, the mullet, so I thought I'd step it up a notch and see what I could come up with," said fashion-forward forward.

Theoret, who scored nine goals and added 11 assists in 66 games with the IceDogs, said the idea for his playoff flow came to him within 15 minutes.

He admits the only reason he went with the look was because his none of his teammates believed he'd actually be seen in public with what he had described to them.

"I was like, 'Y'know what? I'm gonna do it,'" recalled Theoret. "So I shaved half my head and went with the colour scheme."  (Buzzing the Net)

 Photo by Ryan Strome, courtesy of Mitchell Theoret 

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Meanwhile, the Giants, who went 2-8-0-0 in their last 10 games of the regular season, continue to struggle with injuries. D-man Joel Rogers with concussion courtesy of Kelowna's Evan Bloodoff, who is waiting for the verdict on his suspension for the hit. Giants also without Anthony Ast (concussion) and Dalton Sward with broken ankle. According to the Vancouver Sun, those three definitely missing 1st round.

Meanwhile, Michael Burns is progressing from his concussion from earlier in the month, but doesn't look like he'll be back for this weekend. It does look like they'll have MVP Brendan Gallagher back. Two teams with MVPs named Brendan. Whose Brendan will reign supreme? Oh wait, this isn't Iron Chef.

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Drinnan notes:

Three more concussions means the WHL has seen at least 100 concussion/head injuries this season. (Taking Note)

Yesterday on Twitter Drinnan also pointed to a story in the Globe and Mail that is just flat out alarming.

Overall this season, WHL players suffered more concussions and head injuries than their celebrated counterparts in the National Hockey League. By the NHL’s own tally, there have been 80 incidents of players hurt by a shot to the head. According to the WHL’s updates for its 22 teams, there were at least 97 cases of concussions and head-related injuries.

WHL commissioner Ron Robison acknowledged that count, tabulated by the Kamloops Daily News, and agreed: “The number of concussions has risen at an alarming rate.”

Why, though, is the crux of the matter.

Robison sees it as many hockey people do: a batch of ingredients creating a dangerous mix; bigger, stronger players moving on an ice surface that hasn’t gotten any larger. Add to that the clampdown on hooking and holding that has allowed for more speed and more hits. Add, too, a generation of young players cursed by the advent of lighter yet more dangerous equipment. They feel invincible until that same piece of equipment on an opposing player hammers them into submission.

“More than half of the concussions occur next to the glass,” Robison said. “When we discuss it with the coaches and managers, it’s largely players who are positioned along the boards. Maybe we have to look at charging and the way the rules are called.” (Globe and Mail, emphasis mine)

The article takes a closer look at Kelowna's Max Adolph and his struggle with concussion(s).  One of the commenters points that the numbers could just be the difference in reporting.  That could very well be the case, but regardless, the number--in the WHL and the NHL--is too high.  There's so much talk around the NHL right now, not so much at the junior level.  At least not as readily found as NHL talk about it, not that I've found.  I know I read a lot of the internet, but I'm sure I miss some.

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As mentioned, Kelowna's Evan Bloodoff is awaiting word on his suspension for a boarding major and game misconduct against Vancouver the other night.  I tried to video to see it for myself but couldn't.  If anyone can find video, let me know.

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While we're on the topic of concussions, Eyebleaf tweeted link to this interesting piece from The Agenda regarding hits to the head.  It's a roundtable discussion with Ken Dryden, Mary Ormsby from the Toronto Star, hockey blogger Sean McIndoe (aka Down Goes Brown), and neurosurgeon Charles Tator.  It's a lengthy piece, but great discussion.

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Canes Country, a great SBN site had to update their community guidelines.  SBN sites have a great liveblog-type ability for game threads, it's a format I'd love to have, especially the ability to reply to specific comments rather than it just be a running random commentary.  But I digress.  It seems similar problems exists everywhere, from small junior hockey blogs, to large NHL blogs.  From their new guidelines:

Relentless Negativity:  In general, negative points of view are welcome at Canes Country.  If presented in the right way, with some reasoning or while proposing solutions, such viewpoints can usually lead to productive discussion which can then end up benefiting much of the community as a whole.  Also, people get frustrated from time to time and will post emotional outbursts, especially during open game threads.  That is also understandable and acceptable, within reason.  But when a member constantly repeats the same negative message over and over, without anything else to add, that will be considered a form of spamming and that person will be warned to stop and could be banned.  (Example:  Coming into a game thread during a loss and repeating multiple times, the team stinks, this player stinks, that coach stinks, this happened because the GM stinks, etc. etc.  That will be considered spamming.  One or two such posts are usually plenty enough to get your message across.)  (Canes Country) 

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Alright, I think that's all for now, if something else comes my way today, I'll update this post.

Calm Before the Storm?

Playoffs start Friday against Vancouver.  A couple sets of numbers to throw your way in the meantime:

• 2009-10 season:  47 wins  Thankfully, not a lot of adversity/injuries
• 2010-11 season:  44 wins   LOTS of adversity/injuries including leading scorer

Both seasons Owsley out with injury for extended time but 2009 had a 19-year-old backup, this year a 16-year-old green backup.  I think it's hard to look at the wins and think that this season was bad.  Only 3 fewer losses than last year when they were Western Conference champs?  That's impressive.  It really is.

Also, this current team has 485 games of playoff experience.  RAWRR

A wise man passed a lot a quote from another wise man:  "A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor".

I know there's some who are tired of the "injury excuse" but as I've mentioned before, it matters.  It matters a whole lot.

Another set of numbers that I threw out there in the liveblog last night (actually I'll cut and paste the whole comment):

Don Nachbaur has coached 936 WHL games (regular season)

Jim Hiller has coached 288 regular season games. Of course Don does everything "better". He's got the experience. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure that out. But even Don Nachbaur started somewhere and his record wasn't always so sparkling. There's a learning curve for everyone--players and coaches. Personally, and this is just me, I'm tired of the "blame Hiller" shit and the "outcoached by Nachbaur" garbage. Of course he's outcoached by Nachbaur, most coaches in the WHL just because of Don's experience.

Stats from hockeydb.com and playoff stats are not listed.  But a little bird passed along the following:

• Don Nachbaur,   6 seasons in Tri-City 4 play-off series wins
• Jim Hiller, one season in Tri-City 3 play-off series wins

People are going to see what they want to see.  Those who don't like Hiller for whatever reason have every right but he's taken this team further than Nachbaur ever did.  When that statement comes up inevitably the argument is that Hiller has more talent to work with.  Meh, that's neither here nor there.  Don had some damn good players in his time in Tri.

As for last night, Captain Clutch to the rescue again with his overtime game winner, his 20th of the season.  Big Mess had a 3-point night, Yuen ended the regular season a +41.  FORTY ONE.  Hot damn.

"We're getting close to the playoffs, and Kruise has elevated his game," Hiller said of his captain, who reached 20 goals for the third time in his career. "He's scoring big goals again. He has a long history of that." (Examiner)

Around here things might be slow with the week off but I'm trying to get a couple interviews lined up so keep an eye out for those if I can get 'em done. 

I hope playoff beards are growing.  

Game Day @ Seattle

Hey, that was awesome.  I think it was just what was needed--not just the win, but the boost of confidence knowing they could win.  The Chiefs have been under their skin and a thorn in their side all season, it almost seemed like the Ams were just resigned to lose to them.  But they didn't.

Last night was all heart, soul, and grit.  It was hard work and determination.  It was also frustration--enough with the penalties already, or playoffs are going to be rough.  According to coach, Wilgosh is ready for playoffs so he was resting, but all this time he's been out, including last night, one of the largest holes left without him is on the penalty kill.  Also frustrating, it was not a good game for Paul Sohor.  :(

As for resting, I'm sure there will be some of the usual names taking it easy tonight, there's a bunch of call-ups in town so they'll probably get to play.  The Americans' place in the playoffs is set, even with the points against Kelowna for what that matters for the 2nd round.  The only unknown in the Western Conference is who the Americans will play--either Chilliwack or Vancouver.  Right now it's Chilliwack, but Vancouver has a game tonight (Bruins are done) against Everett so there's still a chance of the Giants being the 1st round matchup.

"We go back to last weekend and we had a couple of games that were OK, and Wednesday was terrible," said Americans coach Jim Hiller. "We proved a lot to ourselves Friday and tonight -- we are in this and we mean business. There were lots of goals tonight and the crowd was outstanding. It was an exciting game. Spokane is an exceptional team and they played their hearts out."

"This was huge," said Shinnimin, who has 203 career points. "This was one of the games we wanted to win most. We have played great the last couple of games, which is most important. The last six or seven games before this, we were down and it wasn't fun to play. Today, the guys were happy -- we had a blast."

"We wanted to go into the third like a playoff game -- keep it simple and get it deep in their zone," Shinnimin said. "They scored, but we made some huge blocks late. There was no quit to the end." (Herald)

Shinnimin had 2 goals, 2 assists, taking him over the 200 point mark with 203 in 197 regular season games.  Kruise MF Reddick also had 2 goals and 2 assists (hope people were able to get their hats back, though I also thought it was his goal and was stoked for Pokey to get the hattie).  Captain Clutch is ready for the playoffs.  Buzzing the Net has a different nickname for him:

No. 2 star: Kruise Reddick, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Thanks, Mr. Spoil The Final Night Of The Regular Season. The Americans captain had two goals and two assists in Tri-City's 6-4 win over the Spokane Chiefs, which allowed the Portland Winterhawks to clinch the WHL Western Conference regular-season title. The win also gave the Ams a springboard into the playoffs. Reddick had back-to-back goals in the first period to give his team a cushy lead and chase Chiefs goalie James Reid after less than 16 minutes. The overage forward was also in on power-play goals 28 seconds apart late in the second period that gave Tri-City control of the game. (BTN)

Following the game was the year-end awards (copy and pasted from Herald):

• Scholastic Player of the Year: Chris Driedger (3.9 GPA)
• Todd Klassen Humanitarian of the Year: Adam Hughesman
• Most Sportsmanlike Player: Kruise Reddick
• Rookie of the Year: Connor Rankin
• Defenseman of the Year: Tyler Schmidt
• Top Scorer: Brendan Shinnimin (96 points)
• Three Stars Award: Brendan Shinnimin
• Co-MVPs: Brendan Shinnimin and Drew Owsley
• Volunteer of the Year: Bob Nelson, Tri-City Hockey Booster Club
• Corporate Sponsor of the Year: Wildhorse Resort and Casino

Final game of the regular season tonight, final liveblog of the regular season.  Click on the "Read More" to join in.

Read more »

Game Day vs. Spokane

Tweet of the Night last night:  "Amazing what having two heart and soul guys back up in the lineup can do." To which I sarcastically replied "who needs heart and soul if you've got systems?"

It was a great win.  Heart and soul DOES matter, having Wilgosh and Prokop back was huge.  Not only did they provide the mentioned heart and soul, but they contributed on the scoresheet, including a shorty by Willy.  Prokop didn't play much in the beginning, I was worried he'd just sit on the bench all night--and I was sad.  But then there he was.  Mason, as usual, was all over the place making plays and creating havoc for the Bruins.

There was speed and hard-hitting.  Doin' work.  If that game was a first-round preview, I like the Ams' chances.  They were focused and determined.  And also with a sense of calm that having two veterans back in the lineup provides.

There seems to be a Wilgosh protege in Drydn Dow.  He had one of his best games ever, I don't even care that it was as a forward instead of defense.  It's working.  And it sounded like Hiller likes it too from his comments on the post-game show.

"We wanted to make sure we played our game, and we did," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team won the season series against Chilliwack 3-1. "Right through the lineup, everyone contributed, we were physical and we were fast."

"After the first, we were saying 'this is how we play,' " said Americans goalie Drew Owsley, who had 28 saves in earning his 35th win. "We are back and we fed off the energy in the building. It was a boost to get Wilgs and Proks back, and (Drydn) Dow's goal was huge for us. He doesn't get a lot of credit; it's nice to see him rewarded."

"I think I'm always out there working hard, giving us energy with blocked shots or a hit," Wilgosh said. "I don't think they expected us to be at our best our first game back. To score a big goal helps everyone get into the game."

"The pucks just seemed to find my glove," Owsley said.

"It's been a long time coming," said Prokop, who had played just 15 games before getting hurt. "It felt good to get in before the playoffs. I didn't have much practice time, I just jumped into it. It was nice to contribute. Willie and me, we are older guys and can help give the team a little confidence." (Herald emphasis mine)

Drew didn't face the 51 shots that Gore did, but he was friggin' outstanding.  Someone's ready for the playoffs.  About those 51 shots--I like the attempt at 60 shots in 60 minutes, sounds like a great game plan.  I loved hearing all the "hoot hoot hoot"-ing from the crowd when he made a big save, I know he likes hearing that too.

If I were forced to pick one negative from the game, it would be the penalties.  Looking ahead to tonight, the Ams cannot give up that many power play chances to the Chiefs or they'll be screwed.  I know, I know, the officiating sucks, but it always does.  Always.  I don't know why the hell the linesmen couldn't drop the damn puck for a faceoff either.

Chiefs in town tonight--ick.  They're trying to pass the Winterhawks for first in the Division and Conference so they'll be hungry.  When talking with some Americans players this week the question came up as to why they can't beat Spokane.  The simple answer?  "They (Chiefs) work harder."  Yep, sounds like a Nachbaur team.  It can be a Hiller team too--working harder than the opposition.  Boys gotta get it in their noggins that they are going to be the ones working harder.

It's the last regular season home game so there's some emotions--at least for me.  Westie was talking about it on the post-game show last night, how this team has gotten 40+ wins over the last 5 seasons and Kruise Reddick and Tyler Schmidt have been a part of all those 5 years.  That's a pretty big deal.  A lot of 16-year-old don't make the team or they're gone as 20s but these two have been in an Americans sweater the whole time.  Pretty awesome, I'd say.  Be sure to stay tuned after the game for the year-end awards (the official ones, not the ones I handed out LOL).