Well huh

The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today they have hired former Chilliwack Bruins President Darryl Porter as their new Vice President.

Porter is the new VP of Family Brands, responsible for both the Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League and the Edmonton Capitals of the North American Baseball League. Both teams are part of the Rexall Sports Corporation, which also owns and operates the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.

Porter joins the organization following five years as President and part-owner of the Chilliwack Bruins. The Edmonton native carries with him an extensive background in sports and entertainment, as his career also includes three years as President of the Tri-City Americans. Prior to that, Porter spent 16 years with Molson Breweries, most significantly as their Director of National Accounts.

Porter's passion and knowledge in operating minor league teams, including his extensive experience in sponsorship sales, ticket sales and brand building, makes him the ideal leader for the Oil Kings and Capitals.

"This is a major deal for me, and I feel both honoured and privileged to be working for this organization," Porter said of his new position. "I grew up in Edmonton as a huge Oilers fan, and it's great to be coming back home after 20 years away. I see tremendous potential with the Oil Kings and Capitals, and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with a strong existing group to take these teams to the next level." (Edmonton Oil Kings)

Who would hire this clown?  He's run two teams into the ground--thankfully ours had great new owners step in, poor Chilliwack fans lost their team to Victoria.

I literally LOL'd at the "extensive experience in sponsorship sales, ticket sales, and brand building".  What in the actual hell.  And come on, "I'm excited about the opportunity to work with a strong existing group to take these teams to the next level."  What a load of horseshit.  And now the Rexall Sports Corp. has put him in charge (or at least partially in charge) of two minor league teams.  Just when the Oil Kings were starting to get their groove, find themselves some success, now they're going to be destroyed.  

Maybe I'm being too negative (don't think so), maybe Porter can finally help a team and make a difference.  Maybe he was just waiting for the chance to be back in Edmonton to really show how successful he can be.

But probably not.  Best of luck Oil Kings and Capitals--you'll need it.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we remember our fallen soldiers. Many have died in combat, but increasingly, for off-duty members of the National Guard and Army Reserves, soldiers are dying by their own hands. Nationally, the number of those who've committed suicide has nearly doubled from 80 in 2009 to 145 last year. (NPR)

Ways you can help:

• Return the Favor (VFW Foundation)
• Not Alone--"provides programs, resources and services to warriors and families impacted by combat stress and PTSD through a confidential and anonymous community."  And through August you can donate through Groupon
• Operation First Response
• Disabled American Vets
• Freedom Is Not Free
• Intrepid Fallen Heroes
• National Military Family Association

This is just a small list, there are a whole lot of organizations out there that provide all kinds of assistance.  If you're donating, always remember to do your due diligence and verify an organization, you can check many of them here or here.

No Schwartz?

There was a reason that the phone was ringing and the e-mail in box for Colorado College hockey season tickets was filling up more quickly than usual Monday morning.

That’s because 2010-11 leading scorer Jaden Schwartz confirmed late Sunday that he will return to play for the Tigers.

The chance to play one more year with his teammates, including older brother Rylan Schwartz, and on a team that has a chance to make an impact at the national level prompted his decision. (Colorado Springs Gazette)

Well, there goes that part of the dream.

Prospect Watch: Eric Comrie

From The Hockey News:

Eric Comrie, G, Tri-City Americans

Raised in Los Angeles and playing for the L.A. Selects, Comrie is nonetheless suiting up for Team Alberta at the Canada Games. Big and athletic, the young netminder is the half-brother of NHLer Mike Comrie. He had given up just one goal through two starts at the Canada Games and is going to a junior franchise that churns out excellent netminders. “He’s probably the most talked-about goalie in the class,” said one scout. (THN)

Jersey Fouls

If you're a Puck Daddy reader (you're not?  shame on you) you'll be familiar with his ongoing "Jersey Fouls" series.  It's awesome, here's the latest.  So I had the idea awhile back to do the same, after spotting some unusual/awesome/bizarre jerseys around the Toyota Center.  Enjoy (and if I've posted a picture of you and you're a "foul" it's all in fun, not offense intended).

Words made into a "number"?  But it's Jimmy, totally NOT a jersey foul.

From reading Puck Daddy's Jersey Fouls, it seems there's an insane number of people who put the number 69 on a jersey with some choice word(s) for the nameplate.  As seen in Tri-Cities:

How fitting...

My personal favorites are these two.  +10000000 for awesomeness (and ass-pat to Sister for getting the photo!)

Finally, there are a number of recent jerseys (last couple seasons) with "Kolzig" and "Barnes" on them.  They're foul-worthy as neither Olie nor Stu played a game with the Americans in those jerseys.  But do these great folks get a pass because Kolzig and Barnes are current owners of the team?

So, dear readers, Pass or Fail?  Are the Kolzig and Barnes jerseys "fouls"?

*apologies for the not so great photos, I try to be discreet when taking them LOL

Max Gardiner

I did some digging to find out more about this kid.  I know, he's still just a list player, but it's the off-season.  I'm bored.

Max played high school hockey in Minnesota where he was somewhat of a superstar.

Gardiner is considered one of the premier players in Minnesota High School Hockey. Gardiner has good, but not breakaway speed, skates with a wide base which gives him superior balance. He has good offensive instincts, displaying good judgment with and without the puck. He has showed a willingness to get physical and battle for the puck in the trenches. Gardiner needs to work on his puck control in traffic, he often coughs up the puck while attempting a shot or pass in tight. His stick work is a bit shaky and he seems to have a great deal of trouble receiving passes. (Minnesota Hockey Prospects)

In his 2009 high school season he had 22 goals, 32 assists in 23 games played. And a +35 rating. Wowza.

US College Hockey News is reporting he'll be going to the USHL, to the Dubuque Fighting Saints who also hold his rights.

Minnesota freshman forward Max Gardiner will not be back with the Gophers next fall, choosing to leave the program to play junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Dubuque obtained Gardiner’s rights in this past Monday’s USHL Entry Draft. (USCHO)

So who knows what is going on.

Gardiner Leaves University of Minnesota

From Coming Down the Pipe:

Max Gardiner has left the University of Minnesota after just one season because of a lack of playing time. That according quotes from Gophers head coach Don Lucia in an ESPN story here.

[...]

"We talked to him last year when he wasn't playing a lot, met with his dad and his agent and just let them know that we were interested and let them know about our program," said Tory, "We take a different approach, we don't do the hard sell, we respect the decisions and the commitments that players make. Our approach is to let them know that we're here, that we feel we have a program that can help them get to their destination. At the same time we understand that those are difficult decisions so we leave them alone."

"This will be a decision made between Max and his family," said Tory, "I'm sure St. Louis would be involved in that as well. We'd love to have him on our hockey team, there's no question about that, because he's a a good quality player and we think that we can help him move toward pro if that's where his ambitions are."

[...]

"If I had a perfect wish list I'd have Jaden Schwartz and Max Gardiner on the same line," Tory stated.

"I could have a pretty good college team if I could form my own school and put all of those guys on one team," he kidded, "We could have a chance at going to the Frozen Four. Even my coaches are ex-NCAA guys so it would be perfect."  (CDP)

Camp info

From the Americans: 
 
Bob Tory, Tri-City Americans Governor and General Manager, announced today announced the details for the 2011 Tri-City Americans Summer Hockey camp.  The annual camp has been expanded to cover two weeks in early August, at the Toyota Arena, and will include instruction from Americans’ coaches and both current and former players.
 
Click here for a 2011 Summer Hockey Camp brochure and registration form
Click here for a 2011 Elite Prospects Conditioning Camp brochure and registration form

The summer hockey camps will utilize a two-week format, featuring camps for players of all skill levels age 6 to 14. The first week is slated to run from Aug. 8-12, while week two will go from Aug. 15-19.  Each day, players will be broken up into three groups, based on age, and participate in a 30-minute daily off-ice training session, followed by a 75-minute on-ice session.  The primary focus of the camp will be on skating, fundamentals and skill development with a goal of maximizing individual potential while instilling proper techniques.  The end of each week-long camp will also feature a group scrimmage.

The tuition breakdown for this year’s summer camp is as follows:
-    One Week Only
o    $175 for Week 1 or 2 (Enrollment before July 15)
o    $199 for Week 1 or 2 (Enrollment after July 15)

-    Both Weeks
o    $299 for Weeks 1 and 2 (Enrollment before July 15)
o    $349 for Weeks 1 and 2 (Enrollment after July 15)

Additionally this summer, the Americans are offering an Elite Prospects Conditioning Camp that is designed for Bantam Rep., U-16 and U-17 age players with a goal of maximizing fitness levels while concentrating on skating.  This camp will also feature a two-week format, scheduled from Aug. 8-12 and Aug. 15-19, with a basic itinerary of 45-minute on-ice conditioning sessions followed by a 45-minute scrimmage.

The tuition breakdown for this year’s Elite Prospects Conditioning camp is as follows:
-    One Week Only
o    $199 for Week 1 or 2 (Enrollment before July 15)
o    $249 for Week 1 or 2 (Enrollment after July 15)

-    Both Weeks
o    $350 for Weeks 1 and 2 (Enrollment before July 15)
o    $399 for Weeks 1 and 2 (Enrollment after July 15)

For more information or to register for the hockey camps, please contact the Americans’ offices at info@amshockey.com or (509) 736-0606, or visit http://www.amshockey.com/page/summercamps.

You Learn Something New Everyday

Such as the existence of a magazine called California Rubber.  Who knew?  Anyways, in their most recent edition (you can find it online here) they feature Eric Comrie and Brian Williams (the 2010 drafted one--I need nicknames for these two ASAP).

Click on image to enlarge to a readable size.

2011 Conditioning Camp

Designed for older local players getting ready for the upcoming season.  For printable form, click on the pictures for larger (printable/downloadable) size.

Shots From the Point--It's Monday Yo

I meant to post this in yesterday's SFTP, but forgot.  Ass-pat to Spokant for passing it along the other day.

From In Goal Magazine, a feature on former American Chet Pickard and his battle(s) against adversity.

Unfortunately Pickard’s ascension to the NHL has been nothing like he planned.

The polar opposite, in fact.

Pickard was with the Predators to start the second round of the playoffs after being called all the way up from the ECHL, where he spent most of a miserable season compiling a 9-14-3 record, 3.39 goals-against average, and .877 save percentage. He was called up to help ease the workload on Pekka Rinne and Anders Lindback, who was fighting a nagging injury, in part because the Predators’ American League affiliate in Milwaukee was still in the playoffs.

That Pickard wasn’t part of that postseason run is tough enough to take. That he was fourth on the Admirals depth chart – behind Mark Dekanich, Jeremy Smith and late-season Finnish import Atte Engren – makes it even harder.

“Rock bottom,” was how Pickard described his drop from top prospect to struggling in the ECHL.

[...]

“It’s been a frustrating year. Obviously it didn’t go the way I wanted it to go, and I learned a lot. I learned more than I’ve ever learned. Going into camp my goal was to make this team and that didn’t work, and I went to Milwaukee and my goal was to get off to a great start, and I had a bad first game. And when you get to professional hockey it’s all about winning and I just wasn’t playing great, and one thing led to another, I was sent down to the East Coast, and that’s where I started pointing fingers at other people.

“It was my fault there for a while because I was blaming other people when really I needed to just go there and focus on hockey and stopping the puck. But I was focused on all these other things. And I guess that’s kind of when I hit rock bottom. I went on a four-game losing streak to start there, and then is started talking to people and taking advice and kind of got over myself and my ego and that sort of thing and I just started to accept the fact I was there and for good reasons." (In Goal Magazine)

----------

From the LA Selects, a piece on the selection of some of their guys in this years' Bantam Draft:

75. Tri-City Americans (from Edmonton), C Brian Williams (not to be confused with the other LA Selects 1995 Brian Williams)

"It's an honor that tri city chose me, I want to thank all my coaches that have helped me get better and especially all the LA Selects coaches for believing in me and pushing me to the next level. I couldn't have got here without the support of my coaches, my friends and family, and a special thanks to my extended family, the Fricks, who I stayed with every weekends and trips for the past 2 years ... and thanks to my mom and dad". --Brian Williams

"Could not be happier to see a kid like Brian Williams go high in the WHL draft, they (Tri Cities) knew something that only a coach would know who have spent some time with him. Having coached Brian his passion for the game exceeds itself, his relentless efforts in both practices and games go without saying. He is a true competitor on and off the ice. His leadership qualities are contagious and not only a great player but the type of guy that if you were fifteen you would want as a best friend. Will write his own story in this great game". --LA Selects Coach Shawn Pitcher.

"We are very happy for Brian, this is the beginning of something special for him. I had the pleasure to coach Brian for a few years and he always led our team to succes in exercising great leadership. Brian has made his mark among the best 1996 birth year players in the US and the WHL knows that. Great selection by Tri Cities !!!" --LA Selects coach James Gasseau.

1995's Brian Williams(the other Brian) and Eric Comrie just recently signed agreements with Tri Cities.

280. Tri-City Americans, Kody Ichinga, LW

Kody had this to say regarding his selection: "I'm very honored to be selected by the Tri City Americans. I believe that it's a great opportunity for me as a player and as a person. Being able to say that you were drafted by the WHL is a big accomplishment and it shows that California kids are capable of playing with anybody. I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who's helped me become a better player and person over the years and I wouldn't be who I am today without their help".

"Just wanted to send a congrats out to Kody Ichinaga also who celebrated a very special day by getting drafted in the WHL. Had an opportunity to coach Kody for a season great kid and a great student of the game. Has junior hockey speed already, he shows great promise on taking his game too the next level. Kody wishing you great success in your future of hockey". --LA Selects coach Shawn Pitcher

"Kody's selection is not a surprise as he will probably be one of the faster skater in this league, His determination and competitiveness will be a big plus to this organization. He can really shoot the puck also" --Coach James Gasseau
(LA Hockey Club--I fixed all their typos for you, but left the "grammar")

Shots From the Point

My dad was in town so I was AFK for a couple days.  Additionally, Blogger was being fickle and ate my post from the other day.  That post included some great stats that Matthew Wuest from the Halifax Metro about teams in the Canadian Hockey League, so here it is again.

Here’s the full CHL statistical report from the past three years:

TOTAL POINTS
Saskatoon Blades .............. 317
Drummondville Voltigeurs ...... 314
Windsor Spitfires ............. 305
Saint John Sea Dogs ........... 300
Spokane Chiefs ................ 292
Quebec Remparts ............... 290
Tri-City Americans ............ 290
Vancouver Giants .............. 282
Moncton Wilcats ............... 280
Mississauga St. M's Majors .... 279

BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE
Drummondville Voltigeurs ..... .735
Windsor Spitfires ............ .715
Saint John Sea Dogs .......... .710
Saskatoon Blades ............. .699
Quebec Remparts .............. .676
Mississauga St. M's Majors ... .656
Tri-City Americans ........... .648
London Knights ............... .647
Spokane Chiefs ............... .643
Moncton Wilcats .............. .632

WORST WINNING PERCENTAGE
Halifax Mooseheads ........... .254
Baie-Comeau Drakkar .......... .269
Val-d'Or Foreurs ............. .323
Prince George Cougars ........ .324
Edmonton Oil Kings ........... .351
Lethbridge Hurricanes ........ .361
Regina Pats .................. .370
Seattle Thunderbirds ......... .375
Peterborough Petes ........... .377
Chicoutimi Sagueneens ........ .377

WINS
Saskatoon Blades .............. 151
Drummondville Voltigeurs ...... 150
Windsor Spitfires ............. 146
Saint John Sea Dogs ........... 145
Tri-City Americans ............ 140
Spokane Chiefs ................ 139
Quebec Remparts ............... 138
Mississauga St. M's Majors .... 134
Vancouver Giants .............. 133
London Knights ................ 132

LOSSES (regulation/overtime/shootout)
Halifax Mooseheads ............ 152
Baie-Comeau Drakkar ........... 149
Prince George Cougars ......... 146
Edmonton Oil Kings ............ 140
Lethbridge Hurricanes ......... 138
Val-d'Or Foreurs .............. 138
Regina Pats ................... 136
Seattle Thunderbirds .......... 135
Chilliwack Bruins ............. 132
Chicoutimi Sagueneens ......... 127

HIGHEST-SCORING TEAMS (goals per game)
Windsor Spitfires ............ 4.51
Drummondville Voltigeurs ..... 4.42
Saint John Sea Dogs .......... 4.19
Brandon Wheat Kings .......... 4.15
Quebec Remparts .............. 4.10
Saskatoon Blades ............. 3.93
Ottawa 67's .................. 3.90
London Knights ............... 3.87
Vancouver Giants ............. 3.80
Tri-City Americans ........... 3.80

LOWEST-SCORING TEAMS (goals per game)
Baie-Comeau Drakkar .......... 2.66
Halifax Mooseheads ........... 2.69
Seattle Thunderbirds ......... 2.72
Chilliwack Bruins ............ 2.75
Everett Silvertips ........... 2.79
Edmonton Oil Kings ........... 2.81
Lethbridge Hurricanes ........ 2.82
Prince George Cougars ........ 2.86
Chicoutimi Sagueneens ........ 2.93
Red Deer Rebels .............. 2.97

BEST DEFENSIVE TEAMS (goals-against average)
Spokane Chiefs ............... 2.39
Mississauga St. M's Majors ... 2.71
Drummondville Voltigeurs ..... 2.72
Tri-City Americans ........... 2.77
Moncton Wilcats .............. 2.78
Kelowna Rockets .............. 2.79
Calgary Hitmen ............... 2.81
Vancouver Giants ............. 2.83
Brampton Battalion ........... 2.83
Saint John Sea Dogs .......... 2.86

WORST DEFENSIVE TEAMS (goals-against average)
Baie-Comeau Drakkar .......... 4.21
Val-d'Or Foreurs ............. 4.17
Peterborough Petes ........... 4.12
Prince George Cougars ........ 4.12
Halifax Mooseheads ........... 4.11
Sarnia Sting ................. 4.04
Sudbury Wolves ............... 4.04
Oshawa Generals .............. 4.02
Kingston Frontenacs .......... 3.96
Regina Pats .................. 3.95

MOST PENALTY MINUTES (per game)
Kamloops Blazers ............ 21.25
Chilliwack Bruins ........... 19.84
Prince George Cougars ....... 19.63
Lethbridge Hurricanes ....... 19.58
Windsor Spitfires ........... 19.46
Vancouver Giants ............ 19.35
Saginaw Spirit .............. 19.32
Soo Greyhounds .............. 19.06
Kelowna Rockets ............. 18.89
Plymouth Whalers ............ 18.82

LEAST PENALTY MINUTES (per game)
Quebec Remparts ............. 13.32
Montreal Juniors ............ 13.59
Ottawa 67's ................. 13.69
Chicoutimi Sagueneens ....... 13.95
P.E.I. Rocket ............... 14.05
Saint John Sea Dogs ......... 14.23
Victoriaville Tigres ........ 14.23
Drummondville Voltigeurs .... 14.29
Rimouski Oceanic ............ 14.64
Gatineau Olympiques ......... 14.76

HIGHEST-SCORING LEAGUES (goals per team per game)
OHL ......... 3.51
QMJHL ....... 3.41
WHL ......... 3.30

MOST PENALIZED LEAGUES (PIM per team per game)
WHL ........ 17.70
OHL ........ 17.13
QMJHL ...... 15.00

----------

Congratulations to the Kootenay Ice in the WHL Championship!  I watched the game Friday night, Portland came out strong, then the Ice took over.  And did so quietly and patiently.  They weren't forceful, they were opportunistic.  They clogged passing lanes like nuts and didn't give Portland any room at all, they just sat back and waited for the Hawks to make a mistake.

----------

If you follow hockey at all (if you don't, why are you reading this?) then you know that NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard passed away Saturday.  He was only 28 years old.  All the sites I've read have said the cause of death couldn't be immediately determined, but foul play was not suspected.  

The Boogeyman was discovered by his younger brothers Ryan and (former Tri-City American) Aaron on Saturday.  The family has donated his brain to doctors at the Sports Legacy Institute for concussion studies.  The family says that such a move does not indicate they think his death was caused by brain trauma, but realize the importance of brain research in athletes.

Michael Russo of the Minnesota Star Tribune has all the updates/info and he's putting everything up on the Twitter, you can follow him here.

----------

In the OHL there's a game 7 this afternoon between the Owen Sound Attack and the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors.  Former Americans assistant coach Terry Virtue is assistant coach for Owen Sound.

2011 Americans Summer Hockey School

Click on images to enlarge/download/print brochure and application.

It's a new expanded format with updated curriculum and an extra week.

Checkers give back

A while back I brought you the story of young Zach Bennett, fan of the Charlotte Checkers and who suffers from Neurofibromatosis. David Lee over at Kuklas Korner keeps a closer eye on the Checkers (and the Hurricanes) than I do and brings an update, including a segment from ESPN:

Zach was devastated when the Rats moved to Charlotte and became the Checkers. They were giving him inspiration, and when the team was sold, he gave up hope. He gave up on his physical therapy. He got really depressed. No longer able to attend home games, he had to watch them on an internet stream and see them when they were the road team in Albany.

As much as “Bug” missed the players, they missed him too. Brad Herauf, with whom Zach was especially close, came up with a plan that blossomed into something nobody could have ever imagined. He made a deal with Bug that every time the Checkers won, Bug had to his physical therapy, which means practicing walking on his stumps. Every time the Checkers lost, he could have a day off. Bug started practicing even when the Checkers lost.

In January, the team invited Zach and his family down to Charlotte for a couple of games. While in Charlotte, they got a look at the medical facilities, and suddenly there was a new plan. If the family moved to Charlotte, they could make Zach happy by being back with the team that he loved. They could also be closer to the medical care that he needs. His mother also has NF1 and requires some medical attention. They had been making seven-hour drives from Albany to some hospital in Maryland, which was the closest facility that had Neurofibromatosis specialists. Charlotte has that. There was another very good reason for the family to move. And that was the decision that they made.

There was a problem, though. The Bennett’s house in Albany wasn’t selling. They couldn’t move until it did. This is when the Checkers kicked it into an extra gear. They proved that it isn’t just about winning and losing on the ice. They proved that the fans aren’t just dollar signs.

The Checkers started a funds drive and they started donating a portion of ticket sales dollars to the cause. In the end, they raised enough money from fans, donors and the owner’s own pocket to buy a house in Charlotte, renovate it, furnish it, and hand it over to the Bennetts. In an on-ice ceremony during the last week of the regular season, the Checkers presented the keys and turned the entire evening into Zach’s night. I was there that night, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Obviously I’m biased. This is my team doing this incredible thing. Also, I know a bit about this disorder, since it runs in my own family. With or without the bias, though, this is an amazing story.

Anyway, here’s the nine-minute clip of the remarkable young man and the incredible generosity of the Checkers (Kuklas Korner):

Yuen Invited to NHL Draft Combine

from the Americans:

The Canadian Hockey League is pleased to announce that 61 CHL players have been invited to the 2011 NHL Combine held May 30 to June 4 in Toronto, ON. The 2011 NHL Combine features the top 102 prospects eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. (Ams)

You can find the full list of invited players at the link.

Condolences

Gregg Drinnan either stays up later than me or gets up earlier.  Either way, I was going to post something but he beat me to it.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of former American Clayton Stoner whose brother was killed in a logging accident Friday morning.  Luke Stoner was 30 years old. From the North Island Gazette:

Luke's death is being attributed to a workplace accident, said a press release from the Port Alice RCMP. The B.C. Coroner's Service and Worksafe BC also attended the scene and are investigating.

Stoner, who lived in Port McNeill, was married to Carolann and had one son, Kade. A second child is due in June.

Stoner grew up in Port McNeill with his parents Ken and Mary Lou and brothers Clayton and Greg.

A service will be held for Luke Saturday, May 14, at Sunset Elementary School in Port McNeill at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Luke's young family at the CIBC in Port McNeill. (Gazette)

I did the Google and found the address and phone number of the CIBC branch office where donations can be sent:

C I B C

Branch

1596 Broughton Blvd, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0

250-956-3351

The Lone Star Skate

Several months ago (more than several, we've established I'm a slacker) I got an email asking if I'd read and review a book called The Lone Star Skate: Improbable (But True) Stories of Texas's Hockey Heroes.  I said sure, I'm not in Texas but I'm familiar with the Stars (obviously) but also the Houston Aeros (thanks to Ms. Conduct).  The book was written by Glenn Hart and Rusty Burson.  From the Lone Star Skate website:

Glenn Hart owns the CHL's Laredo Bucks and was the 2006 recipient of the league's Rick Kozuback Award. In 1995, Hart purchased an IHL franchise for Houston, winning the championship in the franchise's fourth season. In 1999, Hart's hockey passion took him to Laredo, where he worked with city leaders to develop the Laredo Entertainment Center, home of the Bucks. Hart is the president and cofounder of Laredo Engery, and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Rusty Burson, a graduate of Sam Houston State, began his career as a newspaper reporter in Galveston. He later became and editor for numerous publications in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Burson is currently the associate editor of 12th Man Magazine and vice president of the 12th Man Foundation. Burson has written and published seven books.

I liked the style of writing, it was easy and enjoyable reading, even to someone in the Pacific Northwest. The authors have covered hockey in Texas from the NHL level to some of the minor leagues and takes a look at specific people who were influential in the roles they had in Texas.

The first chapter, not surprisingly, focuses on Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. He spent his NHL career with Detroit, but came out of retirement to play with his sons Mark and Marty as members of the WHA's Houston Aeros. This section gives a good bit of history of the WHA as well.

Another big surprise (/sarcasm) are the sections on Mike Modano and Brett Hull. Obviously both players helped make hockey big in Texas and both reached some milestones in their time in Big D.

Other Texas hockey heroes include:

• Norm Green
• Terry Ruskowski
• Jim Lites
• The Dineen Family
• John Torchetti
• Glenn Hart

To my surprise, I also found a Tri-City Americans connection. Another one of the people featured in Lone Star Skate is Rick Kozuback who was the Americans' head coach for two years (1989-91). As head coach of the Ams he had a 75-60-9 record. He then moved to Phoenix to be assistant coach for the Phoenix Roadrunners, then was one of the original co-founders of the Western Professional Hockey League.

"If you visit the league's history section of the CHL (Central Hockey League) web site, it appears that the CHL took over the WPHL. That's not accurate. The management of the old WPHL took over the Central Hockey League. (Jim) Treveling became president of the CHL, and Kozuback, with the WPHL partnership, formed Global Entertainment in 2000. It became an overhead holding company for the league."

The CHL includes The Colorado Eagles, where former American goalie Tyler Weiman played several years (there's a great picture of him in the book). It also includes the Allen Americans were former Tri-City American Colton Yellowhorn is, and where Mitch McColm was playing till he got hurt at the start of the season.

So there are connections from Tri-Cities to Texas. It's a great read, like I said, even if you're not from Texas. You can pick up a copy through the authors or on Amazon.

Bantam Draft roundup

From the Americans:

Tri-City Americans 2011 Bantam Draft Results:

(GP, G, A, PTS, PIM)

4th round (75th overall)

Brian Williams (C)

5'10 167 lbs, San Diego, CA

LA Selects Bantam AAA (58/67/49/116/68)

4th round (81st overall)

Brandon Hickey (LD)

6’0 155 lbs, Leduc, AB

Leduc Bantam AAA Oil Kings (26/6/12/18/52)

4th round (82nd overall)

Tyler Mrkonjic (F) (pronounced Mer-con-ick)

6'1 160 lbs, St. Albert, AB

St. Albert Bantam AAA Sabres (33/19/13/32/4)

6th round (126th overall)

Kaleb Denham (LD)

6'1 155 lbs, Innisfail, AB

Red Deer Bantam AAA Rebels White (33/2/4/6/54)

8th round (170th overall)

Jeremy Briscoe (LD)

6'4 190 lbs, Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Jr. Coyotes U14 AAA (45/3/16/19/94)

9th round (192nd overall)

Ryan Tait (RW)

5’8 150 lbs, Santa Clarita, CA

Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Bantam Tier 1 (48/39/43/82/28)

10th round (214th overall)

Brandon Carlo (RD)

6’0 156 lbs, Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Thunderbirds U14 (77/20/29/49/36)

11th round (236th overall)

Matt Forchuk (C)

5’4 130 lbs, Okotoks, AB

Okotoks Bantam AAA Oilers (33/5/7/12/20)

12th round (258th overall)

Shane McMahan (F)

5’10 170 lbs, Irvine, CA

JSerra HS Jr. Ice Lions Bantam Tier 2 (stats unavailable)

13th round (280th overall)

Kody Ichinaga (LW)

5’3 125 lbs, Torrance, CA

LA Selects Bantam AAA (46/11/39/50/24)

14th round (302nd overall)

Austin Mayton (RW)

6’0 160 lbs, Richland, WA

Spokane Jr. Chiefs (61/31/28/59/78)

It's going to not be the Quad-City Americans from Winnipeg, but the Quad-nevermind that doesn't work. Something about all those Californians! Huzzah!!

Bantam Draft

I was going to stay out of it and direct errbuddy to Alan Caldwell who is tracking everything, but the Ams tweeted that they drafted Brian Williams out of California.  That's right, there's another Brian Williams who plays hockey in California, and Bob drafted him.

If they both make the team there will be two Brian Williams-es on the team at the same time, both playing forward, only a year apart.  Nuts.

Seriously, go to Small Thoughts at Large for actual names, stats, etc.

Also, nicknames will be needed.  Stat.  And something more creative than Willy One and Willy Two.  B-Dub and B-Will.  I don't know.  Suggestions welcome (maybe not right now, we'll see if they're both on the roster at the same time)

Year-End Grades: Sutherland and Holland (and a disclaimer at the end)

Brock Sutherland: A

I thought Brock had a stellar year. At the end of last season I was so frustrated with him and to be honest I was nervous about what he'd do this year. But he was outstanding. In my opinion he was one of the most improved players on the whole team. He was solid, smart, reliable. I also think pairing him with Big Mac was genius. Matt's so skilled that I think Brock upped his game even more to stay even with his D partner. Plus, did you see the bromance develop with those two? It was adorbs.

Suds is solid with the puck and not afraid to finish his checks--or drop his gloves. He makes smart decisions and is rarely out of position. We saw his offensive upside as well this season, he racked up four goals and 19 assists. Surprisingly though, he ended up only a +4, but I've never believed +/- to be a complete picture of a defenseman, especially one of the top four who log tons of minutes.

----------

Patrick Holland: A-

I'm not sure what to say about Holland. Yes, he improved his two-way game tremendously which is a good thing. But at times he struggled with it. It's a developmental league and he's developing, but there are some growing pains. It's also hard to know what is his role on the team changing to be more of a defensive minded forward, and how much is what the Calgary Flames have said they want from him (and how much that gels with what the Americans want for him). Well, that's about as clear as mud.

I think there are a lot of positives to Patrick's game. He doesn't get rattled, he's very deliberate. He's also got more physicality to his game, which is good--he's a big enough guy, use that size. And really, 60 points (22g 40a) is nothing to sneeze at. He and Feser were once again paired up as the shut-down guys and they did that very effectively.

Disclaimer: As I was doing these grades I noticed a whole lot of guys had very good grades. So why then a 3rd place finish? Why a 2nd round exit? We could go back to the Hiller debate (but we're not going to) but I think the bigger issue is there were a lot of outstanding individuals on the team. And at times they played as individuals, not as a team. Therefore they earned high grades from me, as individuals. If I were to grade the team as a whole, I'd say B. They had all the pieces, but those pieces were either injured or not coming together as they should have.

Year-End Grades: Conrad and Driedger

Well, I was supposed to have these grades done before any news about overagers was out and about, but I'm a slacker.  So here we are.

David Conrad: B+

Radsy is a lunch-pail type guy. For his efforts he earned Unsung Hero honors from me. He also got himself his best season ever with 10 goals, 14 assists in the regular season. But he's not an offensive guy. He's a shut-down guy. He plays gritty and plays a good defensive game, as seen with his gazillion minutes on the penalty kill.

Conrad is not flashy, hell he can barely skate. My God it looks like he's snowshoeing when he skates. But he manages to get from one end of the ice to the other and does whatever needs to be done for the team. Blocking shots? Check. Checking guys? Check. Looking sexy? Check. Creating traffic in passing lanes? Check.

I didn't figure he'd be back as a 20. I'll miss those lips. But he's a very specific role player and that's not what teams generally need from their coveted overager spots. Best of luck to David in whatever his future holds.

----------

Chris Driedger: B

Again, I don't like to mark down rookies, and it's not really Chris' fault he didn't get to play much the first half of the season. But I'm not going to inflate his grade either. He's a rookie. Which means there's still lots to learn. Drew's injury allowed Chris to get in a lot of playing time, and I'm not quite sure he was ready for that much work all at once. That's part of the learning curve though.

Driedger has a great mentor in Drew and I know he's been working with Olie too. He'll be a good goalie. He's got size, covers the net well, and basic technique. It will be interesting to see how much development he takes in over the summer like Drew did 2 summers ago.

Some 2011-2012 Overager News

Tory has to sort through 10 19-year-olds to determine which three will make the final roster.

Three for sure will not be back -- F Carter Ashton, a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will play either in the NHL or American Hockey League, while F David Conrad and D Paul Sohor already have been told to make other arrangements.

That leaves seven possibilities -- Fs Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Messier, Mason Wilgosh and Adam Hughesman; Ds Brock Sutherland and Matt MacKenzie; and G Drew Owsley.

"Those are all tough decisions," Tory said. "But we're in a fortunate situation. We have an abundance of overagers, and we can pick the ones that best fit our organization."

MacKenzie, meanwhile, is a second-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, who have another year to decide whether to sign him.

If he returns from Sabres camp, he'll be a top candidate to take over the captaincy from Reddick, along with Wilgosh (an alternate this season) and 19-year-old F Justin Feser.

If the Sabres keep MacKenzie with their organization, while it will make Tory's job a little easier regarding the 20s, it also complicates his No. 1 offseason priority. (Examiner)

Ok A.) not that surprised about Sohor and Conrad, though I'll miss both those lovely faces. Especially David Conrad.

B.) Jordan's a 20 next season?? He was born in 92, doesn't that make his "hockey age" 19 at the start of the season?

**UPDATE** The lovely Q-Girl informs me the CHL rule is that to be an overager a player can't turn 20 before the December 31st of the season.  Jordan's b-day is February so that would mean he will NOT be in the running for an overager spot the 2011-2012 season.

**UPDATE TO THE UPDATE** Confirmed from Bob Tory, Jordan Messier is NOT a 20-year-old next season.

and C.) Ferran's moving to Portland?

"As the Americans prepare for their future, so too does this intrepid writer.

This article represents my final report on the team, as I will be moving in a couple of weeks to the Portland area to start a new job in the Rose City.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Americans organization, which took a chance and granted access to someone from a website few had ever heard of during a real dark period in his life.

I also want to thank all my readers who sought me out and made me a part of their online experience. I appreciated all the positive feedback I receiving over the course of the past year.

Safe travels down the road, my friends."

So there goes the best professional coverage the team had. You're stuck with me and Annie Fowler.  Best of luck Rene, thank you for your excellent analysis and coverage of the team.

Year-End Grades: Moline and Owsley

Max Moline: B

Max reminds me of former American captain Matt Schneider. Very tall, very skinny, works hard. Moline saw limited playing time at the start of the season but got more and more as injuries piled up. All those injuries sucked, but they did allow Max to develop a lot more than he normally would have. He stopped looking so awkward with the puck and gained confidence in his play.

He played 53 regular season games and in that time Max accumulated only 4 points--all assists. But it wasn't for a lack of trying or lack of work ethic. For someone so lanky he wasn't afraid to throw some checks either, but like Schneider, he's not the smoothest skater--those long legs take some work to get going. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he's put into next season. If he bulks up any I can see him being molded into a Jordan Messier/Neal Prokop type player.

----------

Drew Owsley: A

I'm so totally biased, but c'mon. Fifth in the league for goals against (2.77), 8th in save percentage (.912), 3rd in wins (all regular season stats). Statistically not the most spectacular of all the WHL goalies, but still damn good, especially for his size and especially considering how the team in front of him struggled with consistency all season.

Owsley has done well under the tutelage of Olie Kolzig. Drew may be small, but he's quick and agile. He's able, somehow, to make himself bigger in net and that glove hand...holy moley. He doesn't get easily rattled and gets better the more he plays.