Lightning prospects Brett Connolly and Carter Ashton with Papa Maddon at Rays batting practice (via TBO_Rays)

Gutierrez

Drinnan notes the Ams signed Justin Gutierrez:

The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder will turn 16 in December. He is from Anchorage, Alaska, and is the younger brother of Moises Gutierrez (Kamloops, Everett, 2002-07).  (Taking Note)

Sweet mother of God he's not even 16 and already 6'3".  I remember Moises was very tall too.  But 175 pounds?  He'd better be loading up on cheeseburgers.

B-Dub10 and Twitter

Brian Williams bit from KNDO:

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The WHL has a Twitter problem. They want to bring the attention to training camps so they said people should tag their tweets with #WHLtrainingcamp. Great idea! Not so great? They are re-tweeting every goddamn tweet with that tag. Whoever's running the twitter account doesn't understand trending topics or using tags. If twitter users want to follow WHL training camps, they simply search "WHLtrainingcamp" and they will find the tweets. No need for the WHL to re-tweet a gazillion tweets. Seriously.

And they aren't even paying attention to what they are re-tweeting, like the one from Edmonton Oil Kings' Klarc Wilson which is totally offensive. As Kristin Beal says in this article:

Telling someone you’re familiar with that you love him or her shouldn’t need clarification. Based on your already acknowledged relationship, it should be obvious what kind of love you’re exclaiming. Plus, you don’t see gay couples walking around telling their significant other “I love you. No hetero.” That just sounds stupid, because their relationship is obviously not of that nature and it needs no clarification.

In addition, “No homo” is terribly offensive. It has a homophobic ring to it, almost like it is derived from a fear of being associated with homosexuals.

So, next time you find yourself about to utter “No homo!” just think about why you’re saying it. What exactly are you afraid will happen if you don’t? Will your reputation be corrupted forever if you don’t add those two little words? (The Minaret)

And like Spokant said, teenage boys might not know better, but the WHL should.

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As hockey's getting started I also make a plea to teams. For the love of all things holy, if you're going to play-by-play tweet, have a separate feed. I enjoy following many of the WHL teams out there, but already my feed is full of every single play of every rookie scrimmage. I don't necessarily want to unfollow the teams, they have useful information most of the time.

I don't know, maybe it's just me that is annoyed by the play-by-play tweeting?

Behbeh Goalie

If Eric Comrie was nervous, he didn't show it Thursday morning in the first practice of the Tri-City Americans rookie camp.

It's his second camp, and after a spending time with the Americans in the playoffs last year, he looked right at home on the Toyota Center ice.

"I just wanted to get my legs under me," Comrie said. "I felt pretty good. I know what I'm getting into."

Comrie, who turned 16 on July 6, will compete for the starting job in net with newcomer Ty Rimmer after last year's backup Chris Driedger was traded to Calgary and two-year starter Drew Owsley was traded to Prince George to trim down the glut of overage players.

"He's a mature, confident young man," said Tri-City general manager Bob Tory. "He's prepared and knows he's going to have to work for playing time. He grew up in a hockey environment and he understands the game. You can't replace that. Because of the overage situation, we were forced to move Drew, but Ty has experience as starter. That should help ease the transition."

The Americans signed Comrie, their 2010 first-round bantam draft pick, April 7 and brought him along for their playoff series with Spokane.

Just three days after signing on the dotted line, Comrie got his first taste of the WHL, playing the third period of Game 2 against the Chiefs. He allowed one goal and finished with 13 saves.

"Bringing him in for the playoffs was critical," Tory said. "He got to see what the (WHL) environment is like."

Comrie said he was looking forward to working with Owsley, and was surprised when Owsley was traded.

"I was shocked to see him go," Comrie said. "It's good for me, but it will be hard for the rest of the team. He was well liked in the locker room. Hopefully we can come together as a team." (Herald)

Behbeh Sexy Time (aka Rookie Camp Fitness Results)

ok, they're behbehs, I can't put Sexy Time.  I mean, I can (I have), but I feel a little dirty about it.  Here's the results:

TRI-CITY AMERICANS ROOKIE CAMP 2011 FITNESS RESULTS
1st Place BEAU McCUE
2nd Place MAX BECKER
3rd Place BRANDON HICKEY

Sit & Reach
Matt O’Donnell 22.4”
Ryer Sawchuk 22.4”
Austin Mayton 22.2”

Vertical Jump
Beau McCue 28.1”
Duncan Edney 27.3”
Brandon Carlo 27.1”

Long Jump
Max Becker 103”
Tyler Mrkonjic 100”
Taylor Marr 98.5”

Wingate Peak Power
Beau McCue 29.6
Clint Filbrandt 28.42
Jaden Kreklewich 27.82

Wingate Avg. Power
Beau McCue 22.46
Clint Filbrandt 21.06
Max Becker 20.99

Bench @ 150
Beau McCue 27
Ian Bennett 14
Brandon Hickey 13
Austin Mayton` 13

Overhand Pull-ups
Taylor Marr 20
Brandon Hickey 16
Beau McCue 16

1 minute sit-ups
Brandon Hickey 59
Parker Bowles 59
Tyler Mrkonjic 59
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P.S. Thank you Bob for sending it as a Doc not Excel ;)

Sexy Time! (aka Fitness Testing Results)

TRI-CITY AMERICANS MAIN CAMP 2011

FITNESS AWARD

ADAM HUGHESMAN       BRENDAN SHINNIMIN      MASON WILGOSH

Vertical Jump           1st Mason Wilgosh                31.7 "
                                2nd Brendan Shhinnimin         31.2"
                                3rd Adam Hughesman            30.9"

Long Jump               1st Brendan Shinnimin             111"
                                2nd Mason Wilgosh                110"
                                3rd Sam Grist                         109. 5"

Sit & Reach             1st Adam Hughesman             22"
                                2nd Brendan Shinnimin           21.5"
                                3rd Tyson Dallman                 20.6"

1 min. Sit-up            1st Adam Hughesman             64
                               2nd Connor Rankin                 59
                               3rd Brennen Bosovich             57

Bench @ 150          1st Mason Wilgosh                 35
                                     Adam Hughesman             35
                               3rd Justin Feser                       27

Over Hand pull-ups 1st Brendan Shinnimin             23
                               2nd Mason Wilgosh                19
                               3rd Adam Hughesman            18
                                      Lucas Nickles                  18
                                      Drydn Dow                     18

Wingate Peak Power 1st Dylan Fluter                   34
                                  2nd Brendan Shinnimin        31.67
                                  3rd Brian Williams               31.1

Wingate Avg. Power 1st Dylan Fluter                    24.25
                                 2nd Sam Grist                      23.23
                                 3rd Brian Williams                23.07
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apologies on the ugliness of this post, the formatting, Blogger doesn't like Excel spreadsheets

Main Camp Schedule

Kennewick, WA -Tri-City Americans' Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today the team's schedule for next week's main camp. Tri-City's main camp roster will be announced tomorrow, Thursday, August 25. All scrimmages are open to the public and free to attend.

2011-12 Main Camp Schedule
At Toyota Center

Sunday, August 28
5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. - Fitness Testing

Monday, August 29
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Practice (Team Grey)
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. - Practice (Team Red)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Scrimmage (Red vs. Grey)

Tuesday, August 30
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Practice (Team Red)
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. - Practice (Team Grey)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Scrimmage (Red vs. Grey)

Wednesday, August 31
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - Practice (Team Grey)
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. - Practice (Team Red)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Scrimmage (Red vs. Grey)

Thursday, September 1
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Practice (Full Team)
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Practice (Full Team)

Friday, September 2
2011-12 Everett Silvertips Pre-Season Tournament at Comcast Arena
7:00 p.m. - Tri-City Americans vs. Everett Silvertips

Saturday, September 3
2011-12 Everett Silvertips Pre-Season Tournament at Comcast Arena
3:00 p.m. - Tri-City Americans vs. Portland Winterhawks

Rookie Camp

2011-12 Rookie Camp Schedule
At Toyota Center

Wednesday, August 24
4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Registration
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Fitness Testing (Team Red)
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Fitness Testing (Team Silver)

Thursday, August 25
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Practice (Team Red)
10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Practice (Team Silver)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Scrimmage (Red vs. Silver)

Friday, August 26
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Power Skating Session (Team Silver)
10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Power Skating Session (Team Red)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Scrimmage (Red vs. Silver)

Saturday, August 27
9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – Practice (Team Red)
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Practice (Team Silver)
5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – Goaltenders Session
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Scrimmage (Red vs. Silver)

*new teams selected for Blue vs. White Game

Sunday, August 28
10:00 a.m. – Blue vs. White Game

*Practice sessions/Scrimmages held at Toyota Center

Ams Aquire Benning

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has acquired 17-year-old defenseman Matt Benning from the Kootenay Ice in exchange for a conditional 3rd and 6th round picks in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Benning, listed at 6’0 and 205 pounds, spent his 16-year-old season as a member of the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, playing in 43 games and totaling seven assists and 65 penalty minutes. The St. Albert, Alberta-native also appeared in 13 post-season games, including all seven of the Saints’ Doyle Cup match-up with the eventual champion Vernon Vipers in the AJHL Finals. Benning, who was originally the Ice’s 2nd round (35th overall) pick in the 2009 Draft, played for the St. Albert Sports Raiders of the Alberta Midget Hockey League in 2009-10, appearing in 33 games and totaling seven goals and 21 points. He also attended Alberta’s U16 Provincial Camp that season.

Matt is the son of former NHL defenseman, Brian Benning, who played parts of 10 NHL seasons as a member of the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers. For his career, the elder Benning appeared in 568 NHL games while amassing 63 goals and 296 points. Brian also played in two WHL seasons, spending the 1983-84 campaign with the Portland Winter Hawks before moving to the Kamloops Blazers the following season.

“Matt is an intelligent defenseman who brings a wealth of potential,” explained Tory. “This deal gives us tremendous young depth on our blueline and sets us up for the future. I hope to be able to sit down with Matt and Brian and complete the recruiting process so we can see Matt in our training camp in a few weeks.” (Americans)

From Jeff Bromley:

“While we are disappointed Matt did not commit to our program. We felt it was best for both the player and the organization to have a fresh start,” added Chynoweth.
Matt Benning was drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. He played last season with the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL (43-0-7-7-65).

After Benning did not show for training camp last season it appears that the organization and the player chose to go their separate ways. Benning, a 6', 205lb rearguard who played with the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL last season notching 7 assists in 43 games.

Falling behind other 17-year-old D-men on the club's prospect list, Mike Simpson and Jeff Hubic, both who have a shot at cracking the roster this season, Benning - the son of former NHL'er Brian Benning - was thought to be exploring the college route by not reporting to camp. AM's GM Bob Tory, who's been on a trading tear of late to reshape his roster, will attempt to entice the Edmonton product to the desert this season. The deal is based on a conditional 3rd and 6th round pick, with the 3rd rounder likely being the 'conditional' one if Benning reports to the Americans. (Ice Chips)

Holland's Surprise Invite

“I just like everything he does,” said Team Canada head scout Kevin Prendergast. “He plays well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater. He’s a smart hockey player. He’s one of those players we’re looking at as a bottom-six forward kind of thing.

“He can kill penalties. If need be, he skates well enough that he can play in the top-six.”

“I can do anything they want, I guess,” he said. “In junior, I pretty much play all roles. I feel like I’m a pretty well-rounded player. I’m not a fighter. I don’t hammer guys out on the ice. But I can play a fine checking role. I can create energy pretty well. I kill penalties on a regular basis.

“So I guess I can step into any role they want.” (Calgary Herald via Buzzing the Net)

Holly scored one of eight goals in the final Red-White scrimmage game at development camp last night.

Topping

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has acquired 18-year-old defenseman Mitch Topping from the Victoria Royals in exchange for 16-year-old forward prospect Justin Spagrud and a 2nd round pick in the 2013 bantam draft.

Topping, listed at 6’1 and 185 pounds, played in all but one regular season game for the Chilliwack Bruins last season, totaling five goals, 16 points and 47 penalty minutes. The Red Deer, Alberta native has 139 WHL games to his credit, all with Chilliwack, while collecting nine goals, 30 points and 88 penalty minutes. Chilliwack originally selected Topping with their 1st round (8th overall) pick in 2008

“(Mitch) is a quality kid with leadership capabilities and has proven himself as a top-4 defenseman in our league,” Tory explained. “We’re excited to add Mitch to our line-up.” (Americans)

You can see Topping's stats here.  Doesn't look like a big-time offensive defenseman, but he's still young.  

New Goaltending Coach

With Olie Kolzig taking the goalie coach position with the Washington Capitals the Americans have brought in Lyle Mast to take over:

Tri-City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the club has named Lyle Mast as the team’s new goaltending coach for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

With over 25 years of experience in the goaltending coaching and consulting business, Mast brings a wealth of expertise to the Americans. Most recently, Mast has spent the previous two seasons working as a goaltending coach for the Edmonton Oil Kings in addition to serving in the same capacity with the University of Alberta Golden Bears Men’s hockey team since 2007. Mast is also the owner and founder of Optimum Reaction Sports, a goaltender training company that researches and develops programs through biomechanics related to the position.

“We are very pleased to welcome Lyle to our coaching staff,” said Tory. “He has a tremendous amount of experience with working and fine-tuning goaltenders and helping them improve their level of play. We look forward to him working with all of our goaltenders and strengthening that position throughout our organization.”

Tory continued by saying that “with Olie (Kolzig) taking a job with the Washington Capitals, I felt it was necessary to have someone available to work with our goaltenders on a regular, structured basis. With two new goaltenders joining our club this year, having access to a full-time goaltending coach becomes a tremendous asset for our club.”

"As a goaltending coach, I am extremely excited and honored to become a part of such an organization and the opportunity to work in this environment,” expressed Mast. “The Tri-City Americans have an incredible history of selecting and developing elite goaltenders, which I believe is a part of their environment and culture.” (Americans)

----------

Drinnan notes graduated American Tyler Schmidt has a tryout with the Edmonton Oilers:

Over the last few WHL seasons, it is fair to say that D Tyler Schmidt has been one of the league’s most under-rated players.

Schmidt, who played out his eligibility last season, his fifth with the Tri-City Americans, put up 19, 14, 41, 38 and 53 points from 2006-07 through last season. He also picked up 72, 129, 164, 119 and 159 penalty minutes.

At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he is an honest defenceman. Plays the same at home and on the road.

He has committed to attend the U of Manitoba and play for the Bisons, but now comes word that he also has agreed to an ATO with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

The Bisons are heading overseas later this month for games in Italy, Austria and Germany. Upon the Bisons’ return from Europe, Schmidt will go to camp with the Oilers. (Taking Note)

More on Owsley/Rimmer trade

From Coming Down the Pipe:

The Americans are likely going to platoon Rimmer with 16-year-old Eric Comrie (above), their 1st round pick in 2010. Comrie enters the league with as much hype as any netminder in recent memory and the Americans have done all they can to make sure the youngster will see plenty of action and receive great tutelage as well. Goalie guru Lyle Mast, who has worked with NHL goalies as well as the Edmonton Oil Kings, has been hired by GM Bob Tory and will work closely with Comrie this year. TPS has been told that Comrie could see in the neighborhood of 40 starts, a generous number for a 16-year-old rookie. (The Pipeline Show)

Forty starts? I'm all for tossing the kid into the fire, he's shown he's capable, but 40 is a lot and while it shows a lot of confidence in Comrie, that's a lot of pressure for a 16-year-old kid. I sincerely hope he's up to the task. And I hope Rimmer is good enough to help them be a successful tandem. This point was also noted by Buzzing the Net:

Forty starts? Please keep in current Montreal Canadiens starter Carey Price made only 28 appearances as a 16-year-old in Tri-City in 2003-04. Another example of a goalie playing that much as a rookie that comes to mind is Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 35 appearances with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in 2000-01 even though he was only 15 during the first two months of the season. It's not necessarily a sink-or-swim situation since the Americans have the 19-year-old Rimmer (3.24 GAA between Brandon and Prince George last season) as a reliable alternative in net. (BTN)

Meanwhile, Drew was caught a little off-guard:

"It's kind of shocking," Owsley said from his home in Lethbridge, Alberta. "It's a weird feeling. It really hasn't sunk in yet, I don't think. I've been on one team my whole career. Obviously, I knew we had some good 20-year-olds. I wasn't safe for sure. I thought I'd at least be there until the (overage) deadline (Oct. 13). I'm going to miss Tri, for sure."

Owsley said he had a message from Tri-City general manager Bob Tory when he returned from his workout Thursday morning.

"I wasn't sure what was up," Owsley said. "I thought they wanted me to work the hockey camp."

Tory said it was hard to trade a player who had helped the team win its first Western Conference title in 2010.

"Drew is a good goalie, and to trade him was a difficult thing," Tory said. "The market for 20-year-old goalies is not that great. We got a great return. We think Ty can come in and give us good minutes. We're not saying he's Drew Owsley, but he can play. We are confident Eric (Comrie) will develop into a good goaltender, as good as we've had in the past."

[...]

"I'm excited to come to Tri-City," Rimmer said. "Prince George treated me very well, and I got an opportunity to play there. I'm excited to play for a strong team and a well-known organization. Tri-City has produced some pretty talented goalies, and Drew is no exception. I'm not looking to replace him, just do what I can."

Rimmer will share time in goal with Comrie, who spent time with the Americans in the playoffs last season.

"I'm OK sharing time," Rimmer said. "(Comrie) is still 16, but he's a promising goalie. I'm interested in seeing what the kid can do."

[...]

"I can't thank Tri enough," Owsley said. "If not for them, I wouldn't be where I am. Everyone said I was too small (5-foot-8, 170 pounds). They gave me a change and treated me really well. I was looking forward to coming back and mentoring Eric. Hopefully I taught him a little something when he was here for the playoffs."

As for the Cougars, GM Dallas Thompson was on cloud nine Thursday afternoon.

"I'm very happy," Thompson said. "We've struggled with our goaltending, and it's something we wanted to address. This has been in the works for a while. We got a good goalie. He has been a winner all the way along. He won in the regular season and the playoffs. Our whole team is excited. We needed this."

Said Owsley: "They told me I was the missing piece of the puzzle. Hopefully I can make the best of it." (Tri-City Herald)

As I said yesterday, I'm really glad Drew will be playing his 20-year-old season for a team that really wanted him (not that the Americans didn't, that sounded wrong).  The Cougars are really lucky to have him.  His time in Tri will never be forgotten as he's in the record books--"Owsley is third on Tri-City’s career list in regular-season victories, GAA and shutouts, second in save percentage and sixth in games and minutes played. He holds the franchise career records for playoff games played, minutes played, victories, save percentage and shutouts." (Taking Note). 

I got the most wonderful and kind email from Ken Owsley, Drew's dad yesterday.  He thanked me for supporting his son, including the "I believe in Drew Owsley" campaign.  Actually, he thanked all fans of the Ams for being so supportive of Drew and the organization.  So shout-out to you other fans!!

Whoo whoo who's gonna be missed in Tri-Cities?  Drew MF Owsley.  Best of luck to you Drew!  See you in March when the Cougars are in town!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has traded 20-year-old goaltender Drew Owsley and a conditional 7th round pick in the 2013 draft to the Prince George Cougars in exchange for 19-year-old goaltender Ty Rimmer, a 3rd round pick in the 2012 draft and a 5th round pick in the 2013 draft.

Rimmer, a 6’0 174-pound netminder from Edmonton, Alberta, was a 14th round (303rd overall) selection by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2007 Bantam Draft. After making his WHL debut in 2009-10 with Brandon, Rimmer was dealt on October 18 to the Cougars where he went on to appear in 43 games. Rimmer amassed a 17-20-0-2 record in 2010-11 along with a 3.29 goals against average, a 0.899 save percentage and four shutouts in his rookie WHL season.

“Obviously we have an overage situation that needed attention,” stated Tory. “This deal helps alleviate some of those issues while returning valuable draft picks and a veteran goaltender. We feel that the tandem of Ty (Rimmer) and Eric (Comrie) gives us depth in goal headed into the 2011-12 season. We welcome Ty to our family and look forward to watching him compete at camp.” (Americans)

It's my fault, I jinxed it you guys.  Just yesterday I was thinking things had been quiet and training camp is rapidly approaching.  THIS ISN'T WHAT I WANTED THOUGH.

It solves one piece of the overager puzzle.  Does this mean Bob is pretty confident in Matt MacKenzie's return, providing a huge defensive presence that can help out a not-Drew goalie?  If no Matt, is there that same confidence in Sutherland?  If not, is the D-corps strong enough?  

There are still 5 players for 3 spots--Shinnimin, Sutherland, Hughesman, Wilgosh, MacKenzie.  UGH.

New goalie Ty Rimmer's stats aren't sparkling, I have to assume (possibly incorrectly) the intention is a tandem situation with Eric Comrie.

Best of luck to Drew in Prince George, thank you so much for your time and commitment to the Americans.  You're an amazing goalie and just terrific with the fans.  I will still wear my Owsley jersey with a whole lot of pride!  I'll miss seeing Drew play and I'll miss seeing his family on the concourse!

Comrie Interview

Buzzing the Net has a small feature on Eric Comrie:

1. How would you describe yourself as a goaltender?

"I battle hard and compete every night. I try and cut down angles and always fight for the puck. I try and be like (Pittsburgh Penguins) Marc-Andre Fleury and (Montreal Canadiens) Carey Price. They're obviously great goaltenders and I try and take certain parts of their games and apply it to my game."

2. Several writers and scouts have compared you to Carey Price, what do you think of that comparison?

"They're very generous. That's a really nice comparison, but I have a lot of work ahead of me before I'm even close to Carey Price. I'm just going to continue to work hard and be the best I can. Carey Price is a special goaltender and hopefully one day I'll be able to play at his level."

3. Why did you chose the Western Hockey League over the NCAA route?

"I knew I had a lot of options, but I feel the WHL route is the fastest route to the NHL. And with (Gm of the Americans) Bob Tory and (partial owner and former NHL goaltender) Olaf Kozling there, it just seemed like the right fit for me."

Read the whole thing here at Buzzing the Net, even though they don't always credit their photos. Jerks.  And come on Friesen, Kozling?  Take a second and proof-read your work.