The Morning After

Holy wow, that was a good game.  That was the 60 minute effort we've been waiting for from the Americans.  It was night-and-day different than the team that took the ice last Tuesday against Victoria.  A few days of practice and knowing they were facing Spokane brought out the best in them all.  From the top of the lineup to the bottom it was a great effort and a great game.

• Shinny got 2 goals--I told you it'd come to him, he's to talented to be held off the score sheet for long
• Rimmer was outstanding, he's one of the most animated goalies I've ever seen.  My favorite is when he's dancing along to the goal song.
• After a late and slow start, Jordan Messier is doing much better.  
• Speaking of Messiers, Marcus has been great all season.  He got more ice time last night with the 10-minute misconduct to Shinnimin (WTF was that horseshit?) and he took full advantage of it.
• Huge amounts of ice time for Drydn Dow, especially in the 3rd.  He deserved it and he played phenomenal.
• Not as much ice time as I would prefer for my Malte, but I have to keep telling myself he's only 17, he'll get there.
• The Ams went 0-for-7 on the penalty kill.  Not good, but not terribly surprising against a stingy team like the Chiefs.
• LOL @ Engel's hissy fit in the 2nd period.
• I love my new camera!
• It's reassuring to know what you're going to get from Mason Wilgosh every shift of every night, which is balls-to-the-wall work ethic.  And plowing right through guys.  Also blocking shots like a boss.
• Feser and Holland are reliable.  That may sound boring, but it's a good thing.
• I'm still loving the acquisition of MacMaster.
• Is it too much to ask to have something, anything, about the game on the Tri-City Herald's website at 9:30 in the morning??  Apparently.  I miss Rene Ferran's coverage at the Examiner soooooooo much.

Game Day vs Spokane

The quotes from the Herald sort of say it all:

"We talked about a 60-minute effort, and we seem to be coming out with 30 or 20, and that's not good enough," said Tri-City veteran forward Adam Hughesman, who leads the team in scoring with 24 points. "This game will be a measuring stick for us. The early part of the year is getting over with. We need to see what we are made of this weekend."

"Nobody is happy when it's not going well," Hiller said. "We haven't generated enough offense this year. We have juggled the lines a little more than we would have liked. It's starting to take shape, but we are going to have to stay a little more consistent." (Herald)

They had a couple days of practice (including bag-stake on Wednesday) so hopefully they were able to work out some kinks.

I'm behind on this--real life has been hectic this week month--but huge congrats to Holland, Feser and Yuen being named to the WHL Subway Series team.  If you missed it, here's the press release and full rosters from the WHL.

Early morning promos

Good Morning!!  It's Kids Day!!

Shake it off

If I didn't know better, I'd have thunk that was a pre-season game.  That's how sloppy it was.  The 45 shots on goal does NOT tell the story.  Having Lil Mess be the Americans only star of the game is more telling.  Full credit to Marcus, he had a great game--the only one in blue that did.  Ok, a few props to Ty Rimmer for some absolutely brilliant work on a Royals flurry in the 3rd.  

Part of the sloppiness comes from coach shuffling the lines.  I get it, he's got guys who are supposed to be putting up points that aren't and he needs to mix things up a bit, see if something can spark.  On the flip side, how are lines supposed to develop chemistry if they keep getting moved around?  It's a catch-22.

The Ams got behind by 2 early in the 1st and were playing catch up all night, and yeah, they got lots of shots on goal, not sure how many of those were actually quality shots, but they made a mediocre team look good.  Passes were intercepted all over the place, they're lucky there weren't a whole bunch more breakaways or odd-man rushes from the Royals.  I said the other day they needed to get greasy goals, and they were doing a lot of dirty work down low last night, but it wasn't enough.  The PP went 0-for-2, a lot of passing, not enough shooting.  Or something, it's like they were willing to try for greasy goals when 5-on-5 but tried to get fancy on the PP.  I don't know, just ugly.

It should be noted that the Americans and the Prince Albert Raiders are the only two teams in the WHL that have already played 15 games.  Plus the Ams are coming off that atrocious trip to Prince George.  Playing more games this early means less practice time which is kind of necessary at the beginning of a season to get chemistry and plays worked out.  

I told a wise man, whose name rhymes with Fob Mory, the other day that the fans' expectations of perfection and winning are a testament to the organization he's built (turned around).  We spend our hard-earned money to watch these kids and in doing so want to see success.  But at the end of the day, it's entertainment, it's just a game.  And they aren't going to win every game.  And to the people already calling for Hiller's head, funny how y'all didn't mention how well he coached on the weekend games.  They win--it's the boys.  They lose--it's the coach.  Please.  It's coaches and players--every game, win or lose.

Yes, it was a crappy game, but today is a new day and you can be sure the boys are going to work hard in practice to get ready for Saturday against the Chiefs.

If you missed it, our Eric Comrie was named WHL Goalie of the Week:

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Eric Comrie of the Tri-City Americans is the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending October 23 after recording two shutout victories in two starts giving him a goals-against-average of 0.00 and a perfect save percentage of 1.000.


Comrie recorded his first two career shutouts in back-to-back wins against the Prince George Cougars.  The Americans won both contests by 1-0 scores with Comrie making 17 saves on Friday night as third star of the game, and then made 30 saves as first star of the game on Saturday.

Comrie, a 16-year-old rookie from Newport Beach, California, has made six career starts this season for the Americans with a record of 4-2-0-0 with a goals-against-average of 2.75 and save percentage of .903.  (WHL)

Every time, or at least half the time, I read something on Buzzing the Net about the WHL I'm convinced they don't particularly know what they're talking about.  Obviously, neither do I sometimes, but still.  Take a look at their "Dynamic Dozen":

With that being said, the top team is one which was no stranger to being ranked very highly last season. But they believe they've been winning ugly. So a team that think it's underperforming has a six-game win streak and is in the No. 1 spot? Apparently, it is early in the season.

1. Spokane Chiefs, WHL (.610 RPI) — Pretty impressive for Spokane to be this high considering cornerstone defenceman Jared Cowen moved on to the pros. They've had breakouts from older forwards such as leading scorer Anthony Bardaro and captain Darren Kramer, an Ottawa Senators draft pick. Really, though, they've been impressive in their own end, considering starting goalie Mac Engel is averaging less than 25 shots per night.

5. Tri-City Americans, WHL (.584) — Adam Hughesman and Brendan Shinnimin are two of the Dub's most productive overages, while they lead the league in penalty killing. Much like their state rival in Spokane, it's impressive the Americans have stayed up in the rankings again.

An explanation on rankings — Buzzing The Net uses Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) with a recency factor. RPI combines a team's record with the strength of its opponents to produce an overall rating. Our method also gives more weight to recently played games. Shootout wins and losses are classified as ties, for philosophical and practical reasons. (BTN)

Their RPI does not, apparently, take into account the 5 more games the Americans have played, it focuses on win %.  Nor does anyone evidently know how to read a stats sheet to know that--as of yet in the season--Shinnimin is NOT one of the Dub's most productive overages.  Needless to say, I put zero stock into this ranking, though admittedly I'm biased/defensive since the Chiefs are ranked ahead of the Ams.   Bitter blogger is bitter.

Offense?

I thought the Americans were going to be a high-scoring machine, but that hasn't happened.  With guys like Shinnimin, Hughesman, Rankin, Feser, and Holland--to name a few--there was supposed to be more offense than we would know what to do with.  There was peace of mind with an unproven starting goalie and a 16-year-old goalie that the team wouldn't have to worry because the offense would score more than what was scored on the tandem.

Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware Adam Hughesman is, as of this writing, 3rd in the league in scoring, with 12 goals, 24 points.  The next on the team is Justin Feser with 5 goals, 15 points.  Shinnimin has been held to 2 goals, one of those was an empty netter (I'll take it, mind you) from an unselfish Connor Rankin.  Holland only has one goal.  The power play is 14th in the league at 20%.  The defensemen have 10 goals, 3 each for Yuen, Topping, and Plutnar.

Obviously that top line of Shinnimin and Hughesman is going to get shut down by the opposition.  I renew my request (?) that there needs to be a big body parked in front of the net so those two can do their magic.  I miss Neal Prokop.  Mason's decent, but he's better an plowing through guys than pushing them out of in front of the net.  I like Rankin with Shinny and Hughey for the scoring potential, but if they can't get to the net...

There's two guys who could potentially fill that role of parking in front of the net--Mack Royer and Nate MacMaster.  Obviously, Royer's still out (still think he's faking Portland?) and since he's been out awhile it will take him a bit to get up to speed when he is back.  It's difficult too, because I like the work Nate's done grinding it out on other lines.

And I know, Holly, Shinny and Co. don't need to hear this from me, they know they're snake-bitten when it comes to scoring goals.  I don't know Shinny very well, but I know he's ultra competitive so I am quite sure he's pretty frustrated with his game.  That being said, I have full confidence that his scoring will come, he's too talented for it not to.  I also believe Holland is doing so many other little things right, that I'm ok with him not lighting it up night after night.

Like coach as said many times on the post-game show, they've got to work at getting those greasy ones.  If the pretty ones that Shinny & Co. can score aren't happening, they've got to grind it out and pick up the garbage in front of the net.

Game Day @ PG...again.

I didn't see or hear the game last night so I don't have any witty and amazing commentary to provide. 

Yeah right.  I will say I'm glad the Ams only scored one on Drew, I still have a special place in my heart for Owsley so I hoped they wouldn't light him up or anything.  But I also didn't want him to get the W against the Ams.  A torn heart.  It was the 100th win for Hiller and 1st career shutout for Comrie.  It'll be interesting to see if he gets the start tonight, or if Rimmer will get the chance to face his old team.

Based on the Twitter, the internet feed went out--again--during the game last night.  I don't know about the rest of you who are too far out of range for actual radio feed, but I'd be willing to pay some money to have a reliable feed on a consistent basis.  Hell, I wish they'd even go back to what they had last year, even though it cut out, it was still better than what they have now.

That being said, we're going ahead with the first of the season Craig West Drinking Game liveblog.  For those of you unfamiliar, here's the rules/guidelines (ass-pat to Riss for organizing and even finding dates for all these!):

Amended Craig West Drinking Game as of Live Blog 11 March 2011

Phrase (submitted by, date)

1 drink

• “No doubt about it” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “_________ says thank you” (???, 29 Jan 2010) (should drinks be added for every additional thank you?)
• “Five-hole, baby!” – the “baby” is the important part (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “That was a stinky one” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “It’s no Rembrandt/Picasso/other famous artist” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “It won’t hang in the Louvre” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “The league’s going to have to look at that” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “Paratroopers are leaving the building” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “Rides him down” (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• Anytime Westie loses his connection (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• If you listen to the radio feed like I do, you get to hear him talk to the engineer back at the studio, so
• Anytime Westie loses his connection (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• Anytime Westie talks to someone on the side (I’ll call youback) (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• “En fuego” / “on fire” (Spokant/DS, 11 Mar 2011, 7:20pm, 7:27pm)
• Anytime Westie LOLs at the Chiefs (DS, 11 Mar 2011, 7:26pm)
• “Penultimate Game” (DS, 11 Mar 2011, 6:56pm)
• “Spanking” What is being spanked is irrelevant. (Riss/DS, 11 Mar 2011, 7:15pm)
• Drink whenever, as long as you’re still listening to Westie (DS, 11 Mar 2011, 8:12pm)
• Drink whenever you don’t know what Westie is talking about (DS, 11 Mar 2011, 8:39pm)--this has HUGE potential to kill the live blog, as everyone will pass out

2 drinks

• “Nervous time” is usually heard in the last half of the 3rd period, so you may be passed out already. If not, you might quickly with this provision (???, 29 Jan 2010)
• Every time we break one of Uncle Bob’s bourbon bottles (Craig West, 29 Jan 2010)

The whole bottle

• “The only way this ref makes the NHL is as a ticket taker or a vendor.” Since this happens rarely, enjoy the best bottle you have! (Craig West, 29 Jan 2010)

Join in the fun, bring the funny and bring the booze.  Click on the "Read More".

Read more »

Game Day @ PG

Oh, BTW, there's a game today.  I have plans so no live blog, see you tomorrow for the first-of-the-season Craig West Drinking Game liveblog.

Thursday snuck up on me

Good game.  Busy day for me so here's stuff from around the interwebs.

Justin Feser named Buzzing the Net's first star of the night last night:

No. 1 star: Justin Feser, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Feser, as a 19-year-old left wing should, delivered with two goals and one assist to help Tri-City hold off the determined Saskatoon Blades 5-2. The Red Deer native tallied a power-play goal in the opening period (Tri-City's 14th already this season), helping stake Tri-City to a 3-2 lead through the first 57-plus minutes. The Blades were pressing for the equalizer when defenceman Connor Cox got caught pinching in deep. One quick lead pass from Winnipeg Jets-drafted defenceman Zach Yuen and one Patrick Holland centring feed later, Feser had snapped home the clincher. (BTN)

He did indeed have a great game. Coach had him and Holland back together, what a bromance.

Even TSN made note of the game:

Justin Feser had two goals and an assist as the Tri-City Americans beat the Saskatoon Blades 5-2 in Western Hockey League action Wednesday.

Ty Rimmer finished with 33 saves as the Americans (8-4-0) improved to 2-1 against East Division opponents.

Tri-City, which is 6-0 when scoring the first goal, previously had beaten Prince Albert and lost to Brandon.

The Blades fell to 7-3-1 and are 1-2-1 in their biennial tour of the U.S. Division. The Blades were undefeated before starting this road swing, which ends Friday in Spokane, Wash.

"They are a really good team," Tri-City coach Jim Hiller said of the Blades. "They have a winning tradition and they were good around our net. They made us earn our chances." (TSN)

More as it comes along today.

Game Day vs Saskatoon

Blades are coming off a 7-6 shootout loss to Portland last night.  Seven to 6?  Did the goalies sit out or something?

This is the first meeting of the Ams and Blades since The Hit, could be interesting to see how the teams approach each other, hopefully it's water under the bridge and we get to see just a good ol' game.

MacMaster has been playing on the checking line with Mason Wilgosh and a rotating list of players.

"I think I fit in pretty well," MacMaster said. "I like the style of play and the team atmosphere. I have played every role in my WHL career. Last year in Calgary I was brought in to provide scoring. I'm familiar with the checking line role, and playing with Wilgosh makes the transition smoother."

John and Lois MacMaster made the drive down from Rossland, British Columbia, to watch their grandson play last weekend.

"It's always nice to have family around, especially my first week here," said MacMaster, a native of Calgary. "It was special to have them here."

Ryckman, 19, had ties to the Americans before the trade. He grew up playing hockey in Red Deer, Alberta, with Justin Feser and Mitch Topping, and all three were coach by Feser's dad, Myron.

"It was a little bit of a shock," Ryckman said of the trade after playing his entire career before Sunday with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. "But I'm glad to be with a winning team."

The Hurricanes had lost eight consecutive games before the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Ryckman was traded.

Ryckman skated with the Americans for the first time Tuesday.

"I was a little nervous at the start of practice," Ryckman said. "New team, new plays to learn. I didn't know what to expect. When you've played with just one team, you've never had a taste of anything else." (Herald)

It should be noted that Nate has approved the nickname "Mix Master".  Now you can breathe easy. 

So about that history lesson...

The other day after the game against Prince Albert I was interested in learning more about their secondary logo.  As you read here, I didn't get much any information from the team except that it was their old logo.

Well fine, if the team isn't going to give me much, I'll turn to the next best resource, Gregg Drinnan.  Here's what he was able to find out for me:

In the 1970s and early 1980s, when the Raiders were in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, they didn't really have a logo. Their jerseys had RAIDERS on the fronts but that was about it. . . . When the franchise moved to the WHL, they held a public contest and a Mrs. Redekopp came up with the sheik or whatever it is supposed to be. Somehow, the board of directors of the day chose it. . . . That logo lived until 1996 when it was replaced by the pirate logo that is still in use today.

Thank you Gregg, much appreciated!!

One Tidbit and a Brain Dump

First off, Justin Gutierrez  reassigned to lower level, team to be announced later this week.  I haz sad.  But I know he'll be back.  Now Justin, go eat a lot of cheeseburgers, put some meat on those bones!

----------

I love this team.

I enjoy writing about this team, even if I'm not as good with words as other people I know (looking at you Spokant), I still enjoy blabbering out my thoughts.

I'm one fan with opinions and a free Blogger account.  What I say here is my opinion, my (generally) uninformed opinion.  I say uninformed because I am not in the locker room, I'm not in coaches meetings, I don't talk to scouts.  I just go off of what I see on the ice and shared thoughts with other fans.   It's also been noted before that where I sit affects what I see as well, sitting so close to the glass I don't see plays develop the same way someone sitting up higher in the stands sits.

I am well aware that players/parents/billets/team management read this site.  As readership has grown (thank you everyone!) in the last four (!!) years, I have toned down some of my thoughts, lessened the swearing, tried to be nicer, without sugar-coating anything.  I'm not out to insult or demonize any player (or personnel), not here to offend or "stir the pot" so to speak.  If players/parents/billets/etc are taking what I say as gospel then...I dunno, they should stop that LOL  As a fan I have favorite players, and not-so-favorite players (rare).  My opinions sometimes reflect that.  But again, I try not to be a total asshole, I'm aware who's reading.

The easy route is to say to anyone who doesn't like what I say to stop reading.  That is obviously easier said than done.  I'm well aware than not everyone is going to agree with everything I say, or like what I say.  But seriously, I'm one fan, not an expert on anything.

I know that Bob is very protective of the boys.  As he should be, parents turn their kids over to his safe-keeping for a large chunk of the year, large chunks of their young lives.  I find myself pretty protective too, the more players I meet I am more and more impressed with their maturity, composure, and politeness.  These are terrific young men just trying to live the dream and be successful.  I would never do write anything to jeopardize that.

And speaking of jeopardizing, I don't want to write anything that would jeopardize the relationship I've developed with the head office.  I am so very grateful they've allowed me access to information--like the above tidbit about Gutierrez--and access to players for interviews (they're coming soon, hopefully, I've been insanely busy).  Bob's no fool, he knows I'm free advertising for his team.  He and I have similar goals, at least I think so, of promoting the team we love and helping these boys be successful.  Ok, I'm not a big helper with the success, that comes from him and the coaching staff, but still.

Ok, as usual, my thoughts have turned into a rambling mess.  Enjoy your Tuesday.

Blerggg

"Americans Rally Falls Short in Everett"

Personally, I don't know that I'd call it a rally, unless rally means pulling your goalie with like 3 minutes left in the game.  They played from behind all night and as a tired team, just couldn't bust through to even tie the game.  Hey, it happens.  Then again, they did have 46 (!!) shots on goal.  Damn you Kent Simpson.

"Everett finds way to beat Ams 6-3"

Yeah, they found a way alright, scoring first and out running a tired team.  Sure the Ams outshot the Tips, but I imagine shooting arms were as tired as skating legs so who knows how many of those 46 were quality.  Oh and Kent Simpson is good.  Jerk.  Seriously, he's been in the league forever, isn't he like 28 by now?

I know, I know 4-games-in-5-nights isn't an excuse, or shouldn't be.  But they had to battle so hard against Prince Albert and Brandon, I can see why they didn't have anything left in the tank.  So put it behind you and get some rest, get ready for Wednesday.

Last night during intermission Craig West talked briefly to Bob Tory about the new D-man, Derek Ryckman.  Bob says he got him for size and depth and that it's good to carry 8 defensemen.  So there's 8 on the roster now, only 6 play at a time.  To make sure Hamonic and Guenther get playing time, that means one of the veterans has to sit every so often.  I'm guessing it will be Drydn Dow which (and I'm totally biased) irks me.  Dow has paid his dues, gotten better and better as the years have gone by, he's proven he can play in multiple situations, and has had an outstanding season so far.  If he gets put on the shelf again, I'm going to be mad.  Not that my anger will change anything, but still.

Alright, this has been grouchy and incoherent, guess I'll stop while I'm ahead today.

Trade

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has acquired 19-year-old defenseman Derek Ryckman from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2012 bantam draft.

Ryckman, listed at 6’4 and 205 pounds, has spent his entire WHL career with the Hurricanes, totaling six goals, 29 points and 211 penalty minutes in 164 career games. The Red Deer, Alberta native had a career-best five goals and 18 points last season and comes to Tri-City with two points in 11 games with the ‘Canes this season. Ryckman, who Lethbridge originally selected with their 6th round (119th overall) pick in 2007, currently serves as one of the team’s alternate captains.

“Derek is an experienced, stay-at-home defenseman who adds a physical dimension to our club,” exclaimed Tory. “He brings size, depth and leadership to our club and we are excited to add him to our line-up.” (Americans)

Interesting. I thought the D was doing pretty well. Wonder what this means for the current roster, I'd have to guess (it's only a guess) this means moving/re-assigning Hamonic and/or Guenther. Aw hell, I have no idea.

Game Day @ Everett

After facing two Eastern Conference teams, and struggling against their styles of play, the Ams faced the Giants from the more familiar Western Conference, and had a great game.  Considering the relentless battles they faced with PA and Brandon, they didn't look as tired as I expected on their 3rd game in 4 nights.

I'm going to bullet-point the highlights from last night:

• Ty freakin' Rimmer.  He's on fire.
• Malte Stromwall.  He was just waiting to get the monkey off his back and get his first goal, he did Friday night and was playing balls-to-the-wall last night, and was rewarded again.
• An improved game from Big Mess, he was also rewarded on the score board.
• Brendan freakin' Shinnimin.  Single-handedly killing a quarter of a 2-minute penalty.  He had the Giants running in circles around him.  It was 5-on-1 for almost 30 seconds and Shinny was brilliant.
• Defense.  Top to bottom a great game for the D.  All of them.  Young Riley Guenther got in some quality time and played well.
• Connor Rankin.  Can you believe this kid is only 17?  And it was good to see that 1st line get back on the score sheet.

The top line is obviously going to be targeted by opposing teams and this year they don't have a big Neal Prokop-type body in front of the net to make room.  I'd hate to break up the Shinny-Hughey-Rankin combo, but at the same time, I could see Nate "Mix Master" McMaster being able to be a bigger body in front making room.  Or when Mack Royer comes back, he could fill that role too.

Speaking of Mix Master, he saw less ice time last night, not sure what was up with that since he's played well since arriving.  He played a lot against PA and Brandon, maybe because he came from the Eastern Conference and had familiarity, I dunno.

I do like the combination of Holland-Big Mess-Malte Milk Balls, though I'm also conflicted because Feser and Holland have such great chemistry.  My ideal 4th line would be B-Dubs-Little Mess-Lucas Nickles/Justin Guteirrez/Tyson Dallman.  They'd have enough speed and skill to provide needed depth, allowing coach to consistently roll four lines.

Tonight is 4th game in 5 nights against the always challenging Everett Silvertips.  Click on the "Read More" to get to the liveblog at 4:45.

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Game Day vs Vancouver

About last night...I dunno.  They were working hard, but they had no room to do anything, the Wheatkings where everywhere.  From the Twitter:

• WP:  Brandon is hands-down the best skating team top to bottom tri has played so far
• RL:  Should have kept it simple
• S: @RL I agree, Brandon is fundamentally sound, gotta go for the greasy goals
• me:  I really REALLY hate the Brandon Wheatkings
• S:  Can't be too upset about that one.  Certainly wasn't for lack of effort, at least by most of them
• RL:  I try not to have an expectation for Comrie so I won't be disappointed but half these assholes expect him to come in and play like a 20yo.

I thought Comrie was good enough, it looks like he's finally got some calm nerves and poise.  He was spectacular on the penalty shot he faced.  Brandon is just a really good team.  Also in goalie notes, Ty Rimmer has a new mask, that paint job is almost as hot as his face.

Coach had the lines mixed up, trying to spark guys like Holland, Stromwall, Big Mess, Feser.  It worked for Malte, he had two goals, one disallowed as the refs said it was kicked in.  He made no mistake on his second goal though, it was gorgeous.  "Knocked Uncle Bob's bourbon bottle off the top shelf" as Westie said, too bad I wasn't playing the Craig West Drinking Game at the time.  The other Ams goal came from Drydn Dow, he had a great game, all things considered.  It was another beauty of a goal, that's for sure.

Anyways, full props to the Wheatkings for sticking to their game plan.  Jerks.  Vancouver Giants are in town tonight, they lost to the Seattle Thunderbirds last night (I know, even a blind squirrel finds a nut) so it should be a good one.  The Ams will be on game 3 of a 4-games-in-5-night string and the top guys logged a ton of minutes last night, hope they're all ready to go at it again tonight.

No History Lesson Here

I asked for a good game, I got it.

The Ams came out flying, took it to the Raiders.  Then the boys from PA shook off the bus legs.  It was a battle, credit them for clogging the neutral zone and making the Ams fight for space.  It was fun to watch.  

Prince Albert's goalie, Cole Holowenko has a very unconventional style, flopping around like a fish out of water, but he was like a cat with nine lives the way he made save after save.  Two animal similies in one sentence--woah.  The one that got away from him, Shinny's shorty, was a sick goal.  Loved it.  Mitch Topping's stellar work, loved it.

Coach was saying on the post-game show how my dear Malte is frustrated while he's transitioning from slick European style game to the gritty North American style.  You can sense his frustration so hopefully he'll find the back of the net soon to boost his confidence and get him going in the right direction.

Best game I've seen from Lucas Nickles.  The new guy is fantastic, great addition.  His first game was in Portland, sister was there, she was calling him Little Mac.  I was going with Nate Dawg.  Neither one I was very happy with.  Seeing him play (and seeing his face) Little Mac sorta works, he kindof looks like Matt Mackenzie.  The other suggestion was from Miss K who came up with "Mix Master".  Which her mother thought was in reference to this.  Which wasn't my first thought, I thought she meant like a DJ spinning the 1s and 2s (or whatever the kids say these days).  Turns out, I was right, it wasn't about a cooking appliance at all.  But it gave me a chuckle. 

Partway through the first period I noticed the Raiders' shoulder patch.  It's this:

I was fascinated.  It looks like some kind of Arabian sheik or something--in skates of course.  Intriguing.  Doesn't exactly match the pirate which is their primary logo.  I knew from studying Canadian history that Prince Albert was named after the actual Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.  So I figured maybe he was an ambassador to Arabia at some point or something.  Nope.  

Emails were sent to the Raiders organization asking them the origin of the logo, they just said "it's just our old logo from the '80s".   So I learned nothing.  I was hoping to give you a little history lesson that tied in with hockey, I got zilch.  Except that I think it's rad.  Cool story bro.

By the looks of it, you would never know Prince Albert is on the tail end of a long road trip through the U.S. Division.

The Tri-City Americans needed every one of the 29 saves by Ty Rimmer to hold off the Raiders 2-1 on Wednesday night before a crowd of 3,106 at Toyota Center.

"This is Bruno's (Campese) team, that comes as no surprise," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team improved to 4-0 on home ice. "We had a lot of chances, but we also gave up too many. We are fortunate Ty was as good as he was."

Prince Albert, 2-2 on its biennial trip through the U.S. Division, will finish at Spokane on Friday.

"We expended a lot of energy-killing penalties," said Campese, whose team gave Tri-City eight power plays. "We did a good job on the penalty kill. We were able to keep it close. We got down by two and didn't give up." (Herald)

Game Day vs Prince Albert

First, some highlights from the leadership press conference:

"It's an honor to get this," Wilgosh said. "I'm happy they think so highly of me. We (along with Shinnimin and Hughesman) just took a picture, and when we were younger, we had one just like it. I know they are happy for me and I'm happy for them. It means a lot to us. We have been together for so long it will be sad when it's over, but we want to finish the year with a bang and a make a good memory here."

Tri-City coach Jim Hiller has had his eyes on Wilgosh since the start of training camp.

"He's a guy who came in this year not knowing where he'd fit," Hiller said. "The night I won't forget is when we played an exhibition game against Spokane. It was the third game in three nights. It was just the preseason and Willie played as hard as he'd played in a playoff game. It mattered no different to him whether it was a preseason game or the final game against Calgary a couple of years ago. He just brings it. And that's why you see him right here."

After introducing Wilgosh, Americans general manager Bob Tory moved on to the assistants.

"Our leadership team wouldn't be complete if you had one guy from Winnipeg without a couple others from Winnipeg to join him," Tory said. "Brendan was crushed when I sent him home at 16 and told him there wasn't a spot on the team for him. He was a small guy who has gotten better and better each year and proved his critics wrong. He challenged for the scoring title last year (96 points), he's one of the elite players in the league and has a work ethic that is unparalleled in the league."

"It's pretty amazing how thing work out," Hughesman said. "Us three have been together forever. I know how happy our parents are back in Winnipeg. It wasn't for sure. We came here with five or six 20 year olds, and for it work out this way we are really happy.""It just brings you back to when we were kids in minor hockey," Shinnimin said. "We wore letters there, and now that we are 20 and it's our last year, it's cool that we got the letters this year. Taking on the responsibility of leading a team to what we hope is a championship would be awesome, considering we won a few championships back when we were younger. That's the goal. It's pretty early in the season. We are focusing on playing hockey and helping guys learn the game and progressing into great players. If we do a good job at that, we'll have a good shot at it."

"We joke about this. Feser is a silver spoon guy," Hiller said. "I don't think he's sat out a game. When you come in at 16, you have to pay your dues. All of these guys have paid their dues at different times. Feser is one of those rare and unique players that comes right in at 16 and already understands the commitment that is required and the effort on the ice. It was a natural progression from 16 to now, just playing like a leader every night." (Herald)

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Former American Brock Sutherland is happy to be playing for Calgary:

Brock Sutherland knew exactly who to call when he heard the news.

The newest member of the Calgary Hitmen defence corps was pals with former Hitmen captain Matt Mackenzie when they were with the Tri-City Americans last year.

So, when Sutherland found out he was being dealt to these parts late last week, he quizzed Mackenzie, a native Calgarian who recently inked a contract with the Buffalo Sabres, to dig up the dirt on his new home in the Western Hockey League.

"I talked to him quite a bit, actually," Sutherland said Tuesday. "I didn't know whether or not he was coming back to Tri-City and that kind of affected what was going to happen with me.

"We'd been in touch. His dad is really good friends with my billets, so we've been talking quite a bit."

While Mackenzie was dealt by Calgary last year at the trade deadline - his first time being traded in the WHL - Sutherland had already been dealt once before as a 17-yearold with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

"I wasn't as upset as I thought I'd be," said Sutherland, who'll wear No. 26 today when the Hitmen host the visiting Regina Pats. "I was really happy to come to Calgary.

"So far, it's been really easy, the guys have been great so it's been good." (Calgary Herald)

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 The Prince Albert Raiders in town tonight.  Honestly, I know little about them, that happens when the teams only face each other once a year.  Hell, I can barely keep up with US Division teams.  So here's to a good game, that's all I ask for :)

Bob with Bartel

Regan Bartel has a great interview with Bob Tory, you can find it here.

Time to go shopping!!

Now...which one do I want??

You can choose yours here.

That's CAPTAIN Mason to you

Tri-City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that 20-year-old forward Mason Wilgosh will serve as the team’s captain for the upcoming 2011-12 season. The announcement was made during a press conference at Toyota Center in Kennewick. Wilgosh becomes the 23rd captain in the franchise’s history.

Wilgosh, who is in the midst of his fifth and final season with the Americans, is coming off a career-best 2010-11 campaign, recording new highs in goals (12), assists (24), points (36) and plus/minus (+19). In 226 career games, all with Tri-City, the Winnipeg, Manitoba-native has registered 29 goals and 80 points. Wilgosh is a career plus-25 and enters this week ranked 21st all-time on the Americans’ games played list, just four games shy of passing Craig Stahl (229) for 20th. Originally listed by Tri-City in May of 2006, Wilgosh played his first full WHL season in 2007-08, making his WHL debut on September 23, 2007 in Chilliwack.

Tory also announced the team’s choices for alternate captains. Wearing the ‘A’ this season will be 20-year-old forwards Adam Hughesman and Brendan Shinnimin. The team will rotate the third ‘A’ between 19-year-old forwards Justin Feser and Patrick Holland.

“Mason epitomizes everything we ask of our players…TEAM FIRST,” Tory detailed. “He joined us as a 16-year-old and has done everything asked of him. Not only does he lead by example on the ice but, off ice, he is a leader in the community and has set a standard unparalled with his off-season commitment to fitness and conditioning.”

“He is capable of playing on any of our lines, kills penalties and brings a tireless, workman-like approach to the rink every day,” Tory continued. “This is an honor he deserves and has earned.”

“Mason exemplifies all the qualities that we value as a team,” said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. “His passion and tenacity set the standard each and every night.” (Americans)

This makes me very happy.  I cannot think of anyone more deserving.  Congratulations to Mason and the rest of the leadership crew.

Topping v. Hughesman

Thanks to Blittz for passing this along:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's Canadian Thanksgiving today so I hope the boys are loading up on turkey and all the trimmings.

Most deserving of a massive feast after last night's performance?  Ty Rimmer.  

No. 2 star: Ty Rimmer, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

The Americans-Portland Winterhawks rivalry is no environment for a 16-year-old rookie goalie such as Eric Comrie. Well, maybe it is on some nights, but not Sunday. The Ams turned to Rimmer and he came through with a 43-save shutout against a Winterhawks team that boasts some high NHL picks, helping Tri-City post a 4-0 win over a division rival. Adam Hughesman also chipped in two goals for the Ams.  (Buzzing the Net)

Interesting they say the rivalry is no place for rookie Comrie, but apparently the rivalry against the Chiefs was ok.  Oh wait...no it wasn't.

More turkey eatings go to Hughesman, Shinny, Rankin, Feser.  Ahh hell, they all deserve a smorgasbord of deliciousness.  Hey, that's a Swedish word.  Maybe a smorgasbord is exactly what my dear Malte needs to get the puck in the net.

Looking around the dark corners of the internet, I gotta say, Shinny sure knows how to piss of opposing fans.  I've said it before, I'm glad he plays for the Ams or I'm sure I'd hate him too.  Dear Shinny, UR doing it right.

Guest post by Sister

After that amazing pad save in the 3rd, Rimmer himself had to shrug to the goal judge, still grinning, as if to say, "I don't even know how I did that." Even the Portland fans had to murmur, "whoa."

I'm always dubious about what counts as a shot on goal in Portland, and tonight was no exception. I'm sure the goalies love to see their save percentages go up, but srsly. The Ams had the puck almost the whole night but the SOG was 43-22 Hawks, officially? Maybe if it's Opposite Day. The Hawks were sloppy and disorganized without Brendan Leipsic. Poor, poor Hawks. HA HA oh it's not Opposite Day?

Rimmer was outstanding, so quick! Hughesman may have been weighed down by the C on his sweater, he coasted on his ridiculous talent tonight. Besides the two goals, my favorite thing Adam did tonight was shit-talking Hawks goalie,  Mac Carruth after the 3rd goal. So funny. I wish I knew what he said. Not coasting was Shinny, who competed his ass off. Even lost a tooth and came back two shifts later. Oh he was pissing off the Portland fans so bad, I almost laughed out loud at their relentless bitching! Yuen was amazing (steady, unruffled til the whistle blows, sort of "preventive" defense that is pure finesse), Sam Grist had another fine, controlled, disciplined game, and Topping was stellar, as usual! I was also impressed with Holland and Feser again, regardless of Feser dropping his stick I think three different times? The power plays were meh (1 for 7) but the PK was more like I'm used to seeing. The 5-on-3 in the first was a fricken clinic by Yuen, Holland and Wilgosh. Wilgosh was a DOG ON A BONE tonight (drink!) and skated his butt off. Captain material, in my opinion.

I like the new Ams player MacMaster, who I dubbed "Little Mac" (since "Big Mac" Matt MacKenzie has gone pro) but I hear is actually dubbed "Nate Dogg." Heh. He seems fiesty and quick, and he got a lot of time tonight. 

But holy crap you guys, CONNOR RANKIN. The kid is nails. He probly had half the shots on goal tonight. Calm down, that would only be 9 by the Portland staff's count. But srsly, that kid's instincts and absolute calm with the puck belies his age. He's generous with the assists and not afraid to shoot either. I love watching him play.

My three stars:

1. Rimmer (SHUT OUT on the road)

2. Rankin

3. Shinny

Happy Thanksgiving, Canadians!

Game Day @ Portland

I've got Best Songs of the '00s on VH1 and a crapload of stuff to do today.  Liveblog starts with pre-game show at 4:45.  Click on the "Read More" to join in.

Read more »

Post-Game vs Kelowna

"It feels like we've been like that all year. A foot off here, a half-second slow there," Hughesman said. "You just have to stick to it and get a few greasy ones."

Hughesman then added two of the Americans' three second-period goals -- the first on a power play -- that essentially put the game out of reach.

His second goal was a thing of beauty, as Brendan Shinnimin glided in from the left circle, patiently waiting for Hughesman to skate to the right post. Once Hughesman hit his mark, Shinnimin put the puck right on his teammates' stick for the easy tap-in to make it 4-1.

"Those two have played together a long time," said Ams coach Jim Hiller. "I was happy with the whole game. We came out the way we wanted, and everybody contributed up and down the lineup."

While Hughesman and Rankin -- who added two more assists -- attacked on offense, several players shared the load offensively, with nine players getting at least one assist.

"That group of forwards is as good as any in the league. I don't think we had an answer for them," Kelowna coach Ryan Huska said. "Our goaltender can only make so many saves."  (Herald)

Not mentioned in that article is the hard work of Jordan Messier.  It was his best game of the season.  Still not 100% Messier, but much better and hopefully that will help towards building his confidence and getting him back on track.  His goal was totally sweet with huge assist to Drydn Dow doing some tough work in the corner to get the puck out to Big Mess.

Comrie was good, looked less shaky.  It helped that the guys in front of him were way better as well.  According to the scoresheet he faced 29 shots, but I'm surprised that many got through to him.  He'll be good and last night was a great step in that direction.

Someone (don't remember who) asked in the liveblog the other night about skating--what constitutes "good" and "bad" skating, I told the person to watch Lukas Walter, then watch Brendan Shinnimin and it would become crystal clear.  Did you see Shinny last night?  Phenomenal.  He skated right through the Rockets play-after-play and they were left chasing him.

How about this Connor Rankin kid, eh?  Wowza.

Game Day vs Kelowna

Second part of the home-at-home against the Rockets, hopefully this one works out in the Americans' favor.

It's a slow news day around the internet as far as relevant information pertaining to the Ams, I was debating posting anything.  But then you'd be sad.

I will note, however, that Brian Williams #2 (drafted 2011) is still on the protected player list.  It was mentioned in the comments on the post yesterday that he wasn't.  That list is here.  Not sure what list people were looking at that said he was dropped, but he's still there. 

From the looks of it, the new guy, another Mac, fits the mold of the Americans--listed at 5'10, 179 pounds.  Hope he's quick, then he'll totally fit in--small and speedy.  He'll obviously need a nickname.  Big Mac is reserved in my heart (& RL's) for Matt MacKenzie.  Sorry MacMaster.  And now we have two Macs--Royer and MacMaster.  Nickname ideas?  Anyone?  Bueller?

Speaking of asking for favors, remember a couple years ago the Ams had tribute to troops night and had camo-ish jerseys.  Anyone have one I could borrow next week?  Pretty please?  I promise to be nice to it.

The Ams will be on TV several times this season--and not just the local station's digital network, but on ROOT sports (formerly FSN).  The full schedule of WHL games:

2011-12 WHL on ROOT SPORTS ‘Friday Night Hockey’ Broadcast Schedule

Game		Date	Away		Home	Time (PT)
1	Fri	6-Jan-12	Seattle Thunderbirds	@	Tri-City Americans	7:00pm
2	Fri	13-Jan-12	Tri-City Americans	@	Vancouver Giants	7:30pm
3	Fri	20-Jan-12	Spokane Chiefs	@	Tri-City Americans	7:00pm
4	Fri	27-Jan-12	Tri-City Americans	@	Red Deer Rebels	6:30pm
5	Fri	3-Feb-12	Everett Silvertips	@	Portland Winterhawks	7:00pm
6	Fri	10-Feb-12	Everett Silvertips	@	Vancouver Giants	7:30pm
7	Fri	17-Feb-12	Tri-City Americans	@	Seattle Thunderbirds	7:30pm
8	Fri	24-Feb-12	Spokane Chiefs	@	Portland Winterhawks	7:00pm
9	Fri	2-Mar-12	Seattle Thunderbirds	@	Everett Silvertips	7:30pm
10	Fri	16-Mar-12	Seattle Thunderbirds	@	Spokane Chiefs	7:00pm

In case you missed it, some of the charges against former American Aaron Boogaard were dropped, though he still faces charges of interfering with crime scene. You can read the rest here.  The Houston Aeros are still figuring out final roster, but here's their most up-to-date and Aaron is still on it.

I got an email from the man, the myth, the legend himself, Craig West.  He informed me that USTREAM has an app for listening to the games.  So if you have iphone or android, search the apps for USTREAM, find Tri-City Americans and you'll get a better feed--"difference of night and day".

That's all I got.  If anything else comes along I'll update.

Trade

Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has acquired 19-year-old forward Nathan MacMaster from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for 20-year-old defenseman, Brock Sutherland.

Today’s trade brings Tri-City’s roster down to three overage players, Adam Hughesman, Mason Wilgosh and Brendan Shinnimin. The Americans’ roster currently sits at 25 players, including 16 forwards, 7 defensemen and 2 goaltenders.

MacMaster, listed at 5’10 179 pounds, is moving to his third WHL team in his fourth full season. Originally a second round (41st overall) selection by the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2007, MacMaster has appeared in 190 career games while totaling 14 goals, 49 points and 115 penalty minutes. The Calgary, Alberta native, who is coming off a career-best 10-goal, 30-point season in 2010-11, was part of a five-player deal between the Warriors and Hitmen, that saw MacMaster, Danny Gayle and Brandon Glover move to Calgary in exchange for Cody Beach and current Americans forward, Mackenzie Royer. MacMaster was also a teammate of Americans’ forward Justin Feser at the 2009 U-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring one goal and helping guide Team Pacific to a silver medal.

“The overage situation presents many challenges,” explained Tory. “We wanted to put our extra player into a good situation and also get an asset in return.”

Tory continued by saying that “acquiring another forward increases the competition for spots on our club this year. Nathan is an experienced player who possesses good speed and skill set.”

Meanwhile, Sutherland, who was dealt to Tri-City as a 17-year-old from the Lethbridge Hurricanes, wraps up a solid career in an Americans’ sweater. A 6’2 205-pound defenseman from Brandon, Manitoba, Sutherland arrived in Tri-City as part of a November 2008 package deal that also brought Mitch Fadden and Cam Stevens to the Americans in exchange for Eric Mestery and Drew Hoff. Sutherland went on to play 167 of his total 186 WHL games with Tri-City, totaling seven goals, 40 points, 155 penalty minutes and a plus-22 rating. Sutherland also departs having played in 39 playoff games with the Americans, ranking him tied for 8th all-time.

“We wish Brock all the best in Calgary,” Tory said. “He has developed into a very good, reliable defenseman in this League and it is sad to see him leave our team and family.” (Americans)

I'm with Bob in wishing Suds the best in Calgary, he'll be reunited with former teammates Spencer Humphries and Brooks Macek.  

That settles the overage situation (unless he trades Shinny, Hughey, or Wilgs for some other 20 in the league).  With this move I personally see (or would like to see) the "C" go to Wilgosh for his work ethic, moxie, leadership, and determination.

And another Mac, huh?  It used to be Bob drafted/traded by province (all those boys from Winnipeg) now it seems it's by name.  Two Macs, three Justins, two Lucases (sp?  though they spell their names different) and of course, two Brian Williamses.

Banana Peels?

"Ams fall on road to Kelowna"

If you didn't know any better, you'd think they'd all slipped on banana peels on Highway 97 in British Columbia.  Instead they slipped to a 3-2 record here early in the season.

The penalty kill was better, so that's something.  The comeback was alright--though I would have preferred not having to come back.  From the middle of the 2nd onwards it was mostly the Americans, they ended up with 22-12 shots on goal the last 2 periods of play.  Adam Brown was a monster last night (and didn't even get a star of the game, WTH?)

The defense scored the goals (Yuen and Plutnar) but had trouble getting the Rockets--and their shots--away from the net, especially in the first half of the game.

From my favorite WHL announcer Regan Bartel:

• The Rockets really struggled on the power play. In fact, the best scoring chances for the Americans came while playing shorthanded. The Rockets d-men often bobbled pucks which created no less than two breakaway chances for the visitors. In the end the Rockets were 0 for 4 on the power play and the unit didn't look anything like we witnessed last Saturday when it went 3 for 6 in a 6-3 win over Vancouver.


• I always knew that Americans defenceman Zach Yuen was a good player, but not that good. Outside of Brown, Yuen was the best player on the ice. While scoring twice with two picture perfect shots over the glove of Brown, Yuen could have had the hat-trick had it not been for a solid stop by Brown on a Yuen back hand in the second period.


• Brendan Shinnimin and Adam Hughesman didn't disappoint. The two-20 year old forwards were used without hesitation by Americans head coach Jim Hiller. Like the Rockets used Tyson Barrie in every situation last season, Hiller went to those two players time and time again to get back in the game. It would have been interesting to find out how much ice time those two players logged.  (Regan's Rant)

Game Day @ Kelowna

The boys are in Kelowna to face the Rockets tonight.

"It's early, and we are still feeling our way a bit," said Hiller, whose team will host the Rockets on Friday. "We've played four tough games. We have a lot of new faces and young guys who are gaining valuable experience. It's been a long time since there was this much turnover with the team.

The Americans have an arsenal of weapons up front with Adam Hughesman (2 goals, 6 assists), Connor Rankin (4 goals, 2 assists), Justin Feser (2 goals, 4 assists) and last year's leading scorer, Brendan Shinnimin, who returned last week from the AHL, where he spent time with the Portland Pirates.

"It doesn't matter your age; everyone has to contribute," Hiller said. "It doesn't have to be a goal, just contributions. At least we don't have any passengers."

The scoring is plentiful, the goaltending is coming along, and 5-on-5, the defense is solid. Where the Americans fall short is on the penalty kill, which sits at 68 percent before tonight's game.

"It has been an emphasis from Day One," Hiller said. "I guess we haven't gotten the result we wanted yet. We will keeping working on it. It will get better. It will be a strength of ours before the season is over."

Hiller said no one area of the game is to blame for the poor penalty kill.

"We never look at one player or set of players," Hiller said. "A lot of things happen when a puck goes in the net. It usually happens from 200 feet away. We had too many penalties (Saturday against Spokane). The pieces are in place to learn and get better."  (Herald)

Some more from DubNation:

“We return a lot of offence from last season,” said Americans general manager Bob Tory, whose team should challenge for the U.S. Division pennant this season. “But we do have some holes on the back-end and we hope our younger guys step up and develop, and some guys are going to be put in new roles. But we feel we’re going to have a very competitive team. We have some areas in where we want to improve, but our strength is up front.

“We’re pretty deep on offence and we play a pretty disciplined game, an up-tempo offensive game, so we think we’re going to be very competitive this season. But every season, there’s always five or six teams in the conference who are very competitive.”

The Rockets agreed with Tory’s assessment.

“Tri-City has a lot of good, skilled forwards and they’re a team that plays a very fast game,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska, whose team was 2-2 against the Americans last season. “We need to make sure we’re ready to play and ready to skate with them.” (DubNation)

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It appears Drinnan has bought into the "underhanded" method of the Walter pickup:

F Brendan Leipsic of the Portland Winterhawks got five games under supplemental discipline for an incident against the visiting Tri-City Americans on Sept. 30. (Already this season, the Americans have plucked a player off the Winterhawks’ roster via waivers and the Winterhawks asked for, and received, supplemental discipline against Tri-City’s Jordan Messier – he was suspended for two games – after an earlier game. Some rivalry!)  (Taking Note)

It may be small and petty, but it's the word choice.  "Plucked".  Yes, the words "via waivers" is on there too to soften the blow or whatever.  Maybe I'm reading too much into it, maybe Bob really isn't playing well with others in the sandbox, I don't know.  What I DO know is that his move to get Walter was perfectly legal and approved by the league.  What I also know is that Lukas Walter better learn how to skate better real quick or I'm not going to be overly impressed.  Sure he can fight, which is fine, but I am personally not a big fan of the traditional "enforcer" role--only on the ice for a shift (fight) or so, then rides the bench (or the penalty box) the rest of the game.  I'd rather have a full lineup, 4-lines deep, with all lines being able to contribute and carry significant ice time.  But that's just me.

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Tonight will be the 2011-2012 inaugural liveblog.  Bring the funny, leave the negativity.  As I mentioned in the post I wrote where everyone thought I was quitting the blog (I'm not), the liveblogs are on a trial run. 

Liveblog after the jump (click on the "Read More")

Read more »

Shots From the Point **UPDATED**

Annie Fowler reports:

The Americans won't be getting Matt MacKenzie back any time soon. The veteran defenseman signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres and will play for the Rochester Americans for the foreseeable future.  (Red Light District)

That still leaves 4 overagers for 3 spots.  Who will be the odd man out?  Or odd men if Bob's got some wheeling and dealing in the works.

Brendan Leipsic was suspended indefinitely 5 games for his hit on Mack Royer the other night.  Dylan Bumbarger's got some analysis over at OregonLive:

No penalty on the play of course. There was no indication at the time that Royer was hurt, at least to my knowledge--didn't hear anything on the broadcast or any comments from spectators. On the other hand, he did not play in the Spokane game on Saturday night. And the suspension is still listed as "to be determined". This usually means the league is waiting to see how serious a player's injury is. So maybe there is a delayed injury.

In 2001-2002 the league failed to suspend a Seattle player for an elbow to the head of Joey Hope (called a five-minute major, 40 seconds into the game, in circumstances that seemed premeditated) which gave him a severe concussion, and their explicit reason was that Hope stayed on the ice and kept playing. Hope had a delayed reaction and had to leave the game a couple of minutes later; to the league, this was a sign that he wasn't that hurt. Every circumstance of that incident was more severe than this one, and yet that one went unpunished and Leipsic got at least one game and maybe more. Let's be charitable. Perhaps the league really is getting more enlightened on matters like this. A good thing, depending on how consistent the enforcement is the rest of the season.

Bumbarger also throws this in:

Also of note is what has gone one between Tri-City and Portland already. Last week it was Portland who sent the video to the league for supplemental discipline and got a two-game suspension for Jordan Messier, and this week Tri-City did it with Leipsic. You also have the Americans pinching Lukas Walter out from under the Winterhawks' noses, which while perfectly legal took them by surprise, and possibly forced them to cancel an exhibition game.  (OregonLive)

Maybe I'm misinterpreting the tone, but Walters was placed in waivers.  I'm pretty sure that means the Hawks didn't want him and that any team is free to pick him up--which Tri-Cities did.  To say that's the reason they had to ("possibly") cancel a pre-season game is bizarre.  He was on waivers so he was off their roster, he wouldn't have been available for their pre-season games unless no one claimed him on waivers (I don't know how much time they allow a player to be on waivers).  To say he was "pinched out from under the Winterhawks' noses" is, I dunno, inaccurate?  Inflamatory?  Look, I'm not trying to start a blog war or anything, I just thought the choice of wording was interesting.  I DO agree with Bumbarger on the hopes the league is "getting more enlightened" and even moreso the hope that the league enforcement will be consistent.

**UPDATE**

Judging by the information/speculation/whatever in this message board thread (it won't let me link it, it's message thread #29228)), Portland invited Walter to camp, didn't list/sign him therefore he's still essentially up-for-grabs.  And Bob grabbed him.  Apparently that isn't the nice thing to do, but it's legal according to the league who has to sign off on it.  Now Bob is "underhanded", not to be trusted, not above board, doesn't follow the rules, and he "sniped" Walter.  Oh and he's "somewhat jealous of the Hawks organization".  

 

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Marcus Messier has been suspended:

Four games for double minor for cfb at Spokane on October 1  (WHL)

Guess the league is really, truly cracking down.  Good.  Again, hope it stays consistent.

Roster Moves

Olli Dickson sent to Spruce Grove Saints AJHL

U-G-L-Y You Ain't Got No Alibi, You UGLY

I'm guessing, and it is just a guess since I'm not in on coaching meetings, that the plan for Comrie and Rimmer is to have them rotate game-to-game, which is what we've seen.  I am also guessing the plan was to throw in Comrie and have him sink or swim early to get him used to the pressure and increase his stamina and so on so that he could really take the reins later in the season.  I don't know if that's a good plan or if it's even a plan at all, but to throw him into Spokane's home opener...not sure I agree with that move.  I get wanting to get him accustomed to pressure and whatnot, but I don't want to see his confidence shattered.

All that being said, I do not for one minute pin the loss entirely on Comrie.  At all.  They gave up 4 power play goals to the Chiefs.  That is pitiful.  For a team that has always had a PK to be proud of, it's stinking to high heaven.

Saturday, the Spokane Chiefs were 4-for-12 on the power play against Tri-City. First, 12 power plays is about 12 too many to give a team like Spokane. Second, the PK appeared to have no life at times. Guys trying to get the puck out of the zone sent it to a Spokane player at the blue line and the Chiefs were back in business

Over the last 10 years, the Americans ranked in the top 10 in the WHL five times, finishing first in 2007-08 with a sterling 88.4 percent kill rate. In 2005-06, they were 13th, but their average was a respectable 83 percent.

With players like Mason Wilgosh, Justin Feser, Brendan Shinnimin and some long-armed defensemen, 68 percent is unacceptable. These guys have proven they are some of the top PK guys in the business — and again it's still early — but we haven't seen that killer instinct come out yet.

The one way to improve in this category is to stay out of the penalty box. Last year, the Americans were one of the least penalized teams in the WHL. In four games, they averaging 20.5 PIMs a game.
Something's just not right here.  (Red-Light District)

It's early, we're only 4 games in so (theoretically) these kinks will be worked out.  Hopefully sooner rather than later.  It also goes without saying but I'm saying it anyways, they aren't going to win all 72 games.

I had a lot of trouble with the streaming feed again last night and I know I'm not the only one.  I heard only 2 of Spokane's 7 goals.  It cut out all the time and everytime the feed came back it played an ad first.  Then promptly cut out again.  Very frustrating.  Words I never thought I'd say:  I like the old Sports Frequency feed better.  And that's saying something.

Guest Post from Sister

Sister was at the game in Portland last night, and per my request begging, took some notes and put together a post for y'all.  Enjoy!
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Best game ever from Sam Grist. Not even kidding. He was responsible and smart and had a spring in his step that I've never seen before. I was really impressed tonight. Sam even played a shift on the 5-on-3! Yes, our Sam!

Best game so far that I've seen for Michal Plutnar. He appears confused sometimes when the boys come out to set up a play, but then shows solid instincts once play is going. [Photo here] Then he got all fiery when Portland's Sven Bartschi pushed him into the boards in the 2nd period, so he has the passion, too. Now all he needs is 15 pounds (or so). Boy needs cheeseburgers.

The power plays were numerous but meh. The third one I even called "meek" in my notes. Young Brian Williams got a couple power play shifts -- boy is he fast. I can't wait till he gets some chemistry going with his teammates. Portland was all over him (when they could catch him) but he drew at least one penalty in the 2nd. I don't know where my boyfriend Royer went in the 1st but I hope he's not hurt. Malte Milk Balls got his first goal (assist from B-Will, as he was getting clobbered by two Hawks) right as a power play ended and then got a lot more ice time as the game went on. Gotta love Stromwall's energy and competitiveness. His goal marked the shift in momentum that the Ams rode till the end. Well, they let up a little and allowed a couple breakaways in the second half but RIMMER was on FIRE. Put on a clinic in the latter half. [Photo here] Even Captain Hughey played a little defense and stopped one rush himself in the 3rd. [Photo here]

Although, Rimmer pitched a Calvin Pickard-style fit after the Portland goal (1st period). [Photo here] I laughed. But at the Rose Garden they have enormous high-definition replay screens. [Photo here] The fans heckled Rimmer for the rest of the game, even after they began booing their own team in the 3rd. Taylor Procyshen said we Ams fans didn't know much about hockey, but holy crap the Portland fans have got to be worse. They bitch when one of the Hawks gets nudged in a regular hockey play, and they wouldn't know a clean hit if it hip-checked them on open ice.

I sat a little higher up than usual and was pleased to see the Ams looking ten times more organized than last weekend's games. Odd that pucks got shot over the glass SIX times in one game. But seriously, watch Drydn Dow sometime. I counted four shots on goal by him in just the first period. But look at how there's no lane on his side of the ice. I really liked him paired with Grist tonight.

Mitch Topping is unreal. There's just no way he's only 18. He seems to already have great chemistry with the rest of the team and he seems to be communicating a lot on the ice. [Photo here] Well done, Bob.

As always, I was totally impressed with Connor Rankin's work ethic, decision-making, and fearlessness. I love the quiet, reliable, hard-working, and consistent Holland and Feser (both with two points tonight). Yuen came out a +4 and he played big. I wonder what he was smiling about in the 3rd period! You can't beat the tenacity of Shinny -- he hasn't missed a beat. Hughey, Wilgosh and Marcus Messier worked their butts off, too. But it's worth mentioning twice that Sam Grist had the best game that I've ever seen him play. Srsly.

Other photos:
Silly Willy

Malte much photo

Daddy Issue Dancers (So glad the Ams are keeping the girls tasteful)

1st star, Rimmer

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Note from Dave:  I was able to tune in to part of the game and the new streaming--UStream--blows.  And sucks.  It sounds like Westie's calling the game through a walkie-talkie, there were ads in the middle of play (but not during any timeouts).  With all the problems last year of the feed cutting out I can see why they switched, but it's not necessarily what I would call "better".  And it did cut out during the 3rd, for a minute I thought the game was over super early (I was half listening and trying to entertain family) then sure enough it came back with just over a minute left.  Here's to hoping some of the kinks can get worked out.  I can handle the walkie-talkie sound, but ads during play and whatnot...not so much.  I know I should quit whining, it's free for me to tune in and I get what I pay for, but still.

Boys are in Spokane tonight, I'm sure it'll be another good one!