Shots from the Point: Game Day @ Kelowna edition

The Americans still high in Buzzing the Net's bizarre ranking system:

2. Tri-City Americans, WHL (.576, +2) — Are they a team in the truest sense more than anyone else in the Western league or perhaps the whole CHL? Tri-City is high in the standings without the benefit of having a player Hockey Canada thought enough of to bring to world junior tryout camp.  Having said that, goalie Ty Rimmer had his boosters, forward Patrick Holland was at the summer camp and Zach Yuen will have a better case as a 19-year-old next season. The three-pronged rivalry in the U.S. Division between Tri-City, Portland and Spokane is promising to be lively once again in the new year, once the rosters are set.  (BTN)

What, the Chiefs aren't in first place??  I wonder why...

The Chiefs dropped a 4-1 game to the Edmonton Oil Kings on Tuesday, after taking a 1-0 lead in the first. Spokane is 0-5-1-2 on the road and the only team in the WHL without a road win. The Chiefs can try again today at Red Deer.  (Red Light District)

As Buzzing the Net noted, no Americans players will be going to the World Juniors this year.  But Eric Comrie will see some elite tournament action:

The Americans will bring in goalie Brett Teskey to fill in for Eric Comrie when he plays for Team Pacific in the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from Dec. 29-Jan. 4 in Windsor, Ontario. Teskey, 18, was the backup behind Nathan Lieuwen for the Kootenay Ice last year when they went to the Memorial Cup. Teskey is playing for the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League this season. He was 6-3-0-0 through Monday.  (Herald)

Meanwhile, I'm obviously not the only one to notice how incredibly awesome the defense is this year from top to bottom:

Sixty-two goals. That's all the Tri-City Americans have allowed in 25 games.

It's the second fewest allowed by any of the 22 teams in the Western Hockey League, and the defense, solid goaltending and the stingy penalty kill unit have kept the puck out of the net.

"That's the key to any good team; the defense," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team has won four in a row and nine of its last 10. "Our defense, as a group of eight, are doing a really good job and have gone unheralded. The last 10 games we've really found a rhythm."

Yuen is the catalyst that keeps the defensive unit running smoothly.

He has four goals and nine assists, but his most impressive stat is his team-high plus-18 rating. Defensive partner Mitch Topping has 12 points and a plus-16 rating.

"Zach and Mitch complement each other really well," Hiller said. "Both broke into the league at 16, and both being 18, they have played a lot. To be a defenseman in the league at 16 is tough."

The No. 2 pairing of Sam Grist and Michal Plutnar is just as effective. Grist, a second-year player, is a plus-9, while Plutnar, a rookie from the Czech Republic, is a plus-4 with three goals and four assists.

"You see the growth in players during the season, and Sam is an example of that," Hiller said. "We saw it in the playoffs with his assertiveness. His overall play has improved, and his confidence has grown. Michal has a remarkable ability to understand the game for being just 17. The language barrier hasn't been much of an issue. He understands what he did wrong before he can get back to the bench and we yell at him."

Drydn Dow and Derek Ryckman are a solid third-line pair.

Ryckman brings the size and strength, and Dow the speed and ability to bring the puck up the ice.

"We are confident with them up against another team's top line," Hiller said. "There is no need to panic to make a change as there was in the past." (Herald)

The boys are in Kelowna tonight to take on the Rockets.  These two teams always put on a good battle so it should be a good one.  Join the liveblog if you dare.  

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Movember winner(s)

How could I not, really?  So yes, there are two winners this year.  I could easily make it four if I include all the facial hair on MacMaster and Dow.  Fifty dollars will be donated in the names of Willy and Big Mess to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Congrats boys (and thanks for posing for this great pic for me)!

Post-game vs. Regina

Just when I was about to say Patrick Holland potentially gets my vote for Unsung Hero of the year, he goes and lights up the scoresheet with a goal and a couple of helpers.  Keeping in mind that I am not a scout nor do I know what NHL scouts look for, but if I were a scout for the Calgary Flames, I'd sure be happy with Holly's all-around game.  He's just solid from one end of the ice to the other.  Not flashy, not super physical, but just reliable, consistent, and my goodness can the kid skate.

Speaking of not-so-flashy, it was another great game from Big Mess.  From the angle where I was I didn't see the fight, or very much of it anyways, but I did see the spattering of blood on the ice from it.  Regardless, I'm not sure I like him fighting.  He's already had a couple of concussions, it just makes me nervous.  Otherwise he's been doing good work, parking his big body in front of the opposing goalie and making room.

Another guy parking himself in front of the net is Connor Rankin.  You'd be blind if you haven't seen how teams are focusing in on him and really working him over.  That is part of the job of being in that position.  He's battling like a champ, but he's still not quite big enough to be as effective as Neal Prokop was.  *sigh* I miss Neal Prokop.

It was a decent game for Riley Guenther, nice to see him get his first WHL point.  He and Hamonic both got in some playing time over the weekend and played well.  Obviously their playing time is going to be limited, it's a nice problem to have, from a fan standpoint.  I don't remember the last time the Americans had this much depth at defense.  It probably wasn't that long ago quite honestly, but still.  It's impressive.

Shinnimin was right (not that he wouldn't be) in his interview I had with him the other day when he said his skating is more explosive this season.  Wow.  Those of you who sit high up in the stands, you get to see plays develop a lot more and you see sort of the bigger picture.  When you're up close you get a real sense of the speed.  Trust me, it's even more intense when you're right there with no glass between you and the play.

"Points are nice," said Patrick Holland, who had a goal and two assists. "At the end of the day though, our line is just as big a part of the win as points. I love playing on this line. The special thing about it is you get to play with the top defensemen (Mitch Topping and Zach Yuen), and Topping is easy to play with."

[...]

"On our line you have to take pride in what you do, it's not all about the points, though they are nice to get," said Messier, who plays on the checking line with Holland and Wilgosh. "Holding Weal off the score sheet was nice." (Herald)

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And now the moment you've been waiting for, my pick for the Movember winner.  Well, you're just going to have to wait a little longer.  I have to go through game photos from last night and make a decision.  I'm down to 4 possible winners--Mason Wilgosh, obviously, and Jordan Messier are top picks.  But if I'm including all facial hair, it IS no-shave November, then I can't dismiss Drydn Dow or Nate MacMaster.  So I have to decide if I'm going with just moustache or all the facial hair, then pick from there.  Besides, it will give me something to blog about tomorrow :)

Game Day vs. Regina

Whew! I survived 3 days with family.  More importantly, they all survived too--even had a good time at the game last night.  I think it was the bacon-wrapped turkey that helped us all get along so well.  Bacon has magical powers like that.

Bullet points from the last two games:

• The game against Portland was greasy, sloppy, whatever you want to call it.  But I'll take it, especially when Mac Carruth looks like a whiny babyhead.
• I don't know that the Ams necessarily got out-worked in that game, but they did get out-goalied for a lot of it.
• Really nice to see Nate MacMaster back on the ice, effective and feisty as ever.
• The play of Marcus Messier, Brian Williams, and Connor Rankin.  Hell yeah.
• Don't overlook the outstandingness of Dow and Ryckman.  Traditionally the 5th & 6th D-men get less playing time, but not this team.  All 6 (or 7 with Hamonic in last night) can all log a shitton of ice time, and kick ass while doing so.
• Malte, my poor Malte.  Some nights you can tell he's really on it and his confidence is high.  Other nights, like last night, he looked defeated.  I just gotta remember he's 17, getting used to North American hockey.  Maybe he needs to remember that too, I don't know.  But I believe in Malte.
• Mason Wilgosh's breakaway goal.  HOT.
• Decent game by Comrie last night, team in front helped by limited Swifty to 25 shots.

And what has being going on the last couple days that I've missed:

Coming Down the Pipe takes a look at the potential problem Team Canada might have in goal at the World Juniors this year.  They toss in the idea of our Ty Rimmer being a goalie way off the radar but maybe should be considered:

What that means is unclear but one has to wonder if there is a wild card out there that could be a huge surprise December invite. It wouldn't be the first time that a spot went to a previously unheralded guy - think of Calgary Hitmen keeper Martin Jones a couple of years ago for example.

Maybe what Hockey Canada has to do is turn over more stones, beat the bushes even harder and look waaaaay off the radar. Maybe so far as to even consider and American.

Statistically speaking, the top netminder in the CHL right now is Tri-City Americans goalie Ty Rimmer. The 19-year-old from Edmonton leads the entire country in both goals against average (1.77) and save percentage (.941). No question, Rimmer's name and Hockey Canada have probably never appeared in the same sentence but there is no denying that he's had a strong 2011-12 campaign.

With four camp slots reserved for pipemen, maybe the answer to Hockey Canada's goalie question will be found by looking outside the box. (Coming Down the Pipe)

I find it interesting Calvin Pickard isn't mentioned in their analysis at all.

I've been a Drydn Dow believer from the very start.  But it's been a long road for Drydn to make his true value known.  He never got a lot of playing time, but when injuries stacked up last season he logged a ton of time at forward, where his small but quick style worked quite well for him.  He's not afraid to get gritty and do some work.  I am so glad to finally see his patience and hard work paying off.  Additionally, playing alongside Ryckman has helped both their games.

"I feel like this is the first year I'm playing to my ability and earned a role on the roster every night," said Dow, who has one goal and two assists in 23 games entering tonight's home game against Swift Current.

"The first year, there were times I felt out of place. I wanted to be here and play for this team. I can't ask for any more than I've been given. It was worth the struggles of the first year."

"When he came in, we had an automatic chemistry," Dow said. "He's an awesome defenseman. There was a time my rookie year I played five or six games with (Jarrett) Toll. It was fun to play with a guy of that caliber. I've been all around the horn. It's nice to finally find a guy to be paired with on a regular basis."

Dow and Ryckman had a little history between them before they ended up with the Americans.
"We lived together back in the day when we were trying out for the Drumheller Dragons (Alberta Junior Hockey League)," Dow said. "He made the (Lethbridge) Hurricanes that year, and I was sent back to midgets."

"Last year was interesting," Dow said. "I came in expecting to play more, but we had a solid team. I wasn't playing to my ability. Then, we had a bunch of injuries, and Jim (Hiller) gave me a chance to play up front. That gave me confidence."

"He has persevered not one year, but parts of two," Hiller said. "He wasn't an everyday player, but one we relied on. It took him a couple of years, but now he's very dependable. He's in his comfort zone and has confidence to excel.

"He and Ryckman complement each other," Hiller continued. "They are the same age. Derek is big, strong and physical, and Dowsie gets up the ice better."  (Herald)

Tonight the Regina Pats are in town, including former Americans Tanner Olstad and Nils Moser.  They are coming off a 5-2 win in Everett last night.  If nothing else, the Tips at least wore them down a bit.  Then again, the Ams are on game 3 in 4 nights.

Game Day vs Portland

SWX caught up with some of the boys to talk about Movember:

Each November, thousands of men grow out facial hair to support men's health issues. It's called Movember. The Tri-City Americans are taking part. Hockey players are known for mullets and facial hair and the Americans are no different. Despite many being just teenagers, many Ams players are celebrating Movember in style.

"I got kind of a hybrid going. I think I got a little bit of handlebars down here, a little bit of a goatee. I think it's a lot better than last year for me because I didn't have the connectors going," said Jordan Messier, Americans forward.

A quick look around the team shows many Ams players are taking part. Styles range from the Fu Manchu look, to the neat trimmed moustache to the all-out goatee. So whose facial hair is most impressive?

"Other than myself probably Mason yeah," said Mitch Topping, Americans defenseman.

"I'd say myself but I mean Wilgosh is pretty solid," said Nate MacMaster, Americans left wing.

How does Mason Wilgosh feel about not only being team captain but having the best facial hair on the team?

"I feel good about it you know, I think maybe they go together really good but I don't know. It is nice to have the moustache along with the captain too," Wilgosh said.

But not all Ams players are as successful.

"Connor Rankin's is pretty bad. Eric Comrie too is just greasy," Topping said.

Maybe those struggling to grow it out will have to wait a few more years. (SWX)

I pick my favorite facial hair on Saturday, it's going to be a tough call, there's some greasy 'staches on those boys.

There are boys who have refrained from the Movember facial hair business, one being Malte Stromwall.  I'll be damned if he's not the cutest thing ever.  Aw hell, I'm pretty sure I'm damned for saying he's the cutest thing ever.  Anywhoooooo.... he's been struggling a lot with the North American game, learning how to be a better all-around player, not just a super sniper.  As a result, his confidence has been dragging so friend of the blog, Aeris, came up with a great sign:

It says "I believe in Malte" in Swedish.  And look at all the glitter!!  It's a work of art.  Hopefully he starts feeling better about his game, I think that sick goal the other night against Kamloops sure helps too.

Portland is in town tonight.  I sure do not like them.

"We started out with three of our first seven games against them," Tri-City coach Jim Hiller said. "Both teams have been playing better since then. It's good to get them back in our building again."

The Americans (16-6-0-0) and Winterhawks lead the U.S. Division and Western Conference with 32 points, though Tri-City has three games in hand. The Winterhawks (15-8-1-1) are coming off a 5-2 win over Regina on Tuesday.

"The last couple of years, they have given us the most trouble," said Winter-hawks coach Mike Johnston, whose team is 0-3 against Tri-City this season. "They are a good hockey team, they play well and they play well at home. Those are big factors."

The teams haven't played each other since Adam Hughesman had a hat trick and Ty Rimmer shut out the Winterhawks on Oct. 9, which doesn't seem that long ago -- but the Americans have played 15 games against 12 different teams in that time span.

"They are all big games," Hiller said. "It makes both teams better. You have to be focused because the quality of the competition is that good. The Kamloops game (a 3-2 win on Saturday) was a high-intensity game and it was physical. Portland is strong and they have some big guys. They are very similar."  (Herald)

I make no promises of any kind of post-game analysis tomorrow, I have a couple birds to cook, including a bacon-wrapped turkey.  Srsly.  Be jealous that you won't be at my house.  I'll have family in town the rest of the weekend so I don't know how much new content will be going on around here.  I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.  And remember to give thanks for all the blessings in your life, that's what it's really all about (not the bacon-wrapped turkey).

Brendan Shinnimin interview

I've been hard on Shinny in the past so I was, quite frankly, surprised he agreed to do the interview.  Then I remembered that ALL these boys are so nice.  "Nice" is such a generic term, but it's true.  They're well mannered and polite.  Plus, and I think hope he knows that I'm hard on him cuz I heart him and his talent and everything he's brought to the team.  It's been a real treat watching him grow and develop as a player and a young man.

DS: The team is coming off another successful season.  What have you, as part of the leadership group, been able to carry over into this season?

BS: I'm just trying to kind of play the same way I did last year and create energy and y'know always working hard--something that not only myself but the three 20s have brought. A lot of talk and a lot of excitement in the room. I think that's been something that's really been helping our team.

DS: You had the opportunity to go to the Phoenix Coyotes camp, tell me about that--what was that experience like?

BS: It was a really good experience, I was a little bit more comfortable this year after having a camp under my belt. I had a really good camp and they ended up offering me a contract but it wasn't quite what myself and my agent were hoping for so we decided to come back here and play another year of junior knowing we'd have a great team and have a shot for the Memorial Cup.

DS: Is there anything specifically that you took away from that experience that has helped you improve as a player this year?

BS: Absolutely. Playing up there you don't have as much time, so you always have to be skating, you have to be aware. It's something you can bring back here and really excel as a player. Knowing you're not going to have the time at the next level so you can work on that at this level to prepare for the next jump. Always skating, always driving to the net are some things I learned are important at the next level.

DS: What goals did you set for this season, personal and teamwise?

BS: Teamwise first, obviously the Memorial Cup would be the ultimate goal, the combination of veterans and new guys creates an exciting team and I think we have a very legitimate shot of doing that. For myself would be to sign a contract and to move on to the American Hockey League and eventually the NHL would be my personal goal.

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

BS: I think my skating is a lot better, I think that's one of my major improvements. I didn't think I was a bad skater last year but I got really explosive over the summer and I think I'm a lot quicker. I think that has to do with the success that I bring.

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

BS: Probably be a bit more physical, that'd be one of 'em. I like to look for the turnovers opposed to trying to creating it. That'd be one thing for sure.

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

BS: I try to sorta base my play off (Martin) St. Louis and Brian Gionta. Those are two guys I watch and they're similar players to myself, being smaller guys so I try watch what they do and try to do the things they do to succeed at that level.

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

BS: I don't really have any weird rituals, I just kinda do the same thing everyday. The same dynamic warmup, just the same thing--when I get to the rink I tape my stick. But it's not anything really unusal.

DS: Nothing weird like goalies do?

BS: (laughs) No, goalies have some weird things. I just try to do the same things, but nothing really out of the ordinary.

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

BS: You get to learn a lot from the other players, not only as a player but as a person. It helps you to better your game and in the long-run makes your team better and you build friendships that last a lifetime.

DS: And for you that's especially true with all of you guys that have played together since a young age, right?

BS: Absolutely. Y'know for Hughey and Wigosh anyway, it's been a friendship since we were five years old so it's kinda cool to be able to keep that going over all these years and still be playing together.

DS: Besides someone in your family, who has influenced you the most in your hockey career?

BS: Todd Davison, an assistant coach of mine in midgets. He passed away from cancer so he was the same type of player I was, a small guy, skilled. He taught me a lot, that's one guy who has influenced me quite a bit.

DS: Tell me a little bit about your family

BS: I have mom and dad, John and Maureen. I have two sisters, Lauren and Taryn. My older sister has lived in Vancouver for 3 years and my younger sister is pursuing dance in Winnipeg and try to make to some sort of next level in that, I'm not sure what that is, but she's working on that and going to school.

DS: Do your parents get out here a lot, I know your mom was in town this past weekend?

BS: They try to get out, once for sure, they try to get out twice a year. My dad saw me in the Alberta swing and he'll probably be out for the next Alberta swing as well. I'm sure they'll try to get down one more time for sure this year.

DS: Who is the best prankster on the team?

BS: Best prankster? I'd have to say it's close between Willy and MacMaster. They're just pretty good popsters, if anything's going on they'll try to blame it on other people but it's really them. They like to stir the pot a lot.

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

BS: That's always a tough question I get asked every once in a while and I never can think of anyone off the top of my head. I'm going to have to get back to you on that one.

DS: Ok, no worries. What's the best advice you ever got and from whom?

BS: I'd say Todd Davison, when he was coaching me in midget, just said to not to worry if, at the next level, you're not playing or just starting out, to keep working hard and earn your ice time. Earn everything you get, it's not going to come easy and that's kind of been the story of my hockey career, I've never been given anything. I've used that to get to where I am, worked hard to get where I am, and haven't really been given anything.

DS: What hobbbies or activities do you have away from the rink?

BS: I like to play XBox with the guys on the team, there's quite a few guys. We go online and play XBox together--Call of Duty and NHL.

DS: Do you play yourself in NHL?

BS: Not too often, I do a little bit. Usually play with the NHL teams.

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

BS: I have a lot of Justin Bieber on my ipod. Might be a little unusual, but I like Justin Bieber so...(trails off)

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

BS: Brad Pitt.

DS: Waffles or pancakes?

BS: Waffles.

DS: Good choice my friend. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me.

OT Win

Before I forget (as if I would) let's talk about how awesome Malte's goal was.  So sick.  He's slowly getting some points on the scoresheet though he's doing better with his all-around game.  I imagine it's very difficult when he's being tossed onto different lines every night shift.  Getting chemistry and rhythm with linemates gets tricky when that's happening.  But if he keeps it up, his confidence will continue to grow and he'll just keep getting better.

Overtime game winning goal by Feser--that one was pretty damn hot too.  It was a rebound on a beauty shot by Derek Ryckman, who had a great game.  Talk about someone getting into the rhythm. 

"I have a long reach and I was able to poke it away, Ryckman said. "He gave it back to me, but it was a good thing he was waiting for the rebound. A little Red Deer connection."

Feser said he thought Ryckman, who still is looking for his first goal with Tri-City, had a better shot, but was ready just in case.

"I thought he was going to shoot it -- he did off the back pad. It came off right into the slot and I went to the net." (Herald)

Blazers got down by 2 and started gooning it up.  Lame.  Obviously I'm biased, but Kamloops was working over Americans all night, especially Rankin and Shinnimin.  When Ams tried to retaliate/defend themselves, they'd get called for penalty, including stupid unsportsmanlike.  Granted, it would help if Shinnimin & Co. didn't take a hit and then look immediately to the refs saying "you gonna call that?"  I generally avoid commenting on the quality of refereeing in the WHL, mostly because it'd be more productive to smash my head against the wall.  But c'mon.

Moving on to more pleasant topics, there's only a week left before I make the final decision on who the Movember winner is.  Clearly Mason Wilgosh is yearning to be the winner again.  However, he should keep an eye on Derek Ryckman who is giving him some serious competition.  And all natural I might add (keeping it blonde, not dyeing it with Just for Men).

Finally!

It's been, what, 3 weeks?  Finally we have the boys back on home ice.  Tonight they face the red hot Kamloops Blazers.  They are 2nd in the BC Division, but that is misleading, the Blazers have played 3 fewer games than the #1 Giants and have a better winning %.

The Ams sounded flat last night, could be because I was so exhausted I was barely listening.  They outshot the T-Birds 14-7 in the 2nd and 15-9 in the 3rd so it wasn't a complete lack of trying, but Behbeh Pickard always has the answer.  That jerk.

So hopefully the boys will be inspired to come out big in front of the home crowd.  And I've been told to be on the lookout for the killer Movember 'stache on the Captain.  

Additionally, it's Sister's birthday tomorrow so the boys should give her a win tonight :)

Game Day @ Seattle

"We haven't seen Seattle all year, not even in the preseason," Tri-City coach Jim Hiller said. "It will be new for everyone. Twenty games into the season and a new opponent.

"It's a new season for everyone," Hiller continued. "You can throw out last year. Calvin is always a handful in goal. You have to make sure you get a lot of shots if you want to get something by him." (Herald)

This is another one of those games like against Lethbridge where on paper it should be an easy game.  But the Americans shouldn't approach it as an easy game.  Seattle will make them work and like coach said, you gotta get a lot at Calvin to even hope to score on him.  Additionally, they face Kamloops on Saturday who are having a good year and will definitely be a challenge so tonight's game will shake off the week-off legs and get the Ams back into game mode.

There will be a liveblog tonight, though I may be late--I got plans, yo.  Game time is 7:35 so pre-game at 7:20-ish.

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Habitat for Humanity

Some of the boys weathered (no pun intended) the cold to help out with Habitat for Humanity today.  Here's Adam:

Mitch Topping and Derek Ryckman:

Shinny with the hammering skills:

The boys:

Looks like Dow, Ryckman (?), Hamonic in the back there, Grist, Wilgosh, Shinny, Topping, and Big Mess there in front.  Good work boys!

Eight members of the Tri-City Americans hockey team helped build the frame of a home Wednesday morning in Pasco.

The team partnered with Habitat for Humanity to lend their services for about four hours this morning.

Mitch Topping, Americans Defenseman, said this is the perfect opportunity to help a community out that has done so much for the team.

"This is a minor thing that we can do to help out the community," Topping said. "What this community does for us to support the team, this is the least we could do."

Players grabbed hammers and nailed in framing for windows and helped saw off two by fours to go into the house's frame.

Karen Rider, Habitat for Humanity, said the players were really hard workers and it meant a lot to the organization for them to come out.

"We just really appreciate the Americans supporting us in that way," Rider said. "Bringing out volunteers to help build the homes...we are grateful."

The home being built today is for the Htoo family.

Daniel and Sang Ra moved from Burma in 2009 and now work a couple of jobs just to make ends meet, but live in a small apartment with their five-month old daughter.

Habitat for Humanity in the Tri-Cities has built 70 homes since 1994, and 28 in the Pasco sub-division Terra Vida.  (KAPP/KVEW)

WANT

I want one!!!  This is the kind of thing the team store should carry.  And more than just 20 or however many they order so all the cool stuff is already gone by the time payday rolls around.  BTW, thank you Drinnan for stealing this off Adam's Twitter so that I wouldn't have to (I try to let their Twitters and Facebooks be their space, even if tweets are public).
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In other news, Buzzing the Net finally got something right, and I'm not just saying that because an Americans player is at the top of the list.  Ok, maybe I am just a little.  But still.

Here's a look at seven unexpected hot starts to take note of.

1. Ty Rimmer steals the show in Tri-City - When the Prince Goerge Cougars traded Rimmer to the Americans for Drew Owsley in the off-season, most thought the Cougars were clearly getting the better end of the deal. However, with Rimmer posting nine wins and maintaining a 1.75 goals against average and a .942 save percentage throughout 13 games, it seems the Americans are coming out on top of that goaltending swap.

The most surprising aspect of Rimmer's impressive start to the season is how his strong play has overshadowed highly hyped 16-year-old Eric Comrie. Most expected Rimmer and Comrie to split time between the pipes at the start of the year with Comrie slowly working his way into the No. 1 backstop job. But now, with Rimmer stealing the show in Tri-City, it seems Comrie will have to earn every start he receives.  (BTN)

To say the Ams have come out on top of the swap doesn't seem to take into account (imagine, BTN overlooked the glaringly obvious) the teams in front of the goalies.  Drew went to a shitty team so of course his stats are going to reflect that.  I'd venture to say having not personally seen any of Prince George's games that Drew is probably what even keeps them in it most nights.  Meanwhile, Rimmer's got a more talented team in front of him, several outstanding defensemen helping out, and competition to be the number one goalie.

**UPDATED**
A wise friend whose name starts with a C and ends with raig West reminded me of something more about Rimmer:

Let’s not forget Rimmer’s stats LAST YEAR don’t take into account the same thing you said about Owsley for this year. So that one works both ways. Even if Conolly were still with them they would still struggle.  Rimmer was 2-0 vs. us last year.

Backhand Shelf theories

If you haven't yet checked out "Backhand Shelf" you're doing yourself a disservice.  The writers over there, headed up by one of my faves Justin Bourne, are good and prolific.

Today one of the writers, Cam Charron, takes a look at scoring in the WHL, and theorizes (and bets money) on it.

I went out to see the Kamloops Blazers Saturday night with a couple of friends. The 5-2 result in favour of the home team is rather elementary compared to what happened in the course of the game. I frequently butt heads with a guy I know out here. He’s a straight-up traditionalist when it comes to hockey and has no time for the more progressive theories that surround hockey.

So I’ve started making bets with him.

After the second period on Saturday night, with the Blazers leading the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-0 and outshooting them 37-7, (the shot count was probably generous to Edmonton. I don’t think they touched the puck in the second) I confidently stated that Edmonton would out-shoot Kamloops in the third period. How come?

My friend is vaguely aware of all of “my” theories, including the idea that a team coming from behind will generate more shots on goal. It’s not so much theory as it is fact that teams will play to the score and the leading team is more likely to give up more shots. Is this driven by strategy or psychology? I’m not sure and therefore can’t answer, but I can confidently state that, especially at higher levels of hockey, there is a noticeable effect on which team is taking the shots as another pulls ahead.

So, we watched as Edmonton scored two goals to pull it to within 3-2. With each goal, Kamloops played with a touch more urgency to re-gain their lead. With each goal, Edmonton’s next one became harder to achieve. This effect isn’t noticed by the casual crowd, mostly made up of old-timers who aren’t used to seeing their home team lose like they have in the past decade, so they hurled insults at the team, convinced that the Blazers were just dogging it after 40 minutes of hard work.

Kamloops’ JC Lipon scored on a rebound on a 2-on-1 to restore a cushion for the Blazers, and Chase Souto sealed it late with about five minutes to go. Still, the damage was done as I looked over to my confused friend. How did the Kamloops Blazers, leading 3-0 and outshooting their road-stricken opponent by more than 5:1 suddenly get out-shot in the third period 16-9?

Until we know for sure and coaches learn how to fix this trend, I will continue to make easy money by making the same bet every single time a team is dominating on the scoreboard after two periods. I don’t think I’ll keep making very many friends if I keep at this, however.  (Backhand Shelf)

Game Day at Lethbridge

The boys are in Lethbridge tonight, where apparently this thing is a big deal:

This massive steel trestle over the Oldman River was designed by the Canadian Pacific Railway's bridge department in Montreal. The field work was directed by CPR's Assistant Chief Engineer John Edward Schwitzer. The steel work was manufactured by the Canadian Bridge Company of Walkerville, Ontario. A 100 man gang worked on the erection of the steel. Although there were some initial problems with settlement, the bridge has proved to be an enduring engineering work and is still in use today.

This bridge is the largest railway structure in Canada. It was built as part of a major diversion of the Crowsnest Pass route between Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. The river crossing was previously over a wooden trestle measuring 894 m (2,933 ft) long and 20 m (66 ft) high; an impressive structure in its own right. (Wikipedia)

In terms of things actually relevant to hockey, there's this:

The Americans were a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and finished 2-for-3 on the power play. They have gone from 20th to seventh on the man advantage in a span of three games, converting on six of 11 chances.

"It goes in streaks," Hiller said. "We had had enough chances that hadn't gone in. It's an important part of the game. On the road you have to have good special teams." (Herald)

It was a very good game.  Both very talented teams, I think the Ams have a slight advantage with depth of forwards.  With the PP clicking on all cylinders they're pretty lethal.  You can check out a Tigers' fan perspective/analysis here.

Tonight it's the 'Canes.  It will be a good test.  Not in the sense that Lethbridge is very good, but a test in the sense that the Americans still need to come out and work all 60 minutes, they can't sit back and think it will be an easy win.  It could be an easy win if they work for it.  As we've seen against Everett, it's even harder to do on the road.  Derek Ryckman will be facing his former team, Max Moline will be facing his.  Maybe they'll duke it out.  Probably not.  I have zero inside information so this is purely conjecture, but I'd guess Comrie gets the start tonight.

Craig West will be calling his 1000th game for the Americans.  That's a big deal, congrats Westie!!

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Honor

Believe it or not, I'm terrible with words that matter.  And probably with words that don't matter, but when it's something I care about the most, I get all twitterpated and worry that my passion or caring won't be adequately portrayed in what I write.  Veteran's Day is one of those occasions.  Here's what I wrote last year:

I believe every day should be Veteran's Day. Not the day off part, but the honoring the men and women who have served (and are currently serving) this country part.

I've discussed repeatedly on this site the danger young hockey players face from head injuries, but it's nothing compared to what some of these returning veterans and their families are facing.  Whether or not you believe this war in Afghanistan and Iraq is fair or right or whatever, these men and women deserve the best care they can get.  And in this nation that claims to be the best country in the world, we are falling short of providing for those who have protected our rights so valiantly.  Veterans returning to the States are coming back not only with high levels of PTSD, but the veteran suicide rates are at record highs.  What an immense tragedy.

Off that soapbox, many of us feel helpless, but there are ways to help, the Disabled American Veterans, Freedom is not Free, Intrepid Fallen Heroes, or the National Military Family Association.  The organization Any Soldier walks you through how to send care packages to any soldier serving overseas.  Xerox sponsors Let's Say Thanks where you pick a card online, fill it out electronically, and Xerox will send it to any military personnel stationed overseas.

From GOOD:

• There are approximately 25 million veterans in America today, according to the Vietnam Veterans of America, plus about 37 million dependents of living and deceased veterans. Together, they compose about 20 percent of the United States.
• The unemployment rate for veterans was 13.3 percent in June 2011, and for males age 18 to 24 who served in the modern era, that rate is even worse: 21.9 percent. To give those figures some context, keep in mind that the national unemployment rate is a "staggering" 9.1 percent.
• The poverty rate for veterans climbed to 7 percent in 2010, according to a new Senate report [PDF]. There are now 1.4 million veterans living below the poverty line and 1.4 million others living barely above it. More than 12 percent of soldiers who served post-9/11 are poor.
• According to estimates by the Veterans Administration, about 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. And throughout the course of a year, about twice that many will experience homelessness. Of the homeless veterans, a full 56 percent are either black or Latino.
• Though the government is trying out new programs to combat post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD remains a problem for tens of thousands of veterans. From 2003 to 2008, 40,000 troops were diagnosed with PTSD, which doesn't count the thousands of others stricken with it from Vietnam, WWII, and other engagements.
• Besides PTSD, veterans also come home afflicted with serious depression and head injuries. The RAND Corporation found in 2008 that 19 percent of returning U.S. soldiers reported having possibly received a traumatic brain injury in combat. Beyond that, one in five said that they were experiencing either PTSD or major depression. Sadly, only about half of those suffering with depression said they'd sought out help for it.
• With untreated depression abounding in the veteran community, suicide has become a big problem. In 2009 and 2010, more enlisted soldiers and vets killed themselves than died in combat. The suicide rate among veterans is three times higher than the national average, and the Vietnam Veterans of America estimates that about 1,000 people per month [PDF] try to kill themselves while under Veterans Administration care.  (GOOD--Eight Interesting, Shocking, or Sad Things You Should Know About Our Veterans)

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."

- George Washington 

We're supposed to be the best nation in the world but how veterans are treated in this country (by the government, see the points put forth at the GOOD article) is a disgrace.  Exhibit #1:

I know that if I wasn't in my current line of work I would probably be doing something in the field of Veteran's Affairs, it's that important to me.  Even if one doesn't agree with the current wars (I do not), I believe it's an American responsibility to honor and support our military forces.  Every day.  Not just on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

Some other ways you can help via The Political Notebook:

In honor of Veterans Day, one way to acknowledge might be with a donation (even a little one) to a veterans advocacy or support organization. My choice organization is SWAN (Service Womens’ Action Network), which does some amazing advocacy and policy work supporting female veterans. They are at work engaging with policymakers and garnering support for related legislation or for parts of certain bills (full list here). They are also involved with two lawsuits: one in conjunction with the ACLU to fulfill a FOIA request to the Pentagon for records related to reports of military rape and sexual assault, the other a federal suit (Cioca et al v. Rumsfeld and Gates) filed on behalf of 16 military victims of sexual assault. The organization also provides peer support. There are also any number of really important veterans organizations to choose from. Here are a few possibilities.

• IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)

• Warrior Writers

• Wounded Warrior Project.

• Disabled American Veterans. 

• Iraq Veterans Against The War. (Support the troops but not the war? This particular organization has been heavily involved in Occupy Wall Street movements across the US.)

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In other news, it IS game day.  The boys are in Medicine Hat to take on Emerson Etem and the Tigers.  They sit at the top of the Central Division with a 14-5-1 record and a .725 winning percentage.  That Hunter Shinkaruk is pretty good too.

Meanwhile us Ams fans are sure hoping the offense is really waking up, especially after that great comeback in Kootenay.  The Herald points out an interesting Adam Hughesman factoid:

Hughesman has won a regular-season game in every barn in the WHL and scored a point in all but three.

Lethbridge's Enmax Centre is one of those barns. Calgary's Saddledome is another (Tri-City plays there Jan. 29), as is Swift Current's Credit Union iPlex, which will end up being the only blemish on Hughesman's otherwise brilliant career, as the Americans have no games there this season.

"I didn't know that," said Hughesman, who has scored a goal in 15 of the WHL's 22 rinks. "Personal goals are nice, but it's more important that we get the three wins on the road."

The odds are on Hughesman's side to get a point in Lethbridge. Of his 104 career goals, 46 have come on the road, as have 62 of his 162 assists.

"Adam has been very consistent since he was 16 right through now," Tri-City general manager Bob Tory said. "He has had a tremendous career. He probably doesn't get the recognition in the league he truly deserves. He does a lot in the community and he cares about his teammates, which is a special quality."  (Herald)

Note the start time is 6:30 for us in the Pacific timezone, so pre-game at 6:15.  Come join the liveblog if you're so inclined.

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Cardiac Kids with a comeback

wowza!  What a game!

The Americans have won four in a row on the road. . . . It was only the fifth victory for the Americans in their last 18 games in Cranbrook. . . . Tri-City trailed 3-1 eight minutes into the third period when it struck four times in 3:48 to take a 5-3 lead. . . . F Brendan Shinnimin had two goals and two assists for the Ams, while F Adam Hughesman had a goal and three helpers. . . . F Jesse Ismond had three goals for the Ice. . . . G Eric Comrie, who is 3-0 in his last four starts, went the distance for the Americans, playing in an arena where his brother, Mike, starred for part of one season (2000-01) with the Ice. . . . Craig West, the radio voice of the Americans, called his 998th Tri-City game. He will do No. 1,000 in Lethbridge on Saturday. His WHL total is well over a grand, though, as he is a former radio voice of the Spokane Chiefs. . . . The Americans are 13-5-0, matching the 1990-91 and 2007-08 teams for the second-best starts in franchise history. The best start? They opened 15-3-0 in 2009-10. . . . You want consistency? In each of the last six seasons, the Americans have won at least 11 of their first 18 games. . . .(Taking Note emphasis mine)

Actually, the best game recap is over at Jeff Bromley's Ice Chips.  Rather than copy and paste the whole thing, I'll encourage you to click here for the good read.  But a taste:

What Happened – The Ice stopped skating in the second and the Ams started. Then Ice didn’t have an answer for Brendan Shinnimin.

The Turning Point – Up 3-1 eight minutes into the third, the Ams had the Ice right where they wanted them. Four goals in 3:48 by the visitors left the place in utter shock.  (Ice Chips)

The Americans outshot the Ice 15-9 in the 2nd and 16-9 in the 3rd.  Dominating. The power play went 3-for-5 which is an improvement.  It's not all sunshine and roses, however.  They came out slow against a good team and got down by 2 very early.  They got into some penalty trouble--too many men?  Come on.  Knock that off.

Moving on, more ace reporting over at Buzzing the Net.  

Tri-City Americans left wing Mackenzie Royer is skating again after suffering a concussion six weeks ago. Meantime, his team had a nice win on Wednesday. (Red Light District, Tri-City Herald)

Apparently they missed the memo--the tweet from the Americans and my blog post--that Royer has, in fact, left the team to go home and recover.  Yes, the Herald reported he was back on ice on Monday, then the announcement was made on Tuesday.  It is now Thursday, BTN should have the story straight by now.  Whatever.

Game Day at Kootenay

A nice bit in the Herald today about MacMaster, Ryckman, and Rimmer and how coming to the Americans, how that change of scenery, has helped them out.

"We believe in second chances," Tory said. "It's not an exact science, but we have a lot of good things going for us. New players are welcomed in the dressing room. There is no pecking order -- it is a family environment. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity. It's a different environment when you play on a team struggling to win."

"This team is different in the sense we come to the rink expecting to win," MacMaster said. "That is the attitude you need to win. In Calgary, there were times we would drop four or five in a row. It was hard to stay positive. When you are 18 or 19 (years old), you aren't happy just to be in the league any more. You want more."

"In Lethbridge I was depended on a lot on the PK and the power play, and in all situations," he (Ryckman)said. "Here I get to concentrate on the defensive part of my game. It's a lot of fun to play here. The crowd is energetic and loud, and the guys are great."

"We have a great team here," Rimmer said. "The 20 guys and our staff are responsible for our record. It's a lot of fun to win, and a lot of hard work. I feel blessed with the opportunity to play here."

"I'm having a great time here," he said. "I love coming to the rink everyday. It's a treat to play with these guys. I believe our defensive corps is second to none in the league. They give me a chance to play more aggressive."

"I love playing in front of the home crowd," he added. "There were a lot green shirts (empty seats) in Prince George." (Herald)

Speaking of change of scenery, all-time leading scorer in Everett Silvertips history, Tyler Maxwell, has requested a trade. He doesn't like playing on a team that's rebuilding. Cry me a river, buttercup. Everyone wants to play on a winning team, get over it. He's a 20 so it'll be interesting if any team picks him up. He may have got himself in a pickle, going from playing on a shitty team to not playing at all. Get over your sense of entitlement there, cupcake.

The Americans are in Cranbrook tonight to take on the Kootenay Ice. Remember it's on Mountain time so pre-game starts at 5:45. There will be liveblog, but don't expect as much ridiculousness as the other night :)

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Mack Royer

The Americans announced via Twitter today:

@TCAmericans: Americans announce that F-Mackenzie Royer (19) has been sent home for recovery but will remain on the team's long term IR list.

Dear Portland dicks who thought he was faking,

Go ahead and EABOD.

No love, me

Fab Five

Each week Buzzing the Net has their "Dynamic Dozen" from around the CHL.  For the past couple of weeks Spokane has sat at the top.  This week, Spokane has dropped to #4 and the Americans are in the 2nd spot.  I thought for sure the Chiefs' 8-1 drumming of the Silvertips last night would put them back at the top, but honestly, I have no gomdamn idea how their ridiculous ranking system works.  Supposedly:

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. All three CHL leagues are considered equivalent in quality.  

So what did Sager have to say about our boys?

2. Tri-City Americans, WHL (.590, +2)— A changing of the guard as far as the Dub's highest ranking team goes. Tri-City fairly dominated the Spokane Chiefs with a 4-1 road win on Saturday.

Curiously, the Americans (12-5-0-0) are winning without any kind of power play (fifth-worst in the Dub). This is odd since their power play was pretty crackling the past two seasons. Eighteen-year-old defencemen Mitch Topping and Zach Yuen, who are both plus-13 on the year, are doing well anchoring a back end that only has one player aged 19 or older.  (BTN)

I've decided to come up with my own ranking system, but instead of the whole CHL, I'm keeping it in the WHL.  In the US Division, actually (hence the title of the post).  My rankings are based on the following:

• win percentage
• # of ugly-ass players on the roster
• strength of rivalry

It's very scientific and logical, just like Buzzing the Net.

1.  Tri-City Americans.  Obviously in the #1 spot.  Win percent at .706 which puts them at the top of the division.  Zero ugly-ass players, I mean seriously.  Even Lukas Walter is better looking than anyone on the other US Division team rosters.  I can't really use strength of rivalry since they aren't rivals with themselves, though I hear the scrimmages in practice get pretty heated.  There's some game of "rebound" that the boys play as well as playing each other in NHL 12 that cause some (hopefully) friendly competition.  But for real, the boys are really coming together, it took a bit longer to develop that chemistry than I had hoped for, but it's starting to click.  Now if only the power play would stop being so dreadful...

2.  Seattle Thunderbirds.  Ok, they don't have the WORST win percentage in the division, but close.  At .375 you'd think they'd be in last place, but they're not.  T-Birds are sitting in my #2 spot partially because of pity points, they've been soooooo terrible for so long, I just feel bad for them. I especially feel bad for Calvin Pickard who deserves a better team in front of him.  They don't have the ugliest team, though they are not up to the same level as the Americans.  Goodness, Calvin's got some crazy eyes in his roster pic. That will haunt my dreams, and not in the good way.  Within the US Division, I'd say this is the weakest rivalry with the Americans, again I think a lot of that comes down to how much the T-Birds suck.  A good rivalry develops when you have a competitive rival.

3.  Everett Silvertips.  Wow, what a shitty win %, sitting at .275.  Ouch.  The Tips have been decent for a number of years, since their entrance into the league, I suppose it's time for a rebuilding year in Everett.  Maybe I shouldn't have used win % in my ranking LOL.  They aren't an ugly team either, even their two Euros.  As far as a rivalry, this is one that has gone up and down over the years, ever since the beginning and the Kevin Constantine years.  I think there was some jealousy or something going on that angered a lot of other teams when this expansion team in their green jerseys were SO good as a new team.  And for the first several years of their existence.  I've never been to the Everett arena so I can't give my personal perspective, but I've heard from others that they have a relatively young/new hockey fan base and so they don't necessarily understand the ins-and-outs of the game.  I suppose that was true at some point, but not sure any more.  The Tips have been around long enough for fans to know what's going on.  That does not, however, explain the "and he still sucks" proclamation from Everett fans.  Ah well, who can explain fans, we got people taking their shirts off to Cotton-Eyed-Joe so who are Ams fans to talk I suppose.

4.  Portland Winterhawks.  Portland has a .600 win % and they've done their Central Division road swing so that's looking good for them.  But they're butt ugly.  Like Seattle, Portland was really shitty for a while.  Unlike Seattle, they've gotten better.  And that's when the rivalry heated up.  The tradition of the Hawks gooning it up when they don't like how the game is going has carried over from the crappy days, which has intensified the rivalry.

5.  Spokane Chiefs.  At the bottom of the pile for obvious reasons.  I don't care if they have a .679 win %, they've only played 4 away games.  Also, they are so ugly.  Even if some of the guys are ok looking, this guy cancels that out.  Actually it puts their looks in the negative department.  Gross.  In my magic rating system here which makes about as much sense as Buzzing the Net's, the intensity of the rivalry actually moves teams DOWN in the standings so of course Chiefs are at the bottom.  It's the most intense rivalry in junior hockey*, sometimes moreso between the fans than the players.  But sweet Jesus they are sure ugly.

*I have zero statistical data to back this claim up.  Just like the rest of this post, actually.

Game Day @ Spokane

It's 10 am as I write this and there is nothing on the Herald's sports page (online) about tonight's game in Spokane.  So I'll make something up.

"It's going to be intense, as games against Spokane usually are," said Hiller.  He kept mum on which goalie would be starting in net tonight for the Americans.

"It was a great feeling to finally get some goals last weekend," Shinnimin said.  "Hopefully I can continue to find success against the Chiefs.  I'm really lucky to have great linemates out there helping out."

Americans captain Mason Wilgosh knows work ethic is important.  "We have to be sure to go out and play hard all sixty minutes or they will capitalize.  We've worked on the power play in practice this week so we're hoping to have more success in that area as well."

We'll be liveblogging, probably with the help of booze, so bring the funny and join in.  Click on the "Read More".

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No Shave November

 

It's November which means it's No Shave November.  Or Movember.  Whatever you want to call it.  Above, of course, is last years' winner.  Boys, it's a contest.  Whomever has the best 'stache at the end of the month, I'll donate $50 in their name to the Movember organization that "raises funds and awareness for men's health". 

Get 'em growing gentlemen, you've got till the November 26th game against Regina to wow me with the lip caterpillar.

side note, this may be my favoritest picture I've ever taken.