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Stage is set for NZIHL Grand Final

And what a final it will be.

After a season filled with ups and downs, highs and lows and a tight race to the finish line, the NZIHL Grand Final will be between the Canterbury Red Devils and the Dunedin Thunder.

The Canterbury Red Devils come into the final as TKRT champs and with a second place record in the standings. They are also the current reigning league champs looking to make back to back trips to the podium. Host team Dunedin Thunder finished in first and captured their first Minor Premier trophy.With their back to back wins over the West Auckland Admirals last weekend, Dunedin secured their home ice advantage for the final.

For a more in depth look at the Grand Final match up, head on over to OnTheFlyHockey.com and give this article a read.

The NZIHL Grand Final will take place on August 24th. Get down to the Dunedin Ice Stadium and grab your tickets now. For all my Canadian fans and readers, you can check out the action at http://www.nzihl.tv. The action will start around 1:00 am EST.

Fan Voice: Matt Freedman and the Manchester Phoenix

The Manchester Phoenix were originally apart of the EIHL before moving over to the EPIHL. Matt Freedman is a die hard Phoenix fan who volunteers his time on game nights and tries his best to promote the game of hockey and recruit new fans.

March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Matt Freedman: I live in Manchester and got in to hockey as a result of playing hockey games on my old mega-drive (we all know which game I mean!). I decided I had to see this sport and went down to the old ice rink with my brother to watch the Trafford Metros, who were in the BD1 league back in 1993. I was blown away by the whole thing, and became hooked instantly. I fell out of love with the sport when the team became the Manchester Storm and moved to the arena. This may sound strange but I’d got so used to being really close to the action, and being around people who knew their hockey. The Storm just didn’t feel that way and I stopped going regularly.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the Manchester Phoenix?

MF: The same as makes any fan passionate I think. It’s a great sport played by proper sportsmen who know how to behave off the ice. The club has a great fan base, management team, product and atmosphere and I look forward to each game of the season like a kid on Christmas Eve! I volunteer on match nights and try to make the match night a great experience for all the newbies. It’s very satisfying to see a family come down time after time when you were part of their first game night. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Matt Freedman and the Manchester Phoenix”

Central Hockey League’s newest addition, the Brampton Beast

At long last I finally have a Central Hockey League I can call my own and cheer for! Let me introduce to you the newest squad to join the CHL, the Brampton Beast.

The CHL has finally found it’s way into the Canadian market with it’s expansion Beast. After consistently having financial trouble and struggling to put fans in the seats, the city’s OHL team, the Brampton Battalion, jumped shipped and moved to North Bay. Leaving the Powerade Center team less, the former owner of the Kingston Voyageurs and current president of KIMCO Steel in K-town, Gregg Rosen, immediately jumped on board with finding a way to bring a new franchise into Brampton.

Both the city and the CHL immediately gave their stamp of approval and the expansion team was born. Brampton held a name the team event with the two finalists being Bandits and the clear winner, Beast. Their roster is starting to take shape with already announcing 3 signing in the form of 3 Canadians, Brett Smith, Jason Pitton and Calin Wild. Smith was a former alternate captain with the Fort Wayne Komets and brings plenty of experience to the group. Pitton was a former draft pick of the New York Islanders and spent the majority of his career in the AHL.

The Beast are currently holding a guessing game through their Facebook and Twitter pages which allows fans to ask questions to guess who will be their AHL and NHL affiliates. Exciting times for the world of hockey in Brampton as they get a step up from the OHL.

Fan Voice: Anthony Russell and the Basingstoke Bison, Third Tier German Hockey

Anthony Russell is a passionate hockey fan with incredible hockey knowledge. We all know my obsession with Germany (if you don’t, now you do and don’t ask why.) and I jumped at the chance to learn more about the game there when Anthony asked to lend me a hand. Even if it is third tier, it’s a good look at seeing where hockey fits in Deutschland.

Along with giving me a great look at another EPIHL team, the Basingstoke Bison, Anthony runs his own blog covering the team and league itself. You can find that here.
March Hockey: Where are you located and how did you get into hockey?

Anthony Russell: I’ll take the second part of that first; I studied German at university which necessitated living there for a bit and I moved over in 2004. I lived in Rostock which is a town on the coast of the Baltic Sea and used to be part of communist East Germany. I walked to the end of the road and saw a poster that said “Neue Futterzeit, Sonntag 19 Uhr, REC Piranhas, Eishalle Schillingallee”. I went along, fell in love with Rostock Piranhas (and I still am) and it’s a love affair that’s lasted 10 years. When I left Germany to come back and finish my degree I realised I wanted to keep watching ice hockey. I had two choices; either get a bus to a train to a boat to go to the Isle of Wight and watch the Wightlink Raiders or get on a train to Basingstoke to see the Bison. That was November 2005 and I’ve been a mutual Piranhas and Bison fan ever since.

MH: What makes you a passionate fan of the Bison and of Rostock?

AR: I’m a sucker for punishment? In all seriousness I’m passionate about both teams for different reasons. I’m passionate about Rostock because they were my first connection to the sport. I fell into that and this weird English speaking dude has been embraced by people and the club. Basingstoke was my choice. I had a choice of a couple of places and that was the one I chose, albeit for convenience because I was a poor university student at the time but I chose them and stuck with it. We have won a sum total of zero trophies (sorry folks, the Oliverra 4on4 tournament doesn’t count) been in 2 cup finals that we lost, been to one finals weekend where we got knocked out in the semi final on sudden death penalties, nearly been bust twice but I keep going back. The sport and this club and the people I’ve met keep me going back. Continue reading “Fan Voice: Anthony Russell and the Basingstoke Bison, Third Tier German Hockey”

Commentary on Acadie-Bathurst Titan prospect, Jordan Boyd’s Death

Yesterday afternoon, Jordan Boyd said goodbye to his family and friends and left for his first QMJHL training camp in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Little did they know they would be seeing him for the last time. Boyd collapsed on the ice after complaining of stomach discomfort and paramedics tried to revive him. He was pronounced dead at the nearby hospital.

I realize that teams are building themselves to win. I realize that the game has changed tremendously since the 70’s and 80’s, hell even the early 2000s. My point is when will a young body be able to keep up with rigorous training schedules that all these players are forced into?

While I agree that a 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year training schedule produces some top talent, it takes a tremendous toll on the body. Especially at Jordan’s age. The body needs rest. Don’t get me wrong, I know it was his first day and that doctors had cleared him to play but something was clearly overlooked. The body needs proper downtime, the right nutrition and the right to have some fun.

At the same time, these rigorous training schedules are forcing thousands of potential players their careers. Some could be talented beyond their years but if they can’t hack the training, guess what, you’re out and demoted. It could also very well shorten your career just from the aches and pains the body takes.

It’s clear to see the influence that European hockey has had on the North American game. No, I’m not Don Cherry, I’m not bashing it at all. The focus is all about stick handling and what to do with the puck rather then a physical aspect of years past and that, at times is okay.

It might be time to recoil a little bit and bring the game back to basics. Pond hockey, outdoor rinks, players perfecting their skills by having fun. Not through an intense training regimen. At least tone it down if need be.

Anyway, just felt the need to comment and put my two cents in.

One on One with Phoenix Coyotes 2011 First Round Draft Pick, Connor Murphy

Connor Murphy is one blue line defender you do not want to come across. At 6’3″ he is a towering addition to any blue line he’s on. While suiting up for the OHL’s Sarnia Sting for the past two seasons, he’s notched up 44 points in 68 games. He previously played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and in that same year was selected 20th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes. This past winter he scored the overtime game winner of the gold medal match up at the 2013World Juniors in Ufa, Russia.

You may even recall his father, Gord Murphy, a bruising defenceman who spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League between the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers. He is currently assistant coach to Kevin Dineen of the Florida Panthers.

I jumped at the chance at this opportunity to go into the mind of a first round drafted player.

March Hockey: You were drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2011 Entry Draft, how did you mentally prepare to go into an event of that stature?

Connor Murphy: The preparation was all in the NHL Combine off the ice, in games during the season, and in the interviews with each team. So once the draft came, it was all about enjoying the experience and soaking it all in. I always watched the draft growing up, so it was pretty surreal being there with my family and around teammates of mine. Continue reading “One on One with Phoenix Coyotes 2011 First Round Draft Pick, Connor Murphy”

Cornwall Colts loss of Pontarelli is Union College’s Gain

Just like that, the Cornwall Colts have lost a key piece to their next season’s attempt at back to back champions.

Michael Pontarelli, a right winger out of Laval, Quebec, announced that he is not returning for another season with the Junior A Cornwall Colts after weeks of will he or won’t he. He has opted instead to get his college career underway with Schenectady, New York’s Union College. He’ll start off his career with the NCAA Division 1, Union Dutchmen. David Roy and Sebastien Gingras who are Brockville Braves alumni are already apart of the squad.

Now, let’s take a look at what a powerhouse the Colts are losing. Pontarelli played one year in the CCHL with Cornwall. In 53 games played, Pontarelli notched 107 points (52 goals, 55 assists) coincedently leading the league in points and goals as well. Here’s a list of his accomplishments and keep in mind, he only played ONE season.

CJHL Player of the Year
CCHL Most Valuable Player
CCHL Sportsmanship Award
CCHL First All Star Team
CCHL Most Goals (52)
CCHL Most points (107)
2013 CCHL Champion

That’s quite the list of accomplishments for having played one year. Union will know exactly how to mold a player like Pontarelli. On Cornwall’s side of things, it will only give somebody else the chance to step up and shine. Well, somebody’s going to HAVE too. Welcome to the nature of hockey boys and girls.

I have no doubt in my mind though that the Colts are still going to be up to par come season time even with the loss of their best player. Coach Ian MacInnis doesn’t like to lose (then again what coach does really). Though he’ll have his hands full come fall, juggling both the Colts and head manning Team Canada East for the 2013 World Junior A Challenge. That tournament is set to take place November 5-11 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Highlighting the Kingston Trio: Frontenacs’ McKeown, Bennett and Watson

There are a few times in every team’s history where a full roster just seems to come together. Years of drafts picks and scouting seem to pay off. Coaches direct. Players gel. Goalies become brick walls.

This year could turn into just that for the Kingston Frontenacs. A historical year where everything just goes right. After going through a rebuilding year that only amassed 19 wins, the Frontenacs picked up 24 picks in 2012’s OHL draft. Those picks have become almost a full roster. A roster of players centered around a core of three; two forwards and a defenceman. 3 U18 World Champions.

Defenceman Roland McKeown was selected second overall in the 2012 OHL Priority draft. At 6’1”, he is a towering presence on the blue line; a Drew Doughty type player if you will. Collecting 29 points in 61 games, he was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team. Now entering his second year with the black and gold he will enter with a gold medal under his belt after winning with U18 Team Canada back in April of this year. International competition experience can never hurt.

Left winger Sam Bennett has an incredible eye for hockey. His hockey sense is what makes his game excel. Sharing his rookie year with McKeown, Bennett notched 40 points in 60 games leading him to be a part of the OHL Second All-Rookie Team. He not only comes into his second year with an U18 gold medal; he comes in with two. Within four months he’s been an U18 World Champion twice.

Then there’s Spencer Watson. An explosive and dynamite forward from London, Ontario. A sharp shooter with a keen eye for knowing just where to put the puck. He led the U18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament in scoring for Team Canada while capturing his own gold medal.

All three players have had one year of playing time together to get used to each other on the ice and started to really gel at the end of last season. With Bennett and Watson playing on one Team Canada squad while McKeown and Bennett played on the other, there’s no reason to not expect exciting things from these three once the puck drops in September.

With Coach Todd Gill entering his third season and his second with the boys, they will already know what to expect from each other. I won’t be surprised to see a long post season run in the Limestone City. It’s time for optimism.

Get ready Ontario Hockey League. The Frontenacs are back to prominence.

Irrelevant Jody Shelley retires

As a Flyers fan, Shelley still is irrelevant.

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Philadelphia Flyers press box hero Jody Shelley has retired in order to join the Columbus Blue Jackets front office. This will be a pleasant surprise for most Flyers fans who have seen Jody Shelley in the press box more often than on the ice.

Jody Shelley was famously donned “irrelevant” by Mike Rupp on the HBO: 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic, much to the amusement of viewers.

To be fair to Jody he did take a beating when needed. But with the rise of Zac Rinaldo as an actual enforcer he can hang up his skates and do what he does best, sit in the Columbus press box.

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Team Canada Wins Sixth Straight Gold At Ivan Hlinka

The boys are golden and the streak is staying alive.

Team Canada powered through the Russians in the semi final yesterday and then shutout the Americans today to capture their sixth straight gold medal at the U18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic. Chicoutimi Sagueneens netminder Julio Billia picked up his second shutout of the tournament with the 4-0 win.

Oshawa Generals forward Michael Dal Colle’s first goal was all the Canadians needed to put away the Americans. Brandon Wheat Kings’ Jayce Hawryluk and Barrie Colts forwards Aaron Ekblad and Brendan Lemieux added the extra cushion for the red and white. Billia managed just 21 saves.

The story of the tournament is powerhouse forward Spencer Watson of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. He lead the tournament with an astonishing 10 points (four goals, six assists) with three helpers coming from today’s final. Watson and his Kingston teammate Sam Bennett each scored once in Canada’s 3-1 semi final victory over Russia.

Canada is proving that their up and coming junior stars are strong and willing to play. There’s no shortage of talent across the board in every league and every position. This includes goaltending where Hockey Canada is extremely concerned. The list of next year’s NHL draftees are going to be long and no shortage of depth and will have NHL general managers making some very tough decisions.

In the bronze medal game, the Czech Republic edged Russia with a 3-2 win.