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SOCHI 2014: Team Switzerland

Switzerland is no longer a stranger to the hockey world. They upset the Canadians in the 2006 Turin Olympics and came close to doing it again in Vancouver. They are the current World Championship silver medalists and they are a team not to be taken lightly.

From the National Hockey League perspective, look for the sensational Nino Niederreiter who spent last season with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He has recently been traded to the Minnesota Wild though and this upcoming season should prove to be a big one for him. Reto Suri is another powerful Swiss forward who spent last year with EV Zug. He signed a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning for this upcoming season.

Another traded Islander, former captain Mark Streit may be apart of Switzerland’s club. His new acquired team, the Philadelphia Flyers will definitely be welcoming his help on the blue line this year as will the Swiss. Other defenders that should pop up are Montreal’s Raphael Diaz and Nashville’s Roman Josi.

In goal, journeyman Martin Gerber should see some game time. He was last in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in 2011. Has since been playing in the KHL and the Swiss league.

The rest of the club will be made up of the Swiss’s leagues best. SC Bern, HC Davos, and ZSC Lions will provide most of the players of Switzerland’s roster.

Although the Swiss are a still a few years away from an Olympic medal, their chances are getting better and better at every tournament. I would love to see these guys step out from the underdog spotlight.

Q&A With Former Texas Brahmas and Hull Stingrays Enforcer, Ryan Hand

Ryan Hand has been all over North America in his hockey career so far. Spending time with 5 different teams in the Central Hockey League, to a few stints in the East Coast Hockey League and the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Most recently he spent time with the Hull Stingrays of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom, but he is glad to be back on North American soil for this upcoming season. I caught up with him to get his take on the coolest game on earth.

March Hockey: You spent last season with the Hull Stingrays in the EIHL. How is UK hockey, or European hockey in general compared to hockey in North America? Or the EIHL to the CHL?

Ryan Hand: The biggest difference from North American hockey to the game in the UK had to be playing on the International ice. Teams that use that to their advantage, and stretch you out, make it hard to get the big hits that come pretty much every shift when I play on the smaller ice surface in North America.

MH: You’ve have a few tilts with LNAH legend John Mirasty. What was it like going toe to toe with a guy of that stature?

RH: Throughout my career I’ve fought a lot of tough guys, but everyone always asks about Jon Mirasty. The one face you don’t want to see when you’re squaring up at centre ice. He is one tough customer, I respect him a lot. We had 3 solid battles in 06-07.

MH: Who’s your favourite enforcer of all time and why?

RH: Favourite tough guy of all time has to be Bob Probert. A monster who destroyed everyone he dropped the gloves with and had skill too.

MH: How does it feel to be back playing on North American soil?

RH: It feels great to be able to play close to home this year. I’m looking forward to having friends and family come and support the team this year. Spending Christmas with the family for once will also be nice.

MH: And finally, if you could fight anyone, past or present, who would it be and why??

RH: I’d have to say if I could pick anyone it would be Probert. Even though it wouldn’t last long, I’d still give him a go.

Have NHL Questions? We Might Have Answers!

My New York hockey brothers and I have started a fan/reader mailbag section for Eyes On Isles!

If you have any New York Islanders or NHL questions that have been bugging you, by all means, send us an email to eyesonisles@gmail.com. Make sure you include your name and city along with the question.

Questions can be about anything hockey related and you’ll be featured on our site! Come on, you know you want too!!

Kingston Frontenac Spencer Watson Impressive at U18 Camp

The past week Hockey Canada was holding a selection camp to form a team to head to Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia to compete in the U18 2013 Ivan Hlinka tournament. A total of 3 Kingston Frontenac players made the selection camp and were proving themselves successful.

Saturday night they played a Red versus White exhibition game at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Showcasing some of the best talent the Canadian Hockey League has to offer, it was Kingston’s Spencer Watson who blew up with two goals in a 4 goal third period to put the White on top over the Red 7-4.

Watson is one a select few the scouts are keeping an eye on in this upcoming draft year. His on ice hockey sense and eye for the puck is something of astonishment. This upcoming season will be his second one in the OHL. He’s already seen international action as well having played in the U17 World Championships. In 5 games there, he put up 7 points, 5 goals and 2 assists. Standing at 5’10, Watson has more time to fill out and become more dominant with age. His twin brother Matthew, also suited up for the Frontenacs, playing in 8 games last year.

http://www.kingstonfrontenacs.com

Kingston’s Roland McKeown also put up a goal in the win and Sam Bennett stayed off the score sheet. Watson and McKeown should be no brainers to apart of this U18 squad. With Bennett it will be a close call but no reason to feel like he shouldn’t be a part of them.

The Kingston Frontenacs are going to show up to play this OHL season. The rest of the league better be ready for them.

EPIHL – The Teams of the English Premier Ice Hockey League

A few weeks I profiled a team from this league, the Sheffield Steeldogs. Now it’s time to have a look at what the whole league has to offer.

The EPIHL is 10 team professional league situated in England that is second to the EIHL. The league allows it’s teams to dress 4 or 5 imports per game in a 54 game season. Here’s a bit of background on each team:

Basingstoke Bison

Formed in 1988, the Basingstoke Bison play in Basingstoke Hampshire and plays out of the Planet Ice Silverdome Arena. They didn’t join the league until 2009. The club has 2 Canadians signed up for this coming season so far as they continue to build their roster. Their logo is very similar to the old Buffalo Sabres logo of years past.

Bracknell Bees

The Bracknell Bees play out of the John Nike Leisuresport Complex (also known as “the Hive”) and wear black and gold. Another long time club that was formed in 1987, they have won numerous championships.

Guilford Flames

The current EPIHL champions, the Guilford Flames have seen NHL talent amongst it’s roster. Retired goaltender Jamie McLennan and retired forward David Oliver called Guilford home during the 2005 lockout. A few members of Great Britain’s national team also play for the Flames. They play out of the Guilford Spectrum in Guilford, Surrey.

Manchester Phoenix

The Manchester Phoenix were originally formed in 2003 as apart of the Elite league (EIHL). They play out of the Altrincham Ice Dome after their original spot of the 17,500 MEN Arena proved to be too much financially. Former Kingston Frontenac and New Jersey Devils draft pick, Brett Clouthier holds the record for most penalty minutes.

Milton Keynes Lightning

Founded in 2002, the Milton Keynes Lightning were originally apart of the EIHL but choose to compete in the EPIHL instead. For the 2013/2014 season, they will be playing out of Coventry. The team has won numerous titles over the years as well.

Peterborough Phantoms

The Phantoms were formed in 2002 and were the winners of the first Premier cup. Former Florida Panther Chris Allen spent two years with the team. Another fun fact: while with the Kingston Frontenacs, Allen was the first ever to score in the CHL Top Prospects game.

Sheffield Steeldogs

Headmanned by a guy from my hometown, Andrew Payette, I dedicated a whole entire post to the Steeldogs! Go take a look here.

Slough Jets

The Jets were the 2012 EPIHL champions and play out of the greatly named Hangar. Gary Stefan (older brother of former Detroit Red Wings netminder Greg Stefan) holds franchise records for most points, goals and assists. A feat that may not be matched.

Swindon Wildcats

The Swindon Wildcats play out of the Link Centre and formed in 1986. They hold two regular season titles under their belt. Canadian player Daryl Lipsey, coached and played for the team for 8 seasons. The Wildcats honoured Lipsey with the retirement of his number 14.

Telford Tigers

The Tigers are one of the newest teams in England having formed in 2001. Although they have struggled, they have knocked off some wins against some of the stronger teams in the league, proving that they can and will be a successful team in the future.

Melbourne Sees Double As Ice, Mustangs Claim Victory

What a crazy night of action in the Australian Ice Hockey League. The Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs both came out victorious to keep the standings in a tight race.

The Ice played at home to a crowd of 1100 on Friday in the first of their two game set with the Perth Thunder. 1st period was kept close until Perth opened up the scoring with .26 seconds left to go. It was a lot of the same in the second period but both team’s were becoming antsy as the penalty box started to fill up. Melbourne killed off 4 penalties which allowed Todd Graham to score the equalizer on the powerplay of their own.

By the time the third came around however, all hell broke less. Jason Balcig and Glen Mayer notched two quick goals for the Ice as tensions started to mount. With the score now 3-1 in favour of the Ice, Andrew Erzen headed to the box as he was given 2 minutes and a 10 minute misconduct for a check to the head and Chris Frank followed suit with given a 20 minute misconduct. It seemed that everything was going in Perth’s favour. That wasn’t the case however as Melbourne stormed back with two more goals. The final ended 5-3.

(Sean Jones. Photo credit: MJ Wragg Photography.)

The Mustangs were in a tight game of their own as well and earned a win in the crucial road for 4th place. Andrew Fitzgerald opened up the scoring for Melbourne in the first period and Newcastle equalized it on the powerplay from Jeff Martens. All was quite in the second period except for trips to the box.

The third period was much of the same as both teams battled back and forth evenly. Both goaltenders put on a show to keep the crowd on it’s feet. It looked like we were heading to overtime until Brendan McDowell’s powerplay goal with 29 seconds left sealed the deal for the Mustangs.

In other action Friday night, the Sydney Ice Bears downed the Adelaide Adrenaline 6-4. What a great night of hockey down under.

Undrafted Soo Greyhound Sergey Tolchinsky could still make NHL

Soo Greyhounds Sergey Tochinsky did not get to hear his name get called in June at the National Hockey League Entry Draft. Despite being rated at number 56 by some scouting specialists, Tochinsky sat in wait. He did not let that get the better of him though.

Instead of moping around about not getting called, Tolchinsky made an impressive mark at the New York Rangers prospect development camp. Signing to a tryout agreement with both the Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes, Tolchinsky was making head’s shake with both teams wondering why he was left unchosen. Although the likes of both teams offering out a 3 year entry level contract seem slim, he’s still making his mark.

Tolchinsky would only be able to be signed to the clubs that signed him to the tryout contracts. Out of both New York and Carolina, Carolina would seem a better fit as they are forming into a somewhat of a young team. If I were Jim Rutherford though, I wouldn’t extend an offer and here’s why.

Tolchinsky only has one year of OHL play under his belt. At only 5’8’ and 160 pounds, he’s still going to fill out. Another year with the Greyhounds would help him out tremendously and only increase his draft ranking for next year. In 62 games last year he amassed 51 points and he won’t defect to Russia which seems to be the ordeal of the day. He’s been training in North America since he was 12 so he’s going to stick around for a while. Give him that extra year to mold into something spectacular. He might give Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad and Connor McDavid a run for their money. Who knows?

The Soo Greyhounds start the 2013-2014 season off on Friday, September, 20^th as they head to Sudbury to take on the Wolves.

PATTEN: Jaromir Jagr, The Traveling Man

Just checking in after a very uneventful day at the American Embassy. However The LA Kings made California’s Highlight reel in a tourism video of “must see” things to do….not all bad right?!

I was looking at things to complain about.

So I thought I’d touch on the subject of Jaromir Jagr.

As much as I don’t really have any sort of personal or hockey bias toward the man at all, intact I’m quite fond of him, I can’t help but dislike what may be transpiring in his new deal with the New Jersey Devils.

I’m not debating that Jags doesn’t have playoff hockey in him anymore (others may do..I personally think he’s got something left in the tank) but I just feel like this isn’t a situation where a player has been loyal to his team and without a cup, looking for winning opportunities at the end of his career. Skirting very much on rent a player hockey? Possibly yes.

Are players in the future going to sign one year deals a with a struggling team, play a some-what easy regular season and then be traded to a cup contender without having to really work to get into the playoffs? Some might not like that thesis, but I feel it maybe a reality that’s slowly coming into the back door of the hockey world.

New Jerseys Standpoint

I’m head scratching right now as to what to write. Of course Jagr will be a great addition to young team that need support and guidance but I’m not sure about the financial cost of the contract for a already cash strapped organization.

My prediction is he will be traded at the trade deadline for the highest pick they can get.

Over and out.

Kavan’s Crease: 2014 NHL Prospect Profile: Sam Reinhart

So lately I haven’t really posted anything, and the reason for that (besides having a 60-hour work week) is because I have been working on preliminary rankings for next year’s draft. Yes, I know that’s a bit ahead of schedule, but few people realize the importance of the draft and what these kids mean to the future of our sport. I want to profile certain players; some for their ridiculous talent level and hype, and some who are lesser known who I believe will jump up the standings pretty quickly.

The first player I chose to profile, is the current standout for No. 1 overall in 2014: Sam Reinhart.

Background

Reinhart was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia and was raised there with his 2 brothers, Max and Griffin, who are also NHL draft picks (Max: 3rd rd, 64th overall in 2010. Griffin: 1st rd, 4th overall in 2012). His father Paul also played over 600 games with the Flames and Canucks.

Sam started playing youth hockey at a at a young age and would eventually play with the Hollyburn Huskies, from the Hollyburn Minor Hockey Association. From there, he would suit up for the Vancouver NW Giants of the BCMML, posting 80 points in 39 games before being drafted by the WHL’s Kootenay Ice.

Awards are something Reinhart is probably already used to receiving. In 2011-12, he won the Jim Piggott awars as WHL rookie of the year,
Skills

Having bloodlines in the NHL isn’t the only reason Reinhart is a highly touted player; in two seasons with Kootenay, he put up a staggering 147 points in 139 games scoring 63 goals. What makes him such a special player is his ability to play both sides of the puck. Offensively, he has great vision and can shoot or pass, as well as draw defenders to him. He knows when and where to shoot and if he gets open in front of the net, chances are the puck is going in. Defensively, he’s a hard backchecker and can strip the puck from you just as quick as he can fire it off.

If there’s a downside to Sam Reinhart, it is his size. Standing at 5’11” and weighing in at 165 lbs, he is not the biggest guy on the ice and will need to put on around 20 pounds before making any NHL team.

Teams

At this point in the offseason, predicting which teams will end up where in the standings is tough, but if we’re judging by the current rosters and team outlooks, expect Calgary, Colorado and Buffalo to have a real chance at Reinhart.

That concludes the first prospect profile! Check back real soon for a sneak peek at Barrie Colts blueliner Aaron Ekblad. As always, thanks for reading, cheers!

SOCHI 2014: Team Norway

Alright, another team on this side of the globe that people rarely hear about. You’re gonna read and learn a few things about the mightiness of Norway.

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will definitely be a part of Norway’s squad. If you’re not familiar with the name, you should be. Tollefsen was drafted in the third round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. After playing 4 seasons with the Syracuse Crunch and Columbus, he signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2009. In 2010, he was sent to Detriot for Ville Leino. He is only one of 7 Norwegians to play in the NHL. He’s currently playing in the Swedish Elite League and if you don’t remember him from the Vancouver Olympics well, let me refresh your memory:

Yeah.

Anyway, the majority of their roster can be found playing in Sweden, and quite a few are with Modo and Frolunda. However, the GET-ligaen, the Norwegian premier league, hosts a bevy of talent as well. The most recent champs, the Stavanger Oilers have been known to go on 18 game win streaks and we all know that’s not an easy thing to do.

It’s been said that Norway or Norwegians don’t really care about hockey. Well, from my research, it’s alive and well. Norway currently features 5 mens leagues that each serve as a breeding ground for the other. Women have their own two league system including an Elite league. Oslo, the capital, hosts 16 teams itself! Of course, this is still a developing hockey nation in the modern sense but there’s still plenty of ice time to be had in Norway.

No longer the land of death metal bands.