Page 34

Mediocre Monday: Patrick Stefan

Arguably the worst #1 Draft pick in NHL history, Patrick Stefan went first overall to the Atlanta Thrashers who also was in their first pick in franchise history. Pick 2 and 3 were Hendrik and Daniel Sedin. Despite knowing that Stefan had a history of concussions and was playing for the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the IHL, Stefan was touted to become one of their biggest players. Stefan played six seasons before being traded to the Dallas Stars for 2 guys and a draft pick and most likely a bag of hockey pucks. Stefan played one year with Dallas and they chose not to re-sign him. This is probably why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Z9UspUHqg

Yeesh. His numbers were always terrible and he finished out his career with SC Bern in Switzerland. You can now find him as an agent in Laguna Beach.

The Teams Of The New Zealand Ice Hockey League

I’ve been very intrigued lately by the game of hockey being played in non traditional hockey markets. I’m sure you’ve noticed that by now. I love giving these teams and leagues more exposure on this side of the pond because lord knows their hard work deserves it. With that, let’s take a look at the 5 teams in the NZIHL.

1. Botany Swarm – Auckland, New Zealand

The Botany Swarm were one of the first inaugaral teams in the NZIHL. First named the South Auckland Swarm, they made the switch to Botany to better reflect their origins. The Swarm are 4 time NZIHL champions and currently sit tied for second in this year’s standings.

2. West Auckland Admirals – Auckland, New Zealand

Another team that was apart of the inguaral beginnings of the NZIHL, the West Auckland Admirals are also, you guessed it, based out of Auckland. The team has improved leaps and bounds over the years despite winning zero championships. They currently sit last place.

3. Canterbury Red Devils – Christchurch, New Zealand

The Red Devils are currently your NZIHL reigning champions hoping to make a repeat this year. Based out of Christchurch, they have 2 championships under their belt and are one of the stronger teams in the league. I’ve personally taking a liking to the Red Devils so be on the look out for game recaps. They currently sit tied for second.

4. Dunedin Thunder – Dunedin, New Zealand

Found in 2008 the Dunedin Thunder are currently the first place holders in this year’s season. After struggling like most expansion teams do, the Thunder have bolted their way through the ranks and are stronger as ever. I have a feeling they will give the championship a good run this season. They currently are in the midst of a 4 game win streak.

5. Southern Stampede – Queenstown, New Zealand

The Stampede are 2 time NZIHL champs and are a force to be reckoned with. A physical team, they bring a new style to the New Zealand game. Every year they also hold an exhibition game with the New Zeland Ice Blacks, the country’s national team. They currently sit tied for second.

The games in NZ get as tight as you can get making for great hockey. This league thoroughly excites me and I am glad to be vocal about the league in North America and my side of the globe.

Top 10 Goalie Masks Of The 2013 Season Part 1

One of my editors at Eyes On Isles challenged me to compile a list of my 10 favourites from this past season. Of course I was happy to take on the task! Click on the link below to take a look at the first part of my top 10.

SOCHI 2014: Team Slovakia

Slovakia is a bit scary. Finishing a record 4th at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the other teams in the tournament better be ready for them.

First let’s take a look at the defence. I shouldn’t have to say much when I say the name Zdeno Chara so I won’t, but Visnovsky, Meszaros and Baranka are all solid D men that could definitely put up a wall. Then again, Chara could play the whole tournament by himself on the blue line and they’d still probably reach 4th place.

Goaltending is pretty solid too. Look at former Montreal Canadien teammates Jaroslav Halak and Peter Budaj to be Slovakia’s one-two punch in net. If Halak can keep up his play, he will no doubt shine in the tournament.

Forwards is where it gets fun. Can you imagine a line of Hossa, Handzus and Gaborik? No? Yeah well, give your head a shake because it could happen. Kopecky, Stumpel and an old Buffalo fan favourite Miroslav Satan could also form line #2. That’s about as far as the depth chart goes though.

Keep an eye on these feisty Slovakians. They came so close to the podium in Vancouver; they just might reach it in Sochi.

Goalie Mask Sunday: Montreal Canadiens Carey Price

Carey Price’s 2012 playoff mask is nothing short of a masterpiece. Price wanted a recreation of the famed playoff torch that signifies the passing of the old players to the new.

The hot road chrome flames look amazing over the Habs crest and almost make it look 3D like. The colours that were chosen, especially the cobalt like blue, accent the bottom of the mask just perfectly.

Once again this mask was created by Sweden’s David Gunnarsson, a man who has quite an eye for a well designed goalie mask. You will notice that I’ve been regularly featuring his work. It is a true work of art and I’m proud to show off this man’s talent.

More Hockey Down Under! The New Zealand Ice Hockey League

The NZIHL is an amateur hockey league based out of New Zealand. It’s creation in 2005 was a way to help the top players in the area have international potential. Rivaled by near by Australia and the AIHL, New Zealand wanted a place where the home grown hockey loving players and fans could thrive.

A reason for it’s growth over the years is that fact that there season takes place during the offseason of most professional hockey leagues. Many players flock down under to stay in shape as each team is allowed an unlimited number of Australian talent as they don’t count as imports and only up to 4 players from overseas. The only drawback is how much playing time they actually have on the ice. If the team acquires an import goaltender, he is only allowed to play for 60% of his teams minutes.

The league is made up of 5 teams; 2 on the North Island and 3 on the South. During the season a game entitled the “Skate Of Origin” is held almost like an All-Star game between the two islands. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and have support for the game.

In case you haven’t had a chance to check it out, I had the opportunity to speak with the goaltender of the Canterbury Red Devils, Justin Findlay which you can read here.

It’s nice to see the sport thriving in non traditional hockey markets. Findlay also incorporated a nice Q&A about the league, be sure to check that out as well.

Coach’s Corner Saturday: Don Cherry On The Blue Jays And Eric Lindros

Here’s a beauty of a clip. Takes place in 1991 and Grapes rips apart the Canada Cup, praises the Blue Jays and explains the Eric Lindros/Quebec Nordiques situation. And argues with Ron as per usual. “Ron, did you fall off a turnip truck?!”

What a time for hockey folks.

Bobby Ryan Is An Ottawa Senator. Alfredsson Who?

Well of course his happens after my big Free Agent Frenzy post but the Ottawa Senators have acquired Bobby Ryan from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Silfverberg, Noesen and a first round pick.

This came as a shock as long time captain Daniel Alfredsson left one a one year deal to Detroit. Ryan will definitely help fill the void that was lacking by an aging Alfredsson.

Great pick up for the Senators and gives them that much more fire power down the playoff stretch. Ottawa is going to be a team to watch for the next few years.

Anaheim however will also get a great player in Jakob Silfverberg. The 22 year old was a hard working left winger for the Sens and also played a big part in their playoff pushes in the past few years. Give him a few years to grow and mature and I think this kid will do wonders.

All in all though, what a day for the Ottawa Senators.

FREE AGENT FRENZY

After a whirlwind trip to Kingston, Ontario, home of the great Dougie Gilmour, I am finally back on a computer to catch up with all this Free Agent action.

And boy, did I miss some insane GM deals.

Let’s start off with Tyler Bozak signing for 5 years in Toronto. At 4.2 million per year, Toronto thinks he’s a hockey player or something. Christ, that’s Vinny Lecavalier money. Buying out Grabo to sign Bozak to a longer deal will not be a wise move in the long run. Trust me. I’m not Randy Carlyle though. BUT, the Leafs also signed David Clarkson to 7 years at 5.25 million. That’s not a bad steal for the buds as Clarkson will definitely help them out, filling in for Grabo. I’m actually shaking my head at the buying out of Grabovski. I hope somebody is smart and picks him up and shoves it in Carlyle’s face.

Detroit pulled out a couple big punches stealing away 17 year Ottawa Senators vet, Daniel Alfredsson. Alfredsson signed a one year deal, likely to be his last. To me, all his Swedish buddies are there and I guess attempting a shot at a Cup with friends seems fitting to him. Loyalty means nothing anymore. They also picked up Stephen Weiss from Florida for 5 years at just under 5 million.

Columbus Blue Jackets landed Nathan Horton to 7 FREAKING YEARS. 7 years to a guy who has a known concussion problem AND is undergoing shoulder surgery so he won’t even be on the ice till sometime in December. I’d like to say that was a good signing but…..no, just no.

Danny Briere signed on with the Montreal Canadiens. I think he’ll fit in well there and he’ll help the team out. Briere has a couple more solid years left in him. The only thing that boggles my mind is why Montreal doesn’t try to get bigger. They’re so small, toughen yourselves up with a couple big guys. Wouldn’t hurt.

Boston seems to be going down the drain from their Cup run. They’ve already lost Horton to Columbus and traded away Tyler Seguin to Dallas. Andrew Ference is also on the move as he signed on with the Edmonton Oilers. Maybe they want to keep old man Jagr around for another year.
OTHER NOTABLE SIGNINGS SO FAR:

F Clarke MacArthur to Ottawa from Toronto
F Tyler Kennedy to San Jose from Pittsburgh
D Rob Scuderi to Pittsburgh from Los Angeles
C Peter Regin to NY Islanders from Ottawa
D Mike Komisarek to Carolina from Toronto
F Viktor Stalberg to Nashville from Chicago

Land Down Under! The Australian Ice Hockey League

My Q&A with New Zealand goaltender Justin Findlay earlier in the week got me interested in researching a couple of leagues that are south of the equator. This is the first of our look at the two biggest leagues.

The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) is a semi professional league and a member of the IIHF. The AIHL is played a little different in that their periods are 15 minutes long rather then the usual 20. Formed in 2000, it hosts 9 teams all across the country.

The regular season start around April and finished up in the beginning of September to get ready for the playoffs. Players then play for the Goodall Cup Championship.

The AIHL has attracted NHL stars such as Steve McKenna and Rob Zamuner. Personally I’ve taken a liking to the Melbourne Ice. I’ve been following the season this year even though the games are in the middle of the night on my side of the world. It’s great hockey and should do any hockey fan proud.

Check out some highlights from least year’s final: