featured – Page 4

Missing Link: The Legacy of Link Gaetz

In anticipation of the LNAH’s 19^th season, I think it’s time to take a look at some of the reasons why people in the hockey world constantly talk about this league. The LNAH’s legacy lays in its hockey fights and no holds barred attitude towards them. While some do not like the audacity of fights happening for no reason, it’s no shock to see why people do. Everyone loves a good hockey scrap, even if it happens at the opening faceoff. It’s no secret that teams pay players just for their fists. A star fighter signing with your team could guarantee a money pile with tickets sold.

The LNAH turned pro in 2004 after operating for 8 years as a senior semi pro league in Quebec. Its reputation quickly rose as the toughest league in the world and for its lack of skill level. Thankfully, its skill level his risen quite a bit and earned itself some credibility, complete with NHL stars suiting up during lockout years.

One of the league’s craziest enforcers came in the form of a guy named Link Gaetz. Kids, ask your parents, uncles, grandparents, mailmen, pizza delivery guy, and I’m sure each one of them can recite a crazy story (on or off the ice) about Gaetz himself. Of course, some would come in the form of drinking stories as Gaetz could down the alcohol like it was going out of style. Search for him on google and words that come up include the word psycho. Whether the story was true or not, his reputation as the meanest and most insane hockey player to ever lace them up is solidified.

Gaetz grew up in the west coast of Canada, enforcing his way through teams in the WHL and IHL. After being drafted 40^th overall in the 2^nd round of the 1988 NHL entry draft, the Minnesota North Stars took a chance on Gaetz to have him for protection on their star players, more specifically, a guy named Mike Modano. Legend has it that Gaetz was in a bar fight the night before and showed up to the draft with two big, swollen black eyes. This is just the tip of the iceberg of stories that follow Gaetz around like the plague.

His stint in the NHL came in the form of two teams. The aforementioned North Stars and in 1991 when the San Jose Sharks took him in the expansion draft. His list of opponents on his fight card is not only endless but impressive: Joey Kocur, Kris King, Randy McKay, Warren Rychel, Bob Probert, Kelly Buchberger, Mike Peluso, Gino Odjick, I could go on. He managed 412 PIMS in 65 games while in the NHL. If you’re keeping score, that’s not even a full season.

In one of his more known stories, Gaetz’s NHL career came to a screeching halt (no pun intended) in 1992. Driving with a friend who was under the influence, Gaetz was thrown from the passenger seat after losing control on an off-ramp. He ended up with many facial and back injuries and a paralyzed left side after the injuries moved up to his brain stem. He was lucky to be alive.

Any other person would probably take that as a wake up to how your life was playing out. However, we’re talking about Link Gaetz. He’s an entirely different personality. That fall he was arrested and convicted for his own DUI. Gaetz was traded to the Oilers soon after but never stepped on NHL ice again.

Gaetz’s legend might come more alive in stints with the various minor leagues he was in. Hell, the lineup of cities he played for looked like a KISS comeback tour: Mexico City (Mexico), Madison (Wisconsin), Toledo (Ohio), Anchorage (Alaska), and more. In San Antonio, he was kicked out of the Central Hockey League for life for trying to saw off the arm of Dallas’ Frank LaScala. In the LNAH though, is where he gained icon status.

Gaetz played for seven seasons over 6 teams. He even managed to contribute on the score sheet for the Riviere-du-Loup Promutuel in the 2002 playoffs. One of his better fights came in the form of a bout and maybe rivalry with another LNAH heavyweight, Patrick Cote.

Upon watching that you might say to yourself “Jesus, why didn’t the linesmen break it up earlier?!” Well son, this is the LNAH. The rules are different. You try telling a guy who has beaten up a miner in Quebec and left his face dismembered or shot out the stain glassed windows of a church without a gun permit while hammered. There’s just something not right.

Gaetz’s antics have spoiled over to the penalty box where he’d be eating hot dogs, to running up into the crowd, to numerous bar fights and brawls after the game. Like I said, everybody has an “I heard Link did this…” story. It’s up to you to figure out what is true or not. The crazier they are, the truer they become.

Gaetz has retired from the game and has been since 2010. Hasn’t stopped him from creating more urban legends however. As of February of this year, Mounties on the west coast are out for him. A warrant for his arrest was put out by a provincial judge in Kamloops, B.C. for his failed court appearance. In 2012, Gaetz was charged with assault and causing a disturbance.
Link Gaetz will always be considered a legend in the hockey world. It may not be for the same reasons as most but there is no doubt that he one of the best personalities the game has ever seen. The game was a different monster in the early 90’s and it fueled a different breed of player. Gaetz may not remember most of the tangles and scraps he’s been in but his fans won’t ever let him forget.

Hartnell Down to Columbus…..for BJs

I don’t usually comment or write about the bigger stories that the NHL warrants because they’re a dime a dozen. Every hockey blogger on earth will have a reaction, either positive or negative, to every single thing that happens in the NHL. I like focusing my time and words to the lesser known stories and not as popular hockey leagues and teams of the world.

However being as my favourite NHL team, the Philadelphia Flyers, has made the first blockbuster trade of the offseason, (and…a bit of a stupid one at that), I figured I’ll poke my head into the dilemma and give my two cents.

Newly acquired General Manager Ron Hextall has made his first big splash since becoming reacquainted with the Flyers organization. Today he sent forward Scott Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets for another former Flyer, Columbus assistant captain R.J. Umberger and a fourth round pick in 2015.

For those of you who have heard the name R.J. Umberger before but can’t remember why, well, this is probably the reason:

Hextall’s reasoning for the trade is trying to get the Flyers quicker up front and have more leverage and cap space to work with. Granted, that’s exceptional reasoning but to throw one of the teams’ best forwards in recent memory and one of the best players who do so much for the community down the drain and to another squad? Well, I think there has to be more to it than that.

Columbus was going to buy out Umberger and he was set to become a UFA; that was no secret. For the Blue Jackets, trading him and keeping their buyout is a fantastic win and probably one that shocked them. On Philly’s side, they retain a shorter contract with Umberger with gives them flexibility with the cap even though they’re only saving $150,000.

This deal seemingly came out of nowhere which leads me to believe that something went on behind the scenes and Hexy had to scramble and go for anything that was out there to unload Hartnell. Hell, Hartnell even changed his Twitter bio to “Columbus, Ohio” not even 10 minutes after the trade was announced. He even also would have had to waive his No-Trade Clause. I don’t know any insider info so take what you will of this with a grain of salt.

On another note, is the Columbus Blue Jackets the only team the Flyers can trade with?! Over the past three years, the Flyers have traded Jeff Carter, Sergei Bobrovsky and now Scott Hartnell to the BJs.

One more little stat: Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, James Van Riemsdyk and now Scott Hartnell were all traded on June 23^rd. A day that lives in Flyers infamy now.

Now let’s get ready for the Leafs to do something stupid this summer so we can put this behind us.

One on One with former NHLer Steven Goertzen

Steven Goertzen has had a pretty impressive pro career. After a major junior run with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, the man from Alberta was drafted in the 7th round, 225th overall in the 2002 entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He spent time bouncing back and forth between Columbus and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Goertzen had a brief stint with the Phoenix Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes before heading overseas. After two seasons with M1 rival, the Sheffield Steelers, Goertzen has made the trek to Coventry to suit up for the Blaze for this coming season. March Hockey EIHL correspondent, Ed Kimberley caught up with Goertzen for a little chit chat.

By Ed Kimberley
Coventry, England
Ed Kimberley: How will you be spending your offseason?

Steven Goertzen: We spend our off season split between New York where my wife is originally from, and Edmonton, where I am originally from. Summers are usually very busy especially now that we have kids and everyone back home wants to make the most out of the short amount of time that we are back. I will be completing my dissertation as well this summer and I also run many different power skating camps around Edmonton. Needless to say, summers are pretty busy!

EK – I’d like to backtrack a few years to your days in the NHL, every kid growing up that plays hockey dreams one day they will make the show, can you describe how it felt?

SG – It’s obviously an amazing feeling and something that is difficult to describe. I think when you dedicate your life to something and you are fortunate enough to experience playing against guys that you idolized growing up it is extremely rewarding. I look back and I am just very thankful to be able to have those experiences and it is something I will never forget.

EK – What have you taken from your time in the biggest league in the world that is still in your playing style?

SG – Well I like to think that I am responsible on both ends of the ice. I take pride in doing a good job defensively and trying to play the game the right way. The biggest difference in the NHL is the players have an amazing ability to be consistent every night. I might not always have a great game but at the end of the day you want to prepare for each game to give yourself the best chance to be successful night in and night out.

EK – In the press release Coach Lefebvre said you and your agent contacted the Blaze, what attracted you to playing for Coventry?

SG – I have worked with Marc before and Ashley Tait as well, so it is always nice to know a few familiar faces when you come to a new team. I have heard a lot of good things about the organization from many different people so that was a big reason for coming here as well. I think that there is always a great atmosphere in the arena and hopefully we can put ourselves in a position to win some trophies.

EK – Marc made a big impact last year coming in mid-season having played for and against him tell us what kind of coach he is?

SG – Well when he was in Sheffield as the assistant coach he was in a different role, but as a head coach and in talking with him he is going to hold guys accountable. I think that Marc has a good feel for when to push guys and when not too which I think is extremely important in this league and I am sure he will get the best out of all his players.

EK – Would you say he’s building a team that matches his own personal attitudes of hard work and with a direct approach?

SG – Yes I am sure that he has been very busy and will continue to look to sign guys that are willing to come to play every night. It is obviously still early in the summer but I am sure Marc will do a great job putting our team together and steering us in the direction that we need to go.

EK – Having won the playoffs last year, can you describe what it takes to get there, what kind of team you need and how you think the Blaze are shaping up in comparison?

SG – There are obviously many challenges and ups and downs throughout a season and I think last year with Sheffield we were able to battle through some tough situations and stick together throughout the entire season. With the way that the playoff format is and the importance of every game you need to be playing your best leading up to the playoffs. I think that next year it will be important for us to trust the process and make sure everyone is on board and I think it will be an exciting year.

EK – Both Ryan O’Marra and yourself have spoke to former Blaze players who they’re friends with before signing…any chance you can help lure any of your former Columbus, Phoenix or Carolina team mates into coming over?

SG – Ha ha well I am sure that Ryan or I would not hesitate to put a few good words in here or there! Having said that, Marc knows what he is doing and I am sure he will put together a great team.

EK – Jokes aside, do you/expect to have much involvement in the recruitment process outside of giving references to players on the coach’s radar?

SG – I have been in contact with Marc and obviously if there is anything he would like me to do I would be more than willing to try and sway a guy to come and win with us if it would help.

EK – With the new rules regarding EU passport holder and dual nationals essentially allowing more imports to play in the league, how do you think this will change the EIHL?

SG – I am not sure to be honest, I know that it is an area of debate and it will be interesting to see how it plays out and I don’t pretend to be an expert on the matter. However, I think that in reality, there is a lot of quality British hockey players in this league and a lot of them make up the core of the teams that they are playing on. In my opinion I think that it would be a mistake for teams in the future if they were to undervalue what the British players bring to this league both on and off the ice.

EK – Do you have any words for blaze fans before we see you in September?

SG – I hope you guys enjoy your summer, and are looking forward to what looks to be an exciting season ahead!

A look at the 2014 Cornwall River Kings draftees

Cornwall didn’t make their first selection until the fourth round but that didn’t stop them from acquiring the rights to some dandy play makers. Here’s a bit of an in depth look at who Cornwall selected.

First pick for the River Kings was 23 year old defenseman Mathieu Leduc out of Valleyfield, Quebec. The 6’1 blue liner just finished his third year with the University of Ottawa GeeGee’s where he rounded out 17 points in 28 games. He also had a bit of a major junior stint suiting up for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Val D’or Foreurs and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. Not much of a scorer but a solid piece to any team’s blue line. He uses his height very much to his advantage which is key for the LNAH as we all know there aren’t too many small boys. He’s also not afraid to drop the mitts which is another key factor into bringing him into the LNAH side.

Cornwall’s second pick needs no introduction. Hometown boy Jason Lepine was selected in the fifth round along with Will Colbert from Arnprior, Ontario. Lepine played three years with the Conwall Colts before receiving an offer to turn pro with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. From there he’s been with almost every professional league in North America. In 2011, he suited up for Jaromir Jagr’s hometown HC Kladno in the Czech Republic. A brief stop in Finland’s SM-liiga, the German Elite League and last season’s ECHL Toledo Walleye has led him home to the LNAH.

Will Colbert is very much like Jason Lepine except he actually got drafted twice into the NHL. Drafted in the 7^th round, 228^th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2003 and in the 6^th round, 183^rd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2005 entry draft, the massive defenseman decided to focus on his schooling rather then professional hockey. He suited up for the St. Francis Xavier University Xmen throughout his entire collegiate career being a monumental piece of the team. The professional teams took notice and he’s lead a journeyman career similar to Lepine ever since. Colbert finished up last season with 18 points in 37 games for the Tilburg Trappers of the Netherlands national league.

Colbert. (Photo: Micheal Cooper Photography)

Picks number four and five came in the seventh round care of Rouyn-Noranda’s Julien Houle and Laval’s Anthony Courcelles. Two youngs forwards with plenty of opportunity to grow. Houle was a scoring machine for the Junior A Vaudreuil-Dorion Mustangs two years ago exceeding a point per game. Courcelles was most of the same as he notched an impressive 114 points in 52 games with the Lachine Maroons. Courcelles comes with a bit more experience however as he produced a point a game last season with HC Nice in France’s Division 2. How these two young kids will adapt to the LNAH style we have yet to see; they’re in for a wild ride.

Veteran forward, Ottawa’s Scott Wray came in at pick six and is a bit of shot in the dark as there are rumors of Wray having retired. Nevertheless, if he decides to play, the 34 year old would be a massive addition to the River Kings lineup. Wray has had a solid career spanning over almost 20 years. Starting out in the OHL and finishing last season with the Central league’s Rapid City Rush, Wray has been a very productive member is every squad he’s been with. Although his point total might be on the downslope just a tad, his penalty minutes are always high mostly from engaging in fisticuffs. Wray would be an excellent fit to the River Kings puzzle.

Two 24 year old’s were picks seven and eight. Vince Perreault out of Braeside, Ontario and Billy Ulrick out of Belleville, Ontario. Both are alumni’s of the Central Canada Junior A Hockey League so they have plenty of experience playing out of the Ed Lumley Arena. Perrault has just finished up a exciting collegiate career having captained Westfield State University the past three seasons. A natural leader, Perrault is one who can be intimidating due to his speed one the ice. Ulrick needs little to no introduction as he has played the past four seasons with the Cornwall Colts. He was a key piece to Cornwall’s CCHL title win in 2013.

Last but certainly not least, Cornwall’s last pick came in the form of another hometown native, goaltender Nick Filion. Filion won the 2006 CJHL Rookie of the Year with the Cornwall Colts and has an FHL championship under his belt with the Akwesasne Warriors. He also played nine games for Ohio State University before returning back to Canada. Filion is a solid goaltender with a strength on his glove side. Good pickup to have behind Loic Lacasse.

One on One with former NHLer Ryan O’Marra

750px-Ryan_O'Marra_2011 — (Photo: 5by7, Flickr)

By Ed Kimberley
Coventry, England

Ryan O’Marra might catch the name of some Canadian fans. The 27 year old center who was born in Tokyo, Japan was drafted 15th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2005 NHL entry draft. Electing to stay with the OHL’s Erie Otters, O’Marra exploded for 77 points in 61 games. He also racked up 134 penalty minutes. The team you might remember from however, is the Edmonton Oilers. After becoming well versed with the AHL, Edmonton came calling and O’Marra picked up more then a handful of games for the big club.

Here, March Hockey UK correspondent, Ed Kimberley caught up with O’Marra for a little chit chat on his recent signing with the EIHL’s Coventry Blaze.

Ed Kimberley: Firstly with a player of your pedigree, a former 1st success in European leagues, it looks like winning silverware follows you around. What would be the highlight(s) of your career so far and why?

Ryan O’Marra: The highlight of my career would be winning two World Junior, under-20, gold medals with Team Canada. As a young kid, I used to get up every Boxing Day and watch the first Canada game with my Dad. It’s something many Canadians can attest to doing. The World Junior tournament is something all young players in Canada aspire to be a part of. I was fortunate enough to play with two incredible teams and players like Jonathon Toews, Kris Letang, and Carey Price.

EK – You’ve been described as a player with an excellent two way game that can win key face-offs, kill penalties and ice during difficult shifts. Coach Lefebvre has already highlighted you will be looked to for these roles, how difficult was it to transition to this style of play when turning pro?

RO – It was an adjustment for sure. It is difficult to change roles leaving junior hockey in the OHL to pro hockey in the NHL/AHL. I was always an offensive player in the OHL and adjusting to the new speed of the professional level and attention to detail required was challenging. It took me two years to adjust to the role and earn the ice time necessary to be successful as a defensive centreman and penalty killer. Once that happened I experienced some success at the AHL level and earned some NHL time, especially in my fourth year.

EK – You’re not the first former NHL player to have signed for the Blaze this year, with former Columbus Blue Jacket and Phoenix Coyote Steven Goertzen also joining the club, who also is known for his two way game and work ethic. Your styles seem to match each others, so what type of players would you expect on your line to compliment your style?

RO – I have played with probably every type of player and a vast array of skill levels. I try to make the players around me better, no matter what skill-set they bring to the table.

EK – You spoke to former Championship winning Blaze Defenceman and fan favourite, also a former junior teammate of yours Brian Lee prior to signing. You touched on this in a previous press release, but what exactly did he tell you about the club, city and fan-base?

RO – Brian was my assistant captain my rookie year in the OHL, and then I served as an assistant captain when he took over the ‘C’ my second year. We also played together in my rookie year of pro hockey in the ECHL, during my brief stint with the Stockton Thunder. He is the kind of guy who exudes leadership and is someone who everyone likes being around. His on-ice work ethic was incredible. So it was natural to ask him about his time with Coventry. He raved about the fan base, city, and organization. He told me in no uncertain terms that I would not regret signing with the Blaze. His opinion is certainly one I value.

EK – With rosters throughout the league starting to take shape who do you see as being the main challengers so far? The proof will undoubtedly be in the pudding, but the Blaze last season were accused of being inconsistent, with the return of coach Lefebvre and a new look roster, to what extent do you think these accusations have been addressed?

RO – The past is in the past, I can’t speak to what went on last season. Its a new-look team and I am excited for the new season. As far as challengers, I have no idea. I think its more important that we come together early as a team and take each game as it comes. It’s better to focus internally rather than externally.

EK – While in the World Junior Championships you took part in some fierce rival games with neighbour nation the USA, the Blaze have a few hot rivalries throughout the league particularly the Nottingham Panthers, what have you heard about this rivalry, do you approach these games differently and do you look forward to them?

RO – I played with David Ling last season in Italy. He gave me some insight into the rivalry. I have always enjoyed playing in games with a lot of emotion. So I am looking forward to our first meeting.

EK – With the contract signed and next season set, what do you do to prepare for the new season?

RO – I just do what I always have, train and skate throughout the summer.

EK – Do you have any final words for Blaze fans before you see them in September?

RO – I am looking forward to seeing, in person, the passion and support I have heard so much about from the Blaze fans.

Roar of the King: Cornwall shows off new logo post draft

The Cornwall River Kings are moving forward into the Brock Frost era in a big way. Debuting a new logo on social media after the 2014 LNAH draft signifies the end of the old and the beginning of a new and what one hopes a very lengthy stay in the Cornwall region. As the city of Cornwall prepares to tear down its iconic freestanding Seaway bridge in the next couple of years, it was only fitting to remodel the teams main logo. I for one, hope that the bridge logo remains in some capacity as a shoulder patch or even an anniversary patch in years to come. This new logo signifies something else.

The future.

Gone is what we hope are the financial woes that have plagued the team for the past two seasons. Last season’s ownership, management and players should be commended for the sacrifice they gave to keep hockey in our community. Mentioned in a press conference last night, former head coach Rick Lalonde stated that many of the teams personnel (including himself and famed Cornwall hockey icon Al Wagar), went without a pay cheque for much of the season. Not only that, the players played the post season for no money. The fans need to show their thanks in many ways this year, not only to Brock Frost the teams saviour, but to the rest of club. Thank them not only with your words but by buying season tickets, game programs, merchandise. Help this team survive with hopes that one day, your kids will be able to see hockey in Cornwall.

A lion signifies the “King”. That is just what this is team is. This team is a group of warriors who live to fight be it in the jungle, on the river, on the plains, or on the ice another day.

Cornwall made a huge impact earlier this week when they reacquired defenseman and fan favourite Mario Joly from the Laval Predators. (They too have since made a change in their name to move forward, dropping the Braves moniker.) Sent to Laval were Jean-Francois Laplante, Nicholas Siguoin and a 5th round pick. Also in the draft, the River Kings reacquired sharpshooter Anthony Pitarelli who was traded last fall. Two big moves are positive signs that the club are moving in the right direction to be competitive in time for pre-season.

The Cornwall River Kings 2014 draft list is as follows:

Round 4: Mathieu Leduc, D, 23, Valleyfield, QC, 6’1″ 200 lbs.
Round 5: Jason Lepine, D, 29, Cornwall, ON, 6′ 185 lbs.
Round 5: Will Colbert, D, 29, Arnprior, ON, 6’2″ 220 lbs.
Round 7: Julien Houle, LW, 22, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, 5’9″ 180 lbs.
Round 7: Anthony Courcelles, RW, 22, Laval, QC, 6’1″ 186 lbs.
Round 8: Scott Wray, LW, 34, Ottawa, ON, 5’11” 190 lbs.
Round 9: Vince Perreault, C, 24, Braeside, ON, 5’11” 192 lbs.
Round 10: Billy Ulrick, C, 24, Belleville, ON, 5’7″ 177 lbs.
Round 10: Nick Fillion, G, 25, Cornwall, ON, 5’11” 178 lbs

Later this week, I’ll go into the picks a bit further to welcome them into the craziness that is Cornwall hockey. Watch the first part of Cornwall’s press conference introducing the new owner and management team:

One on One with Mark Smith of the Coventry Blaze

By Ed Kimberley
Coventry, England

I caught up with Coventry Blaze defenceman Mark Smith ahead of the 2014/15 campaign. No stranger to the Elite League, Mark, a native of Edmonton, Alberta will be entering his 6^th season on UK ice. So far Mark has logged 241 regular season games and 14 playoff appearances with Edinburgh and Blaze rivals, the Cardiff Devils.

Ed Kimberley – Mark thank you for taking some time out of your day to catch up with us, this will be your 6^th season in the EIHL, how will you be spending your offseason and how much are you looking forward to pulling on a blaze jersey for the first time?

Mark Smith –The off-season for me has been rather quiet. Just been staying busy with going to the gym and developing an eBay habit. Got a few weddings to attend here in the UK coming up as well, so they should be fun. My wife and I will be heading back to Canada for July also, so I’m looking forward to catching up with all my family and friends. We have a few road trips planned in Canada as well, which will be a good time. I will also look to get on the ice back in Canada as much as I can. Aside from that, I am really looking forward to getting the season started with the Blaze. Obviously big rivals with Cardiff, so it may be a little strange at first, but nonetheless I am really excited for the season, and seeing some of the signing Marc has made it looks like we will have a really competitive team this season.

EK – Coach Lefebvre has described your play as “very good defensively” and you’ve been described by Neil Francis as “consistently great on the ice.” How would you describe your game?

>MS – I would describe my game much like Marc has. I try to be as sound defensively as I can and really pride myself on being solid in my own zone. With that in mind also I feel I to have the capabilities of chipping in offensively whenever I can. Basically I am going to do whatever I can to help the team win. If that means blocking shots or taking a hit to make a play, I’m going to do whatever has to be done to help the team be successful. I just try to prepare myself as best as I can before hand and work as hard as possible on the ice, and that is what I try to give every game.

EK – A bit of a lighter question for you, coach Lefebvre said he “didn’t expect a whole lot of offense” from you, now as team mates (albeit in more games) you outscored Marc in Edinburgh, do you hope to surprise both your new boss and the fans with offensive contributions?

MS – I am well aware of the expectations Marc has of me, and I am a defensive minded D-man, but with that in mind, as I alluded to in the previous question I do feel I have the capabilities to chip in with decent numbers given the opportunity. As for outscoring Marc up in Edinburgh, I was quite shocked at that with him being the offensive dynamo he his. Jokes aside though, I will bring a solid defensive game, but I feel that I will pleasantly surprise people with my offensive contribution.

EK – Marc made an immediate impact behind the bench, carving some key victories to help the Blaze reach the post-season. How important was his return to the helm important for you in signing in Coventry? How did the deal come about?

MS – Knowing Marc and playing with him previously was a huge reason for choosing to play for the Blaze. I know the kind of person he is and what he brings to the rink every day and I am excited to be apart of that. I approached Marc if he was interested in having me in Coventry and I got an almost immediate response from him that he wanted me there. The professionalism from him and everybody within the organization has been fantastic, and I know I will enjoy my time playing for the Blaze.

EK – Although there is a long way to go in the offseason, the team look to have a strong leadership core with Egener, Goertzen, Tait and Cowley, just how important is it to have guys like these on the roster?

MS – It is massive to have a veteran presence like we have on the team. It is those kind on guys that will do all the little things that need to be done to win games. That kind of approach to the game is contagious and will rub off on the younger and less experienced guys on the team. Having those kind of players also makes everyone around them raise their level of play.

EK – Having played numerous games in the Skydome over the past 5 years, how does it feel as an opposing player when the fans turn it into a fortress? And, be honest, did you ever hear the chirping from the block behind the away teams bench?

MS – The fans in Coventry do bring a great deal of passion and create a great atmosphere. And I absolutely heard the chirping that goes on from behind the bench. I don’t think I personally ever acknowledged whoever is doing it, but I think they gave up heckling me after a couple years cause I ignored them. But it is pretty funny at times as there have been some pretty good exchanges between them and some of my teammates.

EK – Again Mark, thank you for answering a few questions and we look forward to seeing you come August/September time. However I do have one final question for you….. Rangers or Kings?

MS – No problem, Anytime. I cannot wait to get started in Coventry and in answer to your question. Not sure if this counts now with the Kings being up 3-1, but I am going to say Rangers.

March’s Note: Wrong answer Smith!

Don’t write off the EIHL

Dan LaCosta (Photo: Michael Cooper Photography)

Some of the clubs in the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League have started to maintain an unfavourable reputation. A reputation that if not rectified or least, simmered down a bit, can place a bleak shadow on the whole league itself.

The Cardiff Devils are the second squad to have players come out with the antagonizing revelation of management not fulfilling their contracts in the sense of not being paid. Of course, it’s not really all that surprising in the hockey world. Players get screwed over all the time, it’s no secret. This however seems to lie further down the line in the EIHL.

Earlier this spring, the Hull Stingrays came under fire with the same predicament. In fact, the team itself seems to have imploded with players refusing to come back and signing elsewhere. Granted, they do have the right to seek employment somewhere else but as management, if you had quality players who were producing night after night you would think one would try to keep them under wraps and paying them what they were owed.

The hockey world is a very small community. Players talk. Coaches talk. Fans talk. Of course, the main item for discussion amongst fans is why? Why aren’t these contracts being upheld? We’ll never find out the definite answer but there’s a much deeper reason then just not having the money.

Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not singling the EIHL out. This happens in leagues all over the world, the LNAH, the Central league, the East Coast league, I could go on forever. It’s just the players in the EIHL have decided to bring this issue to the spotlight.

Is there any way to stop it in the UK? Well, a player’s union would help but we are FAR from that ever coming to fruition. I enjoy the hockey of the EIHL, I really do and personally, I have yet to find a team in the league that rubs me the wrong way. However, the more I hear and the more players come out, certain clubs will now always have a stain on themselves in my eyes.

On a lighter note, in the grand scheme of things this black cloud is just a blimp on the radar. Do you think this kind of thing didn’t happen when the NHL first started out? Of course it did. With the invention of computers and social media, it’s just thrown in our faces for views and tweets and likes. You have to remember that the league is still in its infancy and the powers that be still have a lot to learn.

There’s lots of potential for the EIHL. The hockey is good, the fans are rabid and with the right business model along with time, it can be a cash crop.

We just have to be patient.

BOW DOWN TO THE KINGS: River Kings to stay in Cornwall

Time to make some noise Cornwall!

The hockey gods that are the LNAH board of governors have decided to give the River Kings back where it belongs; to the city of Cornwall.

Local businessman, real estate agent and now owner of the Cornwall River Kings, Brock Frost had made a successful pitch to the powers that be of the league. The secret was kept under wraps for a number of weeks. David Small and his partnership had given the team back to the league at the end of May and it was all in the league’s hands.

This won’t be an easy task. With little to no advertising being used inside the rink due to a lopsided deal between the Junior A. Cornwall Colts and the City of Cornwall, Frost and the River Kings will have their work cut out for them. However, the word of mouth is a powerful thing.

At the beginning of last season there was talk of the fans starting up a Booster Club. I can not stress how important this club will be to the team once it gets going. This has the oppourtunity to generate a secondary income for the team. Teams in the UK have paid their entire teams roster when struggling through tough financial times. Let’s be smart Cornwall and make sure our team never ends up this way again.

Kudos to Councilor Brock Frost (Yeah, he’s running for council but I’m going to call it now and say he’s earned a spot at the round table), and whoever helped him along his way to keep the blue, red and white of the River Kings on course. The real work starts now.

That means you, reading this. YOU need to come out to the games. YOU need to buy merchandise. YOU need to GET INVOLVED. Let’s make sure this upcoming season is one we’ll never forget.

Who’s house? Our house.

Stampede’s Schneider sent to hospital as Canterbury defend TKRT Trophy

A weekend series ended on a bit of a sour note as the Canterbury Red Devils successfully defended the Toa Kauhunga Riri Tio Trophy. A close battle with the Southern Stampede on Saturday preceded a rough and almost old time hockey feel on Sunday night.

The first matchup saw solid offence coming from Brett Speirs, Evan Zych and Vladimir Kutny. Hard shots that sailed to the back of the net early on allowed goaltender Justin Findlay to secure a comfortable win and promote the winning momentum into Sunday night’s tangle.

Unfortunately the story of the weekend wasn’t about defending the TKRT trophy, the winning ways of the red and black or the relentlessness of the Stampede. No, in fact the chatter afterwards signaled down onto something we’re all pretty familiar with in hockey: fisticuffs.

Towards the end of the second period, tempers were flaring as a tangle and scrum jumped in front of the net. We’ve seen it a million times. Whistle gets called, players start chirping, punches get thrown. Usually, referees are there in time to break it up before things start to boil over. Didn’t happen this time. Matthew Schneider of the Stampede seemed to get a pop in the mouth from a punch by what seems to be a Hayden Argyle fist. Schneider unfortunately has his back to the camera and all we get to see is the whiplash of his head slinging back and then he drops to the ice. Flat on his stomach, arms outstretched.

Not moving.

I’m used to the North American style of hockey and I’m very familiar with the “fight for no reason” style of the LNAH. From what I saw on the replay of the stream was nothing more than a hockey play gone wrong. Argyle gave Schneider a pop to antagonize him and when Schneider fell to the ice, he fell chin first. I’m pretty positive that Argyle didn’t intend to hurt him, at least not that extent and I can put money on him feeling pretty bad about it afterwards. These plays happen all the time over here and unfortunately some of the end up like the case of Schneider. The fall to the ice can sometimes cause a lot more damage than the fist to the face.

Argyle received a game misconduct (can’t blame them) but the official call was a “check to the head”. Hmmm. I would’ve called it roughing myself but I guess that’s why I’m not in black and white stripes. I realize that Hayden Argyle has the reputation of being the most penalized player in the league with the rap sheet to prove it. I also know that Matthew Schneider is one of stand outs on the Southern Stampede squad. Being it this early in the season, I chalk this up to nothing other than a hockey play gone terribly wrong.

Nobody likes to see a player get hurt. Schneider was taken to hospital and underwent medical observations for a concussion. The Stampede did tweet out today and Schneids is shaken up but okay and will be back on the ice next week.

When the dust settled on Sunday night, the Canterbury Red Devils managed to come away with another 4-2 win in front of a capacity crowd at their hometown Alpine Ice Arena. If there’s one tale to come out of the weekend’s series, it’s that hockey players don’t forget. Expect a bounty on Hayden Argyle’s head for the rest of the season.