Last week, following another in a long line of injuries to defenceman Sami Salo, the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks issued a statement that included this: “There will be no further comment from the club or Salo at this time.” . . . Hey, is that terrific public relations, or what? . . . Ian Hamilton, in the Regina Leader-Post: “The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed forward Marc-Andre Cliche. When the deal was announced, Cliche vowed to give 110 per cent even when his back is against the wall, take it one game at a time and try to take it to the next level.” . . . One more from Hamilton: “Tiger Woods’ endorsements are down by US$22 million from last year, giving new meaning to the phrase, ‘Cheaters never prosper.’ ” . . .
Some food for thought from Jerry Crowe of the Los Angeles Times: “While there are currently no active major league players named Williams, there are two named Suzuki (Ichiro of the Seattle Mariners and Kurt of the Oakland Athletics) and two named Nix (Laynce of the Cincinnati Reds and younger brother Jayson of the Cleveland Indians). . . . Smith, the most common surname in the United States, is represented by only three major leaguers, while there are seven each named Gonzalez, Rodriguez and Johnson.” . . . Hey, Kelowna, if you tried really, really hard, I’m sure you could get a few more billboards into that mess above that bridge of yours. . . . Jerry Greene, at ESPN.com: “Yankees GM Brian Cashman said New York is not looking for another starting pitcher. That’s like Larry King saying he’s not looking for another wife.” . . .
If you are wondering why South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen was anything but a household name before winning the British Open earlier this month, Greg Connors of the Buffalo News has the answer: “He refuses to toot his own vuvuzela.” . . . By the way, one of those things showed up at the Kamloops Broncos’ season-opener a week ago. Can’t imagine what six of them would sound like at a Blazers’ game. . . . Rest easy, Roughriders fans. Ottawa is scheduled to rejoin the CFL in 2013, but your Saskatchewan side has said it will exercise a veto and not allow the new guys to be known as the Rough Riders. . . . One can only suppose the CFL doesn’t want any more exposure on The Simpsons. . . .
When Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times found out that Butch Patrick, who came to fame as Eddie Munster, and a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader are an item, he wrote: “Wonder if they’re getting season tickets down in the coffin corner.” . . . Remember when the NHL’s Winter Classic was a novelty and something to which to look forward? . . . The Penguins and Washington Capitals will meet Jan. 1 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Y-A-W-N! . . . Headline at SportsPickle.com: Tour de France leader quits after his parents buy him a car. . . .
A tip of the hat to the likes of Cal Hockley and Norm Lenardon, former Trail Smoke Eaters, who helped put together the celebration of the life of the late Bobby Kromm that was held in Trail on Wednesday. Kromm coached the Smokies as they won the 1961 world hockey championship. And he later went on to coach the high-flying Winnipeg Jets of the WHA and the Detroit Red Wings. He doesn’t get nearly the credit he should for his coaching career. . . . Kromm died in June at the age of 82. . . . What was the management of the Vernon Tigers thinking? The decision to file a protest against the Kamloops Venom over the use of an ineligible player — the locals had league approval to bring in a backup goaltender, who never got on the floor — was a waste of time for all involved. . . . If Vernon had a problem, it should have been dealt with at the league level and behind closed doors. . . . Now you have to wonder if the Vernon brass shouldn’t visit King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and borrow some armour, before the next league meeting. . . .
Earlier this week, Miguel Batista started in place of the sore-shouldered Stephen Strasburg for the home-standing Washington Nationals. Yes, there were some boos. Batista, though, said he understood. “Imagine if you go to see Miss Universe,” he said, “then you end up having Miss Iowa, you might get those kind of boos.” . . . The Nationals, not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, promptly invited Miss Iowa, Katherine Connors, to throw out the first pitch last night before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. . . . “I love it. I think it’s hilarious,” Connors said before the game. She also had a message for Batista: “I told him I can throw a pitch or two. The question is, can he walk in my bikini in high heels.” . . . Wondering who won the World Championship Buffalo Chip Toss earlier this month in Chadron, Neb.? It was hometown boy Michael Lorenzo, with a toss of 103 feet. As Brad Dickson of the Omaha World Herald noted: “Although it was a great accomplishment, afterward not a single person shook his hand.” . . .
When the Miami Heat added former Cleveland Cavaliers centre Zydrunas Ilgauskas to its arsenal, Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel wrote: “Terms of the deal were not announced, but sources say Ilgauskas agreed to the provision that he will be allowed to touch the basketball at least once every homestand.” . . . . After Nick Saban, the head football coach at Alabama, referred to some player agents as pimps, Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle offered: “The Cynic’s Dictionary says the difference between a pimp and a big-time college football coach is a whistle.” . . . And then there is J.R. Smith, a guard with the Denver Nuggets, who, according to this tweet, may have some concerns with the U.S. legal system and how it handles divorces: “If have 30 mil an get married to chick an she bring a bag full of clothes why is it that if we brake up I have to give her 15. She don’t shoot no jumpers or nothing not one rebound or nothing don’t even tie my shoe for the game but I have to give her half.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. Email him at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, or visit his blog at gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Barnett excited about move to Blazers
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
When the 2009-10 WHL season ended, the Kamloops Blazers had two 20-goal scorers on their roster.
They added another one Friday with the acquisition of forward J.T. Barnett, who will turn 18 on Aug. 21. (If you were wondering, that’s Justin Terrance.)
The Blazers got Barnett, a native of Calabasas, Calif., from the Vancouver Giants for a second-round selection in the 2011 bantam draft.
“I’m great . . . terrific. I’m excited . . . excited to get going,” said Barnett, whose family moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., when he was 10. “I’m excited to be with such a good organization. All the way up to the owners — (Shane) Doan, (Jarome) Iginla, (Darryl) Sydor and (Mark) Recchi. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Barnett hadn’t asked for a trade, but, as he said, “The opportunity presented itself and it seems like a good fit, so we took it.”
Last season, Barnett, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, finished with 38 points, including 21 goals, and 42 penalty minutes in 71 regular-season games. He added three assists in seven playoff games.
“I’ve had an eye on him for a while,” Kamloops general manager Craig Bonner said. “I heard he might be available, so I made my pitch and we were able to get him.
“He fits nicely into our upper forward group. He scored 21 goals at 17, so . . .”
This was the seventh trade between Bonner and his brother, Scott, the Giants’ general manager, since May 2, 2008.
Of the players on the Blazers’ season-ending roster, only C.J. Stretch (30) and Brendan Ranford (29) scored more than 20 goals, and Stretch has graduated.
Barnett, a 10th-round pick in the 2007 bantam draft, had five points in 38 games in his freshman season. Then he started last season by scoring six goals in the first five games and 12 in his first 18 outings. However, he had just three goals in the regular season’s last 26 games.
He started on Vancouver’s top line, alongside banger Lance Bouma and centre Craig Cunningham.
“They had a lot to do with my success in the beginning,” Barnett said. As for things tailing off, he added: “There’s no one reason . . . I would like to be more consistent. That’s one of the things I want to work on.”
His season ended prematurely, thanks to a shoulder injury he incurred in Game 3 of a playoff series with the Portland Winterhawks.
“I just got hit awkwardly in the first period,” Barnett remembered. “I tried to play through it. The second period came around, I got hit into the boards and I knew it was out. That was the end of it.”
He had suffered a first-degree separation, so he was shut down. The injury didn’t need surgery, and he returned to Scottsdale to do the rehabilitation work.
Earlier this month, Barnett, who wasn’t selected in the NHL draft, attended the Minnesota Wild’s development camp. Sydor worked the camp in his role as an assistant coach with the Houston Aeros, the Wild’s AHL affiliate. Bonner said that Sydor “thought (Barnett) played fairly well.”
It was a good test for Barnett, who reported that his shoulder “wasn’t a problem . . . it’s good to go.”
“It was great,” he continued. “I felt I had a really strong camp. It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot of stuff on the ice, power-skating and stuff like that. It was good.”
He showed enough that the Wild invited him to play on its representative in the eight-team prospects’ tournament in Traverse City, Mich., in September. Kamloops defenceman Josh Caron, who also attended Minnesota’s development camp, will be on the Wild team, too.
“I’m good friends with Caron, from camp,” said Barnett, who also is friends with two other Kamloops defencemen — Bronson Maschmeyer, who was acquired from the Giants prior to last season, and Brandon Underwood, who also is a native of California.
For now, Barnett is at home in Scottsdale, working out twice a day in preparation for the start of training camp here on Aug. 26.
“I’m excited to get going . . . my whole family is,” he said.
Barnett is the son of Michael Barnett, who first came into hockey’s spotlight as Wayne Gretzky’s agent and now is director of U.S. amateur scouting, as well as senior advisor to the president and general manager, with the New York Rangers.
JUST NOTES: F Bernhard Keil, who was selected by the Blazers in the 2011 import draft, is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops from his native Germany on Aug. 20. Slovakian F Dalibor Bortnak, who is returning for a third season, is to arrive on Aug. 21. . . . Keil recently played three exhibition games with the German U-20 team in Switzerland. He said he had a goal and an assist in a victory over Belarus, and added a goal, via penalty shot, as the Germans split two games with their hosts.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
When the 2009-10 WHL season ended, the Kamloops Blazers had two 20-goal scorers on their roster.
They added another one Friday with the acquisition of forward J.T. Barnett, who will turn 18 on Aug. 21. (If you were wondering, that’s Justin Terrance.)
The Blazers got Barnett, a native of Calabasas, Calif., from the Vancouver Giants for a second-round selection in the 2011 bantam draft.
“I’m great . . . terrific. I’m excited . . . excited to get going,” said Barnett, whose family moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., when he was 10. “I’m excited to be with such a good organization. All the way up to the owners — (Shane) Doan, (Jarome) Iginla, (Darryl) Sydor and (Mark) Recchi. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Barnett hadn’t asked for a trade, but, as he said, “The opportunity presented itself and it seems like a good fit, so we took it.”
Last season, Barnett, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, finished with 38 points, including 21 goals, and 42 penalty minutes in 71 regular-season games. He added three assists in seven playoff games.
“I’ve had an eye on him for a while,” Kamloops general manager Craig Bonner said. “I heard he might be available, so I made my pitch and we were able to get him.
“He fits nicely into our upper forward group. He scored 21 goals at 17, so . . .”
This was the seventh trade between Bonner and his brother, Scott, the Giants’ general manager, since May 2, 2008.
Of the players on the Blazers’ season-ending roster, only C.J. Stretch (30) and Brendan Ranford (29) scored more than 20 goals, and Stretch has graduated.
Barnett, a 10th-round pick in the 2007 bantam draft, had five points in 38 games in his freshman season. Then he started last season by scoring six goals in the first five games and 12 in his first 18 outings. However, he had just three goals in the regular season’s last 26 games.
He started on Vancouver’s top line, alongside banger Lance Bouma and centre Craig Cunningham.
“They had a lot to do with my success in the beginning,” Barnett said. As for things tailing off, he added: “There’s no one reason . . . I would like to be more consistent. That’s one of the things I want to work on.”
His season ended prematurely, thanks to a shoulder injury he incurred in Game 3 of a playoff series with the Portland Winterhawks.
“I just got hit awkwardly in the first period,” Barnett remembered. “I tried to play through it. The second period came around, I got hit into the boards and I knew it was out. That was the end of it.”
He had suffered a first-degree separation, so he was shut down. The injury didn’t need surgery, and he returned to Scottsdale to do the rehabilitation work.
Earlier this month, Barnett, who wasn’t selected in the NHL draft, attended the Minnesota Wild’s development camp. Sydor worked the camp in his role as an assistant coach with the Houston Aeros, the Wild’s AHL affiliate. Bonner said that Sydor “thought (Barnett) played fairly well.”
It was a good test for Barnett, who reported that his shoulder “wasn’t a problem . . . it’s good to go.”
“It was great,” he continued. “I felt I had a really strong camp. It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot of stuff on the ice, power-skating and stuff like that. It was good.”
He showed enough that the Wild invited him to play on its representative in the eight-team prospects’ tournament in Traverse City, Mich., in September. Kamloops defenceman Josh Caron, who also attended Minnesota’s development camp, will be on the Wild team, too.
“I’m good friends with Caron, from camp,” said Barnett, who also is friends with two other Kamloops defencemen — Bronson Maschmeyer, who was acquired from the Giants prior to last season, and Brandon Underwood, who also is a native of California.
For now, Barnett is at home in Scottsdale, working out twice a day in preparation for the start of training camp here on Aug. 26.
“I’m excited to get going . . . my whole family is,” he said.
Barnett is the son of Michael Barnett, who first came into hockey’s spotlight as Wayne Gretzky’s agent and now is director of U.S. amateur scouting, as well as senior advisor to the president and general manager, with the New York Rangers.
JUST NOTES: F Bernhard Keil, who was selected by the Blazers in the 2011 import draft, is scheduled to arrive in Kamloops from his native Germany on Aug. 20. Slovakian F Dalibor Bortnak, who is returning for a third season, is to arrive on Aug. 21. . . . Keil recently played three exhibition games with the German U-20 team in Switzerland. He said he had a goal and an assist in a victory over Belarus, and added a goal, via penalty shot, as the Germans split two games with their hosts.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Friday . . .
The Tri-City Americans have signed Darcy Ewanchuk as their athletic therapist. Ewanchuk has been out of the WHL for the last two seasons, but has 11 years in the league. He worked for the Edmonton/Kootenay Ice and, in 2007-08, was the trainer/equipment manager with the expansion Edmonton Oil Kings.
————
Terry Virtue, who left the Americans earlier this week after spending three years on their coaching staff, has joined the staff of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. Neate Sager of Yahoo! Sports has more right here.
———
In looking to replace Virtue, Tri-City GM Bob Tory is believed to be looking at Scott Beattie, who has been on the Kootenay Ice’s coaching staff. Beattie, of course, also is a candidate to remain with the Ice where he would work alongside new head coach Kris Knoblauch. . . . Tory also may take a look at Keith Cassidy, who most recently has coached the MJHL’s Selkirk Steelers and Winnipeg Saints. . . . Knoblauch has given up his position as an assistant coach with Team Pacific, the team that will represent B.C. and Alberta at the 2011 U-17 World Hockey Challenge that runs Dec. 28 through Jan. 4 in Winnipeg.
———
F Matt Hubbauer (Regina, 1998-2003) has returned from Great Britain and signed with the Central league’s Wichita Thunder. He had 49 points in 49 games with the Sheffield Steelers in England last season. After playing 51 games with the AHL’s St. John’s Maple Leafs in 2004-05, Hubbauer went on to play three seasons in Germany before going to England.
———
Ralph Krueger (Calgary, New Westminster, 1978-79) has signed on with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers as their associate coach. He will work with head coach Tom Renney and assistants Kelly Buchberger and Steve Smith. . . . Krueger, a Winnipeg native, is the long-time head coach of the Swiss national team. In his last stint with the Swiss team, he guided it to an eighth-place finish at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
————
Terry Virtue, who left the Americans earlier this week after spending three years on their coaching staff, has joined the staff of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. Neate Sager of Yahoo! Sports has more right here.
———
In looking to replace Virtue, Tri-City GM Bob Tory is believed to be looking at Scott Beattie, who has been on the Kootenay Ice’s coaching staff. Beattie, of course, also is a candidate to remain with the Ice where he would work alongside new head coach Kris Knoblauch. . . . Tory also may take a look at Keith Cassidy, who most recently has coached the MJHL’s Selkirk Steelers and Winnipeg Saints. . . . Knoblauch has given up his position as an assistant coach with Team Pacific, the team that will represent B.C. and Alberta at the 2011 U-17 World Hockey Challenge that runs Dec. 28 through Jan. 4 in Winnipeg.
———
F Matt Hubbauer (Regina, 1998-2003) has returned from Great Britain and signed with the Central league’s Wichita Thunder. He had 49 points in 49 games with the Sheffield Steelers in England last season. After playing 51 games with the AHL’s St. John’s Maple Leafs in 2004-05, Hubbauer went on to play three seasons in Germany before going to England.
———
Ralph Krueger (Calgary, New Westminster, 1978-79) has signed on with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers as their associate coach. He will work with head coach Tom Renney and assistants Kelly Buchberger and Steve Smith. . . . Krueger, a Winnipeg native, is the long-time head coach of the Swiss national team. In his last stint with the Swiss team, he guided it to an eighth-place finish at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
Blazers, Giants playing let's make a deal
The Kamloops Blazers have acquired F J.T. Barnett, 18, from the Vancouver Giants. In exchange, the Giants get a 2011 second-round bantam draft pick. . . . Barnett finished last season, his second in the WHL, with 38 points, 21 of them goals, and 42 penalty minutes in 71 games. He had three assists in seven playoff games. . . . He was limited by a shoulder injury in the latter part of the season and has since had surgery.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Smith heading for Team Canada camp
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Colin Smith has his bags packed and he’s ready to go . . . to Calgary and then to Europe.
Smith, who is heading into his sophomore season with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, is one of 38 hopefuls — 24 of whom are forwards — who will report today to Calgary’s Father David Bauer Arena, site of the national under-18 team’s selection camp.
The camp will run through Tuesday, at which point two goaltenders and 22 skaters will be named to the team that will represent Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia.
“They told everyone to pack as if you’re going to Europe,” Smith said. “So I’ve packed for, like, two weeks.”
Now he will hit the ice and try to prove to the coaching staff that he’s worthy of making the team, meaning all the packing wasn’t a waste of time.
“The opportunity is huge . . . to be able to make Team Canada is pretty speical,” he said. “It’s my first chance to do something like that.”
So he really wants to prove to head coach George Burnett of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls and assistants Ron Choules (QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan) and Jim Hiller (WHL’s Tri-City Americans) that he belongs.
Asked if he feels ready, Smith replies: “Yeah, I think so. But I’m a little nervous.”
If he doesn’t make it, it won’t be because of a lack of offseason work.
The 17-year-old Edmonton native has been working out five days a week at Body by Bennett, a personal fitness studio operated by Simon Bennett, who works with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Smith also has been running on weekends, and has been skating Tuesdays and Thursdays with a group that includes the likes of Oilers veterans Ladislav Smid and Zack Stortini.
Smith also has done some offseason skating at Vimy Ridge Academy in Edmonton and also spent three weeks at Quantum Speed, doing some power-skating work along with Kamloops defenceman Bronson Maschmeyer.
Through it all, Smith figures he has grown about half an inch and put on almost 10 pounds, bringing him up to 5-foot-10 and, he said with a chuckle, “I’m getting close to that 170 pounds . . . I’m at 167 today.”
Smith is anything but big-boned and knows it. As he said, “With my body type, it’s tough to put on pounds. But you really see the strength increasing.”
Smith, the seventh overall pick in the 2008 bantam draft, had 26 points, including five goals, in 48 games last season. He got off to a late start after suffering a broken arm during the Blazers’ intrasquad game.
Smith definitely showed improvement as the season went on — he picked up 11 points over his final 18 regular-season games and then added a goal and three assists in four playoff games.
He hopes to carry that late-season momentum into the U-18 camp.
There will be nine WHLers at the camp, including defenceman Reece Scarlett of the Swift Current Broncos and forward Mark McNeill of the Prince Albert Raiders, both of them good friends of Smith. As well, defenceman Duncan Siemens of the Saskatoon Blades is from Sherwood Park, Alta. “He and I have played together for years,” Smith said.
So there will at least be some familiar faces in the camp.
The rest then is up to Smith.
“I don’t know,” he said, when asked what he expects starting Saturday. “I’ll just show them what I’ve got and see what happens.”
Team Canada will play an exhibition game against Czech Republic in Breclav on Aug. 7, before opening the tournament against Sweden on Aug. 9 in Piestany. Slovakia and Switzerland also are in Canada’s pool.
JUST NOTES: The Blazers will open training camp on Aug. 26 at the McArthur Island Sports and Event Centre. There won’t be any ice in the Interior Savings Centre until after Cirque de Soleil completes its five-day run on Sept. 5. . . . Simon Wheeldon is the new head coach of the B.C. major midget league’s Kootenay Ice. He spent the last five seasons as GM/head coach of the junior B Nelson Leafs. . . . Tri-City announced Thursday that associate coach Terry Virtue has resigned “due to personal reasons.” He had been on the Ams’ coaching staff for three seasons. As for a replacement, GM Bob Tory said he has targeted a candidate and expects to make an announcement early next week.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Colin Smith has his bags packed and he’s ready to go . . . to Calgary and then to Europe.
Smith, who is heading into his sophomore season with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, is one of 38 hopefuls — 24 of whom are forwards — who will report today to Calgary’s Father David Bauer Arena, site of the national under-18 team’s selection camp.
The camp will run through Tuesday, at which point two goaltenders and 22 skaters will be named to the team that will represent Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia.
“They told everyone to pack as if you’re going to Europe,” Smith said. “So I’ve packed for, like, two weeks.”
Now he will hit the ice and try to prove to the coaching staff that he’s worthy of making the team, meaning all the packing wasn’t a waste of time.
“The opportunity is huge . . . to be able to make Team Canada is pretty speical,” he said. “It’s my first chance to do something like that.”
So he really wants to prove to head coach George Burnett of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls and assistants Ron Choules (QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan) and Jim Hiller (WHL’s Tri-City Americans) that he belongs.
Asked if he feels ready, Smith replies: “Yeah, I think so. But I’m a little nervous.”
If he doesn’t make it, it won’t be because of a lack of offseason work.
The 17-year-old Edmonton native has been working out five days a week at Body by Bennett, a personal fitness studio operated by Simon Bennett, who works with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Smith also has been running on weekends, and has been skating Tuesdays and Thursdays with a group that includes the likes of Oilers veterans Ladislav Smid and Zack Stortini.
Smith also has done some offseason skating at Vimy Ridge Academy in Edmonton and also spent three weeks at Quantum Speed, doing some power-skating work along with Kamloops defenceman Bronson Maschmeyer.
Through it all, Smith figures he has grown about half an inch and put on almost 10 pounds, bringing him up to 5-foot-10 and, he said with a chuckle, “I’m getting close to that 170 pounds . . . I’m at 167 today.”
Smith is anything but big-boned and knows it. As he said, “With my body type, it’s tough to put on pounds. But you really see the strength increasing.”
Smith, the seventh overall pick in the 2008 bantam draft, had 26 points, including five goals, in 48 games last season. He got off to a late start after suffering a broken arm during the Blazers’ intrasquad game.
Smith definitely showed improvement as the season went on — he picked up 11 points over his final 18 regular-season games and then added a goal and three assists in four playoff games.
He hopes to carry that late-season momentum into the U-18 camp.
There will be nine WHLers at the camp, including defenceman Reece Scarlett of the Swift Current Broncos and forward Mark McNeill of the Prince Albert Raiders, both of them good friends of Smith. As well, defenceman Duncan Siemens of the Saskatoon Blades is from Sherwood Park, Alta. “He and I have played together for years,” Smith said.
So there will at least be some familiar faces in the camp.
The rest then is up to Smith.
“I don’t know,” he said, when asked what he expects starting Saturday. “I’ll just show them what I’ve got and see what happens.”
Team Canada will play an exhibition game against Czech Republic in Breclav on Aug. 7, before opening the tournament against Sweden on Aug. 9 in Piestany. Slovakia and Switzerland also are in Canada’s pool.
JUST NOTES: The Blazers will open training camp on Aug. 26 at the McArthur Island Sports and Event Centre. There won’t be any ice in the Interior Savings Centre until after Cirque de Soleil completes its five-day run on Sept. 5. . . . Simon Wheeldon is the new head coach of the B.C. major midget league’s Kootenay Ice. He spent the last five seasons as GM/head coach of the junior B Nelson Leafs. . . . Tri-City announced Thursday that associate coach Terry Virtue has resigned “due to personal reasons.” He had been on the Ams’ coaching staff for three seasons. As for a replacement, GM Bob Tory said he has targeted a candidate and expects to make an announcement early next week.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Virtue leaves Ams
Terry Virtue has resigned as the Tri-City Americans’ associate coach. According to a news release from the Americans, Virtue resigned “due to personal reasons.” . . . Virtue (Tri-City, Victoria, Portland, 1988-91) played 16 seasons of pro hockey before joining the Americans’ coaching staff for the 2007-08 season. . . . General manager Bob Tory said: “We have targeted our candidate to fill Terry’s position and we expect to make an announcement early next week.”
Wednesday . . .
It turns out that F Ryan Harrison, who was traded by Prince Albert to the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday, had asked the Raiders to move him following the conclusion of last season. “I kind of told them that if I had a chance to play closer to home, I would take it,” Harrison, who is from Kelowna, told John MacNeil of the Prince Albert Daily Herald. “My family could watch me more and stuff like that.”
MacNeil’s entire story is right here.
———
Wondering why the Spokane Chiefs chose not to renew the contract of head coach Hardy Sauter after last season ended? Well, he now is the head coach of the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and he’s not sure what happened to end his run in Spokane. Chris Langrill of the Idaho Statesman has more right here.
MacNeil’s entire story is right here.
———
Wondering why the Spokane Chiefs chose not to renew the contract of head coach Hardy Sauter after last season ended? Well, he now is the head coach of the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and he’s not sure what happened to end his run in Spokane. Chris Langrill of the Idaho Statesman has more right here.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday . . .
F Josh Birkholz of Maple Grove, Minn., has left the University of Minnesota to sign with the Everett Silvertips. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Oleg Saprykin (Seattle, 1998-2000) signed a three-year contract with Salavat Yulaev Ufa (Russia KHL). He had seven goals and seven assists in 47 games with Dynamo Moscow (Russia KHL) and SKA St. Petersburg (Russia KHL) last season. . . .
F Jaroslav Kristek (Tri-City, 1998-2000) signed a tryout contract with HC Lev Poprad (Slovakia, KHL). He had 10 goals and 14 assists in 52 games with Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic Extraliga) and Zlin (Czech Republic Extraliga) last season. . . .
F Martin Sagat (Kootenay, 2003-05) has been loaned to Trinec (Czech Republic Extraliga) by Slovan Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic 1.Liga). He had one goal and two assists in 13 games for Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic Extraliga) and 12 goals and 19 assists in 36 games with Slovan last season.
---
One day after acquiring F Landon Ferraro, 19, from the Red Deer Rebels, the Everett Silvertips have written another headline by signing a player out of the NCAA ranks.
F Josh Birkholz, 19, of Maple Grove, Minn., is leaving the U of Minnesota Gophers to play for the Silvertips. Birkholz was a third-round selection, 67th overall, by the Florida Panthers in the NHL’s 2009 draft.
Birkholz, 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, had six points, including five goals, in 36 games with Minnesota last season. As a 17-year-old, he played for the USHL’s Fargo, N.D., Force, picking up 36 points, 21 of them goals, in 55 games.
"We are very pleased to be able to have Josh join our organization," Everett GM Doug Soetaert said in a news release. "We feel strongly that we will be able to provide him the opportunity to develop and succeed at reaching his goal of playing in the National Hockey League while continuing his education. Our hockey staff, headed by head coach Craig Hartsburg, is excited to have another top-six forward join the team for the upcoming (season)."
The Minneapolis StarTribune reported that “Birkholz . . . would have been suspended at the start of the college season for breaking unspecified team rules, according to a team release.”
Roman Augustoviz of the StarTribune has more from Birkholz right here.
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The Kootenay Ice has promoted assistant coach Kris Knoblauch to head coach, replacing Mark Holick who now is head coach of the Syracuse Crunch, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.
Knoblauch, 31, signed a two-year contract; the Ice holds an option on a third season.
Knoblauch, a former WHL player, has been on the Ice’s coaching staff for three seasons. He played two seasons in the Ice organization -- one each with Edmonton and Kootenay. Later, he played five seasons with the U of Alberta Golden Bears. He also has served one season as an assistant coach with the Prince Albert Raiders.
“After going through the numerous applicants for the head-coaching position the decision to promote Kris was ultimately an easy one as he has been with the hockey club for three years and has worked in the Western Hockey League for the past four years,” Jeff Chynoweth, the team’s president and general manager, said in a news release. “The philosophy of our organization is to hire and promote from within wherever possible. Kris is very familiar with our returning group of players which will make the transition from assistant to head coach that much easier.”
What makes this an extremely interesting hire is that Chynoweth said two months ago that, while he planned on interviewing Knoblauch, he wasn’t about to promote him. Chynoweth learned of Holick’s departure during the Memorial Cup in Brandon in May; at the time, Chynoweth told me he would interview Knoblauch because the latter’s position and what he had so far given to the organization warranted it. But Chynoweth said at the time that he just didn’t feel that Knoblauch was ready, especially with the level of coaching in the WHL these days.
Obviously, Knoblauch did some convincing between then and now.
And just like that . . . each of the WHL’s 22 teams has a head coach. A couple of teams, like Kootenay and the Medicine Hat Tigers, and perhaps the Vancouver Giants, will be adding assistants before training camps open in just over a month.
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Chuck Weber is the new head coach of the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Weber has been the head coach of the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, winning playoff titles in 2008 and 2010. Weber, 37, replaces Benoit Groulx, who was the head coach in Rochester for two seasons.
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The QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats have a new general manager. Bob Crossman has replaced Bill Schurman, who is moving into sports management. Crossman is no stranger to the GM’s position. The Wildcats are heading into their 15th season -- he has been the organization’s vice-president since Day 1 and has twice served as GM.
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From Cam Tait of the Edmonton Journal:
Nick Wilson left his post as vice-president with the Edmonton Oil Kings last week.
After three seasons with the Western Hockey League team, Wilson decided to home school his four children, between the ages of six and 12.
"It's something my wife and I have been thinking about for the last year and a half, and we decided to go for it," said Wilson.
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Ryan Jankowski, who was dropped earlier in the summer by the New York Islanders, has joined the Montreal Canadiens’ scouting staff. Jankowski had been the Islanders’ assistant GM and director of amateur scouting since 2006. They chose not to renew his contract. . . . Among his responsibilities with the Habs, Jankowski will scout the WHL. He will replace Vaughn Karpan (Brandon, 1979-80), who has been moved up to pro scout.
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Hardy Sauter, who spent the last two seasons as head coach of the Spokane Chiefs, has sign on as head coach and director of hockey operations for the ECHL’s Boise-based Idaho Steelheads. He replaces Derek Laxdal, who left after five seasons to become head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings. Sauter, 39, guided the Chiefs to a 91-45-8 record over the last two regular seasons. After a seven-game loss to the Portland Winterhawks in the first round of the 2009-10 playoffs, the Chiefs chose not to pick up the option on his contract.
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The Edmonton-based NAIT Ooks have added D Dion Darling (Spokane, Moose Jaw, 1992-94) to their roster. Darling, 35, is enrolled in the power-engineering program at NAIT. He has more than 400 AHL games under his belt and also has played in Russia and other pro leagues, including, most recently, in England. . . . As well, Ooks head coach Serge Lajoie has named three assistant coaches -- Ryan Marsh, who was a defenceman with the Tri-City Americans (1992-95) before going on to the U of Alberta; Russ Hewson, an all-star centre at the U of A who played for the Swift Current Broncos and Regina Pats (1992-96), and former goaltender Dustin Schwartz (Medicine Hat, Red Deer, 1996-99). . . . Marsh has been an assistant coach with the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints for the last four seasons. . . . Hewson is a member of the Edmonton police force and has spent two seasons working with U of Alberta head coach Eric Thurston. . . . Schwartz has worked with AJHL goaltenders over the last five seasons.
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The Prince Albert Raiders have traded F Ryan Harrison, 18, to the Medicine Hat Tigers for D Austin Bourhis, who turns 18 on July 31, F Todd Fiddler, 17, and future considerations. . . . Harrison, from Kelowna, had 54 points, including 40 helpers, and 136 penalty minutes as a 17-year-old sophomore last season. . . . Fiddler, from Meadow Lake, Sask., led the Saskatchewan midget AAA league in scoring last season, putting up 93 points in 40 games with the Beardy’s Blackhawks. He was a third-round pick by the Tigers in the 2008 bantam draft. . . . Bourhis, from Kipling, Sask., had 21 points and 139 penalty minutes with the SJHL’s Yorkton Terriers last season. The Tigers had acquired him from the Edmonton Oil Kings last season.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday . . .
Nothing like a hockey action photo to get us started on a day when the temperature in Kamloops was well over 30C. . . . That’s Luke Schenn on the breakaway with Kris Westblom in goal. The picture, by good friend Doyle Potenteau, was taken during the Kelowna Rockets’ alumni game on Sunday. . . . For more on the game, check out Doyle's blog, DubNation, over there on the left.
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THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Adam Taylor (Kootenay, 2000-05) signed a one-year contract with the Edinburgh Capitals (UK Elite). He had 13 goals and 18 assists in 69 games for the Victoria Salmon Kings (ECHL) last season. . . .
F Patrik Valcak (Lethbridge, Kelowna, 2003-04), F Jakub Rumpel (Medicine Hat, 2006-07), D Josef Melichar (Tri-City 1997-99) and F Ivan Dornic (Portland, 2003-05) signed try-out contracts with HC Lev Poprad (Slovakia, KHL). . . . Valcak had six goals and 21 assists in 36 games with Dukla Trencin (Slovakia Extraliga) and HK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas (Slovakia Extraliga). . . . Rumpel had 10 goals and five assists in 45 games with Nitra (Slovakia Extraliga) and Banska Bystrica (Slovakia Extraliga). . . . Melichar had five goals and nine assists in 52 games for Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic Extraliga). . . . Dornic had 12 goals and 12 assists in 45 games with MHC Martin (Slovakia Extraliga) last season. . . .
HC Lev is an expansion club in the KHL this season. It is Czech-owned and was planning to play in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, this season. However, the Czech Ice Hockey Federation didn’t grant permission for the club to play in the KHL, despite reportedly being offered 4 million Euros. On Friday, the KHL approved the move to Poprad, Slovakia. However, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation must still grant its approval.
Jan Filc, the vice-president of the Slovak Federation: “The KHL agreed with Poprad but there is also the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation. We are waiting for the Russian Hockey Federation as our partner in international relations to address this topic with us. We feel left out of the decision-making process. We don’t care if they organize a pigeon exhibition, but we are talking about ice hockey in the territory governed by the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation. There are basic rules that need to be followed and some issues need to be clarified.”
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Well, the much-anticipated trading of Landon Ferraro finally happened Monday.
Only he wasn’t dealt to the Vancouver Giants as so many folks seem to have anticipated.
Instead, in a swap of 19-year-old forwards, Ferraro was traded by the Red Deer Rebels to the Everett Silvertips for Byron Froese.
Everett also gave Red Deer a third-round selection in the 2012 bantam draft, while it received a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft.
Ferraro, a second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL’s 2009 draft, had a much-publicized falling out with Red Deer head coach Jesse Wallin during last season’s playoffs. Ferraro, who had 46 points in 53 regular-season games, was bothered by injuries through a lot of the season and wasn’t happy when he was a healthy scratch for the Rebels’ final playoff game.
Since the end of the season, there had been ample speculation concerning Ferraro’s future, almost all of it having him end up with the Vancouver Giants. The fact that he didn’t will be good news for teams in the B.C. Division. Had Ferraro ended up in Vancouver, they would have been looking at facing him at least 10 times in the regular season. With Everett, it’ll be four times.
In 2008-09, Ferraro finished with 55 points, 37 of them goals, in 68 games.
The son of former WHLer Ray Ferraro, who still holds the WHL record for most goals in one season (108, 1983-84, Brandon Wheat Kings), Landon was taken by Red Deer with the second overall pick of the 2006 bantam draft.
“We’re happy to add Landon to our organization and lineup,” Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said in a news release. “Obviously, he has the potential and ability to score big goals while working hard at both ends of the ice. We believe that we have additional options with his ability to play centre and right wing equally well, and we’re looking forward to him having a breakout season.”
The Silvertips are rolling the dice on Ferraro, hoping a change of scenery will get him going. Froese, who was a listed player originally, actually had better numbers than did Ferraro last season.
Froese totalled 118 points in 142 games with Everett. Last season, his second with the Silvertips, he had 61 points, including 29 goals, in 70 games.
Froese has proved quite durable, having missed only two games in his two WHL seasons. He was a fourth-round selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL’s 2009 draft.
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F Louis Dumont (Regina, Kamloops, 1990-94) has re-signed with the Central league’s Mississippi RiverKings. Last season, Dumont was second on the team in goals (23), assists (40) and points (63). Dumont, going into his fifth season with the RiverKings, has played more than 1,000 games since turning pro and has scored more than 400 goals.
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The AJHL’s Olds Grizzlys are looking for a head coach following the departure of Doug Hedley. Hedley, who signed a three-year contract as director of hockey operations and head coach in June, apparently has left of his own volition. . . . He is a veteran of 17 seasons as a coach in the MJHL and SJHL. . . . With the Grizzlys, Hedley replaced Kevin Hasselberg, who resigned in March. Hasselberg later signed on as assistant GM/assistant coach with the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
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The Moose Jaw Warriors have set a franchise record for season-ticket sales, a figure they say hit 2,127 on Friday. Of that total, the club, which didn’t release the previous record total, says it has added 282 new season-ticket holders. The Warriors are selling 2010-11 season tickets for $350 each, with a purchase guaranteeing “similar or better seating in the new multiplex,” according to a news release.
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The OHL’s Niagara IceDogs have added former NHL D Mike Van Ryn to their coaching staff. Van Ryn, 31, will work as an assistant coach alongside head coach Marty Williamson and fellow assistant Billy Burke. Van Ryn retired from the NHL on Monday. He underwent knee surgery on Oct. 22 and missed all of last season. Earlier this summer, he announced that he wouldn’t play in 2010-11. He now has decided to retire as a player.
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F Craig McCallum, who completed his eligibility last season with the Prince Albert Raiders, will attend the U of Saskatchewan and play for the Huskies in the fall. McCallum, who is from Canoe Lake First Nation, had 72 points in 72 games last season with the Raiders. Prior to that, he played two seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he roomed with F Brenden Dowd, who also is at the U of S.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Curtis Huppe (Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Tri-City, 1995-2000) signed a one-year contract with the Manchester Phoenix (England Premier). He had 19 goals and 23 assists in 52 games for the Hull Stingrays (UK Elite) last season. . . .
D Ross Lupaschuk (Lethbridge, Prince Albert, Red Deer, 1996-2001) signed a one-year contract with Kölner Haie (Germany DEL). He had six goals and eight assists in 35 games for HIFK Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) last season. . . .
D Nolan Pratt (Portland, 1991-95) has been released by Amur Khabarovsk (Russia KHL). He had two goals and nine assists in 46 games for Amur last season. . . .
F Kiel McLeod (Kelowna, 1997-2003) has been released from his contract with Villach (Austria Erste Bank Liga) by mutual agreement. He had 22 goals and 19 assists in 51 games for Villach last season. McLeod had signed a one-year contract extension with Villach in May. . . .
D Jordan Henry (Moose Jaw, Red Deer, 2003-07) signed a one-year contract with Dynamo Minsk (Belarus, KHL). He had 13 goals and 18 assists in 76 games with the Rochester Americans (AHL) last season. . . .
F Tyler Metcalfe (Seattle, 1999-2005) signed a contract with Dunaujvaros (Hungary). He had four goals and 10 assists in 27 games for University of Alberta (CIS) last season.
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I have added a new link over there on the left.
This one is to PuckLife, an ezine that explores the world of hockey.
If you pay the site a visit, you’ll find issue No. 2, from May 2010. Check it out. I especially recommend a read of The Sin Bin.
And if you click on the Wordpress logo in the bottom right corner, it will take you to PuckLife, a blog that accompanies PuckLife.
It’s July so things are a tad slow, but just wait until the season gets rolling. . . .
———
The USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers are in the market for a head coach after Mike Guentzel left for an assisant coaching position with the U of Nebraska-Omaha. He spent one season as the Buccaneers’ head coach.
F Curtis Huppe (Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Tri-City, 1995-2000) signed a one-year contract with the Manchester Phoenix (England Premier). He had 19 goals and 23 assists in 52 games for the Hull Stingrays (UK Elite) last season. . . .
D Ross Lupaschuk (Lethbridge, Prince Albert, Red Deer, 1996-2001) signed a one-year contract with Kölner Haie (Germany DEL). He had six goals and eight assists in 35 games for HIFK Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) last season. . . .
D Nolan Pratt (Portland, 1991-95) has been released by Amur Khabarovsk (Russia KHL). He had two goals and nine assists in 46 games for Amur last season. . . .
F Kiel McLeod (Kelowna, 1997-2003) has been released from his contract with Villach (Austria Erste Bank Liga) by mutual agreement. He had 22 goals and 19 assists in 51 games for Villach last season. McLeod had signed a one-year contract extension with Villach in May. . . .
D Jordan Henry (Moose Jaw, Red Deer, 2003-07) signed a one-year contract with Dynamo Minsk (Belarus, KHL). He had 13 goals and 18 assists in 76 games with the Rochester Americans (AHL) last season. . . .
F Tyler Metcalfe (Seattle, 1999-2005) signed a contract with Dunaujvaros (Hungary). He had four goals and 10 assists in 27 games for University of Alberta (CIS) last season.
———
I have added a new link over there on the left.
This one is to PuckLife, an ezine that explores the world of hockey.
If you pay the site a visit, you’ll find issue No. 2, from May 2010. Check it out. I especially recommend a read of The Sin Bin.
And if you click on the Wordpress logo in the bottom right corner, it will take you to PuckLife, a blog that accompanies PuckLife.
It’s July so things are a tad slow, but just wait until the season gets rolling. . . .
———
The USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers are in the market for a head coach after Mike Guentzel left for an assisant coaching position with the U of Nebraska-Omaha. He spent one season as the Buccaneers’ head coach.
It's all about sharing when coaches get together
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Guy Charron, the head coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, spent his weekend ensconced in the fourth annual KMHA Summer Coaches’ Conference.
Charron, a veteran of the coaching wars at virtually every level, came away suitably impressed.
“The people who are asked to speak . . . I don’t know how George is able to recruit these people,” Charron said, referring to KMHA head coach George Cochrane. “It’s a top-notch thing.”
Among the presenters were some of the most-respected coaches in the game, like Charron, veteran NHL coach Ken Hitchcock, Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay, Montreal Canadiens assistant coach Perry Pearn, Mike Johnston, the GM/head coach of the Portland Winterhawks, and Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Ryan Walter.
“For any amateur coaches in the area, it’s a great resource,” Charron said. “I’m surprised . . . by the amount of quality presenters. These were great presenters and great presentations.”
Charron especially liked this conference because of its smallish size.
As he said, there were 30 or 40 coaches on hand and they are able to easily associate with the presenters “and ask us questions.”
And, he said, there was a real willingness to share information, something that hasn’t always been the case in the world of hockey.
“For a long time,” Charron said, “this was never done. You didn’t want to share your secrets, or whatever.”
But, as he pointed out, “It doesn’t matter what secret you share on a system, it’s going to be your presentation and how you do it to your team and how you sell it to your players.”
In other words, at the end of the day, it’s all about the execution.
Charron said that Hitchcock, a former Blazers head coach, shared an interesting story regarding his involvement as an assistant coach with Team Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
It seems that when the coaching staff — head coach Mike Babcock and assistants Jacques Lemaire, Lindy Ruff and Hitchcock — there was a reluctance to share information. It wasn’t until Babcock opened up that the ice was broken.
Hitchcock “said they were there for four days and the first two days, no one would share information,” Charron related. “Babcock eventually had flip-chart paper everywhere in the room where they were meeting and it was all about what the Detroit Red Wings do. That kind of lightened up the atmosphere and then everybody got sharing their info.
“After that, everybody relaxed and shared what they had learned over their careers.”
Hitchcock, Charron said, also took something of a lead role in asking coaches at this conference not to be afraid to share their secrets.
“We’re hired to be fired,” Charron said, “and if you can help someone to keep his job . . . what’s wrong with that?”
The bottom line with this conference was that even for a coach like Charron, who is 61 years of age and has been coaching for going on 30 years, there were nuggets of information to be mined.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “There was a benefit even for me to sit in and listen to these guys. Every coach would learn something. They cover what we all know but there’s always a way that the presenters will say something that may just give you an idea.
“It’s great.”
JUST NOTES: Charron and his wife, Michele, have purchased a home in Kamloops. “I think this is going to be home for us,” he said. “We really enjoy it here.” . . . Charron expects to have both of his assistant coaches — Scott Ferguson and Geoff Smith — back for another season. It’s believed that Smith was close to joining the Giants’ coaching staff, but has decided to stay in Kamloops. . . . Former Blazers F Alex Rodgers will attend the University of Alberta in the fall and play for the Golden Bears. Rodgers completed his major junior eligibility with the Prince George Cougars last season. . . . G Justin Leclerc, who was released by the Blazers in November, has decided to attend the U of Waterloo and play for the Warriors. Leclerc finished last season with the MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Guy Charron, the head coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, spent his weekend ensconced in the fourth annual KMHA Summer Coaches’ Conference.
Charron, a veteran of the coaching wars at virtually every level, came away suitably impressed.
“The people who are asked to speak . . . I don’t know how George is able to recruit these people,” Charron said, referring to KMHA head coach George Cochrane. “It’s a top-notch thing.”
Among the presenters were some of the most-respected coaches in the game, like Charron, veteran NHL coach Ken Hitchcock, Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay, Montreal Canadiens assistant coach Perry Pearn, Mike Johnston, the GM/head coach of the Portland Winterhawks, and Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Ryan Walter.
“For any amateur coaches in the area, it’s a great resource,” Charron said. “I’m surprised . . . by the amount of quality presenters. These were great presenters and great presentations.”
Charron especially liked this conference because of its smallish size.
As he said, there were 30 or 40 coaches on hand and they are able to easily associate with the presenters “and ask us questions.”
And, he said, there was a real willingness to share information, something that hasn’t always been the case in the world of hockey.
“For a long time,” Charron said, “this was never done. You didn’t want to share your secrets, or whatever.”
But, as he pointed out, “It doesn’t matter what secret you share on a system, it’s going to be your presentation and how you do it to your team and how you sell it to your players.”
In other words, at the end of the day, it’s all about the execution.
Charron said that Hitchcock, a former Blazers head coach, shared an interesting story regarding his involvement as an assistant coach with Team Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
It seems that when the coaching staff — head coach Mike Babcock and assistants Jacques Lemaire, Lindy Ruff and Hitchcock — there was a reluctance to share information. It wasn’t until Babcock opened up that the ice was broken.
Hitchcock “said they were there for four days and the first two days, no one would share information,” Charron related. “Babcock eventually had flip-chart paper everywhere in the room where they were meeting and it was all about what the Detroit Red Wings do. That kind of lightened up the atmosphere and then everybody got sharing their info.
“After that, everybody relaxed and shared what they had learned over their careers.”
Hitchcock, Charron said, also took something of a lead role in asking coaches at this conference not to be afraid to share their secrets.
“We’re hired to be fired,” Charron said, “and if you can help someone to keep his job . . . what’s wrong with that?”
The bottom line with this conference was that even for a coach like Charron, who is 61 years of age and has been coaching for going on 30 years, there were nuggets of information to be mined.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “There was a benefit even for me to sit in and listen to these guys. Every coach would learn something. They cover what we all know but there’s always a way that the presenters will say something that may just give you an idea.
“It’s great.”
JUST NOTES: Charron and his wife, Michele, have purchased a home in Kamloops. “I think this is going to be home for us,” he said. “We really enjoy it here.” . . . Charron expects to have both of his assistant coaches — Scott Ferguson and Geoff Smith — back for another season. It’s believed that Smith was close to joining the Giants’ coaching staff, but has decided to stay in Kamloops. . . . Former Blazers F Alex Rodgers will attend the University of Alberta in the fall and play for the Golden Bears. Rodgers completed his major junior eligibility with the Prince George Cougars last season. . . . G Justin Leclerc, who was released by the Blazers in November, has decided to attend the U of Waterloo and play for the Warriors. Leclerc finished last season with the MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Saturday . . .
Kelly McCrimmon, the owner, general manager and head coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings, has told the Brandon Sun that he won’t be making any coaching changes. That means that McCrimmon will return as head coach, with Dwayne Gylywoychuk and Darren Ritchie as the assistants.
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The OHL’s Barrie Colts have hired former NHLer Dan Cloutier as their goaltending coach. Cloutier, 34, spent 10 seasons in the NHL. He replaces Piero Greco, who now is with the Kitchener Rangers.
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Once upon a time, Pat Forciea was hoping to purchase the Portland Winterhawks. That never happened. If you’re wondering what ever happened to Forciea, check out his story right here.
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The OHL’s Barrie Colts have hired former NHLer Dan Cloutier as their goaltending coach. Cloutier, 34, spent 10 seasons in the NHL. He replaces Piero Greco, who now is with the Kitchener Rangers.
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Once upon a time, Pat Forciea was hoping to purchase the Portland Winterhawks. That never happened. If you’re wondering what ever happened to Forciea, check out his story right here.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday . . .
This is a big weekend for Bruce Hamilton, the president, governor and general manager of the Kelowna Rockets, who also is the chairman of the WHL’s board of governors.
On Friday night in Penticton, Hamilton was one of four people inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame.
With Hamilton in control of the Rockets, the franchise has turned into one of the best in the major junior ranks. It has been to four Memorial Cup tournaments, winning as the host team in 2004.
I could go on and on, but one thing says it all: When you talk with Hamilton, you know that he has the best interests of the game at heart.
To show in what high esteem Hamilton is held in hockey circles, a number of WHL people showed up in Penticton unannounced. That group included the likes of Kelly Kisio, the GM of the Calgary Hitmen, Red Deer Rebels owner and Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter, former Rockets head coach Marc Habscheid, who now is the GM and head coach of the Chilliwack Bruins, Vancouver Giants majority owner Ron Toigo, WHL commissioner Ron Robison and Spokane Chiefs GM Tim Speltz.
“This is a real thrill,” Hamilton wrote in an email.
As for the unexpected guests, Hamilton added: “It was unreal!!! I had no idea they were coming.”
No one is more deserving of being in a hall of fame to do with hockey than is Bruce Hamilton, who has done more for hockey in the Interior B.C. than anyone in recent memory.
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Also inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame on Friday were Trevor Linden, who won two Memorial Cup titles with the Medicine Hat Tigers and went on to play 19 seasons in the NHL; Dallas Drake, who played 1,009 regular-season NHL games and won an NCAA title and a Stanley Cup; and, Frank Lento, a longtime administrator in B.C. amateur hockey circles.
———
Lanny Stewart, over at myWestman.ca, sat down and chatted with Brandon Wheat Kings D Mark Schneider. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, check out the result right here.
On Friday night in Penticton, Hamilton was one of four people inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame.
With Hamilton in control of the Rockets, the franchise has turned into one of the best in the major junior ranks. It has been to four Memorial Cup tournaments, winning as the host team in 2004.
I could go on and on, but one thing says it all: When you talk with Hamilton, you know that he has the best interests of the game at heart.
To show in what high esteem Hamilton is held in hockey circles, a number of WHL people showed up in Penticton unannounced. That group included the likes of Kelly Kisio, the GM of the Calgary Hitmen, Red Deer Rebels owner and Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter, former Rockets head coach Marc Habscheid, who now is the GM and head coach of the Chilliwack Bruins, Vancouver Giants majority owner Ron Toigo, WHL commissioner Ron Robison and Spokane Chiefs GM Tim Speltz.
“This is a real thrill,” Hamilton wrote in an email.
As for the unexpected guests, Hamilton added: “It was unreal!!! I had no idea they were coming.”
No one is more deserving of being in a hall of fame to do with hockey than is Bruce Hamilton, who has done more for hockey in the Interior B.C. than anyone in recent memory.
———
Also inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame on Friday were Trevor Linden, who won two Memorial Cup titles with the Medicine Hat Tigers and went on to play 19 seasons in the NHL; Dallas Drake, who played 1,009 regular-season NHL games and won an NCAA title and a Stanley Cup; and, Frank Lento, a longtime administrator in B.C. amateur hockey circles.
———
Lanny Stewart, over at myWestman.ca, sat down and chatted with Brandon Wheat Kings D Mark Schneider. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, check out the result right here.
Keeping Score
Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. . . . Jim Barker, the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, states publicly how much he likes B.C. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay. B.C. Lions GM/head coach Wally Buono follows up with: “Say what you want, but you can’t do that. Indirectly, that is tampering.” . . . Tampering? The same man, David Braley, owns both teams. Welcome to the CFL, where the ‘C’ doesn’t stand for credibility. . . . So does Braley feel happy or sad after his teams met last night in Toronto? . . . Who would have thought a guy could prepare to win the British Open by visiting family in Kamloops and playing the Mount Paul course? . . . And how many local hackers are thinking they saw Louis Oostenhuizen bunting it around one of the area courses at one time or another? . . .
Former major league pitcher Bill Lee, who did a stint with the Boston Red Sox, had his share of run-ins with the late George Steinbrenner. So what did the Spaceman think of the death of The Boss. “As far as Steinbrenner’s passing? Good,” he told WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. “Trust me, if hell freezes over, he’ll be skating.” . . . “That next thunderstorm you hear,” claims the Left Coast Sports Babe, “is probably George and Billy Martin reuniting somewhere.” . . . After Steinbrenner’s death, The Babe also noted: “Many people are now crossing ‘Yankees’ off their bumper stickers and substituting ‘My favorite team is whoever is playing the Heat.’ ” . . .
When LeBron James showed up in New York for Carmelo Anthony’s wedding, the New York Post ran this headline: Welcome to NY, Jackass. . . . Greg Cote, in the Miami Herald: “LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh signed Heat contracts worth a combined $328 million. Or, what Tiger Woods’ ex, Elin Nordegren, calls ‘a down payment.’ ” . . . Scott Ostler, in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Groveliers, charges James with the ultimate sin, quitting on the team during the playoffs. Yet Gilbert groveled to give the Quittin’ King $100 million to come back and quit some more. Get back to us, Dan, when you can explain.” . . . Might the U of San Diego Toreros men’s basketball team make a stop in River City next month? Stay tuned . . .
In case you missed it, country star Carrie Underwood and Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher got married the other day. Comedy writer Jim Barach noted that there was a problem: “The hard part was figuring which side of the aisle had fewer teeth.” . . . If you watched the British Open — or the Open Championship, as it is referred to these days — did you get the feeling that Tiger Woods is just another golfer these days? And would you agree that he needs a body language coach more than he needs a swing coach? . . .
Here’s a new game to play as you drive around town. On the first day of the week, you take a number — say, 50 — and then go over-under with the number of drivers you see talking on cell phones over the next seven days. . . . By the way, if it’s 50, I’ve got the over. . . . Ron Judd, in the Seattle Times: “Nielsen ratings show that the LeBron James Exercise in Ego special on ESPN was viewed by 12 million to 14 million viewers. And you wonder why we can’t get people to grasp the concept of Keep Right Except To Pass.” . . . In Canada, where far too many drivers don’t have a clue what that lever is on the left-hand side of the steering column, only 280,000 viewers took in LeBron’s ugly exit from Cleveland. . . .
Michael Jordan, in conversation with The Associated Press“ “There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team.’ But that’s . . . things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.” . . . If you haven’t seen it yet, you don’t want to miss The Two Escobars. It’s part of ESPN’s 30-for-30 series and it is dynamite. Watch for it on TSN. . . . If you’re like me, you’re wondering when TSN and Rogers Pokernet turned into movie channels . . .
Gotta think Bill O’Donovan of CFJC-TV was first in line at the video store on Tuesday to pick up the Chicago Blackhawks’ highlight DVD. Finally, he’ll be able to put away the tape of the 1961 season. . . . Bobby Hull, who was with the Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup in 1961, didn’t drink out of hockey’s holy grail until . . . “First time I drank out of a Stanley Cup,’’ Hull told Elliott Harris of the Chicago Sun-Times, “was when (Detroit defenceman) Chris Chelios brought it to his golf outing. They knew my shoulders were so bad, they poured a couple of pints of beer in it and lifted it up so I could drink beer out of it.’’ . . . There were no Stanley Cup tours back in ’61. Players just returned home and went back to work at their real jobs. . . .
A note from Dianna Hartnell informs that the 10th annual Dolson’s Peter Puck Hockey Camp, which runs Aug. 16-20 at the Ice Box Arena, is full. This camp will be one with a difference, or five. She has a six-year-old boy from Germany registered, along with a brother and sister from Saudi Arabia. Yes, that Saudi Arabia. Also registered are two brothers from Brussels, who aren’t believed related to the Muscles from Brussels. But, really, you just never know. . . . A reminder to area charities. If you would to get a piece of The Daily News Christmas Cheer Fund this year, visit our website (kamloopsnews.ca), click on the Christmas Cheer logo and get in your application. OK? . . . “I miss the World Cup so much,” scribbles comedy writer Alex Kaseberg, “I decided to hang out at the pier and watch the fisherman haul in their fish just so I could see something flop.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. Email him at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, or visit his blog at gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
Former major league pitcher Bill Lee, who did a stint with the Boston Red Sox, had his share of run-ins with the late George Steinbrenner. So what did the Spaceman think of the death of The Boss. “As far as Steinbrenner’s passing? Good,” he told WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. “Trust me, if hell freezes over, he’ll be skating.” . . . “That next thunderstorm you hear,” claims the Left Coast Sports Babe, “is probably George and Billy Martin reuniting somewhere.” . . . After Steinbrenner’s death, The Babe also noted: “Many people are now crossing ‘Yankees’ off their bumper stickers and substituting ‘My favorite team is whoever is playing the Heat.’ ” . . .
When LeBron James showed up in New York for Carmelo Anthony’s wedding, the New York Post ran this headline: Welcome to NY, Jackass. . . . Greg Cote, in the Miami Herald: “LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh signed Heat contracts worth a combined $328 million. Or, what Tiger Woods’ ex, Elin Nordegren, calls ‘a down payment.’ ” . . . Scott Ostler, in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Groveliers, charges James with the ultimate sin, quitting on the team during the playoffs. Yet Gilbert groveled to give the Quittin’ King $100 million to come back and quit some more. Get back to us, Dan, when you can explain.” . . . Might the U of San Diego Toreros men’s basketball team make a stop in River City next month? Stay tuned . . .
In case you missed it, country star Carrie Underwood and Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher got married the other day. Comedy writer Jim Barach noted that there was a problem: “The hard part was figuring which side of the aisle had fewer teeth.” . . . If you watched the British Open — or the Open Championship, as it is referred to these days — did you get the feeling that Tiger Woods is just another golfer these days? And would you agree that he needs a body language coach more than he needs a swing coach? . . .
Here’s a new game to play as you drive around town. On the first day of the week, you take a number — say, 50 — and then go over-under with the number of drivers you see talking on cell phones over the next seven days. . . . By the way, if it’s 50, I’ve got the over. . . . Ron Judd, in the Seattle Times: “Nielsen ratings show that the LeBron James Exercise in Ego special on ESPN was viewed by 12 million to 14 million viewers. And you wonder why we can’t get people to grasp the concept of Keep Right Except To Pass.” . . . In Canada, where far too many drivers don’t have a clue what that lever is on the left-hand side of the steering column, only 280,000 viewers took in LeBron’s ugly exit from Cleveland. . . .
Michael Jordan, in conversation with The Associated Press“ “There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team.’ But that’s . . . things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.” . . . If you haven’t seen it yet, you don’t want to miss The Two Escobars. It’s part of ESPN’s 30-for-30 series and it is dynamite. Watch for it on TSN. . . . If you’re like me, you’re wondering when TSN and Rogers Pokernet turned into movie channels . . .
Gotta think Bill O’Donovan of CFJC-TV was first in line at the video store on Tuesday to pick up the Chicago Blackhawks’ highlight DVD. Finally, he’ll be able to put away the tape of the 1961 season. . . . Bobby Hull, who was with the Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup in 1961, didn’t drink out of hockey’s holy grail until . . . “First time I drank out of a Stanley Cup,’’ Hull told Elliott Harris of the Chicago Sun-Times, “was when (Detroit defenceman) Chris Chelios brought it to his golf outing. They knew my shoulders were so bad, they poured a couple of pints of beer in it and lifted it up so I could drink beer out of it.’’ . . . There were no Stanley Cup tours back in ’61. Players just returned home and went back to work at their real jobs. . . .
A note from Dianna Hartnell informs that the 10th annual Dolson’s Peter Puck Hockey Camp, which runs Aug. 16-20 at the Ice Box Arena, is full. This camp will be one with a difference, or five. She has a six-year-old boy from Germany registered, along with a brother and sister from Saudi Arabia. Yes, that Saudi Arabia. Also registered are two brothers from Brussels, who aren’t believed related to the Muscles from Brussels. But, really, you just never know. . . . A reminder to area charities. If you would to get a piece of The Daily News Christmas Cheer Fund this year, visit our website (kamloopsnews.ca), click on the Christmas Cheer logo and get in your application. OK? . . . “I miss the World Cup so much,” scribbles comedy writer Alex Kaseberg, “I decided to hang out at the pier and watch the fisherman haul in their fish just so I could see something flop.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. Email him at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, or visit his blog at gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
Catching up . . .
F Alex Rodgers, who played out his WHL eligibility last season with the Prince George Cougars, will attend the U of Alberta in Edmonton and play for the Golden Bears in 2010-11. . . . Rodgers, who is from Salmon Arm, had 61 points for the Cougars last season, as he had career highs in goals (20), assists (41) and points. . . . He played a total of 258 regular-season games, split between the Kamloops Blazers, Vancouver Giants and Prince George. . . . Rodgers joins 10 other WHLers in the Golden Bears’ 2010 recruiting class, the others being G Kurtis Mucha, G Linden Rowat, D Jarrett Toll, D Jesse Craige, D Drew Nichol, F Mitch Czibere, F Zack Dailey, F Johnny Lazo, F Matt Meropoulis and F Lindsay Nielsen.
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Dan Plaster is the new radio voice of the Regina Pats, whose games are heard on 620 CKRM. Plaster, the Pats’ director of communications, replaces Rod Pedersen, the Pats’ radio voice for the last 15 seasons. . . . Plaster has been the colour analyst on road games for the past two seasons. . . . Meanwhile, Harvard Broadcasting and the Pats have agreed to terms on an extension that keeps the team on CKRM through 2012-13. . . . There’s more on play-by-play voices further down.
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The Calgary Flames will hold open their development camp on Monday at the Pengrowth Saddledome. WHLers on the camp roster are G Cam Lanigan (Edmonton), D Joey Leach (Kootenay), D Giffen Nyren (Calgary), F Carter Bancks (Lethbridge), F Spence Bennett (Portland), F Lance Bouma (Vancouver), F Michael Ferland (Brandon), F Patrick Holland (Tri-City), F Ryan Howse (Chilliwack), F Gaelan Patterson (Saskatoon), F Max Reinhart (Kootenay) and F Mitch Wahl (Spokane).
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David Anning, an assistant GM/assistant coach with the Dauphin Kings for the past two seasons, is the new GM/head coach of the MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints. Anning joined the Kings after serving the Saints as an assistant coach and director of marketing. He also played for the Saints and served as team captain. . . . The Kings won the MJHL’s 2009-10 championship, beating the Saints in the final. . . . Anning replaces Keith Cassidy. It would seem that the Saints’ board and Cassidy, who got the Saints into the MJHL final in his only season with them, have agreed to disagree, and you know who never wins in those situations. So, at least for now, Cassidy is on the outside looking in.
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G Justin Leclerc (Lethbridge Kamloops, 2005-10) will attend Waterloo University and play for the Warriors in 2010-11. Leclerc was released by the Kamloops Blazers in November and surfaced with the Winnipeg Saints, who went onto the MJHL final.
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Rick Wilson, a veteran NHL assistant coach and a former Prince Albert Raiders player and coach, has been told it’s OK to look for work. Wilson, an associate coach with the Lightning, is still under contract to the NHL team. . . . At the same time, the Lightning dumped Cap Raeder, who had worked with goaltenders throughout the organization for the last two years, and Jim Johnson, the head coach of its AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, since January.
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The Prince George Cougars will be back on 993 The Drive for 2010-11, the 17th season in which the games have been carried on a radio station belonging to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. . . . The parties have agreed to an extension that will carry them through 2012-13. . . . However, Ron St. Clair is out as the radio voice of the Cougars. He will be replaced by Andy Neal, who is the Cougars’ director of corporate sales and broadcasting. He has worked with St. Clair on broadcasts for the last two seasons. . . . St. Clair now is the sports director at CKPG, but won’t be handling play-by-play duties.
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The move in Prince George means that more teams will have new radio voices in the fall than will have new head coaches. The Cougars are at least the fifth team that will have a new voice on the airwaves when a new season arrives. Also changing are the Regina Pats (Dan Plaster in, Rod Pedersen out), Edmonton Oil Kings (AJ Jakubec out, replacement not named), Kamloops Blazers (Kirk Fraser out, replacement not named) and Vancouver Giants (Morley Scott out, no replacement named). . . . At the same time, only the Oil Kings, Kootenay Ice, Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs have undergone coaching changes. So far . . .
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Dan Plaster is the new radio voice of the Regina Pats, whose games are heard on 620 CKRM. Plaster, the Pats’ director of communications, replaces Rod Pedersen, the Pats’ radio voice for the last 15 seasons. . . . Plaster has been the colour analyst on road games for the past two seasons. . . . Meanwhile, Harvard Broadcasting and the Pats have agreed to terms on an extension that keeps the team on CKRM through 2012-13. . . . There’s more on play-by-play voices further down.
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The Calgary Flames will hold open their development camp on Monday at the Pengrowth Saddledome. WHLers on the camp roster are G Cam Lanigan (Edmonton), D Joey Leach (Kootenay), D Giffen Nyren (Calgary), F Carter Bancks (Lethbridge), F Spence Bennett (Portland), F Lance Bouma (Vancouver), F Michael Ferland (Brandon), F Patrick Holland (Tri-City), F Ryan Howse (Chilliwack), F Gaelan Patterson (Saskatoon), F Max Reinhart (Kootenay) and F Mitch Wahl (Spokane).
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David Anning, an assistant GM/assistant coach with the Dauphin Kings for the past two seasons, is the new GM/head coach of the MJHL’s Winnipeg Saints. Anning joined the Kings after serving the Saints as an assistant coach and director of marketing. He also played for the Saints and served as team captain. . . . The Kings won the MJHL’s 2009-10 championship, beating the Saints in the final. . . . Anning replaces Keith Cassidy. It would seem that the Saints’ board and Cassidy, who got the Saints into the MJHL final in his only season with them, have agreed to disagree, and you know who never wins in those situations. So, at least for now, Cassidy is on the outside looking in.
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G Justin Leclerc (Lethbridge Kamloops, 2005-10) will attend Waterloo University and play for the Warriors in 2010-11. Leclerc was released by the Kamloops Blazers in November and surfaced with the Winnipeg Saints, who went onto the MJHL final.
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Rick Wilson, a veteran NHL assistant coach and a former Prince Albert Raiders player and coach, has been told it’s OK to look for work. Wilson, an associate coach with the Lightning, is still under contract to the NHL team. . . . At the same time, the Lightning dumped Cap Raeder, who had worked with goaltenders throughout the organization for the last two years, and Jim Johnson, the head coach of its AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, since January.
---
The Prince George Cougars will be back on 993 The Drive for 2010-11, the 17th season in which the games have been carried on a radio station belonging to the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. . . . The parties have agreed to an extension that will carry them through 2012-13. . . . However, Ron St. Clair is out as the radio voice of the Cougars. He will be replaced by Andy Neal, who is the Cougars’ director of corporate sales and broadcasting. He has worked with St. Clair on broadcasts for the last two seasons. . . . St. Clair now is the sports director at CKPG, but won’t be handling play-by-play duties.
---
The move in Prince George means that more teams will have new radio voices in the fall than will have new head coaches. The Cougars are at least the fifth team that will have a new voice on the airwaves when a new season arrives. Also changing are the Regina Pats (Dan Plaster in, Rod Pedersen out), Edmonton Oil Kings (AJ Jakubec out, replacement not named), Kamloops Blazers (Kirk Fraser out, replacement not named) and Vancouver Giants (Morley Scott out, no replacement named). . . . At the same time, only the Oil Kings, Kootenay Ice, Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs have undergone coaching changes. So far . . .
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Gillies aiming to return in August
For the Tyson Gillies fans out there . . .
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Tyson Gillies was back running on Tuesday for the first time in three weeks.
Now that may not seem like such a big deal, but when you’re a professional baseball player whose game depends on speed, well, it’s tough when you aren’t able to run.
Gillies, a centre fielder who is from Kamloops, is on the disabled list with the double-A Reading Phillies of the Eastern League. A strained left hamstring has limited him to 26 games, during which time he hit just .238 with two doubles, one triple and two stolen bases.
The 22-year-old Gillies spent 2009 with the High Desert Mavericks, a Seattle Mariners affiliate that plays in the advanced Class A California League. He had a breakout season, hitting .341 with a .430 on-base percentage and a .916 OPS (on-base plus slugging). He also stole 44 bases and walked 60 times.
During the offseason, the Mariners included Gillies in the package to the Philadelphia Phillies that landed left-hander Cliff Lee, the former Cy Young Award winner who has since been dealt to the Texas Rangers.
“The injury has been very frustrating, but it’s coming along . . . finally,” Gillies told The Daily News in an email on Tuesday. “I have been doing millions of exercises to get myself better.”
Gillies first went on the disabled list on May 12. He came off June 15 and tried to give it a go, but was back on the DL just 10 days later.
“This has been an extreme battle for me,” he wrote. “Nothing is harder than watching your team go out there day in and day out and have to sit there watching them play every single day.”
Reading went into last night with at 46-48, 10 1/2 games off the pace in the EL’s Eastern Division.
Gillies added that, while he is working hard to get back on the field, he also has been trying to stay positive.
“I have been able to work a lot with my hitting and things like that,” he noted, “things that are going to help me be a lot more successful down the road.”
He especially has been working on slowing things down in the batter’s box, something he knew last spring that he was going to have to do.
While Gillies is the first to acknowledge that he got off to a slow start this season, he felt that things were coming around when he first was injured.
“It was just tough that before I got hurt I started to really turn things around,” he wrote. “Everyone has to go through this kind of thing and I am very thankful that I haven’t had to until now.
“So I just have to be patient and worry about the things I am able to control rather than the things I am not.”
In eight games from April 30 through May 10, Gillies was 12-for-32 (.375). He then went on the DL for the first time. He came back and played in two games before being DL’ed once again.
Gillies now is aiming to get back into the lineup early in August, after which he hopes he is able to stay healthy.
“I am hoping that I will be healthy (enough) to go for the whole month of August and September,” he stated. “I will be happy if I am able to have a strong finish.”
He also has plans to play this winter, something he hasn’t done in the past.
“I will be playing a lot this winter, so that will be a good thing,” he wrote. “That will help me be more adjusted to the game before I get back to spring training for next year.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Tyson Gillies was back running on Tuesday for the first time in three weeks.
Now that may not seem like such a big deal, but when you’re a professional baseball player whose game depends on speed, well, it’s tough when you aren’t able to run.
Gillies, a centre fielder who is from Kamloops, is on the disabled list with the double-A Reading Phillies of the Eastern League. A strained left hamstring has limited him to 26 games, during which time he hit just .238 with two doubles, one triple and two stolen bases.
The 22-year-old Gillies spent 2009 with the High Desert Mavericks, a Seattle Mariners affiliate that plays in the advanced Class A California League. He had a breakout season, hitting .341 with a .430 on-base percentage and a .916 OPS (on-base plus slugging). He also stole 44 bases and walked 60 times.
During the offseason, the Mariners included Gillies in the package to the Philadelphia Phillies that landed left-hander Cliff Lee, the former Cy Young Award winner who has since been dealt to the Texas Rangers.
“The injury has been very frustrating, but it’s coming along . . . finally,” Gillies told The Daily News in an email on Tuesday. “I have been doing millions of exercises to get myself better.”
Gillies first went on the disabled list on May 12. He came off June 15 and tried to give it a go, but was back on the DL just 10 days later.
“This has been an extreme battle for me,” he wrote. “Nothing is harder than watching your team go out there day in and day out and have to sit there watching them play every single day.”
Reading went into last night with at 46-48, 10 1/2 games off the pace in the EL’s Eastern Division.
Gillies added that, while he is working hard to get back on the field, he also has been trying to stay positive.
“I have been able to work a lot with my hitting and things like that,” he noted, “things that are going to help me be a lot more successful down the road.”
He especially has been working on slowing things down in the batter’s box, something he knew last spring that he was going to have to do.
While Gillies is the first to acknowledge that he got off to a slow start this season, he felt that things were coming around when he first was injured.
“It was just tough that before I got hurt I started to really turn things around,” he wrote. “Everyone has to go through this kind of thing and I am very thankful that I haven’t had to until now.
“So I just have to be patient and worry about the things I am able to control rather than the things I am not.”
In eight games from April 30 through May 10, Gillies was 12-for-32 (.375). He then went on the DL for the first time. He came back and played in two games before being DL’ed once again.
Gillies now is aiming to get back into the lineup early in August, after which he hopes he is able to stay healthy.
“I am hoping that I will be healthy (enough) to go for the whole month of August and September,” he stated. “I will be happy if I am able to have a strong finish.”
He also has plans to play this winter, something he hasn’t done in the past.
“I will be playing a lot this winter, so that will be a good thing,” he wrote. “That will help me be more adjusted to the game before I get back to spring training for next year.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Tuesday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT:
D Mike Card (Kelowna, 2002-06) signed a one-year contract and F Brett Breitkreuz (Kelowna, Edmonton, Vancouver, 2006-10) signed a two-year contract with Kölner Haie (Germany DEL). Card had six goals and 19 assists in 53 games for Kassel Huskies (Germany DEL) last season, while Breitkreuz had 17 goals and 18 assists in 66 games with the Oil Kings and the Giants. . . .
D Tomas Mojzis (Moose Jaw, Seattle, 2000-03) signed a one-year contract with Dynamo Minsk (Belarus, KHL). He had five goals and five assists in 52 games for MoDo Örnsköldsvik (Sweden Elitserien) last season. . . .
D Matt Suderman (Saskatoon, Everett, 1999-2004) signed a one-year contract with the Hull Stingrays (UK Elite). He had one goal and two assists in 21 games for Morzine-Avoriaz (France Ligue Magnus) last season. . . .
D Jeff Smith (Red Deer, 1998-2002) signed a one-year contract with the Coventry Blaze (UK Elite). He had five goals and 14 assists in 45 games for the Nijmegen Devils (Netherlands Eredivisie) last season. . . .
F Joni Lindlöf (Kelowna, Lethbridge, 2002-04) was released by Briançon (France Ligue Magnus) for financial reasons. Lindlöf, who had signed a one-year contract extension with the club in April, had 14 goals and 10 assists in 22 games last season. Briançon is trying to meet financial conditions so it may remain in Ligue Magnus this season. . . .
G Norm Maracle (Saskatoon, 1991-94) signed a one-year contract with Rosenheim (Germany 2.Bundesliga). He had a 3.58 GAA and a .901 save percentage 25 games with Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia, plays in Austria Erste Bank Liga) and a 3.22 GAA with a .901 SP in five games for Kölner Haie (Germany DEL) last season.
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The Portland Winterhawks have moved Matt Bardsley from advance scout to director of hockey operations. Bardsley, who has been with the Winterhawks since 1999, has been the club’s advance scout since Mike Johnston took over as GM/head coach. According to a club press release, Bardsley “spent the last two seasons . . . evaluating other teams’ rosters and list players and assisting Johnston with trade discussions and player evaluations. He will retain those duties in his new position, and take an increased role in all aspects of hockey operations, including overseeing the organization’s recruiting program.”
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Brad Cook has joined the BCHL’s Victoria Salmon Kings as an assistant coach. He had been the head coach of the junior B Saanich Braves, who play in the Vancouver Island junior league. Robin Gomez (Calgary, Seattle, 1999-2002) has taken over as head coach of the Braves. . . . Cook and Gomez both played for the ECHL’s Victoria Salmon Kings.
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F Jordie Deagle (Medicine Hat, Prince George, Red Deer, 2004-09) has committed to attend Carleton University and play for the Ravens. Deagle played out his junior eligibility last season, putting up 26 points with the Red Deer Rebels. . . . Carleton U is in Ottawa.
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George Burnett, the GM and head coach of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls, has been added to the coaching staff of Canada’s national junior team as an assistant to Dave Cameron. Burnett fills the position vacated by Bob Boughner, when he left the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires to sign on as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets. . . . Burnett will remain as head coach of the Canadian U-18 team that will play in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament early next month.
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The OHL’s Soo Greyhounds have given head coach Denny Lambert a two-year extension. His contract now runs through the 2012-13 season. . . . The Greyhounds also announced the signing of assistant coach Nick Warriner to a two-year deal as assistant coach, and the addition of Pat Curcio as an assistant coach. . . . Warriner has spent two seasons with the Soo. . . . Curcio, who got a one-year deal, spent last season as the assistant coach/assistant director of hockey operations with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Before that, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the OHL’s London Knights.
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Former NHLer Randy Cunneyworth is the new head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. The Bulldogs also have named Randy Ladouceur as assistant coach. . . . Cunneyworth was on the coaching staff of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers for the last two seasons. His resume includes seven seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Rochester Americans. . . . Ladouceur is a veteran of 10 NHL seasons as an assistant coach. He worked last season as an assistant coach with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs.
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For those of you eagerly awaiting the arrival of the WHL’s 2010-11 schedule . . . you won’t have to hold your breath for a whole lot longer.
Officials from Western Conference teams are to gather in Kelowna on Tuesday (July 27) to finish hammering it out.
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Ken Campbell of The Hockey News is reporting on his blog that Portland Winterhawks owner Bill Gallacher heads a group that is on the verge of completing the purchase of the Dallas Stars. Campbell’s piece is right here.
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The SJHL’s Flin Flon Bombers have extended the contract of GM/head coach Mike Reagan through 2011-12. He is preparing for his fourth season with the Bombers after going 102-58-6-6 in his first three. . . . Reagan has brought former SJHL F Michael George on board as his assistant coach, while Jon Klassen now is head scout/assistant GM.
D Mike Card (Kelowna, 2002-06) signed a one-year contract and F Brett Breitkreuz (Kelowna, Edmonton, Vancouver, 2006-10) signed a two-year contract with Kölner Haie (Germany DEL). Card had six goals and 19 assists in 53 games for Kassel Huskies (Germany DEL) last season, while Breitkreuz had 17 goals and 18 assists in 66 games with the Oil Kings and the Giants. . . .
D Tomas Mojzis (Moose Jaw, Seattle, 2000-03) signed a one-year contract with Dynamo Minsk (Belarus, KHL). He had five goals and five assists in 52 games for MoDo Örnsköldsvik (Sweden Elitserien) last season. . . .
D Matt Suderman (Saskatoon, Everett, 1999-2004) signed a one-year contract with the Hull Stingrays (UK Elite). He had one goal and two assists in 21 games for Morzine-Avoriaz (France Ligue Magnus) last season. . . .
D Jeff Smith (Red Deer, 1998-2002) signed a one-year contract with the Coventry Blaze (UK Elite). He had five goals and 14 assists in 45 games for the Nijmegen Devils (Netherlands Eredivisie) last season. . . .
F Joni Lindlöf (Kelowna, Lethbridge, 2002-04) was released by Briançon (France Ligue Magnus) for financial reasons. Lindlöf, who had signed a one-year contract extension with the club in April, had 14 goals and 10 assists in 22 games last season. Briançon is trying to meet financial conditions so it may remain in Ligue Magnus this season. . . .
G Norm Maracle (Saskatoon, 1991-94) signed a one-year contract with Rosenheim (Germany 2.Bundesliga). He had a 3.58 GAA and a .901 save percentage 25 games with Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia, plays in Austria Erste Bank Liga) and a 3.22 GAA with a .901 SP in five games for Kölner Haie (Germany DEL) last season.
———
The Portland Winterhawks have moved Matt Bardsley from advance scout to director of hockey operations. Bardsley, who has been with the Winterhawks since 1999, has been the club’s advance scout since Mike Johnston took over as GM/head coach. According to a club press release, Bardsley “spent the last two seasons . . . evaluating other teams’ rosters and list players and assisting Johnston with trade discussions and player evaluations. He will retain those duties in his new position, and take an increased role in all aspects of hockey operations, including overseeing the organization’s recruiting program.”
———
Brad Cook has joined the BCHL’s Victoria Salmon Kings as an assistant coach. He had been the head coach of the junior B Saanich Braves, who play in the Vancouver Island junior league. Robin Gomez (Calgary, Seattle, 1999-2002) has taken over as head coach of the Braves. . . . Cook and Gomez both played for the ECHL’s Victoria Salmon Kings.
———
F Jordie Deagle (Medicine Hat, Prince George, Red Deer, 2004-09) has committed to attend Carleton University and play for the Ravens. Deagle played out his junior eligibility last season, putting up 26 points with the Red Deer Rebels. . . . Carleton U is in Ottawa.
———
George Burnett, the GM and head coach of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls, has been added to the coaching staff of Canada’s national junior team as an assistant to Dave Cameron. Burnett fills the position vacated by Bob Boughner, when he left the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires to sign on as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets. . . . Burnett will remain as head coach of the Canadian U-18 team that will play in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament early next month.
———
The OHL’s Soo Greyhounds have given head coach Denny Lambert a two-year extension. His contract now runs through the 2012-13 season. . . . The Greyhounds also announced the signing of assistant coach Nick Warriner to a two-year deal as assistant coach, and the addition of Pat Curcio as an assistant coach. . . . Warriner has spent two seasons with the Soo. . . . Curcio, who got a one-year deal, spent last season as the assistant coach/assistant director of hockey operations with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Before that, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the OHL’s London Knights.
———
Former NHLer Randy Cunneyworth is the new head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. The Bulldogs also have named Randy Ladouceur as assistant coach. . . . Cunneyworth was on the coaching staff of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers for the last two seasons. His resume includes seven seasons as head coach of the AHL’s Rochester Americans. . . . Ladouceur is a veteran of 10 NHL seasons as an assistant coach. He worked last season as an assistant coach with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs.
———
For those of you eagerly awaiting the arrival of the WHL’s 2010-11 schedule . . . you won’t have to hold your breath for a whole lot longer.
Officials from Western Conference teams are to gather in Kelowna on Tuesday (July 27) to finish hammering it out.
———
Ken Campbell of The Hockey News is reporting on his blog that Portland Winterhawks owner Bill Gallacher heads a group that is on the verge of completing the purchase of the Dallas Stars. Campbell’s piece is right here.
———
The SJHL’s Flin Flon Bombers have extended the contract of GM/head coach Mike Reagan through 2011-12. He is preparing for his fourth season with the Bombers after going 102-58-6-6 in his first three. . . . Reagan has brought former SJHL F Michael George on board as his assistant coach, while Jon Klassen now is head scout/assistant GM.
Monday . . .
The Portland Winterhawks have signed F Nic Petan, their first-round selection (16th overall) in the 2010 bantam draft. Petan had 139 points, including 76 goals, in 57 games with the bantam AAA North Shore Winter Club team.
———
Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press is reporting that F Mike Keane has decided to retire. Keane (Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, 1983-87) played the last five seasons with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. A Winnipegger, Keane is a three-time Stanley Cup winner.
———
Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press is reporting that F Mike Keane has decided to retire. Keane (Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, 1983-87) played the last five seasons with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. A Winnipegger, Keane is a three-time Stanley Cup winner.
More on Kamloops connection to British Open winner . . .
By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter
Louis Oosthuizen's life no doubt has changed since he won the British Open golf championship on Sunday, but his sister-in-law doesn't expect him to change much.
Susanna Swart, a pharmacist at London Drugs, says that Oosthuizen, who is married to her sister, Nel-Mare, is a “down-to-earth” man who usually vacations in Kamloops each year.
Oosthuizen, a 27-year-old South African, dominated the field at the British Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, winning one of the most-prestigious golf tournaments in the world by seven strokes.
“It's unbelievable,” said Swart, who moved to Kamloops from South Africa with her husband, Servaas, a doctor, nearly five years ago. “It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.”
Most golf fans didn't know Oosthuizen before his improbable weekend victory, but he can't go far without being recognized nowadays.
But when he came to Kamloops on vacation the last few years, not many people - if anyone - batted an eye when he golfed at The Dunes, Rivershore and Tobiano. Oosthuizen commonly plays with Servaas and Dr. Sven Kip, both family practitioners, but also has played with his wife and in-laws at Mount Paul.
Some might find it hard to believe that a player ranked in the top 100 in the world - he's now ranked No. 15 after entering the British Open at No. 54 - would play at Mount Paul, a nine-hole executive par-3 that measures 1,986 yards in length, but Susanna said that Oosthuizen is that type of guy.
“He likes playing golf with anybody, anywhere,” she said. “He's real down-to-earth.”
But golf isn't exactly the reason Oosthuizen comes to town. Golf is his job - he comes here to vacation.
“When he comes to visit us, he usually tries to break away from golf,” Swart said. “He likes going to the lake - we usually spend part of a week at the lake (Shuswap or Okanagan) and he doesn't even touch golf clubs.”
Swart, 35, talked to Nel-Mare, 28, after Oosthuizen closed out the victory Sunday, and again Monday. Things were still “pretty crazy” for the couple on Monday, with phone calls and interview requests coming from all over the world.
But the craziness didn't stop when Louis and Nel-Mare returned to their home in Manchester, England, on Monday morning.
“They didn't realize that their address was listed,” Swart said. “When they got home, there were reporters waiting for them. That was kind of strange.
“Wherever they stop now - gas stations, anywhere - everyone wants pictures with him.”
Swart has known Oosthuizen since she was young. When Nel-Mare was in Grade 1, the family moved to Albertinia, South Africa, where Oosthuizen and his family lived. Nel-Mare and Oosthuizen remained friends, even after she moved away.
“We've been family friends all along,” Swart said. “When we moved away, (Nel-Mare and Louis) stayed connected, and he saw her a lot more when she went to university.”
The last time the Swarts and Oosthuizens saw each other was in mid-June at Pebble Beach, where Louis missed the cut in the U.S. Open.
Swart said Louis and Nel-Mare are planning to come to Kamloops some time this summer - in the past, it was before the PGA Championship, which runs in mid-August - but it might be different this year, what with Louis suddenly finding himself being somewhat busier than normal.
But, with Oosthuizen getting exemptions into all four major championships - the PGA, Masters and U.S. Open, along with the British Open - for at least the next five years, the Swarts are planning their vacations. They are looking at attending the Masters in Augusta, Ga., in April, and the U.S. Open at Bethesda, Md., in June.
“It's still sinking in,” Swart said. “We know the Open champion.”
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Daily News Sports Reporter
Louis Oosthuizen's life no doubt has changed since he won the British Open golf championship on Sunday, but his sister-in-law doesn't expect him to change much.
Susanna Swart, a pharmacist at London Drugs, says that Oosthuizen, who is married to her sister, Nel-Mare, is a “down-to-earth” man who usually vacations in Kamloops each year.
Oosthuizen, a 27-year-old South African, dominated the field at the British Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, winning one of the most-prestigious golf tournaments in the world by seven strokes.
“It's unbelievable,” said Swart, who moved to Kamloops from South Africa with her husband, Servaas, a doctor, nearly five years ago. “It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.”
Most golf fans didn't know Oosthuizen before his improbable weekend victory, but he can't go far without being recognized nowadays.
But when he came to Kamloops on vacation the last few years, not many people - if anyone - batted an eye when he golfed at The Dunes, Rivershore and Tobiano. Oosthuizen commonly plays with Servaas and Dr. Sven Kip, both family practitioners, but also has played with his wife and in-laws at Mount Paul.
Some might find it hard to believe that a player ranked in the top 100 in the world - he's now ranked No. 15 after entering the British Open at No. 54 - would play at Mount Paul, a nine-hole executive par-3 that measures 1,986 yards in length, but Susanna said that Oosthuizen is that type of guy.
“He likes playing golf with anybody, anywhere,” she said. “He's real down-to-earth.”
But golf isn't exactly the reason Oosthuizen comes to town. Golf is his job - he comes here to vacation.
“When he comes to visit us, he usually tries to break away from golf,” Swart said. “He likes going to the lake - we usually spend part of a week at the lake (Shuswap or Okanagan) and he doesn't even touch golf clubs.”
Swart, 35, talked to Nel-Mare, 28, after Oosthuizen closed out the victory Sunday, and again Monday. Things were still “pretty crazy” for the couple on Monday, with phone calls and interview requests coming from all over the world.
But the craziness didn't stop when Louis and Nel-Mare returned to their home in Manchester, England, on Monday morning.
“They didn't realize that their address was listed,” Swart said. “When they got home, there were reporters waiting for them. That was kind of strange.
“Wherever they stop now - gas stations, anywhere - everyone wants pictures with him.”
Swart has known Oosthuizen since she was young. When Nel-Mare was in Grade 1, the family moved to Albertinia, South Africa, where Oosthuizen and his family lived. Nel-Mare and Oosthuizen remained friends, even after she moved away.
“We've been family friends all along,” Swart said. “When we moved away, (Nel-Mare and Louis) stayed connected, and he saw her a lot more when she went to university.”
The last time the Swarts and Oosthuizens saw each other was in mid-June at Pebble Beach, where Louis missed the cut in the U.S. Open.
Swart said Louis and Nel-Mare are planning to come to Kamloops some time this summer - in the past, it was before the PGA Championship, which runs in mid-August - but it might be different this year, what with Louis suddenly finding himself being somewhat busier than normal.
But, with Oosthuizen getting exemptions into all four major championships - the PGA, Masters and U.S. Open, along with the British Open - for at least the next five years, the Swarts are planning their vacations. They are looking at attending the Masters in Augusta, Ga., in April, and the U.S. Open at Bethesda, Md., in June.
“It's still sinking in,” Swart said. “We know the Open champion.”
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Nash signs with Carolina
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
It took the Carolina Hurricanes three weeks to do what the Edmonton Oilers couldn’t get done in three years.
The Hurricanes signed centre Riley Nash.
The Hurricanes announced Monday that they have signed Nash, who is from Kamloops, to a three-year deal. Carolina acquired his rights from the Oilers on June 26, during the NHL draft in Los Angeles.
Nash’s deal, which included a signing bonus of US$262,500, is a two-way contract. If he plays in the NHL, he will be paid $550,000, $600,000 and $700,000 over the next three seasons. Should he end up with the Albany River Rats, Carolina’s AHL affiliate, his salary will be $65,000 in each of the three seasons.
The Oilers had selected Nash with the 21st pick of the 2007 draft. He never did sign with the Oilers, though, choosing instead to play three seasons for the Cornell Big Red in Ithaca, N.Y.
The Oilers acquired the 46th pick in the 2010 draft from Carolina in exchange for Nash, and promptly selected Slovakian defenceman Martin Marincin, who is expected to play this season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. They selected him first overall in the CHL import draft on June 29.
But . . . what happened to change Nash’s mind?
“There were a lot of different factors coming into play there,” said Nash, 21, who is vacationing in Idaho. “I just didn’t want to make a decision too early and look back on it and say, ‘Was that really the right thing to do?’
“But I looked at it from every angle and covered all my bases, so I’m pretty happy and I think I made the right decision at this point in time.”
One of the key things is that he didn’t see as many good, young forwards on the Carolina depth chart.
“I just felt this is a good opportunity,” he said. “Edmonton has a lot of young players. I thought that my opportunity to play in the NHL was better with Carolina and, hopefully, it happens sooner rather than later. Only time will tell.”
Nash will go into training camp looking for a spot behind centres Eric Staal and Brandon Sutter. Also in the mix are the likes of Jeff Skinner, the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft; Zac Dalpe, the 45th selection in 2008; Jon Matsumoto, a Bowling Green product who has played three full seasons in the AHL; and, Patrick Dwyer, a 27-year-old Spokane native who had 12 points in 57 games with Carolina last season.
Nash’s decision also was helped by his performance at a recent development camp in Raleigh, N.C.
“It went very well. I was very happy with the way it went,” said Nash, who checked in for it at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds. “I felt good. I thought my size and strength were good. (Strength) was one of the areas I was looking to work on when I went to (camp), so I was happy with that.
“Overall, I had a really good feeling about it.”
Nash had 35 points, including 12 goals, in 30 games with the Big Red last season. It also was the third season in which he was able to play with his brother, Brendon, who signed with the Montreal Canadiens after his senior season.
In his three seasons there, Riley had 102 points, 37 of them goals, in 102 games.
He plans on returning to Cornell in August to visit with friends. He also will work out and skate there before heading to Raleigh. He wants to skate some more there before joining the Hurricanes’ team that will take part in the eight-team rookie tournament at Traverse City, Mich., early in September.
As for spending some of that signing bonus, well, he said he really doesn’t have any plans.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen any money yet,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m not making any plans. But I will take my parents out for a nice dinner.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
It took the Carolina Hurricanes three weeks to do what the Edmonton Oilers couldn’t get done in three years.
The Hurricanes signed centre Riley Nash.
The Hurricanes announced Monday that they have signed Nash, who is from Kamloops, to a three-year deal. Carolina acquired his rights from the Oilers on June 26, during the NHL draft in Los Angeles.
Nash’s deal, which included a signing bonus of US$262,500, is a two-way contract. If he plays in the NHL, he will be paid $550,000, $600,000 and $700,000 over the next three seasons. Should he end up with the Albany River Rats, Carolina’s AHL affiliate, his salary will be $65,000 in each of the three seasons.
The Oilers had selected Nash with the 21st pick of the 2007 draft. He never did sign with the Oilers, though, choosing instead to play three seasons for the Cornell Big Red in Ithaca, N.Y.
The Oilers acquired the 46th pick in the 2010 draft from Carolina in exchange for Nash, and promptly selected Slovakian defenceman Martin Marincin, who is expected to play this season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. They selected him first overall in the CHL import draft on June 29.
But . . . what happened to change Nash’s mind?
“There were a lot of different factors coming into play there,” said Nash, 21, who is vacationing in Idaho. “I just didn’t want to make a decision too early and look back on it and say, ‘Was that really the right thing to do?’
“But I looked at it from every angle and covered all my bases, so I’m pretty happy and I think I made the right decision at this point in time.”
One of the key things is that he didn’t see as many good, young forwards on the Carolina depth chart.
“I just felt this is a good opportunity,” he said. “Edmonton has a lot of young players. I thought that my opportunity to play in the NHL was better with Carolina and, hopefully, it happens sooner rather than later. Only time will tell.”
Nash will go into training camp looking for a spot behind centres Eric Staal and Brandon Sutter. Also in the mix are the likes of Jeff Skinner, the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft; Zac Dalpe, the 45th selection in 2008; Jon Matsumoto, a Bowling Green product who has played three full seasons in the AHL; and, Patrick Dwyer, a 27-year-old Spokane native who had 12 points in 57 games with Carolina last season.
Nash’s decision also was helped by his performance at a recent development camp in Raleigh, N.C.
“It went very well. I was very happy with the way it went,” said Nash, who checked in for it at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds. “I felt good. I thought my size and strength were good. (Strength) was one of the areas I was looking to work on when I went to (camp), so I was happy with that.
“Overall, I had a really good feeling about it.”
Nash had 35 points, including 12 goals, in 30 games with the Big Red last season. It also was the third season in which he was able to play with his brother, Brendon, who signed with the Montreal Canadiens after his senior season.
In his three seasons there, Riley had 102 points, 37 of them goals, in 102 games.
He plans on returning to Cornell in August to visit with friends. He also will work out and skate there before heading to Raleigh. He wants to skate some more there before joining the Hurricanes’ team that will take part in the eight-team rookie tournament at Traverse City, Mich., early in September.
As for spending some of that signing bonus, well, he said he really doesn’t have any plans.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen any money yet,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m not making any plans. But I will take my parents out for a nice dinner.”
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Mondays with Murray
COOPERSTOWN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
The 2010 Induction Ceremony will take place on Sunday at The Clark Sports Center located at 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, N.Y.
This year's inductees will be Andre Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey.
New York Daily News baseball writer Bill Madden is the recipient of the J. G. Taylor Spink Award, and The Ford C. Frick Award goes to longtime baseball broadcaster Jon Miller (San Francisco Giants).
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1986, SPORTS
Copyright 1986/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY
JIM MURRAY
He Speaks Only the Truth, Takes Consequences
"The trouble with Whitey," the pal of the Cardinal manager, Whitey Herzog, was saying, "is that he gets taken down with a case of terminal honesty from time to time."
A baseball manager is supposed to be part con man, part psychologist, part leader, part pal, part tyrant, part father figure, part PR man, and all heart. St. Francis of Assisi would have trouble living up to that. A combination of John Wayne and Albert Schweitzer might just make it.
They're never meant to let you know what they're thinking. They have to put the best face on things at all times.
They're given a bunch of splay-footed misfits in spring training? Never mind. They tell the press that they're going to be in it all the way. The club starts to go bad in midseason? Point to the injuries. Blow an important game by mental mistakes? Blame the umpires.
You're not supposed to knock the team even when it's going bad. Whitey is likely to knock it when it's going good.
It's an unwritten law that you never chastise a star player publicly, no matter what he does. Whitey once assaulted one of his right on the dugout steps in full view of the press, the public and the television cameras.
And when your team is 20 games behind at the end of June, custom calls for you to point out, "There's a lot of baseball left yet." Not Whitey. "It's over," he announced flatly. "We couldn't catch the Mets if they got hit by a bus."
Said Whitey after that one: "It's surprising how much trouble you can get into by being honest."
But what's equally surprising is how many games you can win.
Herzog has managed in the major leagues eight full seasons. He has won a pennant or a division title in five of them. In another season, a strike-shortened one, he had the best record in his division over the whole season but got legislated out of it.
You would think that candor would be more valuable in a dugout than a bunt sign but no one has yet detected an epidemic of it.
Zoe Akins once said of actress Tallulah Bankhead: "She has proved it is possible to live life with success, without hypocrisy." Baseball could say the same of Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog.
Whitey was a journeyman player himself — he hit .257 over eight seasons. But he came out of the game with one undisputed talent. No one, at least no one since Branch Rickey, has been able to look inside a player and recognize what he is capable of better than Whitey Herzog.
Most managers hate to deal off superior players just because they have unfortunate or destructive personalities. Herzog unloaded a 20-game winner and an All-Star shortstop without a quibble. He broke up pennant winners with a shrug.
Whitey doesn't expect his crew to be the Good Ship Lollipop but neither does he want a hell ship of mutineers.
Baseball opinion when he came into the game was that Whitey Herzog was a career coach with a negative attitude. But in 1975, he took over a Kansas City team that was four games over .500 and sinking. Whitey went 41-25 the rest of the way and shook up the division.
Then the Royals went on to win division titles three years in a row.
"They had Frank White and Al Cowens sitting on the bench when I came over," Herzog said. "I put them in the lineup and we lost one playoff to the Yankees on a ninth-inning home run and another on a double play hit into by our fastest runner."
Nevertheless, when the team slipped all the way to second the next year, Whitey was fired.
He didn't go far — just across the state to St. Louis, where he took over the Cardinals when they had a 19-34 record. He moved them to 38-35 under his tenure that season.
Whitey always felt misgivings about the, so to speak, Cards he was dealt. So, he persuaded owner Gussie Busch to make him general manager.
At first, Whitey looked like an Indian trading furs for beads. Baseball was aghast. At the winter meeting, one general manager was looking for a power hitter. "Go down to Herzog's room," he was advised. "He'd give you Babe Ruth for Cookie Rojas and a player to be named later. It's like a fire sale."
Whitey didn't deal off Babe Ruth but he did the next best thing. He traded Ted Simmons, a hard-socking catcher who had hit 47 home runs in two years and had just batted .303, for people no one had ever heard of.
In all, Whitey traded 14 players for 12. But he ended up with Bruce Sutter and the 1982 World Series championship.
Two years later, Whitey traded off George Hendrick, who had twice had 100-RBI seasons, for a left-handed, .500 pitcher named John Tudor and came within an umpire's call of another Series championship.
For Whitey the danger is not the three-run homer, the Mets, or even an epidemic of sore arms or pulled muscles. For Whitey, it's the temptation to sugar-coat it. And that's not likely to happen.
For Whitey, the truth not only makes you free, but first.
*Reprinted with permission by the Los Angeles Times
Jim Murray Memorial Foundation | P.O. Box 995 | La Quinta | CA | 92247
The 2010 Induction Ceremony will take place on Sunday at The Clark Sports Center located at 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, N.Y.
This year's inductees will be Andre Dawson, manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey.
New York Daily News baseball writer Bill Madden is the recipient of the J. G. Taylor Spink Award, and The Ford C. Frick Award goes to longtime baseball broadcaster Jon Miller (San Francisco Giants).
FRIDAY, JULY 18, 1986, SPORTS
Copyright 1986/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY
JIM MURRAY
He Speaks Only the Truth, Takes Consequences
"The trouble with Whitey," the pal of the Cardinal manager, Whitey Herzog, was saying, "is that he gets taken down with a case of terminal honesty from time to time."
A baseball manager is supposed to be part con man, part psychologist, part leader, part pal, part tyrant, part father figure, part PR man, and all heart. St. Francis of Assisi would have trouble living up to that. A combination of John Wayne and Albert Schweitzer might just make it.
They're never meant to let you know what they're thinking. They have to put the best face on things at all times.
They're given a bunch of splay-footed misfits in spring training? Never mind. They tell the press that they're going to be in it all the way. The club starts to go bad in midseason? Point to the injuries. Blow an important game by mental mistakes? Blame the umpires.
You're not supposed to knock the team even when it's going bad. Whitey is likely to knock it when it's going good.
It's an unwritten law that you never chastise a star player publicly, no matter what he does. Whitey once assaulted one of his right on the dugout steps in full view of the press, the public and the television cameras.
And when your team is 20 games behind at the end of June, custom calls for you to point out, "There's a lot of baseball left yet." Not Whitey. "It's over," he announced flatly. "We couldn't catch the Mets if they got hit by a bus."
Said Whitey after that one: "It's surprising how much trouble you can get into by being honest."
But what's equally surprising is how many games you can win.
Herzog has managed in the major leagues eight full seasons. He has won a pennant or a division title in five of them. In another season, a strike-shortened one, he had the best record in his division over the whole season but got legislated out of it.
You would think that candor would be more valuable in a dugout than a bunt sign but no one has yet detected an epidemic of it.
Zoe Akins once said of actress Tallulah Bankhead: "She has proved it is possible to live life with success, without hypocrisy." Baseball could say the same of Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog.
Whitey was a journeyman player himself — he hit .257 over eight seasons. But he came out of the game with one undisputed talent. No one, at least no one since Branch Rickey, has been able to look inside a player and recognize what he is capable of better than Whitey Herzog.
Most managers hate to deal off superior players just because they have unfortunate or destructive personalities. Herzog unloaded a 20-game winner and an All-Star shortstop without a quibble. He broke up pennant winners with a shrug.
Whitey doesn't expect his crew to be the Good Ship Lollipop but neither does he want a hell ship of mutineers.
Baseball opinion when he came into the game was that Whitey Herzog was a career coach with a negative attitude. But in 1975, he took over a Kansas City team that was four games over .500 and sinking. Whitey went 41-25 the rest of the way and shook up the division.
Then the Royals went on to win division titles three years in a row.
"They had Frank White and Al Cowens sitting on the bench when I came over," Herzog said. "I put them in the lineup and we lost one playoff to the Yankees on a ninth-inning home run and another on a double play hit into by our fastest runner."
Nevertheless, when the team slipped all the way to second the next year, Whitey was fired.
He didn't go far — just across the state to St. Louis, where he took over the Cardinals when they had a 19-34 record. He moved them to 38-35 under his tenure that season.
Whitey always felt misgivings about the, so to speak, Cards he was dealt. So, he persuaded owner Gussie Busch to make him general manager.
At first, Whitey looked like an Indian trading furs for beads. Baseball was aghast. At the winter meeting, one general manager was looking for a power hitter. "Go down to Herzog's room," he was advised. "He'd give you Babe Ruth for Cookie Rojas and a player to be named later. It's like a fire sale."
Whitey didn't deal off Babe Ruth but he did the next best thing. He traded Ted Simmons, a hard-socking catcher who had hit 47 home runs in two years and had just batted .303, for people no one had ever heard of.
In all, Whitey traded 14 players for 12. But he ended up with Bruce Sutter and the 1982 World Series championship.
Two years later, Whitey traded off George Hendrick, who had twice had 100-RBI seasons, for a left-handed, .500 pitcher named John Tudor and came within an umpire's call of another Series championship.
For Whitey the danger is not the three-run homer, the Mets, or even an epidemic of sore arms or pulled muscles. For Whitey, it's the temptation to sugar-coat it. And that's not likely to happen.
For Whitey, the truth not only makes you free, but first.
*Reprinted with permission by the Los Angeles Times
Jim Murray Memorial Foundation | P.O. Box 995 | La Quinta | CA | 92247
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Kamloops angle to British Open winner Oosthuizen
By MARK HUNTER
Daily News Sports Reporter
Before Louis Oosthuizen became famous for winning the British Open on Sunday, you might have been able to find him at The Dunes.
Chances are, you wouldn’t have recognized him — but you may well have walked right past him over the last two years.
Oosthuizen, a South African, came out of nowhere to win the British Open golf championship at St. Andrews in Scotland on Sunday. Heading into the tournament, he was 54th in the World Golf Rankings.
Bill Bilton Jr., who runs his own golf academy at The Dunes, said Sunday that Oosthuizen has played at The Dunes in each of the last two years, possibly three.
But, prior to winning on Sunday, Oosthuizen might have spent a week in Kamloops wearing a sign with his name on it, and most folks wouldn’t have given him a second look.
“You’d never have known him,” said Bilton Jr., who didn’t know what Oosthuizen shot while on the Westsyde course.
Bilton Jr. said that Oosthuizen comes out and plays with Dr. Sven Kip, another South African who is a family practitioner and also works with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers.
“They just booked a regular tee-time, showed up and played,” Bilton Jr. said. “He was just like any regular guy.”
Oosthuizen isn’t the only South African PGA player to make a stop at The Dunes.
Bilton Jr. said that Charl Schwartzel, who was ranked No. 25 in the world before finishing tied for 14th at the British Open, has come to Kamloops each of the last two Augusts.
Another trip to town for the South Africans might be on the schedule before the PGA Championship, but Bilton Jr. wasn’t sure.
The PGA Championship is scheduled for Aug. 12-15 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisc.
“I don’t know why it’s so popular — maybe they come for the fishing and the golf,” Bilton Jr. said. “There is a decent South African contingent in our area.”
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Daily News Sports Reporter
Before Louis Oosthuizen became famous for winning the British Open on Sunday, you might have been able to find him at The Dunes.
Chances are, you wouldn’t have recognized him — but you may well have walked right past him over the last two years.
Oosthuizen, a South African, came out of nowhere to win the British Open golf championship at St. Andrews in Scotland on Sunday. Heading into the tournament, he was 54th in the World Golf Rankings.
Bill Bilton Jr., who runs his own golf academy at The Dunes, said Sunday that Oosthuizen has played at The Dunes in each of the last two years, possibly three.
But, prior to winning on Sunday, Oosthuizen might have spent a week in Kamloops wearing a sign with his name on it, and most folks wouldn’t have given him a second look.
“You’d never have known him,” said Bilton Jr., who didn’t know what Oosthuizen shot while on the Westsyde course.
Bilton Jr. said that Oosthuizen comes out and plays with Dr. Sven Kip, another South African who is a family practitioner and also works with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers.
“They just booked a regular tee-time, showed up and played,” Bilton Jr. said. “He was just like any regular guy.”
Oosthuizen isn’t the only South African PGA player to make a stop at The Dunes.
Bilton Jr. said that Charl Schwartzel, who was ranked No. 25 in the world before finishing tied for 14th at the British Open, has come to Kamloops each of the last two Augusts.
Another trip to town for the South Africans might be on the schedule before the PGA Championship, but Bilton Jr. wasn’t sure.
The PGA Championship is scheduled for Aug. 12-15 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisc.
“I don’t know why it’s so popular — maybe they come for the fishing and the golf,” Bilton Jr. said. “There is a decent South African contingent in our area.”
mhunter@kamloopsnews.ca
Sunday . . .
D Keegan Lowe of the Edmonton Oil Kings has been added to the roster of the team that will represent the U.S. at the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia, Aug. 9-14. Lowe, the son of former NHL D Kevin Lowe, is preparing for his second WHL season. . . . He had three goals in five games during the U.S. selection camp that wrapped up Tuesday.
---
Kevin Mills of the Abbotsford News has a good look at a few new arenas and how they are doing on the financial front. Some interesting stuff and it’s right here.
---
Kevin Mills of the Abbotsford News has a good look at a few new arenas and how they are doing on the financial front. Some interesting stuff and it’s right here.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday . . .
The Medicine Hat Tigers have completed the reshaping of their organization that was necessitated earlier in the week when GM/head coach Willie Desjardins joined the NHL’s Dallas Stars as an associate coach. . . . The Tigers took Brad McEwen, their director of scouting, and made him the general manager. McEwen has been around the WHL for a while -- he was the executive of the year in 2001-02 when he was with the Swift Current Broncos -- so the Tigers won’t miss a beat. . . . McEwen then promoted Shaun Clouston, who had been the Tigers’ associate coach, to head coach. Clouston, 42, has been with the Tigers for seven seasons.
Keeping Score
OK, let’s put a wrap on LeBron, LeGone or LeLoser, take your pick. . . . After the great ESPN debacle, Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com wrote: “The whole thing
was semi-ridiculous, although it did reveal a vain, self-absorbed side of James that’s as attractive as braided nose hair.” . . . Bill Plaschke, in the Los Angeles Times: “LeBron James is the King, all right. The King of Crass. The King of Callous. The King of Cowardice. What kind of man arranges and stars in a nationally televised infomercial during which he kicks his hometown to the curb? What kind of man summons a crowd of millions to watch him break up with a city that has loved and supported him for 25 years?” . . . Mark Heisler, in the L.A. Times: “James, who once flew to Nebraska to meet Warren Buffett, prides himself on his business acumen. In the real world, he and his ‘people’ — friends from high school — are children dressing up as adults.” . . .
Dan Gilbert, the majority owner of the Cavaliers, also owns Fatheads. The day after LeBron flipped the bird at Cleveland, Gilbert ordered the price of James’ Fatheads lowered from $99 to $17.41. Why $17.41? Well, infamous American traitor Benedict Arnold was born in 1741. . . . After ESPN sold what was left of its soul to James, The Left Coast Sports Babe noted: “Not to be outdone, Brett Favre says he will announce HIS decision about next year in an ESPN mini-series.” . . . Bill Simmons, at ESPN.com: “Michael Jordan would have wanted to kick Dwyane Wade's butt every spring, not play with him. This should be mentioned every day for the rest of LeBron's career. It's also the kryptonite for any 'Some day we'll remember LeBron James as the best basketball player ever' argument. We will not. Jordan and Russell were the greatest players of all time. Neither of them would have made the choice that LeBron did. That should tell you something.” . . .
Jason Whitlock, over at Fox Sports: “You can argue James has the right to destroy his image. Man has the right to smoke cigarettes, too. It’s still stupid. And nonsmokers have the right to point out the stupidity of smoking. . . . There was nothing honorable or smart about the way he orchestrated his exit.” . . . Here’s Eric Stangel, head writer and executive director on The Late Show with David Letterman, via Twitter: "I'm keeping my 2 yr old up to watch the LeBron James Special. I want her to see the exact moment our society hit rock bottom." . . . Headline at SportsPickle.com: LeBron to donate remaining Heat roster spots to Boys & Girls Club. . . .
Ron Judd, in the Seattle Times: “The Tour de France, starring American hero Lance Armstrong and other blood-science specialists, is under way. It'll end July 25 or whenever they run out of Type O negative.” . . . A little birdie says that CFJC-TV is losing Tracy Pellizzari, the host of its Midday show. The birdie says she is going to the dark side — she will be in Victoria working for the government. . . . When Michael Vick didn’t show up for his own celebrity golf tournament, comedy writer Jerry Perisho knew why: "Every hole has a dog leg." . . . Remember Sergei Bubka, the Ukrainian who was the world’s best pole-vaulter for a long time? His son, Sergei, is working to make a career as a pro tennis player. . . . Ian Hamilton, in the Regina Leader-Post: “Infamous American figure skater Tonya Harding got married recently in Washington State. One wonders if the bridal party went clubbing afterward.” . . .
Was it just me or was every player in the majors an all-star this season? . . . That may account for the game’s TV ratings bottoming out. . . . Charles Barkley, after hitting one into the water during Thursday’s round at the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe, Nev.: “Things could be worse. I could be Mel Gibson.” . . . The Left Coast Sports Babe knows why one fast food company’s revenue is down: “KFC, home of the famous ‘Double Down’ sandwich, made from two pieces of fried chicken, announced that second-quarter revenue fell seven per cent. Well, duh, some of their best customers are dying off.” . . . Wait until she hears about the foot-long cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. . . . Seriously. . . . What’s next? A 24-inch hot dog? . . .
Has there been a time when two once-beloved sporting figures fell farther quicker than Tiger and LeBron? . . . And to think that LeBron would have gone down in history as one of the greatest of sporting heroes had he chosen Cleveland. Come to think of it, were he a real leader, he would have had Bosh and Wade playing for the Cavaliers. . . . Baseball’s West Coast League has added Klamath Falls, Ore., for the 2011 season, giving it 10 teams, including the Kelowna Falcons. The Klamath Falls Gems will play in Kiger Stadium. . . . If you blinked, you may have missed the Edmonton Oilers attempt at romancing Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay earlier this week. Gotta think the offer didn’t include a Rexall outlet in Kamloops because it didn’t take Hay long to say, “Thanks, but not thanks.” . . .
Outfielder Tyson Gillies of Kamloops has been plagued with hamstring problems through most of his season with the double-A Reading Phillies. He is about 10 days away from running again, and is hopeful of returning to play in early August. . . . Too bad they couldn’t have had the Germans replace the Dutch about halfway through Sunday’s World Cup final. Boy, did that game set soccer back a century or two. . . . Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun pretty much summed it up: “It’s a shame somebody had to win. Soccer players have never been better and a World Cup has never been worse, even with the refreshing entertainment provided by third-place Germany.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. Email him at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, or visit his blog at gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
was semi-ridiculous, although it did reveal a vain, self-absorbed side of James that’s as attractive as braided nose hair.” . . . Bill Plaschke, in the Los Angeles Times: “LeBron James is the King, all right. The King of Crass. The King of Callous. The King of Cowardice. What kind of man arranges and stars in a nationally televised infomercial during which he kicks his hometown to the curb? What kind of man summons a crowd of millions to watch him break up with a city that has loved and supported him for 25 years?” . . . Mark Heisler, in the L.A. Times: “James, who once flew to Nebraska to meet Warren Buffett, prides himself on his business acumen. In the real world, he and his ‘people’ — friends from high school — are children dressing up as adults.” . . .
Dan Gilbert, the majority owner of the Cavaliers, also owns Fatheads. The day after LeBron flipped the bird at Cleveland, Gilbert ordered the price of James’ Fatheads lowered from $99 to $17.41. Why $17.41? Well, infamous American traitor Benedict Arnold was born in 1741. . . . After ESPN sold what was left of its soul to James, The Left Coast Sports Babe noted: “Not to be outdone, Brett Favre says he will announce HIS decision about next year in an ESPN mini-series.” . . . Bill Simmons, at ESPN.com: “Michael Jordan would have wanted to kick Dwyane Wade's butt every spring, not play with him. This should be mentioned every day for the rest of LeBron's career. It's also the kryptonite for any 'Some day we'll remember LeBron James as the best basketball player ever' argument. We will not. Jordan and Russell were the greatest players of all time. Neither of them would have made the choice that LeBron did. That should tell you something.” . . .
Jason Whitlock, over at Fox Sports: “You can argue James has the right to destroy his image. Man has the right to smoke cigarettes, too. It’s still stupid. And nonsmokers have the right to point out the stupidity of smoking. . . . There was nothing honorable or smart about the way he orchestrated his exit.” . . . Here’s Eric Stangel, head writer and executive director on The Late Show with David Letterman, via Twitter: "I'm keeping my 2 yr old up to watch the LeBron James Special. I want her to see the exact moment our society hit rock bottom." . . . Headline at SportsPickle.com: LeBron to donate remaining Heat roster spots to Boys & Girls Club. . . .
Ron Judd, in the Seattle Times: “The Tour de France, starring American hero Lance Armstrong and other blood-science specialists, is under way. It'll end July 25 or whenever they run out of Type O negative.” . . . A little birdie says that CFJC-TV is losing Tracy Pellizzari, the host of its Midday show. The birdie says she is going to the dark side — she will be in Victoria working for the government. . . . When Michael Vick didn’t show up for his own celebrity golf tournament, comedy writer Jerry Perisho knew why: "Every hole has a dog leg." . . . Remember Sergei Bubka, the Ukrainian who was the world’s best pole-vaulter for a long time? His son, Sergei, is working to make a career as a pro tennis player. . . . Ian Hamilton, in the Regina Leader-Post: “Infamous American figure skater Tonya Harding got married recently in Washington State. One wonders if the bridal party went clubbing afterward.” . . .
Was it just me or was every player in the majors an all-star this season? . . . That may account for the game’s TV ratings bottoming out. . . . Charles Barkley, after hitting one into the water during Thursday’s round at the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe, Nev.: “Things could be worse. I could be Mel Gibson.” . . . The Left Coast Sports Babe knows why one fast food company’s revenue is down: “KFC, home of the famous ‘Double Down’ sandwich, made from two pieces of fried chicken, announced that second-quarter revenue fell seven per cent. Well, duh, some of their best customers are dying off.” . . . Wait until she hears about the foot-long cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. . . . Seriously. . . . What’s next? A 24-inch hot dog? . . .
Has there been a time when two once-beloved sporting figures fell farther quicker than Tiger and LeBron? . . . And to think that LeBron would have gone down in history as one of the greatest of sporting heroes had he chosen Cleveland. Come to think of it, were he a real leader, he would have had Bosh and Wade playing for the Cavaliers. . . . Baseball’s West Coast League has added Klamath Falls, Ore., for the 2011 season, giving it 10 teams, including the Kelowna Falcons. The Klamath Falls Gems will play in Kiger Stadium. . . . If you blinked, you may have missed the Edmonton Oilers attempt at romancing Vancouver Giants head coach Don Hay earlier this week. Gotta think the offer didn’t include a Rexall outlet in Kamloops because it didn’t take Hay long to say, “Thanks, but not thanks.” . . .
Outfielder Tyson Gillies of Kamloops has been plagued with hamstring problems through most of his season with the double-A Reading Phillies. He is about 10 days away from running again, and is hopeful of returning to play in early August. . . . Too bad they couldn’t have had the Germans replace the Dutch about halfway through Sunday’s World Cup final. Boy, did that game set soccer back a century or two. . . . Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun pretty much summed it up: “It’s a shame somebody had to win. Soccer players have never been better and a World Cup has never been worse, even with the refreshing entertainment provided by third-place Germany.”
Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News. Email him at gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca, or visit his blog at gdrinnan.blogspot.com. Keeping Score appears Saturdays.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT:
D Kenton Smith (Calgary, 1995-2000) signed a one-year contract with the Cardiff Devils (UK Elite), where he will play alongside his younger brother, Mark. Kenton had two goals and 15 assists in 39 games for Valpellice (Italy Serie A) last season.
---
The Portland Winterhawks have signed two 2009 bantam draft picks. F Brendan Leipsic of Winnipeg was a sixth-round pick, while F Adam Smith of Nanaimo was taken in the ninth round. . . . Leipsic had 63 points in 41 games with the midget AAA Winnipeg Wild last season, while Smith had 15 points in 38 games with the North Island Silvertips of the B.C. major midget league. . . . Both players were in Portland’s 2009 training camp and will be there again next month.
---
The Everett Silvertips have signed F Manraj Hayer of Vancouver. Hayer, 17, had 15 points in 38 games with BCHL’s Surrey Eagles last season. The previous season, he played for the major midget Greater Vancouver Canadians and finished fourth in the league’s scoring race, with 54 points.
---
The ECHL’s Ontario Reign have signed two players who completed their WHL eligibility last season -- D Eric Doyle and F Aaron Lewadniuk. . . . Doyle (Everett, Swift Current, Portland, 2005-10) had 177 points in 303 regular-season WHL games. . . . Lewadniuk played the last two seasons with the Brandon Whet Kings, putting up 133 points in 128 games.
---
G Lanny Ramage (Portland, 1999-03) has signed to play with the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts of the West Coast Senior Hockey League, which would be in Newfoundland. Ramage, 27, played four seasons with the Acadia University X-Men before going on to a pro career. Last season, he was with the Central league‘s Rapid City Rush. He now lives in New Minas, N.S.
---
F Gaelan Patterson of the Saskatoon Blades has signed with the Calgary Flames, who took him in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL draft. Patterson, who will be 20 this season, could play with the Flame’s AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, or could be returned to the Blades. He had 59 points with the Blades last season.
D Kenton Smith (Calgary, 1995-2000) signed a one-year contract with the Cardiff Devils (UK Elite), where he will play alongside his younger brother, Mark. Kenton had two goals and 15 assists in 39 games for Valpellice (Italy Serie A) last season.
---
The Portland Winterhawks have signed two 2009 bantam draft picks. F Brendan Leipsic of Winnipeg was a sixth-round pick, while F Adam Smith of Nanaimo was taken in the ninth round. . . . Leipsic had 63 points in 41 games with the midget AAA Winnipeg Wild last season, while Smith had 15 points in 38 games with the North Island Silvertips of the B.C. major midget league. . . . Both players were in Portland’s 2009 training camp and will be there again next month.
---
The Everett Silvertips have signed F Manraj Hayer of Vancouver. Hayer, 17, had 15 points in 38 games with BCHL’s Surrey Eagles last season. The previous season, he played for the major midget Greater Vancouver Canadians and finished fourth in the league’s scoring race, with 54 points.
---
The ECHL’s Ontario Reign have signed two players who completed their WHL eligibility last season -- D Eric Doyle and F Aaron Lewadniuk. . . . Doyle (Everett, Swift Current, Portland, 2005-10) had 177 points in 303 regular-season WHL games. . . . Lewadniuk played the last two seasons with the Brandon Whet Kings, putting up 133 points in 128 games.
---
G Lanny Ramage (Portland, 1999-03) has signed to play with the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts of the West Coast Senior Hockey League, which would be in Newfoundland. Ramage, 27, played four seasons with the Acadia University X-Men before going on to a pro career. Last season, he was with the Central league‘s Rapid City Rush. He now lives in New Minas, N.S.
---
F Gaelan Patterson of the Saskatoon Blades has signed with the Calgary Flames, who took him in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL draft. Patterson, who will be 20 this season, could play with the Flame’s AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, or could be returned to the Blades. He had 59 points with the Blades last season.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A coach in Oklahoma City
According to the Edmonton Journal, Todd Nelson (Prince Albert, 1985-90) will be named head coach of the AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons. The Barons, an affiliate of the NHL’s Edmonton Oiler, will make the announcement Thursday afternoon. . . . Nelson spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers. He lost his job when head coach John Anderson was sent out the door. . . . Nelson was in the running for the head coaching position with the Edmonton Oil Kings, but lost out to Derek Laxdal, who had been with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads. . . . The Oilers, of course, own the Oil Kings and the Barons. . . . This will be the Barons’ first season in Oklahoma City. The Oilers had been affiliated with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons. . . . The Journal reports that Gerry Fleming (Billings Bighorns, Kelowna Wings, 1981-83) will work as an assistant coach. He was on the Falcons’ staff last season. . . . Rob Daum, a former WHL head coach, was Springfield’s head coach but the Oilers decided not to keep him around.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Fraser changes career paths
By GREGG DRINNAN
Daily News Sports Editor
Kirk Fraser has decided it's time for a change.
So, after 11 seasons as the voice of the Kamloops Blazers on Radio NL, he has moved on to a position with the programming department at Shaw Communications.
“I enjoyed the work,” Fraser said Wednesday afternoon. “I enjoyed being in the radio booth for all 72 games of the season. I still really enjoy doing that work but the time was right for me to, as they say, explore other things.”
A native of Camrose, Alta., Fraser joined Radio NL prior to the 1999-2000 WHL season. He had spent 1997-98 called Red Deer Rebels' games, and handled Kootenay Ice games in 1998-99.
When he first joined Radio NL, it was in the role of sportscaster/play-by-play voice. He later moved to the Blazers where he handled their communications and did play-by-play. But he got caught up in the restructuring that went on within the organization. He then found himself doing play-by-play and communications, but at arm's length from the team.
“It kept evolving to what it is now,” said Fraser who, with his wife, Kathy, will continue to live in Kamloops. “I am a contract employee with Radio NL. I didn't really have anything to do with the hockey club directly at this point.”
And now, of course, he is on to something else.
The move, he said, “is something that I've been tossing around in my head for some time now, and the people at Shaw have been very accommodating in trying to find a spot for me. They approached me with a full-time opportunity about a month ago.
“We sat down and talked about it and it really was the right time for me.”
He has been working for Shaw for a few months and, in fact, has covered local sporting events, including Blazers news conferences, on its behalf.
Now he hopes to get involved in the production end of things and might even end up involved with Shaw's extensive WHL telecast package.
“I would really like to,” Fraser admitted. “That's out of my control but I'm hoping that's the case.”
In the meantime, he looks back on his days as the voice of the Blazers with only one real regret.
“Like everybody else,” he said, “I would have liked to have seen the team enjoy more success. But a lot of that stuff is out of your control, so. . . .”
In 11 seasons with the Blazers, he never got to do a second-round playoff game. In those 11 seasons, the Blazers were bounced from the playoffs in the first round on 10 occasions; one other time, they didn't make the playoffs. Coincidentally, Red Deer bowed out in the first round in 1997-98, while Kootenay did the same in 1998-99.
Before he gets seriously involved in his next full-time career, Fraser has one thing he must get done. He is scheduled to have reconstructive surgery on his right knee on July 28 to repair what he called a “lingering injury.” It is something that has bothered him since he arrived here.
Still, he managed to continue his slo-pitch career.
He played through it all, he said with a chuckle. “Through the pain. Through the agony . . . being out of shape.”
And he was able to play in about 60 games this season, too.
The recovery time, he said, is six to nine months.
“It gets me back just in time for next season,” he said.
That would be next season as in slo-pitch . . . not hockey.
Jim Reynolds, the operations manager at Radio NL, indicated that the search for a replacement already has started and that he hopes to have someone in place by Sept. 6.
The Blazers open training camp Aug. 26 and play their first two exhibition games on Sept. 3 and 4.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Daily News Sports Editor
Kirk Fraser has decided it's time for a change.
So, after 11 seasons as the voice of the Kamloops Blazers on Radio NL, he has moved on to a position with the programming department at Shaw Communications.
“I enjoyed the work,” Fraser said Wednesday afternoon. “I enjoyed being in the radio booth for all 72 games of the season. I still really enjoy doing that work but the time was right for me to, as they say, explore other things.”
A native of Camrose, Alta., Fraser joined Radio NL prior to the 1999-2000 WHL season. He had spent 1997-98 called Red Deer Rebels' games, and handled Kootenay Ice games in 1998-99.
When he first joined Radio NL, it was in the role of sportscaster/play-by-play voice. He later moved to the Blazers where he handled their communications and did play-by-play. But he got caught up in the restructuring that went on within the organization. He then found himself doing play-by-play and communications, but at arm's length from the team.
“It kept evolving to what it is now,” said Fraser who, with his wife, Kathy, will continue to live in Kamloops. “I am a contract employee with Radio NL. I didn't really have anything to do with the hockey club directly at this point.”
And now, of course, he is on to something else.
The move, he said, “is something that I've been tossing around in my head for some time now, and the people at Shaw have been very accommodating in trying to find a spot for me. They approached me with a full-time opportunity about a month ago.
“We sat down and talked about it and it really was the right time for me.”
He has been working for Shaw for a few months and, in fact, has covered local sporting events, including Blazers news conferences, on its behalf.
Now he hopes to get involved in the production end of things and might even end up involved with Shaw's extensive WHL telecast package.
“I would really like to,” Fraser admitted. “That's out of my control but I'm hoping that's the case.”
In the meantime, he looks back on his days as the voice of the Blazers with only one real regret.
“Like everybody else,” he said, “I would have liked to have seen the team enjoy more success. But a lot of that stuff is out of your control, so. . . .”
In 11 seasons with the Blazers, he never got to do a second-round playoff game. In those 11 seasons, the Blazers were bounced from the playoffs in the first round on 10 occasions; one other time, they didn't make the playoffs. Coincidentally, Red Deer bowed out in the first round in 1997-98, while Kootenay did the same in 1998-99.
Before he gets seriously involved in his next full-time career, Fraser has one thing he must get done. He is scheduled to have reconstructive surgery on his right knee on July 28 to repair what he called a “lingering injury.” It is something that has bothered him since he arrived here.
Still, he managed to continue his slo-pitch career.
He played through it all, he said with a chuckle. “Through the pain. Through the agony . . . being out of shape.”
And he was able to play in about 60 games this season, too.
The recovery time, he said, is six to nine months.
“It gets me back just in time for next season,” he said.
That would be next season as in slo-pitch . . . not hockey.
Jim Reynolds, the operations manager at Radio NL, indicated that the search for a replacement already has started and that he hopes to have someone in place by Sept. 6.
The Blazers open training camp Aug. 26 and play their first two exhibition games on Sept. 3 and 4.
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Wednesday . . .
THE MacBETH REPORT:
F Tyler Beechey (Kootenay, Calgary, 1997-2002) signed a one-year contract with DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf (Germany DEL). He had 24 goals and 33 assists in 56 games for Augsburger Panther (Germany DEL) last season. Beechey had signed with the Frankfurt Lions (Germany DEL) in late April for next season but became a free agent when Frankfurt lost its DEL license for financial reasons last week. . . .
D Trevor Johnson (Kootenay, Seattle, Tri-City, 1998-2003) signed a one-year contract with Valpellice (Italy Serie A). He had no goals and three assists in 16 games for the Kassel Huskies (Germany DEL) and two goals and eight assists in 14 games with Bolzano (Italy Serie A) last season.
———
MAKE GOOD DEPT.: Apologies to Steve Hamilton for having him spend four years of his life with the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Saints. Yes, it should have been the Spruce Grove Saints. . . . Sheesh. I later had him with the St. Albert Saints. . . . Should be able to remember Spruce Grove, if for no other reason than Doug Messier screaming at me in the Spruce Grove Mets' dressing room after a game in the Winnipeg Arena a long, long time ago. . . . And thanks to all who emailed to point out the mistake. Seriously, I don’t mind. I want to make the corrections and I’m mostly flying without a copy editor. . . . Also, I had Mike Pelino as an assistant coach with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, when he has moved on and now is the head coach of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. But perhaps the Rampage will update its website now that it has removed the interim from head coach Ray Edwards’ title and hired Jeff Truitt as an assistant coach.
———
How important is it to WHL teams that one of their brethren play host to things like the World Junior Championship every once in a while? Consider that the Moose Jaw Warriors showed a profit of $16,978 for their fiscal year, thanks to having received $74,524 in revenue sharing from the 2010 World Junior Championship. The Warriors played host to a pretournament game. The WJC was held in Regina and Saskatoon.
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As expected, the Tri-City Americans announced Wednesday that Terry Bangen, the team’s assistant GM and director of player personnel, has retired. He will stay involved as a special advisor and consultant to GM Bob Tory. Bangen spent five seasons with the Americans and helped build the franchise into the success it is today.
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F Joel Broda (Tri-City, Moose Jaw, Calgary, 2004-09) has signed a three-year deal with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. Broda was a fifth-round selection of the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL draft but never signed. After playing out his eligibility last season, he signed with the EC Red Bull Salzburg. That contract will have had an escape window in it, though, and Broda obviously has used it to sign with the Wild. He presently is at the Wild’s development camp in Saint Paul, Minn.
“The Australian deal was timely,” Gerry Johansson, Broda’s agent, told John MacNeil of the Prince Albert Herald. “We had to commit to it, or not. It was a really good option for Joel, so we committed to it, but we had a period of time where he could sign a National league contract. So we took the bird in the hand, but we could still search for that other bird in the bush, kind of thing.
“We had several teams we were speaking with, and the deal (with Minnesota) then came together pretty quickly after that. Joel was able to get out of his Austrian contract, but he was already over in Salzburg training for a few days. So, logistically, it wasn’t easy for Joel. He was covering the world, but it worked out well.”
———
Jay Varady, the Everett Silvertips’ associate coach, has been named an assistant coach with the U.S. U-18 team that will play at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia, Aug. 9-14. . . . Varady, 33, was the video co-ordinator with the U.S. team that won the world junior title in Saskatoon in January. . . . The head coach of the U-18 team is Tim Army, who is the head coach at Providence College. . . . The U.S. held a development camp July 7-13 in Rochester, N.Y. The roster picked from that camp includes D Tanner Mort of the Spokane Chiefs, who is from Post Falls, Idaho, and F Lukas Sutter of the Saskatoon Blades. Sutter is from Whitefish, Mont. He is the son of former NHLer Rich Sutter, who is the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ assistant to the GM/hockey operations.
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The Vancouver Giants have dealt the rights to F Rocco Grimaldi, 17, to the Portland Winterhawks for a conditional bantam draft pick. Grimaldi, out of the California Wave Program, had been on Vancouver’s protected list. Last season, he was captain of the USNTDP U-17 team, picking up 20 points in 32 USHL games. He also had 10 points in seven games with the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the IIHF World U-18 championship in Belarus in the spring. . . . On Tuesday, he committed to attend the U of North Dakota, starting in the fall of 2011. . . . “Our philosophy is to acquire the best players in our territory, and Rocco is not only an elite player, but we’ve heard nothing but good things about his character off the ice,” Portland Winterhawks GM/head coach Mike Johnston said in a statement. “We may or may not successfully recruit Rocco to join the Winterhawks, and in the end if he decides to go to college we will respect his decision, but we hope he keeps an open mind about our program and the opportunity here.”
F Tyler Beechey (Kootenay, Calgary, 1997-2002) signed a one-year contract with DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf (Germany DEL). He had 24 goals and 33 assists in 56 games for Augsburger Panther (Germany DEL) last season. Beechey had signed with the Frankfurt Lions (Germany DEL) in late April for next season but became a free agent when Frankfurt lost its DEL license for financial reasons last week. . . .
D Trevor Johnson (Kootenay, Seattle, Tri-City, 1998-2003) signed a one-year contract with Valpellice (Italy Serie A). He had no goals and three assists in 16 games for the Kassel Huskies (Germany DEL) and two goals and eight assists in 14 games with Bolzano (Italy Serie A) last season.
———
MAKE GOOD DEPT.: Apologies to Steve Hamilton for having him spend four years of his life with the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Saints. Yes, it should have been the Spruce Grove Saints. . . . Sheesh. I later had him with the St. Albert Saints. . . . Should be able to remember Spruce Grove, if for no other reason than Doug Messier screaming at me in the Spruce Grove Mets' dressing room after a game in the Winnipeg Arena a long, long time ago. . . . And thanks to all who emailed to point out the mistake. Seriously, I don’t mind. I want to make the corrections and I’m mostly flying without a copy editor. . . . Also, I had Mike Pelino as an assistant coach with the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, when he has moved on and now is the head coach of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes. But perhaps the Rampage will update its website now that it has removed the interim from head coach Ray Edwards’ title and hired Jeff Truitt as an assistant coach.
———
How important is it to WHL teams that one of their brethren play host to things like the World Junior Championship every once in a while? Consider that the Moose Jaw Warriors showed a profit of $16,978 for their fiscal year, thanks to having received $74,524 in revenue sharing from the 2010 World Junior Championship. The Warriors played host to a pretournament game. The WJC was held in Regina and Saskatoon.
———
As expected, the Tri-City Americans announced Wednesday that Terry Bangen, the team’s assistant GM and director of player personnel, has retired. He will stay involved as a special advisor and consultant to GM Bob Tory. Bangen spent five seasons with the Americans and helped build the franchise into the success it is today.
———
F Joel Broda (Tri-City, Moose Jaw, Calgary, 2004-09) has signed a three-year deal with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. Broda was a fifth-round selection of the Washington Capitals in the 2008 NHL draft but never signed. After playing out his eligibility last season, he signed with the EC Red Bull Salzburg. That contract will have had an escape window in it, though, and Broda obviously has used it to sign with the Wild. He presently is at the Wild’s development camp in Saint Paul, Minn.
“The Australian deal was timely,” Gerry Johansson, Broda’s agent, told John MacNeil of the Prince Albert Herald. “We had to commit to it, or not. It was a really good option for Joel, so we committed to it, but we had a period of time where he could sign a National league contract. So we took the bird in the hand, but we could still search for that other bird in the bush, kind of thing.
“We had several teams we were speaking with, and the deal (with Minnesota) then came together pretty quickly after that. Joel was able to get out of his Austrian contract, but he was already over in Salzburg training for a few days. So, logistically, it wasn’t easy for Joel. He was covering the world, but it worked out well.”
———
Jay Varady, the Everett Silvertips’ associate coach, has been named an assistant coach with the U.S. U-18 team that will play at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia, Aug. 9-14. . . . Varady, 33, was the video co-ordinator with the U.S. team that won the world junior title in Saskatoon in January. . . . The head coach of the U-18 team is Tim Army, who is the head coach at Providence College. . . . The U.S. held a development camp July 7-13 in Rochester, N.Y. The roster picked from that camp includes D Tanner Mort of the Spokane Chiefs, who is from Post Falls, Idaho, and F Lukas Sutter of the Saskatoon Blades. Sutter is from Whitefish, Mont. He is the son of former NHLer Rich Sutter, who is the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ assistant to the GM/hockey operations.
———
The Vancouver Giants have dealt the rights to F Rocco Grimaldi, 17, to the Portland Winterhawks for a conditional bantam draft pick. Grimaldi, out of the California Wave Program, had been on Vancouver’s protected list. Last season, he was captain of the USNTDP U-17 team, picking up 20 points in 32 USHL games. He also had 10 points in seven games with the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the IIHF World U-18 championship in Belarus in the spring. . . . On Tuesday, he committed to attend the U of North Dakota, starting in the fall of 2011. . . . “Our philosophy is to acquire the best players in our territory, and Rocco is not only an elite player, but we’ve heard nothing but good things about his character off the ice,” Portland Winterhawks GM/head coach Mike Johnston said in a statement. “We may or may not successfully recruit Rocco to join the Winterhawks, and in the end if he decides to go to college we will respect his decision, but we hope he keeps an open mind about our program and the opportunity here.”
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