So I know I said I would have my NHL playoff picks for round 1 ready to go before the puck dropped on Wednesday. But I got pretty sick on Saturday night, in fact I ended up going to the hospital. Turns out I had kidney stones. So that leaves explains why there was no blogging on here.
Now I've gone back and forth on if I should still make my picks being that the playoffs have already started. I don't want to look like I waited for the first game of 7 of the 8 series played as Florida and New Jersey start tonight. But I decided since this is my blog I've decided against it. I just feel like it would be wrong. Sorry to anyone who may have been looking forward to them.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
WHL PLAYOFFS
The quest for Western Hockey League glory and an opportunity to compete in the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup in Shawinigan, QC, continues as the second round of the 2012 WHL Playoffs kick off on Friday, April 6th.
In the Husky WHL Eastern Conference, Mark Pysyk and the Edmonton Oil Kings swept aside the defending WHL champion Kootenay Ice in the first round. Now, they meet Pysyk’s Canadian World Junior teammate, Mark Stone, and the high-octane Brandon Wheat Kings club who knocked out the third-ranked Calgary Hitmen in five games. Who will prevail in this regal match-up?
Quinton Howden and the East Division champion Moose Jaw Warriors overpowered the Regina Pats in five games in a first-round meeting between division rivals. They will now take on red-hot Emerson Etem and the Medicine Hat Tigers, who made short work of the Saskatoon Blades in their four-game sweep in the opening round. Can Howden’s Warriors declaw the Tigers? Or, will Etem’s Tigers maul the Warriors in their second-round clash?
In the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference, Brendan Shinnimin and the Western Conference regular-season champion Tri-City Americans swept past the Everett Silvertips in four games in the opening round, while Mitch Holmberg and the Spokane Chiefs rallied from an 0-2 series deficit to get past the Vancouver Giants in six games. Now, the U.S. Division archrivals will go head-to-head in what will be a fierce second-round series.
Ty Rattie led the high-flying Portland Winterhawks to a first-round sweep of the Kelowna Rockets. Now, they face Brendan Ranford and the B.C. Division champion Kamloops Blazers, who ousted the Victoria Royals in an opening-round sweep. Who will prevail in this battle between two Western Conference heavyweights?
Who will advance to the 2012 Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series?
Here's a look at the second-round Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire Western Conference Semi-Final match-ups:
HUSKY WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
In the Husky WHL Eastern Conference, Mark Pysyk and the Edmonton Oil Kings swept aside the defending WHL champion Kootenay Ice in the first round. Now, they meet Pysyk’s Canadian World Junior teammate, Mark Stone, and the high-octane Brandon Wheat Kings club who knocked out the third-ranked Calgary Hitmen in five games. Who will prevail in this regal match-up?
Quinton Howden and the East Division champion Moose Jaw Warriors overpowered the Regina Pats in five games in a first-round meeting between division rivals. They will now take on red-hot Emerson Etem and the Medicine Hat Tigers, who made short work of the Saskatoon Blades in their four-game sweep in the opening round. Can Howden’s Warriors declaw the Tigers? Or, will Etem’s Tigers maul the Warriors in their second-round clash?
In the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference, Brendan Shinnimin and the Western Conference regular-season champion Tri-City Americans swept past the Everett Silvertips in four games in the opening round, while Mitch Holmberg and the Spokane Chiefs rallied from an 0-2 series deficit to get past the Vancouver Giants in six games. Now, the U.S. Division archrivals will go head-to-head in what will be a fierce second-round series.
Ty Rattie led the high-flying Portland Winterhawks to a first-round sweep of the Kelowna Rockets. Now, they face Brendan Ranford and the B.C. Division champion Kamloops Blazers, who ousted the Victoria Royals in an opening-round sweep. Who will prevail in this battle between two Western Conference heavyweights?
Who will advance to the 2012 Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire Western Conference Championship series?
Here's a look at the second-round Husky WHL Eastern and Kal Tire Western Conference Semi-Final match-ups:
HUSKY WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) EDMONTON OIL KINGS vs (6) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
2011-12 regular-season record: (W-L-OTL-SOL, PTS)
Edmonton: 50-15-3-4, 107pts
Brandon: 39-28-1-4, 83pts
2011-12 head-to-head record:
Edmonton: 3-1-0-0, 6pts
Brandon: 1-3-0-0, 2pts
2011-12 head-to-head top scorers:
Edmonton:
Michael St. Croix 4gp-4g-4a-8pts
T.J. Foster 4gp-2g-5a-7pts
Brandon:
Michael Ferland 3gp-2g-2a-4pts
Brenden Walker 4gp-2g-1a-3pts
The Edmonton Oil Kings meet the Brandon Wheat Kings for the first time ever in the WHL playoffs.
The Scotty Munro Memorial trophy-winning Oil Kings are making their first appearance in the second round of the WHL playoffs in the modern history of the franchise, having knocked off the defending champion Kootenay Ice in a four-game sweep in the first round. Edmonton comes into the second round of the post-season on a 15-game winning streak, with their last loss coming on February 22nd to the Kelowna Rockets. Though they received strong offensive contributions from their usual top performers like Michael St. Croix and Tyler Maxwell, it was rookie Curtis Lazar who led the offense in the first round, netting three goals and seven points in four games versus Kootenay. Defensively, the Oil Kings allowed only seven goals in four games versus the Ice. They will likely face a tougher test in the defensive zone versus the offensively charged Wheat Kings. Mark Pysyk and Griffin Reinhart will need to find a way to stop Mark Stone, the WHL’s second-leading scorer during the regular season. Laurent Brossoit stopped 88 of 95 shots through the first round versus the Ice. He’ll have to prepare for more work versus the Wheaties’ collection of sharp shooters.
The Wheat Kings are in the second round of the WHL playoffs for the fifth time over the last eight seasons, having toppled the third-ranked Calgary Hitmen in five games in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter final. Offensively, the Wheat Kings spread around the scoring in their first-round series versus Calgary, with 10 different players finding the back of the net through five games. Yet, it was the Wheat Kings’ defense limiting the Hitmen to just 10 goals in five games that propelled them into the next round. Now, they will have to stop Edmonton’s 2nd-ranked offense. Brodie Melnychuk, Ryan Pulock and Ryley Miller will be counted on to defend a deep and talented Oil Kings’ attack that boasts four point-per-game players from the first round. Goaltender Corbin Boes was a difference-maker for the Wheat Kings in the first round. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon gave up just 10 goals on 181 shots in five games in the first round for a stellar .945 save percentage. He will have to improve on the 4.08 goals-against average he posted in three appearances versus the Oil Kings during the regular season.
The Scotty Munro Memorial trophy-winning Oil Kings are making their first appearance in the second round of the WHL playoffs in the modern history of the franchise, having knocked off the defending champion Kootenay Ice in a four-game sweep in the first round. Edmonton comes into the second round of the post-season on a 15-game winning streak, with their last loss coming on February 22nd to the Kelowna Rockets. Though they received strong offensive contributions from their usual top performers like Michael St. Croix and Tyler Maxwell, it was rookie Curtis Lazar who led the offense in the first round, netting three goals and seven points in four games versus Kootenay. Defensively, the Oil Kings allowed only seven goals in four games versus the Ice. They will likely face a tougher test in the defensive zone versus the offensively charged Wheat Kings. Mark Pysyk and Griffin Reinhart will need to find a way to stop Mark Stone, the WHL’s second-leading scorer during the regular season. Laurent Brossoit stopped 88 of 95 shots through the first round versus the Ice. He’ll have to prepare for more work versus the Wheaties’ collection of sharp shooters.
The Wheat Kings are in the second round of the WHL playoffs for the fifth time over the last eight seasons, having toppled the third-ranked Calgary Hitmen in five games in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter final. Offensively, the Wheat Kings spread around the scoring in their first-round series versus Calgary, with 10 different players finding the back of the net through five games. Yet, it was the Wheat Kings’ defense limiting the Hitmen to just 10 goals in five games that propelled them into the next round. Now, they will have to stop Edmonton’s 2nd-ranked offense. Brodie Melnychuk, Ryan Pulock and Ryley Miller will be counted on to defend a deep and talented Oil Kings’ attack that boasts four point-per-game players from the first round. Goaltender Corbin Boes was a difference-maker for the Wheat Kings in the first round. The 18-year-old from Saskatoon gave up just 10 goals on 181 shots in five games in the first round for a stellar .945 save percentage. He will have to improve on the 4.08 goals-against average he posted in three appearances versus the Oil Kings during the regular season.
Series Schedule(All Start Times Local)
#1 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm)
#2 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Saturday, April 7 (6:00pm)
#3 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00pm)
#4 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Friday, April 13 (8:00pm)**
#6 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Sunday, April 15 (6:00pm**
#7 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Wednesday, April 18 (7:00pm)**
**If Necessary
Edmonton in 6 games
#1 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm)
#2 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Saturday, April 7 (6:00pm)
#3 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00pm)
#4 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Friday, April 13 (8:00pm)**
#6 – Edmonton @ Brandon; Sunday, April 15 (6:00pm**
#7 – Brandon @ Edmonton; Wednesday, April 18 (7:00pm)**
**If Necessary
Edmonton in 6 games
(2) MOOSE JAW vs (4) MEDICINE HAT TIGERS
2011-12 regular-season record:
Moose Jaw: 45-19-6-2, 98pts
Medicine Hat: 42-24-2-4, 90pts
2011-12 head-to-head record:
Moose Jaw: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
Medicine Hat: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
2011-12 head-to-head top scorers:
Moose Jaw:
Cam Braes: 8gp-6g-7a-13pts
Quinton Howden: 4gp-2g-4a-6pts
Medicine Hat:
Patrik Parkkonen: 4gp-1g-6a-7pts
Boston Leier: 4gp-3g-1a-4pts
The Moose Jaw Warriors take on the Medicine Hat Tigers for a playoff series for the first time since
the 2005-06 season. Troy Brouwer and the Warriors defeated Darren Helm and the Tigers 4-1 in the
2006 WHL Eastern Conference championship series.
The Warriors advanced past the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2005-06 season when they made it all the way to the WHL championship series. After losing the series opener, the Warriors reeled off four straight wins over the Pats to advance to the second round. Led by Quinton Howden, the Warriors’ offense racked up 23 goals over their four wins, and connected for seven power play goals on 21 chances. Four Warriors scored at least three goals and five players notched at least six points in the first round series win. If they can keep up their offensive production, they’ll have a better chance at beating Tigers’ netminder Tyler Bunz. Defensively, the Warriors managed to limit Regina star Jordan Weal to just one goal in the first round. Now, Dylan McIlrath and the defense corps will have to find a way to shut down Emerson Etem, one of the league’s top snipers. Limiting the Tigers’ power play chances will be a key to the Warriors’ success. Luke Siemens posted four wins in the opening round, but will want to improve on his .886 save percentage. He won two of three appearances versus Medicine Hat during the regular season.
The Tigers are in the second round of the WHL playoffs for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons, having swept the Saskatoon Blades in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter finals. As was the case during the regular season, Emerson Etem was a key cog in the Tigers’ success. The Anaheim Ducks prospect scored seven goals, including two game-winners, and 12 points in four games. Aside from Etem, only Curtis Valk, with four goals, and James Bettauer, with two tallies, had more than one goal in the opening round series. The Tigers will need more from Hunter Shinkaruk and Cole Grbavac if they are to have success versus the Warriors’ tough defense. On the back end, the Tigers allowed just seven goals over their four-game series versus the Blades, and surrendered just one power play marker. Goaltender Tyler Bunz, the Eastern Conference nominee for the WHL Goaltender of the Year award, was terrific in the opening round, stopping 118 of 125 shots in the series for a solid .944 save percentage. He’ll need to be equally strong versus a Warriors’ offense that is firing on all cylinders right now.
The Warriors advanced past the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2005-06 season when they made it all the way to the WHL championship series. After losing the series opener, the Warriors reeled off four straight wins over the Pats to advance to the second round. Led by Quinton Howden, the Warriors’ offense racked up 23 goals over their four wins, and connected for seven power play goals on 21 chances. Four Warriors scored at least three goals and five players notched at least six points in the first round series win. If they can keep up their offensive production, they’ll have a better chance at beating Tigers’ netminder Tyler Bunz. Defensively, the Warriors managed to limit Regina star Jordan Weal to just one goal in the first round. Now, Dylan McIlrath and the defense corps will have to find a way to shut down Emerson Etem, one of the league’s top snipers. Limiting the Tigers’ power play chances will be a key to the Warriors’ success. Luke Siemens posted four wins in the opening round, but will want to improve on his .886 save percentage. He won two of three appearances versus Medicine Hat during the regular season.
The Tigers are in the second round of the WHL playoffs for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons, having swept the Saskatoon Blades in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference quarter finals. As was the case during the regular season, Emerson Etem was a key cog in the Tigers’ success. The Anaheim Ducks prospect scored seven goals, including two game-winners, and 12 points in four games. Aside from Etem, only Curtis Valk, with four goals, and James Bettauer, with two tallies, had more than one goal in the opening round series. The Tigers will need more from Hunter Shinkaruk and Cole Grbavac if they are to have success versus the Warriors’ tough defense. On the back end, the Tigers allowed just seven goals over their four-game series versus the Blades, and surrendered just one power play marker. Goaltender Tyler Bunz, the Eastern Conference nominee for the WHL Goaltender of the Year award, was terrific in the opening round, stopping 118 of 125 shots in the series for a solid .944 save percentage. He’ll need to be equally strong versus a Warriors’ offense that is firing on all cylinders right now.
Series Schedule
#1 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm)
#2 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Saturday, April 7 (7:00pm)
#3 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00 pm)
#4 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Friday, April 13 (7:00pm)**
#6 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Sunday, April 15 (6:00pm)**
#7 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Tuesday, April 17 (7:00pm)**
Medcine Hat in 6 games
KAL TIRE WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm)
#2 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Saturday, April 7 (7:00pm)
#3 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00 pm)
#4 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Friday, April 13 (7:00pm)**
#6 – Moose Jaw @ Medicine Hat; Sunday, April 15 (6:00pm)**
#7 – Medicine Hat @ Moose Jaw; Tuesday, April 17 (7:00pm)**
Medcine Hat in 6 games
KAL TIRE WHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) TRI-CITY AMERICANS vs (5) SPOKANE CHIEFS
2011-12 regular-season record:
Tri-City: 50-18-2-2, 104pts
Spokane: 38-25-5-4, 85pts
2011-12 head-to-head record:
Tri-City: 8-4-0-0, 16pts
Spokane: 4-8-0-0, 8pts
2011-12 head-to-head top scorers:
Tri-City:
Brendan Shinnimin 11gp-9g-13a-22pts
Patrick Holland 12gp-4g-16a-20pts
Spokane:
Brenden Kichton 12gp-2g-9a-11pts
Dominik Uher 10gp-5g-5a-10pts
The Tri-City Americans face the Spokane Chiefs in a playoff series for the second straight season.
Tyler Johnson and the Chiefs beat Kruise Reddick and the Americans in six games in the second
round of the 2011 WHL playoffs.
The Americans advanced to the second round of the WHL playoffs for a fifth straight season after sweeping the Everett Silvertips in the first round. The Ams outscored the Silvertips 18-6 in the four-game series, and never trailed in any of the four games. As usual, the Ams’ offense has been led by Brendan Shinnimin and Adam Hughesman, who combined for six goals and 15 points in the series. Shinnimin, Hughesman and Patrick Holland dominated to the tune of a combined 19 goals and 60 points in 12 games versus the Chiefs in the regular season. Zach Yuen and the Ams’ defense corps will face a much tougher test versus a spirited and hard-working Chiefs team that boasts some talented snipers. Ty Rimmer, the Western Conference nominee for WHL Goaltender of the Year, stopped 96 of 102 shots in four games versus the Silvertips. He was strong versus Spokane this season, posting an 8-2 record with a.923 save percentage.
The Chiefs booked their place in the second round of the WHL playoffs for a fourth time in five seasons after defeating the higher-seeded Vancouver Giants in six games in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter finals. Having lost the first two games of their series versus the Giants, surrendering 14 goals in the process, the Chiefs turned their fortunes around and won the next four games while giving up just six goals. While Mitch Holmberg led the way with six goals, the Chiefs did spread their scoring around with seven different players tallying at least two goals. They will need big contributions from the likes of Dominik Uher, Todd Fiddler and Marek Kalus if they are to match Tri-City’s offensive punch. Defensively, the Chiefs will greatly miss the contributions of Brenden Kichton, who suffered a broken jaw in the first round. However, the opportunity is there for players like Reid Gow and Davis Vandane to take on bigger roles. They will have their hands full trying to limit Tri-City’s dominant first line. Eric Williams turned in a string of outstanding efforts to backstop the Chiefs past the Giants in the final four games of the series. If Williams can maintain his current form, the Chiefs will have a much better chance at knocking off their bitter rivals.
The Americans advanced to the second round of the WHL playoffs for a fifth straight season after sweeping the Everett Silvertips in the first round. The Ams outscored the Silvertips 18-6 in the four-game series, and never trailed in any of the four games. As usual, the Ams’ offense has been led by Brendan Shinnimin and Adam Hughesman, who combined for six goals and 15 points in the series. Shinnimin, Hughesman and Patrick Holland dominated to the tune of a combined 19 goals and 60 points in 12 games versus the Chiefs in the regular season. Zach Yuen and the Ams’ defense corps will face a much tougher test versus a spirited and hard-working Chiefs team that boasts some talented snipers. Ty Rimmer, the Western Conference nominee for WHL Goaltender of the Year, stopped 96 of 102 shots in four games versus the Silvertips. He was strong versus Spokane this season, posting an 8-2 record with a.923 save percentage.
The Chiefs booked their place in the second round of the WHL playoffs for a fourth time in five seasons after defeating the higher-seeded Vancouver Giants in six games in the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference quarter finals. Having lost the first two games of their series versus the Giants, surrendering 14 goals in the process, the Chiefs turned their fortunes around and won the next four games while giving up just six goals. While Mitch Holmberg led the way with six goals, the Chiefs did spread their scoring around with seven different players tallying at least two goals. They will need big contributions from the likes of Dominik Uher, Todd Fiddler and Marek Kalus if they are to match Tri-City’s offensive punch. Defensively, the Chiefs will greatly miss the contributions of Brenden Kichton, who suffered a broken jaw in the first round. However, the opportunity is there for players like Reid Gow and Davis Vandane to take on bigger roles. They will have their hands full trying to limit Tri-City’s dominant first line. Eric Williams turned in a string of outstanding efforts to backstop the Chiefs past the Giants in the final four games of the series. If Williams can maintain his current form, the Chiefs will have a much better chance at knocking off their bitter rivals.
Series Schedule (All Start Times Local)
#1 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Friday, April 6 (7:05pm)
#2 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 7 (7:05pm)
#3 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Wednesday, April 11 (7:05pm)
#4 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Friday, April 13 (7:05pm)
#5 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 14 (7:05pm) **
#6 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Monday, April 16 (7:05pm) **
#7 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Wednesday, April 18 (7:05pm) **
Tri City in 5 games
#1 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Friday, April 6 (7:05pm)
#2 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 7 (7:05pm)
#3 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Wednesday, April 11 (7:05pm)
#4 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Friday, April 13 (7:05pm)
#5 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Saturday, April 14 (7:05pm) **
#6 – Tri-City @ Spokane; Monday, April 16 (7:05pm) **
#7 – Spokane @ Tri-City; Wednesday, April 18 (7:05pm) **
Tri City in 5 games
(2) PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS vs (3) KAMLOOPS BLAZERS
2011-12 regular-season record:
Portland: 49-19-3-1, 102pts
Kamloops: 47-20-2-3, 99pts
2011-12 head-to-head record:
Portland: 2-1-1-0, 5pts
Kamloops: 2-2-0-0, 4pts
2011-12 head-to-head top scorers:
Portland:
Sven Bartschi 3gp-3g-6a-9pts
Ty Rattie 4gp-2g-5a-7pts
Kamloops:
Brendan Ranford 4gp-4g-2a-6pts
Chase Schaber 4gp-1g-3a-4pts
The Portland Winterhawks meet the Kamloops Blazers for a playoff series for the first time since the
1994-95 season. Darcy Tucker and the Blazers beat Todd Robinson and the Winterhawks 4-1 in the 1995 Western Conference semi-final en route to their second straight WHL championship.
The Winterhawks swept the Kelowna Rockets in the first round of the WHL playoffs to advance to the second round of the post-season for a third straight season. The Hawks’ WHL-leading offense cranked out 21 goals over the four-game set, thanks to Ty Rattie’s remarkable 10-goal performance in the series. The Airdrie, AB, product and St. Louis Blues prospect enjoyed a hat-trick in the series-opener, and then netted four goals in Game 4 to secure the series win. Rattie’s linemates, Sven Bartschi and Marcel Noebels, put up a combined 19 points. Even if that line can’t keep up that type of production versus a tougher Blazers defense, the Hawks still have plenty of other offensive options at their disposal. Defensively, the Hawks allowed just nine goals in four games. They will face a more difficult task in shutting down a Blazers’ offense that boasts plenty of depth. William Wrenn and the Hawks’ defense corps will have to neutralize Brendan Ranford, who scored four goals in four head-to-head meetings during the regular season. Mac Carruth performed well in the first round for the Hawks, and now has 22 playoff wins under his belt. Having faced an average of over 30 shots per game in the first round, Carruth is used to getting lots of work. He should be busy versus a strong offensive team like Kamloops.
The Blazers swept B.C. Division rivals the Victoria Royals in four games in the opening round to win their first playoff series since 1999 when they last advanced to the WHL Championship series. The Blazers doubled up the Royals 22-11 in scoring over the four-game set, and saw their power play go 5-for-19 in the process. The Blazers also spread out their offense, with eight forwards picking up at least a point per game in the series. Losing captain Chase Schaber for the season will hurt the Blazers. However, the team still has the offensive depth to compete with the Hawks. Defensively, the Blazers allowed 11 goals over their series win versus Victoria. Yet, their penalty killing unit allowed just one goal on 16 Royals opportunities. They will need their penalty killing unit to be equally good to shut down a lethal Portland power play. A key factor in any success the Blazers have will be Austin Madaisky and Tyler Hansen’s ability to shut down Ty Rattie and Sven Bartschi. Cole Cheveldave won his first four post-season starts, but will aim to improve on his .899 save percentage. The 18-year-old rookie went 1-1 with a .928 save percentage in two starts versus Portland during the regular season.
The Winterhawks swept the Kelowna Rockets in the first round of the WHL playoffs to advance to the second round of the post-season for a third straight season. The Hawks’ WHL-leading offense cranked out 21 goals over the four-game set, thanks to Ty Rattie’s remarkable 10-goal performance in the series. The Airdrie, AB, product and St. Louis Blues prospect enjoyed a hat-trick in the series-opener, and then netted four goals in Game 4 to secure the series win. Rattie’s linemates, Sven Bartschi and Marcel Noebels, put up a combined 19 points. Even if that line can’t keep up that type of production versus a tougher Blazers defense, the Hawks still have plenty of other offensive options at their disposal. Defensively, the Hawks allowed just nine goals in four games. They will face a more difficult task in shutting down a Blazers’ offense that boasts plenty of depth. William Wrenn and the Hawks’ defense corps will have to neutralize Brendan Ranford, who scored four goals in four head-to-head meetings during the regular season. Mac Carruth performed well in the first round for the Hawks, and now has 22 playoff wins under his belt. Having faced an average of over 30 shots per game in the first round, Carruth is used to getting lots of work. He should be busy versus a strong offensive team like Kamloops.
The Blazers swept B.C. Division rivals the Victoria Royals in four games in the opening round to win their first playoff series since 1999 when they last advanced to the WHL Championship series. The Blazers doubled up the Royals 22-11 in scoring over the four-game set, and saw their power play go 5-for-19 in the process. The Blazers also spread out their offense, with eight forwards picking up at least a point per game in the series. Losing captain Chase Schaber for the season will hurt the Blazers. However, the team still has the offensive depth to compete with the Hawks. Defensively, the Blazers allowed 11 goals over their series win versus Victoria. Yet, their penalty killing unit allowed just one goal on 16 Royals opportunities. They will need their penalty killing unit to be equally good to shut down a lethal Portland power play. A key factor in any success the Blazers have will be Austin Madaisky and Tyler Hansen’s ability to shut down Ty Rattie and Sven Bartschi. Cole Cheveldave won his first four post-season starts, but will aim to improve on his .899 save percentage. The 18-year-old rookie went 1-1 with a .928 save percentage in two starts versus Portland during the regular season.
Series Schedule
#1 – Kamloops @ Portland; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm) Memorial Coliseum
#2 – Kamloops @ Portland; Saturday, April 7 (7:00pm) Memorial Coliseum
#3 – Portland @ Kamloops; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00pm)
#4 – Portland @ Kamloops; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Kamloops @ Portland; Saturday, April 14 (7:00pm)** Rose Garden
#6 – Portland @ Kamloops; Monday, April 16 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Kamloops @ Portland; Wednesday, April 18 (7:00pm)** Memorial Coliseum
#1 – Kamloops @ Portland; Friday, April 6 (7:00pm) Memorial Coliseum
#2 – Kamloops @ Portland; Saturday, April 7 (7:00pm) Memorial Coliseum
#3 – Portland @ Kamloops; Tuesday, April 10 (7:00pm)
#4 – Portland @ Kamloops; Wednesday, April 11 (7:00pm)
#5 – Kamloops @ Portland; Saturday, April 14 (7:00pm)** Rose Garden
#6 – Portland @ Kamloops; Monday, April 16 (7:00pm)**
#7 – Kamloops @ Portland; Wednesday, April 18 (7:00pm)** Memorial Coliseum
Kamloops in 7 games.
Let's see how I do.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Regina Pats Season Comes To A End
Well it's been a long time since I've been oh here, but life has gotten in the way also I haven't really had the desire to put much down. I'm not really too sure who all reads this blog anymore, or has been checking in for updates. But since this is my little piece of the web, I will be putting more of a effort into updating it than in the past. So too get to what brought me here now.
The Regina Pats season came to a crashing halt last night in Moose Jaw. As the Warriors won game 5 in their 1st round WHL playoff clash against the Pats by the score of 5-2. Four major reasons that jump out at me as to way the Pats lost in this round are. In game 2 they just didn't come to play at all from puck drop to the final whistle losing 8-1.
Then in game 3 back at home Moose Jaw jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first minute of the game, they were up 5-1 after the 1st and hung on to win 5-3. Game 4 at home as well with the Pats leading 4-3 with 7 minutes left to play the refs who were brutal all night, had their biggest fuck up giving Pats forward Dyson Stevenson a 5 min major for clipping. In what at best should have been a 2 minute minor. The Warriors scored with a minute and some left in the pp force the game into overtime and would get the game winner in double ot going up 3-1 in the series. But not lost in the fact was the Pats lost their starting goalie who suffered a broken wrist in ot and their all-star defenceman and captain to a shoulder injury.
Also the league decided to rub salt in the wound by suspended Dyson Stevenson for 1 game all 3 didn't play last night. And the fourth thing. The Pats once again feel asleep in the first finding themselves down 1-0 just 16 seconds into game 5 and 4-0 after the first. But that's enough of the negative stuff.
This past season for the Pats was a fun one with lots to cheer about. Lots of highs and some lows as well but overall a very exciting year.
The Pats have nothing to hang their heads about. At the start of the season alot of people had already writing them off, but they proved their critics wrong. The Pats were lead this season by all-star centre Jodan Weal as he had career highs in assits(75) and points(116) as well as +/-(+31+ he also had 41 goals. Behind Weal was linemate Land Scheidl who also had career highs in goals(27) assists(28) points(55_ and +/-(+24). 17 year old Chandler Stepenson and 3rd member of the Pats top line as well posted career highs in golas(22) assists(20) points(42) and +/-(-1).
20 year old and Pats Captain Bradon Davidson who is drafted by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers he as well had career highs in goals(13) and +/-(+26). Davidson will no doubt be a stud on the blueline for the Oilers very soon.
Himself along with defenceman Artem Bidlevskii and forward Matt Marantz have all exhausted their junior careers. I would like to send out a heart felt thank you to those 3 great people, they will be missed both on and off the ice around here.
So now we have the long off season to get through I honestly don't know what I will do with myself? I guess the NHL playoffs are less then 2 weeks away. The CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders start training camp in a few short months. I still have my hockey playoffs, which with any luck wont end n ext Wednesday.
Or I guess I could always dedicate more time to this blog. All I know is it wont be the same.
Once again I would like to send out a big thank you to the Regina Pats for a great year.
I can't wait til this Sept. until then see ya around.
p.s I will do my best to put up my 2nd round picks for the WHL playoffs. But if not not check back in about a week for my NHL 1st round playoff picks.
Cheers!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Readers Test
Hello out there. I know it's but a long time since I have put fingers to keys but I have been up to my ears in work, home, and just about everything else. But I will find the time to put more work into my little spot in the www. Thanks for checking in ttyl.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Greatest Super Bowls
1. Super Bowl XLII - New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14In one of the most significant upsets in Super Bowl history, the Giants (14–6) won 17–14, preventing the Patriots (18–1) from becoming the first undefeated team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins went 17–0. In doing so, the Giants became the first NFC wild card team to win a Super Bowl. The telecast was the most-watched Super Bowl of all time, with an average of 97.5 million viewers in the United States and 148.3 million total viewers watching some part of the game. The broadcast achieved the highest Nielsen ratings (43.3) for the game since Super Bowl XXXIV. It was also the second most-watched TV program of all time in the United States
2. Super Bowl III - New York Jets 16 Baltimore Colts 7 This game has to be at the top of any list, not so much for the game itself but for the significance the Jet's 16-7 victory over the Colts had in establishing the game as a legitimate championship. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls with no problems and Vegas had Baltimore a 20-point favorite. Then, Joe Willie Namath guaranteed a win just 2 days prior to kickoff.
3. Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16The Titans overcome a 16-point deficit by tying the game on a 43-yard field goal with just over 2 minutes to play. But, then Kurt Warner connected with Issac Bruce on a 78-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams the lead with just 1:54 remaining. However, then the Titans drove to the Rams 10 with six seconds and no timeouts, and then Steve McNair hit Kevin Dyson who stretched to the half-yard line as time ran out.
4. Super Bowl XXXVIII - New England 32, Carolina 29New England kicked a 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining as the Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three seasons. While it took a Super-Bowl record 26 minutes and 55 seconds for the first points to be scored, the teams combined for 868 yards (481 by New England) and the game also featured the highest scoring quarter with 37 points.
5. Super Bowl XXIII - San Francisco 49ers 20 Cincinnati Bengals 16 With just 3 minutes left in the game, the Bengals’ kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 16-13 lead. Then, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana engineered one of the greatest scoring drives in Super Bowl history by going 92 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor.
6. Super Bowl XIII - Pittsburgh Steelers 35 Dallas Cowboys 31Terry Bradshaw threw 4 TD passes as the Steelers almost blew this game wide open, but Roger Staubach led the Cowboy to two late TDs. Then with 22 seconds left, the Steelers recovered Dallas's onside kick to end the game.
7. Super Bowl XXXVI - New England Patriots 20 St. Louis Rams 17The Patriots kicked a 48-yard field goal to avoid overtime and give them their first Super Bowl title. The Rams scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes to tie the game at 17. Then Tom Brady drove his team down to the Rams 31 with no timeouts to set up the game winning field goal.
8. Super Bowl XXV - New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19The "wide right" game. After New York took the lead late in the game with a 21-yard field goal. Jim Kelly led the Bills to the Giants 30 yard line to set up a last second field goal. But, unfortunately for the Bills, the ball sailed wide right to end the game.
9. Super Bowl XXXII - Denver 31, Green Bay 24 John Elway led the Broncos to their first NFL championship and broke the NFC's streak of Super Bowl victories at 13. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and a three touchdowns
10. Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, New England 10The greatest cast of characters ever to win a Super Bowl. The game may have been a blow out, but Chicago entertained us with players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and William "the Refrigerator" Perry. And who can forget the Super Bowl Shuffle video. Honorable MentionSuper Bowl XXIX - San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 Greatest performance by a single player. Steve Young passed for 325 yards and threw a record 6 touchdown passes in this game.Super Bowl I - Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10It may not have been the best, but it was the first. Bart Starr passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Later, he was named the MVP for Super Bowl I.
Super Bowl XV - Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10Super Bowl MVP Jim Plunkett passed for 3 touchdowns, as the Raiders became the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
2. Super Bowl III - New York Jets 16 Baltimore Colts 7 This game has to be at the top of any list, not so much for the game itself but for the significance the Jet's 16-7 victory over the Colts had in establishing the game as a legitimate championship. The Packers won the first two Super Bowls with no problems and Vegas had Baltimore a 20-point favorite. Then, Joe Willie Namath guaranteed a win just 2 days prior to kickoff.
3. Super Bowl XXXIV - St. Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16The Titans overcome a 16-point deficit by tying the game on a 43-yard field goal with just over 2 minutes to play. But, then Kurt Warner connected with Issac Bruce on a 78-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams the lead with just 1:54 remaining. However, then the Titans drove to the Rams 10 with six seconds and no timeouts, and then Steve McNair hit Kevin Dyson who stretched to the half-yard line as time ran out.
4. Super Bowl XXXVIII - New England 32, Carolina 29New England kicked a 41-yard field goal with four seconds remaining as the Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three seasons. While it took a Super-Bowl record 26 minutes and 55 seconds for the first points to be scored, the teams combined for 868 yards (481 by New England) and the game also featured the highest scoring quarter with 37 points.
5. Super Bowl XXIII - San Francisco 49ers 20 Cincinnati Bengals 16 With just 3 minutes left in the game, the Bengals’ kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 16-13 lead. Then, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana engineered one of the greatest scoring drives in Super Bowl history by going 92 yards in 11 plays, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor.
6. Super Bowl XIII - Pittsburgh Steelers 35 Dallas Cowboys 31Terry Bradshaw threw 4 TD passes as the Steelers almost blew this game wide open, but Roger Staubach led the Cowboy to two late TDs. Then with 22 seconds left, the Steelers recovered Dallas's onside kick to end the game.
7. Super Bowl XXXVI - New England Patriots 20 St. Louis Rams 17The Patriots kicked a 48-yard field goal to avoid overtime and give them their first Super Bowl title. The Rams scored a touchdown with less than 2 minutes to tie the game at 17. Then Tom Brady drove his team down to the Rams 31 with no timeouts to set up the game winning field goal.
8. Super Bowl XXV - New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19The "wide right" game. After New York took the lead late in the game with a 21-yard field goal. Jim Kelly led the Bills to the Giants 30 yard line to set up a last second field goal. But, unfortunately for the Bills, the ball sailed wide right to end the game.
9. Super Bowl XXXII - Denver 31, Green Bay 24 John Elway led the Broncos to their first NFL championship and broke the NFC's streak of Super Bowl victories at 13. Terrell Davis rushed for 157 yards and a three touchdowns
10. Super Bowl XX - Chicago 46, New England 10The greatest cast of characters ever to win a Super Bowl. The game may have been a blow out, but Chicago entertained us with players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and William "the Refrigerator" Perry. And who can forget the Super Bowl Shuffle video. Honorable MentionSuper Bowl XXIX - San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 Greatest performance by a single player. Steve Young passed for 325 yards and threw a record 6 touchdown passes in this game.Super Bowl I - Green Bay 35, Kansas City 10It may not have been the best, but it was the first. Bart Starr passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Later, he was named the MVP for Super Bowl I.
Super Bowl XV - Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10Super Bowl MVP Jim Plunkett passed for 3 touchdowns, as the Raiders became the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
Top 10 Half Time Super Bowl Acts
10. Diana Ross Gets an Airlift
Super Bowl XXX, 1996
In Ross’ 1996 show in Mesa, Ariz., there were lots of balloons, dancers, Supremes songs and wardrobe changes. But what left the biggest impression was the helicopter that came during ‘Take Me Higher‘ and whisked the diva off mid-song as she hung out of the aircraft. Ross, who was securely belted in, had previously practiced the stunt — approved by the Federal Aviation Administration — three times with a team of pilots.
9. Aerosmith Take a Walk With Friends
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
Rock purists probably dropped their nachos when they saw Aerosmith perform their classic ‘Walk This Way’ with Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. But they probably didn’t get the whole Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. thing, either. The 2001 show in Tampa, Fla., produced by MTV, was an effort to join genres. A more memorable Timberlake halftime show would come in the future.
8. Prince’s Big, Uh, Guitar Finish
Super Bowl XLI, 2007
In a rain-soaked performance that spotlighted Prince‘s blistering guitar skills, the man formerly known as the Man Formerly Known as Prince rocked up a series of his hits plus some terrific covers. But during his signature ‘Purple Rain‘ — a fitting choice, given the rainy Miami weather — Prince appeared as a giant silhouette with a guitar that looked like a big, well … this is Prince we’re talking about. Anyone doubting whether the phallic appearance was intentional might consider that Prince used to perform with a guitar that squirted water from its end during ‘Let’s Go Crazy.’
7. The Stones Get Censored … Again
Super Bowl XL, 2006
On the same day the first Super Bowl was played — Jan. 15, 1967 — the Rolling Stones appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ where they were forced to change the lyrics of their song ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together‘ to ‘Let’s Spend Some Time Together.’ In Detroit, nearly 40 years later, their lyrics were again altered when ABC cut two lines from their set, including the end of ‘Start Me Up.’
6. The Who Light It Up
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010
Yeah, half the band is gone. And, sure, neither Roger Daltrey nor Pete Townshend can reach notes they sang in their youth. But even half a Who can rock harder than most full bands, as they proved in 2010 on ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ Daltrey reminded us why his hair-raising “Yaaaaaah!” is one of the greatest screams in rock. And Townshend’s windmill reminded us why he is one of the coolest guitarists ever. Oh, and also — those lasers were, like, far out, man!
5. Springsteen Slip Slidin’ Away
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009
Turns out Bruce Springsteen‘s energetic performance of ‘Tenth Avenue Freezeout‘ in 2009 was perhaps a bit too energetic. During a stage slide, the Boss kept on sliding — until his crotch collided with a TV camera. As Springsteen explained on his website later, “Too much adrenaline, a late drop, too much speed.”
4. Janet and JT’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
If you blinked, you missed it. And in 2004, you couldn’t just go to YouTube the next morning and watch it again and again. (But we can now!) At the end of ‘Rock Your Body,’ Justin Timberlake famously ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson‘s top, revealing a bit more body than the FCC would prefer. As result, future telecasts would be delayed five seconds. And future halftime acts — no matter how much hell they once raised — would be considered a “safe choice” so long as they didn’t threaten to expose themselves.
3. Paul McCartney Plays It Safe
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005
A year after the “wardrobe malfunction,” McCartney — whose Beatles led the ’60s music generation that questioned authority like none before it — would suddenly be considered a harmless act to perform at halftime, as if he had suddenly joined the ranks of Perry Como and Mel Tormé. But his rousing version of ‘Live and Let Die‘ reminded viewers that it’s ultimately about the music. And if that’s not enough, well — there’s always scorching pyrotechnics.
2. Michael Jackson Sets the Standard
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993
Michael Jackson was never one for low-key ventures. So when the NFL decided it needed to beef up halftime shows in order to keep viewers tuned in, it tapped the Gloved One to put on a super halftime show. During his performance of ‘Heal the World,’ the entire crowd participated in the visual, and Jackson was surrounded by 3,500 local children. (Yeah, yeah — save your wisecracks.) After this performance in 1993, the networks would never cut away from the halftime show again.
1. U2 Heal the Nation
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002
Just months after the 9/11 tragedies, U2 offered a stunning tribute to its victims in a show that brought tears to many viewers. As the Edge launched into the hypnotic guitar intro on ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ a 200-foot screen appeared behind the band and began scrolling the names of all those who perished. Near the end, the screen collapsed, and Bono revealed the Stars and Stripes lining of his jacket to a Tampa, Fla., crowd still in shock from that awful day.
Super Bowl XXX, 1996
In Ross’ 1996 show in Mesa, Ariz., there were lots of balloons, dancers, Supremes songs and wardrobe changes. But what left the biggest impression was the helicopter that came during ‘Take Me Higher‘ and whisked the diva off mid-song as she hung out of the aircraft. Ross, who was securely belted in, had previously practiced the stunt — approved by the Federal Aviation Administration — three times with a team of pilots.
9. Aerosmith Take a Walk With Friends
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001
Rock purists probably dropped their nachos when they saw Aerosmith perform their classic ‘Walk This Way’ with Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. But they probably didn’t get the whole Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. thing, either. The 2001 show in Tampa, Fla., produced by MTV, was an effort to join genres. A more memorable Timberlake halftime show would come in the future.
8. Prince’s Big, Uh, Guitar Finish
Super Bowl XLI, 2007
In a rain-soaked performance that spotlighted Prince‘s blistering guitar skills, the man formerly known as the Man Formerly Known as Prince rocked up a series of his hits plus some terrific covers. But during his signature ‘Purple Rain‘ — a fitting choice, given the rainy Miami weather — Prince appeared as a giant silhouette with a guitar that looked like a big, well … this is Prince we’re talking about. Anyone doubting whether the phallic appearance was intentional might consider that Prince used to perform with a guitar that squirted water from its end during ‘Let’s Go Crazy.’
7. The Stones Get Censored … Again
Super Bowl XL, 2006
On the same day the first Super Bowl was played — Jan. 15, 1967 — the Rolling Stones appeared on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ where they were forced to change the lyrics of their song ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together‘ to ‘Let’s Spend Some Time Together.’ In Detroit, nearly 40 years later, their lyrics were again altered when ABC cut two lines from their set, including the end of ‘Start Me Up.’
6. The Who Light It Up
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010
Yeah, half the band is gone. And, sure, neither Roger Daltrey nor Pete Townshend can reach notes they sang in their youth. But even half a Who can rock harder than most full bands, as they proved in 2010 on ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ Daltrey reminded us why his hair-raising “Yaaaaaah!” is one of the greatest screams in rock. And Townshend’s windmill reminded us why he is one of the coolest guitarists ever. Oh, and also — those lasers were, like, far out, man!
5. Springsteen Slip Slidin’ Away
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009
Turns out Bruce Springsteen‘s energetic performance of ‘Tenth Avenue Freezeout‘ in 2009 was perhaps a bit too energetic. During a stage slide, the Boss kept on sliding — until his crotch collided with a TV camera. As Springsteen explained on his website later, “Too much adrenaline, a late drop, too much speed.”
4. Janet and JT’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004
If you blinked, you missed it. And in 2004, you couldn’t just go to YouTube the next morning and watch it again and again. (But we can now!) At the end of ‘Rock Your Body,’ Justin Timberlake famously ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson‘s top, revealing a bit more body than the FCC would prefer. As result, future telecasts would be delayed five seconds. And future halftime acts — no matter how much hell they once raised — would be considered a “safe choice” so long as they didn’t threaten to expose themselves.
3. Paul McCartney Plays It Safe
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005
A year after the “wardrobe malfunction,” McCartney — whose Beatles led the ’60s music generation that questioned authority like none before it — would suddenly be considered a harmless act to perform at halftime, as if he had suddenly joined the ranks of Perry Como and Mel Tormé. But his rousing version of ‘Live and Let Die‘ reminded viewers that it’s ultimately about the music. And if that’s not enough, well — there’s always scorching pyrotechnics.
2. Michael Jackson Sets the Standard
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993
Michael Jackson was never one for low-key ventures. So when the NFL decided it needed to beef up halftime shows in order to keep viewers tuned in, it tapped the Gloved One to put on a super halftime show. During his performance of ‘Heal the World,’ the entire crowd participated in the visual, and Jackson was surrounded by 3,500 local children. (Yeah, yeah — save your wisecracks.) After this performance in 1993, the networks would never cut away from the halftime show again.
1. U2 Heal the Nation
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002
Just months after the 9/11 tragedies, U2 offered a stunning tribute to its victims in a show that brought tears to many viewers. As the Edge launched into the hypnotic guitar intro on ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ a 200-foot screen appeared behind the band and began scrolling the names of all those who perished. Near the end, the screen collapsed, and Bono revealed the Stars and Stripes lining of his jacket to a Tampa, Fla., crowd still in shock from that awful day.
Fantuz Signs With The Bears
The Bears entered the import business Friday, signing Canadian Football League wide receiver Andy Fantuz to a reserve/future contract.
The 6-4, 220-pounder, who spent the last five seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, caught a career-high 87 passes for a league-leading 1,380 yards and six touchdowns in 2010.
CFL wide receiver Andy Fantuz signs a reserve/future contact with the Bears Friday at Halas Hall.
CFL wide receiver Andy Fantuz signs a reserve/future contact with the Bears Friday at Halas Hall.
“It’s really exciting for me,” Fantuz said Friday at Halas Hall.
“It’s a whole new avenue for my career. I’m excited to make that step and get the opportunity to try out for the Bears.
“I’m particularly excited about this organization because of all the people I’ve met and all the history behind it and the fan base. It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Fantuz grew up in Chatham, Ontario, and excelled at the University of Western Ontario, where he won the Hec Crighton Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian football player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).
Permitted to gauge NFL interest through mid-February because he’s entering the option year of his contract, Fantuz worked out with the Bears, Bengals, Bills, Patriots, Steelers and Patriots.
The 27-year-old knows that he’ll face a major adjustment in the NFL, and not just because the level of competition is much higher. The game is different in the CFL, which features three downs instead of four, 12 players on the field rather than 11, and a larger field.
Permitted to gauge NFL interest through mid-February because he’s entering the option year of his contract, Fantuz worked out with the Bears, Bengals, Bills, Patriots, Steelers and Patriots.
The 27-year-old knows that he’ll face a major adjustment in the NFL, and not just because the level of competition is much higher. The game is different in the CFL, which features three downs instead of four, 12 players on the field rather than 11, and a larger field.
“It’ll be a big difference and a big change for me,” said Fantuz, who had a cereal named after him in Saskatchewan. “It’s going to be a faster game. It’s going to be different. But being a football player, I’m excited for that challenge and I think I’ll relish it. I’ll be training for it and once training camp comes along, I’ll be ready to go.”
The Bears have had great success developing another former Canadian college product in defensive end Israel Idonije, a seven-year veteran who starred at the University of Manitoba. Fantuz has followed Idonije’s career ever since the two met at an awards banquet when both were in college.
“I remember him being a huge guy and a really nice guy,” Fantuz said. “He really has been an inspiration to not only me but a lot of CIS players who dream of making it to the NFL.”
The Bears have other Canadian ties. General manager Jerry Angelo served as linebackers coach with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 1981; director of player personnel Tim Ruskell worked as a scout with the Roughriders from 1983-85; and Fantuz’s new position coach, Darryl Drake, played for the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Riders in 1981.
The Bears have other Canadian ties. General manager Jerry Angelo served as linebackers coach with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders in 1981; director of player personnel Tim Ruskell worked as a scout with the Roughriders from 1983-85; and Fantuz’s new position coach, Darryl Drake, played for the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Riders in 1981.
Blogger note: I hope for Andy's sake he got a good signing bonus, cause more then likely there will be a lock out/strike in the NFL next year. Which means no game check and he won't be able to come back here if there is. But I'm very happy for him it was a dream of his and I'm proud to have been able to watch him live on game day. Good luck Andy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)