text:
In the Crease
Caller-Times staff writer Greg Rajan has covered the IceRays since 2003 and has written about hockey since the 1999-00 season. Follow him on Twitter @GregRajan.
The silly season beginsMarch 31, 2009 5:03 PM
Thanks to a reader who sent in this breaking ECHL news: Dayton and Mississippi are suspending operations, while Phoenix is closing up shop completely.
This is going to be an interesting summer around minor league hockey, and plenty of good players will be on the open market. Sadly, I'm sure there will be more announcements like Tuesday's in the upcoming months.
Phoenix's demise also means this guy has played for six ECHL teams that no longer exist. I think that merits Angel of Death status.
Black helicopters circling?March 30, 2009 10:50 PM
Just caught the end of the online broadcast for Game 2 of the Colorado-Shreveport series.
Interesting indeed.
The Eagles win on a goal in the last 30 seconds, a tally tantamount to a power-play score after this:
Bossier-Shreveport - Travis Clayton - (Hooking), 2 min, 17:23
Naturally, Scott Muscutt then turned in some practice time for the CHL coaches' water bottle and stick-tossing competition held annually at the league meetings. I wouldn't blame him after losing a huge playoff game in such a manner.
Eagles color man Scott Swanson maintained he didn't have a problem with J.P. Sylvain's call because the arbiter was consistent all night. There was no video feed (so much for "Never Miss Another Away Game"), so I can't comment on the penalty. A look at the box sure looks like Sylvain was consistent on which team got sent to the box in the final 31 minutes.
A couple interesting notes: The Eagles' play-by-play man filling in for Tori Holt (sorry, never caught his name) kinda sorta sounded like a cross between Vin Scully and Casey Kasem, but did a real good job. And Andrew Penner had no voice left for the postgame interview, as he did a Peter Brady from the "Time to Change" episode.
The Tao of Bemidji
I'm not sure how many of you follow college hockey, but this weekend brought one of the most shocking upsets in recent years, with No. 16 seed Bemidji State making it to the Frozen Four.
I mean, how can you not root for Bemidji after reading this?
After the Beavers completed one of the great upsets in recent NCAA history with a 5-1 win Saturday over No. 2-ranked Notre Dame, Zerotti said the tiny group of Bemidji State fans was the center of attention wherever they went.
Zerotti said passing cars would constantly honk and wave, he was offered countless drinks at bars and could easily have sold his Bemidji State jersey for $100.
Zerotti was one of less than 60 natives who braved the 13-hour trip from Bemidji (pronounced bem-MID-gee) to Grand Rapids. The school of 5,000 students located the northern most city on the Mississippi River, four hours north of Minneapolis, offered to hire a bus for Beaver supporters, but couldn't draw enough fans to support the minimum number needed.
A look at the Bemidji roster yields one very familiar name. Yes, he's Jay's brother, and the siblings each have made it to the Frozen Four, with the elder getting there with Minnesota-Duluth.
If you followed hockey during the mid-80s and 1990s, you'll recognize Bemidji's most famous hockey alum.
- IceRays fans in the dumps after their team lost in the first round should realize things could be worse. Try walking a mile in Arizona's shoes.
- Wow, those Rocky Mountain folks love to post on message boards, with Tyler Butler the latest to chime in.
IceRays: The off-season aheadMarch 29, 2009 12:20 AM
Per tradition, here's the IceRays season wrap in Sunday's Caller-Times.
Also in the print edition were my three keys to the recruiting season and the usual roster analysis. Space limits dictated what I could get into the paper, but I have no such constrictions here.
Let's start with my three big keys to the off-season:
- 1. Find a sniper. The IceRays haven't had a 40-goal scorer on their roster since 1999-2000. They've tried to find such guys in past seasons (like Joe Blaznek in 2007-08), only to come up short. This off-season, Brent Hughes will leave no stone unturned to find that pure goal scorer every contender has. I already know of one 35- to 40-goal scorer for most of his career who has expressed an interest in donning IceRays silks next season.
- 2. Offense from the blue line. Here's an interesting stat: Corpus was one of only two South playoff teams to not have a 50-point man on the blue line. The IceRays' leading defenseman scorer? John Adams with 20 points. You cannot overestimate the importance of having an offensive threat on the blue line, especially during power-play situations. It makes your forwards that much more dangerous. The IceRays need to find an equivalent to the likes of Dube, Kinnunen and Dumoulin within their division.
- 3. Find some balance. Mr. Miyagi's advice rings true, especially when it comes to scoring depth. A look at Corpus' final stats shows four guys with 40-plus points and then nobody on the final roster who had more than 20 points in an IceRays sweater. That allows opponents to key on the IceRays' top line with little threat of the other lines beating them. Secondary scoring is a cherished currency, and the IceRays were largely bankrupt in that commodity this season.
Now, on to my roster analysis. As usual, I've lumped the players into three categories: Bring them back, on the bubble and say goodbye to. Remember, you have to take into consideration factors such as age, salaries and the vet rule (only four players with 281 or more games played).
- CHRIS GREENE, F: He was miscast as a second-line center when he was first acquired from Wichita, but down the stretch and in the playoffs, he showed what an agitator he can be. Ideally, he's a third-line center who also kills penalties.
- JASON KRISCHUK, D: To me, Krischuk was the most intriguing player this season. He played four games, during which he was Corpus' best defenseman. He then left to fulfill a previous commitment in Sweden, with the IceRays doing everything they could to lure him back. If I were Hughes, signing Krischuk would be one of my first priorities. He's a solid, right-handed, non-veteran, American defenseman who can run a power play. In CHL terms, that is the mother lode.
- JEREMY LEROUX, D: In December, he was ticketed for trade or the waiver wire. I think entering the season, too much was expected from Leroux, specifically to be a power-play quarterback. At best, he's a No. 2 guy on the PP, a la Todd Paul in 2006-07. Leroux skates well, has good puck skills and upside.
- ADAM POWELL, F: Nobody improved more from 2007-08. Sylvain Cloutier deserves credit for giving Powell an expanded role and the big guy took advantage. However, I think on a good team, Powell is your second-line left wing who notches 20 to 25 goals. He didn't look out of place on the first line this year, but I like him better providing muscle on the second line while being a big body in front of the net on the power play.
- JUSTIN QUENNEVILLE, F: He did a good job as captain, both on and off the ice.Some of the readers here gripe about his penalties, and Quenneville needs to exercise better discipline at times, but he puts up points and is a non-vet. It's not really a tough decision to bring him back.
- CHRIS RICHARDS, F: Easily the best veteran signing in franchise history. It's hard to complain about the offense, leadership and work ethic he brought. Richards did slump late in the season, and I think he was hurt by the team's lack of depth, as he was overused. Richards won't admit to being tired, but he looked it at times down the stretch. I think in Hughes' perfect world, he'd take Richards off the penalty kill to keep him fresh for even-strength and power-play time. If you remember Hughes' Austin teams, guys like Brett Seguin and Dan Price were rarely used on the PK, with those jobs being given to defensive specialists
- JEREME TENDLER, F: Sylvain Cloutier's parting gift to the organization was easily the season's biggest surprise. The guy needed a chance to play after being cut or traded from five teams, and he thrived in Corpus. Tendler also is versatile in that he can play center or wing. If he can carry over his late-season success to next year, the trade with Tulsa could go down as one of the best in Corpus history.
- JOHN ADAMS, D: He was arguably the team's best defenseman throughout the season. However, what puts him on the bubble is the fact he's property of the Houston Aeros, so the he'll be a free agent in terms of the CHL next season assuming he doesn't re-up with Houston. I can see Adams being brought back, but it's not the IceRays' option right now.
- NIC BACHAND, F: A gritty guy with a non-stop motor and he'll fight anyone. However, Bachand's offensive upside is limited, and the team needs more secondary scoring from its third liners, so that may squeeze him out.
- RYAN BENNETT, F: He's a solid player, no question. And in January, it was a no-brainer whether to use a vet spot on Bennett. But he slumped offensively during the final two months, making one wonder if he's worth a vet spot right now. It all depends on who's out there this summer. With only three vet spots open after Richards, this will be one of Hughes' toughest calls.
- JOHN HALVERSON, D: For an ex-center in only his second season on the blue line and after an SPHL call-up to boot, Halverson did well. He's undersized, but moved the puck and skated well. However, he said he's undecided about playing next year, although he said Corpus would be his first choice if he did play.
- CHRIS MEI, D: This was the first time in three years I put Mei on the bubble. He's reliable, but has been injury-plagued the past two seasons. On an improved defense corps, Mei ideally is a fourth or fifth defender, kind of like he was during his first Corpus season. But a retooled blue line could also mean Mei is left without a place at the table.
- JOZEF SLADOK, D: He was in and out of the lineup all year, and honestly, his contributions weren't particularly memorable. But Sladok is young and has good size and toughness, things that Hughes craves. The question now is whether he can play a regular shift.
- KRIS TEBBS, G: This is the toughest guy to put on the bubble. Tebbs was a workhorse after Dusty Traylen left and the team wouldn't have made the playoffs if not for his stellar play in so many big games down the stretch. That said, is Tebbs a No. 1 caliber goalie in the CHL or a guy best suited to work in a tandem? An improved defense in front of him undoubtedly would help.
- MARK TOBIN, F: A look at his numbers would indicate Tobin had a terrible season, especially for a former second-round pick. But he played some inspired hockey after getting out of the doghouse following Hughes' arrival. Hughes said he likes Tobin's size and skating ability, but admits Tobin needs a coach who will prod him continuously. Tobin is Boston property, so like Adams, he's not under the IceRays' control.
- BRETT CONNOLLY, F: I wonder how many IceRays fans actually saw the handful of shifts he played in his lone game before being injured. Let's just say you didn't miss much.
- RYAN CRANE, D: He scored a few goals, but wasn't anything close to the offensive defenseman his British numbers indicated. Crane isn't big or overly physical, and it's hard to imagine many of those types being on next year's blue-line corps.
- JEFF GRANT, F: The rookie worked hard all season, but what hurts his cause is he's a tweener. He isn't a scorer or a grinder by trade, which makes his return pretty unlikely. Being scratched and hardly used late in the season and playoffs doesn't help matters.
- ISAAC REICHMUTH, G: The IceRays were desperate for an experienced goalie after Traylen left. Reichmuth fit the bill, but only played twice. With that limited body of CHL work, don't expect him back.
- T.J. REYNOLDS, D: If Reynolds were a non-vet, he'd probably be brought back in a heartbeat because of his unmatched toughness around the CHL. But that pesky vet rule probably ends Reynolds' time here, which is too bad.
- NICK ROMANO, F: He was brought in late for a look. Romano isn't a grinder and with his skill set, would need to play on the first two lines. That isn't likely to happen next season.
- CHRIS SHAFFER, F: He unloaded some hard hits, but missing 20-some games with a knee injury hurt, and only three goals -- none after Jan. 31 -- make him a long shot to return.
- PATRICK STEINMAYR, F: Like Connolly, one of those "blink and you missed him" types. He was signed, ironically, after Connolly got hurt, and played only six games before needing season-ending surgery.
- JONATHAN TROTTIER, F: A scrappy fighter, but it's hard to see him being part of a three-line rotation. He does forecheck, drive wide and to the net, but brings little in terms of offense.
There you have it. Hopefully that will generate some discussion here while I take a couple of days off from blogging.
Woe-dessaMarch 28, 2009 10:13 PM
Laredo 5, Odessa 1. I wish I could tell you that score shocked me, but it didn't.
After all, your Uncle Raj did predict a Laredo victory, albeit in seven games. It looks like the Bucks might not need to go the distance now with three of the next four on Laredo ice.
Mr. MVP, Sebastien Thinel, where are you? If you're counting, he hasn't scored a CHL playoff goal in 1,075 days. I guess feasting on the likes of Amarillo, Arizona and New Mexico is not quite like trench warfare against Rosco's troops.
History does not bode well for the Jackalopes. They are the seventh team in CHL/WPHL history to lose the first two games of a best-of-7 series on home ice. Five of the first six went on to lose the series, with the lone exception being New Mexico in 2007. Here's the complete list, with the home-ice advantage holder listed first:
- 2008, Shreveport vs. Texas (lost in 4)
- 2007, Shreveport vs. Memphis (lost in 5)
- 2007, New Mexico vs. Arizona (won in 7)
- 2001, Columbus vs. Oklahoma City (lost in 5)
- 2000, Central Texas vs. Shreveport (lost in 5)
- 1997, New Mexico vs. Central Texas (lost in 6)
Rick Gasser and Paul Gillis airlifted in a lot of IHL talent with the sole intention of getting over their Laredo obstacle. Obviously, it looks like that strategy isn't working too great right now.
Elsewhere, Texas defends home ice, as expected. Wonder how bad that slash by Kurtis Dulle was to earn him an early shower.
Second-round picksMarch 27, 2009 6:04 PM
I meant to do this earlier, but was tied up with other stuff. And yes, I realize one series started two days ago, but I figured I'd offer a prediction anyway.
TEXAS VS. RIO GRANDE VALLEY: The Killer Bees have had a nice season and certainly will be no pushover, but Texas is too big, skilled and deep for any team in the South to beat in a seven-game series. The Brahmas are just too well-rounded up front and on the blue line. TEXAS IN 5
ODESSA VS. LAREDO: Everything says Laredo is at its weakest this year. Everything says Odessa finally has the team to beat the Bucks after three previous playoff defeats against Laredo. However, I never underestimate Terry Ruskowski. I think Laredo still has enough experience and if the Bucks take it to the Jackalopes physically and Odessa's stars disappear like they have in past playoffs, I like Laredo's chances. I'm going out on a limb with the upset here. LAREDO IN 7
COLORADO VS. BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT: I wonder which Eagles team will show up, the kind that was taking no prisoners or the ones who lost on home ice multiple times to the likes of Amarillo and Tulsa. Bet on the former. If I'm a Mudbugs fan, I'm concerned about Ken Carroll being pulled twice in three games against Rocky Mountain. Goaltending will have to go above and beyond for Shreveport to pull off an upset. COLORADO IN 6
MISSISSIPPI VS. OKLAHOMA CITY: Two games are in the books, and they don't resume the series for another week. I like how the RiverKings responded in Game 2. I don't think going to Oke City will faze them, and while the Blazers are a threat, Mississippi is too good and too deep. MISSISSIPPI IN 6
About last night
There was some overnight blog server maintenance, so last night's updated entry didn't show up at first. It is now posted in its entirety below.
South quarters, Game 3: Killer Bees 3, IceRays 0
The IceRays' season comes to an end on Rio ice. It was an entertaining, and interesting season and stretch run, to say the least.
I wanted to get this entry done last night, but some overnight blog server maintenance had this site down for a few hours. So here we go now with an abbreviated entry.
- Say what you want about how the IceRays played in Game 3, but you have to give the Killer Bees high marks for playing a strong overall game. They limited the quality chances Corpus had and when Corpus did manage to get pucks to the net, Wylie Rogers was there. The first two games of this series were a washout, but Rio definitely was the better team in Game 3.
- You could've heard a mouse burp in the IceRays' dressing room afterward. About 10 to 15 minutes after the game ended, a lot of guys were just slumped in their stalls and still in full uniform, staring blankly ahead. Your season is never more alive than during a win-or-go-home game, but when you lose, that's when it seems to hit home that this group won't be together again in its current form.
- Rio's two goals (not counting the empty-netter) came off an IceRays mistake and then a fortuitious bounce. On the first, it appeared nobody had Bennefield coming off the bench and he was able to come down the right side and score after faking out Tebbs. On the second, the IceRays blocked Bennefield's shot, only to have the puck go right to Goeckner-Zoeller and he roofed it over Tebbs with not much room to spare.
- What really hurt the IceRays in this game was their power play. They had three man advatnages in less than seven minutes in the first, but couldn't beat Rogers, despite some good chances. Then two more power plays early in the second to get back into it, but zilch. The power play went 0 for 17 in the series, and you could tell not having two things really hurt: A Nic Dumoulin-like gunner on the point and a right-handed defenseman.
- I didn't have a problem with the way Mark Lemelin called this game, except for one thing: Handing out an extra two minutes for unsportsmanlike with 10 minutes to go in an elimination game. Emotions are going to be high and a referee has to have thicker skin there.
- There was no Jason Krischuk in this game, not that he really would've been a difference-maker. However, the IceRays were very close to getting him into McAllen by about 20 minutes before game time. However, Krischuk had just landed at O'Hare in Chicago and the customs line was too long for him to go through and still check in for his other flight. If I were the IceRays, I'd want to make sure Krischuk is in the fold from day one next season.
- The end-of-series handshake line is always so much fun to watch, especially between two teams who've played each other 16 times, and then three more times in four days. A great hockey tradition.
- Elsewhere, Shreveport moves on while Youngshaven evens up its series. And Ken McRae saw his season end on the same night as his former team.
- Finally, this brings my sixth season of IceRays coverage to an end (well, technically, I still need to write a season wrap and roster analysis for next year, which will run in the next couple of days). For me, this was one of the most fun seasons I've covered here, ranking up there with 2006-07 and 2004-05. Given everything that happened last summer, it was akin to covering an expansion team and there were some bumps along the way for the IceRays, but they were their usual accomodating selves when it came to working with me. This franchise seems to get how invaluable a currency media coverage is and never bristled, even if what I had to write or blog wasn't necessarily favorable.
So I'd like to thank (in no particular order) Tim and Cassidy Lange, Pat Dunn, Brent Chesney, Brent Hughes, Sylvain Cloutier, George Escamilla, Leslie Jackson, Josh Bogorad, all the players and their family members who took the time to say hello, in person or via e-mail, the folks behind the scenes and obviously, you readers for your participation here. What makes this job fun is always getting to meet new people every season, not to mention getting paid to watch and write about hockey. While the seasons always end, the relationships never do.
After posting some second-round picks this afternoon, I'm probably going to take a couple days off from the blog (but will post that season wrap and roster breakdown when it prints) before jumping into baseball coverage next week. Rest assured, I will try to keep up with the CHL playoffs and keep the blog updated. Thanks as always for reading.
South quarters, Game 2: IceRays 6, Killer Bees 2March 25, 2009 11:48 PM
Call this effort night and day compared to the IceRays' performance in Game 1, forcing one final showdown on Rio ice Thursday night. And unlike the Arizona Game 7 two years ago, this is a true elimination game. This series deserved to go the distance.
- The turning point of this game is easy to find: Cruickshank's no-goal ruling after Jay Hardwick (of all people) appeared to make it 4-3 early in the third. If that goal stands, the IceRays' collars have to start tightening given their history of yielding goals in bunches this season. Cruickshank ruled the net was off its moorings. It was a similar play to one in this game, when Corpus had a similar goal waved off against Rio. I guess the teams are even now. The Bees had the wind taken out of their sails after that, even with the power play they got. Then Shmyr's five-minute major for elbowing Leroux all but snuffed out Rio's hopes.
- Jereme Tendler is a man of few words, so I didn't bother to ask him if he wants to be called the Bee Keeper or the Exterminator. Whatever you call him, he owns Rio this season, with nine goals in as many games, including three in this series.
- Mark Tobin was a beast in this game, playing the physical game and creating chances. That was a great check he put on in the corner before Tendler's first goal and a great pass to find his linemate cutting in the slot.
- Did anyone have Justin Quenneville in the Gordie Howe hat trick pool? He was quick to point out that he had another one in 2006-07. You might remember that night as Goonapalooza, when Voltera, Maxwell and Butland did their WWE act.
- Whoever commented on here saying it would be borderline ludicrous to give Brent Hughes the coaching edge in this series might want to re-evaluate that claim. Hughes put together a great game plan that smothered Rio's high-octane attack. The Bees got very little going through the neutral zone all night.
- After their hitting game was pretty much non-existent in Game 1, the IceRays brought the lumber tonight. The Bachand-Greene-Shaffer line was a catalyst, with Bachand smoking Byrnes in the right-wing corner during the second period while Shaffer applied some big hits as well. It was good to see them rewarded with goals. Shaffer hadn't scored since potting a pair at Laredo on Jan. 31, while Bachand had one goal in his final 30 regular-season games -- and that one went in off his skate. On his goal tonight, that was one great wrist shot.
- Ryan Bennett ended a 13-game goal drought and really had a strong all-around night.
- Rio's first goal came after a ghastly IceRays miscue. Ryan Crane tried to glove a puck down at his own blue line. Instead, Jesse Bennefield poked it away and scored on a breakaway. The shots were 8-1 Corpus before that and I thought the IceRays might sag a bit afterward, but they bounced right back.
- It's hard to fault Christian Boucher for much tonight (although I'm wondering why he started), but Tendler's second goal was a bad one to allow. A backhand from near the bottom of the circle never should go in.
- I wish I could tell you what the Bees had to say after this game, but as Brian Sandalow notes, they were on the bus ASAP after this game.
- Speaking of Sandalow, it was nice of him to make a road trip for once and experience the best press-box view in the CHL. His game story can be found here, along with a notebook centering on a familiar face.
- My big question after the game: Will Jason Krischuk be in the lineup for Game 3? There's no definitive word yet. If he goes, that is a huge addition to the IceRays' lineup.
- Stats on elimination games: The IceRays are now 3-4 in their history in games when they face elimination, including 2-1 on home ice. Brent Hughes is 1-1 in win-or-go-home games. His 1999-00 Austin team won 2-1 against Lubbock in Game 5 of the second round, while Hughes' 2007-08 Ice Bats squad lost 1-0 at Odessa in Game 3 of last year's South quarters.
- More stats: History doesn't indicate a true pattern for Game 2 winners in best-of-3 CHL/WPHL series that go the distance. It's happened seven times, with the Game 2 winner taking the series three times. Last year, Texas won Games 2 and 3, while Odessa beat Austin, lost and then won the series finale.
- For a Wednesday night during the playoffs (when you have to resell all your seats), that was a good crowd. They were into it from the drop of the puck. A pretty healthy contingent of Rio fans made the trek as well.
- After five years, I finally paid a visit to the balcony where the smokers flock to for their nicotine fix between periods (I don't smoke, but was talking to some friends who light up). Great view and conversation, but a horrible smell. Time to give up the darts, Bob and Fred. Your wallet will thank you. That ends the PSA portion of this blog.
- Finally, some big-picture perspective was brought tonight with the moment of silence for that 3-year-old IceRays fan who lost her battle with leukemia, with her parents being at the game to thank the IceRays' mascot for what he did for their child.
- Shreveport wins to force a deciding Game 3, getting some late regulation heroics from Travis Clayton and then King Consonant coming through in OT. Tough loss for Rocky Mountain to blow a two-goal lead in the third and fall in extra time. Had the Mudbugs lost, that would've marked the fourth time in five years that their season would've ended in OT (Laredo, Wichita and Memphis being the other OT crushers).
- Meanwhile, Oke City steals a Game 1 OT win on Youngshaven ice. Call it the curse of being No. 1 in the coaches' poll.
Powell skates
Just got back from the IceRays' morning skate, and was informed by Brent Hughes that Adam Powell will not be suspended for his actions late in Monday's Game 1.
For those of you who didn't see it, as Powell and Ryan Shmyr came off following their last-minute fight, both were jawing at each other. As Powell stepped off the ice, he grabbed an empty paint can from a table outside the player exit and hurled it toward the ground.
Powell apparently will be fined by the CHL. Of course, he shouldn't have thrown anything, but I thought the officials could've escorted the players off the ice better, especially when they were leaving through the same exit following a heated fight. I don't know, maybe you send one off and leave the other guy in the penalty box for the rest of the game, which was only a minute.
Also, Kris Tebbs was named the CHL's goalie of the month for March. Considering the number of high-stakes games he played and how well he fared in them, it's a well-deserved honor.
And in yet another IceRays-related development, this item from Oke City beat writer Bob Przybylo's blog caught my eye, particularly the part in bold:
10. Corpus Christi (10): The IceRays did it for the drama, huh? Ended up not needing the win when New Mexico pasted Arizona, but always good to earn way into playoffs instead of backing your way. Might this be a last hurrah for Chris Richards?
When I asked Richards about that (he hadn't seen it, because, naturally, he and his family read this blog exclusively), he shook his head and quipped, "When Fleck gives it up, I'll give it up."
So the obvious answer to Przybylo's question is Richards isn't going anywhere. The guy likes playing too much. Hell, he even enjoys practice.
- Your annual Mudbugs-on-the-brink-of-elimination quote:
"I don't think I have to say anything to the guys," Mudbugs coach Scott Muscutt said. "They know what we're up against. We missed a break here and there, but outside of that, I think we left it all on the ice and that's all I can ask of them. That's all they can ask of each other. There's no reason to get quiet about it. It is what it is. We have to battle back and we have to win (tonight)."
There's a reader comment at the end of the story that compares Muscutt to Marty Schottenheimer. Muscutt, of course, already has a ring and two other finals trips. Marty is still waiting for that sniff at the brass ring, the last time I checked.
- In case anyone was confused about Laredo's game plan against Odessa's finesse-laden lineup:
"We want to play physical out there," Ruskowski said. "We have to come out and show them that we can play and we're going to come out and play hard.
"I think if we're a smart hockey team, there'll probably be a lot of hitting going on."
- Finally, some good news for the readers of this blog and the accompanying print product.
Bouncing back: What the stats sayMarch 24, 2009 10:28 PM
Those of you who've read this blog for a while know I love to dig up obscure stats.
This entry looks at one: How teams respond after losing a playoff game by four or more goals, like the IceRays did on Monday night.
Here's what seven playoff seasons since the CHL-WPHL merger tell us:
- There have been 32 games decided by four or more goals (not counting the final game of a series, because talk of a bounce-back is moot).
- Teams that lose by four or more goals are 11-21 in the next game, with a 4-7 mark in elimination games (defined as a chance to stave off elimination or knock someone out).
- The IceRays have been involved in two such instances, both in 2007. They lost Game 3 at Arizona by a 5-1 count, in much the same ugly manner as Monday. Two days later, they won 4-3 to tie the series. In the next round, they lost Game 1 at Laredo 5-1. The next night, they lost 5-4 in double overtime (a night more infamous for some sketchy work by Mark Lemelin on both sides).
Through the years, there have been some notable bounce-back victories:
- In 2003, Indianapolis lost Game 3 at Amarillo 6-2, then came back and won 8-4 the next night to clinch the series.
- In 2004, Amarillo lost 6-2 in Game 1 at Laredo, then somehow won 4-2 in Game 2 (the Bucks only lost four times at home all year, including the playoffs).
- In 2006, Odessa lost Game 2 at Laredo 5-0, then won Game 3 at home 4-3 in overtime.
- In 2006, Laredo got drilled 5-1 in Game 4 of the finals at Shreveport, then won 4-3 in Game 5 to clinch the Cup, including coming back from a 3-0 deficit in that game.
- In 2007, Arizona lost Game 4 to New Mexico 8-2 on home ice, then came back and blanked the Scorps 3-0 in Game 5.
- In 2008, in perhaps the most remarkable one-game rebound, Arizona lost 9-2 at Laredo in Game 6 of the South finals, then won 6-1 in Game 7 the next night.
As for games when they face elimination, here is the IceRays' history in them (2-4 record, 1-1 at home):
- In 1999, lost 4-2 in Game 4 at Lake Charles (lost the series, 3-1)
- In 2000, won 4-0 in Game 3 at El Paso (won the series, 2-1)
- In 2000, lost 4-3 in Game 4 vs. New Mexico (lost the series, 3-1)
- In 2001, lost 6-3 in Game 5 at Tupelo (lost the series, 4-1)
- In 2007, won 3-0 in Game 4 vs. Laredo
- In 2007, lost 5-4 in Game 5 at Laredo (lost the series, 4-1)
NOTE: I did not include Games 6 and 7 against Arizona in 2007 as they technically were not elimination games because of the mulligan format and the fact Corpus knew it was moving on. The IceRays went 1-1 in those games.
- Tracy Egeland lashes out at those Internet know-it-alls:
Despite allowing Cooper to dip the well one last time in the third, Reid drew praise from his coach. Which in many respects also was a told-you-so to many cyberspace detractors of the keeper when he was picked up by the Rage two years ago.
"A lot of people said Scott Reid this and Scott Reid that when he came on board -- that he couldn't play or control his emotions," Rage coach Tracy Egeland said. "It's two years later and look where Scott Reid is now."
- Meanwhile, as the most crucial hockey of the year is being played, some CHL teams are keeping the information superhighway clogged with such important news as this and this. Did anyone ever think the latter franchise would have to resort to such tomfoolery to sell playoff tickets? What a traveshamockery.
South quarters, Game 1: Killer Bees 5, IceRays 1March 23, 2009 11:26 PM
Simply put, an utterly horrible and embarrassing performance by the IceRays. The team that made the playoffs did not show up tonight. But the playoffs are all about your next game, not the ones in the rear-view mirror. And after a stinker like Monday, all the IceRays can do is look forward.
- Yes, the IceRays were terrible, but credit must be given to Rio. The Bees capitalized on their opportunities and made Corpus pay for giving Rio the kind of time and space you can't afford to yield. Rio smelled blood early on and jumped on Corpus. That's what good teams do in the playoffs.
- Back to the IceRays. Every Bees goal tonight was directly created by IceRays mistakes. LIke Lee not being picked up off the bench when he swooped in to score the first goal. Like Scott being alone in the slot on the second goal. Like Goeckner-Zoeller dancing around the defense on goal No. 3. Like a bad pinch leading to a two on one for the fourth goal. And a very undisciplined roughing penalty (Shaffer punching Hardwick right in front of the ref) for that killer fifth goal late in the second. Those are mistakes the IceRays made in November and December, not in the past month. Obviously, they all need to be addressed. Watching Brent Hughes on the bench, I bet the clock seemed like a sundial during the opening 20 minutes.
- It's hard to single people out for a team-wide debacle, but the IceRays' top line clearly struggled in the first. The Powell-Richards-Bennett troika was a combined minus-9. Clearly, a night to forget for three guys who have been pretty dependable this season.
- One guy who does get a pass is Tebbs. I don't think Martin Brodeur, Ken Dryden or Grant Fuhr could've stopped some of the wide-open looks Rio was getting in this game. And Tebbs made some nice saves to keep it from getting out of hand.
- An interesting debate I had with someone before the game centered around the IceRays' state of mind after having to scratch and claw just to make the playoffs. Would they be in a postseason state of mind or ripe for a letdown? I think you saw the answer.
- The third period got a tad chippy, but folks on both sides pretty much chalked it up to playoff hockey ("If I was down, I'd probably do the same" was Chris Brooks' comment) and the emotions that come with getting skunked like the IceRays did. But given their heated exchange off the ice, I'd keep an eye out on Powell-Shmyr as a Game 2 subplot.
- Greene was back, played a regular shift and didn't seem to be any worse for wear after sitting out Saturday. Krischuk was the IceRays' lone scratch and obviously, they could've used him tonight.
- There were more penalties called tonight than you'd normally associate with a playoff game, but the officiating didn't play a role in the outcome.
- Yes, I picked the IceRays to win this series in 3. It remains in the realm of possibility. This guy picked them in 2 and is getting grief about it. Hey, we make predictions in this line of work. Sometimes they come true, sometimes they don't, but at least we sign our name to them.
- I was able to chat with Brooks after the game, but the combination of a tight sports section and an already long story thanks to the boxscore meant no room for any comments. Basically, he said his team capitalized on its chances and he was concerned about a possible letdown after building such a big early lead. Interestingly, Brooks did say he apologized to Hughes about his much-referenced comments about the IceRays after last Friday's game and offered this explanation:
"I talked to Brent before the game about the quote the other day in the paper. ... I apologized to Brent because that's not how I am. ... And I told Brent, 'That's not me. I'm never going to throw another team under the bus.'"I asked Hughes for his thoughts on Brooks' apology and here was his response:
"Before the game, he came over and apologized and said he didn't mean it the way it (came) out. So I take his apology or whatever and I guess move forward."
- If you're wondering where this loss ranked in IceRays playoff history, it is tied for the fourth-worst. They lost 9-0 at Lake Charles in 1999, 7-1 at home to Tupelo in 2001, 6-1 at New Mexico in 2000 and 5-1 at Arizona and at Laredo in 2007.
- History does not bode well for Game 1 losers in a best-of-3 series. In CHL/WPHL history, there have been 10 such series, with the Game 1 winner going on to win the series seven times (three in sweeps and four series going the limit). The only Game 1 losers to advance: Texas (in 2008 against Mississippi), Lake Charles (in 2000 against Tupelo) and Monroe (in 1999 against Arkansas). However, none of those teams played a 1-1-1 format and lost the opener on the road.
- Shreveport drops its mini-series opener at Rocky Mountain. I bet the Mudbugs are glad to have that 1-2 format now.
- Sebastien Thinel is your CHL MVP. I voted for Kevin Beech and I stand behind that choice.
A look back
When the season started, a panel of esteemed CHL beat writers offered some predictions for the season.
Let's see how those went.
- Yours truly had eight of the 10 playoff teams correct, missing the boat on Rio Grande Valley and Oklahoma City. My worst picks? Tabbing Rapid City to make the playoffs and Arizona to make it back to the finals.
- Roy Lang III in Shreveprot got seven correct playoff teams, missing out on Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley and Oklahoma City. Roy's worst picks? Tulsa and Amarillo to make the playoffs, with Tulsa as the most improved.
- Brian Sandalow in McAllen had nine correct playoff teams, with the only miss being Rio Grande Valley. He did have the Killer Bees as his most improved. His worst pick? Arizona to win the Southwest.
- Lee Scheide in Odessa had nine correct playoff teams, missing out on only Rio Grande Valley. Like me, he also had Corpus as the most improved, which is debatable.
Something we all got wrong: Arizona to win the Southwest, Bossier-Shreveport to win the Northeast and Rio Grande Valley to miss the playoffs. Brian and Lee took Wichita as the least improved, which in hindsight wasn't wrong, but not exactly going out on a limb. Roy and I both took New Mexico, which went from No. 3 seed last year to out of the playoffs.
In goal for Rio ...
Brian Sandalow is reporting that Wylie Rogers will start Game 1 tonight for the Killer Bees. I wasn't sure which way Chris Brooks was leaning, but my hunch was Christian Boucher after the strong game he had on Friday against Corpus.
Oh well, the playoffs are all about expecting the unexpected. I'm guessing the only question mark with the IceRays is Chris Greene's status. That'll probably be more of a game-time decision.
- Roy Lang III notes that Shreveport only has itself to blame for being in the mini-round. Meanwhile, Joe Ori says he likes the mini-round. My prediction: Mudbugs in 3.
- Tracy Egeland looks back on the Brent Cullaton trade:
"The biggest change I've seen is on the ice," Egeland said. "I liked Brent and I swear up and down that he and (Greg Pankewicz) are two of the top players in the league. I thought that if I'm going to make a move, I needed to trade one of my best players to get something good back. The references were there for the guys I traded for; I thought we had ourselves covered well."
- More AHL to Oklahoma City chatter.
- Kollen Long provides some good insight about Rob Weingartner and blog favorite Joel T. Lomurno.
A Letter from the Valley
With the IceRays-Bees series starting tonight, McAllen Monitor beat writer Brian Sandalow and I thought we'd do something fun and exchange letters with each other about the seasons of the teams we cover.
My letter to Sandalow can be read on his blog. Here's Sandalow's missive to me:
Dear Greg,
Hello from the Rio Grande Valley, or "Rio" as you Coastal Bend people call it.
I'm up writing this letter at about 2:30 in the morning because, well, I don't sleep like normal people. Now that I think of it, maybe my recent nocturnal habits are influenced by trying to figure out exactly how we got to where we are now, just hours away from a playoff series between the Bees and IceRays, a best-of-three showdown I expect to be as close and intense as anything I've seen on this beat.
Only 12 months ago we were sitting in the Dodge Arena press box covering a March game that more resembled pond hockey than professional hockey, trying to figure out whether the suits worn by Paul Fixter and Ken McRae were beige or tan.
Remember how, for a time, we were the only two head coaches in the Rio Grande Valley, undefeated after a shootout victory in a charity game. There was much speculation during that odd and unsettling time in mid-July about who would sit in the recently-vacated chair of the esteemed Paul Fixter. At that special moment, some clamored for Sean Gillam, while others wanted Jason Cirone or even Brent Hughes to take control though people seemingly ignored our candidacy and unblemished 1-0 record.
As it turned out, one name not too many people heard was that of an assistant coach at Western Michigan with a background as a star in the old WPHL. Less than two weeks later, the Killer Bees hired Chris Brooks.
Then remember a few weeks later when I was unsure about whether he could wash the stink off the Bees from a decrepit 2007-2008 season by signing rookie after rookie after nameless rookie such as Nicolas Dumoulin, Evan Rankin, Jesse Perrin, Christian Boucher and Wylie Rogers? That was about the same time I thought Travis Banga or Robin Bouchard would lead the team in scoring, while Rob Voltera would help provide toughness with veteran goalie Mike Gorman's experience stealing games for the Bees.
Geez, I actually get paid to do this because I'm supposed to know something?
Since those errant expectations passed, I have watched Brooks impart his philosophy onto this team, bringing in players such as Grant Goeckner-Zoeller, Nathan Ansell, Topher Scott and Matt Byrnes, players who fit his system. I think that news of how Scott and Byrnes came to join the Bees might have trickled up to Corpus Christi, as they came from Texas when Banga and his family balked at playing alongside Dennis Maxwell and asked for a trade.
That wasn't too bizarre at all, was it? Actually, when Brooks and Banga gave me the details of what happened, I thought for a second somebody had slipped something very dangerous in my Gatorade.
This season I've also seen Bees refrain from crying over spilled milk after Robin Bouchard packed up and went back to the IHL, or as one could say, willfully re-enroll in prison. Instead, they embraced a new star in Jesse Bennefield, a player who fits Brooks' system better than Bouchard ever did.
Most importantly, I saw Brooks hand the keys to a bunch of rookies like Rankin, Dumoulin Boucher and Rogers, guys who are about my age (23) and had played in as many pro games as I have. Brooks let the Bees struggle when they were shorthanded, deciding not to sign a stop-gap who wouldn't fit in. Now, whether the Bees win or lose to the IceRays, they have a chance to build a real core, not just a roster based on who's available.
Of course, I also saw the growing pains. Snicker if you must, but I'm pretty sure Brooks will never again misread the Lex Scripta. That was a bad mistake and an embarrassment for the franchise. It was an error that was made by so many different people in so many different offices I can't even think of them all.
But that mistake goes back to Brooks. As does the general success of this year's Bees. His Bees.
And as much fun as it would have been, I think the Bees did better hiring him than if they would have turned to us,
So while we could be watching this series from behind the bench, it should be one to remember watching from the press box. Even moreso considering what we were watching 12 months ago.
Playoff roster setMarch 22, 2009 9:35 PM
I just got off the phone with Brent Hughes, and the IceRays have set their playoff roster.
The biggest development is the inclusion of defenseman Jason Krischuk. If you remember that far back, Krischuk played four games for Corpus in November before leaving to fulfill a prior commitment in Sweden. He was arguably the IceRays' best defenseman and would be a big-time addition right now as a right-handed blueliner who can run a power play. He likely won't be available until Game 3 of the Rio series, if it goes that far.
With Krischuk back, Jozef Sladok was left off the roster. Also not on the roster are the guys who were on IR: T.J. Reynolds (a big loss), Jonathan Trottier, Patrick Steinmayr and Brett Connolly (whom virtually everybody in Corpus ever saw play). A lot of other guys on playoff teams also got the dreaded "declared an unrestricted free agent" tag on Sunday.
Teams are also allowed to add two amateur players and Hughes said the team is talking to several right now. Obviously, since the IceRays didn't clinch a spot until last night, they couldn't commit to bringing anybody in just yet. According to Hughes, the priority is to add an amateur defenseman, but expect to see a forward as well. Any amateur won't play until Game 2 on Wednesday.
As for Chris Greene, he is on the playoff roster and Hughes is hoping to have him in the lineup Monday or Wednesday at the latest.
Series face-off
Space in tomorrow's paper is kind of tight, so the IceRays-Killer Bees series matchups will instead run here. It should be a fun, albeit truncated series.
The Bees are a speedy, explosive squad that features good scoring balance, with nine players boasting double-digit goal totals, led by Jesse Bennefield (35) and Evan Rankin (28). The IceRays have four 20-goal men on their roster, but have been boosted by rookie Jereme Tendler's recent emergence to add some valuable secondary scoring. In the playoffs, goals from unlikely sources often make the difference. EDGE: KILLER BEES
The IceRays allowed 206 goals to the Killer Bees' 198. But Corpus Christi's defensive identity has changed since the arrival of Brent Hughes. In 14 games since Hughes took over, the IceRays have allowed more than three goals just three times, and have yielded two goals or fewer seven times. The Bees have some solid experienced defenders in Kurtis Dulle and Jay Hardwick, but can't afford to cheat offensively in such a short series. EDGE: ICERAYS
Kris Tebbs is Corpus' undisputed No. 1 netminder, starting 19 consecutive games and 29 of 30 since Dusty Traylen's departure in early January. Tebbs has elevated his game as the stakes grew. Rio has gone with two rookies in goal, and it's not known whether it'll be Christian Boucher or Wylie Rogers getting the call for the series opener. Both have played well this season, but neither has been through the pressure cooker of the playoffs. Tebbs has been in 11 career postseason matches. EDGE: ICERAYS
Both teams have middle-of-the-pack power plays, with Rio ranking 10th to Corpus Christi's 11th. The Bees, however, have the fourth-best penalty kill while the IceRays sit at 12th. The IceRays killed off 15 Bees power plays in a two-game sweep in Corpus Christi on March 13-14. A repeat performance is paramount for this series. The key is stopping Rio trigger man Nicolas Dumoulin on the point. He has burned the IceRays for 12 power-play points (4 goals, 8 assists) this season. EDGE: KILLER BEES
Rio bench boss Chris Brooks is a rookie head coach, but did a terrific job building his roster after being hired late in the off-season. He then weathered the departure of three veteran players during the season and kept his team focused. However, Monday will be the first playoff game for Brooks, who only experienced five postseason contests as a player. IceRays coach Brent Hughes is playoff-tested, with this being his 11th series as a head coach, along with four playoff trips as a player in the NHL. Hughes' playoff resume includes two trips to the President's Cup finals and three semifinal appearances. Few CHL coaches are better at making in-game adjustments or breaking down an opponent. EDGE: ICERAYS
The IceRays have been involved in playoff-like games for nearly a month and had to fight off two teams to make the postseason. There are few things more difficult in the CHL than winning at Shreveport against a tough Mudbugs squad just to make the playoffs. The Bees clinched a while back, and have numerous players making their playoff debuts. The IceRays aren't loaded with playoff experience, but their key players have all tasted the postseason before. That experience could be crucial. EDGE: ICERAYS
Given the teams' division rivalry and proximity, this should make for a fun series. In a short series, Game 1 is so huge. But expect this to go the distance given how the close games these teams have played this year (eight one-goal games in 13 meetings). The IceRays have made great strides in recent weeks and the momentum from their late season run should be the difference. ICERAYS IN 3.
Mini round, maximum fury
Nearly three weeks ago, Scott Muscutt said this:
"If that mini-series comes our way, I'm not afraid."
Fast forward to Saturday night:
"The plan is to get there as quick as we can," Muscutt said before boarding the bus for Broomfield, Colo. "An absolutely horse(crap) schedule has us traveling. We're the fourth seed. The fifth seed has all the advantage in the world. We travel all night why they sit and wait for us for their home game -- a legitimate home game.
"We come back to play them (in Game 2) right after we get off the bus, so it's a road game for both of us. It's a (freakin') joke is what it is."
Bummer. Of course, all the Bugs had to do was beat a last-place team on home ice.
Game 64: IceRays 3, Mudbugs 2 (SO)March 21, 2009 10:16 PM
In a game that, ahem, had its share of moments, the IceRays punch their playoff ticket. OK, so it was this franchise's biggest regular-season win in its 11 seasons.
The Rio-Corpus series will be at Rio Monday, at Corpus Wednesday and at Rio Thursday if necessary. Click here for the league-wide playoff docket.
- In a game with so many memorable moments, none stand out more than Tebbs' save on Cooper in OT. Tebbs was behind the goal line and dead to rights after the puck took a weird bounce right to Cooper, who had an empty net in front of him. Somehow, Tebbs made a lunging stick save. It might be the best save I've ever seen at this level, especially given the situation. Here's what Hughes said about it after the game:
"That's the sickest save I've ever seen in my life during overtime."
- Was this the biggest win in the history of the franchise? Regular-season wise, yes. The Laredo brawl game two years ago was memorable, but there really were zero stakes attached to it. It's been a long time since this team has played high-stakes games at this time of year.
- Folks, the IceRays earned their way to the playoffs. They had by far the toughest schedule compared to Arizona and New Mexico and to beat a hungry Shreveport team in its own rink for the clincher is no easy feat. Corpus could've easily folded after that crushing goal late in regulation, but give them credit for battling.
- Speaking of that goal, does any other ref make that call in the last two minutes of a 2-1 game and the playoff implications? Needless to say, I don't think Mr. Floru's name was a catalyst for kind words from the IceRays.
- Yes, the IceRays had zero shots in the third, as they appeared to go into a total defensive shell. Obviously, that is a new record low.
- So, does making the playoffs vindicate ownership's decision to make a coaching change so late in the season? Would this team have made the postseason without the move?
- Tendler strikes again. That was a huge goal to keep the shootout alive, with basically the same move he used for his Laredo shootout winner.
- Tobin has scored four goals this season, all on the road. None was bigger than the one he got tonight that looked like it'd stand as the winner. He is one guy that was energized by the second chance he was given by Hughes.
- When the Bugs scored that fluky first goal (it went down Tebbs' back and into the net), I thought the IceRays were in for a long night.
- Greene was an injury scratch. We'll see what his status is for the playoff opener.
- If you saw Carroll's reaction after giving up the shootout winner, you know how badly the Mudbugs wanted this game. Nobody wants to chance things with a mini-round, for sure. But if the Mudbugs get past Rocky Mountain (which I think they will), their second-round matchup against Colorado may be more favorable than a showdown with Youngshaven. Just my opinion.
- Of course, the playoffs start Monday night at Rio. If a series against a division rival isn't enough to ratchet up that rivalry, you have the powderkeg Chris Brooks created by questioning the IceRays' desire and sense of urgency after Friday's game. I asked Hughes if he had a response to what Brooks said and here it is:
"I have no comment on it. I let the guys know what was said and that'll go a long way with our hockey club. They know what was said and they'll definitely respond to it."Translation: It's on like Donkey Kong.
- Arizona's run as champions ends with a whimper. You have to wonder when the Sundogs learned of Corpus' win and if it contributed to the final score. Still, the New Mexico folks I talked to on Saturday said they were sure the Scorpions would do everything in their power to knock out Arizona, which joined Wichita in 1995-96, the Fort Worth Fire in 1997-98 and Memphis in 2003-04 as the only defending CHL/WPHL champions to miss the playoffs. And I really hope that wasn't the last CHL game on New Mexico ice.
- Looks like things got a little chippy between Texas and Rio. Brian Sandalow notes a pretty vicious welcome back for Travis Banga at the Dodge.
- Oke City wraps up the No. 3 seed in the North.
- In a meaningless game, Tracy Egeland and Tom Steinel cross paths again.
- Finally, can someone explain to me why Rapid City would claim someone off waivers from Tulsa with one game to go? Did Trader Joe Ferras need to fulfill his weekly transaction quota? .
Where it stands
Arizona's victory eliminates New Mexico and leaves a one-point margin between the Sundogs and IceRays. The scenarios are pretty simple.
How Corpus makes it:
- Win at Shreveport.
- Arizona loses, even in overtime. If that happens, the teams would be tied in wins and the IceRays have the head-to-head tiebreaker.
How Arizona makes it:
- Win and the IceRays lose, even in overtime. In the latter scenario, the teams finish tied in points, but the Sundogs have one more win. Obviously, an Arizona win and a Corpus regulation loss leaves Arizona one point ahead.
I didn't leave the Dodge Arena press box until the Arizona-New Mexico game was over (hell of a time for a compressor failure, Santa Ana Star Center). And was that a doozy of a game. For those who were there, what was the story behind the two disallowed New Mexico goals in the final minutes?
Folks, it might be a loooooong Saturday night. What will the IceRays have left after a long bus ride to play a Shreveport team trying to nail down a first-round bye? And how bad does New Mexico want to return the favor and eliminate Arizona? There's no love lost between the teams and the Scorps might want to give their fans a rousing farewell. What better way than to knock off Magic Marco and the defending champs?
Should be fun to watch.
Game 63: Killer Bees 3, IceRays 1March 20, 2009 11:30 PM
A huge loss and an even bigger missed opportunity for the IceRays.
Basically, it's come down to one game for the entire season.
- The IceRays lost this game during the first period. They outshot the Bees 22-7, had three two-on-one chances and a shot go off the crossbar (a Bachand redirect in the first four minutes). If one or two of those go in the net or Boucher doesn't make a couple big saves, it's obviously an entirely different game.
- Chris Brooks had an interesting take on the IceRays' play, courtesy of Brian Sandalow:
"I was expecting a lot more. I was expecting a lot more urgency, a lot more emotion," Brooks said. "I'm sure Brent is extremely disappointed with their effort.
"Like I told the guys after the first, they were bad, we were worse and then we took control of the game as it progressed."
Honestly, Brooks and I must have been watching different games, at least in the first period. The IceRays were by far the better team in that frame. Nobody who watched that game could question that. Rio definitely was superiorin the second and most of the third until Corpus cranked up the desperation in the final five or so minutes. I'll chalk this up as some kind of mind game Brooks is trying to play, because it's very rare for a coach to denigrate an opponent's play like that. Rio played well, no question, and it's clear they did so because they don't want to play Corpus in that mini round. But Brooks' comments are kind of over the top.
- Jereme Tendler hadn't taken a penalty with the IceRays until tonight, and boy was it costly. Tendler missed a feed from Quenneville on a 2 on 1 by inches on what would've been the tying goal and when Tendler turned around to go backcheck, he nailed Perrin in the face, earning a two-minute minor. Naturally, Rio scored essentially the putaway goal on the ensuing power play.
- The IceRays only had eight shots in the final 40 minutes. Hughes bemoaned a lot of pucks that never made it through to the net and it seemed like Corpus got away from the game plan that had worked the previous two weeks when Rio got the first goal.
- Cruickshank called a great game. He let the teams play, especially given the stakes, and called the obvious stuff. He's the kind of ref you want for a contest of this magnitude.
- Richards ended a 13-game goal drought. At any point during this season, could anyone envision him going into that kind of slump and the team still contending for a playoff spot? That speaks volumes about the importance of the recently discovered secondary scoring.
- Tebbs can't be faulted for anything tonight. He made some terrific saves to keep the game close, including a pair of terrific stops to rob Gauvreau. Boucher was good, but wasn't really tested during the final 40 minutes.
- Leroux played and took a regular shift. He didn't look off-kilter after being a late injury scratch on Monday. However, Greene was banged up after a collision with Bennefield in the final minute of the first and only took a couple of shifts afterward. Grant was scratched and could step in for Greene, but the latter's potential absence would be a big loss given his grinding contributions of late.
- With two more goals tonight, Goeckner-Zoeller had 8 in 12 games against Corpus this year, while Dumoulin notched two more assists to give him 17 points in 13 games against the IceRays. Those two guys just terrorized Corpus this season.
- Colorado clinches the Governors' Cup ... even with a loss.
- Shreveport wins again, and an Oke City loss creates a tie for the third spot, with the Mudbugs holding the win tiebreaker heading into Saturday.
- Rob Weingartner joins the CHL's retired number club.
Killer performance
Since I spent most of the early evening tracking the New Mexico-Amarillo game and its implications for Corpus, I wasn't able to address a pair of CHL awards doled out earlier Thursday.
Now's the time to rectify that.
As you probably know, Killer Kaminski was voted coach of the year by his peers. If I had a vote, he would've gotten mine, with Rio's Chris Brooks second and Texas' Dan Wildfong third.
I saw Killer's team three times in a one-week span in November. They looked like a solid squad, but lost two of the three games to Corpus, with the one victory being a 1-0 win during which Tyler Sims stood on his head. But the RiverKings have obviously improved as the season's gone on, and that is a coach's ultimate job, to make his players better. Killer has done that, with the results being the proof.
Brooks had an interesting rookie year as a head coach, with two supposed leaders bailing on the team and then having to deal with the Maxwell/Banga soap opera. Still, he kept his young team focused and they surprised all of us who pegged Rio for a fourth-place finish in the Southeast.
Wildfong brought back the majority of his team from last year, but he molded them into an elite squad from one that snuck up on a lot of people last year.
Darryl Smith is your rookie of the year, and that was the most obvious pick for any of the awards. Nicolas Dumoulin was the only other guy who deserved to be in the conversation.
Finally, I saw Smith and the Bucks got taken to the woodshed by Texas, but I really don't put much stock in that as an indictment of Laredo. Rosco is doing the IR shuffle right now and key guys such as Cullaton and Dube didn't dress, so that's not the Bucks squad you'll see when it hits the ice for its playoff opener in Odessa next week. That tied for Laredo's worst-ever home loss because Corpus won 6-1 there a couple years ago in a game more famous for Rosco doing a Ray Charles impersonation after he was ejected and Arizona won Game 7 of the South finals by a 6-1 count last year.
Magic number updateMarch 19, 2009 10:53 PM
The IceRays' playoff picture cleared up somewhat on Thursday after Amarillo's overtime win over New Mexico.
That puts the IceRays three points ahead of Arizona and four up on New Mexico with two games to go.
Here are various scenarios that will get Corpus into the playoffs:
- Win once. Do that, and the IceRays reach 62 points and can't be caught.
- Lose once in overtime and have Arizona lose once, even in overtime. If that happens, the Sundogs and Scorps are both eliminated because it would give Corpus 61 points while the Sundogs could max out at 60 if they went 1-0-1 and the Scorpions at 60 or 59, depending on if their loss is in regulation or overtime.
- Lose twice, even in regulation, and have Arizona and New Mexico split, even if they split three points each night. If each of those teams pick up three points for the weekend, the IceRays will have 60, the Sundogs 60 and the Scorpions 59. Corpus and Arizona would be tied in wins at 27, with the IceRays winning the head-to-head tiebreaker because of their 3-0-2 record against the Sundogs.
Here's how Arizona can get in:
- Win twice and have Corpus go 0-1-1. The teams would finish at 61 points apiece, but the Sundogs would get the tiebreaker with one more win.
- Win twice and have Corpus go 0-2. The Sundogs would finish with 61 points to the IceRays' 60.
Here's how New Mexico can get in:
- Win twice and have Corpus go 0-2. The teams would finish tied at 60 points and the Scorps get the wins tiebreaker with one more victory than the IceRays.
If you think any of those don't make sense, let me know. But I've crunched the numbers, double-checked and am pretty certain they're right.
Basically, Friday's Arizona-New Mexico tilt is an elimination game. The loser has no shot at the playoffs.
Who could've ever imagined Amarillo had a victory in them after getting scored on in the first 15 seconds on Thursday? Amazing stat: As bad as Amarillo's record is, the Gorillas are 11-0-2 when leading after two periods. The Scorpions are now 1-27-3 when trailing after two. Getting a point kept their hopes alive, but losing the second one was so huge.
When was the last time the CHL had a three-team race go to the wire, with two of the teams playing each other on the final two nights of the season? Wow, what a race, even if it involves three sub-.500 teams.
The good, the bad and the ugly
One last week of the regular season, and one last IceRays Insider for you to cap 2008-09.
Click here for yours truly's take on the best and worst of the season.
I bet most of you thought I'd pick Rapid City as the worst loss because it was the most lopsided. Not so. It was way too early and in the grand scheme, not as big as the one I chose. I'm interested in your feedback on the rest of my selections, too.
The alumni spotlight hits Ken McRae this week.
Rapid City is on the short-man advantageMarch 18, 2009 9:51 PM
Obviously, the big news from tonight's action is Laredo clinching the third seed and ending Rio's hopes of taking the third spot in the South. The Bees will be in the play-in series, with the opponent still undetermined of course.
But that Bucks-Brahmas games was kind of ho-hum compared to the other two contests on CHL ice tonight.
- First, check out this unbelievable scoring summary in Wichita:
Rapid City - RG Flath (shorthanded) (Brady Olsen) 11:18
Rapid City - Luke Fritshaw (shorthanded) (RG Flath) 11:30
Rapid City - Derek LeBlanc (powerplay) (Jon Pelle, Jamie VanderVeeken) 14:54
Rapid City - Jon Pelle (shorthanded) (emptynet) (unassisted) 19:55.
That's right, three short-handed goals in one period, with two 12 seconds apart on the same penalty. Unreal.
- And in Tulsa, it looks like a meltdown of Three Mile Island proportions, on Tom Steinel's watch (with power plays 12 to 1 for Mississippi):
Period 2
Tulsa - Tony Martino - (Abuse of Officials Bench Minor), 2 min, 18:13
Tulsa - Tony Martino - (Abuse of Officials Bench Minor), 2 min, 20:00
Tulsa - Coach(Coach Ejection Game Misconduct), 10 min, 20:00
Period 3
Tulsa - Jake Riddle - (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), 2 min, 15:29
Tulsa - Jake Riddle - (No Category Misconduct), 10 min, 15:29
Tulsa - Jake Riddle - (Abuse of Officials Game Misconduct) (Rule 40), 10 min, 15:29
Tulsa - Kevin Hansen - (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), 2 min, 16:59
Tulsa - Kevin Hansen - (No Category Misconduct), 10 min, 16:59
Tulsa - Kevin Hansen - (No Category Game Misconduct), 10 min, 16:59
Tulsa - Chris Kovalcik - (No Category Game Misconduct), 10 min, 19:59
Wednesday happenings
Spent a couple hours at the American Bank Center today for the IceRays' final home-ice practice before their huge Rio-Shreveport road swing to end the season.
Jeremy Leroux did practice and Brent Hughes said Leroux's condition was "much better" than Monday when he scratched the defenseman. Other than that, there was nothing eventful.
The final IceRays Insider of the season will run in Thursday's Caller-Times. This week, we'll take a look at the best and worst of a most interesting season.
- Tulsa owner Jeff Lund receives the Kozuback Award. At first, I wondered why an owner whose team hasn't won a playoff series since the day Kurt Cobain died would be a guy "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, determination and commitment to the game, sport and business of hockey". However, I was wrong, as Lund has battled back from prostate cancer and maintained an active role in the league, so the award is well-deserved. But maybe the league could've had co-winners this year, as Cassidy Lange also was deserving. There wouldn't be a team in Corpus if not for him and if you've ever met him, you'd know there's nobody more dedicated or committed to the game.
- Some interesting CHL transactions today, as Brian Bicek asks out of Rio, complete with this not-so-cryptic remark from Chris Brooks: "I want players that are buying in to what we are doing" while Colorado digs up Aaron Grosul for another run. I guess the Adam Dunivan jinx must've struck Mr. Thoring. And Mickey Gilchrist gets gassed in Laredo, meaning the Bucks have zero guys left from that deadline deal with Rapid City.
- Kollen Long looks back at some bad Wichita personnel moves over the years. Yeah, that Blaznek trade was pretty bad in hindsight, although Corpus has nothing to show for him now either.
- Arizona alum MIke Vernace makes it to The Show.
- Finally, keep an eye on tonight's scoreboard, as a Laredo win or OT loss clinches the third seed for the Bucks.
Game 62: Bucks 2, IceRays 1 (SO)March 16, 2009 10:44 PM
Another terrific hockey game on Corpus ice. This one crackled with playoff electricity from start to finish.
With the point gained, the IceRays move to 60, three ahead of Arizona and five up on New Mexico. To clinch, Corpus needs one win, two overtime losses or regulation losses by both Arizona and New Mexico.
As for Laredo, the Bucks are one point or a Rio loss away from clinching the third seed. Laredo is at 73 points, but Rio can max out at 73 and would get the wins tiebreaker (yes, even with that win that they netted no points for). By the way, our friend Rosco didn't really want to discuss that before the game. I can't say I blame him and I'd be upset as well.
- Is it just me, or were these last three home games three of the better contests seen in Corpus in recent years? Each was like a playoff game, not something folks in these parts are used to in mid-March.
- Really, you could argue that Sebastien Centomo was the first, second and third star tonight. The guy made some absolutely sick saves. Two that stand out are the save on Greene's backhand in close during the second period and flat-out thievery when he made that glove stop on Bennett early in the third when the latter appeared to have about three feet of open net to put in a backhand. Tip your cap to Centomo, he was good, as was Tebbs at the other end. But the IceRays also could've executed better. They easily could've won this game in regulation.
- If you're wondering why Leroux was scratched, Hughes said the defenseman had a lower-body injury. Here's what Hughes had to say about scratching Leroux:
"He came in here and told me he was 65 to 70 percent. I can't put him on the blue line trying to turn on someone and getting beat wide. . . . If you're not 90 percent, then you shouldn't go out there. That (absence) definitely hurt us. I hope he's going to be in the lineup (Friday)."Hughes used two defense pairs during the third period and overtime, as Sladok didn't see any ice the last 25 minutes. The big guy didn't have his best game, with a couple of particularly hideous giveaways.
- Speaking of Hughes' line juggling, was anyone else interested to see Romano used in overtime after not playing for much of regulation. That was clearly a nod toward his offensive-minded reputation. He has top-six skills, but there isn't a place for him on the top two lines right now, so Hughes has to pick his spots with Romano.
- I didn't like the way the IceRays started this game. They didn't seem to have that much jump, whether it was because of the four games in five nights factor or whatever. They were very good in the second and third, but a little off-kilter in the first from what they showed over the weekend against Rio.
- How fine a line was it in the shootout? Richards clanged his shot off the inside of the left post. Meanwhile, Tebbs appeared to get a piece of Smith's shot before it nestled inside the right post. Shootouts are crapshoots.
- When Arizona came here a couple of weeks ago, Sundogs voice Jordan Duvall had me on the air and asked if the Corpus fans had taken to Greene like the Arizona fans did when he was there. I said it was too early to tell at the time because Greene hadn't played many home games to that point. Well, I think you can say Greene has a very fierce Corpus fan base now, if the past few home games are any barometer. Him drawing that roughing minor from Weidlich to create the 5-on-3 (a very bad penalty by the world's oldest non-vet, by the way) was just as important as Quenneville's subsequent goal. It's kind of funny to watch Greene rile up the opponent and just skate away. Corpus never has had an agitator like that while I've covered the team. Jason Baird always took more bad penalties than he drew. And Greene has amped up his hitting game, with his linemate Shaffer feeding off of that. Shaffer-Greene-Bachand has become a very annoying third line to play against.
- For such a high-stakes contest, J.P. Sylvain called a great game. He let the teams play and made the obvious calls. I would say of all the first-year CHL refs this season, Sylvain was the best and really developed nicely since I first saw him.
- Brent Hughes is now 17-12-2 against Laredo. He has a seven-game unbeaten streak against the Bucks, and hasn't lost to Laredo in regulation in 450 days. As a team, the IceRays finished the season 4-1-1 in the final six meetings against Laredo.
- Obviously, this was the regular-season home finale, with the IceRays finishing 15-15-2 on home ice. However, I thought their home slate this year was among the more entertaining they've played in recent seasons. Only one game, the Rapid City one in the second week of the season, was an abject debacle, and not counting empty-netters, Corpus lost only four home games by a three-goal margin or more. Counting Monday, 20 of their 32 home games were one-goal affairs, with the IceRays going 11-7-2 in those contests. Amazingly, they did not score an empty-net goal at home all season, with just two coming on the road.
- Finally, I must admit to being stunned by the turnout for this game. I figured that given it was a Monday during spring break and a rescheduled game to boot, maybe there'd be 1,500 to 2,000. I'm not sure if it was the playoff implications or hockey being on the upswing in Corpus, but it was good to see a crowd like that on a night that's not a traditional good draw.
Playoff updateMarch 15, 2009 7:00 PM
New Mexico's win over Tulsa today ensures that the IceRays cannot clinch a playoff spot on Monday.
Here's what the various magic numbers are:
- If the IceRays win Monday, they will knock out Arizona. The IceRays could then lose their last two games and the Sundogs could win theirs to finish tied in points and wins, but the IceRays have the head-to-head tiebreaker.
- If the IceRays win Monday, they still need a New Mexico loss, even in overtime, to wrap up a playoff spot. The Scorpions still have a maximum of 61 points, so they can pass the IceRays if Corpus doesn't win again. And if the IceRays go 1-2 and the Scorps win out to leave the teams tied in points, New Mexico will finish with 29 wins to Corpus' 28 and take the first tiebreaker.
The easiest scenario for the IceRays: Win two of their final three games and they're in for sure. They could also get in with a win and an overtime/shootout loss or three overtime/shootout losses. Basically, any combination that lands them at 62 or more points.
Big day for Mac
It was a memorable Sunday afternoon for our old friend Ken McRae, whose Peterborough Petes clinched a playoff spot after having to do some scoreboard watching after wrapping up their regular season.
McRae's team avoided having to play a play-in game for the final playoff spot in the OHL. I didn't realize one-game playoffs even existed in hockey. Not a bad idea, though.
Congratulations to Ken and his staff. He had a very young team to work with this year and making the playoffs should bode well for that squad's development.
Game 61: IceRays 4, Killer Bees 1March 14, 2009 11:14 PM
Behind another hat trick from Jereme "Not good enough for Tulsa" Tendler, Corpus completes the weekend sweep of Rio and gets good news from the Land of Enchantment, as New Mexico topples Arizona.
By my rough calculations, that puts the IceRays one win away from eliminating the Sundogs and one win and a New Mexico loss away from dusting the Scorps.
- Where on earth did Jereme Tendler come from? Like I said before, call him Sylvain Cloutier's last gift to the organization. And as Brian Sandalow adroitly notes, it's yet another case of Tony Martino continuing to haunt Rio. In fact, minutes after Tendler's hat-trick tally, I got a text from a league source that simply said "Good trade, Tony." While I'm not sure what Martino found wrong with Tendler, did anyone see him notching 13 points (9 goals, 4 assists) in his first 14 games, including two hat tricks? That kind of return is unfathomable for such an under-the-radar trade.
- One more Tendler thought: What a shot on his second goal, he was at the bottom of the right circle, close to the goal line when he roofed that puck between the near post and crossbar. Tendler got great passes on his three goals, especially Greene's terrific feed from the right-wing boards all the way across to Tendler on the 2-on-0 after Greene stripped Dumoulin of the puck in neutral. Tobin also had a very nice pass on the hat-trick tally.
- The score was 4-1, but I didn't think the IceRays outplayed the Bees as much as they outexecuted Rio. Corpus buried its chances, while Rio hit three posts (Burns in the second, Dulle twice on the three-minute major in the third) and saw Gauvreau miss on a totally open net from the slot. Rio came out gunning in this game and kept up the pressure. The IceRays weathered the storm and were opportunistic on the other end.
- Tebbs had another strong game. He stopped 71 of 72 shots this weekend, has made 16 straight starts and started 27 of the past 28 games since Traylen's departure.
- The IceRays' penalty kill was pretty strong this weekend, killing off all 10 Rio chances Saturday and five the night before. Entering the set, Rio had been operating at a 24 percent clip with the man advantage against Corpus.
- If you're wonder why Chris Brooks went berserk after the fourth goal, it was because of that balloon that made its way on the ice near the blue line. Crane knocked it out of the way and it wasn't a factor when Quenneville scored in close. I could understand Brooks' anger, as giving out those balloons was a bad, bad idea.
- It looks like the Bees may not be in the IceRays' heads as seemed to be the case earlier this season. Corpus has won the past three meetings and four of the past five. Rio has scored three goals or fewer in each of the past five meetings. Brent Hughes is now a combined 5-0 against Rio (3-0) and Laredo (2-0). I can imagine the latter was quite happy to see this weekend's events in Corpus.
- In a 35-second sequence during the first period, Tudor Floru called seven minors. That is just ridiculous.
- You can see why a guy like Greene is an agitator. That was a very artful spraying of the goalie's face with snow after Rogers froze the puck tonight.
- With John Adams back, Jeff Grant was the healthy scratch. Nick Romano was the 10th forward. Hughes seems to like that energy line of Greene, Bachand and Shaffer, who landed quite a few big hits on Saturday.
- That crowd was the biggest I've seen at the ABC since its first season. It fact, it very well might've been bigger than the opening-night crowd five years ago. You know it's a big crowd when they open the upper deck on the suite side.
- Finally, ex-Corpus trainer Scott Henneke was back for the first time since leaving last summer and even spent some time in the press box and did a radio interview. It's always good to see him.
- Another tough battle between Shreveport and Youngshaven.
- What. A. Meltdown. Yikes. I don't think I've seen anything that bad since this epic collapse last year, involving the same teams. OK, well Rocky Mountain might've had a more meaningful breakdown than that.
- Texas starts a new streak at the
ShoeboxHouse that Barack Renovated. Maybe it's too early to write Laredo's obit?
- If eight goals is a snowman, then what on earth was this? Guess Colorado wanted payback for Amarillo having the nerve to win twice on Eagles ice this year.
- Ugh, just ugh.
Game 60: IceRays 1, Killer Bees 0March 13, 2009 10:28 PM
Just an all-out war on Corpus ice. Tremendous, tremendous hockey game with a dramatic finish.
The IceRays did what they had to do and pick up points, although Arizona did beat New Mexico in regulation and keep the South race tied. The IceRays still have the game in hand on the Sundogs, too. But Friday's loss really puts New Mexico on the brink being six points behind two teams with five games left. If my math is correct, the magic number to eliminate New Mexico is any combination of IceRays wins and Scorps losses equaling three. I want to be certain before I post the magic number to eliminate Arizona, but if you think you know what it is, please post it here.
- In my half-dozen seasons on the beat, this undoubtedly ranks on the short list of the best games I've covered. It had a playoff feel to it all night, and the tension was palpable, on the ice and in the stands. Rio has a postseason berth locked up, but the Bees desperately want to get that third seed and the first-round bye that comes with it. Solid efforts from both teams, and the IceRays were one shot better in the end.
- On the winning goal, Richards' veteran savvy stood out. He made a great read in anticipating McGoff would try to reverse the puck along the wall and made the steal. Then Richards patiently waited for his linemates to join the play and found Bennett in the high slot, with his one-timer going wide and Powell knocking in the rebound off the end boards.
- Speaking of Powell, he would've been sick tonight had the IceRays lost that game because he missed on Corpus' two best chances of the night before he scored. I don't know how he missed that open-net attempt on the power play in the first. It looks like he just pushed it wide when he had plenty of net in front of him.
- Tebbs played a strong game in net. A lot of Rio's shots came from the outside, but Tebbs made some nice in-close stops when he had to. He also caught some good fortune when Dulle rang a shot off the right during an early third-period power play.
- Give the IceRays' defensemen some credit. Hughes relied heavily on a four-man rotation and they played well, especially after an offensive bonanza the night before in Odessa. It looks as if Adams will be back from Houston for Saturday's game.
- The IceRays' third line had a strong game, especially Greene. He was lighting up Rio guys on the forecheck all night and also created some offensive chances.
- The Tobin-Hughes marriage has been interesting. Tobin rode pine for nearly a full period on Thursday after serving up a pizza that led to a goal and then taking a bad slashing penalty behind the play that led to another tally. But Hughes, precisely the kind of whip-cracking coach Tobin needs, had him back out there regularly on Friday and Tobin had a strong game, with a very nice third-period backcheck that negated a Rio scoring chance from the left wing.
- I normally don't have any quibbles with the three-star selections in Corpus, but I thought Rogers deserved one in a losing cause. He played a strong game and made some good saves.
- The crowd was very much into this game, despite it being goalless for so long. I hope they realize how much fun 1-0 games are, especially high-stakes contests like this one. Talking to Pat Dunn afterward, he said he had never seen fans so excited after a game.
- With Laredo winning, this was a huge setback for Rio to not get any points. The Bucks hold a four-point lead for the third seed with five games left. It's not exactly insurmountable, but a tough hill to climb. And Rio didn't dress new dude Brent Gauvreau. He took the warmup, but was a scratch.
- In my opinion, Mark Lemelin called a good game. He let the teams play and let some obvious fouls go uncalled. However, Hughes was irate after the third-period slash on Quenneville, repeatedly pointing at the scoreboard as if to say "You're calling that in a 0-0 game?"
- Much was made of the IceRays' divisional struggles when Sylvain Cloutier was fired. Brent Hughes is 4-0 so far against Laredo and Rio, compared to a 5-13-1 record for Cloutier against those foes.
- Here's the obligatory 1-0 trivia: That was the IceRays' 14th 1-0 game in their history. They are 6-7-1 in those games. They have won two 1-0 games on home ice, with both being against Rio at the American Bank Center. Adam Powell joins his ex-roommate Nick Lindberg as the only scorers in 1-0 Corpus home wins. And here's an amazing coincidence: Both IceRays 1-0 home wins were preceded by games at Odessa the night before: in 2007 and this year. As for the CHL, that was the eighth 1-0 game this season. Corpus and/or Rio have been involved in five of them.
- One more bit of useless paraskavedekatriaphobic trivia: The IceRays are now 4-0-1 on Friday the 13th, with wins on that date over Rio in both February and March of this year.
- Finally, spotted in the crowd: Nathan Jones, the only webmaster in Ice Bats history. Always good to see him at a hockey game.
- I guess Rosco's Remember the Titans stunt paid off. But let's be honest, most CHL teams could watch the endings to Old Yeller, Brian's Song and Terms of Endearment and still be pumped up enough to go out and handle Amarillo this season. Also, be sure to check this most interesting item from Brian Sanalow's blog: Laredo and Rio could finish tied in points and Rio will still get standings credit for that win over Arizona that came with an ineligible player. Wins are the first tiebreaker if teams are tied in points. So that win, which didn't yield any points, could send Rio to the second round at Laredo's expense. That really doesn't sound very fair to the Bucks for Rio to benefit from having an illegal lineup, does it?
- Youngshaven moves one step closer to wrapping up the Northeast. Looks like Mr. Cruickshank let the boys play, with all of four man advantages doled out.
- Looks like Colorado sent a message to the folks on the Mountain. I wonder what Rob Chappell said to get the always-fun obscene language misconduct.
- Believe it or not, Wichita actually led against Texas ... and it took the Brahmas less than four minutes to erase that deficit.
Pumping a dry well?
We love Terry Ruskowski here at the Blog. While Corpus and Rio have cycled through 10 coaches in the past six seasons, Rosco has been the one and only down Laredo way, and never really has been boring over the years.
Case in point came when I saw this in today's Laredo paper:
The Bucks left for Amarillo at 8 a.m. on Thursday, and Ruskowski said he would have his team watch Remember the Titans on the bus ride to show them "what teamwork's all about."
Yeah, I can just picture Hiebert, Kozak and Weidlich breaking out into a few Motown numbers on the bus while watching Denzel and company.
- Scott Muscutt's take on the weekend set at Youngshaven:
"The must-win games are behind you," Muscutt said. "Once you're in the playoffs, that's your must-win. But at the same time we need to get back on track with Mississippi. If you're looking at it from a get-back-on-track perspective, then it becomes a must-win. More importantly, we must compete and we must work hard against them. They've been playing playoff hockey and we need to up the ante."
- Rio newcomer Brent Gauvreau talks about making the move from South Korea to South Texas.
- Things must be so bland in Wichita that the Eagle is resorting to spotlighting the opponents coming to town rather than the home team.
- I didn't realize Rapid City had a former NHL first-round pick on its roster. If a song lyric applied to a hockey team's season, would Rapid City's be "It's all the same ... Only the names have changed"? Bonus points if you can tell me which seminal song that line came from.
Game 59: Jackalopes 7, IceRays 5March 12, 2009 10:17 PM
A wild shootout in West Texas, with the IceRays falling a couple of bullets short.
They blow one of their games in hand on Arizona, and New Mexico now has one on Corpus and two on Arizona, albeit while sitting four points back. Friday should be interesting, with Corpus playing Rio while New Mexico and Arizona tangle.
- I'm not sure about the last time I saw two teams combine for nine goals in a period. That was nuts, with Odessa getting three quick goals and then Corpus responding with three. Just crazy stuff.
- Nick Romano scores in his Corpus debut. I wondered about the last time an in-season addition scored in his first game and it turned out to be Jay Latulippe last year. Nick LIndberg also did it in 2006-07 (on his first shot, no less). And did you know this guy is Romano's uncle?
- Some bad special teams for the IceRays tonight, giving up 3 PP goals and not scoring on their five man advantages. And they really seemed to take some bad penalties, like slashing behind the play and neutral-zone hooks.
- While Corpus' power play did go scoreless, the IceRays did tally twice in delayed-penalty situations on their third and fourth goals (the box score is incorrect). You don't see that very often.
- I think the goal that hurt Corpus the most was Pierce's near the end of the second. If you go into the intermission down just one goal after trailing by four just minutes earlier, that's a huge boost. Instead, trailing by two had to be a punch to the gut.
- Tobin (26 games) and Bachand (25) ended lengthy goal droughts.
- John Halverson scored on his 25th birthday. Do you think he ever imagined spending it in Odessa?
- Finally, the IceRays finished this season 0-4-1 on Jackalopes ice, getting outscored 24-12 in those games.
My awards ballotMarch 10, 2009 4:25 PM
I'm going to cap a busy day of blogging with the awards ballot I'm about to send in to the CHL.
Here goes:
Kevin Beech, Mississippi: What tilted me toward Beech was the workload he's logged and his dynamic numbers. He has been a pillar for a very good RiverKings team, and I think he's answered questions people (including myself) had about whether he was a bona fide No. 1 goalie in this league, and he hasn't had a partner in net who's really shared the load with him. I didn't go for Nelson, Sheppard or Thinel because I think that while they're valuable, they're also a part of very talented ensemble casts. And as much as I like Chris Richards and think he's the best veteran signing in IceRays history, I can't vote for an MVP from a last-place team that hasn't clinched a playoff spot.
Doug Groenestege, Oklahoma City: Terrific numbers and really, this guy came out of nowhere. I recently talked Brent Hughes, who had him last year in Austin, about Groenestege and Hughes said Doug Sauter was the only coach who called him last off-season to inquire about the netminder. Would the Blazers be where they are had Groenestege not stepped up the way he did after Andy Franck's injury and struggles since returning? As for the other, Beech and Jaeger got serious consideration, while Penner is an AHL goalie on the CHL's most loaded team.
Aaron Schneekloth, Colorado: I've always liked his game at both ends of the ice and of the five guys on the ballot, I take Schneekloth. But I will admit, if Justin Kinnunen, whom I consider the CHL's best blueliner, had been one of the choices, the discussion begins and ends with him. I know he's spent time in the AHL this year, but Kinnunen should've been on the ballot.
Darryl Smith, Laredo: A very dynamic player and another great Terry Ruskowski find. Smith has been fun to watch, even after linemate Jeff Bes went down. Smith's numbers and consistency give him the nod. His biggest competition for the vote was Dumoulin, who has had a similar impact for Rio from the blue line.
Two is the loneliest number
How big is every point accumulated during the season? Pretty freaking big. Just ask Rio, which beat Laredo today to pull within two points of the Bucks. Only the Bees should be even in the standings if not for that ineligible player debacle.
And how about the IceRays, who are currently locked in that three-way dogfight (pardon the pun) with Arizona and New Mexico. Do you think Corpus could use the minimum two points they would've gotten had they not surrendered final-minute-of-reglation goals against Laredo and Rio this year?
Basically, mind your P's and Q's, folks, and horde up every point you can get. They all matter in the end.
- Back to that Rio ineligible lineup thing. How on earth could that have occurred? I talked to a former league official while returning from Laredo on Sunday and he was mystified because it's generally common knowledge that a team plays short when one of its players is suspended because the team gets punished as well as the player. Sorry, Bees management, but the complaint about the wording of the Lex Scripta is a weak one. This was the 12th suspension in Bees franchise history, and you'd think somebody would've realized that you play short based on prior experience. And since the games in question were on a Saturday-Tuesday-Friday, you'd figure the CHL would've noticed. The bottom line is the proverbial ball was dropped by lots of folks. Oh well, it happens. But how funny is it that Maxwell was the guy suspended? The dude is like the CHL's Forrest Gump, always the central figure in some caper. But it looks like Forrest got waived today.
- Here's an item I didn't address over the weekend: Colorado won't penalize Greg Pankewicz for his DUI arrest and subsequent plea bargain:
"Within the first 48 hours, I made sure Greg met a counselor to make sure Greg knew what he did wrong and how he is going to fix it," Stewart said. "We were on top of it immediately; there wasn't a time when we just patted him on the back and said, 'It's OK'.
"There is things going on that complicate this matter. We certainly don't condone it ... and we as an organization are disappointed with this situation," Stewart added. "We will make the commitment to make sure this won't happen again."
My only experience with a story like this was when Mike TIlson had his DUI/cocaine possession arrest in Corpus five years ago. Once the news broke (the team had no idea he'd been arrested until notified by the media), Tilson was suspended indefinitely, and then traded in the off-season without playing a pro game since. I can't compare Pankewicz's situation to it because you're talking about two different players, organizations and their respective codes of conduct. But Pankewicz is much more a face of the franchise than Tilson ever was, and his situation is especially unfortunate on the heels of what happened to Les Borsheim, and the circumstances behind it. It's the Eagles' prerogative to handle their players how they choose to, but I'm sure they wouldn't have to deal with these PR black eyes for a while.
- Uncle Jeff wants Tony Martino to return to Tulsa.
Down two d-men
Some tough news for the IceRays on Tuesday, as T.J. Reynolds is done for the season and John Adams has been recalled to Houston.
Reynolds has a torn rotator cuff and came back in February after taking a cortisone shot. He played well after returning, but the tear worsened and apparently his only realistic option was to have arthroscopic surgery, which has an 8- to 12-week recovery period.
This is a really tough break for Reynolds, who despite his rough plus-minus numbers, has provided toughness in spades as well as solid leadership. He played some of his best hockey this past month and you hate to see anyone's season end on that note. All the best to him.
Adams may return in time for this weekend's home games, but Brent Hughes is hunting for a defenseman or two. There may be a wild card in play out there, but more won't be known on that front until tonight.
The IceRays did have a new forward on the ice at practice today, though. He came recommended by this guy, whom I'm sure Hughes would love to have right now.
Best of the Best results
The CHL announced its annual Best of the Best poll results today. As always, it's fascinating reading. The complete results can be found here (PDF) or here (Excel).
For you IceRays fans, here's a rundown of the Corpus honors:
- Chris Richards was voted No. 1 for best on face-offs, No. 2 for best playmaker.
- Josh Bogorad repeated as No. 1 for best broadcaster and his game notes were voted No. 1.
- The IceRays' logo was voted No. 3 for best logo.
- Corpus Christi was voted No. 2 for best city.
- The IceRays booster club was voted No. 2 for best booster club.
After a cursory review of the results, I can't find anything that really stands out as odd. I thought T.J. Reynolds might finish in the top three for best heavyweight fighter, but King, Tobler and Angel are three beasts in their own right. And did anyone ever expect to not see the Laredo Entertainment Center finish in the top three for toughest building to win in?
One thing I do wish they'd do away with is stuff like on-ice promotions and concessions because honestly, how many players, broadcasters and coaches can get an accurate read on that stuff. I'd sub in media coverage as a category because I'd like to get their take on what they consider tops in that field.
Please take a look at the lists and post your thoughts.
And the nominees are ...March 9, 2009 5:20 PM
The CHL announced the finalists for its awards today, with Corpus getting its second MVP nominee in three seasons:
2008-2009 CHL Most Valuable Player candidates include Odessa's Sebastien Thinel (the CHL's leading scorer), Corpus Christi's Chris Richards, Texas' Scott Sheppard, Colorado's Riley Nelson and Mississippi goaltender Kevin Beech.
Beech is also one of the finalists for the Most Outstanding Goaltender joining Oklahoma City's Doug Groenestege, Texas' Brett Jaeger, Colorado's Andrew Penner and Bossier-Shreveport's Ken Carroll.
The selected finalists to receive Most Outstanding Defenseman consideration include Colorado's Aaron Schneekloth, Texas' Kevin McLeod, Odessa's Russ Moyer, Bossier-Shreveport's Dale Lupul and Amarillo's Sam Ftorek.
Rookie of the Year honors will be determined amongst Laredo's Darryl Smith, Odessa's Jeff Pierce, New Mexico's Torren Delforte, Rio Grande Valley's Nicolas Dumoulin and Arizona's Adam Perry.
Per custom, I will divulge my ballot here after I send it to the league. However, I'd like to do something different this year and consult my readers for their thoughts. So, please give me your award winners here. I'd like to get your take before I make up my mind. Also, go ahead and give me your coach of the year.
Game 58: IceRays 4, Bucks 1March 8, 2009 7:36 PM
The IceRays controlled this game from start to finish and well, it appears the Bucks have some issues, as most of them appeared to be auditioning for the lead in Dead Man Skating. Their five-year grip on the Southeast is over, as the loss clinched the divisional flag for Texas.
- Really, this was a 60-minute effort by the IceRays. They were on the Bucks from start to finish. There were few of those stretches where Laredo was all over Corpus as we've seen in the past. The Grant-Greene-Shaffer-Bachand quartet was especially effective, turning in long grinding shifts in the Laredo zone that seemed to wear down the Bucks.
- One play summed up the IceRays' effort. With 2:50 to go and the score 4-1, Mark Tobin sold out and made a full-extension dive to touch the puck about a foot from the goal line and avert an icing. He went crashing into the end boards shoulder first, but got the job done. You normally don't see that kind of effort with that much time left in a three-goal game.
- The IceRays' power play was a horrible 1 for 17 in its previous four games, but it delivered in a big spot in this game. Those two goals 97 seconds apart were most timely, especially coming so early on the road. That sets an unmistakable tone. Quenneville's goal was just a wrister from the high slot through traffic while Crane's went in with some help from Martin.
- Speaking of those PP goals, the Bucks took some undisciplined penalties to set those up. First, it was having too many men on the ice. Then Weidlich cross-checked Quenneville behind the net, and it was so blatant it had to be called. Then after Tobin and Weidlich had the obligatory wrestling match, Cullaton appeared to jab at Tobin and got the unsportsmanlike. You know it had to be something serious for Cruickshank to hand out an elongated 5 on 3.
- Jereme Tendler's magic carpet ride continues. That's five goals in four games and six in 11 since donning IceRays silks. That was a beautiful wrist shot on that breakaway goal today. Again, Tulsa must have an especially deep roster if he couldn't see ice for the Oilers. Also, it should be noted that was an equally good pass from Crane through the middle and right on Tendler's tape. It looked like some of the passes Hughes was zinging during his first IceRays practice in San Antonio.
- Kris Tebbs had a good game, with some particularly timely saves. Like the stop on Smith from the slot on a 3 on 2 during the first a few minutes after Corpus' second goal. Then in the second, Tebbs made three huge saves: On Miller coming down left wing and then Dixon on the rebound at the top of the crease. Then a few minutes later, he stopped Miller coming down the slot after an inexplicable pizza served up by Adams.
- Conversely, Martin gave up two terribly soft goals. The first one was Crane's, with the puck hitting Martin's stick, going up in the air and over him and into the net. Ugh. Then there was Powell's tally, which might end up in the CHL Soft Goal Hall of Shame. I don't even think Powell was trying to score. He took a step inside the blue line, put a wrister on goal and Martin missed it like an outfielder with the sun in his eyes. I can only imagine what Rosco was muttering on the bench. I was wondering why Martin would start over Centomo in such an important game. I can only surmise the latter wasn't 100 percent.
- The first act of Hiebert, Part III was entertaining. Sweet Baby James blew up a couple of IceRays with big hits on his opening shift. Then he dropped them with Sladok for a fight I'd call a draw. Then in the final 75 seconds, Hiebert gooned it up, going after Tobin and then that noted pugilist Quenneville. Here's what Brent Hughes had to say about the Hiebert variety hour:
"I felt bad for the guy walking out of a 9-to-5 job or whatever he's doing. The Central Hockey League, that's a high tempo of play. He's puking over the boards every shift he's out there. I don't know if that's nerves or he's out of shape. That's a tough thing to do, to jump into that situation. You look at anyone, like (Mats) Sundin, it took him a month to get into shape and that's the National League."
- The Bucks just seemed off-kilter today. Their passing was off, guys were shooting high and wide and even the normally impeccable Dube fanned on keeping a puck in at the point, something Serge usually does in his sleep. I wouldn't want to be at their practice in the A.M. And it's just sad to see Bes doing color commentary in the press box with the rest of us instead of being out on the ice. He's a special player and the Bucks aren't remotely the same without him.
- With T.J. Reynolds out, it appears Hughes is rotating the defenseman's vacated alternate captaincy (note, it's alternate, never assistant). Mei was listed as one of the A's on the lineup card today, while Powell filled that role on Wednesday night.
- Stat watch: Playoffs included, Hughes-coached teams are now 17-12-1 against Laredo, with an 8-9 record on LEC ice. And for only the second time in franchise history, the IceRays have won three games in Laredo during a season. The only other time was 2006-07, when Corpus went 4-0-2 at the LEC during the regular season, only to go 0-3 there during the playoffs.
- All good things must come to an end, as Youngshaven's 11-game win streak is halted at Odessa. The Jacks of course, had an 11-game run earlier this year that ended at Corpus. However, I'll give the RiverKings a pass since they had to make a brutal overnight trip from Shreveport to play an afternoon game. Plus, I doubt a Killer Kaminski-led outfit would fly in the team photographer like another team did this year.
- Finally, how big do you think those lost two points are for Rio right about now? The Bees would be two behind Laredo for the third seed heading into Tuesday's showdown at the Dodge.
Sweet Baby James returns
Greetings from Laredo, where James Hiebert is back and wearing No. 79 in the pregame warmup. Jeff Bes was put on season-ending IR and Josh Bonar was waived.
Hiebert hasn't played since Game 7 of the South finals against Arizona last spring. Of course, this is his second late-season return to Laredo in the past three seasons.
An interesting move, to say the least. There's no word on whether Chris Grenville and Dion Hyman are being airlifted in, either.
All tied up down SouthMarch 7, 2009 11:48 PM
It looks like this race for the South's last spot won't be settled for a while.
On a night when Corpus was idle, Arizona and New Mexico lost in shootouts. That leaves the IceRays and Sundogs tied, with the Scorpions two points behind. Corpus, which plays at Laredo Sunday, has two games in hand on Arizona and one on New Mexico.
A lot of what-ifs tonight, as Arizona blew a two-goal lead on home ice and New Mexico was one save away from winning its shootout.
Also, the IceRays Insider is in Sunday's Caller-Times. This week's feature is on Mark Tobin (the first Newfoundlander to play for Corpus, BTW), with the alumni spotlight on Nick Lindberg. Click here for a gameday preview for Corpus-Laredo.
- One good thing about moving clocks up an hour: We won't have to wait as long to see Scott Muscutt's quotes after this. Yikes.
- Texas moves to the brink of clinching the Southeast, and ending Laredo's five-year run of division titles.
- Colorado clings to a one-point lead in the Governors' Cup race, but Youngshaven and Texas each have a game in hand on the Eagles. Truth be told, is winning that particular piece of hardware a blessing or a curse? Just ask the past three teams who won it.
Bees get docked
Some very interesting news tonight out of the Valley:
The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees have been penalized two points for playing with an ineligible player during the games of February 21st, February 24th and February 27th.
The Killer Bees were permitted to dress 15 skaters and two goaltenders for those three games but dressed one extra skater. The limitations on the Killer Bees roster were due to a three-game suspension of one of their players.
The forfeited two points come from the February 24th game where the Killer Bees defeated the Arizona Sundogs. All the statistics from that game for both the Killer Bees and Sundogs will remain intact as will the win-loss records for both teams. No points will be deducted from the additional two games due to the Killer Bees losing both contests.
The time in question is when Dennis Maxwell was suspended. Arizona does not get the two points that Rio lost, as is precedent (see New Mexico's 34-point hit for a salary-cap violation in 2000-01). I'm guessing the Sundogs are none too pleased right now. As for the Bees, their chances of catching Laredo for the third seed take a definite hit.
UPDATE: Here's Rio owner Troy Nelson's comment in a statement the team e-mailed out:
"We're obviously not pleased with the decision. On the other hand, we made an honest mistake as an organization," Killer Bees President and Owner Troy Neslon. "We will push this off season for a re-wording of the league's Lex Scripta regarding roster eligibility when a player is suspended. At this point, we're looking forward to our remaining games and clinching a playoff spot."
Hot off the presses
Insightful headline in today's Amarillo Globe-News: Gorillas eliminated from playoff race. No kidding.
- Then you've got Tony Martino summing up his team's performance:
"It was awful," Martino said. "We had a 2-0 lead and they lose another player (Adam Smyth game misconduct), and we had them thinking. Then all of a sudden we decide not to compete anymore. Next thing you know it is 5-2, then we decide to compete again."
Game 57: Brahmas 3, IceRays 0March 6, 2009 10:58 PM
A pretty forgettable evening for the IceRays as the Brahmas complete the season sweep, the first in franchise history for Corpus at the hands of a divisional opponent.
Of course, it wasn't a totally disastrous night as Jesse Bennefield's hat-trick goal late in regulation beat Arizona, and apparently the Bees were the beneficiary of two controversial goal rulings. If Rio can sweep that series tomorrow, that will leave the IceRays a point up with two games in hand when they take the ice in Laredo on Sunday. New Mexico sits three points back.
- Let me know if you've seen this before: the IceRays gave up three rapid-fire goals tonight. That's 32 times this season that they've given up two goals in four minutes or three in seven. Brent Hughes probably didn't have that many mult-goal binges against his Austin teams in his first run behind the Ice Bats' bench.
- The IceRays gave up their CHL-worst 15th short-handed goal tonight, and was it horrific, what with a center-ice turnover and three on one going the other way.
- During a third-period scrum in front of the Brahmas' bench, Josh Bogorad said repeatedly that Greg McConnell left the bench to join the altercation. Yet no penalty. I wonder what Quade Lightbody thinks of that.
- Two goals tonight for this guy. How does Texas land someone of that caliber this late in the season? The quality of life that oozes from playing in a shoebox rink? Mike Barack's overwhelming charm? Probably a shot at hoisting Lord Kozuback's mug.
- Did the IceRays really outshoot the Brahmas? It seemed like Cacciola had a day at the beach and wasn't tested much.
- That's 15 straight home wins for the Brahmas. To show you how far that franchise has come, they didn't have 15 total home wins in 2002-03, 2003-04 or 2005-06. They eeked out 16 in 2004-05.
- Youngshaven's win and Colorado's loss puts the RiverKings and Brahmas at just one point behind the Eagles in the Governors' Cup race. It's interesting to note that Rocky Mountain couldn't beat Colorado with Brent Cullaton but has won three of four against the Eagles since his departure.
- Odessa 3, Laredo 1. That's a three-game winless streak for the Bucks and I'm guessing there probably weren't too many iPods or cell phones fired up on that bus ride back to the 956.
- 1-0 game alert. That's two between Shreveport and Wichita this year.
No sweatMarch 5, 2009 11:29 AM
I've always said there are few better things in the CHL than Terry Ruskowski going off after a loss. Since those have been so rare over the years, you have to treasure those Rosco rants.
Check out the one after Wednesday's game:
"My forwards, some of them out there I don't think even need to have a shower tonight," he said. "They didn't work hard enough to sweat. Everyone needs to pull their load.
"But that's okay, because we have two guys coming back from the IR, and they'll be outside looking in."
Such bluntness is what makes Rosco so great.
- If you can make it all the way through this typical long-winded Muskegon press release, there's some sad news at the end, as old Corpus fan and media favorite Sam Miller was waived. Unfortunately for Sam, he's already played for a third of the IHL this year, and he's a vet.
- Remember when we pointed out San Angelo ex Chris Minard scoring for the Penguins on national TV? The news isn't as good for him today:
Wingers Chris Minard and Aaron Boogaard were suspended for Wednesday's game with the Binghamton Senators for disciplinary reasons.
"The message we want to send to our players is it's a privilege to be under an NHL contract, a privilege to be in an NHL organization, a privilege to be in the American Hockey and more importantly, it's a privilege to be in Wilkes-Barre, which we think is the best place to play in the American Hockey League," interim coach Todd Reirden said.
- Same old Steve Downie: He gets a 20-game suspension for slashing ... a linesman.
- Finally, who knew Alberta senior hockey could inflame such passions? Check out what our old buddy The Warrior is up to. And no, the team isn't named after him Cleveland Browns style.
Game 56: IceRays 4, Bucks 3 (SO)March 4, 2009 10:45 PM
The IceRays pick up one of the most clutch wins in recent franchise history (click here for an online-only notebook that includes a T.J. Reynolds update).
For the first time all season, they won when trailing after two periods. They'd been 0-20-1.
Combined with Rio's thrashing of Arizona, Corpus moves one point up on the Sundogs (and five up on New Mexico) for the South's last playoff spot, with a game in hand on both.
- The out-of-nowhere emergence of Jereme Tendler continues. Another game-winner tonight, four goals in the past two games and five markers in as many games. Again, why was he riding pine in Tulsa? Guess to the Oilers, Jereme was just a harmless little, you know. For the IceRays, he's Sylvain Cloutier's last gift to the organization. That was a terrific move to get Martin to fall to the ice on the shootout winner.
- After playing such a terrific first period, the IceRays promptly bungled things by allowing two goals in 2:15 (the 17th time they've allowed two goals in three minutes or less this year), prompting me to come up with another "there they go again" lead to my story. But give Corpus credit for battling back in the third by going to the dirty areas of the ice.
- Chris Richards scored the shootout clincher, although it doesn't officially count as a goal. Still, he seemed relieved to find the net again, although his goalless drought is at a season-long seven games. Richards, however, continues to do other things well, like set up teammates. That was a tremendous chip pass to Adams that led to the tying goal.
- Speaking of the tying goal, why exactly was Laredo so upset? The whistle didn't blow and the puck was loose underneath Martin when Powell knocked it in, with the red light coming on. Cruickshank was right there and quickly signaled goal, prompting Rosco to stand at the bench door and vent at the ref.
- Kris Tebbs will probably admit the first goal he gave up was terribly soft (it went off his left pad and trickled inside the near post), but he made two big saves to keep the score at 2-1: Denying Darryl Smith on a right-circle one-timer and then Matt Miller on a short-handed breakaway with 11.2 seconds left in the second period. It's a different game if he allows either one to beat him. Tebbs' line (24-21) may look pedestrian, but he made some key stops, including in the shootout.
- For a guy who came with a supposed big shot from the point, three of Ryan Crane's four goals have come on rebounds in close.
- Jozef Sladok's goal was his first on North American ice, either in major junior or the pro ranks. I asked him when his last goal was, and he said three years ago in Slovakia. He couldn't remember who it came against, though.
- The IceRays' penalty kill wasn't good on its first two tries, but those were two big kills on Laredo's last two power plays.
- I used to consider the last minute of regulation in a tie game a gimme for overtime, but do you think IceRays fans were on pins and needles in that final minute after seeing this debacle and this disaster earlier this season? How big would those missed points be right now?
- I've covered lots of games in Laredo, and I can't recall the Bucks ever playing a period as bad as the first tonight. For lack of a better word, they were lifeless and couldn't even get pucks to the net. Two shots? Laredo usually is good for that on the game's first shift. Joy LIndsay said Rosco was not particularly happy in the postgame interview. After watching that performance, I can only imagine what he had to say. The Bucks did clinch a playoff spot with Arizona's loss, but I believe that would fall into the "whoop de damn do" category with Rosco right now.
- I thought Cruickshank called a good game. The only thing that stuck out was how Rivet was the only guy to end up with a penalty following that scrum late in the second after Powell dumped Rivet behind the net after the defenseman was sniffing for a rebound after Miller's breakaway. And the delay of game call on Powell was the right one after the net was knocked loose after that Laredo flurry.
- In 86 all-time meetings, that was only the sixth shootout between the IceRays and Bucks. Corpus has won four of them, including both on Laredo ice.
- Brent Hughes is now 16-12-1 head to head against Rosco, with a 6-9 mark at the LEC.
- Can anyone figure out Arizona? First, that 0-0 shootout in Corpus, then pistol-whipping Laredo on its ice only to get thumped by Rio at home by the same score.
- Naturally, I was following the NHL's trade deadline activity all day before heading to Laredo. Olli Jokinen, he of the 780 career games without seeing playoff action, will finally sniff the postseason. That got me to thinking, is there a CHL equivalent to Jokinen? Once this season ends, Tulsa will have the longest drought at four years, but I don't think any of the current Oilers have been there the entire time. This guy would've been a candidate had it not been for the 2006-07 campaign.
Editor's note
Just a little FYI: There won't be an IceRays Insider in Thursday's Caller-Times. The feature on Mark Tobin will still run, but just later in the week or on the weekend. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Also, please keep IceRays front-office staffer Jim Carl in your thoughts. He fell ill yesterday and has been hospitalized. If you've met Jim, you know he's a very friendly and hard-working guy. All the best to him and his family right now.
Tudorpalooza, it continuesMarch 3, 2009 6:37 PM
Down McAllen way, Brian Sandalow has more on Saturday's goal/no-goal imbroglio.
Here's an excerpt:
Brooks said he waited for about a half hour after the game to get an explanation from Floru about why gave the IceRays the goal. Brooks said Floru told him that the goal judge and one of his linesmen saw Bees goalie Wylie Rogers pull the puck back.
"I said, 'Well, pull the puck back from where?' And he said, 'just pull the puck back,'" Brooks said. "I said 'somebody has to see the puck cross the goal line to say it's a goal. And based on what you're telling me you can't tell me that he pulled it back from across the goal line.' And he said 'nope.' And I said 'then you're making a mistake.' And that was the end of our conversation."
Floru giving the goal to the IceRays wasn't what frustrated Brooks. Instead, it was the explanation, one which he doesn't agree with.
"Like I've said all along, I don't argue about decisions that are made by officials. I just want an explanation," Brooks said. "If the explanation makes sense, and he says something I agree with, I understand and that's a part of hockey. But he didn't see anything more than what I saw.
"As someone who has been around hockey for a long time, you can't make that call as an official unless you conclusively know that puck crossed the goal line, you can't call it a goal."
After reviewing video of the game, Brooks said he still couldn't tell whether the puck crossed the goal line or not.
Sandalow also has an insightful blog entry about the issue of goal rulings.
Reynolds rap
I've gotten a couple of e-mails and blog comments asking about T.J. Reynolds' status after he missed Saturday's win at Rio because of an injury.
I asked Brent Hughes today, and he said the team was waiting on test results from the doctor before determining if Reynolds would make the Laredo-Texas-Laredo trip. They have seven defensemen, but I don't think Hughes will give Jozef Sladok the same amount of ice Reynolds was seeing.
This really is an unfortunate development for Reynolds because he had been playing very well since coming off the IR in early February.
Here's an interesting trivia note I got from Josh Bogorad: Saturday's OT win was the first for Hughes since December 2002. Derek Landmesser is the only player from that game who's still in the CHL.
And a couple other trivia bits: Brent Hughes is 15-12-1 against Laredo, including playoffs. Is there another Southern Conference coach with a winning record against the Bucks? Also, when Jereme Tendler unleashed the lion with his hat trick against Rio, he became the first IceRay to notch a trick since Chris Richards and Mike Zbriger did it on opening night. Can you tell me who had Corpus' only hat trick of last season?
- Has this ever happened before: Colorado claiming another team's discard off waivers? What's next, Laredo claiming someone from Rio?
- The CHL announced Monday that Laredo will host the 2010 All-Star Game. Since the Bucks hosted the game just four years ago, chalk this sequel up to a case of 15 other teams being uninterested. I asked one GM yesterday if his team had any interest in hosting the game and he just laughed. Honestly, in the current economic climate, calling off the all-star game might've made sense since it's a big expense for the host team. Assuming they keep the host vs. all-stars format, this will be an interesting litmus test for that setup, since the last game in Laredo was played to only about 60 to 65 percent of the LEC's capacity.
- Governors' Cup? Scott Muscutt doesn't need no stinking Governors' Cup:
"I've given this a lot of thought," Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt said. "I don't really care. I just want us to keep playing hard."blockquote>
- Brent Bilodeau gets a night off. Does that mean Coach Joel T. Lomurno for one game?
Goal orientedMarch 2, 2009 12:10 AM
Thanks to our friend Nifty, I had a chance to watch the two controversial goals from the Corpus/Rio and Colorado/Youngshaven games. Here's my take on each:
- Corpus/Rio: It's nearly impossible to tell if that puck went in or not on the OT winner. The camera angle at Dodge Arena is very high up and you just can't see if the puck crossed at the right post. I'll have to ask Brent Hughes if I can see the DVD that coaches and officials get.
- Colorado/Youngshaven: The Louis Dumont shorite looks like it hit off the left post and then the bottom of the right pipe. I saw it at full speed and then the replay showed right after. Sorry, Kings fans, but it didn't look like a goal. I'd love to see a slo-mo version so I could tell for sure.