2007-08 Calgary Hitmen / WHL thread

[Resolute 14]

And to add on Portland, they have so many injuries they could only dress 14 players for their last game... and lost another to injury in that game. They have had to call up a couple 15 year olds on an emergency basis just to field enough of a roster to play.

[604flames]

Someone posted the Drinnan blog on whlfans.ca yesterday, I had no idea that was going on down there. I really feel for the kids on that team, and kudos to them for still putting in an effort every night, even though they're getting smoked. Oh and Resolute, the one 15 they called up got hurt in the PG game Monday.

I cringe at the thought of what might go down at the Coliseum tomorrow night, esp. since one of Portland's policemen (Gabriel) is suspended.

EDIT: no Regina fans here, but I hate to say we all told them so..

ANOTHER EDIT: another rumour that I read somewhere was that when they made that huge deal with Lethbridge earlier in the year, the guys going to Portland (Bobbee, Dietrich et al), had to hitch a ride to Calgary to catch their flight. For all I know it could be hearsay though.

[Resolute 14]

Not sure about that rumour. Given how the first two sound legitimate, I'd imagine a lot of wild stories are going to be made up now.

Either way, one can only hope that the league can either revoke the franchise from the current owner, or pressure him into selling if the first two are true.

[604flames]

^^ I know the Lethbridge one sounded really sketchy to me too..

One thing's for sure though, the Portland fans that have come up to Vancouver over the years have always been first-class: vocal, friendly and knowledgeable. They deserve WAY better than what they are getting. I guess everybody will just have to wait and see what happens, I'd imagine Ron Robison will be on his way down there once he's done visiting Florida.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

He does make an interesting point, however, on the Pats going straight downhill ever since they acquired JD Watt.

To me it seems that Watt just exemplifies a problem that Regina has/had with Watt or not.

That is a big desire to prove how tough they are, to the extent that it sometimes trumps playing the game and a lack of mental toughness.

In Lethbridge Watt was the best Pat for the first two periods. Early on in the game it seemed the team, Teubert, Bender, Mitchell and Kennedy especially, seemed to want to make the big hit rather than a smart defensive play. Watt was the one guy that was forechecking effectively and causing trouble.

Once Lethbridge scored the 3rd goal the Pats whole team completely tried to goon it up and looked like they had no desire to try to get back in the game.

In the third Watt exploded, an assistant coach exploded and Leffler exploded as well all for no reason at all. If anything the Pats were getting the calls and were getting away with a lot.

Also despite them scoring 2 goals in the 3rd the Pats team absolutely quit.

I think Watt is the wrong guy for that team but their are bigger issues than just him. I think it starts with Brent Parker, who seems like a loose cannon and goes down from there. The Pats have some talent but need to get rid of the "we are the toughest SOB's around" mentality and play hockey.

Look how many ridiculous fights they have been involved in this year. There is something wrong in Regina and it goes beyond Watt.

One last thing as this ended up longer than I thought. Was there anyone who really thought they had the best defense in the league? They looked pretty ordinary out there and would in my view be middle of the pack in terms of Eastern play-off teams.

[Resolute 14]

Caldwell actually suggested they are among the worst teams defensively of the east playoff squads. Surprising given their big deals.

[moon]

Originally Posted by 604flames

ANOTHER EDIT: another rumour that I read somewhere was that when they made that huge deal with Lethbridge earlier in the year, the guys going to Portland (Bobbee, Dietrich et al), had to hitch a ride to Calgary to catch their flight. For all I know it could be hearsay though.

I have heard the others but not this one. I am not plugged into the team down here so I know no more than what is reported like everyone else, but I wonder if it were a case of them hitching a ride because it was the convenient thing to do rather than a case of them HAVING to do it because Portland was too cheap.

Sounds like a case where a simple thing like that now gets blown out of proportion because of the recent news coming out of Portland.

[604flames]

^^ Like I said, definitely a rumour, but here's what I read just to clarify.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/40684...%2C+Lethbridge

Also Moon, man you guys have a good team this year, it's nice to see even though they beat my Ice last week. I just bought a Hurricanes gamer (from 95-ish) too, guess I gave them too much mojo.

[Resolute 14]

League orders Portland to shake up front office

Specifically, the owner, Goldsmith, has been commanded to get out of the hockey operations side of things.

Also of interest is this comment from Robison on how Portland needs to restructure it's lease as well: "If a new deal cannot be struck, [Robison] said, the team might need to find a new home, in Portland, or elsewhere."

The Trail Blazers are already telling the Winterhawks to go to hell as it relates to renegotiating the lease. Victoria and Nanaimo are already making noise about wanting a team.

Underchute, however, argued against the rumour that the team sent him to Canada to avoid paying his medical costs. Apparently that is a common thing for Canadian players, and is mandated by Hockey Canada.

The rumour about not paying Bauer for sticks appears to be true, however:

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sport...63659073123600

[604flames]

Just read this as well, I really think Victoria would be a great fit for the WHL, especially with the new rink, but they shouldn't get a team at Portland's expense. Nanaimo would have to build a new rink methinks..

Also, thank goodness the medical thing has been cleared up and that our worst fears weren't realized.

[Resolute 14]

If the Tri-City to Chilliwack nonsense had happened two years earlier, Victoria would already be in the Dub. The only reason the city went the ECHL route was that Robison told them that the league was happy with 20 teams. If the attempted move had opened the door a couple years earlier, I could easily see a 23-24 team WHL right now, with Victoria involved.

Honestly, I can't see the Salmon Kings being all that willing to share the SOFMC, and the group representing Victoria is proposing to play out of Bear Mountain Arena - which holds 2500. A bit small, but if they can pack it every night, it might work. I can't see both the Dub and the ECHL there long term though.

I wonder who could balance the US division though? Boise? Great Falls?

Glad to see the Rebels balanced off their defeat of us by taking down Lethbridge tonight. Even up by nine, I remain worried about the Hurricanes, since they had four (now three) games in hand. Magic number to clinch the division and conference is now 8.

All eight East playoff spots have been filled, and Kamloops magic number in the West is 1. Ridiculous to see how early the playoff picture has been resolved. It's all about positioning now.

[604flames]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can't see both the Dub and the ECHL there long term though.

And I really think the people in Victoria would rather have the Dub than the ECHL.

Couple other musings..
- Lethbridge's pp is their weak link. And Dwight King's two late penalties, though the g.i. was a chintzy call, killed their comeback tonight.

- Maybe they'll bring back the Billings Bighorns? ok ok just kidding

[moon]

Originally Posted by 604flames

Couple other musings..
- Lethbridge's pp is their weak link. And Dwight King's two late penalties, though the g.i. was a chintzy call, killed their comeback tonight.

That and the over fancy play in the first two periods and the 3-4 missed empty nets.

Just a horrible effort from a game in which they really could have used the 2 points.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by 604flames

And I really think the people in Victoria would rather have the Dub than the ECHL.

I do too. I would imagine it is easier to feel a rivalry with Vancouver, Calgary and Chilliwack than one with Alaska, Stockton and Idaho.

[LockedOut]

Nice attendance for the Hitmen game against Medicine Hat on Saturday night. Over 15,000 for fan appreciation night. Unfortunately they lost.

[Trojan97]

Originally Posted by LockedOut

Nice attendance for the Hitmen game against Medicine Hat on Saturday night. Over 15,000 for fan appreciation night. Unfortunately they lost.

Alot of fun to be at that game last night, unfortunately my first of the season but the kids were having a GREAT time and were making tons of noise all evening long. The Hitmen continue to show why they are the top dog despite losing. Having watched alot of Wheat King games this year during family visits in Brandon it is like night and day between the two teams. Should be a good playoffs.

[Resolute 14]

Woulda been nice if they could have put on a similar performance to Tuesday's game. The boys just weren't quite focussed last night. Too many missed passes, or pucks put the wrong direction. The Tigers played well, and jumped on two brutal clearing attempts, then the PPG did us in.

So much for taking advantage of Lethbridge's stumble on Friday.

[604flames]

We had 14,000+ today against the Rockets, but the team seemed to fade as the game went on. Giants were lucky to get the 2-2 goal, but really didn't have many grade-A chances despite having a wide margin in SOG.

Luke Schenn was at the WJC last time Kelowna was in town, but after seeing him and Tyler Myers live again, I'm even more impressed with their defence. Tyson Barrie was good as well on their blueline, got the #1 star.

One more Kelowna tidbit.. had anybody even heard of Colin Long before this season started?

[604flames]

Bit more on the Portland situation came out today (article in today's Portland Tribune):

- they are going to replace Ken Hodge as GM, and re-assign him within the organization. Apparently the owner (Goldsmith) has been the one confirming the trades.

- Goldsmith still hasn't completely finished paying for the team, which he bought in 2006, saying that "a small portion is disputed." Also stated the "team has been losing money for nine years," but made money the year they won the Mem Cup ('97-98, with Hossa, Morrow and Ference).

- they are also having trouble re-negotiating their lease (with the Trail Blazers), Goldsmith claims they have a "voracious appetite" for making money from the Rose Quarter (which includes the Rose Garden and Memorial Coliseum), while "limiting the Hawks' opportunities." Ron Robison has been quoted as saying Portland's lease arrangement is the worst in the WHL.

Also.. West Karma, do you per chance have any pics of Ken Petkau (in a black jersey) from last season, or should I try the Progress? I'm looking to photomatch a gamer I just closed a deal on..

[West Karma]

nm