Thursday, August 31, 2017

Canosa Conference 2017/18 Season Preview


Canosa Conference 2017/18 Season Preview

(Rosters as off August 30th, 2017)

Georgetown Millers

Offense: B
Center position is their strong suit with Backstrom providing the offense while Carter and Fisher providing help on face off and penalty kill.  Lacking a true goal scorer on the wing might be a problem in a long run.

Defense: B+
Josi and Ristolainen on the first pairing can take up big minutes.  Josi is great in any situation.  Not so much to see after that.

Goaltending: B+
Reimer can play most the the season barring injury, hopefully Budaj can perform well as a backup

Hamilton Tigers

Offense: A+
Insanely talented right wingers with recently acquired Patrick Kane, Ho-Sang, Laine, Hossa and Perry.  Can match up with any defense pairing in the league.

Defense: A
Lots of depth and great defensive defensemen.  Expect Karlsson to lead the Defensemen in points this season.

Goaltending: A-
Would be an A if Anderson could play more than 54 games.

Long Island Express

Offense: B
Centers are not so great at defense and faceoff compared to other teams.  The team relies heavily on their first line.

Defense: B
Not enough depth could be a problem down the road.

Goaltending: C+
An off year by Lundqvist could become a disastrous season the the Express

Las Vegas Aces

Offense: B-
Will need Marchessault to have a breakout season for the Aces to be successful

Defense: B
Not many Defensemen that can take big minutes other than Eric Johnson, who is a borderline 1st line Defensemen

Goaltending: C
Need to somehow trade for a better starting goalie,  right now Pickard and his .904 save percentage won’t be able to stop a lot of pucks.

Minnesota Norsemen

Offense: A
Made a lot of off season changes, with addition of Bergeron, Kessel and the up and coming Mitch Marner. The Norsemen have suddenly become one of the favorite to win the Canosa divison.

Defense: B
One aspect the Norsemen need to improve to becoming a true contender.  The recentl addition of Provorov is a great move though.

Goaltending: A
Dubnyk can play every game for the Norsemen, also a great addition in the off season.

Rejkjavik Puffin

Offence: A+
Has the best offence in this league, you know they are for real when Koviu is their 4th line center.  Kucherov and Tanks as 1-2 punch at right wing.  This will be the team to beat in Canosa conference this season.

Defense: A
Again, a very offensive minded setup with Hedman, Ekman-Larsson, Subban, Lindholm all are great powerplay specialists.

Goalie: A
Excellent move by the Puffin acquiring Holtby in the offseason.

Sanibel Islanders

Offense: A-
Whoever has Ovechkin deserves at least an A automatically.  Lots of PK specialists in this league, they won’t get easily score on when short handed.

Defense: B
Could use more depth in Defense, their 3rd line could be unbearable to watch.

Goaltending: B
Miller is probably on his last straw,  need a better starter in order to win games.

Siberia Icecats

Offense: A
Probably the most exciting team to watch this season with the emergence of McDavid and Ehlers, lots of youngsters and depth at every position, this team is going to be great for many years to come.

Defense: A-
Good depth overall, but could use a big name Defensemen in the first line.

Goaltending: A
Murray proves to be the real deal winning 2 cups in the NHL thus making Fleury expendable, but can he help the Icecats to do the same in CCHL?

Springfield Isotopes

Offence: A-
Great depth, could use a true scorer in the LW position.

Defense: B+
Left Defensemen looks good but what about the Right?  Lots of shot blocking defensemen and with Bobrovsky in net, this team will be hard to score against.

Goaltending: A+
Bobrovsky is the best goaltender this season period.

Sunbury Miners

Offence: B+
Good depth but lack a truly competitive 1st line.

Defense: B
Lots of promising youngsters like Nurse, Ekblad , Montour and Larsson, but probably need a few years to reach their potential

Goaltending: B
Grubauer save % is good but can only play one third of the season's games.

Victoria Ronin

Offence: A-
Recently acquired Nugent-Hopkin will help the team in a long run, Benn and Radulov will be the Ronin offensive output for this season.  Mr. Canosa is building a very competitive team that is not afraid of playing physical and fore-checking every night.

Defense: B+
Will be heavily relying on Trouba - which is not good news.

Goaltending: B-
Mason is not the answer for goaltending this season, hopefully Saros will be playing a bigger role in the future.


FINAL STANDING PREDICATION

Rejkjavk Puffin
Siberia Icecats
Hamilton Tigers
Springfield Isotopes
Minnesota Norsemen
Victoria Ronin

Sanibel Islanders
Sunbury Miners
George Town Millers
Long Island Express
Las Vegas Aces


UP NEXT: Corfield Conference Preview

(lightly edited by Bill Corfield)

Season Preview for the Sudbury Miners...


An Inside look at the Sudbury Miners - 2017-18 CCHL Season Preview

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

Since their move at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, the Sudbury Miners have done everything they to get this team ready for their inaugural season in the Nickel Belt of Northern Ontario.  With training camp now complete, now comes the next step:  seeing how their plans come together on the ice.
"Training camp will be unique from more than just from a historical standpoint, being our first in Sudbury", General Manager Terry James said. "This is a transitional year for us.  We are evaluating players that we are getting to know as well as we can in such a short period of time.  Our fans know there will be some growing pains, but in the end we are looking for players with that Miner Mentality that we can move forward with a build a winner"
The Miners are building a foundation as evidenced during this past summer’s entry draft.  They are also armed with nine (9) first round picks in the next two entry drafts, so their future looks bright.  But in the present, they are not a playoff team and are even farther away from being a true Kehler Cup contender.  There is going to be pain and the need for patience from their fans.  James knows this.

UP AND COMING PLAYER TO WATCH
Philip Danault is looking to build upon his first full season.  Originally thought of a just a checker, he has the skills and versatility to play a little farther up in the line-up, even if it is just on a temporary basis.  The 24 year-old needs to fully establish himself with another productive campaign.  He will get the opportunity in Sudbury to do so.

WHAT A SUCCESSFUL 2017-18 SEASON WOULD LOOK LIKE
Given the roster turnover that the Miners have experienced since the end of last year, simply contending for the playoffs would be unexpected.  From a purely hockey standpoint, giving some of their young minor league players some valuable CCHL experience will help with their development, and that is the goal.  However, today’s hockey is more than just sticks and pucks.  Financially, if this franchise can break even or even turn a profit, while remaining relatively competitive, the season would have to be considered a huge success.

BIGGEST REMAINING QUESTION
If the pre-season games were any indication, who is going to score goals for this team?  A first line of Trocheck, Palat and the aging Vrbata while serviceable, doesn’t exactly strike fear into opponents.   Lack of top notch forward depth is also an issue, as this team is littered with an abundance of 3rd and 4th liners.   The hope is that a few of their highly touted prospects make the jump quickly and can contribute sooner, rather than later.














































Georgetown Millers The Week That Was Aug.21 to Aug. 27

Lance Pitlick 

Georgetown Millers

The Week That Was Aug.21 to Aug. 27

Transactions:

 Dropped Alexei Marchenko and Peter Holland.

A slow week as far as roster moves were concerned. Marchenko became expendable with the signings of Chiarot and Barberio. Once looked upon as a solid 3rd pairing Dman, things never quite worked out for the Russian blueliner. Despite spending 3 years with the Millers he never appeared in a regular season game. Holland was acquired earlier this summer in the Marc-Andre Fleury salary dump. He failed to impress in the final 2 pre-season games and it was determined he lacked the upside to be kept on the roster during the regular season.


Observations from the Pre-Season:

The biggest surprise was Peter Budaj’s strong performance in net, and James Reimer’s likewise poor showings, playing behind almost identical lineups. Budaj was acquired with the idea of playing 30 games during the season; he may see more work if Reimer’s struggles continue into the opening weeks of the new season.

Andrew Cogliano secured himself a spot on the 2nd line with his strong play (and Teuvo Teravainen’s lackluster results). A UFA at season’s end, Cogliano will be looked at to provide secondary scoring in the 45 to 50 point range along with his usual strong defense and penalty killing.

Speaking of UFAs, Cogliano, Nick Backstrom, Jeff Carter and the retiring Mike FIsher are all in the last year of their contracts. A slow start may force management to see what they can get for these players instead of building around them for a last hurrah.

It’s been determined that Fisher will not play on back to back nights, with Radek Faksa expected to move up to the 3rd line when he rests. The 4th line Center slot would then be filled by usual 3rd line winger Zach Smith. Fisher has also decided to relinquish the Captaincy to Roman Josi. Fisher will now be an alternate, along with Backstrom and David Savard.

Scott Wilson and Viktor Stalberg are expected to rotate as the 4th line RW and 13th forward. Despite his strong pre-season Mikhail Grigorenko will begin the season in the minors, along with the now healthy Scott Cousins. Ben Chiarot won the 7th Dman spot, with Mark Barberio playing top line minutes with AHL Northern Kentucky. The Chinstraps will also include Lance Pitlick and Bryan Flynn among their forwards and Anton Khudobin in goal.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

What the Hell is Going On In Dayton??? (Part Two)

The morning of July 9th was a bright, clear and comfortable time to be outdoors. As Musicmen General Manager Bill Corfield cycled along the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, his mind reviewed the 'Men's roster that would be going into the 17-18 preseason. The CCHL had finally reached the start of "Summer shut down," which allowed other issues to be the focus over the day to day operations of the league.

Centers: Sid - a top 5 player in the CCHL at almost $11 Million a year. He was worth it. Bergeron - an elite 3rd line center who seemed lost in much of the 16-17 campaign and had one year left on a $8.8 million dollar contract. Almost certainly gone after this season barring something wholly unexpected. Antoine Vermette, who returned to Dayton for the third time in the last six seasons, but was now a depth defensive centerman. Also entering the final year on his contract, his time with the team was likely drawing to a final chapter. Only Sid was permanent, well, nothing is permanent in hockey, but a core player. The rest of the guys were solid pros and Corfield wanted to make sure Vermette wound up somewhere he liked, if possible... Mattias Janmark was also a part of our future but wouldn't be on the next disk due to an injury. We wouldn't see him until the 2018 training camp.

Forwards: Panarin and Pavelski were core guys but Pavelski was getting up there in age. Artemi Panarin was coming off two strong seasons and was seventh overall in that time span in scoring. Surely, Corfield thought, Artemi Panarin wasn't going anywhere. Then there was Phil Kessel. Despite his unfairly low defensive rating every year, Kessel was a valuable member of the team. Defense and backchecking was never Phil's game but he did what we asked him to do. In the last two seasons combined, Kessel had played in 163 games, scored 60 goals, 106 assists and was a plus 142. In APBA, with the right guys, Kessel was big money. He was signed to a four-year deal after the playoffs and all sides were happy.  Nikolay Kulemin, the leader of the team's 3rd line was also looking forward to a strong season in 17-18.

Defense: Some big names... Shea Weber, Brent Burns, TJ Brodie, Andrei Markov, Francoise Beauchemin, Alec Martinez along with Mark Stuart were the returning seven blueliners. Weber was solid as hell like he always seems to be, plus Burns had turned in a Norris Trophy year and had been Dayton's UFA resign. They were expensive too, totaling over 40 Million dollars for the group. Weber and Burns were the top guys and the rest filled in nicely behind them.

Goaltending: Devan Dubnyk seemed to be on his way to an elite season until the All-Star break after which he seemed not himself. Finishing with a .923 save percentage was still very good, but hopes for a plus .930% number faded quickly. There's a huge difference between a .923 and a .930+ save percentage and Corfield had been troubled by Dubnyk's inconsistency since last January. Was he the real deal or was he a good but not great netminder benefitting from a great system. Behind him was Brian Elliot, a solid backup. Both guys were going to be UFA's after the coming season.

AS CORFIELD RODE through the Ohio countryside, he strained for ways to improve his team for the coming season. Teams like Georgetown, Calgary, Rejkjavik and Fort Erie were always good it seemed and newcomers like Hamilton, Siberia and Minnesota had all been hoarding high upside talent the past few years and everybody knew that they were going to be major factors going forward. Every year there were also a few "surprise teams" that most didn't see coming.

Dayton had virtually zero draft picks from the next two drafts. Dayton's elite prospects were all gone and those that remained were B prospects at best. Most weren't that good. Financially, Dayton was at its lowest cash reserve level of $78.4 since the late 1990's, when the league was in a very different financial place. The Musicmen had always had a LOT of cash available but it had come time to pay the hockey piper.  They'd lost $14M last season and the payroll didn't look to be that different this year.

No picks or prospects to swap for important pieces and the money was looking rough.

Bill took a break by the Taylorsville Dam on Route 40, just North of Dayton and sat on a bench. He sat there for about an hour playing different scenarios out in his mind. Did he trade a big fish to get 2-3 lesser fishes that might produce a net gain? He had a good goalie but not a great one and his 3rd line needed major work, Bergeron and Vermette, while good defensively, brought almost no offense for the coming year. His top line would be unstoppable, but after that - there were holes and questions all throughout the lineup.

He thought back to the Summer of 2012 after Dayton had won their third Cup. While different, there were similarities to this year's situation. Aging team core, payroll sky high, big name prospects and draft picks shipped out to win then. Win they did. That off-season, Corfield developed a plan to blow it all up in the first half of the 2012-13 CCHL season. Which they did. Move anybody and everybody out the door to the highest bidder for the sake of the future.

Dayton had drafted well in the 2013 draft after the fire sale, grabbing eight kids who would be future NHL-ers. That retooling had set the table for his recent success.

It worked then...

It could work again...

BACK on his bike, about 15 miles from his home, it was decided the pros outweighed the cons and the decision had been made. After the disc was released, Dayton would first put Shea Weber on the block and see who was interested. Then, after that, they would send out a larger trade block with everybody else except Panarin. Even that was flexible.

"I've always said be willing to trade anybody if the return is right..."

The new APBA disk was released in the first week of August.

On August 6th, Dayton sent out an email to the league alerting them that defenseman Shea Weber was available.

On August 13th, Shea Weber, Antoine Vermette and $10,000,000 were traded to the Calgary Chinook for Sean Monahan, a few role players and six late round draft picks.

On August 13th, the larger and second trade block went out to the league with everyone on it.

In the afternoon of August 13th, Dayton traded Sidney Crosby, Andrei Markov and $3.75M to CGY for Alex Barkov, Ivan Provorov, Jonathon Drouin and a 6th round draft pick.

Also on the 13th, Brent Burns was traded to the Fort Erie Falcons for Nate MacKinnon.

Next, Artemi Panarin was moved to the Chinook for Dylan Larkin, Travis Sanheim and the rights to DAY 2nd in the 2019 CCHL Draft.

Dubnyk and Bergeron were then moved to the Minnesota Norsemen for Jake Guentzel, prospect Dante Fabbro and Blake Comeau and Jimmy Howard.

Joe Pavelski and a 3rd was traded to Calgary for former 19th over all pick Evgeny Svechinov and several additional mid round picks from CGY.

Next, Martinez and Kulemin were dealt to the Hammerheads for a 2nd and 3rd rounder.

Howard was sent to the Chinook for prospect and former 2nd round pick, defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

In all, over a dozen current Musicmen were traded away that week. The roster virtually turned over, the only players remaining from the Cup championship team were Brian Elliot, Phil Kessel and reserve forward Mattias Janmark.

Reaction was swift. Most people tipped their hats to Eugene Yip, GM of the Chinook who walked away with most of the core of Dayton's Cup team and when layered onto what Yip already had in house, people just shook their heads. Calgary has to be the clear favorite to win the Cup next Spring.

A few GM's whispered that Calgary had certainly gone all in with these moves, but has sent away a ton of youth with elite upside. In the end, it was a price he felt comfortable paying and the guys from Dayton will perform and produce. Does that mean a championship? Maybe...

PART THREE

Fans explode, young players arrive for camp and Phil keeps his bags packed....

(Part three will be published August 29th, 2017)



Monday, August 21, 2017

Georgetown Millers: The Week That Was

After a hectic day 2 weeks ago of moving out depth players with expensive contracts to acquire depth players with cheaper contracts (and backup G Peter Budaj) things were a bit quieter in the Miller’s front office this past week. The week’s transactions are summarized below:

GEO trades B. Lovejoy & GEO 10th-18, GEO 11th-18, GEO 12th-18, GEO 10th-19, GEO 11th-19 & GEO 12th-19 to DAY for Yan Pavel Laplante-p…

Lovejoy had lost his starting job with the emergence of Brett Pesce, and his inability to play any position aside from RD made him unsuitable for the 7th Defenseman role. He was packaged along with several late round picks (so Dayton would take on his complete salary) for a long-shot Winger prospect in Yan Pavel Laplante. YPL scored a bit in juniors but not in his first pro season, but his size, skating ability and willingness to mix it up make him a potential bottom 6 NHL forward.

GEO signs M. Barberio to a 1 yr., $700K contract…

Barberio was signed to replace Lovejoy. He will compete with earlier signing Ben Chairot for the 7th Dman slot. A decent showing could see him re-signed as an RFA at season’s end.

DAY trades B. Comeau to GEO for GEO 4th-18 & GEO 9th-18…

Looking for more depth in their bottom 6 forwards and on the penalty-kill, GHC sent a couple more mid to late-round 2018 draft picks to Dayton for Blake Comeau. Although his days of occasionally popping 12 to 20 goals a season are gone, Comeau is still a reliable checking forward and will supplement the club’s penalty kill unit.

The club has taken some flack recently for not bringing in bigger names to keep up with Calgary and other teams. GM Chris Kash spoke to reporters to address the criticism.

“I understand the concerns of our fans but I want to reassure them that we are staying true to our vision of how we want to keep this club competitive in the short and the long term. We are blessed to be breaking in 4 exceptional young talents this season in Teravainen, Faksa, Pesce and Orlov. To properly give these guys a chance to grow and develop we felt it necessary to remove any internal hurdles and just let them play. With Brock Boeser expected to play a role next season, and other young guys like Anders Bjork, Janne Kuokkanen, Samuel Girard and Filip Hronek being ready in 2 to 3 years, we are transitioning to a younger team. We’ve spoken to the veteran players about it and they are on board. We will of course reassess our progress at defined points during this upcoming season and if it improves the team enough we have plenty of payroll room to add more players.”

Recently traded Winger Gustav Nyquist responded to reports that he was dealt partly because he came to camp overweight and out of shape. Nyquist said “ Once the trade to Georgetown was done, I came down to look for a home and get to know the area. No one prepared me for Hot Browns and Burgoo being on every restaurant menu, and a trip to northern Kentucky introduced me to Goetta and Grippo’s potato chips, plus the craft beer scene here is amazing. So yeah I gained a few pounds, and now I’ve got to find a way to get Dad’s Beer Cheese sent to me in Ontario, but I regret nothing.”

Victoria Selling Off?

Victoria selling off ?

The local fishwrap lead story in the sports section is all about the Ronin and how high level talent seems to be heading out the door. Gone are the top six center D Krejci, starting netminder B Holtby and now A Wennberg another top level pivot is joining the rush out of the lockeroom. Season ticket holders are up in arms, especially when with the increased seat license fee scheduled for this upcoming season.

The leader of the Ronin fan club has recently gone to Twitter saying he was going to step down after next season. Many are thinking of joining him and supporting other teams. Prices are up, yet the team is trading off key assets. Its not a very promising situation.

Few teams have a better overall win loss record than the Victoria Ronin over the years,” the owner was quoted as saying. “Our past efforts of high profile spending have cost the team especially when it comes to the bottom line. A closer look at the financial situation of the team does seem to indicate a trend of losing money, yet the team has never even been to the finals, let alone won one. So I decided to take a less active roll on the hockey operations side and stop forcing things,” he said.

Starting a season ago the front office made the decision to part ways with more expensive players on the wrong side of their careers in favor of younger players who are not only more affordable but on the upswing,” said an unnamed official. “The feeling was that the culture had to change, which starts at the top.” Gone are players like Rick Nash, Tyler Myers, Paul Stastny & Captain Canada Sidney Crosby just to name a few.

Looking closely at the situation Victoria has refrained from bidding on any high priced free agents for the past few UFA seasons. Instead shoring up holes with reasonably priced free agents while waiting for kids to brew. The team now boasts some reasonably talented kids with more in the pipeline. This years M designations include William Carrier, Tyler Graovac who both changed NHL teams. Gustav Forsling, Brett Kulak, plus former Dayton farmhands Scott Mayfield and Juuse Saros. “Most of these kids are not world beaters,” a league official said “but they could find themselves with a full time job and who knows where they take their careers from there.”

Core players like Esa Lindell, Jacob Trouba, and Evgeni Kuznetsov have very high ceilings. They are now joined by former Puffin Ryan Nugent Hopkins and Vlad Namestnikov. The most recent deal landed former Ronin Victor Rask from the Norsemen. The team has also picked up some additional quality draft picks and are hopeful that Keiffer Bellows will get his act together in Portland, hopefully playing top line minutes there.

The old guard anchored by J Benn, C Kreider and T Hamonic will now be asked to take more of a leadership role and indeed Jamie Benn has been named team captain, with Hamonic wearing the A. Kreider reportedly passed on the other A in favor of former Falcon Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds was out of town and was rumored to involved in trade talks with a few teams. “Still a Ronin and looking forward to next season,” he wrote via twitter.

The trouble is that the fans have been promised this before only to see the team turn around and trade off young promising talent in favor of a short term fix. “Those days are gone,” said a league analyst. “The team now features a much lower payroll and younger players. The issue is if the team will be competitive this season which unfortunately comes with the increased ticket prices.”

If the team can make the playoffs, turn a profit and continue to benefit from some good luck, then things could be very different in a season or two,” a spokesman said. “The jury is out on that while the team fine tunes its efforts in the preseason. It should boil down to Steve Mason getting the job done or if the situation requires the calling up of former Musicman Juuse Saros.”

We like our chances going forward,” the GM said. “It hurts having to lose such quality players but the plan is to come back even stronger. Kind of like the tide. The team is deeper and from top to bottom has good quality talent that will improve over the coming seasons.” When asked for a comment about the situation in nets the GM said “we have every confidence in Steve Mason and look forward to seeing him helping us make the playoffs like we usually do.” Ticket prices are scheduled to go up in September.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

What the Hell is Going in Dayton??? (Part One)


 
  PART ONE: IT WAS THE MORNING after the Dayton Musicmen had defeated the Georgetown Millers in a thrilling game seven at the Soundstage in Dayton, OH. The parade was scheduled for the the following evening as GM Bill Corfield sat quietly in his home office, enjoying a quiet moment to reflect on the season.

 The phone rang, and it was Head Scout for the Musicmen, Baz Bastein.

Bastein congratulated Corfield on adding a 4th Cup to his resume but then told him something he didn't expect to hear.

"Bill, you have to break up the team..."

Corfield said nothing.

Bastein repeated his comment, "You heard me, you have to break up the team...and do it before next season starts. If you don't, it'll be a cold day in Dayton before you ever win another one my friend."

Corfield took a drink from his glass and ask why would he need to do that before next season began let alone at any time in the near future?

"Look at your contracts. Burnsy is your UFA resign this year... that's easy. Next year is when it gets dicey. Bergeron, Dubnyck, Elliot, Pavelski and Weber are all UFA's after next season. Guys know you can only keep one. Their value drops a ton the further you go into the season."

"You're getting old fast... Sid's the best player in the league, but once his production starts slip - and it will sooner or later - his salary will make him almost untradeable unless you cover a big chunk of his salary, and you can't really afford that, can you?"

Corfield paused a moment and said, "Don't I have a history of figuring these things out? We're still fucking good, Baz..."

"Yes, yes we are boss, but look at our prospects. It wasn't that long ago we had more prospects than anyone other team in the league, now we're near the bottom. We have zero top notch prospects, they've all been traded away."

"Face it, Bill... if you don't act soon  these assets you see on our team today will bring you pennies on the dollar. The league's too good...guys have been around awhile and Matty's only lining up strong new guys to come on board.

Financially, we're also in a different place than we usually are... all these debts are coming due soon. It's my opinion, if we don't act aggressively soon - in the next few months - it's going to get really bad."

Corfield paused a moment and sighed, "I know Baz...I've known it since Christmas. Everything you just said is spot on and true. I've been thinking about this for  a while."

Once the new disk comes out, I need to start marketing these guys to the correct teams and getting the most we can for them while they're still really good. The fans will shit themselves, but I'll take the heat. We've given them four championships and almost a fifth back in the first season of the league but Dave beat me."

"Thank God, I wasn't looking forward to fighting with you all summer about this..."

"No problem" Corfield said with a laugh...

PART TWO

"Here's my plan..."

(Part two will be published August 22nd, 2017...)

CCHL Battle Royal 2017!



This offseason has been busy for a number of teams.  Most notably, last year's defending Kehler Cup champions, the Dayton Musicmen, have opted to rebuild rather than try to defend their title.  This would normally be great news for the top teams in the league, but the problem is that going into this upcoming season, the battle for the cup will be like a WWF Battle Royal!  So many teams have loaded up in the hopes of capturing the Kehler Cup.  Some of the top teams are looking to capture the Kehler Cup for the first time!

One team that made significant moves are the Calgary Chinook (or should we say the Musicmen West).  They have gone on a shopping spree of former Musicmen.  Calgary acquired Shea Weber, Antoine Vermette, Sidney Crosby, Andrei Markov, Artemi Panarin and Joe Pavelski.  GM Eugene Yip is poised to try to repeat the success of the Musicmen with their players!  Eugene has built a large surplus of talent to allow him to make such moves.  They very well could be the team to beat.

Another team with a recent busy offseason is another contender for the cup, the Hamilton Tigers.  GM Chuck Taylor made significant moves earlier in the offseason, and is continuing to tweak and upgrade his roster.  With depth at C, GM Taylor traded Evgeni Malkin for Patrick Kane, providing some help at RW.  The Tigers also acquired some depth at D by acquiring Brayden Coburn from Georgetown.

Never to be outdone in terms of the number of trades, GM Matt Young made a number of key moves to push his team back into cup contention by acquiring key assets like Jordan Eberle, Brent Burns, Alex Gogligoski (who did not even get a chance to take a breath as he was immediately traded again), Evander Kane, Gustav Nyquist and Blake Wheeler.  GM Young is always tweaking his roster and he is hoping that with Copenhagen retired and Dayton rebuilding that this may finally be his year!

Former champions, the Reykjavik Puffin, have made a few significant moves.  They had made a big splash in acquiring stud dman, Victor Hedman earlier in the year.  GM Chris Wolter then used some of this ridiculous depth at RW to acquire MVP candidate Evgeni Malkin.  GM Wolter is hoping that Malkin's leadership can help the Puffin recapture their glory.

The second best team in the league last year, the Georgetown Millers, have not made any significant moves this offseason, but have fine tuned their roster.  GM Kash acquired some goaltending depth with Peter Budaj and Anton Khudobin, and signing Ben Chiarot to replace the traded Brayden Coburn.  GM Kash is counting on his existing team to capture the Kehler Cup with his nemesis Musicmen seemingly on the decline.

The Minnesota Norsemen also vaulted themselves into not only playoff contention but possible cup consideration by acquiring arguably the best 2-way forward in the CCHL, Patrice Bergeron, and Vezina tropy candidate Devan Dubnyk.  Minnesota has a young,  and up and coming young team that will certainly make some noise this year.  Bergeron's leadership will help bring along the wealth of young talent that the Norsemen have, namely Anders Lee, Sebastian Aho, Mitch Marner and Brandon Carlo.  The success of this team all depends on how well those youngsters do.

Finally, we have another up and coming team, the Siberia Icecats.  GM Saouaf has been stockpiling picks and talent and has not been afraid to use it this year to give the team a shot at the cup.  Anchored by generational talent, Connor McDavid, GM Saouaf has put together a solid team.  We spoke with GM Saouaf and this is what he had to say.  "I have seen what the other top teams in the league have been doing and I knew that if the Icecats were going to be successful, I had to improve our roster.  My goal has been to not simply be a top heavy team, but to build a team from top to bottom that can match up with anyone in the league offensively and defensively.  I want to create a matchup nightmare for the other teams."  Indeed, it appears that GM Saouaf has done that.  His recent acquisitions of Alex Steen, Mark Stone and Adam Lowry has allowed the Icecats to roll out 3 solid scoring lines, while helping to improve the team's penalty killing.  Upgrading Tyson Barrie with Jared Spurgeon has provided the Icecats with a formidable defensive roster also.  GM Saouaf continued, "I hated having to trade away key, young talent and picks, but you have to give to get.  I wish Tyson, Brett, Nick and the others well in Ottawa and I hope they flourish there".

Well sports fans, this upcoming season may be one that is unparalleled in terms of competition in the CCHL.  Who will outlast the others and be crowned the Kehler Cup champion?  Time will tell, but get that popcorn ready and bring it on!

Written by Silvio Saouaf/GM of the Siberia Icecats...


Sunday, August 13, 2017

Multiple blockbuster trades shake up CCHL in preseason

The Chinook Central

(This weekly column focus on the Calgary Chinooks weekly update as well as other tidbits around the league)

Multiple blockbuster trades shake up CCHL in preseason
August 13th, 2017

Several teams wasted no time in preparing for this season chase for the cup.  Some of the major trades were made between the Calgary Chinook and the Dayton Musicmen.

DAY trades S. Weber, A. Vermette & $10M to CGY for S. Monahan, F. Tyutin, T. Purcell, J. Pominville & CGY 10th-18, CGY 11th-18, CGY 12th-18, CGY 10th-19, CGY 11th-19 & CGY 12th-19...

DAY trades S. Crosby, A. Markov & $3.75M to CGY for A. Barkov, I. Provorov, J. Drouin, & CGY 6th-18...

DAY trades A. Panarin to CGY for Dylan Larkin, Travis Sanheim-p & DAY 2nd-19...

DAY trades J. Pavelski & DAY 3rd-19 to CGY for Evgeny Svechinov-p, CGY 7th-18, CGY 8th-18 & CGY 9th-18...

Four of Dayton's best players that help the Musicmen win the cup last season were traded to the Chinooks for up and coming youth and prospects.  The Chinooks added arguably the best two way center in Crosby, Russian elite sniper in the making Panarin and seasoned veteran Pavelski to the fold.  They had combined for 396 points in 82 games last season.  "Thank you for the Chinooks organization in allowing me the flexibly in making trades like this" said GM Eugene Yip when introducing the new players in yesterday press conference.  "The organization and I have consent that our cup winning window is now, and this should be something that show our fans that this team wants to bring the cup home for the first time to Calgary."

"Crosby despite in the league for over 10 seasons, he is only 30 and in his prime.  Sidney has improved his game tremendously this few seasons, he is the best two way center in the league right now period."  replied Yip "For the last few drafts we have great track records in identifying players like Larkin, Monahan, Provorov, Svechinov, Pastrnak. That's why we have assets in making trades that can benefit us today. "

"This season is going to be fun for CCHL fans.  Powerhouse like the Puffins got better over the summer by getting Malkin and Hedman to their already strong roster.  Teams like the Fort Erie getting Sequin, Burns, Gibson, Hamilton Tigers getting Patrick Kane, Joe Thornton. The Norsemen went from a basement team last year to a playoff team by getting Bergeron and Dubnyk.  The Siberia Icecat's McDavid led team that would be the cup contender soon.

We can sense that the balance of power has shifted when the Musicmen started their fire sale.  It's (a) free for all for the cup this season and I am glad the Chinooks in being part of it."

Friday, August 11, 2017

DAY awards its position upgrade to....

AP SPORTS - DAYTON, OH

The Dayton Musicmen, reigning CCHL champs, have released a statement on how they will apply their ratings upgrade for the upcoming season.

 The Musicmen have a reputation for trying to keep the "big picture" in focus at all times. While we were thrilled to overcome a tough Georgetown team last Spring to win our fourth CCHL championship, we realized we had some cracks in our foundation.

  To build last season's team, we spent a lot of our youth and draft picks to acquire the guys we did. We also spent a ton of cash. Like we've done before, we've decided we need to take a step backwards this season,
retool and look to the future.

 We can announce this morning that Shea Weber has been traded to the Calgary Chinook for Sean Monahan. The details of the trade will be announced formally Sunday after the waiver draft, but its a package of multiple players changing teams and Dayton acquiring several draft picks, as well.

 Last night, we placed most of the high end talent under contract on the market. Everyone is available. Those of you who have followed Musicmen hockey for the last 15 years know that our philosophy has always been aggressive when it comes to making trades. Winning the Kehler Cup last year does nothing to change our core approach to how we run this franchise.

Given the interest in Sidney Crosby - and realizing that there were several options on how to best utilize our
ratings adjustment this season - we've submitted the paper work to the league elevating Crosby's defense on
this disk from a 2 up to a 3 rating.

We feel doing this will add further value to his marketability and benefit us should we decide to trade him.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Bitter Not Sweet for Reign


Bitter Not Sweet for Reign

Seattle (AP) – The CCHL Seattle Reign held a year end press conference after a 23-53-6 record which saw them finish dead last in the Corfield Conference and the 3rd worst record in the CCHL. Like previous years multiple Reign management and staff attended the press conference with Reign GM Michelle Chapman releasing a statement that there would be a surprise guest at this press conference.

Joining General Manager Chapman were Director of Media Relations Bruce Wayne, Director of Scouting Simon Cowell, Director of Player Development Charles Xavier, President of Hockey Operations Keyser Soze and Head Coach Scott Stevens. All took their place at the long table adorned in gold coloured fabric instead of the Reign’s colors while the banner behind the podium was adorned with a large red, white and blue banner with the phrase “You’re with Me” emblazoned in glittering gold lettering.

Chapman – Good day and thank you ladies and gentlemen of the press for being here today. Let me start off by first and foremost thanking the Seattle Reign fans for all their support and dedication to the team. On behalf of all the players, coaches, trainers and management we truly appreciate it and we are committed to rewarding you all with a Championship…hopefully sooner rather than later. I now open the floor to questions.

Art Thiel – This was the franchises 2nd worst ever finish with only its inaugral season being worse. The team is also now 42 games under .500 in its 4 seasons in Seattle. What exactly went wrong and how do you plan on improving things?

Chapman – Thank you for the question Art. Please be advised that all questions will be answered by Mr. McCurdy from a remote location and relayed to me on this here laptop *lightly touches laptop* and I will read out the answers.

*A collective gasp fills the room followed by widespread murmurring.*

ChapmanMr McCurdy says “We have ideas, great ideas on how to make the Reign great again. I know people, the best people, the absolute best people and you will see the great stuff that will happen.”

Thiel – Umm would you elaborate on these ideas or tell us who the people are that will be assisting with or implenting these ideas?

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Believe me the ideas are great, just great, really great ideas. People will love them, they are just fantastic, really fantastic.”

Clark Kent – What changes can we expect from a player or coaching standpoint for the next season and beyond.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Thanks Clark. Let me start off by saying that you are swell, a swell, swell guy. Actually you are super, a super, super guy. I’m glad you are here I hope people are paying attention cause this guy is super just super.”
Kent – Thank you but that’s more than enough compliments I wouldn’t want people to think I’m someone I’m not.

Lois Lane – Please Clark everyone knows you are a simple reporter for the Daily Planet….I wish you were a super guy *wrly smiles*

Kent Brockman – Or a super man like we have in Springfield with owner Aaron Stacey. Speaking of Springfield how big of an improvement do you think the Isotopes will have this season?

Rita Skeeter – I thought Stacey wore a cape because he was playing in a quidditch match?

Alexander Luthor – What is a quidditch match

Diana Prince – Don’t worry Lex it’s an imaginary thing.

Skeeter – Aren’t we all?

Les Nessman – Not me, I’m real.

Luthor – Yeah a real idio….

Brockman – Hey can we get an answer to my question as I’ve got a TV news broadcast to do later today.

Tom Tucker – I hear ya Kent

Nessman – How could you not as you are sitting right next to him.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “I have nothing but respect for Springfield, there are great people there, lovely people. If people have not been there they should go to Springfield, great city, really great. Shelbyville is a nice city but Springfield, Springfield is great”

Peter Parker – I got photos of Springfield, lots of photos and a bunch of New York as well. There are some friendly neighbors in that town.

Charles Xavier – I hear the pests in that city are too. *Wryly smiles at Peter Parker*

Steve Rogers – Pests like wasps and ants?

Parker – My aunt can nag a bit but she is not a pest!

Xavier – I’m sure your aunt is lovely but to answer Mr. America’s question it was spiders I was referring to.

Rogers – It’s not mister but Captain, Chuck.

Tucker – You’re Captain Chuck?

Rogers – No America.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “America, it’s the greatest country in the world. Other nations are jealous of us, they wish they were great like us but we need to be great again that is why the Reign are going to be so tremndous next year because they are so great. Great people, just stuperendous”

Lane – I don’t think what you said makes any sense. What was the last thing you said…. stuperendous…that’s not even a word.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Listen I know my words, I use good words, tremendous words all the perfect words. I have a big range of words I can use. Just ask me to use any they’re great.”

Tony the Tiger – So are Frosted Flakes!!

Bruce Wayne – Who let a tiger in here?

Matt Damon – Sorry he escaped from my Zoo.

Simon Cowell – You have a Zoo?

Damon – I just bought one. *Tony the Tiger runs out of the room*. Nice to see you all but I’ve got to go catch a Tiger.

Nessman – By the Tail? *smiles proudly*

Cowell – Now that’s what I call a talent.

Steve Rudman – Enough of that stuff. Let’s back to the topic, how are the Reign going to make things great. Exactly what changes can we expect?

Chapman (McCurdy) – “This is real change you can believe in not like those outside of hockey want you to believe. These are great changes, just fantastic changes. These changes will bring people back to Seattle. I guarantee that you will see so many people in Seattle we will have to build a new terrific arena. Enough people are leaving to other counties, we need to keep people here and that is what these terrific changes will do”

Thiel – You said a lot without saying anything at all. What specifically are you planning to change?

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Everything’s on our website. So many tremndous ideas, great ideas. These ideas are just fabulous, so great you’ll love them, everyone will just love them.”

Brockman – Uhhh I just checked the teams website and it is completely blank other than a “donate now” link

Nessamn – What the heck is a website?

Keyser Soze – It’s where people get their news from.

Nessman, Kent, Brockman, Tucker, Skeeter, Lane – WHAT!?!?

Dick Grayson – Holy collective yell Bat *interrupted by Bruce Wayne*

Wayne – Wow are you people that behind on news sources.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Everyone keeps watching or reading the “fake news”. It’s a disgrace those people spread lies and fake truths. Just a bunch of fake news sources. They are not nice people, they are liars. I don’t watch fake news anymore. Those fake news people will be banned from entering the Sound Garden next year. The only real news is the one that is fair and balanced”

Rudman – Did I just hear that the press are banned from Seattle Reign games?

Wayne – No, no, no we are not banning the media from Seattle Reign games. We will just do proper vetting.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Vets, doctor, teachers, lawyers, plumbers they are all allowed to watch games but not those “fake news” people. Everyone else is great but fake news people bad. They’re bad, bad, bad, people, just awful.”

Lane – Mr. McCurdy the vetting Mr. Wayne was referring to was for the media…you did understand that.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Yes. Everyone knows vetting serves a role but what is more important is checking people to make sure the right kind of people come into the arena to report on the games.”

Skeeter – That’s what Mr. Wayne said, hence the term vetting.

Luthor – I don’t think he understands….maybe he is obtuse

Brockman – I think he is a Sagatarius.

Scott Stevens – *slams fist on table* Enough can we get back to hockey talk.

Thiel – Have we even begun hockey talk? How about UFA and RFA signings? Would anyone be able to shed some light on why Seattle made the choices they did?

Chapman (McCurdy) – “We signed great players, just great players. The players we did not sign not so much great but we really got some teremendous players here, just tremendous.”

Thiel – Even Varlamov, as he was Seattle’s only signing?

Chapman (McCurdy) – “He is a tremendous guy, just tremendous. He is outstanding, just a great great guy and of course he’s Russian. You can’t go wrong with great Russians.”

Kent – What about those who lived under Stalin?

Tucker –Speaking of stalling can we hurry up and get an answer to the most important question. Moustache or no moustache *places finger above upper lip*

Luthor – I’ve never been a fan of hair.

Xavier – Same here.

Henry McCoy – Hair isn’t that bad.

Chewbacca – Hhhhraa aruugghhhh arwahhrs

Han Solo – Chewy agrees and says chicks dig hair

Lane – Yeah right.

Skeeter – They can keep telling themselves that if it helps them sleep at night

Prince – Yes….in a bed all by themselves.

*Lane, Skeeter and Prince high-five each other*

Rudman – Speaking of bed can we put to rest the rumor that this team is now focusing on Russian players?

Wayne – I categorically deny that to be the case.

Cowell – I concur.

Soze – We also scout heavily in Eastern Europe

Chapman (McCurdy) – “But not the Middle East. The Middle East is bad. Bad players in the Middle East. Bad, real bad guys in the Middle East. I am going to ban Middle East players from our team and Middle East people from coming to our games”

Kent – I don’t think you can do that.

Wayne – I think you misheard what he said. We are open to players from anywhere as long as they can help the team

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Except from the Middle East cause they are all bad from there. Just really bad people not great ones just bad ones”

Soze – That is not exactly what he means. Anyone can come here to play our borders are open.

Chapman (McCurdy) – “Unless you are from the Middle East, some bad hombres there, real bad hombres”

Wayne – I think we are experiencing difficulties with Mr. McCurdy’s feed. *nods to Stevens*

Chapman (McCurdy) – “ We are, why I can hear everything just fine, I was just saying about how all the bad people are in the Mid….*Stevens unplugs cable from laptop in front of Chapman and tosses it on ground*

Cowell – It appears we have lost the signal so the press conference will continue without Mr. McCurdy. Now where were we?

Nessman – I believe its’ the Conference Room at the Sound Garden Arena

Lane – Really Les?!?

Nessman – Yes I’m quite observant.

Skeeter – Like you see the “walls” in your office.

Kent – At leaset he reports on newsworthy events and not gossip

Soze – Speaking of gossip do you know the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled?

Luthor – Drafting Martin Brodeur

Chapman – That was the Devils not the Devil.

Ron Burgundy – Well the Devil is in the details….like the detailed stiching of my custom made suit that makes the ladies swoon *winks at Rita Skeeter*

Skeeter - *blushing* Oh Ron

Burgundy – Get used to saying that Rita.

Brockman – Yeah stay classy San Diego.

Burgundy – By Lucifer’s beard…that’s my tag line

Lane – Speaking of staying “classy” will Mr.McCurdy be joining us again?

Wayne – Wayne Enterprises is troubleshooting the problem. We hope to have it rectified.

Kent – So same bat channel?

Tucker – I think you meant National Geographic channel. That’s where the bat stories are found.

Nessaman – You can also find them in comic book stores.

Parker – Comics have lots of pictures and so do I.

Soze - Comics do not have pictures they have illustrations. That reminds me of the time I worked in an art store in Dayton Ohio

Luthor – Home of the champion Musicmen led By Mr. Bill Corfield?

Brockmans – I thought the only time he took the lead was on vocals with the band.

Neesman – He’s the lead singer of The Band?

Wayne – No not The Band but his own band.

*entering the room in a hurry are two gentlemen dressed in matching jumpsuits covered in glitter and sequins *

Siegfried Fischbacher – I heard there is a tiger on the loose around here

Soze – Yes he ran out that door and turned left.

Roy Horn - Do we have to go after him Siegfried. I’d rather stay retired.

Kent – Better hurry Jason Bourne was already hot on his tail.

Burgundy – Hot tail?!? Perhaps I should investigate this…Burgundy style.

Skeeter – But Ron what about us?

Burgundy – It could never last baby. Ron Burgundy is just too much man for only one woman. I need a new thrill now that I’ve had my fill.

Cowell – Oh you’re full of something allright.

*The two gentlemen in matching glittering outfits run flamboyantly out of the room*

Snagglepuss – Heavens to Murgatroid, well then if they’re heading left it’s time for me to exit stage right. Toodle doo.

Cowell – 2 talking cats in one room wow America’s got some talent.

Brockman – Sounds like it would make for an interesting show.

Cowell – Hmmm you’re right and I think I know who would be the perfect judge.

Kent – Judy?

Wayne – Reinhold?

Soze – Wapner?

Luthor – Dredd?

Stevens – Enough with the judge talk let’s get back to hockey.

Thiel – You retained a handful of RFA’s although none long term. Most of them are bottom line or role players so will this team struggle to win as many games as it did last year?

Soze – We are confident in the direction we are heading. The players we signed help fill needs or retain a specific role that the team needs. We know Coach Stevens will get the most out of these players.

Larry Stone – Yes but what about the fans? You are asking them to make commitments and they may not see a whole lot to cheer about in this upcoming season or even next season.

Chapman – We hope fans realize what we are trying to do and there may be some growing pains but we feel we have some good talent on this team and will add more in the upcoming season or two. Sometimes you have to take one step back before you can take two steps forward. Winning isn’t everything.

Nessman – It’s the only thing! *smiles proudly and looks around the room*

Stone – So what do you tell fans who expect wins?

Wayne – We need to provide a fun, entertaining experience for the whole family and try to put out the best product we can.

Rogers – I don’t think you have had success in doing that recently along with Mr. Kent.

Kent – What does this have to do with me, I’m doing my best but it’s so hard when everyone expects so much and then worries when you do show your abilities.

Tony Stark – Old man Rogers is right. Maybe you could start off by smiling more Clark…you’re always so morose. You’ve got a good job, a hot little lady *winks at Lois Lane, Lane blushes* and so much power in your fingertip. Just let loose and have some fun….you too Bruce…but hey you live in a cave…I mean manor. By the way do you validate parking, my jets on the roof and I don’t want to get ticketed.

Rogers – Really Stark! A plane parked on the roof. Did you ever hear of a cab?

Kent – I smile a lot see *attempts to part lips to show teeth, nose bunches up and bottom lip regresses into mouth as eyes get really wide*

Everyone in room except Kent – ewwwww!!

Lane – Clark please don’t. For me please don’t.

Stark– What can I say I like to travel in style…which reminds me I have to make sure the stretch limo picking up Pepper has the gold wheel rims and the pool.

Cowell – A limo with a pool, I like your style Mr. Stark.

Stark– Yes its’ hard being me but I am so damn good at it. *Tips a long stem glass full of champagne to the table of Reign executives as he taps a device on his ear*

Rudman – Okay so the Reign are looking to the future however that seems to be what was the philosphy a few years ago so isn’t the organization going back…back to the future.

Marty McFly – Not without me their not.

Doc Brown – Gadzooks Marty that means I’m going to need more fuel for the flux capacitor. I’ve got to contact me friends in the Middle East

McCurdy – *voice emenates from the PA speakers in the room* The Middle East is bad, bad people. I will not trade with any of those teams, it’s just awful trades for Seattle with those bad people from the Middle East. They are very desivious.

Soze – Where is his voice coming from?

Kent – Great job Wayne Enterprises *glares at Bruce Wayne*

Wayne – I have no idea what is happening. No one informed me we restablished connection.

Chapman – Sir are you sure you want to join us? You must have much more important things to do far away from the press…..like golfing on one of your beautiful, luxurious golf courses.

McCurdy – My courses are fantastic, just really fantsatic, great, great courses. Everyone raves about how they are the best courses just so terrific.

Grayson – Bruce do you want me to look further into this to see who or what is at work.

Wayne – Go to it Dick and get in touch with Alfred as maybe he can help.

Nick Fury – I suspect Hydra being involved.

G. I. Joe – Or perhaps Cobra Command

Luthor – Why is there a 12 inch talking man in the room and where did he come from?

Prince – Oh he’s adorable cute yet grizzled looking…he’s a real doll

Barbara Millient Roberts – I think the only doll around here is me *giggles*

Ken Carson – That’s right Barbie in my eyes you’re the only doll around here.

Cowell – *points to G.I. Joe* Can you sing? Or even play the piano for that matter. If you can I’ve got a show for you.

G.I. Joe – I’m wearing frickin’ army fatigues and your asking about singing and playing piano. Do you really need a 12 inch pianist?

Lane – I know I could use one…Am I right ladies?!

*Skeeter, Prince, Lane, Vicky Vale, Harley Quinn, Storm, Jane Grey, Natahsa Romanov and Chapman all high five one another*

All the males in the room – Really!?! Really!?!

Ken – I’d settle for something….anything

Barbie – So would I.

Elmer Fudd – Hewwo. Have any of you seen a tiger on the woose awound here?

Kent – Yeah he was here a little while ago. The talented Mr. Ripley and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum went after him.

Tweedle Dee and Tweddle Dum – * in unison* No we didn’t we’re right here.

Brockman – Before we get predicitions on how the Isotopes of Springfield will do can we wrap up what’s happening here in Seattle?

Luthor – Yes let’s move on to the draft

G.I. Joe – Draft? We don’t need a draft everyone should enlist.

Wayne – The draft we are referring to is one for hockey players not a military draft.

Thiel – Seattle’s selection of Nico Hischier with the 2nd overall pick was fairly predictable. What are the odds he is the #1 center for the franchise in a few years?

McCurdy – Predictions are often wrong…let me tell you. There usually made by the biased media and all those fake news reporters. Nico is a great player, just a tremendous player really, really great. I expect the people will think he is fantastic.

Prince – That might be the 1st honest thing you’ve said all day….the latter half of that anyway.

Tucker – What about the other players picked like Klim Kostin, Ryan Poehling, Jesper Boqvist and Mackenzie Entwistle to name but a few. What can you tell us about them?

Cowell – We’re happy with the talent we selected it’s a bit of a risk but we have to build and add to our prospect depth through the draft.

Chapman – That is why evaluating is essential which we do through extensive scouting which can be tough.

Tonto – I agree kemosabe.

Fudd – Speaking of scouting can anyone tell me exactwy what way dat Tiger wan?

Tonto – *leans over turns head so ear touches floor* It went West. The panther East.

Bugs Bunny – and I finally took that left turn at Albuquerque and this is where I end up….*sees Fudd* ehh what’s up doc?

Skeeter – You two know one another.

Fudd – Yes he waz da bane of my existence but no wonger. I am done hunting wabbits. *Exits room heading West*

Wayne – Did someone say Bane?

Grayson – Holy paranoid Bruce…not that Bane

Lane – Who is this Bane and is he a thorn in your side or something?

Wayne – He is a strong, determined person with a never say die attitude.

Thiel – Sounds like he would be a good fit on the left side for the Reign.

McCurdy – He sounds tremendous, just tremendous. I’ll get my people to veterinarian him right away and as long as he is not from the Middle East we will sign him.

Price – I think you are using the wrong word there Mr. McCurdy.

McCurdy – No I think tremendous is the word I wanted to use….I’ve got lots of big words, really great words like that to use. Everyone knows I have a large IQ.

Soze – Mr. McCurdy is just joking around with everyone…..Seattle will not be signing Bane but we have nothing against players from the Middle East .
Rudman – Will you be signing anyone as the roster is paper thin heading into the season.

Parker – Newspaper thin?!?

Stone – I think that ship has sailed kid.

Fury – Speaking of sailing, Stark, Rogers, Romanov we’ve got to go. There’s a situation taking place.

Luthor – Is it on the Jersey Shore?

Chapman – Oh come on….that’s so bad

Nessman – I don’t get it.

Xavier – Don’t worry Les…..neither does Barbie.

*room breaks out in laughter, except Ken who lowers head and shakes it from side to side and Barbie who frowns*

*3 small men about 6 - 8” tall enter the room each wearing a distinct coloured ensemble, red, yellow and blue*

Cowell – and who do we have here?

Parker – I’m getting a tingly feeling

Lane – Too much caffeine?

Fury – Parker are you joining us or what.

Stark – I already spoke to him about that.

Parker – I will but I have to do things on my own

Soze – Don’t you do that every handful of years….but you always look different. You like to keep people guessing.

McFly – and you like to keep the mystery going right up until the end.

Soze – I like suspense.

Burgundy – I like the ladies and a nice aged scotch

Sean Connery – Excuse me sir but that I will not partake in that sort of activity.

Xavier – He said scotch not Scot!

Connery – My apologies good sir.

Burgundy – I love that accent where are you from? No wait let me guess! Sounds a bit like those from the valley so I’m going to guess you are from San Fernando

Brockman – Wrong there amigo

Tucker – Burgundy is Mexican I had no idea.

McCurdy – Hmmm I have an idea about Mexico involving a wall

Thiel – Do you have any idea about what is happening with Seattle this season?

Skeeter – Wait a minute I still want to know who the 3 amigos who just enetered the room are.

McCurdy – More Mexicans I definitly need to do this wall thing.

The 3 small men – I’m Snap, this is Crackle and he’s Pop

Prince – Can we help you with something?

Snap– Yeah we’re looking for a Tiger.

Crackle – He headed this way about 20 minutes ago.

Pop – We really need to find this guy

Kent – Does he owe you money or something?

Snap – We’ve got a score to settle so we would like to talk to him to straighten things out.

Grayson – Holy breakfast meal…I recognize you 3. You were persons of interest in the death of that fruity related bird

Brockamn – Toucan Sam?

Grayson – Yeah him as well as Count Chocula, Cap’n Crunch and that little Irish guy

Wayne – Colin Farrell

Kent – No Lucky the Leperchaun

Crackle - Yeah his luck ran out.

Nessman – So did the Tiger about 20 minutes ago. He headed West with a lot of people on his tail.

Pop – Thanks Kemosabe.

Tonto – That my line.

McCurdy – Lines that’s what we need to stop, lines of Mexicans coming into Seattle Reign’s games. I will build a tremndous wall, a terrific wall, a great wall.

Lane – China already has one of those.

McCurdy – That’s why we have to stop outsourcing to China we need to have those things manufactured here in America. Seattle can do that, I’ll bring jobs and great hockey to Seattle.

Kent – Great this guy now has two promises he will fail to deliver on.

*Snap, Crackle and Pop turn around and exit the room whistling and chanting here kitty, kitty*

Burgundy – By Blackbeard’s beard, who were those guys?

Wayne – I f I’m not mistaken, and I never am because I’m batm…I mean I’m observant I’d say those 3 are cereal killers.

*A gasp echos through the room*

Stevens – Enough the press conference is over!! No more questions until the season starts. *Reign executives quickly get up form the table and depart the room*

McCurdy – Hey where is everyone going I’ve got great ideas, just terrific, fabulous ideas, really sensational ones. People will love them, you want to hear them?

Rudman – How about releasing Seattle’s financial numbers as rumor has it you want to have Washington state pay for a new arena.

McCurdy – Uhhhh I have to go I have auditors coming to look at my books and they will not permit them to be released. I hope you enjoyed hearing all my great ideas for the Reign. Make Seattle Great Again!! *PA goes silent*

Stone – What was that? He said a whole lot during the press conference without actually saying anything at all. How do people figure out if he is leading the Reign in the right direction if he doesn’t discuss his ideas, whatever they may be? *shakes head*

Kent – Let’s go Lois, to the Daily Planet offices we go

Skeeter – Back to Hogwart’s

Brown – Back to the future Marty

Luthor – I’ve heard that before

Brockman – Yes and the sequel sucks…don’t waste your time.

Nessman – You will be hearing me again on the radio with the 6 o’clock news.

Tucker – Ha!!! I doubt that as they will be watching me and my beautiful mustache at 6 o’clock

Brockman – What!! Sorry Tom but the viewers will be tuning in to watch me at that time.

Burgundy – Gentlemen, gentlemen I believe I have everyone’s interest and eyeballs with my action news team broadcast at 6 o’clock

Lane – Sounds like a fight is brewing

Burgundy – Oh no, no no. THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, NOT, NO, NO WAY. *composes himself, straightens jacket and uses hand to put his hair back into place* Sorry just had some bad memories from some of those in the past.

Parker – Haven’t we all.

Price – Yes we have.

Barbie – Hey sounds like everyone needs to have some fun so let’s all go back to my place for a BBQ and some drinks.

Ken – Sounds great babe

G.I Joe – There’s a lot of people here are you sure you can afford that.

Barbie – No problem I have plenty of money.

McFly – What do you do for a living?

Barbie – Lots of things. I’m an astronaut, a doctor, a nurse, a lawyer, a business woman, a veterinarian, an accountant, a teacher, an engineer, an architect, an actress, a singer, a flight attendant…

Grayson – Holy job fair..how do you work at all of those occupations?

Barbie – Not sure I guess I’m just imagina doing something and it become reality…. I was an astronaut when I was 6.

Lane – How old are you?

Barbie – We will talk.

Stark - *sidles up to Barbie* Yes we will, yes we will

Virginia “Pepper” Potts – Tony!!

Stark – What can’t a guy have a little harmless fun

Rogers – There’s nothing harmless about you

Stark – I know but there’s lots harmless about you and of course him *points at Ken, specifically towards his crotch*

Connery – Ha ha ha laddy great one there…you are in a league of your own a real extraordinary gentleman

Fury – No sir I think that title is all yours.

* One by one everyone except Art Thiel exits the room and from the shadows in the back emerges the same tall lanky figure from last season’s press conference. He once again is adorned in a purple suit, a bright green shirt matching his green hair. His white painted face is contrasted by his bright ruby red lips that run halfway up cheeks, he twirls an umbrella in one of his hands which are covered with purple leather gloves.

He looks at Thiel who catches his gaze and then sits down a couple of chairs away. The man in purple turns to Thiel

Unknown man – Can I ask you a question?

Thiel – I think you just did.

Unknown – Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…looks like I did but here’s another…did any of those people seem sane to you

Thiel – Uhhhh….. I guess not, but hey one could say they’ve got character.

Unknown – Character?!? Character?!? I go to Arkham Asylum but these people don’t. * beckons Thiel closer with his fingers and leans his head towards Thiel*

* Thiel leans in closer to the man*

Unknown - *whispers* they don’t have character…. *yells angrily* They are characters!!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha heee, heee , heee heee, ha ha ha hee heee heee. *he hops up out of his chair opens up the umbrella, waves his fingers at Thel and exits the room singing..”I’m singin in the rain, just singin in the rain, what a glorious feelin’ I’m happy again….*singing stops* ooooo lookee there is that a Tiger I see?

Thiel – *shakes head and mumbles* no matter what anyone says that guy is still a joker.