Here's your late afternoon serving of some piping hot Friday links.
- I was aware they had an ice hockey league in England, I just didn't care. Now that they have one of my favorite players it's time for me (and all of you) to read up. Your Wikipedia hockey page- "Elite Ice Hockey League".
- This is a pretty cool ranking of all the goalies in the AHL. Our affiliates goalies did pretty well, Albany's Justin Peters is 10th, and Rochester's Alexander Salak is 18th. The AHL goalies we've had did not fair as well, Barry Brust is on the list at 61, and Chris Beckford-Tseu is on at 102 (which is not fair considering he's spent most of the year here).
- I'm not into hockey cards at all, but I think the picture of the player on the card should be hockey related. A Tractor? Really?
(I'll post the Friday links later this afternoon. Right now, we mourn the loss of Big Red)
I'm not going to gloat about being right about one of the players I suggested may not return signing with another team. Sadly, I was right about Brad Zanon. He's off to England to play for the Coventry Blaze.
You can check out these stories (here and here). Basically, the coach liked what he saw when Red was playing college, they love his numbers, and he'll have the opportunity to go to college. You have to be proud of the guy choosing to further his education, at some point every hockey player has to retire and find a normal job. I'm a little upset that this team can offer a deal like this and we can't, even though we have a university pretty much across the street!
I'm happy for him, but I'm sad we're losing one of the most dependable defensemen on the roster for the last two seasons. It is also bit sad that the Zanon/Thelen line has been split up.
The only thing I have left to say is this- You have been blessed with the greatness of a Zanon Coventry, you better appreciate it. (You need to come back Metclaf. I'm not putting up with a bunch of rookies and Thelen)
I'm having some minor Internet issues at the moment (do yourself a favor and don't ever use HughesNet). Until I can get it working, i'm just throwing up this quick post.
The Everblades announced today that Coach Malcom Cameron has resigned. I don't think anyone is really too suprised after how this season has gone. I'm not going to celebrate him not coming back next season, but I am going to admit I'm very relieved. From what I have heard many of the players were not happy with his coaching style. Some even chose to go to other teams, or not even play, because of him. A coach that chases away players makes the organization look bad.
I'm excited that this may mean that players who left just because of him may return. It really would be so great to see Peter Metcalf come back, he was a very dependable player. It would also be nice to maybe see Steve McJannet return. Who am I kidding? It would be the best thing ever if Trouble came back.
I am worried that some guys (Zanon and Nicholson come to mind) would not want to play for another coach. I also worry that a new coach means a new system, and some players won't fit into the new style. We won't really find out what any of this means until next season starts. How much longer until next season?
*** Update! ***
Now i'm seeing rumors floating around on the Internet. One, that Cameron is headed to the AHL, most likely the Houston Aeros. I'm not teribly suprised by that. He had a good relationship with the team when he coached the Wildcatters. The Wild also fired the old coach of the Aeros recently. I would resign from an ECHL position if I had an AHL one lined up too. The other rumor that seems to be coming from the players is that Ernie Hartlieb has expressed interest in coaching the Everblades. I'm not suprised by the idea of Ernie as a coach, he's super popular with fans and players alike, and it's obvious he has a great mind for the game. He also has a great relationship with the Blades organization. A transition from player to coach would be easy for him. It may also explain his CallIup to the AHL as well, a kind of last hurrah and parting gift from the teams to a well liked guy.
There hasn't been any recent Everblades news, and probably won't be for some time. For now, enjoy this freaky goal by Drew Paris (I'm still mad about the Blades bot signing him by the way).
Season hasn't been over for a whole week yet and I'm bored out of my skull. I'm pretty sure you guys may be too. Here are some links to entertain you for today at least...
- You may be aware of my goalie addiction. If your not, check out this set I have up on Flickr to understand why I love goalies so much.
- Another reason for my goalie obsession- Jacques Plante
- Your wikipedia hockey page "Underwater Hockey", I have finally found a type of hockey that I'd be good at.
- Woody had this interesting article on the possibility of the ECHL absorbing teams from the IHL, which may be in danger of folding. You can also check out this article about one IHL's teams options for the future, and what a change to the ECHL could mean.
- I have so many awesome pictures I can't use because of the weird faces the players always seem to be making. Instead of allowing a decent picture languish on my hard drive, I think I'll post them on Fridays. Enjoy a really excited Ross Carlson...
The Blades are having the end of the season jersey auction next Thursday at 6:00, I'm tempted to go and blow the money I've saved for next semesters school books on a jersey. Of course, I'd end up buying the jersey of a guy I'm not a big fan of just because his jersey was going for less than the other guys.
Just a heads up: Within the next few days (I'm told no more than 3) the old blog address will redirect to the new site (http://www.swamphockey.com/) which should be up and running at some point today. I'm expecting some problems, nothing ever ends up being as easy as this has been, but it should be worked out soon.
As promised, here are some more pictures from the Blades last game. I should be able to get the video I took of the handshakes and salute to the fans up some time today.
It's almost time for the puck to drop on what could be the last game of the Everblades season. So far, the Blades have lost three is a row to the Reading Royals. One more loss in this best of seven series ends it all.
Will the Blades find a way to force a game 5, or will they channel their inner Carolina Hurricanes and be steamrolled by the Royals in four games?
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It was good to see the Blades play a solid period of hockey. They were dominant for most of the early minutes. They managed to hold the Royals from getting a single SOG for quite a few minutes. There were a lot of close calls, thanks to some really bouncy pucks. Chris Beckford-Tseu has been really solid. He's been run over by both his own player, and by a Royals player. The Royals came on really strong in the last six minutes, but the Blades held them off. The final score as the players left the ice was 0-0.
Hopefully, the Blades keep up their playoff habit of having an awesome second period.
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The Royals really turned on the pressure in the second. The only thing that kept the Blades alive for that period was a solid preformance from Becks. You could tell the teams really don't like each other. Their was a big scrum at the end of the period, and from the looks of it, some dudes will be sitting in the penalty box at the start of the third. The score at the end of the period was still 0-0.
Is it crazy to hope for some third period Blades magic? I'm crossing my fingers, and making deals with the hockey gods...
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I guess it was only a matter of time before one of the teams would score. The Royals drew blood first (I could have lived without the jumping on the glass, but oh well). Mike Bayrack was able to tie it up. Unfortunately, the Royals took the lead again and the Blades just couldn't get it back. The final score of the last game of the season was 2-1.
I'm sad that the seasons over, but I'm already starting to think about next season.
Tonight is the night. The Blades have their backs against the wall, a loss tonight means it's all over. Because of this, I'm dedicating this YouTube Tuesday to Everblades goals. Perhaps watching these will build some hockey mojo...
And hopefully, we hear this sound a lot...
I will be live blogging from the game as always, so check back! And if, by chance, you have a weird good luck ritual, do it (there is nothing as odd as letting your cat sleep on your jersey, so you can't be crazier than me). The boys need all the help they can get. Showing up for the game to cheer the boys on would help too.
The Blades return home in a perilous position. They're down 2-0 in the series to the Reading Royals. They've had a lot of good things happen, but they just can't seem to overcome the Jackals offense. Is tonight the night the Blades crack the Royals? Lucky cat's ready, are you?
The Blades didn't have a very good first period. I'm hoping this means the other two will be better. They seemed very disinterested for most of the period. Thanks to some great saves by goalie Chris Beckford-Tseu, the Blades are only down 1-0 so far this game (which is pretty good compared to the last two games is pretty good). It's only the first period, the Blades have plenty of time to come back.
The Blades couldn't have played a better period. They dominated for most of the period. Unfortunately, they didn't get any reward for their hard work. This is has almost become a duel between Becks and Dalton. Both goalies have been making awesome saves, and the score at the end of the period showed. Both teams left the ice to the Royals up 1-0 on the Blades.
The Blades need to keep it up. They have an entire period to work with, and they love to have third period comebacks.
The Blades worked harder than I can ever remember them working. Kevin Baker was able to tie it up with about six minutes to go. It was a well earned reward for their hard work. Unfortunately, the Royals were able to get a puck past Becks with 3 minutes left in the period (which totally sucked after he had such an awesome game). The Blades couldn't find a way to even it up again. The final score was 2-1, and the Royals took a 3-0 lead in the series.
The Blades played the way they needed to against the Royals. It's a shame they couldn't be rewarded for their hard work. I have honestly never seen a team that has the Royals particular combination of skill and luck. Hopefully, this is a real wake up call, and the Blades find whatever it is they have been missing. It's no fun to play with your back against the wall, but, the Blades have put themselves here and now they have to get themselves out.
The Blades lost to the Royals 5-4 last night. Unfortunately, I missed most of the game, and I hate writing a re-cap from the game sheet and the teams press release. Because of that, I'm going to be lazy and just leave those links for you.
Although I doubt you guys even noticed the lack of links last Friday, I still feel bad about missing it. To make it up to you I'll post this funny picture of Ernie.
- I really want this shirt, might order one next pay day...
- Some random hockey anecdotes, at least read down to the one about Bobby Hull's toupee.
- You can own an authentic, signed, game worn, Olympic hockey jersey. The problem? It's for Norway, and you have to have it shipped from England. Still, it says Norge on the front which is cool. I wish someone would put the team Finland jerseys up, they were cool.
- I was trying to see where Ross Carlson's goal 11 seconds into the second period Wednesday stood record-wise, but I couldn't find anything. I did find all the different records for the ECHL. I also found Danny Sabourin (one of my least favorite Penguins goalies) actually set a record.
The Blades will be back in town tomorrow night to take on the Royals. As always, check back for the live blog!
The Puck is about to drop on the first game of the second series of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Blades have a big fight on their hands. Here's hoping they play their best, they can do almost anything when they do.
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Would you believe 4-2 is the score at the end of the first period? It is. Chris Beckford-Tseu was pulled after the second goal (in the opening minutes of the game) for Adrien Lemay. The Blades were able to narrow the lead thanks to a power play goal from Milan Gajic. The Royals answered back thanks to a turnover to make it 3-1. Another goal from Mike Bayrack narrowed the Royals lead once again, but the Royals got it back to make it 4-2.
Hopefully, they wake up. There hasn't been terribly sloppy play, and they did dominate for the closing minutes of the period, but they can't sit back and let this team come to them.
They better get a good, loud, yelling from Cameron, and they better wake up.
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I guess if the Blades were going to (finally) have a great period that was the best time to have one. Captain Ross Carlson started the period of right, notching a goal 11 seconds into the period to make it 4-3. Ryan Lang (who is now the ginger wonder) tied it up 4-4, and the sound of angry Reading fans over the radio was awesome. A power play goal by Mike Bayrack with 50 seconds to go in the period made it 5-4. That goal gave him two goals and two assists and officially made him the beast of the game (new thing, get used to it)!
The Blades compleatly dominated the Royals in a way they haven't all year. It would be amazing to see them keep this up. Right now they have momentum on their side, they just have to keep it up.
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Holy crap the third was more nuts than the second. The Blades were able to convert on the power play early in the third to make it 6-4, and give Mike Bayrack the hat trick. Unfortunately, the Royals battled back quickly scoaring three goals to make it a 7-6 game. Although Lemay was pulled for the extra attacker the Blades just couldn't force overtime, and the Royals won game one of the series. Blame lucky cat...
(must be lucky for Bayrack only)
Overall it was a good game for both teams.The Blades had an amazing second period, but they couldn't stop the Royals. If they can play the way they did the second period consistently they really could dominate. They just can't let Reading battle back. The Royals really can't be underestimated, they know how to come fast and furious.
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They take the Royals on tomorrow, but I have a class I can't skip. So, I'm expecting you guys to update me for once (at least until I get out). Also, the final game sheet is here.
The Blades begin the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs tonight against the Reading Royals. To get you ready I'm tossing some links your way. But first, a little Ramones to get pumped up!
- You can find the series schedule here. Four games at home woohoo (I miss the first one though, boo)!
- Here is Woody's series prediction, which I definitely stand behind. If you haven't read it yet, you really should, the numbers are very interesting. By the way, some people are total comment buzz kills, sheesh.
- (I love how fast Wikipedia is, even on minor league hockey stuff) Here is the Wikipedia link for the 2010 Kelly Cup Playoffs. And here is their awesome playoff brackets to help break everything down.
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I avoided this last time, but I guess I'll throw out a prediction. Remember I'm not a sports journalist, a hockey expert, and I'm a terrible Everblades homer (see #4).
I'm calling a Blades win in 7 games. It's going to be a nasty, dirty series. At least one game will go to OT, and at least one player will be fined and suspended for a game. This is going to be a tough series for the Blades. If they can find what they had last game, and keep it up, they will win this series by the skin of their teeth. Of course, I'm silently praying the Royals have a playoff implosion (think the Hurricanes last season).
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For tonight's game you can listen on your radio, AM 1200, or you can check out these sources.
- The Fox Sports feed, Hopefully, it doesn't cut out during the last minute of a really intense game (why yes, I'm still mad about that).
- To watch the game live, you can check out the B2 Network. You will have to pay, although it's only about $8.00 for a game, not too bad. If only I had better Internet...
- You can also follow me on Twitter, for up to the minute updates, and my usually snark.
- This is the ECHL's daily schedule and scores page where you can check out the score sheet and game summary.
As always, check back here for the live blog, where I'll re-cap each period.
I'm a little late posting these, but I think I took some good ones. Enjoy!
On a side note, the Reading Royals/Kalamazoo Wings series is tied up (thanks to a K-Wing win in overtime). Once the series is decided, the Eveblades will announce the schedule for round two of the playoffs.
The puck is about to drop for Game 5. After losing to the Jackals last night, the Blades face a must win situation. The Blades have to find the momentum early and the game, kill penalties, shut down the Donatis (and Cunningham), and get a stellar performance from Chris Beckford-Tseu.
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The first period was pretty even, and both teams had a chance on the power play (including a brief 4 on 3 for the Blades). The difference?
Mike Bayrack scored on our power play.
The goal was notched with one second left on the power play to make it 1-0. Despite some major pressure, the Jackals were not able to slip any past Chris Beckford-Tseu (who had some awesome saves). The period ended with the Everblades up 1-0 on the Jackals.
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The second period was really going well for the Everblades. They kept the Jackals from even getting a shot in their first power play. They were even able to score one to take a 2-0 lead thanks to Milan Gajic. Unfortunately it all came tumbling down in the closing minutes of the second when Ernie Hartlieb was called for holding. The Jackals quickly made the smart (but scummy) move of calling for a stick check on Brandon Buck.
The Jackals were able to convert on their 5 on 3 to make it 2-1. They were able to convert on the 5 on 4 (on an odd bounce) to make it 2-2 with only seconds left in the second period.
Hopefully, the Blades wake up, or the Jackals mess up.
And for the love of god, someone slap the equipment dude for me.
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(I know I'm a bit late on this part of the re-cap, oops)
The Blades team that reurned to the ice was the Blades team that needs to show up to every single game for the rest of the playoffs. They played smart (not a single penalty), They maintained control for the most part, and they scored the goals they had to score. Matthew Pistilli broke the tie 2:23 into the third period. The Jackals attempted to mount a major offensive, but were repelled time and time again. Ultimately, their offensive power was their downfall. The Blades goals werealmost all due to turnovers or odd-man rushes. The nail in the coffin was a empty net goal by Milan Gajic with 55 seconds to go. The Jackals made one last statement, scoaring a goal with one second to go, but it was too little too late and they lost 4-3.
Sad for them, but good for us. With that win the Blades move on to next round of the Playoffs. They will take on the winner of the Reading Royals/Kalamazoo Wings series (which may end tonight if Reading wins).
With last night's 6-2 victory in Elmira (game sheet here), the Blades are one win away from moving on to the next round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. If they keep up their winning ways they will be taking on the winner of the K-Wings/Royals series. Check back at the end of each period for a re-cap of each.
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From the very beginning of the period it was obvious the Jackals were not going away quietly. A power play goal gave them the first goal (their first, first goal of the series). The Blades quickly answered back with two goals in quick succession (thanks to Guthrie and Pistilli) to take the lead 2-1. Unfortunately the Jackals were able to tie it up with another power play goal in the closing minutes of the first period. Both teams left the ice with the score tied up 2-2.
The Blades are getting a lot of chances from the same sloppy play that's put the Jackals in the position they're in tonight. If the Blades can take advantage of all the turnovers they just might be able to close it down.
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The second period was as intense as the first. Once again, the Jackals took the lead with a go ahead goal. The Blades got it back thanks to a goal from Milan Gajic to make it 3-3. Unfortunately, the Jackals scored in the closing minutes to end the period up 4-3 on the Blades.
The Blades really didn't do anything terrible, the Jackals have just had the better bounces so far. If they can keep up the pressure they should have a chance.
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Ok, never mind. Two Jackals goals did it. No amount of Becks standing on his head could save the Everblades. The final score was 6-3.
Sigh.
This series is going to a fifth game, it will be tomorrow at 4:05. Let's hope the Blades can pull a miracle from somewhere.
The Blades are taking on the Jackals in game two of their series. Can the Blades keep up their winning ways? Will Chris Beckford-tseu make those timely saves? Will the Jackals wake the heck up and play hockey? Will their goalie help us score? Will I continue to ask pointless rhetorical questions?
Check back for the re-cap at the end of each period to find out!
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There was a lot of back and forth during the first period, and a ton of scuffles. Unfortunately, neither team ws able to score, ansd they left the ice tied 0-0. There were some bright spots, the Ref seems to be on our side tonight, and the Jackals are still slopy as heck.
The Blades just need to have a decent second period (for once), and they may have a chance.
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I guess a decent second period was a lot to wish for. The Blades drew first blood with a goal from Lampe. Sadly, the Jackals tied it up not long after. Two more goals by the Jackals sent the teams off the ice to a score of 3-1. The final SOG totals are a huge indicator of how the period went, Blades 11 and Jackals 21.
The teams are certainly really developing a nasty rivalry. The play is getting super physical, tons of big checks are being thrown. There are also a lot of scuffles after the whistle, tons chirping, and both teams are taking cheap shots at each other.
The third is going to be very interesting...
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Yeah, about the whole the third is going to be interesting.... it wasn't. In fact the third period sucked. After two more goals by the Jackals (5-1 if your keeping track) my mind started to wander. Although there was some debate about one of the goals not be legit, I was really more concearned with who i hated more. Was it the annoying Elmira fan with the smokers voice? Or the dude behind me trying to impress his date by talking about the power kill (power play moron!)?
The Blades did score with 15 seconds left to make it 5-2. Lampe got his second goal of the night and third of the playoffs. Obviously they couldn't score the three goals they needed in the last 15 seconds.
The boys now have to travel to Elmira for game three on Friday. If they don't wake up in time that will be the last game they play at home this season.
I got some really great pictures last night (I have a new favorite section), and the Blades won! Check 'em out!
(This should be the second goal of the game)
I will be live blogging tonight's game, so make sure you check back later for the re-caps at the end of each period. Also, for live updates you can follow me on Twitter (I've been quite funny lately, you really are missing out if you're not following me).
