The Everblades announced their 11th signing of the off season this afternoon. The Blades newest defenceman, Jeff Dimmen, is only the third new player to be signed by the Blades.
Germain won't be anything new to him however. He spent his college career at the University of Maine, a College Classic regular. He won a Calder cup last season with the Norfolk Admirals and was a part of their record breaking winning streak.
He also appears to be a pretty tough dude if you ask me.
By the way, I adore this new contest the Blades are having on the teams Facebook page, but for the love of all that is holy, why aren't they better prepare and slightly punctual? At this point, I'm going to start adding 15 minutes to any time they announce.
We're slowly inching closer and closer to hockey season.
- Of course the Blades announced a player signing right after I give up waiting. Of course.
- The Blades also announced a charity golf tourney. Unfortunately, FEMA has banned me from any sport that includes equipment that can go flying into crowds of spectators after a minor debacle that involved a bat and a crowd just trying to enjoy a nice day of rec league softball. I'm sure you guys will have fun though.
- You'd have to be living under a rock to have missed the issues the NHL and PHPA are currently dealing with when it comes to a new CBA. Luckily, the ECHL and PHPA don't have to worry about that until next season (yay?). If you are interested, you can check out the highlights of the ECHL CBA (or pay for the full document if that's what floats your boat).
- I love this hockey cake so much! The owner of the photo has turned off my ability to share, but it's certainly worth the click.
- Finding this Matheiu Roy card on eBay almost gave me a heart attack. Then I realized it was the slightly older AHL journeyman that everyone always confuses with our wonderful captain.
- It's always interesting to see how cheap hockey jerseys can be on etsy. This vintage Rangers jersey is no exception
The Everblades keep announcing signings I approve of. This week, they announced Matt Marquardt will be returning.
He was definitely my favorite trade acquisition last year. We received him from the Bakersfield Condors in exchange for Josh Van Dyk.
He ended up with 6 goals and 12 assists in the playoffs. My favorite goal from the playoffs has to be this beauty, an overtime goal in game three of the Kelly Cup Final.
Obviously, that beauty of a goal was later overshadowed by the overtime goal we'll all remember forever, but it's still fantastic (and proof that the Wranglers had an awful ability to make the most heinous turnovers of all time at the worst possible time).
- The Checkers posted a great article on Justin Shugg. It's hard to believe he's only 20.
- I can't even believe someone has the gall to ask $20 for this Everblades shirt. It's obviously a freebie. Anyone have an idea when it came out? Then we'd be able to truly asses its collectability.
- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Asia League Ice Hockey". If anyone finds themselves in Northern Japan, I want a Nippon Paper Cranes shirt.
- I wish I could pull off the kind of clothes that require cufflinks, because these are awesome. Alas, peplum jackets and cufflinks don't really go together.
I don't know about you but this offseason is taking forever. Maybe your weekly serving of links can keep you busy for the 70-something days left in the offseason.
- The Blades signed some guy named Bobby Raymond yesterday. No big deal.
That was a total lie, I'm beyond excited about that news. Obviously there's still the possibility he'll sign an AHL deal (like David Rutherford), but if he plays in the ECHL at least we're guaranteed it'll be in a Blades jersey.
- I'm sure you guys won't be surprised by this link to the Third String Goalie blogs usual awesomeness.
- I know I normally share Blades stuff from eBay, but once I saw this Titans jersey I couldn't help myself. THE HORROR!
The Everblades announced their latest signing today and I'm pretty happy with it. You really can't beat a 6' 4'', 209 lb defensive defenseman.
His stats:
He might be familiar to you if you've been to the College Classic tournament the Blades hold every year. In seven games in Germain, he notched three assists, not too shabby.
Well, it looks like next season's taken care off guys, no need to worry anymore.
Rudy has returned ladies and gentlemen, obviously today's YouTube Tuesday has to be dedicated to him.
One day left in the contest by the way. Right now it looks like the autographed Brandon MacLean picture stays with me. I'm not complaining, but I thought someone would like it...
In what I can only assume is the Blades front office continuing to mess with me (because I'm just that delusional), they announced the signing of Brandon MacLean.
You may remember MacLean for that whole "ending 14 year Kelly Cup drought with a heart stopping overtime goal and making us all so happy we didn't have voices the next day" thing.
This is definitely good news. He was always fun to watch and obviously instantly became a fan favorite with that goal.
Personally, I'm hoping he can find a spot in the AHL (I pretty much want that for all the players), but I guess if he does have to play at the ECHL level it's good for us it will be in a Blades jersey.
Oh! This is the perfect time for a contest, isn't it?
Here we go: Leave your best nickname for Brandon MacLean in the blog's comments. I'll decide which is my favorite (though other fan votes may sway me in one direction or another) and award a MacLean autographed photo taken by yours truly to the best nickname. You'll also get the satisfaction of seeing it used constantly (by me at least) and bragging rights.
Three rules:
1. Please keep it clean. I don't need to be seen as any crazier than I already am. I'll be using this nickname while tweeting and blogging, be nice.
2. If you've won something before, you can't win this. Just giving everyone a chance to win something.
3. At least three people have to enter for the prize to be awarded, so maybe, I don't know... share the joy of Swamp Hockey with those you love?
You have until next Wednesday to think one up. Good luck.
Also, I believe the Everblades will be announcing their 15th anniversary logo today. Personally, I'm terrified, because the logo is so awesome you really can't improve on it.
It's a little funny that signing immediately bring me out of a terrible writing funk. I'm not going to complain though, it's always fun to see a new player in action, especially when it can mean good things for the Blades.
- We may have lost Justin Shugg, but we signed a forward with a Kelly Cup Championship ring in his place. Kory Falite won last season with the Alaska Aces, and was playing in Norway. Now he's all ours. His stats:
- The Lightning have sent us defenseman Charles Landry. His stats:
- Some bad news: Alex Hutchings was moved to the 21 day IR list. Not good at all.
- I didn't take that many pictures at the Teddy Bear toss because all the seats in my favorite section were bought before I could get to the arena (and then NO ONE SAT IN THEM, grrrr). This is my favorite though. Pat Nagle chilling with his new bestie.
- I'm super proud that I've had one of my photos appear in an actual magazine! It was included with a story on how amazing the Jr. Blades have been playing this season (if you still haven't been to a game, you suck). Skip to page 15 for the story (and my photo).
- The Blades start a three game in three days road series tonight in Gwinnett. They're eighth in the conference and last in the division. Losing is not an option at this point.
- Must mean it's time for a doggie picture then, eh?
The Blades kicked off their second home series against the Jackals last night. With a severely gutted roster, the Blades had no choice but to play smart.
The first goal of the night was pretty much the way the Jackals goals would be all night. Slightly flukey, slightly goalie Pat Nagle's fault, all bad news. The Jackals first goal, 14 seconds into the game made it 1-0. The score remained that way until a little after the nine minute mark when a power play goal from David Rutherford tied it up (assist to Beca and Fischer). The period ended with things all tied up 1-1.
The second period saw the weakest tripping call ever on Trevor Bruess. Of course the Jackals were able to convert on that power play to take a 2-1 lead 3:35 into the period. About a minute later, the Blades responded with a goal from Matt Beca to tie it up once again (assists to Tardif and Lawson). 23 seconds later the Jackals took the lead for the third time, but the Blades tied it right back up a minute later with a goal from Luc Tardif (assisted by Donald).
About 30 seconds later the Everblades took the first lead of the night with a goal from Trevor Bruess (assists to Van Dyk and Fischer). Unfortunately, another weak call on the Everblades allowed it to be tied up 4-4 with a Jackals goal in the closing minutes of the period. The score remained tied 4-4 when the buzzer sounded on the period.
The third period was quiet, for the most part. the ref decided to put his whistle away and let the guys play. Unfortunately, the Jackals were able to score in the latter half of the period to make it 5-4. The Blades tried their hardest, but they couldn't beat the Jackals netminder and the period enede with the blades losing 5-4 to the Jackals.
Some thoughts:
- I really thought the Blades were the better team. They held Elmira in their end for long, intense, stretches.
- I still think that Elmira's goalie is beatable. The guys just need to be ready to pot a rebound.
- I don't know if it was the ice was an issue. The puck seemed to be bouncing a lot more than usual and a lot of guys were having skate issues.
- A few people have mentioned that two Blades goals were not called because the ref was out of position. I'm not sire if that's true or not, but the ECHL's officiating isn't spectacular so I'm not surprised if it is.
- I'm underlining this for impact: The Blades need to stop looking for calls after every slightly illegal play or move from the opposing team. Either the penalty will be called or it won't. The game continues until the ref blows the whistle, no exceptions, don't stop playing, don't stop pressuring.
There is some good news though. The Checkers have returned forward Justin Shugg. I, for one, am happy to have the Shuggernaut return when we need offensive firepower desperately. The Blades signed goalie Billy Sauer yesterday. You may remember him, and his fight with Bobby Goepfert, from last season. I feel like I should make a sign that reads "It's OK Billy, Big Bad Bobby Goepfert isn't here anymore. You're safe... for now."
One more thing, Toys for Tots tomorrow night. If I see anyone in a Blades jersey walk up without a toy you're getting Clacksoned (I'm using this to describe jumping someone from behind and beating them up from now on). Also, Teddy bear toss Saturday. I look forward to getting pelted with stuffed animals and I hope any of you who sit close to the glass do as well.
The first step to examining who is who at training camp is to learn the guys already on the team. As of right now, these are your 11-12 Everblades:
Learn them, love them, pick a favorite or a least favorite (amazingly I haven't yet).
Worth noting- a couple of guys on this list are currently trying out with an AHL club, and obviously won't be in camp.
Now, time to examine the guys trying out. Remeber, practice is supposed to happen at 2:45 on the Green rink at Germain.
Forwards Ernie Hartlieb
Do I even have to post his stats?
Lucas LaBelle
Oleg Kuzmin-
You may remember him trying out last season. He played last season with the Jr. Blades and absolutely tore up their league.
Colin Reddin-
Jesse Gimblett-
One of a pair of twins trying out (scroll down for his brother).
Defensemen Tyson Gimblett-
Kent Trentowski
Goalies Brian Markowicz
-Our emergency back-up goaltender for large chunks of last year. He never played in a game, though he came close to beiung put in at least once.
I know I'm not the only one who was looking forward to today. The first day of training camp means we're so close to season you can see it. To celebrate what is essentially hockey Thanksgiving by making today's links all about the Blades. It's a Bladestraviganza!
- First up, a definition of hockey Thanksgiving- We're close enough to Christmas (opening night) you can taste it, but not quite there yet. To make up for it you see a ton of old friends you haven't talked to much for the last six months and maybe eat some pretty unhealthy food (anything you buy in the arena).
- Stories on this season's roster from the NDN and News-Press. According to both articles the team is "younger" "hungrier" and "grittier". Okeydokey then.
- A new season means you need a new jersey (at least that's what I tell myself to excuse having four jerseys in my closet) Lucky for you, there are quite a few Everblades jerseys on eBay right now. This one looks like the best deal to me (a little too big for my tastes).
- Remember former Blade Shane Hnidy? Looks like he'll be an analyst for the Winnipeg Jets radio broadcast.
- This has nothing to do with the Everblades, but it was so funny I had to post it.
For once my procrastination has paid off. The Everblades announced two signing today. One, forward Leigh Salters, we already knew about. The other, Swedish forward Greger Hanson, was a surprise. What's even more surprising about his signing?
Videos of him in action.
It just keeps on going too.
I'm calling this now, first player with an ECHL contract to get picked up by an AHL team? Greger Hanson. Count on it.
I love any sort of announcement from the Everblades. They are, for the most part, one of the most reliable sources of good news to land in my Twitter stream, facebook wall or inbox. My favorite announcement is, by far, a player signing. The only way they make those announcemnts better is to announce a player I liked has decided to come back.
Seriously, it's just like getting a hockey themed cake for your birthday. Not that I'm dropping hints or anything guys (if I was I'd mention a half Blades, half Penguins cake that somehow involves Iceburg and Swampee hugging would be the greatest thing on Earth).
Where was I? Uh, yeah... David Fischer is back!
Still my favorite phot from last season. Awwww.
How can I not be happy? We get more of this:
My view of the tail end of the same fight:
Oh man. Season really is almost here. I'm so ready.
I promised a re-cap of the Blades news from the last two weeks and here it is.
- The Blades signed forward David Rutherford (you can find him on twitter here). This video of him in action is pretty spectacular.
Anyone want to wager on when he gets poached by an AHL team? I give it two months into the season.
- Maybe it's just my hatred of change, but yay! Tyler Helfrich is back!
- Other good news: Mike McKenzie and Matt Beca have re-signed with the Checkers. I find it hard to believe that McKenzie will be back, but I'm pretty pumped at the prospect of seeing Matt Beca in action again.
- Possibly not good news (depends on how you feel I guess): Trevor Hendrikx and Brad Good are headed to the CHL. Brad Snetsinger is headed to play in Europe with an Italian team.
- The team announced Kevin Reiter's replacement. We get... the Nailers broadcaster? OK... I guess it's at least a weather upgrade for him. I can't make any judgments on his style as I rarely had to listen to the other teams broadcaster. So, uh, yay!
- The team announced the preseason games this season will be against one of the two new... or maybe three, do the Titans formerly known as the devils count? Either way, we play the Chicago Express. I love that we get an early introduction to one of the newest teams in the league.
- Last, but not least, all the Everblades related blog stuff is updated. The roster, calendar, map, affiliations and league chart are all current. Remember, the calendar has the games and players birthdays and will have the special promotions when those dates are announced.
Well, the Checkers made it official yesterday. They signed goalie John Muse to a two way contract. With Mike Murphy and former Everblade Justin Peters guaranteed the two AHL spots on the team, it's likely we'll see Muse fill the roll Bobby Goepfert played in last season.
I'm pretty sure there is no better way to celebrate the prospect of seeing a very promising goalie start his professional career than with a ton of YouTube videos of his college career.
Exciting right? Make sure you follow him on Twitter (if your up with the newfangled technology kids are using these days).
