Hockey's in the air! (at least, it is for the WHL... )

Training camp is underway in the WHL and other leagues.

While you wait for the NHL CBA talks to come to SOME kind of fruitful end, you can check out (and support!) your local team. 

Here's the schedule breakdown for US Division teams. If you don't follow the US Division, you can find a breakdown of training camp schedules at the WHL's website (www.whl.ca). Or, check out your local team's website.

 Everett Silvertips (www.everettsilvertips.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Comcast Community Rink/Comcast Arena

Thursday, August 23:
8:00am – 2:00 pm   Practices (each team individual practice, plus goalie session)
3:45 pm Team Grey vs. Team Green
5:30 pm Team Blue vs. Team Red
 

Friday, August 24:
8:00am – 2:00 pm Practices
3:45 pm Team Green vs. Team Blue
5:30 pm Team Grey vs. Team Red
 

Saturday, August 25:
8:00am – 2:00 pm Practices
3:45 pm Team Green vs. Team Red
5:30 pm Team Grey vs. Team Blue
 

Sunday, August 26:
8:00am 3rd place team vs. 4th place team
9:15 am 1st place team vs. 2nd place team
2:00 pm Green vs. Grey Game

Seattle Thunderbirds (www.seattlethunderbirds.com)

Training Camp Schedule at ShoWare Center
Thursday, August 23
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Friday, August 24
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Saturday, August 25
3:00pm Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey

Sunday, August 26
9:00am Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey
4:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White vs. Team Grey

Monday, August 27
5:30pm Team Blue vs. Team White

Tri City Americans (www.amshockey.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Toyota Center

Thursday, August 23
9:00am to 10:15 am – Practice (Team Gold)
10:30am to 11:45am – Practice (Team Grey)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Friday, August 24
9:00am to 10:15 am – Practice (Team Grey)
10:30am to 11:45am – Practice (Team Gold)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Saturday, August 25
9:00am to 10:15 am – Power Skating Session (Team Gold)
10:30am to 11:45am – Power Skating Session (Team Grey)
5:45pm to 6:45pm – Goaltenders Session
7:00pm to 9:00pm – Scrimmage (Gold vs. Grey)

Sunday, August 26
10:00am – Blue vs. White Game (*New teams selected)

Spokane Chiefs (www.spokanechiefs.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Spokane Arena

Thursday, August 23rd
10:30am to 12:15pm - Klemm vs. Bruton
1:00pm to 2:45pm - Klemm vs. Sawyer
3:30pm to 5:15pm - Bruton vs. Sawyer

Friday, August 24th
11:00am to 12:45pm - Bruton vs. Sawyer
1:30pm to 3:15pm - Bruton vs. Klemm
4:00pm to5:45pm - Klemm vs. Sawyer

Saturday, August 25th
10:00am to 11:45am - Sawyer vs. Klemm
12:30pm to 2:15pm - Sawyer vs. Bruton
5:45pm to 7:00pm - Bruton vs. Klemm

Sunday, August 26th
Red-White Scrimmage - 1:00 p.m.

SOUVENIR STAND
Thursday through Saturday - 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
Sunday - 12:00pm - end of game

Portland Winterhawks (www.winterhawks.com)

Training Camp Schedule at Winter Garden

Thursday, August 23rd                     
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Heath vs. Mick           
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Holland vs. Yaremchuk    

Friday, August 24th
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Yaremchuk vs. Mick
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Holland vs. Heath

Saturday, August 25th                   
4:00pm to 5:30pm – Holland vs. Mick     
5:45pm to 7:15pm – Heath vs. Yaremchuk 

Sunday, August 26th
9:00am to 10:30am – Teams TBD – Third place game
10:45am to 12:15pm – Teams TBD – First place game

Catching up on T-Birds & 'Tips news

The WHL season is now just a few weeks away and teams have been busy, shoring up rosters, extending coaching contracts and preparing for training camp and pre-season action.  One team is also celebrating a milestone anniversary.

The Everett Silvertips are marking their tenth year of existence by hosting their first-ever "Alumni Weekend" August 10 and 11. A number of former players will return to Everett for a weekend of festivities, including Leland Irving, Torrie Wheat, Zack Dailey, and Taylor Ellington. Fans can rub elbows with former players at a golf outing and banquet. Registration deadline was July 16, but it's worth it to call and see whether there are still any openings. Click here for more info. (BTW, the team will unveil its new logo and redesigned uniform at the alumni dinner)

Speaking of former Silvertips, one of the team's most popular players will remain behind the bench for two more years. The 'Tips gave former D-man/Captain/Assistant Coach Mitch Love a two-year contract extension. He was a highly respected player and continues to be a fan favorite as a coach. You can read more about his deal by clicking here.

The 'Tips' other Assistant Coach is lending his talents to Team USA (again). Chris Hartsburg is spending his summer vacation helping coach USA's Under 17 team, which will compete in the Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic next week. This isn't the first time that Team USA has tapped Hartsburg, proving that he's got some good coaching chops (from dad Craig?). Click here to read more about Chris' summer plans.

Once again, the Silvertips will host a Pre-Season Classic tournament at Comcast Arena. This year's event takes place Friday, August 31 - Monday, September 3 and includes US Division rivals Seattle Thunderbirds, Portland Winterhawks, Spokane Chiefs and Tri City Americans. The 'Tips are offering some sweet ticket deals. Here's the info.

Everett will open the 2012-13 season at home on Saturday, September 22 against the Prince George Cougars. The puck drops at 7:05. Get your tickets here.  Click here for the team's full schedule.

To follow all of the Silvertips action, check out their website. Or follow them on Twitter: @WHLSilvertips - or like their Facebook Page.  And make sure you're reading Nick Patterson's stories and blogs at the Everett Herald. Click here to check him out. Here's his twitter handle: @NickHPatterson

Now, to the Seattle Thunderbirds!

Second year defenseman Shea Theodore has just been named to Team Canada's U-18 team, which will compete in the 2012 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic from August 13-18. Shea is one of nine WHL players named to Team Canada. Here are the rest:

Eric Comrie - G (Tri City Americans)

Madison Bowey - D (Kelowna Rockets)

Kayle Doetzel - D (Red Deer Rebels)

Josh Morrissey - D (Prince Albert Raiders)

Morgan Klimchuk - C (Regina Pats)

Curtis Lazar - C (Edmonton Oil Kings)

Nic Petan - C (Portland Winterhawks)

Sam Reinhart - C (Kootenay Ice)

Click here to see the complete roster.

Shea had a productive rookie year with the T-Birds, scoring 4 goals and 31 assists for 35 points. Read more about him here.

The T-Birds traded center Colin Jacobs to Prince George, in exchange for defenseman Jesse Forsberg (plus a 5th & 7th round selection in the 2013 Bantam Draft). Forsberg is 19 and judging by some of the things I've read about him, will either be a tough guy or a... tough... guy.

Seattle picked up two players in the CHL Import Draft: LW Alexander Delnov from Russia (played last year with Mystischi Atlanty in the Russian Junior League) and C Roberts Lipsbergs from Latvia (played last year with HK Riga of the Russian Junior League). Here's more info about both players.

The T-Birds will kick off the regular season with a "home and home" type scenario with the Portland Winterhawks. The teams will face off in Portland on Friday, September 21, then journey to ShoWare Center in Kent the following night. Click here for more information on this and the rest of the T-Birds 2012-2013 season.

Check out the T-Birds' website to follow the team. You can also follow them on Twitter: @SeattleTBirds (follow @TBirdsGameDay for play-by-play tweets). Find them on Facebook. 

This year, former T-Birds Media Intern Tim Pigulski and seasoned hockey writer Andy Eide will cover the team and the WHL for My Northwest/710 ESPN.  Read their stuff here. Follow them on Twitter: @AndyEide & @TPigulski

 

 

A Life Cut Short

Tributes have been pouring in for an up and coming sports writer whose life was cut short in an act of truly senseless violence. I did not know Jessica Redfield (Ghawi) but several of my friends knew and loved her. They've been sharing stories and videos on Twitter and Facebook. I've compiled some of them here, so you can get to know Jessi (as she was called) and marvel at all she had already accomplished in her young life. If you see a post that's not included here, I hope you'll share the link.

In fact, Jessica narrowly escaped another mass shooting last month in Toronto! She shared her experience in this very unsettling blog post.

Jessica "Redfield" Ghawi

1987 - 2012

Her brother Jordan shares his family's heartbreaking timeline since learning that Jessi had been shot inside a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.

Here's a tribute written by Cassie McClellan (Raw Charge, SBN Seattle & my co-host at CCPT Hockey Show)

Sean Leahy from Puck Daddy contributed this story.

Here's a passionate and emotional story from Justin Goldman from Goalie Guild.

The first story I read about Jessica came from Ken at Fang's Bites.

My friend W.B. Philp (Lightning Shout) posted this YouTube video of a lighthearted interview featuring Jessica and a member of the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

Sunday Puckpourri: Something for everyone (maybe)

Chasing Stanley...

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The hubby never begins watching hockey until the post-season begins. He says this is when the REAL hockey is being played. He played hockey through college and to be honest, can be a pain to watch games with, so I'm grateful we have so many TVs in the house.

Thinking back on his words, I find he's correct. While I enjoy watching hockey from pre-season in September all the way through the final game where one team hoists the Cup, I agree the level of play intensifies during the post-season.

Okay - this is NOT an earth-shaking, "Aha!" observation. I can already hear many of you mutter "DUH" as you read this, but as I'm writing this for everyone who sails into this blog (including many who are not rabid hockey friends, but non-or casual-hockey friends who support everything I attempt to do), I'll leave that observation intact and carry on.

We've already talked ad-nauseum on Twitter, Facebook and the plethora of hockey-related blogs about how well the Kings have been playing in the post-season. They've never lost two games in a row, however, so how many fans are thinking the same thing I am right now: Are the Kings hitting the wall after going balls-out for 3 rounds? Or do they have one more win in them? Since I'm being honest here, I will admit that I don't know. As much as I support them, I didn't expect them to get past the first round. I didn't expect them to roll over St. Louis in the second round as easily as they did. By the time they reached Phoenix, however, my faith was growing and they did not disappoint.

However... the same thing could be said for the Devils. After the tough battle against the Panthers, how many people (I'm not talking about rabid fans who can't fathom their favorite team ever doing anything BUT win) honestly expected them to beat the Flyers AND Rangers?

The hockey fan in me is excited to see how this plays out - can the Devils come back from 3 games down to win their third Cup (with Brodeur in net for all 3) or can the Kings pull off their first Cup victory EVER?

As they say in the news business, "Stay tuned..."

Sailing to victory...

(Photo from AHL website)

Congratulations to the Norfolk Admirals, who pretty much "sailed" to a Calder Cup victory over the Toronto Marlies in four straight games. I'm not going to talk about the controversial OT goal in Game 3 - that's also been discussed ad nauseum on the social web by greater hockey minds than I possess. I will, however, post it here for you to check out for yourself.



Special congrats go out to former Everett Silvertip Radko Gudas and former Seattle Thunderbird Scott Jackson, part of Norfolk's championship team and possessors of two of the most EPIC playoff beards EVER. And by EVER, I mean at ANY level.

(Photo from Norfolk Admirals website. Both beards are WAY bigger now)

Pedal till you puke...

(Photo: NHL.com)

As we wrap up the NHL season, we gear up for the Draft and a rite of passage for many NHL hopefuls is the dreaded Combine. From what former participants tell me, the Combine is a defacto four-letter word (pick your favorite) which sends them to hell and back in hopes of landing with a team where they can grow. Players undergo a battery of physical and psychological tests and get the opportunity to meet with representatives from all 30 NHL teams. Teams use information gathered at the Combine to help make their decisions for Draft Day. One of the tests involves a stationary bicycle, breathing tube, duct tape and a guy screaming orders the entire time. Click here for results of the Combine. (and congrats to Everett Silvertip D Ryan Murray and Seattle Thunderbirds RW Branden Troock, who took part in the Combine and did well. Click here for a Q&A the T-Birds did with Troock about his experience. Click here for a blog that Ryan Murray wrote from the Combine)

(Everett Silvertips D Ryan Murray/Photo: NHL.com)

Click here for video of Neil Yakupov's (RW, Sarnia Sting) Combine tests.

The 2012 NHL Entry Draft takes place June 22 & 23 in Pittsburgh. I'm sure NBC Sports Network and the NHL Network will split the broadcasting duties.

Saturday Puck-pourri

There's a lot of hockey goodness going on  - but as each intense match winds down, we're reminded that the season is coming to a close. To make sure you're taking in every second of puck, here's a list of tournaments that are taking place right now:

NHL Playoffs.
As of this writing, the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes are fighting for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. As of this writing, the Kings look closest to achieving that goal.

AHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Norfolk Admirals (TBL), Saint John Ice Caps (WPJ), Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) and Toronto Marlies (TOR) are fighting for a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. As of this writing, the field is WIDE open, so pick a team and jump on for the ride.

ECHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Florida Everblades and Las Vegas Wranglers are battling for the Kelly Cup. Florida leads the series 2 games to 1. The two teams face each other again on Tuesday (May 22).

Memorial Cup Tournament
The Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), London Knights (OHL), Shawinigan Cateractes (QMJHL) and Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) are vying for the coveted Memorial Cup. The Q has two teams in the tournament because Shawinigan, as host city, gets an automatic berth. The other teams had to get their the old fashioned way, by winning their respective leagues.
Tangent: Here's hoping that this year's trophy is more sturdily constructed than the one awarded in 2008. This video has been seen so many times, but it never gets old:



NAHL Playoffs
Well, this went by pretty quickly! The Texas Tornado defeated the St. Louis Bandits to win the Robertson Cup.

World Championships.
Russia and Slovakia will meet tomorrow (Sunday, May 21) in a Gold Medal match. Russia got there mostly on the back of Evgeni Malkin, who's playing like a man possessed. As a diehard Penguins fan, I'm a little disappointed that he didn't unveil this side of him when the Pens needed him most, but I'm still cheering for Russia to go all the way. Former Pen Miroslav Satan led Slovakia to the finals, but my money is still on Geno.

Geno's Hat Trick
Here's Sean Leahy's story about Team Russia and Geno's hat trick. Video is included, because Sean is a thorough kind of guy.
What the hey - just watch it right here:





Norfolk Admirals on Video

My good friend (and CCPT Hockey Show co-host) Cassie McClellan covers the Norfolk Admirals for Raw Charge. Recently, she has shared several pieces of video featuring Admirals players showing off their various personalities. A shout out should go to the Admirals' PR corps for taking a creative approach to showcasing the team. I'd post individual videos here, but I'll use my time more wisely by linking you to Norfolk's website so you can browse to your hockey heart's content. Just click here. (BTW, if you're a WHL fan, then you should follow the Ads, as they boast a lineup that includes former WHLers: Radko Gudas (Everett Silvertips), Keith Aulie (Brandon Wheat Kings), Scott Jackson (Seattle Thunderbirds), Tyler Johnson (Spokane Chiefs), Brandon Segal (Calgary Hitmen), Dustin Tokarski (Spokane Chiefs).
Oh, who am I kidding?
Here are two videos I like, because one features Scott Jackson (former T-Bird) and the other features Radko Gudas (former Silvertip):





Did I miss anything?
Let me know!

Former T-Birds gunning for the Cup

I'm trying to keep up with former Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips taking part in the NHL playoffs. Right now, only T-Birds are being represented in the race for the Cup.

Here are a couple of stories involving Jim O'Brien (T-Birds 2007-2009):

                      (Turris & O'Brien celebrate Game 4 OT score & win - Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Jim O'Brien living the dream in NHL playoffs with Ottawa:
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=628296

O'Brien had the assist in the OT game winner in Game 4
http://senators.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011030114

Rob Klinkhammer (T-Birds 2005-2006) has also seen a little action with the Sens, although he was a scratch today.

                             (this is Klinkhammer late in the regular season - Photo: Bruce Bennet/Getty Images)

Former T-Bird Patrick Marleau (1995-1997) didn't fare so well, as his Sharks were knocked out by the Blues. Judging by the tweets about Patty, there's a lot of frustration surrounding his play, or lack thereof (0 points). Former Seattle hockey wunderkind T.J. Oshie, however, had 3 assists in 5 games to help the Blues move on:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011030165

                                         (A frustrated Marleau today - Photo: Dilip Vishnawat/Getty Images)

                                         (Oshie - Photo: Sarah Conrad/Reuters)

The Washington Capitals are up 3 games to 2 over reigning champs the Boston Bruins. Former T-Bird Brooks Laich (2001-2003) has 1 goal and 3 assists so far:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2011030125

                                   (Laich scores here - Photo: Larry Downing/Reuters)

There seem to be quite a few rookies representing in the playoffs and the NHL has courteously listed their stats for us:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/rookies.htm#?navid=nav-ply-rkies

I don't think I'm missing any other former T-Birds or Silvertips - but if you spot an omission, please let me know!

An interesting take on Crosby's recent behavior

My friend (and CCPT Hockey Show co-host) Cassie McClellan wrote a thoughtful (and thought-provoking) piece for Raw Charge about Sidney Crosby's recent personality changes and how they could be related to his concussion issues.

She is IN NO WAY trying to excuse Sid's behavior, but her story does make one take a step back and look at things in a different way.

Here's the link to it - I highly encourage you to check it out and join the discussion.

http://www.rawcharge.com/2012/4/16/2953166/the-cult-of-personality-sidney-crosby-concussion-problems-linger-on

NHL Playoffs from the fan perspective

The playoffs always bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in teams, players and their fans. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter really gives a glimpse into the minds of hockey fans, but nothing displays passion more than the numerous fan blogs all over the interwebs.

I enjoyed learning more about teams like the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning this season through blogs like Preds on the Glass, The View from 111, Lightning Shout and Raw Charge. Traveling to Atlantic City to cover the AHL All Star game led to another stellar Preds blog, Smashville 24/7.

I thought it would be pretty awesome to follow the playoffs by not only watching the games on TV, but reading the blogs of each team battling for the Cup. As I believe in sharing, here's the list I've compiled. I hope you enjoy reading them as much I'm enjoying them, and welcome any blog suggestions you have.

Vancouver Canucks v. Los Angeles Kings

Canucks blogs:
Benched Whale             (Twitter:  @BenchedWhale)
Nucks Misconduct         (Twitter: @NucksMisconduct)
Humming Giraffe           (Twitter:  @alixiswright)
Canucks Hockey Blog   (Twitter: CanucksHockey)
Canucks Army               (Twitter: CanucksArmy)

Kings blogs:
LA Kings Court               (Twitter: @LAKingsCourt)
Kingscast                        (Twitter: @Kingscast)
Frozen Royalty               (Twitter: @FrozenRoyalty)
View from My Seats       (Twitter: @ViewFromMySeats)
Mayors Manor                (Twitter: @mayorNHL)

New Jersey Devils v. Florida Panthers

Devils blogs:
Speaking of the Devils    (Twitter: @SpeakoftheDevs)
Down Goes Avery           (Twitter: @DownGoesAvery)
Devils Army                     (Twitter: @DevilsGenerals)
Steve Palumbo                (Twitter: @StevePalumboNHL)
Seth Everett                     (Twitter: @Seth_Everett)

Panthers blog:
Litter Box Cats                 (Twitter: @LitterBoxCats)

Philadelphia Flyers v. Pittsburgh Penguins

Flyers blogs:
Broad Street Hockey        (Twitter: @BroadStHockey)
Flyers Faithful                   (Twitter: @Flyers_Faithful)
The 700 Level                   (Twitter: @The700Level)
Flyers - The Checking Line (Twitter: @TCLFlyers)

Penguins blogs:
Pens Universe                  (Twitter: @PensUniverse)
Face Off-Factor                (Twitter: @FaceOffFactor)
Empty Netters                   (Twitter: @EmpyNetters)
Puck Huffers                     (Twitter: @PuckHuffers)
The Pens Nation               (Twitter: @ThePensNation)
High Heels & Hockey        (Twitter: @highheelshockey)
Pensburgh                         (Twitter: @Pensburgh)

Detroit Red Wings v. Nashville Predators

Red Wings blogs:
Winging It in Motown          (Twitter: @WingingItMotown)
Abel to Yzerman (Kukla's Korner)
Nightmare on Helm Street  (Twitter: @HelmStNightmare)

Predators blogs:
Preds On the Glass           (Twitter: @PredsOntheGlass)
The View from 111            (Twitter: @TheViewfrom111)
Smashville 24/7                 (Twitter: @Smashville247)
RLD Hockey                      (Twitter: @RLDHockey)

Washington Capitals v. Boston Bruins

Capitals blogs:
Japers Rink                       (Twitter: @JapersRink)
Peerless Prognosticator
Homer McFanboy              (Twitter: @HomerMcFanboy)
Russian Machine Never Breaks (Twitter: @RussianMachine)
On Frozen Blog                  (Twitter: @OnFrozenBlog)

Bruins blogs:
Stanley Cup of Chowder     (Twitter:  @CupofChowdah)
Days of Y'Orr                       (Twitter: @JustinDOY)

Ottawa Senators v. New York Rangers

Senators blogs:
Sens Chirp                          (Twitter: @SensChirp)
The 6th Sens                       (Twitter: @6thSens)
Silver Seven Sens               (Twitter: @SilverSevenSens)

Rangers blogs:
Scotty Hockey                      (Twitter: @ScottyHockey)
Blueshirt Banter                    (Twitter: @BlueshirtBanter)
NY Rangers Blog                  (Twitter: @TheNYRBlog)

San Jose Sharks v. St. Louis Blues

Sharks blog:
Fear the Fin                          (Twitter: @FeartheFin)

Blues blogs:
Frozen Notes                        (Twitter: @FrozenNotes)
St. Louis Game Time
Blue Note Zone                     (Twitter: @BlueNoteZone)


Chicago Blackhawks v. Phoenix Coyotes

Blackhawks blogs:
Second City Hockey              (Twitter: @2ndCityHockey)
Committed Indians                 (Twitter: @CommittedIndian)
The 300 Level                        (Twitter: @The300Level)
Hockey Broad                        (Twitter: @HockeyBroad)

Coyotes blogs:
Five for Howling                     (Twitter: @FiveforHowling)
Your Mama Plays Hockey
The Yotes Diva                      (Twitter: @TheYotesDiva)   

If you're into more "general" hockey blogs, here are just a few of the best out there:

Puck Daddy                         (Twitter: @YahooPuckDaddy, @wyshynski, @Sean_Leahy)
Spector's Hockey                 (Twitter: @SpectorsHockey
Hockey Independent            (Twitter: @HockeyIndie)
Puck Buddys                        (Twitter: @PuckBuddys)
The Hockey Guys                 (Twitter: @TheHockeyGuys)
The Hockey Writers              (Twitter: @TheHockeyWriter)