I know it's been a couple weeks since a post but I didn't see any of the preseason games and I don't want to comment on things I didn't see since I can't give a fair assessment on what happened. You know the type, "I didn't go to the game but my friend talked to a guy who knows someone who works at the arena and his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend knows someone who's second cousin used to live next door to the family that used to be the billet family for Levko Koper and they said that Curtis Miske played well". Not gonna happen.
Now it's on to the regular season. I had a positive outlook on the Chiefs after the red white game and nothing has happened over the past couple of weeks to change that feeling. There is a lot of young talent on this roster and if they perform to their abilities this team will improve from their standing from last season. Just how much improved is the real question...
Goaltending could get tricky. Whether it's Berlin or Buskey as the back up it's likely that Sittler will get 50 to 55 starts at least. That's a lot to ask of a goalie, even for a 20 year old. If he's capable of it (and he certainly can be) the Chiefs will be fine on the back end. They have a rock solid defense with a good mix of veterans and young players. Offensively we need some veterans and young players to step up. The offensive load can't be left up to the Yamamoto brothers, Elynuik, and Zwerger (if he's still around). Thankfully the Chiefs have talent with Anderson-Dolan, McIndoe, Miske, Bechtold (if he's still around) and others that are capable of scoring when needed. And I'm still sold on Jake McGrew. That kid plays hard.
I think that the Chiefs will be a better team this season than last season. Just how much better remains to be seen. I think that Spokane will be better than Tri-City and Portland. If they consistently play to their potential and stay away from the injury bug that has plagued them in the past maybe even better than Everett. So here goes: Sittler plays well like he did in Lethbridge, The Chiefs play with solid defense and balanced scoring, Kailer and Jaret become superstars and the Spokane Chiefs finish just ahead of Everett for second in the U.S. Division. They also make it out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in a while.
Of course, I'm no expert or anything. Just a guy who loves hockey and has a laptop.
Season starts in six days in Tri-City. Time to bring it back: Go Chiefs!
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Koby Morrisseau
OK, I definitely have thoughts about this weekend's tournament in Everett, but that will come later. This will probably turn into a rant to please bear with me. This is about the game against Portland and Spokane Chiefs forward and likely-to-make-the-team rookie Koby Morriseau. Morriseau was checked to the back of the head and into the boards by Portland Winterhawks forward Brett Clayton. Morrisseau went down and was immediately attended to by the medical staff from Spokane and Portland as well as paramedics before being taken off the ice on a stretcher. Probably the scariest thing to ever see on the ice. I should mention that Clayton was given a major and game misconduct for that hit and I'm sure a suspension is coming. Hopefully everything will be ok as there are reports that Morrisseau was talking and moving all of his limbs. My thoughts and prayers go out to Koby and his family and I hope for a speedy recovery.
I seem to hear every year about how the league is taking the 'toughness' out of the game. Every year someone says something like 'they were allowed to hit a lot harder in the old days' or 'pretty soon they won't be allowed to touch anyone anymore' or even 'I wanna see someone get lit up'. If anyone doesn't understand why the league wants to cut back on this kind of hitting, this is it. Morrisseau is only 15 years old (he turns 16 next month), is a likely a NHL draft pick in a few years, and as a 15 year old has his whole life ahead of him. And it sickens me that there are so-called 'fans' that would have cheered if an opposing player went down from a hit like that and didn't get up. I love hockey for many reasons. The violent stuff is not one of them. If you told me that there would absolutely be no fights this season I would still be going. Remember, these players are just kids. And yes, I know that there are injuries in every sport out there, whether it be a contact sport or not. But if the rules can be changed to help prevent serious injuries to the head and neck and protect these kids better even if it means to cut back on the hitting, then I'm for it. Hockey will still be fun to watch. And if you're one of the 'I'm just here to drink beer, see some fights and watch someone get crushed' then might I recommend boxing or mixed martial arts.
Anyway, sorry for the rant but I had to get that off my chest. But I'd much rather see a player deke a defencemen out of their skates and score a goal five-hole than see a fight. Bring on the skill and the fun stuff instead!
Thoughts on the rest of the happenings of the Everett tournament coming soon...
I seem to hear every year about how the league is taking the 'toughness' out of the game. Every year someone says something like 'they were allowed to hit a lot harder in the old days' or 'pretty soon they won't be allowed to touch anyone anymore' or even 'I wanna see someone get lit up'. If anyone doesn't understand why the league wants to cut back on this kind of hitting, this is it. Morrisseau is only 15 years old (he turns 16 next month), is a likely a NHL draft pick in a few years, and as a 15 year old has his whole life ahead of him. And it sickens me that there are so-called 'fans' that would have cheered if an opposing player went down from a hit like that and didn't get up. I love hockey for many reasons. The violent stuff is not one of them. If you told me that there would absolutely be no fights this season I would still be going. Remember, these players are just kids. And yes, I know that there are injuries in every sport out there, whether it be a contact sport or not. But if the rules can be changed to help prevent serious injuries to the head and neck and protect these kids better even if it means to cut back on the hitting, then I'm for it. Hockey will still be fun to watch. And if you're one of the 'I'm just here to drink beer, see some fights and watch someone get crushed' then might I recommend boxing or mixed martial arts.
Anyway, sorry for the rant but I had to get that off my chest. But I'd much rather see a player deke a defencemen out of their skates and score a goal five-hole than see a fight. Bring on the skill and the fun stuff instead!
Thoughts on the rest of the happenings of the Everett tournament coming soon...
Monday, August 29, 2016
My Thoughts Post Red White Game...
Sunday's Spokane Chiefs red white game. A chance to see the players in a game and enjoy some free hockey. It's also a good chance to see how the young ones play to see who can make the roster and how the returning players have spent the summer. Seeing some of the fans and friends that I haven't seen since the playoff loss to Victoria gives this game something of a first day of school feel to it. That's one of the many things there is to like about it.
First off, the returning players. I thought Hudson Elynuik looked good at camp but was off during the red white game. He looked like he was just going through the motions. Both Yamanoto brothers looked good, as did Zwerger and Bechtold. Sad that we can't keep both of them. Miske played well. So did Anderson-Dolan and Mcindoe. Defensively the Chiefs are a rock. With Helgesen, Fiala, Hamaliuk, Henderson, and Faith returning they are solid on the back end. I think I'm going to like Sittler in net. He really keeps his composure and doesn't get rattled easily. That will come in handy against the higher scoring teams in the league.
Now the newbies. Ty Smith is the real deal. I don't mind an aggressive defensemen if they play well, and he did all the right things on Sunday. Leduc is good but probably a year away from making the roster. I'm sold on Jake McGrew. He played hard every time he hit the ice. Koby Morriseau and Eli Zummack could make the team also. I'd give Morriseau the advantage over Zummack but both are good. As far as the goalies go Matt Berlin did not look comfortable in net. Hopefully that changes in the tournament in Everett as I expect him to get plenty of ice time along with Donovan Buskey, who played great on Sunday. Buskey could play himself into the backup goalie spot if he continues that good play. I thought the new Euro players did well. With Zwerger still around who knows what is going to happen there.
Regardless of who makes the final roster I am going to like watching this team. It's been a few years since anyone has really had a chance to say this but the Chiefs are on the rise once again. This weekend's tournament in Everett is going to tell much about this team.
First off, the returning players. I thought Hudson Elynuik looked good at camp but was off during the red white game. He looked like he was just going through the motions. Both Yamanoto brothers looked good, as did Zwerger and Bechtold. Sad that we can't keep both of them. Miske played well. So did Anderson-Dolan and Mcindoe. Defensively the Chiefs are a rock. With Helgesen, Fiala, Hamaliuk, Henderson, and Faith returning they are solid on the back end. I think I'm going to like Sittler in net. He really keeps his composure and doesn't get rattled easily. That will come in handy against the higher scoring teams in the league.
Now the newbies. Ty Smith is the real deal. I don't mind an aggressive defensemen if they play well, and he did all the right things on Sunday. Leduc is good but probably a year away from making the roster. I'm sold on Jake McGrew. He played hard every time he hit the ice. Koby Morriseau and Eli Zummack could make the team also. I'd give Morriseau the advantage over Zummack but both are good. As far as the goalies go Matt Berlin did not look comfortable in net. Hopefully that changes in the tournament in Everett as I expect him to get plenty of ice time along with Donovan Buskey, who played great on Sunday. Buskey could play himself into the backup goalie spot if he continues that good play. I thought the new Euro players did well. With Zwerger still around who knows what is going to happen there.
Regardless of who makes the final roster I am going to like watching this team. It's been a few years since anyone has really had a chance to say this but the Chiefs are on the rise once again. This weekend's tournament in Everett is going to tell much about this team.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Thoughts During Camp
Three days of scrimmages have come and gone and now it's time for the Spokane Chiefs annual red white game on Sunday. I always go to the scrimmages to see the upcoming players and to get excited about hockey again. In some ways it has a Christmas time feel for me.
Let me say this right off the top: This team is going to be fun to watch. There is a lot of young talent on this roster that reinforces my belief that the Spokane Chiefs are on the rise again. Before camp I thought Matt Berlin was a neat lock for the backup goalie. After the way Donovan Buskey played I am less certain of that. Buskey looked rock solid during the time I saw him. He has a good eye on the puck and doesn't overplay anything. Ty Smith is definitely legit. I noticed a couple of times that he was out of position on the first day but by day 2 that seemed to be corrected. Koby Morrisseau looked great. I think he makes the final roster. He definitely connected with McIndoe. Also playing well with Morriseau and McIndoe was Jake McGrew. I didn't mention him before camp and now I feel bad about that. He's a solid player that worked hard every shift. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he makes the team. Eli Zummack also looked good and I think will show that the Helewka trade was a good one.
The returning vets looked about the way I thought they would. Kailer Yamamoto and Jared Anderson-Dolan look primed for their draft year. Hudson Elynuik looked like he was ready to be a leader. Helgesen and Fiala looked strong (I think one of those two wears the 'C' this season). Sittler looked comfortable in net. If he has a good season the Chiefs will go far.
The roster will now get trimmed for the red white game on Sunday. Definitely looking forward to that. After all, it's free hockey!
Let me say this right off the top: This team is going to be fun to watch. There is a lot of young talent on this roster that reinforces my belief that the Spokane Chiefs are on the rise again. Before camp I thought Matt Berlin was a neat lock for the backup goalie. After the way Donovan Buskey played I am less certain of that. Buskey looked rock solid during the time I saw him. He has a good eye on the puck and doesn't overplay anything. Ty Smith is definitely legit. I noticed a couple of times that he was out of position on the first day but by day 2 that seemed to be corrected. Koby Morrisseau looked great. I think he makes the final roster. He definitely connected with McIndoe. Also playing well with Morriseau and McIndoe was Jake McGrew. I didn't mention him before camp and now I feel bad about that. He's a solid player that worked hard every shift. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he makes the team. Eli Zummack also looked good and I think will show that the Helewka trade was a good one.
The returning vets looked about the way I thought they would. Kailer Yamamoto and Jared Anderson-Dolan look primed for their draft year. Hudson Elynuik looked like he was ready to be a leader. Helgesen and Fiala looked strong (I think one of those two wears the 'C' this season). Sittler looked comfortable in net. If he has a good season the Chiefs will go far.
The roster will now get trimmed for the red white game on Sunday. Definitely looking forward to that. After all, it's free hockey!
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Thoughts Before Camp...
Spokane Chiefs camp starts Thursday and I get excited for this time of year. It's been nearly five months since the Chiefs lost their last playoff game against Victoria. Waiting is over and now I get to see 63 players compete at scrimmages for the next three days. Naturally like many Chiefs fans I have some thoughts on what to expect for this year.
First off, the goalies. It was already going to be interesting what they would do here. Then they traded for 20 year old Jayden Sittler from Lethbridge and that had me feeling like this:
At the time that was an odd trade. Spokane was possibly going into camp with two 19 year old and one 20 year old goalies. However, with Petersen being traded to Everett and Verhelst going to college things have gotten much clearer. Sittler is likely the starter with Matt Berlin likely as the backup unless Donovan Buskey can show he's ready. Buskey is no slouch, but I think he'll get one more year in development before being brought up.
Second, the defensemen. I think this will be the strength of the Chiefs this season. Yes, Jason Fram is gone and losing a five year player and two year captain is a hole to fill. But the Chiefs are deep here. Evan Fiala and Tyson Helgesen would be a solid top line and Jordan Henderson and Dalton Hamaliuk would make a solid second line. And anyone who has seen Ty Smith play knows that kid is legit. I expect him to get a lot of playing time as a rookie on the third line with Toporoski, Faith, or even Trent Huitema, who played very little at the end of last season but impressed me. They also have Jake Harrison and Matt Leduc waiting in the wings. With this depth I wouldn't be surprised if the Chiefs traded a defensemen for a front line player or prospects.
And finally, the forwards. The most interesting part of the forwards is the fact the Dominic Zwerger is still on the roster along with two European born players that the Chiefs drafted in the import draft this past summer. Zwerger would fill one of the 3 overage spots as well as one of the two Euro spots. If they keep Zwerger they would have to get rid of one of the new Euro players as well as two other overage players (assuming Sittler stays on the team). I don't think Keanu Yamamoto is going anywhere which means Bechtold and Cardiff would be odd players out. If that pans out Spokane would still have some good scoring from Zwerger, Kyler Yamamoto, Keanu Yamamoto, Hudson Elynuik, and Jared Anderson-Dolan. Add Miske to the mix who played better last season and Ethan McIndoe who was a nice surprise last season and you will have some good lines up front. Ross and Ostir should also get more ice time this season which should help them improve. I also think that Logan Foster, Koby Morrisseau, and Eli Zummack have good shots to make the team. Regardless of what happens with the Euro situation this team will be fun to watch.
Camp starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. Red/ White Game is Sunday. Good luck to all of the players attending camp this season. I'm looking forward to watching it.
First off, the goalies. It was already going to be interesting what they would do here. Then they traded for 20 year old Jayden Sittler from Lethbridge and that had me feeling like this:
Second, the defensemen. I think this will be the strength of the Chiefs this season. Yes, Jason Fram is gone and losing a five year player and two year captain is a hole to fill. But the Chiefs are deep here. Evan Fiala and Tyson Helgesen would be a solid top line and Jordan Henderson and Dalton Hamaliuk would make a solid second line. And anyone who has seen Ty Smith play knows that kid is legit. I expect him to get a lot of playing time as a rookie on the third line with Toporoski, Faith, or even Trent Huitema, who played very little at the end of last season but impressed me. They also have Jake Harrison and Matt Leduc waiting in the wings. With this depth I wouldn't be surprised if the Chiefs traded a defensemen for a front line player or prospects.
And finally, the forwards. The most interesting part of the forwards is the fact the Dominic Zwerger is still on the roster along with two European born players that the Chiefs drafted in the import draft this past summer. Zwerger would fill one of the 3 overage spots as well as one of the two Euro spots. If they keep Zwerger they would have to get rid of one of the new Euro players as well as two other overage players (assuming Sittler stays on the team). I don't think Keanu Yamamoto is going anywhere which means Bechtold and Cardiff would be odd players out. If that pans out Spokane would still have some good scoring from Zwerger, Kyler Yamamoto, Keanu Yamamoto, Hudson Elynuik, and Jared Anderson-Dolan. Add Miske to the mix who played better last season and Ethan McIndoe who was a nice surprise last season and you will have some good lines up front. Ross and Ostir should also get more ice time this season which should help them improve. I also think that Logan Foster, Koby Morrisseau, and Eli Zummack have good shots to make the team. Regardless of what happens with the Euro situation this team will be fun to watch.
Camp starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. Red/ White Game is Sunday. Good luck to all of the players attending camp this season. I'm looking forward to watching it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Speltz
There has been a true end of an era for the Spokane Chiefs as general manager Tim Speltz is stepping down to take a job in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. I have been going to Chiefs games for a while now and Speltz is the only general manager I have ever known. He has been the general manager for 26 years, which is longer than the Spokane Arena has been around.
I know there have been those that wanted him to step down sooner but I for one will miss him as general manager. Not many general managers in the WHL can say they were a part of three Memorial Cup tournaments while winning two of them. Just winning one Memorial Cup is extremely difficult. Just ask Tri-City or Seattle fans. Winning two is a pretty big feat. These will be big shoes to fill. I wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his hockey career.
It will be interesting to see who replaces him.
I know there have been those that wanted him to step down sooner but I for one will miss him as general manager. Not many general managers in the WHL can say they were a part of three Memorial Cup tournaments while winning two of them. Just winning one Memorial Cup is extremely difficult. Just ask Tri-City or Seattle fans. Winning two is a pretty big feat. These will be big shoes to fill. I wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his hockey career.
It will be interesting to see who replaces him.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Hockey can wait a bit
I was planning on some outstanding hockey writing today but then this happened......
This might take a while.
Hockey next week.
This might take a while.
Hockey next week.
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About Me
- Hitch
- This is my dog Wembley, She likes car rides, being with people, and does a really good cute face.