Summer jobs

Here is 3 players that played in this league that are going to continue to play this summer. Australia would not be a bad place to live in the summer. I wonder if any of those teams are looking for equipment manager. :)

Shane Lovdahl - Quad City
http://www.adelaideadrenaline.com/team.php
Nick Boucher - Fort Wayne
http://www.bearsden.com.au/team
Voldy Dashko - Former PrairieThunder player
http://www.bluetongues.com.au/2010-gold-coast-blue-tongues-roster.html

Playoff suspensions

Matt Krug (Muskegon), Rick Smith (Flint), and Justin Hodgman (Fort Wayne) have all been suspended by the IHL for playoff games.
http://ism3.infinityprosports.com/ismdata/2009062901/std-sitebuilder/sites/200901/www/en/news/index.html?article_id=863

This could make things hard for Fort Wayne, since Hodgman leads the league with 6 playoff pts. The Komets have scored 9 goals in 3 games and Hodgman has been apart of 6 of them.

If Fort Wayne can't survive this, look for their fans to complain about it all summer long. :o

NHL players

As I watch the NHL playoffs, I noticed that there are a few players playing that I have had on my previous teams.

Joel Ward - Nashville Predators - Houston Aeros
Benoit Pouliot - Montreal Canadiens - Houston Aeros
John Erskine - Washington Capitals - Utah Grizzlies
Dan Ellis - Nashville Predators - Utah Grizzlies

Nashville got knocked out last night by the blackhawks, so good luck to Benoit and John as they battle each other.

Around the IHL / ECHL / Fantasy Baseball

Port Huron is up 2 games to 1 over Fort Wayne. Game 4 will be played Wednesday April 28th in Port Huron.

Muskegon is up 2 games to 0 over Flint. Game 3 will be played Tuesday April 27th in Flint. Defense of the Year Matt Krug has been suspended for Game 3.
http://www.mlive.com/lumberjacks/index.ssf/2010/04/muskegon_lumberjack_defenseman_1.html

Other news: Dayton fired head coach John Marks.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/hockey/gems-fire-head-coach-after-last-place-finish-668294.html

ECHL
Charlotte is down 3 games to 2 against Cincinnati. The winner of this series will take on Reading in the American Conference Finals. Idaho will take on Stockton in the National Conference finals.

On a separate note, after a disappointing week of going 4 wins, 7 loses, and 1 tie, my fantasy baseball team remained in first place with a record 22 -11 - 3. I am a half game ahead of second place. This is a huge week as I play the second place team. I take the blame last week for the bad record as I left a few guys on the bench that hit home runs, had I played those guys I might have won.

Thanks to those of you who came to the equipment sale. We had a great turnout. I hope you enjoy your new collectibles and equipment.

Interesting news

Keep your eye on this during the summer:
Article from Florida (ECHL)
http://blogs.naplesnews.com/everblades/2010/04/will-the-echl-absorb-teams-from-the-ihl.html

Article from Quad City(IHL)
http://qctimes.com/sports/hockey/professional/minor/article_b3d935ec-4c23-11df-b490-001cc4c002e0.html

I believe this is our best option.

Locker clean out day

First off, I would like to thank all of you that have taken the time to read my blog, I hope that you have enjoyed it. I would also like to thank all of you loyal fans that have supported and cheered us on. Those of you who have traveled to our road games.
I am just as disappointed as you that our season didn't end differently. I understand your frustrations.
Today is one of the worst days of the year when players go and get their exit physicals. They then come to the rink to meet with Coach Skalde and pick up their equipment.
Looks like they started to take the ice out yesterday.
We had a good night last night at the team awards banquet.
Here is a run down of the awards that I can remember, sorry if I miss one.
Rookie of the Year - Matt McIlvane
Defenseman of the Year - Jason Lepine
Most Points, MVP - Craig Macdonald
Community Service - Mike Liambas
Players Player - Justin Sawyer
Unsung Hero - Matt McIlvane
Coaches Award - Matt McIlvane

Last game of the year

Well, it all comes down to this. The last game of the year. A must win is in store. We can't worry about the other game. We have to win and hope that Fort Wayne doesn't disappoint their fans or they do what Muskegon did last night.

Looking at the score sheet I noticed that Little, Bouchard, and Lawmaster didn't play. They also played Lundin instead of Centomo which could be expected. Also, Todd Robinson had no shots. When was the last time that Todd Robinson had no shots in a game. We must have been upset that they made him play.

Had we not come out flat last night, we would have won that game last night. Lets hope that our guys come out and play like they did in that second period.

In Port Huron

Ever wonder what goes on between the morning skate and the time the players arrive back at the rink for the game? After pre-game skate the players go for lunch. Usually at a place like Olive Garden or one that serves pasta. They then go to there apartments or hotel for a pregame nap. There is usually a lot of superstitious activities going on. I am not sure exactly what our guys do, even if I did, I wouldn't say because most guys don't like when others know what they are doing.
However, here are a few things that players have been known to do:
Eat the same meal at the same place if things are going good, if not they might switch up what they eat or where they eat.
Some have to drive the same way to eat.
Then comes the nap, some sleep while others just relax and watch tv.
Meanwhile, back at the rink a lot takes place. While the guys are leaving, I straighten the gear and clean the stalls. Every equipment guy has there own touch. Some leave the gear as guys left it, while others straighten everything. All of the socks are set out, and the jerseys are hung. At home the carpet is vacuumed and the floor in front of the stalls is mopped. On the road, I just make sure the floor is cleaned up.
Then comes the skate sharpenings. There are 6 guys that get there skates done every game day, 3 before morning skate and 3 after. This morning I sharpened 8 pairs before practice and 5 after.
At home, there is laundry that needs to be done. On the road, the home team does it all. This can take a while.

If all goes well, we will be one step closer to making the playoffs.

travel day

We are leaving for Flint today at 10:00 am.

This is what the forward lines have been the past couple of days, sorry again I don't have the defense pairings.

61 27 22
28 24 9
12 20 19

We will find out today if McIlvane will be able to play this weekend.

Check out what Flint is saying about tomorrow nights game:
http://www.mlive.com/generals/index.ssf/2010/04/flint_generals_want_to_finish.html

Also, Flint's newspaper had its own awards and guess what Flint's players won most of the awards. Wow, that is a surprise. I guess that is why the league has awards and not each individual newspaper.
http://www.mlive.com/generals/index.ssf/2010/04/flint_generals_dominate_inaugu.html

Anyone see that big Cubs comeback yesterday to beat the brewers? 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th with no runners on and 2 outs. Thank you LaTroy Hawkins for playing with the brewers.

Gotta go finish packing. Today was an early one as I arrived at the rink at 6 am.

Port Huron Newspaper

As I was reading articles from various leagues this morning, I came across this one from Port Huron:
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100413/SPORTS/4130319/1006/Costanzo-Icehawks-fans-should-cheer-for-Generals
I have a few problems with it.
First off, as a sports fan, you never cheer for your biggest rival to make the playoffs or win a game. Even if it was good for the league.
Second, it mentions wanting our games to be close on Saturday and Sunday. Here is our last 4 games against each other, Port Huron has won 1 in regulation by 1 goal, we have won 1 in regulation by 1 goal, and Port Huron has won 2 in ot. Those all seem close to me. This isn't last year. These two teams are a lot closer than the 20 points that separate them.
Third, although both teams can't catch the team above them, this isn't football. They won't rest their top players going into the playoffs. Both teams will want to work on things going into the playoffs.
Fourth, it mentions that the Port Huron vs Fort Wayne series will be "a longer, more hard fought series". Looking at the last six games in the season, I am not sure it will be that way. Fort Wayne was 5-1.
Final point, is that its a long season. Teams get hot and cold. Those that can stay hot longer and find ways to win, make the playoffs. Just because you play good at the end of the season doesn't mean you deserve to make the playoffs.
If I lived in Port Huron, I would be worried about getting the people there to cheer for the home team. That seems to be a big enough problem.

Monday

My fantasy baseball team did good last week going 7-3-2 against the unfoxy ladies. It puts me in second place after week one.

With the NHL and AHL seasons ended, every other league is now in the playoffs. We still have one week to go. Here is a look at what is going on elsewhere:

Central Hockey League - Best of 7
Northern Conference Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs vs Rapid City Rush - Tied 1 to 1
Southern Conference Allen American vs Odessa Jackalopes - Tied 1 to 1
http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/pagebank/index.html?id=4316

ECHL - Best of 5
American Conference QF Charlotte Checkers vs Toledo Walleye - Charlotte won 3 to 1
American Conference QF Reading Royals vs Kalamazoo Wings - Tied 2 to 2
American Conference QF Elmira Jackals vs Florida Everblades - Everblades won 3 to 2
American Conference QF South Carolina Stingrays vs Cincinnati Cyclones - Cyclones won 3 to 2
National Conference QF Idaho Steelheads - BYE
National Conference QF Bakersfield Condors vs Victoria Salmon Kings - Tied 2 to 2
National Conference QF Stockton Thunder vs Alaska Aces - Thunder won 3 to 1
National Conference QF Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers - Tied 2 to 2
http://echl.leaguestat.com/hm/bracket.php?season_id=16

SPHL - Best of 5 Final
Mississippi Surge vs Huntsville Havoc - Starts Wednesday
http://www.thesphl.com/view/thesphl

AAHL - Best of 7 Final
Evansville Icemen vs West Michigan Blizzard - Evansville leads 3 to 1
http://www.aahlhockey.com/playoff-brackets

Down to 3 games

Will Friday nights game be without either coach? We will just have to wait and see if Jason Muzzatti receives a game suspension for his actions tonight as Flint lost to Muskegon. Check it out for yourself:
http://www.mlive.com/generals/index.ssf/2010/04/video_blog_flint_generals_temp.html
Here you can read a little about what went on:
http://www.mlive.com/generals/index.ssf/2010/04/flint_generals_unhappy_with_of.html

We are still 3 pts ahead of Flint, a win in regulation on Friday and we are in the playoffs and they are out. If not it will come down the the games on Saturday and Sunday. We play Port Huron both nights and they play Muskegon and Fort Wayne.

Good news is that we will have both McIlvane and Lepine back for this weekend. McIlvane traveled to Manitoba, but did not play as he was not feeling 100%. Lepine finished up the weekend with 1 assist in 2 games.

Not sure who won the masters pool, but it was not Frick and I. Our best golfer was Hunter Mahan who finished at -7.

at Quad

Well, I am not sure how many of you will read this until after the game, since it sounds like we are going to get a lot of support up here in Quad.

As expected, both Ruwe and Skalde have been suspended by the league. I am not sure, but the league might have held off on the suspensions to allow everyone to participate in our last regular season home game. Here is the press release:
http://ism3.infinityprosports.com/ismdata/2009062901/std-sitebuilder/sites/200901/www/en/news/index.html?article_id=809

Last night, I am not sure if you noticed, but Todd Robinson was wearing #33. That is not his usual #19. Come to find out, their equipment manager forgot to pack his jersey because he was suspended their last road game. Luckily, like myself he always packs an extra jersey. I didn't realize this until after warm ups. After the 1st period I made up a nameplate for them and their equipment guy put it on his jersey. Why would I do that you ask? I actually had Robby his rookie year in Idaho, we called him up to Utah (old IHL). I could have sworn he got into a game or two, but looking at hockeydatabase, I found out I am wrong. Plus I hate seeing guys on the ice without namebars. At the start of the second period, he thanked me. After the game he thanked me again and I told him that he could repay me by beating Flint. Muskegon still plays Flint 3 times this year. I told Andrew (Muskegon's equipment guy) to take that #33 jersey just in case.

Gotta go warm ups just started.

vs Muskegon

Not much good came out of the game last night. Look for a suspension to be handed out.

Congrats to Jason Lepine, who was called up to the AHL today. Be on the look out for where. (It wasn't Peoria that called him up.)

Tonight Lefty (Bryan Bloodworth) will receive his award for the Public Relations Director of the Year.

Tonight Muskegon will still be without league MVP Robin Bouchard as he is serving the last game of his suspension. He received the MVP award yesterday.

Getting caught up

Ok, so I didn't blog the past couple of days. Last night was big for us as Port Huron beat Flint 4-2 in Port Huron. Those two teams play again tonight in Flint.

These were the lines yesterday:
61 27 22
28 24 9
12 20 19
39 21

I didn't get the D pairings yesterday or today, because they all wear the same color jersey and I didn't see much of practice.

Here are the lines for today:
61 27 21
28 24 9
12 20 19
39

Snowden did skate today. He woke up sick this morning.

After practice today we are having our draft for our masters pool. Frick and I teamed up again. Last year we won it, hopefully we can have a good draft and do it again.

After 3 days of fantasy baseball I am tied 4 to 4 with The Unfoxy Ladies. My Cubs did not have a good opening day with Zambrano getting pounded. Hopefully they can respond today in Atlanta and get the first of many wins on the season. For those of you who are not Cubs fans, I am warning you now that there will be a lot of Cubs talk on this blog.

A couple days off

The win on Saturday night was huge. Not only did it give us a 7 pt lead on Flint, but it allowed us to get 2 days off. Since we do not play until Thursday, we were given Sunday and Monday off. In an equipment managers world, this means that I get a day off. Usually a day off means that I have to go in a get caught up on the laundry and other things before the next day of practice. I took today completely off to celebrate Easter with my wife, daughter and friends. I will go in tomorrow and catch up on the laundry.

Thursday we have a chance to put Quad City officially out of the playoff race:
http://www.qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=486847

I wonder if anyone will win the players of the week for this past week. I would nominate John Snowden for player of the week with 5 goals and 1 assist in 4 games.

Flint and Bloomington teaming up to help Peoria:
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1664792196/Rivermen-storm-past-Monsters-4-2
Looks like McIlvane and Rheaume will both be in the lineup for Peoria on Tuesday. A win over Milwaukee will help their chances of making the playoffs. Also, Joe Kingdon, our trainer will be working for Peoria. Good Luck to the 3 of them.

I have heard a few people talk about why we did not wear the pink jerseys Saturday night. Well, I can be the one to blame or praise for that decision. A month ago when the jerseys were designed, the color pink was chosen for that night. I didn't protest it much because of the cause and the fact that I hoped that we would have sealed up a playoff spot already. This however, was not the case. Saturday night was huge for the team, the city of Bloomington, and everyone involved. A win helps us get closer to securing a playoff spot, a loss means Flint is one step closer to taking what is ours. This time a year, it is all about eliminating distractions. I am not saying that we couldn't win in pink jerseys, because we did earlier this year. I just felt that these jerseys would be a distraction, so I went to a couple of the owners and asked for a compromise. They agreed to wearing them in warm ups only, we won, and everyone was happy, except Flint that is.