Six days, 3 games, more than 2,200 km, 1 shootout win.  I kept a log during the trip and here are some of my entries and conversations.

Wednesday – 10:30 pm at the Longhorn Steak House in Auburn, Maine.

It was a spacious but relatively quiet restaurant as we were escorted to our reserved tables. The room quickly filled with lively banter as the team was relieved to have the 8 hour bus ride over.  Garrett Clarke was cutting into his 8 ounce tenderloin and the red juice oozed onto his place.  He knew he would be a target tomorrow night for his old teammates and the fans as this was his first trip back to Lewiston since demanding a trade.  To cap off the night, a huge sundae was presented to birthday boy Travis Randall who turned 19.  He shared with linemate Tomas Knotek and Clarke.  (Editor’s note: Thursday night, Clarke battled fiercely all game long in a 6-5 shootout win.  He finished with 3 points and was named the game’s 2^nd star.)

Friday – 5 pm at the Quebec Pepsi Colisee

Peter Delmas was ready for his first game back against his former team.  After the pre game skate in the morning, he took white tape and covered the two red Remparts logos on his mask.  Now he was trying to get in the “zone’ with a crowd of 13,000 coming.  He was quietly going through his pre game routine.  He was focused.  It showed as he was very sharp in a 3-1 loss.  Plenty of trash talking with old teammates but Peter says “all in good fun.”

Saturday – 11:45 at the entrance to the Pepsi Colisee.

He looked like a movie star.  He stood tall looking very distinguished, suave and debonnaire.   He then leaned up against the 61 year old building where he once brought crowds to their feet.  Dressed in a black felt hat and a classy trench coat, he reminded me of the handsome but rugged Marshall who brought peace and order to the Wild West.  Instead of reaching for his gun, he thrust out his hand and smiled.  We exchanged a handshake.

“Where’s Cam?”

I shook my head, “Not here.  Left us yesterday.  He’s in Wilcox, Saskatchewan on a 5 day scouting trip.” After a couple more minutes we were ready to close the bay doors to the bus for our 2 hour ride to Shawinigan.

“Be sure to give him my regards.”

“I certainly will,” As I boarded the bus, one of the players asked, “Who is that guy?”

I paused thinking – this player is to young to know who it is.  “An old teammate of coach Russell’s. One of the most underrated players to play in the NHL.”

(Michel Goulet scored 50 plus goals in 4 straight seasons with the Nordiques and  over his career averaged more than a point a game.  He left the Colorado Avalanche to join Hockey Canada this year).

Saturday – 3:30 pm in the Press Gallery of the Bionest Centre in Shawinigan.

The  Pre Game warmup was about to begin as I weaved my way through the throng of scouts to my broadcast location.  I had never seen so many teams represented at any of our other games this season.  There may have been 20,  I chatted with a half dozen – Simon Nolet (Flyers), Bill Dandy (Oilers), Pierre Rioux (Leafs), Claude Carrier (Devils), Michel Boucher (Canadians) and Central Scouting’s goaltender guru Al Jensen.  They were all there to view Mathieu Corbeil and Konrad Abeltshauser.     Many of these scouts might not get a chance to see them again live as the team won’t visit Quebec the rest of the season, except for a pair of games in Rimouski..

Jensen is very impressed with Corbeil.  “Size, quickness and control make him unique,”says Jensen, who is in his 9^th season with Central Scouting.  Its his 6^th viewing of the 18 year old, currently ranked 3^rd among goalies in North America.   Corbeil stopped 3 breakaways that afternoon in a 3-2 loss.  His stock was rising.

Saturday -7:30 pm in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel

I stood alone in the hotel lobby waiting for the elevator to arrive after returning from Shawinigan following a 3-2 loss..  I glanced across the lobby to an open door where a meeting was about to begin.  A hand waved.  It was Patrice Cormier. He stood up and slipped past a couple of his Rouyn teammates and joined me in the lobby.

He broke into a wide grin and offered an outstretched hand.  “How are you?”

All of the events of the last two weeks came flooding at me as I stood before him.  I’ve known the family for 7 years.  “I’m fine, but the better question is….. how are YOU?

“I’m okay.  I ‘m surrounded by my team.  The coaches and the players, they’re my support group.”   He glanced over his shoulder.  “I got to go, our team meeting is about to start. We play Quebec tomorrow.”  He disappeared.  The elevator door opened.  I stepped aboard full of unanswered questions.

See you Friday when the Moose host the CHL # 1 ranked Saint John Sea Dogs.

GM Cam Russell and several team staff had just stepped off the team bus after a 6 hour ride from Halifax. We retreated somewhat confused as our driver claimed he had been instructed to have everyone come inside the MIlltown border crossing with passports and completed declaration forms. Eventually, Russell accompanied Europeans Tomas Knotek, Konrad Abeltshauser and trainer Ian Cox inside.

Garrett Clarke was nodding his head and listening to his ipod. He was relieved he wasn’t pulled off the bus as well. His parents now live in Kansas City and on numerous occasions when visiting his family he has been delayed with questions, photos and even finger printing.

This road trip was a very special one for the 16 year old 2nd year defenceman, who was acquired from Lewiston days before June’s QMJHL midget draft. “I’ve been thinking about this one alot lately. It will be very weird. I will be very motivated, very excited but will need to just remember to play my game.”

Russell, Cox and the two Euros climbed back aboard our bus and we began to pull away from the border. “To be honest, I wasn’t very happy in Lewiston. As soon as I arrvied at training camp, I found out there was no high school and I was expected to take my schooling on line. Then they expected me as a 15 year old rookie to learn by watching and not playing. They didn’t like me to play really physical and they expected me to figure it all out on my own. Not like here, where I am dealing with a a straight shooter like Cam.”

Clarke tugged at his chin and and his whispy beard as he glanced out the window at a sign pointing to Brewer, Maine. “My agent made it clear at Christmas, I wanted to be traded. I wanted out and Halifax is where I wanted to go.” (Halifax traded 19 year old Alexis Piette for the 6th overall pick of the 2008 draft).

“I’m not sure how the fans will react tomorrow, (Wednesday) I’ll probably get booed. I’ll be ready for that.”

At the back of the bus, a serious game of high stakes poker was underway.

Charles Bety, Gerrad Grant, Jessyko Bernard, Linden Bahm and Peter Delmas crowd around the table.

Delmas, last week’s CHL player of the week was dealing and reflecting on his 3 years as a Maineiac. It was full of highs (winning the Presidents Cup as a 16 year old) and lows (struggling much of his 3rd season as an 18 year old). There were some awfully “dark days” last season and he was traded to the Remparts also just prior to the midget draft with the promise of “playing for another Memorial Cup.”

“This isn’t my first trip back.” offered the 19 year old Colorado 2nd rd pick. “We played in Lewiston back in October and it didn’t go well. We lost 4-2 or 5-2 and I didn’t play well. It was so different going back. Everything, from the visitors dressing room to the warmup to getting booed. I defintely didn’t expect that.”

Bety raised the ante. Delmas reached into his stack of chips and counted. He then pushed them to the middle of the table and smiled. “I’m in.”

Delmas’ parents no longer live in Bedford. They relocated when a career opportunity presented itself in Ontario but Peter is thrilled to be living back in his old neighbourhood. “I was so excited when I found out I was traded to Halifax. Its a great organization. I feel no pressure here. None and I feel great. This is the place I want to be.”

As our bus turned south onto the interstate highway, Delmas thoughts drifted back to Wednesday’s game. He confidently pronounced, “I’ll be READY this time.”

What he wasn’t ready for was Bety’s straight flush.

Editors note – Delmas found out late Tuesday night after checking in hotel he would start against the Maineiacs Wednesday. He also was the big winner in the poker game.

Road trip videos can be viewed at sportsandmoore.com.

See you back in Moose Country on February 5th when the Herd host the first place Saint John Sea Dogs,

John

We exchanged greetings and walked over to the elevator on the ground floor.  We touched on Team Canada’s Silver medal performance at the WJC.  Colour man Chris Tremblay joined us just as the door was about to close.

“Where’s my coffee?” Chris blurted out with a smile.

“I’ll get you one, when I get off on the concourse.  Al, can I get you one as well?”

“No thanks.  I’ll get one upstairs.” He replied.

“No, you won’t.  No coffee in the media area this season.  I’ve got it.  What do you want?”

“Cream and sugar – thanks.” He nodded.

I whipped around the concourse and nearly dropped the tray as I climbed the stairs to the Pat Connolly Press Box.   Murray was filling out his lineup sheet when I made the delivery.  We talked briefly about Brent Andrews’ performance at the World Under 17’s for Team Atlantic.  He agreed to join me in the first intermission.  Below is an excerpt of the interview.

Andrews was twice named Team MVP for Team Atlantic.  How good was he in Timmons?

“He was arguably as good a centre ice man as any on the Canadians teams.  He’s got an interesting combination because he is big and skilled and yet is committed defensively and plays a real solid defensive game as where a lot of the high end centres we have in the country haven’t found that defensive responsibility yet.  He reminds me a lot of Sean Couturier who is in this game tonight.” (Couturier leads Q in scoring and just turned 17 years old).

Brent , a 16 year old 1^st round pick has 3 goals and 9 points so far this season.  Should we expect more?

“Not at his age.  I think there are only a couple of players in the country that are at that age and are able to put up big numbers.  Usually they are guys on a team where they are the focal point of the offence because the team has maybe one line and they load up that one line.  Here…Brent gets powerplay time but is also on a line where there is energy and defensive responsibility.  They’re (the Mooseheads) certainly not putting all their eggs in one basket here and I think they are making him into the more well rounded player that he is.”

Its been said, Brent will be a better pro than a junior.  Would you agree?

“Some of the guys who don’t really see the ice that well can be outstanding juniors because they take the puck, take off and have tremendous individual skills, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good pro because when you move up to that level, all the defenceman can skate, all the defenceman can play you 1 on 1. Your not going to get that opportunity to dance by people.

“Brent plays a well rounded game.  He uses the other players on the ice well and he is a conscientious 2 way guy.  I think that bodes very well for a pro career for him.”

As the interview came to a close, we shook hands.  “You get the coffee next time.”  Then I settled back in for the 2^nd period call.   I couldn’t help but think Brent Andrews is very much on Hockey Canada’s radar.

You may view part of this interview at sportsandmoore.com.  See you this weekend for the final two games of the homestand.

The roads were clear and dry as our bus rumbled past the New Brunswick border.  We were headed to Moncton for an afternoon game with Robert Irving’s recently stacked Wildcats.  The Cats are the odds on favorites to win the President’s Cup after acquiring a slew of players (Gabriel Bourque, Kelsey Tessier, Alex Wall and Spencer Metcalfe) during the trading period.

Sawyer Hannay stretched out his 6 foot 4 athletic frame over two seats and gazed out the window.  The 17 year old  rookie defenceman’s thoughts were clearly on the upcoming game.  He was scratched Friday and Saturday due to a nasty cut just above his Achilles.  He was itching to get back in the lineup.

“I sure hope I can play today.  My family is coming,” stated the rugged Moncton native.  “and it will also be great to see Spencer again.”  I interjected.  “I’m not sure he will be playing, he may be suspended after picking up a fighting major and game misconduct last night.”

Sawyer had become very close to Metcalfe during his 4 month stay as a Moosehead. He had tremendous respect and admiration for the Oakville, Ontario native who arrived at training camp with an intimidating reputation.

“I remember my Dad telling me, ‘be careful at camp because there is a fighter coming.’  I was pretty nervous around him.  Then he challenged the entire bench.  There were no takers.”

Hannay twisted the dark blue cap off the clear Dasani water bottle and took a long slow drink.  He reflected on their relationship.  “He was the first veteran to show me what’s up.  He was the first to show me what I should be doing on D and was teaching me how to fight.”

From there, their relationship grew.  Hannay started to type a text message. We were half an hour from Moncton.  “He’s hilarious.  He’s one of the funniest guys I have ever met.  In the room, he knew when it was time to have fun and yet he knew when it was time to get serious.    He didn’t have to say much but he knew what to say.”

Travis Randell leaned over Sawyer’s seat.  “Are you guys talking about Metter?  Geez – I miss him a lot.”  Travis, Costello and Bernier had taken him out for dinner at Boston Pizza Wednesday night after learning of the trade.

Costello was seated in front of Hannay.  “He’s just a great guy overall.  He was great in the room.  When things were going bad, he could always lighten things up and he fought anyone, no matter how big they were.”

Sawyer reached for his cell phone and smiled as he was reading a text message which had just arrived.  He held it up so I could read it, “I heard you had a beauty game yesterday.  Are you suspended or anything?”   I nodded.  Sawyer scrolled down so I could see Spencer’s response.  “Ha. Ha.  Yeah, I did man and no, I’m not.”

“Have you ever thought the day may come where you have to fight Spencer?  I asked.

Sawyer’s long fingers wrapped around the Dasani bottle and he used the index finger of his other hand to tap against the blue label “Pure Refreshment.”  He paused.

“Its crossed my mind.  I hope it doesn’t happen.  If it happens – it happens.  Its part of my job.  That’s part of my role on this team.  I’m sure if you asked Spencer, he would feel the same way.”   (Metcalfe leads the Q in fighting majors, Hannay leads the Mooseheads).

Our bus came to a rest inside the Coliseum.  The players began to unload.  Sawyer received the word – he would take the warmup.  In fact, he played and fought 6 foot 5 Tyler Howe in the 3^rd.   As for Spencer, he did not play against his old teammates on Sunday afternoon.  Instead he watched with his parents from the stands. He found out 10 minutes prior to warmup he had been suspended.

Spencer and the Wildcats come to Moose country, Saturday, February 27^th.

See you Friday when the Sags visit Metro Centre.

As we filed off we thanked our driver for managing the snow covered roads and stormy conditions.  Our game the night before in Bathurst had been postponed.  Little did we know – this road trip would only get worse.

I scrambled upstairs to meet Rocket President Serge Savard Jr.  He looked like he was in the midst of his own storm.  A tired looking Savard in a very candid interview explained why his team had unloaded 7 players during the trading period in a season when they were promising to make a playoff run.  (View video at sportsandmoore.com) The fans were angry and he understood.    As I gazed down from my broadcast perch, I estimated there may have been 500 fans in attendance.

The road would only become rougher and rockier for the Mooseheads on Sunday afternoon. One by one they started to fall.   First – Garrett Clarke.   Josh Currie suckered the Mooseheads defenceman and he became concussed.

Linden Bahm was next.  He went flying over the top of a Rocket winger and crashed into the boards head first.  He was sent to the hospital immediately and later returned with a cast (fractured wrist).

Spencer Metcalfe was trying to fight off the flu despite appeals from Medical Trainer Brian Morrison to come out of lineup.  He was determined to stay as PEI enforcer Brendan Wright was looking for a dance partner.  Despite a huge size (5 inches 40 lbs) advantage, Metcalfe held his own but with nothing left was finished for the game.

With the game winding down en route to a 4-1 loss, Sawyer Hannay suffered a freakish laceration of his lower right leg.  He was clipped by partner, Paul Dimitruk’s skate and lost all feeling in his lower leg.

The PEI team doctor assured Hannay he would be okay as he methodically inserted 11 stitches.  However he also made it clear how fortunate he was. “Another millimeter and you would have had season ending surgery on your Achilles tendon.”  Hannay was more interested in being able to practice Monday.

Back inside the clinic, Morrison had his hands full treating his players.  It looked like a triage.  The storm raged outside.

The coaching staff was busy gathering information and trying to decide whether to return to Halifax or stay the night.  Coach Russell was checking road reports and weather forecasts.   Coach Donnolly made a call and returned  “Rooms are available.”

A member of the Rocket staff offered “Just heard from the bridge, they’re open.”

A Vancouver scout declared, “I’ve changed my plans and am staying here.  Don’t forget Swift Current.”  (Reference to Swift Current Broncos tragic bus accident in 1986).

Coach MacLeod closed his cellphone.  “It’s raining in Halifax.”

Someone blurted out, “What about the Cobequid Pass?”

The bus sat idling, players waiting for the decision.  Finally Russell stepped aboard after a conversation with our driver.  “Lets start out and see how it is.”

Heavy rain pelted the side of the bus as we made our way off the Island.  The roads were partly snow, mostly slush covered.  Conditions changed for the worse once in New Brunswick.

We were back into storm conditions.  Roads snow covered and visibility was not good.  I could see the stress on the drivers face.

Near the back of the bus, Bahm used a pillow to elevate and prop up his left arm.  He winced at the pain and the swelling.  Metcalfe was drifting off trying to get needed rest and sleep.  Clarke and Hannay were watching videos, at least temporarily escaping from the elements outside, the injuries and their 5^th straight loss.

The pass was next!

See you in Moose Country Friday when the Montreal Juniors make their final visit.

Travel safe!

John

The minimum 20 players were aboard including 3 callups, 16 year old Matt Boudreau (Quebec Midget leading scorer) and a pair of 18 year olds Justin Belanger and Andrew Wigginton, both members of the Halifax Lions of the Maritime Junior Hockey League.

It was rather quiet as we headed out on the highway. Players were watching new Christmas videos or reading new publications but a phone call to Travis Randell would change all of that. The 2 hour bus ride to Antigonish was full of conversations.

As I walked down the aisle, I locked eyes on the 18 year old Newfoundlander who had a quizzical look on his face.

“I just got a call from my buddy Brad Yetman. He’s been traded to PEI and he’s awfully upset. I’m not sure he is going to report. He is really, really upset.”

“What did they get in return,” I asked.

“Brandon Maclean and a 1st round pick.”

“A 1st round pick. Are you sure?” I responded. Garrett Clarke joined the conversation. “Not a 1st round pick,” muttered Clarke who was shaking his head in disbelief. Clarke was a 1st rd pick, 6th overall two summers ago.

“I’ll send him a text to confirm but I am pretty sure he said a 1st rounder, replied Travis.

It didn’t make a whole lot of sense and as we later discovered it was Maclean and a 6th rd pick for the 18 year old Yetman. I was puzzled as Rocket president Serge Savard Jr made it clear he was planning on adding to his team and making it stronger for the playoffs.

Word spread rapidly through the bus. Randell heard back from Yetman and reiterated his friend was strongly considering not reporting.

As I moved back toward my seat, I reached out to welcome Belanger and Wigginton aboard. The two were seatmates in the middle of the bus, not fully accepted as of yet. After all they hadn’t even practiced with the team and knew very few of the players. They weren’t in isolation but close to it – thats the way it is in the hockey world. You could see the seperation from the other players. Both were on 4 game tryouts.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” said Belanger as he pulled his hoddie over his rusty red hair. “I had no idea it was coming. Cam called my Dad yesterday at noon and then he called me to break the news. This is great.”

As I eased back into my seat near the front of the bus, my cell was vibrating. I glanced down at the email which had just arrived. I read it a 2nd time. It suddenly dawned on me, the Rocket weren’t adding, they were unloading.

Two high scoring forwards, Joel Champagne and Chris Doyle had just been traded to Victoriaville for 2 players and 4 draft picks. Suddenly, the Yetman deal made alot more sense. I passed my cell to coach Russell. He put down his Theo Fleury “Playing with Fire” autobiography. Soon the coaching staff was engaged in lively conversation discussing trade strategies and what this deal would mean to teams right across the Q. News spread quickly from the front to the back of the bus.

Oblivious to it all was my cross aisle seatmate, Boudreau. The 5 foot 9 160 pounder, a 3rd round pick, 49th overall this past summer was afforded a rare luxury for a rookie – a seat by himself.

He propped his pillow up against the window and elbowed his RDS sport bag over trying to find more room. His debut was Sunday at Metro Centre.

“I was awfully nervous. I had been thinking about the day for a long, long time. Even since I was drafted I have been thinking about. I was very, very nervous my first few shifts. Then I started to relax and it got better. I even had some scoring chances, so it went pretty well.”

As for his 5 game tryout?

“I came here to earn a spot on the team. I want to stay with the team for the rest of the season. Everything is so much faster at this level. Everybody is quicker and stronger. I think I can play here and I don’t want to go back.”

Boudreau grew up and played his minor hockey 20 minutes north of Montreal. His hockey sense and playing making skills caught the eyee of the Mooseheads scouting staff last winter. We were approaching Antigonish where we would stop for our pre game meal.

Boudreau reached into his bag as we turned up the exit ramp. He pulled out a small bright red and gold box of Lindt chocolates which his mother gave him as a stocking stuffer. He plucked out one of the colourfully wrapped balls and poked it thru the seats to a grateful Carl Gelinas. A little gift to his current linemate, old friend and perhaps teammate for the remainder of the season.

#2 Garrett Clarke – “a one on one date with Lester Brown.” (I’m confused.)

#3 Jamie Bishop – “unlimited tanning sessions and a laptop.” (Have you been a good boy?)

#5 Sawyer Hannay – “a 2009 red 2 door Lambourghini.” (Expensive taste for a rookie.)

#8 Spencer Metcalfe – “even though I know it’s a tall order, I would like to play on the half wall with Tomas (Knotek) and Travis (Randall).  (Not this Christmas).

#9 Linden Bahm – “an invitation to be the best man at Medical Trainer Brian Morrison’s upcoming marriage.”  (Then stay out of the clinic.)

#11 Jordon Costello – “an open heart from my teammates.  I just want to be accepted by my teammates and not ridiculed for being a farmer from Prince Edward Island.” (This one drips with sarcasm.)

#12 Matthew Stoddard – “a new car as the one I’m currently driving I bought for $150.” (Good possibility.)

#14 Tomas Knotek – “success at the World Juniors championships.” (Quite possible.)

#16 Travis Randall – “an invitation to Brian Morrison’s upcoming marriage.” (I’ll talk to Mrs Claus.)

#19 Carl Gelinas – “a wallet.  I lost mine earlier today with all my i.d..” (Granted!  Make sure you have a passport as well for the road trip to Lewiston.)

#21 Gabe Desjardins – “the NHL 2010 game for my Xbox.” (Sure.)

#22 Gerrad Grant – “a 42 inch high definition television so I can watch the Canadians beat the Leafs every game this season.” (The TV yes but no promises on the Habs.)

#23 Jessyko Bernard – “spending time with my friends, family and girlfriend over the holidays.”  (Granted.)

#26 Charles Bety – “a spot in the QMJHL playoffs for the Halifax Mooseheads.” (Wonderful idea.)

#27 Alex Lemieux – “money.   So I can buy a car soon as I am about to get my drivers licence.”  (It will be in your stocking.)

#43 Guillaume Pelletier – “a new pair of hands so I can score some goals in the New Year.”  (They’ll be under the tree.)

#44 Steve Gillard – “a new cell phone and a holder to go with it.  I’ve already lost two phones since the season started.” (Excellent idea.)

#55 Pascal Amyot – “a new haircut to replace this butchered  Mohawk.”  (The elves are on it.)

#74 Paul Dimitruk – “two tickets to the Winter Classic at Fenway in my hometown, so I can watch the Bruins beat up on the Flyers.” (Its been soldout for weeks.  Good luck.)

#79 Brent Andrews – “Movie tickets so I can go out with the boys on our Monday movie nights.”  (Easy.)

#30 Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault – “Just to spend time with my family and maybe my first shutout of my junior career in the 2^nd half.” (Done.)

#31 Joel Grondin – “Luck.” (I presume you want the good kind.)

To view the Mooseheads Christmas wish list view – sportsandmoore.com.

Merry Christmas everyone and we’ll see you Sunday when the Wildcats come to town.

John

Cam’s first ever NHL defensive partner didn’t mince words.  Russell had just been traded and needed to get to the airport within an hour to catch a flight to Phoenix in time to be inserted into the Colorado Avalanche lineup that night.

“I was in a state of shock.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was very comfortable in Chicago, but I also knew I wasn’t getting the amount of ice time I needed to continue my career.  I needed a change but it still came as a shock.”

The Head Coach and GM had removed his suit jacket and tie and was trying to get comfortable as the team bus rumbled home after a 6-1 loss Tuesday night in Moncton.  He was trying to digest the team’s latest performance but his thoughts raced ahead to the QMJHL trading period which officially opens Saturday.

“I’m sure some teams already have deals in place…but its been very quiet so far.  I’ve taken some calls and I will make some as well but its not like I’m always on the phone.

And I refuse to discuss potential trades on the bus, those conversations will take place in my office.”

Cam stretched out his legs and pushed a half eaten pizza box up against the wall.  He brushed some crumbs off his royal blue dress shirt with light blue pinstripes and leaned back against the window.

“These are difficult times for the players, their emotional times and once the trading period is over there is tremendous relief.  I can see how its already affected some of my players.  It’s a distraction and it takes them away from what they need to focus on.

So far Cam has received inquiries about 3 players, all 19 year olds.  Captain Tomas Knotek, linemate Gerrad Grant and defenceman Pascal Amyot.

“The top ends teams are looking at our older players.  They see what they could bring to their team and they have made offers.  I’m sure Randell is of interest as well but we are not going to trade a player who is 18 years old who will play another 2 and a half seasons for us.  These players bring good character and leadership to our dressing room and set fine examples for our 16 and 17 year olds.  To part with them would be extremely difficult.”

Cam ran his hand thru his jet black hair, no signs of grey as of yet.  He has requested Assistant GM Bob LeBlanc provide a full mid season report of for all 16, 17 and 18 year olds on the teams protected list.

“Some of the best trades are the ones you never make.   Don’t forget we have already made a couple of deals this season in exchange for draft picks.  (Alexandre Brunet to Rouyn-Noranda, Yuri Cheremetiev to Acadie Bathurst for 5^th Rd picks).”

Cam reached for his latest book, “Raising Cain.” His cell phone remained quiet.

Top 3

Answering the Bell

Spencer Metcalfe didn’t hesitate to drop the gloves despite the size difference at the Coliseum.  6 foot 6 235 pound Tyler Howe challenged the 6 foot 192 pound Moosehead. That’s 6 inches and 43 pounds.  Decision Metcalfe.

Different roads

Newfs Randell and Brandon Street are good friends but their careers have taken distinctly different paths since being selected 27^th and 28^th overall in the 2007 midget draft. Randell is playing on the Mooseheads top line.  Street left the PEI Rocket Tuesday and is demanding a trade.

Going for Bronze

Knotek says he and the rest of his Czech Republic teammates are shooting for a semi final appearance at the WJHC in Saskatchewan.  Their first two games are against the Russians and the Swedes.  Former Rocket Jan Kana is his roommate.  View video of Knotek interview at sportsandmoore.com.

See you Friday night when the Moose close out the first half at home with the Sea Dogs.

John

Lemieux (17), Gelinas (17) and Brent Andrews (16) are beginning to come together as a line and the results are beginning to show for this extremely industrious trio of rookies.  Thursday night, the line scored the tying and winning goals in a 3-2 win over Gatineau and Friday, they scored 2 more goals in the loss to the Rocket.  It’s all a result of hard work says Lemieux.

“I love playing with those guys.  We don’t have a lot of skill but we all work hard and give all we can give.   We complement each other so well. Carl can score, Brent is a great passer and I try to bring a lot of energy.”

Lemieux may not have a reputation for putting up big offensive numbers (last season he produced 10 goals/25 points in 35 games with College Charles Lemoyne) but  so far this season he has found the back of the net 5 times and has 10 points.  He isn’t pretending to be someone he’s not.

“I am a hard worker, I know I need to be that to be successful. I must skate and use my speed to be effective.  I have to get to the pucks in the corners and crash the net.  Be physical”

Obviously, the coaches like what they see from Lemieux as of late as he and his linemates have been rewarded with plenty of time on the PP.  Its an opportunity that he never expected.

“I know I need to be a very responsible defensive player, so this opportunity is a little surprise.  Earlier this season, I wasn’t playing that well and I blamed myself for that.  I needed more confidence and Donz (Coach Chris Donnolley) kept telling me I was capable of more.  Now with more ice time and powerplay time, my confidence is growing.”

Lemieux’s legs stretched out under the seat of Gabe Desjardins. Gabe was now awake and glanced at his watch.  It was 1:45 am.  I could now see the lights of Metro in the distance.  He reached down and playfully tugged at Lemieux’s sock.

Lemieux rolled over into the fetal position and tried to ignore Gabe.  He was trying to get comfortable, a few more Z’s perhaps.  Eventually, he surfaced rubbing his eyes.

“How’s the floor?” I asked.

“Oh, I don’t care. I like to be on the floor. I can get comfortable.”

Alex’s playing style and the floor have alot in common.  Clean and hard.

Editor’s note – Lemieux scored again Saturday night in a 7-3 win over Lewiston, sliding into the goal on the seat of his pants.

Top 3:

Candid admission

Former Moosehead Alex Piette admitted Saturday night, he never knew how fortunate he was to be a member of the Halifax Mooseheads.  He says those days are and always will be very special in his heart.  He and Gabe O’Connor talk regularly this season on how lucky they were to be part of the Moosehead organization.

Ma and Paw Knotek

Might want to invite Tomas Knotek’s parents back later this season.  With the Knotek’s watching live from Metro Centre stands, the captain scored on one of his patented top shelf shots from the top of the circle.

Good Luck

Konrad Abeltshauser has joined the German national junior team in Fussen for the upcoming World Junior championships (B Pool) to be held in France.  Germany hopes to be one of two countries promoted to the A Pool.  Knotek leaves to join the Czech Republic team after this weekend in Saskatchewan.

See you on the weekend. Brandon Gormley and the Wildcats visit Friday and Joel Champagne and the Rocket on Saturday.

John

Opportunity knocked and Steve Gillard came crashing thru the door.

The 17 year old defenceman had all but given up on playing in the QMJHL and certainly never dreamed of  logging close to 25 minutes a game and quarterbacking the powerplay in his rookie season.   But that is exactly where the St John’s Newfoundlander finds himself after 3 months in the Q.

Two summers ago, Gillard was excited with the prospect of being drafted in the QMJHL midget draft however he was passed over and deeply disappointed.  He considered other options and the University of Maine became an attractive alternative.

So this summer, when most 16 and 17 year old prospects were glued to the tube watching the draft unfold in Moncton NB, Gillard was at the gym training with good friend Dylan Brake.

“I really wasn’t interested in the draft.  Six or 7 teams including Halifax had contacted me but there were no guarantees and I didn’t expect to be taken.  Occasionally their workout would be interrupted as Dylan would check for draft updates on the internet through his cell phone.   Then in the 7^th round, Saint John selected Brake.

Later that afternoon, Gillard drove Brake home and then arrived at his house in time for supper.  As he pushed open the door and walked into the kitchen, his dad asked, “Did you see the draft?  Halifax took you in the 11^th round.”  Surprised and cautiously excited, he sat down with his father and began to discuss what this might mean.

“My parents love Halifax. My Dad thinks it is a great city and the Mooseheads are a great organization.  I used to go watch the Mooseheads when the Fog Devils were in St John’s and liked their teams.  I wondered what it would be like to play for them.”  The next day, Mooseheads chief Atlantic scout Allie MacDonald called.

“I knew if I went to Maine, I would have to wait another season and probably play another year of midget hockey.  I hope to have the opportunity to perhaps play pro hockey and I know how heavily scouted the league is.”

Still, Steve wasn’t completely convinced and came to camp with an open mind.   A meeting with Head Coach Cam Russell convinced him, this was the right place.  “Cam just told me, its not about when and where you get drafted, its about earning your ice time.  If you work hard and play well, you will get the opportunity. I believed him.”

And Gillard has been given a huge opportunity.  With fellow 17 year old defenceman Garrett Clarke and Konrad Abeltshauser out with injuries, he seems to be on the ice constantly, with his regular shift and special teams.

“I know Clarkie and Konrad are great assets for this team and we miss them but this is a good opportunity for me to prove myself.  I want to get as much ice time as possible, its good for my game and it’s a huge confidence builder especially on the top PP and top PK.”

“I’m always listening to Jeff (Coach MacLeod) in practice. He keeps telling me to always keep my head up, my feet moving and get that shot lane.  Everything comes so fast. You have to think faster.  You need to be thinking a step ahead of what your going to do.”

This past weekend Gillard ran the powerplay.  Friday it was 0 for 5 against the Remparts but Saturday 2 for 4 against the Titan.  Both goals coming off point shots from the rookie d-man.

Top 3:

Celebrating

Some players feel the need to celebrate goals with a special flair.  But never have I seen a  celebration of an assist as Quebec’s Dimitri Kugryshev performed Saturday night.  The colourful 19 year old Russian (Caps 2^nd rd pick) with a marvelous set up and then stood alone celebrating the pass while his teammates congratulated the goal scorer.  (Video feature of Kugryshev now available at my website, sportsandmoore.com).

Father meet son

Travis Randell’s father left the tiny town of Twillingate (Nfld.) and flew into Halifax’s Stanfield Airport to watch his son on the weekend.  Travis went to meet him at the airport and yet Dad walked right on by his son, failing to recognize him with his 3 month old beard.

Where’s Tremblay?

My long time sidekick in the broadcast booth, Chris Tremblay has missed a handful of games on News 95.7 due to work commitments.  We’ve had two sterling performances in  guest roles, first owner Bobby Smith and then Garrett Clarke.

Hope to see you at Metro Centre Thursday (Gatineau) or Saturday (Lewiston).  Tune in Pre Game show at 6:48 pm.

John