Monday, January 30, 2017
2017 NHL All Star Game
For the
first time in several years, I really enjoyed the NHL All Star
festivities.
I have read
several reports on the All Star contests, both pro and con. One of
the indications that I took from the event was that the players were
having a fine time. Of course, there were one million reasons why the
boys from the Metropolitan Division had a fine weekend. That was a
mighty big cheque handed out at centre ice!
At last
year's All Star event, John Scott really distinguished himself. He
walked away, perhaps I should say “skated away” with the MVP
honours from the game, much to the delight of fans and players alike.
He was a journeyman player, without question, and is no longer
playing hockey. But that was his moment in the sun, and he was paid
the ultimate compliment by his teammates. They hoisted him on their
shoulders after he received his award. There was even a bit of
television coverage of John Scott at home, enjoying his young family.
This year's
MVP was Wayne Simmonds from the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored three
goals in the shinny tournament held to determine a winner. It was
three on three hockey, certainly a challenge. We are familiar with
the format, because it is used in regular season overtime. It is
exciting hockey, requiring great speed and great goaltending.
The NHL is
divided into four divisions. There have been so many changes in the
conferences, and the divisions, that I have to check the newspaper to
see how they currently line up. Currently, there are four divisions
in two conferences. The four teams in the tournament: Atlantic,
Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Pacific beat Central 10-3,
Metropolitan beat Atlantic 10-6. The winners faced off in the final,
won by the Metropolitan boys 4-3. Sure, it was a bit confusing, and
hardly memorable. But it was good hockey. Games were 20 minutes long.
One of the
highlights of the weekend was the homage paid to the top 100 players
from the last 100 years. Of course, many have passed away. But almost
50 of the greats of the game showed up. From all of the smiling
faces, it was apparent that they all really enjoyed the weekend.
Wisely, there was no mention of grading. We can agree on many of the
top players, but there will always be disagreements. Gordie Howe is
in the top ten on everyone's list (at least he should be). Bobby Orr
is on my list as well, as is Bobby Hull. I still maintain that Wayne
Gretzky is number one.
I also enjoy
the skills competitions. I believe the players enjoy that as well.
They hang along the boards chatting while watching their peers shoot
for accuracy and for speed. It is always noteworthy to see who is
clocked with the fastest speed in the league.
Other
noteworthy sports events last week included Roger Federer's victory
in the Australian Open against Rafael Nadal. It was a long and
grueling five set match. It has been several years between victories
in major tournaments for Federer, who is in the twilight of his
career, but still the king of the court.
Five
Canadian golfers made the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Several
notable players failed to make the cut, including Tiger Woods in his
comeback attempt.
And yes,
there is football south of the border this weekend: the New England
Patriots will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Houston this coming
Sunday. As always, there will be some interesting commercials.
James Hurst
January 30,
2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
Hockey Life, On The Road.
Columbus Cottonmouths' Bus
A hockey life is a very
transient life. For a variety of reasons, you do not often stay in
one place for a long time. You might get traded, or demoted. Then
again, you might get “called up” to play in a better league.
Injuries are always a factor. There may also be personal reasons for
changing your locale.
Junior players only
stay in their junior towns or cities for a few years. They may move
on to colleges or universities. They may join the professional ranks,
or simply decide to hang up the blades. There are only so many jobs
in professional hockey.
Andy Bathgate, former Belleville Bull
Some of those jobs
happen to exist in leagues that are not widely known, like the SPHL.
There are nine teams in the league, and, over the years, many local
players from the Quinte area have laced up their skates for one of
these teams: Columbus Cottonmouths, Evansville Thunderbolts,
Fayetteville FireAntz, Huntsville Havoc, Knoxville Ice Bears, Macon
Mahem, Mississippi River Kings, Pensacola Flyers, Peoria Rivermen,
and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs.
Most of the players who
toil in the SPHL are there because they love the game. The love the
camaraderie, the competition, the action. They are in the process of
“living the dream”, in hopes that they might some day play for
substantial money. I suggest that if they really did not like
playing, they would walk away from the game.
Rusty Hafner plays for
the Columbus Cottonmouths. He played his college hockey at Bowling
Green. Be he also spent an exciting year with the Wellington Dukes,
playing 20 playoff games all the way to the Royal Bank Cup. Andy
Bathgate also plays for Columbus. He skated on the big ice in
Belleville for several years with the Bulls. That ice and that team,
as you well know, no longer exist.
Rusty Hafner, Former Wellington Duke
The SPHL is a bus
league. Teams travel thousands of miles each season. Columbus
ventured north last weekend to play the Peoria Rivermen. At 1:15pm,
on Friday afternoon, their bus rolled off the highway in Illinois.
All of the players on the team, and team personnel went to the
hospital. First reports indicated that there were serious injuries.
On Sunday evening, they
played the second game of their weekend schedule against Pensacola.
Only six players from the team were able to play. Coach Bechard had
his hands full.
“It was one of the
most emotional events I've been involved with. We had six guys from
our team playing and we had twelve guys from all over the country,
some that I knew, some that I didn't know. And they came together. It
wasn't a pretty game, by any means, but they did everything they
needed to do, and really showed what being a team is all about', he
reported to the local media.
Goaltender Brandon
Jaeger was released from hospital yesterday, and is home recovering
with his parents. David Segal has played pro hockey for ten years,
more than 417 games. “I have never played in a more meaningful or
emotional game in my entire career,” he said, after the game.
The team lost the game
to Pensacola 6-3. I am certain it was a game that none of them will
ever forget. Thankfully, they are all on the mend.
Not just another day in
minor pro hockey.
James Hurst
January 23, 2017.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Moving Day!
Currently with the Binghampton Senators
I was in the crowd
recently when it was announced that they were relocating to
Belleville. There were a lot of smiling faces in the crowd. Many of
those people were formerly Belleville Bulls' fans, and were thrilled
to see that hockey was returning to Belleville. In the same token, I
am certain there were some disappointed fans in Binghampton.
Many of those people
remember the glory days of hockey in the Quinte area when the
Belleville McFarlands reigned supreme. There were some lean years
following the exploits of the McFarlands. But there was decent Junior
hockey and some senior hockey as well.
There were a few
reasons why the Belleville Bulls left town.
The seating capacity
was a little small. Mind you, even at the best of times, one could
still find a seat here or there. Most of the time, even during the
heyday of the Bulls, there were seats available during the regular
season. Of course it was another story during the playoffs. But that
situation really pertains to all levels of hockey, at crunch time.
The style of play was a
big factor. Most fans had had enough of George Burnett. Let's just
say that he was a defensive-minded coach, and did not emphasize an
offensive game. There are many styles of play, and George emphasized
the wrong one for Bulls' fans. Many refused to renew their seasons'
tickets because of that.
In the dead of winter,
it is cold in Ontario. No kidding. And yet, the Bulls' home games
were broadcast live on television.
So Don and his bride are sitting at the dinner table, and it is ten
below zero, and he asks her if she might be interested in heading out
to the Bulls game. They will have to park half a mile from the
arena's entrance. On the other hand, they could crack a cold one, and
watch the game on TV, in comfort, by the fireside.
There
have been reports of relocations taking place at this time in the
National Football League. Silly stuff. But the San Diego Chargers are
likely on their way out of town, to become the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Raiders are destined for Vegas, to join the hockey Knights. Sad
times, as those with good memories will recall. The Colts bolted from
Baltimore in the middle of the night, leaving a bad taste in many
mouths. Sadly, it's all about the buck.
So
let's get back to the playoffs. We now have the Steelers traveling to
New England to play the Patriots, the Packers going to Atlanta to
face the Falcons. Football fans across North America will enjoy this
weekend's playoffs, with the SuperBowl only weeks away!
January
15, 2017.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Ovechkin's Latest Triumphs-Who Cares?
In the midst of a deep
personal self evaluation, I am trying to uncover the reason for an
opinion I cannot shake. I am not an Alex Ovechkin fan.
I am not enthralled
with his remarkable exploits. I am not overwhelmed by the fact that
he has won the Maurice Richard Trophy
for scoring the most goals in the regular NHL season six times,
including the last four years. He recently passed Richard's goal
total, moving into 84th place in the all-time points list.
I
am always impressed with players who remain faithful to their teams,
and play their entire career in one city. Ovechkin has done that, in
a Washington Capitals uniform. One cannot say the same for that other
European superstar, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr has played in several cities,
eight, in fact,and even bolted to play in Russia for several seasons.
It likely had something to do with money.
It
may be because “Ovi” plays for the Caps. I have never been a
Capitals fan, likely never will be. I have never scanned the morning
news to find out whether or not the Capitals won or lost. I have had
many favourite teams over the years, just not the Capitals.
It
may be because it has taken him so long to learn how to communicate
in acceptable English. I have watched his interviews over the years.
It appears that he really does not care what I think of his ability
to communicate with me.
I
am not a big fan of those who like to “hot dog”. Ovechkin has
always put on a fairly obvious personal display when he scores a
goal. “Good for you”, I say to myself. But seriously, after
scoring 544 goals, you just might tone down that nonsense, just a
little. Of course I am old school about that. Score the goal, go to
centre ice for the face off. It is not necessary to high five, kiss
and hug every player on your bench every time you light the lamp.
I
think he is a brilliant player. He is a real force to contend with,
at six feet, six inches or more in stature on the ice. He weighs 240
pounds without the equipment. My bones creak a little when I imagine
getting creamed into the boards by Ovechkin.
I
love the way he shoots the puck. He manages to find that little spot
in the open, prepares to fire, and watches the twine bulge. Only a
handful of players have had that timing. He is not a big assist guy,
and now has chalked up 455 assists in his career. He trails another
Russian, Evgeni Malkin. Malkin has 492 assists, and is in 146th
place on the all time list.
He
appears to be a good teammate. They gather around him after he
scores. Then again, what else are they supposed to do?
Perhaps
you, the reader, could help me in this regard. I would take 50 other
players ahead of Ovechkin as my favourites. Am I wrong here? Does he
have endearing qualities? Am I overlooking something?
He
is still relatively young, at 31 years. He does not shy away from the
rough stuff, and he may not last as long in the league as other
players who tend to avoid serious confrontation.
Is
it because he has never hoisted the Stanley Cup?
James
Hurst
January
12, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Chad Bain Joins the Pro Ranks.
Chad Bain is making history.
The Belleville native and Quinte Secondary School graduate has become the first-ever Ontario player to sign with the expansion Toronto Wolfpack professional rugby league team. The club announced the signing Monday.
Eric Perez, CEO of the Wolfpack, who'll open their inaugural season in May in Toronto, said Bain is a solid addition to the fledgling club.
"I’m really pleased to welcome Chad to the team,” said Perez. “He worked really hard and has proven to us that he has what it takes to contribute to the squad, and it’s even better that he is a native of our province of Ontario. Chad is the first Ontario domestic player to be signed by the Wolfpack, and is a perfect example of the growth of rugby league in this province.
"We're eager to grow the sport in our region, and it’s players like Chad who're helping us lead the way.”
Bain, a six-foot, 265-pound prop, participated in open tryouts for the Wolfpack held across North America last summer and was among only 18 finalists invited to participate in a trial match in December in England. The Wolfpack hopefuls defeated semi-pro rugby league club, Brighouse Rangers, 28-26, and Bain was named Man of the Match after leading the Toronto tackle count.
The 24-year-old Bain said he was thrilled to officially join the Wolfpack.
"It's been a crazy 24 hours,” he said. “I still can't believe it. There's no other club I'd rather play for. Not only am I representing Toronto, but I'm representing Canada as a whole.
"I appreciate everyone who's supported me. This is the start of something big for rugby league in Canada and around the world and I'm glad to be part of it.”
Bain played junior and senior rugby for the Belleville Bulldogs before being introduced to rugby league through an Ontario domestic competition. Rugby league features 13 players per side, as opposed to 15 in rugby union, with other technical differences.
Bain went on to play for the Canadian national rugby league team — the Wolverines — including at a World Cup qualification tournament in Florida.
Wolfpack officials, in a press release, said Bain brings “rugby league experience alongside his impressive size, speed and strength” to the Toronto club.
Brian Noble, the Wolfpack's director of rugby, said Bain earned his opportunity with the club through grit and determination.
"I'm so thrilled that Chad is continuing his rugby career with the Wolfpack,” said Noble. “He joins an elite program with elite players and thoroughly deserves his place at the top table. Throughout the trials he has excelled at overcoming obstacles, and like his playing style, has smashed them out of the way.
"Now the hard work begins."
Bain’s first official match with the Wolfpack will take place on Jan. 22 in an exhibition match against Hull FC, in the U.K.
Beginning in May, the Wolfpack become the first-ever trans-Atlantic team to play in the English Rugby Football League (ERFL). They'll play home games at Lamport Stadium in the ERFL's Third Division, which is two steps below the Super League — the NHL of rugby league.
The Wolfpack have already signed the bulk of their roster, featuring a mix of veteran and up-and-coming professionals, mostly from the U.K. Bain is among a select group of developmental players who'll each make their debut as professionals this year.
Need to know: Bain is the third Canadian-born prospect to be signed by the Wolfpack.
Note: Chad Bain began his football career with the Belleville Minot Football League. Several local players have gone on to play professional sports from the Belleville Minor Football League.
Monday, January 09, 2017
Blades Continue Winning Ways-2017
One of Three!
Last Wednesday, the
Florida Everblades played the first of three home games against the
Manchester Monarchs. They trailed the Monarchs by two points in the
Eastern Conference, with both teams sitting on the top of their
respective divisions. After Saturday night's game, the Blades earned
their spot at the top of the standings, winning all three games .
This coming week, they also play three games against rival South
Carolina Stingrays. It was only the second Manchester visit to
Florida in the last five years.
Travel costs are a
serious consideration in the ECHL with 27 teams from all points in
North America, including Brampton, Ontario, and Alaska! Consequently,
teams often play three games during their week in South West Florida.
They also look forward to a little fun in the sun. No big deal is
made of the few days that they can enjoy a few rays. Otherwise, they
might take the abuse heaped on the New York Giants for their little
junket last week. For some reason, they just weren't ready to beat
the Packers on the frozen tundra in Green Bay last Sunday.
Coach Brad Ralph
I asked coach Brad
Ralph about his team's success thus far this year. This is his first
season behind the Blades' bench, succeeding Greg Poss. He held up two
fingers after I asked the question. “Heart and chemistry”, he
told me. The Blades have played 33 games this season, losing 7 times
in regulation. They began the season with 13 games without a regular
season loss. Coach Ralph added: “Our team is very determined,
really grinding every game”.
On Sunday, the Blades
trailed at the end of the first period, but tied the game on a wicked
shot from Evan Bloodoff. Midway through the third period, rookie
Michael Ferrantino stole the puck in the neutral zone, cruised in
from the wing, and beat Monarch's goalie with a nifty shot to the top
of the net, right up beside the peanut butter jar.
The Blades added a late
period goal, but gave one back when the Monarchs scored after pulling
their goalie with few seconds remaining. Too little, too late. The
Blades survived the late onslaught to win 3-2.
Blades Goalie Anthony Peters
Much credit for the win
went to Anthony Peters, the first star of the game. The Blades were
often short-handed, and Peters had to be sharp throughout the game.
He had good things to say about his teammates: “They played really
well in front of me. They tightened up defensively when required,
giving us a chance to win. We split our games on the road against the
Monarchs, so we knew they were a good team. But we do well on home
ice, especially when teams are here for three games.”
You are familiar with
the Florida Panthers' tradition of tossing rats on the ice after a
home game victory? Well, the Everblades have something similar in
mind, using plastic alligators. It has a ways to go. I counted three.
More than four thousand
spectators enjoyed the game at the Germain Arena in Estero, easily
visible on the eastern side of the main highway # 75 on the South
West Coast. Next Saturday night will also be a special one for the
Blades. “Canada Night”, presented by the TD bank. Live music and
“Bounce Houses”. I would not have it any other way, unless there
is an age restriction. Game time 7:00pm.
James Hurst- January 9,
2017
Sunday, January 01, 2017
So Long, 2016!!
Yes, girls
and boys, it's time to turf that ragged old 2016 calendar, and unfurl
the one that arrived in the mail. Reflecting on the past year, sad to
say, we lost a fine group of athletes from many different areas in
the sporting world.
In no
particular order, I shall address those losses. Some of them may not
move you deeply, as they matured, like a fine wine, to a great old
age. Others left us too soon, for a variety of reasons.
Arnold
Palmer left us last year. He was certainly a legend on the golf
links, and managed to stay in the game long enough to have great
impact.
Muhammad Ali
died in 2016. I trust you have seen some of the documentaries, or
movies of the man. He dominated the fight game for many years, and
was a lightning rod for the promotion of racial integration in the
United States.
Two other
great fighters also died last year: Aaron Pryor, and Sonny Liston,
who helped promote the game with Ali, Frazier, and a few others.
Dick
McCauliffe was a fine baseball player, and won a World Series with
the Tigers in 1968. Monte Irvin was one of the pioneers of the game,
the last survivor of the Negro Leagues. The Hall of Famer was 96. Joe
Garagiola died last year, at the age of 90. His story, and that of
his son, is documented in a previous column. Milt Pappas starred with
the Cubs, Orioles and Braves during his career. The most tragic
baseball loss last year was that of Jose Fernandez. Fernandez managed
to escape from Cuba to became a star with the Marlins in Florida. A
superstar .in the making, his life was snuffed out in a late-night
boating accident off the coast of Florida. Drugs and booze involved?
Of course. Tragic? Absolutely.
We lost NBA
Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond, and another in Bobby Wanzer who played
for the Rochester Royals and became an NBA Champion in 1951.
Johann
Cruyff was declare Europe's best player of the 20th
century on the soccer pitch. He helped promote the game world-wide.
Winston Hill
was a key player in the career of Joe Namath. Hill was a tackle with
the Jets, and protected “ Broadway Joe” when he won his only
championship. Buddy Ryan was a legendary coach with many NFL teams.
His sons are currently unemployed, after unsuccessful seasons with
the Buffalo Bills.
A slight nod
to the wrestling game. “Chyna” passed away last year. She was 46
years old, and had difficult times outside the ring.
So many
friends left the ice for good last year, but none greater than Gordie
Howe. Have a look at the record book. No matter what Jagr does,
Gordie will reign supreme. But we lost one of his nemeses, Lou
Fontinato as well. One of the Plager brothers, Bill, who brought a
little small town non-nonsense hockey from the north left us last
year. Ted McKaskill only played one year in the NHL, but father a
pretty fine ball player, his son Kirk.
Bill Gadsby
played 21 seasons in the NHL. Rudy Migay starred for the Leafs,
Charlie Hodge for the Habs. Former Red Wings Benny Woit and Bill
Dineen have left the building. Normie Kwong won four Grey Cups with
the Eskimos, but also had his name scratched on the Stanley Cup as
one of the owners of the Calgary Flames. Kingston's Bob Dailey passed
away last year. A stalwart in early Olympic hockey, Ken Broderick is
gone.
And Ron
Wicks, the long-time NHL referee, also passed away last year.
May you have
a spectacular 2017. May all of your sports dreams come true. ( Keep
in mind the word “Rebuilding”! That covers a lot of ground!)
