News comes today that Hrkac no longer has to worry about that career as a head coach as he was dismissed from his job as head coach of Concordia. That frees him up, however, to join the Aeros roster. And with the way the Wild are going through Aeros players left and right, it's possible that he could still end up as the Wild's leading scorer this season (that was said with tongue firmly in cheek. Please use your own sarcasm font)
Showing posts with label Alumni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alumni. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tony Hrkac Update
Every now and then we like to check up on former Aeros, and today we're checking up on Tony Hrkac, one of the unexpected heros of the 2009 playoff run. Hrkac came out of retirement -- and a new career as college coach -- to join the roster at the tail end of that season.
News comes today that Hrkac no longer has to worry about that career as a head coach as he was dismissed from his job as head coach of Concordia. That frees him up, however, to join the Aeros roster. And with the way the Wild are going through Aeros players left and right, it's possible that he could still end up as the Wild's leading scorer this season (that was said with tongue firmly in cheek. Please use your own sarcasm font).
News comes today that Hrkac no longer has to worry about that career as a head coach as he was dismissed from his job as head coach of Concordia. That frees him up, however, to join the Aeros roster. And with the way the Wild are going through Aeros players left and right, it's possible that he could still end up as the Wild's leading scorer this season (that was said with tongue firmly in cheek. Please use your own sarcasm font)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
And Kevin Constantine Goes To...
For any of you who were wondering about what former coach Kevin Constantine was going to be doing this hockey season, well, we have your answer. KC is off to France where he will be coaching a team there (sorry, the story is in French, but you should get the drift of it, or else try Google Translate.)
I thought KC was a great guy, and I hope he does well in France, and that he makes it back to our continent to coach again, soon. That said, KC does like to employ a defensive style of hockey, and we all know how the French are when it comes to defense.
I thought KC was a great guy, and I hope he does well in France, and that he makes it back to our continent to coach again, soon. That said, KC does like to employ a defensive style of hockey, and we all know how the French are when it comes to defense.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Catching Up With Mitch
So by now you've read the post on Mitch Love in the mothership. But I had a lot of left over material, so I thought I would write some more over here.
What I didn't write for the mothership -- damn space limitations -- is that I consider Mitch Love to be one of the biggest subtractions from last year's team. The work of Kolanos and Locke, etc., wouldn't have been possible without Love around to protect them. And the Aeros didn't want him to leave, but Kevin Constantine told T3I on Sunday that he and Love talked about the move to Peoria, and it was an offer that Love just couldn't pass up.
And speaking of Constantine, one of the thing that struck me after talking with Love was how much he likes and respects Constantine. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play for Kevin in junior and pro,” Love said. “I owe him a lot for what he’s done in my career.”
But not only that, he credits Constantine and his system, for the team’s playoff run last year because every guy on the team bought into Constantine’s system. And he credits his play on the ice last year and his ability to play his role on the team because of the trusting relationship he’d built up with Constantine.
“I think it's important finding that trust relationship with a coach,” he said. “Especially in the role I play. I wasn't out there to score to many goals but had to try and allow the guys who did score to do their job every night and that's something I take pride in. Having the respect of your teammates and coaches is as important as anything in the game.”
That reminds me of various things Constantine said to us last year. The fourth line was generally Mitch Love, Jason Ryznar, and Matt Kassian. It wasn’t a glamorous line, and it wasn’t a line that was going to score points. But what the line usually did was steady things down a bit on the ice. Constantine liked the line because he could rest the “stars” for a bit and know that there wouldn’t be stupid turnovers and penalties. He also appreciated the line because while they weren’t exciting on offense, they brought energy to the game, the players, and the crowd because they were aggressive when it came to hitting and getting back on defense.
“My history with [Love] is why I wanted to get him last year,” Constantine said. Love had been the captain of Constantine‘s first Everett club, which was an expansion team. “Because I knew he was a great person and a really competitive guy…he would do anything he could to help the team. I’ve always respected that.”
I used this quote at the mothership, but I like it, and I think it’s important. We thought of Love as an enforcer. Love doesn’t quite like that term.
“I think enforcer is a interesting term,” Love said. “I'd like to call it a good teammate. Someone that picks the right time to spark his club, stick up for a teammate and set the tone for a game. I've always been a guy who enjoys playing the game honest and on edge which sometimes leads to a fight here and there. I think last year I just did what I thought was good for the team, we had other guys like Kassian, Stoner, and Scott that all did the same thing in regards to this role.”
Love is, of course, playing for a new team this season. And he’s played on numerous teams throughout his career. Danny Irmen said earlier this season that he enjoyed the new influx of players into the locker room. Love doesn’t quite call it an enjoyable experience on his end, but it’s one that he’s becoming accustomed to.
“I've had to join a few new teams in my career so it's seems to get a little easier every time,” he said. “We have a great bunch of guys in Peoria. It was a little weird joining a team that we had such a battle last year with in the regular season and playoffs…”
His goal, of course, is the NHL. And he’s aware that guys sometimes have to jump around to fight the right fit. It’s not easy, and he realizes that there’s one factor that’s beginning to work against him. But it’s one he thinks he can hold off a little while longer.
“I think anyone one will tell you that their goal is to play in the NHL and mine isn't any different. For some guys it may take a few organizations to find a place that might give them that chance one day to playing in the NHL. This is my third NHL team and I'm not getting any younger so I'm still going to work everyday working my hardest to get better and help the young guys along in their journey to the NHL.”
And when it comes to helping out guys, he’s got a few words of wisdom for Brandon Rogers who has been making the move from defense to center this season.
“My best advice for [Brandon] would be watch as much video of himself and his teammates -- guys who have been playing forward for their whole lives. That’s the best way to learn the position. Not many guys make a transition like this, but for myself I think it was the best move I’ve done and I kind of wish that I had done it earlier in my career.”
And for those of you who followed us last year know, Love does a blog about his life as a hockey player for a TV station in Seattle. The person responsible for the blog is Su Ring, and it came about last year after she was singing the Canadian Anthem at an Everett hockey game, and fans shouted the word “Love” really loudly. So she investigated, and she discovered that this was done in tribute to Mitch Love. So she tracked him down to Houston, told him the story, and asked him to start blogging for her.
And as popular as he was in Houston, just wait until here about his popularity back in Everett.
“Mitch played for the Silvertips between 2003 and 2005,” Ring said. “He ended his junior career as Team Captain. No matter where he plays during the season, he always comes home to Everett during the summer. He coaches camps. He takes part in auctions. He is always available to kids. There's still a billboard up at Comcast Arena that features a photo of Mitch pitching some insurance company. Fans still walk around wearing 'Tips jerseys with Mitch's name and number (2) on the back.
“In short, Mitch is still well-LOVED, nearly five years after he graduated out of the WHL. I think Aeros fans probably feel the same way.”
Love is continuing with his blogging duties this season. It’s something he enjoys doing, plus he’s already thinking of post-career options.
“Yup the blog is back this winter,” he said. “I'm putting it out every 2 weeks this year. I really enjoyed it last year and just like to show people that don't really understand what we do on a weekly basis. There's a lot that goes on in a pro hockey players life beyond the boards we play in. I've always liked the media aspect of sports and someday, maybe when I'm done playing getting into that field.”
But he has still got this season to play. And once again, he’s playing for the fans.
“Peoria is a great hockey city,” he says. “It has been for a long time. Like any sports city the fans here want to see a winner and well try to do our best to give them one this year.”
What I didn't write for the mothership -- damn space limitations -- is that I consider Mitch Love to be one of the biggest subtractions from last year's team. The work of Kolanos and Locke, etc., wouldn't have been possible without Love around to protect them. And the Aeros didn't want him to leave, but Kevin Constantine told T3I on Sunday that he and Love talked about the move to Peoria, and it was an offer that Love just couldn't pass up.
And speaking of Constantine, one of the thing that struck me after talking with Love was how much he likes and respects Constantine. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play for Kevin in junior and pro,” Love said. “I owe him a lot for what he’s done in my career.”
But not only that, he credits Constantine and his system, for the team’s playoff run last year because every guy on the team bought into Constantine’s system. And he credits his play on the ice last year and his ability to play his role on the team because of the trusting relationship he’d built up with Constantine.
“I think it's important finding that trust relationship with a coach,” he said. “Especially in the role I play. I wasn't out there to score to many goals but had to try and allow the guys who did score to do their job every night and that's something I take pride in. Having the respect of your teammates and coaches is as important as anything in the game.”
That reminds me of various things Constantine said to us last year. The fourth line was generally Mitch Love, Jason Ryznar, and Matt Kassian. It wasn’t a glamorous line, and it wasn’t a line that was going to score points. But what the line usually did was steady things down a bit on the ice. Constantine liked the line because he could rest the “stars” for a bit and know that there wouldn’t be stupid turnovers and penalties. He also appreciated the line because while they weren’t exciting on offense, they brought energy to the game, the players, and the crowd because they were aggressive when it came to hitting and getting back on defense.
“My history with [Love] is why I wanted to get him last year,” Constantine said. Love had been the captain of Constantine‘s first Everett club, which was an expansion team. “Because I knew he was a great person and a really competitive guy…he would do anything he could to help the team. I’ve always respected that.”
I used this quote at the mothership, but I like it, and I think it’s important. We thought of Love as an enforcer. Love doesn’t quite like that term.
“I think enforcer is a interesting term,” Love said. “I'd like to call it a good teammate. Someone that picks the right time to spark his club, stick up for a teammate and set the tone for a game. I've always been a guy who enjoys playing the game honest and on edge which sometimes leads to a fight here and there. I think last year I just did what I thought was good for the team, we had other guys like Kassian, Stoner, and Scott that all did the same thing in regards to this role.”
Love is, of course, playing for a new team this season. And he’s played on numerous teams throughout his career. Danny Irmen said earlier this season that he enjoyed the new influx of players into the locker room. Love doesn’t quite call it an enjoyable experience on his end, but it’s one that he’s becoming accustomed to.
“I've had to join a few new teams in my career so it's seems to get a little easier every time,” he said. “We have a great bunch of guys in Peoria. It was a little weird joining a team that we had such a battle last year with in the regular season and playoffs…”
His goal, of course, is the NHL. And he’s aware that guys sometimes have to jump around to fight the right fit. It’s not easy, and he realizes that there’s one factor that’s beginning to work against him. But it’s one he thinks he can hold off a little while longer.
“I think anyone one will tell you that their goal is to play in the NHL and mine isn't any different. For some guys it may take a few organizations to find a place that might give them that chance one day to playing in the NHL. This is my third NHL team and I'm not getting any younger so I'm still going to work everyday working my hardest to get better and help the young guys along in their journey to the NHL.”
And when it comes to helping out guys, he’s got a few words of wisdom for Brandon Rogers who has been making the move from defense to center this season.
“My best advice for [Brandon] would be watch as much video of himself and his teammates -- guys who have been playing forward for their whole lives. That’s the best way to learn the position. Not many guys make a transition like this, but for myself I think it was the best move I’ve done and I kind of wish that I had done it earlier in my career.”
And for those of you who followed us last year know, Love does a blog about his life as a hockey player for a TV station in Seattle. The person responsible for the blog is Su Ring, and it came about last year after she was singing the Canadian Anthem at an Everett hockey game, and fans shouted the word “Love” really loudly. So she investigated, and she discovered that this was done in tribute to Mitch Love. So she tracked him down to Houston, told him the story, and asked him to start blogging for her.
And as popular as he was in Houston, just wait until here about his popularity back in Everett.
“Mitch played for the Silvertips between 2003 and 2005,” Ring said. “He ended his junior career as Team Captain. No matter where he plays during the season, he always comes home to Everett during the summer. He coaches camps. He takes part in auctions. He is always available to kids. There's still a billboard up at Comcast Arena that features a photo of Mitch pitching some insurance company. Fans still walk around wearing 'Tips jerseys with Mitch's name and number (2) on the back.
“In short, Mitch is still well-LOVED, nearly five years after he graduated out of the WHL. I think Aeros fans probably feel the same way.”
Love is continuing with his blogging duties this season. It’s something he enjoys doing, plus he’s already thinking of post-career options.
“Yup the blog is back this winter,” he said. “I'm putting it out every 2 weeks this year. I really enjoyed it last year and just like to show people that don't really understand what we do on a weekly basis. There's a lot that goes on in a pro hockey players life beyond the boards we play in. I've always liked the media aspect of sports and someday, maybe when I'm done playing getting into that field.”
But he has still got this season to play. And once again, he’s playing for the fans.
“Peoria is a great hockey city,” he says. “It has been for a long time. Like any sports city the fans here want to see a winner and well try to do our best to give them one this year.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Some Discussion With GM Jim Mill
I talked for a bit with Aeros GM Jim Mill before last Saturday's game. I know this is a bit delayed, but I've been busy with other matters. However, though some of this might be a bit dated because of news with the Wild lately, I still thought I would post. So...
As you know, this is Mill's first season as a team executive, instead of as a league executive. So I wanted to know what it was like watching a team that's he helped assemble as the season opens.
"It’s incredibly exhilarating," he said. "It’s exciting and it’s a totally different kind of pressure. That’s for sure. I went from the pressure of making sure everything goes just okay…and knowing that the referees don’t screw up or anything, to wanting to win every time."
But while he wants the team to win everytime, he was clear that building a team doesn't happen overnight, and as such, the Aeros are still a work in progress.
"We’re similar to what is happening in Minnesota where there’s some new systems and some new philosophy to some degree," he said. "The guys are trying to adjust. Specifically at the American League level, if you’re asking me or any other GM or assistant GM, scout wide or anybody else, they’re going to tell you that for that first month, you’re pretty much going to stay in flux. You’re trying to adjust to putting a bunch of new players together. That does take time. And that’s what we’re doing right now. "
Now I know that some of you are going to complain about that and believe that the team should be at top form right now. But that's just not how it works with the Aeros, especially in the now-three years that I've been covering the team. Kevin Constantine has stated over the years that he is never sure of what he's going to get from his team until a month or so into the season. And Constantine struggled throughout last season trying to figure out a team that wasn't as strong defensively as he was used to but which featured an offensive element he also wasn't used to. And the Aeros last season were a team that didn't really gell and come together until the playoffs got going. So don't go into a panic right now if the team doesn't look cohesive. Give Constantine some time to work his magic.
I spoke to Mill about some Aeros alum who are currently up in Minnesota. Mill credited John Scott with being the spark behind the Wild's open night come from behind victory. "He was pretty good wasn’t he?" Mill said. "It was opening night in Minnesota and he changed the game. You can’t say he won the game, but he changed it, and he gave us the opportunity to win that game. He changed the momentum by doing what he did. That was great. He was the difference maker."
Then there's the enigma known as Benoit Pouliot. During the playoffs last season, I made a habit of attending the morning skate, and Pouliot was always the first guy out and always one of the last guys off of the ice. So I know he works hard, and you can see the guy has talent. But he just hasn't been able to make that talent work to his advantage.
"I wish I knew the answer to that one," Mill answered when asked about getting Pouliot to play to his skill level. "Guys develop at different rates, and he’s obviously incredibly talented and skilled. He’s got great size and he skates and he shoots, everything that you want. Some guys take a little bit longer to figure out how to put all of the tools together to use properly."
But as was evident by some of Wild coach Todd Richards' comments about Pouliot last week, the team does appear to be losing some patience with Pouliot. Mill is just not at that point. Yet.
"Guys do develop at different pace. We hope that a guy like that, with all of that talent and skill and ability, figures it out and puts it all together."
Then there's Cal Clutterbuck, the hard-hitting wing who graced the Aeros with his presence for the 2007-2008 season. Clutterbuck, who was called up after only two games last season, quickly made his presence known in Minnesota, and he's become a fan, and management favorite.
"I thought he would be a great guy in the National Hockey League," Mill said. "He uses speed. He does great things by using his body and keeping it simple. He skates well. He takes the body. He does all of the little things that you want. He keeps that intensity level up, and he creates things because of how aggressive he is. It’s not a big surprise at all [his success]."
Of course, Clutterbuck is currently on the injured reserve after spraining his ankle on Saturday night in San Jose. And as anybody who remembered Erik Reitz's struggle to recover from his high ankle sprain back in 2007-2008, you know that that's an injury that doesn't heal quickly. But if the Wild are to have any success this season, then the timing of Clutterbuck's return might be the most important element of all.
As you know, this is Mill's first season as a team executive, instead of as a league executive. So I wanted to know what it was like watching a team that's he helped assemble as the season opens.
"It’s incredibly exhilarating," he said. "It’s exciting and it’s a totally different kind of pressure. That’s for sure. I went from the pressure of making sure everything goes just okay…and knowing that the referees don’t screw up or anything, to wanting to win every time."
But while he wants the team to win everytime, he was clear that building a team doesn't happen overnight, and as such, the Aeros are still a work in progress.
"We’re similar to what is happening in Minnesota where there’s some new systems and some new philosophy to some degree," he said. "The guys are trying to adjust. Specifically at the American League level, if you’re asking me or any other GM or assistant GM, scout wide or anybody else, they’re going to tell you that for that first month, you’re pretty much going to stay in flux. You’re trying to adjust to putting a bunch of new players together. That does take time. And that’s what we’re doing right now. "
Now I know that some of you are going to complain about that and believe that the team should be at top form right now. But that's just not how it works with the Aeros, especially in the now-three years that I've been covering the team. Kevin Constantine has stated over the years that he is never sure of what he's going to get from his team until a month or so into the season. And Constantine struggled throughout last season trying to figure out a team that wasn't as strong defensively as he was used to but which featured an offensive element he also wasn't used to. And the Aeros last season were a team that didn't really gell and come together until the playoffs got going. So don't go into a panic right now if the team doesn't look cohesive. Give Constantine some time to work his magic.
I spoke to Mill about some Aeros alum who are currently up in Minnesota. Mill credited John Scott with being the spark behind the Wild's open night come from behind victory. "He was pretty good wasn’t he?" Mill said. "It was opening night in Minnesota and he changed the game. You can’t say he won the game, but he changed it, and he gave us the opportunity to win that game. He changed the momentum by doing what he did. That was great. He was the difference maker."
Then there's the enigma known as Benoit Pouliot. During the playoffs last season, I made a habit of attending the morning skate, and Pouliot was always the first guy out and always one of the last guys off of the ice. So I know he works hard, and you can see the guy has talent. But he just hasn't been able to make that talent work to his advantage.
"I wish I knew the answer to that one," Mill answered when asked about getting Pouliot to play to his skill level. "Guys develop at different rates, and he’s obviously incredibly talented and skilled. He’s got great size and he skates and he shoots, everything that you want. Some guys take a little bit longer to figure out how to put all of the tools together to use properly."
But as was evident by some of Wild coach Todd Richards' comments about Pouliot last week, the team does appear to be losing some patience with Pouliot. Mill is just not at that point. Yet.
"Guys do develop at different pace. We hope that a guy like that, with all of that talent and skill and ability, figures it out and puts it all together."
Then there's Cal Clutterbuck, the hard-hitting wing who graced the Aeros with his presence for the 2007-2008 season. Clutterbuck, who was called up after only two games last season, quickly made his presence known in Minnesota, and he's become a fan, and management favorite.
"I thought he would be a great guy in the National Hockey League," Mill said. "He uses speed. He does great things by using his body and keeping it simple. He skates well. He takes the body. He does all of the little things that you want. He keeps that intensity level up, and he creates things because of how aggressive he is. It’s not a big surprise at all [his success]."
Of course, Clutterbuck is currently on the injured reserve after spraining his ankle on Saturday night in San Jose. And as anybody who remembered Erik Reitz's struggle to recover from his high ankle sprain back in 2007-2008, you know that that's an injury that doesn't heal quickly. But if the Wild are to have any success this season, then the timing of Clutterbuck's return might be the most important element of all.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Finally, some info on Beaudoin
Appears Mathieu is going to be taking part in the Dallas Stars camp, and if he gets a deal with that club, will likely end up playing for the Texas Stars in Austin.
So, on the plus side, those who love him will see him FREQUENTLY.
On the minus side, he'll be the enemy.
So, on the plus side, those who love him will see him FREQUENTLY.
On the minus side, he'll be the enemy.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A.J. Thelen Update
A couple of weeks ago someone asked about what had happened to former Wild prospect A.J. Thelen. Well, here's your answer. He just re-signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, and he will be attending the AHL camp of the San Antonio Rampage.
Thelen played in only 34 contests for the Blades last season, suffering through an injury-plagued season that included two concussions. In those 34 games, he scored 3 goals and 14 assists for 17 points. He also played in 10 Kelly Cup playoff games.
Thelen played in only 34 contests for the Blades last season, suffering through an injury-plagued season that included two concussions. In those 34 games, he scored 3 goals and 14 assists for 17 points. He also played in 10 Kelly Cup playoff games.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Alumni Update: Steve Kelly
From Syracuse.com comes a little story on former Aeros Steve Kelly. Kelly's currently a free agent who is still recovering from surgery on his hip, which he injured last March when playing for the Crunch.
But don't worry about Kelly. Should he come up with no other career options (Europe?), he's got a back-up plan. He's going to become a police officer.
On a side note: Kelly was a good go-to guy in the locker room for quotes the year he was here. Which reminds me that in about a couple of months I'm going to have to start figuring out who the new go-to quote guys are.
But don't worry about Kelly. Should he come up with no other career options (Europe?), he's got a back-up plan. He's going to become a police officer.
On a side note: Kelly was a good go-to guy in the locker room for quotes the year he was here. Which reminds me that in about a couple of months I'm going to have to start figuring out who the new go-to quote guys are.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Former Aero Makes Good, Really Good
I can't believe we missed this, as we do try and make an effort to follow Houston Aeros alumni, but miss this we did. Former Aeros player Mike Yeo has been on the coaching staff of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the past three seasons, which means he was part of the the recent Penguins Stanley Cup coaching staff.
And that means he got to have the Cup for a day. And here's what he did with it. Congrats, Mike.
And that means he got to have the Cup for a day. And here's what he did with it. Congrats, Mike.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Paul Albers signs with Nuremberg Ice Tigers
Got a tweet this morning that Paul Albers, my favorite fearless shot blocker, has signed with the Nuremberg Ice Tigers in Germany. Paul was an RFA heading into free agency but was not given a qualifying offer by the Wild.
Here's sort of a clumsy-but-funny translation from the original German on the Ice Tigers site:
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BTW, totally off topic, but as I was looking for a photo of Paul to put in this post, I was combing through Fred's shots. Man, it really brings back some fun memories. Next time you've got an hour and are having a fit of hockey season nostalgia, click the Photos link in the Top Topics section of the right-hand column. You won't regret it.
Here's sort of a clumsy-but-funny translation from the original German on the Ice Tigers site:
The 23-jährigen defenders Paul Albers of the Houston Aeros from the American Hockey League (AHL) obligated Thomas Sabo Ice of tiger. It receives an in annual contract.Anyway, congrats to Paul. Sounds like an exciting adventure!The 1,86m large and 86kg heavy Canadians created 2007 the leap from the ECHL to the Aeros, the farm team of the NHL team Minnesota game. In the AHL completed it altogether 163 plays and can a balance of 9 gates and 24 Assists exhibit. Before it was with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League (WHL) the second-best Scorer of its team and belonged to the all star team of the Memorial Cups, the final round of the WHL.
Albers looks forward to the new challenge in Nuremberg: „I wanted to come to one time in my career in any case once to Europe. The fact that it folded this year already is the better. The DEL belonged to the best leagues of Europe and already brought some good players out. I am sure me that the larger ice surface of my fast play way and concomitantly my passport play will come to meet. “
Ice tiger manager Lorenz radio is glad that Albers decided for a change to Germany: „Paul Albers is considered as very talentiert and is with security a player for the future. “
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BTW, totally off topic, but as I was looking for a photo of Paul to put in this post, I was combing through Fred's shots. Man, it really brings back some fun memories. Next time you've got an hour and are having a fit of hockey season nostalgia, click the Photos link in the Top Topics section of the right-hand column. You won't regret it.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Matt Shaw joins McLellan in San Jose
For Aeros assistant coach and Wild Video Coach Matt Shaw will join the San Jose Sharks as Assistant coach.This is wonderful news for truly one of the classiest coaches I have ever dealt with. Granted that list isn't all that long, but the timing couldn't be better for Shaw, who is leaving the Wild to take the place of the guy who left to coach the Wild.
For new Aeros fans, Shaw was McLellan's assistant in Houston.
Consider this quote from McLellan from the Sharks' Web site:
"Our policy is to talk to several different people throughout a hiring process but I kept coming back to Matt," explained McLellan during a conference call on Friday. "Next year is a big year for all of us as players and as coaches and he and I have worked together in the past so there is a comfort level. He has tremendous character and a strong ability to interact with the players and coaches."
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wallin Back in North America
Rickard Wallin signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs.
Very nice guy with good hands ... I think he was always a little soft defensively, and probably could use more "on ice" speed.
He was a good player and was a factor on the '03 Cup team for sure.
I think he scored the Game-winning goal in Game 7 against Hamilton.
Very nice guy with good hands ... I think he was always a little soft defensively, and probably could use more "on ice" speed.
He was a good player and was a factor on the '03 Cup team for sure.
I think he scored the Game-winning goal in Game 7 against Hamilton.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Ward Sticks With Nashville
Congratulations to former Aero Joel Ward who, today, inked a 2-year, $3 million deal with the Nashville Predators.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's Official in Dallas: Tippett Out, Crawford In
The Dallas Stars made it official today. Dave Tippett has been fired, and his replacement is Marc Crawford, former coach of the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, and Los Angeles Kings.
New Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said he was brought in to making some sweeping changes and move the team in a new direction. Keeping Tippet would have made for an incremental change, at best. And as for why the team refused to confirm the firing yesterday, when it was first reported by TSN, you can blame Tippett. He asked the team to hold off the announcement for a day, and the team honored his request.
New Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said he was brought in to making some sweeping changes and move the team in a new direction. Keeping Tippet would have made for an incremental change, at best. And as for why the team refused to confirm the firing yesterday, when it was first reported by TSN, you can blame Tippett. He asked the team to hold off the announcement for a day, and the team honored his request.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Playoffs And Alums
Just wanted to take a moment and bring everybody up to date on a few matters.
First, the playoffs. If the Aeros can get the game with San Antonio to overtime tonight, they're in the playoffs and it doesn't matter what happens with Quad City. However, should the Aeros continue playing like they've been playing recently, they can still get in the playoffs tonight should Iowa defeat Quad City in regulation, overtime, or the shootout.
But I would much prefer that, instead of the Aeros relying on Iowa, that the Aeros just come out and defeat San Antonio tonight.
Theoretically, it's still possible for the Aeros to pass Peoria and grab the number two seed. Note I said theoretically because I don't see the Aeros getting five or six points this weekend. It's also still possible that the Aeros can grab the three seed. I'm not sure who I want to face in the playoffs, however. As the four seed, the Aeros would be taking on Milwaukee, and the Admirals have been pretty good this year. As the two or three seed, they're taking on Peoria, and the Aeros have struggled against Peoria.
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And a brief Aeros alum update. The Wild are playing Nashville tonight, and Wild beat reporter Michael Russo took the time to talk to former Aeros Joel Ward and Ryan Jones. Ward seems to have become a big favorite in Nashville. He's got a nice quote from the Nashville GM on Ward being a diamond in the rough who just needed the right chance. It's a shame the Wild could never figure out what to do with Ward.
Ryan Jones was here briefly for the Aeros at the end of last season -- he got the game winning goal in the team's only playoff victory last year. Jones thinks his rookie year in the NHL has been too inconsistent, but the team seems to be pleased with him.
First, the playoffs. If the Aeros can get the game with San Antonio to overtime tonight, they're in the playoffs and it doesn't matter what happens with Quad City. However, should the Aeros continue playing like they've been playing recently, they can still get in the playoffs tonight should Iowa defeat Quad City in regulation, overtime, or the shootout.
But I would much prefer that, instead of the Aeros relying on Iowa, that the Aeros just come out and defeat San Antonio tonight.
Theoretically, it's still possible for the Aeros to pass Peoria and grab the number two seed. Note I said theoretically because I don't see the Aeros getting five or six points this weekend. It's also still possible that the Aeros can grab the three seed. I'm not sure who I want to face in the playoffs, however. As the four seed, the Aeros would be taking on Milwaukee, and the Admirals have been pretty good this year. As the two or three seed, they're taking on Peoria, and the Aeros have struggled against Peoria.
******************
And a brief Aeros alum update. The Wild are playing Nashville tonight, and Wild beat reporter Michael Russo took the time to talk to former Aeros Joel Ward and Ryan Jones. Ward seems to have become a big favorite in Nashville. He's got a nice quote from the Nashville GM on Ward being a diamond in the rough who just needed the right chance. It's a shame the Wild could never figure out what to do with Ward.
Ryan Jones was here briefly for the Aeros at the end of last season -- he got the game winning goal in the team's only playoff victory last year. Jones thinks his rookie year in the NHL has been too inconsistent, but the team seems to be pleased with him.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Houston Aeros Alumni Update, Ryan Jones Edition
Ryan Jones only played in four regular season games for the Houston Aeros last season, and he was traded to the Nashville Predators this off-season in the deal that netted the Minnesota Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky. But I thought that those of you who remembered Jones' brief tenure with the team would like a little update on how things are going.
Jones was the hero for the Nashville Predators last night as he knocked in a rebound with 2:18 left in the game against the Los Angeles Kings, putting the Predators up 4-3. The win jumped the Predators past the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers for the seventh playoff spot in the West. The win was also the eighth in the last 11 games for the Predators.
And Ryan Jones, on the strength of the goal, was named the game's third star.
P.S.: And Joel Ward, who Ms. Conduct discussed last week, had a goal and an assist for the Predators in that game.
Jones was the hero for the Nashville Predators last night as he knocked in a rebound with 2:18 left in the game against the Los Angeles Kings, putting the Predators up 4-3. The win jumped the Predators past the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers for the seventh playoff spot in the West. The win was also the eighth in the last 11 games for the Predators.
And Ryan Jones, on the strength of the goal, was named the game's third star.
P.S.: And Joel Ward, who Ms. Conduct discussed last week, had a goal and an assist for the Predators in that game.
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