I hope everybody had a pleasant holiday break. I will be back at work on the blog tomorrow, but I wanted to take a minute today and congratulate the 3 members of the Express that will be playing with the Central Division team at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament next month:
Congratulations Tony McDonald, Cory Thorson, and Tim Smith.
You can read the article and see all the rosters here: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=759
- Interesting sidenote: There are also three former Express players on the Central Division roster with Brandon Brodhag, Jordan Singer, and Devin Schmitt also making the team.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
How do the 4 Divisions stack up against each other??
Here's a good article comparing how the 4 Divisions in the NAHL stack up against each other. It's a good read, and comes courtesy of Paul from the Mahoning Valley Phantoms Blog.
http://mvphantoms.blogspot.com/2008/12/whos-no-1.html
My take: I think Paul did a very nice job of breaking it down, and having some stats to back up his takes. It's fun to get into these types of discussions, but in the end, it doesn't matter how deep the divisions are, as only one team will go to Mason City for the Robertson Cup. Looking ahead, unless something really weird happens, the Robertson Cup Championship will be played between Mahoning Valley and the St. Louis/Topeka winner.
See you at the rink.
--BK
http://mvphantoms.blogspot.com/2008/12/whos-no-1.html
My take: I think Paul did a very nice job of breaking it down, and having some stats to back up his takes. It's fun to get into these types of discussions, but in the end, it doesn't matter how deep the divisions are, as only one team will go to Mason City for the Robertson Cup. Looking ahead, unless something really weird happens, the Robertson Cup Championship will be played between Mahoning Valley and the St. Louis/Topeka winner.
See you at the rink.
--BK
***Breaking News***
The St Louis Bandits are good.
Okay, that's not really breaking news, but it's hard work coming up with catchy headlines for every post. The Bandits have been playing well most of the season, but after seeing them in person Thursday night, all I can say is they look scary good. I thought they Express didn't play all that bad, they generated plenty of scoring chances, but they just couldn't get anything past the Bandit goalie.
If you want a more detailed recap of the game you can read the OPP article here: http://owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=31964 , or see the boxscore here: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=764051 .
What is ticking me off today, is the fact that we are playing the Bandits at all this season. Actually I don't have a problem playing them, I have a problem with the rest of the Central Division not playing them. I think there are lessons to be learned from getting beat by a really good team. The Express now know where they need to get to as a team if they want to compete for the Robertson Cup. In addition, it was nice to see a different opponent on the ice. What I don't like is the fact that with the exception of Alexandria's game versus the Bandits at the Showcase, no other Central Division teams will play St. Louis this season. After this weekend's games, half the season will be in the books, and it looks like no more than 6-7 points will separate 1st place from 4th place. Every point is critical, but only the Express get 4 games against the 2-time defending champions.
Maybe I wouldn't be so fired up about it, except this has happened before. In 2006/07, the Express played the Bandits 8 times during the regular season, while the Fargo-Moorhead Jets played the Bandits a grand total of 0 times. At the end of the season Fargo finished 6 points in front of the Express to claim the Central Division Championship, and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. As it turned out, home-ice advantage didn't matter as the Express swept the Jets in the second round of the playoffs, but it could have made a huge difference.
Anyways, see you at the rink.
--BK
Okay, that's not really breaking news, but it's hard work coming up with catchy headlines for every post. The Bandits have been playing well most of the season, but after seeing them in person Thursday night, all I can say is they look scary good. I thought they Express didn't play all that bad, they generated plenty of scoring chances, but they just couldn't get anything past the Bandit goalie.
If you want a more detailed recap of the game you can read the OPP article here: http://owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=31964 , or see the boxscore here: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=764051 .
What is ticking me off today, is the fact that we are playing the Bandits at all this season. Actually I don't have a problem playing them, I have a problem with the rest of the Central Division not playing them. I think there are lessons to be learned from getting beat by a really good team. The Express now know where they need to get to as a team if they want to compete for the Robertson Cup. In addition, it was nice to see a different opponent on the ice. What I don't like is the fact that with the exception of Alexandria's game versus the Bandits at the Showcase, no other Central Division teams will play St. Louis this season. After this weekend's games, half the season will be in the books, and it looks like no more than 6-7 points will separate 1st place from 4th place. Every point is critical, but only the Express get 4 games against the 2-time defending champions.
Maybe I wouldn't be so fired up about it, except this has happened before. In 2006/07, the Express played the Bandits 8 times during the regular season, while the Fargo-Moorhead Jets played the Bandits a grand total of 0 times. At the end of the season Fargo finished 6 points in front of the Express to claim the Central Division Championship, and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. As it turned out, home-ice advantage didn't matter as the Express swept the Jets in the second round of the playoffs, but it could have made a huge difference.
Anyways, see you at the rink.
--BK
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/16/2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/16/2008
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (0)
5. USNTDP (+1)
6. Traverse City North Stars (-1)
7. Alpena Ice Diggers (+1)
8. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (-1)
9. Alexandria Blizzard (0)
10. North Iowa Outlaws (0)
11. Owatonna Express (0)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (0)
13. Marquette Rangers (+1)
14. Alaska Avalanche (-1)
15. Springfield Jr Blues (0)
16. Wenatchee Wild (0)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (0)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
See you at the rink.
--BK
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (0)
5. USNTDP (+1)
6. Traverse City North Stars (-1)
7. Alpena Ice Diggers (+1)
8. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (-1)
9. Alexandria Blizzard (0)
10. North Iowa Outlaws (0)
11. Owatonna Express (0)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (0)
13. Marquette Rangers (+1)
14. Alaska Avalanche (-1)
15. Springfield Jr Blues (0)
16. Wenatchee Wild (0)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (0)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
See you at the rink.
--BK
Sunday, December 14, 2008
My Thoughts on the Weekend That Was
It was a so-so weekend for the Express. Friday night was a fun game to watch with the guys dominating the Blizzard for most of the game en route to a 7-2 victory. The first period might have been the best 20 minutes of hockey the Express have played all season. Although the scoreboard didn't necessarily reflect it, the guys outshot the Blizzard 21-5. The second period was more evenly played, but the Express took advantage of their opportunities, scoring 4 goals on only 10 shots. With the rout on, the Express played their usual disciplined game, while the Blizzard started to get chippy and took the stupid penalties. The Blizzard's resident tough guy Jon MacRae ran Express goalie Jason Horstman behind the net and earned himself an early trip to the shower, while giving the Express a 5 minute powerplay. Shortly after that, in a scrum with Nick Carson, Blizzard defenseman Trent Johnson got an extra 2 minute penalty, which kept the Express on the powerplay. In that flurry of penalties, the Express tallied two powerplay goals, which kept the game out of reach for the Blizzard.
Saturday night was a bit disappointing, but it's tough to win on the road, especially against a veteran team like the Blizzard. All 5 of the Blizzard's goals were scored by guys with at least 1 full season of junior hockey under their belts. I like our chances anytime we take the ice against the Blizzard, and by the end of the season, our young team will be battle tested just like the Blizzard.
Big Kahuna's Stars of the Weekend:
1. Jake Sloat - I love the way Jake plays the game. He plays physical, and gets under the skin of the opponent, but plays smart. He stood up for his teammate Friday night, when MacRae ran Horstman.
2. Nick Carson - He played like he had a chip on his shoulder Friday night, and I hope that continues the rest of the season.
3. Tim Smith - Of all the guys on the roster, I think Tim has improved the most since the Showcase. He is solid defensively, and is tied for 2nd in the NAHL in scoring for defensemen.
Next up for the Express is a pair of home games this Thursday and Friday against the St. Louis Bandits. The Bandits had their way with the Express last weekend, but I expect a much better series this weekend. After that, the Express get some time off for Christmas before resuming the season on New Year's Eve.
Speaking of New Year's Eve, don't forget the big New Year's Eve Party following the game against the Bismarck Bobcats. $50 ($25 of which is tax-deductible) gets you a ticket to the game, admission to the party, free drinks and free Plaza Morena food at the party, champagne toast at midnight, live music, and a ride home from an Express player so you don't hit a tree and end up in jail. You can get your tickets for the game/party from me, so email me at owatonnaexpress@yahoo.com , or they are also available at the Express office, or from the coaching staff and board members. It should be a whale of a time, and if you're one of the few folks who still don't know who I am, I promise to introduce myself at the party. Big Kahuna will be getting jiggy with it, so I hope to see you there.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Saturday night was a bit disappointing, but it's tough to win on the road, especially against a veteran team like the Blizzard. All 5 of the Blizzard's goals were scored by guys with at least 1 full season of junior hockey under their belts. I like our chances anytime we take the ice against the Blizzard, and by the end of the season, our young team will be battle tested just like the Blizzard.
Big Kahuna's Stars of the Weekend:
1. Jake Sloat - I love the way Jake plays the game. He plays physical, and gets under the skin of the opponent, but plays smart. He stood up for his teammate Friday night, when MacRae ran Horstman.
2. Nick Carson - He played like he had a chip on his shoulder Friday night, and I hope that continues the rest of the season.
3. Tim Smith - Of all the guys on the roster, I think Tim has improved the most since the Showcase. He is solid defensively, and is tied for 2nd in the NAHL in scoring for defensemen.
Next up for the Express is a pair of home games this Thursday and Friday against the St. Louis Bandits. The Bandits had their way with the Express last weekend, but I expect a much better series this weekend. After that, the Express get some time off for Christmas before resuming the season on New Year's Eve.
Speaking of New Year's Eve, don't forget the big New Year's Eve Party following the game against the Bismarck Bobcats. $50 ($25 of which is tax-deductible) gets you a ticket to the game, admission to the party, free drinks and free Plaza Morena food at the party, champagne toast at midnight, live music, and a ride home from an Express player so you don't hit a tree and end up in jail. You can get your tickets for the game/party from me, so email me at owatonnaexpress@yahoo.com , or they are also available at the Express office, or from the coaching staff and board members. It should be a whale of a time, and if you're one of the few folks who still don't know who I am, I promise to introduce myself at the party. Big Kahuna will be getting jiggy with it, so I hope to see you there.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/10/2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/10/2008
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (0)
5. Traverse City North Stars (0)
6. USNTDP (0)
7. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (+3)
8. Alpena Ice Diggers (+1)
9. Alexandria Blizzard (-2)
10. North Iowa Outlaws (+1)
11. Owatonna Express (-3)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (0)
13. Alaska Avalanche (0)
14. Marquette Rangers (+1)
15. Springfield Jr Blues (-1)
16. Wenatchee Wild (0)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (0)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
The top and the bottom stayed the same this week, while the middle jumbled around a bit. At this point in the season, the teams ranked #4-#16 are almost interchangeable. I dropped the Express down 3 spots after getting swept by the Bandits, although they shouldn't hold their heads too low, as St Louis is pretty darn good. I think Cullen and the guys learned a thing or two and when the Bandits visit the 4 Seasons Centre next weekend, I would expect a highly competitive series. I couldn't keep Fairbanks down any longer, so they moved up 3 spots this week. Although I'm still not entirely sold on the Ice Dogs, and the rest of that division.
An extended road trip for the Big Kahuna meant no new posts on the blog for the last few days, but it looks like I didn't miss out on much.
- Former Express goalie Zach Hansen is now tending goal for the Kenai River Brown Bears. He went from Motor City (5 wins) to Kenai River (8 wins), changed 4 time zones, and a distance of just over 4000 miles. To put in in context, that's roughly the same distance as from Detroit to Paris, France.
- The Alaska Avalanche are also struggling in the goaltending department. This season they have tried Garrett Tinkham (former Springfield Jr Blues), Austin MacGinnis (former North Iowa Outlaw), Dylan Woodring (former Alexandria Blizzard), and now have acquired Nathaniel Pellegrino from the Alpena Ice Diggers. Pellegrino spent the 2006/07 season with the Avalanche, before getting the starting job in Alpena to start the 2007/08 season. He lost his starting job in Alpena to former Express goalie Nick Graves after Nick left the team and joined the Ice Diggers early last season. When Graves left for the USHL at the beginning of this season, Pellegrino was once again the starting goaltender, but it didn't last long, as Graves didn't stick in the USHL and came back to Alpena. It's safe to say that Graves won't be getting a Christmas card from Pellegrino this year.
- The Fairbanks Ice Dogs, who lead the West Division, have gotten great goaltending from another retread NAHL player in former Springfield Jr Blues goalie Phil Cook. Cook is 15-3-2-1 this season with a 2.30 GAA.
Wait a second, did I just spend half an hour breaking down the goaltending situation with the 3 Alaska teams?? I need a hobby.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (0)
5. Traverse City North Stars (0)
6. USNTDP (0)
7. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (+3)
8. Alpena Ice Diggers (+1)
9. Alexandria Blizzard (-2)
10. North Iowa Outlaws (+1)
11. Owatonna Express (-3)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (0)
13. Alaska Avalanche (0)
14. Marquette Rangers (+1)
15. Springfield Jr Blues (-1)
16. Wenatchee Wild (0)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (0)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
The top and the bottom stayed the same this week, while the middle jumbled around a bit. At this point in the season, the teams ranked #4-#16 are almost interchangeable. I dropped the Express down 3 spots after getting swept by the Bandits, although they shouldn't hold their heads too low, as St Louis is pretty darn good. I think Cullen and the guys learned a thing or two and when the Bandits visit the 4 Seasons Centre next weekend, I would expect a highly competitive series. I couldn't keep Fairbanks down any longer, so they moved up 3 spots this week. Although I'm still not entirely sold on the Ice Dogs, and the rest of that division.
An extended road trip for the Big Kahuna meant no new posts on the blog for the last few days, but it looks like I didn't miss out on much.
- Former Express goalie Zach Hansen is now tending goal for the Kenai River Brown Bears. He went from Motor City (5 wins) to Kenai River (8 wins), changed 4 time zones, and a distance of just over 4000 miles. To put in in context, that's roughly the same distance as from Detroit to Paris, France.
- The Alaska Avalanche are also struggling in the goaltending department. This season they have tried Garrett Tinkham (former Springfield Jr Blues), Austin MacGinnis (former North Iowa Outlaw), Dylan Woodring (former Alexandria Blizzard), and now have acquired Nathaniel Pellegrino from the Alpena Ice Diggers. Pellegrino spent the 2006/07 season with the Avalanche, before getting the starting job in Alpena to start the 2007/08 season. He lost his starting job in Alpena to former Express goalie Nick Graves after Nick left the team and joined the Ice Diggers early last season. When Graves left for the USHL at the beginning of this season, Pellegrino was once again the starting goaltender, but it didn't last long, as Graves didn't stick in the USHL and came back to Alpena. It's safe to say that Graves won't be getting a Christmas card from Pellegrino this year.
- The Fairbanks Ice Dogs, who lead the West Division, have gotten great goaltending from another retread NAHL player in former Springfield Jr Blues goalie Phil Cook. Cook is 15-3-2-1 this season with a 2.30 GAA.
Wait a second, did I just spend half an hour breaking down the goaltending situation with the 3 Alaska teams?? I need a hobby.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Night Recap
The Express took one on the chin Friday night in a 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Bandits. On their first long road trip of the season, the Express came out flat-footed and the Bandits took a quick 3-0 lead. I give Coach Cullen and the guys credit for not packing it in at that point. They played the Bandits even from there on out, clawing to within 1 goal on two occasions, but just couldn't stay with them in the end. In a departure from normal, the Express took more penalties than their opponents did, and the Bandits capitalized with two powerplay goals. I look for Saturday's rematch to be a much better game, and would love to see the Express get at least one point out of the weekend.
- Cullen juggled both the forward lines and the defensive pairings going into the game.
- Defenseman David Starr is now officially a former Express player. His rights were traded to the Wenatchee Wild earlier in the week. The NAHL transaction log didn't mention what the Express got in return (future considerations/tender/draft pick??).
- Former Express forward Andy Inderieden is back in the NAHL with the Topeka Roadrunners. Motor City traded his rights to Marquette, but he never played a game with the Rangers. He is in the lineup for the Roadrunner's game against Kenai River in Alaska tonight.
See you at the rink.
--BK
- Cullen juggled both the forward lines and the defensive pairings going into the game.
- Defenseman David Starr is now officially a former Express player. His rights were traded to the Wenatchee Wild earlier in the week. The NAHL transaction log didn't mention what the Express got in return (future considerations/tender/draft pick??).
- Former Express forward Andy Inderieden is back in the NAHL with the Topeka Roadrunners. Motor City traded his rights to Marquette, but he never played a game with the Rangers. He is in the lineup for the Roadrunner's game against Kenai River in Alaska tonight.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Some YouTube Favorites
Former Alexandria Blizzard Defenseman David Hines vs. former Bismarck Bobcat Ryan Kayfes (he was with the Ice Dogs at the time)
Former Express goalie Scott Pederson with Team Illinois.
George Laraque vs Raitis Ivanans - The fight is nothing special, but the conversation before they dropped gloves is priceless. "Good luck man"
Boogaard vs. Fedoruk - Ouch
Submitted by Paul: Nielson (MVP) vs. Anton (MCM)
See you at the rink.
--BK
Former Express goalie Scott Pederson with Team Illinois.
George Laraque vs Raitis Ivanans - The fight is nothing special, but the conversation before they dropped gloves is priceless. "Good luck man"
Boogaard vs. Fedoruk - Ouch
Submitted by Paul: Nielson (MVP) vs. Anton (MCM)
See you at the rink.
--BK
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/2/2008
Big Kahuna's NAHL Power Rankings - 12/2/2008
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (+1)
5. Traverse City North Stars (-1)
6. USNTDP (0)
7. Alexandria Blizzard (0)
8. Owatonna Express (0)
9. Alpena Ice Diggers (0)
10. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (0)
11. North Iowa Outlaws (0)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (+1)
13. Alaska Avalanche (-1)
14. Springfield Jr Blues (0)
15. Marquette Rangers (0)
16. Wenatchee Wild (+1)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (-1)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
Last week was a weird one in the NAHL, which made it difficult to do this week's power rankings. 15 of the 19 teams in the league lost at least one game over the weekend, including the top 3 teams which lost to #13, #15, and #18 respectively. On the surface it looks like I have Fairbanks ranked too low, but they have played one of the worst teams in the league in Kenai River 10 times already. Wenatchee is playing pretty good hockey right now, and if that continues, they will start to climb up the rankings.
- Congratulations to former Express goalie Nick Graves who was named the NAHL's Goalie of the Week.
- Congratulations to former Express forward Brandon Brodhag who was named the Central Division Player of the Week
- The Express are 6th in the NAHL in goals scored on the season.
- This weekend's games with the St. Louis Bandits will feature the teams with the most penalty minutes (Bandits-652) and the least penalty minutes (Express-302) in the NAHL.
- With a pair of goals over the weekend, including the shorthanded game winner Friday night, Express forward Stephen Carew (Air Force Recruit) is now tied for 3rd in the NAHL in goals scored. He also leads the league in shooting percentage at .389 (14 goals on 36 shots)
- With his overtime game-winner Sunday night, Nick Carson pulled into a tie for the most game-winning-goals by a defenseman.
- I mentioned this the other night, but it's worth mentioning again: The Express have the #1 penalty kill unit in the NAHL at 91.4%.
- Troubling statistic: The Express have been outscored 34-19 in the 3rd period this season. This needs to change soon.
- The Express are 7-1-1 in games decided by one goal. This should pay off in the playoffs when every game is tight.
- Express forward Josh Daley has scored a goal in his last three games.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
1. Topeka (0)
2. Mahoning Valley Phantoms (0)
3. St Louis Bandits (0)
4. Bismarck Bobcats (+1)
5. Traverse City North Stars (-1)
6. USNTDP (0)
7. Alexandria Blizzard (0)
8. Owatonna Express (0)
9. Alpena Ice Diggers (0)
10. Fairbanks Ice Dogs (0)
11. North Iowa Outlaws (0)
12. Wichita Falls Wildcats (+1)
13. Alaska Avalanche (-1)
14. Springfield Jr Blues (0)
15. Marquette Rangers (0)
16. Wenatchee Wild (+1)
17. Kenai River Brown Bears (-1)
18. Motor City Machine (0)
19. Albert Lea Thunder (0)
Last week was a weird one in the NAHL, which made it difficult to do this week's power rankings. 15 of the 19 teams in the league lost at least one game over the weekend, including the top 3 teams which lost to #13, #15, and #18 respectively. On the surface it looks like I have Fairbanks ranked too low, but they have played one of the worst teams in the league in Kenai River 10 times already. Wenatchee is playing pretty good hockey right now, and if that continues, they will start to climb up the rankings.
- Congratulations to former Express goalie Nick Graves who was named the NAHL's Goalie of the Week.
- Congratulations to former Express forward Brandon Brodhag who was named the Central Division Player of the Week
- The Express are 6th in the NAHL in goals scored on the season.
- This weekend's games with the St. Louis Bandits will feature the teams with the most penalty minutes (Bandits-652) and the least penalty minutes (Express-302) in the NAHL.
- With a pair of goals over the weekend, including the shorthanded game winner Friday night, Express forward Stephen Carew (Air Force Recruit) is now tied for 3rd in the NAHL in goals scored. He also leads the league in shooting percentage at .389 (14 goals on 36 shots)
- With his overtime game-winner Sunday night, Nick Carson pulled into a tie for the most game-winning-goals by a defenseman.
- I mentioned this the other night, but it's worth mentioning again: The Express have the #1 penalty kill unit in the NAHL at 91.4%.
- Troubling statistic: The Express have been outscored 34-19 in the 3rd period this season. This needs to change soon.
- The Express are 7-1-1 in games decided by one goal. This should pay off in the playoffs when every game is tight.
- Express forward Josh Daley has scored a goal in his last three games.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
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