Fans of the '80's TV show "The A-Team" might recognize those immortal words as the once an episode catchphrase of Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, the leader of a crack commando squad relegated to the Los Angeles underground after being convicted of a crime they did not commit.
From the very first organizational meeting last April, through the draft, tryout camp, and the regular season, fans of the Owatonna Express have been repeating the following mantra: "This team will be very good come playoff time". Well, through the first two games, our wish has come to fruition.
The Express played one of their best 60 minute hockey games of the season Saturday night in Mason City, defeating the Outlaws for the second straight night, and taking a 2-0 lead in the best of 5 Central Division Semifinals. With the series now shifting to our "home" rink at Shattuck Arena in Faribault, the Express can send the Outlaws back to Mason City with a full 3 weeks to prepare for their hosting of the Robertson Cup with a victory Tuesday night.
- After a bit of a rough game Friday night, Express goalie Freddy Bergman shutout the Outlaws through the first 55 minutes of Saturday's game. Credit to the Outlaw's Travis Baker for somehow sneaking the only goal of the night past Bergman.
- Express forward Tony McDonald was back in the lineup for game 2 after missing game 1 with a shoulder injury sustained last weekend in Bismarck.
- Chris Darnell didn't appear any worse for wear Saturday night, after a scary crash into the endboards late in game 1. He scored the overtime game-winner Friday night, and tallied the 2nd Express goal Saturday night which also ended up as the game-winning goal. He is one of the most talented scorers on the team, and has played very well through the first two games.
- The Express defensive corp gets the gameball (gamepuck?) for game 2. After looking pretty ragged in game 1, the blueliners rebounded with a solid effort.
- 13 players on the Express roster have scored at least one point through the first 2 games. It's nice to see the 3rd and 4th lines getting some important goals this weekend.
- The biggest factor in the 2 wins this weekend was special teams. After struggling most of the regular season, the Express powerplay has been phenomenal, capitalizing on 5 of 9 opportunities. On the other side of the redline, the Express penalty kill has only allowed 1 goal to the Outlaws in 15 chances. If this type of performance continues, the Express will be hard to beat.
Thanks to the Express organization for putting together the bus ride/tailgating adventure Saturday night. It was a spirited night in the stands cheering on our favorite junior hockey team, and it was nice to have a large contingent of fellow Express fans in attendance. The game recap article on the North Iowa Outlaws website stated there was a "loud group of Express supporters who drowned out the Outlaws faithful all night." You can read that entire article here: http://www.northiowaoutlaws.com/item.asp?display=news&show=312 .
Next up for the Express is game 3 Tuesday night in Faribault. The Outlaws have dug themselves a big hole, but don't think they won't come out fighting. With the history of this rivalry, Outlaw nation would love nothing more than to knock the Express out of the playoffs. On the other hand, the Express have their hands around the Outlaws collective throats, and just need to squeeze the last bit of life out of them. Game time is 7pm Tuesday night, and don't forget to bring your noisemakers.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Game 1 to the Good Guys
Huge double overtime victory for the Express Friday night in Mason City.
Read the OPP article here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=105151
Read the article from the Mason City Globe Gazette here: http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/04/04/sports/local/doc49d6ec08425b2142291333.txt
See the boxscore here: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=972380
My take: The Express did almost everything right last night. They got an early goal to get rid of the pregame nervousness, they outshot the Outlaws by a wide margin (don't believe Pointstreak), and flat-out dominated the hockey game.............and then the 1st period ended. From that point on it was a tough game to watch as an Express fan. Three 2-goal leads were wasted, and the Express were outplayed for a majority of the rest of the game. Several big-time saves by Freddy Bergman kept the Outlaws from taking the lead, and eventually Chris Darnell scored the game winner early in the 2nd overtime to clinch the victory.
Now, I started the blog in June of last year, and this post will be my 199th blogpost. Very, very infrequently, if ever, have I taken issue with the way an Express game was officiated. Have there been times that I wanted to blast the officials?? Of course there has, but I usually bite my tongue, and figure that eventually things even out. However, because it was the story of the game Friday night, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how horrible the officiating was through the 3rd period and the overtimes. It's ironic that the game ended on a powerplay goal by the Express, given that the Express were on the penalty kill way to frequently at the end of the game. While I would love the Express to be the on the opposite side of a badly officiated game tonight, I would settle for a fairly officiated game. There is enough drama already surrounding this series, and it would be a shame if the ultimate result was influenced by the officials. Let the guys settle on the ice, and shove that whistle in your...........................pocket.
Anyways, on to Game #2. The Outlaws have all of the pressure on them tonight. They played hard Friday night, and lost a heartbreaker on their home rink. A loss tonight would be potentially back-breaking for the Outlaws, as they would have to then beat the Express twice in Faribault to force a game 5. It will be interesting to see who starts at goalie tonight for our favorite junior hockey team, Horstman or Bergman. The forward lines last night were different than we've seen most of this season. Tony McDonald is out with an injury, so Cullen had to juggle the combinations. Will that continue tonight??
There will be a packed bus of rowdy Express fans making the trip south (A Big Kahuna thank you to St Clairs For Men and Kyle/Rick for putting it together). Don't forget the bus leaves at 4:30 from the Country Club!!!!!
Lastly, this could be the final home game in the history of the North Iowa Outlaws. The Outlaws organization is struggling with the Fair Board in Mason City over ice time and costs. If they don't come to an amicable solution, Express fans could be traveling to watch the LaCrosse Outlaws(Cheeseheads?) next season.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Read the OPP article here: http://www.owatonna.com/news.php?viewStory=105151
Read the article from the Mason City Globe Gazette here: http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/04/04/sports/local/doc49d6ec08425b2142291333.txt
See the boxscore here: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=972380
My take: The Express did almost everything right last night. They got an early goal to get rid of the pregame nervousness, they outshot the Outlaws by a wide margin (don't believe Pointstreak), and flat-out dominated the hockey game.............and then the 1st period ended. From that point on it was a tough game to watch as an Express fan. Three 2-goal leads were wasted, and the Express were outplayed for a majority of the rest of the game. Several big-time saves by Freddy Bergman kept the Outlaws from taking the lead, and eventually Chris Darnell scored the game winner early in the 2nd overtime to clinch the victory.
Now, I started the blog in June of last year, and this post will be my 199th blogpost. Very, very infrequently, if ever, have I taken issue with the way an Express game was officiated. Have there been times that I wanted to blast the officials?? Of course there has, but I usually bite my tongue, and figure that eventually things even out. However, because it was the story of the game Friday night, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how horrible the officiating was through the 3rd period and the overtimes. It's ironic that the game ended on a powerplay goal by the Express, given that the Express were on the penalty kill way to frequently at the end of the game. While I would love the Express to be the on the opposite side of a badly officiated game tonight, I would settle for a fairly officiated game. There is enough drama already surrounding this series, and it would be a shame if the ultimate result was influenced by the officials. Let the guys settle on the ice, and shove that whistle in your...........................pocket.
Anyways, on to Game #2. The Outlaws have all of the pressure on them tonight. They played hard Friday night, and lost a heartbreaker on their home rink. A loss tonight would be potentially back-breaking for the Outlaws, as they would have to then beat the Express twice in Faribault to force a game 5. It will be interesting to see who starts at goalie tonight for our favorite junior hockey team, Horstman or Bergman. The forward lines last night were different than we've seen most of this season. Tony McDonald is out with an injury, so Cullen had to juggle the combinations. Will that continue tonight??
There will be a packed bus of rowdy Express fans making the trip south (A Big Kahuna thank you to St Clairs For Men and Kyle/Rick for putting it together). Don't forget the bus leaves at 4:30 from the Country Club!!!!!
Lastly, this could be the final home game in the history of the North Iowa Outlaws. The Outlaws organization is struggling with the Fair Board in Mason City over ice time and costs. If they don't come to an amicable solution, Express fans could be traveling to watch the LaCrosse Outlaws(Cheeseheads?) next season.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Friday, April 3, 2009
Tim Smith Named All-Division Defenseman
Congratulations to Express defenseman Tim Smith who was named to the All-Central Division Team today. See the entire article here: http://www.nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=949
--BK
--BK
Thursday, April 2, 2009
What's this?? A new blog post??
I am back. Okay, I never really left. I have been suffering from a bad case of hockey overload the last few weeks. In the hockey world, "hockey overload" is the third worst affliction, right behind "hockey drought syndrome" and Minnesota Wild fan. I have been bunkered down in my man-cave watching the Minnesota High School tournament, NCAA tournament, the Wild choke-job down the stretch, and the National Broomball Championship on ESPN 8 (The Ocho). All this has kept from my appointed post as postmaster of the Express Blog.
At this point it would take a blogpost roughly the size of the Warren Report to catch up on everything that has happened since my last post, so I'm not even going to try. What's past is past, and what is present is the NAHL playoffs.
- South Division: Springfield and Wichita Falls are decent teams, but there is no way that either of them gets in the way of an epic finals matchup between Topeka and St Louis. The Roadrunners and Bandits both sweep their first round opponents.
- West Division: I really don't care, as this is a horrible division. If the Albert Lea Thunder played in the West Division, they would have qualified for the playoffs. Fairbanks will advance to the division finals by beating Kenai River in 4 games. The Alaska Avalanche versus Wenatchee Wild matchup could be an entertaining series. I see the Wild winning in 4 or maybe 5 games.
- North Division: The USNTDP made a late run to clinch the division championship, but that was to be expected with the U18 team playing a lot at the end of the regular season. I assume it will be the U17 team playing Alpena in the first round, which could be a very interesting series with Alpena. Former Express goalie Nick Graves has shown the ability at times to dominate in this league, and if the Icediggers can find any bit of offense they could give the U17's a run for their money. In the other matchup in the North, Mahoning Valley is taking on Traverse City. MVP has a veteran team with a lot of playoff experience, and I think that gets them a series win in 4 games.
- Central Division: As much as I would love the Alexandria Blizzard to knock off the Bismarck Bobcats, I just don't see it happening. Bobcats in a 3 game sweep.
Now onto the main event: Express vs. Outlaws. The Express have been playing well lately. Yeah, they have struggled against the Bobcats in Bismarck, but we'll cross that bridge after sending the Outlaws home for the summer. As Paul over at the Mahoning Valley Phantoms blog put it: Who wants to face Pat Cullen in the playoffs?? Something tells me Cullen has a few aces up his sleeve that will get played when the situation warrants. I give the Express a definitive edge in offensive firepower, and I think defensively it's a push between the two teams. Horstman played very well against the Outlaws at Shattuck a few weeks ago, and Bergman has shown flashes of dominance at times lately. Callaghan/Asmundson for the Outlaws isn't a bad tandem either, and if they play well the Express will have trouble scoring. Asmundson dominated the Express most of the season, but he the Express put up a 7 spot on him on March 13th, and Callaghan gave up 10 goals in his last two appearances against our favorite junior hockey team.
Anyway way you slice it, this should be a great series. Prediction-wise, I look for the Express and Outlaws to split the first weekend's games, and then win the pair of games at Shattuck to take the series in 4 games. That's right, you heard it here first: Express in 4.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
At this point it would take a blogpost roughly the size of the Warren Report to catch up on everything that has happened since my last post, so I'm not even going to try. What's past is past, and what is present is the NAHL playoffs.
- South Division: Springfield and Wichita Falls are decent teams, but there is no way that either of them gets in the way of an epic finals matchup between Topeka and St Louis. The Roadrunners and Bandits both sweep their first round opponents.
- West Division: I really don't care, as this is a horrible division. If the Albert Lea Thunder played in the West Division, they would have qualified for the playoffs. Fairbanks will advance to the division finals by beating Kenai River in 4 games. The Alaska Avalanche versus Wenatchee Wild matchup could be an entertaining series. I see the Wild winning in 4 or maybe 5 games.
- North Division: The USNTDP made a late run to clinch the division championship, but that was to be expected with the U18 team playing a lot at the end of the regular season. I assume it will be the U17 team playing Alpena in the first round, which could be a very interesting series with Alpena. Former Express goalie Nick Graves has shown the ability at times to dominate in this league, and if the Icediggers can find any bit of offense they could give the U17's a run for their money. In the other matchup in the North, Mahoning Valley is taking on Traverse City. MVP has a veteran team with a lot of playoff experience, and I think that gets them a series win in 4 games.
- Central Division: As much as I would love the Alexandria Blizzard to knock off the Bismarck Bobcats, I just don't see it happening. Bobcats in a 3 game sweep.
Now onto the main event: Express vs. Outlaws. The Express have been playing well lately. Yeah, they have struggled against the Bobcats in Bismarck, but we'll cross that bridge after sending the Outlaws home for the summer. As Paul over at the Mahoning Valley Phantoms blog put it: Who wants to face Pat Cullen in the playoffs?? Something tells me Cullen has a few aces up his sleeve that will get played when the situation warrants. I give the Express a definitive edge in offensive firepower, and I think defensively it's a push between the two teams. Horstman played very well against the Outlaws at Shattuck a few weeks ago, and Bergman has shown flashes of dominance at times lately. Callaghan/Asmundson for the Outlaws isn't a bad tandem either, and if they play well the Express will have trouble scoring. Asmundson dominated the Express most of the season, but he the Express put up a 7 spot on him on March 13th, and Callaghan gave up 10 goals in his last two appearances against our favorite junior hockey team.
Anyway way you slice it, this should be a great series. Prediction-wise, I look for the Express and Outlaws to split the first weekend's games, and then win the pair of games at Shattuck to take the series in 4 games. That's right, you heard it here first: Express in 4.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Express 2008 Draft Review
Now that we're almost through to the end of the regular season, I thought it would be interesting to take a look back at the guys the Express drafted last May in the Entry Draft. Which ones made the team?? How did they pan out this season?? Where they good picks in general??
In alphabetical order:
- Stephen Carew - Obviously this was a great pick. Captain of the team, and a veteran presence, has scored 48 points through the first 51 games.
- Dan Cecka - Another great pick by the Express. The only downside to this pick is we only had him for the last half of the season. Makes me wonder where the Express would be if he had been on the roster at the beginning of the season.
- Fredrik Csisar - 2nd round pick, never came to Owatonna as far as I know. Looks like he is playing this season back in his native Norway for Furuset Ishockey IF.
- Carson Curran - Made the initial Express roster out of training camp, and if I remember correctly, practiced with the team for the first couple of weeks before leaving town the week before the showcase. He was a guy I was really looking forward to watching this season.
- Marian Fiala - A nice pick. Is just a '90, so he could be a fixture on the blueline for the Express for a couple more years.
- Tom Glomski - Has scored 12 points in 47 games this season as a member of the Albert Lea Thunder.
- Anthony Hayes - The first of a handful of draft picks that played in the USHL this season. Not necessarily a bad pick as the Express have had much success in the past with USHL castoffs. Has scored 28 points in 44 games for the division leading Green bay Gamblers.
- Justin Lee - Played with the Texas Tornado last year, and decided to start his college hockey career this season instead of another year of juniors. Member of the Gustavus Adolphus men's hockey team.
- Tom McCarthy - Scored 7 points in 45 games for the Fargo Force in the USHL.
- Dylan Porter - Nice pick by the Express. Has played in 45 games this season, and has been a fixture on the unheralded but important grinder line.
- Adam Schmidt - Has scored 9 points in 39 games for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL.
- Jake Sloat - Great pick of a USHL guy that paid off for the Express. 20 points in 44 games this season. He is only a '90, but has 2 full years of junior experience under his belt. Let's hope we see him back with the Express for next season.
- Tim Smith - Great pick. Has been a fixture on defense for the Express all season long. He is one of only 5 guys that have played in all 51 games for the Express this year. Has a nice shot, and is phenomenal on the powerplay.
- Cam Stowers - Made the initial roster out of training camp, but was not on the roster when the season started. Played 2 games with the Topeka Roadrunners in October. Last I heard he had decided to play another year with the AAA Russell Stover program.
- Zach Vierling - Yet another great pick by the Express. 34 points in 50 games this season, and he is only a '90
- Mac Williams - Attended tryout camp but did not make the team. I don't know where he ended up this season.
- Scott Winkler - This was a reach pick by the Express, but worth a chance if you ask me. He is a very talented and highly touted kid that would have been a superstar in the NAHL. He has scored 30 points in 45 games for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL this season.
- While all the above guys listed were drafted by the Express, don't forget that the Express sent two draft picks to the Kenai River Brown Bears in exchange for the rights to Tony McDonald.
My take: A total of 18 guys the Express acquired through the draft. 8 of those became solid pieces of this year's team, 4 spent the season in the USHL, 1 is playing in Europe, 1 went straight to college, 1 is with another team in the NAHL, one went back to his AAA team, and 2 are MIA. No doubt this was a very successful draft, and set the table for this year's Express team. The encouraging part is that 6 of the draft picks that are currently on the roster have at least one more year of junior eligibility, so they should play a major role in next year's team as well.
Some of you folks might look at this breakdown and be wondering why less than half of the draft picks ended up on the roster. What that tells me is that Coaches Cullen and Fink are shooting high in the draft. Would you rather have them take a chance on some USHL guys with higher upside (Cecka/Sloat) or draft guys that might not even make the team?? I know what my answer is. Also, don't forget that there was an extremely short time frame for the Express to prepare for the draft. Imagine what Cullen and Fink will do in this year's draft, with a full year of scouting and preparation.
See you at the rink.
--BK
In alphabetical order:
- Stephen Carew - Obviously this was a great pick. Captain of the team, and a veteran presence, has scored 48 points through the first 51 games.
- Dan Cecka - Another great pick by the Express. The only downside to this pick is we only had him for the last half of the season. Makes me wonder where the Express would be if he had been on the roster at the beginning of the season.
- Fredrik Csisar - 2nd round pick, never came to Owatonna as far as I know. Looks like he is playing this season back in his native Norway for Furuset Ishockey IF.
- Carson Curran - Made the initial Express roster out of training camp, and if I remember correctly, practiced with the team for the first couple of weeks before leaving town the week before the showcase. He was a guy I was really looking forward to watching this season.
- Marian Fiala - A nice pick. Is just a '90, so he could be a fixture on the blueline for the Express for a couple more years.
- Tom Glomski - Has scored 12 points in 47 games this season as a member of the Albert Lea Thunder.
- Anthony Hayes - The first of a handful of draft picks that played in the USHL this season. Not necessarily a bad pick as the Express have had much success in the past with USHL castoffs. Has scored 28 points in 44 games for the division leading Green bay Gamblers.
- Justin Lee - Played with the Texas Tornado last year, and decided to start his college hockey career this season instead of another year of juniors. Member of the Gustavus Adolphus men's hockey team.
- Tom McCarthy - Scored 7 points in 45 games for the Fargo Force in the USHL.
- Dylan Porter - Nice pick by the Express. Has played in 45 games this season, and has been a fixture on the unheralded but important grinder line.
- Adam Schmidt - Has scored 9 points in 39 games for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL.
- Jake Sloat - Great pick of a USHL guy that paid off for the Express. 20 points in 44 games this season. He is only a '90, but has 2 full years of junior experience under his belt. Let's hope we see him back with the Express for next season.
- Tim Smith - Great pick. Has been a fixture on defense for the Express all season long. He is one of only 5 guys that have played in all 51 games for the Express this year. Has a nice shot, and is phenomenal on the powerplay.
- Cam Stowers - Made the initial roster out of training camp, but was not on the roster when the season started. Played 2 games with the Topeka Roadrunners in October. Last I heard he had decided to play another year with the AAA Russell Stover program.
- Zach Vierling - Yet another great pick by the Express. 34 points in 50 games this season, and he is only a '90
- Mac Williams - Attended tryout camp but did not make the team. I don't know where he ended up this season.
- Scott Winkler - This was a reach pick by the Express, but worth a chance if you ask me. He is a very talented and highly touted kid that would have been a superstar in the NAHL. He has scored 30 points in 45 games for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL this season.
- While all the above guys listed were drafted by the Express, don't forget that the Express sent two draft picks to the Kenai River Brown Bears in exchange for the rights to Tony McDonald.
My take: A total of 18 guys the Express acquired through the draft. 8 of those became solid pieces of this year's team, 4 spent the season in the USHL, 1 is playing in Europe, 1 went straight to college, 1 is with another team in the NAHL, one went back to his AAA team, and 2 are MIA. No doubt this was a very successful draft, and set the table for this year's Express team. The encouraging part is that 6 of the draft picks that are currently on the roster have at least one more year of junior eligibility, so they should play a major role in next year's team as well.
Some of you folks might look at this breakdown and be wondering why less than half of the draft picks ended up on the roster. What that tells me is that Coaches Cullen and Fink are shooting high in the draft. Would you rather have them take a chance on some USHL guys with higher upside (Cecka/Sloat) or draft guys that might not even make the team?? I know what my answer is. Also, don't forget that there was an extremely short time frame for the Express to prepare for the draft. Imagine what Cullen and Fink will do in this year's draft, with a full year of scouting and preparation.
See you at the rink.
--BK
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Franchise Rumors
So if you believe the rumors, the makeup of the NAHL for the 2009-2010 season might include teams from:
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Jamestown, New York
- Janesville, Wisconsin
- Hibbing, Minnesota
- Thief River Falls, Minnesota
- Rochester Ice Hawks
- Texas Tornado
- A second California team
- None of the Michigan teams (Alpena, Marqutte, Traverse City, Motor City)
- Not Mahoning Valley
- Not North Iowa, Bismarck, or Alexandria
- Another Texas team (besides Texas Tornado and Wichita Falls)
- A second Wisconsin team
- Aberdeen, South Dakota
- Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- A team based in Canada
- The Jamaican Bobsled team
- The Harlem Globetrotters
The sad thing is that I was only kidding with the last two. A wise man once said, "Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see." At this point, I think that old saying pretty much sums up my opinion of all the crap floating around in regards to next season.
With the apparent/impending launch of USA Hockey's big "Superteam" concept, it seems that all 19 teams in this years NAHL are thinking of making the jump to the USHL. However, it just isn't feasible except for maybe the Mahoning Valley franchise. The truth is most of the home rinks in the NAHL are not big enough to fit into the USHL's plans. Most importantly, if teams can't make money in the NAHL why do they think they can make money in the USHL where expenses are even higher??
Now, as far as new teams entering the mix for next season, you can never rule anything out. Just in the last 2 seasons, the powers that be in the NAHL have allowed two ownership groups that shouldn't be allowed to operate a lemonade stand on the corner, to buy NAHL franchises. That being said, I just don't see the NAHL in California. Travel costs and lack of proper arenas are the two most prohibitive reasons. On the flip side, hockey is booming in California, and it would be still make more sense than having teams in Alaska.
The Jamestown, New York rumor is interesting, being that the closest team to the Atlantic Ocean is Mahoning Valley and they might be making the jump to the USHL. The other part of this rumor was that it would be a Barry Soskin owned team. Soskin currently owns and operates the Albert Lea Thunder. So are the Thunder moving to New York or would the league allow one guy to own two franchises??
The Janesville, Wisconsin team I can actually see happening. The city seems to be onboard, and it's within the current NAHL "footprint". Would they be playing in the Central Division, or the North Division??
The Hibbing and Thief River Falls, Minnesota rumors are interesting. We have heard for over a year that TRF wants a team, and I heard they have a nice rink. Could the former Fargo-Moorhead Jets franchise rise from the ashes in TRF??
The Rochester Ice Hawks to the NAHL is another interesting rumor. They have a good thing going in the MJHL, and get nice crowds at their games, but could they handle the huge increase in operating expenses?? It would be real nice for the Express if it did happen, but I just don't see it happening until the economy turns around.
What does it all boil down to?? If the NAHL expands their footprint even more than they have in the last few years, I think you'll see a shift to a more regionally based league. By that I mean that there won't be much for inter-division games, and the Robertson Cup would become more of a true "National Championship".
What do I think will happen?? I'm just making a somewhat educated guess here, but I think that Mahoning Valley makes the jump to the USHL. With the USNTDP already switching leagues, the USHL needs one more team to even out the divisions, and MV has the Chevy Center to play in. I think the North Division will still be the North Division. Traverse City doesn't draw well enough to jump to the USHL, and our friends in Motor City will last one more year. I think Janesville, Wisconsin will have a team, and they will probably end up in the Central Division. Although it would make more sense to put them in the North Division, especially if MV makes the jump. I think the Texas Tornado will be back in the NAHL for next season, and I could totally see an expansion team somewhere in Texas as well.
One thing is for sure: It will be an interesting spring and early summer, and the makeup of the NAHL will have a different look going into this fall's Showcase.
Changing topics here: Congratulations to Express goalie Freddy Bergman on being named Honorable Mention NAHL goalie of the month for February.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Jamestown, New York
- Janesville, Wisconsin
- Hibbing, Minnesota
- Thief River Falls, Minnesota
- Rochester Ice Hawks
- Texas Tornado
- A second California team
- None of the Michigan teams (Alpena, Marqutte, Traverse City, Motor City)
- Not Mahoning Valley
- Not North Iowa, Bismarck, or Alexandria
- Another Texas team (besides Texas Tornado and Wichita Falls)
- A second Wisconsin team
- Aberdeen, South Dakota
- Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- A team based in Canada
- The Jamaican Bobsled team
- The Harlem Globetrotters
The sad thing is that I was only kidding with the last two. A wise man once said, "Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see." At this point, I think that old saying pretty much sums up my opinion of all the crap floating around in regards to next season.
With the apparent/impending launch of USA Hockey's big "Superteam" concept, it seems that all 19 teams in this years NAHL are thinking of making the jump to the USHL. However, it just isn't feasible except for maybe the Mahoning Valley franchise. The truth is most of the home rinks in the NAHL are not big enough to fit into the USHL's plans. Most importantly, if teams can't make money in the NAHL why do they think they can make money in the USHL where expenses are even higher??
Now, as far as new teams entering the mix for next season, you can never rule anything out. Just in the last 2 seasons, the powers that be in the NAHL have allowed two ownership groups that shouldn't be allowed to operate a lemonade stand on the corner, to buy NAHL franchises. That being said, I just don't see the NAHL in California. Travel costs and lack of proper arenas are the two most prohibitive reasons. On the flip side, hockey is booming in California, and it would be still make more sense than having teams in Alaska.
The Jamestown, New York rumor is interesting, being that the closest team to the Atlantic Ocean is Mahoning Valley and they might be making the jump to the USHL. The other part of this rumor was that it would be a Barry Soskin owned team. Soskin currently owns and operates the Albert Lea Thunder. So are the Thunder moving to New York or would the league allow one guy to own two franchises??
The Janesville, Wisconsin team I can actually see happening. The city seems to be onboard, and it's within the current NAHL "footprint". Would they be playing in the Central Division, or the North Division??
The Hibbing and Thief River Falls, Minnesota rumors are interesting. We have heard for over a year that TRF wants a team, and I heard they have a nice rink. Could the former Fargo-Moorhead Jets franchise rise from the ashes in TRF??
The Rochester Ice Hawks to the NAHL is another interesting rumor. They have a good thing going in the MJHL, and get nice crowds at their games, but could they handle the huge increase in operating expenses?? It would be real nice for the Express if it did happen, but I just don't see it happening until the economy turns around.
What does it all boil down to?? If the NAHL expands their footprint even more than they have in the last few years, I think you'll see a shift to a more regionally based league. By that I mean that there won't be much for inter-division games, and the Robertson Cup would become more of a true "National Championship".
What do I think will happen?? I'm just making a somewhat educated guess here, but I think that Mahoning Valley makes the jump to the USHL. With the USNTDP already switching leagues, the USHL needs one more team to even out the divisions, and MV has the Chevy Center to play in. I think the North Division will still be the North Division. Traverse City doesn't draw well enough to jump to the USHL, and our friends in Motor City will last one more year. I think Janesville, Wisconsin will have a team, and they will probably end up in the Central Division. Although it would make more sense to put them in the North Division, especially if MV makes the jump. I think the Texas Tornado will be back in the NAHL for next season, and I could totally see an expansion team somewhere in Texas as well.
One thing is for sure: It will be an interesting spring and early summer, and the makeup of the NAHL will have a different look going into this fall's Showcase.
Changing topics here: Congratulations to Express goalie Freddy Bergman on being named Honorable Mention NAHL goalie of the month for February.
See you at the rink.
--Big Kahuna
Monday, March 2, 2009
Big Kahuna's Blabberings
- The Express Game-Worn Jersey Auction is currently happening on the official Express website (www.expressjrhockey.org).
- There are several different sources claiming that the Mahoning Valley Phantoms might jump to the USHL next season. The Express have played the Phantoms at least once every season since junior hockey came to Owatonna, including at the Robertson Cup championship in 2006 and 2007. They have been at or near the top of the North Division for the last 4 years, so it would open up that division if they do make the jump. Also, with the USNTDP joining the USHL, it would make sense to add a second team to even the numbers out.
- The Albert Lea Thunder finally got win #3 on the season Saturday night in Bismarck. That's 2 wins for the Thunder over the Central Division leading Bobcats this season. Any given night...
- Gustavus Adolphus with former Express forward Joe Welch and former Express draft pick Justin Lee, will play Hamline and former Express forward Brian Arrigoni, Wednesday night at 8pm for the MIAC championship and the automatic bid to the D-3 championship tournament. (thanks for the tip KL)
- I'm hearing some rumblings that there might be ice at the 4 Seasons Centre next spring which would facilitate home games in March and home playoff games (actually at "home"). It would apparently be the West rink, but at least it would be in Owatonna. Two nice crowds took in the two game series last weekend versus the Outlaws, and it would be interesting to see that ball keep rolling, instead of picking up shop and heading for Shattuck. Do the right thing Steele County!!
Coming up in the near future: A preview of next year's Express team (That's right, I'm not even going to wait for this season to end), a final look at the Express draft picks from last May, and how they panned out, updates on Express alumni, and much more.
See you at the rink.
--BK
- There are several different sources claiming that the Mahoning Valley Phantoms might jump to the USHL next season. The Express have played the Phantoms at least once every season since junior hockey came to Owatonna, including at the Robertson Cup championship in 2006 and 2007. They have been at or near the top of the North Division for the last 4 years, so it would open up that division if they do make the jump. Also, with the USNTDP joining the USHL, it would make sense to add a second team to even the numbers out.
- The Albert Lea Thunder finally got win #3 on the season Saturday night in Bismarck. That's 2 wins for the Thunder over the Central Division leading Bobcats this season. Any given night...
- Gustavus Adolphus with former Express forward Joe Welch and former Express draft pick Justin Lee, will play Hamline and former Express forward Brian Arrigoni, Wednesday night at 8pm for the MIAC championship and the automatic bid to the D-3 championship tournament. (thanks for the tip KL)
- I'm hearing some rumblings that there might be ice at the 4 Seasons Centre next spring which would facilitate home games in March and home playoff games (actually at "home"). It would apparently be the West rink, but at least it would be in Owatonna. Two nice crowds took in the two game series last weekend versus the Outlaws, and it would be interesting to see that ball keep rolling, instead of picking up shop and heading for Shattuck. Do the right thing Steele County!!
Coming up in the near future: A preview of next year's Express team (That's right, I'm not even going to wait for this season to end), a final look at the Express draft picks from last May, and how they panned out, updates on Express alumni, and much more.
See you at the rink.
--BK
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