Sept 24 Local Newspaper Articles

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/09/24/SPGV51T1UO1.DTL

>Sharks coach Ron Wilson said Tuesday that he expects to trim the
>roster to an equivalent of six forward lines and eight defensemen after
>exhibitions tonight against Phoenix in Portland, Ore., and Thursday
>night in Denver.
>
>"There are a couple of guys close, guys that people would consider a
>surprise,'' said Wilson, without getting more specific.

... and ...

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/hockey/nhl/san_jose_sharks/6847628.htm

Regarding Cuts:

>The Sharks plan to trim their roster before today's exhibition against
>Phoenix and again after Thursday's game at Colorado.
>
>After those cuts, the Sharks might hold off on getting down to the
>regular-season limit of 23 players because of a busy conclusion to the
>exhibition season.
>
>Beginning with the first home exhibition Saturday against Anaheim, the
>Sharks will have five games in eight nights.

Regarding Maatta:

>``This is an important year for him,'' Sharks General Manager Doug
>Wilson said. ``He's set to play an advanced role with his team.''
>
>The Sharks had been disappointed with Maatta's conditioning at
>various times since selecting him 41st overall. But Doug Wilson said
>that Maatta's fitness improved over the summer.
>
>``We're actually pleased with his progress,'' Doug Wilson said. ``Now
>it's a matter of him applying what he's learned here against a high level
>of competition.''

Tero: Makes me wonder if Chi reads what I post :) (Tero on fire)

I'm really proud of Tero so far. It's only early on, but he's stepping up a la Rob Davison last season. If Tero keeps this up it'll be a major step forward and he'd enter camp next season (assuming that even happens) with an outside shot of cracking the line-up. (If you put up points in Finland, and have Tero's size and demonstrated physical ability...there's not too much reason not to consider him if he steps up to the plate this year.)

The one that would be intersting is if Pasi Saarinen has a really good season, would San Jose actively try to bring him over? He'd make a solid addition to Cleveland if he regains his confidence and plays smarter. It's not like he's talentless, that's for sure.

For those who care, Michal Macho had a goal and an assist the other night in a 10-3 Slovan win. Macho started on the team's second line, but was on the third line for the two-point night. Slovan currently is where Miroslav Satan is playing during his holdout, so...Miro and Zdeno Ciger definitely give Slovan an offensive advantage. Not too many familiar forward names on Slovan after following them last season. (Maybe I should check the roster for sure, but just off of memory...)

As soon as Hult's season begins, I'll give updates on him too.

Right now the DEL's website is disappointing me. Pretty much all of their stats are down, especially from previous seasons. Usually the DEL is right on the ball.

Slovakia has upgraded their site. Sweden and Finland are still the same, which is good.

But let us not forget what is most important, color photos of the cheerleaders. Espoo wins hands down.