Minor League Hockey Time

Tonight is Hamilton's first regular season game, as they will be playing in Rochester. The game will be broadcasted on 820 CHAM (internet radio). Visit http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com for details on how to log on to this channel via internet. Here is the Dogs' schedule for this week.

Friday, October 10th
Hamilton Bulldogs 1 vs. Rochester Americans 2 (Final)

Saturday, October 11th
Hamilton Bulldogs 3 vs. Cleveland Barons 2 (Final)

Monday, October 13th
**Home opening game**
Toronto Roadrunners 5 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs 3 (Final)

Friday, October 17th
Hamilton Bulldogs 3 vs. Binghamton Senators 5 (Final)

The lines used by head coach Doug Jarvis should be similar to this...

Benoit Gratton - Tomas Plekanec - Jozef Balej
Eero Somervuori - Alexander Svitov - Pierre Dagenais
Alexander Perezhogin - Jimmy Ölvestad - Duncan Milroy
Sylvain Blouin - Jerome Marois - Jonathan Ferland

Francois Beauchemin - Andreas Holmqvist
Andrew Archer - Karl Dykhuis
Matt Shasby - Patrick Traverse

Eric Fichaud
Jean-Francois Damphousse
Olivier Michaud

Monday, October 13th
**Home opening game**
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (4:00pm ET)


Wow. That's a toughie for a home opener.

Wow. That's a toughie for a home opener.

In fact, the team's name is Toronto Roadrunners, my bad. With that being said, a few years ago, Toronto's AHL team was also named the Maple Leafs.

I knew what you meant, I was just having fun.

Will the real leafs bring put the SJ Leafs in Toronto and EDM find a new home for their prospects anytime soon? Or do SJ and the Leafs have a long contract?

Eero Someruovi - Alexander Svitov - Pierre Dagenais
Alexander Perezhogin - Jimmy Ölvestad - Duncan Milroy
.
.
.
Francois Beauchemin - Andreas Holmqvist


Excellent. Somervuori and Svitov working together. Olvestad centering top Montreal prospects Perezhogin and Milroy! Jimmie is in Hamilton to work on his offensive game, and this line will go a long way in that regard. If he can't score with those wingers...

Nice to see Holmqvist getting top pairing. I thought he deserved it after his impressive preseason, but was afraid he get lost when the Canadiens reassigned Dykhuis and Traverse to Hamilton.

Final score: Hamilton Bulldogs 1 vs. Rochester Americans 2
HAM: Eero Somervuori (1) [Traverse]

After being off to a pretty good start, and taking the lead early in the game, the Bulldogs started playing a little shaky, and took quite a few stupid penalties. Rochester outshot the Dogs 36-15. Eric Fichaud has been tremendous troughout the game, and has been the game's first star tonight.

Svitov: He missed quite a few scoring chances. He has shown amazing strenght, and delivered at least 2 big hits. Head coach Jarvis gave him decent icetime, as he was the team's 2nd line center, playing with Pierre Dagenais and Habs prospect Perezhogin.

Somervuori: Probably the most talented player out there. He showed no signs of being nervous, as he had quite a few good offensive rushes and at some time made the opponent's defense look stupid. Showed good speed and seemed to work out pretty well with Habs prospects Plekanec and Balej. Scored Hamilton's only goal.

Holmqvist: Good overall game, but made a couple of mistakes here and there. He was paired with Francois Beauchemin, and as I said earlier in the thread, he was given quality ice time. Without being spectacular, he did his job fairly well. Good size too, should use it more often.

Ölvestad: I had been warned after he got sent down to Hamilton, this guy has excellent speed and is defensively aware, but just can't score with a roadmap. That's just what happened tonight. He and Benoit Gratton did pretty well together but couldn't score. He was used on the PK at some time with Jonathan Ferland.

edit: forgot about Ölvestad :D

October 10, 2003

Hamilton 1
Rochester 2

Somervuori: 1G +1 3SOG
Olvestad: -1 2SOG
Svitov: -1 2PIMs


Utah 2
San Antonio 4

Dicaire: DNP


[Moderator: Can you make this thread sticky, please?]

By the way, could this be stickified, please? That would be really appreciated, Sotnos!!

Thanks in advance.


--Higgs--

Somervuori: 1G +1 3SOG

:D

-Pete Choquette

OK, since Higgs and X both asked for a sticky so nicely, I stickied this and merged the threads. Hopefully we'll get Hamilton and Hershey covered with this one.

Thanks for the updates guys, glad to hear that Eero looks good. I had a couple people in chat the other day (who have never even seen him play, of course) telling me he'll never play in the NHL, he was a product of his linemates, etc. :)

A little Ex-Oceanic action last night with Michel Periard, a pint-sized dman, scoring a goal from Kolnik. Too bad it was for the Panther's farm club.

Looking forward to seeing what Hershey is able to do tonight.

The Dogs are losing 1-0 after 1 period of play. All four of the Bolts' players are playing tonight.


For those who are wondering what Hamilton's jersey looks like, here is a link... it looks like the Habs' away jersey, except, obviously, for the Bulldog.

http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/BulldogsGallery/0913_9.html

Shane "Blackballed" Willis with 1G, 1A tonight for Hershey.

Shane "Blackballed" Willis with 1G, 1A tonight for Hershey.

Only a pardon by Chretien can get Willis back into the Lightning's good graces.

-Pete Choquette

10/12-

Hamilton-3
Cleveland-2

Olvestad no scoring, 1 SOG, E.
Somervuori 2PIMs, 0 SOG, E.
Svitov 2PIMs, 0 SOG, -1 (inauspicious start, is that pouting I detect?).
Holmqvist DNP.

Hershey-4
Syracuse-4

Pascal Trepanier 1A, 2PIMs, E.
Shane Willis 1G 1A, 4SOG, +1.
Nikita Alexeev no scoring, 2 SOG, E.
Perrin DNP.
Artukhin DNP.

San Antonio-3
Utah-2

Gerard Dicaire no scoring, 2 SOG, -1.

-Pete Choquette

Next game will be on Tuesday October 12th for the Bulldogs, as they'll play their home opening game against the Toronto Roadrunners. It will be tough for me to get to watch the game, since it's at 4:00PM, but I'll give you guys my comments based on what I've seen.

Here's a link to an article wrote on Hamilton's website, after Saturday night's game. Interesting fact; Holmqvist has not played, hoping he's not injured badly. No details as of now on the Dogs website.

http://www.canoe.ca/Bulldogs/News/2003/10/11/223689.html


For those who want to listen to the game via internet radio, here's the link. http://www.sportsjuice.com/_sjplayer/main.php?tid=142

Thanks for all the info, Higgsfan. It's appreciated.

Henrik Bergfors update

The Wichita Thunder played two exhibition games over the weekend: a two night home-and-home series against the Tulsa Oilers, which the two teams split.

The bad news is that Berfors dislocated his shoulder in Friday night's game in Tulsa. Not sure about the extent of the injury, but reports are that the Thunder are looking to sign another d-man to replace Bergfors before Wichita's season opener this coming weekend. Looks like that probably means a lengthy rehab.

Attempting to get more details of how/extent of the injury...

Hamilton lost the game 5-3, mostly because of Fichaud's weak performance, and Toronto's late game comeback. After taking a 1 goal lead twice in the game, Hamilton got scored 3 times in the last period of play. The Dogs outshot the Roadrunners 32-19, but as I said earlier, Fichaud looked pretty unimpressive tonight and hasn't made the key saves. Duncan Milroy, Andrew Archer and Matt Shasby were healthy scratches, and all four of Tampa's assigned players were in the line up, but none of them managed to register a point. Somervuori has looked very good tonight, though.

Here's the summary of the Bulldogs' goals:

1. HAM - Benoit Gratton (1) [Perezhogin]

2. HAM - Jozef Balej (1) [Plekanec]

3. HAM - Benoit Gratton (2) [Thinel, Balej]

---------
Eero Somervuori -- 2 SOG, Even
Alexander Svitov -- 0 SOG, -1
Andreas Holmqvist -- 0 SOG, Even
Jimmie Ölvestad -- 3 SOG, +1

Eric Fichaud, 14 saves out of 19 shots

Henrik Bergfors update
The bad news is that Bergfors dislocated his shoulder in Friday night's game in Tulsa.

The general consensus of Wichita fans is that Bergfors is slow, uncoordinated on this skates, and can't fight. And that was before dislocating his shoulder. ;)

Well, heck, if the foreigner can't fight there's no use for 'em here in Kansas.

Ok... finally tracked down some details on the Bergfors injury from a source that wished to remain anonymous:

Bergfors took a hit in last Friday night's exhibition game in Tulsa and fell to the ice on this right shoulder. It is presumed that the injury to the shoulder resulted from the fall. This was Wichita's second exhibition game.

While the injury is being called a 'dislocation', Bergfors will apparently undergo season ending surgery in the near future.

The skinny was that Bergfors was fighting for a roster spot, and that he hasn't been particularly impressive to the Wichita coaching staff during the course of camp. From this "non-fan" source, his skating was also described as 'slow'. And from the fight he was involved in during the first exhibition game, it was obvious that he had little skills in that area too.

He never should've been allowed to go play in that goon league. Missing a season will seriously damage his chances of ever becoming a #6/7 d-man.

-Pete Choquette

He never should've been allowed to go play in that goon league. Missing a season will seriously damage his chances of ever becoming a #6/7 d-man.

Isn't Bergfors another one of Dudley's big, clumsy pylons that he liked to draft on defense?

Yup.

Dudley traded with Colorado (a different last round deal than the famed one that brought Cibak) to get the last pick in the draft and took Bergfors.

He apparently had a decent camp two years ago.

Lightning Minor League Preview, Part 1:

Dicaire in Tampa? (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=6334&mode=threaded&order=0)

Excellent HF debut, Ex. Nicely done. Looking forward to Part 2.

Thanks folks...

10/15

Hershey 5
St. John's 4
(final)

Three out of five of Hershey goals were PP. Hershey gave up 2 PP goals and 2 SH goals.

Willis 2-0-2 2PPG 4SOG -1
Trepanier 0-2-2 3SOG Even
Perrin 0-0-0 0SOG Even
Alexeev and Artukhin scratched. Aleexev finding out what the hot dogs taste like.

Willis is now 3-1-4 with 2PPG in 2GP.

With the Habs' recent success, and guys coming back from injuries, I think it's safe to say Christopher Higgins will most likely be sent down to the Hamilton Bulldogs for a fair amount of games. He has been showing encouraging signs for the Canadiens management up to now, but on the other hand, some true fourth liner guys such as Kilger, Begin and Langdon will fit better than Chris in a grinder role in the NHL. Does that mean a forward from the Bulldogs will be sent down to the ECHL, I don't have a clue, but I think all of the Tampa guys are locks as of now.

By the way, three guys from the Dogs have been sent down to the ECHL earlier today: Habs defenseman Matt Shasby, forward Christian Larrivee, and goalthender Olivier Michaud. Also, defenseman prospect Brent McLellan has been sent down to his junior team (QJHML). Hamilton can now count on 7 defensemen; Beauchemin, Holmqvist, Archer, Dykhuis, Traverse, Cote, Plante, and perhaps Mike Komisarek will be added to this list in days to come.

Next game: Friday October 16th, as the Bulldogs will face the Binghamton Senators.

Noticed that Svitov had a fighting major in the last game for Hamilton, and a game misconduct to go along with it for a tie down violation. Did you see the fight? If so, can you post a report?

Isn't Bergfors another one of Dudley's big, clumsy pylons that he liked to draft on defense?

Dudley never saw him until after we drafted him.

I like Bergfors because the guy has heart and comes from humble beginnings as a 9th round pick. You root for guys like him and Van Hoof because they have character, unlike a spineless bottomfeeder like Mathieu Biron.

-Pete Choquette

Jimmie O got an assist in Hamilton's last game.

Willis had 2 power play goals tonight in an amazing come from behind 3rd period ralley to win 5-4. Pascal Trepanier chipped in 2 assists. Perrin played, Alexeev and R2 did not.

Let the R2 to Pensacola watch begin...

-Pete Choquette

Noticed that Svitov had a fighting major in the last game for Hamilton, and a game misconduct to go along with it for a tie down violation.

I'm hoping a little AHL time will get Svitov out of his shell. Maybe some good ol fashion AHL goonery will get him back to his old self.

Komisarek and Dwyer assigned to Hamilton today.

10/16

St. John's and Hershey's 2nd game of a back-to-back series:

Hershey 1
St. John's 0


Artukhin scratched again. Third straight game for R2.
Alexeev and Brad Larsen being centered by Perrin. Both were buzzing the St. John's goalie late in the 1st.
That line eventually gets the game winner in the 2nd. Larsen scores being fed by Perrin. No assist for Nikita, but he gets the +1 for being there.

I'm going to the Ice Pilots game this Saturday, which players do you guys want info on? I'll try and keep an eye out and give you gusy a brief report of the game...

I'm going to the Ice Pilots game this Saturday, which players do you guys want info on? I'll try and keep an eye out and give you gusy a brief report of the game...

Ryan Craig (C), J.F. Soucy (LW), Jeremy Van Hoof (D) and either Eklund or Konstantinov if they get the start in goal.

Thanks.

Not a problem, do you happen to know thier jersey numebrs? I'll be able to spot them quicker if I have them. Its not a big deal if you dont, I'll probably end up buying a program anyways.

Not a problem, do you happen to know thier jersey numebrs?

Ice Pilots web site doesn't have the jersey numbers posted for the roster yet. That would be welcomed information to post too!

TB Minor league preview, Part II (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=6337&mode=threaded&order=0)

OMG, now here's the new Pensacola announcement!!! :joker:

"Dwayne Hay Assigned from Tampa Bay

Ice Pilots Season Opener Tomorrow Night
Pensacola, FL - The Pensacola Ice Pilots, under the new ownership group of Hockey Enterprises of Pensacola L.L.C. with the sole owner Tim Kerr, announced that forward Dwayne Hay has been assigned to the Ice Pilots from the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL."

http://www.icepilots.com/new/text.htm

10/17

Hamilton 2
Binghamton 1
(end of 1st period)


Olvestad scratched. I presume Gordie Dwyer gets his spot against the Dennis Bonvie-toting Binghamton team. Waiting for Dwyer to square off with Bonvie...
Somervuori 0-0-0; 0 PIMs; even
Svitov 0-0-0; 0 PIMs; -1 (now -4 in 4 games)
Holmqvist 0-0-0; 0 PIMs; even

Late first period score, the Dogs are currently leading 2-1 against the Binghamton Senators.

Goals
1. HAM - Benoit Gratton (3) [Alex Perezhogin, Pierre Dagenais]

2. HAM - Benoit Gratton (4) [Mike Komisarek, Karl Dykhuis]


Jimmie Ölvestad is -- kind of weird decision -- a healthy scratch. Perhaps head coach Doug Jarvis wanted to see what Dwyer is capable of doing, but I guess he should have left some other guy in the stands, as Jimmie has done a decent job up to now.

Jimmie Ölvestad is -- kind of weird decision -- a healthy scratch.

I believe Holmqvist was a late scratch as well. Thank you, Mr. Komisarek.

Dwyer was probably started because Binghamton ices Dennis Bonvie. While the two never tangled, Dwyer was on the ice frequently with Bonvie. Svitov centered Dwyer tonight in a crash-line role, and he seemed to wake-up some out of his slumber by managing to put 5 shots on net. Didn't hit the scoresheet or the penalty box, but unfortunately added another -1 to his plus-minus rating. Svitov is now -4 in four games for the Bulldogs.

Somervuori seemed rather invisible tonight against the physical Senators, but maybe that just radio failing to speak.

Why the Bulldogs are allowing so many goals with the quality blueliners on that team is puzzling. Between Damphousse and Ficaud, you'd think the pipes would be solid too. Go figure.

I think Olvestad and Holmqvist are going to find it tough, but not impossible, to get into the lineup consistently.

wow when's the last time they updated that site?

I'll just buy a program and post any intresting news here and post a game recap (with a little extra on the gus you asked about). I'll be sitting in section 102 (I think thats behind the penalty box sorta) cant wait.

I think Olvestad and Holmqvist are going to find it tough, but not impossible, to get into the lineup consistently.

Good points, especially considering the fact Christoper Higgins will likely be sent down in the upcoming days. He has been a healthy scratch on Thursday, and probably won't see NHL action soon, mostly because of Langdon's return in the line up. To me, the odds of Holmqvist being part of the line up on a regular basis are pretty good, considering he played well in both zones in most of the games he's played since his arrival in Hamilton.

Well they lost 3-1. :(

They outshot Columbus 23-13 in the first but the first ended 0-0. Ice Pilots had a 5on3 for 1 minute and 40 seconds and didnt score (8 shots). When it became a 5on4 it looked like they scored (I still think it went in and hit the middle post inside the net and came out) but the ref ruled no goal. There was a dirty hit on a ice pilot playerwhich resulted in the only real fight of the night. Sauer came in and stuck up for his buddy and ended up body slamming the Columbus player to the ice.

In the 2nd period they came out sloppy (and didntget much better as the game went on). Van Hoof took a dumb holding the stick penalty (which wasnt really much of a call) which led to the first Cottonmouth goal. Dwayne Hay, who was the Pilots best player all night, scored a beatiful goal where he got the puck on his own blue line and deked out a forward at center then went around a defenseman to the outside drove to the net and roofed it over the goalie to make it 1-1. Eklund likes to wonder from the net a lot and made a really big mistake and left the net and then passed the puck up to center instead of giving it to his own guy which resulted in Columbus's 2nd goal. It was the 2nd time he did that in the night, the 1st time he did it a defenseman saved his ass by diving in front of the net and blockign it (not sure who it was but it wasnt van hoof).

The 3rd period was even worse then the 2nd I think they had 4 shots the whole period. The Cottonmouths had great chances all night and scored thier last goal of hte night by swarming hte net and put in a 2nd or 3rd rebound. The Ice Pilots had another goal waived off when they shot the puck through a hole in the side of the net or somethign liek that (it was the right call this time). The shots ended something like 45-35 Columbus.

Like I said Hay (#8)was Pensacolas best player all night and he was flying, he killed penalties and created a lot of chances.

Besides Eklunds (#30) really really dumb move on the 2nd goal he was really solid. The 1st goal came off a deflecton by his own player and the 3rd was a 3rd or 4th rebound cause he has no help.

van Hoof (#10) played on the 2nd pairing I believe and he took a dumb penalty in the 2nd other then that he was really good. He did a lot of crease clearing on the night and made some great hits.

Soucy (#70) and Craig (#15) played on the 2nd line together and werent that noticable outside of the 1st period. Soucy was hit hard on the first shift and retaliated with a dumb penalty (about 5 seconds later with a charging or interfernce call I dont remember and it could have been either). Craig had a couple nice scoring chances on the power plays in the 1st. Soucy was very physical all night and I thought he was goign to drop them a couple times but the refs never let him as the game went on he got less physical.

Another guy that really stuck out was Corey Neilson, maybe its becasue he is 6'5" and 225 lbs but he put on some nice hits and broke up a lot of plays. I dont think he is signed by Tampa though.

10/19-

Hershey finds the pay windah again...

Hershey-3
Bridgeport-1

Eric Perrin: 1A, 1 shot, +1
Pascal Trepanier: 1 shot, +2
Nikita Alexeev: 2 shots, E
Shane Willis: 0 shots, E
Evgeni Artukhin DNP

Chicago-3
Utah-2 OT

Dicaire DNP. Jesus, Lehtonen faced 43 shots for Chicago.

-Pete Choquette

Evgeni Artukhin DNP

Cheeto, listen here... send him to Pensacola already!

The first week of regular season in now ended, as the Bulldogs now are 1-3-0-0... not quite what was expected from them, considering last year they had had a 110+ point season and had been part of the Calder Cup finals against Houston. Some players did very fairly up to now. The names that come to mind are Benoit Gratton, Eero Somervuori, Alex Perezhogin and Tomas Plekanec. They never played awful, though, as they outshooted twice their opponant without winning the game.

Now that Dwyer and Komisarek were sent in Hamilton, here's what the line up looks like at the moment. Some changes may occur, but this is the line up used by head coach Doug Jarvis for Friday's game against the Binghamton Senators.

Tomas Plekanec* - Alexander Svitov* - Jozef Balej
Alex Perezhogin - Benoit Gratton - Pierre Dagenais
Eero Somervuori - Sylvain Blouin - Jonathan Ferland
Gordie Dwyer - Benjamin Carpentier - MA Thinel
Jimmie Olvestad, Duncan Milroy

Francois Beauchemin - Mike Komisarek
Andrew Archer - Karl Dykhuis
Patrick Traverse - JP Cote
Andreas Holmqvist

Eric 'soft goals' Fichaud
JF Damphousse

* Both played center, at some time Svitov played on the left wing, so they were exchanging positions during the game.

Statistics

Leaders
Benoit Gratton: 4gp, 4g, 0a, 4pts, Even, 6 SOG
Tomas Plekanec: 4gp, 2g, 2a, 4pts, Even, 11 SOG
Jozef Balej: 4gp, 1g, 2a, 3pts, Even, 8 SOG

Bolts
Eero Somervuori: 4gp, 1g, 0a, 1pt, +1, 6 SOG
Alexander Svitov: 4gp, 0g, 0a, 0pt, -4, 5 SOG
Andreas Holmqvist: 2gp, 0g, 0a, 0pt, Even, 0 SOG
Jimmie Olvestad: 3gp, 0g, 1a, 1pt, Even, 6 SOG

Eero being centered by Sylvain Blouin? Ugh.

Why isn't Holmqvist at least getting regular third-pair time?

Eero being centered by Sylvain Blouin? Ugh.

Why isn't Holmqvist at least getting regular third-pair time?

Andreas Holmqvist was getting more ice time in pre-season games, mostly because Dykhuis, Komisarek and Traverse had not been sent down to the AHL yet. One needs to understand the Bulldogs has much depth at defense. For game #1 of the regular season, a grand total of 9 defensemen were still with the team (Beauchemin, Archer, Shasby, McLellan, Van Hoof, Holmqvist, Traverse, Dykhuis, Cote, Plante)... it would made been 10 if Komisarek had been sent earlier. Three of these d-men (Van Hoof, Shasby and McLellan) were sent down to the ECHL. To me, that sorts of means the management feels Holmqvist is one step above all these guys.

With that being said, with the poor defensive play shown by Dykhuis and Traverse lately, Andreas will probably get more quality ice time in weeks to come. It's all about confidence, he's gotta get it back. At the moment, he's only a victim of the depth on D the Dogs have.

Finally, the sleeping giant awakens. Alex Svitov with 2 goals on 4 shots in an OT loss today for the 'Dogs.

Also, Perrin with 2G in a 5-3 Hershey win (including one 11 seconds into the game). Willis picks up an assist. Alexeev was -2 (::heavy sigh:: ).

Artukhin ... (drumroll please) ... DNP.

Oh, and Dicaire DNP for Utah again. Sigh.

X - I just got home so here are my observations from the Ice Pilots Opening night game on Saturday and the Lightning players: Soucy #70, Craig #15, Van Hoof #10, Eklund #30. Konstantinov has not been able to report yet, it is anticipated that he should have all the necessary paperwork by Monday so he could be in Pensacola soon.

2nd line: Elich, Soucy, Craig
Soucy was very physical and not afraid to check and yap. This line had some good scoring chance but the Cottonmouth goalie played very well and didn't give up many rebounds. FYI - Ryan Craig has an "A", Corey Neilsen has the other "A" with Mike Jones as the "C".

Van Hoof was paired with Sauer as the 2nd Dman pair. Sauer when out at 12:08 of the 1st on a instigating, roughing, misconduct. Van Hoof was paired with Doug Schueller for the remainder of the 1st period. Unfortunately #1 Dman Mike Jones left the game at the end of the 1st with a probable concussion. Then the IP's had only 5 Dman, so Jeremy basically worked with Sauer or Schueller the rest of the game. Jeremy also saw alot of time on the PK.

Eklund played well except for the 2 stickhandling mistakes as noted by Number67. He faced 45 shots and didn't give up alot of rebounds, he was able to clear the puck out of the slot most times. The 3rd goal was scored when there was a bunch of traffic in/by the crease and he made 3 saves before the Cottonmouths scored. Number67 mentioned earlier that Ekllund didn't get much help clearing the crease.

Number67 covered pretty much everything else :)

X - Let me know if you need the roster numbers for the rest of the team.

Where were you sitting for the game? I was in section 101 right on the red linein row q (sounds kinda high up but it was almost perfect casue I could see the corners well, in other words i wasnt too close). Oh yeah and I was wearing my Bondra jersey. Also, the marines that repeled at the beginning were in the row behind us so we spent, they were waiting for a gight but a couple of them got really intrested in ghe game and were asking us the rules. One got pretty upset when they pulled the goalie until we told them that they got a 6th skater for it, heh.

Ice Pilots won Sunday night in overtime 4-3 in Mississippi. Looks like Eklund had another big night. Soucy and Van Hoof each got an assist.

http://echl.com/cgi-bin/ppublic.cgi?action=box&id=30

Dwayne Hay is Lightning property.

Feaster signed him to a 3-way contract. Announcement will be in the papers tomorrow.

Dwayne Hay is Lightning property.

Feaster signed him to a 3-way contract. Announcement will be in the papers tomorrow.

Correct. According to Lightning PR, he was signed primarily to add another player to Pensacola. I know that is pretty obvious, but that is how the organization sees his role.

Individual Statistics Update:

Skaters:

Willis, W, HER-AHL: 5gp, 3-2-5, 2pim, +1, 13sog
Perrin, C, HER-AHL: 4gp, 2-2-4, 2pim, +4, 5sog
Trepanier, D, HER-AHL: 5gp, 0-3-3, 4pim, +1, 7sog
Svitov, C, HAM-AHL: 5gp, 2-0-2, 19pim, -4, 9sog
Somervuori, W, HAM-AHL, 5gp, 1-0-1, 2pim, +1, 7sog
Hay, W, PEN-ECHL: 2gp, 1-0-1, 0pim, -1, 11sog
Olvestad, W, HAM-AHL: 4gp, 0-1-1, 2pim, even, 8sog
Soucy, W, PEN-ECHL: 2gp, 0-1-1, 6pim, +1, 1sog
Van Hoof, D, PEN-ECHL: 2gp, 0-1-1, 4pim, even, 2sog
Alexeev, W, HER-AHL: 4gp, 0-0-0, 2pim, -1, 7sog
Holmqvist, D, HAM-AHL: 3gp, 0-0-0, 0pim, even, 3sog
Craig, W, PEN-ECHL: 2gp, 0-0-0, 0pim, even, 5sog
Dicaire, D, UTAH-AHL: 1gp, 0-0-0, 0pim, -1, 2sog
Artukhin, W, HER-AHL: Has not played (5 scratches)

Goalies:

Eklund, PEN-ECHL: 1-1-0, 3.02gaa, 0.933sv%
Konstantinov, PEN-ECHL: Has not played

Individual Statistics Update:

Skaters:

Perrin, C, HER-AHL: 4gp, 2-2-4, 2pim, +4, 5sog


Dang, that's a pretty good shooting percentage. :handclap: :bow:

Where were you sitting for the game? I was in section 101 right on the red linein row q (sounds kinda high up but it was almost perfect casue I could see the corners well, in other words i wasnt too close). Oh yeah and I was wearing my Bondra jersey. Also, the marines that repeled at the beginning were in the row behind us so we spent, they were waiting for a gight but a couple of them got really intrested in ghe game and were asking us the rules. One got pretty upset when they pulled the goalie until we told them that they got a 6th skater for it, heh.

My friends and I were sitting in 109 row G behind the goal the Pilots' defend twice. We wore the only three Lightning jerseys I saw in the arena!! ;)

Alexeev, W, HER-AHL: 4gp, 0-0-0, 2pim, -1, 7sog

::heavy sigh::

My friends and I were sitting in 109 row G behind the goal the Pilots' defend twice. We wore the only three Lightning jerseys I saw in the arena!! ;)

If you were wearing the only lightning jerseys then I definately saw you when I was going to my seats before teh game started (sounds about the right area too). I might be going back this Saturday because I got the night off but Im not sure which of my friends got the night off as well.

Oh, and Dicaire DNP for Utah again. Sigh


Going to see the Griffins vs Grizzles on Friday. I'm hoping to see Dicaire in the lineup, but the way things are going it should be doubtful, especially against a stacked team like the Griffs.:mad:

If you were wearing the only lightning jerseys then I definately saw you when I was going to my seats before teh game started (sounds about the right area too). I might be going back this Saturday because I got the night off but Im not sure which of my friends got the night off as well.

Well if you make it to the game cheer for me too!! Unfortunately it looks like we won't be able to make another trip to see the Pilots until probably January. It's a 6.5 hour drive for us to make the trip to Pensacola from Tampa. We have Lightning season tickets and comparing both schedules, the next time the Pilots are home and the Lightning are away is in December and that weekend we already have plans. We just cannot miss a Lightning home game!!

If you do attend another game, it would be great if you could offer your observations again. My friends and I follow all the Lightning players, Matt Elich & Mike Jones (who are both ex-Lightning properties).

::heavy sigh::

I'll second that.

We really need our own affiliate. I've even been sketching possible logos and jersey designs for our "future" affiliate. (don't worry they arn't as bad as Dallas's 3rd) :dunno:

Monday 10/20

San Antonio 1
Utah 1

Dicaire: 0-0-0, 0pim, even, 2sog

At least he got to play... Utah still hasn't won a game, but at least they didn't lose again.

We really need our own affiliate. I've even been sketching possible logos and jersey designs for our "future" affiliate. (don't worry they arn't as bad as Dallas's 3rd) :dunno:

Will it have red in it?

JUST KIDDING!!! Sorry, Erack. I couldn't resist. :D

Will it have red in it?

JUST KIDDING!!! Sorry, Erack. I couldn't resist



It's black and blue, much like Bolthed will be in a second! ;) (It really is black and blue to go along with the Lightning colours)

Wed, Oct 22

Hamilton 2
Manitoba 1


Hamilton finally gets their first win of the season.
Former Bolt Fedor Fedorov gets yet another goal -- leads AHL in scoring with 7-5-12 in 8gp.
Holmqvist scratched again.
Somervuori: 0-0-0; 0pims; even; 3sog
Olvestad: 0-0-0; 0pims; even; 1sog
Svitov: 0-0-0; 2pims; +1; 1sog


San Antonio 1
Utah 2

Utah with their first win of the season. Dicaire scratched again.

Blueliner development derailed by the Bolts train wreck of a minor league system.

Utah with their first win of the season. Dicaire scratched again.

Blueliner development derailed by the Bolts train wreck of a minor league system

I'd almost rather have him get a regular shift in the ECHL than be a frequent scratch in Utah. I'm still crossing my fingers that he will be in the lineup Friday.

I'd rather the Bolts send Rumble to Utah, and bring up Dicaire. At least maybe he'd be able to take that puck mover position on the 3rd pair that Laukkanen was suppose to play. At worst he'd practice with the club and learn Torts' system.

Please don't send him to Pensacola.

Well I would like that too ex. But we all know that Cheeto Jay is in love with Darren Rumble. So I would presume that option is out the window, stepped on, and maybe run over a couple times. :rolleyes:

Artukhin will make his pro debut Friday tonight, according to the York Daily Record (http://www.ydr.com/story/bears/14773/?PHPSESSID=3fdf1960243085e862be221318018170).

With Kariya's wrist injury, the Avs have recalled Hershey's leading scorer and Eric Perrin's linemate, Brad Larsen. This means that none of Hershey's vets have be scratched, which is good news for Bolts Perrin, Willis, and Trepanier. Kuleshov's hamstring injury gives Artukhin an opportunity to finally play according to the Hershey coach.

But IMO, all the horsecrap about injuries and call-ups giving Artukhin a chance is just that -- a bunch of crap. I believe Fixter (Hershey coach) has had Friday night's game in mind for Artukhin's debut since the beginning of the season. I think it is no coincidence that Friday night's game is against the Binghamton Senators, a team that plays a very physical style of hockey and sports the AHL all-time penalty minute leader Dennis Bonvie. I believe the Fixter has pinned the enforcer label on Artukhin, and this "debut" against the Senators sickens me.

There's already some history and bad blood between Artukhin and the Senators. During an Oct 6th preseason game against Binghamton, Artukhin pounded Senators defenseman Reagan Rome. Bonvie didn't play in that game, but the Senators will apparently look to exact some revenge by sending Bonvie after Artukhin.

The Bears remain unbeaten this season so far. With Larsen's call-up, Alexeev might get a shot on the second line with Perrin again. With Artukhin's debut looming, and the bruhaha surrounding it, this might be a great game to listen to on the radio. Catch it Friday night at PennLive -- Bears (http://www.pennlive.com/bears/).

Artukhin = Ivan Drago with acne.

Haha good one....

Artukhin to the Senators on Friday:
"I must brrrreak you"

New info about Artukhin:

Apparently, the Bears were planning on sending Artukhin to Pensacola if he hadn't got into a game by Monday, according to the York Daily Record (http://ydr.com/story/bears/14836/).


“That may still happen,” Fixter said. “If we find out that he just can’t play at this level yet, well then he’s going to go have to play (in the ECHL), which is what we did with (defenseman) Jeff Finger.”

Fixter and assistant coach Paul Jerrard aren’t concerned about Artukhin’s play in the offensive zone. They feel he’s a capable attacker, especially with the puck on his stick, but the coaching staff worries about Artukhin’s play in the defensive end of the ice.

“One of the messages I had for him when he was sitting out was to sit out with a purpose: watch and learn,” Fixter said. “I have to trust him that he did that. Paul (Jerrard) has done a great job working with him after practices.

“The biggest thing we have with him is in the defensive zone, (where) he’s kind of lost. He’s running around a bit. Offensively, I think he’s going to be interesting because he’s a big body and he likes to take the puck to the net. He’s going to be tough to defend.”

Fixter said Artukhin’s ice time and situational use will be closely monitored, adding that “he’s not going to replace Larsen’s minutes.”

Artukhin might find himself a marked man in Binghamton. Sens coach John Paddock wasn’t too happy that Artukhin got involved during a preseason skirmish between the two teams.

Full minor slate tonight -- Bolts are off, so there's no excuse not to tune in to one of these games!

Hamilton @ Manitoba at 8:30pm ET on 820 CHAM (http://www.sportsjuice.com/_sjplayer/main.php?tid=142)
Bulldogs coming off their first win of the season two nights ago against these same Moose. Former Bolt Fedor Fedorov, the current AHL leader scorer, plays for the Moose along with 2003 1st round pick Ryan Kesler. Somervuori has been kept off the scoresheet since his season opening goal, but Alex Svitov has recently awakened going 2-0-2 with 10sog in his last 3 games. Holmqvist was scratched two nights ago, so we're hoping he's back in action tonight looking for his first point of his NA pro career.

Hershey @ Binghamton at 7:05pm ET on PennLive (http://www.pennlive.com/bears/)
Big game tonight against the 1st and 2nd place teams in the East. Hershey still undefeated on the young season, and Artukhin gets his first start of the season (after 5 straight scratches) amid speculation that Dennis Bonvie will be hunting his head. Perrin (2-2-4 in 4gp) and Willis (3-2-5 in 5gp) have been playing great. With Bears leading scorer Brad Larsen called up to the Avs, Alexeev should move up and get some 2nd line time. If the Bears win tonight, they set a record for best start in franchise history. Did I mention this was a big game?

Columbus @ Pensacola at 7:05pm ET on WCOA 1370AM (http://www.icepilots.com/new/index.html)
The Ice Pilots will be looking to exact some revenge for their 3-1 loss to the Cottonmouths in their season opener. Ryan Craig still looking for his first point of the season. Ecklund has seen 89 shots in 2 games, but sports a 0.933 SV%. With Konstantinov still trying to get to America, expect Eklund to get another start.

Utah @ Grand Rapids at 7:30pm ET on ESPN Radio 1230AM (mms://wm1.riverbendmedia.com/utah-grizzlies)
With the Grizzlies coming off their first win of the season earlier this week, Griffins fans welcome Utah with none other than Curtis Joseph between the pipes. Sounds like a perfect time for Gerard Dicaire to net his first goal of his pro career. Dicaire was scratched two nights ago for the fourth time in six contests. With Utah in the midst of a goal-scoring draught, why Dicaire isn't playing more is a mystery. Hopefully, our gem on the blueline will get his chance tonight to welcome CuJo to the AHL.

Oct 24

Hershey 3
Binghamton 2

Artukhin from Alexeev for the equalizer in the 2nd period. :D Now that's what I call taking advantage of opportunity. No FMs and no showdown with Bonvie. Kudos to Artie for doing everything he can to yank the Fixter's enforcer label off his jersey. Also +1 in what Fixter's biggest fear was how much of a defensive liability he'd be.

Perrin with the GW PP goal in OT from Willis.

Hershey off to their best start in franchise history thanks to load of Bolt players. Keefe may play tomorrow night against Rochester.

Artukhin 1-0-1, +1, 2pim, 3sog
Alexeev 0-1-1, +1, 2pim, 1sog
Trepanier 0-1-1, +2, 0pim, 6sog
Willis 0-1-1, even, 0pim, 0sog
Perrin 1-0-1, even, 0pim, 3sog

===============
Utah 1
Grand Rapids 4

Dicaire scratched.
Jiri Hudler with 2-2-4 for the Griffins. :rolleyes:

===============
Pensacola 5
Columbus 4

Eklund 32/36
Soucy: Spearing and Game Misconduct at end of 1st
Craig 1-2-3; first professional goal
Hay 1-1-2
Van Hoof 0-1-1

===============
Manitoba 0
Hamilton 5

Svitov 1-2-3, +3, 4sog, 2pims; 1 assist was shorthanded
Somervuori 1-1-2, +1, 3sog, 0pims
Olvestad 0-1-1, +1, 2sog, 0pims
Holmqvist scratched again
(Gordie Dwyer 2-0-2, +3, 4pims)

Hamilton now leading 3-0, third period score. Alexander Svitov scores his 1st regular season goal on a nice set up by Alex Perezhogin and Karl Dykhuis. He also had an assist sooner in the game.

The Dogs are probably going to get their second win of the 2003-04 season.

Alexander Svitov scores his 1st regular season goal on a nice set up by Alex Perezhogin and Karl Dykhuis.

Svitov actually had a two goal game a few games back. His last four games have been quite different than his first three. Good to see the young Russian waking up and showing what he can do.

Higgs, what's up with Holmqvist, you think? Why is he a frequent scratch?

Svitov actually had a two goal game a few games back. His last four games have been quite different than his first three. Good to see the young Russian waking up and showing what he can do.

Higgs, what's up with Holmqvist, you think? Why is he a frequent scratch?

Sorry about that. Haven't been home in the last few days.


About Holmqvist, I couldn't tell. I've tried to get info on the Bulldogs' web site, but nothing was said about him. He doesn't appear to be injured, though. Pretty strange decision, considering the great training camp he had. I'll try getting info for poster montreal, who is the HF Habs editor.

Oct 25

Hershey 2
Rochester 4


Hershey gets first loss of the season
Sheldon Keefe makes his season debut for the Lightning organization. Had a post-game meeting with Feaster who was in town for the game. Details of the meeting as soon as I can get some info.
Trepanier took a puck to the cheekbone a few minutes into the game. Suspicions are that Trep probably has a broken cheek. Don't know how long he'll be out yet, but this is a blow to the Bears. Trep was by far and away their best defenseman on the team. The Bears are looking high and low for a replacement.
That replacement is rumored to have been Dicaire been pulled back from Utah, but Dicaire is currently suffering from back spasms, which probably explains why he's been scratched lately on a Utah team in dire need of something good on the blueline.
Perrin continues his point-scoring streak to five games in which he is 3-4-7.
Willis, in addition to scoring a goal, received a game misconduct and ejection late in the 3rd period for a slashing major. He also had a roughing minor and high sticking minor earlier in the game. Can you say re-developing his physical side?
Artukhin with a boarding major.


Trepanier 0-0-0; 0pims, even, 1sog
Perrin 0-2-2; 0pims, even, 0sog
Willis 1-0-1; 19pims, -1, 3sog
Keefe 0-0-0; 0pims, even, 2sog
Alexeev 0-0-0; 0pims, even, 1sog
Artukhin 0-0-0; 5pims, even, 1sog

=============================
Pensacola 7
Texas 2

Ryan Craig with a four point night, two goals and two assists. For those of you keeping score at home, that's 3-4-7 in 2gp, which equals the output Perrin has in 5gp. Is it too early to say he is ready for the AHL?

Hay 1-0-1; 0pims, even, 8sog
Van Hoof 0-0-0; 0pims, +1, 1sog
Craig 2-2-4; 0pims, +1, 3sog, 1ppg
Soucy 0-0-0; 2pims, even, 2sog
Eklund 21/23 and the win

Hamilton, Hershey and Utah in action today.

Great to see that kind of a game from Craig.

Re: Artukhin...

Elbows and boarding calls were his bread and butter in the Q.

Re: Svitov/Perrin...

Should Cibak start faltering (I think he's been fine so far) or a center goes down, I'm off the Svitov-in-the-NHL bandwagon. Put Perrin up there (actually, Perrin there now as the CCM line center or if he can play some wing with Vinny would prove a goood move, IMO) instead of Svitov could give Svitov a full year to develop his offensive skills and confidence. I'd like to see how Perrin and Willis do in the NHL right now. Perrin-Lecavalier-Willis? I'd at least like to see how that line would do.

I'm off the Svitov-in-the-NHL bandwagon.

Yup. I'm with, Chad. Have been since the end of training camp. Svitov is showing real signs of waking up the last three games for Hamilton. He has the opportunity to be a main cog for them this season. That experience, IMO, would be great for him. Let Alex play all season in Hamilton, draw minor league wages, and really develop his offensive game. Next year's training camp (CBA lockout aside) would be a different story, I bet.


I'd like to see how Perrin and Willis do in the NHL right now. Perrin-Lecavalier-Willis? I'd at least like to see how that line would do.

Again, I'm right with you, Chad. Thinking the same thing. With Trepanier's injury, this is what I'd do if I were Jay:

Demote Rumble to Hershey to replace Trepanier.
Demote Afansenkov to Hershey
Bring up Perrin and Willis to Tampa
Bring up Craig to Hershey to replace Perrin

Ice the lines:

Stillman-Richards-St. Louis
Perrin-Lecavalier-Willis
CCM Line
Dirt Line
scratch Fedotenko/Roy

I think Perrin would be a good playmaker for Vinny.

Again, I'm right with you, Chad. Thinking the same thing. With Trepanier's injury, this is what I'd do if I were Jay:

Demote Rumble to Hershey to replace Trepanier.
Demote Afansenkov to Hershey
Bring up Perrin and Willis to Tampa
Bring up Craig to Hershey to replace Perrin

Ice the lines:

Stillman-Richards-St. Louis
Perrin-Lecavalier-Willis
CCM Line
Dirt Line
scratch Fedotenko/Roy

I think Perrin would be a good playmaker for Vinny.
Ahhhhh that looks good, I think we're all on the same page with this. :) I don't think we'll see such major changes until the current situation really starts biting us in the butt though. I wish we'd make some bold moves right now and bring up some fresh blood, but I sincerely doubt it would happen.

I also agree about leaving Svitov (and Alexeev) down all year. Svitov could gain a lot, and Alexeev needs the wakeup call IMO.

I hear Van Hoof's headed for Hershey. Good for him, but bad for our TBL roster shake-up speculation. :)

Artukhin picks up an assist in the second frame, and he hasn't fought anyone, either. Our worst fears assuaged, at least for the time being. Hershey leads 2-0.

Hershey update:

Trepanier does have a fractured checkbone. Swelling and throbbing is fairly massive at this point. However, the joker is planning on playing in Hershey's next game this coming weekend. He'll be fitted with a full face shield to protect the area from re-injury.

Over the last week or so, Colorado has recalled four of the Bears top guys that include forwards Travis Brigley, Steve Moore, and Brad Larsen, along with defenseman D.J.Smith.

With these call-ups, this should give TB prospects Alexeev, Artukhin, Van Hoof, and Keefe some good playing time. I'm trying to get a handle on the current lines in Hershey with these call-ups, and will report when I find out.

According to some posters on the Canadiens board, Alex Perezhogin and Alexander Svitov are looking pretty impressive together, since they're linemates. They both had a good number of scoring chances, and they capitalized on some of them. I hope they keep up the good work.

Hershey update:

With these call-ups, this should give TB prospects Alexeev, Artukhin, Van Hoof, and Keefe some good playing time. I'm trying to get a handle on the current lines in Hershey with these call-ups, and will report when I find out.

I go to a lot of Bears games, there really are no lines set in stone, we did have some that were usually together, but now with all the recalls who knows.

I'm going to the game on Sunday, I'll try to remember them for you guys.

Great! Thanks!

I know Paul Fixter is the type of coach who prefers to have fixed lines, and doesn't do alot of tinkering with them. But his roster floating all over the place the week or so, I'm curious as to how he is dealing with that.

Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Ice Pilots forward Ryan Craig was named today the InGlasCo ECHL Player of the week for October 20-26. Craig scored three goals and had seven points in the Ice Pilots two wins vs. Columbus last Friday night and Texas last Saturday night.

Craig scored a goal and picked up two assists in the 5-4 win vs. Columbus and scored two goals and picked up two assists in the Ice Pilots 7-2 win vs. Texas on Saturday night. Craig currently is tied for second among ECHL rookies with four assists and seven points. He leads the Ice Pilots in scoring with seven points and is tied for the team lead with three goals in four games.

http://www.icepilots.com/new/text.htm

http://www.icepilots.com/new/text.htm

Good job Craig! The Pilots havent lost since opening night. I think I have a shot at going to the game on the 8th but I'm not sure how things will play out.

I'm so proud!

Great job, Ryan!

It has been confirmed that Gerard Dicaire indeed has been suffering recently from a sore back, and that has been the reason for his absence from the lineup. It is anticipated that he will return to the Utah lineup this weekend.

With Trevor Daly's call-up to the Stars, it is expected that Dicaire will step in and assume a consistent spot in Utah's top six defensive pairings.

FYI - I was just informed that Jeremy Van Hoof is on his way back to P'cola for the game against Columbus Thursday night. Hopefully Jeremy will get another shot at Hershey soon!!

FYI - I was just informed that Jeremy Van Hoof is on his way back to P'cola for the game against Columbus Thursday night. Hopefully Jeremy will get another shot at Hershey soon!!

Trepanier skated at today's Bears practice, and is scheduled to play this weekend. Trep is to the Bears what Boyle is to the Lightning. They really need him to play. Trep is showing some serious cahonies playing this weekend with a fractured checkbone.

Van Hoof played solid hockey in his one game with Hershey, and certainly was no embarrassment. Definitely showed that he can be counted upon to fill in at the AHL level when needed. This is good news for the Bolts if Feaster can swing our own affiliate next season, as Jeremy would likely be ready to pull a regular shift.

Keep working on your skating, Jeremy!

Chad Kilger assigned to Hamilton on a conditioning assignment as he continues rehab on his preseason eye injury.

With three games on the slate for the Bulldogs this weekend, this assignment probably won't bode well for TB prospects. I wouldn't be surprised to see Olvestad get one or more scratches this weekend. Svitov has been playing great lately, so he is probably safe. Eero might also find himself sitting one of the three games though, and certainly an impact in terms of linemates and ice time.

Pensacola News Journal reported that Ryan Craig was called up to Hershey after the Ice Pilots win last night.

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/news/103103/Sports/ST002.shtml

Laukkanen demoted to Hershey per both TB papers today.

Tonight:

Hamilton on the road against Rochester. With Kilger in the lineup, who knows how that will affect the Bolt forwards. Hoping Holmqvist gets a start.

Utah at home against Bridgeport. Look for Dicaire to get a start.

I'm going to see Hamilton play next week, hopefully I don't puke when I see Svitov and Co. in their transformed Montreal Canadians jerseys.

Utah at home against Bridgeport. Look for Dicaire to get a start.

Gah... spoke too soon. The Stars have re-assigned Trevor Daly to Utah. This might keep Dicaire out of the lineup.

Source (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=tambuyoutlaukkanen&prov=st&type=lgns)

Laukkanen bought out. He's a UFA again.

10/31

===================
Hamilton 4
Rochester 3

Svitov: 0-0-0; 2pims, even, 0sog
Somervuori: 0-0-0; 0pims, +1, 3sog
Holmqvist scratched
Olvestad scratched

===================
Bridgeport 6
Utah 2

Dicaire: 0-0-0; 0pims, -2, 1sog
Dieter Kochan gets the win for Bridgeport.

Tomorrow:
Hershey vs. Wilkes-Barre
Hamilton vs. Cleveland
Utah vs. Bridgeport
Pensacola vs. Mississippi

I think I'm goign to the game tomorrow night, I hope I am. Soucy hasnt done much this yet eitehr, whats up with that? And who is Beechy is he tampa bay property or what? He had a pretty good game statwise on thursday.

I think I'm goign to the game tomorrow night, I hope I am. Soucy hasnt done much this yet eitehr, whats up with that? And who is Beechy is he tampa bay property or what? He had a pretty good game statwise on thursday.

I think Soucy's linemates changed from the first week of the season, that might explain the lack of scoring. Beechy is not a TB property. TB properties are Eklund, Soucy, Van Hoof & Hay right now with Ryan Craig being sent to Hershey. Oh...and Konstantinov is also a TB property if he is ever added to the active roster.

Soucy (before the Craig call-up) was playing on the third line in Pensacola, and according to bcd, has been focusing on hitting everything in sight instead of on offensive output. Playing very much the agitator role to the maximum. Not to mention, he has every team coming after him.

Considering that role, I'm not surprised that his offensive production is low, but I'm confident his role that he is playing is beneficial to the team.

With Craig called up to Hershey, Soucy may have the opportunity to step on a scoring line and be expected to contribute offensively. Saturday night's game will be interesting.

I was just catching up on my P'Cola message board reading and the fans there say Soucy has been playing with Craig and Abbott. Now that Craig's been called up he'll have another new linemate.

Last night in the A:

Hamilton-3
Cleveland-2 (OT)
-Olvestad -1, 1 shot, 2 PIMs (high sticking)
-Svitov E, 2 shots, 2 PIMs (tripping)
-Somervuori E, 3 shots

Wilkes-Barre-3
Hershey-2 (OT)
-Trepanier 1G, 1A, E, 7 shots
-Perrin 1A, -1, 2 shots
-Willis E, 5 shots
-Craig -2, 2 shots (AHL debut)
-Keefe 1A, +1, 5 shots, 2 PIMs (goalie interference, aka "Sheldon Keefe hockey")
-Alexeev E, 2 shots
-Artukhin -1, 1 shot, 2 PIMs (charging)

Bridgeport-2
Utah-1 (OT)
-Dicaire E, 0 shots

Tonight: Hamilton hosts Cleveland, Hershey hosts Philadelphia

I'll try to get lines for you guys from tonight's game, even though they might not be what they normally would

Tonight in the A:

Cleveland-4
Hamilton-2
-Olvestad 1G, E, 1 shot (Jimmie scored a shorty from Somervuori, I repeat Jimmie Olvestad scored a goal)
-Somervuori, 1A, -2, 2 shots
-Holmqvist +1, 0 shots (he finally cracks the lineup)
-Svitov E, 4 shots, 4 PIMs (roughing, holding)

Philly-6
Hershey-2
-Keefe 1G, E, 3 shots (scored 18 seconds into the game)
-Trepanier 1A, -1, 4 shots
-Perrin -4, 2 shots
-Willis 1A, -4, 4 shots
-Craig -2, 2 shots
-Alexeev -1, 1 shot, 2 PIMs (roughing)
-Artukhin E, 2 PIMs (elbowing)

I tried, Fixy seemed to change the lines every shift.

BTW -- Nikita looked to be pretty seriously hurt. He needed to be carried off by two players. He laid still on the ice for 2 or 3 minutes too. Let's hope he's ok.

That's awful. Gosh he has been a big dissapointment thus far this season.

That hurts.

Perrin and Willis both -4? wow.

I repeat Jimmie Olvestad scored a goal
:eek:

Terrible news about Alexeev, I hope it's not too serious, but it sounds very bad.

"Bears RW Nikita Alexeev suffered a left shoulder injury 3:58 into the third period after taking a face off in the defensive zone. He was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for X-rays, the results of which were not immediately known."

From Here (http://ydr.com/story/bears/15224/) In the Notes near the bottem.

I wasnt feeling to well on Saturay so we didnt go out to the game in P-cola though they won 6-2. Improving to 5-1 on the year. Since opening night they have scored 28 goals (in 5 games).

Looking good.

Heres the pensacola goals from the game:

JIM ABBOTT 3 (PETER BOURNAZAKIS, COREY NEILSON)
DWAYNE HAY 5 (TYLER BEECHEY, GREG CHAMBERS) 16:11
(PP) PETER BOURNAZAKIS 4 (COREY NEILSON, GREG CHAMBERS)
(PP) TYLER BEECHEY 2 (COREY NEILSON, GREG CHAMBERS)
JIM ABBOTT 4 (PETER BOURNAZAKIS, COREY NEILSON) 14:10
(PP) JIM ABBOTT 5 (TYLER KINDLE, COREY NEILSON) 16:10

I thought Corey Nielson was impressive on opening night and from the box scores he hasnt done anything to change my mind, 5 assists!!

Konstantinov added to Pensacola roster today, back-up goalie Gilhooly waived.

bad news

http://ydr.com/story/bears/15288/

bad news

http://ydr.com/story/bears/15288/

From the article above:

Alexeev hurt his left shoulder while taking a defensive-zone face off in the third period of Sunday’s 6-2 Giant Center loss to the Philadelphia Phantoms

From today's SP Times:

Nikita Alexeev, who plays for AHL Hershey, aggravated a left shoulder problem during Sunday's game against Philadelphia. The right wing will be in Tampa today to be checked by Lightning doctors.

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/11/04/Lightning/Svitov_may_play_tonig.shtml

AHHHHHHH.....it feels so nice to look forward to going to the rink. This team is simply working harder and out executing its competition.

The Ice Pilots went 2-0 this week and are 5-1 overall. They are sitting 1 point behind Gwinnett with one game in hand.

Thursday night P'cola defeated Columbus 6-2.
Sat. night P'cola defeated Mississippi 6-2. What makes the Sat. victory even more impressive is that we played without Mike Jones (concussion), Ryan Craig (Hershey), and Jamie Herrington (30 day IR).

Currently P'cola is leading the league on the PP with 37.1% and GPG with 4.83

Eklund - 5-1 2.65gaa .929 sv% Brian is playing extremely well. Playing with a lot of confidence right now. Still scary when playing the puck. Georgie was added to the roster yesterday so we will see if a little competition elevates his level of play even more.

Van Hoof - 2 assists +2 I'm going to only report on Jeremy when he does something other than play solid D. Otherwise, I could just cut and paste from week to week.

Hay - 6 games 5g 3a +4 With Jones out, he has taken over as the leader on the ice. Shows the kids what the word "pro" means. The way he plays, you can't tell if we are up by 5 or down by 5. All out...all the time.

Soucy - 6 games 1 assist 29PIMs Soucy is quickly becoming the most hated player in the division. Once again it seems the other teams are more concerned with killing J.F than playing the puck. Tough, tough kid. Has slid into the agitator role and is performing it to perfection. Still on the third line with Phillips and Cruikshank. Too many talented scorers to get him up on the top two.

Craig - 5 games 3g 5a +4 Had an assist on Thurs. before he was called up. You guys know what Craig brings to the game. Smart player that always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Konstantinov - Just added to the roster. We have back to back games this weekend against Fresno. It will be interesting to see if he gets to play with Eklund on such a roll.

others to watch:

Greg Chambers - 6 games 2g 8a
Jim Abbott - 4 games 5g 2a Hat trick on sat.
Peter Bournazakis - 4 games 4g 7a This kid has come out of nowhere. He is out of R.I.T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the report, BCD.

Glad to see you over here in HF land.

Soucy - 6 games 1 assist 29PIMs Soucy is quickly becoming the most hated player in the division. Once again it seems the other teams are more concerned with killing J.F than playing the puck. Tough, tough kid. Has slid into the agitator role and is performing it to perfection. Still on the third line with Phillips and Cruikshank. Too many talented scorers to get him up on the top two.

Love it!

With Soucy, Artukhin, Sarich, Egener, and Svitov, the TBL are going to be a painful team to play against for years to come.

Not to mention a whole crop of physical defensemen at the college ranks.

ECHL Player of the Week

http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_of_the_week_news&cat=2&id=184

11/5

Hershey 7
St. John's 3

Perrin centering Willis and Avs prospect Jordan Krestanovich. This threesome scored 9 points between them.

Trepanier: 0-1-1; 1shp; 0pims, even, 3sog
Perrin: 1-2-3; 1shg; 0pims, +3, 3sog
Willis: 1-3-4; 0pims; +4, 4sog
Craig: 0-0-0; 2pims; +2, 2sog
Keefe: 0-0-0; 0pims; -1, 2sog
Artukhin scratched

I'm gunna say the boys got verbally whipped for Sunday's game and had to make it up. Too bad I couldn't go... :mad:

ECHL Player of the Week

http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_of_the_week_news&cat=2&id=184

He deserved it! man I am kicking myself for not goign to the game Saturday. It doesnt look like I will have another change till December :(.

11/5

Hershey 7
St. John's 3


5 of those 7 goals allowed by St. John's was by none other than Kevin Hodson. 5 GA on 18 shots.

God, we've come a long way in even a single year.

I think that's a different Kevin Hodson. I'm pretty sure the Leafs have an older prospect by that name.

They also have/had a Petr Svoboda.

They're Lightning wanna-be's. Well, maybe not.

I think it's Jamie Hodson, actually.

[save-face mode=on]

It is Jamie... doesn't matter. :blush:

Get your facts straight on this board mister, or you'll be quickly taken to task. ;)

My point was that this time last year, Kevin Hodson was sitting on the end of the Lightning bench. :o

[/save-face]

[save-face mode=on]

It is Jamie... doesn't matter. :blush:

Get your facts straight on this board mister, or you'll be quickly taken to task. ;)

My point was that this time last year, Kevin Hodson was sitting on the end of the Lightning bench. :o

[/save-face]

Forget it, Ex. You've lost all credibility here. ;)

Busy weekend in the minors, as all four affiliates play the triple-header. Look for the first minor league update article sometime middle of next week.

Weekend highlights:


Eklund will start tonight against Fresno, but Konstantinov WILL get his first start of the season sometime this weekend. Likely in Saturday night's re-match against Fresno.
Mike Jones returns to the ice tonight for the Ice Pilots after suffering a concussion in the season opener.
Dicaire has started two straight games for the Grizzlies. With his sore back healed, has Dicaire managed to secure a regular shift? With three games this weekend, that question should be answered by Monday.
After being scratched in Wednesday night's game, Artukhin will start tonight against Philadelphia (and likely in the 2nd part of the home-and-home). Artukhin will be required to bring his toughness against a very physical opponent and a team that has a history of bad blood with the Bears. The Phantoms pummeled the Bears 6-2 last weekend.
Ryan Craig has recently earned praise from Bears coach Paul Fixter, citing that there is no question that Craig can play at the AHL level.

11/7

Hamilton 5
St. John's 4
(final)


Olvestad: 0-0-0, 0pims, -1, 2sog
Somervuori: 0-0-0, 0pims, even, 3sog
Holmqvist scratched again.


Hershey 1
Philadelphia 5
(final)

Ryan Craig with the lone goal in another beatdown by the Phantoms.


Craig: 1-0-1, 0pims, +1, 2sog
Perrin: 0-0-0, 0pims, even, 1sog
Willis: 0-0-0, 2pims, -1, 0sog
Trepanier: 0-0-0, 0pims, -2, 2sog
Keefe: 0-0-0, 0pims, even, 3sog
Artukhin scratched


Pensacola 2
Fresno 3
(final)


Ecklund: 38/41 and takes the loss
Hay 0-1-1


Utah 6
Houston 1
(final)

Finally, some offense by the Grizzlies and against the defending Calder champs nonetheless. Dicaire with his first professional point!


Dicaire: 0-1-1, 0pims, even, 3sog

Dicaire scores!

Craig with another goal tonight, too.

Willis, Perrin, Trepanier and Somervuori all had assists tonight.

Somervuori all had assists tonight.

I went to the Hamilton vs GR game tonight and here are a few thoughts about the game (granted this is just one game)....

First off, Hamilton is a damn fast team. They are loaded with speedsters up front, I think I can understand why Eero and Jimmie were loaned to this team now. Hamilton definetly uses a run and gun forechecking system.

Two words that came to mind watching Eero play....Jimmie Olvestad. Both excellent on the forecheck like mentioned above...but that's all they both seemed to be good at....forechecking. Both players seemed lost in their own zone and couldn't seem to figure out which guy to pick resulting in both Griffin's goals.

Other than Eero's nice pass on Hamilton's first goal, his offensive game didn't show up like I hoped. Not even a shot on goal (Granted getting 3rd line IT with no PP time.) :shakehead

I was a little dissapointed to see that both Eero and Olvestad were being used as 3rd line checkers, both not even getting a sniff of powerplay time. Olvestad I could understand, but not using Eero?

Didn't even see Holmqvist in warmups. :shakehead

Lastly, I took MANY photographs of Somervouri and Olvestad. Christmas comes early for Pete :)

Christmas comes early for Pete

You got me a JF Soucy Ice Pilots sweater XXL? I've been angling for some free Soucy swag since last Christmas. I wonder if bcd has the hookups?

-Pete Choquette

Two words that came to mind watching Eero play....Jimmie Olvestad.

First of all, Joe put this in the wrong thread, this should be in "Minor Hockey Time".

Second of all, no, he's not Jimmie Olvestad. You saw the exception and not the rule tonight with Jimmie. He has 26 shots in 13 games this season and it seems to me the typical box for this guy is a solid even with 2-3 shots playing a very minimal third line role. Olvestad only has 16 shots in 12 games.

If anything, I have to say it speaks highly of Eero that he is showing the versatility to play a third line checking role, which everyone said he couldn't do. If he continues to prove he can play well rounded hockey like that and he will be one of Torts' prized pets really soon.

Wonder when Jarvis will finally break into the candy store and put him on a scoring line.

-Pete Choquette

Not only did Dicaire get his first pro goal tonight (11/8) but JF Soucy also got his first pro goal scoring a shortie in a 6-3 loss to Fresno. Soucyholism is on the rise in Pensacola.

Eklund got shelled in the third forcing the debut of Konstantinov for the last half of the third period or so.

-Pete Choquette

Again, I said it was based on tonight. I must have taken 20 shots of Eero...and all but on are him without the puck. I was expecting a little more flare, but hey, it was one game. No harm right?

They both are quick little boogers, and towards the end of the game were really getting on the Griffins defensemen nerves. I think one shift they kept the puck in the zone for a good 2 minutes (all while hardly having control of the puck).

If anything, I have to say it speaks highly of Eero that he is showing the versatility to play a third line checking role, which everyone said he couldn't do. If he continues to prove he can play well rounded hockey like that and he will be one of Torts' prized pets really soon.

"Everyone" said he couldn't play on the 3rd line? I for one never said that for the record. But my comparison to Olvestad was that he is a fast hard working type of guy who forechecks well. Only thing is, Eero has that offensive game that Jimmie doesn't. Eventually I think Eero might find his nitch with the Lightning on the 3rd line being one of Tort's pets as you say. I could definetly see that happening.


But the pictures are on the way, as soon as I find time to download them.

Whoops ... Hey, Claire, can you move my post and the few responses over to the Minor Hockey Time thread? I accidentally posted it here instead. Thanks!

Mine too :shakehead

I think I got them all ;)

I think I got them all ;)

Best ... mod ... ever.

Thanks, Sotnos.

Best ... mod ... ever.

Thanks, Sotnos.


I second that! :)

Konstantinov loses his first start in OT to Texas 4-3 stopping 33 of 37.

Has Gerard Dicaire switched from #18 to his junior number? Because an unnamed #6 has 2 PP assists after two periods for Utah.

Perrin another goal for Hershey.

-Pete Choquette

Nope.. it was Trevor Daley. They scratched Dicaire :shakehead

-Pete Choquette

NA Pro Prospects Individual Statistics Update thru 11/11/2003
(HF update article due out soon)

These totals represent a summary of all games played. Some players have played on multiple teams this season.

Perrin: 13gp, 5-8-13, 6pim, 21sog, +3
Willis: 14gp, 5-8-13, 29pim, 39sog, even
Craig: 11gp, 5-5-10, 2pim, 33sog, +3
Trepanier: 13gp, 1-9-10, 10pim, 34sog, even
Hay: 9gp, 6-4-10, 2pim, 40sog, +4
Svitov: 14gp, 3-3-6, 31pim, 28sog, +2
Somervuori: 14gp, 2-3-5, 2pim, 28sog, +1
Afanasenkov: 9gp, 1-2-3, 0pim, 22sog, +3
Cibak: 9gp, 1-2-3, 12pim, 5sog, +3
Keefe: 8gp, 1-2-3, 2pim, 23sog, -1
Olvestad: 12gp, 1-2-3, 8pim, 17sog, -2
Soucy: 9gp, 1-2-3, 37pim, 15sog, even
Artukhin: 6gp, 1-1-2, 11pim, 5sog, +1
Van Hoof: 10gp, 0-2-2, 10pim, 11sog, even
Dicaire: 6gp, 1-1-2, 2pim, 12sog, -3
Alexeev: 9gp, 0-1-1, 6pim, 13sog, even (injured)
Holmqvist: 4gp, 0-0-0, 0pim, 3sog, +1
Bergfors: 0gp (injured)

Ecklund: 8gp, 5-3-0, 0so, 3.07gaa, 0.911sv%
Konstantinov: 2gp, 0-1-0, 0so, 3.40gaa, 0.892sv%

Utah plays at home tonight against Manitoba.

Trevor Daly has been called-up to Dallas again, so this should be enough to end the Dicaire scratches (provided he is healthy).

11/12

Manitoba 2
Utah 5

Dicaire: 0-1-1; that assist was on the PP!

11/13

Hershey 2
Norfolk 1

None of guys hit the scoreboard, but we represented in rough stuff:

Perrin: 2mins slashing
Willis: 2mins roughing
Artukhin: 2mins unsportsmanlike conduct

========================

Pensacola 5
Texas 3

Hay 0-1-1; 2pims (interference)
Soucy 0-0-0; 4pims (charging, roughing)
Holmqvist 0-0-0; 2pims (kneeing)
Eklund: 36/39 (win)

For those who have Bell Expressvu, the Toronto@Hamilton game is broadcasted on SNET tonight... I think it's channel 405, or something like that. Somervuori is having a good game up to now. He showed offensive flashes in 1st period.

Hamilton 5
Toronto 2
-Eero ns, E, 2 SOG
-Olvestad ns, -1, 1 SOG

Louisiana 5
Pensacola 4 (OT)
-Konstantinov L, 32/37
-Hay 1A
-Soucy 4 PIM
-Van Hoof 2 PIM

Hamilton 2
Rochester 0
-Olvestad 1A, +1, 4 SOG
-Eero 1A, +1, 2 SOG (Eero the assist on the EN goal. Says something Eero is on the ice in a 1-0 game with the other team's goalie pulled.)

Hershey 6
Norfolk 3
-Willis 2G, +1, 6 SOG
-Perrin 1A, +1, 4 SOG
-Keefe 2A, +1, 1 SOG
-Trepanier 3A, +3, 0 SOG
-Craig -1, 2 SOG
-Artukhin +2, 1 SOG, 4 PIM (double-minor for roughing - other guy not penalized)

11/16

Pensacola 1
Louisanna 6


Holmqvist gets his first pro point on primary assist to Collins' goal one minute into the game.
Van Hoof breaks a 9 game point drought (including the game he played for Hershey) by getting the secondary assist.
It looks like Holmqvist and Van Hoof may be paired together.
Konstantinov shelled in back-to-back starts against the Gators, allowing 6 in 29 shots.
Georgie is now 0-2-0-1 in 4gp with a 4.74 GAA and a 0.860 SV%.

Hershey 6
Norfolk 3
-Willis 2G, +1, 6 SOG
-Perrin 1A, +1, 4 SOG
-Keefe 2A, +1, 1 SOG
-Trepanier 3A, +3, 0 SOG
-Craig -1, 2 SOG
-Artukhin +2, 1 SOG, 4 PIM (double-minor for roughing - other guy not penalized)


Boy Tampa's loss (in not having their own affiliate) is surely Hershey's gain. Good job to all the Lightning Bears thus far. :handclap:

Boy Tampa's loss (in not having their own affiliate) is surely Hershey's gain. Good job to all the Lightning Bears thus far. :handclap:

Indeed. With all of Colorado's injury woes, without the quality depth provided to Hershey by the TBL, the Bears would be deep doo-doo. One could certainly argue that the TBL affiliation is a major reason why the Bears are the best team in the AHL East.

Pensacola 1
Louisanna 6



Blast from the past: Konstantin Kalmikov started the IceGators' scoring deluge with a short-handed goal in the 2nd.



Holmqvist gets his first pro point on primary assist to Collins' goal one minute into the game.
Van Hoof breaks a 9 game point drought (including the game he played for Hershey) by getting the secondary assist.
It looks like Holmqvist and Van Hoof may be paired together.



Remarkable thing about the 6-1 loss, was the apparent defensive play by the TBL prospects (sans Konstantinov, of course).

Holmqvist: 0-1-1, 0pims, 3sog, +1
Van Hoof: 0-1-1, 2pims, 0sog, +1
Hay: 0-0-0, 0pims, 3sog, even
Soucy: 0-0-0, 0pims, 4sog, -1

Looks like Holmqvist and Van Hoof were solid in an otherwise pitiful game.



Konstantinov shelled in back-to-back starts against the Gators, allowing 6 in 29 shots.
Georgie is now 0-2-0-1 in 4gp with a 4.74 GAA and a 0.860 SV%.



Konstantinov gets beat 5-hole, top-shelf glove-side, and stick-side. Unless something changes soon, Georgie looks to be playing the farm league in Russia next year...

Blast from the past: Konstantin Kalmikov started the IceGators' scoring deluge with a short-handed goal in the 2nd.

Kalmikov ahh the good ol Russians, anyone know how Epanchintsev is doing?


Konstantinov gets beat 5-hole, top-shelf glove-side, and stick-side. Unless something changes soon, Georgie looks to be playing the farm league in Russia next year...

Good. Looks like I nailed Konstantinov three years ago. :mad:

Kalmikov ahh the good ol Russians

Ukranian.

-Pete Choquette

Georgie has a five hole the size of his ego!

Cut this kid loose. I know...I know....goalies don't hit their prime until they are 27 or 28, but this kid has shown NO signs of improvement in 4 years!

On ther other hand...Eklund has shown major improvements in 1 year.

Georgie's stats

0-2 4.74 .860

Any thoughts on Holmqvist, BCD?

Interesting taped interview with him that was played during one of the intermissions. He stated over and over how much he has to learn about the North American game. He said he will have to adjust to numerous things including rink size and physical play.

When asked if he considered himself an offensive dman, he said that his primary goal was to learn the NA game and the more he learned, the more points he would put up.

Two things I have noticed about his play is......1)man....what a smooth pass out of the zone 2) if he makes it to the show...Melrose will love him....GREAT "hockey" hair.

Wait until you see his slapshot. He's got a BOMB.

-Pete Choquette

2) if he makes it to the show...Melrose will love him....GREAT "hockey" hair.

:joker: He reminds me of Daniel Alfredsson with all that blond hair sticking out the earholes of his helmet. :)

As for Georgie, I don't know what to think about him anymore. I can't see Tampa re-signing him at this point.

Monsieur Bennett's latest:


N.A. Pro Report for November 17 (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=6414&mode=threaded&order=0)

Great job X, thanks! :handclap:

Are all of our boys getting very limited minutes in Hamilton or is that just my impression?

Are all of our boys getting very limited minutes in Hamilton or is that just my impression?

It's not that Olvestad and Somervuori (only ones left after the reassignment of Svitov and Holmqvist) are getting limited minutes, I think it has more to do with Hamilton being basically a very potent one line team. I think our guys normally get a regular shift.

That potent line is:

Dagenais-Gratton-Belaj

They account for much of the Bulldog scoring. Other notables include:

Plekanec, Higgins, Perezhogin, Somervuori, Dwyer, Ferland, and Olvestad.

That's seven guys to make the other two top lines. I think Eero is bouncing between the 2nd/3rd line with Perezhogin, and Jimmie is mostly the seventh man out. I suspect he's getting mostly fourth line minutes, with Jarvis preferring Ferland on the the third line.

Both Jimmie and Eero are getting penalty kill minutes, but Eero doesn't seem to get any power-play time. With Dagenais, Gratton, Belaj, Plekanec, Higgins, and Perezhogin, that's a fairly nice set of PP units.

Eero is having trouble finishing -- he's averaging 2 shots/game, but has only potted 2 of 32 attempts. He ain't getting PP time on this team with that kind of shooting percentage.

It's not that Olvestad and Somervuori (only ones left after the reassignment of Svitov and Holmqvist) are getting limited minutes, I think it has more to do with Hamilton being basically a very potent one line team. I think our guys normally get a regular shift.


This is just a guess, but I would venture to say they are getting around 14-15 minutes a night. Olvestad slightly less.

Former Tampa draft pick traded to P'cola

Aaron Gionet

http://www.oursportscentral.com/release.cfm?releaseid=49748

what can we expect?

He was basically a slow-footed physical dman with Kamloops. Always among leaders in PIM. Not a lot to offer, but he does hit and play physical.

It's not that Olvestad and Somervuori (only ones left after the reassignment of Svitov and Holmqvist) are getting limited minutes, I think it has more to do with Hamilton being basically a very potent one line team. I think our guys normally get a regular shift.

That potent line is:

Dagenais-Gratton-Belaj

Case in point:

11/18

Hamilton 5
St. John's 2

Gratton: 2-2-4
Dagenais: 2-0-2
Belaj: 0-1-1
Combined: 4-3-7 (now that's offense!)

Somervuori: 1-0-1, +1, 4sog, 0pims (emtpy net)
2nd straight game that Somervuori has an empty net point.

Tonight
Hamilton vs. St. John's rematch
Hershey vs. Albany (Get ready to Rummmmmmble!)

11/19

Hershey 4
Albany 1

Willis: 1-0-1, +2, 4 sog, 0 pims, GWG
Perrin: 0-1-1, +2, 0 sog, 4 pims (holding, slashing)
Trepanier: 0-0-0, even, 1 sog, 0 pims
Craig: 0-0-0; even, 4 sog, 0 pims
Rumble: 0-0-0; even, 1 sog, 0 pims
Artukhin: 0-0-0; even, 0 sog, 18 pims (elbowing, roughing, double minor roughing, physical abuse of official, game misconduct)

From the York Daily Record:


Hershey rookie LW Evgeni Artukhin was assessed a game misconduct by referee Steve Kozari and an automatic suspension after making physical contact with one of the linesmen during a second-period altercation. Under AHL Rule 76 (a) Category 3, Artukhin faces at least a three-game ban for physical abuse of officials. The incident happened at 13:10 of the middle period and will be reviewed by league officials before a final suspension length is determined.


Sheldon Keefe was an injury scratch. Also from the York Daily Record:


Bears RW Sheldon Keefe sat out Wednesday’s game with an unspecified leg injury, the first game he’s missed since being assigned to Hershey by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 25.


===================
Hamilton 1
St. John's 3

Olvestad: 0-0-0, -1, 2 sog, 0 pims
Somervuori: 0-0-0, even, 2 sog, 0 pims

Geez, between Artukhin and Egener, I think the duo earned nearly 100 PIM last night.

Karri Akkanen feels he let the group down. :(

-Pete Choquette

Jay Rosehill I imagine wants in the club. :p

Rosehill, Greco, Femenella and Smaby are merely B-teamers in this category.

They're going to have to start getting suspensions and kicked out of games if they want to hang with the big dawgs. (insert rednecky "stay on the porch" reference)

Some promising futures in the bunch, though: Femenella won the USHL PIM title two years ago. Last year he was beaten by Greco.

There needs to be padded seating in the SPT Forum penalty box in a few years.

Of course, they could pull a Svitov and get here and turn into kittens.

While Artukhin finally had some sort of PIM "outburst", he still doesn't have a single regular-season FM yet.

He beats the snot out you, yes. Just not with his fists. ;)

No body wants to take on Ivan Drago :)

Looks like Trever Daley got recalled again, maybe Dicaire can get more of a chance again with his absense.

11/20

Utah 1
Worcester 4

Dicaire: 0-0-0, even, 2 sog, 2 pim (interference)

Geez, between Artukhin and Egener, I think the duo earned nearly 100 PIM last night.

Artukhin's game misconduct and automatic three-game suspension was recinded by AHL league officials. It was determined that the contact with the linesman was unintentional.

He'll serve a one game suspension (tonight) and can play Saturday night against Lowell.


Artukhin, with fellow Russian forward Mikhail Kuleshov serving as an interpreter, apologized for the incident.

“I didn’t know it was a referee. I’m sorry,” Artukhin said through Kuleshov. “I wasn’t thinking about doing something with the referee.”

Artukhin said he thought he was being grabbed from behind again by an Albany player instead of the linesman.


Ref: The York Daily Record

Also from the YDR, Keefe will return to the lineup tonight after sitting out Wednesday night's game with a sore knee.

From the Pensacola News Journal:


Late in Pensacola's 6-3 loss to the Fresno Falcons on November 8, Jean Francois-Soucy took out some frustration on Fresno winger Tapio Sammalkangas. Soucy leveled Sammalkangas over the boards and into the Pensacola bench, where he lay for several seconds before finding his way back onto the ice and slamming his stick against the boards in embarrassment.

What a great hit! That kid flew into our bench and the players on the bench parted like the Red Sea.

11/21

Hamilton 4
Milwaukee 3

Olvestad another shorthanded goal along with a season-high 5 shots-on-goa. Eero assisted on Olvestad's shortie.

Olvestad: 1-0-1 (sh), even, 5sog, 0pim
Somervuori: 0-1-1 (sh), +1, 2sog, 2pim (hooking)

================
Hershey 4
Wilkes-Barre 3


Willis scores on a penalty shot
In the last 3gp, Willis is 4-1-5, +4, and 15 sog
Willis YTD: 18gp, 9-9-18, +4, 55sog, 31pims, 2ppg, 2gwg (4th in AHL in point; 6th in AHL in goals)
Darren Rumble gets a PP goal.
Perrin (tied for 5th in AHL in assists; tied for 5th in AHL in points) and Craig both get helpers tonight.


Perrin: 0-1-1, even, 3sog, 0pim
Craig: 0-1-1, +1, 3sog, 0pim
Willis: 1-1-2 (ps), +1, 5sog, 0pim
Rumble: 1-0-1, even, 3sog, 0pim
Keefe: 0-0-0, -1, 0sog, 0pim
Trepanier scratched
Artukhin serving 1 game suspension

================
Pensacola 4
Columbus 1


Soucy with an unassisted shortie tonight!
Hay get a PP tally
Eklund stops 33 of 34 for his 7th win
Ex-Bolt Kenton Smith scores the lone Cottonmouth goal


I'll post the complete individual player stats tomorrow with the official scoresheet is released.

Olvestad another shorthanded goal along with a season-high 5 shots-on-goa. Eero assisted on Olvestad's shortie.

Olvestad: 1-0-1 (sh), even, 5sog, 0pim
Somervuori: 0-1-1 (sh), +1, 2sog, 2pim (hooking)



As Mr. Burns would say....eeeexcellent :)

Shane Willis should change his name to get noticed.

If his name was Chester Cheetovsky he'd be in the NHL right now.

Chester Cheetovsky

:lol: That was great...

Chester St. Cheetavalier maybe? jk

Shane Willis should change his name to get noticed.

Maybe Shane Willis should change his team to get noticed.

If Shane Willis was in the Avs organization, he'd have about a month of NHL 2nd line ice time right now. No one can tell me that any one of Charlie Stevens, Steve Moore, Travis Brigley, or Brad Larsen is better than Shane Willis.

Pensacola 4
Columbus 1


Soucy with an unassisted shortie tonight!
Hay get a PP tally
Eklund stops 33 of 34 for his 7th win
Ex-Bolt Kenton Smith scores the lone Cottonmouth goal


I'll post the complete individual player stats tomorrow with the official scoresheet is released.

Hay: 1-0-1 (pp), even, 2sog, 2pim (holding)
Van Hoof: 0-0-0, +1, 0sog, 0pim
Holmqvist: 0-0-0, +1, 0sog, 0pim
Soucy: 1-0-1 (sh), +1, 1sog, 0pim

Note: Columbus had only 9 sog through the 1st and 2nd periods, but peppered Eklund with 25sog in the 3rd!

Tonight:
Hamilton vs. Milwaukee
Hershey vs. Lowell
Pensacola vs. Texas
Utah vs. Worcester

Ex-Bolt Kenton Smith scores the lone Cottonmouth goal



By the way, Kenton Smith is back to playing defense with Columbus. The experiment at forward, I suppose, is over.

Hatter for Keefe tonight.

Some major nipping at Cibak, Clymer, and Fedotenko's heels going on now, IMO.

-Pete Choquette

If his name was Chester Cheetovsky he'd be in the NHL right now.

Only if Duds was drafting, he loves Euros. :joker:

11/22

Hamilton 3
Milwaukee 2

Hamilton rolling now behind Gratton, Dagenais, and Belaj. Bulldogs are 7-1-1 in their last 9 games dating back to Nov 7.

Ho hum night for the Scandanavian twins...
Olvestad: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim
Somervuori: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim

====================
Hershey 5
Lowell 4


Keefe with his first pro hattrick!
Keefe is now 3-2-5 in this last 3gp, after being 1-2-3 in his first 9gp.
Perrin is now 6-13-19, +7 in 18gp.
Perrin has not had back-to-back pointless games all season, and only 4 games in which he was held off the scoresheet.
Hershey radio announcer swore that Willis deflected Perrin's goal, and actually deserved credit for the goal.
Hershey radio announcer referred to Artukhin during the 1st period as "R2".


Artukhin: 0-0-0, even, 0sog, 0pim
Craig: 0-1-1, even, 2sog, 0pim
Keefe: 3-0-3, +1, 4sog, 4pim (elbowing, roughing)
Perrin: 1-1-2, +2, 3sog, 0pim
Trepanier: 0-2-2, +2, 1sog, 0pim
Willis: 0-0-0, +1, 0sog, 0pim

====================
Worcester 5
Utah 2

Dicaire: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim

====================
Texas 4
Pensacola 1

Eklund: 24 saves on 28 shots, loss
Hay: 0-0-0, -1, 0sog, 0pim
Holmqvist: 0-0-0, even, 3sog, 0pim
Soucy: 0-0-0, even, 5sog, 0pim
Van Hoof: 0-0-0, -1, 2sog, 0pim

Hamilton 3
Milwaukee 2

Ho hum night for the Scandanavian twins...
Olvestad: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim
Somervuori: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim


11/23

Rochester 2
Hamilton 1

Encore performance by the Scandanavian Twins...

Olvestad: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim
Somervuori: 0-0-0, even, 1sog, 0pim

===================
Utah 1
Worchester 0

Dicaire: 0-0-0, even, 2sog, 0pim

Jake Goertzen will be attending tonight's Ice Pilots game against Mississippi.