Hartley Miller's Slap Shots Two for May 27th, 2005

By Hartley Miller

If the Treasure Cove Casino Major Mens Fastball League wants to improve its image, appeal to a broader fan base, and have younger players aspire to join the league, they are not off to a good start this year. In the season-opener at the Spruce City Stadium, the game between the BX Express and the Treasure Cove Pirates was called in the 7th inning by the umpires due to a bench clearing brawl. Not that it matters, but BX was ahead at the time 8-5 and was given credit for the victory. The only suspensions handed out were to Chris Macdonald of BX and Laurel Potskin of the Pirates, and they were given a paltry one game each. If they do it again, league rules state the suspension will increase to just five games.

Way to go guys! Great example for the youth! You should all be proud! Where in the heck is the league backbone? Is this the same league that will host the 2006 National Senior “A” Championship for the first time? Those on the executive better start looking at these ugly situations and take appropriate action and not just sweeping it under the covers. I did not witness the exchange of pleasantries, but it must have been serious if the umps would not resume the game after the altercations. If the league really wanted to send a message, the suspensions should have been much more severe, like half a season or even a full year.

By the way, Treasure Cove Casino Major Mens Fastball is looking to attract some advertising dollars. One way is to change the name of the Spruce City Stadium.  Hey fellas, I've got a suggestion for you. How about going after that boxing promoter and call it “Don King Park”. I'm sure he would love to be the sponsor, especially knowing the league could very well provide him with a prospect or two.

--Not even a sceptic like Meisner could come up with a negative spin on the Prince George Spruce Kings landing the 2007 Royal Bank Cup. A couple of things the team should keep in mind. The organization needs to think long term and not just for the next two years. Also, don't overlook local and Northern talent now that there will be pressure to ice a winner. Players like Curt Morrison and Vinny Muchalla have a bright future and one can only hope they don't get shuffled aside for high profile over rated easterners.

--Even though it's the so called off season, the PG Spruce Kings are behind in recruiting and other matters because it took so long to re-sign Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Ed Dempsey. So, why the hold-up? Well, Dempsey would of preferred to return to major junior hockey, but since there were no-takers, he came to the realization he would have to continue to ply his trade “on the farm”, that being the BCHL. As for the long-drawn out negotiations, Dempsey wouldn't budge on that word "guaranteed" in his two-year contract. The Kings granted his wish on that one,  in return for Dempsey agreeing to handle more duties than he wanted to. So, both sides will tell you how delighted they are. The question is, two years down the road, will they both sing the same tune?

--The late Billy Martin would be proud. Len McNamara is taking a run at Martin's record for most times in and out with one organization. Martin's numerous stints with the New York Yankees have been well documented. Unofficially, McNamara has been hired on four different occasions by the PG Spruce Kings. His latest stint as the team's General Manager ended after he concluded negotiations with Ed Dempsey. McNamara leaves the club this time so he can concentrate on his duties as the UNBC Athletics & Recreation Coordinator, although he will remain an adviser to the Spruce Kings hockey executive, now led by Jeff Rowland, and to club president Rick Turgeon.  With McNamara not quite in his mid 40's, there's still plenty of time for many more stints with the Kings. After all, as a tribute to Martin, McNamara will tell you his door will always stay wide open.

--You may not of heard of Rae Lorimer, but it's obvious the guy has a sense of humor. According to Lorimer, the guy who invented the hokey-pokey just died. It was a weird funeral. First, they put his left leg in..''.

And, how is your week ?

--Hartley Miller is the sports director for the top two rated radio stations in Prince George
and can be heard weekdays at 7:25am, 8:25am, 11:55am and 4:40pm on 94X and at 7:05am, 7:35am, 8:05am, 12:05pm and 5:05pm on the Wolf@97FM.

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