Lets see if I have this right as I sum up the Prince George Cougars and Spruce Kings season to date.

 

First, let’s analyze the Cougars.  

 

The Cats’ top player has been injured for 32 of the team's 44 games. The top two scorers have been traded, and another guy has been moved after violating team rules. The club, at last count, has dressed nine different goalies. The Cougars are last overall in the standings and 20 points out of a playoff spot. They have recorded the fewest goals in the league and given up the most. Their specialty teams sit 22nd on the penalty kill and 21st on the power play in the 22-team WHL. Oh yes, attendance has been plummeting with over six of the last eight gates at CN Centre below 2,000. Could things be any worse as the team prepares for the Vancouver Giants twice this weekend?

 

Quite possibly, as one can belong to the Spruce Kings organization.

 

The Spruce Kings enter their weekend home and home series against Quesnel, on a great big fat 10 game losing streak. If that does not impress you, how about their unforgettable 20 game losing skid against BCHL teams with a winning record (0-18-2). Their home record (5-16-1) is pathetic. In addition to this "memorable season”, the Kings have traded their leading scorer, top defenceman and several other older valuable players. Oh, by the way, the club is sitting out of a playoff spot by five points where seven of the nine teams qualify.

 

Like the Cougars, the Spruce Kings, have tried several goalies, the only difference is that not many of them have been able to stop the puck. And you wonder why less than 1,000 fans a game (average of 855) turn out to the Coliseum? Yes, the Kings’ only sell-out in the team's future is for the annual house they sell via ticket fundraisers. Now, thank goodness, there is a lottery or there would not be a team.

 

Some of the aforementioned issues with both teams are a result of bad luck, like injuries, but in reality, neither team could have dreamed this season would be a living nightmare.

 

The Cougars brought in a new high profile coach, the attitude was fresh and fans were led to believe a great crop of young players were ready to blossom. 

 

Meanwhile, the Spruce Kings were supposed to benefit greatly with many wins, especially considering they play one-third of their 60-game schedule against lowly Cariboo opposition (Quesnel and Williams Lake).

 

Nevertheless, the two hockey teams clearly made the right decisions, at the trade deadline (unloading their top guns), in another write-off season.

 

However, here lies the problem:

 

On many occasions, local hockey fans have experienced the movie entitled, "Building for the future". Yet, the ending never seems to change. Is it just me or does it usually seem the Cougars and Spruce Kings are sellers at the January 10th deadline? What message is this giving the fan base and the older players for the rest of this year?

 

The Cougars did 19-year-old Marek Viedensky a favor sending him to Saskatoon for a 15-year-old goaltending prospect, a third round bantam pick, plus a conditional third rounder. The Cats also put 20-year-old scoring leader Dallas Jackson in a more favorable position dealing him to Kelowna for overage forward Tyler Halliday (who was let go by the Cougars earlier) and a third round draft choice.

The Spruce Kings gutted their team unloading 20-year old snipers Brooks Robinson and Marcus Watson, 19-year old defenceman Wes McLeod and 19-year old goalie Steve Papciak, to AJHL teams and overage defenceman Josh Pineiro to the Surrey Eagles in return for future considerations which will likely turn into prospects.
   

So, here’s the bottom line: It is great to acquire young players and build hope for years to come, but eventually those prospects have to blossom, otherwise the future becomes a never ending cycle of frustration and futility.

**

Just a quick note regarding the Prince George Fury the local team that played their first ever games at home losing a doubleheader against the Tacoma Stars in the CMISL. I am one of many learning the intricacies of the indoor soccer game; but I was impressed with the skill level of both teams.

 

I watched the thrilling opener as the Fury scored with less than two seconds left, only to lose in overtime. I am certainly not going to nitpick the small things (like music playing during the action).

The crucial attendance figures were announced at 1,607 for the afternoon and 1,838 in the evening. These are tickets sold; I understand that, but there were hundreds of no shows. It was opening weekend, with lots of hype, a new sport in town, a local lineup but many people with tickets decided not to use them. Now, that is a concern.

 

It is far too early to draw any conclusions, but I think it is safe to say organizers were hoping and expecting more people in the building. Those numbers will need to rise considerably for the sport to prosper and become a long-term staple in this city.

 

Australian hurdler Jana Rawlinson had her breast implants removed as she prepares for the 2012 Olympics in London. So, for Jana I guess it’s back to “winning by a nose”. Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

47-year-old Chicago Wolves defenceman Chris Chelios was arrested last month and charged with drunk driving and speeding in suburban Chicago. The arresting officer said he was clocked at 100 mph, although in his defense no chariot can go that fast.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix


Chris Chelios was arrested for DUI. Chelios denied any problem with alcohol, saying it's the first drink he's had since some guy turned his water into wine when he was a kid.

After he was injured, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw a few wobbly practice passes that went wayward and doctors forbid him from re-entering the game. Colt's dad reportedly called JaMarcus Russell's doctors for a second opinion.Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California 

 

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

Well, duh: Gilbert Arenas' season high for shot attempts — 28 — came Dec. 26 at the Target Center. 

Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sidelinechatter/

New York City was the most visited place in the country last year. It was going to be Las Vegas until Tiger Woods was grounded.  

Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

The film Avatar features people from Earth fighting for a mineral called unobtanium. Toronto Maple Leaf fans know it as the metal in the Stanley Cup. 

Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

 David Letterman of CBS