When a team plays below expectations, fans and critics, are quick to criticize and hold individuals accountable.

 

The Cougars have completed their worst season since arriving in Prince George, and considering how many bad years they have had, this statement really deserves an exclamation point.

 

So, who takes the heat? The players? Partly, however, many key guys, notably Brett Connolly, were injured for a good portion of the season. 

 

How about the coaches? Somewhat, but Head Coach Dean Clark was given a line-up of young inexperienced players. Clark’s history of winning in the WHL with Calgary, Brandon, and Kamloops earns him a year of grace. Certainly, he will be condemned if next season’s results are similar to this season.

 

How about the General Manager? Dallas Thompson has taken many bullets and ridicule, mercifully. Nevertheless, has this criticism been fair? When Dallas Jackson was traded to Kelowna in January, one fan stated that, “the wrong Dallas was traded”. Now, that is a “shot”.

 

When assessing the performance of a GM, one should look at the big picture and not a snapshot of one awful (everything that could go wrong did) season. Thompson has been the Cougars General Manager for six seasons. He was an assistant GM and assistant coach with the team prior to his promotion.

 

If you assume that one earns his reputation based on performance then it is only fair to analyze Thompson’s numbers for his six-year tenure and compare the record to his competition; the other teams in the Western Conference. I realize the other GM’s have been with their teams for different lengths of time, but this is just a comparison of how Thompson’s club has managed against the opposition:

 

Regular Season Wins Compared to Regulation time losses:

 

 

In addition, PG and Portland are the only teams not to qualify for the playoffs in three of the six years.

 

 

Here is a chart below based strictly on wins and losses in order of most to least in regular season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cougars performance during Thompson’s six-year tenure is comparable to Portland, and to a lesser extent, Kamloops. The Winterhawks, however, improved by 48 points (43 to 91) this season.

Yes, the Cougars will like improve significantly next season, but it is doubtful they will climb as the Winterhawks did.

 

Based on the aforementioned data (wins and losses) it is hard to argue with the frustrated Cougar fan when he or she starts laying a good part of the blame at (mis) management.

  

 

 
Spring forward, fall back. Isn't that how Cubs fans would describe their expectations for their team every year? 

A Canadian reporter decided to follow up on the thrilling gold medal hockey game by calling random Americans and asking if they were now watching more NHL games. About 10 percent said “yes”, 10 percent said “no,” and 80 percent said “What’s the NHL?”    

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

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

If LeBron James can switch numbers to honour Michael Jordan is it possible for Colton Orr to change his name out of respect for Bobby?
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

In an interview before the Rangers/Atlanta game, Chris Chelios said he can bring the Thrashers some veteran leadership. But of course. After all, the man did do two tours of duty in the Spanish-American War. Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

Former Jazz center Robert Whaley, 27, was arrested last week, the Salt Lake Tribune reported, after police in Salt Lake County discovered several baggies of marijuana hidden “in his buttocks”. A slightly confused Whaley later said, “My mistake; that’s where I usually keep my crack cocaine.”
Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/