Hartley Miller's Slap- Shots -October 1,, 2010
Recently, I was asked which team will have a better season, the Prince George Cougars or the Prince George Spruce Kings?
So, after a pause, a few “ahs” and a couple of head scratches, I responded with a question:
What is the definition of “better”?
Now, without ducking the issue, my answer is Prince George. Okay, enough of the comedy act, my answer, with some trepidation, is the Cougars.
Three weeks ago, prior to the Spruce Kings’ BCHL home opener, I stated that the Kings’ had nowhere to move, but up, especially following a previous rock bottom non playoff season.
Well, here we are, starting a new month, and the Cougars are set for their first WHL home games of the season. Guess what? The script remains similar to the Kings. Sorry, but the Cougars have nowhere to move but up, especially following a rock bottom non playoff season.
In 2009-2010, the Cougars managed just 12 wins in 72 games and ended the regular season 43 points out of a playoff spot. A realistic goal this season will be 30 victories and to challenge for a post-season berth.
It took 71 points for Western teams to make the playoffs last season. If we use this standard as a gauge, the Cougars will need many breaks to contend for one of eight playoff berths in the 10-team Western Conference. If the Cougars want to make significant strides on the ice, in a city where the interest in the team has been fading rapidly, the following factors are crucial:
A healthy Brett Connolly: Brett is the poster boy for the team. The 18 year-old, 6th overall draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning, missed all but 16 games last season, needs not only to put the points on the board but show he is worthy of the “C”.
IMPORT production: Traditionally, an area of weakness; however, 18-year-old Slovakian Martin Marincin, an Edmonton Oilers second round pick, comes with a lot of ballyhoo.
Marincin should be a stabilizing force on defense. In addition, 18-year-old forward Jaroslav Vlach of the Czech Republic is a veteran giving the Cats two (possible) reliable Europeans.
Improved special teams: The Penalty Killing was last in the league at just 73.2 %. The Power Play was 21st at 14.5 %. With a better line-up, these numbers should improve dramatically.
Consistent goaltending: The Cougars surrendered a whopping 327 goals last season, 42 more than the second worst team. Yes, they had a revolving door with 10 goalies dressed. This is a result of a team that usually does not develop its own goalie. Nevertheless, once again, the Cougars have chosen a “quick fix” in 20-year-old Morgan Clark, and 19-year-old James Priestner. However, both these experienced goaltenders should push each other for ice time, which may result in a significant reduction of goals against.
2nd year Head Coach: Dean Clark ranks amongst the top coaches (wins) in WHL history, a reputation he built elsewhere. However, Clark has a season under his belt, and most of the players know his systems, and with a full roster at his disposal it is logical to suggest the coaching should improve.
Intangibles: Many Cougars, like 17-year-old defenceman Jesse Forsberg and 18-year-old forwards Nick Buonassisi, Brock Hirsche, Greg Fraser and Taylor Makin return with invaluable experience. The Cats added another 18-year-old, forward Charles Inglis, acquired in a trade from Saskatoon that is expected to make a significant contribution. The 20-year-old spots may not be settled. Clark takes up one position, while forwards James Dobrowolski and Parker Stanfield have the last two spots. Ideally, the team may prefer an overage defenceman to help groom the young blue line.
OVERALL: Like many teams, the Cougars have more questions than answers. The Cats scored just 172 goals last season, tied for second fewest. However, this season, scoring should improve dramatically. Keeping pucks out of their net may be a problem. Is a .500 record possible? Yes. Is it realistic? No. Prince George hockey fans expect significant improvement, competitiveness each night, and a sense of pride in wearing a Cougar jersey.
The aforementioned factors seem small in theory. However, if these small challenges are met then perhaps the team can win back the many fans that have turned their attention elsewhere. This, in itself, would be a Victory.
From the Quote Rack:
He was then stranded when no cabbie would give him a ride home.
Vancouver comedy writer Torben Rolfsen, after Chicago's Patrick Kane personally delivered a car to the winner of a Blackhawks contest.
At a Great Sports Legends Dinner on Monday, former President Bill Clinton said that he's 'dreamed
of getting a lesson from Annika Sorenstam'. He said he'd also like her to teach him some golf.
George Blanda has passed away at age 83. St. Peter greeted him and said, 'Great. Now, we can finally see some miracles up here'.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The Oakland Raiders last weekend were let down at times by both their quarterback and their field goal kicker in a 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. And sadly, potential replacement George Blanda is no longer available.
Braylon Edwards was arrested last week for DUI, with a alleged blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit. Jets coach Rex Ryan suspended him for ONE quarter, saying he thought Braylon had "suffered enough." And Edwards caught a 67-yard touchdown catch that helped the team beat the Dolphins 31-23 Sunday. Yeah, that'll teach him.
(if he'd injured or killed anyone wonder if Ryan would have benched him for a whole half.)
Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
New York Jets receiver Braylon Edwards was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Some players lock and load; others get loaded and locked up.
The CFL fined Jason Jiminez of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats half-a-game's pay for an illegal hit. The players' union quickly came to Jiminez's defence, saying it will cover the fine by holding a bake sale.
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix
The difference between NFL and CFL off site games? CFL teams come back loaded up on lobster. NFL teams catch their fill of crabs.
Canada is sending its national curling teams to the Summer Commonwealth Games in New Delhi not to compete just to sweep up some of the mouse droppings. In order to get the athletes used to the unsanitary conditions Team Canada is training and eating on Yonge Street in Toronto.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
Obesity continues to be a problem in the United States. As it turns out, the oceans aren’t rising; the continents are sinking.
Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/
More high schools are cutting out gym classes to make room for increased requirements in math and science. So now, when our kids get fat and fall down, they'll at least know the science behind it.
NBC's Jay Leno
And in case you missed it:
An American man, who has fathered 23 children with 14 women, has been sent to jail for being more than 1/2 a million dollars in arrears in his child-support payments. Now we know the real reason former Denver Bronco Travis Henry is behind bars.
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.
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