Early indications show that the Prince George Cougars will be the most improved team in the WHL.

 

If one thinks they are going to revert to last season’s form, one had better think again. Although the Cats have played 14 games, including six at home, it appears the Cougars will improve significantly in the standings.

 

Last year, during a futile 12-win season, the worst in the entire CHL, everything that could have gone wrong, did. This year, however, several factors have contributed to a 7-6-1 record including:

 

Health: To date, the Cougars have had very few injuries, unlike the 2009-10 season.

 

Brett Connolly: He is healthy and is on pace for a goal a game clip. Connolly says he is determined to score 50 goals. I would not bet against him.

 

Martin Marincin: The 18-year old Slovakian defenceman, the number one pick in the Import Draft, has delivered both offensively and defensively. He was the prize for achieving the worst record last year.

 

Trade acquisitions: The additions of defensemen Sena Acolatse (last week’s CHL player of the week), Cody Carlson and forward Charles Inglis have been positive. These acquisitions and the addition of first line forward Taylor Stefishen are four key recruits, which have noticeably improved the club.

 

Development of younger players: Jesse Forsberg, Brock Hirsche, and Nick Buonassisi are among a group that used last season’s experience to improve and assume leadership roles.

 

Coaching: Continuity behind the bench with Dean Clark (and his assistant Jason Becker) in addition to having much more talent at their disposal is a recipe for success.

 

It is no accident that the Cougars are the highest scoring team in the WHL. They have a number of puck moving defencemen with lethal shots. James Priestner has played great games in goal, but like other players still needs to develop consistency.

 

Yes, this team still has defensive challenges before they really stack up favorably with the top clubs in the WHL. I do not know where they will finish in the standings, but I am certain that the Cougars are considerably better in most aspects of the game with many offensive weapons. This is a welcome change.

#

 

Throughout the years, the P.G. Cougars have been an easy target for criticism. As you know, I certainly have not been afraid to speak my mind about their shortcomings. I do believe however that when something is accomplished, it is worth noting.

 

When the Cougars announced at a news conference last Thursday (Oct 21) that Brett Connolly and Ryan Howse were named to Team WHL for the Subway Super Series, it was a nice touch to have both players’ parents in attendance at the head table. Of course, this gesture is a tiny detail, but if one does a number of small things well, the big things will eventually take care of themselves.

 

#

 

I do not want to dampen the enthusiasm of the Team WHL-Russia so-called Super Series game in Prince George, but history shows that we can expect to see a second rate Russian National Junior team at CN Centre November 18th. Traditionally, Russia has been crushed by CHL opposition and one of the reasons is its line-up consists of second tier players.

 

I looked back to last year’s rosters and there were only four players on Team Russia (one goalie, one defenceman, and two forwards) that played in both the Super Series and at the World Juniors.

 

The WHL does ice a roster, which consists of most of its top stars; however, one never knows what the “Bear” will offer on the other side. Yes, the Russians are coming, imposters or not.

 

#

 

Speaking about Russians…..It really was the $100 million dollar man, Ilya Kovalchuk, who was a healthy scratch for the New Jersey Devils last Saturday against Buffalo. I bet the LA Kings are now thanking their lucky “stars” for not signing him in the off-season.

 

This is yet another example in a long line of high profile players (not just hockey) that lose their incentive once they sign a fat contract. One would think teams would have learned a lesson by now.

 

#

 

This Sunday people will dress in bizarre, outlandish outfits and then make children and seniors scream in horror. In most of North America, this is known as Halloween. In Prince George, it is start of a Spruce Kings game against Merritt.

 

In Peru, a soccer team claims its opponent snuck a depressant drug into their water bottles. The big question is, “How did the drugged water get to the San Diego Chargers?”

Brett Favre has a stress fracture in his left ankle. That, however, is not the joint everyone is talking about. This time when he sends you a photo of something swollen and purple it will be OK.

Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

 

When asked how she was coping with the allegations against her husband, Deanna Favre says: “I’m handling this through faith.” Upon hearing this Elin Nordegren sent Deanna a gift of golf clubs.


John Farrell, former pitching coach of the Red Sox, was announced as the newest Blue Jay manager. Coming from Boston, Farrell will find the job has a lot of new perks, free health care in Canada, an indoor stadium for cold days, and of course, no playoff pressure. 

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

Rick Rypien of the Canucks has been suspended for punching a Minnesota Wild fan during a game. Rypien reportedly told the Commissioner that he thought it was the same guy that threw the keys at the Hansons in 'Slap Shot'.

Paul the Octopus died on Tuesday at 2. All of the teams that he correctly picked would lose chipped in for a wake to be held at a Red Wings playoff game.

Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

 

 

 

Victoria's Secret made fashion news this week when it unveiled its new $2 million dollar bra.
Undergarment designers got the idea, insiders say, when the Knicks trotted out their latest $2 million bust.
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times

 

 

 

So the New York Knicks have signed a marketing deal with 1800 Silver Tequila. Hey, the way they play these are gonna be the best shots in Madison Square Garden all season.

A day after the Steelers' James Harrison said he was contemplating retirement in response to the NFL's crackdown on helmet to helmet hits, he reconsidered and reported for practice. Now he's using his head.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

 

Mark McGuire says he will return to the St. Louis Cardinals despite an unproductive 1st year being a hitting coach. McGuire says he will try giving it a bigger shot next time. 


Jim Armstrong of Richmond, Canada’s representative at the Paralympics in curling, pleaded guilty to selling and dispensing counterfeit Viagra drugs with intent to mislead or defraud. There is a possibility the rest of his team may have to forfeit the medals they won during the games. Asked for a comment the team says they felt stiffed.  

 

Research journal Miller-McCune says we seek the same qualities in a life partner that we do in a chair. Here are the seats you'll bring home if you fancy one of the following:
Lindsey Lohan - high chair;
Matt Leinart - bench;
Braylon Edwards - bar stool;
Paris Hilton - recliner;
LeBron James - throne.
www.Sportsdeke.com

 

 

A 25-year-old Florida man has denied that cocaine found in his buttocks was his. This is one story that certainly does not crack me up. 

 

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.