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Hartley Miller's Slap Shots June 24, 2005

By Hartley Miller

When it comes to anxiety, this has to be the worst time of the year, especially for the friends and family operation, otherwise known as the Prince George Cougars. Yes, it's time for the European or Import draft. 

For the most part, the Cougars have been a “flop” since their arrival in PG (5 last place finishes in 11 seasons). Although there are many contributing and mitigating factors for the Cats poor achievement, the compelling reason is the European draft. Their lack of success can largely be attributed to their awful selections over the years. Take a look, if you dare, at the embarrassing list that I'm sure the Cougars would rather you not see: (WARNING: Opinion 250, Meisner Inc. and I will not be responsible for anyone that suffers any lingering effects from extensive laughing out loud)

Year	Player(s) Selected	Country	Overall CHL selection
2004	Siarhei Kolasau	Belarus	#57
2004	Adam Lukacovic	Czech Republic	#64
2003	Stanislav Bolshakov	Russia	#14
2003	Denis Rehak	Slovakia	#51
2002	Stefan Sarka	Slovakia	#33
2002	Lukas Cvejn	Slovakia	#88
2001	Michal Lukac	Slovakia	#22
2000	David Koci	Czech Republic	#41
2000	Tomas Tesaruk	Czech Republic	#65
1999	Roman Takac	Slovakia	#30
1998	Josef Mrena	Slovakia	#37
1997	Petr Kubos	Czech Republic	#14
1997	Alex Andreyev	Latvia	#56
1996	Zdeno Chara	Slovakia	#6 (hooray they got one)
1995	Petr Buzek	Czech Republic	#25
1994	Alexandre Budajev	Russia	#32

The team must be shuddering because the draft is less than a week away. It’s no secret that to be successful you need significant contributions from the so-called elite of the Europeans. 

It may come as a surprise that many of the previously mentioned players don’t have the name “stiff” at the end of their name. With the possible exception of Zdeno Chara (in one playoff year), none of the aforementioned players lived up to their advance billing, nor were any considered “impact” players. As a matter of fact, not one of these 16 was a league award winner, or an all-star. Furthermore, not even one holds a Cougars team record (unless you count most times homesick or fewest trips to the corners). Compare this list with any other C-H-L team, and it ranks at or very near the bottom.
 
To have success with the Import draft, a hockey organization needs “connections” overseas. The evidence shows they need help with a capital “H”. It might be wise for the Cougars to expand their horizons, and emerge from their small comfort zone to get some badly needed advice in this area. 

The European draft will be held on Wednesday, June 29th. I can hear it now---With the 12th pick, the Prince George Cougars, “uh------uh----uh decline to make a selection”. After all, it was the BEST choice available. 


Short Snappers:
--You might call this one a two-bagger. According to the Chicago Tribune, a batted ball once struck Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux so hard on his protective cup, that the ball bounced all the way into the dugout, and umpires had no choice but to award second base to the hitter.
"Of course, you know how it was scored," according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jerry Greene. "That's right — a groin-rule double."
--Randy Turner of the Winnipeg Free Press: “The NHL is hoping to have the two oldest living Stanley Cup winners — Ray Getliffe and Clint Smith, both of whom are 91 — spend time with the Stanley Cup this summer”    
   “Next up:  Mark Messier.”


And, how is your week ?

--Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97FM. He
  also writes for The Free Press
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