Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots June 2nd Edition

By Hartley Miller

Although Don Cherry goes overboard most of the time, Grapes is right when he says that if Canadians don’t pump up their own hockey players, then no one else will. So, here’s a look at how Canada still rules hockey.

The Edmonton Oilers enter the Stanley Cup final, not only as a Canadian team, but with a whopping 16 Canadians on their roster, including their top players in the playoffs: Dwayne Roloson, Chris Pronger, Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Smyth.

Statistically, Canadian players are leading the parade. In the playoffs, Eric Staal is first in points, Pronger leads all defencemen in scoring, and Roloson tops the list among wins by a goalie. As well, the regular season leaders included scoring champion, Joe Thornton, goal scoring leader, Jonathan Cheechoo, and the netminder with the most victories, Martin Brodeur. 

Tradition is on Canada’s side.  Since the inception of the NHL, the Stanley Cup has been awarded 112 times. A Canadian Captain has been the recipient of Lord Stanley on each occasion, except in 1999, when the Cup was presented to American Derian Hatcher of the Dallas Stars.  Moreover, a Canadian has received the Conn Smythe playoff MVP trophy 38 out of 40 times.  In addition, only one non-Canadian head coach, Tampa Bay’s John Tortorella (in 2004) has ever led his team to a Stanley Cup. This dominance is unparalleled in any multi-national sporting event.

Canadian hockey programs are being used internationally, especially in Europe and the United States. For instance, Canada’s Initiation Program (skill development for 5 & 6 year olds) was successfully implemented by Hockey U.S.A. several years ago. Furthermore, Canadian hockey coaches continually spread their knowledge on European club teams and American Colleges. 

Yes, hockey has made huge strides on the international scene, but Canadians still make up the majority of world class players.  In the NHL, there are more Canadian players than all the other countries combined.

Many so-called experts believe Canada has lost its dominance in the sport.  However, the statistics back up my belief in that Canada remains the number one hockey superpower.

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It hasn’t taken long for former PG Cougars captain Dan Hamhuis to establish himself as an elite defenceman in the NHL. The 6-foot, 205 pound Smithers native showcased his talent on the global stage while playing for Canada at the 2006 World Hockey Championship.

Although the team settled for 4^th place, the 23-year-old Hamhuis picked up one goal, four assists and was a plus three to lead all Canadian defencemen: “I had a really good time over there in Latvia. Unfortunately we didn’t get the results we wanted, but all in all it was a good trip and a great group of guys. I really enjoyed playing for Team Canada”.  

Hamhuis and Paul Kariya were the only two guys to play all games this season with the Nashville Predators. Hamhuis led the Predators in average ice time (22:33) and takeaways (50), and ranked second on the club with a plus 11 rating, second in hits (114) and blocked shots (100). The Predators 2001 first round draft choice (12^th overall) had 7 goals and 31 assists with 70 penalty minutes in just his second NHL season. 

There’s still nearly four years until the 2010 Games in Vancouver, but Hamhuis, with his speed, shot, physical play, and puck movement abilities would appear to be a prime candidate for the next Canadian Olympic team.

From the quote rack:

"Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard allegedly was caught on video stealing a pricey pair of sunglasses from a Miami Beach store. Our first thought: He was framed".

Syndicated columnist Tom FitzGerald

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"Shocking. But, then you remember, this wouldn’t be the first time Williams has accepted a token offer."

Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun, on drug-suspended running back Ricky Williams signing with the Toronto Argonauts for a reported $240,00 after earning an estimated $16.5 million in his first five NFL seasons.

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"The bases are loaded, and I wish I was too."

Braves broadcaster Skip Caray, after Atlanta chucker Jorge Sosa walked the bases full.

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"The last time the Tigers were any good, Berlin had a wall and Michael Jackson had a nose.’’

Jim Armstrong of the Denver Post, on the Detroit Tigers strong start to the 2006 major league season.

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"Rooting for Bonds is like rooting for the shark in Jaws.’’ . . .

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, on Barry Bonds chasing home run history

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"One for hitting him and the other three games for needing five tries.’’

Dan Daly of the Washington Times, after Houston Astros chucker Russ Springer was suspended four games for throwing at Bonds

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"Well, after an agonizingly long wait, it looks like that big muscle-bound horse is going to be OK and retire out to stud. But enough about Barry Bonds, Barbaro is also doing better.’’ 

Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg 

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And in case you missed it……..

According to the New York Daily News, 19-year-old Danny Almonte married a 30-year-old woman.  Almonte is the pitcher who starred in the 2001 Little League World Series after claiming he was 12 when, in fact, he was 14. Yes, you could say, this is one for the “ages”.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the
PG Free Press. His e-mail address is hmiller@94xfm.com

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