Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots June 9th Edition
It’s hard not to snicker when analyzing the expansion Chilliwack Bruins roster, especially after their selections in the WHL expansion draft.
At first glance it’s difficult to imagine that the Bruins can be competitive with all these fringe players that were left unprotected by other league teams.
For many years I thought that the word expansion was another term for losing over a long period of time. However, recent history suggests that this is not always the case. In fact, many junior expansion teams have performed well, in a very short period of time.
Here are some recent success stories:
First, the BCHL champion Burnaby Express won the Royal Bank Cup National Junior A Hockey championship in just their 5th year. In the WHL, the Vancouver Giants handily won this year's league title and came third at the Memorial Cup, in only their fifth year of existence. The Edmonton Ice entered the WHL in 1996, moved to Cranbrook two seasons later and won the league championship in 1999-2000. As well, the Calgary Hitmen, began play in 95-96, and won the league title in just their fourth season. In addition, the Everett Silvertips, who have been around just three seasons, went to the WHL final in their very first year and along with Vancouver will be among the top-ranked teams for the 06/07 season.
The one advantage the Bruins have is they can ice five 20-year-olds, (which is two more than the other
teams) but that's just in their first year. Ex PG Cougar, Josh Aspenlind, who did not have a stellar season in 05/06 with Swift Current, is among the candidates for an overage spot. Forward Levi Brotnov, who was injured much of last season with the Cougars, could also be among the Bruins 19-year-olds.
They may not be household names, but Chilliwack at least has some assets, and it's how they utilize them that will determine how quickly this team can be competitive. Prince George minor hockey product Ryan Howse, the Bruin’s first ever bantam draft pick, and likely the “face” of the team’s future, is only allowed to play in five games next season, and won’t be available full time until 07/08.
On paper, Chilliwack should be prepared to take a long term lease on the league basement. However, based on recent history isn’t it interesting how things can turn out?
The W-H-L still has well established teams (one non-banner club that particularly stands out) that could only wish about having the kind of results that recent expansion teams have had. Come to think of it, there just happens to be a BCHL team (from the same community) in the same boat. Yes, some cities get all the luck.
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More than 100 draft -eligible players from around the world were in Toronto for the NHL's annual Draft Combine.
Players were weighed, measured, and performed upper body strength tests including push-ups, sit-ups and bench presses. The tests also included working on the stationary bike for anaerobic and aerobic testing. The results from the tests are passed on to the 30 NHL teams.
According to the TSN.CA website, one player who impressed in the workouts was PG Cougars defenceman Jesse Dudas (ranked No. 53 by Central Scouting among North American skaters). The 18 year-old missed most of last season due to a leg injury, but showed up in "unbelievable" shape, ripping up the bench press. A source said that Dudas was among the top five early on in workouts.
So, how much has Dudas raised his stock? I guess we will find out June 24th, which is the date of the NHL entry draft in Vancouver.
From the quote rack:
"It's two days for $195, but you can beat T.O. down to $150 if your kid threatens to disrupt the camp. Should be a great camp. Every evening the boys will sit around the campfire in T.O.'s driveway, each listening to his own IPod and bitching about the counselors and the marshmallows".
Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, on the Terrell Owens Youth Football Camp this month in Dallas.
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"They held a pot-luck supper".
Toronto Comedian Frenchie McFarlane, on how excited the Toronto Argos were to sign running back Ricky Williams.
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"ESPN has decided to drop 'Bonds on Bonds'. However, look for the show to go into syndication on the Sci-Fi Channel”.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
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“I wouldn't think this would be mathematically probable, but when NBA Commissioner David Stern said referees miss only about 5 percent of calls, I realized I must have witnessed every one of them.”
David Thomas of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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"Because he'd probably just watch them once and then want to return them."
From the Baltimore Sun's Flip Side column, on why Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen should not sell his dismal team to Hollywood Video founder Mark Wattles.
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"The only other people that get that excited for rainouts are Kansas City Royals fans."
Brooks Melchior of sportsbybrooks.com, on a report from the New York Times that Fox's ratings for postponed NASCAR races have twice beaten NBA games on ABC.
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And in case you missed it……..
Every home playoff game to the Edmonton Oilers is worth roughly one million dollars.
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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