Isn’t it ironic that since the Prince George Cougars released Scott Bowles, Real Cyr was the first star in the 3-2 victory at Medicine Hat , the 3rd star in the 4-2 triumph at Lethbridge and had a strong 33 save performance in the 2-1 loss at Kootenay?

GM Dallas Thompson believes that Cyr and Bowles have similar skill levels, and his decision to keep three over age forwards was in the best interests of the hockey team. "We have been comfortable with our goaltending situation here. Obviously to have 3 forwards up front where we thought we were a little bit thinner early in the year, I think it will pay off in the end for us", said Thompson.

Bowles offered his perspective by saying, "It's a position where somebody can leave and they are really not going to be hurt a whole lot. I think that is one thing the Prince George Cougars have and that is depth in net." I may be in the minority (which isn't a first) but I'm not convinced that Thompson’s decision was the right one.

The Cougars play in a weak division, so they don't have to worry about a playoff spot. However, they will need to win at least two playoff rounds to consider this season as a success.

In order to achieve this, the Cougars must receive outstanding goaltending. This is not breaking news. Last season, Bowles’ development was ahead of Cyr, which was reinforced by his stats. Bowles played well in the first round playoff loss against Vancouver.

In the Spring of 2007, the Cougars may end up having to beat Everett or Tri-City in round two of the playoffs, and Vancouver in the conference final. Those three teams have proven goalies. The Silvertips’ Leland Irving won eight playoff games last season. The Americans call upon Montreal Canadiens’ first round draft choice, Carey Price, while the Giants are going with experienced net minder, Dustin Slade. Slade may not be the most popular guy on the Giants, but Coach Don Hay decided to keep him as one of their 20-year-olds, obviously realizing the importance of the position.

Cyr, without a playoff game under his belt, may be able to get the job done (at crunch time) but is the gamble too big? PG could trade for a goalie before the Jan 10th deadline, but it is hard to imagine another club trading a net minder better than a Cyr or a Bowles.

The Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, ranked number 8 in the CHL, didn't hesitate to sign Bowles (You can draw your own conclusions).

When Thompson paid a huge price and traded two first round bantam picks for one year wonder Devin Setoguchi, the statement from the GM was very clear; the Cougars are finally going to make a "big splash" this season.

The best teams in the WHL appear to be in the Western Conference, and to beat out some of the aforementioned clubs, one needs to ask the following question: Are the Cougars better off with Cyr & rookie Jordan White and three high scoring forwards, or with Bowles, and either Cyr or White, and two high scoring forwards? My answer is the latter! However, Thompson gets paid the "big bucks" to make the key decisions. If its credibility he’s after, he better be right on this one.

It will be interesting to see which team, Owen Sound with Bowles, or Prince George, without Bowles, goes further in the playoffs.

"I heard he got mad because they didn't throw it to him twice on this play." 

Fox NFL studio host, Chris Rose, while showing a highlight of a Terrell Owens touchdown catch in
the Dallas Cowboys 34-6 victory over the Houston Texans.

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"Isn't that ironic? The Eagles have a Baskett & the Cowboys have a "baskett case"!

Toronto comedian Frenchie McFarlane  (www.frenchiemcfarlane.bravehost.com), after Terrell Owens was upstaged by little known Philadelphia Eagles receiver Hank Baskett in a recent much hyped game won by the Eagles.

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"For the sixth time this year, a member of the Cincinnati Bengals was arrested this week. Local prison officials are reportedly getting very worried about their upcoming re-enactment of The Longest Yard."Ted Wyman of the Winnipeg Sun "Phillips faces up to 20 years in prison and a tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals."

Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, on former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips
being convicted of seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

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"Indiana Pacers guard Stephan Jackson was charged with criminal recklessness after firing a gun off in the air outside of an Indianapolis strip club. On the bright side, Jackson was named an honorary Cincinnati Bengal for the week."

Comedian Alex Kaseberg

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"After going 0-for-13 against Detroit, Frank Thomas' nickname---"A-Hurt"

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California