Working The Corners

By Kelly Sharp

The Canadian Hockey League promotional machine has been working extra hard to hype the Russia Selects latest series against the CHL pro prospects. Selects is the operative word, this is not a collection of the best Russian juniors. The Canada/Russia format is wearing thin. The CHL should find another pre-Christmas vehicle to showcase the three league’s talent. Prince George Cougars Nick Drazenovic, Ty Wishart and Devon Setoguchi are part of the Western Hockey League cast for the final two games of the series.

Smithers Michael Wall, the former Prince George Cougar and Spruce Kings goalie, recorded a victory in his NHL debut, backstopping the Ducks past the Flames.

When was the last time you can remember three BC Hockey League coaches, fired by the same Western Hockey League club, square off in a junior A game? Spruce Kings Head Coach Ed Dempsey and associate coach Stew Malgunas welcome the Mike Vandecamp coached Powell River Kings to the Prince George Coliseum December 2.

One time National Hockey League coach Terry Simpson agrees with many who say minor hockey is too structured in Canada. “Let the kids play,” Simpson said.

He scratches his head when watching the peewee coach implementing systems. Did you notice five of the top eight NHL point-getters are from Europe?

Terry Simpson talked about the importance of team chemistry when judging the merits of a team. Simpson added the onus is on the coach to guide the various personalities in the same direction. He noted players must show respect for each other.

“When you watch championships and listen to the winning team, you always hear the players say it’s the greatest bunch of guys they ever played with.”

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