Duncan Keith was disrespectful.

Don Cherry thinks that women don’t belong in a locker room. How did that happen. It has been going on for like 15 years but today it is an issue. You know why it is an issue. She was doing her job. She asked a tough question. One that Duncan Keith did not want to answer. In my opinion these are two separate and distinct issues. One should women be allowed in the dressing room. The second issue is how do hockey players react when they get asked a question they do not want to answer. 

So the question about whether or not women belong in the dressing room needs to be answered. In today’s age when people get instant information reporters deserve equal opportunity. I cannot believe this has become an issue again. If it has then all reporters need to wait in a separate area and players made available to them. Everyone on equal footing. The players who played bad or did not want to answer tough questions would hide. Athletes today did not answer questions anyway. “the boys played hard” ” We will do better tomorrow” “Hard work pays off” 

As to players being disrespectful to reporters. That is an age old practice of “what do you know you never played the game” garbage. Like intelligent people cannot watch a sport and understand what is going on. Her bosses thought she was qualified to enter and ask questions. The team gave her a media pass and allowed her in, so they thought she was qualified. Apparently Mr Keith did not like the question he was asked.He had a chance to choose not to answer, Say we are done and walk away or Answer the question with some fluff about it was part of the game. He choose to insult her. 

Don Cherry decides that she should not be there in the first place it must be her fault. This had nothing to do with women in a room with naked men. It is not as if he took out his manhood and slapped her with it. This is archaic.He is usually a starch defender of anything that is right. I am surprised he made this about her. As the father of a Seven year old girl. I want this world to treat her fair. If she does a good job she gets rewarded fair and square. This reporter asked a question and if she was a man Mr. Keith may have said the same thing and it would not have been a big deal. It would have been a hockey player taking his wraith on a reporter. Why can’t is still be that. When I first read an article on this I was thinking to myself ” This guy is an ASS “. I think the same about John Torterella and any other athlete or coach that feels it is okay to be rude to a reporter who is just doing his job.

 

Bauer Hockey Skates ( APX 2) New Steel

We got a question in another group we run about The new Lightspeed EDGE asking me my thoughts about the brand new replacement steel and holder that Bauer has created. This was my reply.
Well i saw my first pair yesterday. A pair of Bauer apx 2 came into  the store yesterday. Here are my thoughts. For Equipment managers of hockey teams. The first thought is for a year or 2 it will be a equipment managers nightmare. It is a totally new blade with a new shape( of the back of the blade the goes into the plastic holder). It will require the new holder. So you are going to have to transition between the 2 styles lightspeed and lightspeed EDGE. Some players are going to like the old. Some will like the new ones. Getting a full inventory of that blade in quickly will likely be difficult. If it were me. I would order in what you think you will need now and what you think you will need in December. This is brand new and you don’t know what kind of issues you will run into with breakage and defects with the holder. My guess is this won’t be a cheap holder either. There is an issue, in my opinion  the blade does not look like the blade goes deep enough into the plastic.This will cause issues with loose blades and more than like cause an annoying clicking sound. I profiled the pair that came in yesterday. When I profile  I like to match my profile reference marks on the blade with corresponding marks that i put on the clamp of my holder. I noticed that you will likely only be able clamp the skate in the middle of the holder. This is a personal thing for me and I will get used to it.

For removing the blade we found wearing a pair of latex gloves while removing the blade will allow you to do so without the tool.I would practice quite a few times before attempting to taking it in and out on the bench, If this is something you plan on doing. I also think that you will have to plan how many pairs to bring to the bench( For what size and what profiles they will have. This could be a logistics nightmare for you.

As far as Retail the retail setting  I think it will be interesting for a skater going away to a tournament to take 2 sets. I am also interested in the resale price of both the holder and the blade. My guess is 10 dollars more per piece going on 150 to 160 retail for a full set. This maybe cost prohibitive. These are my thoughts. I look forward to some feedback on this;

Memorable Day for the Spitfires.

All the preparation is done. Checked and Double checked. Getting ready to drive the proposal, for the right to host the Mastercard Memorial Cup here in the Rose City,down the 401 and put our best foot forward before this prestigious panel . It is a decision that  I believe will have a lasting impact on the future of the current team as well teams for the next 5 seasons. The reason I say that is with a win the spitfires will have to mortgage the future. Compound that with the 1st round draft picks that were sacrificed will make this future look pretty dim.

The pick the Spitfires were forced to give up as punishment was more than likely, the young  puck moving defenseman Sean Day\(Detroit Compuware) . Who was granted exceptional status to get into this years priority selection. That would have looked pretty nice for the next 3 seasons.  This is a very costly penalty on its own and they still have to pay it a couple more times..

Jim Parker from the Windsor Star gave this breakdown of who is on the committee.

“Wednesday’s presentation will take place at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel

Evaluating the bids for the 96th Memorial Cup will be a site selection committee that features Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston, former OHL and NHL Executive and Director of Central Scouting Frank Bonello, NHL Senior Executive vice-president of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell, NHL Senior vice-president of hockey operations Jim Gregory and president of broadcast, Rogers Media (Sportsnet) Scott Moore.”

I think this group will make a Business decision. At the end of the day this is about the money. Can you sell tickets, can you host all the teams. Can we offer proper hotel space. We can do all the things that a host needs. What we cant do is become the Budweiser Gardens and add 3000 to 4000 seats. This makes London more viable. I read an article that described Londons bid as a “Slam Dunk”. The only hope that Windsor has is whether or not the committee will take into account that they have recently hosted but if it is about the Money then the best decision is for others to host.

One of the 3 main criteria for hosting is a competitive hockey team. In order to make a bid the team made a bunch of moves to put a respectable team on the ice with extra picks to help restock the the cupboards. If the bid fails and they have to make a run and qualify to go by winning the Ontario Hockey League. I don’t think this team has the horses. So will Warren steal further from the future of this team to win NOW to get Kerby  Rychel  a ring. I think once Kerby graduates this team will start making better decisions again. In my opinion the view is currently tinted. They cant see clearly.

Word has leaked out that the Spitfires have called a major announcement for 10 am tomorrow morning. I am wondering if it is a player signing. If they have been able to help the on ice portion of the bid. It cant hurt. So until we hear I will have my fingers crossed. I want to watch a memorial cup in my home town. One can only hope that we get a fair shake. I think it would be an amazing event for this city.

 

Loose Graf Blades

Graf Blades coming loose has been the number one searched for hockey skate problems on my blog. I was surprised. Then I thought about it. They were designed  to make Graf more profitable so they would not have to buy blades and holders from Bauer any longer. They also had to be careful of Bauers patents. They did a good job on both. They did however create an issue with the design they put too much pressure on the plastic. They did not put the blades deep enough into the plastic and did not bolt it in on both ends. The solution for you is to snug the blade frequently DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. This will ruin the plastic and you will be forced to buy a new holder. You will have to tighten this blade often because it only has the one bolt and it gets a lot of play especially in the larger sizes.
The reason graft blades get loose consistently is the plastic. They need to be kept dry. If they are constantly wet the moisture will weaken the plastic. If the blade gets loose it will start to stretch the grove(or slot) that the the blade sits in and the blade will continue to get loose and eventually you will need to replace the plastic.

         Today’s message is keep the plastic in good shape and  well maintained and it will serve you well.

The Graf blade is an interesting set up as it tightens from the rear of the skate with a long screw. It is essential when trying to tighten a Graf blade that you support the plastic at the point where the bolt meets the blade (inside the plastic)  if the bolt is seized or you over tighten it a major issue may occour. The BOLT will rotate putting pressure on the plastic holder pushing the plastic holder out of shape. The plastic at this point is fatigued and weak and may no longer support the blade. This holder may now be ruined and it will cost approximately 30 dollars to fix.  This is not one of my more favorite holders. However, it does just take a little bit of regular maintenance to keep it secure.

The Graf holder has a flaw that causes it to fatigue near the base where it mounts to the boot. It is essential that this be kept dry as the plastic if it stays wet or damp constantly becomes saturated and weak. It will start to feel soft on the support piece in the heel close to the screws that secures the plastic holder to the boot.

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Spitfire Future Determined Today?

With our first pick, #35 overall in the 2nd round, the Spitfires selected Ryan Moore from the Detroit Belle Tire Minor Midgets. Moore is a 5’8, 150-pound Centre ice man that put up 24 goals and 24 assists and 54 penalty minutes in 36 games played in 2012-2013. From what I read this player is undecided.  Small but strong 2 way player.  The spits GM is definitely using the BPA( best player available.) I am torn on how I feel about this theory. If defense is your strength do you draft D make a strength even stronger. Gives you assets you can trade. Warren is also not afraid of stirring things up with a nice trade. With any draft these scouts have seen these kids play dozen of games and have them rated and probably knew within seeing these kids play for 10 minutes whether they think he could play at the next level. Any kid taken in the top 2 rounds of the draft have legit opportunities to be stars.

It always makes me nervous when the GM drafts a US player when you do not know what his intentions are. Now with a first round pick I have to believe that Bob Boughner and Warren sitting in the the Moore family living room or favorite eating establishment. They can sell them on the development of the program, its success, its ability to develop players. I do not believe the enticement conversation is even going to come up. This kid lives in Troy Michigan about 45 mins to an hour right to the parking lot of the WFCU center. His family and friends from high school can watch him play. This pick also fills a need. A second/third line center was a definite need on this team and this kid once convinced can step right in. The face that he only played 36 games last season makes me wonder about durability of a long 68 game schedule

The Spitfires then got two 3rd round picks close together at #43  and #47 overall they choose defensemen with both picks.- D Liam Murray (6’0, 175 – Eastern Ontario Wild – 45 GP: 14 G, 17 A, 38 PIM and: #47 – D Andrew Burns (5’11, 167) – Oakville Rangers – 69 GP: 14 G, 36 A, 52 PIM. My mouth dropped open. I was stunned when I read this. The spits are very solid on the defense and needed immediate help up front and on scoring goals. I am fan and I want instantaneous gratification. I want to win now. Warren Rychels job is to take into all aspects of this team. Taking care of the present and the future. Koekkoek and Sieloff probably are only here next season. Nick Ebert and John Bowen would be potential overagers. Murphy and Bateman would be there for 2 more seasons. If none of these players move for the next 4 years they will leave the team with 2 solid defense pairings with one offensive and one solid defenseman. This year draft offers that same potential pairing for the future. I think these picks do not bode well for certain members of the current Windsor Spitfire Defense Corp. I am sure some will be moving. The key question is who.  He may also be worried that Koekkkoek may not be returning. I am confident that we will see him playing at the WFCU in the upcoming season.

The 4th Round pick of the team at #68 was again a center Aaron Luchuk a 5’8 and 182 pounder who played for the Greater Kingston Jr Fronts and in 36 GP he chipped in 22 G and added  29 A as well as a gentleman like 14 PIM This young man has already changed his twitter picture. Said that he is looking forward to meeting everyone at mini camp and that he cant wait to play for Windsor.  Those are some very positive signs that he intends to show up. His numbers are solid and again Fills a roll of say a 3rd line center or a 4th line center who can chip in. I like this pick. Again with the caveat that I have not seen even one of these players play.

The 5th Round pick  #81 overall of  Centre Brendan Warren (6’0, 170) of the Detroit Compuware who in 25 GP got 10 G,14 A and 13 PIM. This is a questionable pick. This player has agreed to play for the US development program that plays in the USHL. He has also committed to playing for the university of michigan. I believe I saw that GM Warren Rychel thinks that if this kid had played in Ontario he would be a top 15 pick. I totally believe that. In fact I totally respect his hockey judgement he has not missed on many players since his time with the Spitfires pulling the trigger on draft day. However before the draft I emphasized that this was exactly the pick that he should avoid and not be drawn in by the shinny glitter and twinkling stars. This kid is committed and even if they sit across the table from him and legitimately get him to consider coming to Windsor it will draw attention that the Spitfires are again paying players to come. A couple of cool things I found out about him on twitter. His dogs name is Bauer( so definitely a hockey guy) and he congratulated his teammates that got drafted. No acknowledgement of the Spitfires or his own selection.  Then he dropped a #goBlue. that could be basketball related or acknowledgement of his commitment. Good Luck convincing this one Warren.

The 5th Round pick at #97 produced a goalie Brendan Johnston  Chatham-Kent Cyclones -16 GP: 6-6-3, 2.36 GAA, 0.916 Save playing for Chatham usually causes teams to inflated goals against averages and lower save percentages. The fact that he was respectable numbers is a testament to what his skill. I think that he is local and with some serious question marks in the net. This pick is solid.  Now this management team is not afraid to pull the trigger when it comes to goaltending. So being drafted by no means gets this young man on the team. However, If I was Jordan Dekort I would be seriously working on my game over the summer if he hopes to finish the season as a member of the Spitfire team.

You will notice that I only covered the first 5 rounds of picks. That is due to the fact that as I stated earlier in this blog and in previous blogs that a rotation of 5 new players in and 5 older players out is one of the keys to success. I know that all the players drafted later than this are hard working, great young men who have played at a very high level. I am sure their parents are saints who drove them to every practice and game for the last 10 years. I do not believe that any of them will have an impact on the near future of the team. This is where you can take risks. You can say well this kid makes a great first pass, or he is good in his own end,his is big, he can fight. The kid maybe small, slow or any number of other negatives. You can be that diamond in the rough.

Here is a funny story from my past. I am a young equipment manger for the Windsor Spitfires. I had worked my ass off for the previous 5 years. I made huge sacrifices to get there and I did not want to screw up. I had just got my new equipment in and I was dishing it out to players as they came into camp. I did not have a lot so i was trying to pick and choose which players were going to get. So this little guy comes to camp. I am like this guy has not shot on making the team. If I give this guy my good equipment he is going to steal it on the way out the door. He is turning down all the cheap equipment I am offering him. So I finally give this kid a pair of my good stuff and I make an mental note. Watch this kid like a hawk. This kid is not getting out of town with these pads if i have to tackle him. So I watch the first game of camp and this kid is blowing up. He is  scoring and running over guys. I am like this kid is a 10th rounder, He is ruffling feathers all over the place. To the point a couple veterans are about to fight over this guy. I bet you are wondering who this guy is, well He is arguable one the most hated players in the NHL his name is Matt Cooke. I want to say this. He was a great guy but man I would not have wanted to play against him.

So to all the kids not drafted today or drafted late. Just because I or 2000 other bloggers around the province dont write about you. Love this day, enjoy it. Then goto work and prove me and all those other guys wrong for discounting who you are. I have seen Claude Giroux name like 500 times today. He did not get drafted and look at him on the cover of a Video game.

I am sitting here typing this watching Hockey Night in Canada and they show a shot of the Vancouver Canucks dressing room and what do I see guys riding bikes and working out after playing a NHL game. They go right back to work. So GET TO WORK.

Spits make another deal.. Trade Warren trying to fill Holes in Draft

The Windsor Spitfires will receive a  2nd rounder in 2013 a 5th in 2014 & 10th in 2016 from the Saginaw Spirit for 2nd in 2014, 3rd in 2014 & 8th in 2016.. This is very interesting. I think he overpaid for yesterdays 3rd rounder. I think today he got got decent value to climb to the second round is a big deal and is usually very pricey. Now I still think he will have to work very hard shake all the bushes and sweet talk some talent that others cannot convince to come. Legally and above board.

In all honesty I dont think he is done. I believe he will try to get one more second. I also believe when the window opens he will try to get somebodies former first rounder that has not quite worked out like a Marchese last season.

Stay tuned I am sure this wont be my last update before the Priority Selection on Saturday.

Spits add a valuable Third Round pick to this years Priority Selection

The Spits Draft Picks:n this years Priority Selection a 3rd (#43), SAG 4th, ERI 5th, LDN 6th, KIT 6th , own 9th, SAR 10th,11th,12th,OTT 12th, 13th ,SBY 13th, 14th, KGN 15th.  That was before tonight’s acquisition of Sudburys 3rd round pick but was in my opinion way too costly. They gave Sudbury their 2nd next season and a 5th rounder in 2016. Signs of the desperation that i was worried about.

I think he is trying way too hard to get Kerby a ring. 5th rounders should play in this league if you are turning your roster over every year. So with a 20 man roster and you rotate 5 new guys in every 5 years you need to add 5 new bodies. In Warrens defense he hasnt really cared about draft picks no matter what round. He will flip them for old players or  young guys.

That being said they now have two third rounders in this years draft. I am excited to see how this weekend shakes out for the hometown Red White and Blue boys. I have no idea what his plans are. He has surprised me in the past. I think he is a very smart hockey man and if any one can do it, he can but I for one thinks the hole is too deep.

Why it might be a good thing if Windsor doesnt get the Memorial Cup.

After yesterdays blog this may sound like I am talking out of both sides of my mouth.I started to fully evaluate the Windsor Spitfires today.. While I was thinking about the post I wrote yesterday. I was talking to a few others and I am like the main reason the team may not get the Cup is that the on Ice product may not be up to snuff.  If all other factors are equal. Hotels, arena and the MONEY. This team is lacking in many areas. No second line center no second line right wing. Goaltending is a huge question third line right wing is also an issue.  The team that won back to back Mastercard Memorial Cups. We had Adam Henrique, Ryan Ellis, Andrei Loktionov, Greg Nemisz, Mark Condari, Taylor Hall, Eric Wellwood.  Great players filling all the roles.

The current version of the team only really has Kerby Rychel, Brady Vail, Slater Kokkooek, Trevor Murphy. Who would have even had a chance to have had an impact on that team.

Dont get me wrong. That team in 09 and 10 were amazing. This team is lacking. I do not doubt that Warren Rychel will do his best to bolster this line up to help his son win a Mastercard Memorial Cup. However I think the cards he is holding are weak. They have lost draft picks either through trade or through punishment as well as taking gambles to try to get the US players to come. I have posted before that I think this really handcuffs the team from helping the puzzle come together.

Convincing the US players to come will have to be above board without even approaching the line of unauthorized payments to the players. The picks they could use to make a trade are of little value. There is little to no help coming from this years draft. The first pick being in the third rounder. They will not be able to take shots in the dark on American players as they still wont be able to use enticements to get these guys to come.

I am thinking it maybe a blessing in disguise.

Getting Kerby a Memorial Cup ring may require his dad trading him away to a team making a run…

If we do not get the Cup I am sure a rebuild will be in order. Moving players for picks as the deadline approaches. I hope I am wrong but this season may look more like this past year than the one in 2009

MasterCard Memorial Cup

The process has begun and the three city/franchises have been working hard on the presentations, This is big business and the list of board members who are listening to them is very impressive. I had previously thought that it was the owners and the commissioner. This is big business. i am hoping that Windsor wins the bid. I am hoping that this city has worked hard enough on its image and on its infrastructure  With our dwindling population and job losses. this city deserves a break. Not because we are downtrodden and weary but because we worked hard and done a lot of work to get our city back on our feet.

Like i said previously this is big business with lots of money on the line. London our nemesis both on and off the ice has also put in a bid. The city of London for  any one who has gone to school in Windsor and Essex county has the image of the snobs that go to University of Western Ontario. The Knights have always been a tough physical team to play against. Especially since the Hunter family has taken over. They have done an amazing job  building a franchise that is respected by all. The Budwiser Gardens formally the Labatt Centre has already hosted a Mastercard Memorial Cup in 2005. They had guaranteed about 1.1 million to the league.

If this decision would be about fair it should be between Windsor and  Barrie to battle it out and may the best presentation win. Lets make no bones about it. This is about money and making as much of it as possible. The last time Windsor had a shot they said. It has to go to and eastern conference team to keep it fair. It went to Missisauga and its owner Eugene Melnyk. Who i believe guaranteed the league in its presentation  a lot of money. My research for the blog I read about 2.5 million dollars.

While i was doing some research I found this article which is so important to this discussion i am adding a link to the article. Like I said it is all about the money.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/london-knights-2014-memorial-cup-bid-hits-small-192536386.html

If what this article points out is true about the London Bid not getting municipal backing.  I am sure if it comes down to convincing and arm twisting by the Windsor bid. I think Eddie Francis will waive his magic MASTERCARD around and the city could be all in this poker game. It would be a gigantic windfall for the city and Mayor Francis will not miss an opportunity to sneak a win for the Rose City…

I think they should put it out front that this is about money and say we need a minimum guaranteed revenue. We don’t have deep pockets or great sponsors. We have proud hard working hockey fans.Maybe they have made it clear to the bidders and if Windsor is still in. Then good for them…Maybe the have shaken the bushes and gotten a big time sponsor or two.

I fear we are not going to win the bid and i am not going to get to see a memorial cup in my city in my lifetime. This makes me sad. I want to be clear. I dont think the league hates us or is out to get us. I do believe the almighty dollar will speak again and it will speak loud and clear as the knights get a free pass every 6 years to the Mastercard Memorial Cup. Don’t get me wrong I think they will put a great product on the ice.

I am all about fair but like my dad has told me all my life. Life isn’t fair. So we will continue work hard and be proud of who we are.

I am eagerly waiting the result of these presentations.

Kerby Rychel Star or Best player on a bad team.

I am going to come clean. I did not want to like him. I thought he got drafted and acquired because of who his dad was. I thought he used his dads influence to get ahead.  It tainted my view of him.

This is why I was wrong.The sun shines very bright on him his home town. He is held to a higher standard both on and off the ice. Playing for his dads organization must be very difficult.  Off the ice he has to separate player from son. If a team mate does something wrong in his presence he can report it to his dad, keep it quiet or be the leader and correct the action on his own. This is a tightrope to walk in the best of times. It affects the trust his fellow players put in him. He has done an exceptional job walking that line. I am sure the pressure of playing for his father is difficult as well. We all hold our kids to a higher standard than other people do.

Kerby has played at a high level hockey his whole career. Excelling at every level.  Playing with players a year older than himself.  Playing for Belle Tire Under 16 team, in the metro Detroit area,  in his draft year.

The circumstances involved in his draft were disrepsectful gamesmanship. With the Windsor Spitfires in a fierce hard fought series with the Barrie Colts. The series was still being played right up to the date of  the OHL priority selection. It is a well known unwritten rule that family members will be left to the families team. Barrie ignored this unwritten rule and drafted him. I believe the motivation was strictly to get into the Spitfires heads and move some furniture around.

I know the staff of the team were irate and even refused to shake hands with the Colts staff after the series ended.  That Spitfire team was very talented and was favoured in the series any way. I believe that the players rallied around the kid and its coaching staff and propelled them to the win. Kerby skated often with the team and was around the room a fair amount and he was well liked.

      This was a very critical point in Kerby’s career and his life in general. The kid handled this awful situation with total class. It was one of those times in a mans life where he learns a life lesson. It can make or break a man. He had to have been very upset. This was supposed to be the shining moment in his life. Almost his destiny to play for them. Then not getting drafted by the team he grew up watching, then had it snatched away from him. He had to have been irate. Did he go sounding off. Nope. He just told Barrie he had no interest in playing for them and that he would not be reporting to camp or any other team functions. Long story short. Barrie trades him to Missisauga and Warren was able to acquire him at that point.

     That short time in Missy he got an opportunity to get accustomed to life in the OHL.  To grow up as a player and as a person. He got to fully experience the life of an OHL player moving away from home living with a billet and not at his parents house.  He had the hockey skills but he got to learn the life skills.

      The road he has traveled has made Kerby the player he is today. Which is a very valuable first line player with great hands and grit. While playing with Josh Ho Sang and Brady Vail next season he will be part of a much needed scoring. He was in on 41% of the teams scoring this season. That percentage is way too high. The team will need better balance if they want to make a long run in the  playoff season that hopefully ends with an appearance in the Mastercard Memorial Cup at the WFCU. One thing is for sure, this is going to be a very exciting year for the young Mr. Rychel.

       I have never met Kerby but he changed my mind with his actions both on and off the ice. I look forward to watching him next season at the WFCU.  This is Kerbys NHL draft year. I am sure this will be a lot less hectic and less dramatic than his OHL draft. I am sure whatever the result he will make the best of it.